Wednesday, October 21, 2009

How to Sound Dampen Your Room

Noise driving you crazy? Family members, room-mates, neighbors making too much racket? Or are you the one who's creating the hubbub? Whatever the case may be, sound dampening your room may be the way to go. To get started though you have to understand how sound and noise works before you can defeat it. Sound waves travel through air and some materials can dampen these waves. Vibrations are another source that can create noise by traveling from one object to another and vice versa.

If money is not a problem then using manufactured sound dampening materials is the way to go. Made from polyether foam and vinyl these composites absorb sound. Others are made from recycled cotton fiber layered into tiles which decrease sound from the walls and ceilings and reduces sound wave vibrations. Some products are made of heavy, flexible vinyls that become part of the wall, ceiling and floor. They are then covered with normal sheet rock or paneling.

Remember that windows and doors will also contribute to a noisy room. Weather-stripping doors and windows can also alleviate sound waves from entering. You can also purchase peel-and-stick vinyl materials for the windows which are obviously easy to install.

The simplest and perhaps the easiest solution to dampen the noise are to use conventional methods like carpeting on the floor. Then use cardboard chicken egg trays that can be purchase online to cover all four walls and door. Once this is done you can hang thick drapes all along the inside room also covering the door. Make sure the drapes are long enough to hang from ceiling to floor. These simple steps will dampen the outside noise dramatically.

Based on what you want the end results to be there is a wide variety of options in sound dampening a room. Are you trying to get a good night's sleep? If so, and you want to save a whole bunch of money, simply purchasing an eye mask, ear plugs and using a white noise machine will do the trick. If you're looking to create a recording studio then methods and materials need to change drastically. Remember that "sound-proofing" a room isn't practical because it eliminates air-waves, air which you need to breath.



Autor: Nathan M Webster Nathan M Webster
Level: Basic PLUS
Hello everyone, While I like to write articles I hate writing Bio's. It's easier to write about a subject them try to write the cutest ... ...

Insultation Coatings are available by Noxudol, a leading provider of Industrial strength sound dampening products.


Added: October 22, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

DIY Shed Project - Plans For Building a Shed

So you realized it's about time to take on a shed project due to not having the desired space you need. All your "stuff" from the house is slowly taking over and possibly spilling into the garage. Your lawn is maybe covered with your kids toys and you have no where to put your garden equipment or the lawn mower. What about the outdoor furniture? You might need a place to store them.

If you have any of those problems in figuring out what to do with all your "stuff," your not alone. One solution is to build a shed. You may have been browsing around at your local DIY stores and realized that shed kits might be a little out of your price range. You possibly even considered renting out a storage unit but common sense tells you that with a few months rent you could probably own and build your own shed.

Whether your know carpentry or not, building a shed is not difficult to do with the proper planning and preparation. First things first in preparing to go for this DIY shed project you are about to take on is to get a set of good quality plans for building a shed. Plans for building a shed are not hard to come by. There are many resources available to you that will allow you to have many DIY shed plans to choose from.

When you are looking for these plans for building a shed, make sure you choose a set that will provide you with what you need in terms of size, affordability, style, etc. If you are someone with little to no experience in building a shed, it would be wise to start out with a shed that is not too complicated to build. These resources that provide DIY shed plans, usually have hundreds of plans to choose from so you should have no problem choosing one. If you are more experienced or just up for a challenge, I'm sure you can get a little creative and tweak the plans if you would like.

Your shed project should be taken as a fun experience because that is what it is. There are many benefits in building your shed. The first one is obvious which is to be more organized and to make some additional space for all your household spillover and all your other "stuff." Other benefits would be that your shed could possibly increase the value of your property as well as save you money. You could also pick up a new hobby and your shed project will make for a good learning experience.



Autor: Matthew Bonner Matthew Bonner
Level: Basic PLUS
Matt is a successful internet marketer who finds and promotes a variety of high quality products that are beneficial and worth investing in....

One course that I know of that has thousands of shed plans and other woodworking projects is My Shed Plans Elite, by Ryan Henderson. Ryan is an experienced woodworker how will help you build that perfect shed that you want and help you save money at the same time. Getting the plans for building a shed is one of the first task you must get before you head off and start your shed project. Without step by step instructions and shed drawings you need can make you shed project very frustrating. My Shed Plans Elite was created to not make this happen.

