Construction Building Materials

Remodeling a bathroom can be a lot of work. There are lots of decisions to be made, but by being informed about the products you’re buying, you can make the best decision for your family and home. The bathroom is an important room in the house, it’s where our days begin and end. Finding the right bathtub for your style and needs can be the difference between a good day, and starting off a great day.

1. Think about what the primary purpose of your bathtub is. Are you looking for a tub that is unique and a classic piece of furniture, like a Clawfoot tub? Or are you looking for a tub that will melt away the stress of the day with massaging jets? Or could you be looking to update your bathroom for safety reasons, with a Walk In Bathtub?
2. Think about your style. Do you want an antique style tub, or a modern style, like a whirlpool tub? Clawfoot bathtubs are beautiful, and have lasted the test of time with their classic, antique style. Walk In Bathtubs are a new style of tub, that has a door on the side, to prevent slips and falls that can occur from the dangerous hurdle of a regular bathtub wall.
3. Go to a trusted source. If you’re ordering your bathtub online, it’s important to purchase it from a reliable source, that has your best interests in mind. For example, some sites offer free shipping or a great return policy, in case you’re not fully satisfied with your purchase. These small gestures can really make a difference when you’re purchasing a large item, like a bathtub online.

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Whether it’s a home remodel or an extensive new commercial structure, a construction project produces a massive amount of leftover material, known in the industry as C&D (construction and demolition). Excess concrete, asphalt, shingles, drywall, wood and metals can all pile up by the ton, and finding a way to responsibly recycle them is a must for individuals who want to go green or companies seeking Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. In addition, recycling these materials can save you money

Instructions

Contact a local recycling plant to discuss rates and pick-up/drop-off charges. Visit the Construction Materials Recycling Association website for a list of recycling plants near you. Shop around for the best deal. Recycling concrete can cost up to $4 per ton as of January 2010, but you will save money by avoiding landfill disposal fees. Also, if your project requires aggregate material, you can save the expense of buying new aggregate and use your recycled concrete in its stead.

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Bathtubs as humble as they are, provide a comforting respite. From the time that we were old enough to splash around in the water, the bathtub has been an integral part of life. It has become an object of innovation and invention resulting in many different styles, shapes, and sizes. Learn more about the history and evolution of the bathtub.

History of

Although they were not as elaborate as modern bathtubs, its existence can be dated as far back as 3000 B.C. They were made to look like shallow pools and were, in most cases, a part of a public use facility. They came complete with a draining system, but most had to be filled by using a bucket. There was also a time when hollow trees served as pipes, but the expense was a prohibitive factor. Finally, in the 19th century, cast-iron pipes were invented that made indoor plumbing possible.

The Facts

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Learn about advances in framing materials to build safer and less expensive structures. Aluminum framing construction materials include choices between prefabricated frames and beams which are put together on the proposed site; both are made from extruded aluminum sections. Aluminum frames that form the “skeleton” of structures are used for many different applications, such as offices, commercial and industrial spaces and homes.

Aluminum Windows Frames

Aluminum framing construction materials for homes include studs, window framing and glazing components. For colder climates, aluminum windows require thermal breaks to retain the warmth generated by a home’s heating system since aluminum is a very good conductor of heat. Thermal breaks are gaps filled with insulating materials used to separate the inside and outside of the frames for windows made of aluminum.

Aluminum Studs

Aluminum studs, also referred to as metal studs, are available in a variety of thicknesses and sizes from larger box stores and building supply stores. These studs are used to frame and strengthen walls and are set at intervals of between 12 and 24 inches inside interior walls and then covered with wood or gypsum sheeting. The advantages of aluminum studs include their lesser weight, an important factor for rooms built over existing structures, such as garages and utility rooms. According to Mark Reisdorf, architect and specialist in light gauge metal stud framing, “architects have begun experimenting with pre-cut modular aluminum framing to reduce on-site construction costs.”

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When you’re thinking about building a new home, cost is a major factor. While you can use design software with built-in estimators, it can’t accurately foretell the fluctuating costs of materials in your community; it can only offer a ballpark estimate. To get a more accurate assessment, break down the construction process into stages.

Instructions

1. Figure foundation and flatwork costs by converting the project into cubic yards. Contact a concrete supplier and ask what the company charges per cubic yard of concrete. Also, ask about a delivery charge. Be sure to add extra sand and reinforcing steel to your total, in addition to a rental charge for foundation forms.
2. Use a linear foot measurement when estimating the dimensional lumber needed to frame the home. Start at the bottom, with the seal plates that fit directly onto the foundation. Work your way up, allowing for framing studs on a minimum of 16-inch centers. Remember to count the extra framing material for doors and windows and figure in an amount of square footage loss due to cut and waste.
3. Measure a sufficient amount of electrical wire to safely supply energy needs and satisfy applicable building codes. Count all the outlets and switches in each room and any you want to install in a garage or utility area. Do the same with the heat and air ducting and plumbing.
4. Add up the number of doors and windows and look at different brands to determine your favorite choices. Windows and doors vary greatly in price depending on style and quality. Include all insulation, moisture and vapor barriers.

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