The charm of the old Venetian casas and palazzos can be attributed to the wide use of lime based plaster covering, which is known as polished plaster. Also called Venetian plaster, stucco veneziano, or just stucco, polished plaster is a combination of natural marble dust, marble grains, aged lime putty and various pigments. Certain ratios of such materials yield various textures, shine, and colours, yet in general, polished plaster tries to mimic the look and feel of natural polished marble or stone.

Polished plaster uses several techniques, such as banding, block work and panel to achieve the desired finishes and styles. While such finishes are generally called polished plaster, textures differ among the hundreds of designs. Some are smooth to the touch with a glasslike sheen while others are rugged and textured. Polished plaster can range in finishes as smooth, pitted, dragged, travertine, colourwash, armuralia or customized for a more unique finish.

When applied to walls and ceilings, polished decorative plaster emanates stunning style and grandeur that invites everyone to admire the unique yet familiar designs as well as the amazing texture and depth that are distinct in every polished plaster surface. By applying in several layers, up to 4 layers, the designer can manipulate texture, strokes and colours to create stunning effects.

Polished plaster is not only restricted to enhancing walls and ceilings, but also provides useful function when applied to the walls of bathrooms, wet rooms, pools and other surfaces that are constantly exposed to moisture. Polished plaster walls are typically waterproof so that they are excellent in bathrooms, kitchen counters and shower cubicles in place of ordinary tiles. The lime content of this plaster also repels mold and mildew and thus, makes the surfaces virtually maintenance-free.

Any polished plaster variety is sure to be long lasting. They are very durable and do not fade and peel. Because of such attributes, many homeowners are thinking of enhancing their walls with polished plaster. The need to repaint, clean and scrub is eliminated in this type of wall or ceiling enhancement. Therefore, aside from the stunning effects of polished plaster to the interior and exterior designs of buildings, its practicality and function are also worthy of consideration.

While polished plaster can be more expensive than regular paint and faux finishes, it lasts very long and does not need more maintenance than the occasional waxing and wiping with cloth. It is also a more sound choice to protect you and your family from toxic fumes that are typical of acrylic products and paints. The breathable aspect of such wall covering also makes it a preferred wall enhancement in hot climates as well as a lovely wall covering for the bathroom due to its waterproof properties. Polished plaster is indeed an amazing architectural feature in any building. It lasts a very long time and provides a luxurious effect to any area.

How to Stucco Walls or Ceilings

How to Stucco a Cinder Block Wall

Cement countertops are the rave of the modern era. With this type of kitchen surface, you get the same benefits of a granite countertop, but there are many more decorative options available. Concrete countertops are great because the surface product can be poured right into the form made exclusively for your kitchen needs and size dimensions. If you have a unique configuration in your kitchen that makes custom granite surfaces difficult, you can count on concrete being much easier to work with. Once you have the look you desire, a concrete countertop sealer is applied and the surface will be ready for food preparation or any other kitchen need.

Consider your own unique decorative ideas if you are thinking of installing concrete countertops. With this type of product, you are only inhibited by the confines of your imagination–there are so many options. Here are a few.

• Carved surface. Concrete can be carved with virtually any surface design you desire. Consider carving your favorite design around the countertop edge or in the backsplash. If your countertop is for an office setting, consider having your logo carved into the surface.
• Specialized tiles of any shape or size can be pressed into a concrete countertop.
• Try a particular appliqué in your countertop that would match the color and ambience of your kitchen. Cover that with a glossy countertop sealer and imagine the resulting beauty and sophistication! Your friends will be raving over your kitchen appearance and wanting counter surfaces just like yours.

Sealers manufactured for cement kitchen countertops are stain resistant and are guaranteed to be safe for food preparation. When cured, the surface will be abrasion resistant, heat resistant, and available in gloss or satin finishes. If you are a homeowner who prefers to complete your own projects, do-it-yourself kits are available for virtually any countertop dimension and size.

Do you enjoy a hot shower every morning or night? When you wash your hands, do you prefer to use warm water? You may be musing on the seriousness of these questions because they are so obvious. However, if you are without hot water because you are in desperate need of water heater repair work, you understand the gravity of the situation. Having hot water is very important!

WARNING: a electric water is a 240v appliance so turn off the power at the service panel before you begin!

As a homeowner, you can actually extend the life of your tank water heater by doing fairly simple preventive maintenance tasks about once a year. Imagine how happy and secure you will feel knowing that you will always have hot water when you need it. Try these maintenance ideas to lengthen the life of your appliance.

