What Are the Benefits of Adding a Second Story?

Aaron O'Hanlon asked:




If you live in a ranch style home or other single-story structure, you might consider adding living space by building a second story on your home. There are several benefits of adding a second story to a home, but there are also some possible barriers you will need to overcome.

If you are prepared to consider building upward instead of building outward (by adding a room or two), there are several things you will need to check out before your planning goes too far:

Will local zoning ordinances and building code requirements allow you to add a second story?

o Will your neighborhood homeowners association allow you to add a second story? (Some neighborhood associations do, and others do not).

o Can the footings, exterior walls and interior supports handle the extra weight?

o Is the foundation adequate?

o What are the restrictions on the design of the addition and the materials you will be able to use?

o Can you find an architect or a designer who can make the second story look like it was originally part of the house and like it fits the neighborhood?

o How and where can you build stairs to access the new second floor in a way that looks natural on the first floor?

o What permits and inspections will be necessary?

o Will you need new water and sewer lines or electrical circuits to handle the extra load?

While considering a second story addition to your house, you should calculate the cost of the decision. It will probably be more expensive to add a second story than it would be to add a room or two. Set-back requirements in your locality might make it necessary to add a second floor because you might not have a big enough lot to add to the ground floor. In designing your second story addition, you might also want to consider only adding a second story over part of your existing house. In many cases, this will result in an attractive home at a lower cost than a full second story.

There are four main benefits of adding a second story:

1. You don’t have to move to get more living space. If you like living where you are, for any of a number of reasons, this can be a compelling argument. A second story addition might mean keeping your children in the same school or staying close to shopping or your workplace.

2. A second story addition is a chance to modernize your home or to add windows that will lighten and brighten interior spaces. The addition might give you the tall entry foyer you want or allow you to change the exterior of your house to make it stand out.

3. You will have the chance to design the new space any way you want. You can match the floor plan to the specific needs of your family. You can use the space in any way that will make your home more comfortable for your family or give them special space for special activities.

4. You will have a chance to make some changes to the first floor, and those changes will cost less than if you made them as a separate project. Do you want a higher ceiling in your kitchen? Have you always wanted spiral stairways?

If you need extra living space, it will be worth your while to think about adding a second story to your house. The benefits are clear, and many of the possible obstacles can be overcome with planning.

Build a Footbridge
August 28, 2010 | Normal | Tags: , , | No Comments »

Bridges Can Be a Good Addition to the Landscapes

Andrew Caxton asked:




There are endless ways to make up your landscape innovatively. One such is casting of bridges over pools r in a given space in your back yard. It adds a special touch to your landscape and makes it appear even more attractive. You can have a bridge in a variety of styles and the best thing is it won’t take much of your time!!!

Add a Pond and a Bridge to Your Landscape

A pond looks just splendid in your backyard and an excellent eye catcher. Building a pond would require to have a footbridge to go across and this will be an ideal set up for you to relax and enjoy some good parties!!

Decide- Professional or Amateur

Well, this option totally depends on you. You can either hire someone to get you a bridge done, mind you, it may cost you, or you can make one all by yourself and be proud of your hard work. Either way you would be benefited. If it is made by you, it would be more personalized and you would get more appreciation.

Creating a Footbridge for Your Landscape

A footbridge will lead you to your garden or serve as a walkover for your pond or may take you to your deck. To build one, you require some necessary materials which include wood, nails and equipments for the same like hammer etc. And yes, you require your own creativity and imagination to have an impressive bridge done!! Always check in the size and the length and the proper place where you want your bridge to be. Once you start building, you won’t be able to change direction. And if you do change it, it might destroy certain areas of your landscape.

Starting On Your Pond

A pond would go 15 to 20 inches in depth but you need to dig a few more inches deep. Firstly, you need to mark out the area with paint for your pond and then go about digging it.

Get Rid of the Debris

Evacuate a clear spot for your pond. Remove all the unrequited things and also the roots and any sharp objects you come across that may put a hole in the liner for your pond. Make it a point to see that your pond is even at the base or the water may not settle properly.

