Rub a Dub Dub, 5 Things You Should Know When Buying A New Tub
Some people walk into a home improvement store expecting to walk out with a new bathtub. However, they did not think it all the way through. There is a lot entailed when deciding to purchase and install a new tub. On the other hand, there are people like you who are reading articles like this. That is a good thing. You are one of the people who will be able to make an informed decision about buying a bathtub.
Five things should come to mind when choosing a bathtub.
1. Know the dimensions of your bathroom.
In order to make an informed decision when purchasing a bathtub, you should know the length and width measurements of your bathroom. You should also know how high the ceiling is from the ground. Also you should multiply the length of the bathroom by the width of it, to give you the total square feet. This will help you determine approximately what size your tub should be. Also, it will determine how high from the ground it will be raised.
2. Know the dimensions of where your bathtub will go.
Once you have measured the total square feet of your bathroom, you should decide how much space you want your tub to take up. Some people don't mind if the bath tub takes up most of the space in the bathroom. Yet others will be concerned about it. It is up to you how large your bathtub will be. Just remember you are the one who has to live with the end result. Along with that, you have to remember how useful your house will be to your guests. Likewise, you must think of the overall value of your home. If you plan on selling it, it is wise to have a large enough tub to relax it, yet small enough that the bathroom is still comfortable to use.
3. Know which materials bathtubs are made of.
The most common materials that bathtubs are made of are porcelain, marble, stone, concrete and plastic. You should decide which is better for you. Porcelain is more durable than plastic. However, plastic is less expensive. This is especially true if you want to install a whirlpool bath tub. It would cost much less than marble. Also, plastic when scratched is hardly noticeable. When porcelain is scratched, it leaves a gray film. The reason for this is because the surface of porcelain is actually a top coating which makes the porcelain tub look shinier. Marble, stone, and concrete tubs are very elegant looking, but can cost a lot. Also, they are best suited for outside whirlpool bath tubs, rather than inside ones.(great for that deck area, or outdoor entertaining)
4. Have a color in mind.
After you have chosen the size and material for your bathtub, you should choose a color. Most people choose white, but bathtubs have also been manufactured in a variety of colors. Some colored bathtubs include, ivory, lime green, lavender, and pale yellow, even black! 
You can shop online and browse your favorite stores. This will give you an idea of what colors are out there. Along with this, you should already have planned a color scheme for your bathroom. Knowing what color scheme your bathroom is will add less frustration later. For example; a person could impulsively buy a lavender bathtub, then later decided to paint the bathroom lime green. If this happens, then that person will have to return the bathtub, and may find that the color they really wanted is not in stock. To avoid this frustration, you should plan ahead. Remember, pick the color scheme for your bathroom, and plan it according to the color bathtub you want.
5. Compare prices.
Once you have picked a color for your bathroom and bathtub, it is time to shop. If you don't mind spontaneously walking into a store not knowing what is there, you can leave without calling. However, if you are like most people, and do not have a lot of time on your hands. You would be better off calling first. You can find out which stores have what you need, in the size you need it. Also, if you want to find a bathtub without having to pick up the phone, you can search the Internet at some of your favorite stores. 
This will help save a lot of time, and is less tiring than having to travel to the store. Once you know what you want, you can either have it shipped to you, or you can pick it up. For a purchase such as a bathtub, it is beneficial to choose a merchant as close to your area as possible. This would be in case you find a defect in your bathtub and you have to return it.
Now you know five things that most people don't know about buying a bathtub. However, you should still keep this article handy. You can use the same information above before purchasing a toilet or sink. Pretty soon, you will have the best looking bathroom on the block!
So get your rubber ducky ready , go forth and make a splash with your cool new tub!
Vanessa Stalets
Brentwood TN Real Estate Expert
RE/MAX Elite
615-661-4400
Brentwood Tennessee Real Estate
Fences are made from many materials, and many styles. This makes choosing a fence difficult. However, the decision of choosing a fence can be made easier. Before shopping for a fence, a few preliminary steps can save you a lot of time, and you will be less frustrated in the end.
The first step you should take in choosing a fence is to decide what the purpose of the fence will be. Many people choose fences for the following reasons:
After you are done thinking about why you would want to make a fence, it is time to choose one. The following is a list of various types of fences:
Now you know the reasons why you want a fence. Along with that, you know some types of fences. Now it is time to decide which fence is right for you. In order to do that, you need to know which types of fences are good for what purpose. In addition, you need to know which fences will be most practical in case you choose a fence for more that one reason.
