Home Improvement

Nothing says relaxation like a great backyard patio and with the right accessories, you can turn your patio into your personal retreat.
Choosing patio furniture involves more than picking something to sit on. Look for durability and if you choose wooden patio furniture, make sure it has been weather treated. For cushions, durable fabrics that are water-resistant and fade-resistant are musts. For most arrangements, you'll want your patio furniture to include a table, but you have more options when it comes to chairs versus benches and gliders While you may want to maximize seating, keep in mind that an open feel is always better than a crowded one.
If you are lucky enough to have natural shade from trees, you might not need the patio umbrella, but otherwise, it's an item not to be skipped unless you have one of those large awnings. You may dream of sun all winter long, but come summer, nothing's going to feel better than shade. A patio umbrella will make your patio enjoyable during the day, not just in the evenings. It's well worth it to pay for a sturdy patio umbrella with a solid anchor rather than settling for the kind that tips your patio table over in the slightest breeze. A nice, large awning is great for sitting outside in the evenings during a light shower, too.
Investing in a patio heater will warm things up just a touch on those cooler evenings. It can extend your outdoor season considerably. Several patio heaters, spaced along the edges of your patio can give a good effect, as can more elaborate heaters built into your deck (think floor heaters or overhead lamps). Whatever you do, make sure the heaters you choose are safe for outdoor use.
With the right accessories, your patio can be the perfect place to relax. Choose wisely, and you'll be amazed just how lovely it can be.
What better to have off your patio than a beautiful pool? There was a time when swimming pools were just simple kidney-shaped affairs. These days, however, by using natural stones as well as creative planning, swimming pool designers are creating spaces that look as if they have been there all along. For example, these days a pool designer can plan a pool for you featuring a dramatic waterfall constructed entirely from huge boulders with a rock-lined grotto directly behind it.
While some areas of the country have easy and affordable access to natural stone, some swimming pool owners may find that choosing natural stone for their slide, waterfall, or decking is cost prohibitive. This is why many pool designers and owners choose to use man-made materials to give them the look and feel of natural stone without added expense. And, because these man-made materials are typically created directly on-site, it gives you the ability to get exactly the color and texture that you want for your pool area.
Of course, there is a lot to be said for choosing the right material for the right purpose. In fact, some swimming pool designers opt to use both natural and man-made materials in order to get the best of both worlds. So, for example, while a man-made material might be ideal for creating a "stone" slide or pool deck, natural boulders can provide a stunning backdrop to a built-in spa or waterfall.
So whether you're looking for the tropics or the rushing sounds of a mountain stream, with the right pool right materials, you can turn you yard into a "natural" paradise. Today's pools and spas are equipped with cutting edge technology that automates maintenance, ensures the highest water quality, and enables you to enjoy your pool and spa more.

Over the past 20 years, a trend has been on the rise, the use of materials other than concrete for walks, patios, and driveways. One popular new material is the concrete paver.

There are many horror stories about the improper installation of pavers. Are you thinking of installing pavers around your home? Here are some basic instructions if you are intending to do it yourself, or just want to ensure your contractor is following the standard guidelines.

Assuming you have already decided on the color, type, size and location of your new walkway or patio, the following instructional steps are recommended by many paver manufacturers and have also been adopted by ICPI (Interlocking Concrete Paver Institute).

Step 1: Make some simple mathematical calculations to determine the depth of excavation and amount of materials needed. Generally, one needs to excavate about nine inches. When marking the grade, be sure to allow for positive drainage away from the house or building. A 2 to 2 1/2 % slope away from the house is recommended. This translates to approximately ¼ to ½ inch fall for each linear foot.

Step 2: Make sure that the sub grade after excavation is compacted. If the ground is spongy, which can happen in heavy clay soils, you may need to dig deeper. You want to start with a firm base. If you happen to over dig the area, use a thicker stone base. Do not bring the grade up, by using soil, as it is harder to get the proper compaction.

Step 3: Lay a separation fabric down over the sub-base. This helps to disperse the weight over a larger area as well as help to retard weed growth.

Step 4: Install the stone base. You will want to use 2A modified stone. This is a ¾ inch quarried stone with fines added so that it will compact. The stone base should be well compacted. After compaction, it should be approximately 6 inches thick, more if you over dug.

