These days, the price of cut flowers is so expensive that many of us have chosen to grow them ourselves. There is nothing like the reward of a fresh, scented bouquet on our table. Many flowers are better suited for cutting than others and the diversity is surprising. They are easily grown and cared for. There are annuals, perennials, bulbs, ornamental grasses, and ferns, as well as vines, shrubs, and even tree branches available for cutting.

The first step in planning a cutting garden is to decide the kind of flowers you want. Because you want these flowers to look good inside as well as outside, colours are very important. But before choosing which flowers to plant, let's look at growing requirements such as soil, light and water.

Location

Location is important for your cutting garden. Most of them will require 3/4 of a day of sun at least. If you can't meet this requirement, consider containers, which can be placed where the sun is. The perfect soil is equal proportions of the three particles (sand, silt, clay) plus around 5 percent organic matter.

Watering

The soil should be neither too wet nor too dry. Too much water in your soil will limit the oxygen available for the roots and eventually diseases will start to appear. The soil must be slightly moist but not soggy.

Fertilising

Adding fertilizers will help the plants to grow by supplying all the elements required for their health. Overfertilising can damage plants severely so read the labels carefully. So it is recommended to dilute the fertiliser rather than applying a strong fertiliser all at once.

Good flowers for cutting:

• Alstroemeria (Peruvian Lily)
• Antirrhinum (Snapdragon)
• China Aster
• Bells of Ireland (Molucella laevis)
• Chrysanthemum
• Daisy (Marguerite)
• Dahlia
• Dianthus (Carnations)
• Gladiolus
• Gypsophila (Baby's-Breath)
• Helichrysum (Strawflower)
• Iris
• Lilac
• Lilium
• Limonium (Statice)
• Roses
• Stock
• Sunflower "Autumn Beauty + Teddy Bear + Big Smile + Vanilla Ice + Red Sun"
• Globe & Scotch Thistle
• Tuberose
• Yarrow
• Zantedeschia (Calla Lily)
• Zinnias

Scented Flowers for Cutting:

• Allium
• Buddleia
• Lily of the valley
• Dianthus
• Freesia
• Hamamelis
• Hyacinth
• Sweet Pea
• Lavender
• Lilium
• Lupine
• Monarda
• Myosotis
• Narcissus
• Nicotiana
• Paeonia
• Philadelphus
• Phlox
• Primula
• Rosa
• Stock
• Nasturtium
• Verbena
• Viola odarata

Drought-Tolerant Flowers for Cutting:

• Achillea
• Artemisia
• Asclepias
• Cosmos
• Echinacea
• Echinops
• California poppy
• Euonymus
• Gaillardia
• Helianthus (some)
• Lavender
• Rugosa roses
• Nasturtium

Shade-Tolerant Flowers for Cutting:

• Acanthus
• Alchemilla
• Japanese Anemone
• Aquilegia
• Astilbe
• Bergenia
• Coleus
• Lily of the valley
• Bleeding heart
• Ferns
• Geranium
• Ivy
• Heliotrope
• Hosta
• Iberis
• Lobelia
• Lycoris
• Mentha
• Monarda
• Muscari
• Myosotis
• Primula
• Rhododendron
• Goldenrod
• Torenia
• Viola

Ornamental Grasses for Cutting:

• Avena (oat grass)
• Japanese Blood Grass
• Pampas Grass, compact
• Rose Fountain Grass
• Silver Banner Grass

Ferns for Cutting:

• Ostrich Fern
• Japanese Painted Fern
• Lady Fern
• Royal Fern

Small Flowers and Foliage for Filling:

• Anaphalis (pearly everlasting)
• Asparagus
• Aster
• Elaeagnus (Russian olive)
• Erica (heath)
• Euphorbia (spurge)
• Gomphrena (globe amaranth)
• Gypsophila (baby's breath)
• Hedera (ivy)
• Lathyrus (sweet pea)
• Limonium (statice)
• Myosotis (forget-me-not)
• Miniature zinnia

Tips on Care for Cut Flowers

To enjoy your flowers for a longer period, give them proper care.

