Home improvement deck repair and maintenance

For many American homeowners, warm weather is an invitation to take the party out to the backyard patio or deck. Before you haul out the grill and light the tiki torches, however, take some time to do a little preventive maintenance.

"This is the time to do a few simple things that will make your deck last for years," says home repair expert, Jim Rocchetta. "Plus, you'll have your outdoor environment looking great before you and your friends head outside for those backyard get-togethers."

The first step is a thorough inspection of the entire structure to ensure that it is safe and secure. Check for loose nails and screws, and either replace them or retighten them. Tighten any railings that have become loose. Then, look beneath the deck to confirm that beams and support poles remain in good working order. "If you find structural components that are loose, rotten or out of position, for your own safety, quit using the deck and call a pro in to fix the problem," says Rocchetta.

As an additional safety precaution, replace broken or rotten deck boards before they break through completely. Boards that have become bowed or warped will also need to be replaced because they hold water and make the deck surface uneven, and create another potential safety hazard. If you're replacing those boards with pressure-treated lumber, maximize the life of your deck by using stainless steel or high-grade galvanized fasteners designed to combat the corrosive effects of modern lumber treatment chemicals.

Once everything is secure, clean the deck boards with a biodegradable deck cleaner to remove dirt, mildew and algae. These environmentally friendly solvents are now commonly available and actually perform better than previously popular outdoor wood cleaners such as bleach. Even if your deck is made from a composite material, most manufacturers still recommend a thorough annual cleaning. During the cleaning process, also take a little time to sand down any spots that have become rough or splintered.

Finally, ensure your deck looks great by protecting it from mildew and water damage with a high-quality finish and preservative. There are many good products on the market. "The best preservative products contain UV-resistant compounds which will really liven up the deck surface and add a high-degree of protection from the elements," says Rocchetta.

A guide to portable air compressors

Portable air compressors vary in size and power level. A few different types are available, depending on the tools you will be using. Check the power requirements of your tools and purchase a model that is sufficient to run your strongest tool. Always choose slightly more power than you think you will need to be sure it will be enough for every job.

Regardless of the type you purchase, it’s important to follow the proper safety precautions. Always wear safety goggles when operating equipment to protect your eyes. Wear protective clothing, such as long sleeves and long pants. Proper footwear, such as work boots or strong sneakers is important for protecting your feet.

Types of Portable Air Compressors

Portable rotary screw compressors are the most commonly used air compressor. These range from 65 to 1600 cubic feet per minute. The pressure ratings vary from 100 to 350 PSI. The one you will need depends on the tools you will use. Contractors often use 185 CFM. These are strong enough to power two tools at a time. These are good for lighter and heavy duty jobs.

Truck mounted compressors can be mounted in the bed or under the hood. Under hood models are good for space saving. These use the engine of your truck for power, making them low maintenance. The downside of this is that the truck must be running to power the compressor.

Deck mounted compressors are mounted in the bed of the truck. They can be taken out and left at the job site until the job is finished. These have their own engine, so they don’t rely on your vehicle for power. They do need regular maintenance on the engine and will need fuel to power the engine.

Some compressors are electrically powered and others run on gasoline. The air is stored in the holding tank on both types. The tools are attached with a hose. The gauges on the compressor indicate the pressure, which is regulated with a valve.

Major Brands of Air Compressors

Quincy makes an excellent line of air compressor systems. Their rotary screw compressors vary from 10 to 350 horse power. These machines are reliable, durable and quiet. A wide variety is available from smaller tank models to larger, stationery cabinet styles.

Husky air compressors are generally made for home use. The 1.75 gallon tank has 135 PSI power and is good for running tools, such as sprayers, nailing guns and also is useful for insulation. They are convenient and easy to transport with a telescope handle. This model has an oil free pump for easy maintenance.

The four gallon Husky model has 125 PSI power for running small tools and spraying. This model can also be used to inflate tires and other recreational items. This model is great for the homeowner or small woodworking shop.

