Light-Framed Wood Construction Methods For Building Residential Homes

Introduction

Wood light-frame construction is a popular method of building homes in North America. The construction can be broken up into four sections, foundation, floors, walls, and roof. Some advantages of the building method include, utilizing smaller members to make large components and the redundancy of the entire system. Building with wood also has its advantages because it is easy to work with, displays signs over loading and is a renewable resource.

Foundation

The foundation of a lightwood frame home is used to dissipate the loads from the building into the soil. The foundation is made up of two parts a footing and a wall. The footing is the weight bearing portion of the foundation. The wall or in some cases a pier extends from the footing to the first floor of the building.

Footings are typically comprised of poured in place concrete. In colder climates where frost heave is an issue, footings must be set deeper in the ground then the frost reaches. The purpose of the footing is to take the above weight load of the building and displace it on the soil. In softer soils, or where large weight loads occur, pilings may be driven into the ground under the footings.

The foundation walls are used to transport the loading of the first floor onto the footings. They can also form the walls of basements, if soil is excavated on one side. Typicallymade of poured in place concrete, prefabricated concrete, or masonry blocks all of which have high compression strength. In some drier climates or in old construction, the walls may be made up of treated wood or large stones.

Floors

In lightwood frame construction floors are built to carry the weight loads of occupants and walls. They are made up of two components, joists and sheathing. The joists are evenly spaced and are responsible for bearing most of the load. The sheathing fills in the spaces and distributes any weight placed on the floor.

The foundation walls hold up the first floor. In most cases it becomes inefficient to span the entire distance between walls so beams will be used in addition to the walls. Beams typically rest on notches in the foundation walls and have additional posts that connect to additional footings in the center of the building. On any second and higher floors, the wood frame walls, both interior and exterior, are used to hold them up. In some cases beams are also used for upper level floors that span large openings or when there are heavy load requirements.

Joists are spaced twelve or sixteen inches apart. They can be made up of either solid sawn lumber or engineered joists. Dimensional sawn lumber comes in 2x8, 2x10, and 2x12 sizes. The load will determine the necessary size they are required to carry and the distance they span. Engineered floor joists create a higher strength to weight ratio, can span longer distances and often create a straighter finished floor. In cases where a higher strength is necessary, by possible additional loads or openings in the floor, joist can be doubled or tripled to meet the requirements.

The joists are then sheeted with plywood, oriented strand board, or solid wood planks. This allows for a continuous floor, where walls, occupants, and other items can be placed anywhere. The sheeting must be able to displace any point loads onto the joists, while minimizing bending. All joints must be offset and have a spleen or tongue and groove to ensure strength is not compromised. In some cases were the final occupants wish to have very little bending of the sheeting between joists, a subfloor of additional sheeting, or a thin concrete layer may be used.

Walls

The above ground walls of a lightwood framed home are what make up the living space of the finished home. Typically eight feet in height however can also be taller where desired. The wall's structural supports are the framing members or wall studs. Exterior walls are also sheeted for additional shear strength. The entire wall can be built laying flat on the floor, tilted up, and then fastened into place. Walls may need temporary supports until the entire building is complete.

Wall studs that carry the majority of the loads are made up of 2 by 4 or 2 by 6 sized members. The later is used on exterior walls to allow for added insulation. The studs are evenly spaced every sixteen inches. They are also oriented to allow the maximum rigidity in the wall. One or two members lay flat at both the bottom and top of the wall. This again allows any loads to be distributed onto the floor below.

Although only applicable to exterior walls, they are sheeted on their outside face. This gives the wall some shear strength and prevents it from deforming from its original rectangular shape. The sheeting can be a variety of materials including, plywood, oriented strand board, exterior gypsum, and rigid foam. The type of sheeting required may depend on the building's final cladding.

Roof Systems

There are two types of roofs, nominally flat and sloped. Nominally flat roofs are built in a similar manner to floors, however have a small slope towards drains. Flat roofs must also be able to withstand heavy snow and water loads, as it does not shed them easily.

Sloped roofs are more common on light wood framing, and are built using trusses. From as structural perspective these roofs are more interesting. The purpose of the truss is to direct loads from the roof portion down to the walls. Through careful calculations all the elements can work together to maximize the strength of the truss. The trusses are usually spaced twenty-four inches, and are sheeted with a plywood product. Waterproofing elements such as shingles are then placed on top of the sheeting to shed water.