Don't allow flowers to remain without water too long after cutting. The sooner they are in water the longer they will last.

Once cut, slice the bottom-end diagonally for about an inch to give them a maximum surface for water intake. Then give them tepid water.

Flowers need a cool and well-ventilated room, with no direct sun or heat.

Use flower food or 1/2 tsp of sugar in the water to feed them. If you don't use those, cut the stems again after a couple of days.

Spring Garden Layout

This plan is based roughly on a 7 x 10 feet bed. Three evergreens were planted to provide a gorgeous backdrop for the flowers. You can replace the tulips by daffodils or narcissus and replace the colours to your taste.

1. Agapanthus (lily-of-the-Nile) (6)
2. Tall pink hybrid tulips (30-40)
3. Muscari (grape hyacinth) (10)
4. Yellow hybrid tulips (20)
5. Pink hybrid tulips (30-40)
6. Pink Darwin hybrid tulips (20)
7. Doronicum cordatum (leopard's bane) (7)
8. Chamaecyparis lawsoniana "Columnaris" (3)

Islands Bed Garden

A selection of cutting flowers that will delight many. The colour scheme is a blend of purples, blues, pinks and white. But for some of them you can replace the colour of your choice and create the perfect cutting garden for your home.

1. 1 = Hollyhock (12)
2. Iris (12)
3. Foxglove (14)
4. Shasta Daisy (12)
5. Delphinium (10)
6. Golden Yellow lilies (10)
7. Rocket Larkpur (16)
8. White nicotiana (12)
9. Lupine (12)
10. Siberian iris (12)
11. Garden phlox (12)
12. Bellflower (12)

Create simple but stunning bouquets with unusual flowers. Pinks make a wonderful and scented bouquet. A mix of fragrant Anethum graveolens (whose fragrance goes wonderfully with food) and add white phlox which create an attractive centrepiece. The white fragrant snowball-shaped flowers of Viburnum opulus, mixed with a bunch of green ivy, will soften any room. Mix and create your own bouquets, and you'll make lasting memories.

If you have problems maintaining your garden or planning cutting garden, let Portland TT help you. With its team of professional experts, they provide services for tree trimming, yard and garden maintenance and more.

It's no secret that there is a world-wide movement to "go green" and the moving and storage industries are on-board with that vitally important philosophy.

WHAT TO KEEP - WHAT TO GET RID OF

Once you've decided which items you don't want to take with you when you move, here are some green ideas on how to eliminate them from your life, while possibly helping someone else with his or hers:

      1. If you have the time, throw a yard sale.

      2. You can donate usable clothing, furniture, books, household items, etc., to local shelters, or any other organizations that help others. Most of them provide free pick-up, but be sure to let them know what, exactly, you intend to donate, since even charitable groups have a list of items they will refuse to take.

      3. If you have electronic items that need to be recycled, find recycle centers in your town. You can also look for places where you can donate these same items locally.

PACKING THE THINGS YOU'RE TAKING WITH YOU

If you are already interested in saving our environment and ecosystems, then you're probably also aware that every new box or crate you obtain represents x-number of virgin trees; that styrofoam "peanuts" and bubble wrap are simply terrible when they enter dumps and landfills (but can, at least, be re-used).

As you start to think about packing, ask your local grocery stores or liquor stores to save sturdy boxes for you. Most of them would prefer giving old boxes away than having to tear them up and dump them. You can also buy recycled materials from us and get free shipping with every order.

There are companies that will rent you crates and boxes, made of recycled materials. They will deliver them to your current location and pick them up at the other destination when you're finished with them.

HIRING GREEN MOVERS

One of the most important things to ascertain is whether or not their trucks use biodiesel and/or are hybrids. Of course, not all trucks are capable of using this type of fuel, but if you're serious about green, start with that question.

You should also question whether or not they use recycled materials for packing and crating.

