You've hired a general contractor to complete your project for what seems like an enormous amount of money. Many in this position know little or nothing about what goes on at the job site. You're training may be in accounting, or teaching biology, or
research, or running a restaurant or any number of other jobs and careers which keep you unexposed to the activities and management of a building site. There are still some things you can do to help the process along. After all, you want things to run smoothly and efficiently and finish up true to your vision of what the final project should be. Waiting until the last minute to make decisions and choices, or making a lot of changes once decisions have been passed on to the builder will usually cause delays and almost always cost money.

As the owner, you can help. Here's how:

* Ask your contractor for an "owner decision schedule". This will tell you what decisions you need to make and when they are needed. To keep from becoming overwhelmed, this could be done on a monthly basis.

* Become familiar with terminology of the building trades to help you with decisions and understanding what is being discussed at owner meetings.

* Have a furniture plan in mind early in the project. You may want to adjust window and door locations, door swings, window sill heights, etc. Lighting fixtures are commonly relocated after the furniture plan is revealed.

* Know what flooring you are going to use. Rough floor heights (particularly concrete slab floors) may need to be adjusted to accommodate your material selection.

* Do you have future plans to add a pool, spa or fire pit? The builder needs this information to properly size the gas lines and meter.

* Do you have special equipment that goes in the garage or hobby room? Some machinery and appliances require 220 amp or dedicated circuits. These have to be installed right after framing is complete.

* You should consider prewiring for everything. It is relatively inexpensive and leaves you many options after the walls are closed up. Common considerations here would be speakers for your audio system, satellite TV, security systems and computer cabling.

* Make your plumbing fixture decisions in time for the plumber to be able to correctly place the water service lines and waste system for your choice of toilets, faucets, shower controls, etc.

* Give yourself enough time to order surface mounted lighting fixtures (sconces and chandeliers for example). Some of these products have really long lead times, so you may have to order them sooner than you thought.

* And don't forget your neighbors. Keep them apprised of times when there will be especially noisy operations going on or materials that may be in their way until they can be moved to a better spot.

Although not a complete list, these are all considerations that will help the contractor to keep the job running smoothly and on schedule. If you are going to be away for business or vacation, find out if there are things the building team needs from you before you leave. Your best efforts to work as a team with the contractor and his crews will save time and money, which in the end, makes everyone happy!

About the Author

William Trimble has been building custom homes for 30 years and is the author of
Screw It! I'll Be My Own Contractor. For more information on working with a contractor or being your own contractor, go to http://www.owner-builder.net and http://www.MaricopaPublishing.com.

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If you have a desire to really irritate someone who is planning a home improvement project, ask them if they have their permit yet. The typical response is both a disgusted look and "NO! I don't want to go through the hassle and expense", or "It's not a very big project, I think I'll just take my chances". Of course there are also many varieties of other thoughts on the matter ranging from unrepeatable comments to sheepish confessions that they have no idea of what a permit is used for. As a rule-of-thumb, you will definitely need a permit if you are:

1. Changing the "foot print" of the building (ground floor additions)
2. Adding to the mass of the structure (second floor addition)
3. Making changes which will alter the structural supports (removing or altering load bearing walls)
4. Modifying mechanical, electrical or plumbing systems.

As you can see, most remodeling projects are going to require one or more of these categories to get anything accomplished. One of the functions of a building department is to enforce the rules that insure you reside in a safe structure and that subsequent owners can do the same.

In the event you are one of those owner-builders who are not sure of what a permit is for or are irritated that you need to go through the process, here are a few good things you get when you hand over the money for a building permit:

** With your permit comes an inspector. "Oh Great", you say sarcastically, but an inspector on the project really is a good thing. In most cases, inspectors are well trained and experienced in the building field. They will assure the work being done, either by you or by others, is structurally sound, building codes are being met and local codes and ordinances are addressed. A good inspector can become a valuable part of your advisory team.

** The permit process includes a plan check by the issuing city or county. If you have done the building plans yourself, this is a way to have engineering, as well as code, safety and zoning issues checked, thus assuring a quality project in the end.

** Many municipalities will give you, as a part of the permit package, a sequential list of construction activities that need to be inspected. This becomes your guide to when to call for an inspection and what has to be completed before you ask to have the inspector on site.

