http://www.artwoo.com Returned search results for finishing basements Copyright 2008 Sun, 23 Nov 2008 05:57:51 +0000 http://www.artwoo.com/rss/finishing+basements http://www.artwoo.com/article/wait-before-you-start-basement-refinishing-tips http://www.artwoo.com/article/wait-before-you-start-basement-refinishing-tips#comments Wed, 09 Jul 2008 15:36:15 +0000 basement finishing ideasstarting your own businessbook shelvesgood lightingfinishing a basementfinishing the basemententertainment room http://www.artwoo.com/article/wait-before-you-start-basement-refinishing-tips basement finishing ideas is the first step to making the most of the space in your home. Regardless of whether you are thinking about finishing your basement yourself or you want to hire a professional, you have to figure out how you want to use the space before you can begin. There are a number of aspects you need to consider when you are coming up with basement finishing ideas. Not only do you have to figure out how you are going to use the space and what rooms will make the best edition to your home, you also have to determine how you want the area decorated.

When working on your basement you need to check to see that there aren't any moisture problems. Sealing the walls and floor so that you have no seepage before you put up your walls is important, if this step is left out you will not only have more work to fix the problems, but you will also have to spend a lot of money replacing the materials that were ruined as well as starting the project over.

One useful basement finishing idea is to use the space as a workspace or office. Basement offices are great for starting your own business or keeping up with your work at home. A basement library is also a great idea for a finished basement. If there is space that you can set up book shelves, add good lighting, and keep cozy and quiet you have a perfect home library. Families with kids can use a library for a study area before important tests.

Basements are also an ideal area for an entertainment room. When you are coming up with finishing a basement you need to consider the costs. If you want to make an entertainment area you not only have to factor in the expense of building materials and the construction crew (if you hire professionals) but also the cost of the furniture for the entertainment room. It is not much fun to have a big empty room. Keeping your ideas within your budget is vital.

When finishing the basement you will want to think about the floor coverings. Carpeting is a good way to cover the floor and keep the room looking nice while adding warmth and personality. If you choose to carpet the area you may want to double pad the carpet. Unlike the other levels in your home, the basement is on a concrete base. If you don't install additional padding then standing on the basement floor for extended periods of time can cause back and leg pain.

While you are coming up with your basement finishing ideas there are several things to think about. Keeping in mind what your budget is and what you want to use the space for will help you to be able to achieve your goals. After you have decided on the basement finishing ideas that you want to use you can then start with your basement remodeling plans. - an easy way to increase the value of your home. Learn tips on how to install floating walls in basements and home theatre designs. Visit http://www.betterbasementideas.com today to learn more.]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/drywall-finishing-is-easy-diy http://www.artwoo.com/article/drywall-finishing-is-easy-diy#comments Fri, 27 Jul 2007 12:15:00 +0000 mudding drywalldrywall finishingscrewsknivesnailspurpose compoundjointing compound http://www.artwoo.com/article/drywall-finishing-is-easy-diy drywall finishing process. If you tape and compound the drywall well then it will show in the final production of your wall. You must know the mudding drywall process well to make sure you get the best final outcome.

You need to know a few simple tips about muddling drywall to make things go smoothly.

Make sure you are prepared sufficiently before you begin any home repair task. You will need to learn what you can about all the tools and techniques you will need when you undertake your chore. If you know what you are doing you will have a more successful outcome.

You can buy jointing compound that is made already or in a powder to make yourself. You can also choose from several textures. The taping compound is very rough and needs to be used at the beginning of the process. The more liquid and smooth topping compound is used for finishing things up. You can also try an all-purpose compound, which has a texture that is midway between the other two.

Whey you lay down the mud you need to be using specific knives to do the job. You can get the knives in several different sizes and yours should be just a bit longer after each layer is applied.

Make sure that all the screws and nails are in the right place and are not protruding. You can use a taping knife to check this too by running it on the edge and seam of each area. You might want to make sure they are sunk in if you hear anything metal clanking your knife.

The whole process takes 4 steps and 4 days to finish. Make sure each layer is allowed to dry for the full 24 hours before you reapply the compound.

You begin with the taping layer and then later you add compound, after which you put paper-jointing tape in and then more compound. You will need to cover all your nails and screws to make sure nothing is sticking out.

After this you will put down 2 compound layers which will make everything smoother. You will also want to use the proper taping knife each time to make sure that you do it right, when you are on the 2nd and 3rd layer you will need to use one that is 7 inches to 1 foot in length.

You can put the compound down on the joint and then smooth it out by stroking the sides and the center. It can be hard putting this layer down and you might need to use different amount in different spots, as well as different pressure levels. Greg Hansward published normally for http://www.insidewoodworking.com , a web page on the topic of finishing basements and drywall techniques. His work on drywall finishing can be encountered on http://www.insidewoodworking.com/drywall/hand_drywall_tools.html and other web publications. ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/basement-floor-plans-transform-your-basement-now http://www.artwoo.com/article/basement-floor-plans-transform-your-basement-now#comments Wed, 18 Jul 2007 01:35:02 +0000 basementscrucialfloor plansbasement floora0maximizebasement space http://www.artwoo.com/article/basement-floor-plans-transform-your-basement-now floor plans can completely revolutionize the way your basement space is utilized. A basement is an area of uncharted waters for most people. =A0 =A0 If you maximize the space that is found in your basement it automatically increases the space in the house. However, since many basements also contain heating apparatus and other problem areas, basement redesign can be a tricky business.

It only takes a bit of foresight to redesign a basement or to build a completely new one. A good floor plan can help you not only maximize the space in the basement but also plan the overall utility of it.

Good basement floor plans can remarkably transform your basement into areas that are used by the whole family. Basements can make wonderful recreational areas, gyms, laundry centers, home offices and much more.

Basements can also be wonderfully useful when it comes to having a place for storage; floor plans can help you design a storage space that holds much more that just simply stashing everything underneath your house. A basement can be also remodeled as a recreation area which can hold a pool table or a home theater system.

Getting a proper design done right at the beginning is crucial to any successful remodeling or construction; the same applies to basements as well. Although it is possible to design your own basement using computer programs that are freely available over the internet, it is wise to consider using a professional designer.

Making the right choices at the beginning will make sure that your design comes to life in a systematic and time bound manner. A basement can also serve as a good second bedroom or a bar. It can be a place where you can hide yourself from the daily grind.



