NJ Home Improvement Blog

Settlement Is Reached In Chinese Drywall Case

2012-01-13T05:16:00.000-05:00

Owners of thousands of U.S. homes tainted with foul-smelling Chinese drywall agreed to a legal settlement on Thursday with a German manufacturer. The settlement reached with Knauf International was worth $800 million to $1 billion, but a lawyer for the company said the final amount would likely be much lower.
Knauf International's Chinese subsidiary made the tainted product, which has been blamed for producing a stench and fumes that damage air conditioning, wiring and fixtures.

Plaintiffs say the settlement, which requires court approval, could provide for repairs on as many as 4,500 properties containing drywall made by Knauf Plasterboard Tianjin, or KPT.

Many of the affected homes were built in 2006 and 2007 at the end of a U.S. housing boom and during a burst of rebuilding after several hurricanes in the U.S. Southeast. The drywall was tainted by sulfur from a gypsum mine in Northern China, according to a KPT attorney.

Knauf Group, parent of Knauf International, is one of the world's largest makers of building materials. It employs 23,000 worldwide and had 2008 sales of 5.6 billion euros, according to its website.

Willson One-Fit N95 Disposable Respirator Without Valve

2012-01-12T07:45:00.000-05:00

When working with sanders, cutting wood, swipping basement or garage and when applying furtiliser in the summer, is a good idea to use a Disposable Respirator. You can purchase them at any hardware store or any big box stores like HD or Lowes. Most of the respirators offer one size universal fit.

One very efficient Respirator is Willson One-Fit N95, which offers affordable and effective filtering mask and at the same time you have an excellent protection when cutting or sanding wood, installing fiberglass insulation or drywall, auto-body work, landscaping. This respirator is using Electrostatic filtration and it the same provides very low-breathing resistance, not to mention comfort level when you wear it for a long time period . This respirator is also prevents reaction to sensitive skin and its good quality construction gives you a filtration efficiency of 95% against nonoil airborne particles. They usually come in the Box of 20 and its a must to have item for every contractor or DIY.

It is also NIOSH approved.

Vast Unique Paver System

2012-01-03T07:19:00.000-05:00

Make the most of your deck with Vast Composite Pavers

The beauty of pavers is now available for your deck. Enjoy the unique luxury created from a deck made from Vast Composite Deck Pavers. Vast pavers use a patented grid system with integrated water drainage to make installation to a deck sub-floor simple and durable.

Composite Deck Paver (3"x6" Boardwalk Paver, 11.8"x11.8" Grid)

The Pavers are Truly Maintenance-Free

Vast composite pavers let you spend time enjoying your deck, not working on it.

No staining, painting, sealing or treatment required
No fasteners to work loose and no splinters
Completely resist mold and mildew
Replace a single paver (versus replacing an entire piece of lumber)

Superior Performance

Vast pavers is a highly engineered material designed to maximize strength, durability and appearance.

One-third the weight of concrete
Durable under light vehicular traffic, snow plows, forklifts and skid loaders
Innovative grid system dramatically reduces labor expense and improves installation quality
Maintenance-free, natural look guaranteed to not crack
Brilliant fade-resistant colors

Commercial Applications

§ Parking Lots
§ Walkways
§ Patios
§ Flat Roof
§ Entryways
§ Other Low Speed Vehicular Applications

Residential Applications

§ Driveways
§ Walkways
§ Entryways
§ Patios

Click Here For More Information or contact GN Builders L.L.C to get a Free estimate

Structural Foundation Repair

2011-12-27T08:57:00.000-05:00

Just before the Holidays it was a busy few months, and this blog to show you a Structural Foundation Repair I just completed using Carbon Fiber Straps.
Little about foundation cracks... Foundation settlement or movement is caused when a home or any structure is built on expansive clay, soft or improper backfill soil placed around it, other causes are seasonal high water table and Hydrostatic ground pressure which was the cause for the foundation failure on this job I just completed, it can also be cause by improper maintenance around foundations,i.e back pitched drainage, gutter and leader failure,etc. Such settlements can destroy the value of structures and your home and even make them unsafe. So if you have any crack in your foundation wall, no matter how small it is, you should have it fixed and it is not sufficient to simply fill the crack, because you should restore the structural stability of the structure. This in most cases requires reinforcement to prevent further wall movement.
If you located in NJ, drop me an email with some pictures and I will make a suggestion what should be done, or I will meet with you and assess any damage that has occurred and determine the best plan for your situation. Small cracks can end up causing big problems in the future and more expensive repairs.
About Carbon Fiber, that is the strongest material out there, it can withstand pressure 10 times better then steel. When foundation block wall starts to move or bow out, the mortar joints on the inside open from the deflection inward. Using Carbon Fiber straps which are bonded to the wall with a high strength epoxy, prevent the deflection and prevent mortar joints to open up further and due to that its increasing the load strength of the wall, so basically it will permanently stabilize the foundation from further movement.
Yes it's a strap it gets attached to the foundation with high strength epoxy. The strap runs from the top course to the bottom course 4'OC. The strap is only 4 1/8" wide and 1/8" thick. Here is a few pictures of the strap I took to give you a visual.

In addition, we do the same repairs on the concrete poured foundation wall, only when working with concrete wall, we use injection system to seal the crack .i.e we drill holes along the crack and we install injector ports and starting from the bottom up and fill the crack. in addition we use carbon fiber staples... The strap is used on the block wall. It is new technology and is the most advanced system today for structural foundation repair, which is used on bridges, etc and this form of repair remedy is suggested by most architects and engineers who're familiar with this system...

The following is a few pictures from the job I just did, you will see Structural Foundation damage caused by Hydrostatic pressure and a short video of surface preparation, prior to Carbon Fiber Strap installation. I couldn't upload a large video, but you can get an idea in this smaller video the dustless wall preparation. The video doesn't have sound, only a small portion of it near the end, when the block wall is being prepped... so please have your volume down because the sound will appear and it will knock your socks off.

If you have a Foundation problem, need additional information, don't wait until the problem will get worst, drop me a note and I will be more then happy to give you a free evaluation and if a repair is needed, I will provide you with an estimate. Please follow this link and fill out a request and I will contact you within 24hrs.

To all readers and visitors

2011-12-27T06:53:00.000-05:00

Have a Safe and Joyful Holiday Season to you and your Families and a Happy and Healthy New Year.

Basement Wall Repair

2011-12-03T09:28:00.001-05:00

I am back, it was a busy Thanksgiving Holiday and before that this job had to be completed before the Holiday and everything went as it was planned and the Homeowner was so pleased with the outcome of this job, that the first time in almost 30 years in business and being the owner of my business I was rewarded by the Homeowner with a very generous tip for the job well done and it sure felt good. Thank you again Clay & Dianna if you ever read this!

Now to the job well done...

After the big rain storm and flood that we had from the last nature's outburst, this basement was flooded with about 4-6" of water. Most of the stuff was ruined,including a beautiful wall unit set that spanned about 13' along the rear wall. All the the trim, doors, sheetrock and cabinetry was removed and disposed. Here is a few pictures after the place was cleaned up and all insulation was removed and dried by a company specializing to do this work and they did a beautiful job.

After cleaning up the studs and plates from nails and screws that were left after trim and sheetrock was removed, the insulation was replaced along the perimeter of exterior walls.

After insulation was completed, the sheetrock was applied to all interior wall surfaces and taping process began.

Fan was installed to provide air movement throughout the basement for even drying of the drywall compound.

After drywall compound was dry and sanded, door and trim installation was in progress. 5 1/4" colonial base molding was installed to give a nice exposure above the carpet.

After painting was completed, a hangin wall entertainment center was installed. Homeowner requested to design something hanging above the floor, just encase another unfortunate incident would happen and the wall unit will not get damaged, not to mention this system can be removed and moved to a different location.