HOW YOU CLEAN UP IS AS IMPORTANT AS WHAT YOU CLEAN UP

Whether you're leaving your old place spotlessly clean for its next inhabitants or making certain that your new home or office meets your own standards of cleanliness, you will do yourself and the Earth a favor by using green cleaning products. They do just as good a job as chemical-based cleansers and are often less expensive. Either way, they are much better for your health.

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So, you're moving house, and now it's time to work out the costs. Unfortunately for you, if you get this wrong, you're in for an unpleasant experience. One of the biggest generators of stress when moving is not correctly budgeting for moving costs.

Whether you like it or not, moving is expensive. The costs stack up. But if you plan ahead and stick to your plan, you'll find your move less stressful and more affordable.

Cleaning Expenses

This comes first. Whether you hire a professional cleaner to do it for you or not is your choice. Doing it yourself is a great way to save money, but can also cost you time you may not have.

Packing

Don't discount the cost of packing when moving. Unless you're going to hire a furniture mover to do it for you, both the time and costs can be significant. You'll need boxes, bubble wrap, tape and scissors. One way of lowering your costs is to ask supermarkets and liquor stores for their empty boxes.

Moving Your Goods Yourself

If you choose this option, you could face a ton of costs and stress that quickly eat away any savings you (might) make by not hiring a mover. At the very least, you'll need to hire a moving van, pay for petrol or diesel, and of course you'll need friends to help, which will cost you a few boxes of beers and some pizza.

Hiring Furniture Movers

If you need to hire furniture movers, this will probably be one of your biggest moving costs. But don't make the mistake of hiring the cheapest mover you come across. They offer lower insurance protection, generally rude customer service and could turn your move into a nightmare. Instead, spend a little bit extra to hire a quality, professional mover. It will make the experience a lot more hassle free and could save you thousands.

Removal Insurance

When obtaining quotes from moving companies you should always ask whether or not they provide transit (removal) insurance. This covers your goods in case they're damaged in transit. Obviously this happens all the time and the costs of the premium could very easily pay for itself.

Changes To Your Insurance Premiums

Always check with your insurance company to see what changes to expect in your home and contents premiums.

Moving Large Or Expensive Items

If you need a piano or expensive painting moved, standard furniture movers generally do not offer this service. You may need a specialist mover who will not come cheap.

Travel And Transport Costs

If you're moving long distances, you'll need to set aside money for petrol, motels, food, flights and so forth. These costs can stack up quickly so remember to plan as far ahead in advance as possible.

Deposits And Connection Or Reconnection Fees

Generally speaking, unless you take over existing connections, even if you're moving locally your phone and power company will require a connection or reconnection fee. If you're a first time customer you'll also need a deposit. If you're strapped for cash, just get the most essentials connected first and wait until you have more cash for the more non-essentials like SKY TV.

Security

Depending on where you're moving to, you'll need to take into account the cost of installing an alarm and changing the locks. If you've just bought a house this is especially important. There may be people out there you don't even know with keys to your house.

Check Dumpster Wagon for more information.

Whenever you move, whether it is across the street or across the country, you have to spend a lot of money. As you buy moving supplies, rent a truck or hire a moving company, and spend money on all the costs associated with closing out your life in one home and starting up again in a new home, moving can definitely be expensive. However, there are still plenty of ways to cuts costs when you move.

Using Free Materials

Although buying packing supplies won't be the most expensive part of any move, the costs can still add up. To avoid these costs, you can always try to get some moving materials for free.

Rather than buying new cardboard boxes, which can sell for $2 each, you can often get boxes from a supermarket or other retail store. Since the store will probably be happy to supply you with some boxes, be sure you ask an employee in advance rather than just take them. By asking first, you can get boxes that are still intact, before they are broken down to be sent to the recycling facility. You can also ask friends and relatives who have recently moved for their leftover supplies. Another idea is to stake out your office's copy room for leftover paper boxes.

If you have old blankets, sheets, or towels lying around, use these things as protective padding to cushion any fragile items or to wrap up electronics. Old newspapers can be used to wrap up your plates and glassware, instead of buying packaging paper. However, since newsprint can stain fine china and crystal, you might want to buy paper for packing these items.