A basement is more than just a storage dump or the home of a boiler. Basements space is precious in a world where we fill our homes more and more and space just seems to be running out. Basements can be transformed from a wine cellar to a home entertainment center; all you need is the help of some good basement floor plans. To learn about renovation financing and other great redesign tips, check out http://www.interior-design-success.com, a popular redesign site. ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/proper-drywall-finishing http://www.artwoo.com/article/proper-drywall-finishing#comments Wed, 14 Feb 2007 14:27:01 +0000 strokeseamsquotknivespurpose compoundscrew holesadd water http://www.artwoo.com/article/proper-drywall-finishing
As with most jobs, being fully prepared is the most important part of the job. Make sure you know exactly what you need to do in getting ready to andquot;mudandquot; the walls. You will need to get joint compound. This is available in a powder that you add water to, or premixed. There are different textures of compound (also called andquot;mudandquot;): taping compound to be used for the initial taping is course, and topping compound which is used for finishing, is thinner. You can also get all purpose compound, which has a texture somewhat in the middle which can be used for either purpose. Wear a mask and protect surfaces when sanding.



Make sure all of your nails and screws are properly sunk by running a taping knife over the seams and sink any that stick out. Use taping knives to install apply the mud. Start with a narrow one and use a slightly larger one to feather out the edges.



No way around it, mudding a wall will take time, since you have to allow 24 hours of drying time between each compound application. First, there is the taping layer. Apply the compound and place jointing tape over the seams and smooth more compound over. Make sure all nail and screw holes are covered. After this layer, all spaces should be filled in and level.

Next, you have to apply two layers of compound to smooth out the surface. Using the taping knives of increasing size, ending up with a taping knife of up to a foot wide. Apply the compound, stroke each side, then a stroke down the middle.

Applying compound is not an easy task. You may have to use different pressure in different spots, for example, more pressure to the outside of the knife when you do the side stroke, even pressure when you do the middle stroke.

The last coat is the finishing coat. This is where real care will produce a superior appearance. Scrape a wide taping knife over the joints to get rid of all bumps and ridges. Thin out the compound or use topping compound and spread evenly.

For the best results in mudding drywall, you need two magic ingredients: patience and consistency. You may be anxious to finish up the job and get the wall painted, but allowing sufficient time between coats of compound for proper drying and sanding and smoothing after the last coat will give you professional looking results. Greg Hansward frequently publishes news stories on stories about finishing basements and drywall techniques. You can have a look at his writings over at http://www.insidewoodworking.com/drywall/hand_drywall_tools.html and different sources for drywall finishing knowledge. ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/easiest-way-to-finish-a-basement http://www.artwoo.com/article/easiest-way-to-finish-a-basement#comments Mon, 04 Aug 2008 03:50:17 +0000 mold and mildewowens corning basement systemowens corning basement finishing systemowens corning basementwater moldacoustic insulationsound absorption http://www.artwoo.com/article/easiest-way-to-finish-a-basement Owens Corning basement system is a system of high quality, highly insulated wall panels that are installed by professionals. These panels are insulated, moisture resistant, mold and mildew resistant and easily removable for access to foundation walls if needed for repair of electrical and plumbing fixtures. This system has been tested for flammability, performance stability, acoustical, and thermal properties.

The Owens Corning system is one of the easiest ways to finish a basement, and on average, finishing a whole basement can be started and completed in two weeks using this system. Basements are notorious for moisture. Common basement finish materials are drywall and wood, even though these materials are easily damaged by water. Mold and mildew can grow in these materials when moisture accumulates over time. Upper respiratory health is affected negatively by exposure to mold and mildew.

While the system is moisture resistant, it cannot be used as a moisture barrier for your home. If you have existing water problems they need to be treated prior to installation of this system. Under normal circumstances these panels are able to accommodate high humidity which makes them an excellent choice for basement finishing materials.

An Owens Corning basement finishing system is made of mold and mildew resistant materials. This system not only creates beautifully finished walls, it puts a mold and mildew barrier up for the safety of you and your family. In addition to the mold and mildew resistant features, this basement finishing system also has acoustic properties and flame resistant properties.

When rooms in your basement sound like you are talking in a cave it makes it difficult to enjoy your favorite television program or to work out in your basement gym. The Owens Corning basement finishing system panels are made up of an acoustic insulation that provides 75% sound absorption. The acoustic abilities allow you to enjoy the sound system in your basement home theater.

This system not only insulates acoustically. Thermal insulation is also provided which can create a more energy efficient home. In fact in some areas installing this basement finishing system can actually make you eligible for energy tax credits.

The system is made up of several panels that are fitted easily into a system of rails, and includes the moldings, rails and the panels. Ceiling finishing is not included in the system, although in some areas the certified installers may be able to assist in ceiling finishing as well.

This system can save you money on construction in the long run. When the basement finishing system has been installed it is easy to remove single panels when needed. This is important as it allows homeowners to check their foundation and do any repairs needed to pipes and/or wiring at their convenience. If you do need to get to the foundation for any reason, all that is required is the simple removal of one panel. Once you are finished with whatever repair or inspection work you were doing the panel is simply snapped back into place.Need tips on basement makeovers? Look no further than BetterBasementIdeas.com! Visit us for tips on how to handle basement egress windows and one or two basement refinishing ideas to help you along.]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/tips-for-renovating-your-basement http://www.artwoo.com/article/tips-for-renovating-your-basement#comments Mon, 19 Feb 2007 10:27:09 +0000 basement remodelingbasement renovationremodeling projectshome improvement projectscondensation problemspriceyenormous expense http://www.artwoo.com/article/tips-for-renovating-your-basement Remodeling projects are popular with homeowners because they offer them a way to increase their living space and enhance the look and feel of their home. Unfortunately, remodeling projects can be quite pricey and many homeowners have financial constraints. Basement remodeling projects, in particular, are very common home improvement projects because the space is already there it just needs to be remodeled. If the idea of remodeling your entire basement seems too expensive, a good solution is to consider a basement renovation.

The main goal of a basement renovation involves utilizing the available space in the most efficient way possible. A well-planned basement renovation will take space that is already available and optimize it. This can be done without the enormous expense of constructing a new addition to the home. It is important to know that all successful home improvement projects begin with a detailed plan. If you are unable to construct a solid plan yourself, consider hiring an architect or remodeling design specialist. They will be able to make to proper measures that are needed when making the plan.

