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Hiring Home Repair Professionals Or Amateurs

During the years I have worked in the home remodeling business, I have seen home repairs done by professionals and amateurs and most of the time there's a big difference between the two of them.

Just the other day, I was looking at a home that was built in 1922 and the homeowner wanted an estimate for her bathroom remodel. By looking around the home, I could tell that some of the home repairs were done by amateurs and I proceeded to ask her about them.

She told me that it wasn't a big deal and I was going to be fixing them anyway, so why should she even worry about them. I then tried to explain to her, the difference between hiring a home repair professional or amateurs to work on her home. These problems created by the inexperienced amateur home repair people, are now costing her thousands of dollars to fix by a professional.

Now I got her attention, now she was starting to listen attentively to everything that I was talking about. Now the next part of this isn't going to make every homeowner happy, but you really do get what you pay for, most of the time.

It's a lot easier to show some one, than it is to convince them that I'm on their side. I have their best interest in mind and I'm only trying to help them solve their problems. Most home repair professionals want you to recommend them to your friends and with that in mind, will always do a good job.

Amateur's on the other hand, might feel the same way and would love to have referrals to expand their business, but lack the experience necessary to make good home repairs. The biggest difference between a home repair professional and an amateur is experience and price.

Some homeowners are always going to be interested in saving a few dollars and their home repairs will end up costing them more money in the future. Sometimes it's better to pay a professional a few more dollars today than it is to pay an amateur less money, only to find yourself fixing the same repair later.

Always hire a professional with experience.

If you're really interested in basement remodeling and repairs, you should click on this link Professional Home Repair Advice. Get some great home repair advice that can make a big difference on any of your home remodeling projects.

Click on This Link Professional House Remodeling Contractors

Greg Andean Bergen is working on the internet to promote the education for creating simple to follow guides and home building books to help professional building contractors as well as the weekend warriors. He has just finished a Home Buyers Guide to take some of the frustration out of home shopping.

Thanks For Reading My Articles

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What Life Stage Are You In? Your Guide To Building The Right Type Of Home

Many people dream of owning their own property, but the realities of shopping for homes can cloud that mental image. Understanding more about what is needed and what is available can help buyers talk more effectively with a home builder and simplify the search.

The best type of dwelling will depend largely on your family and lifestyle. Growing families need more room, while retirees are often scaling down. First time buyers often look at price over size, while investors look for marketability and return on investment. A closer analysis of various lifestyles and the places best suited to your needs can help you find that house of your dreams.

First Time Buyers Get Help From Their Builders

With so many floor plans, inclusions, and neighborhoods to choose from, the process can feel overwhelming. Visit displays so and see how images of floor plans translate into actual structures. Visiting homes can also help first time buyers select from the many inclusions available. It can be difficult to imagine a color scheme without seeing it in a real room. First time buyers should also want to talk with builders about financing and special offers that can make a larger residence more affordable.

Family Homes Offer Room for Growth

For growing families, the decision to shop for a place to reside is usually a matter of not having enough space. As children outgrow their nursery, extra bedrooms and space for studying are needed. Many families now work remotely, which means office space would make a big difference in everyone's comfort. Builders now offer floor plans designed with an eye to privacy and improved storage. Children's rooms revolve around an activity Centre, while the master suite is secluded from noise and offers walk-in wardrobes and a luxurious en-suite. Many house and land packages provide the space needed by growing families at an affordable price.

Luxury New Homes Offer Plenty of Options

As construction companies compete for business, luxury properties are becoming more affordable than ever. It is no longer enough to offer simple walls and a roof. Today's offerings featuring enticements such as stainless steel appliances, recessed ceilings, custom front doors, and other special promotions to attract all walks of life. The housing market is very competitive, and home builders are willing to add more options to house and land packages than ever before.

When shopping for new homes or house and land packages, be sure to consider future needs as well as current needs. What was once a simple matter of buying a place to live has now become an opportunity to work with a home builder to create a unique living experience suitable for the whole family's needs. There are now many luxurious options you may not have considered possible in the past.

Today's market offers more options than ever before. Work with a home builder today to create an affordable, gorgeous place to live that surpasses your dreams.