For instance,a 
chain link fence can keep pets or children in a yard,
and it also keeps out trespassers and burglars.
A second example would be the use of the barbwire fence.
This fence marks the boundary line of a farm property,
and also aids in deterring intruders.
Just like a chain link fence, a wooden fence can keep pets and children in the yard. However, it is a little different than the chain link fence. 
The difference is that a wooden fence is more attractive looking than a chain link fence. Nevertheless, it serves more than one purpose, as most fences do.
Now, you know some of the purposes of the chain link, barbed wire and wooden fences. The other types of fences serve a similar purpose as those three.
For example, the 
picket fence is much like the use of a wooden fence, only smaller. It also is more decorative than the chain link fence. However, it does not do much for protecting a home against intruders. Picket fences are usually only about three feet high. Now you know the main difference between a picket fence and a wooden fence. However, there are exceptions. Sometimes tiny picket fence can be places close to shrubs, flowers, or gardens. This is to stop small animals such as squirrels, mice, rabbits, and chipmunks from intruding. They might run into the fence, and then turn around and go the other way. The tiny picket fence is a type of small garden fence.
Other small garden fences can be placed around tomato and bean plants for a similar reason as the picket fence. These also serve something for the plants to climb on. Also, smaller versions of the chain link fence serve to keep animal intruders out of your garden.
Another type of fence is the electric fence. This is similar to the barbwire fence. An electric fence is also known as an invisible fence because someone usually doesn’t see it. Then, if a person or animal does not know the fence is there, that person or animal bumps into it. Then, they get a shock. Then, they know not to cross that line. Most people know how to climb over it though. The main use is to block farm animals from entering another person’s pasture.
A more modern of the electric fence is a fence that actually is invisible. 
It serves a similar purpose, and has the same affect on a animal as the electric fence. The only difference is that it is literally invisible. A variation of this type of fence is found in Jewelry stores. The invisible fence usually surrounds valuable jewelry locked up in a display case. Also, it is attached to an alarm that goes off when the burglar crosses the invisible beam.
There you are. You know all about fences now, or at least more than you did before you read this.Keep this information handy to help you make a wise choice in choosing a fence.
Vanessa Stalets
Brentwood Tennessee Real Estate
RE/MAX Elite
615-661-4400
Brentwood Tennessee Real Estate
Market Conditions - Week of January 7, 2008
Mortgage bond prices rose last week pushing mortgage interest rates lower. Trading remained volatile throughout the week. Rates fell sharply Wednesday following the weaker than expected ISM Index showing an ailing manufacturing sector of the economy. The minutes from the last Fed meeting and bond friendly employment report also pointed to the possibility of additional rate decreases, which helped bonds rally.
For the week, interest rates on government and conventional loans fell about one full discount point.
Trade data Friday will be the most important event this week. Look for stocks and oil prices to also factor into mortgage bond price changes.
| Economic Factors | |||
| Economic Indicator | Release Date Time | Consensus Estimate | Analysis |
| Consumer Credit | Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2008 | $8.5 billion | Low importance. A significantly larger than expected increase may lead to lower mortgage interest rates. |
| Trade Data | Friday, Jan. 11, 2008 | $59.5 billion deficit | Important. Affects the value of the dollar. A falling deficit may strengthen the dollar and lead to lower rates. |
Trade Data
In the distant past the US economy tended to be viewed as relatively unaffected by economic activity in other countries. However, increased trades with other countries and an increased reliance on foreign purchases of US debt have generated a market awareness of trade-related issues. The exchange rate of the dollar and foreign trade flows are interrelated. One must buy dollars to purchase US exports, and sell dollars to buy imports. Likewise, foreign investment in US debt requires the purchase of US dollars, and is thus affected by exchange rates.
Each month the Commerce Department gathers an enormous amount of detailed data on exports and imports. The data is broken between goods and services trade. The overall trade balance is the dollar difference between US exports and imports on a seasonally adjusted basis. The report also highlights trade flows between the US and various partners. Since the mid-1970's, US imports of consumer and capital goods have exceeded exports, so a merchandise trade deficit has existed. The US has always maintained a service trade surplus, and because this surplus is not enough to offset the merchandise trade deficit, a net export deficit has resulted.
Due to the overwhelming amount of data considered, trade is difficult to forecast, and can present surprises. For a variety of reasons, the financial markets will often be unaffected by surprises in trade data. However, the data still has the ability to cause mortgage interest rate volatility.