After the wall unit was installed and custom doors arrived and installed, crown molding above the unit was install, and now we're ready for the carpet installation.

Beautiful Berber Carpet was selected by the Homeowner and installed and we can say another job was done with complete customer satisfaction. It took 14 days to complete this job.

Next job is a structural foundation wall repair, were I be installing Advanced Carbon Fiber Straps to reinforce a foundation wall, I cannot wait to share some pictures with you.

Take care and keep warm!!!

Man killed when deck collapses.

2011-11-03T16:35:00.000-04:00

A 78-year-old Melrose man died yesterday afternoon after the deck he was repairing at his home collapsed on top of him, city officials said.
George Carroll, of 21 Bow St., was working on the 10-by-14-foot platform that was about 6 feet off the ground when it detached from the rear of the home and fell, pinning him underneath, Melrose Fire Chief John J. O’Brien said in a phone interview.
Firefighters were summoned shortly before 2 p.m. and quickly began lifting the heavy wooden structure with inflatable airbags, O’Brien said.
Carroll was transported to Melrose-Wakefield Hospital, where he was pronounced dead before 3 p.m., he said.

The deck had only two support legs, Avola said. It was attached to the rear of a modest, tidy three-bedroom home.
At the time of the accident, Carroll was working with his son, George Jr., in an effort to level the aging porch, Avola said.
Paul E. Johnson,building official, was on the scene shortly after the collapse to examine the damage. In an interview, he said it was unclear if the structure was up to code.
“It was an old deck,’’ said Johnson. “At the department, we always stress that professionals should do things. But right now, our thoughts are with the family.’’

New Color By Armstrong Cabinet

2011-10-26T19:17:00.000-04:00

Armstrong Cabinet Products has added Autumn Brown to its maple door styles. The rich, dark finish is available on all wood species. It is shown here on Armstrong's Waverly door style.

This is Waverly Maple wood door style sample from on one of the kitchen remodeling jobs we did about 6 months ago, the color of the cabinet is Coffee with a build up crown to the ceiling. Just to give an idea what the door looks like.

For more information about Armstrong Cabinets? Click here

Bay Window Wood Trim Replacement With Azek

2011-10-22T10:05:00.000-04:00

This job was completed this week for two Homeowners in the same development.

This window's trim was treated for the lack of maintains. Water and moisture penetrated behind the wood surface and wood was rotted from inside out.

Bay window was wrapped with Azek material which will never rot and the window covering will last for the life of the house.

This was the second unit, the Homeowner hired a handyman to repair rotted trim, he never provided any flashing and installed new window covering again with wood and within 3 years, there were problem signss, i.e paint peeling, plywood swelling, etc. After removing window trim and covering, house sheeting was rotted and had to be removed and replaced.

After replacing plywood and covering bay window with House Wrap, Azek material was applied.

The new product will last for as long as the house, and raised panel makes a nice effect.

Deck Completion

2011-10-17T20:35:00.000-04:00

Today the deck project was completed. Homeowner loves it and he can't wait to give a first few coats of solid stain after a few weeks and before the winter arrives. Nice wide staircase adds a nice entrance effect.

Nice 2 level deck and we just got invitation to the first pool party next year.

New stairway leading to the pool was redone and widened and the gate was installed at the bottom.

Small bench was done at the top of the stairs near the pool entrance.

2011 Most Valuable Product Award Winners

2011-10-13T21:43:00.000-04:00

MI Windows and Doors

2011-10-11T19:20:00.004-04:00

Got good news today from my replacement window distributor, saying that the Manufacturer of MI windows and doors has improved it's replacement and new construction window and door line and now they make The MI EnergyCore Window System which is designed for optimal energy efficiency and high performance without compromising style and functionality. I have been installing this windows for over 20 years and never had any issues and now the windows got even better.
The system’s high performance is derived from a combination of patented AirCell PVC frame technology, TMAXInsulating Glass, and a design that incorporates numerous physical barriers against air and water infiltration.

The MI EnergyCore Window System achieves optimal energy efficiency. The frame blocks thermal conductivity at least 6 times better than fiberglass, 4 times better than rigid PVC, and 3 times better than wood.
When combining the MI EnergyCore frame with high-performance, triple-pane, argon-filled TMAX glass packs, the resulting window exceeds ENERGY STAR requirements by 30 - 50 percent and meets the requirements for the Department of Energy’s R-5 High Performance Windows Program.
In fact, MI window system is so efficient, that their standard MI EnergyCore dual pane window, even WITHOUT argon gas fill, exceeds Energy Star requirements in ALL zones, in ANY style, and in ANY configuration.
The MI EnergyCore Window System’s unique design results in a more energy efficient, stronger, more secure, and quieter window with traditional style.

Exterior Columns

2011-10-10T20:36:00.003-04:00

Small project was completed today... The original columns were deterated and needed to be replaced. New 4 x 4 post been installed and the girder supporting the roof and the columns were wrapped with Azek material and trim.

For more information about Azek products you can visit Azek Website.

New Home Cultural Stone Installation.

2011-10-09T10:22:00.003-04:00

This is the new home under construction, we just installed cultural stone to the lower portion of the house.

Deck Refacing

2011-10-09T10:13:00.000-04:00

Just last week started doing wood deck refacing. Existing deck was never maintained, and regular lumber was used instead of pressure treated, so most of the boards been splitting, and rotting. There is also a deck near the pool also in the same condition, the step was done wrong, the riser height was different dimensions and the railing was only a 2x2 running down. I didn't take a picture, but will update images when the job be complete.

This is the wood deck before the decking and railing was removed, this was day 1 of starting this project.

All old decking material was removed and now we have all joist exposed which are still in a very good condition, because it was pressure treated lumber.

Day 2 of construction, surface decking is complete new premium 5/4" x 6 " pressure treated decking is used which creates nice decking surface.

Deck step from one level to another is complete and Instead of using lattice for the the undersides of the deck, solid decking material will be used.

I will update images as the job progresses.

Laminated Flooring

2011-10-04T17:22:00.003-04:00

This job was just completed... it was over concrete installation using St. James Collection by Dream Home. It is a better laminate which is 12mm thick with High Gloss surface and being 12mm thick, the St. James Collection is very durable and comes with a 30 year warranty. Here a little more information about this flooring. Here some additional St. James Collection's Advantages:

Three different plank lengths per box,
No glue and no nails needed,
Easy Click Installation,
Moisture resistant board,
Thickness: 12mm + 3mm (1/8") pre-glued underlayment,
AC Rating: 3

This floor already has pre attached insulated padding so no additional padding is required. Here is the sample of the floor color used on this job Toasted Chicory- High Gloss.

Here is a few additional pictures of before.

This is after the dining room floor was completed.

This is a very nice flooring to use for a finished basement or any other over concrete when laminated flooring is desired. For more information or other types of flooring visit Lumber Liquidators

Things To Know About Window Replacement

2011-09-29T15:06:00.000-04:00

When it comes to chose a contractor to do your window installation. In the old days it use to be an easy task.If the opening was plumb, level and square, it was very easy to install a window. Today you get allot more older homes and you run into more situations where it becomes not a very easy task not to mention that window manufacturers shift more and more responsibility for failures on the contractor.
When working with a window replacement project, the HO should be aware and prepped so to speak NOT to settle on a accurate/final estimate, because if there is a need for additional repairs, the original proposal could easily increase after the window is out and there is a problem i.e. decay, termites, and rot inside the rough opening that the contractor and the homeowner didn't know at the time until existing window was removed. The possibility that the additional needed repairs will increase the overall price of the job.

