Building By The Square Foot

How much material is it going to take to do the job? What is the labor cost for the project?

These are questions a contractor asks himself when bidding a job. In most cases a contractor will use the square foot method to determine the answer to those questions.

This method of take off is particularly handy in figuring sheet good type materials such as wall sheathing, plywood decking, roof sheathing and drywall. To find the square footage for one of these areas, multiply the height or width times(x) the length. For example if you have an eight foot high wall by 40 feet long the square footage for the wall would be 32E2B0 square feet. Most sheet goods are 4 feet by 8 feet or 32 square feet. The square footage of the wall is divided by 32. It will take 10 sheets of plywood or insulated sheathing to cover this wall.

This same method can be used to figure the plywood or OSB for the house deck and roof. To figure the deck simply multiply the width of the deck by the length to get the square footage and divide by 32. Figuring the square footage of a roof is similar but with a twist.

For the roof multiply the length of the rafters by the length of the roof. Take the result times 2 for the total square footage for both sides of a gable roof, then divide by 32 to get the amount of plywood to sheet the roof. The square footage of a hip roof is figured the same way.

Drywall is also figured by the square foot. This can be an involved process. It can be broken down into two parts. First the square footage for the ceilings can be figured. Like the deck this is figured length times width. Then the lineal feet of all the walls is taken times the height. Interior walls will be added in twice because they have drywall on both sides. Labor to hang, tape, and paint the drywall is also figured this way. Besides drywall and painting, many other labor costs are figured by the square foot. Roofing and siding are figured by the square. A square is 100 square feet. For example if a roof is 1200 square feet, it will take 12 squares of shingles to cover it. The same unit of measurement goes for vinyl, wood, aluminum, steel and cement sidings.

Carpentry makes use of this measurement also. The cost to frame a house is usually figured by the square foot. Costs to build a whole house are estimated this way to help people determine if a house or its house plans are affordable for them to build.

Flooring is also among one of those things that use the square foot method to figure labor and materials. This includes ceramic and quarry tiles, hardwood, laminate, and vinyl flooring, and carpeting. Most contractors and installers use a price per square foot for their labor when calculating their costs for installation.

This information will help you understand contractor estimates and help you do your own calculations for projects.

Mike Merisko(c) 2007 - www.sawkerfs.com

Mike Merisko has been a carpenter for 26 years. Most of those years were spent in the homebuilding and remodeling industries. He was also in business as a carpentry and general contractor. While that is his forte, he also has experience in bridge building, commercial construction, and exhibit building which is how he earns his living these days. You can browse through articles by him and others at his website http://www.sawkerfs.com or visit his blog at http://www.sawkerfs.blogspot.com

34 Inch Plywood

Building a Concrete Driveway: DIY Tips for the Budget Conscious Homeowner

Building a concrete driveway is one of those rare options that can satisfy most people's practical and aesthetic concerns. Concrete driveways are not only built to last long but are appealing to the eye at the same time. Granted, they may take a bit of time to build properly, because none of your efforts will feel wasted once you view your final product.

What Not to Forget When Building a Concrete Driveway

Building Codes in Your Area - It's possible, especially if you're living in the suburbs, or belong to a certain community, that driveway specifications may be subjected to certain community rules. Your village, for instance, may prefer for all houses to have similar looking driveways, regardless of the material used. Or, it's the choice of material that's subjected to certain restrictions. To avoid wasting time and money, do your homework and see if building a concrete driveway will result to any violation.

Put Your Plans in Paper - Before getting your still-unused carpentry and building tools and donning your DIY uniform, it's best to put your plans on paper and try sketching the dimensions of your proposed concrete driveway. Make sure that you scale your drawing properly to gain accurate results, and most especially if you've decided not to hire an expert to help you out.

If you don't know how to draw, please please please ask someone to do it for you. Don't be stubborn like other homeowners who insist on doing everything themselves, never mind the consequences.

Submit the Necessary Requirements - Once you've become satisfied with the projected appearance of your concrete driveway, make time to submit the necessary requirements in order for the housing committee in your area to grant approval for your concrete driveway plans. It's possible that they'll be concerned with how your neighbors would feel once the noise of construction reaches their ears; to avoid any future altercations with your neighbors, make sure that you politely and nicely inform them of your plans. Gaining written permission from them won't hurt either!