A higher than expected trade deficit could hurt gross domestic product estimates. Lower growth expectations have historically caused stocks to fall and bonds to rise.
The general sentiment among market participants is that mortgage bond prices will trade in this range or possibly a bit lower as the Fed continues to cut rates to stimulate the economy. Keep in mind that market corrections in are typically fast and furious. Any future data releases showing strength in the economy could lead to mortgage interest rate volatility, so lower rates are not a given. A cautious approach to float decisions should be taken.*Info courtesy of Tonya Esquibel WR Starkey, Franklin TN*
Vanessa Stalets
Brentwood Tennessee Real Estate Expert!
RE/MAX Elite
615-661-4400
Hooking up a hot water heater is one of the most common home repair jobs there is. However if you don't know what you are doing, or don't know the first thing about hot water heaters, well then you could be in hot water...quite literally. Actually installing a hot water heater can be a rather easy thing to learn. You just have to make sure you read all the directions before you start so you don't get in over your head before you even start. The last thing you want to do is realize you can't do this and then be stuck without any hot water!
The first thing you have to do is the most obvious. You have to disconnect and remove your old hot water heater. Doing this is pretty easy. You just have to be careful. Remember it is full of hot water still. So, first turn off your gas or electricity that is connected to that water heater. You will then need to drain the water from the old unit. There should be a drain valve located on it. On a gas heater, separate the vent pipe from the draft hood. The hood should lift off after you remove the sheet metal screw that holds it. After checking that the pilot light is out, disconnect the gas line at the heater and cap it.
Next remove the water heater from the water pipes. Be careful when doing this because the pipes may still have hot water in them. This water is hot enough to burn you if you are not careful. You may need some pipe wrenches to get some of them off, but there should not be many connected so this step should not take too much time or effort. You may now take out the old hot water heater and throw it away. Many local and state laws have certain restrictions on the disposal of these, so check with the local authorities on the disposal requirements.
Now that you have the old unit out, it is time to install the new unit. Move your new hot water heater to its new home by using a dolly. You don't want to "walk" it or drag it. There are delicate parts inside that can be damaged if it is jolted or subjected to too much shock. Position your new heater so that the pipes will easily reach it. If you are using gas, you want to be especially careful that the gas pipe can reach easily to avoid any potentially dangerous gas leaks.
Next connect the hot and cold water. This is usually a simple process of connecting the new water heater to the
same connections as the old water heater. Then you connect the third pipe to the main water line that distributes the water to the rest of the house. Refer to the user manual if there are no connections, or if you are confused as to which pipe goes where. This is the most common mistake made in installing a hot water heater. If you turn on the water and your cold water turns hot, and your hot water never heats up, go and switch the pipes.
Next you need to locate the relief valve on your newly connected hot water heater. The temperature and pressure relief valve is a very important part of your hot water system. The relief system releases excess heat and pressure automatically so that your hot water heater does not explode. It is a very important and a valuable safety feature that comes standard on all hot water heaters.
The last step in connecting your new hot water heater is connecting it to the power. You have to connect it either to the gas line or the electricity for it to heat the water. Refer to the instruction manual on how to do this.
If you follow the directions there is no reason that you can not successfully connect your new hot water heater. It is a fairly easy job. It just takes a little time and patience and anyone can do it. It is simply a matter of reconnecting to the new hot water heater, everything that you disconnected from the old one.
Don't end up in "hot water", make sure you know and follow the directions!
Vanessa Stalets
Brentwood's Real Estate Expert!
RE/MAX Elite
615-661-4400
One of the most important lessons in owning a home is learning when to throw in the towel...or the plunger and call for professional help. It does not mean you are stupid or ignorant. It just means you know when to give up. It is a smart person that knows when to give up and stop killing yourself over trying to do it yourself. For most people it is a last resort and many times it should be. Plumbers are generally overpriced and you pay for travel time and several other hidden fees. Please be sure that you absolutely have to call a plumber before you do. If you have to call a plumber to take on a project there are a few things you can do to keep some of your money.
COMPARE PLUMBERS
The first thing most people do is call the plumber with the lowest rates. This sounds like the logical thing to do, however it is not always the wisest course of action. This is because hourly rates are hard to compare. Some plumbers charge mileage. Some plumbers start charging as soon as they start the car on the way to your house. Some charge by the minute. Some charge by the quarter hour. Some charge by the half hour.