Deck railing plans - visual appeal of buildings

The articles gives you ideas of increasing the visual appeal of your building by judicious use of various material and colors used in deck railing plans at various levels in such a way so as to compliments the color scheme of your building.

Materials Make Or Mar Deck railing Plans

The materials that you use for your decking materials, will ultimately decide if your decking plans are usable, doable and above all, useful to you or not. For example if you use a wooden railing where lot of water is being used (in garden, lawns and or near the swimming pool etc.), the wood can disintegrate over a period of time due water splashing on the wood. On the other hand, if you use PVC on a sun bathed patio, the PVC would start cracking after 2 or 3 years and you might have to replace it completely.

Choose Materials For Decking Railing Plans Carefully

Consider the following when you chose material for deck and railings.

• The intended purpose of the deck

• Frequency of use

• Other possible uses of the deck

• Surrounding areas and its general use

• Safety considerations

• Use of water on the deck or the surrounding area

• Possibility of skidding or slipping due to use of water

• Material used for decks

The material to be used have to be made long lasting so does not repeated expenditures on this count. The manufacturers of various materials have started giving guarantees for their materials for nearly 20 years now. This shows the confidence they have behind the product.

Your railing plans contribute to the looks of your building by color schemes employed for the railings. Materials as the wood, PVC, aluminum, in combinations are being used for the decking railings.

Use Of Software Previewing Looks Of Railings

Computer software may also be used for looking at your future looks of your building after fitting the various components of deck railings like the posts, balustrades and other parts of the railing such as light fittings and decorative fittings. The color combinations of various components can be seen on the software and complete effect on the building can be seen by the user before the person’s eyes and changed before the final decision can be made.

Adjustable beds sleep pain free and get money back too

Adjustable beds can be configured to alter their shape in order to alleviate pain attributed to certain medical conditions and ailments. They can be adjusted to maximize the most comfortable sleeping position, thus permitting the user to fall asleep much more quickly and have a longer period of pain free sleep.

In case you did not know, adjustable beds may qualify for a medical deduction. Physicians prescribe the use of an adjustable bed for a number of physical ailments and conditions. Check with your physician or health care professional to ascertain if you may qualify for a deduction on the purchase of your new adjustable bed. Less pain, better sleep, and money back are an extremely attractive combination.

Adjustable beds are generally prescribed for individuals who suffer from acid reflux, debilitating back pain, hiatal hernias, sleep apnea and many work related injuries. In the event that either you or your loved one happens to have a problem with snoring, you will be ecstatic to know that an adjustable bed can alleviate or eliminate the problem.

If you or a loved one have had the misfortune of suffering a stroke, have multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy or any other physical condition that restricts the ability to move unimpeded, an adjustable bed can improve ones mobility. Adjustable beds can be positioned to assist in sitting up, watching television, eating, drinking, reading, writing etc… etc.

Acid reflux is a particularly annoying condition, particularly during sleep that allows stomach acid to back up into the esophageal area causing discomfort that ranges from mild to extreme, depending on the individual. An adjustable bed can alleviate acid reflux by allowing the individual to elevate their head. Sinus conditions are another physical condition that can made much more bearable by simply raising the head section of the bed.

If you suffer from edema or swelling of the legs, an adjustable bed can be positioned to elevate the legs and facilitate the flow of blood by letting gravity assist in doing the work. Any sufferer of a circulatory condition or back pain can probably feel some comfort in the folds of an adjustable bed. Some models even have heat and vibrating features to soothe away minor or major aches and pains. I would have these features on all the time!

The content provided in this article is strictly for information purposes only and is not intended or designed to provide medical advice. If you have a medical condition, I am sure everybody and his mother can give you free medical advice. If you have any medical questions that this article may have triggered, please consult your doctor or health care professional.

