The room is longer than it is wide, with only three walls (the fourth wall is open to the dining room). One wall features a fireplace in the center, another has a large window and the third contains the doorway to the front hall.

The living room is the main passageway from the kitchen to the front door. It is the only “living room” in the house so it contains our television and stereo equipment. A While your living room is far from large, it can accommodate the functions you identified.

The first point to consider is the major traffic pattern that leads from the front entry to the kitchen. As you can see from my drawing, traffic flows in an arch from the front entry, in front of the fireplace and through the archway into the dining room. There are no major obstructions to impede movement.

Since space is limited, it is important to avoid massive pieces of furniture, such as entertainment centers and sectional sofas. The room should have a light and airy feeling to it. I have shown built-in storage units on both sides of the fireplace. San Francisco storage should be custom-built unit that can blend into the house’s architecture. Viewed from the front hall, they would have the effect of enhancing the fireplace and giving the space a tailored look. These built-ins would house the television and stereo equipment as well as books and collectibles. This is important since you want to avoid clutter in the space.

In addition to the leather chair and ottoman, I have shown a love seat and an additional easy chair in the room. This will give comfortable seating for four. The room is not sufficiently large to accommodate more permanent seating.

When you are entertaining larger crowds, additional seating can be brought in from the dining room. This room will always feel crowded with more than six people, however, since temporary seating will interfere with the traffic flow.

To make the room feel larger, use a color scheme based on neutrals - beiges or grays. Try to avoid patterns and instead create interest with textures. The one exception would be the area rug that anchors the room: It should make a strong, colorful statement.

Furniture should be small-scale and sleek-lined. The upholstered pieces should have a simple elegance. They should be quality pieces since they will have to stand up to day-to-day use and still look good for entertaining.

Accent tables should be of one style and as light as possible. My preference would be for glass units that are accented in brass for a beige room or chrome for a gray room. If privacy is not a concern, use only the simplest window treatment - such as a valance with thin side drapes.

If privacy is a concern, use a valance with narrow slat Venetian blinds. As a general rule of thumb, the more open the window treatment, the larger the sense of space in the room.

Typically home inspection is arranged and paid for by the buyer, but in some cases a seller might hire an inspector to get a better sense of the condition of the property before negotiations begin.

The average inspection takes one to three hours.

Defects often cited by inspectors include inadequate wiring; worn-out furnaces; heat pumps that don’t work properly; carbon monoxide leaks; and cracked heat exchangers.

In homes at least 20 years old, the most common items needing repair are roof shingles, electrical wiring and water drainage, according to the American Society of Home Inspectors, a nationwide organization.

In new construction, it reports, inspectors find water seepage in the basement, inadequate attic ventilation, poor roof construction and substandard masonry and finish work.

Pittsburgh home inspections are usually for the benefit of the buyer, and generally come after a deal has been struck.

But there’s the rub. Sales contracts usually stipulate that the deal is contingent on a favorable inspection, and an inspection that turns up costly defects could give a buyer cold feet.

Some real estate agents view inspectors as “deal killers,” although in many cases a bad report just leads to more negotiating over the selling price.

The inspectors’ association believes the best time for an inspection is when a seller first lists the home with a real-estate agent.

That way a favorable report can provide the seller with a sales tool, while one that spots defects can give the seller an opportunity to make repairs early and thus eliminate any surprises later that could ruin a deal.

With more focus on seller disclosure, though, an inspection done for a seller could lead to more accurate disclosures and “keep sellers out of hot water,” said one inspector.

Once an inspection has been performed, the buyer should receive a written report detailing findings.

The home inspection industry has no standards for this report, so there will be variations in its format, depending on the inspector. According to the American Society of Home Inspectors, the report should describe the condition of the home at the time of the inspection, based on visual observation, and should provide an indication of the need for major repairs.

Finding defects doesn’t mean one shouldn’t buy the home, only that the consumer can know in advance the type of repair costs to anticipate.

