http://www.skilledcontractors.com SkilledContractors.Com Home Improvement RSS Feed for homeowners and Home Improvement service professionals. en info@skilledcontractors.com pradeep@skilledcontractors.com 30 http://www.skilledcontractors.com/resources/articles/Vinyl-Swimming-Pool-Basics.htm If cost is your greatest concern when looking to install a swimming pool, vinyl, or vinyl-lined pools are among the most affordable of the numerous pool types. This is particularly true in the northeast and mid-west, because vinyl is more suitable than concrete for construction in cold climates. http://www.skilledcontractors.com/resources/articles/Vinyl-Swimming-Pool-Basics.htm http://www.skilledcontractors.com/resources/articles/Fiberglass-Swimming-Pool-Tips.htm Before selecting a vinyl, fiberglass or gunite swimming pool for your backyard, consider the pros and cons of each type carefully. When making this important decision, focus only on your specific needs and requirements, rather than on the sales pitches of swimming pool suppliers. http://www.skilledcontractors.com/resources/articles/Fiberglass-Swimming-Pool-Tips.htm http://www.skilledcontractors.com/resources/articles/Fiberglass-Swimming-Pool-Maintenance-Tips.htm Fiberglass has particular requirements for maintenance, and though they are not too onerous, you must be sure to adhere to them to avoid permanent damage to your pool. Fiberglass pools must remain full of water at all times to avoid causing the structure to buckle or crack due to hydrostatic or ground pressure caused by improper drainage. http://www.skilledcontractors.com/resources/articles/Fiberglass-Swimming-Pool-Maintenance-Tips.htm http://www.skilledcontractors.com/resources/articles/Vinyl-Swimming-Pool-Maintenance-Tips.htm Swimmers’ use of vinyl-lined pools naturally leads to low ph levels, especially since there is no plaster to neutralize the acidity. This problem needs to be monitored by doing ph test and should be corrected on a regular basis since acidic water can cause wrinkling and premature failure of vinyl liners. http://www.skilledcontractors.com/resources/articles/Vinyl-Swimming-Pool-Maintenance-Tips.htm http://www.skilledcontractors.com/resources/articles/Tips-for-Choosing-an-Above-Ground-Pool.htm Swimming Pool Depth: Do not opt for an above ground pool if you want a pool that is large enough for safe diving and jumping. Even the above ground models which offer an optional deeper swimming end are not deep enough to accommodate these activities safely. In fact, every above-ground pool manufacturer strongly warns against using their products for these purposes. http://www.skilledcontractors.com/resources/articles/Tips-for-Choosing-an-Above-Ground-Pool.htm http://www.skilledcontractors.com/resources/articles/Disadvantages-of-Vinyl-Swimming-Pools.htm Unlike Gunite Swimming Pools Vinyl lined pools are not well suited for northern climates as they do not stand up well to the ground movement and expansion that occurs in the winter. Therefore, if you live in an area where the winters are cold, you need to pay particular attention when picking the shell for your vinyl pool. It should be strong enough to withstand the pressure that will be exerted on it when the soil surrounding the pool freezes and expands. http://www.skilledcontractors.com/resources/articles/Disadvantages-of-Vinyl-Swimming-Pools.htm http://www.skilledcontractors.com/resources/articles/Gunite-Pool-Finishes-and-Trims.htm Unlike vinyl and fiberglass pools which do not need an interior finish, gunite pools need to be finished using paint, plaster, fiberglass, ceramic tile, or an exposed aggregate such as pebble or quartz. Each of these options has advantage and disadvantages which you should discuss with your pool contractor. http://www.skilledcontractors.com/resources/articles/Gunite-Pool-Finishes-and-Trims.htm http://www.skilledcontractors.com/resources/articles/Removing-Algae-in-a-Swimming-Pool.htm In any type of swimming pool, whether it is vinyl, gunite or fiberglass, algae growth is a potential problem you may face. Algae is comprised of small aquatic plants that grow in sunlight and warm water. This problem may be especially prominent in non-circulated or shallow water. http://www.skilledcontractors.com/resources/articles/Removing-Algae-in-a-Swimming-Pool.htm http://www.skilledcontractors.com/resources/articles/Fiberglass-Pools.htm Fiberglass pools first appeared on the market about 50 years ago and remain popular choice because of their convenience and ease of installation: They arrive at the site ready to install, and can be completed in a matter of days, unlike concrete pools which can take weeks on end, or even months to install. http://www.skilledcontractors.com/resources/articles/Fiberglass-Pools.htm http://www.skilledcontractors.com/resources/articles/Gunite-Pools–The-Pros-and-Cons.htm Of the various types of pools available, gunite and shotcrete pools are the most elaborate as they are permanent, in-ground, reinforced pools which are built using concrete and plaster and do not require Vinyl liners. “Guinite” and “Shotcrete “ are terms used to describe processes of applying concrete to a structure, and are often used to construct bridges, water tanks, pools and tunnels. http://www.skilledcontractors.com/resources/articles/Gunite-Pools–The-Pros-and-Cons.htm http://www.skilledcontractors.com/resources/articles/Deciding-on-the-Size-and-Shape-of-Your-Swimming-Pool.htm The shape and size of your pool should be determined according to the type of usage the pool will get: a purely recreational pool needs a large shallow area and any shape will do, while a pool built for swimming laps should have a long, straight section with parallel ends. If you want to make swimming a part of your daily workout, but have limited room in your backyard, a swim spa might be the best option for you. http://www.skilledcontractors.com/resources/articles/Deciding-on-the-Size-and-Shape-of-Your-Swimming-Pool.htm http://www.skilledcontractors.com/resources/articles/A-Swim-Spa-Might-be-the-Best-Option-for-You.htm If your only reason for installing a swimming pool is for exercise and physical therapy, a large recreational swimming pool may be overly