Going Shopping - With the legal stuff done, the next thing to do is what women love to do best: going shopping! If any woman in your household is a genuine shopaholic, she wouldn't mind accompanying you in your buying quest, even if it's just a trip to the local hardware store.

To save on time and money, make a list of the things you have to buy, compare product reviews, and see what brands are of superior quality but affordable at the same time. As for tools and other equipment, consider either buying them second hand, renting, or borrowing from your neighbors or friends.

Excavation and Base Preparation - The pre-construction stage is over, and it's now time to do backbreaking stuff. First in the list is excavation and base preparation. Like most structures, excavating and preparing a base is required to give your concrete driveway a solid Foundation. It's best to take your time when doing this because one little mistake related to the Foundation can cause the whole thing to collapse.

Building the Driveway - Once you've finished with the Foundation, it's now time to build the skeletal part of the driveway itself. Always consult your handmade blueprint while building the driveway to ensure that you've done everything correctly and according to the measurements you've specified.

Sealing it with a Concrete Kiss - Once you're done with the frame, it's now time to apply the concrete and wait for it to harden.

Finishing Touches - Backfill and provide enhancements for the landscape.

Pros and Cons of Using a Concrete Driveway Benefits - Concrete driveways can be decorated in various ways, making it more easy to use as a complement to the house itself. It is also easier to clean during winter. Concrete driveways can also be sealed right after installation. Cons - Concrete driveways, however, are more expensive than asphalt driveways and require a higher degree of care and maintenance. Lastly, concrete driveways cannot be relayered.

Choosing to build a concrete driveway is a good decision to make in most cases, but of course, it's what the homeowner feels that counts the most. Just remember that when making a driveway, always choose a material that won't crack under the weight of a ten-wheeler truck but enhance the appearance of your house as well!

Lee Dobbins writes for http://concrete.subjectmonster.com where you can learn more about the wonders of concrete.

Handrails

Before You Remodel Your Garage

"A garage remodel is not something you decide to do on a whim. Unlike buying a cup of coffee or getting a new dress, it is something that requires careful consideration and planning. After all, carrying out a garage addition plan requires not only a considerable amount of money but also great time, effort and, in cases where you and your contractor can't seem to see eye-to-eye, patience.

So before you remodel your garage, ask yourself these following questions first:

Do you really need one?

Your garage is now too small. It is so tiny, you point out, that you even have a hard time making sure you don't hit anything when you park your vehicle. But have you ever considered that maybe all your garage needs is a bit of elbow grease from you and your (helpful) friends and family?

Try taking a look around your garage. Chances are it's cluttered with old newspapers, malfunctioning appliances, broken furniture, a lot of power tools and a whole bunch of other things that you probably will have no use for in the future. Throw out, sell or better yet, donate these things to charity (those you can't dispose of, organize better) and you'll be surprised just how much free space you actually have in your garage.

Does your garage need minor or major work?

Before you call your local garage remodeling company and pay them to do the work, check just how big the job that needs to be done is. Try to carefully figure out if you can do the job yourself. Who knows, you might not need to pay someone to do the job after all.

Can you afford the cost?

As mentioned earlier, remodeling your garage would cost you serious money. Before you have your contractor put all your grand garage addition designs to reality, be sure you have enough money to cover the expenditure. If your contractor estimates that the entire project would cost $5,000, then expect to spend $7,000, as there are likely to be unforeseen factors that would cause your project to go over your initial budget.

Do you have the time to closely look over the project?

As with any project, renovating your garage also requires your time and close attention. You need to work closely with your contractors, know how each stage is progressing and be available to give your comments on the work and answer questions the workers might have--this is the only way to ensure that you get the results you want.

Is there a good remodeling company nearby that can provide you with the service you want?

Another factor that needs to be taken into consideration before you do decide to "take the plunge" is the availability of nearby remodeling companies. While you could hire a remodeling company based two-cities away from you, you'd most likely be charged a higher price to cover their transportation expenses too.

Visit this site for more information on how you can put your garage addition plans and garage addition designs to life.

Maraya Mullen is a copywriter affiliated with A and B Rose Remodeling, a company of garage remodel experts. It promises to put customers' garage addition plans and garage addition designs to life.