If repairs are needed, the buyer may be able to negotiate to have the work done by the seller, or lower the price of the home based on the cost of the repairs.

If you can’t replace the toilet yourself - do-it-yourselfers swear it’s not that difficult - call plumbers minnesota. The Plumbers Association recommends several steps for choosing a plumber:

1. Ask friends and neighbors for a recommendation. You might join with several neighbors to have all your toilets retrofitted at once by the same plumber, so negotiate a special group rate.

2. Look in the telephone Yellow Pages under “Plumbing Contractors.” All licensed contractors are supposed to list their license numbers, but the directory does not verify this information. Call the Contractors’ State Licensing Board to verify if the licensee is still active and in good standing.

3. Ask if the contractor is a member of the local association. About 60 companies are members, and they handle about 75 percent of the residential plumbing work in the county.

4. Ask the plumber how a toilet replacement will be billed. Many contractors have switched from a time-and-materials basis to a flat, fixed charge.

5. Ask for a bid over the phone. Many plumbers will decline to estimate the cost until they see if there are any complications. They normally charge a trip fee to make a bid.

6. Ask if you can buy your own toilet and have the plumber install it.

7. Insist on a written contract before authorizing the work. And read it. Be present when the work is done or ask a knowledgeable friend to watch the plumber work.

8. The plumbers doing the work are not necessarily licensed contractors themselves. Members of Plumbers & Steamfitters are experienced plumbers but most of them are employed in new construction and commercial work.

9. If additional plumbing work is recommended, it is cheaper to have it done while the plumber is on site. You may want a second opinion.

10. If you have a complaint, call the plumber’s employer, then the local association, and finally, the state contractors board, which processes complaints. Be sure to retain all receipts and copies of correspondence.

Before making a final decision, the design of air conditioning and heating systems should be calculated accurately. Homeowners should insist upon a correct system sizing before signing a contract. This service is often offered at little or no cost to homeowners by gas and electric utilities, major heating equipment manufacturers, and conscientious heating and air conditioning contractors.

Many factors affect a home’s design heating or cooling load. A good heating technician will measure walls, ceilings, floor space, and windows for the accurate determination of room volumes. Also, a good estimate takes into account the R-value of the home’s insulation, windows, and building materials. An estimate of the building’s air leakage is necessary. A blower door test is the best measurement. The duct sizes and insulation, as well as the location of the registers and returns, should be appropriate for the system type and size.

There are several simple methods to incorporate central air-conditioning with hot water heat. Since the air ducts are used for cooling only, you can locate them for maximum efficiency. Mini-split ductless air conditioners are also efficient and provide cooling in typically hard-to-cool rooms.

In addition to efficient heating, hot water heating systems provide comfort. Room temperatures remain constant without the repeated initial gusts of cold air followed by hot air as with a forced air system. Without blowers and ducts, hot water systems are quiet and dust free.

The small baseboard radiators heat your house in two ways. First, heat is radiated directly from the radiators to objects and people in the rooms. This feels warm like standing in the sun in the winter.

Room air also naturally circulates up through the radiators and gently heats the air in the room. The combination of radiant and warm air heat provides comfort without the “dry feel,” typical of forced air heat. A boiler also provides a virtually limitless supply of hot water for morning showers.

One efficient hot water heating technique uses pipes in the floor. The entire floor gets warm and radiates heat upward. This makes you feel very comfortable (warm feet), even in a cool room. By keeping the air temperature lower, your total heating bills are significantly lower.

The most energy-efficient boiler uses gas and a pulse technology. When your system calls for heat, a spark plug starts the highly efficient combustion in the boiler heat exchanger. Each “pulse” ignites the next pulse of gas.

Chemical cleaners generally should not be used to treat drains that are clogged to the point where water will not drain at all, or drains very slowly. If a chemical cleaner fails to open a clogged sink, tub or toilet, it can complicate other efforts to remove the blockage.