If during the visit you can spot existing visible rot or there is a sign that the window's wood frame is showing signs of early deterioration,further investigation will tell how far the damage is and repair cost can be added to the overall price.
The usual scenario is, the HO is trying to get the best lowest price they can find, the companies who bid the jobs try to work for the absolute minimum cost and make it up on the volume of jobs, at the same time it means cutting corners and cutting quality of product they use.

Unfortunately some companies will bid the job low, knowing the problem exist, they will say there is no problem, and after the window is out they will show HO the problem and stick him with a much higher cost for repairs to make it up for the low-bid cost, which by that time will exceed previous proposals from other companies... and what choice the HO has at that time when the window is gone and rain in the forecast, not to mention when someone cuts the corners, the Argon Enhanced window will not be any good if space between the window is uninsulated, it will create a draft and before you know the moisture will penetrate the cavity and before you know you have a new window with remaining problems which will only get worst with time, and usually you will find out about the problem after your window warranty is up and your contractor is operating under a new name.

Take your time when selecting a contractor and don't let the price blind you.
When it comes to window installation and to make any remodeling job successfully especially when it comes to the exterior wall, and doors and windows not to mention roof and siding, the main goal is to protect the dwelling from intrusion of water, moisture, air infiltration, thermal, and vapor... This is the most crucial areas where you cannot cut corners and unfortunate some installers cut corners on or they just don't know any better, or they had it out with the boss or the wife before they came to do the job and these are the most important factors cannot be neglected.

Window opening should always be prepped right and a new window should never be installed in a bad opening, because right after the warranty is up, HO will have problems. Because rule of Thumb is, you can put the best window in a bad opening and you will have a problem.
The most common problems which occurs after window installation is improperly installed flashing or the flashing is not installed at all if it need to be there.

Each installer must to make sure the water has means of escape and not to get trapped inside the window or the window frame which over time will cause the wood to rot.

Don't spare any sealants because most window manufacturers specify that the window must be caulked on the side and top flanges—but not on the bottom. Some installers like to caulk the bottom to prevent water from entering, but what they doing is keeping the water from escaping, not to mention that un-caulked sill will not let the water in because it cannot flow upward and if a wind driven rain push some water in, it will drain right out.

A few more tips for the DIY HO and even contractors, not to take any windows out until you know you have all correct size window for that opening, or a piece of plywood to close the window up if you remove the window and the new window don't fit.

Most of the windows especially when job calls for removal of existing and installation of new construction window, you will measure window without seeing the rough opening, which means you have to get the window size as close as possible, so measure twice before ordering. Measure the top, middle, and bottom of every window, don't guess and measure in inches, rather than switching between feet and inches,because its easy for you to make a mistake if you write down 2.4 as 24" when you placing an order or when you get back to your notes after a few hours.

Always read the instructions and installation guidelines because manufacturer's make changes when they improve installation methods or to increase the time of window's performance for many years to come and some manufacturers update their instructions as often as every year because they try to be better and different from competition so instead of throwing away, break out the manual and start reading.
That is about it to know about window replacement and installation.

EPA Backs Off Lab Testing for Lead

2011-09-27T20:13:00.000-04:00

To the relief of remodelers who work on pre-1978 housing, the EPA announced in July that it will not require remodelers to send dust samples to an accredited lab for lead testing at the completion of a renovation project.
The announcement came as somewhat of a surprise. On May 6, 2010, as part of an August 2009 legal settlement with environmental and children's-health advocacy groups, the EPA had proposed a revision to the Lead: Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) rule that would have required this testing. The agency was widely expected to adopt the requirement when the proposal's review period ended and the final rule was released on July 15, 2011.

Instead, the agency determined that third-party lead testing was not necessary and "that the full suite of RRP work practice requirements, including containment, cleaning, and cleaning verification, was effective at minimizing exposure to lead-based paint hazards created by renovation, repair, and painting activities."
The agency explained that it had weighed concerns that by requiring clearance testing, it would in effect be making remodelers responsible for cleaning up pre-existing lead contamination. The RRP rule was designed, according to the EPA, "to address the lead-based paint hazards created during the renovation while not requiring renovation firms to remediate or eliminate hazards beyond the scope of the work they were hired to do." The EPA decided that adding clearance requirements to the RRP rule would cross a line between renovation and lead abatement.
The EPA emphasized that it is committed to reducing lead hazards in the home, and that homeowners may certainly opt for dust-wipe testing, whether they are renovating or not. To get the word out, the agency has released a new version of its "Renovate Right" pamphlet that includes information on lead-dust testing (epa.gov/lead).
Once the final rule goes into effect on October 4, remodelers will be required to provide homeowners with this latest version of the "Renovate Right" pamphlet (or the April 2010 version along with the insert that can be found at epa.gov/lead/pubs/insert.pdf).

The final rule also clarifies that vertical containment must be used on exterior projects that disturb painted surfaces within 10 feet of a property line

Wall Unit

2011-09-27T19:34:00.003-04:00

This is a few projects I am working on it now, I just designed the layout for a customer on my PC and send it over to the Cabinet designer to construct the wall unit for the office space

This is a Pro-Closet design for an office storage, still working out the details.

This is another design for a basement that was flooded, this replacement for the wall layout in the family room.

Solar Panel Display

2011-09-27T19:24:00.001-04:00

This was a small project I designed and built a display for the Solar Panel Company.

This was a design I did with a software I have after it was aproved, the display was built.

Bathroom Remodeling

2011-09-27T19:06:00.000-04:00

This is a bathroom remodeling I just completed.

This was a small hallway in the master bedroom with a few small closets located inside wityh a very small bathroom.

There was a recessed area inside the bedroom where the closets were relocated, which made a 12' wide closet with a Pro-Closet shelving system.

The demolition was done and jacuzzy was installed into the old closet area.

The new shower base base and tile was installed with a nice border and deco tiles.

Vanity and Moen bathroom fixtures were installed.

Custom shower door with 3/8 thick glass was installed to complete the project.

Finished Basement

2011-09-27T17:48:00.001-04:00

Did a basement this summer on the join venture with my brother who is also a Carpenter. It came out very nice, we incorporated a nice bar to a design, with a Copacabana paint that customers selected and laminated flooring through out the entertainment area. Here is a few shots from this job.

Here is the finished basement after its completion.

This area was dedicated for gym

This area was dedicated for a nice recreation area.

This is the complete bar area.

Window Seat

2011-09-27T17:39:00.003-04:00

One of the jobs I did this summer, people purchased a new home and they wanted to utilize bay window area, so I made them a seat with some storage space under it. Here is a few pictures.

Bath Fan

2011-09-27T17:34:00.000-04:00

Here is a nice new addition from a Fantech manufacturer. This is a new bath ventilation line with new Surface-Mount Bath Fans. The latest addition to line of residential ventilation products is the FQ Series Quiet Bath Fans. The fans feature is a super quiet, energy efficient motor with sound level as low as < 0.3 sones. Both 80 CFM and 110 CFM models are available with or without fluorescent lights. All models are Energy Star qualified.

For more information contact Fantech Manufacturer Webpage

Water Heater

2011-09-27T17:24:00.001-04:00

Water heaters, the items that usually get updated after 10 or so years or replaced because they go bad. Here is a beautiful Water Heater by Rheem. This heater has a 29-gallon tank, It is also Energy Star-qualified and XR90 extreme recovery gas water heater heats water faster than any typical 50-gallon gas water heater with a recovery rate--how fast the water heater replaces the hot water used--of 61 gallons per hour at a 90-degree-F rise in temperature. The XR90 has an Energy Factor of .70, exceeding the requirements of Energy Star.

You can obtain more information on Manufactures website.

It's been a while

2011-09-27T17:16:00.000-04:00

It's been a while since I posted anything, been pretty busy summer with the jobs I been doing, and the house I have been building still in progress. Well now I am back, and I will update the blog with some pictures, some info and the things in general. I hope everyone had a great summer and it's good to be back.