If it is determined that you qualify for a tax deduction on the purchase of a new adjustable bed, your next step is to have a little chat with your accountant or tax expert. You will then be in a position to use the shopping resources available at adjustable-bed-center. com to find the right adjustable bed at the right price. Then, hopefully, all you have to do is lie down and enjoy true comfort and all the healthy benefits of your new adjustable bed.

Choosing an efficient dishwashers

Most of the energy used by a dishwasher is for water heating. The Energy Guide label estimates how much power is needed per year to run the appliance and to heat the water based on the yearly cost of gas and electric water heating. When it is time to buy a new unit, look for the ENERGY STARЖ label.

Appliances account for about 20% of your household's energy consumption, with refrigerators and clothes dryers at the top of the consumption list.

Check the manual that came with your dishwasher for the manufacturer's recommendations on water temperature; many have internal heating elements that allow you to set the water heater to a lower temperature.

Scrape, don't rinse, off large food pieces and bones. Soaking or re washing is generally only recommended in cases of burned-on or dried-on food. Be sure your dishwasher is full, but not overloaded.

Don't use the "rinse hold" on your dishwasher for just a few soiled dishes. It uses 3 to 7 gallons of hot water each time you use it. Let your dishes air dry; if you don't have an automatic air-dry switch, turn off the control knob after the final rinse and prop the door open a little so the dishes will dry faster.

Remember that dishwashers use less water than washing dishes by hand, about 6 gallons less per load; they also use hotter water than you would use if you were washing the dishes by hand, so they can do a better job of killing germs.

Kitchen installation things to consider. part one

Imagine that you've revealed a designer's talent in you and did your best to create a kitchen of your dream. The floor ornament ideally matches the curtain fringing, as well as the vases perfectly match the colour of the lamp. Yet, something is still missing. Kitchen comfort depends not only on your good taste and productive imagination. The air should be fresh but not cold. Materials should possess good cleaning properties, but not be toxic. Just a creative approach is surely not enough - you should study a more down-to-earth side of the question.

Breathe in a chestful of clean air.

The kitchen like no other room in the house requires fresh air. It is especially true if you enjoy cooking and spend a lot of time in the kitchen. The fragrance of grilled chicken or baked layer cake which was not aired on time quickly loses its pleasant flavor. And it is not an appetizing fragrance any more, but a bad whiff penetrating into all rooms of the house. So, if your dwelling still bears the scent of yesterday's ravioli, think, maybe there are problems with ventilation in your kitchen?

It's easy to check if the kitchen extractor works properly. Put the sheet of paper to the air diffuser: if it "adheres" to the hole, then the system is all right.

There can be various reasons of the disabled ventilation: electricity fault, the channel was littered up, or some quick bird nested there etc.

How to choose an exhaust hood.

If you want the air in the kitchen to be clean and fresh, even the best ventilation system will not be enough.

It is known that combustion residue are produced while cooking. It is not healthy to inhale them. Besides, fat and smoke is not good for kitchen furniture, ceiling and walls either. So, you should buy a kitchen exhaust hood or as the specialists call it a canopy hood.

What to choose? First, you should consider performance of the device. The cleanness of the kitchen air can be measured in figures. Multiply the room area by its height. The air should be renewed 10 times per hour according to the sanitary standards. So, let's multiply the volume by ten and we have the required performance of the kitchen exhaust hood. The index 300 m3/h is quite normal for the average kitchen of 3 х 4 metres. If you bake and roast a lot, and like to smoke in the kitchen, you'd better take the hood with characteristics - 400 - 600 m3/hr. On the whole, you can find models from 180 to 1200 m3/hr in the kitchen appliances shops.

Secondly, you should pay attention to the size of the exhaust hood. Standard devices can be 50, 60, 90 or 120 cm wide. Anyway, the exhaust hood must be wider than the kitchen cooker. The principle factor is operating mode of the hood. We have two options: recirculation or air vent. In the latter case the exhaust hood absorbs the air and then releases it. In the first case it goes through the fat filter that refines it from small particles of smoke, ash, fat and then through angle filter that neutralizes the scents. Then the renewed air returns to the kitchen. The extracting mode, of course, is better for eliminating the kitchen scents and such a device makes less noise. You also do not have to change or wash the filters regularly. On the other hand, you don't always have the opportunity to extract the air outside.