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Foundation Home Repair Involves Various Techniques

A house of cards provides the perfect illustration of the importance of a home's foundation: if the bottom row of cards are not laid out correctly and not expansive enough, then the rest of the cards can all tumble down. Similarly, a home's foundation provides the necessary support to keep the rest of the home structurally sound. If a homeowner is in need of foundation home repair, it is critical that he research the various methods of foundation home repair that are used by contractors in his area. Two main sources of the repair derives from the methods of foundation stabilization and the hydraulically pressed concrete cylinder method.

Foundation Stability

Foundation stability involves a process which attempts to prevent further sinking and damage to the foundation.
This method attempts to extend the original foundation to redistribute the load of the foundation. However, this process is often ineffective and may be a complete waste of money because it locks the home's foundation into place. If the house is currently leaning and not stabilized, the process will simply level the foundation into the inappropriate position. This basically causes the crooked house to remain crooked.

Hydraulically Pressed Concrete Cylinder Method

The hydraulically pressed concrete cylinder method involves digging a hole around the foundation. A concrete cylinder will be placed in the hole along with a large hydraulic ram. The cylinder is then hydraulically installed. Other cylinders will be added in order to support the load of the home. The weight of the cylinders will cut through any materials that are between the home's existing structure and the ground, such as roots or rocks. This method is advantageous because it has the greatest load-bearing capacity over other foundation home repair methods. The concrete cylinders will not corrode like other materials may. This method requires only a few days of repair, minimizing the expense of the project while also preventing future foundation problems.

When a homeowner realizes that he needs the assistance of a foundation home repair business, he should become informed about the various types of repair methods that are available. He should weigh the pros and cons of each method and pay particular attention to whether the repair method will eliminate future problems. If the solution is only temporary, he will have to pay for additional future repairs. The hydraulically pressed concrete cylinder method has been used for over two decades. It is the preferred method by industry leaders and it is proven by experts to outperform any other method of foundation repair that is currently available on the market today.

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Give the outside of your house some TLC

  1. It's no secret that during the cold winter months, most people don't tend to get outside much. People also don't tend to take the time to check the status of the exterior of their house. This is perfectly understandable when the weather is so cold and miserable.
    However, now that the sun is making an appearance and the thermometer is showing higher numbers, it's time to get out and do that maintenance on the exterior of your house.

    Inspect your gutters

    When the weather is cold, all sorts of damage can happen to your gutters, especially if the temperature hits around freezing. Cracks and holes can appear in the plastic, and the clamps that hold the actual structure up can get weakened.
    If you're in a summer rainfall area, then it's important to ensure that your gutters are strong and ready for the rain. On the other hand, if you've been experiencing heavy rain and storms in the winter, it's a good idea to see if they've been damaged. Doing this now means that you'll be ready for next winter.

    Check your shutters and windows

    Now that the sun is coming out more often than not, it's time to inspect your shutters and see if any damage has been done by the winter cold. The first check should be on the hinges. If they've rusted due to frost or rain, it's essential to clean that off straight away otherwise you may have to replace the entire hinge. The rust can also run onto the walls, staining the exterior of your house.
    Then to the actual shutters. The winter cold can warp the material, even if you have plastic shutters, so be sure to check how the pieces fit together. With wooden shutters, you should look for rot or splinters that may be coming off.

    Clean your chimney

    Having a nice roaring fire going in your house during winter is one of the most wonderful ways to keep warm. However, it can lead to a build up of soot or ash in your chimney. It's vital that you have the entire structure carefully cleaned and checked over by an expert.
    We also suggest that you do this now, in spring, rather than wait until autumn next year. If you take care of your chimney now, you'll be able to light a fire as soon as the weather gets a little colder next year without worrying.

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Give your clothing cupboard an overhaul

