How to install a Shower Pan for the Shower Base in a Custom Shower Stall

How to install a Shower Pan Membrane liner in a Shower Base

Planning a custom ceramic tile shower and don't know where to begin? Not sure how to install a Shower Pan Membrane Liner. See [Shower Pan Membrane Liner Installation EBook]

Installing a Shower Pan Membrane Liner in the Shower base of a Custom Shower stall is something a homeowner can tackle with a little planning and knowledge.

The shower pan membrane liner is used to ensure a leak-proof shower base.

Shower pan membrane liners are used to funnel water that seeps through the base of the shower or wall grout to the shower drain below. The shower pan membrane liner is made up of a flexible type of plastic material that sits below a bed of mortar, and the tile, in the base of the shower area.

Prior to installing the shower pan membrane liner, the base of the shower needs to be pre-sloped to ensure that the water will flow towards the shower drain assembly. The pre-slope is accomplished by applying a layer of mortar in the base shower area. The layer of mortar is troweled in such as way as to create a gentle slope from the shower wall edges to the center of the shower where the drain resides.

Once the pre-slope mortar has cured, the flexible shower pan membrane liner can then be installed. There are a couple of types of shower pan membrane liners on the market, with each having their own benefits. With either type of membrane, the homeowner needs to form and fold the material into the base of the shower area and secure it to the sides of the shower wall frame with staples and/or nails. In addition, an opening in the membrane should be cut out to allow the adjustable shower drain assembly to slip through.

With the shower pan membrane installed, the cementitious ceramic tile backerboard can then be secured to the framed shower walls. The backerboard is a rigid material that is ideal for attaching tile in wet areas such as a shower stall.

After installing the ceramic tile backerboard, a final coat of mortar needs to be applied on top of the membrane to protect it and to provide a solid base for laying the ceramic floor tile.

With the final coat of mortar cured, the ceramic tile can then be installed in the shower.

Once the tile and grout have been installed, the shower drain assembly should be adjusted so that the drain height sits flush with the finished ceramic tile floor.

Planning a custom ceramic tile shower and don't know where to begin? Not sure how to install a Shower Pan Membrane Liner. See [Shower Pan Membrane Liner Installation EBook]

How to get a Construction Mortgage and Finance an Unfinished Home

I recently had a visitor to www.homeadditionplus.com who explained that she wanted to buy an unfinished home but could not get a conventional home mortgage because it was unfinished. As I indicated to her there are a couple of mortgage financing options to consider when wanting to buy an unfinished home.

The first choice is to visit a bank and inquire about obtaining a construction loan for the unfinished home. Many banks frown upon offering homeowners construction loans, however with a good building plan and cost estimates in place it is sometimes possible. The chances are increased if the homeowner plans to make the unfinished home construction project a full time job (e.g. working as the General contractor.)

The second choice is to find a general contractor that will purchase the unfinished home on your behalf, via a home construction loan, and then sell you the home upon its completion. Of course a contract needs to be in place between the general contractor and the homeowner.

Construction loans can frequently be converted over into conventional loans (e.g. 30 year mortgates) so this should be considered when applying directly for the construction loan or going through a general contractor.

Honey Do Home Improvement Gifts for Father's Day

Fathers Day is almost here. Do you know what your going to get your hubby or dad for a Gift?

Most husbands or fathers, who are also homeowners know what a Honey Do is. But for those of you who don't, well it goes something like this: "Honey I need you to do the lawn." or Honey I need you to do the trash, or take the kids to the ball park, or to put up a fence, or to clean up the garage, etc.

Since it is unlikely his "Honey Do" list will go away or shrink anytime soon, at least for this Fathers day why don't you consider getting him a gift that will make his "Honey Do" home tasks easier.