There are also versatile hoods which combine both the modes. You can just block the out valve with the special screen (press the button or turn the handle depending on the model), and the air will not go into the pipe, but will be forwarded to the filters and then back to the kitchen.

Finally, as the exhaust hood is not a small device, you should think how it will blend with the kitchen interior.

Kitchen: don't confuse it with sauna!

What is the most humid place in the apartment? A bathroom? Not only. The climate of the kitchen may sometimes be similar to tropical. Especially if you have taken all the measures to make this room warm, but you have forgotten to make the air of normal humidity. This problem can also be solved by setting the ventilation system, as air renewal is very important for creating comfort in the kitchen. In fact you should think about the climate in the kitchen (as well as in the whole apartment).

It is not peanuts!

Beauty and comfort of the kitchen mostly depend on what you have on the floor, the walls and the ceiling.

Let's start with the bottom. It is known, that large drawings on the floor visually downsize the room and small ones visually "extend" the borders. Gloss finishing visually extends the space and matt finishing narrows it.

Kitchen flooring.

However, the main thing in selecting the floor is, of course, the material. Vinyl flooring is durable and modern. Linoleum is also firm and antistatic. Any dirt can be easily removed from it. Even if the stain is "complex", it can be removed from the floor with the solvent agent and the flooring will not be damaged. Natural linoleum is better for the kitchen as it is more ecologically safe. Natural wooden floor looks cozy and at the same time respectably.

Installing a new shower unit

A successful shower installation requires careful planning and a lot of work. In most cases, you will need to do three types of tasks: framing walls, installing the plumbing, and finishing walls.

Preparation

Firstly, you must decide on the type of shower that you wish to install. It is important to ascertain whether the chosen shower is capable of coping with certain systems and can regulate a safe level of water through the boiler. Most shower units nowadays are designed to be flexible to different water pressures (such as stored hot water and cold mains).

It is also important to take into account the water pressure and the planning of the piping and drainage for the shower

Different Types of Shower Units

Push-on Mixer: The hose and spray parts of the push-on mixer shower unit can be connected to the bath tap as per your requirement, and the water temperature can be adjusted via the taps. Push-on mixers are cheap and extremely simple to install. However, although the hose connection is simple, it is easily dislodged. Additionally, it is inconvenient to adjust the temperature.

Bath/Shower Mixer: The hose and spray of this type of shower are combined with a bath mixer tap, and the temperature can be adjusted through the bath taps. It is a very cheap option and no extra plumbing is involved. However, the bath/shower mixers also suffer from inconvenient temperature control options.

Manual Mixer: The hose and spray of a manual mixer shower unit are a part of the wall unit and the hot and cold water supplies are connected to a single valve The temperature and pressure of the water are controlled through either one or a variety of knobs (in more expensive showers). Although temperature control is much easier in manual mixer types, they are more expensive than the previously mentioned mixers. They also require additional plumbing of hot and cold water supply pipes.

Thermostatic Mixer: The hose and spray of this shower type are a part of the wall unit and the hot and cold water supplies are connected to a single valve here too. It is complete with a built-in stabiliser to self-adjust the water temperature and to prevent it from becoming too hot. One of the biggest advantages of a thermostatic mixer shower type includes convenient temperature control. However, it is the most expensive of the different mixer options.

Power Shower: A power shower is a single unit containing a powerful electric pump that is capable of altering both the water pressure and temperature. This type of shower can be fitted if there is water supply from a cold water cistern and a hot water cylinder. A power shower makes the adjustment of both pressure and temperature easy. On the other hand, it is unsuitable for water heated directly by the shower or where the water is supplied by a combination boiler under mains pressure.