Advantages of Light- Frame Wood Construction

Light-frame wood construction is popular method of building homes across Canada. Sawn lumber, plywood and engineered products are readily available coast to coast. This makes this building method efficient and cost effective, when compared to other housing construction. Also due to the repetitiveness and simplicity of the method, architects and carpenters can use charts and guidelines to determine member sizes and requirements. This again is cost effective as engineers are not required on every home.

The actual elements that make up large homes are relatively small. Dimensional lumber and plywood products can all be stacked and transported by regular trucks. Materials can be moved around sites with all terrain forklifts, and if necessary by manual labour. This is favorable as large walls, and floors can be assembled on site, from smaller easy to handle elements.

Light-framed wood houses are very redundant systems. If an element is removed or compromised it is unlikely that a catastrophic failure will occur. For example walls are made up of several vertical studs. If a window opening was cut in without proper support overtop, it is unlikely that the entire wall will fail.

Advantages of Using Wood as a Building Material

Building with wood is quite simple. Handsaws or electric saws can efficiently cut members to length. Also fastening can be accomplished quickly with nails or screws. This allows the actual construction of lightwood frame houses to be completed without any expensive specialized equipment. This helps keep costs down, and allows the methods to be widely used.

Wood is a good material for buildings as it displays many signs well before failure. Deformation, excessive bending, cracking, and cracking noises will usually tell the occupants that there is a structural issue with the building. Although the building may originally be designed to carry the required loads, over time rot, decomposition, and termites may undermine the structure. Again the warning devices that come with wood are useful in the long term.

Of the many common construction methods, lightwood framing is the only one that utilizes renewable resources. When wood from properly managed forests is used, carbon dioxide is removed from the atmosphere. At the end of a buildings life, wood fibers can be recycled into new products or if placed in a landfill will decompose quickly as they are an organic product.

Conclusion

Wood light-framing is a method that has a long history of success. As products and technologies continue to advance, the building method will also adapt. In the future light-frame construction, with dynamic changes will continue to succeed.

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The Myths About Vapour Barriers

A vapour barrier (VB) is a material that offers a high resistance to the diffusion of water vapour. It is used to separate an environment which is at a high vapour pressure from an adjacent one at a lower vapour pressure.

For best results, it is important that the vapour barrier be continuous, but it

How do we prevent water vapour from migrating outside?

The main way is through vapour barriers. For many years, designers were taught that the VB was a major requirement for insulated walls in order to control the diffusion of water vapour into the colder reaches of these walls, where it could condense and stain the finished surfaces or, worse, initiate the deterioration of the affected materials. Eventually, the designers would use that in a continuous and airtight manner. It was always possible to achieve that. Current practices still use this.

When it became obvious to researchers in the 1960s that air leakage into the walls and roofs was a more important source of water migration, authorities began calling for a "continuous vapour barrier."

It was found to be close to impossible, considering the materials that were being used mostly polyethylene and other not-so-durable products. Still, vapour barriers need to be sealed so that there is no accumulation of water vapour near the walls.

What is the definition of a vapour barrier? Does not have to be perfectly continuous. The key factor is that it must be located on the warm side.

Unsealed laps or minor cuts do not affect the overall resistance to diffusion significantly. The vapour barrier must also be located on the warm side of the insulation or at least in a location in the wall near enough to the warm side to remain above the dew point temperature of the indoor air during cold weather.

The building code defines it as:

A material that has a water vapour permeance less than 60 ng/ (Pa/s/m2) when measured in accordance with ASTM E96, "Water Vapour Transmission of Materials", using the desiccant method (dry cup).

That plays an important role when selecting materials in the design of a wall assembly.

In a typical wall assembly the VB must be located on the warm side of the insulation. It can be located somewhere else depending on where you are in the country and what are your degree days. There are figures that you can look up for different cities and what building code is applicable. When you study these numbers they will be expressed in a ratio (0.3, 0.35, 0.4 etc) A ratio of say.3 means that the ratio of the outboard to the inboard of insulation of the vapour barrier can't exceed that. This means that you can't have more than 30% in the inboard side. This is usually not a problem as people usually just keep it on the inside. However there are several other materials that can act as vapour barriers.

For example, plywood is water permeance less than 60 ng/ (Pa/s/m2) and technically it acts as a VB. As such when introduced on the exterior of the building it will act as a vapour barrier a will trap moisture within the wall assembly which in turn will cause moisture problems. Because of this most building codes now require that plywood and OSD be installed with gaps at their joints to allow the moisture to escape to the exterior.

Continuity and durability is not as important with vapour barriers as it is with air barriers. Partly because a VB is usually is on the inside and protected from the elements and covered by another material such as gypsum board.