Learn more about My Shed Plans Elite and get started with your Shed Project!


Added: October 20, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

Sunday, October 18, 2009

Installing an Automatic Gate

If you are deciding whether or not to get an automatic gate there are a few things that you should take into consideration. Automatic gates are not only a good option for security but they are also good for convenience. But there are different types of gates out there so deciding on what your needs are depends on the type of gate that you will need. Automatic gates are most popular for not only residences but also for businesses.

In this article we are going to discuss automatic gates. The first thing you need is decide after you make the decision to install an automatic gate is whether or not you are going to do it yourself or if you are going to hire a professional. If you plan to do it yourself then there is some information that you should know before installing one.

When installing one on your own you should definitely do your research to figure out some things. You are going to need to know what type of motor you are going to need for this type of gate. If you are installing a monitor system then it even gets more complicated from here. You need to decide what type of monitoring system you want. Do you want a radio box or do you want to have a video camera at the front of the gate. Having some kind of intercom or camera at the front of the gate is great because you do not have to go down to the gate to see who is there. You can determine who is there without leaving the security of your own home/business.

If you decide to choose a gate that slides out then you need to make sure that there is room to store the gate. The basic rule is you want the area to be twice as long as the gate. It is also important to make sure that the area where you plan on putting the gate is solid. Choosing the proper motor is very important to the opening and closing of your gate. The proper motor will help your gate open and close more smoothly.

The last thing to think about is how do you want your gate to open? Do you want to have it done manually? Or do you want to open it with a remote? This part of the process can be tricky. Hiring a professional might be the best option for this part unless you have some experience with this process.



Autor: Matthew McKernan

automatic gate opener, electric gate opener


Added: October 18, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

Saturday, October 17, 2009

Home Improvement Projects to Build Equity

Doing projects yourself can be an enjoyable learning experience. You can personalize, save money, learn a skill and be proud of what you have accomplished. Many times, we do home improvement projects out of necessity and sometimes we do them just for fun. But, sometimes you can make improvements that build equity by increasing the value of your home.

Putting in the time and effort that it takes to do a project right is something that you have to want to do. Projects often start out fun and exciting, but end up grueling. With the right attitude, you can keep it light and fun. Be willing to work hard and expect that a few things will go wrong. Remember that overcoming obstacles builds character and strength!

One of the biggest ways to increase the value of your home is to update the kitchens and bathrooms. Faucets and fixtures make a big difference. Investing an extra $100 in a fancy faucet can turn a room from mundane to extravagant. Faucets are pretty easy to install yourself, just make sure that you have no leaks when you are done. Tile is another addition that is not too expensive to do yourself. A framed mirror, fresh coat of paint and a cabinet refinishing can go a long way. Look into selling your old appliances and replacing them with high end, energy efficient ones.

Flooring can add value if you add tile or hardwood. Carpet won't necessarily add a lot of value, but new carpet will definitely help a house to sell if you're looking for that. Using wood, tile, granite, and other sturdy materials around the home help to raise house value. Stone and other natural materials not only look nice, but they give the house a more durable quality that buyers pay more for.

Another project you can do yourself is crown molding and chair rail. Chair rails are a lot like base boards that go around the center of the wall. They set off a room and make it look more luxurious than just blank walls. Miter the corners and cut forty five degree angles at the seams. For a professional look, angle the seams so that they are not visible from the entrance to the room. Replace damaged baseboards and quarter round for a clean finish.

Landscaping is one of the most important improvements you can make. Buyers pay significantly more for homes that are beautifully maintained. Take care of your landscaping and a small investment could turn out to gain you real profits.

If you are selling your home, make sure that the lights all work with matching bulbs. Keep the lawn mowed and watered. Take down your own art and photos. Get rid of extras that are lying around. Make your closets look more spacious by organizing them and using high end products like wood hangers or cedar accessories. With a little diligence and care, your home's value can be increased more than you might have imagined.



Autor: Joe Granville Joe Granville
Level: Basic PLUS
About the Author: Joe Granville is on the staff of Only Hangers, a leading online resource for wood hangers, coat hangers and all types of ... ...

About the Author: Joe Granville is on the staff of Only Hangers, a leading online resource for wood hangers, coat hangers and all types of clothes hangers, which is recognized for the excellent quality and value of its wood hanger and coat hanger offerings. For more information, please visit http://www.onlyhangers.com.