Electric Shower: An electric shower is plumbed into a mains cold water supply and it heats the water electrically. It is important to note that for this shower type to be installed, the mains pressure needs to be at least 0.7kg/sq cm (10lb/sq in). The unit allows the temperature and pressure to be adjusted via a knob. Models with temperature stabilisers are better as they remain unaffected by other taps elsewhere in use within the household. A major drawback of electric showers is that the control knob only allows for the option of high temperatures at less pressure, or lower temperatures at a greater pressure. This is problematic in the winter season when the spray is often weak and the mains water is colder. However, this problem is tackled in some models which are available with a winter/summer setting.

Method

Depending on the type of shower you wish to install, the shower head must either be fitted in order to avoid its contact with the water in the bath below or the base tray, or it must have a check valve.

Before starting, it is advisable to mark the positions of the shower head and control, and to plan the pipe-work involved. Additionally, the drainage system to remove the waste water will need to be planned. Both positions of the cable route and the shower switch will also need to be considered if an instantaneous or electric shower unit is being installed.

Use the instruction guide provided with the shower unit to fit the shower control.

Before fitting the pipes that will supply the water to the shower system, it is important to cut off the water supply. In order to protect the pipes, they should be given a waterproof covering and also fitted with isolating valves. The pipes can then be buried into the wall and plastered over to neaten the overall look.

Fit the base tray, shower head, and fittings.

Connect the main shower control to the pipes that will be supplying the water (This may require a female screw thread adapter).

Reconnect the water supply and test the pipes for any leaks, as some may need tightening.

If you are installing an electrical shower, remember to switch off the electricity supply before making any electrical connections. Once these connections have been made (there should be guidance within the instruction manual), the power supply can be switched back on.

Adjusting Water Pressure to Suit Your Shower

The cold water reservoir can be lifted to a greater height (sometimes as little as 150mm (6inches)) by fitting a strong wooden support beneath it - possibly composed of struts and blockboards. If you choose this option, the main and distribution pipes will also have to be raised to meet the new height of the reservoir.

Alternatively, a booster pump (a single pump or a dual/twin pump) can be fitted. Whichever type is chosen, it must be connected into the power supply in order to operate.

Piping and Drainage

It is best to use 15mm diameter supply pipes, and make the runs to the shower as short and straight as possible so as to maintain maximum pressure and minimise heat loss. Additionally, by minimising the use of elbows for pipe corners, you can decrease the resistance in the flow of the water supply. You can achieve this by bending the pipes instead.

Most Common Mistakes

# Violating or ignoring local code restrictions.

# Using pipes that are too small.

# Attaching copper to galvanized without using a brass or dielectric fitting between the two.

# Not using tape or pipe compound at threaded joints.

# Not leveling your fixtures when installing them.

# Not installing an air gap filling for fixtures.

# Cutting supply stub outs too short to install the shutoff valves onto after the finished wall is in place.

# Not properly aligning tubing into fittings or stop valves. (Forcing the nut onto the compression ring at an angle when the tubing is at an angle will cause a leak.)

# When turning the water back on in your home, always run the outside hose valve or flush your toilets to bleed dirt and air from the lines. This debris can cause problems in your sink faucets and other plumbing trim.

Air purifier - how to tell if yours is any good

These days it seems that everyone is gung ho about air purification systems. People with allergies, people with asthma and people who are just cleanliness freaks. It doesn't matter how often you dust the furniture, mop the floors, vacuum the rugs or change the bed sheets, your home just isn't really clean unless you have an air purification system.

But just how effective are these systems and are they all the same?

The answer may or may not surprise you. The truth is, not all air purification systems are the same. Some work well, some not so well, so the problem that most consumers face is how to tell if the air purification system they want to buy is the best one or for that matter, any good at all. Well, there are two ways to go about doing this.

