remodeling: Tips for Taking Down a Wall - 05/11/09 03:53 AM
Before removing walls in your home, it is essential to determine if the wall is a support wall.  To find out more information, go to http://www.novapros.com and read Tips for Taking Down a Wall.  
Please let me know if you have other suggestions or stories about removing walls.
Thanks,
Allison
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remodeling: Wall Ovens - 04/29/09 02:02 AM
Buying a wall oven is a great space-saving appliance. A built-in wall oven, unlike a regular freestanding range, is surrounded by cabinets. The cabinets are usually built under and above the oven, providing ideal storage space for your cookware. 
To learn more about the different features of a wall oven, go to http://www.novapros.com and click on Appliance Spotlight:  Wall Ovens.  Please provide your feedback on this appliance.
Thanks,
Allison
(2 comments)

remodeling: Windows, Siding, and Roofs - 04/27/09 07:53 AM
Any time of year is a good time to consider the condition of your windows, siding, or roof. In the article, "Windows, Siding, and Roofs" found at http://www.novapros.com are some helpful tips when it comes time to replace any of them.
Happy Reading,
Allison
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remodeling: Saving Money When Remodeling - 04/20/09 08:20 AM
A great article just posted on how to save money when you are remodeling.  Go to http://www.novapros.com and click on "Save Money When Remodeling."
Let me know if you have any money saving suggestions.
Allison
(1 comments)

remodeling: Looking for Home Improvement Articles - 04/14/09 01:48 AM
We are going strong on our website at http://www.novapros.com which provides helpful tips to the consumer before starting a home improvement project, either themselves or hiring a contractor.
Our website's best value is the articles submitted by the experts in their field.
If you are the expert, and would like to post an article on our website, please send an email, comment here, or go directly to the site and register.  We would love to have your articles and in return, we will provide a link back to your website, or provide a link to your email address.
Thank you,
Allison
(1 comments)

remodeling: Interior: How to Decorate Your Home Using Patterns - 04/13/09 01:28 AM
A great article on "Interior: How to Decorate Your Home Using Patterns" was just posted at http://www.novapros.com which explains how you can set any mood you like in your home by choosing the right patterns, be they bright checks or stripes for a lively up-to-date feel or florals and textured damasks for a traditional town house look.
Please provide your personal experience with patterns in your home or a client's home (good or bad).
Thanks,
Allison
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remodeling: Going Green on Your Next Renovation - 04/02/09 11:54 PM
Great tips on how to go green when you consider your next renovation/remodeling project.
Go to the article entitled Going Green on Your Next Renovation at http://www.novapros.com for more helpful ways to save Planet Earth.
Allison
 
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remodeling: Home Improvement - 04/02/09 02:10 AM
Not sure when to prune, what to do with winter-covering mulch, or can I still care for that old tree? Below are some helpful tips for you to keep in mind when you start your landscape “spring cleaning”.
Want new cabinets? Not sure where to start? Below are a few steps and tips before you buy new cabinets for any kitchen or bathroom upgrade.
Washing clothes isn’t much fun to begin with. But waiting hours for the tub to fill sure doesn’t help matters any.
These problems and more are resolved at http://www.novapros.com in our articles written by experts in the … (0 comments)

remodeling: Repairs that Help Sell your Home - 02/11/09 04:14 AM
Most sellers know of some repairs that need to be made to their home, and a lot of sellers have many items on that list, but not all repairs are equal or, rather, not all home improvements rank high in the buyer’s mind.
An article was recently posted about repairs that give a better ROI.
See the full article about Repairs that Help Sell your Home at http://www.novapros.com
Thanks for reading,
Allison
(2 comments)

remodeling: What's In, What's Out with Homebuyers - 01/29/09 11:32 PM
Mark Nash, author of four real estate books, has completed his annual survey of 839 real estate agents in all fifty states in the US and the eight provinces of Canada.
What’s in, what’s out with Homebuyers illuminates what’s popular or what sours homebuyers in both the home purchase or sale transaction and home decor. Compiled annually from-the-trenches, it offers a spectrum of tips that cover reality of buying a home and design no-no’s for home sellers and buyer must-haves.
Full article at http://www.novapros.com
Do any of you have a tip on what to do or not to do?  I would … (0 comments)