Sand for the Bottom of Your Pond

You have to coat the hole of your pond with sand when you are ready with the liner. This is to keep your liner intact. You may also cut off some excess liner for easier managing but long enough to cover it all. Another tip- warm up your liner in the sun for it to stretch better.

Finally!!! Setting Your Footbridge

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How to Build a Stone Outdoor Fireplace

Jennifer Akre asked:




Building a stone outdoor fireplace is a monumental undertaking. Building this is backbreaking work and pretty expensive to boot. Don’t let that discourage you though. The rewards definitely outweigh the costs. A stone outdoor fireplace can add thousands of dollars to your home’s value. In these tough economic times you need any edge possible when placing your home on the market. And of course you have the added benefit of enjoying it until your home sells. Here are a few tips on how to build a stone outdoor fireplace.

Since this will be a signature accent piece of the yard, try and locate it in a central location. Ideally you’ll want to build a deck or patio around it if you don’t have one already. Measure out the dimensions of the stone outdoor fireplace. You’ll need all 3 dimensions, width, length and height. After getting the measurements, shop around for the perfect stone look for you home.

To start the prep work for the fireplace you’ll need a flat level bit of ground. Scoop out any vegetation and compact a layer of gravel on top of the dirt. It’s time to start the build. Hopefully you had all that stone delivered right next to the work site! It’s much easier than lugging it across the lawn.

For the basic footprint you’ll want to lay out a rectangular base using the largest stones with the flattest top. Mortar these pieces together. All that you have to do from here on out is fit the stones together and secure them with a light smear of mortar.

Use smaller stones and pebbles to fill up any gaping holes between the larger rocks. Once you have a solid base about a foot tall use some fireproof mortar mix to smooth the top of the base and fill in any remaining cracks. This will keep hot embers from working into the fireplace. Once the mortar is dry it’s time to start building up the stone wall.

Stack larger stones along the back and sides of your new fireplace base. Mortar them into place once again using a fireproof mix. Periodically use a plumb bob to check that the wall is staying level. You don’t want to have the whole assembly leaning like a certain tower in Pisa.

Continue to stack and mortar until the entire assembly stands approximately 4 feet high. This next part can get a bit messy and you’ll need a lot of the fireproof mortar mix. Go along the inside walls of the fireplace filling in any cracks with mortar. It doesn’t need to be perfectly even. All you’re shooting for is a sealed surface so it doesn’t belch smoke out the sides.

Let your new fireplace cure a couple days before lighting it up. It may have taken a lot of time and muscle but you now have a great new home addition. Learning how to build a stone outdoor fireplace is a rewarding task that you can enjoy for years to come or list as a feature when putting the house on the market.

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Landscaping With Bridges

Andrew Caxton asked:




Using A Bridge In Your Backyard Design

You may want to consider building a bridge in your garden if you have enough space for it. It can really add a rather original and attractive angle to your design scheme. Overall adding a bridge would a fairly quick process, and there are quite a few ways to go about it.

Add a pond and a bridge to your landscape

Ponds are a great focal point in any garden and also add a very chilled and relaxed feel to your overall design. For instance you could locate the pond close to your patio or decking, then add a path and bridge so you can easily cross the expanse of water. It is guaranteed to add quite of bit of pizzazz to your d?cor!

Doing It Yourself vs. Hiring A Specialist

If you’re planning to add a bridge to your back garden, you can either decide to do all the work yourself, or get a professional in to get the job done. This last option may work out to be rather costly so you may want to consider building the bridge on your own – this would also give you greater satisfaction showing off your handiwork!

How To Go About Building A Bridge In Your Yard

In addition to some creativity you will need basic materials such as timber and nails to build a footbridge to go over an existing water feature like a pond. Then, before you get started in earnest you will need to consider the particulars of your backyard such as whether there will be a path going from the patio to the bridge, how long the bridge needs to be and what shape would best fit with the rest of your scheme.

How to Get Started

Before you get digging you should plot out the area where the pond will be using paint. Once this is done you can get your spade out, remembering to dig a few inches deeper that the intended depth of the finished water feature, say about 15 to 20″.