**A permit is, in all but rare cases, necessary for lenders to release construction loan funds. Construction loans are based on the increased appraised value your project will afford to the property. The permit helps to convince them that they are funding a quality project and that their proposed appraisal values will hold true.

**Projects completed under a permit are generally assessed at greater values.

**Resale of the building can be affected by whether improvements and/or additions were completed under a permit. Realtors have pointed out that potential home buyers can be very leery of work done without a permit.

**A number of housing communities will want to review your plans and permits to give their approval of the project.

Admittedly, "pulling a permit" can be a source of frustration, annoyance and added cost at a time when all you want to do is get your budget and builders together.
But, take a deep breath and remember the benefits headed your way once you jump through some hoops to get a permit approved project. The permit process itself is not complicated, but can take some time to clear through the building department. So make applying for a permit one of your preliminary concerns in preparing to start building, then pat yourself on the back and get on with the fun part of completing your dream project.

About the Author

After 30 years experience in the building industry, William Trimble has written "Screw It! I'll Be My Own Contractor" which gives advise to owner-builders on how to manage their construction project. For more information, go to http://www.owner-builder.net or http://www.MaricoipaPublishing.com.

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The quest for better sleeping is an ever evolving path, with manufacturers and technology constantly enhancing existing designs or creating completely new ones. Adjustable beds come in two styles, standard and heavy duty. Which one you choose will depend on the weight of the user. The weight capacity of the unit is for both the mattress and the sleeper(s) so keep this in mind. The size of the bed will depend on your needs and are quiet varied. These beds don't use normal mattresses; you will need an adjustable bed mattress. Any memory foam or latex mattress will work, and several coil and air mattresses have been designed for adjustable as well.
Make sure that you choose the right mattress for you. If your mattress is too soft then you won't get the proper support and can wake up with pain and be tired from your muscles working all night. On the other side having a too firm mattress can work against you by not supporting the lighter parts of your body such as your lower back, and give you poor circulation. Everyone has different comfort levels and the only one that will know what is best for you will be you.
Choosing the right adjustable bed is very important not only for your health but for your specific room too. Consider how much space you have and if you prefer a bed on casters or one you can put into a bed frame. The main features of adjustable beds are of course adjustability. Some beds offer total height adjustment which can be helpful for those with trouble getting in out of bed, patient care, and wheelchair transfers. Every adjustable bed will possess the ability to adjust the angle of your head and raise your legs slightly and some even have independent adjustment for the knees.
The adjustable beds are run by a soundless motor that operates the bed mounts and the bed massage feature. Having a special heat option will allow those painful and aching muscles to feel more at ease or keep you warm on a cold night.

An adjustable bed consists of two basic parts, the mattress and the bed base. The base comes in two main types - commercial and regular use. The commercial is your typical hospital adjustable bed and is not very aesthetic for in home use, however they will hold more wait and be more durable. The consumer types have more comfort features and are often disguised as box springs, and some even go in modern platform beds. One more thing that you should look for is that the adjustable bed will incline at least 50 degrees at the feet and head. The ideal incline would be 60 degrees, and some beds even achieve 70 or more degrees.
The bedroom is the living space where many individuals spend a majority of their time while in their home. Individuals with disabilities may encounter some difficulties in strategy, performing daily activities, and/or accessing furniture. There are many devices, adaptations, and technologies that can assist an individual in the bedroom. Bedrooms should be designed for comfort, accessibility, and functionality, which is precisely why adjustable beds have achieved such popularity with modern consumers.

While major or complete reductions in assistant care may not always be possible, greater independence and flexibility can be achieved through the use of motorized adjustable beds and hospital beds. This technology can also be beneficial to the personal assistant by aiding in the independence of the user, the lower chances of bedsores, and the ability to make moves easier.

There are a few differences between adjustable beds and hospital beds however. Hospital beds can be paid for by some insurance companies and these purchases are usually processed with little difficulty. The choice in size is limited and it looks very much like a hospital bed. However, hospital beds have one feature not characteristically found in adjustable beds without significantly altering the price. The entire bed can raise and lower to accommodate preferences for transfers and assistant care. Residential adjustable bed bases are typically not covered by insurance companies, but may be well worth the expense due to the fact that they allow the consumer to maintain a normal, comfortable living space without the impersonal feel of a hospital room. These retail beds also feature wireless remotes, massage and other comfort-minded features.