Chemical cleaners can be used to treat drains that are still open but working sluggishly and will sometimes restore them to full service.

Several types of chemical drain cleaners are available. Some contain caustic substances, mainly lye or acids, that are designed to literally eat through materials such as hair and grease that clog drains. These chemicals are dangerous and can cause serious injury if swallowed or splashed on skin or eyes.

Some chemical cleaners, intended for sluggish or open drains only, contain milder chemicals or use enzymes, which are relatively harmless to humans, to break up materials that accumulate in drains.

A force cup or plunger will work in many cases and should be part of every homeowner’s tool kit. Plungers, which have a rubber cup that is placed over the drain opening and worked up and down, must be used vigorously. Sometimes two or more workouts are needed.

Those who get poor results with a plunger can try other devices that can dislodge clogs with a forceful blast of compressed air or water. These devices are sold at some home centers, hardware stores and plumbing-supply outlets.

A plumber’s snake or drain auger, a flexible cable that is threaded into the drain to dislodge material, is another alternative.

Drains must sometimes be disassembled to remove clogs if other methods fail. If caustic chemical cleaners have been used in a drain, taking it apart can be a dangerous procedure even for skilled plumbers in surprise.

Having a semi-clogged sewer is especially dangerous during periods of heavy rain when the city sewer is backed up and water is pushed into the house. Often, the sewage cannot drain back down into the city system, prompting the homeowner to call to drain cleaning surprise service.

Q: We moved into an older home that has a badly stained bathtub. Is there any do-it-yourself method of refinishing an older porcelain fixture such as this?

A: Refinishing bath fixtures is a difficult do-it-yourself project. They can be painted, but not with ordinary paint.

Choose one of the newer epoxy or polyurethane paints. These are plastic coating systems. The most durable of these paints come in two-part systems that react chemically when combined to form an exceptionally strong bond and durable, water-resistant finish.

But these paints are difficult to work with and apply. Follow manufacturer’s directions carefully, including the preparation of the surface to be painted.

Although painting can be successful, a better method is to have a synthetic porcelain glaze applied. This is not a do-it-yourself process. A professional should apply the new finish.

These new coatings are available in several colors, and custom colors can be mixed. Check with companies that specialize in repairing and refinishing: bath liners Chester County.

Another method of refurbishing unsightly bathtubs is to have a new bathtub liner installed over the older fixture.

When contracting with a company for refinishing or installation of a liner, it is best to check several suppliers to obtain price estimates and information guarantees.

Q: I bought a home in May 1993. It was renovated by the previous owner, including the painting of clothes racks in the closet. My problem is that the hangers scrape the paint when I slide them.

A: Waxing the rods will help. Or, rub paraffin on the rod to provide a protective coating. Either the wax or the paraffin will lessen the friction as the hangers glide over the rod. For more durability, add varnish over the paint and then wax.

Q: We have acrylic plastic “windows” that we roll down from the patio roof to protect the area from wind. With wear, they have become cloudy, dull and unattractive. I have wiped them down with various window cleaners. They still remain cloudy. Do you have any suggestions on how these might be cleaned?

A: Try applying a furniture polish with a soft, lint-free cloth. Harsher fabrics, even paper towels, will tend to scratch the plastic.

The gutters are clogged with frozen leaves, the bathroom faucet leaks, the front door sticks and you either can’t or won’t fix them yourself.

You need a handyman.

Yes, there are people out there who will come to your house and do odd jobs. But you have to choose them as carefully as you would choose someone to add a room.

In general, a handyman does not need a license to perform small repair jobs but does need one for new installations or alterations in a structure. A handyman Tigard can fix a leaky faucet, replace old gutters, paint and do other minor repairs and cosmetic work without a license or permit. But he can’t install a ceiling fan, replace a water heater, run a new electrical circuit or replace a faucet without one.

