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When it comes to home insurance, there can be some confusion about what type of cover is needed. Lots of people think there are things that will be covered for accidental damage within their house insurance policy, whereas they may in fact come under buildings insurance.

In a typical policy, buildings insurance covers the actual bricks and mortar side of the home, rather than what you put inside. It will be based on the cost of rebuilding and should normally cover hazards such as fire, flooding and water damage. Permanent fixtures and fittings - generally things that you would not take with you if you were moving house, such as the bathroom suite and fitted kitchen would also come under the umbrella of buildings insurance.

It’s important to read the small print very carefully regarding what actual cover is offered or excluded. Check for things to do with vandalism or malicious acts are not always covered, nor is terrorism, so do check. If you have a mortgage on your home, then buildings insurance will be one of the conditions of the loan.

Contents Insurance should cover all the things which you put into the House, such as your furniture, curtains, carpets, kitchen gadgets and cooking equipment and items in your garden. Freezer cover is usually covered too. Contents should be covered for theft, or damage from fire or flooding. Whilst your computer should be covered, you need to check the situation if you use a laptop away from home, although often cover for this and things like a camera or camcorder will be included. There is often a top value on the amount the can claim per item and the insurers will ask you to list and estimate the value of these things. Accidental damage is not necessarily included in all household cover, so check it out.

Calculating the Cost of your Insurance, whether for buildings or contents insurance, normally starts with your postcode. The insurers can make a lot of decisions based on this. They will know what the level of claims is in your area and whether you’re likely to be subject to subsidence or flooding.

Unfortunately, if you live in an area which is prone to flooding, the chances are that your insurance costs will be higher. Some insurers appreciate the fact that there are homeowners who take steps to install equipment to protect them from flooding by offering a discount on their insurance.

Your history of claims will be taken into account when working out what premium you’ll have to pay and obviously if you have a high level of claims, you’re likely to suffer higher costs. If you’re likely to be away for long periods, it may cost more for cover too.

There are some ways to Cut the Cost of household insurance, such as increasing the amount of the claim you’re willing to stand yourself. Insurers are always interested in what types of locks are fitted and whether these could be ungraded. window locks, burglar and smoke alarms are all the sort of things which could put you in a lower risk band for insurers and cheapen your costs. There could be a discount for taking out dual cover and contents policy, but it’s worth checking out the cost of separate cover too.

When you’re ready to Buy the Cover, it’ll be well worth comparing quotes. The easiest way to do this is on-line. An independent broker will have no trouble in comparing a very wide range of insurers and will come up with the best choices for you, at the very best price. Sometimes the really good discounts are for new customers and the price can drift upwards after the first year or two, so always as your broker to check for the right price.

Making a Claim - always let your insurer know as soon as possible when you need to make a claim. If the claim is the result of a burglary they’ll need to know the police incident number so make sure you have this to hand.

Read through the small print and make sure you’re covered for the scope of your claim and always report losses accurately and as comprehensively and accurately as possible.

It’s well worth sorting out your household insurance requirements and making sure you’re up to date on everything. Then relax and forget about it.

Michael Challiner
http://www.articlesbase.com/finance-articles/which-home-insurance-cover-751772.html

We found some Nautical gifts that are unique, eclectic and eco-friendly items which not only help the planet but provide jobs to artists who use earth-friendly materials to create their products. UnusualhomeDecor.com’s CEO is pro-environment with a degree in environmental studies and is dedicated to offering the best in planet-friendly products on the market today.

Nautical Planters

The original nautical planter designs are boat planters that are stunningly beautiful. They are versatile and work as window box planters and are ideal to hang around the pool area to hold beverages during parties and can also act as beach towels. There are two different sized planters - 36″ half hull boat planter and the 15″ half-Hull boat Transom Planter. Both are made from fiberglass and are weather resistant with a long lasting design that is pretty much maintenance free.

They come with a durable finish of shiny while gel coat that is the same as what’s put on a real boat; as a result they will remain shiny for years to come even when exposed to bad weather. It comes with a choice of colors made of vinyl for the rubrail and double waterline, which adds a distinctive look and nautical flair. The planters lay flat and flush against a wall, railing or fence with a coco-fiber lining to help promote healthy plant life and come with or without drainage holes.

Nautical Bags

If planters aren’t your thing, why not take a look at the wide selection of nautical tote bags and accessories made of sailcloth. These very eco-friendly bags are made from recycled and reclaimed yachts that are imported from around the world. They are Urban Chic and Ocean Durable designs with write-ups in major magazines including the New York Post, In-Style, Forbes Life, and Sailing to name a few.

They come in rope tote styles with a star that’s red, blue or black, and Original zip total in blue, green grocery bags with blue, red and black numbers, an original sailcloth duffle bag with blue and orange trim and a couple of very unique items including a shower curtain and dog bed.