House Addition

2011-05-20T10:12:00.000-04:00

This was one of the most pain in the neck addition I had to do... The main house was all rock face block construction, the previous HO was a contractor and each time he did a job for someone and had leftover material, he added a little piece of the house... not to mention nothing was aligned, and I had to deal with 3 different floor elevations.

Here you can see 3 different additions were added to the house and a footing was already done for the new addition

Foundation is installed for the crawl space with the Rigid Foam insulation installed on the inside.

Framing stage is completed

Front View

It came out a very nice addition with: 1 Bedroom, 1 1/2 Baths, Family room, and Laundry room.

Structural Kitchen Remodeling

2011-05-15T17:21:00.000-04:00

This was a structural kitchen renovation. The Homeowner wanted to remove 2 walls, one of them was bearing and the other one non-bearing. The two walls separated kitchen from the living room and dining room area. The first picture is showing one of the bearing walls to be removed.

Second picture was taken after demolition took place, addition column and footing was added in the basement to support the structural beam. Second floor joist had to be cut to allow the beam slip between them to support the second floor.

Tile and kitchen was install, new sheetrock applied to ceiling and wall area, taped and painted. New kitchen provided by the Homeowner installed. There was a minor project delay, we had to wait 4 weeks for a cabinet replacement, One of the Big Box store kitchen designers where Homeowner purchased the kitchen didn't know how to read a ruler at the time and sent the wrong cabinet above the Ref and it wouldn't fit.

But other then that, the job went smooth and it was a beautiful addition to the house.

Outdoor Bar and Grill

2011-05-11T08:29:00.000-04:00

Here is a nice little idea for a Bar and Grill project to make or add changes to the existing patio or a back yard for some Summer Fun.

This project was added to the existing patio, some of the pavings were removed to install concrete pad to support the new bar area.

After framing was completed and everything was wrapped with water resistant board and stone to match existing patio, preparation for concrete counter top were made.

Concrete counter top is installed.

After BBQ and other items are installed, the project is complete and summer enjoyment can begin.

Interior Remodeling

2011-05-11T07:55:00.001-04:00

One of recent remodeling projects. Project included kitchen remodeling, glass backslash and lighting. Bamboo flooring.

Before

After

Flooring Close-up

Kitchen Remodeling Before

New kitchen installed

Kitchen manufactured by Timberlake manufacturer,Style Yellowstone Cognac/maple Portfolio Select wood cabinets.

Call 811 Before You Dig

2011-05-10T08:05:00.000-04:00

Summer is here, and some of you will be doing yard work, planting trees, building a deck or addition,etc... So, whether you're planning to do it yourself or hire a contractor, don't debate whether or not you should get your underground utility lines marked, because every digging job requires a call, even if it's a small projects like planting a tree or a shrub.
The depth of underground utilities varies and there may be multiple utility lines in a common area. Digging without calling, can put the whole neighborhood out of the commission or cause harm you and people around you and potentially result in fines and huge repair costs. Calling 811 before every digging job gets your underground utility lines marked for free and helps prevent undesired consequences... If you hire a Contractor, they should know and if they don't...tell them to do it.

from Moen Incorporated

2011-05-10T07:41:00.000-04:00

Moen’s new single-function hand shower is available in two models: a full-flow, 2.5 gpm version, and a WaterSense certified eco-option with a 1.75 gpm flow. Its transitional design comes in either Chrome or LifeShine Brushed Nickel finish, with a matching finish on the spray face.

For more information, you can visit Moen products

DAP® 3.0™ Advanced Sealant

2011-01-28T07:28:00.000-05:00

Tried this on the job a few days ago and I was very impressed, but you must work fast with it and use paint thinner to wipe it. The flexibility of this caulk and adhesion are minutes. It definately blew silicone out of the water. Here are

All DAP® 3.0™ Advanced Sealants are specially formulated with Kwik Dry® Technology, allowing them to be exposed to water after just 3 hours without washing out. Other caulks and sealants may require a waiting period of up to 24-36 hours before exposing to water. Both DIYers and contractors alike can save time and money by finishing the job faster and reducing the chance for errors.
DAP® 3.0™ is the future of caulking technology. Along with its superior paintablity, flexibility and durability, DAP® 3.0™ Advanced Sealants are easier to tool and less stringy than premium silicone. Their outstanding flexibility and adhesion forms a waterproof and weatherproof seal that is able to expand and contract with temperature fluctuations without cracking. This makes DAP® 3.0™ ideal for sealing air leaks which in turn helps improve the energy efficiency of the home.

Here are the facts about DAP® 3.0™ Advanced Sealants:
•Permanently waterproof and weatherproof seal
•Cured sealant that's mold and mildew resistant.
•Outstanding flexibility and adhesion to a wide range of substrates without cracking.
•Superior paintability.
•Easier to tool and less stringy than premium silicone.
•Extreme weather and temperature application range for outdoor applications: -35°F to
140°F (White), -35°F to 120°F (Crystal Clear).
•Low odor and low VOC content.
•Lifetime guarantee

For More Information Follow this link

Final Design Completed For $150M New Brunswick Gateway Transit Village

2011-01-27T18:08:00.000-05:00

A final design has been completed for the construction of the $150 million New Brunswick Gateway Transit Village, a 632,000-sq-ft mixed-use building located at the intersection of Somerset Street and Easton Avenue in downtown New Brunswick, New Jersey that will link the campus of Rutgers University as well as the larger community to the local train station.
Meltzer/Mandl Architects of New York designed the transit village and completed the final documents for construction on the project which first broke ground in January 2010, on behalf of the development team including New Brunswick Development Corporation and Pennrose Properties.
Gateway Transit Village required careful and detailed preparations to be made to ensure that the various levels would be built in a way that provided the right access for pedestrians and vehicles on its steep location, a 23-ft difference in grade. The transit village will include a pedestrian bridge featuring a large, iconic clock to illuminate the walkway between the building and the Rutgers campus, more than 120,000 sq ft of commercial space, a 657-vehicle parking garage, 58,000 sq ft of destination retail, and a 14-stoy residential tower that will sit atop a 10-story parking structure and contain192 residences. The residential tower will also be wrapped by offices and a series of street-level commercial spaces including those occupied by the Barnes & Noble College Bookstore for Rutgers, and offices for the New Brunswick Parking Authority and the Rutgers University Press.
“This new building will help bring renewed life to a site that is vital to New Brunswick, but has been under-utilized for far too many years,” said David G. Carpenter, partner and executive vice president at Meltzer/Mandl.
The building will be comprised of a series of discrete structural systems, including pre-case concrete for the parking structure and a steel frame for the residential tower and commercial spaces. The façade will have a series of prefabricated and thin brick panels, along with stone liners and steel channels.

“Pre-cast concrete parking garages are not typically designed to support taller and more complex structures above them; they are usually stand-alone buildings,” said David J. Stuart, project manager for Meltzer/Mendl. “In our case, we are retrofitting the entire complex so that the structure and building systems for each component work together.”

Government financing for the project is being provided by the New Jersey Housing Mortgage & Finance Agency, the New Jersey Department of Transportation/Liberty Corridor Program and tax credits through New Jersey’s Urban Transit Hub Tax Credit Program. Construction on the New Brunswick Gateway Transit Village is expected to be completed by January 2012.

Deck Collapses

2010-11-30T06:53:00.000-05:00

Deck Collapses in Atlanta during a Birthday party, Good thing nobody got seriously hurt.

Doing Tile with Bondera

2010-10-21T08:40:00.000-04:00

Bondera Tile-mat is a self-bonding sheet membrane that eliminates thinset mortar or mastic when doing tile work. It is very easy to use, all you have to do is peel the plastic shield on the back side and press it down, it bonds immediately to almost any surface. Then you apply tile to the surface by simply peeling the protective plastic on the front starting from the corner, and apply the tile, once tile is aligned, press harder for the stronger bond. The product is still new, not many contractors used it yet, but for DIY project is a nice try, especially when doing a smaller area like a back splash,etc.