A handyman will often go into a house to fix something and say, ‘Hey, I can fix your hot water tank for you, too.’ When they do that, they need a license.’

Licensing requirements vary depending on the community. And there are contractors who will claim they are licensed when they are not.

Why bother? If the work requires a permit, then it requires an inspection by a city inspector, who will make sure it was done according to code. That’s a safeguard for a homeowner.

The best way to find somebody is still by word of mouth. It’s not by advertising. Find neighbors who’ve had construction work done.

There’s been a lot of fraud this year. Senior citizens are often the people victimized by shady repair people who either talk them into unnecessary work or walk away with the job undone or poorly done.

By interviewing them, asking them questions, listening to what they’re saying, I can have a feel for who’s good or not. I ask for referrals, talk about jobs I want done. I’m pretty precise. Some people have this vacant look. I know, not only do they not understand what I’m saying, but they don’t care.

Don’t be surprised if the handyman you choose doesn’t choose you.

Why, if there’s a demand for handyman services, are there so few handymen? It’s not an easy business to run successfully. You have to be meticulous about scheduling and bookkeeping to survive doing jobs that pay only a few dollars each.

For that reason, there are far more remodeling contractors than there are handymen, and many of the people who advertise themselves as handymen are actually remodeling contractors who do odd jobs on the side.

Remodeling is more of a glamorous, creative process. Doing repairs is more like piddling around. I enjoy piddling around.

They get some unusual requests. Lower once climbed atop a slippery slate roof and cleaned it for a woman who likes things tidy, top to bottom.

Ask who is actually going to do the work. Some handymen work alone. Others use subcontractors when needed. There’s nothing wrong with subcontractors, but it’s best to know who’s who, especially when they’re working in your house.

If you’re old, call a senior citizens center near you before hiring a handyman. The centers may be able to refer you to a government-funded program that provides minor home repairs free to senior citizens.

In addition to the need for handymen, there’s a need for better education of homeowners in how to maintain a house.

It’s not as magical a process as that by which a fertilized egg becomes a human being, but the evolution of a bare mound of dirt into a brand-new home is something to be admired. Once the lot is ready to build, it may take from about 90 to 180 days to complete your new home.

Is a pre purchase home inspection by a professional home inspector necessary when city or county inspections are being performed during the building process? The answer is “yes.”

City and county inspectors check the construction to ensure the builder is complying with the local building code. They are not checking for quality. A professional home inspector who you hire is looking out for your interests.

Unless a new home is completed and is for sale as an inventory home, builders do not accept contracts with contingencies pertaining to home inspections. A builder is not going to build a new home for you and allow you to cancel the contract. Most builders do not mind you bringing a professional home inspector to accompany you on your pre-settlement inspections. Some builders work with buyers scheduling several inspections during the construction process.

As a buyer, you may add to your offer a provision allowing you at least three inspections before settlement with a professional home inspector. Your inspector will especially want to check the property right after the foundation is poured, just before your home is dry-walled, and a couple of days before settlement. These inspections cost between $175 and $500, depending on the size and price of your home. When hiring a home inspector, you may want to negotiate with him or her on a package of three inspections.

These inspections are not cheap, but an experienced inspector can discern the hidden flaws that sometimes graduate into catastrophes. At least these professional home inspectors can help you identify deficiencies on your pre-settlement walk-through.

Don’t forget your builder’s warranty. Bring that along on your walk-through. The standards and deficiencies described in your warranty will help the home inspector. Good luck.

Having been in the home building business for almost two decades, I know one of the most frequently asked questions is, “Who builds a quality home?”

Quality is the marketing buzzword of the 2000s for many industries, including home building. But just what is a quality home? Will a home inspector be able to make a difference in the quality of the home that will be delivered to the end user? My answer to the quality question is it all comes down to the construction superintendent. This on-site person sets the standard for the level of construction for your home. A home inspector scrutinizes the end product, but it’s what is behind the walls that makes the difference in the performance of your home.