The best way to choose the best plumber is choose a plumber with a good reputation for customer satisfaction. When you call, see if they have any references. Ask your friends and family if they know of anyone and if they were satisfied. Satisfaction is important. You may spend more at first, but you will only pay for one visit as opposed to several.
MINIMIZE YOUR PLUMBING NEEDS
The best way to avoid spending too much money on a plumber is to avoid having to call one. The main reason most people call a plumber is drain backups and other drain problems. These can usually be fixed much cheaper than calling a plumber.
Grease clogs are the most common drain problem. This can be fixed by experimenting with several things around the house to see what works best to keep your drain clean. What works for most people is pouring some hot water and vinegar down the drain daily. If your drain is clogged from grease, pouring some hot vinegar down the drain and letting it set for about 20 minutes and then follow that with some boiling water will usually clear it up. Pour the water and vinegar slowly so that it has a better effect on the clog.
The other main clog problem is hair clogs. Usually a mesh catch will remedy this problem. If the drain is clogged, then a drain cleaner from your local grocery store or department store, will fix this problem. You will need to let this sit for fifteen to twenty minutes. Just follow the directions on the package.
BUY YOUR OWN FIXTURES
Anything that you are going to need to install, such as toilets and sinks, can be bought in advance. Plumbers will try to sell you what they have. They usually mark up the price, so it is way over priced. Buying these in advance will save you a lot of money. However you may want to check with the plumber in advance to see what brands are the best to minimize any confusion later. Some products are made cheaply and many plumbers will not use them or work with them. Discussing this with your plumber in advance will ensure you buy the best item.
REDUCE YOUR NEED
One of the most overlooked ways to save money on a plumber is to simply check all your fixtures and make sure everything is tightened and attached properly. Sometimes simply checking these things yourself will save you from having to call out a plumber. If there are any leaks or clogs that need to be fixed, make a list of all of them. When the plumber arrives give him the list. Tell him this is exactly what needs to be done. He will get right on it, rather than trying to access the problem. He will be in your home for less time, hence saving you very valuable, hard earned money. Also, if you have a home warranty, you always want to have them look at everything when they come out to save you paying the deductible for each minor thing/trip.
It really is not so hard to help yourself stop putting $$ down your drain!
Vanessa Stalets
Brentwood's Rea Estate Expert!
RE/MAX Elite
615-661-4400
 |
|
|
Do you want to Sell/Buy Brentwood TN Real Estate? Do you expect Honesty & Integrity from your REALTOR®? Demand Exceptional Service?! Then Vanessa Stalets is the TN RE/MAX agent for you!615-957-6333
"Let Me Do the Worry and the Work"
Vanessa Stalets is one of RE/MAX Elite's brightest stars, specializing in the Nashville, Brentwood, Franklin, Williamson County and Middle Tennessee Real Estate Markets. Winner of the prestigious Executive award for top sales in 2006 and the 100% Award in 2007, Vanessa continues to exceed all client expectation! See how I can help you now!
Come visit my Brentwood TN Real Estate blog,
loaded with great consumer information and tips!
Get Your Own Custom Home Search
Email: Vanessa@vanessastalets.com
www.vanessastalets.com
Fabulous Homes Require a Fabulous Agent!
Vanessa is a diverse Realtor who is just as effective with first time home buyers as Million dollar listings. She offers not only advice on how to sell your home but she also stages it for FREE!
She has donated time and/or funds to the following charities:
Habitat For Humanity
The United Way
Komen Foundation
St. Jude's Children's Hospital
Children's Miracle Network
House of Mercy
Please do not hesitate to call on me if I can be of service in your
Brentwood, Franklin or Middle Tennessee area Real Estate needs.
"Vanessa Stalets really knocked herself out (even foregoing her own Thanksgiving weekend holiday to show houses to us out-of-towners) to help us find the perfect home. She went beyond the call of duty at every stage of the process to make sure our real estate needs were met. She not only found us the perfect home in Brentwood TN, she made sure that the deal went down right! And when it wasn't happening the way we needed it to, she never gave up --
"We contacted Vanessa over the Internet when looking on line for a summer home in Tennessee. She was Johnny on the spot and soon we had several homes that fit our criteria. We flew in from FL to see property with her. She was extremely professional and found us a one of a kind, incredible summer home. When you are buying or selling, in the Multi- Million Dollar range it is imperative to have an agent who is knowledgeable and trustworthy. Vanessa is all of that and more! We have purchased with her and listed with her, we would not use anyone else. Vanessa keeps your interests above all else!"
she kept working it until it worked.