You can obtain more information at Tiling with Bondera

New House Construction Update

2010-10-08T08:17:00.000-04:00

It's been a few busy weeks, I didn't have time to make an update about New Home Construction. Things been progressing nicely considering the Holidays and rains we had during which the work was stopped. But now it's back on the roll and moving. Here is a few more updates.

Rough framing is completed. Today roof is being delivered to the job. They will start the roofing installation on Monday and they should complete the job the same day. Windows already waiting to be delivered, stairs will be delivered the beginning of next week. Tuesday basement and garage slab will be prepped for inspection and on Wednesday if it stay dry concrete slabs will be poured. So it looks like I will have a busy week.

Enjoy the weekend and I will keep this updated.

Stainless Steel Sinks with PermaDrain

2010-10-08T07:47:00.000-04:00

This week we remodeled a kitchen, and we used a new sink with PermaDrain. This is a new new stainless steel sink made by Lenova company. They included PermaClean Drain System in to theirs sink design. The drain its self is a removable splash guards which is can be washed in the dishwasher dishwasher and it has a strainer basket that seals to the drain fitting and the garbage disposal. Real neat design and the sink has a neat design and it makes a nice addition to any kitchen.

Deck Resurface

2010-09-11T11:32:00.000-04:00

Another deck resurface job was completed end of this summer. Decking is Trex, Madeira color.
Old decking and railing was removed and disposed.

New decking material being properly spaced and installed.

The previous deck did not have access from the deck on to the lawn, so the new steps where installed with the gate and a concrete landing.

Decking job is complete

New Home Construction

2010-09-11T11:13:00.000-04:00

I hope everyone had a good Summer, it was a nice and busy Summer for me, and I just started the construction of a New Home. I will keep it updated as I go along, so far I am into the 4th week of Construction.
Weather been good, no lost days, except for a few 1/2 days due to extreme heat conditions....So in two weeks excavation was done, footings poured and foundation work was completed.

The black stuff around the foundation is the Waterproof membrain I have been using on all my homes. First time I used this material, I was very happy with its performance, the home I built was located in the high seasonal water table area and during heavy rains and the last major flood we had, the foundation wall remained dry and the dranage around foundation walls was superb.

Week 3 the backfill was done, lumber was delivered on the job and framing stage of the job started.

The second floor deck was just completed on Wednesday, the job was stopped due to the Jewish Holiday in the area, Monday the second floor walls will be up. and I will post another update on Monday or Tuesday. Have a great weekend everyone.

New Trex Transcend Decking

2010-07-24T09:09:00.000-04:00

Trex Transcend Decking is an upgrade to Trex Accents brand. Trex Transcend decking came out this winter, and it combines a finish that resists stains, scratches and mold. The boards are thicker and heavier then the other brands of Trex decking and they come in two profile options... square and grooved. Grooved comes with the hidden fastener system. Square profile is screwed through the surface like the other brands. They also added to this brand a high-definition wood grain pattern which is more visible. It is like the rest of the Trex products, it won’t rot, warp,crack or splinter. They state that they added protective shell which will defend surface against fading,stain,mold and scratches.The entire Transcend decking collection is also backed by a 25-year Limited Fade and Stain warranty. In the warranty, they note light fading is possible but not as much as other brands.

I just used it on the first job and I like the outcome of it and so is the homeowner, who said the job came out better then they thought it would, after we added something extra without additional charge to the homeowner and enclosed the entire surface under the bench as a little surprise. Here is a few samples of the deck before and after refacing job was completed.

The existing wood decking was removed because it was split and deteriorated on the surface. Existing original framing was in a very good shape and no signs of deterioration, so no additional work was required other then adding a few metal joist angles to reinforce some of the joist.

Bellow are the pictures after the job was completed using Trex Transcend Decking. Deck color in the pictures is Gravel Path.

If additional information needed, please visit Trex Decking Website or you can drop me a note at any time, I am a certified installation contractor for the Trex Decking Manufacturer.

Lead Poisoning Risk

2010-05-27T07:32:00.002-04:00

I spoke to my painting contractor who just took EPA's lead safety class, and I would advise Homeowners to test your windows for lead paint if your home was built in 1978 and prior. If you detect lead during testing, I would advise to replace your windows and sill's, because they are one of the biggest causes of lead poisoning. By opening the window's, lead dust is created and the room becomes contaminated. This is the major concern, because it effects small kids and pregnant women if they live in the house.

I wrote in the past that EPA's Lead Poisoning rule went into effect in 22 of April. Any contractor who is doing work on the home built in 1978 or prior, must have EPA's lead certification.

Zodiaq Quartz Surfaces by DuPont

2010-05-18T08:33:00.000-04:00

Zodiaq is the perfect blend of nature and science.
It is an advanced composite material made of 93% quartz and it is a long-lasting and virtually maintenance-free material.
Sparkling crystals within its surface give a stunning light-play and a mesmerizing depth, while the surface's inherent sheen adds to this reflective effect.
It gives the impression of natural stone yet without natural stone's imperfections. It draws you in and begs you to stay; it makes an inviting table, or an exotic bar.

Zodiaq Quartz is:

•Non-porous and carefree: No sealant, polish or reconditioning necessary
•Made from 93% natural quartz crystal, one of nature's strongest materials
•45 colors
•Stain resistant
•NSF/ANSI Standard 51 Certified for food contact and Class I(A) fire rated
•Durable: Made from an extremely hard mineral, quartz crystal
•Scratch resistant
•Heat-resistant
•Easy to clean: When properly cleaned, Zodiaq® is mold and mildew resistant
•GREENGUARD Certified® as a low-emitting material

For more information visit DuPont Zodiaq

Home Safety

2010-05-03T08:15:00.001-04:00

Preparing your Play Area for Summer Fun, because the time for outdoors and time to let your kids run, climb and play til they drop... so before you open the doors, be sure the play area at your home is safe and childproof.
Here is some general things to do before the summer starts

1.Garages and storage sheds

•Be sure all buckets and large containers are kept out of children’s reach. If filled with water, a container as small as 5-gallon capacity can be a source of drowning.
•Store all garden tools and sharp objects out of reach, as well as pesticides and herbicides, gasoline, and motor oil.
•Keep all ladders out of children’s reach.

2. Playground equipment

•Check all swings, slides, playhouses and other structures for sharp objects, rusty metal pieces, breaks, or weakened support pieces,rotted wood where swings or play towers meet the ground.
•On metal swing sets, be sure to cap all open tube pieces. They’re a popular nesting place for bees, wasps and hornets during hot weather arrives, check under chairs, tables, umbrellas for nests.
•Put wood chips, mulch, sand or another soft substance under all swing sets and back yard play equipment.
•Check sandboxes for leaves, bugs and other undesirables. To be safe best way is to get rid of old sand and replace it with new playground sand.

3. Wooden decks

•Check the deck floor and handrails for splintered wood, rotted wood. A splinter of treated wood can cause serious infection and cause serious problems.
•Inspect all connections and fasteners to make sure nothing is lose and everything is stable.
•Inspect stairs,especially stringers and railings to make sure nothing is broken,cracked or lose... Check spindles on railing, this is the first thing kids grab when walking down the stairs.

