Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

18:36 08 January 2015

An electrician at work. PA Photo/Thinkstockphotos.

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Unless a property is new, or you have it newly rewired yourself, it is hard to know how old the wiring is and, crucially, if it is safe.

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There are tell-tale signs of old electrical work, such as surface-mounted cables, old-fashioned light switches, flexes and ceiling roses, and fuse boxes that use fuse wire, rather than pop-out fuses.

However, fuse boxes are sometimes replaced without the rest of the wiring being updated, and many with pop-out fuses dont comply with current regulations.

The only way to know for sure is for a qualified electrician to check the electrics. This should be done every 10 years anyway, even if you think everything is fine, and whenever you buy a property, as if you do need to rewire, it can cost thousands of pounds.

Of course, a full rewire isnt always necessary - your homes wiring may just need updating, such as adding or moving sockets or wiring in new light fittings.

Follow this link:
How to make sure the wiring in your house is safe

CHARLESTON -- Two significant changes to the city's building code could make life simpler for area contractors and business owners.

One change has to do with the installation of metallic raceways and the other the installation of sprinkler systems. City Planner Steve Pamperin said the city adopted the 2005 National Electrical Code as a guide in 2011; however, a local amendment left from the prior code stating that wire must be installed in raceways in all cases except for special exceptions stuck around and was applied to the 2005 NEC.

The change, now on file for public inspection, would get rid of the local amendment, Pamperin said.

"Basically, we're going to replace it with wording that says, 'all wiring shall conform to the National Electric Code,'" he said.

The change could save contractors some money if their building isn't required to install the raceways, Pamperin said. That doesn't mean metallic raceway is entirely optional, though -- by state law, building architects will need to determine if the raceway is required, Pamperin said.

"We have determined that the National Electric Code should be the model that governs us," Pamperin said.

Electrical inspector Joel Ranson said the city revisited the amendment about four years ago.

"(Contractors) had asked us to look into it again at that point," Ranson said.

Fire Chief Pat Goodwin said the NEC is published by the National Fire Protection Agency as the minimum measures a building must take in order to be completely safe -- and those are the measures the city will follow when it comes to the raceways.

"In that code, they're saying 'if installed correctly, this is safe in these applications,'" Goodwin said.

See the rest here:
Building code changes up for inspection

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January is Window month at Unique Home Solutions and they have tips on how to select the right window style for your home.

Unique Home Solutions can help you find the right window style for your home.

The way that the windows look from the outside is important. Patrick Murphy, Unique Home Solutions

Its all about beauty and comfort! We normally talk about mechanical features and options; and how those qualities effect energy savings and longevity of performance. Today we are going to discuss the esthetic and comfort value of windows-via their operational and style design, along with noise control and climate stability attributes.

Windows play a big role in determining how your house will look and feel. They let you see the world outside and they let the outside world see a little bit of you. They are the eyes of the house. They are carefully designed holes in the wall, gaps in your shelter, that promote an interaction between inside and out.

The way the window opens/ or doesnt open, along with its shape-is referred to as the the window style. For example There are (8) basic styles to choose from. Some styles may also be combined.

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January is Window Month at Unique Home Solutions.

Bring harmony to your home through cleaning, music

By Ann Wright Thursday, January 8, 2015

As the Christmas tree is taken down and the lights, stars and mini-Santas are put away, you find it: cobwebs, dust on dust and candy cane shards in the corner.

Youd like to blame it on a gnome that dressed up as a snowman and sneaked into your home to smudge and clutter up everything.

But you know better, and so the post-holiday cleaning begins. For this, you need music.

There are plenty of online playlists for cleaning. We encourage you to find one to help you in your efforts (and to save for spring cleaning).

As you look for that playlist, or if you decide to make your own, here are some songs we think should be included. Weve broken them down to cover the various rooms in the house, although crossover is completely acceptable.

So get your cleaning supplies ready and enjoy the music.

GETTING STARTED

Cleanup Time, by John Lennon because who better to tell you what to do than a Beatle?

Link:
Tidy up, tune up: Clean with all the right notes

Tammie Millen reacts to the cold wind as she takes an exercise walk around the track at Blacksburg High School on Wednesday.

Weather forecasters are predicting blustery temperatures, prompting officials to issue heating safety tips and recommendations for residents to protect pipes, animals and to check on the elderly.

The National Weather Service is predicting an overnight low Wednesday of 13 degrees, with wind chills at zero or 5 below zero. Thursday, temperatures aren't expected to get above freezing with a high of 30 degrees and an overnight low of 19 degrees.

The weather service has issued a wind chill advisory from midnight Wednesday to 9 a.m. Thursday.