In addition to a detailed plan, there are several other special considerations that deserve attention. For starters, you must make sure that all waterproofing needs are taken care of before performing a remodel or renovation. Basements are likely to become damaged due to water and humidity problems. These problems must be addressed in the very beginning. This includes all leaks, mold issues, and condensation problems.

Lastly, before beginning your basement renovation you must make sure that your basement has proper ventilation and that the heating, plumbing, electrical and load bearing systems are all working correctly. Also, make sure that your remodeling plan includes access points to all of these systems. It is important to be thorough and to make sure that your plan is exactly the way you want it before work begins. Changes should be made on the paper, not during construction.

Before the project can begin you must select a trustworthy contractor to take on the job. Make sure that you have the final detailed plans because you will need to explain your plan to your contractor in order to find out if they can do everything that you need. The plan will also be used to obtain an accurate bid from each potential contractor. During the hiring process, be sure to ask each contractor for licensing and insurance credentials. It also helps to get a few references from projects similar to yours. For more information regarding remodeling basements, and for a free cost estimate on finishing your basement visit http://www.BasementKey.com ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/home-improvement-rules-to-follow http://www.artwoo.com/article/home-improvement-rules-to-follow#comments Wed, 19 Apr 2006 22:50:04 +0000 improvement jobwallpaper tilesincasestraightforwardpaintwallhomes value http://www.artwoo.com/article/home-improvement-rules-to-follow straightforward most of the time, it is important to carefully follow instructions in order to successfully complete a home improvement task. Many home improvement jobs take a lot of time to complete. This will be time well spent, since each home improvement or repair you make will increase your home's value. Home improvement is clear-cut, but takes patience and requires that you follow instructions to the detail.

It is imperative that you closely follow the instructions when repairing or remodeling. Written instructions will provide you with the steps to correctly complete the project and avoid problems. And make sure to keep any receipts for materials and tools you buy incase you need to return or exchange the merchandise.

The first rule of home improvement is to learn as much as you can before starting a project. For example, if you are planning on hanging drywall in a room in your home, you need to know exactly what materials you will need, in addition to the steps used to complete the job. You will also need to know what about wallpaper, tiles, paint, or other materials to finish a wall job.

Most any home improvement job will increase the value of your home. That is why it is important to be very methodical when you start a home improvement project; you should take notes, create files, and plan every step of the job.

Budgeting and planning are two other important steps in any home improvement project. If you do not have a plan, you will likely spend more money than you need to, buy the wrong materials, take longer to complete the project, and make errors along the way.

Depending on the type of home improvement project you are planning, it could be rather straightforward. However, some home improvement projects are easier than others. Ease of completion does not equal less cost, however.

For wall improvement projects, paint, panel and tile are sometimes easier than wallpapering. Tiles come in multiple choices, including self-adhesive, or peel and stick. However, if you have damage to your walls, such as holes, you will require spackle and a few other materials to patch the area before finishing the walls.

When repairing or remodeling a basement, the same rules apply and then some. Michigan and Kentucky basements are known to be the worst for home improvement, mostly because those areas are highly prone to flooding. Improvement or repair projects in basements often require special considerations for insulation, and can often cost more money and require a little more time to complete a job. Basements in newer home tend to have fewer problems, thanks to advances in construction.

Making improvements or repairs in a bathroom requires a whole unique set of tools and knowledge. Dealing with plumbing and electrical issues are the trickiest parts of home improvement, because they often require a certain level of expertise, and even professionals have been known to make mistakes. That is why educating yourself before beginning a home improvement or repair project is imperative.

A big rule to follow in home improvement is to clear whatever area you are working in completely before beginning the job. This will prevent accidents and things from getting damaged or destroyed. It is also imperative that you use safety equipment, such as dust masks, gloves, and goggles when doing any kind of home improvement or repair project. Discover more about home improvement and diy at http://www.discoverhomeimprovement.info ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-longest-run-during-marathon-training http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-longest-run-during-marathon-training#comments Wed, 12 Sep 2007 22:35:00 +0000 some argue thatmarathon trainingmhrhalf hoursmarathon pacemarathon planmarathon runner http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-longest-run-during-marathon-training marathon training I see something pertaining to the longest run in a marathon plan. Why is there so much controversy?

Every marathon runner or coach has his or her own theory about the longest run during marathon training. Some argue that 20 miles in long enough. Others argue running up to 30 miles. And some even say that 15 miles is long enough. Which theory is correct?

In my own opinion the two greatest coaches are Arthur Lydiard and Jack Daniels. These two coaches never had their runners run longer than 22 miles. My interpretation of their coaching system is that they based this distance on the length of time that a marathoner would run during the actual race. During marathon training a distance of 22 miles ran at slower than marathon pace would equal the time running the actual marathon.

My own theory about marathon training follows a similar pattern. I try to lengthen my long run in minutes to the amount of time that I project to be my finishing time. For example if my projected marathon goal is 3 and =BD hours. My longest run will be 3 and half hours at my long distance heart rate of between 60 and 75% mhr 3 weeks before the marathon.

Two drawbacks to this theory are under estimating your finishing time and running longer than three hours. Figuring out your estimated finishing time can be a challenge. There are many ways to estimate your finishing time. My personal choice is to take my latest half marathon finishing time and double it and add one half hour. For those whose finishing time projects out to be longer than 3 hours I would not run longer than 3 and a half hours.

A suggestion about longs runs during marathon training. When your long run time starts approaching three hours allow 14 to 21 days between these efforts. Three hour runs take a lot out of you both physically and mentally. Extra time is needed for the body and mind to adapt to these difficult efforts.

My theory about long runs during marathon training has helped to me set my own personal best times in the marathon. I believe this will allow you to reach your own marathon goals also. Curt Shryack is the author of Fatigue Nutrition and Endurance Exercise, Run2Fast, and Ultimate Training http://www.everything-running.com ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/as-families-needs-grow-so-do-basement-remodeling http://www.artwoo.com/article/as-families-needs-grow-so-do-basement-remodeling#comments Wed, 05 Jul 2006 04:27:14 +0000 basement spacespace imagineliving spacebasement remodelingbasementsdehumidifierhome improvements http://www.artwoo.com/article/as-families-needs-grow-so-do-basement-remodeling
One of the easiest ways to add a new space to your home is to finish off the basement. When we think of basements we generally think of dark, cold and wet -- the place that is more often used for storage than anything else. Basements are also now for being messy because we generally just throw something in a pile and run for sunlight.