The rope tote is very durable with a sophisticated design that is all nautical with a bright star against a white Dacron Sailcloth and high-performance Kevlar Sailcloth. It is considered to be a gorgeous addition to the urban-chic in that it’s both functional and stylish while maintaining its durability and long life.

The Green Grocery Bag sports a sophisticated design that is a reflection of the nautical life again combining the hi-performance Kevlar Sailcloth with the crisp white Dacron and comes with different sale numbers and sail insignia from the actual yacht sails.

Nautical Home Decor

The shower curtain is a classic that any sailor or sailing buff would love to add to their bathroom. It comes with a hint of nautical presence and can be used with or without a liner. It is a large 72″ x 72″ for full coverage in the bathroom shower.

The nautical Dog Bed can hold two king size pillows (not included), comes with a zipper on one side for easy pillow inserting and is perfect for your four legged buddy to lounge or sleep on.

UnusualHomeDecor.com offers standard shipping via UPS Ground, and allows for all the major payment options: Visa, MasterCard and Discover. Paypal is also accepted.

Between the nautical planters, tote bags, shower curtains and dog beds, you can add just a touch of the sea to your home and garden, at affordable prices and enhance the unique style of your home decor. Unusual Home Decor offers a wide variety of gifts designed for the person who wants distinctive and different furnishings that are environmentally friendly and make a unique statement.

Kris Brand
http://www.articlesbase.com/sports-and-fitness-articles/nautical-gifts-or-home-deacutecor-for-boat-lovers-1200700.html

Many homes have overlooked and dingy bathrooms in spite of the fact that your bathroom is possibly your homes most often used room. Careful use of bathroom décor can revitalize your bathroom

In general, all bathrooms from the children’s bath to the luxurious spa benefit from good lighting, good ventilation, plenty of storage, and fittings and fixtures that are as practical as they are attractive.  Avoid brightly finished chrome if you have kids and don’t want to spend a lot of time cleaning.

Safety measures are important too.

Safety measures are always a good idea, especially when there are young children or elderly people in residence.  Grab bars, no-scald faucets, rounded corners on counters, and slip-resistant surfaces benefit are all important considerations.

Begin with the bathroom shower

The shower is an excellent place to begin.  Try replacing your old shower head with a luxurious multi head spa shower head, or a waterfall rain shower head. There are a large variety of showerheads for you to choose from. This provides you with an affordable way to upgrade your bathroom without the expense of hiring a plumber to change the plumbing behind the shower and bathroom walls. Nothing is quite as invigorating or relaxing than a shower, assuming you have a great shower head.

New faucets and towels work wonders

Install new faucets along with a new shower head; add some new towels and perhaps a coat of paint. Thoughtful touches like a shaving mirror mounted above the sink, towel warmers, and hand-held shower heads are always appreciated additions. You may be quite surprised at the difference it makes in the appearance of the room.

Choose light-reflective materials such as maple cabinets, stainless-steel sinks, and polished-chrome faucets to keep a contemporary bath looking airy. White wainscoting and white brick tile will have a similar dazzling effect in a traditional room.

Color schemes can play a big role in bathroom décor

Carefully chosen color schemes can make a bathroom look larger than it is.  The use of soft pale colors on the floor and walls have the same effect.  This holds true for bathroom fixtures.  Use soft, pale colors, and then add decorative touches in strong, bold colors to give the illusion of greater space.  And while you’re at it, get rid of the clutter.  Baskets are a good way to hid clutter, and less clutter ads to the feeling of space.

Consider putting up a picture in the bathroom that is a scene of an outdoor garden or beach.  This gives the illusion of looking out a window and seeing open space. Bold colored towels can help a great deal. Bathroom accessories should also be strong in color, and try to avoid rich, dark woods and flooring.

Glass can be very effective

The use of glass is another way to give the illusion of space.  Get rid of the frosted shower doors and curtains.  Install new seamless glass doors for the shower, and you’ll be surprised at how much larger a room can seem.  Glass is reflective, and when used for things such as shelves can really improve the look.  Incorporate the old trick of putting mirrors on opposite walls so they reflect back and forth giving the illusion of added space.  If you don’t need the storage space, replace your vanity cabinets for one of the new glass pedestal sinks.  You gain some space, and add the illusion of extra space.

Lighting always helps make a room look larger, and if you add recessed lighting, you can point this light at specific areas, such as the vanity. However be careful, excessive focused lighting can quickly heat up a small space. Lighting is very important in bathroom decor.

Faster hot water!

By installing a demand type hot water pump you can speed up your hot water and completely eliminate wastefully running water down the drain while you wait.  You press a button and the pump sends the hot water from the heater to the fixture, and the pump shuts off when the hot water arrives.  You save time, water and money.