Most people nowadays prefer to buy the Tempurpedic mattresses, toppers and pillows to traditional ones especially with the adjustable beds. This is because many consumers realize the benefits of the new memory foam material. Unfortunately not all the consumers can afford the Tempurpedic mattresses as they are rather expensive. A Tempurpedic mattress topper is a way out, or you can look to alternative companies that sell similar products at more attainable prices. Most of the high quality memory foam mattresses will work as good as the Tempurpedic mattresses. If you are unsure, a Tempurpedic topper offers the possibility to experiment with the feel of the memory foam and see if it is right for you.

A Tempurpedic mattress topper is a good idea even for those who have a Tempurpedic mattress. They are perfect for making a too-firm mattress comfortable. Moreover the topper may serve as a preventive means. So with the help of it your mattress will be in an excellent condition much longer. The primary advantage of the Tempurpedic topper is that they provide many of the benefits of the mattresses at a fraction of the cost. It is an excellent way of relaxation as it relieves tension and pressure point commonly caused by too firmer coil beds. During pregnancy, it may be more comfortable to use a Tempurpedic mattress topper while sleeping to provide more support for the mother and belly. Such a position will contribute to the development of a baby and the comfort and relaxation of the mother. A topper of 3" is typically recommended for the best feel and support.

About the Author

Adjustable beds protect and enhance sleep and relaxation. Today they are very popular as the company has released myriad range of comfortable mattresses and even pillows and Tempurpedic believes in night time renewal of our body and mind.

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The original memory foam mattress was by Tempur-Pedic and it still remains the market leader. At first only one version was made but now the company makes several, each offering different covers, memory foam thicknesses, base foam thickness, etc. Some luxury models even utilize and ultra high density Tempur HD foam and materials such as suede and silk.

So what is a good memory foam mattress made of? Well they key factors that a mattress can be judged by are density, materials, comfort preference, and warranty.

Foam density means how much 1 cubic foot of foam weighs. A quality piece of memory foam that is 1 foot high by 1 foot wide and 1 foot in depth will weigh at least 5 lbs. All quality mattresses will have a density of 5 lbs or more per cubic foot. All memory foam mattresses contain a layer of only 2-6 inches of actual memory foam however, so this does not mean that the mattress will weigh 5lbs per foot. Density is probably the most telling feature in terms of quality and longevity and really has nothing to do with the firmness of the mattress.

Many households are looking for that one foam mattress memory brand that can really make a difference in their quality of sleep. But since personal preferences and budgets vary so widely, no one brand or mattress will suit everyone. High quality memory foam beds can be purchased for much less than Tempurpedic mattresses and lower quality beds can be purchased for roughly the same price as traditional mattresses. As with most purchases, you get what you pay for. Typically the more expensive brands will provide a higher quality, longer lasting product with a better warranty.

A quality foam memory mattress must possess the heat-sensitive, visco-elastic material which molds itself to every angle and curve of your body for the true memory foam experience. When you sleep on it, it gives your neck, back, shoulders and feet proper support. This is vital as your entire musculoskeletal architecture is supported in the correct anatomical position. When you test the mattresses, lie down in your normal sleep position and get comfortable for 5-10 minutes. You should feel the gradual sinking and contouring over the first few minutes. When you sleep on the memory foam mattress, notice to see if the pressure is evenly distributed across the entire contact area between your body and the mattress. For quality memory foam beds, there will be a very noticeable difference from a typical pillow-top, and the material should come back up gradually after you rise.
If you share a bed with someone, their comfort needs to be considered as well as your own. If you're looking for a mattress for your single bed, you only need to think of your own comfort and support. Once you've both decided on a day and time to look at mattresses, you need to determine what features you need. There are three basic steps you need to follow:

? Size - Many couples have a standard double or queen bed, however, the width in these beds for two people to sleep comfortably may feel limited depending on size and space preferences. If your room can accommodate it, most couples should opt for at least a queen or even a king size bed. For adjustable beds, a king (which will most likely be split) is the most recommended size for couples. A split king is essentially two twin long beds that offer a comfortable amount of personal space for the average person.