Most local hardware and department stores are sold out of outside faucet covers and cedar shavings used in dog houses. Store owners also said kerosene and space heaters are selling fast.

Charlie Patton, of Ace Hardware in Gaffney, said plenty of pipe insulation is available to protect exposed pipes and a few kerosene heaters remain in stock. Irwin Ace Hardware officials said they will likely receive a shipment of outdoor faucet covers Thursday morning.

The state fire marshal issued fire and heating safety tips Wednesday, urging people to check smoke alarms to make sure they work. People who can't afford a smoke alarm can call their local fire department to have an alarm installed, said Spartanburg Fire Chief Marion Blackwell.

State Fire Marshal Bert Polk said fire deaths increase 63 percent in the winter months.

Last year, there were 14 fire deaths in Spartanburg County a grave spike from prior years and twice as many as any other county statewide.

If you have a space heater, it's important to keep it at least 3 feet away from any furniture or equipment, Blackwell said. Many times, people want to put them close to the bed, but it can catch fire. A dog or cat can accidentally knock them over, too, so it's important to watch them carefully.

Continued here:
Spartanburg County prepares for extreme cold weather

This section displays the last 50 news articles that were published.

As the snow piles up and temperatures hit below freezing, the heating systems in our homes start to put in some serious work. Everything from water heaters and vents, to generators and warming up cars. As Brian Dwyer reports, you have to be very careful to avoid the dangers of carbon monoxide.

Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas, which can cause sudden illness and death. Find out more on how to prevent CO poisoning on the CDC's website.

It's called the silent killer. You can't see carbon monoxide. You can't smell it. You can't even taste it in the air.

"Our body has an affinity to use carbon monoxide to replace the oxygen in our body," Herman said about why it's so dangerous.

It can hit you in minutes. That's the danger. In the winter months, that danger can be anywhere. As we crank up the furnace and the hot water heaters, one bad pipe, one gap or rust hole and that gas gets into our air.

Watertown Fire Department officials said a professional should take a look at least once a year.

"I don't think it's that expensive. It's a good insurance policy that number one, your furnace is going to work when you need it and number two, they'll pick up those issues that you typically wouldn't," Watertown Fire Captain and public education officer Theodore Kolb said.

You also need to check the outside vent that gas goes to. If it's not a chimney, there's a chance it's lower on the outer wall of your home. Any blockage and that gas gets shoved right back in your air.

"Now that the snow has been pushed up against the home, you've got to make sure those vents are kept clear for incoming air and exhaust air," Chief Herman added.

See original here:
Winter Cautions with Carbon Monoxide

Woman Fights Off Alleged Purse Snatcher At Doylestown Bar Woman Fights Off Alleged Purse Snatcher At Doylestown Bar

Updated: Thursday, January 8 2015 5:36 PM EST2015-01-08 22:36:19 GMT

A Bucks County woman has one incredible story of determination. She decided she was not going to be a victim despite a man allegedly stealing her purse.

A Bucks County woman has one incredible story of determination. She decided she was not going to be a victim despite a man allegedly stealing her purse.

Updated: Thursday, January 8 2015 5:22 PM EST2015-01-08 22:22:06 GMT

Authorities have charged 23 year old Dominique Fallins after he struck a Philadelphia Police officer with his vehicle, late Thursday morning.

Authorities have charged 23 year old Dominique Fallins after he struck a Philadelphia Police officer with his vehicle, late Thursday morning.

Updated: Thursday, January 8 2015 5:11 PM EST2015-01-08 22:11:55 GMT

A special grand jury and prosecutor recommended criminal charges against Pa. Attorney General Kathleen Kane.

A special grand jury and prosecutor recommended criminal charges against Pa. Attorney General Kathleen Kane.

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Parents Report Icy Conditions At Local Elementary School

Use this checklist to help inspect your house from roof to foundation.

If a potential buyer drives up to your home and is immediately greeted by an unkempt lawn and shrubbery, a shabby old mailbox and shutters that are long overdue for a repainting, they probably won't give a second thought to buying it. That's why it's important to ramp up your home's curb appeal in advance of putting it on the market.

Use our checklist to take an inventory of your home's exterior and pinpoint areas for needed improvement:

Repair or replace loose, damaged or blistered shingles.

Clean gutters and downspout strainers.

Check gutters for leaks and proper alignment.

Inspect flashings around roof stacks, vents, skylights and chimneys.

Clear obstructions from vents, louvers and chimneys.

Check fascias and soffits for decay and peeling paint.

Inspect chimney for any loose or missing mortar.

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Seller's Checklist: Add Some Curb Appeal