Do Things Yourself

Perhaps one of the most obvious ways to make your move more economical is to do as much of it yourself as possible:

      • Pack your goods yourself instead of paying a moving company or specialized packing company to do it

      • Start the process well before your actual moving day

      • Ask relatives and friends to help with both the packing and moving

      • Rent a truck and perform the entire move yourself

      • If you have a friend who has a truck, ask if they would be willing to help you with the move

Using a Moving Company

While doing things yourself may be the cheapest way to move, it isn't always possible or practical, sometimes you have to hire professionals. However, there are still plenty of ways to be economical when using a moving company. As always, get estimates from at least three different companies and compare the services that each one provides. Although you shouldn't automatically go with the cheapest quote, if you check the company's reputation with the Better Business Bureau and feel comfortable with them, then everything should be okay.

You can also potentially lower the cost of your move by making things easier for your movers. Since many moving companies charge by the amount of time it takes them to get everything loaded into the truck, you can decrease this time by placing your boxes close to the door. Disassembling your bed frames or other large items will also help, since your movers won't be spending time doing these things. You can also save money by checking to see if your homeowner's insurance policy will cover your goods during a move. If so, you won't have to spend the extra money on purchasing separate insurance.

Get Rid of Stuff You Don't Want

Everyone has plenty of things in their homes that they don't use. So why go through the trouble of bringing these items to your new home, where they will likely stay in their boxes until your next move? Since the price of your move is often determined by the total weight of your goods, there is no reason to bring things that you don't need or won't use.

TIP: While lightening your load can save you money during your move, you can use this opportunity to make some extra money by selling any unwanted goods.

You can have a garage sale, sell your items to a second-hand store, or post your goods for sale online. Anything that you can't sell can be donated or posted on Freecycle. If you still can't relieve yourself of some things, you can always dispose of them rather than bringing them with you.

Move When It's Cheaper

Most people tend to move in the summer, between the months of June and September. Therefore, many of the costs associated with moving will be more expensive during this time frame. Move during the off-season, if possible

      • Rates for truck rentals and moving company services are often less expensive between September and June

      • If moving a long distance, save some money by traveling in the off-season

      • Remember that airfare, gas prices, and hotel rates are usually more expensive during the summer months and that many amenities tend to be much more crowded with seasonal visitors

Tax Breaks for Moving

If you are relocating because of a job, you may be able to get some money back when you move. As long as your job is more than 50 miles away from your old home, you can deduct the costs associated with moving from your taxes. Check out the IRS's Form 3903 to see if you qualify. Moreover, if you are purchasing a house for the first time, you may also be eligible to receive a tax credit.

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Self storage is cost effective, safe, and convenient. Its benefits include:

      • It allows you to expand your business without expanding your premises.

      • By using self storage, you will avail yourself the flexibility of space: allowing you to increase or decrease the amount of space to suit your specific requirements.

      • You will find that access is easy and convenient.

      • Appointments are not needed for access.

      • You are in possession and control of the key to your space.

      • Likewise, you are in control over who is allowed to access the space.

      • All businesses (small or large, young or old, and any type) may benefit by using self storage facilities.

      • Rapidly growing businesses may find that they are limited by lack of appropriate in-house storage space.

      • Self storage creates a solution for many of your needs.

Self storage allows you to

      • Choose the right amount of space to suit your needs.

      • Select the right length of time you will need to store your items.

      • Pay only for the space you need.

Business Storage Uses

You can store and organize most anything for use in self storage. For example, you might choose to store mobile equipment, office files, business records, manufacturer's samples, seasonal decorations, theatrical scenery and any additional supplies. Furthermore, self storage can help your traveling sales staff by allowing them to have stock on hand.