• Check the airflow around the burner of your heater. Make sure there are no obstructions that would hinder that airflow as it lends to the efficiency and safety of your system. Also, check the vents on top of your unit to make sure they are free of obstructions and that air can flow up the flue.
• Flush your heater about once a year. This is done by closing the water feed into the heater, then attaching a hose to the drain and finding a safe place to drain the hot water. Slowly open the drain valve and allow the water to be released. Over time, sediment builds up in the tank of a water heater and this allows that sediment to be flushed out. When the tank is empty, slowly open the water feed and allow any remaining sediment to be washed out.
• About every two years, replace the anode rod in your heater. Turn off the power or gas supplies and water to the unit. Unscrew the old anode using a wrench and replace it with a new one. Turn on the power supply and water.

For professional assistance with your water heater repair, contact a licensed plumber.

Common Hot Water Heater Problems

Less Hot Water?

Have you noticed that your hot water heater isn't able to produce the volume of hot water that it once did?

How to Flush Your Hot Water Heater

Solve Most Problems with a Tightspot Vacuum Brush

When you own a house or condo, you will need a plumber sooner or later. Employing such an expert is not difficult, as long as you stick to general hiring rules. Use common sense when you are prescreening the reputable plumbers advertising in your area, and consider simple guidelines, such as:

1. Hourly rates – Although you want quality craftsmanship, you also have to think about your finances. Why hire a plumbing company with over-the-top prices, when you can get the repairs done by someone charging half as much? Inquire about pricing before booking a job. You can also request a written estimate first.
2. Availability – Make inquiries about how long you will have to wait for a water heater installation, adding waterlines, or a septic tank inspection?  Can you count on 24/7 emergency services? That may come in really handy when a water pipe bursts, and your basement is flooding.
3. Reputation – Avoid plumbers with a bad track record. Online consumer reviews should be glowing – at least most of them. Complaints are unavoidable, as it is impossible to please everyone. However, they should be few and far between.
4. Services – Part-time plumbers are only interested in easy jobs. They will not complete intricate diagnostics, installations and repairs. Just think about it; do you want to investigate again for a replacement when your plumber refuses a job? Look for professionals with extensive services for residential and commercial clients. The list should be published on their company’s website.
5. References – Request recommendations from satisfied customers. Collect the information and call these people. Ask them if the information that was provided to you is true, and why they liked this particular plumber over his competitors.
6. Timely response – It can be very annoying when tradesmen arrive late – or not at all. Verify that the plumbers you are considering will actually show up on the day and time you agreed upon. That allows you to plan your day, and not squander another vacation day.

Many people love their garbage disposal, because it allows them to get rid of food remnants that would otherwise stink up the kitchen. Garbage disposals can indeed be quite handy, but need to be cared for, just like other parts of a home’s plumbing system. Any plumber will testify to that.

No matter if you are moving into a new home, or are having a new garbage disposal installed, always read the instructions. A lot of valuable information is posted in the manual, including which items you should not throw into your unit. They include:

1. Inedible items – You are increasing your chances for damaged blades or clogs when you dispose of paper, plastic, glass and metal. These substances should end up in a garbage can and not a garbage disposal, no matter how tiny they are. To secure your unit, add a strainer. It will prevent that anything unusual falls into the disposal.
2. Fibrous foods - Stringy foods can wrap themselves around the blades and cause strain. That will put a lot of wear and tear on the unit. It can even stop the blades from running, and create nasty clogs. Therefore, avoid celery stalks, onion skins, stringy squash, and corn husks. You can still dispose of them; just cut them into small pieces.
3. Hot water – The opinions on this issue are divided. One plumber will say that it is OK to pour warm water down the disposal, while another disagrees.  A lot depends on what you dispose.  Grease will liquefy and accumulate around the blades. Pasta, rice and flour expand in hot water. They can cause clogs. Use common sense, as you know what goes down that pipe. Always keep in mind that nasty clogs can lead to expensive plumbing repairs.
4. Animal bones - Large chicken and pork chop bones shop should end up in your kitchen’s garbage can. You can throw them out, or use them to make a nice soup first. The extensive cooking will soften the bones. Small bones and cartilage can then go into the garbage disposal.
5. Potato peels – Limit their amount, because the starch creates a paste around the blades. That will keep them from spinning. Ask your plumber during a plumbing maintenance visit to clean sticky blades. It is a job you should not attempt on your own.
6. Grease – Oils, margarine, and butter harden in the pipes. The clogs are tough to remove.