Basements don't have to be the "catch all" of your home, basement remodeling is one of the most cost effective home improvements you could make to gain more living space. Imagine having that office you've always wanted, or a guest room or even a new family room. A remodeled basement can be converted to just about any kind of extra room, just use your imagination.

Before you get started on building your new addition, consider these steps for getting your basement into livable shape.

First, basements are below ground level so even if you don't get physical flooding in yours; it probably has a damp feel to it. A good place to get rid of any water troubles you may have is to call in a waterproofing specialist. They can assist you in making sure that once you spend money on improving your basement space it doesn't get ruined by water damage. For just slight dampness a good dehumidifier will do the trick.

Think about the amount of actual space your basement offers. Consider this space when deciding what type of room you want to convert this to. How much room do you really need for your dream addition, will the basement space be enough? Consideration to the amount of light that comes into your basement should also be a consideration. A darker room would be perfectly suited for a home theatre setup while it might not be the most cheerful area for a playroom.

Looking at your basement right now you may think, "It's just a basement, I can never turn this into a comfortable room". If you just aren't getting ideas for your basement that appeal to you call a professional. A good interior decorator or architect can help you plan to get the most out of your space functionally and they help you make sure that is comfortable and attractive too.

When your home was being designed, chances are that there were few if any heat registers or air conditioning vents installed in the basement, if any at all. These of course are necessities if you plan on converting your basement into living space. When you plan your project make sure you consider adding the proper air circulation to maintain comfort. While you're doing that don't forget to add carbon monoxide and smoke detectors too.

Now that you've cover water and air circulation, it's time to think about the amount of natural light available to you. Basements generally leave a lot to be desired so you may want to add more. Enlarging windows will let more light shine through and it will serves as an additional escape route in case of an emergency. If security is a concern, glass bricks can be used rather that traditional glass windows.

You can add even more light by adding windows in interior walls between rooms.

Creating a nice living space is not as hard as you think. Go downstairs now and take a look around. See what your imagination reveals about your new living space. Holly Dodd publishes websites on many topics. Be sure to visit http://homeimprovementsolutions.info/basement-plan-remodeling.htm and her http://blog.buckstopper.com blog for more information. ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/finishing-up http://www.artwoo.com/article/finishing-up#comments Tue, 22 Jul 2008 09:50:18 +0000 minor blemishesstone walkwaysbarbeque pitsmasonry workdrainage structuresinterior issuesthese patches http://www.artwoo.com/article/finishing-up
Let's first cover interior finishing work. Although the interior of the modules on their arrival are quite complete, there does remain some patch work and finishing detailing that has to be completed. For instance, drywall patching and finishing may be required from areas of cracking that occurred during shipping or in areas adjacent to marriage walls of the modules. In additional to these patches, painting the interior walls may need to be completed or touch up painting be added to cover minor blemishes. This varies depending on the complexity of the interior design.

Other interior issues include some finishing work on interior trim and door adjustments. Particularly around areas where modules connect, doors will need to be hung and trim completed. In areas around stairwells, trim also will need to be completed in addition to areas where modular limitations prevented completion in the factory. Lastly, floor installments may need completion, or at a minimum seam finishings where floors connect are likely required. These classically include vinyl, hardwood, and ceramic areas, but also may include carpeting seams or carpeting installments.

Exterior finishing projects includes masonry work, exterior painting and staining, rain drainage structures, as well as hard and soft landscaping. Masonry such as chimneys, barbeque pits, stone walkways, etc. must be completed after the modular home is set. Also, siding preferences will mandate whether finishing work on the siding is needed. If you chose a siding that is already painted or stained, the finishing work in this regard may be minimal. But if brick or stucco siding is your choice, or shingles that require staining are selected, the degree of finish work after the modules arrive may be more significant. Overall, painting, staining or application of the exterior siding is not tremendous, and this can be completed within days most of the time after arrival.

Other areas of exterior finishing include landscaping of walkways, patios, decking and lighting. While much of this may have been completed during the site preparation phase, finishing touches will be needed after the crane and set crew have left. Otherwise, damage to the existing areas might have occurred. Sometimes irrigation system completion also may be a part of this finishing work.

Typically, the finishing work on the inside and outside of your modular home is quite minimal. The majority of the construction is already finished but putting the final touches in place is mandatory to complete the project. Finishing projects generally comprise 20 percent or less of your modular home's construction and placement. Once done, indeed your home is complete.Michael Zenga is a Modular Home Builder in the Boston, MA area. He founded ZN Custom Building, in 2002, which specializes in modular home construction. ZN Custom Building are modular home builders and can help you design your dream home today!]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/guide-to-finishing-a-basement-and-living-to-tell-about-it http://www.artwoo.com/article/guide-to-finishing-a-basement-and-living-to-tell-about-it#comments Sun, 06 Jan 2008 17:25:00 +0000 nooks and crannieshigh speed chasespray insulationfinishing a basementhow to finish a basementfamily spacefoam spray http://www.artwoo.com/article/guide-to-finishing-a-basement-and-living-to-tell-about-it finishing a basement, you can add valuable family space to your home. We did not, however, find this out the easy way.

After a few fun yelling matches, one streak of paint on the side of my husband's face, and a high-speed chase up the stairs and into the backyard, I am ready to tell you how to finish a basement and live to tell about it. Here are a few tips that we discovered during our entertaining finishing ordeal.

Choose the Right Insulation:

So, we decided it would be fun to install insulation in our basement ourselves. 'Quality time', at least that is what my husband called it.

I think what he really meant was `less money.' So, we ran right to the store and picked up enough rolls of insulation for finishing a basement that was our size.

You know, that sheet kind that expands about 5,000 percent when you slit the package open? We started working on that, and within a day and a half we were ready to bury each other in it.

We had itchy insulation in places on our bodies that we didn't even realize we had. The entire basement was polluted with the fibers from it, and I don't even want to go into the what we experienced cutting it to size.

After a couple of days, we decided we were not making any progress, so my husband called and had a professional come out. After chuckling at us for a moment, he told us there was a much easier way.