Here are my top 10 ideas:

1) Sit Down Lawn Mower - "For what else - mowing the lawn"
2) Nail Gun with Compressor - "For building that new home addition"
3) Laser Level - "For hanging up the pictures"
4) Power Drill/Screw Gun - "For putting up the shelves in the Garage"
5) Sawsall - "For cutting away the old deck and replacing it with a new one"
6) Table Saw - "For building those book cases you've always wanted"
7) Motorized Edger - "To dress up those flower gardens"
8) Motorized Trimmer - "To speed up the lawn trimming - Okay, to just have him Trim the Lawn"
9) Socket Set - "For putting together that new grill"
10) Lamborgini - "To take 1 kid to the soccer practice"


If you have your own ideas feel free to add them in the comment section and I will also post them at www.homeadditionplus.com

Mark Donovan
Editor and Publisher of www.homeadditionplus.com and www.homeaddition.blogspot.com

Solid Wood Flooring vs. Plastic Laminate Pergo Flooring

Solid wood flooring and plastic laminate flooring, such as Pergo flooring, each have their pros and cons. Solid wood flooring is timeless and provides a look of elegance to a home that is unbeatable when it comes to flooring. However, solid wood floors are susceptible to moisture. Pergo flooring, or laminate flooring, on the other hand is lower cost and ideal for active families with pets, though it has a less elegant look and cannot be refinished.

Solid wood flooring is exactly that – solid wood. It is solid wood that typically comes in ¾” board strips and is available in many types of wood including Oak, Maple, Cherry, and Hickory. It can be purchased pre-finished or unfinished. It can also be sanded and refinished multiple times and can last many decades.

Solid wood flooring is susceptible to high humidity and moisture so it should only be used on ground or above ground levels. You should think twice before considering using it in a basement. Due to the fact that solid wood floors are moisture sensitive they can have the tendency to expand, contract or cup. The cupping action causes the wood edges to stick up, which can lead to floor damage and even tripping.

Solid wood flooring is also sensitive to scratches, though this can be mitigated with your choice of wood flooring as well as how you finish/seal the floor.

Solid wood flooring is typically more expensive than laminate flooring such as Pergo, however it is well worth the investment. Solid wood flooring is actually one type of flooring that can raise the value of your home. If you are building, or have a high end home, then you should definitely go with solid wood flooring as most high end home buyers will prefer solid wood floors over Pergo, or other laminate flooring.

Laminate flooring is basically made out of plastic with a photographic image of wood sandwiched in between the layers of plastic. Laminate floors are very durable and great for high traffic areas and active families, however they cannot be refinished once scuffed up and/or scratched. There are also limited colors/patterns to choose from. Laminate flooring can typically be cleaned with a damp mop, however excessive moisture can damage the laminate if water seeps in around the edges of the boards.

Laminate flooring is considered to be impervious to stains and dents and will not fade. Typically warranties on Pergo, or similar laminate flooring products, are 10 years or more.

Laminate flooring comes in various thicknesses from 6mm to 12mm. The thicker the material the longer it will last. In addition, the more it will simulate real solid wood floors, not just in appearance but also in sound when walking on it.

In regards to installation, a homeowner with a few basic tools can install both solid wood floors and Pergo laminate flooring. However, before installation a homeowner should first do their homework. Particularly with solid wood floors, it is important to allow for expansion of the material. Thus it is important to not butt the solid wood floor directly up against a wall.

Other laminate flooring manufactures besides Pergo include Alloc, Balterio, and Mohawk.

If you are anticipating only staying a few years in a home and have children and pets, laminate flooring, can make a lot of sense, particularly as it is typically lower cost than solid wood flooring. If you plan to be in a home for a long period of time and want to make a serious investment in the home, then consider solid wood floors.

Silestone Countertops versus Corian Countertops

Silestone vs. Corian Countertops, what should a homeowner choose for his or her new kitchen? Well, it depends on your tastes. Silestone, or engineered stone, is one of the most popular countertop materials on the market today. It has the appearance of granite, but also adds its own shimmering uniqueness due to quartz crystals embedded in the material. Corian countertops on the other hand have been around for many years and simulate a marble stone look. Both Silestone and Corian countertops have their advantages and disadvantages.

Silestone is basically made up of a composite of quartz material and plastic. Silestone consists of approximately 94% quartz stone material and 6% plastic. Silestone countertops are priced similar to Corian countertops. Silestone also comes in about 48 different colors. What makes Silestone rather unique is that the quartz material sparkles providing a glimmering radiance that is unmatched by granite or Corian countertops.

There are a number of other manufacturers of engineered stone countertops on the market besides Silestone. They include Granyte, Avanza, Cesarstone, and Zodiak from Dupont. All employ similar methods as Silestone in how they construct the countertop material

Corian countertops are constructed using 100% plastic (also known as resin). As the plastic is heated and processed, colors are added. Today Corian comes in 80 different colors. Corian is unique in that unlike Silestone, or even Granite, you can get Corian countertops in solid white, a countertop color still preferred by many. In addition, Corian can be designed and manufactured to be seamless in appearance.