William Lund
http://www.articlesbase.com/bath-showers-articles/bathroom-dcor-especially-important-with-small-baths-722593.html

Bathroom decor can fit any theme and any personality. It can also fit any lifestyle.

If you want a bathroom theme that is western, cowboy, or riding, you might enjoy bathroom decor that features horseshoes.

Horseshoe bathroom decor can be rustic, with emphasis on wrought iron fixtures and accessories. It can just as easily be upscale, the horseshoes a part of an English equestrian theme.

Horseshoe Bathroom Decor with Wrought Iron

Wrought iron products are easily found for horseshoe bathroom decor. Sometimes wrought iron horseshoes stand alone. Other times, they come with a strand or two of barbed wire. Look for toilet tissue holders, facial tissue box holders, towel rings, and towel bars, all supported by horseshoes. Wrought iron mirror frames often feature horseshoes also.

Horseshoe shelf brackets can hold a shelf or two in your bathroom. A horseshoe wine rack makes a wonderful towel holder and no one will guess that you are mixing kitchen and bathroom decor. Simply roll bath towels and insert them into individual holes in the rack.

Horseshoe Bathroom Decor in Other Metals

The horseshoe design appears in many metal products. Don’t limit your search to typically bathroom decor. Horseshoe-shaped hardware can replace the standard hardware on cabinets and drawers. For a cowboy/western look, towel rings and racks often feature a horseshoe with a mounted cowboy in the middle. Cherish’s Country Store has an array of clever horseshoe bathroom decor items. Their toilet tissue holder is a horseshoe with a hook. You simply slip the roll over the hook. Matching horseshoe hooks hold clothing or a robe. Their horseshoe napkin holder, meant for the kitchen, would be perfect for fingertip towels. From another source, a triple horseshoe, double candleholder provides soft candlelight for your bathroom decor.

Horseshoe Bathroom Decor in Softer Materials

Horseshoes need not be hard metal to complement your bathroom decor. Shower and window curtains can carry a horseshoe motif - or horseshoe and horse pattern. Horseshoe shower hooks work well with such a curtain. You might find just the shower curtains you need at Kickin’ Horse Shoe Creations.

Bath towels and hand towels can carry a monogram inside a horseshoe. A pair of linked horseshoes is also beautiful on towel sets.

Miscellaneous Horseshoe Items

Add tumblers with a picture of a horse’s head surrounded by a horseshoe. At Hoofprints, we found a very unique horseshoe pottery vase that would be great as a toothbrush holder. A matching soap dish is also available there.

Your horseshoe bathroom decor will look good with a horseshoe switch plate, too. For amusement, add a horseshoe doorknocker on the outside of the bathroom door.

As a finishing touch, hang a real horseshoe on the bathroom wall. Superstition says you should hang it with the ends pointed upward so your luck will not run out.

Disclaimer: The author is not employed by, nor does she sell merchandise from any retailer mentioned in this article.

Anna Hart
http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/bathroom-decor-featuring-horseshoes-139353.html

Redecorating is not always the easiest task with a host of different considerations that must be made. One of these considerations is the choice of window coverings; understandably in interior design circles there is a great debate when it comes to the choice between curtains and blinds. Ultimately however it is down to personal preference when it comes to making this decision; the homeowner decides which will look the best in their property.

Curtains have been in existence for centuries and are somewhat of a faithful window covering. Coming in so many styles, fabrics and patterns it is understandable that so many choose curtains. That said, modern manufacturing methods have meant that blinds are now equally as diverse giving designers and decorators unbelievable choice in the type of window adornments to utilise. Both curtains and blinds bring privacy to a room and allow for shade on those sunny days. For those who want privacy throughout the day blinds are probably the best option as they can be tilted in order to let light in but keep the privacy.

Blinds are one of the most interesting tools in the interior designers box; they offer a minimal, contemporary and stylish look whilst also allowing complete control over privacy and light. While in the past curtains were probably more popular for the range of styles and colours and offer, today the range of blinds on the market is equally impressive. In terms of colours nearly every colour under the sun is available whilst modern printing methods mean that it is now possible to have a images printed upon; this could be a photograph of a loved one or even a favourite picture of a landmark or natural scene.

In terms of straight comparison between blinds and curtains there are many advantages and disadvantages to both:

For instance blinds can be matched to the style of almost any room, coming in so many different colours and designs. Additionally they are available in many different styles such as Roman, Venetian, festoon and roller. These styles are usually available in a number of different materials such as wood, fabric, vinyl and aluminium. Choosing different materials and styles will naturally affect the price although it is possible to pick up some blinds for a great price. In terms of disadvantages they can be difficult to clean and wooden blinds tend to warp in humid areas such as the kitchen or bathroom.