Added: October 17, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

Friday, October 16, 2009

DIY Solar Panels 101 - An Introduction to Building Your Own Solar Panels

DIY solar panels present a great opportunity to not only save the environment, but also to save more money on your electricity bills. With the prices of energy constantly rising, it becomes an even more attractive option than ever before. Depending on where you live, you can almost certainly profit from DIY solar panels.

While of course building your own solar panels is definitely a little more complicated than getting installations that have already been arranged and designed, there are various advantages about building your own. Most obviously, you can save money.

Building your own panels also gives you a degree of versatility, such as where you can mount them, how many you want to have an various other important aspects. You can buy a DIY kit easily enough which will help you get started.

The kit will contain detailed instructions on how to set everything up. Is nothing like as difficult as you might expect and if you buy a kit, you shouldn't need to buy anything else. You will have the solar cells on the panels themselves and everything else you need to get started.

While you won't likely be able to run an entire house of a small number of solar panels, you should be able to save a very significant percentage of your electricity bill. Is entirely depends on how much electricity use of course, so it is hard to say exactly how much money you will save.

Of course, the more panels you have, the more money you save. It also depends of course on the weather way you live. In certain areas of the country and might not be very feasible to get solar panels but this is unlikely since just about everywhere gets enough sun to make profitable use out of them.

Solar panels are also completely clean and green. You never have to worry about the sun had suddenly disappearing or putting up its energy prices! As energy prices continue to rise, and the world falls closer and closer towards crisis when it comes to energy, more and more people should start using renewable sources of energy.

Up until recently, it wasn't an attractive option for many people since it was both complicated and expensive to use these various methods. Now fortunately, it starts to add up a lot more favorably, allowing you to actually save a lot of money in the longer run.



Autor: Jude Angel

Jude Angel is a DIY enthusiast and loves taking on new DIY challenges. He recently tackled DIY solar panels for the average "weekend DIYer."

He has reviewed many DIY solar panel guides, but only recommends the one he personally used for his home solar panel system - the Green DIY Energy Guide.

Click on the above link for a SNEAK PEEK inside of the Green DIY Energy Guide.

Start your DIY solar panel project today, and cut your energy costs while saving the environment!


Added: October 16, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Going Solar

What is the hottest thing going around today? Building a Solar Panel. With the way power prices have "sky rocketed" bringing grief to the average family home, it has now become a hot topic. Today around the garage of the average man or woman, the word is to build and convert our homes to solar power.

Just the other day when I was working in the garage on my new project, my neighbor peers over too check out my new project. He looks with interest and comments that he didn't know I knew anything about building solar panels. "I didn't until 2 weeks ago" I replied. "Then how are you building this solar panel" he continued to ask. So I sat down with him and explained all that had transpired over the last couple of months. How I was looking for a better way to convert to solar. That every where I looked I found technical jargon with lots of big quotes, very big quotes. Then I stumbled upon a site that claimed to teach me how to build solar panel in a weekend for under $200. At first I thought it was a bit of a con but for $50 I thought why not. I blew more than that at the races the previous weekend. So I gave it a try and was totally amazed at what I had come across. So here I am today building solar panels one by one and eventually I will have the entire house on solar energy. He was impressed!

This is a conversation that is sweeping the world with men and woman working away in their garages and in one lazy weekend able to build a Solar Panel. They have now, themselves, made a contribution to changing the world. For every person that builds and installs a solar panel is one more step into making the world a better place. Reducing carbon emissions and the best part of it all the reduction of pain on the hip pocket.

Solar Panels are so easy and so affordable today that for the cost a family meal at the local takeaway you can now build your own Solar Panel in an easy to follow step by step guide. Anyone can do it and everyone has.

Start building your own Solar Panel today and be one of the many that are changing the way the world thinks. Go Solar and make the world a better place.



Autor: John Streethon

John Streethon is changing the world by reducing his carbon footprint and going Solar Power. You too can also learn how to go solar by visiting Solar Do It Yourself. Another good source can be found here.


Added: October 14, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Building Chicken Coops - Urban Rancher Spills Secrets to Success

I bet you thought this article was lifted from a grocery store tabloid. Sorry to disappoint, but here are some important items to consider before you attempt building chicken coops.

A chicken coop or hen house has a couple of important functions: Protection for your flock and a place for the chickens to lay eggs and live out their lives.