Cleaning Up The Rubble

As you need you will unearth pointed rocks and hard roots that could pierce through the lining of the pond: you therefore need to remove all debris that can get in the way, leaving the surface even. If this is not done properly then you run the risk of the overall result looking off once the pond is filled with water.

Using a Layer Of Sand

In order to help keeping the pond liner firmly where you need it to stay you can use a layer of sand underneath. You can always cut any additional material that is not required but you should keep enough liner to put over the edges of your pond. A useful trick to make the liner more flexible and help it stretch is to leave it to warm up in a sunny spot first.

Putting The Bridge In

When you are finally ready to install your footbridge in its intended location you should position stones all around the edges of your pond. You can be quite creative there and add even more interest to the feature by choosing rocks of particular shapes or color. As you put your bridge in place ensure that it is completely stable and is properly anchored, so you can enjoy its great decorative effect straight away.

August 27, 2010 | Normal | Tags: , , | No Comments »

Adding a New Room As Your Remodeling Project

Aaron O'Hanlon asked:




Lifestyles have changed significantly during the last 100 years. At the turn of the last century, most homes were built with drawing rooms and parlors. These functioned as places to receive visitors, places to entertain close friends and family, places of instruction, and places for families to gather.?

Homes built between the 1940s and the 1960s were designed with huge living rooms. These were formal to semi-formal rooms that were intended to be the center of all family activity from quiet family gatherings to spaces for formal entertainment.?Families that needed smaller areas for cozy family time built dens, and those who needed places to play built recreation rooms.?The withdrawing room (drawing room) where people got away in cozy spaces and the parlor (where guests were greeted and entertained) disappeared from most new homes.?

In more recent years, homeowners wanted larger and more casual multi-functional living space and smaller formal living rooms.?In some home designs the living room disappeared, and a great room became the standard multi-functional family living space.?

The first step, therefore, in planning and designing a new living room is deciding how the room will be used. This will enable you to make decisions about where to place the addition and about the size of the new room.?Where you add the room will also be determined by several other factors:

The architectural style of your home Keeping the addition in proportion to the rest of the house The contours of your lot Local zoning and land use regulations Building code specifications Effect on the view from other rooms How it will affect the view of the front (or back/side) of your home How the new roof will connect with the existing roof Where you are willing to give up some of your yard

The next thing to consider is who will do the work and when it will be done.?A living room addition is not a weekend project for a do-it-yourselfer. You will need to schedule tasks in the correct order and arrange for contractors, sub-contractors and workers to be available on a schedule that will save you money and not disrupt your family’s life.?

Local building codes will help you with specific requirements for exterior materials, height and other design elements, and with requirements about which work must be done by licensed professionals (electrical, plumbing).?You will need to create, or hire a professional to create, a clear and detailed plan for your addition that includes air flow for heating and cooling, framing and structural support, excavation for footings and foundation, proper insulation, windows and doors, and even where you will put electrical outlets and connections for home technology and entertainment services.?

With careful planning and professional guidance you can create a new living room that will provide space for your family’s lifestyle and increase the value of your home (if done correctly). Your new room will provide years of living comfort.

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How to Build a Low Arched Footbridge and Garden Bridge

Joe Guraro asked:




Step 1
Determine a location for your bridge. The foundation of the bridge must be on solid, dry ground. Measure your space and buy materials.

Step 2
Place one pair of concrete pier blocks at each end of the bridge location. Dig down or build up in order to ensure that the blocks are level with each other.

Step 3
Connect beams to the pier blocks. Place the pier blocks one length of beam a part. Attach the beams using metal straps.

Step 4
Construct railing posts for each side of the bridge, if desired. Carefully measure the height of the posts to make sure they’re even. Set the posts in incremental spacing to ensure that the railing is supportive and strong.

Step 5
Lay planks across the beams to form the treads of the bridge. Cut the planks to a length that allows them to lay fully over each beam but not too far over the sides of the bridge.

Step 6
Attach hand railing to the railing posts. Measure the proper height and mark each railing post with chalk as a visual guideline, then firmly attach each hand railing section.

