By Susan Schlenger
Concrete? Oh no, I don't want concrete for my patio!
I hear this many times from Clients. However, you might want to think twice before dismissing this paving material.
Concrete is often considered due to it being relatively inexpensive. While many homeowners may want a different paving for there concrete patio designs, such as pavers, brick or natural stone, it is not always in their budget.
However, concrete can actually look very nice as a paving material choice. You just have to know how to spice it up. Here are some great ways to do just that.
1. Choose a color other than the typical cement color. This can be done by adding color into the concrete mix. You can then have paving that is an attractive color. Beige tones and grays look nice.
2. Use an acid base stain. This will create various shades of color and can actually look like stone. There are many colors to choose from. It is VERY nice. Be sure to hire a contractor who has had experience with this, as the application must be done correctly.
3. Create a geometric pattern. Rather than have large expanses of concrete, score the concrete into large squares. These might be eighteen inches or twenty four inches in size. An added advantage is that construction joints will blend into the scoring. Consider laying the pattern on the diagonal. This adds additional interest and can make the area look larger.
Advantages of Concrete
1. Inexpensive
2. Blends well with other hardscapes in the landscape.
3. Patterned and colored concrete normally do not fight with house colors and materials.
4. Nice colors can be achieved.
Disadvantages of Concrete
1. If not installed properly, can crack over time.
2. Additional procedures should be considered to make it interesting, as mentioned above.
Concrete with the above additions can work very nicely for patios and swimming pool decking.
Susan Schlenger is a professional Landscape Designer with a degree in Landscape Architecture. To read more about concrete as a paving material, visit Concrete Patio Designs.
You can also read about other patio design ideas and additional paving choices at Patio Designs.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Susan_Schlenger
Do it Yourself Pool Kits
ป้ายกำกับ: DIYBy Ben E. Anderson
If you have been thinking about putting in a swimming pool but you don't want to spend a great deal of money or deal with the hassle if having to find a reputable pool builder, then you may want to think about doing it yourself. There are pool kits available for all kinds of pools, including in-ground, above ground and spas.
The cost of do-it-yourself kits depends on the size of the pool and whether or not you plan on installing an above ground or in-ground pool. Swimming pools generally cost around $20,000 to $30,000. You can expect to pay far less than that with a do-it-yourself pool kit. Pool kits come with a step-by-step instructional manual that will guide you through the process one step at a time.
For example, if you are putting in an in-ground pool the step-by-step process may go something like this:
Step 1 - Select your desired swimming pool location.
Step 2 - Dig the hole of the desired location. You will want to have a professional take care of this step for you because you may not have the appropriate equipment or means to do the excavation yourself.
Step 3 - Install the pool walls and steps.
Step 4 - Install all of the main drains, lighting niches and piping. Remember that a licensed electrician should properly install all of the electrical components before you fill the pool with water.
Step 5 - Brace the steps and pour the concrete.
Step 6 - Put in the pump filter and all other accessories that are needed. Accessories may include a salt chlorinator, a booster pump for cleaner and returns for deck jets, and a heater.
Step 7 - Install the rest of the plumbing, skimmers and returns. Run all plumbing and filter lines to the pool.
Step 8 - Install the pool bottom. This is usually done with cement, which you can purchase in a variety of mixtures. Smooth out the cement of the pool bottom and let it dry.
Step 9 - When the cement is dry, install the pool liner.
Please visit us to learn more about chemical free pools and to learn more about the problems with having a salt water pool.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ben_E._Anderson
Install Pool Properly to Prevent Problems
ป้ายกำกับ: DIY
By Ben E. Anderson
Thinking of a do-it-yourself above ground pool install? Pool installation is not difficult, but ensuring that you do it properly is essential to the success of your backyard oasis. This guide, though, should help you install your pool without a problem.
The first step after you've chosen your above ground pool model is to choose the appropriate place to put your pool. Once you've done that, you'll need to begin to remove the sod around the area. Don't forget, installing a pool often requires a license or a permit from your local city council, so check on the building code requirements before you ever pick up a shovel.
When you have removed all of the sod, it's time to start leveling the ground. Start on the high side, and then dig out to the lowest area of your pool building site. While there are a few exceptions to this rule, that will apply to most backyard install pool procedures. The next step is to tamp, or pack the ground into place. Doing this by hand is not going to be effective in most cases. You'll usually need to invest in a bit of equipment for that step.
Once the ground is tamped, it's time to use some crushed stone or sand as a sub-base to help keep your pool level after it has been installed. Your instructions will tell you which is going to work best for your pool. Again, you'll need to tamp it into place before you move on to the next step.
Now it's time to begin to assemble your above ground pool. You'll want to put the bottom of the pool and the supports together carefully. Reading the instruction manual here will really help. Once you have the bottom rim in, putting some ground stakes around it every three feet will help to keep it from moving around as you install the rest of your pool. The walls are your next step. This may require the help of your family or some neighbors, because pool walls are usually quite heavy, and it is difficult to direct them into their tracks.
The liner for your above ground pool is the next step in the install. Pool liners are best put in during warm weather, as the liner material is far easier to work with and less likely to wrinkle on you. Your uprights and the top rail are your final step in the process. Again, your instructions should guide you on what to do first in this situation.