Everyone knows that clothes can go missing for months under piles of jerseys or other unworn items. Socks can even seem to multiply when left to their own devices in the back of a cupboard. There are days when you open the doors to your cupboard and it feels as if you're drowning in clothes, but you have no idea where that one item you really want to wear is.
If this is the case, it's time to give your cupboard a complete overhaul!
Pull everything out
This may seem drastic, but it's impossible to see what you have if you do it piece by piece or shelf by shelf. If you want to give your cupboard a real clean, you need to get everything out.
Sort through your clothes
The quickest way is to get everything into piles – T-shirts, pants, dresses should all get their own pile. From there, sort your clothes into smart and casual items, as well as winter and summer options.
The next step is possibly the hardest one. Get rid of anything that is out of fashion or hasn't been worn in the last two years. It's highly unlikely that you'll ever wear it again, unless it's one of those expensive, very smart items like a tuxedo or designer dress. These you should keep, if they still fit.
Assess the space required
Once you've got the clothes you're keeping, it's important to divide them into how each piece gets stored. You need to assess what clothing hangs and what gets folded and put on shelves. Additionally, see which hanging items require the full length of the cupboard or only half the height.
Once you've established what space you need, you can start to plan how you'll put it away in the cupboards that you have. This planning stage will allow you to maximise the way you use the space available.
Tips for extra storage space
Use plastic storage containers to create more "shelf space" in a cupboard. They are ideal for storing items that you don't use regularly. Clear boxes are also great for stacking shoes if you don't have a lot of space on the floor of your cupboards. Another excellent way to save shelf space is to get a slim rail on the inside of a cupboard door for ties, scarves and belts.

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Want to modernise your home's interior?

Modernising your home doesn't have to involve buying new furniture and completely redecorating. All you need to do is focus on a few key elements, and you'll bring your home into the 21st century without breaking the bank.
The most important thing to remember is that a modern theme means clean lines and neutral colours.
Update your curtains or blinds
A quick way to modernise a room is to change curtains to more structured blinds. These will automatically update the room and give the walls cleaner lines.
If you prefer curtains, then make sure you get ones that are made of a heavier fabric – floaty, lightweight curtains aren't modern. Additionally, patterns should be kept to a minimum and geometric shapes are better than florals.
Paint your wooden furniture white
If you have cottage-style furniture or antique looking items in your home, you can bring them up to date by simply painting over the wood with a neutral colour such as white. Other good colours to use for your furniture include ivory and pale blues or yellows.
For chairs, try painting the structure one of these colours and then cover the cushions with dark leather to enhance the look. You can also paint chests of drawers or tables in the same or complimentary colours to complete the theme in a room.
Removing the wood finish from a room will automatically make it feel modern. This will also make the space feel light and airy.
Create clean lines with your décor
A modern theme in a room is always enhanced by clean lines and uncluttered services. It's important to keep things such as books, knick-knacks and decorative items to a minimum.
Additionally, when arranging your furniture, ensure that the lines you create are straight and clean. Try to avoid haphazard arrangements, and make sure that you keep the walkways clear.

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Considering putting in new doors and windows?

If you want to do a bit of remodelling, or give your home a small facelift, putting in new doors and windows can be just the change you need. These are key elements for both the exterior and interior of a house, and plenty of consideration needs to go into the materials you use.
The two main contenders for doors and window frames these days are wood and metal. Both are long-lasting options that give your home a distinct look and feel.
Wood – for the traditionalist
Wooden doors and window frames used to be the only option, but recently other materials have come along. These newer options may be cheaper in many cases, but you can’t beat the organic feel that natural wood grain brings to your home – especially if your décor is more traditional.
If you choose to go for wood, it’s good to know that you don’t have to get solid doors for your whole house. Solid wood is ideal for doors to the exterior, but for your interior, you can use hollow core doors that are much lighter and less expensive.
One of the best benefits of choosing wooden doors and window frames is that damage like scratches can be repaired quite easily. In most instances, sandpaper, wood filler and varnish or paint will cover any nicks or scrapes.
One thing that is important to note though, is that wood must be treated properly otherwise it will begin to warp from weather and use.
Metal – the modern look
There are several metal options for doors and window frames, but aluminium is one of the top choices. It’s a lightweight material that’s incredibly strong and sturdy. Aluminium also gives your home a sleek, sophisticated, modern edge.
Installing doors and window frames in metal can be pricey initially, but they require practically no maintenance once in. Additionally, aluminium doesn’t warp with use and the weather has little effect on it. Just remember to check for rust regularly and treat it straight away if you find any, otherwise you may have to replace the entire fitting.
Another benefit of aluminium is that you don’t have to stick with a metallic finish. It can be powder coated any colour you want. However, you have to do this before you install the frames.
Aluminium also gives you excellent flexibility in terms of window designs. It’s a sturdy metal that can hold larger and heavier pieces of glass for windows, yet the frame remains light so it’s easier to open and close.
So which one should you choose?
With so many benefits to both wood and metal, it can be tricky to choose between them. One important element to consider though, is whether or not your home has irregular shapes for windows and doors. Make sure you check that the material you use can accommodate these shapes.
Other than that, it’s really a matter of personal taste in terms of look and feel for your home.