Selecting A Storage Space

Inquire with a storage consultant to help you select a space that will best suit your specific needs. You will find that a small space that is efficiently packed will be less expensive than a larger space. However, if your needs are such that you will be using the space quite often, you may find that a larger space (well organized with file boxes and racks) makes more sense for you. Most self storage facilities are willing and able to make modifications to meet your specific needs. Additionally, you may find that many self storage facilities are eager to offer additional services to help their business clients. For specific details, contact the self storage consultant of your choice.

The Storage Agreement

Keep in mind that (like any other agreement) you should always read through your self storage agreement carefully and thoroughly. As this is an important document, be sure to keep it in a safe place. Contact the staff at the self storage facility if you have any questions.

Insure Your Goods In Storage

Remember, the items you choose to store in a self storage space belong to you, and they remain your sole responsibility. For this reason, you should always have them insured. The self storage facility will not be responsible for insuring your items. Don't forget to contact your company's insurance provider to see if your coverage may already have a provision for items which are stored offsite (you may already be covered). If not, your self storage consultant may be able to assist you with the provision of insurance cover.

What Not To Store

You may not store any items that are illegal, stolen, hazardous, flammable, explosive, perishable, environmentally harmful, or that may be a risk to the property of any person (for example: acid, gasoline, chlorine, paint, etc.)

Files, Records And Other Documents Storage Tips

      • Books should be packed flat to protect their spines.

      • Suitable archive boxes or packing cartons should be used. Not only will you save space and offer the best protection for your goods or records, but your goods will also be easier to retrieve.

      • Fill empty pockets in the boxes with packing materials.

      • Make sure that all boxes are clearly labeled to easily identify contents.

      • Lighter boxes should always be placed on top to prevent collapse of those underneath.

Fabric Items

      • Be certain that all items to be stored are clean and free from anything that may attract pests.

      • Self storage facilities frequently sell boxes, packing materials, etc. to help protect your goods.

Electrical Equipment

      • It's important to remember that all electrical equipment must be thoroughly cleaned and dry before it is stored.

Metal Items

      • Metal items also need to be clean and dry before they are stored. For items that are prone to rust, wipe them with a rag containing a few drops of machine oil to retard rust.

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There are a ton of in-home remodeling projects that people finish on their own. One of the projects that a lot of people are ready to undertake on their own is the remodeling of their basement. This kind of a project often appear less threatening to people because you do not have to deal with plumbing issues that you have in kitchens and bathrooms, and for many the starting space is usually just an empty room, and usually a pretty large one at that. With an empty basement to remodel, you usually don’t have to involve a demolition phase that you often need with other remodeling jobs.

One of the first things to do when remodeling a basement is to draw up a plan. You do not have to be an architect to develop a simple outline of what you want to accomplish with your basement. In remodeling a basement you should check the building codes in your geographical area. Most areas have precise codes regarding the size and type of windows that need to be installed, this is especially important if you are planning to convert your basement into a bedroom. This may not seem like a big issue, however at the time of resale, or if you are financing the project you may run into problems. The requirement for the size and style of windows also depends upon how many exits are available. The main concern is that people can evacuate the area in case of an emergency.

In remodeling a basement you may want to start with a water sealant on the walls. This will help in preventing water damage to sheetrock or paneling. Many areas in the country have issues with dampness due to humidity etc. as well as water in lower levels of homes. You should evaluate and treat any water issues prior to remodeling a basement, so that you do not have to make costly repairs at a later time. If you have a home that has issues with potential water damage during certain times of the year, or during heavy rain it might be best to include removable floor coverings. If your floor coverings are removable they can be taken up if or when there’s a problem, and can be taken out without being damaged. A good solution for damp or wet floors when remodeling a basement is to paint the concrete floor with a color of paint the fits into your color scheme. Then place an area rug or carpet remnant on the floor. The painted floor can act as a border for the carpet, much as hardwood floors do. There are a number of high quality concrete paints available on the market in a variety of colors.

Basement remodeling can be an economical way to add a functional living space or bedroom, in addition to the fact that it adds value to your home. The remodeling project can be done as a family project and can be a fun and a rewarding family experience.