Finally, it's time to put some water in your new above-ground pool. You'll need to fill it very slowly, and soothe out any wrinkles that appear in the liner during the process. If any problems occur, it's best to go ahead and drain the water, then refill it again after you've sorted the problems out.
An above ground pool is a wonderful investment, but ensuring proper installation procedures are followed is essential.
To see the problems with salt water pools, please visit us at ecosmarte.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ben_E._Anderson
Thinking of a do-it-yourself above ground pool install? Pool installation is not difficult, but ensuring that you do it properly is essential to the success of your backyard oasis. This guide, though, should help you install your pool without a problem.
The first step after you've chosen your above ground pool model is to choose the appropriate place to put your pool. Once you've done that, you'll need to begin to remove the sod around the area. Don't forget, installing a pool often requires a license or a permit from your local city council, so check on the building code requirements before you ever pick up a shovel.
When you have removed all of the sod, it's time to start leveling the ground. Start on the high side, and then dig out to the lowest area of your pool building site. While there are a few exceptions to this rule, that will apply to most backyard install pool procedures. The next step is to tamp, or pack the ground into place. Doing this by hand is not going to be effective in most cases. You'll usually need to invest in a bit of equipment for that step.
Once the ground is tamped, it's time to use some crushed stone or sand as a sub-base to help keep your pool level after it has been installed. Your instructions will tell you which is going to work best for your pool. Again, you'll need to tamp it into place before you move on to the next step.
Now it's time to begin to assemble your above ground pool. You'll want to put the bottom of the pool and the supports together carefully. Reading the instruction manual here will really help. Once you have the bottom rim in, putting some ground stakes around it every three feet will help to keep it from moving around as you install the rest of your pool. The walls are your next step. This may require the help of your family or some neighbors, because pool walls are usually quite heavy, and it is difficult to direct them into their tracks.
The liner for your above ground pool is the next step in the install. Pool liners are best put in during warm weather, as the liner material is far easier to work with and less likely to wrinkle on you. Your uprights and the top rail are your final step in the process. Again, your instructions should guide you on what to do first in this situation.
Finally, it's time to put some water in your new above-ground pool. You'll need to fill it very slowly, and soothe out any wrinkles that appear in the liner during the process. If any problems occur, it's best to go ahead and drain the water, then refill it again after you've sorted the problems out.
An above ground pool is a wonderful investment, but ensuring proper installation procedures are followed is essential.
To see the problems with salt water pools, please visit us at ecosmarte.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ben_E._Anderson
Mortgage Advice in Today's Real Estate Market
ป้ายกำกับ: Mortgage Refinace, Real-Estate
By Ray Tolley
With the slowing housing market, rising interest rates and lenders tightening the reins on their mortgage qualification requirements, it's extremely important to get the best mortgage at a good interest rate. Keep reading for four tips you can use to get the best mortgage in today's residential real estate market.
1. Work on your credit.
If your credit score isn't good, take the time to work on rebuilding it. Now is not the time to accept a higher rate just because you have poor credit. Spend a year or two making sure all your payments get in on time, that you stop applying for new credit and you reduce the balance on your double-digit interest credit. Because interest rates are already rising, you can't afford to lock in at a credit penalty rate. Remember, taking an additional year or two before purchasing a home could save you tens of thousands of dollars over the life of the loan, so have patience.
2. Build a sizable down payment.
Having a strong down payment of 20% or more puts you in the driver's seat and allows you to direct negotiations with lenders. Not only will you save on private mortgage insurance (PMI) and your interest rate, you'll also walk into your home with pre-established home equity. You'll have backup equity in case of a financial emergency, and you'll have a strong financial foundation that's not easily rocked by economic instability.
If you're having trouble coming up with a larger down payment, try accessing 401K reserves or negotiating a loan through financing from your family.
3. Opt for the stable lender.
With fly-by-night mortgage companies closing their doors and selling their loans on the secondary market, you want a lender that's going to give you good customer service and do so for 30 years.
Don't make the same mistake as the countless thousands who lost their homes because of bad lender decisions; opt for a stable lender. Look for a financial provider whose personnel answers your questions, doesn't try to rush you and is genuinely interested in helping you get the best loan. If you're stuck, ask around your neighborhood or hit family and friends for advice on their lenders. Having customer referrals from people you trust is invaluable.
4. If interest rates are too high, don't lock in.
While an adjustable rate mortgage (ARM) means your monthly mortgage payments can still go up with inflating interest rates, you also don't want to lock yourself into a 30-year fixed rate mortgage with a bad interest rate.
Whatever you decide, remember that if you have substantial home equity and good credit, you can always renegotiate or refinance down the line if interest rates come back down.
For information on practical home ownership preparation recommendations, please visit http://www.home-ownership-preparation.com, a popular site providing great insights concerning home purchase readiness, such as home inspection tools, FHA mortgage rates, and many more!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ray_Tolley
With the slowing housing market, rising interest rates and lenders tightening the reins on their mortgage qualification requirements, it's extremely important to get the best mortgage at a good interest rate. Keep reading for four tips you can use to get the best mortgage in today's residential real estate market.