When you venture down into your basement utility room, have you ever passed by that interesting looking machine located in the recessed part of your floor and wondered exactly what that is? When you bought your home, you many have been warned that your home was located in an area where the water table is quite high. If that is the case, then you most likely have a sump system installed in your basement or somewhere under your house. When that system malfunctions or gets old and worn, it may require having a new sump pump installation. Unless you are an experienced handyman or have a background in plumbing, you may want to have a professional perform this type of installation.

You sump system is extremely important. If your pump suddenly stops working, the first indication may be a flooded basement or water pooling in the crawl space under your house. You know it is important to avoid unnecessary property damage. Imagine the frustration if your furniture and other basement amenities which include your walls, appliances, and fine crown molding need to be replaced because of a faulty sump system. There are some steps you can take to make sure this doesn’t happen.

Check your sump system at least once a year preferably in the spring before the snow melts in the mountains and causes high water run-off. Open the sump pit cover and examine the pump. Remove any corrosion or hard-water build-up on the pump. Pull up the float and make sure the switch turns on the pump. Make sure all moveable parts move freely. Remove any debris that may have fallen into the pit.

For any major problems, contact your local plumber and schedule a sump pump installation or repair. A licensed and experienced plumber will respond and provide you with a complete estimate of all costs associated with the repair or installation of your system.

How to Install a Sump Pump

Sump Pump Tips

Patios are great addition to somebody’s property.  Luckily for some, their yards are big enough to build spacey porches or verandas. Moreover, there are people who have the right budget to creating ultimately desirable even for their guests.

If you have an extra space at the back of your house, do not just leave it bare and wasted. You can always make something out of it. That is even when your budget is low or your space isn’t that vast. With the numerous backyard patio designs, there would definitely be something that would work with whatever you have.

With a patio, you can always have a place to regale your friends. It is also a delightful place to be at in the late afternoon to enjoy a cup of tea or coffee, or in the evening to gaze at the stars. With this extension, there are just too many wonderful things that you can do.

Those with limited budget often design their own yards. This way, they no longer have to pay a designer or anybody to have a patio. As long as they have the right materials and skills, eventually, they would come up with something they can be proud of.

Some patio designers have recommended that homeowners should always furnish their yards with some patio accessories. The selection is too wide that it is impossible not to find something that would fit in somebody’s budget.  They can even go for something pretty basic, but they have to be picky with the designs.

Some accessory selections that are worth considering are umbrellas, screens or dividers, tables, comfortable chairs, and outdoor storage boxes. Adding some decorative items like wall art, clock welcome rug, and mini-fountains can also enhance the appearance of a once unused and barren plot at the back of the house. Naturally, if the patio is built without cover, it is important to acquire furniture covers to protect them from hazardous natural elements.

There are many reasons to choose window film, such as protecting your windows from harmful flying objects, protecting your furniture and family from harmful UV rays, and managing the heat entering your home. But choosing to install it yourself can be both dangerous and ineffective. Here are four reasons why you should have a professional company like Budget Blinds install your window film:

It’s dangerous. Installing window film can be a dangerous task because often your windows are in high, hard to reach areas. Hiring a company like Budget Blinds to install your window film gives you peace of mind knowing that you won’t put yourself in any danger.

It’s difficult. You have seen it before, bubbles in the middle of a window. When done correctly, your guests shouldn’t be able to tell that your windows have been treated with a window film; but if you don’t hire a professional to apply it, then you could end up with those unsightly bubbles on your beautiful windows.

There is a process. If it were as simple as buying the film and placing it on your windows, then everyone would be doing it themselves. Installing window film can be a long drawn out process because there is a right way to do it, and a wrong way. Budget Blinds window film experts have the time, the skill, and the know-how to do the job right. And, since they offer in-home consultations, you can find other window treatments and accessories to match your home decor all at the same time.

It’s expensive. Window film is not cheap. If you want it placed on your windows, then you want it done right, and you want it done right the first time. Be sure you hire a professional company like Budget Blinds, and you get a great selection of products and accessories on top of years of experience when it comes to installing many types of window coverings in residential homes.

Decorating log homes is one of the most tedious tasks for any homeowner. While looking for a log home to buy or having a new log home constructed from scratch is a stressful activity already to any person wanting to own one, decorating it is undoubtedly much more stressful. There are many factors to consider for every section in the log home, and there are some basic rules to follow just to arrive at a pleasant look within the home.