The first way, and probably the most accurate is to first get yourself an in-home allergen tester. You can buy one of these things in just about any Sears store. Basically, the way these gadgets work is by measuring the levels of the eight most common allergens in your home. The process though isn't as simple as it sounds. Most require you to hook up the device to a vacuum cleaner which collects the allergens. After that you then have to mail the bag to the lab for them to test. You would do this before buying your air purifier. Then the next step in determining if the air purifier you want to get is doing a substantial job is by buying one on the condition that if you're not satisfied, you can return it. Most places will give you 30 days to try one out. You then take the purifier home, run it for the amount of time it says is required to make a difference and then rerun the allergen test. Send the next sample to the lab for testing and they will then be able to tell you the effectiveness of the unit you purchased. You can then decide if you want to keep the unit.

Sounds like a lot of work, doesn't it? Well, there is an easier way. Fortunately, there are independent companies that run tests on these air purifiers. You can easily find one on the Internet. While this does require you to take THEIR word for the findings, it certainly is a lot easier and quicker than going through the procedure above.

If you should go to one of these sites, what you will normally find is a chart with the following pieces of information. You'll see the lab where the test was done, the air purifier that the tests were performed on, the country where it was tested, the type of allergen tests that were done, and most importantly, the percentage of reduction. This is basically the bottom line. If you read these results you will notice that none are more than 99% reduction. This is because we don't live in a bubble and it just isn't physically possible to get rid of all the allergens, but 99% is very good.

Of course that all depends on whether or not you believe these results. Unfortunately, only your nose will know.

Controlling dust mites in your home

My guess is that you don't know much about dust mites except they are small, unseen creatures that disgust you. Perhaps someone in your household is allergic to them. Here is some background information on dust mites and how you can work to control them in your house.

Dust mites don't live in your air ducts, although most people tend to focus there when attempting to remove them. They live in soft places, prefer higher humidity and release a protein which causes an allergic reaction for many people. If you don't have any reactions to dust mite proteins then reducing your exposure may not be a priority for you but these basic treatment steps should still be taken to reduce their presence in your home and affect on your life. If you need motivation to do some of these steps you can see pictures of dust mites by doing a google image search. They're gross enough to scare anyone into a rapid cleaning spree.

1. Dust and vacuum your house on a regular basis. The more dirt you have, the more dust mites you have.

2. Use a dehumidifier to reduce the humidity levels in your home as they prefer high humid environments (anything over 70%)

3. Wash your family's bedding in hot water at least twice monthly, preferably weekly.

4. Get machine washable plush toys if you have children, the fabric harbors dust mites

If you have someone allergic to dust mites these are more intense combat steps to take:

1. Do your best to eliminate all cloth surfaces as they tend to harbor these creatures

2. Replace your carpets with wood or laminate flooring

3. Remove fabric covered furniture and switch to wood or plastic pieces

4. Wrap your mattress, pillows and box springs in zippered covers that area dust proof and allergen proof.

You probably won't completely eliminate dust mites, but you can go a long way toward reducing their numbers by maintaining a clean healthy living environment. Your family will thank you for it.

Bathroom in good shape. part two

Sitting bathtubs have also all the chances to be a success. Average depth of an ordinary bathtub varies from 40 to 50 cm and in the deepest point it exceeds 60 cm. Those who choose this model for a bathroom renovation should think whether they are ready to come out of a deep bathtub. The deepest bathtub in the world reaches 81 cm in the deepest point.

Untiring designers of modern bathrooms have recently invented a new interesting construction of a bathtub. In new models the pedestal somewhat swags down a sitting person in one place like a hammock and under feet the depth is less than under seat. Such a bathtub construction lets to slide into the water up to throat and come out of the bathtub stepping over from the shallow edge. At the dimensions 190 x 190 cm and at the depth in the lowest point 79,5 cm the bathtub is rather roomy for physically big people.