Vanessa knows her stuff.
She's The Rock Star of REALTORS®!"
Brentwood TN- May 2008
Holiday Mathis - Author "Rock your Stars" and nationally syndicated horoscope column
Stuart Mathis - Guitarist/Songwriter -Solo as well as The Wall Flowers/ Leann Rimes/ Jewel
Joe and Libby
Franklin, TN
January, 2008
"We came to Vanessa after having had a horrible experience with an agent who was part-time and recommended lenders who did not explain things. The contract fell apart and we were left thinking we would never own a home. Vanessa swept in, connected us to a fabulous lender(Michael Church) and within a month we were closed! Vanessa went the extra mile over and over, she negotiated fiercely and won many concessions for us. We wish we had found Vanessa in the first place, she really know what she is doing!"
Victoria
Inglewood TN
November, 2007
"I tried to find a house on my own, having worked around the Real Estate business I thought I could do it without an agent. I ended up frustrated and out of time, Vanessa came highly recommended and she took us out every day until she found us the "one". We closed 3 weeks later just in time for the Holidays! Vanessa was not only knowledgeable but she was a stickler for the rules and made sure we were protected and represented EVERY step of the way! I love her and you will too!"
Kathleen
Brentwood TN
October, 2007
"Vanessa helped us purchase our first home 18 months ago, we did lots of upgrades and then Found out we needed a "bigger" house for a coming addition! We listed it with Vanessa as she was an incredible agent when we used her on the buy. She went above and beyond for us, including bringing her husband over and helping us paint! She staged our home beautifully and designed flyers and a virtual tour that made me want to stay in the home she was advertising! She thought outside the box at every turn and had innovative selling strategies such as a live video she took and put on you tube! She helped us purchase our new house prior to listing the old one, crazy some would say, but she had it sold before the first payment on the new house was due! In fact, we had one whole month with NO payments! I would recommend Vanessa for ALL transactions; she knows how to get it done, even in a "slow" market!
Drew and Kristin
Nippers Corner/ Franklin TN
August 2007
"We met Vanessa at an open house she held for one of her listings, the house was gorgeous but above our price range. Vanessa jumped right in and offered to assist us in our home search. We had spoken with several other agents but Vanessa made us feel like she could find exactly what we wanted! Within 1 week we found the "perfect" home, it was brand new on the market and Vanessa negotiated big time to get out offer accepted so fast. Nobody else even had a chance to see it! She also helped us with a lender and getting an awesome low rate! She took care of each step, kept us informed and represented our needs impeccably! We are newly weds and first time buyers and as such buying a home and all that goes with it was a bit daunting, we had heard stories of terrible mishaps. Vanessa made it an unbelievably easy and fun process, she never let the stress come through to us! She is the agent to have, bar none!"
"Vanessa came highly recommended by a friend at work. Kristin and her husband had used her before and were listing their home with her. We called her from outside a house in Gallatin on a Saturday afternoon hoping but not really believing that maybe we could get in to see it.Vanessa dropped what she was doing and drove out to the house! We were amazed! She showed us the house and a couple others. We fell in love with one and she helped us get a lender, qualified and an offer written in one weekend! She negotiated like a" Pit Bull" and got our offer accepted just hours before another offer came in! We closed within 3 wks and I was even on vacation in Alaska for 10 of those days. I did not have a worry or a fear, Vanessa is so capable that I knew all would be well. As a first time home buyer and now owner, I suspect it is not usually this easy, Vanessa is the reason! I would and have recommended her to family, friends and anyone else looking for an honest and dependable agent!"
Melissa H
Gallatin TN
June, 2007
"An update, Vanessa sold our house in a matter of hours!
She negotiated and followed through the contract, working out last minute details,
and keeping the sale on track. I used to think Realtors did not really earn their commission,
Vanessa has changed my mind. She was well worth any cost!
What a blessing she has been, Vanessa is the total package!"
Kay and Gordon
Brentwood TN
May, 2007
ActiveRain Corp. is not responsible for the accuracy of the site's content (which is written by members of the ActiveRain Real Estate Network) and does not endorse the views of the real estate agents, mortgage brokers, and others listed here.
Powered by the ActiveRain Real Estate Network
© 2009 ActiveRain Corp. All Rights Reserved