Now if you're wondering why most builders, designers and building departments require that vapour barriers be continuous and be properly sealed and caulked at all joints is because in most cases the vapour barrier is also acting as an air barrier. Because it is located on the warm side of the insulation it does have to be air permeable and as such can act as both an air barrier and a vapour barrier. This does not elevate the fact that another air barrier would be required on the outside of the building to prevent air and water from penetrating the wall assembly.

As you can see selecting proper materials to install on your home is not as simple as looking at the R-value per inch or the price of the product, but also how it will perform within the assembly. Make sure you perform the proper research or speak to an experienced building and design professional.

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E-Sign Your Construction Contracts

I've been asked, "Can I get my contracts E-signed -- send my contract to a client as an email attachment, get an electronic signature and then have the E-signed contract emailed back to me?"

The short answer is "Yes." And it makes good sense. If you draft contracts with your computer, it's easy to get E-signatures from clients. No printed contract required. No program to install on your computer. It's quick, costs nothing extra and is perfectly legal. If you're E-filing tax returns, you're already E-signing documents. If you haven't tried E-signing yet, you'll be surprised at how convenient it can be.

To Get Started E-signing

Search on the Web for "Free E-sign." You'll find a dozen or more vendors offering free or low-cost ways to E-sign contracts. I'll use Silanis E-signLive™ to explain how it works. There's no charge if you E-sign ten contracts or less per month.

Start with a contract in either PDF or RTF (MS Word) format on your computer. If you use Construction Contract Writer, that's easy. Then go to E-signLive. Enter your email address and name to create a new account. Assign a secure password. (Security is an important issue when E-signing.) Then click to create an E-sign Room. You'll need one E-sign Room for each contract. Give the room a name, such as "Jones Contract."

Now you're ready to upload the contract to be signed. Click "Add document" and then "Browse" to find the contract on your computer. Click to upload. When the upload is complete, click on the contract file name. You'll see the full document.

Now identify who is going to sign the contract. Click "Add signer" and enter the email address and name for each person who will be signing. Scroll down the contract to where a signature is needed. Click "Add Signature." Then drag and drop the signature block on the signature line. Do the same for each signature in the contract. When done, click "Send."

Each signer will receive an email notice that the contract is ready to E-sign. Each signer clicks a link in the email message to see the contract. Then click the yellow sticky note in the contract to add a signature and the date. When you and your clients have signed, all get an email notice and can print the contract. Simple.

A few points to note:

E-signing won't work for anyone who doesn't use email and the Web. You can create a "signature" with your mouse. But a written signature isn't required. A new E-sign customer has to create an account before E-signing the first time. Be sure to drop a signature block everywhere a signature is needed in the contract. Don't send a contract out to be signed until it's exactly the way you want it. Any attempt to alter a signed contract will invalidate the digital signatures.

Another important point. Consumers have to receive a disclosure notice and E-sign a consent form before E-signing their first contract. Both the notice and form can be delivered automatically with the first contract.

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How to Find the Right Drywall Company for Your Next Home Improvement Project

When you need to hire a drywall or framing contractor to install or repair drywall, take the time to find a pro who is right for the job. Learn what elements to look for so that you can be sure that the drywall work you get is exactly what you need.

Unless you're a total DIY home improvement whiz, you will probably want to hire a professional the next time you need to install or repair drywall. But how do you know which drywall companies are right for you? Find out how to find the right drywall pro for your next home project so that you can get the help you need without the hassle.

When it comes to choosing a drywall pro, the first thing you need to do is to determine exactly what the parameters of the job in question are, and then find a contractor who can handle those specific elements. If you need to actually construct a wall, then you need to find a contractor who does framing work as well as drywall installation. Framing refers to the wood or metal framework that forms the actual structure of the wall. The drywall is then installed on top of these framing studs to create the flat wall surface.

If you're working with an existing wall and you just need drywall installation or repair, then you should make sure that you find someone who does drywall priming as well. Drywall on its own is porous, which means that it will absorb wall paint unevenly unless it's primed first. It's much easier to have drywall primed when it's being installed or repaired so that the whole job is done in one fell swoop. When you're hiring a drywall pro, check ahead of time to make sure they do priming as well so you don't get stuck having to do it yourself or having to hire a second team.

The same holds true for jobs that are related to drywall, such as textured ceiling installation. Many drywall pros install textured ceilings, often called popcorn ceilings, but there are some who don't. If you're looking for ceiling work, don't just assume that every drywall contractor will be able to take on that job. Find out ahead of time exactly what services a drywall pro offers so you can make sure that you hire the right person for the whole task at hand.

