During my inspections, I’ve heard people call GFCI outlets all kinds of crazy names! It doesn’t matter what you call them, as long as you have them in the correct locations in your home. They are recommended in wet or damp locations, such as around your kitchen and bathroom sinks, exterior outlets, and in garages and unfinished basements. You should contact an electrician for the correct locations in your home. A GFCI outlet measures the voltage on the hot and the neutral wires, if there is any difference, the outlet will trip. This type of outlet is more sensitive than a breaker and acts faster, which is an important safety feature. A GFCI outlet has a “Test” and a “Reset” button. Pressing the “Test” button will trip the outlet and open the circuit. Pressing the “Reset” will restore the circuit. If pressing the test button does not work, then replace the GFCI outlet. If the outlet does pop when you press the “Test” button, but the outlet still has power, the outlet is wired wrong. A GFCI outlet that is not wired correctly is dangerous and it should be fixed immediately.

If you have an outlet, or a series of outlets that do not work, it may be because a GFCI outlet is tripped. Check the circuit breaker first, if that is not tripped, then look for a GFCI outlet. Sometimes this can be an adventure in itself. I once tripped a GFCI outlet during an inspection and spent the next twenty minutes trying to find it! Turns out, the homeowner, who was not home at the time, had built storage racks in the garage in front of the tripped outlet. I had to remove the storage from the racks just to find the outlet, then reset it and put the storage back in its place. I told the buyers that I was doing the inspection for, to leave this area clear once they move into the house!

Another thing to remember about GFCI outlets is that they may trip without you noticing. Why is this important to know? Well, here’s a lesson that you can learn from my misfortune as a new inspector. I tripped a GFCI outlet on the exterior of a home while checking the outlet with my tester. Once inside the house, I forgot to check the location of the outlet and reset it. Bad move, bucko! There was a deep freezer in the garage with around $450 of meat inside. Once the homeowner realized that the freezer was not on anymore, this turned into $450 of spoiled meat. Who do you think paid for the new meat? Right, me! Expensive lesson, and they never even invited me over for dinner!

There are three basic types of light switches. The first is a simple, single light switch. The second is a 3-way switch that controls one lighting fixture from two locations. The third is a 4-way switch that controls one lighting fixture from three or more locations.

The easiest way for three-way switches is to place the light between the two switches. You have to look closely at an electrical wiring diagram to understand.

The cable should be 12.2 Romex right up to the first switch, then run 12.3 Romex to the light and then on to the second switch.

The 12.3 Romex has an extra wire called a traveler (usually red), which is necessary for 3-way switches.

At the first switch, the 12.2 Romex from the circuit run enters the bottom of the switch box and the hot (black) cable connects to the bottom right terminal on the switch.

The 12.3 Romex enters through the top of the switch box. The hot traveler (red) wire connects to top left terminal on the switch. The black (hot) wire connects to the top right terminal on the switch.

The 12.3 neutral (white) wire connects directly to the 12.2 neutral wire with wire nuts and the copper ground wires are also connected together with wire nuts.
At the light box, you should have two ends of 12.3 Romex hanging out. One end comes from the first switch the other end comes from the second switch.

First connect the copper ground wires together with a wire nut to get them out of the way, and then connect the two red traveler wires together with a wire nut as well.

Now find the black wire coming from the first box and the white wire coming from the second box and connect them together with wire nuts. Now, this is important, you need to mark each end of the white wire by wrapping it with black electrical tape. This means you have made it a hot wire. This is a code requirement! It is common practice for 3 and 4-way switches.

Now, at the second switch, you will connect the red traveler wire to the top left terminal. The white, wire now labeled as black with tape, connects to the upper right terminal. The black wire will connect to the lower right terminal screw. The copper wire will connect to the box if it’s a metal box or the green ground screw on the switch if the box is plastic.

The light box should now have a black wire and a white wire sticking out which is what you will need to connect the light to.

It is based on using an inverter in home emergency purposes rather than a completely built unit that would power an entire house. These units often require large battery banks with an external source of power such as sun or wind generators to keep the batteries charged. Nor will it cover large gasoline, diesel, or propane generators that are connected to the fuse box of a house and power an entire house.

What it will be covering are small home generators that usually have a 3-5 gallon gas tank and a 2- 6 HP engine. These are run outside the house and power certain appliances inside the house via an electrical cord attached to the generator. The electrical power inverter we will be discussing will be powered by a single car battery which will require recharging every one to two hours by running the engine of the car.