He ended up using a type of foam spray insulation, and was done in a couple of days. We discovered it would work more effectively, because it expanded to fit in all of the nooks and crannies behind the basement walls. Lesson learned.

Check for a Few Important Things:

When you're finishing a basement, there is a few elements you want to ensure you don't overlook. I did=85 Well, my husband overlooked it and I just did not notice him overlooking it.

Double check to be sure you have enough electrical outlets for what you will be using your basement for. You know, finishing a basement to convert it into a bar really requires a good number of outlets. Lesson learned.

Make sure you have plenty of lighting fixtures. Without them, finishing a basement can be tough, and once you get it done, you may not be able to see properly in the murky dimness of your basement. This can lead to some serious toe-stubbing. Lesson learned.

Walls and Floors:

First of all, there are some wall and floor materials and types that you never want to go with for your basement. Because of the higher moisture content in the air, they're just not smart ideas. Some of these include:

- Sheetrock - Carpet - Hardwood Floors - OSB board - Faux Stone Floors

Instead, opt for some type of moisture resistant paneling for the walls, and a nice real stone floor, or staining your existing concrete floors.

Finishing a basement can really drive you crazy, but luckily you have learned from my mistakes. Save your basement and your marriage by following the tips and ideas in this article! Amy G is a homemaker and stay at home mother of four. Visit her website - http://www.basementidea.net/ to discover more fun basement tips and ideas. ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/overcoming-fears-and-phobias-through-knowledge http://www.artwoo.com/article/overcoming-fears-and-phobias-through-knowledge#comments Sun, 22 Jul 2007 19:34:58 +0000 pictures of spidersfear the lawovercome your fearsfears and phobiasphobiadeep rooteddismay http://www.artwoo.com/article/overcoming-fears-and-phobias-through-knowledge phobias" rel="tag">Fears and phobias are very limiting in our lives and keep us from attaining our true potential. This is a brief outline of how I overcame a debilitating phobia, and hopefully this method will help you too,

All my life I had a terrible spider phobia, becoming absolutely paralyzed with fear and having to get others to rescue me from these terrible monsters. Then I got a job as an electrical meter reader, which meant I had to go into people's basements, and we all know what lives in basements! I knew I had to conquer this life-long phobia, so I went to the library and started researching spiders - physiology, biology, and so on. It was very difficult at first to even look at the pictures of spiders. But the real breakthrough came when I started looking at the mythology and symbology of spiders in various cultures and the general characteristics of spiders. To my surprise and dismay, I discovered that I was very much like a spider myself, and my fear came from a fear of those characteristics in myself. So I embraced my spider nature, particularly the creative nature of a spider, and when I saw a spider I took it as a sign that I was neglecting my creativity. In a matter of weeks I was able to be in the presence of spiders without fear. But the amazing part was that now I rarely even saw spiders as I was no longer attracting them with my fear.

The Law of Attraction tells us that what we focus on will appear in our lives. Focussing on the object of your fear will only produce more instances of that fear manifesting in your life. Getting at the root of your fear through research and observation greatly decreases the impact of that fear on your life.

I believe this method will also work to help you overcome your fears around successful internet marketing. Research, learn, and identify your deep-rooted beliefs about success and money. Find your personal truth about a fear or phobia, and the truth shall set you free! Lynne Sherman is interested in the connections between spirituality and marketing. She recently enrolled at http://tinyurl.com/ynutep to learn more about these connections. ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/tips-for-your-basement-remodeling-project http://www.artwoo.com/article/tips-for-your-basement-remodeling-project#comments Sat, 30 Dec 2006 02:27:09 +0000 basement remodelartificial lightingnatural lightingliving spaceremodelingbasement ceilingbasement space http://www.artwoo.com/article/tips-for-your-basement-remodeling-project living space within your home, consider a basement remodel. Remodeling your basement gives you the creative power to add additional living space without having to cut into your yard with a built-on addition. Not to mention, an addition will cost about 3 times as much as a basement remodel. Furthermore, remodeling the basement can be completed much faster than an addition because there is no need to put the mechanicals, foundation, and outside walls in place or deal with landscaping issues.

If you do decide to remodel your basement, make sure to set some time aside to prepare. The first thing you should consider is how you intend to use your new basement space. There are many options available which include turning in your basement into a lounge room, play room, exercise room, office space, extra guest bedroom, entertainment room or even into bar. The possibilities are endless. However, keep in mind, dividing the space into more than one room can give you more flexibility. Bottom line, it is absolutely necessary to put thought into this particular preparation stage because the way you intend to use the space will guide the entire remodel.

Lighting is an extremely important aspect to a basement remodel. This is mainly true because basements tend to be dark and gloomy. With a few lighting tricks you can turn your basement into a naturally light and brightened space. It is recommended that you try to increase natural lighting as much as possible and this can be done by adding or enlarging windows. Artificial lighting can also be used if adding windows is not an option.

In addition to lighting, the next major area of importance is the basement ceiling. You will need to decide whether you want a hard or soft ceiling. There are pros and cons to both options. A soft, or suspended, ceiling is designed to conceal all pipes, ducts and wires from view. It hangs below these objects, but it still allows ready access for repairs and alterations.

A hard ceiling, on the other hand, is designed to feel like a continuation of the rest of the house. However, more planning is involved with this type of ceiling because you must work out high- and low-voltage wiring and lay the lines, as well as wrap both hot and cold water lines and the gas lines to protect against condensation.

Furthermore, the industrial look has also become popular which involves painting the ceiling, the pipes and the ducts, usually a different color from the walls for effect.

The next area of consideration includes the walls. Regardless of what type of walls you install, you must make sure that you have proper insulation to regulate the temperature and to keep out moisture. As you may already know, basements are very moist areas that need to be waterproofed and insulated in order to maintain comfort.