Protection has two elements:

*Protection from the elements
*Protection from predators

The elements we need to concern ourselves about are dependent on your climate -- both winter and summer. In the southern areas, heat is most troublesome. Up north the cold, rain and wind could be your biggest concerns. Your coop design should be based upon these considerations, but flexible enough to be functional all year round.

Moisture is an element that you need to minimize in your hen house. Pick a high, well drained portion of your back yard to locate your chicken coop and run. Also slope the floor of the coop a little towards the door to allow cleaning solutions and water to run out naturally rather than to puddle.

Predators are worrisome everywhere. If your plan is to have a permanent location for your chicken coop, a good idea is to have your perimeter enclosure made of chicken wire (nice term-huh) that you bury about a foot below grade and heavy enough gauge of wire that critters, like raccoons, can't chew through. Another solution might be to dig a trench under your enclosure and dry lay bricks down about the same 12 inches. Also put a lid of chicken wire or something similar to keep hawks and owls from having a chicken dinner at your expense.

Most other important considerations are built around your selection of chicken house plans. Building chicken coops is made much easier if you follow an easy to follow complete guide to raising chickens and the construction of your coop rather than just buying a set of plans. The guide should cover things like breed and number of chickens to raise, your purpose for raising chickens, the size of the coop and run, uses simple construction techniques for the shade tree carpenter (and children) and goes into details for insulation, ventilation, window needs and locations, material selection and a lumber cutting guide.

The instructions must be simple to understand and follow a logical construction sequence for ease and enjoyment of your DIY project. This is not a complete list of concerns, but you get the picture. Planning for a fairly intense DIY project is critical to its success.

Fortunately there are several guides online for you to choose from. Take your time and choose wisely. As a back-up to this plan I suggest you find a guide that has technical support to answer all your concerns and lastly a money back satisfaction guarantee, just in case you decide you don't like or understand the guide once paid for.

This should give you a good start to your research before spending any money building chicken coops. Like the old carpenter's adage: MEASURE TWICE and only then, CUT ONCE!

PLAN COMPLETELY BEFORE and only then, BUILD ONCE!!

Have fun and enjoy your new hobby.
Jerry, the Organic Rancher



Autor: Jerry Lovejoy

Jerry, the Organic Rancher is a Going Green kind of guy that lives in the foothills above Denver, Colorado and loves living here. I enjoy DIY projects and believe building projects on your own is not only fun,but being self reliant isn't a bad thing either.

For more great construction tips and a link to a guide that I feel is the most complete on the net, go to http:// http://www.BuildingChicken-Coops.com


Added: October 13, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

Sunday, October 11, 2009

If You're About to Tackle Some DIY Or Renovation Work - Here's Some Tips

There is a vast number of different tips that are available on the subject of do it yourself renovations. The tips cover an array of things including choosing quality paints, preparation for the work, choosing brushes and rollers, skip hire and tackling mold to name a few things.

When you're planning to do some DIY renovations it is very important to choose paints that are of a good quality. Better paint is easier to apply and the paint will last for longer. For example with quality paint you may only need to re-paint every ten years whereas with cheap paint you will have to renew every five years if not sooner.

When you are going to be doing some renovation work it is very important to correctly prepare the area that is going to be worked on. Preparation is the key to a successful renovation project. It is very important to devote a lot of attention and time to preparing the area that is going to be worked on. Use fillers that are of a very good quality and allow the filler time to dry before trying to work with the surface.

Once the filler is dried completely it should be filed down using sandpaper. Taking time to prepare the area properly will definitely show within the final result of the work. This is especially the case when using gloss style paints which brings us nicely onto the next tip.

Another important tip undertaking a renovation project is to choose quality brushes and rollers. The cheap brushes and rollers that are available will more than likely not leave a good finish on the project. It is a very good idea to purchase the best rollers and brushes that you are able to afford and if they are looked after properly they will do many different renovation projects.

Another very important this when undertaking a renovation is to think about where all the rubbish and debris is going to go. It may be worth looking into some reputable skip hire companies early on, this way you'll be able to get rid of your waste responsibly and legally.

It is important to treat the walls within the room with mold killer or if you wish to save some money normal household bleach will work just as well. It is important to wipe down all walls and not only those areas that are actually affected by mold spores. Once you have wiped down all the walls clean everything with warm clean water.