Studies have shown that a V-6 automobile engine uses approximately 0.5 gallons of gas for every 90 minutes it is run. What this translates out to is that if you were to run a 750 watt inverter, you would have to recharge a 120amp battery every 2 hours by idling the car for 10 minutes. This means that you could get 36 hours of use from a 750 watt inverter on one gallon of gasoline. This equals a $3.00 fuel price every 24 hours if gasoline is priced at $4 a gallon.

A 4400 watt gasoline generator uses about 3.2 gallons of gasoline for every 8 hours of service. This comes out to 9.6 gallons of gas for a 24 hour period or around $38 for 24 hours of use.

If you are using a smaller generator such as a 1000 watt model, which in most cases is more practical, you would be using 1.2 gallons every 5-8 hours depending on the load. This comes out to $5 every 8 hours ,or $15 for every 24 hour period.

Now for the power inverter numbers. If you were using a 750 watt power inverter, which would be enough to power a laptop, small tv, dvd player, satellite dish box, and a lamp it would use 0.2 gallons for every 8 hours or 0.6 gallons for every 24 hours. for a cost of $2.40.

In summary the cost of running a 4400 watt generator for 24 hours is $38 and a 1000 watt generator for 24 hours is $15 and the cost of the inverter for 24 hours is $2.40

I feel many people do not use power inverters in emergencies just because they aren’t familiar with them. They’re easier to hook up then a generator. You just have to clip it on to your battery, plus the savings is substantial if you have a power outage for an extended period of time. For more information on this subject and the products come visit http://www.inverterssavegas.com

So, you feel like purchasing a new bath tub but don’t know what design or type of tubs you should be opting for. Well, a bath tub is certainly the largest item that you put in your bathroom. And that is why it is essential that your bath tub conform to the bathroom design. Let us have a look at some of the tubs that you could choose from.

Cast Iron Bath Tubs

This kind of bath tub can be very expensive and if you are thinking of antique ones, the price can even higher. But when you have such a bath tub in your bathroom, it shows pure luxury and elegance. If you already have a cast iron bath tub, you should contact your local dealer first. You might find out that your old bath tub is actually worth something. You can sell your old one to a second hand store or even through a garage sale. As the popularity of cast iron bath tubs is increasing, it is actually a good idea to get your old cast iron bath tub renovated, rather than replacing it. This might be done at your home or you might get the bath tub transported to the service station. But it won’t be that easy as cast iron bath tubs are very heavy.

Modern Bath Tubs

Most of the modern bath tubs are made of steel, plastic and acrylic. The best thing about modern tubs is that they are very light yet they are very durable and tough. Due to plastic and acrylic materials, the bath tubs are so light that even one person can carry it. If bath tubs are made of steel, it would take at least two persons to carry it. Another feature of these modern bath tubs is that they can be made into different shapes and designs. These can have matching taps, panels and color patterns.

Circular Bath Tubs

The very first thing that you would need, if you want a circular bath tub in your bathroom, would be a large enough space. When you have a circular bath tub in your bathroom, it really makes your bathroom worth taking a look. The only thing needed would be conforming interior designs and then see the difference it brings!

Space Saving Bath Tubs

If space has always been the problem in your bathroom, you can have a bath tub that is specifically designed to maximize space. The thing is that the tub is designed in such a way that it takes very little wall space. It would provide space for shelves or a towel warmer. Since, it comes in a variety of colors, themes and sizes, you can have your pick as per your bathroom interiors.

Regular Bath Tubs

As the name suggests, regular bath tubs are the most common and the most inexpensive ones. This rectangular shaped bath tub can fit in any bathroom with any theme or design. You can get these bath tubs in different lengths as per your requirements.

I hope this piece of information on bath tubs will help you in deciding which one to pick for yourself and make your bathroom look one-of-a-kind!

Steam shower rooms were once limited to some spas and health clubs, but not anymore.

More and more people are enhancing the look of their bathrooms with residential steam shower units.

The health benefits of steam bathing make it a worthwhile investment.

It’s been known for a long, long time by many cultures that heat and steam have therapeutic benefits.

There are two options for adding a home steam shower to your bathroom:

1. you can build your own steam shower enclosure

2. you can buy a self-contained enclosure

Let’s look at both options…

** Build Your Own Steam Enclosure **

This is undoubtedly the most difficult option, but definitely doable. In addition to other tasks, three things will need to be done…

Cover it up. The roof of your shower enclosure will need to be covered. You can use an acrylic dome top or a material like fiberglass.