1. Work on your credit.
If your credit score isn't good, take the time to work on rebuilding it. Now is not the time to accept a higher rate just because you have poor credit. Spend a year or two making sure all your payments get in on time, that you stop applying for new credit and you reduce the balance on your double-digit interest credit. Because interest rates are already rising, you can't afford to lock in at a credit penalty rate. Remember, taking an additional year or two before purchasing a home could save you tens of thousands of dollars over the life of the loan, so have patience.
2. Build a sizable down payment.
Having a strong down payment of 20% or more puts you in the driver's seat and allows you to direct negotiations with lenders. Not only will you save on private mortgage insurance (PMI) and your interest rate, you'll also walk into your home with pre-established home equity. You'll have backup equity in case of a financial emergency, and you'll have a strong financial foundation that's not easily rocked by economic instability.
If you're having trouble coming up with a larger down payment, try accessing 401K reserves or negotiating a loan through financing from your family.
3. Opt for the stable lender.
With fly-by-night mortgage companies closing their doors and selling their loans on the secondary market, you want a lender that's going to give you good customer service and do so for 30 years.
Don't make the same mistake as the countless thousands who lost their homes because of bad lender decisions; opt for a stable lender. Look for a financial provider whose personnel answers your questions, doesn't try to rush you and is genuinely interested in helping you get the best loan. If you're stuck, ask around your neighborhood or hit family and friends for advice on their lenders. Having customer referrals from people you trust is invaluable.
4. If interest rates are too high, don't lock in.
While an adjustable rate mortgage (ARM) means your monthly mortgage payments can still go up with inflating interest rates, you also don't want to lock yourself into a 30-year fixed rate mortgage with a bad interest rate.
Whatever you decide, remember that if you have substantial home equity and good credit, you can always renegotiate or refinance down the line if interest rates come back down.
For information on practical home ownership preparation recommendations, please visit http://www.home-ownership-preparation.com, a popular site providing great insights concerning home purchase readiness, such as home inspection tools, FHA mortgage rates, and many more!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ray_Tolley
Compare Buy-To-Let Mortgage Deals
ป้ายกำกับ: Mortgage Refinace
By R Rama
Buy-to-let mortgages are gaining popularity in the UK because of many reasons, the prime reason being that it has developed as a viable business option for many people.
Statistics show that borrowers availing buy-to-let mortgages have increased recently. According to, Datamonitor, in the second half of 2002, gross buy-to-let lending totalled GBP6.7bn compared to GBP4.1bn in the second half of 2001. In spite of the growth of such mortgages, experts opine that it is not a good investment solution for people. On the other hand, some experts also opine that it is not good as a single investment option, but can be considered as a constituent of a portfolio. However, in spite of future projections, people are considering this type of mortgages in large numbers.
In such mortgages, a lender provides the money in order to make returns when the property is rented out to a tenant by the borrower. The concept of them has gained popularity over the years because of the rising costs of residential properties. With the rising costs of real estate and its rentals, buy-to-let mortgages have also become popular with entrepreneurs. The returns, in terms of rent, that is generated from the property can provide a steady stream of income. Along with the growth of the residential area in which the property is located, the appreciation of the property will also increase. This in turn will fetch more rent for the landlord in future. This will also add the equity value of the house.
The Inland Revenue is believed to be considering allowing people to invest in residential property using a self-invested personal pension (Sipp). The money in Sipp may be used to invest in commercial property such that the rental income is directed back into the fund. The funds however, may have to be used to buy annuity.
If you would like to compare buy-to-let mortgages, please visit our mortgage quote website for a quote
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=R_Rama
Buy-to-let mortgages are gaining popularity in the UK because of many reasons, the prime reason being that it has developed as a viable business option for many people.
Statistics show that borrowers availing buy-to-let mortgages have increased recently. According to, Datamonitor, in the second half of 2002, gross buy-to-let lending totalled GBP6.7bn compared to GBP4.1bn in the second half of 2001. In spite of the growth of such mortgages, experts opine that it is not a good investment solution for people. On the other hand, some experts also opine that it is not good as a single investment option, but can be considered as a constituent of a portfolio. However, in spite of future projections, people are considering this type of mortgages in large numbers.
In such mortgages, a lender provides the money in order to make returns when the property is rented out to a tenant by the borrower. The concept of them has gained popularity over the years because of the rising costs of residential properties. With the rising costs of real estate and its rentals, buy-to-let mortgages have also become popular with entrepreneurs. The returns, in terms of rent, that is generated from the property can provide a steady stream of income. Along with the growth of the residential area in which the property is located, the appreciation of the property will also increase. This in turn will fetch more rent for the landlord in future. This will also add the equity value of the house.
The Inland Revenue is believed to be considering allowing people to invest in residential property using a self-invested personal pension (Sipp). The money in Sipp may be used to invest in commercial property such that the rental income is directed back into the fund. The funds however, may have to be used to buy annuity.
If you would like to compare buy-to-let mortgages, please visit our mortgage quote website for a quote
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=R_Rama
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