Autor: Gemma Clarke Gemma Clarke
Level: Platinum
Easy Skip hire Services wherever you may be in the UK!...
Added: October 11, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

Friday, October 9, 2009

The Classic Renovations Mistakes That DIY Enthusiasts Make

It is possible when to save money whilst tackling a large improvement project. One good way to save money is to avoid costly mistakes and to do as much of the work as possible by yourself however this can be a very daunting thing to consider.

A lot of people have a hard time deciding whether to a job on their own or whether to hire in a professional to do it. The amount of work that you are actually able to do will depend on the amount of experience you have and also what skills you have. It is worth remember that a lot of projects that look very easy actually turn out to be very awkward and time consuming. It is very important to weigh up the various pros and cons when you are trying to decide whether or not to hire a professional.

It is very important to remember that home renovations can lead to a lot more expense that you previously calculated there for it a very good idea to underestimate the budget. It is a very good idea to set aside some funds just in case anything should lead to more expense than was originally calculated for it.

It is very important to conduct a reasonable amount of research prior to starting the renovation project. This way you get to know the layout of the house such, as where the electrical wiring is located.
When you are thinking about renovating a house it is very important to shop around prior to starting in order to see how much things are. This way you can work out a realistic budget. Some things are commonly overlooked by the DIY enthusiast, the favourites being skip hire and a contingency budget. When deciding on a budget it is also very important to take into consideration the amount of money that you can realistically spend on the renovation project, as there is no point spending more than you are able to afford.

When you are planning a renovation project it is essential to know if any permits are required for the work that you plan to undertake. The permit requirements will depend on the type of work that you wish to undertake and you may even need a permit for things like skip hire or material removal. It is important to check the situations with regards to permits as this can help you to avoid a costly mistake.

It is very important not to sacrificing the quality of the work. A lot of the home improvement project requires the quality of the work to be of the utmost importance. In order to have a high quality of work it is very important to use the best quality of materials and also a high level of workmanship.



Autor: Gemma Clarke Gemma Clarke
Level: Platinum
Easy Skip hire Services wherever you may be in the UK!...
Added: October 9, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

Thursday, October 8, 2009

How to Build a See Saw

A seesaw, also known as teeter board or teeter-totter, is a long, slender plank balanced in the middle so that, as one end goes down, the other goes up. In a playground, a person sits on each end and they alternately push their feet in opposition to the ground to raise their end into the air. It usually has handles for the players to hold as they sit facing each other. To construct your own playground, just follow the six simple procedures below.

Required Materials

Bolts
Cement
Sand
Screws
Padding
Water
Staples
Cover material
U-clamp
Post anchors
Metal U-frame or post stock
Metal tubing or 2�8" stock
10' metal perforated strap

Required Tools

Shovel
Hammer
Level
Tape measure
Staple gun
Pencil/paper
Wood drill with assorted bits
Metal drill with bits

Instructions

1. First, we have to build the foundation for the seesaw. On a plane area, layout the span of the see saw. Find the center of the area for two base holes. The two holes need to be at least one foot wide and six feet deep. Set a solid tube into the hole. The peak of the tube should be three inches underneath the surface of the ground. Connect an anchor to allow perpendicular supports.

2. After finishing the foundations, we have to build the posts. We can use the one-piece metal U-post system or two vertical posts joined by a metal pipe and bolted on at the ends to a steel/wooden post system. Attach the posts to the foundations.

3. After that, choose the preferred length of the lever. We can use metal or wood as material but be sure the wrap the lever with padding to add some safety measures. If we have to use wood, fasten a metal strip to the base of the stock to provide firmness. Bore holes for a seat into both ends.

4. Now place the handles by drilling a hole in the lever arm approximately eighteen to twenty four inches from the end of the lever. Drill another hole in a one by two inches piece of stock. Attach the vertical beam into the parallel lever and then add a cross member to the upright beam for the player to grip on to.

5. At the end of each seesaw, Attach foam covered with leather sheet to act as seats for the seesaw.

6. Once you are done, Sand down the sharp edges of the seesaw then paint the seesaw with the desired color. A non-lead paint is advised for the playground type seesaw since children will be using it.



Autor: Kenny Leones

Please click these links if you want to know more about how to build a see saw or how to build a see saw in general.