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The living room is actually a first perception of not just the house, but additionally the style and individuality of the homeowners. Thus, there is no surprise that homeowners go to great length to ensure that their living room looks spectacular and beautiful. If you’re searching for living room decorating ideas within a budget, then continue reading…

For many individuals, finding ideas for decorating their living room may be complicated as many falsely believe it is not possible to end up with a great looking living room unless you burn a pit in your pocket. However with some planning, it is possible to come up with ideas within a reasonable price range. There are lots of living room enhancing concepts which will not only seem exquisite and gorgeous, but will also easily fit in your financial budget.

Fresh coat of Paint: One of the simplest decorating ideas that is also affordable is to bring some fresh color to your walls. Painting apart from being simple and inexpensive can make a huge difference in the overall look of your living room. The color you choose should also match well with your furnishing and decorative objects. You can select a different shade for your trims and molding.

Trims and Molding: Installing trims and molding is another effective and inexpensive way of decorating your living room. The style and shape of your trim should again go well with the rest of your decoration. As mentioned above, it is a good idea to paint your trim a lighter shade than your wall color. It is generally recommended to use a white color for your trim and a darker shade for your walls.

Centerpiece: A great decorating idea that has been around for decades and perhaps will be around for many decades to come is to have a centerpiece. The centerpiece can be some furniture or a decorative object such as a fireplace. You will then arrange all other furniture around your centerpiece to accentuate the elegance of your centerpiece and your overall decoration. This is perhaps one of the simplest decorating strategies as you will only need to focus on one piece not several items. There are many items that can be used as a centerpiece such as a fireplace, coffee table, lamp, chandelier, chairs, TV and decorative fixtures.

Decorative Objects: Having beautiful furniture in your living room alone is not sufficient in creating that perfect impression, but it is the exotic decorating objects, layouts and style that can bring about the change you so desire. Decorative objects are the absolute must in creating that spectacular living room. You can use stylish framed pictures, candle holders, glass vases as well as colorful cushions to bring additional beauty to your living room.

Mirrors: Taking advantage of different designs and styles of decorative mirrors is among the most innovative living room decorating ideas. Rather than hanging framed mirrors, you can also choose to cover an entire wall with mirrors. The benefit of using stylish mirrors is that it not only brings charm and warmth to your living room but also makes your living room feel more spacious.

Plant and silk flowers: Do not forget to place plants or silk flowers in your living room as it will significantly improve the overall look of your living room. You can find different styles of plants and silk flowers too on your decoration. This is another simple decorating idea that can be deployed by just any homeowner. You can also get additional ideas by flipping through decoration magazines and home improvement catalogues.

Lamp and lighting: Lamps are more than a functional object; it has become a major decorating piece. You can find stylish lamps that are reasonably priced at your home hardware or search for them online. Alternatively, you can use pot lights which are elegant and can be installed easily.

Window covering and Curtains: Selecting the right curtain is an essential living room decorating idea as your window coverings are very conspicuous. Today, you can find stylish curtain rods and curtain fabrics at a very reasonable price. The rod can be installed by any homeowner in a matter of a few minutes. As always, ensure the style, fabric and the color matches well with your living room.

Don’t forget the Floor: The floor covers the vast area in your living room and thus it cannot be ignored. A great idea for making your floor look beautiful without breaking your wallet is to lay a beautiful rug on your floor. The rug you choose should match well with your room color as well as the rest of your living room furnishing.

These are just a few simple and cost effective ideas that you can use to decorate your living room. Just keep in mind that Living room decoration is not a difficult home improvement task and if you find the right resources it can be simple, practical and fun.

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When it comes to remodeling projects, doing some of the work yourself can save you a great deal of money. There are many projects that do-it-yourselfers can do just as well as a professional, with the right tools and the right instruction.

If you are remodeling your kitchen or bathroom and want to lay tile, you can do so yourself and save a lot of money in the process. However, there are certain things you should know about laying tile yourself. The following are some tips that can save you time and money as you prepare to lay tile yourself.