Curtains on the other hand are also available in a number of different styles, materials and sizes. In some cases they can be more effective at blacking out a room whilst they also bring a cosy feeling to rooms. Unfortunately curtains can be extremely expensive as well as difficult to match to a room after redecoration. For instance the curtains in a room may look great originally, but after a fresh lick of paint or a new carpet they must be changed; in comparison a neutral blind can suit many different interior design styles. In addition even drawn curtains tend to block the window slightly while a blind can be raised to allow viewing of the full panorama.

Hopefully this article has highlighted the benefits and downsides to both blinds and curtains. Both are a versatile window covering that can add that ‘je ne sais quoi’ that really sets off a room. Ultimately it is down to personal preference which to choose and if you cannot, then why not use both?

Donald Donaldson
http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/a-look-at-the-arguments-surrounding-the-use-of-blinds-and-curtains-in-interior-design-701410.html

Decorating a bathroom can be a daunting task, especially if you are trying to create a custom unique look to your restroom. However, it can be made easier if you choose to center your theme on your bathroom vanity. This is because astoundingly enough, the mirror is the most noticed and important part of entire theme. Thus, if you want a custom look, you have to place an extra effort into the mirror you decide to place above your sink.

The bathroom vanity is the first thing that people see when they walk into your bathroom, and because everybody is accustomed to checking their appearance while they was their hands, it is also the last thing they see as they exit the room. Therefore, the number one thing that people will notice in your bedroom is by default going to be the mirror.

However, even public restrooms have mirrors so the simple presence of a bathroom vanity in your bathroom is not going to be enough to draw attention. Since the mirror is of such high importance, you have to make sure that it is impressive and fits in with the best of your bathroom décor. After all, if the center of your bathroom oddly sticks out, so will the rest of the décor.

There are plenty of ways that you can accent the rest of the detail in your bathroom if you choose the right bathroom vanity, and most of them focus on the size and the trimming of the mirror. For instance if you are going for a homey warm feel you might choose a mirror with wood trimming because it will bring out the natural feel to the room.

On the other hand, if you are going for the popular aquatic look, with brightly covered fish adorning your shower curtain and window curtains, you might choose a silver frame and place a vinyl fish décor on the side of the bathroom decor. However, if you want to really choose a bathroom vanity that is unique, you might turn online and by an actual fish shaped mirror which is bound to draw attention to your theme.

Keep in mind, that while every other large item in the restroom is there by default and lacks personal charm, (you can’t do much with a toilet, sink, and shower) the bathroom vanity is the one item you have full creative license over. This means it is your one opportunity to decorate the room with your personal flair without worrying about where the piping is.

Therefore, you will want to take special care to make sure the bathroom vanity is everything you want the room overall to be. You might consider searching online for more bathroom vanity ideas and inspiration than you would find at your local Wal-Mart. There are many ideas you can go with ranging from antique, delicate, to sturdy and warm but you have to pick your mirror before you can decide which one is going to fit your restroom the best.

Alex Zidan
http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/customize-your-restroom-with-a-bathroom-vanity-676628.html

Window blinds are versatile home design elements. They come in a variety of materials, fabrics and style to suit your tastes. We’ll look at several materials.

1) Metal. These are the original blinds. For many years, aluminum was the predominant metal used in blinds. It’s durable, affordable, cleanable and flexible. The slats come in a variety of lengths and widths to fit any space or taste.

2) Wood. This is a popular choice for window coverings for the warm touch it gives to a room. It’s not a great choice when the room is prone to humidity, such as in a bathroom or a kitchen. They’re not good choices in humid geographic areas either. Wood can warp, crack or swell, rendering them useless when they won’t open or close correctly, or the louvers won’t move. Wood is used in Venetian blinds and woven blinds.

3) Cane. You’ll see this in woven blinds. The slats are very thin, and they’re only adjustable as an entire unit, not by a single slat. Light filters into the room through the thin slats, that are usually tied together with rope. They add a very natural look to a room.

4) Vinyl. This is the most popular material for blinds. It can take on the look of wood, but it’s also very low-maintenance. It won’t crack or warp like wood, and it doesn’t attract dust like wood blinds do. Miniblinds are most often vinyl. They’re among the most popular type of blind, due to their thin slat and their versatility.

5) Fabric. Sometimes you’ll see fabric backed with a stiff material to create slats. These are exceptionally nice when they complement the décor in a room. Fabric can be used to bring a room together.

Blinds can be used by themselves, or layered with other window treatments. The severe lines of blinds can be contrasted with the softness of curtains or a valance, providing a polished, finished look.

Blinds can work in any room with WINDOWS. They can be horizontal or vertical, small or large. They can be subtly colored, and offset with a bold curtain or punchy valance.

Blinds are not only functional, as they keep light out and can act to obscure drafts from cracks around windows, but they’re decorative as well.

Blinds can make a great addition to any room. They’ve advanced so much in recent years, that you can get the look of yesterday with the technological advances of today.

Linden J. Walhard
http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/window-blinds-and-curtains-98904.html