When you're looking for a drywall expert, make sure that the person you hire can handle the specific parameters of the job that you have in mind. Whether you need someone who can handle painting drywall primer or someone who offers framing contractor services, putting everything on the table ahead of time will ensure that you get the right drywall contractor for your project.

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Is It Better to Buy a New Home, Build a New Home, or Renovate?

Homeowners looking to upgrade their homes have a few options. They could sell their home and buy a new one, have a contractor build one, or renovate their current dwelling. This article will discuss the pros and cons of each option.

In this unstable economy, selling a home could take months or years. If a homeowner is choosing the option of selling their current home and buying a new home already built, they would need to include a contingency of selling their home before they could proceed with the purchase of the new home.

Many builders won't or just can't wait for a contingency that could drag on for months or a year. As they're waiting, their bank is charging them interest on the construction loan to the tune of $2,000 or more per month. They need to sell quickly!

A homeowner could list their current home and sell it before they start looking, but they may not find the domicile they want after waiting for many months.

The second option, having a custom home built, has many advantages over the first. The homeowner sells their home and moves into a rented condo while their builder constructs their new home. They are paying interest during the construction period, but they'd be paying for that anyway when buying a new home. The interest paid by the builder is included in the sale price.

The time needed to build a custom home would be about 6-8 months, which is one disadvantage, but the homeowners would have a home exactly the way they wanted it.

The third option, renovating the current home has advantages and disadvantages. On the plus side, you wouldn't need to go through the headache of listing and selling your home. And you would avoid the time and stress of finding a perfect fit in a new home. The new home inventory is still quite low.

Another advantage of renovating your current home is you remain in your neighborhood. This is a plus assuming you like your current neighborhood. Maybe your kids have established friendships and adapted to their local schools in your current location. Renovating your home would keep you in that favored neighborhood.

On the negative side, renovating a home can be a stressful experience. Depending on the extent of the remodel, your entire home could be ransacked and a mess for several months. Subcontractors and workers would be coming and going from 8 to 5 every week day.

If the remodel is large, some homeowners opt to move out for the few months of construction. This does add to the cost, but sometimes it's money well spent and can save your sanity and your marriage!

To summarize, I believe having a custom home built is the best option for these reasons:

It's the least stressful. It costs about the same as buying a pre-built home but you get exactly what you want in a home. You don't have to deal with the mess and inconvenience of a renovation. 4 Tips For Hiring The Best Home Builders   Garage With Apartment: What Are Its Benefits   Home Improvement: Ideas for Using a Sunroom   What Is Antimicrobial Cladding and What Can It Be Used for?   Getting The Most Out Of Conservatories   

Home Improvement Tips for an Environmentally Friendly Pre-Fabricated Steel Building

The first thing we look at is roofing. The best way to make this environmentally friendly is to add solar panels. Basically solar panels are put on your roof in the sun and will collect power without adding any fuel or replacing work out parts. These panels are very popular, modern, green, and used almost everywhere. You might also want to change your roof colour of your steel building, research indicates that roof colour and the type of material used can help to lower attic temperatures. If you decide to re-roof, consider lighter tiles such as white over the standard shingle roofs and this will reduce heat gain to your attic.

Another great idea is to replace all light bulbs in your building with compact fluorescent ones. Energy-smart bulbs use 70-75% less energy than the incandescent kind and last up to ten times longer! This is just a simple tip but can save you $59 dollars on energy costs over the life of the bulb, which can be anywhere from five to seven years. Also, installing motion detectors outside your home rather than leaving outdoor lighting on all night which will only waste energy, money and disturb wildlife.

One of the most important tips here is do not waste water. Always check for leaky faucets and get them fixed if you notice a leak as soon as possible. When doing laundry, try to use cold water as much as you can. Also set a good example for your children by teaching them to turn off water while they brush their teeth. Installing low flow showerheads will cut down on water usage and save energy costs.

When heating and cooling prefabricated steel buildings or your home, invest in a high-efficiency HVAC system that is Energy Star certified and install it in your home. This will reduce the amount of greenhouse gasses emitted and will shave your utility bill. Look for a product with a higher SEER rating (Seasonal Energy Efficient Ratio). This means that the product meets strict government criteria necessary to be deemed "energy efficient." The standard is 13 SEER, but many heating and air conditioning products have a rating as high as 18 SEER. Also, cleaning out your air conditioner filters and replacing them regularly will help to reduce costs. If you are not in your home, adjust the thermostat to accommodate the changing temperatures outside.

Finally, another good tip is to install more fans in your home. Ceiling fans can help reduce your family's dependence on air condition during the hot summer months. In winter, they push heat down from the ceiling.