In general the bathtubs appear in the world as families. Similar configurations of bathtubs are issued under one name but if they are apparently similar they differ with their dimensions and details of outlines: a little bit higher or lower, a little bit rounder or squarer, a little bit wider or narrower. Or, for instance, there are collections of bathroom suites for family houses where everything is done on a noble scale and for prospective for house inhabitants of different age and body-build. For a full-bodied man there are more roomy bathtubs. For babies there are bathtubs with round shaped sides as resembling a flower-cup.

There are models for family bathing. Such a non-standard model as a rule is larger than an ordinary bathtub, it shall be installed in a niche. The bathroom suit of non-standard size would be a perfect place where children can bathe, spouses can take bath together and the water will not be splashed over.

New bathroom suites diversity, wide range of bathroom units, perfect collection of bathroom accessories shall be obliged to modern materials and technologies applied in bathrooms manufacturing nowadays. They make it possible to create geometric configurations Pythagoras did not dream of: with cavity at the feet, rounded at the head, with the bottom outlining the body, any other "sophisticated" shapes.

New bathroom suite should be chosen more thoroughly than any other piece of a house furniture. It is very closely related to the lifestyle of a family that is why a bathroom renovation or new bathroom installation thereof is not very easy. Bathroom suites suppliers are usually not the best advisers. Ideally, objectively estimate your physical data, think about "trying on" the bathtub onto you as you trying on when buying clothes, even underwear (as it will touch your body), and so that you should not jump with vaulting pole over high boards. And not to feel discomfort because of the difference of temperatures between the parts of body deep into the water and knees and shoulders coming out.

Construction of the bathtub is appreciated for its body-structure shape, i. e. closeness to human body. Such constructive inventions are now becoming pearls of shapes in new bathroom suites design. Professionals will help you choose and install a bathroom suite which is the most comfortable for you.

Home improvement is great if you know how to finance it

With housing prices at an all time high, homeowners who have outgrown their existing home or feel that it no longer meets their needs have a dilemma. It would be great to move to a larger house, but the prices of larger houses are higher than ever. What to do? The savvy homeowner might consider remodeling. You can add an extra room, convert a garage or update a kitchen. It's less expensive than buying another house, and there are many options for funding it.

Here are a few ways to obtain funds for home improvement purposes:

Credit cards - If you have received a recent offer for a low-interest or 0% interest "teaser" rate for applying for a new credit card, this may be your ticket. These offers are usually good for balance transfers from other accounts, and the rates are sometimes good for the life of the loan. This could be the best choice if you are doing the improvements yourself. Be sure to read the fine print, or that 0% interest could turn out to be 20% or more.

Home improvement stores - Sometimes, lumberyards and home improvement stores offer their own financing and the deals are often pretty enticing. Sometimes they even include no payments for a year or so. Check the ads in your local newspaper. Again, this option works best if you are doing your own work. And make sure you pay on time; sometimes the interest accrues retroactively if you pay late.

Home equity loan - The interest is tax deductible and you will have a fixed interest rate and a fixed repayment schedule. This is a great way to go if the project is expensive and is being done all at once. Be aware that you are putting your house at risk if you fail to pay. This is the best option for major renovations performed by a contractor.

Home equity line of credit - Great for long-term projects that just require a little bit of money here and there. The interest rate is variable and you only have to pay back what you actually use. The interest is still tax deductible. You are, as with a home equity loan, pledging your house as collateral.

With the price of houses still near all time highs, this is perhaps the best time ever to consider staying in your home and fixing it up. You can make it more suit your needs and you don't have to move. And with numerous financing options available, funding should be available for just about anyone who wants to make their home just a little bit more livable.

Buying furniture online can be safer than offline

Furniture sales have historically been a major area of consumer complaints. Luckily, there are a number of reasons why buying furniture online may be safer than offline.

No Fast-Talking Salesmen

Many complaints say the furniture salesperson made promises that were not kept. In reality, furniture salespeople don't always know what they're talking about. The actual fulfillment of furniture orders is often handled by a different department, or even a different company.