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Make your TV room a special place to relax in

A TV room needs to be a place where you can relax, unwind and put your feet up. It's the space that your family retreats to after a long day in order to forget about their worries and stress. This means that the way you decorate this room is as important as how you would decorate a formal dining room or entertainment area.

Just because you're not likely to have guests in your TV room, doesn't mean it shouldn't be a space that reflects your style and is comfortable to be in. When decorating this room, make sure you consider the following elements:

Seating

The key is to keep it casual. Oversized cushions on big comfortable couches will allow you to really kick back and relax in the evenings while you watch your favourite television show. It's also a good idea to make sure that everything is in a fabric that can be cleaned easily. That way, you can put your feet up without worrying about leaving marks. You'll also be able to eat and drink in the room, if you want to.

Tables and storage

If you want to be able to relax properly in this space, then remember that convenience is vital. Little coffee tables around the room will make life easier because you don't have to get up to put down your mug, glass or plate of food. Just remember to keep the tables clear so that you don't have to fight for space when you have crockery to put down.

In order to keep these tables clear, try putting magazine racks next to your couches. They're an excellent way to store books and magazines, but still keeping them within easy reach. They're also a good place to put remotes for the TV – and they look much more stylish than fabric pockets hanging over the arm of the couch.

Décor

Since your TV room is a space just for the family, it can be the ideal place for you to go a little wild with your décor. Don't be afraid to try things such as bright paints and interesting pieces of furniture. Colour blocking on the walls can be attractive to the eye and, with the right colours, can rejuvenate you.

Another way to experiment with colour is in your furniture. Paint the shelves or cupboards different colours that complement each other. You can also use big, comfy throw cushions that have patterns all over them.

Whatever you do in your TV room – just remember to keep it comfortable for you.

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Refresh your bathroom in 3 simple steps

Is your bathroom feeling old and in need of a makeover? You may be considering remodelling the room, but have put it off because that is not only a pricey endeavour, it's also a big process to embark on.
Instead of giving your bathroom a complete overhaul, why not try our three simple steps to refresh the room without spending a fortune on remodelling? A few small changes can be all you need to bring your bathroom back to life.
1. Clean limescale off your taps
Ordinary cleaning products will get rid of the bacteria and other potentially harmful items in your bathroom, but they don't always leave your taps looking sparkly and new. This limescale can build up quickly and become quite unsightly.
A simple way to get rid of the build-up is to use a combination of bicarbonate of soda and vinegar. Mix these household items two tablespoons to one (bicarb to vinegar). Use a cloth to wipe the solution onto the taps and leave it for a moment. Then take an old toothbrush and scrub the limescale, it should lift off with ease.
2. Reseal your tiles and get rid of unsightly mould
This step is quite a time consuming task, but once finished, your bathroom will look as good as new. The black mould that can build up between tiles isn't harmful, but can look terrible – making your whole bathroom look unclean.
Take a utility knife and scrape out the sealant between the tiles – you have to get all of it out, otherwise the mould will come back quickly. Then use a silicone applicator to reseal the tiles. You need to have a steady hand to get the lines nice and straight. Once the beads of silicone are in place, use your finger to smooth it down.
The finished result will be bright, new-looking tiles.
3. Unblock your drains
That blocked drain smell can linger in your bathroom and make the whole room feel a little old and stale. However, there is no need to live with this as unblocking your sink, bath and shower drains is a very simple process. You can even buy bottles of unblocking fluid from any supermarket.
If you'd prefer to go with a more natural approach, you can use bicarbonate of soda. Just pour a few spoonfuls down the drain, followed by some vinegar. Leave the drain for a moment and then flush with warm water from the tap.
Remember, if there are people in your house with long hair, it's a good idea to go through the unblocking process on a regular basis in your shower and bath. This will prevent a build-up and keep your bathroom smelling fresh.