Last, but not least, there are many options for flooring. Common options include tile, marble, carpet, and area rugs, as well as vinyl, plastic and hardwood. If you are willing to pay more for your floors, you may also consider heated masonry, which helps reduce humidity. If you are trying to save money on your floors, vinyl floors are inexpensive, quick and easy to install. Carpet offers a warm, soft look and feel, and it also comes in a variety of styles and colors. But keep in mind that carpeting your basement may be dangerous because it retains moisture. Hardwood is also a dangerous option if your basement is prone to water leaks because water will destroy the wood overtime. To learn more about basement remodeling, and for a free price quote on basement finishing, visit http://www.basementkey.com ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-long-should-your-dissertation-take http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-long-should-your-dissertation-take#comments Tue, 09 Jan 2007 06:27:37 +0000 dissertationexceptionseludebeliefexceptionlikewiselongitudinal research http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-long-should-your-dissertation-take dissertation take? The answer: not as long as you think. Most of the time academics confuse time with quality. When a project takes a long time, it's almost always believed to be more valuable than one completed more quickly.

This belief becomes very obvious in the dissertation process. It is widely accepted that it might take one, two, (or more) years to craft, execute, and analyze a dissertation worthy research question.

While this is common belief, it is incorrect.

Here's why:

Most dissertations can be completed in a year or less, with two exceptions" rel="tag">exceptions. The first (and most obvious) exception is when your study will require data collection or longitudinal research over a long period of time. For example, if your research design requires observation over a two year period, you won't be able to complete the dissertation in a year or less. Makes sense, right?

The second exception to the year or less rule is if you do not work consistently on your dissertation. Similar to exercising at the gym, you must show up regularly to achieve any lasting benefits. You do not expect to work out once and remain fit for the whole rest of your life. Likewise, you can not expect to work on the dissertation in a random manner and believe you'll finish quickly.

Aside from these two exceptions, though, you can be finished (or extremely close to it) with twelve months of extremely focused effort. Of course, some of you are putting in extremely focused effort, but there is one more thing missing: a defined plan.

If you don't know where you're going, you can not know when you'll arrive. This holds true for the dissertation process, and for life. If you do not know what actions to take, in what order, success will elude you.

Remember, do not confuse time with quality. If you were going to be given $1million dollars for finishing the dissertation in the next six months, could you do it? (Probably.) Wouldn't you be extremely motivated to finish, and do whatever it took to win the prize?

You very likely would.

Adopting that same mindset and approach to finishing your dissertation (whether or not you'll win the million dollars) is exactly what is necessary to finish quickly.

Your dissertation should take as long as necessary to create a good quality paper. This will require less time than you think.



Keep yourself on track by asking yourself, each day, "What's the fast track to dissertation completion?" and then take the next action that you can think of. Having helped more than 200 Ph.D.'s write their dissertations in a year or less, Dr. Jain knows what works. (She even wrote two books on finishing the dissertation.) Get your own tips for finishing quickly at http://www.CompleteYourDissertation.com/blog. ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/5-types-of-hardwood-floors-popular-today http://www.artwoo.com/article/5-types-of-hardwood-floors-popular-today#comments Sat, 09 Feb 2008 21:14:59 +0000 solid wood floorsunfinished hardwood floorhardwood floor installationprefinished hardwood floorsflooring typesprefinished floorhardwood flooring http://www.artwoo.com/article/5-types-of-hardwood-floors-popular-today flooring types. When you know the hardwood flooring types that are popular today, you will be able to make a choice you will be happy with for years to come.

- Types of Hardwood floors: Prefinished

Prefinished hardwood floors have quickly become the most popular type of hardwood flooring. They are easy to buy and completely ready for installation. Purchasing is just a matter of finding a wood grain and finish that matches your home. In most cases, for installation, all you have to do is lay the floor panels down and make a few cuts to fit them as you reach the wall with each row of paneling. This is by far the easiest among the types of hardwood floors to install.

- Types of Hardwood Floors: Unfinished

When you put your floor together with unfinished hardwood, it is left to you to manually handle the finishing process. This means you will need to sand, buffer, stain, and coat the hardwood floor after you install it. This is a big time and labor disadvantage from the prefinished floor.

But there are reasons why you may prefer an unfinished hardwood floor installation. One of the best reasons for installing this type of floor is if you are planning on selling the building soon. You can then have the new tenants choose the color that matches their needs or desires before finishing the wood. If you install prefinished wood in such a scenario, you would face a choice of losing a customer or reinstalling the wood floor.

- Types of Hardwood Floors: Solid Wood

This was a popular hardwood floor type until recently. It is very hard to install and to remove. You can find the lumber for solid wood floors in the form of either parquet, plank, or strip. Strip is the easiest to install by far, but those looking for ease would do better with one of the other types of hardwood floors.

- Types of Hardwood Floors: Engineered Wood

Engineered wood is made out of multiple layers of veneer. These layers of wood are glued together with high quality glue. This design makes them very sturdy, as they benefit from the grains and features of each layer of veneer. Also, this allows you to use one wood at the surface to match your house, and higher quality woods make up the lower veneer layers.

For example, if you want a house full of birch furniture, you can have the surface layer of the floor made of birch, with sturdy oak layers supporting the floor. This combination would give you the durability of oak with the beauty of birch.

Engineered wood flooring can also handle a wider variety of climates. They are much more immune than the previously mentioned hardwood floor types to humidity, spills, and temperature extremes. This is why engineered wood floors are often recommended for basements where water is often prevalent.

- Types of Hardwood Floors: Acrylic Impregnated Wood

Acrylic impregnated wood floors are similar to prefinished floors, except that they are built with a special new process. The coloring and acrylic are put into the wood planks' pores under high pressure. The floor planks that result are very durable. These floors do not get as easily scratched as the other hardwood floors. They do really well in busy places and with frequent furniture moves. They are also much more resistant to climate extremes than the other types of hardwood floors. Niv Orlian is an experienced Home Improvement Adviser who writes articles for his Flooring and Carpet Cleaning online guides at http://www.myflooringhelper.com Visit http://www.myflooringhelper.com/types-of-hardwood-floors.html to learn more about Types of Hardwood Floors. ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/completing-your-bedrooms-overall-look http://www.artwoo.com/article/completing-your-bedrooms-overall-look#comments Sat, 04 Oct 2008 11:29:37 +0000 bedroom floorsand paperdustswooden floorssandpaperrejuvenationhassle http://www.artwoo.com/article/completing-your-bedrooms-overall-look bedroom floor? If you think that floors play a minimal contribution to any rooms overall design, think again. Its importance is the same as that of your need for something to step on.