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Facts About Modular Homes

What is a modular home?

Modular homes are homes that are built in sections in a factory where they are protected from weather elements and delays. They are built using efficient construction technology with minimal material waste. The house is built to the same local building codes that site built houses are and follow strict quality control standards. Because modular homes must be transported to the build site, they are constructed in a way that makes them much stronger than site built options.

Are modular homes are cost effective?

Modular homes are very cost effective. They are built in an efficient manner with little time loss as well as little materials waste. Materials can also be purchased by the manufacturer in bulk. These costs are usually passed on to the consumer. Depending where the build is, the construction costs of a modular house average 10-35% less than a similar site build one. These houses also appreciate in value in the same way other homes do.

How long does it take to build a modular home?

The length of time it takes to build a modular dwelling will vary based on the design, the manufacturer, and the on-site contractor. Most modular houses can be built in the factory within 1-2 weeks. The process is much faster than site built because weather delays are avoided due to the factory setting. Once the home has been completed in the factory it will be transported to the building site and then it usually takes another 2-4 weeks to complete the construction.

How do modular homes impact the environment?

Being environmentally friendly is becoming more important to many consumers and home builders. Modular constructed homes are very energy efficient. They have well-insulated walls, as well as sustainable construction materials.

Are modular homes well constructed?

Many homeowners mistakenly believe that modular houses are not as well constructed as site built homes. This is not true. Because factory homes must be transported they are especially strong and have to withstand conditions that site built homes do not. These homes also go through number of inspections, more than a traditional home, to insure quality. Every step of the construction process is controlled and professionally supervised. These homes have greatly improved over recent years and it is now becoming difficult to distinguish one from a site built home.

Is there any variety?

There are a wide variety of floor plan options for modular homes. Vaulted ceilings, fully equipped full size kitchens, walk in closets, wrap around porches and many other features are available on these factory constructed homes. They can even be customized to fit the needs of the family. Upgrades are also available as well as different exterior finishes. Factory built homes of today are constructed of the same materials that traditional homes are.

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Tips for Choosing a Building Company for Your House Construction

Not everyone is fortunate enough to consider building their own home, but if you are one of the lucky ones - make sure it is an enjoyable, satisfying and fun journey. We have all heard the horror stories of friends or family who have gone into a building project full of confidence and expectation, only for the whole exercise to end in tears as their costs spiral, the builder quits and the house is left half-finished. This happens way more frequently than you would think. So, what do you look for when you are choosing a building company to build your dream home?

First of all, it really helps if you like your builder, if he seems like a good person and treats you with respect. Obviously, your relationship with your builder will be a very important factor over the months to come and it will help enormously if there is mutual respect and friendship. You will get a good idea after you first meeting if your builder makes the effort to get back in touch with you when you leave a message. Also, it won't do any harm to meet up for a coffee offsite on occasion to keep up the good communication lines.

Secondly remember your builder is as keen to get the project finished as you are, so cut him some slack if things seem to be taking longer than you think they should. Again, make sure your builder is proactive in contacting you - you are the client and you need to be kept in touch with everything every day.

One of the more important things to look for when you are choosing your building company is to ask about the materials they intend to use. Unless your budget for building the house is really low, you should not sacrifice the quality of the materials that the house is built with. Obviously, quality materials equals a quality build and this is one area that you do not want to cut corners. Essentially, the important thing when you are engaging builder is to find someone whose goal is building the house you want, not in getting the job finished and getting paid. This will once again come down to your relationship with your builder, finding someone who is willing to work with you is a sign that they are committed to your project every bit as much as you are.

Once you have chosen the right building company the pressure is off you and now is on your builder. It can be very challenging finding the right builder but once you have you can relax and enjoy the ride.

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Five Steps to Creating That Perfect Spare Room

Having an overnight guest can be a very stressful situation without having to worry about what the spare room looks like. Not sure that your spare room is up for company and are you wondering what company will think when they see it? Well then, here are five steps to creating that perfect spare room that anyone would be happy to sleep in!

1. Walls: Walk into the spare room and have a good look around. How are the walls? Are they bright or dull or are they boring and lifeless?

The best colors to paint the walls are colors that are soothing and calming so that your guest can feel at ease and get a good night's sleep. Not sure about paint? There are many soothing patterns of wallpaper to choose from that can also give that spare room and nice relaxing vibe to it.

2. Floors: What are the floors like? Are they bare covered with tile or wood or are they carpeted? House guests often feel more at ease with some sort of carpeting.