Corian countertops are known to be more easily repairable than Silestone countertops just due to the fact that Corian countertops are 100% plastic.

However, Silestone (or other engineered stone countertops) are said to be more heat, burn, stain, and scratch resistant due to the fact that they are made mainly out of stone material. Scratches on dark Corian colors are said to be much more visible than lighter or speckled colors. If hot pots are left on a Corian countertop it is likely the countertop will be burned and the warranty put into question.

Asphalt versus Concrete Driveways – Which is Best

Asphalt and concrete are the most popular types of material for paving driveways. Asphalt driveways and concrete driveways both have their unique advantages. If you live in a cold climate and are considering a concrete driveway you need to make sure the base for the driveway is heavily laid with gravel and it is compacted first. Otherwise the driveway will run the risk of cracking due to frost heaves. In addition, concrete is susceptible to salt damage, a material frequently used on roads in cold weather parts of the country. On the other hand, if you live in a warm or hot climate and are considering asphalt paving, then you need to consider the fact that asphalt can become soft in the hot sun and is therefore susceptible to ruts.

Asphalt paved driveways are typically cheaper to install than concrete paved driveways. However, asphalt paved driveways need significant more care over time to protect them. Asphalt paved driveways need to be sealed at least once every 3-5 years. Each sealing, though easily completed by a do it yourself homeowner, costs money and time. In addition, the sealer needs typically 2-3 days to dry before you can park a vehicle on it. Also, a newly asphalt paved driveway should not be sealed for at least 6-9 months, as the light oils associated with the asphalt need to evaporate first. If an asphalt driveway is sealed too soon it will remain soft forever.

Asphalt driveways do not need to be always black and concrete driveways do not always need to be off-white. Both asphalt and concrete driveways can be tinted to various colors. Check with your prospective paving contractors first to see what color options there are for your driveway project.

Asphalt driveways, if maintained can typically last 25-30 years. Concrete driveways can last even longer. However, both require a solid foundation to be laid on. If not laid on a solid foundation both will crack over time, especially in colder weather climates. Asphalt cracks are easier to repair than concrete driveway cracks.

Consideration for the slope of the driveway should also be considered when contemplating concrete driveways. Over time, concrete driveways can shear off of the foundation they are poured on which can lead to unwanted cracks.

If you are planning a new asphalt driveway and need help on how to hire an Asphalt Driveway Paving Contractor, see HomeAdditionPlus.com's Asphalt Driveway Paving Bid sheet. The Asphalt Driveway Paving Bid Sheet will help ensure that your hire the right contractor so that your driveway is paved correctly and you get the finished driveway you are looking for. In addition, it will help to ensure that the installation of your driveway will be accomplished on time and on budget!

Installing Ceramic Tile in a Shower

Planning a ceramic tile shower and don't know where to begin? Not sure how to install a Shower Pan Membrane Liner. See [Shower Pan Membrane Liner Installation EBook]

Installing ceramic tile in a shower starts with a proper foundation. The foundation consists of WonderBoard or Durock cement board on the walls and a Shower Pan Membrane Liner in the base of the shower, if the shower floor is to be tiled too.

WonderBoard or Durock cement board, also known as backerboard, are resistant to water and are ideal materials for applying ceramic tiles to high-moisture areas. Durock can be applied directly to wall studs and ceiling joists using hot-dipped galvanized nails or galvanized wood screws.

Thin-set or an adhesive mortar can be applied directly on the WonderBoard or Durock cement board for attaching the ceramic tiles. However, fiberglass mesh tape should be applied over all seams and smoothed out with a latex thin-set prior to the application of ceramic tiles.

If ceramic tile is desired on the floor of the shower as well, then a shower pan membrane liner should be installed prior to the installation of the WonderBoard or Durock cement board.

The shower pan membrane liner is used to ensure a leak-proof shower. Shower pan membrane liners are used to funnel any water that seeps through the floor or wall grout to the shower drain below. The shower pan membrane liner is made up of a flexible type of plastic material that sits below a bed of mortar, and the tile, in the shower floor area.