extravagant. Whether it is a vinyl, gunite or fiberglass pool, a pool designed for exercise should be long and rectangular with enough depth at both ends to negotiate turns. http://www.skilledcontractors.com/resources/articles/A-Swim-Spa-Might-be-the-Best-Option-for-You.htm http://www.skilledcontractors.com/resources/articles/Before-You-Find-a-Contractor-for-Your-Swimming-Pool-Project.htm Before you make an investment in a swimming pool, there are several factors which you should consider, which we will examine in the following article. The first thing you need to decide is the reason why you want a pool at all. Is it for entertainment and relaxation or exercise and physical therapy? http://www.skilledcontractors.com/resources/articles/Before-You-Find-a-Contractor-for-Your-Swimming-Pool-Project.htm http://www.skilledcontractors.com/resources/articles/Drawing-Up-a-Contract-for-a-Swimming-Pool.htm As with any type of contract, a swimming pool construction contract is a binding agreement between two parties, yourself and the pool contractor. While a contract is binding whether it is written or verbal, you should always ask for a written contract to avoid disputes with the contractor in the future. http://www.skilledcontractors.com/resources/articles/Drawing-Up-a-Contract-for-a-Swimming-Pool.htm http://www.skilledcontractors.com/resources/articles/A-Vinyl-Pool-Might-be-the-Best-Option-for-Your-Back-Yard.htm Installing a vinyl-lined in-ground swimming pool is a cost-efficient alternative to more expensive in-ground pool options such as fiberglass and concrete. However, vinyl is a less durable material than fiberglass and concrete, and therefore is less durable and requires more maintenance work. Find out if a vinyl pool would be the best option for you. http://www.skilledcontractors.com/resources/articles/A-Vinyl-Pool-Might-be-the-Best-Option-for-Your-Back-Yard.htm http://www.skilledcontractors.com/resources/articles/landscaping6.htm This article explains how to care for pond fish over the winter. It answers questions regarding the types of fish which can survive outdoors over the winter, the necessary depth of the pond, the feeding requirements of pond fish in the winter, and how to maintain necessary air circulation in freezing weather temperature. http://www.skilledcontractors.com/resources/articles/landscaping6.htm http://www.skilledcontractors.com/resources/articles/flooring7.htm Bamboo flooring is an excellent flooring option, especially for the environmentally conscious homeowner, as it is a much more renewable resource compared to hardwood trees. Bamboo flooring is relatively dent and scratch resistant and is also not prone to warping since it is water resistant. Since bamboo boards aren’t chemically stained it is also an excellent option for people with asthma or chemical allergies. http://www.skilledcontractors.com/resources/articles/flooring7.htm http://www.skilledcontractors.com/resources/articles/cabinetry2.htm A common desire of homeowners, and an excellent way to raise the value of your home, is to upgrade the kitchen. A major portion of your kitchen remodeling budget will have to be allocated for kitchen cabinets. Before you decide to upgrade your cabinets you should consider the options available. Cabinets can be updated in one of two ways: Replacement of entire units or refacing existing cabinets. http://www.skilledcontractors.com/resources/articles/cabinetry2.htm http://www.skilledcontractors.com/resources/articles/flooring6.htm Find relevant and valuable information about Laminate Flooring, including what to look for when purchasing Laminate Flooring. When selecting a flooring option it is vital that you do your homework as there are numerous options, and making the right decision can bring you peace of mind as well as considerable savings. http://www.skilledcontractors.com/resources/articles/flooring6.htm http://www.skilledcontractors.com/resources/articles/flooring5.htm Glazed ceramic tiles are available in a wide range of colors, patterns, sizes and surface textures. They are thicker and more durable than the tiles that are often used for walls and counters. Choosing Ceramic Tiles can be a demanding task, but you can make the entire process easier by investing time in planning and a bit of research. http://www.skilledcontractors.com/resources/articles/flooring5.htm http://www.skilledcontractors.com/resources/articles/countertops4.htm Corian is a manmade material for countertops that has been available for a few years now. Esthetically it looks like a cross between plastic laminate and natural granite, but it offers the distinct advantage of offering the option of riding oneself of the traditional stainless steel kitchen sink. http://www.skilledcontractors.com/resources/articles/countertops4.htm http://www.skilledcontractors.com/resources/articles/Gunite-Pools.htm Granite is a popular option for kitchen counters, particularly in high end gourmet kitchens. Granite is extremely hard and non-porous, unlike marble. Most kitchen ingredients, like vinegar or oil won’t stain, burn or harm granite, and in comparison to Silestone countertops granite countertops are less heavy and are relatively cheaper. http://www.skilledcontractors.com/resources/articles/Gunite-Pools.htm http://www.skilledcontractors.com/resources/articles/countertops2.htm A new option for countertops, flooring, interior wall facings and fireplace surrounds is a product called Silestone. Silestone is an engineered stone made from quartz rock and is more durable than plastic surfaces or any natural material. It is a low maintenance-surfacing product which is stain, heat and scratch resistant. http://www.skilledcontractors.com/resources/articles/countertops2.htm http://www.skilledcontractors.com/resources/articles/countertops3.htm Laminates are the solution for a remodel on a budget. It is durable, easy to clean, water-resistant and relatively inexpensive. Laminate is available in a wide range of colors, textures, and patterns. It may be used as the sole material for the new project, or it may be combined with a more expensive material, like granite or Silestone. http://www.skilledcontractors.com/resources/articles/countertops3.htm