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Green Living Home

Archive for the ‘Home Remodeling Tips’ Category

Apr
11

A Guide To Gutters

Posted by Helen Cooper under Home Remodeling Tips

Gutters and downspouts are the water management workhorse of your home. They work in tandem with the roof, flashing and siding to whisk water away from your home, and if you notice a leak inside the home, the first thing to check is the gutter system.

Gutters also contribute to the exterior design of your home, so much care should go into the selection of new guttering so it looks as good as it works. Here’s a primer on what to consider when it’s time to for new gutters.

When To Replace Gutters

Indicators that it’s time for new gutters include signs of overflow or clogging during heavy rains, loose or damaged sections, or a deteriorating finish. Whene

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You are a new-age, eco-minded urban type who takes the time to recycle, to bring cloth bags along to shop. You ride your bike around town to avoid clogging up the ozone layer and use real plates and cloth napkins in lieu of paper. Despite all your great effort – you feel like you aren’t completely green, and despite what Kermit the Frog sang, it really IS easy being green, even in the city.

With all community effort being turned towards composting in the city (www.growNY.com among others) now is the time to take your eco-lifestyle to the next level with a few indoor-composting tips for space or yard-challenged city dwellers.

Buy a Bin Get one that will fit in a pantry or cupboard and is about two foot high.  Drill holes in the base for drainage. Set it up on top of a dish drainer or plastic tray to catch the excess and you’re ready to add your organic materials. (Check

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Apr
03

Why Building Permits are a Must!

Posted by Helen Cooper under Home Remodeling Tips

by Robert Wright

Many times I get asked about permits for a renovation project. Many people don’t want to spend the money or are private. They also don’t understand why they are needed and when.

It’s about your safety (and peace of mind).

I have again visited a renovation gone bad. As we discuss the various issues, I asked if they have had any permits pulled….the answer was “I don’t know”. This is the wrong answer. It also confirmed some of my thoughts about the project. Not a good situation all way round.

So how hard is it to get a permit? An electrical permit is done with a phone call to ESA. Homeowners can pull one as well as an electrician. ESA has been getting very tough on non permit installations. This is becau

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by Vicky Sanderson

Rona lead free faucet

Mar
23

Growing Lychee Fruit

Posted by Helen Cooper under Home Remodeling Tips

The Lychee is a tropical and subtropical fruit tree which belongs to member of the Litchi in the soapberry family. Lychee is can be found in tropical countries in Asia, and Mexico. The Lychee fruit has a fragrance smell and sweet taste. The Lychee tree can be grown from seeds. Despite that, Lychee tree grown from seed is unlikely to you produce fruit. If you want the fruit, you must use non hybrid Lychee seed. Lychee tree will starts to bear fruits about seven years after planting.

The soil must be rich with alluvial loam. The ideal pH of the soil is 6.5. If the soil is acidic, you can add lime. To propagate by air layering, you should girdle a branch for about two days to make it become callus. After that, you can apply some mud and straw to the branch and wrap it with burlap the branch should be watered frequently until it develops roots.

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