After the stone base is installed and compacted, install approximately ½ to 1 inch of concrete sand for a leveling base. There are different types of sand such as concrete, masonry, play, bar, etc. It is important to be sure and use concrete sand.

Now you are ready to install the concrete pavers. After deciding the pattern to lay the pavers, you will need to pick a logical starting point. Be sure that you begin square (90 degrees). After the pavers are laid, you will want to sweep sand into the joints of the pavers. You will also want to secure the pavers by using an edging to hold the pavers in place unless they are meeting a firm edge such as asphalt, concrete, retaining wall, or side of a building. The edging used is generally a plastic edge.

After you complete the above work, you will want to settle the pavers in place by running a plate compactor over them. You should protect the pavers from the metal of the compactor. This can be done by placing a fabric protector over the compactor plate. After compacting the pavers, you will want to sweep additional sand into the joints. We use polymeric sand for the joints as it tends to wash out less.

Remember the secret to a good patio or walk is a solid and firm base. Workmanship also plays a major roll. Our reputation for doing quality installations is one reason why many of our suppliers recommend us to their customers. Moore Outdoor Rejuvenation Inc, is an authorized E.P. Henry installer and we employ several ICPI certified technicians.

They can also leave your yard a muddy, swampy mess. Does that sound familiar? Many homeowners tend to have an excess of water in their yards after a storm. A large number of these water problems can be attributed to poor drainage. Never fear! Most drainage problems can be corrected relatively easy. Whether you prefer to do it yourself or watch a master at work, there is always a way.
There a couple things to consider when you find an excess of moisture in your yard. First, are the rain gutters clogged and second, is there positive drainage away from the house?
Rain gutters should be kept clean and in good working condition. There should also be positive drainage away from the building. Often times, the soil will settle around the foundation of a building. When settlement occurs, topsoil should be added to help push the water away from the building. Water will often collect near the down spouts. In many cases, down spouts can easily be piped away from the building and be either directly day lighted* or day lighted by way of pop-up emitters.
Another common drainage issue can be the excess water from downspouts running over sidewalks or driveways. This can cause damage to the surfaces as well as injuries when slippery, especially during the winter months. Generally, the downspouts can be run under the sidewalk to reduce the problem. Even when you are not experiencing drainage problems, it is always a good idea to do a checklist of these areas around your home before the rainy season begins.
Remember, water will always take the path of least resistance and sometimes that path is not in your yard’s best interest as it can often cause soil erosion. There are several ways to solve the problem of soil erosion. Building swales, adding yard drains, diverting the water flow or slowing the water flow are among them. Mother Nature can do a number on our homes and yards. However, with the proper knowledge and contracted help when needed, you can protect your investment while keeping it looking well managed and beautiful throughout the entire year.
Do you have your own drainage issues? Moore Outdoor Rejuvenation Inc. can evaluate your drainage problems and help to put the corrective actions in place. *Word of the day! ‘Day lighted’ – the process of redirecting a stream or flow of water by way of an above ground channel.

We were impressed to learn that in their 13 years in business, 2daysBATH has never had a complaint filed against them with the Better Business Bureau. In fact, they received the BBB Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics in 2007 and are currently a featured company on the homepage of the BBB of Delaware’s website, www.delawarebbb.org. What’s the latest in bath remodeling trends? Owner, Andy Wahlund, reports that converting bathtubs into large shower stalls has been on the top of their service list for the past 5 years now. He explained, “Baby boomers are really focused on “aging in place”, staying in their homes as they age. They’re making whatever changes are necessary to their home to allow them to do so.” 2daysBATH replaces the bathtub with an a large acrylic shower basin that’s specially designed to fit in the space of a bathtub. It even drains to the right or left, rather than the center, so existing plumbing doesn’t have to be moved or replaced. They customize the new shower stall with grab bars, seats and toiletry storage the homeowner has chosen so it’s just as they need it. The whole project is done in day and the shower’s ready to be used the next morning.

How has the economy affected business? Andy says they’re doing fewer complete bathroom remodels and have seen a marked increase in demand for simply updating the bathtub/shower area (“wet area”). He explained, “Most folks feel pretty comfortable taking on the smaller things, like replacing the toilet or sink, but lose confidence when they’re facing the wet area. We’re happy to do that portion, since it’s difficult for even most “professionals” to get it right.” He added, “I don’t mean to put anyone down, but it’s amazing what we’re run into over the years. Folks having paid thousands of their hard-earned cash to have their tub and walls replaced, only to have it leak a couple years later. All because the wrong materials or installation process was used.”