Step 7
Stain or paint and seal the bridge. Use a sealer specifically for use outdoors to prevent dampness from ruining the wood and destroying your bridge.

Part 2

1. Use 16′ 2x12s for the stringers. Square both ends of a 2×12 and cut it exactly 16′ in length.

2. Measure up 4″ on each end of the 2×12 and make a mark. Locate the center of the 2×12, measure 1 1/2′ (18″) toward the left and right ends, and mark. Draw cut-lines between the marks as shown below.

3. Use a circular saw to cut the stringer along the cut-line. Use the first stringer as a pattern to mark and cut the other stringers.

Marked stringer

1. Cut 2×6 decking boards to 36″ for decking.

2. Center the decking boards on the stringer frame so there’s about an inch of overhang on each side. Secure the deck boards with two screws at each stringer. Leave a 1/8″ to 1/4″ gap between each decking board. It may be necessary to cut decking boards to fit where the incline flattens out on the bridge.

Cut stringer

For this bridge, we decided not to install railings. In most areas, structures under two feet high are not required to have railings, but always check with your local building inspector for requirements in your area. If your local code requires railings or if you would like to add them to your bridge.

More Plans that might work good for you.

My wife had casually mentioned that a footbridge over the dry creek bed drainage culvert we created in the front and in the back would be a nice feature. I decided to surprise her and built the bridges in one day. I used 2×12 lumber for the sides, cut the arch shapes out with a jigsaw, and then transferred that shape to the other side and cut it out too.

I left a flat area on the bottom side at each end where it would rest on the ground. The only limit to design on the cuts is your imagination. If you don’t want a tall bridge, or if it isn’t spanning a wide area, you could use 2×10, 2×8 or even 2×6 lumber. I made mine 6 feet long and 24″ wide, and used 2×4 and 2×6 boards for the decking, and a 2×6 vertical support in the center to give it more rigidity. I used a square to make sure the board sides and ends were perpendicular and parallel.

I used redwood If you want to make a smooth arch shape, you can use 1/2″ PVC pipe, bend it to the shape you want, screw it to the board, and then trace out the curve on the board. The bridge is very sturdy, and looks pretty good too. Of course, you could use 2×8, or even 2×6 side boards, depending on the span and how you cut the side boards.

Build a Footbridge
August 26, 2010 | Normal | Tags: , , | No Comments »

Painting Contractor – Different Types of Contractors For Every Need

Aaron O'Hanlon asked:




Nowadays, painting is very important to every property because they would increase the value of the house. At the same time, the property would to look more beautiful. Just imagine a majestic place without any paint. Doesn’t it look very dull? This is the reason why paints are used for properties.

And for people who would need painting services, it is better if they would hire a painting contractor to paint their properties. The reason for this is that they are experts when it in painting these properties so they can do the job properly and at the fastest time possible.

In the world of painting, you will find two kinds of painting contractors. The first is for the residential while the other is for the commercial establishments.

House Painters

These are the contractors that would paint residential areas. In this way, the house will look its best because of the how it was painted by the house painters. They can do house painting not only for the interior part of the house but of course on its exterior.

Commercial Painting Contractor

These are the contractors that can paint big establishments. May these be offices or malls, they can do perfect interior painting inside the establishment. Of course, they also have the needed contraption in order to pain the outdoor part of the establishments.

The good thing about the contractors is that they can paint a property at a speedy manner because of the fact that they know the right way of preparing the property for painting. At the same time, they can paint with less or no mistakes at all. This means that they will finish the painting in no time as they do not experience any problems during the tasks.

If you are looking for the perfect painting contract for your home, you can just start looking online and you will see all the contractors available within your area. With all the companies to choose from, you have the chance to compare their prices in order to get the cheapest one possible for your budget and the service that you need.

Painting is very important to properties in order to make the look very beautiful. And if you will need their services for your house, you will find a lot of companies that are willing to extend their services to you and can even help you in choosing the color that you may want for your home.