Some safety rules to impose:

•No Kids Near the Grill. When hot, even after it’s been shut off, a metal barbecue grill can cause burns.
•No Walking on the Wooden Deck in Bare Feet. Splinters are serious stuff.
•No Walking Near the Swing Sets. A child wandering too near the front or back of a swing set can be knocked down by someone swinging and get seriously hurt and it only takes a split second.
•No Swimming without an adults being present. If you have a swimming pool, even a small one, set a rule that requires all children to get out of the pool if the adult leaves, even for a moment. And if you have a pool, add no yelling help unless you need help and no running near the Pool.
•If you got Trampoline make sure kids use it one at a Time...I know its never the case,but one wrong jump and you got some serious problem on your hands, serious injury and everything else that happen on this things.

Enjoy and have a great summer!

Home Remodeling - Homeowner best return on investment

2010-04-22T09:19:00.000-04:00

How much can a Homeowner expect to recoup from theirs home improvement investment incase they decide to sell theirs home?

According to the 2009 / 2010 survey published by Remodeling magazine, here's how it breaks down:
For a mid-range priced home, you can expect the average cost and recoup for the following projects:

Average Cost vs Expected Return on your investment

Bathroom Remodel $19,000
Recoup 60% of your costs

Bathroom Addition $48,000
Recoup 56% of your costs

Garage Addition $72,000
Recoup 63% of your costs

Convert a Bedroom to a Home Office $32,000
Recoup 47% of your costs

Major Kitchen Remodel $65,000
Recoup 72% of your costs

Minor Kitchen Remodel $24,000
Recoup 76% of your costs

Window Replacement (vinyl) $13,000
Recoup 74% of your costs

Backup Power Generator $17,000
Recoup 75% of your costs

Sprinkler Head or PVC Pipe Repair

2010-04-19T23:33:00.001-04:00

If sprinkler head is damaged, or there is a crack in PVC pipe, it is very easy to replace. (This PVC pipe repair tip can be used on any PVC material) Most sprinkler heads screw on and off. To make a Sprinkler head replacement, take the head off and take the broken head to the store that sell them and get the same one. Before you install the new head, turn the water on to flush out the line, in case some dirt got inside and install the new sprinkler head. If there is dirt remaining in the pipe, and there is a loss of pressure, the head will not work.
If the sprinkler head does not screw on and off and attached directly to the pipe, then the end piece of pipe needs to be replaced, which is also a very simple repair. If pipe is cracked, you will need another person to turn the water on, while you look where the leak is. After you find the leak, turn the water off and locate the pipe. Dig the dirt and expose the pipe. Find the crack or break in it, cut the section of the pipe and take it to the store so you can get the right pipe size. Purchase a section of pipe long enough to replace the broken section of pipe, you will need a few couplings and if pipe is cracked near the end, where the sprinkler head is located, the end piece which is threaded must be replaced and must be the same size of you sprinkler head thread. You will also need PVC cleaner and PVC cement, Box stores like HD or Lowe's sell small a set that contains 2 small bottles of each.

PVC Coupling image:

How to repair PVC pipe.

After PVC pipe is cut, remove any small pieces left on the edges from when you cut the pipe. You can do this with a rag or some sandpaper. Use PVC cleaner that came with the set you purchased, it will be purple color,be sure to use that on both sections of the pipe,i.e. new and old. Next open second bottle which is clear, the bottle also has a brush inside as the other one... Use the brush on both pipes new and old and apply PVC cement about 1 inch on the outside and also inside the coupling, then push the new pipe into the coupling and give it a half of turn. Do the same thing on the end piece on the inside of the screw adapter and push them together. Give a few minutes and screw on the sprinkler head. After you done test the head and make sure it works properly and after everything is ok, cover the pipe with dirt.

Wood Decks.

2010-04-12T06:49:00.004-04:00

Great news...Wood is coming back into our backyards for our enjoyment.
Yes, the real wood is back and thanks to a unique combination of science and nature, it is real wood and it only got better.

Process is 100% free of added chemicals and metals... Non-toxic ... no health, disposal or environmental issues...Resists rot and decay...Performance enhanced with factory-applied, premium sealant...The result is a real wood product. Excellent dimensional stability... 25-year transferable warranty.

The Thermally Modified Wood Decking begins as natural, renewable lumber. Then it undergoes a unique heat-based, chemical-free process that changes compounds in the wood. Then is further enhanced with a factory-applied, premium sealant specifically designed for thermally modified wood.
No matter how you cut it, sand it, stain it, or anything else you do with it... wood is real wood with unreal performance, and not only can you use wood like regular wood in construction, you can mulch it, burn it as fuel, even recycle it. It’s as pure as nature itself, so disposal is as easy as yard-work.

Kitchen Cabinet Installation Tips for DIY

2010-04-09T07:37:00.001-04:00

If you purchase your cabinets directly from HD or Lowe's first thing you should do is check everything when kitchen arrives, to make sure that they match your order, make sure cabinets are not damaged and everything is there.

First is the measurement stage. Before you mark the wall, try to find the "high spot" on the floor where the kitchen cabinets will go. Some floors in older homes are not level and cabinets must be adjusted to the condition of your home. Check walls for plumb and square, because even in new construction they could be out.

Next mark out your studs. Use a stud finder to locate all the studs and mark them with a pencil. Take a small nail and double check to make sure your mark location right on the center of the stud.
Wall cabinets always installed starting in a corner, and working them outward according to kitchen layout and cabinet sizes marked on the plan. When cabinet is being installed,check to make sure it is level,plumb,and square.

The base kitchen cabinets before installation, they should be lined up against the wall and connected to the wall and one another. They should be clamped together so they aligned perfectly and then connected through the sides by screws. Be sure you use proper screw sizes so they will not penetrate the surface of another cabinet.

You will need a bundle of shims because shimming will be necessary, if something need to be aligned properly or leveled.

In some cases hanging rails must be used, they get screwed to the studs and you will be provided with a cabinet material to cover the gaps between the cabinet and the wall.

After everything is installed and leveled, you install your toe kicks that will come with the cabinets, they can be brad nailed or glued in place, crown and scribe moldings for finishing touches.

To install kitchen cabinets you will need a helper, 18 or 23 gage brad nailer,air compressor,miter-saw, screw gun, drill bits, level, square, screws, glue, shims and other various basic carpentry tools. It is good to have advanced carpentry skills doing this type of work.

Good luck

Chinese Dry Wall

2010-04-03T09:10:00.001-04:00

About 3,000 homeowners, mostly in Florida, Virginia, Mississippi, Alabama and Louisiana, have reported problems with the Chinese-made drywall, which was imported in large quantities during the housing boom and after a string of Gulf Coast hurricanes.

The drywall has been linked to corrosion of wiring, air conditioning units, computers, doorknobs and jewelry, along with possible health effects. Tenenbaum said some samples of the Chinese-made product emit 100 times as much hydrogen sulfide as drywall made elsewhere.

The agency continues to investigate possible health effects, but preliminary studies have found a possible link between throat, nose and lung irritation and high levels of hydrogen sulfide gas emitted from the wallboard, coupled with formaldehyde, which is commonly found in new houses.

Now is the question who will pick up the tab to replace all that Drywall...Southern members of Congress have sought to make it easier to sue Chinese manufacturers and to get the Federal Emergency Management Agency to help homeowners pay for costs not covered by insurance. They also say the U.S. needs to pressure the Chinese government, which allegedly ran some of the companies that made defective drywall.

About 2000 homeowners already filed suit in federal court in New Orleans against Chinese manufacturers and some of U.S. companies who sold the drywall.
There is seperate claims by thousands more homeowners against Chinese manufacturers are pending, said Jordan Chaikin, a Florida lawyer whose firm represents about 1,000 homeowners.

They are ''continuing to live in their homes with Chinese drywall, patiently waiting for this thing to be resolved so they can move on with their lives,'' Chaikin said. ''We're not waiting for the government to move quicker than we are in the courts.''
In some cases, homebuilders have paid to gut and rewire homes. In others, homeowners who can afford it have paid for the work themselves.