Not having salespeople hanging around makes online furniture shopping lower-pressure.

It's All in Writing

By their very nature, online furniture stores have to put a lot of information in writing. The written policies regarding shipping, warranties (if any), and customer service will almost always be easy to access. (Hint: look for links to written policies at the bottom of each web page.) The fact that everything is written down gives the online furniture store much less wiggle room to change the terms of the deal.

Tips:

* Save or print out the web pages that describe the furniture you have ordered and the web pages for important policies and guarantees (which may change after you order), along with any confirmation pages or emails. That way, if you ever have a dispute, you have a firm basis to make your case.

* If the web page describing the product does not have a model name or product number, make sure you get those at checkout or at some other point before paying. Make absolutely sure you are ordering the furniture you want to order. As with an offline furniture store, you will have to pay to return any merchandise you ordered by mistake.

* If you do speak with a salesperson on the phone, don't undermine the paper trail by accepting promises over the phone. Ask the web address for the written policy, or for a follow-up email outlining any promises made.

Photographic Evidence

Almost as good as online furniture stores' paper trail is their photograph trail. A common consumer furniture complaint against offline stores is that the furniture that was delivered did not look like the model in the showroom. With online furniture stores, you are buying based on a photograph. You can save the picture onto your computer in case the delivered furniture does not meet expectations. If you make sure the model name or number is included on the order form at checkout, you can also double-check what the model looks like by going to the manufacturer's website.

Less Delivery Wiggle Room

Late shipments are another common complaint against offline furniture stores. Furniture frequently arrives as much as one to two months later than salespeople indicated.

Online furniture stores will generally ship directly from the warehouse within a few days to a week of your order. Once again, you can easily check the written shipping policy for more exact information.

Another great thing about online furniture stores is that they are generally using third-party delivery companies. If you get the name of the delivery company while ordering, you may at least be able to check with the delivery company itself in the event of a late order. A third-party delivery company makes it a little more difficult for the store to claim the furniture is in transit when it never shipped.

Credit and Finance: Fewer Traps

According to the website consumeraffairs. com, furniture stores' financing deals are notorious for breaking laws regulating credit and loans. That 0% interest deal might not be as great as you thought if it comes packed with expensive penalty charges. Or you might find that the qualification requirements are too high for most people to get the low rate. Worst, since it's the furniture store that's making you the loan, you've essentially already paid them before taking delivery of the furniture. If you later find out your furniture is going to be delivered unacceptably late, you may have a hard time canceling your order. The situation is no better for cash.

Online furniture stores generally do not offer financing. Instead, they accept credit cards. If a furniture store does not deliver the merchandise as promised and will not resolve your complaint, your credit card issuer may be able to help you in your dispute. In an extreme case where the furniture does not arrive or arrives in bad shape, your credit card provider may be able to force a refund.

Better Business Bureau's Convenient BBBOnline

Many consumers who have complaints with a furniture store turn to the Better Business Bureau. But if the store is not a member of the Better Business Bureau, the Bureau can do little to help. Contrary to common belief, the Better Business Bureau is not a government agency and cannot enforce judgments. The Bureau primarily works to resolve disputes between consumers and its member businesses.

With online furniture stores, it's easy to check for Better Business Bureau membership. The store should have the BBBOnline logo displayed prominently on the order page. Click on the logo to be taken to the BBB. org web page for that store. The web page should say that the store is a member in good standing.

With the BBBOnline, the Bureau's ecommerce program, you can dispute a sale without having to go to the local Bureau where the store is headquartered, anywhere in the US.

Of course, if you're too trusting and don't look for written policies, Better Business Bureau membership, or save receipts, you can still be snookered by online furniture stores. But you could also be taken in by offline furniture stores. For a careful shopper, online furniture stores make it much easier to dot all the I's than it would be offline. The experience is straightforward, low-pressure, and mostly in writing.

In short, while you should always be careful, online furniture stores make being careful a lot easier.