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Whitewater Kayaking in Wisconsin

Nicole Munoz asked:




The beautifully diverse state of Wisconsin is crossed with beautiful and scenic rivers frequented by both kayakers and canoeists, as well as those enjoying a day of tubing, rafting, or just relaxing on the river. With more than 40 rivers for kayaking and canoeing, it is no wonder the whitewater kayaking in Wisconsin is some of the best in the nation. This brief guide will cover some of the best whitewater kayaking spots in Wisconsin.

The Bad River, winding through northern Wisconsin, offers more than 40 miles of whitewater for kayaking and rafting. Beginning at Devil’s Gate footbridge in Ashland County, intermediate whitewater kayakers can brave class I through III rapids for 18.8 miles of scenic, mountainous views before ending at Elm Hoist Road. Another popular stretch of the Bad River for advanced whitewater kayaking also begins at Devil’s Gate footbridge and boasts 6.2 miles of class III-V rapids, as well as breathtaking views of the Gogebic Range in Wisconsin.

There are many other sections of the Bad River that offer fun and exciting whitewater kayaking adventures for experienced paddlers, as well as a few calmer Wisconsin kayaking rivers nearby. If you are planning on kayaking Bad River, there are a limited number of hotels in the area and a few nearby campgrounds. It is recommended that you make reservations for overnight accommodations in advance. The best time to kayak the Bad River is in the spring, but the landscape is quite colorful in the fall. A variety of plant and animal life is abundant along the undeveloped shoreline and Native American artifacts have been discovered as well.

The Montreal River, passing through Iron and Gogebic Counties in Wisconsin, offers 40 miles of whitewater kayaking for paddlers of all experience levels. The Erickson Road to Saxon Falls Dam section of the Montreal River is a relaxing 16.7 mile paddle with class I and II rapids, perfect for beginners or to warm up for the highly difficult western fork of the river. The challenging western branch of the Montreal River features class II through V rapids and several waterfalls for an ultimate whitewater kayaking experience.

Accommodations can be found at several nearby hotels and campgrounds. The water gates at the area dams can create very low water levels at times, so it is recommended to check on gate openings before planning your whitewater kayaking trip. If the water is too low, the Montreal River is practically impassable. You can also enjoy hiking to Wisconsin’s beautiful waterfalls or whitewater kayaking on the other numerous rivers nearby.

There are plenty of majestic rivers that offer outstanding whitewater kayaking in Wisconsin, from a refreshing paddle down the east fork of the Chippewa River to the heart-stopping rapids of the Potato River. Several of Wisconsin’s whitewater rivers are perfect for multiple day kayak trips. Plan ahead and make the necessary preparations for overnight camping along the river and remember a durable, lightweight camping tent like the Coleman Exponent Krypton 2 that comfortably sleeps two and weighs less than 8 pounds.

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Running Shoe Guide – How Do I Choose The Right Shoes?

Jeff Ray asked:




Running is a great way to keep fit and can be a lot of fun, too. It is very important to make sure you have the correct equipment before you start and one of the most important investments is a good pair of running shoes. They can improve your running gait and prevent injuries. There are thousands of
different running shoes to choose from and most of the big sports manufacturers invest money into the science and technology of running shoes.

Running Shoe Components

A running shoe comprises an outsole, a midsole, an upper, a heel counter and a post or footbridge. Apart from that, running shoes vary enormously in design and color. A running shoe has to be flexible and durable, control motion and absorb shock. It is best to buy your shoes from a specialist running
shop, or at least a sports shop, so you can get good advice from the sales staff. Try on shoes in the afternoon, when your feet are slightly larger.

Each person has slightly different feet, so a great shoe for someone else might not necessarily be the best one for you. The shape of your feet, your weight, any foot problems, your running style and running surfaces (tarmac, sand, treadmill etc) and various other factors can affect which running shoe
is going to suit you and your lifestyle the best.