On Friday, Knauf Plasterboard agreed that high hydrogen sulfide levels appeared to be the main concern, but it noted the commission's studies were preliminary and may not reflect conditions inside a home. The company said its studies have shown that drywall should be removed, but that plumbing and wiring do not need to go.
Daniel Becnel, a New Orleans lawyer representing Chinese drywall plaintiffs, including Sean Payton, the head coach of the Super Bowl champion New Orleans Saints, said the government guidelines issued Friday were ''word for word what our experts said.''
He also said Congress should give homeowners grants to cover the cost of home gutting.

''Get these people out of this environment,'' he said. ''You're making these people sicker and sicker and sicker. You will have long-term effects.''

In Cape Coral, Fla., Joyce Dowdy, 71, and her husband Sonny, 63, plan to move out of their $150,000, 1,600-square-foot home while it is gutted to get rid of tainted Chinese drywall.
Joyce Dowdy said she suffers from nose bleeds and her husband has a persistent cough. They blame the drywall.
''We can't live like this anymore,'' Dowdy said.
They're borrowing money to do the gutting, which means that instead of a mortgage-free retirement they will be paying monthly bills cover the costs of repair.
''It's costing us as much as we paid for the house,'' Joyce Dowdy said. ''But we can't just walk away ... Our house is worth nothing at the moment.''
But Randy Noel, past president of the Louisiana Home Builders Association, said the Chinese drywall problem has been exaggerated. He called the new guidelines ''overkill.''

''Nobody has come up with a house yet that has caught on fire from the Chinese drywall, no one has come up yet with a house that leaks water or gas because of Chinese drywall,'' he said.
He has examined numerous homes containing Chinese drywall and found minor problems, he said.
''It's a black soot on top of the copper, brass and silver,'' he said. ''You wipe the stuff off and it looks as good as new.''

Click Here for more information about this.

Trex Deck Construction

2010-03-28T08:56:00.004-04:00

Just finished a small deck. Trex decking is the most used material on the market today. Here is a few pictures of completed Deck project.

Home Owner Nightmare

2010-03-28T08:41:00.001-04:00

Improper made opening created a structural disaster for a Home Owner. After the heavy snow, concentrated point load cracked the header on the first floor,creating a dip in the floor.

Things and Myth's About Granite

2010-03-25T07:00:00.001-04:00

A few things to know about common myths and misconceptions about granite countertops. Some of these myths are spread by people trying to sell granite, and some by people trying to sell competing products and trying to put down things about granite.

The following are some of the most common myths about granite:

“Granite is heat resistant, so it is perfectly okay to place hot pots on a granite countertop.” While this is true that granite is pretty much resistant to hot temperatures you would have in the kitchen, excessive heat can damage or discolor some types of granite sealers. Constant heating can also generate internal stresses that could cause a crack at a weak spot, such as a natural flaw or calcium in the stone. An easy way to eliminate problems is by using a trivet with feet.

“Granite countertops should be resealed once or twice a year.”
This is a generalization. Many different types of stone sold commercially as “granite.” Some are inherently resistant to staining without applying any sealer, and applying sealers to these stones can actually cause other problems i.e high-quality black stones usually do not need sealers. On the other hand, some stones sold as “granite” are so porous that their shortcomings can’t be solved by even the best sealers. There is no single recommendation that can be made about use of sealers on granite. The answer is specific to each individual type of stone.

“Granite countertops won’t chip, crack or stain.”
High-quality types of granite are very resistant to such damage, but any stone will chip if a hard, heavy object hits a square outside corner. Cracking may result from natural flaws in the stone or errors in fabrication or installation. Some stones sold as “granite” will absorb cooking oils, which darkens those areas significantly. These stains can be very difficult to remove as the only way to do so is by using a poultice. Other stones containing calcium can be etched and whitened by acidic liquids such as citrus juices or vinegar, and these stones are sometimes marketed as “granite,” although true granites are not subject to acid etching. Some sealers themselves can also be damaged by exposure to acidic liquids.

“Granite is second only to diamonds in hardness, so nothing but a diamond can scratch granite.” Granite is very scratch resistant, but it’s not scratch proof. There are many substances harder than granite. Mineral hardness is rated by the Mohs scale, with soft minerals like talc rated as 1 and diamond rated at 10. Due to their high quartz content, most commercial granites are rated about 7 on the Mohs scale. Abrasive substances sometimes found in cleaning products can cause dull spots or tiny scratches on granite if misused. Some stones sold as granite are significantly softer than true granites and are therefore more prone to scratching. Natural stone should be cleaned only with pH neutral, non-abrasive stone cleaning products.

“Granite countertops emit cancer-causing radon and therefore are dangerous” and “Granite countertops are not radioactive, and therefore are perfectly safe.” Both statements are exaggerated. Much of the information found online about radon and granite is not neutral, and has been put out by companies that profit either from selling granite or from selling products that compete with granite.
Radon exposure is a genuine public health problem, as it is considered the second most common cause of lung cancer after smoking cigarettes.
Here is what the EPA says about radon and granite countertops: “Some types of granite may emit gamma radiation above typical background levels. However, at this time, EPA believes that the existing data is insufficient to conclude that the types of granite commonly used in countertops are significantly increasing indoor radon levels. While radiation levels are not typically high, measurement of specific samples may reveal higher than expected levels on a case-by-case basis.”

There are many other potential sources of radon gas within the home. By far the most significant source of radon is the soil beneath the home itself. Foundations and basements can be properly ventilated to disperse excessive levels of radon gas, and this would be preferable in most cases to removing granite countertops. No one should be concerned unless radon testing identifies a problem in a specific home. Despite the relatively low risk from granite, it’s our opinion that the granite industry should screen for high radon emitting stones, and eliminate them from the marketplace.

“Absolute Black granite is the best countertop money can buy.”
Better quality stones sold as Absolute Black granite are outstanding performers. But caution is in order. Stones sold as Absolute Black are quarried in many countries. Originally, the label was applied to a very high quality diabase quarried in Sweden, and later to stones from South Africa. Now stones from many other countries are sold as Absolute Black, including Zimbabwe, Angola, Canada, India and China. Many of the Indian and Chinese stones are of excellent quality, but some unscrupulous companies sell lower-quality stones that may be dyed from grey to black, have excessive flaws, or not be able to be polished to a consistently glossy finish. Knowing that a stone is marketed under the trade name Absolute Black granite is not enough to make an informed decision.

Testing the Granite before you buy.

It would be nice if everyone who sold granite was ethical, truthful and fully informed about types of stone they sell. Unfortunately, thousands of different types of stones are on the market today, and obtaining reliable information about each is difficult.
There is a simple test procedure that can give an accurate picture of a stone’s performance as a countertop. Take a sample of the stone home and before applying any sealer, put teaspoon of water on the stone and observe for darkening and absorption. If the stone starts to darken immediately, it’s very porous, and not a good candidate for a kitchen countertop. If it takes several minutes to darken, the stone will be an adequate performer if properly sealed. If the stone does not darken after 30 minutes, it’s an excellent performer and may not need sealing at all.

Next, take half a lemon, squeeze out some juice and leave the cut lemon and juice on the stone for 30 minutes. Drip vegetable oil onto the stone as well, and let it sit for half an hour. Any signs of acidic etching or oil staining will indicate that this particular stone is not an outstanding performer as a kitchen countertop.

The final test is specially for black granites. Pour a puddle of acetone onto the stone, and wipe the surface thoroughly with a clean rag. If the rag shows black or grey coloration, then the stone has been doctored with an applied dye or wax, and should not be used for a kitchen countertop.

Good luck

To All My Readers

2010-03-15T14:07:00.000-04:00

I hope everyone recovered from this weekend's nightmare weather without any damages and hopefully our Mother Nature will keep quiet for sometime.