Prior to installing the shower pan membrane liner, the floor of the shower needs to be pre-sloped to ensure that the water will flow towards the shower drain assembly. The pre-slope is accomplished by applying a layer of mortar to the floor of the shower unit area. The layer of mortar is troweled in such as way as to create a gentle slope from the shower wall edges to the center of the shower where the drain resides.

Once the pre-slope mortar has cured, the flexible shower pan membrane liner can then be installed. There are a couple of types of shower pan membrane liners on the market, with each having their own benefits. With either type of membrane, the homeowner needs to form and fold the material into the base of the shower area and secure it to the sides of the shower wall frame with staples and/or nails. In addition, an opening in the membrane should be cut out to allow the adjustable shower drain assembly to slip through.

With the shower pan membrane installed, the cementitious ceramic tile backerboard can then be secured to the framed shower walls. The backerboard is a rigid material that is ideal for attaching tile in wet areas such as a shower stall.

After installing the ceramic tile backerboard, a final coat of mortar needs to be applied on top of the shower pan membrane to protect it and to provide a solid base for laying the ceramic floor tile.

With the final coat of mortar cured, the ceramic tile can then be installed in the shower.

Once the tile and grout have been installed, the shower drain assembly should be adjusted so that the drain height sits flush with the finished ceramic tile floor.

For more information on installing a shower pan membrane liner, see the Shower Pan Membrane Liner Installation EBook from HomeAdditionPlus.com. The Shower Pan Membrane Liner EBook will quickly teach you the step-by-step process for installing the shower pan membrane liner correctly. It includes instructions on framing the shower stall, pouring the pre-slope and shower base mortar, and installing the shower pan membrane liner.

Best time for Sealing Your Driveway is Now

With the frost gone and the ground starting to dry out it is now time to think about sealing your asphalt paved driveway. If it has been 3-5 years since you last sealed your driveway and the aggregate stones are visible it is time to seal your asphalt paved driveway again.

Asphalt driveway sealer is critical for preserving the life of your driveway. If an asphalt paved driveway is properly maintained it is possible that it can last 25-30 years. The asphalt driveway sealer prevents water from seeping through the minor cracks that may form in your driveway as it flexes throughout the year. If water is allowed to seep into the pavement, particularly during the colder times of year, it will freeze and wind up creating more cracks and heaves in the driveway.

If you are installing a new asphalt paved driveway do not apply an asphalt driveway sealer for at least 6-9 months. Asphalt pavement has light oils that need to evaporate before the driveway becomes hard. This evaporation can take up to 6-9 months. If you seal the driveway prior to the completion of the evaporation process the driveway will never become as hard it could have been otherwise.

If you are planning a new asphalt driveway and need help on how to hire an Asphalt Driveway Paving Contractor, see HomeAdditionPlus.com's Asphalt Driveway Paving Bid sheet. The Asphalt Driveway Paving Bid Sheet will help ensure that your hire the right contractor so that your driveway is paved correctly and you get the finished driveway you are looking for. In addition, it will help to ensure that installation of your driveway will be accomplished on time and on budget!

Home Remodeling Ideas and Home Improvement Remodeling Costs and Loans

When contemplating the start of a new home remodeling idea you should first consider the home improvement remodeling costs and the expected home improvement remodeling loan.

Inevitably the average homeowner underestimates the costs associated with the home remodeling idea that they are contemplating. This is typically due to their lack of understanding of the home remodeling undertaking, be it remodeling an old home or adding a new addition onto an existing home.

After a homeowner has come up with a home remodeling idea, they should next research the home remodeling idea in detail. Once they have gained sufficient knowledge they can then develop a home remodeling plan. This plan may be to hire a general contractor or be the general contractor themselves. With a plan in place they can now develop the home improvement remodeling costs and assess whether or not they need a home improvement remodeling loan.

For more help on assessing your home remodeling needs visit HomeAdditionPlus.com. Also if you are in need of hiring a general contractor for your next home remodeling project visit HomeAdditionPlus' Home Addition Bid Sheets. Home Addition Bid Sheets include the tools you need to ensure you hire the right general contractor for you home remodeling project including a comprehensive checklist of questions to ask the prospective contractor, and cost and timeframe estimates. Home Addition Bid Sheets help ensure that your home remodeling idea and project will be accomplished on time and on budget.