? Support - This is one of the most important factors in selecting the right mattress. There is a good chance that you and your partner require different support from a mattress, for example, one of you may be much taller or heavier than the other so it could be a good idea to look at construction types that offer support for individuals. There is the possibility that your ideas differ largely in how a mattress should be or which materials feel the best. You may wish to consider a split or customizable type mattress which can be made with two separate materials and firmnesses, but still put into one mattress for a more desirable look.
? Cost - The cost of mattresses can differ greatly, but generally, it is recommended to get the best quality mattress your budget supports, as they will typically last a long time. Although, just because you spend a lot of money on a mattress does not mean it will be the right one for you, or your partner. Put aside advertising gimmicks and promotions and look for a mattress that provides the adequate comfort and support you both require. Then when you're ready to select one, use the internet and local ads to find the best deal.

About the Author

Finding the best Memory Foam Mattress is about finding the one that best suits your sleep requirement, aesthetic requirement and budget constraints. If possible test as many out as possible and compare. Mattresses is very crucial For Couples

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I want to install a water heater for my guest house in Michigan, which we do not visit often. Our trips to the house limit to about only seven months and I suppose a regular heater would prove more energy-consuming. Is a tankless water heater worth installing and will it actually save energy?

The question is a common one asked by many consumers who are very cautious to invest on right things and smartly. However, the topic is a vast one and it is very difficult to provide complete description. I make it a point to brief the users with all the general and technical info regarding the gadget, so they can decide if that is what they want. And for this I have gathered the essentials and facts from my research and various reliable sources containing the details of how it works. I have also included the installation essentials and the a little bit of its engineering to make the discussion peppy and precise.

An analysis of the cost factor involved in the process, the tankless heater is obviously expensive than the regular one. The stainless steel venting pipes in the heaters which use propane and natural gas add to its cost. The other fact worth mentioning in determining the cost is that these require bulkier pipes, which implies the reconstruction of pipelines. Of course the tankless heaters are more efficient, about 80 percent, whereas their traditional counterparts being only 60 percent.

Being economical is one of the prerequisites of all consumers. Keeping this in mind, and calculating the savings in the tankless heater it has been observed that the energy amount lost during the sitting period of the hot water in the tank proves to be beneficial as it shows a saving of around seven dollars every month. In fact it saves an additional amount of two dollars each month in this process. Based on these calculations, it is actually a good deal as it can save you over two hundred and fifty dollars each year if you plan to make use of the tankless water heater in your house.

While studying the electricity bill of August 2007, I noticed that the cost of using the standard water heater came to approximately thirty six dollars. The usage is for five people who take shower twice owing to the rigorous perspiration caused by the hard activities throughout the day. In fact, during winters the cost can be expected o go higher as the water has to be heated for a longer period in comparison to that in the summer season.

Generally speaking the approximate cost will be an extra $1,550.00, which means you have to work hard to meet the ends. The best and the smartest way to make the deal most economic is to make it work. The point may be confusing but its true. If we make use of the very basic mathematical calculations, to reach a break even, I would need nearly twelve and a half years. All of us understand that if we want to save and we have to spend extra for it, the equation for the saving does not imply till there is extra money apart from the investment amount in addition to the interest for that amount. The lost-interest income has not been included in my previous payback example above. If it would have been included there would have been a rise in the payback period.

Especially in your case, where it will hardly work for 50 to 60 days a year, the payback money that comes from the saving and to meet the lost-interest income is not fair enough.

Once switched on you get warm water within ninety minutest that cool!! It is always a good practice to turn off the heater when you leave it for a long vacation. Always be careful while using the "Vacation" setback thermostat setting. Its better not to use it! The purpose of switching off the heater is to avoid draining the heater and failure of furnace.

The capacity of these wonder gadgets is very high, especially when the difference between the temperatures of the water entering it and the water leaving is less. My research says that if you have a heated-water temperature of 110F and the incoming water is 75F, then some tankless heaters can produce 8.5 gallons per minute of hot water. On the other hand during winters the capacity reduces to 5 gallons per minute.

There are always two sides of a coin. The side to select is in our hands. Sometimes the expenses on its maintenance exceed the savings. However, the supply of hot water is the first thing to mind and leaves all the drawbacks behind it. So choose the best that suits your needs and go ahead.

About the Author

Mark Dunne is a successful freelance writer providing advice on your a number of topics like Home Improvements and Ventilation if you have time drop by his site for some tips and information. http://www.diystuff.com

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