Marye Audet: Building & Remodeling Hubs

Building your own home, remodeling, or restoring is a lot of work, as well as a lot of money! By choosing the tasks to do yourself you can save money and increase the value on your home.

The following hubs are a collection of articles which include information on eco-friendly products, how-to's, and items for your home you may not have known about or thought of. These articles are aimed at helping you to create the home of your dreams, on the budget that you have.

Designing Your Dream Kitchen- If you are planning a kitchen re-do then read this to help you decide on what you really want, need, and can afford.

Hologram Fireplaces- If you are looking for quick ambiance, and a heating boost then hologram fireplace may be just what you are looking for.

0 Voc Paints - Paint is one of the main culprits of toxins in your home environment. VOC's, or volatile organic compound, float around and gain entry to your body every time you breathe. By using low, or 0 VOC paints you can be sure that your air is clean and breathable for yourself and your family.

IceStone Countertops, a Green Alternative -IceStone is a fantastic material made of post consumer recycled glass and cement. It is as durable as granite, and comes in a wide aray of colors. Consider this fantastic alternative to non-sustainable products.

IceStone, How Much Does It Run- Cost and availablity.

James Hardie Company, an Eco-Friendly Siding Choice- Vinyl siding is bad. It is not great for your home and it is not great for the earth. This siding by the Hardie company is a fantastic alternative. It is also called Hardi-plank.

Solar Air Conditioning- Solar Air Conditioning? Sure. The solar thermal system works by a vacuum tube heat collector which then heats water to drive an absorption chiller. Water is the coolant. This system doesn't release any dangerous compounds from CO2 and other air conditioning by products.

Solar Powered Attic Fan- Keep heat from building up in the attic and heating up the house without paying the electric company a dime! This system is literally a breeze to install.

Straw Bale Construction- This method is growing in popularity.

How to Build an Outdoor Fireplace- Add value, ambiance, and even more living space to your home with one of these outdoor fireplaces. They can be as simple or as elaborate as you like.

How to Estimate Vinyl Siding- While I never would suggest vinyl on a home, many people od like it. This tutorial will help you estimate how much vinyl, or other siding you will need.

How to Faux Grain Wood- If youlike the look of stained wood then this article is for you!

How to Refinish Floors-Refinishing wood floors can be expensive..but it isn't that hard to do if you are careful.

How to Repair Plaster- If you have plaster wall you can repair, and restore them.

How to Venetian Plaster- Venetian Plaster is a wonderful paint effect that can cover up minor cracks and imperfections on your walls. Great for old houses!

Resoring and Maintaining Heart Pine Flooring- Heart pine is a unique and beautiful softwood used as flooring in many southern homes in Victorian times. It needs special care to look its best.

Composting Toilets- If you are off grid and away from sewer systems this may be a great idea for you..Even if you are not a composting toilet can be a sound investment.

Time to Replace the Water Heater- What is available to you? What will be best? And how do you know what size to get?