Rooms that have tile or wooden floors give the impression of being cold and impersonal. This can make the room seem unwelcoming. If the spare room has a bare floor, then it might be a good idea to get small area rugs around the major furniture like the bed, dresser, and nightstands.

3. Space: Manners dictate that a person spending the night has their own space for their clothes. If an empty dresser is not available or possible, than clearing out the top one or two dresser drawers is the best thing.

Another option for an overnight guest to have space would be an empty closet with plenty of hangers. By having a place to put their clothes and personal items, the guest will feel welcome!

4. Bathroom: Guests usually have their own restroom, but this is not always an option when houses have a limited number of bathrooms. If their own separate bathroom is not available, then clear the space around the sink for their own toiletries. Do not forget to stock up on the clean towels!

5. Entertainment: To finish up the guest room, do not forget to make it entertaining. The best items to add for entertainment include a television, books, magazines, a radio, and a phone.

Perhaps electronics might not be the best option. There are other things that can be added to the room such as a vase full of flowers. A few scented candles can add a fantastic yet simple touch.

Guests that stay overnight can be both exciting and unnerving especially when you are unsure about whether or not the guest room is good enough for company. However, having a friend or two sleep over does not have to be a stressful experience. All you need to do to be make sure your spare room is ready for company is follow these five steps to creating that perfect spare room.

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What to Expect From a Floatation Tank

Everyone is on the lookout for that peace and quiet and one of the ways to get to it is with a floatation tank. Also called an isolation tank, this was first created by John C Lilly, way back in 1954. His main idea was to try and study the effects of sensory deprivation on an individual. This tank was meant to be soundproof and with salt water, just at room temperature and enough to enable an individual to float.

Over the years, this research tool came to be used as a means of relaxation or as a prelude to meditation. Several modifications were made to enable a person to float in it without the use of a breathing apparatus, thus making the experience all the more silent and effective. Today, Epsom salt is added to the water in the tanks, increasing its density and allowing a person to float with their face above the water. With your ears submerged, sound is largely cut off and you can enhance that by wearing ear plugs as well.

As you let your body float on the water - the natural temperature of the water prevents you from feeling anything and soon you lose a sense of distinction between body and water. This elevates you to a whole new place and the body goes through three levels of experience with the last one precluding sleep.

Ideally one should enter a floatation tank in the nude. A swim suit is allowed but the elastic hampers the complete experience as it tends to constrict certain parts of your body preventing it from relaxing. Since Epsom salt water is not often replaced you will need to have a thorough bath before you get into to water. Means of cleaning the water are left to surface skimmers as well as filtering the cartridge. Ultraviolet sterilization also helps in keeping micro-organisms at bay. A system of convection in put in place to ensure that the water gently flows under the person and allows them to stay centered in the water.

All the plumbing in a floatation tank is generally made of plastic. A very high quality tank is made of medical grade stainless steel. This also does not crumble with the constant presence of salt. A good floatation therapy unit will also have a shower unit placed close by so that you can go from the stall to the tank without having to towel off. These tanks come with built in plumbing systems so that water can be easily drained and refilled when needed.

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10 Reasons for Hiring an Architect

"Why hire an architect?" you might ask yourself... According to prejudice only the rich can afford them, and only the less creative really need them anyway.

Reason no. 1: You Have Plans For Your House

The most obvious reason for hiring an architect is that you have plans to build or rebuild your house, because it no longer meets the needs of your family.

If this isn't already a good enough reason for hiring an architect, it means you must be considering the alternatives, which are quite a few to be honest.

For instance; you yourself could plan your new house, or the extension to your house; make the drawings, do the paperwork, coordinate the contractors, get the permits you need, and so forth, - which is an excellent idea if you happen to be an architect... If not, prepare to be overwhelmed by the job and disappointed with the result.

Secondly, you might consider getting a "package deal" by the carpenter or entrepreneur that will eventually build your project; which is perfect if the company you hire have equally good qualifications with the building design and paper work, as they do with the carpentry itself. If this is not the case... keep reading.

Reason no. 2: Area of Expertise

An architect has just the right expertise for this kind of thing (assuming that reason no. 1 is the case). Taking a masters degree of 5 years or more, and X years of experience with problem solving and design, makes the architect perfectly capable of solving your project to your satisfaction. At least it is reasonable to expect as much.

Reason no. 3: The Best Solution To The Problem

Architects are trained problem solvers and can provide an optimal solution to your problem. This way you get a functional as well as an esthetically pleasing solution.

Reason no. 4: The Big Picture

A skilled architect has an eye for the totality of the project, as well as a considerable knowledge of detail and technical solutions. Gathering all relevant information and sowing it together is just up an architect`s alley, so to speak.