Seal it. You will need to seal the enclosure with a special door.

Why these first two steps? Well, you want a home steam shower for its potential benefits, not to ruin your bathroom. If steam is allowed to escape, it will punish drywall, paint, and wallpaper.

Install a steam shower generator. This is the heart of a steam shower unit. The steam generator is responsible for cranking out the water vapor (steam).

Unless you have all the necessary skills, you’ll need to work alongside a plumber and electrician to properly build your steam shower enclosure.

** Buy A Self Contained Enclosure **

Although more expensive than building your own, this option gives you a ready-made residential steam shower.

Steam shower enclosures come in four different flavors:

• Basic
• Deluxe steam shower
• Combo shower and whirlpool
• Combo shower and sauna

Whichever one you choose, your steam shower enclosure will already be sealed properly, include a steam generator and mounted controls for all shower settings.

Basic steam shower units usually include a steam jet, soap container, and built-in seating.

Deluxe models include a lot more …

• Multiple water massage jets
• Hand held shower nozzles
• Foot massagers
• Fm radio
• Remote control

…and more.

Deluxe steam shower units include steam outlets with aromatherapy oil distribution capacity.

You’ll literally have a mini spa right in your own bathroom.

There you have it – your options for installing a residential steam shower. It’s not a cheap investment, so choose carefully. And by all means, if you decide to build your own steam shower, please do your homework and also hire the necessary help!

Many people don’t realize that bathroom exhaust fans are an important part of your home’s ventilation system. They are often used to eliminate foul odors and to clear condensation off mirrors, but their most important function is to remove moisture. Excess moisture can cause structural damage and rotting of walls and ceilings. But it also encourages the growth of molds, mildew, bacteria, dust mites and insects, which can be detrimental to your family’s health. An efficient exhaust fan can control these allergens and even lower air-conditioning costs by dehumidifying your house.

Your current fan may be ineffective

If you live in an older home, there is a good chance that your bathroom exhaust fan is too noisy, moves very little air, is not energy-efficient, uses high-wattage lighting and may cause back drafting of combustion appliances – and therefore should be replaced. Newer fans are quiet, energy-efficient and more effective at moving air and removing moisture.

A simple test

Here’s a simple test to see if your exhaust fan is drawing air. Hold a piece of toilet tissue up to the grill of the fan. A properly working fan will hold the tissue tightly to the grill. And to make sure the air is leaving your house, place the open end of a large plastic garbage bag over the exhaust hood outside. When the fan is turned on, the bag should inflate within seconds

If your current fan is rated less than 50 CRM (cubic feet per minute), it should be replaced with a stronger one. For bathrooms up to 100 square feet (assuming eight foot ceilings), the HVI (Home Ventilating Institute) recommends that an exhaust fan provide 1 CFM per square foot to properly ventilate the bathroom. Larger bathrooms, or those with bigger fixtures such as steam rooms, hot tubs or saunas, need larger fans. Also, the longer the ductwork to the outside, the stronger the fan needs to be to draw the moisture through.

HVI sets the standard

When selecting an exhaust fan for your bathroom, choose the quietest, most energy-efficient fan available for the size you need. Research has shown that many people just won’t use a noisy fan. Look for HVI ratings on the packages for noise and energy efficiency to compare between models. Better fans have sound ratings of 0.5 sones or less and consume about 20 watts, while older units typically run up to 4 sones and 80 watts. If there is no HVI rating there is a good chance that it will be noisy.

A better fan can save you money

A fan suitable for continuous use, with replaceable parts and permanent lubrication is your best choice. And it is usually best to avoid fans with 3-inch exhaust ports and ducts, in favor of larger ones. You will pay more for a better fan, but more efficient models can save you money in the long run. And you can’t put a price on your family’s health.
Your HVAC contractor knows the codes

Most building codes require either a vent fan in the bathroom or a window that opens. Builders have typically chosen the easier and cheaper option of installing a window. But problems may arise if the window isn’t opened during a bath or shower, which is often the case during the colder months. As a result, some building codes now require a fan which starts when the light is switched on. Your HVAC (Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning) contractor should be familiar with local codes, including required venting and insulation, and installation procedures to dampen vibration noise.

It’s not uncommon to spill something on the carpet. In fact it’s just a fact of life. It’s going to happen sooner or later. But not to worry. Here are 12 tips to remove stains with carpet cleaners. In fact sometimes you can wipe away the stain without a commercial grade cleaner.