For one thing, wooden floors are the best option to go for in achieving a cozy indoor atmosphere inside your home. Rooms are best furnished and finished with wood or hardwood to be exact. A floor made of hardwood may be in demand but maintenance wise it needs some rejuvenation along the way. Given that your floor is made out of hardwood, it may look bare or dull. The solution to that is to do some good finishing.

So what do you need to do to achieve a good look for your bedroom's floor? Before anything else, it is important that you already have an idea on the finish product that you want to have on your floor. What color do you want it to be? How glossy do you want it? These are just a few of the things that you should have already thought of before going for the finishing procedure. If you're not sure yet with these things, you can always do some tests on spare wood that is the same with your floor.

After deciding and settling what to go for, here are the processes that are done to have a hassle free and good floor finishing in your bedroom:

• Sanding

This process is very appropriate to smoothen out the surface of your wooden floor room. Also, you might want to consider first removing everything inside the room so that you will not be troubled of cleaning from dusts created by sanding.

• Isolation

Dusts that come from sanding wood often stay airborne for a long time. These can even cling on to you and other stuff inside your house. Aside from removing everything inside the room, isolate yourself too especially if you have allergies from dusts.

• Sand paper cleaning

Make sure that the sandpaper you are using is free from dust and wax. These can leave scratch marks to the floor.

• Room cleaning

The best way to get rid of airborne dusts that come from sanding a wooden floor is through the use of a vacuum cleaner. It is in this way that the dusts wouldn't circulate in the air and land back to the floor over again.

• Staining

Since part of finish your bedroom floor is changing the color, after sanding and cleaning up the dusts, it is now ready to be stained with the color of your choice.
Finishing coat

It is best to use some protective coating for any newly stained floor so as to preserve its color for some time. Polyurethane is the best thing to do the job. For a much preserved result, it is best to do two coats wherein the interval of the coating is overnight. As much as possible, decide to put coating last on the area where traffic or frequent passing is unavoidable.Richard Dinae is an architect, providing information and directories about home improvement, please visit Home Flooring]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-is-a-home-based-business-you-could-start http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-is-a-home-based-business-you-could-start#comments Thu, 26 Apr 2007 05:10:00 +0000 finishing basementsaffiliate marketinghome based businessnetwork marketingways to earn moneyback at homeinternet marketing http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-is-a-home-based-business-you-could-start home based business? If so, you know that you have to have the right products in order for your business to be successful. Here are suggestions for a few home based business categories to start with.

A home based business starts at home everyday, may go out of the house during the day, and ends up back at home. Be sure and have a separate business phone line because a home-based business can get calls 24 hours a day.

Service businesses are ex maples of home-based businesses. Maybe you have some talent for finishing basements, but do not want the hassle or the overhead of employees and renting a brick and mortar store.

You can run your business out of your home, but do your work where the work is. Plumbing, electrical, landscaping, heating and cooling, cleaning carpets, etc are examples of home-based businesses that you could do.

Perhaps the main thing about starting your own home business is to choose an industry you have an expertise or a passion for. You want to do this everyday for more than just the money. Enjoying what you do is equally as important and is going to be one of the keys to your success.

Another form of a home-based business is Internet marketing. Selling stuff online is a great way to make money and stay at home doing it. You can run your business 24 hours a day anywhere you have Internet access. For people who like to travel this is a great business to be in and still travel anywhere you want to go.

Affiliate marketing and network marketing are two popular ways to earn money on the Internet. Again try and find products to sell that you have an interest in. This is especially easy to do with affiliate marketing because almost every product made in the world has companies looking for affiliates.

Being an affiliate means you are a salesperson for that product. All you do is sell for the company you represent. They provide things like website and marketing material. They also collect the money and ship the product. Usually once or twice a month they will send you a check or pay you via the Internet with PayPal or direct deposit.

Network marketing is similar to affiliate marketing with one big difference. You can get paid on the efforts of hundreds or even thousands of people's sales. With affiliate marketing you get paid on your own sales and if the affiliate program is a 2-tier program you can get paid on one level of personally recruited affiliates.

In the end, the final choice for your home-based business will be up to you. Use these tips and examples to come up with your own ideas on how to work at home, or out of your home, with your own business.

Summary: Looking to start a new home-based business? Here are suggestions for a few home based business categories to start with. John Spohr, MSM is a 27-year veteran of the Computer industry specializing in Internet marketing. For information on EDC Gold, an online business that can put significant cash in your pocket daily, visit his site online at http://www.makemoneynxs.com ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/designing-handwoven-fabric http://www.artwoo.com/article/designing-handwoven-fabric#comments Sun, 05 Nov 2006 02:27:01 +0000 curtain fabricwool fabricfabric structurefabric structureslinen fabricsilk yarnsize yarn http://www.artwoo.com/article/designing-handwoven-fabric silk yarn for a washcloth or rug, or a scratchy synthetic yarn for a delicate blouse fabric.

Secondly, the appropriate sett for the size yarn used or the desired effect wanted in the fabric. Too close and the fabric will be hard, too open and it will be gauzy.

Thirdly, the right beat. Beating too briskly and too hard will result in a hard fabric and if the sett is open enough, a weft faced fabric. Uneven beating will cause streakiness in the fabric.

The right fabric structure is important for the item made from the fabric. Long floats that may get pulled would be inappropriate for baby blankets or outerwear. However, floats are ok for curtain fabric, shawls, scarves and dressy fabrics.

Proper finishing is just as important as the initial design draft. A woven wool fabric almost calls out loud for wet finishing. Linen fabric softens considerably when wet finished. Wet finishing may not be appropriate for rayon fabrics. Some chenilles will worm when wet finished. Cotton and silk fabrics take on a luster when wet finished. Certain fabric structures are enhanced by wet finishing. Huck, Swedish lace and honeycomb are structures which become more sculptural when washed. The cells of honeycomb, especially those woven of wool, become deeper when wet finished.

When combining wool and cotton in warp, an even distribution of yarns can prevent uneven shrinkage when the fabric is finished. It is that characteristic that can be exploited to create interesting effects like seersucker. The wool will shrink more than the cotton, causing the puckering effect.