Don’t get me wrong. I wouldn’t buy a “used home” without a home inspector. I want a professional to tell me if an expensive item like a furnace or roof is in good condition, or if I may need a replacement in the near future. However, in most new homes major items such as these are under warranty by the builder and the manufacturer. You should take the time to review and understand these warranties before you contract for your home. In particular, find out who will handle the warranty work: the builder, the supplier or the manufacturer, and for what time period?

The on-site manager inspects your home throughout all levels of construction. Many construction superintendents today have degrees in construction management. Find out the qualifications of the person building your home. Top companies have preconstruction meetings with customers to review plans and options to be built in their home. Do you have a level of confidence in the person that will be supervising the construction of one of your biggest investments?

Home inspectors perform a tremendous service, but the inspection is performed after your home is built. Usually, these inspections happen the day or several days before you’re ready to move in, many times with the moving van in the driveway. The inspector’s job is to find mistakes. It’s easier on everyone to be sure these mistakes don’t happen in the first place.

In the 1700s, Josiah Wedgwood carried on the medallion tradition when he inherited a pottery shop. Wedgwood lived at the same time as British neo-classical architect and interior designer Robert Adam. Wedgwood took advantage of the classical influence that spread over England and produced pottery that harmonized with Adam’s furniture and other interior decorations. Adam sought to transfuse the beautiful spirit of antiquity with novelty and variety.

Wedgwood’s greatest fame rests in medallions on a smaller scale — on his jasperware, a dull white bisque capable of being colored and ornamented, used in a wide variety of collectible tableware, from mugs to plates to cups. The colors of the background were blue, olive green, black, lilac or sage, most often with white ornaments.

In earlier days, his larger sculptural pieces were often used as panel insertions in walls, mantels, door trim and furniture appliqués.

Now the designs are back in style. To keep the foyer connected to the rest of the house, use the same flooring as in the adjacent spaces. For interest, you might add inserts or a contrast border: stone or tile in a wood floor; Tile Medallions, or marble borders in a limestone floor.

Lighting is another consideration. For a softer ambiance, my favorite choice is a beautiful chandelier with shades and a dimmer switch. If possible, add architectural details, such as a dome where the light fixture could fit or moldings that could be faux finished or gold leafed.

A custom area rug using commercial grade carpeting is another solution. Even with a mat outside, people will wipe their feet on the foyer rug. But I’ve found that if the outside mat is sisal, people are more likely to use it. And the inside rug should be professionally sealed to resist dirt and stains.

If you have bought a new home and plan to move in soon, here are some useful tips from MaddoxTrading.com, a professional moving supply company with 8 years’ experience in the business, to help you prepare for it:

Packing: Professional movers can pack for you but if you prefer to do your own thing, remember to label all cartons with their designated contents and their designated rooms. Seal each carton with packing tapes and make sure all items are well-padded and fit snugly into the box or container.

Cartoons: Get these and other materials and start packing at least two weeks before your move.

Lampshades: Pack them in separate cartons.

Dishes: Wrap them separately.

Appliances: Secure all moveable parts of appliances and stereos with tapes or place them in their original casings. Defrost, clean, dry and deodorize all appliances beforehand.

Heavy items: Small appliances should be well-padded and packed in cartons. Pack heavy items, like books, in small boxes and lightweight items, like linens, in large boxes. The weight of a carton should not be more than 20 kg.

Inventory: Keep a full inventory of the items.

Unwanted stuff: Discard or give away things you do not need. Or hold a garage sale to sell them.

Borrowed things: Return all library books and other borrowed items.

Food: Use or get rid of frozen and perishable items.

Keep people informed: Tell your newspaper vendor, banks, credit-card companies, employer, friends and relatives about your impending move and new address.

Utilities: Arrange a cut-off date for your utilities and telephone.

Pets: Last but not least, if you have pets, make arrangements to move them properly.