First things first! And when we say first things first in log home decorating, we basically speak of choosing a theme for the log home. Some of these themes include Wilderness theme, the Lodge look, Lake Cottage décor, Western Ranch, North Woods, Southwestern style and Adirondack style. Diverse mix of themes can be incorporated as well provided that it will result to a structured design for the entire log home and not creating confusion to future guests.

An interior design must always go ahead before you select your interior décor. A carefully thought out interior layout and cabin floor plan must be fully prepared before one goes out collecting decorative objects for the log home. The owner must be certain about the overall function of each room as well as the needs of its members so that the design and arrangement of the home will reconcile with those needs. In this way, unnecessary expenses on furniture and decoration will be avoided and only what is extremely needed will be considered when spending is inevitable.

One thing to consider when designing the interior of the log home is for what its purpose will be. Will it be as a permanent shelter for the family? Is it just a rest house for use only on vacations? Is the log home intended as a lodge for family guests vacationing in your place? Would you want your living room or balcony to become a perfect hangout for family and friends over dinner or parties? These and other factors should be measured because they will affect your manner of decorating each room in your log home.

A log cabin home is generally fitting for a rustic décor. When we say rustic, it relates to decorating country style, away from the usual elements used in the homes located in cities or the suburbs. However, it is to be anticipated to combine country and the city style for we now live in a rather contemporary atmosphere and everything seems to happen so fast. Many interior designers refer to this kind of decorating as rustic elegance: a fusion of rough, country style, and smooth and simple style of modern life. It cannot be avoided to include for example a stone hearth in the fireplace or a rustic overhead ceiling fan: traditional and a bit modern.

The colors in any log home derive inspiration from nature. With this is mind, cabin décor can be assorted ranging from furniture made from hard and dark wood, sofas made from leather, hand-scraped hardwood floors, and abundant carpets and rugs. Curtains, quilts, pillow cases, bed sheets, table mats, and other accessories in the home must stick to very natural colors such as flourishing greens of leaves, the subdued browns of the woods, as well as the deep reds and golds of autumn trees.

Too often, the appliances you will use will also affect your decoration for we all know that any equipment can create traffic in some sections of the log home. This is one of the many reasons why you must have a clear picture and a well-thought out plan for the entire log home modeling. Kitchen countertops, stoves, fireplace, and customized beds among many others must be included in the initial plan.

If you are interested in redesigning your home, how about having a look at some of the design trends that are shaping the future in 2011? Then, make an appointment with architects London to see what sort of designs they are capable of achieving which fit into your own particular vision.

The homes of tomorrow are certainly quite different from what you might remember from your own childhood. The way homes are being designed and built are being shaped by new materials, new technology and new environmental visions, too. Floor plans are being modified to suit our new lifestyles as well. At the same time, some architects and home designers are incorporating materials and techniques from long ago. The following are some of the home design trends for 2011.

The most invigorating change in home design is an increasing awareness of the environment. Some architects and engineers are having a second look at age old building techniques that used natural, biodegradable materials. These techniques certainly don't need to be primitive. On the contrary, they can be comfortable, attractive and economical.

Prefabricated homes have changed a lot over the last few years. While in the past they might have been associated with flimsy cabins and school buildings, new modular materials have allowed designers and architects to come up with fantastic new designs using much more glass and steel. New prefabricated homes now come in all shapes and sizes to fit just about anybody's needs.

Not all new buildings have to be entirely new. Ensuring that the environment is protected and historic buildings are preserved has meant that some designers have taken the shell of an old building such as a church or a warehouse and remodelled the interior as a modern home.

Buildings can sometimes be unhealthy. Home designers are becoming aware of the ways in which our health can be compromised by certain materials used in interior fittings as well as chemical additives used in wood finishing products as well as some paints. New home design changes don't have to be revolutionary - they can be ones made from materials that don't rely on these potentially unhealthy materials.

In storm and cyclone prone parts of the world, there is a demand for far sturdier homes built with insulated wall panels made of toughened concrete. Engineers are making progress towards improving storm proof structures specially designed for these areas where home owners feel they should have something that can withstand anything that Mother Nature can throw at them.

New lifestyles call for a change in the spaces that we live in. The homes of tomorrow have all sorts of sliding doors, pocket doors and all kinds of partitions that provide more flexibility in how we live. Purpose built dining and living rooms are being replaced by more multi-purpose areas for the whole family.

Builders and designers are also being encouraged to build in more outdoor spaces to the overall home design. The garden and outdoor yard areas are being incorporated into the floor plan using sliding doors, patios and decks. These outdoor rooms might even have kitchens with sinks and stoves.