1. Be fast

If you are very quick you may be able to blot away the stain before it even has a chance to set. Grab a white absorbent cloth or tissue and use the four basic steps to remove the stain.

2. Check Color

Check to make sure the carpet is colorfast and safe to clean, test the carpet in an area that inconspicuous before you apply the cleaner to the stain in the carpet.

3. Dry Cleaning Solution

You can use dry cleaning solution (surgical spirt). Detergent solution one teaspoonful of detergent to ¾ liters of warm water. Dab Spot.

4. Vinegar

You can also use detergent and vinegar. It must be white vinegar and not malt vinegar. Add one tablespoon of vinegar to the detergent solution. Dab Spot.

5. Ammonia

Smelly, eye watering but very effective. Add one teaspoon of branded household ammonia to one cup of warm water. Dab Spot.

5. Alcohol, Coffee

If the stain is alcohol, coffee, tea, liquid foods or urine blot up the surplus spillage but do not rub it back and forth. Use detergent and vinegar solution. Start by working from the outside of the stain moving inward a little at a time. Frequently blot with a dry cloth

6. Chocolate, Blood, Glue

If the stain is chocolate, sweets, blood, glue, ice cream, milk ,soft drinks or vomit you will have to clean up the excess using a blunt knife or a putty knife. Be sure not to grind any of the spill into the carpet. Us the detergent solution starting at the outer edge working your way into the middle of the spill. Blot dry and then use the ammonia solution and blot dry again.

7. Fats, Tar, Gum

If the stain is solid fats, tar, chewing gum, oil, ointment, or shoe polish scrape up the excess with a knife or a putty scrapper. Use the dry cleaning solution followed by the detergent and vinegar solution and blot dry.

8. Unknown Spills

For stains or spills which you are not sure as to what they are first scrape or blot up the excess material. Then use the dry cleaning solvent followed by luke warm water and blot dry. If the stain is still there treat with the detergent or the detergent and vinegar solutions then blot dry.

9. Follow Up

All the above procedures should be followed up by a simple mix of one part white vinegar and four parts water. Place mixture into a spray bottle Spay over the stained area and blot dampened area. Do not rub to remove excess moisture. White paper towels work well. Stack 5 to 8 sheets on top of each other and blot till dry.

If the moisture is still present stack 5 to 8 sheets of paper towel and place over the stained area and place a heavy book on top to help absorb the excess moisture. Leave overnight if needed. If you are leaving it overnight be sure to change the paper towels before bed. Repeat as often as necessary.

10. Dab and Blot

Remember always scrape solids up and blot liquid spills. Never rub from side to side. The little effort it takes to make up the above solutions will save you a lot of money and time. Always remember to do a spot test on a hidden area before applying. Be sure to dab and work in towards the center of the stain. Even if the stain will not come out it will make it easier for the professionals to lift it when they come to clean the carpets.

11. Store Safely

If you are making up solutions in advance be sure to mark all containers before storing them and never leave them where young children might get at them.

12. Scotch Guard

Your new carpet may be scotch guarded to make it stain resistant but it is always a good idea to remove the stain with the above treatments anyway.

If you use these 12 tips to remove stains with carpet cleaners you can’t go wrong!

A finished basement can be a great place where you can entertain your family and friends by putting in a recreation room which includes a pool table, ping pong table, pinball machine, and/or dartboard.

Before a basement renovation you should:

1. Look for basement foundation cracks. Hairline cracks in the basement can be the fault of improper curing where as large cracks are most likely caused by settling. Both can be repaired with hydraulic cement if the crack is not active i.e. whatever caused the crack is no longer an existing problem. If the basement crack is still active then the crack patching may be re-opened later.

2. Look for basement moisture problems. Moisture problems may be tough to fix. Water is persistent and can make its way through the basement walls that are considered permeable. An easy way to test water problems is to tape a piece of aluminum foil to various places on the basement walls and floors. Seal the edges of the foil tightly and leave in place for several days. After several days, if moisture droplets appear beneath the foil then moisture is going through the basement masonry. If the moisture appears on top of the foil, the problem is condensation from basement humidity. Look for other water problems by looking in the underside of the basement’s first subflooring for signs of leaks. Fix any faulty pipes and fixtures. Look for brownish stains on the basement subfloor and sides of the basement joists. This will indicate active or an old leak that has been repaired. If the stain is spongy, an active leak exists.