Added: October 8, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

How to Build an Awning

Constructing your very own awning will help you save some money. But you should be familiar with the whole process so that you will not waste important resources. You can also consult individuals who are knowledgeable about this project to ensure its success.

MATERIALS NEEDED IN CONSTRUCTING AN AWNING

The materials needed are eight to ten inches tarp, 3"/16" a nylon rope (the length of the nylon rope should be fifty inches), a pair of big washers, steel rod (eight inches diction inches), a pair of extendable tent poles and a pair of rubber tipped small clamps. A rubber clamp will help you ensure that the paint of the set-up will not be damaged. You can also use a three inches clamp.

Some individuals do not like using eight inches steel rods. But a smaller one will allow the tarp to cover the end of the rod. It also keeps the paint from being unnecessarily damaged.

STEPS IN CREATING AN AWNING

Remember to remove the grommets off the end of the eight inches tarp. The grommet-free ends should be carefully folded and then closed. Leave a small space between both ends. The total width of the space should permit a ' rod to go in easily. Divide the rope into two parts. Place washers to each portion of the rope. Tie each side of the rope with slipknots which will allow you to utilize it as stakes. Remove any uneven edges in the washer to protect the rope of any damage.

PLACING AN AWNING ON YOUR VEHICLE

You can also place an awning on your car or coaster which will be useful when you take a vacation. Place a " rod in the tube that can be found inside the tarp. Remember to place an eight inches space on the door space that slides.
It needs five minutes and two people to install the pair of poles and ropes and 2 pairs of stakes for the tent on the vehicle. You can now use the whole set-up to enjoy your vacation.

PROPER STORAGE

It is vital that you know how to correctly store the awning, like in the vehicle while you are traveling. It should be place inside a container under the seat. Poles can be simply scaled down to fit into compartments. The " rod should place in the tarp's space or in the gutter. But you should make sure that it is properly in place if you will leave in the space in the tarp.



Autor: Kenny Leones

Please click these links if you want to know more about how to build an awning or how to build an awning in general.


Added: October 6, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

Monday, October 5, 2009

How to Build a Septic Tank

As building expenses continue to get bigger each year, individuals who wish to construct their own residences look for different ways to save cash. One of these ways is building their own septic area.

Although building one is strictly regulated because of environmental and health hazards, constructing the tank by yourself is not an impossible endeavor.

One of the most important parts of a home is the septic tank. It contains wastes coming from your residence and keeps it in designated places to be broke down by organisms.

The main key to making this set-up possible is to fulfill all permit requirements and create a plan. You can also ask the help of professionals to ensure the success of the project.

MATERIALS NEEDED IN CONSTRUCTING A SEPTIC TANK

The materials needed are gravel, sand, PVC glue, PVC piping and ends, string, pen and paper, tape measure and paint brushes.

TOOLS

The tools needed are backhoe, shovel, surveying equipment, measuring pole and stakes.

STEPS IN CREATING A SEPTIC TANK

Secure the necessary permits from your local health and municipal authorities before beginning with your project. Make a preliminary sketch of your whole property and give it to your local building and health officials for approval for the test holes to be made.

The sketch should also contain all the structures in your residence and the exact number of rooms, fences, transformers as well as the geographical formations in your property to determine the area where you will place it.

Create test holes as ordered by your local building authorities. Choose a professional contractor to do this task for you. Allow the inspectors to examine the hole once you are finished creating them. You should also submit the soil for testing. Create a plan to fulfill the building requirements in your community.

After that, you can start building the whole set-up. The approval from your local building authorities will decide the overall size and location of the tank. Use a backhoe to create the hole of the tank. Check if the tank meets the standards set by local building and health officials.

Place stone and sand in the area. Install the tank, drainage system and distribution area according to the design plan. Connect the set-up to the plumbing of your residence.

Asked an inspector to check if everything is in order with your project and verify if all forms have been finished for inspection before sealing the pit.



Autor: Kenny Leones

Please click these links if you want to know more about how to build a septic tank or how to build a septic tank in general.


Added: October 5, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

Saturday, October 3, 2009

How to Build a Fort

Location, location, location

Thinking of a fun way for a father-son bonding experience? Or maybe you're just into building things and enjoying the fine piece of work you just did. Why not try building a wooden fort or two? It's a nice alternative to building those generic tree houses, and it's easier too.

First things first, before you set out to find the needed materials, you'll need to locate a suitable location where you can build your fort.