Types of Running Shoes

You can divide your feet into one of three basic types – normal, flat or high arched. Have a look at your wet footprint on the bathmat when you get out of the bath. If you see a full imprint, this means you are flat footed. If there is an arch cutaway, your foot is normal. If there is a very narrow band
or no band between the front and back of the foot, you have high arches. Foot type affects which sort of running shoes will be better for you. The normal foot tends to be the most biomechanically efficient and you will need shoes with moderate motion control. If you have high arches, avoid stability or
motion control shoes, as these will limit foot mobility. If your feet are flat, high stability or motion control shoes with firm midsoles will reduce the amount your foot naturally rolls in and be more comfortable and better for you. Avoid highly curved or cushioned shoes if your feet are flat, as they
will restrict stability.

When trying on running shoes, make sure they feel good as soon as you put them on. The average pair of running shoes should be able to run 1000 km so comfort is a must!

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Mother, Marriage, Continuing College, Family, and Career

Bernard Fleury asked:




In April of 1954 I decided to call Lida Healey, the last girl I had been dating prior to reentering the Seminary. We had broken up in the spring of 1953 when I found out that she had a boy friend in the Military Service whom she really cared about and I had been a convenient fill-in while he was gone for months at a time. I had really liked her and on impulse decided to call her because we had been friends for six years in our Grange Youth Group.

The telephone call was very warmly received so I asked her if she’d like to go to a square dance the following Saturday and she said, “Yes.” After the dance we went to a burger joint for a snack and had a long conversation. She told me she had discovered that Don had been home on leave at times when she didn’t know it and dating other girls so she dropped him. Then she told me how sorry she was for using me and that she had missed me. My “liking” turned to love that very moment and we started dating on a regular basis.

In September of 1954 I proposed marriage and she accepted. I was crazy in love with her and she with me. We set the wedding date for August 20th of 1955 but Hurricane Diane came to our town that week and my fianc?e–’s house was isolated on an island with a huge road washout on both sides of it. One week later on August twenty-seventh, thanks to a hastily constructed footbridge of logs and a rope rail, Lida and her entourage carried their garments over the bridge to her cousin’s house where they dressed.

We were so numb from the devastation we had lived through for nine days that I don’t remember much about our beautiful ceremony or the reception. We honeymooned at the A Bar A Ranch Resort in the Adirondacks for one week – that week I remember.

I returned on Saturday to my parent’s home for supper. My mom loved Lida from the start for they were very much alike – beautiful, spirited women who gave all to those they loved. I had really lucked out in choosing Lida as my wife.

I had to resume my position as Principal, Teacher, and Coach at East Whately Grammar School the following Monday while Lida settled us into our four room apartment less than a mile from her parents. Lida was the one who remained in daily contact with both of her mothers, because my mother looked on her as a third daughter.

I heard about my Mom much of the time through Lida because for the first year of our marriage, in addition to my job, I also was finishing my dissertation for my Master’s Degree. Lida, too, went back to work as a secretary at a local insurance office.

I couldn’t wait to get home from work after coaching a ball game, but my “romantic French ideas” often got buried in tiredness and Lida spending her time typing my thesis as I wrote it. Nevertheless we were so in love that we made time for each other. Holding her in my arms was the highlight of my day.

When our first anniversary came and went without Lida becoming pregnant, our mothers began to ask, “When are we going to get our first grandchild?” Shortly after our first anniversary those frequent Arabian nights paid off and Lida hugged and kissed me with a special fervor one evening when I returned from work. “Guess what?” she asked? Her look told me the answer. She was indeed pregnant and was to have our first child in April of the next year. We hugged each other alternating between laughing and crying tears of joy. We visited her parents and mine the same night with the news and they too were overjoyed. Both sets of parents would be getting their first grandchild.

In early March 1957, I returned home one evening to find Lida in tears and her mother, frantic! The doctor said she had signs of leaking water from a small premature rupture of the membrane. Though our baby wasn’t due for five or six weeks our doctor told her to stay quiet, lay down as much as she could to see if the leakage would stop. It did temporarily and on March thirteenth Lida went into labor and our son was born three weeks prematurely, a small five pounds and five and one half ounces, with flaming red hair, and healthy. Being so small he had to be coaxed to suck and Lida had to feed him every two hours around the clock. She took a leave from work and her mother came to help her during the day so she could catch up on some sleep. I had to sleep in order to work, so my time with him was limited to early evenings for the first several months.

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