Prevent Concrete from Cracking

2010-03-15T13:56:00.000-04:00

Common question always being asked is " Why concrete cracks"

Here is some information and a few common reasons to explain why concrete cracks.
One of the reasons is, in residential concrete application to much water is added to the concrete on the job site. This water is added to make the concrete easier to install.Concrete does not require much water to get its strength, but when to much water is added, it reduces the strength of the concrete.
In addition, shrinkage is the main reason for cracking. When concrete dries it shrinks, because all the water is evaporate. The wetter the concrete,the more shrinkage will be. When concrete shrinks it pulls the slab apart and you see the cracks as a result of it.
Another reason for cracks, is fast drying. There is a chemical reaction, that makes concrete to go from mix form to solid form and this chemical reaction, continues to occur for days and weeks after the placement of concrete, so watering and keeping the concrete wet after it becomes hard will help make concrete stronger and prevent cracking.
Few more important factors, is having the proper concrete strength mix. Sometimes, some people like to cut corners and they order improper mix and it will crack.

Very important factor is having a proper placement of expansion joints. They help concrete crack where you want it to crack. The joints should be of the depth of the slab and no more than 2 or 3 times in feet of the thickness of the concrete in inches. Let's use a sidewalk as an example. The sidewalk is usually 4" thick so expansion joint placement should be around 8/12' apart.

There is other factors that are being neglected during installation i,e. ground should be hard and compacted,grade must be done to meet to soil conditions. Sometimes you need 6"of stone base and rebar,etc.

I hope you find this helpful and use some of the information for when you hire a Contractor to replace your sidewalks, patio or a driveway.

New Credit Card Law

2010-03-09T19:45:00.000-05:00

Credit card holders can circle February 22 on their calendar as the day when new consumer protections laid out in the Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure Act of 2009 kick in.
Following are just a few of the new credit card regulations and consumer protections as a result of the Credit CARD Act:
More Notice for New Interest Rate Changes. Card issuers must give card holders 45-days advance notice in the event of an interest rate change. Additionally, promotional rates must apply for at least six months and, unless disclosed up front, card holders cannot have their rate increased in the first year.

Cardholder Opt-Out. If there are significant changes made to the terms of the account, card holders can choose to reject those changes and will have five years to pay off the balance under the original terms.

Older Age Restrictions Added. Card issuers are no longer allowed to issue a credit card to anyone under 21 unless they can prove they have the means to repay debt or if an adult over 21 co-signs on the account. Credit card companies also face new restrictions on how they can promote cards to college students and can no longer offer free gifts as enticements on campuses.

New Rules for Monthly Statements. In response to complaints that bill due dates were being moved up—and leading to increased late fees—monthly statements must now be mailed or delivered 21 days prior to the due date. Additionally, card issuers can no longer set a payment deadline before 5 p.m. and cannot charge card holders if they pay online, over the phone or by mail—unless the payment is made over the phone either on the due date or the previous day.

Overpayments Go Toward Highest Interest Balances. If the card holder has varied interest rates for different services or accounts, any overpayments must be applied to the account that is incurring the highest interest rate.

Over the Limit Opt-In. Card holders must opt-in to be able to exceed their credit limit—and subsequently be charged an over-limit fee by the issuer. If a card holder chooses not to opt-in, then he or she will not be able to exceed their credit limit and incur any resultant fees.

Increased Disclosure on Minimum Payments. Card issuers must disclose how long it will take the card holder to pay off their bill if they only pay the minimum monthly payment as well as how much the card hold would need to pay every month to pay off the balance in 36 months.

Say Goodbye to Double-Billing Cycles. When calculating finance charges, card issuers can no longer employ two-cycle or double billing—a method that causes cardholders to pay interest on previously paid balances.

To learn more about the new consumer protections, Creditcards.com has a comprehensive breakdown of the Credit CARD Act of 2009.

Leak Under Tiled Shower Pan

2010-03-05T14:21:00.000-05:00

A few people asked me about fixing leaks under the tiled shower pans.Detecting such leaks is a task in itself, because they are very hard to detect, and there are many reasons why they could leak. When opening the ceiling bellow, you will not see the waterproofing membrane. The waterproofing membrane located between the mud-pan under the tiled floor and the plywood sub-floor.
Leak could be caused by a rubber membrane or in some cases, instead of rubber... Fiberglass coating is used, which cracks over time due to a constant expansion and contraction of the building during seasonal changes. Another reason could be a shower floor has a hole in it someplace, or rubber membrane has separated from the drain, etc. In some instances the tiled pan is old, so wear and tear took its toll and more investigation need to be done.
To pin point the leak, you must open the ceiling bellow and try to pinpoint the location where water penetrating the sub-floor from bellow by running a few tests. When the ceiling is open and you can see a large area of water staining, you could have a serious problem. Best thing to do is to call a licensed plumber or a professional contractor to find the problem.
If you like to attempt finding the leak yourself, the best way to do it is to run a few tests yourself. You will need an inflation device (HRDWR store might have it, if not try a plumbing store) you insert the device in to the drain and fill it with air to block the water from being drained. Fill the pan with water 2” inches below the shower pan-curb and check bellow if you see any signs of water, if not, leave it over night and check in the morning.( make sure you know what you doing, because if the device falls in to the drain, you will have another problem). If you see water, the problem is in the drain, or the tile is lose or cracked along perimeter of the drain or the pan itself, or membrane separated from the pipe on the drain. If there is no water, hold the device by the chain and let the water out.
Next test is to run the water on the side walls of the shower but not the wall where the diverter is or shower fixtures, and check for water. If there is no signs of water, run the water on the shower wall where diverter is and check again. Many leaks occur due to the fixture covers become lose or have not been caulked properly or maintained and they allow the water enter the wall cavity, causing the leak. Other place to look for damage is along the threshold itself. With constant activity, there could be bad door trim or deteriorated tile grout, or caulk which can cause a leak. Check the area real good, because the minute water enters this area of the shower, it will cause the damage real quick.
Other signs to look for are small horizontal cracks or grout breaks/voids in the tile across the wall, the pan, and the corners which are very common and they need to be maintained.
If you cannot find a leak and the problem is not the tiles, call a licensed contractor.

New EPA RRP Rule Takes Effect April 2010

2010-03-04T19:17:00.000-05:00

Starting April 2010 any work done on Homes built prior to 1978,where work involves disturbance to painted/varnished surfaces. i.e. scraping, sanding,removing,etc... any Contractors doing work on your project, will have to be CERTIFIED in the new lead based paint regulation.

Artisan Kitchen Sinks

2010-03-04T19:06:00.000-05:00

Artisan Sinks...

Thinking to remodel your kitchen, or change existing counter-top to Granite? Or just upgrade your sink, worth to take a look at Artisan Sinks Manufacturer. Since the sink area is the busiest spot in a kitchen or a bathroom, these are heavy gage sinks will add style and durability just where it's needed.

Artisan's Premium 16 gauger stainless steel sinks offer quality features like extra thickness for dimensional stability, V-Therm insulation to keep water hot and 304 stainless steel for exceptional durability and stain resistance. Thicker Is Better.

They also have the 18 gauger Manhattan Series, a full line of Faucets, Handcrafted Copper and Brass Vessels, Copper Kitchen Sinks and NEW Vitreous China Bathroom Sinks.
For more information, visit ArtisanSinks.com

Welcome

2010-03-04T17:59:00.000-05:00

I'm not sure how this works yet, but I will give it a try. First, let me say I appreciate you taking the time viewing my blog. I hope you find it helpful and educating. Over the many years that I have been in the construction industry, I have learned more about the value of quality work and good workmanship. I hope you post your questions, and I will answer them as promptly as I can, and I will post new tips and useful information about home improvement projects.
Take care and have a great day.