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Alternatives to a plain old paint job

Most of us know the basic rules to painting the interior of a house – white ceilings make the rooms feel bigger and neutral walls are easier to decorate. However, sometimes this just isn't interesting any more.
There is absolutely no reason why the interior of your house should be one or two neutral colours. There is an array of different paint colours out there, with interesting finishes that will make your rooms come to life.
If you're looking to try something different next time you paint, here are some options to try:

Create patterns on your wall

The simplest way to create visual interest on your walls is to paint some stripes or try some colour blocking. All you have to do is choose your base colour – this should be something neutral – and then select some complementary colours for the design.
It's important to plan out your design – work out which sections should be painted first. It's recommended that you start with the lighter colours because it's easier to paint over them if you make a mistake.
The next step is to mark out the design on the wall. You can do this quite simply with masking tape. It's really the ideal tape for the job as it'll give you perfect straight lines but won't stick too tightly to the wall or ruin the paint that's already there. Just remember to let each section dry properly before you start on the next one.

Highlight architectural elements

If you don't have open spaces on your walls for a colour-blocked design, but still want to highlight elements of a room in a different colour, there is a solution for you. Try picking out certain architectural structures in your room. For example, door frames are the ideal place for a bold colour. Alternatively, try the inside of your window frames. If you have a pillar or exposed beams in a room, they are also good elements for a highlight colour.

Have a feature wall in the room

Another way to make a statement with paint is to paint one wall in the room a different colour to the rest. Doing this will make the entire wall a focal point for the room and give the space some depth and interest.
Experts recommend that you choose a wall that is already a focal point in the room. For example, in your lounge, you should pick the wall that the television sits on or next to. The eye is already drawn to this area, so trying to change focus to another wall with colour will only distract and confuse. Another tip, if the furniture in a room doesn't create a focal point, is to choose the wall opposite the door as this is where people will look first naturally.

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Steps to help your garden recover from winter

At last, we're seeing the back of winter and the warmer weather is coming to stay. As we begin to move outside and prepare to invite friends over for braais on the weekend, it's important to make sure that your garden is ready for entertaining.
Winter in South Africa can be harsh on your garden, and in the spring, your plants, paths and outdoor entertainment areas can need a little TLC.

1. Clear the paths in your garden

During winter, most people don't spend a lot of time wandering through their gardens. This gives the plants that line your garden paths the perfect opportunity to overrun the area and cause a little bit of chaos.
Now that the weather is getting a little warmer, it's time to get outside and take a walk along all of your paths. Take your pruning clippers or secateurs with you, so that you can chop away any branches that overhang. You also need to keep an eye out for ground cover plants and roots that could be lifting the bricks or paving slabs you use to demarcate the path.

2. Check wooden decks and garden furniture for damage

Whether you're in a winter rain fall area or not, wooden items can get quite badly damaged during the colder months. If you have a wooden deck outside your house, it's important to have it checked by a professional to ensure that there are no dangerous areas that have begun to rot.
If you have wooden garden furniture that lives outside, you need to check it thoroughly for rot, splinters and any weakness in the joints. Now is also the ideal time to give this furniture a new coat of polish or wax. This will keep it gleaming in the coming summer sunshine.

3. Clean out moss that has grown between bricks or paving slabs

Moss between bricks and paving slabs can look quite nice – some people even water their bricks in order to encourage moss to grow. However, there are times when it can be dangerous to have moss as it can become quite slippery when it gets wet. If you have moss growing on your garden paths, outside steps or entertainment area, you may want to consider removing it to prevent an accident.
There are several methods to get rid of moss, from using a high-pressure hose to pouring a mixture of bleach and water over it. The first method will get rid of the top layer and is a quick method for making an area safe if you have a party that night. Using bleach, however, will actually kill the moss so that it won't grow back. This is quite a process and it's best to ask a specialist before trying it yourself.
Browse our directory of Gardening and Outdoor specialists in South Africa. They'll be able to help you to get your garden in tip-top shape this spring.

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It's spring cleaning time

Spring is finally here and hopefully, so is the warmer weather. While this is a big relief for many of us – being able to shed the coats and boots, and get out into the sunshine – it's also the perfect time to do a little cleaning.
Most people think of spring cleaning as going through their wardrobes and getting rid of the clothes they didn't use over the cold, dark winter months to make room for shorts and T-shirts. Many also take the time to wash their windows and clean their lounge suite. But this year, why not do something a little different? Why not get to those big items that you don't regularly clean?