Propertyinspection

How to Install Shower Tile

It's not a fun job, but one that has to be done from to time: installing new tile for your shower area. After a period of years, the old stuff gets cracked, broken, or sometimes just doesn't go with the new decor. Here are some tips to remember for how to install shower tile.

First, buy some adhesive for the project. Ask a knowledgeable person at the hardware store for a waterproof mastic. Spread just enough of it for about a half hour's work, using your trowel's flat side. IMPORTANT: The mastic can dry rather quickly, therefore do not spread too much of it on too large of a surface. Otherwise, by the time you've applie5B4d tile to one section, the rest will be dried already. The mastic should remain wet enough for use for about a half hour, so only apply what you know you can tile in a half-hour's time.

After applying the mastic on a wide area, turn the trowel to the notched side, running it at a 45 degree angle. The purpose is to create wide grooves. Caution: As you're doing this, make sure you don't obstruct your working lines.

Now we'll start to install the shower tile itself. Find your vertical and horizontal working lines. Set your first tile along one side of them, gently twisting with your hand. It's important that you twist rather than sliding the tile into place, else you risk moving too much adhesive. Next, make sure your tiles are firmly seated on your batten, if you're using one.

Line up the tile's top edge along the horizontal line. You should use small shims under the tiles along the lip of the tub for securing the tile accurately along the line.

Keep following this process, laying the tiles row by row. It's critical that you watch constantly to ensure correct alignment with your working lines. You should check this with each tile laid.

One last word about spacing your tiles accurately. If you use 4 1/8 inch square tiles, they'll probably have small lugs on each side. These are put there to serve as spacers, to keep things on the right track. Don't worry, they won't be visible, as grout will eventuall41Ay cover them, making the lugs invisible. If you want to see how this entire process should look, consult a how-to video that shows how to install shower tile.

If you would like to learn more before you start your project so you are totally prepared. And know all of the ends and outs before you start. CLICK HERE to learn what you need to do.

Rough Framing For Washer Plumbing

Works for the Workshop

The workshop is a great place for reusing items formally destined for the landfill. Even if you do not have a shop or craft area you can always donate the items mentioned in the following paragraphs to friends, schools, shops, youth centers The concept of reusing is as limitless as your imagination.

Screws, bolts, picture hooks, plant hangers, curtain hooks, and hinges are common hardware items used in most homes. Although not overly costly when purchased a few pieces at a time, they can add up over the years. Salvage any reusable hardware and parts from old cabinets, furniture or mechanical items before discarding. These can easily be organized and stored in plastic containers of different sizes. Shop with this in mind and purchase items like peanut butter or mayonnaise in clear plastic containers.

These are our favorite as they are recyclable, sturdy and you can easily determine the jars contents at a glance. When buying screws and bolts avoid the small plastic packages and try to find a store that sells these items out of bulk bins. You save money and packaging too.

Strong plastic jugs from juice, milk, o5B4r detergents make excellent storage containers for tools, rags or parts in the workshop. At a section near the top of the jug remove all but a flap of plastic to attach it to a wall or post. Any rough spots can be filed off or covered with tape. Drill a few holes in the bottom for drainage and use in the same way outside in the garden and for storing clothespins.

Any clothing or towels too ragged to donate to a thrift store still have value. Cut the material into squares of different sizes to use as cleanup rags. Many garages, cabinet shops and backyard mechanics will gratefully accept excess rags. Sewing groups would gladly accept the buttons and zippers gleaned from the clothing. Childrens programs and daycare centers also use buttons for crafts.

Small household appliances that are no longer working can be salvaged for parts. If you are not familiar with this type of operation dont attempt it - you can always donate them to handymen types that you may know, or appliance repair classes in your community. Handles from pots and pans can come in handy for fashioning custom tools, or they can be used to make a storage box easy to carry. Old utensils can be bent and made into various picks and scrapers.

The workshop can become a veritable stew pot of reuse ideas. As it is not a place commonly viewed by guests or neighbors it will not matter so much if the look is compromise492d by the reused items. Of course, the most important thing is the fact that you are reducing your landfill contribution by taking the matter into your own hands and making a difference!