Plan your tile's layout

It is important that you carefully plan out the actual lay out of the tile. If you don't, you run the risk of having too many tile cuts. Instead, plan exactly when you want to the pattern to go and map it out. This goes for any accent tiles or patterns you may want as well.

Make sure you have the proper base

While there are a number of bases you can use for your tile, the wrong type or an unprepared surface will result in cracks in your tile or loose tiles. The tiles should be clean, and any residue from the previous flooring, including glue, grout, or other residue that may still be there. You can scrape it off with a blade scraper. Ideally, your base should be cement, as it is the best base for all types of flooring, walls, and countertops.

Use the proper adhesive

You may think all adhesive is the same or will work for any tile, but this is not the case. You should choose tile that adhesive that is appropriate for the area you're tiling; for example, you will want to use waterproof adhesive in bathrooms and kitchens. Failing to use the proper adhesive for the tile could result in water coming through, tiles loosening or falling out, or other problems.

Periodically stop to inspect your work

Once the adhesive has set, it is difficult to go back and correct any errors you may have made with laying the tile or putting in the grout. You can help prevent this by stepping back every 10 or 15 minutes to make sure everything is in place and looking the way you would like it to.

Use the proper grout.

It is important that you select the right grout, the same as you would for the adhesive you are going to be using. There are different types of grout depending on the area you will be working with - waterproof, exterior use, food preparation, and so forth, so make sure you select the right one.

Messy grout

Your tiling will look sloppy and unprofessional if you don't take care to do a clean job on the grout. You can do so by scraping off all of the excess grout when you are done with it, then cleaning and polishing the tile to get all excess remnants of grout off, creating a cleaner appearance.

Get the right amount of tiles

You don't want to spend money on tiles you won't be using, nor do you want to be short of tiles. Make sure you take the time to measure the area carefully and calculate the right number of tiles.

These are just a few tips that can help you lay beautiful tile yourself.

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If you are going to build a home, rather than buy a home that is already built, you should build a home that you will absolutely love. When you build a home, there are two things you should consider: What will make you the happiest while you live there, and what will get you the highest resale value.

While it is important to consider what others are going to want in a home so that you can get top resale value out of your home, what is the point of building your home, if you don't build what you want?

In order to know what type of home you should build there are a few things to look at. One of the big things is your purpose in building. You may be building this home to make enough money to move up to the next level of homes so you are really looking at profitability, or you may be building this home because it is the last time you ever want to move, thus you are building a home you want to retire in. Only you can know what your needs and wants and purposes are. Since only you can determine these, only you can define them, and you need to. In order to clearly define your purpose for building your house, answer the following questions and make the following lists, then use these as your guide to decide what type of home you should build.

Questions:

1. What sort of atmosphere are you going for in your home? Formal? Casual?

2. Do you want a one-story home, or two?

3. How many bedrooms do you need? How many do you want?

4. Do you want one big great room? Or would you rather have separate family room, dining room, and living room spaces?

5. How many bathrooms do you need? How many do you want?

6. Where do you want the bathrooms to go?

7. Where should you put a laundry area?

8. Do you want a TV room or library?

9. Do you need a living room?

10. Do you want a room that leads in from the outdoors, often called a warming/dressing room, or mudroom?

11. Where do you want the master bedroom to go?

12. How high do you want your ceilings? Average? Tall?

13. Do you want a big kitchen with an eating area in it?

14. How do you want rooms to flow?

15. How much storage space do you want or need?

16. How big of a garage do you want?

17. What are your family considerations?

18. How many living spaces besides bedrooms do you need?

19. What extras do you really feel are a necessity for your family? (game room etc.)

20. What are typical homes in the neighborhood you are building in like?

21. How many rooms do they have?

22. How many bathrooms?

23. Are they ramblers, 2-story houses? Etc.

Remember that the answers to these questions are going to determine a lot about resale value, as well as how much you will enjoy and be comfortable in the house. For example, for most homes you need a minimum of two bathrooms, but three is more ideal, and expected in many areas. It is nice to have the master bedroom away from other rooms especially if you have children because it creates more privacy. Two bedrooms are usually too few if you want to resale the house, but more than four gets really expensive and narrows your market to larger families, however, you may need five bedrooms. Laundry rooms are less expensive to put in if you put them near the kitchen or garage, but are more convenient located next to bedrooms, so as you can see, the placements and choices you make are going to effect not only comfort, but costs, so consider carefully what you need, want, and can live without.