1. Air your mattresses

We all spend a lot of time in bed – up to a third of our lives – so it makes sense to look after your mattress. After the gloomy days of winter, it's a good idea to get your mattress out into the fresh air. This will help to get rid of lingering odours and any moisture that may have seeped into the fabric.
As an added bonus, sunlight is a natural disinfectant. Getting some sunshine onto your mattress will go a long way to killing any mites or bugs that have crawled in there.

2. Take your non-fitted rugs outside to clean

Much like a mattress, your rugs can benefit from a bit of sunshine and fresh air. In the winter, it can be difficult to get your floors 100% clean, especially if you live in a winter rainfall area. Even if you aren't tracking mud into your house after a storm, it's likely that your carpets and loose rugs are getting more dirt in them during the winter.
Now that the weather is changing, it's the perfect time to air out your rugs. Our experts recommend that you roll up your rug rather than fold them to transport them outside. Another tip is to lay out the rugs over your garden furniture in order to let both sides air. With smaller rugs, you can even hang them up on your washing line and beat them to get out any lingering dust.

3. Get rid of mould and mildew build up in your bathroom

During the colder months, it's quite common to not open a window while showering or bathing. This means that your bathroom is at risk for mould and mildew build up. Now that the weather is getting a little warmer, our experts strongly recommend that you get as much air moving through the room as possible, especially when it's full of steam from a bath or shower.
For stubborn mould or mildew there are several methods to get rid of it. A steam cleaner is highly effective, and it doesn't require anything potentially toxic. If a more drastic approach is required, bleach is the most effective method. Hydrogen peroxide is commonly used, but it can give off strong fumes, so be sure to keep the room ventilated while working.

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How to install Click-Lock Laminate Flooring

General Information

Most laminate wooden floors are laid by dry-clipping board together. Clipping mechanisms vary, but principles are the same. Whether you need a vapour barrier or underlay will depend on the type of floor. If in doubt, install one. Wooden flooring needs to acclimatize for two or three days before being laid. Do not open the packs.

When calculating the quantity of planks needed for your projects, keep in mind that wastage due to off-cuts may be as high as 15% depending on the seam pattern you choose.

Remember, laminate is a floating floor as should not be fixed to the sub floor.

You will need:
  • Laminated wood planks
  • Underlay
  • Tape
  • Carpet knife
  • Hammer
  • Measuring Tape
  • Jig Saw
  • Knocking block
  • Pry bar
  • Plastic spacers
  • Pencil

Preparation:

The descent preparation of the sub-floor is of crucial importance. Ensure the following:

  • Floors are completely dry
  • Floors are level and smooth
  • Free of dust and foreign objects

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  • Install the Foam Underlayment
  • Lay the First Row
  • Install Subsequent Rows
  • Going Around a Doorway

Finishing Details

1. Install the Foam Underlayment

Roll out the foam across the floor’s surface. Tape the seams together between the sheets of underlayment 
Trim the foam to size, ensuring that it fits precisely at the junctions between the walls and the floor. Use a utility knife to cut it 

2. Lay the First Row

Position the first board in a corner of the room. 
Make sure the grooved side of the boards is against the wall. Insert plastic wedges between the board and the wall. 
To place the next board, engage it with the end of the first board by holding it roughly 45 degrees to the first board. 
Press down on the second board, and lock it into place. Continue joining boards in this way to make the first row. 
Insert wedges at regular intervals. As you near the end of the row, you will probably need to cut a board at finish.

3. Install Subsequent Rows

Use the offcut piece from the end of the first row to start the second. Engage it at a 45-degree angle to the edges of the first-row boards. 
Tap the board with a knocking block to tighten. Place another board beside it. Leave a slight gap so you can clip it to the first row, then knock fully into place. Repeat along row. 
You may need a pry bar to tighten the joint for the last board in any row. Hook the pry bar over the end of the board, and tap its other end with a hammer. 

4. Going Around a Doorway

In the doorway, boards should extend to the threshold. Keep laying boards until you near the final wall, and a whole board is too wide to fit. Make a profile of the doorway from cardboard and transfer to a plank. Cut along the pencil edge with a jigsaw. Install the board, using a pry bar to tap in the clip-together mechanism. Use this method to cut and attach all boards against the wall. 
Install a threshold strip in the doorway. 

5. Finishing Details

Finish off the room with lengths of edging (shoe molding), pinned or glued (with contact adhesive) to the baseboard. This is to cover the expansion gap. 

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