Written by Dave and Lillian Brummet based on the concept of their book, Trash Talk. The book offers useful solutions for the individual to reduce waste and better manage resources. A guide for anyone concerned about their impact on the environment. (http://www.sunshinecable.com/)

Quarter Inch Ply Sawn Plywood

Practical Ways To Transform Your House Into A Real Home

After a house construction, building a home isnt too far away to achieve. These two words house and home - do have much in common but essentially oppose each other. A house without the essence of a home can be dull and boring, while the feeling of having a home wouldnt be complete without a structure. So I suggest that if you have a house, or planning to put up one, be ready to create that glad-this-is-my-home atmosphere.

If you have read numerous home-related articles, here you will get effective and practical ideas on how to transform your house into a home.

Decide on a theme or ambiance. Give your house a full assessment and reflect on the most suitable theme for it that perfectly matches your taste and attitude. First, choose colors that you know youll never get tired of. Preferably, people enjoy the classic & calming ambience of white, beige & gold combinations while others choose interesting colors to impose on a lively mood. Color also goes with the theme. Earth colors matched with exotic indoor plants will most likely keep nature lovers in the house - no need to go for nature tripping! Just a tip: For the bedroom, choose calming colors for you to get Zs more quickly.

Sometimes, getting your home organized can be a huge challenge. If clutter becomes a problem and it starts to slow you down psychologically and physically, youll never ever feel that youre at home. From the masters bedroom to the garage, try to make little clean-ups so that you wont ever lay your eyes again on heaps of clutter around. If everything in your house is well organized, youll save more time and there will be no more additional hassles for you. With things in its proper places, I assure you that you can save yourself time and money.

Sharing happy memories and encouraging thoughts can also be helpful. Whether its a funny family portrait or a picture of your daughter having her first baby steps, do not hesitate to share the joy with others. When you were given keepsakes or bought them from souvenir shops during out-of-town trips, have them in display in every possible space in the house. Im sure you might want to remember blissful moments when you feel a little drained or down.

House maintenance and repairs are a must when you want to feel like youre really living in a home. The most practical way to maintain a house is to check on almost every space, on regular schedules, and work in small doses. Having no regular check-up schedules can lead to nightmarish major repairs that may cost a lot. You can check your dwelling for damaged shingles, torn screens, and roof repairs. So do not forget these two simple words maintain and repair. From all of the tips above, I hope you enjoy living in your own home.

For more information, visit this site on house construction and roof repairs.

Coyula Inc. is a house construction company in New Jersey.

Home Stagers Have a New Ally

Home staging is a quickly growing field of real estate professionals who specialize in getting the best price for a For Sale home, without adding significant costs to the seller. Its been said that the cost required to hire a home stager is so minimal that usually the first price reduction of a non-staged home is much greater than the cost to stage it. Brass tacks? Home staging saves money in the end and is well worth the small upfront cost.

Home staging not only saves home sellers money, but also gives them a clear sense of simple decorating and design concepts that can be easily implemented into a new house. Most home stagers offer an in-house consultation where they walk you through some of the ideas they have, and recommendations you make, to add top dollar to your selling price. When they do this, take note. With all of their decorating tips, design techniques and professional experience, home owners can really learn a few things to implement in their new house. And if you simply are not decorator savvy, you can always have a home stager or decorator help set your new house, even if you dont plan to move.

Home staging and home decorating should be left to the professionals but implementing some of their techniques can really give a home seller a fresh start at a new house. One great resource home stagers from around the US and Canada are beginning to discover is Imagekind.com. Imagekind recognizes the value of a well decorated home and has been partnering with home stagers and decorators to create that perfect first impression a buyer gets when they walk into a well decorated home.

At Imagekind.com, home stagers and decorators can choose from hundreds of thousands of digital art prints online. From both classic, museum artwork as well as independent, emerging and even local artists home stagers are not only realizing the benefit of using Imagekind as their art provider, they are helping support the arts as well! After the print is chosen, you can pick from over 5.5 million frame and matting options available to really create that perfect expression of color and design all home stagers and decorators are looking for in any room of any house.

Nathan Jelovich is an art research writer for http://www.imagekind.com where he writes extensively on different art styles, art genres and art prints. If you are a home stager or home decorator and would like additional information on partnering with Imagekind, please contact nathan@imagekind.com.