Now build your lists:

Things you want in your home. Things you need in your home. Things you find most valuable in your own style of living.

By distinguishing on a list between your needs and your wants before you start construction, when you are actually building your house, if you are going over budget you will know which things are ok to cut back on, and which aren't. For example, if you live in an area that every house has a two-car garage, and you wanted a three car, you know that cutting back to a two-car won't hurt resale value, even if it doesn't fit your plans or ideas as well as you would have liked. Another such example is that say you may want to have a sink in the laundry room, but you have to have double sinks in the bathrooms. If you can only spend so much on sinks, you know where you are going to eliminate a sink...not the bathroom!

So, by considering the above items, you will know just what type of house to build to best suit your needs, and get the highest resale value possible.

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Building Tips

When you build a home you want it to be as comfortable as possible. Homes are supposed to be enjoyable. You are supposed to want to spend time in them. You should love your home, but you should not have to spend a million dollars (unless you want to) to get a house that is comfortable. It is possible to have a both cost effective and comfortable home.

1. Lay plumbing out efficiently: this will save you hot water expenses if you have good equipment choices, water-saving shower heads, and simply lay your plumbing out well. This will also make you more comfy because you won't have to worry about running out of hot water each time you shower.

2. Use compact fluorescents and halogens: this will save you money each month in electricity because these are efficient light fixtures. However, the delay in some of these bulbs can be quite the nuisance, so check on that because you may find, that you might prefer the standard bulb, but see what your preferences are before you install lighting.

3. Use room by room HVAC: this will save you money like crazy. Have you ever been around someone that is always hot, or always cold? Well, that is normal, if you layout your heating and AC in a zoned system, and allow for room by room control, you will save energy, and everyone will be more comfortable, especially the person who is always cold.

4. Insulate: you want to insulate like mad. It is fairly inexpensive and will save you money all year long. So, design wall and attic spaces to allow for optimum insulation. Besides, insulation will make your home more comfy because the temperature will be well regulated.

5. Anticipate deficiencies: if you can anticipate layout and structural deficiencies, you can avoid them and promote long-term viability of the house. That will make you money because you won't be buying new things, or replacing things constantly, and you will enjoy what you have.

6. Seek timelessness and durability: you don't want to necessitate updating every few years, instead save and make money by choosing concepts, colors, etc. that are timeless in nature, and are durable. Use items that are both comfortable and basic. You will love your house for longer.

7. Upgrade: this seems like a contradictory statement--how can paying more make you money? The truth is, if you pay a little bit more, you could save a lot in the future. Meaning, you buy a better dishwasher with a longer warranty, you save on utilities, it is quieter so you will like it more, and you also save by not having to replace it as quickly.

8. Think future: you want to think about future flexibility, whether that means add ons, or upgrades later, so coordinate things like your mechanical systems and framing layout for this future possibility.

9. Think long-term: you are building your own home, you need to build somewhere that will meet your needs not just today, but years down the road as well. So plan your spaces carefully to avoid the need to change drastically as your family changes.

10. Think about your furniture and stuff: if you have a huge sectional couch, and you don't build a room that will fit it, you are going to spend money rather than make money because you will have to replace your couch. So, plan your rooms to accommodate your furniture.

11. What about you? Think about what you do regularly, and try to incorporate those things into your home so you don't spend as much later. For example, if you pay a monthly fee at a gym or health club, why not put a little exercise room into your house and save the monthly fee? If you love to eat out, make a kitchen that accommodates gourmet cooking, and learn to cook beautiful, delicious meals, and save on restaurant prices. There are endless ways you can use your house to accommodate your lifestyle and save everyday.

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