Reason no. 5: Long and Short Term Cost Effectiveness

An efficient and flexible solution is also cost effective, on a short and long term basis. The above list of reasons gives added value to your house on its own accord. Then add lower maintenance costs and advanced technical solutions, and hiring an architect can actually save you some money.

The architect fee itself is probably the reason why many are reluctant to hire one, but if you consider the total cost of the building project, the extra benefits you get from using an architect will make it worth it.

Reason no. 6: Communication

Architects communicate through sketching, drawing, writing and talking. The nature of architecture puts the architect in a central position in the planning process. He or she becomes the natural link between the clients, consultants, engineers, contractors, and the government.

Reason no. 7: Your Guide Through The Process

A good architect can handle the building code and knows how to acquire the necessary building permits. Your architect will be your personal guide through the paper mill.

Reason no. 8: Sustainability

Many architects today know a bit about sustainable architecture, and can help make your project eco-friendly. There are many possible directions, and difficult choices to be made, if you want to ensure that your house will not put an unreasonable strain on the environment - indoor or out.

Reason no. 9: It is FUN

Imagine working with someone who is just as involved and concerned with your project as yourself!

Reason no. 10: Make Your Dreams Come True

The most important reason to involve an architect in your building project is that he or she can make your dream a reality.

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Choosing the Best Luxury Home Builders for Your Dream Home

Luxury home builders are not all the same and you should do some research before choosing the one who will be trusted with building your dream home. This may be one of the biggest purchases of your whole life and hopefully the last home you will need to buy. There are several different contractors in most areas that specialize in building high end homes with features and craftsmanship that you will not find in your average house. You will find the Internet to be extremely useful for looking up individual builder's web sites. These will often have pictures of homes that have completed in the past and testimonials from others who have used them to build their dream home.

You can't expect to find any negative reviews on a contractor's own website. You will need to search for sites that offer ratings and reviews from previous clients who have used some of the different contractors in your area. You can use this to see which contractors have the best reputations in your local area. You can see how many positive reviews they have received and check for issues concerning scheduling, cost, poor craftsmanship, customer service, and on the job professionalism.

Luxury home builders should be able to offer you amenities included into the design of your home that you would not find in most other homes. You may need a contractor who has experience installing indoor pools if this is a feature that might interest you. They should be able to work with your existing home design or with an architect if you have one who you want to work on your plans. You will want your contractor to work hard at meeting your expectations and good customer service will be essential when you are choosing your home builder.

Just because you are searching for luxury home builders does not mean you should be charged extra. You will pay more for quality craftsmanship and building materials but they should be competitively priced with other high end home builders. You will want to avoid any offers that sound way too good to be true as they often are. They may get you to sign a deal with them and then begin to add charges as the job goes on or use poor quality materials and cheap labor. You will find that common sense is your best friend in this situation and you should steer clear from any company that sounds shady.

You may also have a date in mind for when you plan on moving into your new luxury home and this makes scheduling something you may want to research. It will be a good idea to find companies who have a reputation for finishing their jobs on time. You will find many reasons a company may claim that they need more time for but a good company will have the resources and experience to avoid excuses and make sure you are ready to move in when you have planned. You will be glad you did the extra research when you hire one of the luxury home builders to make your dream home into reality.

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What Do I Need To Do Before I Start Installing UPVC Conservatories?

Building and installing uPVC conservatories can be very rewarding for anyone who has the appropriate skills. Knowing that installing a beautiful conservatory in a customer's home is helping the homeowner to improve the space within their home, and helping provide them with additional climate controlled outdoor space, is very rewarding. You will also get the satisfaction of knowing you have increased the value of the customers home.

To become a uPVC conservatory installer, it is recommended to take courses in carpentry, learning proper building and construction skills, and in some places on the job training is available to teach someone interested in conservatory installation. If you want to work in the building trade or with conservatories you are usually required to have a CSCS card. CSCS stands for construction skills certification scheme card, and is obtained by taking and passing a test showing that one has the knowledge needed to work in this field.

The CSCS was originally set up to help the construction industry to improve quality in building, and safety among its contractor's. You will not be able to get a job as a builder or installer of uPVC conservatories without one of these cards. It is quite likely that as well as providing your CSCS card you will be asked to show proof of experience in the building trade.

There is a colour scheme for the CSCS cards which works on a scale of how much experience a person has had. A person with no formal qualifications would receive a green CSCS card. There are red card for those who have some experience but are still learning and are therefore trainees then once you have proven yourself to be competent in the building trade then you will be awarded a blue card.