2daysBATH can repair and update the wet area in just a day with their Bath Wraps™ acrylic bath liner products. The area is left completely waterproofed and mildew-free and it’s warranted to stay that way for life. Acrylic bath liners have become very popular with environmentalists. Bath Wraps™ acrylic makes use of the existing tubs and walls, saving tons of debris from hitting the landfills every year.

If you’re thinking about any type of bathroom update or renovation, now or in the future, you’ll want to contact 2daysBATH. Call 800-300-9941 today and invite one of their seasoned bathroom designers to your home for a free bath inspection, moisture analysis and cost proposal. Or visit them online at www.HelpMyBath.com to learn more.

Over the years we accumulate many possessions, large and small which are financially and emotionally valuable to us. Many of us have homeowner’s or renter’s insurance that will replace our belongings in the event of fire, theft or other causes. We usually think to detail and specifically ensure our valuable jewelry, but what about the remainder of our possessions? How do we prove what we’ve acquired and lost when the receipts are long-gone?

An accurate inventory and proof of ownership at the time of a loss can make an insurance claim settlement easier and faster and there’s no easier way to do that than with pictures. The inventory will take time to compile, but the time and frustration it may save you later will more than make up for it.

A good home inventory includes a detailed list of your possessions including receipts (when possible), descriptions and photos of your home's contents. When it's done, be sure to keep this inventory in a safe deposit box or other location outside your home.

Record purchase dates and serial numbers of small appliances and theft-prone items such as collectibles, antiques, art objects, clocks, silver, jewelry and furs. Electronic equipment such as computers, digital cameras, stereos, DVD players and televisions should also be documented. Don’t forget your musical instruments, photography and sports equipment and paraphernalia.

If you're making an audio or video inventory, start in one corner of the room and work your way around until the whole room has been covered. Don't forget closets, attic and basement. On antiques, art, jewelry, collectibles, and certain other items, appraisals are important. Always include the name and address of the appraiser.

Label photos and videotapes with the dates they were taken. If appropriate, record the date of purchase, brand name and purchase price of each item on the record card next to the picture. To get an overall picture, take wide-angle shots of the whole room, and take several close-ups to capture detail.

A family member in the picture helps substantiate ownership. Open closet doors to show quantity of clothing and take pictures of the insides of drawers with the contents fanned out. When photographing china, take a picture of the pattern name or manufacturer's signature, along with a picture of the pattern. Photograph your power tools, including detailed photos of the inside of your toolbox.

Here are tips to help keep your home comfortable without sending your heating bills through the roof.

Take advantage of federal tax credits. Homeowners can receive a tax credit of up to $500 per home for qualifying improvements made in 2006, 2007 and 2008. Tax credits are available for many home improvements including high-efficiency heating and cooling equipment, such as propane water heaters and furnaces. For more information, visit www.energytaxincentives.org.

Keep out the cold. Experts say the average American home loses between 10 and 50 percent of its energy through inadequate insulation and inefficient lights and appliances. Insulate, especially in attics and basements, replace old, drafty windows and weather-strip doors.

A time-set thermostat can cut annual heating bills by as much as 10 percent per year by turning your thermostat back 10 to 15 percent for eight hours each day.

Upgrade to an Energy Star-rated furnace or boiler to reduce heating bills by almost 30 percent.

Always be prepared. Discuss fuel payment plan options with your retailer. Many retailers have budget payment plans that let you spread your projected annual costs over many months, lowering the seasonally higher bills. Arrange a regular propane or oil delivery with your supplier so you’re never without fuel.

Inspect and tune up your heating system regularly to keep it efficient. Change your furnace filters monthly. Clean filters will increase efficiency. If you’re on a monthly payment plan, use receipt of your monthly bill as a reminder.

Switch to a propane water heater. Over time, propane water heaters can save up to a third compared to electricity and they heat more than twice as much water in an hour as a comparable electric model, reports the Propane Education and Research Council.

Turn down your water heater from the standard 120 degrees to 115 degrees. You could save more than 10 percent on your water heating bill. Wrap your water heater in an insulating blanket.

Install flow-restricting showerheads. You can cut hot water usage by up to 50 percent without affecting shower pressure. Run washing machines, clothes dryers and dishwashers only with a full load.