A wide open space is preferable, but your own backyard will suffice if you want it to be placed conveniently near your house. Just keep in mind that the fort's size will be restricted by the area where you will build it at.

Laying down the foundation and support of your fort

Now that you've found a proper spot to construct your wooden fort, it's time to plan how large and what shape your fort will be. To make things simple and help you save on costs for the building materials needed, a 4 feet by 4 feet square shaped fort is recommended.

Next thing you need to do is to drive four wooden 5 foot tall 2 by 4's on the ground. The 2 by 4's should be spaced out evenly in a square shaped pattern. They should be separated by 4 feet of open space. This will serve as your pillars that will support your wooden fort.

After you're done with that, you should next lay down a 4 feet by 4 feet plywood on the ground within the pillars of your fort. Make sure the plywood fits snugly inside your supporting pillars. Use 3 inch screws to bore horizontally through the base of your 4 wooden pillars horizontally. The screws should attach themselves to the four corners of the plywood floor.

Now that you've laid the groundwork and support of your wooden fort, it's time to attach the walls of your fort. For that, you'll need four pieces of 4 feet by 4 feet plywood. This time, instead of screwing the plywood to your wooden pillars, you will nail them instead. Make sure the walls are perfectly level when you nail them to the posts.

Finishing up

Once you're done nailing the walls to your wooden fort, there will be one side of it that you should designate as your entrance. After choosing that side, you'll simply need to cut a 2 feet by 4 feet hole on the wall.

This cut out piece of wood will then be used as the door. Attach one hinge on top of one side of the board, and another on the bottom of the same side of the board. The two hinges should then be attached one side of your door wall.

Make sure to attach a handle on the door so it'll be easy for you to open and close the gate of your fort. After you're done attaching the handle, congratulations!

You now have your own fort. With a minimal amount of materials and tools needed, building your own wooden fort is really easy as long as you follow the steps mentioned above.



Autor: Kenny Leones

Please click these links if you want to know more about how to build a fort or how to build a fort in general.


Added: October 3, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

Thursday, October 1, 2009

Building a Lean-To Greenhouse

A lean-to greenhouse is a great choice if you are looking to extend the growing season for your fruits, flowers or vegetables. It is a practical cost saving structure with several advantages. First, it is an ideal choice when space is at a premium and second, it cuts heating costs because the common wall between your home and greenhouse absorbs heat during the day and radiates it back when temperatures fall at night. An access door from the interior of the house would help in saving plants from blasts of cold air when you enter or exit. Building a lean-to greenhouse also allows you easy access to utilities such as electric points and water source. If you build it abutting your garage wall, all the better! You can store your tools and equipment right next door.

With all these advantages, building a lean-to greenhouse makes sense. Here are a few tips on setting it up:

1. You can begin with a basic carpentry set and equally basic carpentry skills!

2. Site your greenhouse for best exposure to the sun in early spring and late autumn. For this purpose, the south side of your house would be most suitable.

3. You can opt for a lumber foundation as you can install it yourself. Begin by clearing the area and marking the perimeter of the structure you plan to build. Use measuring tape and wooden stakes. Make maximum use of the wall you plan to lean you greenhouse on by using as much of its length as possible.

4. Dig a foundation trench on three sides to accommodate the foundation planks according to the boundaries you have marked out.

5. Use pressure treated timber eight inch by eight inch in size. Dig only as deep as necessary to fit in the timber. Recheck that the trenches are the correct length and width as planned. Check that the foundation is level. Use a carpenter's square to ensure that the planks are at right angles to each other.

6. Go in for spruce or cedar wood to build a frame nailed to the wood foundation. Your greenhouse should be about seven feet in height from the ground.

7. Build the outside wall frame first, then the roof rafters, and finally the side wall frame.

8. Make space for a door on the west wall. Add a thin strip of plywood on the lower part of the door frame for added strength. Put in the door hinges and attach the door.

9. Build two vents on the lower side of the west wall and one in the centre of the roof.

10. Attach glazing to ensure that there are no gaps or leaks. Use poly film, polycarbonate, glass or fiberglass.

With these tips to help you get going, building a lean-to greenhouse will take you no more than a weekend once the foundation is ready.



Autor: Bill Keene

Bill Keene is a former farmer and author of of the "Building A Greenhouse Plans" and website http://www.buildingagreenhouseplans.com


Added: October 2, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/