Wool is lighter than cotton. It is a great choice for garments that will require a large amount of yardage. Wool yarns come in a huge array of weights, colors, plies, and also is available in boucles, novelties, and thick and thin. Handspun wool yarn is simply a joy to weave with. Contrary to popular belief, handspun singles can be used as warp by sizing. A can of spray sizing, sprayed on the warp behind the heddles, will be dry by the time it is in place to be woven and will help prevent stickiness and breakage. Kimberly Thane is an author, spinner, weaver and business owner. See more of her articles at http://www.woolbearers.net ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/steps-to-adding-a-bedroom-to-your-basement http://www.artwoo.com/article/steps-to-adding-a-bedroom-to-your-basement#comments Wed, 23 Jul 2008 05:36:20 +0000 hanging drywallequipment boxesremodeling projectbasement bedroomegress windowbasement roomsafety factors http://www.artwoo.com/article/steps-to-adding-a-bedroom-to-your-basement remodeling project, adding a bedroom to the basement takes some time and planning. Properly planned, a basement bedroom can be a comfortable, and inviting place.

What Are The Important Steps To Adding A Bedroom To My Basement?

1. When planning a bedroom, you will want to take into consideration some safety factors. Among these factors include an alternate exit from the bedroom, in case the stairway is blocked by fire. With this in mind, it is very wise to have a window that opens (an egress window) or other means of escape from the basement room.

2. You will also want to consider dampness of the basement itself. This dampness can cause all sorts of problems if you are not careful so it is wise to make sure your basement is dried out before proceeding to the next step. You can read more about drying out a basement on our website fixmyownbasement.com.

3. Make sure to clear out the area of the basement where you are planning to add your your room. Remove all items such as sporting equipment, boxes and furniture to give you space to work with.

4. If any new floor covering will be applied, be sure to sweep the existing floor and mop the floor surface with a commercial or consumer floor cleaner.

5. Plan your walls. Some people add paneling for the walls while others add drywall. With a little extra effort, drywall provides a thicker wall that offers extra protection as well as holding picture frames and other wall art that paneling might not hold up.

6. If you plan on hanging drywall, frame in the bedroom with 2×4s. Be sure to cut holes for outlets and telephone connections in the drywall. Make sure to insulate the walls and the ceiling according to construction standards.

7. Since lighting is an important issue in basements due to the lack of natural light, you'll need to choose a lighting fixture or scheme for the space.

8. Apply paint to the newly formed walls by putting on a primer coat first followed by two coats of paint. Make sure you let each coat of paint dry thoroughly (preferably overnight), before adding the next coat of paint.

9. Since basements in general have a cold cement floor, adding flooring or perhaps carpeting would be preferable and much more comfortable. Even though natural wood floorings are popular, modular carpeting and throw rugs are just as popular for that comfortable and homey feel.

10. Move bedroom furniture inside your new room and arrange to your liking

11. Enjoy your new room for years to come.Visit Your Home Improvement Place for more resources on home remodeling projects.]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-finishing-touches http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-finishing-touches#comments Thu, 06 Sep 2007 11:15:01 +0000 finishing touchessales managerroundtable eventsflexibilitystrong foundationsales environmentbold approach http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-finishing-touches Roundtable events.

A snapshot of the only negative feedback from this series has been "What you propose sounds rigid, inflexible and unrealistic in a competitive, fast-moving sales environment."

On the surface, and in some situations, this may appear to be the case. However, with the addition of some finishing touches, we think you'll look at a strong foundation and sound structure as an excellent way to build the flexibility you will need to proactively respond in competitive sales situations.

Meet them where they are, not where you wish they were.

A simple but effective way to ensure flexibility within your sales department's foundation and structure is to utilize information available to you. Many of our clients take the insight they learn from our assessments to customize and add finishing touches to the communication style utilized with each individual.

Each salesperson has a blend of traits, styles, skills and motivations that need to be considered. The sales manager sets the tone for the department and essentially "finishes" the look of the department. Yet, the sales manager also needs to understand the influencing factors associated with each individual to receive their full effort.

Some salespeople require a strong, bold approach while others thrive in a data-driven, detached style. Many are rewarded by money, while others are motivated by status and recognition. The sales manager who understands these fine details about his or her team is the one who puts the perfect finishing touches on the sales organization.

Once you determine the most effective way to communicate with an individual, the decorating motif will become clear. Your ability to bring all the pieces together to finish the room will be much easier. You'll have an idea of how you want the room to look and what you will need to make it all come together.

Flexibility in the finishing touches.

The finishing touches always require a bit of flexibility to find the right place, fit and match. A strong sales department requires the sales manager to have a good eye for what is working and what does not fit. At that point changes must be made. A department that is set in stone will falter over time. Markets change. Salespeople change. Products and services change. Flexibility must be a prominent design criterion for the sales organization.

Some examples of flexibility in the finishing touches you can enjoy may include:

-- Recognize and respond to competitive tactics without panic. There won't be a need to repaint the entire house, colors and trim work based on one competitor's changed approach.

-- Plug-in new products and developments without a complete remodel of your existing way of doing business.

-- Easily rearrange internal resources to your liking. "Move the furniture" if you will.

-- Adjust the look and feel of your organization both externally and internally. A little fresh paint, maybe a different color or texture to help the room look a little different.

A quick personal story may serve as a good related analogy. After 19 years, my wife and I sold our home. The hunt for a new home incorporated a wide variety of criteria including the ability to make a new house our home. The personalization and finishing touches we will make most certainly will be different from those of the current owner. In fact, one of the comments from the buyers of our house was "We can easily see ourselves making this house our home." The new home we selected has the same feel. We can easily see how we will transition somebody else's house into our home. The floor plan and layout give us options we have never had before.

If you look at what this series proposes in much the same way, you'll see that establishing a good foundation sets the stage. With some forethought, the foundation provides a variety of options for the structure that will be placed upon it. The structure defines the entire house and once it is in place, a wide variety of options will exist to finish it in the manner that best suits your tastes and requirements. The finishing touches in our new home will include the placing of our furniture, pictures, etc. to our liking. I'm convinced we'll be moving some of these items until things feel right. You'll need to do the same as you finish your plans.

We hope this series has been helpful and has inspired you to look at your foundation, structure and finishing touches. The integration of these three phases produces the strongest sales department possible. If you do it right, you will become more proactive and less reactive in your management. And that, in turn, will make your sales house feel like home. Mike Cardinal is the Director of Professional Training at Select Metrix, a process-based hiring firm located in Minneapolis, MN that specializes in sales selection services, salesperson assessment and sales manager development. For more information please visit http://www.selectmetrix.com ]]>