The NVQ card is another recognised qualification in the building trade which spans right across form carpentry to the installation of uPVC conservatories. NVQ stands for National Vocational Qualification card, and is obtained to prove competence in a wide variety of work activities. This is most common when one decides they would like to work in the building or construction trade. In order to get and NVQ card to must first complete the appropriate course.

If one can provide an NVQ card at a level 2, they will be able to receive a blue CSCS card. It would be recommended that you acquire either one of these qualifications as it will help you greatly in the building trade and on your path to becoming an installer of uPVC conservatories.

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Simple Ideas on Home Renovations

You want to transform the living room, spruce up the dining area, renovate your kitchen and refurbish your bathrooms but the clock is ticking away and time is the last thing on your hands? Don't freak out. The biggest challenge in home renovations is lack of time. In addition to this, room additions and whole scale renovations can get real expensive. So there pops up the million dollar question -How can I get it all done with a small budget and within so little a time? Your wish can be granted with professional services or one-day/ weekend makeovers.

Dapper Up Your Bedrooms

The trick of instant home renovations is to stick to simplicity and not go overboard with colors and effects. You can begin by giving the room a fresh coat of paint. This helps revitalize your room in a simple yet inexpensive way. Make sure you use warm colors such as maroon, blues and tans to add to the cozy ambience. Add zing to your bedrooms with new pillows and sheets. Shell out a few notes on lovely drapes and soft rugs. You can do one step at a time and get a whole new bedroom within months or just hire the experts' for a few days to get room additions and renovations done in no time.

Tricks for Instant Home Renovations

Replacing ancient plumbing fixtures with fancier faucets and showerheads can transform the restroom beyond your imagination. Always opt for track lights in bathrooms and try to trap in as much natural daylight as possible. Say good bye to useless counters and add pedal sinks for efficient home renovations. Buy new fabrics and reupholster the dining chairs and tables. Create your own fun seamless patterns to run across the room to define your style. Use your own imagination and add, subtract or reposition the existing sofas, and ottomans for a classy look.

Hire the Experts

If you find that you don't have sufficient time and need professional help, you would do well by hiring certified, professional, renovating experts. With their expertise, not only can you save time energy, you can trust them to make your dream home a reality. Just get online and browse through websites that offer home renovations. Be sure to deal with only authentic companies. You can do this by reviewing their previous home projects and growing through customer reviews or personally contacting their previous customers to find out about their claims. Settle for a company only after you are satisfied with their service and the cost estimating process. Pop in your queries and receive replies through the inquiry link. What are you waiting for? Give your home a brand new look today with new room additions!

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Home Renovation Services

Ready to spruce up your new home finally but looking for a reputable renovation company? Most renovation firms offer you high end services. If you are looking for luxurious renovation ideas and high end designs, you will be happy to know that there are a few well known home renovation companies that offer such services. Making a change or an addition to your home is stressful and hard decisions have to be made. Why not leave these to the professionals who can assure you of a result that you will appreciate.

Services Home renovation services include construction, renovation of a particular area within your home, addition or change in interior and exterior, changes in design as well as management of the entire project. The renovation companies provide design ideas based on your budget by comparing it to the implementation cost. In case you have just bought a piece of land; they can guide you about the structure and lay down the plans for your new home as well as plan your landscape for your new home. If you already have a house standing on the land, they can come in and demolish and further construct a house based on what you are looking for. This is done from scratch. They will advise you on the kind of structure, size as well as construction costs. Some companies also offer various levels in their planning and construction services like silver gold and platinum. This will depend on your budget and design.

Estimating

Like most things, the more complicated, the higher the estimate. Online home renovation firms offer estimates online for your home renovation. You can immediately decide which company to go with. This service will help you compare various renovation companies before you finally choose one. They will even provide estimates for interior designing and home renovations for the house. The first step is getting a blueprint or drawing down on paper. For this to be done, the company renovating your home must visit the site and take a look at it. Once that is done they will go on to design your home depending on your needs and your family's requirements. The plan laid down must be agreed to and finally work will begin once the budget and payment is determined. Once a contract is entered into, you are assured that the renovation company will guide you every step of the way. Once construction is complete, you will get a warranty on the home. Inquire about this detail before you sign the contract.

Online firms Online firms guide you through the entire home renovation process with ease. Making additions will not be stressful and complicated anymore. An easy way to find the right construction company is by choosing the best in Toronto and the GTA.

4 Tips For Hiring The Best Home Builders   Garage With Apartment: What Are Its Benefits   Home Improvement: Ideas for Using a Sunroom   Getting The Most Out Of Conservatories