remodeling: Asbestos in the Home - 10/01/08 01:02 AM
Asbestos is a naturally occurring, fibrous silicate mineral which is mined for its usefulness in thermal insulation and its high tensile strength. Asbestos is commonly used in fire proofing and other building materials. There are still many products that are used today which contains asbestos.
These fibers can become airborne when asbestos materials are damaged or disturbed. Once the fibers are in the air, they can easily be inhaled, posing significant health risks.
Why care about asbestos? Some of the materials in your home could be asbestos containing material (ACM) which can pose a health risk to you and your entire … (6 comments)

remodeling: Steps to a Safe Bathroom - 09/17/08 05:53 AM
By Anna Jamison of Kharisma Design Nearly 200,000 people are injured annually in their bathroom, according to statistics from the National Safety Council. The most common accidents are slips, falls and scalding from hot water. Although not all accidents will ever be eliminated, the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) feels that a well-designed bathroom can also be a safe one. The NKBA has developed a few simple guidelines for homeowners to follow to keep their bathroom safe. * Ensure that slip resistant flooring is used in all areas of the bathroom. While most materials are slippery when wet; slip-resistant flooring … (0 comments)

remodeling: Concrete Installation - 09/10/08 12:32 PM
Here are a few tips to look for when you are having concrete poured for a patio, walkway, etc. 1. Usually a 4” depth is used when pouring concrete. A frame is laid to hold the concrete until it sets. Four inches is usually used when pouring a walkway or patio. If a driveway is poured, then make sure 6” is poured instead, as this area will receive heavier traffic and will need more support. The extra 2” will give the extra support needed for heavy trucks and traffic. 2. Make sure that when the area is dug out, that the … (0 comments)

remodeling: Concrete Advantages - 09/10/08 12:30 PM
When you compare concrete to lumber, for instance when building a patio, there are several disadvantages to wood. One is an environmental disadvantage, as the trees used to make the lumber that makes the patio takes years to grow and harvest. Secondly, the upkeep on a wooden patio is much greater than the upkeep on concrete. Why use concrete? There are many advantages in using concrete over lumber. 1. Concrete can be easily shaped to fit a variety of landscapes and can be stamped to look like a variety of materials. By using a stamp and some concrete coloring (acid stain), … (0 comments)

remodeling: Tips for Installing a Toilet - 09/09/08 11:04 AM
Everyone says that installing a toilet is pretty simple, but if you are not careful, you may get in over your head. Some tips to know while you or your plumber is installing a new toilet.
1. Make sure the water supply is turn off. You may think this is common sense, but so many get into the moment of changing the toilet, they forget minor things. I say this, only because I have seen it happen with Professionals. 2. Make sure the drain pipe is plugged up with an old rag or other material, so the gas fumes from the … (3 comments)

remodeling: Preventing Shower Tile Problems - 09/08/08 03:35 AM
Cory writes the following article. As a contractor, I have repaired lots of showers or tub/shower combinations where leaks have caused walls to fail. In these high moisture areas, there’s a simple cause of the rotting walls, and a correspondingly simple solution. The first step is to use the appropriate materials. The problem with these areas is the frequent direct exposure to water. The space between tiles is filled with grout, which is a porous mortar like substance. Treated with a sealer, there is good water resistance, but this must be done periodically for maximum protection. If not, seepage occurs, which … (0 comments)

remodeling: Home Improvement Tips - 09/08/08 03:31 AM
I am new to Active Rain, and hope to help you all in saving money and time when it comes to home remodeling and repairs Realtors can give their clients some great tips on home improvements. I will post helpful articles for you to view. If you ever have any questions or concerns, please let me know. I am in the Northern Virginia area and can research any issues with one of my trusted and reliable General Contractors. Have a great week, Allison … (3 comments)