This article is to try and help those of you who have been trying to level an uneven ceiling and having very little success. There is a knack to the whole process but with a little understanding there is no reason why you shouldn't be able to achieve perfect results.

Here at 4K Construction we spend quite some time renovating and refurbishing older style buildings. We adore this kind of work as a great proportion of older properties are very grand and have plenty of character in them.

Older properties though, inherit a number of natural defects and just one of those defects is sloping or uneven ceilings. It's very common in older houses to see ‘wonky' ceilings but thankfully with a little tweaking here and there, it is not so difficult to get them looking nice and level again.

One of the worst things to see in a building is a ceiling that is running all over the place. You will notice it right away and the whole thing just looks like one terrible eyesore.

There are a couple of different ways of straightening up ceilings but one of the simplest ways is to add on new joists to the existing ceiling joists by simply screwing them to the side. If you wanted to you could do this with three by one timber but for an even better job and a straighter ceiling, you could use metal studs. They are relatively cheap to buy and are very straight with no bowing or ‘bananas' in them.

First thing you will want to do is establish a straight and level line around the perimeter of the ceiling. Make your reference points about an inch or so under the lowest point of the ceiling. You can do this with a standard spirit level but for higher accuracy I would recommend either a laser or rotary level, or even a water level. Once you have your reference points either draw or snap a chalk line so that you have your datum to work to.

First of all screw timber to the perimeter of the ceiling to the new level line that you have. I have known builders to also use metal stud for the perimeter but I feel timber offers greater reinforcement for this purpose.

Now fix two string lines up. Attach one string line to the bottom of one of the perimeter timbers you have fixed to the wall, and at right angles to the existing joists, and fix the other string line to the other end of the perimeter timber on the wall and also at right angles to the existing joists.

You now have 2 level lines to work to and all you need to do is screw the new stud to the old ceiling joists and ensure they are level as your doing this by checking that the studs slightly touch each end of the string lines. Remember, the string lines will run at right angles to the existing ceiling timbers so when you add the new studs, they will run parallel to the existing joists and should be screwed with forty or fifty mm screws.

This method works well for when you have stripped the ceiling right back, In other words, taken off all the old plaster etc. There may be times when this is not practical and in that case it is possible to build a new independent framework directly underneath the ceiling. This will lower the ceiling slightly and you should also be sure that the existing ceiling above is secure and not coming away, else you could have bits falling down and damaging the newer ceiling beneath. Constructing a separate framework is quite common where ceilings are just too high and it is more cost effective to have lowered ceilings and save on fuel costs etc.

You are only left now to plasterboard the new ceiling and finish with skim plaster.

I've spent a lifetime trying to "exercise". You know buy a gym membership, buy new clothes, spend, spend, spend and then never actually see the inside of the gym, and never lose weight or get fit.

I have bought just about every home fitness video and dvd there is. Those infomercials are REALLY good! I get so motivated while I'm watching and I order only to have no motivation when the product actually gets to my house.

This summer I assumed would be much the same. However, one thing changed. I didn't join the gym... again, but I did decide to dig my bike out of the garage and get back on it. As soon as I got on my bike I realized how much I loved to ride. That one ride has led me to set goals and even start a blog about long distance cycling. 

I've found since it became about seeing just how far I could go on my bike and not about how much weight I could lose the pounds have been coming off, and the muscle is building.

I've heard similar stories from others as well. A friend of mine bought an Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Inflatable Kayak, and now can't stay off the water. She's losing wieght too. 

It seems when you get out in the real world, and your focus changes, it becomes more fun. It's more of a challenge, seeing what you can get your body to do. It all becomes so much more than a couple pounds on the scale ~ but those come off too.

So if you really want to lose weight and get healthy I suggest you get off your Schwinn 460 elliptical trainer and get yourself out in the real world! You might be surprised what happens.

While many people dread the coming of winter, there is a growing number of snowmobile owners that do quite the opposite. To be prepared to enjoy that first snowfall, the snowmobile owner should prepare well ahead by checking on the condition of his snowmobile as well as any snowmobile accessories that might be needed.

The first and probably most important snowmobile accessory is the trailer. You want to be sure that transporting your sled will not be a problem. The fall season is a great time to upgrade to the proper type of snowmobile trailer in case you have avoided it in the past. There are many different types of snowmobile trailers but most experienced snowmobile owners will opt for the enclosed aluminum models. The better snowmobile trailers may have steel frames, but the aluminum and alloy bodies lighten the overall weight and make towing easier. Most of the better enclosed trailers open front and rear for fast and easy loading. Another benefit of enclosed trailers is that they offer a much better storage option then filling your garage with your winter toys.

After the trailer, the serious snowmobile enthusiast will check his snowmobile and replace any snowmobile parts and accessories that might be needed. Off season is the time for upgrading snowmobile tracks and studs. Experienced snowmobile owners often take an extra set of skis on trips. But you can find anything from electrical components to windshields on the web for Ski Doo, Yamaha, Artic Cat and Polaris with little difficulty.

Last but definitely not least, you want to check your safety equipment. Snowmobile riding requires a good snowmobile helmet. Be sure to buy a good quality helmet since this is one area you really should not compromise on. In addition to the helmet, be sure to have the proper snowmobile riding attire including jacket, pants, boots, and gloves. The correct attire not only has to protect you from the wet snow but also from the ever present wind chill. No matter how long a ride you plan, be sure you are dressed properly.