Basement renovation planning is key to the success of your basement. For instance, if you decide you want a wetbar and/or bathroom, you will need to have the plumbing done first. This would be a top priority because the plumbing usually goes beneath the cement floor. After the plumbing is completed, you need to plan and install the electric which may include hiring a certified electrician. Your plans should include enough electrical outlets, telephone lines and cable hook-ups. These will be used for your television(s), lamp(s), computer(s), electronic games, and a computer modem. Once installed, you must decide on paneling, dry walling, or painting to cover your cement walls. Although paneling might be cheaper, the refined look of drywall makes it the material of choice for finished spaces. Paneling can look dated and does not always last long.

The next phase in your plans should be the stairwell. Some professionals suggest you should open up the stairwell and install a banister because a basement typically features stairwells that are enclosed. By opening up the basement stairwell you remove some of the basement like atmosphere. Some designers would like to see the doorways of the basement widened and employ arches and columns to dress them up. Examples include French Doors for privacy or a partial separator using decorative glass to add elegance to the basement room.

When looking at windows, if applicable, add as many as you can. Basements tend to be dark and gloomy but with more natural light it becomes a better and well lit area. If windows are very limited, look into security and use glass block windows. When it comes to artificial lighting, the choices are fluorescent lights, table lights, floor lamps and ceiling lights. If your budget allows, stay away from the fluorescent lighting since it is not the most appealing in design.

When installing the ceiling, stay away from suspended ceilings because they make the basement look like a basement. Consider using tray ceilings. When choosing the color for painting, use a light, bright, or dramatic color scheme. With these colors, you can turn that dark gloomy basement into a room that opens and brightens.

The basement floor is always cold since it is in direct contact with the ground. Look at having a subfloor between the concrete and flooring space. This will make it a warmer and dryer living area and a smooth surface for your carpet or flooring of your choosing. If a subfloor is not in your plans and you are using carpet, get plenty of padding to put under the carpet. Try to have a storage room added, maybe around the sump and furnace area. This would be convenient for all those things that can’t be thrown out. Think about adding shelves to this room to keep it fairly organized.

To control noise, have thick wall to wall carpeting and a high quality pad can absorb much of the sound. You can use sound deadening material below any underlayment or subfloor. This is nice especially if the basement is used for a bedroom or office. An easy way to reduce noise is by installation of thick insulation between ceiling joists.

In below-ground basement renovations, should you want to add a kitchen or bath you can tie into the plumbing system that is in place above. You can buy toilets and lavatories that are specifically designed for below grade applications.

After your basement renovation are complete, start adding the “toys” that will make it an enjoyable area where you get away from it all.

Adding a sunroom kit to your home can offer you the warmth of the sun year round. A sun room gives you outdoor access while offering you indoor comfort. The benefits of sunlight are numerous. Exposing our bodies to the sun boosts vitamin D production. Vitamin D helps our bodies absorb the calcium necessary to keep bones strong. Throughout the winter months, many people’s bodies can’t keep up with the necessary vitamin D production. As a result, our bones suffer from diseases like osteoporosis. A sunroom kit would allow you to enjoy the benefits of the sun without having to endure the cold winter weather. There are several options to consider when thinking about a sunroom.

The first thing you must think about is whether you want to build this room yourself or have it installed. If this is a project you want to engage in creating on your own, be aware that a poorly installed sunroom kit can reduce your home’s energy efficiency rating. Moreover, it can reduce the value of your home. If you are capable of installing it properly, though, be sure to choose a kit that is right for you. Sunroom kits come in many shapes and sizes. Be sure you research your choices before you make your purchase. If you plan to have a contractor built your sunroom, a kit probably isn’t the right way to go. Most contractors have ideas about what they do and do not want to install. Talk to him or her about what works best for the both of you.

Outdoor access with indoor comfort can be yours with a sunroom kit.

The second thing to consider is the best location for your sunroom kit. Installing it in the wrong location can cost you a bundle on your energy bills during the cold winter months. Conversely, installing it in a location that gets full sun may make it unbearably hot during summer months. Most likely, this is a purchase you’ll want to enjoy year round. Do some research to decide where your sunroom kit would best be located.

The final thing to consider is the type of sunroom kit you wish to purchase. There are basic kits that offer aluminum frames and plastic windows. These are easy to throw together, and they usually convert to a screened in porch during the summer months. There are also more complicated kits that arrive at your home pre-assembled. Choosing the right sunroom kit will help you get the best fit for you.