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How To Plan Out Your Home Improvement Projects
Getting a home improvement project done is something you may have to deal with from time to time. If you are wondering what you must do to plan out your home improvement project, then this article can help you to do that. Read along carefully and you will be able to get your project done quickly and properly.
Mentally prepare for the home improvement project that you’re going to be doing. This is going to take you some time, and you are going to need to be patient as well. If you aren’t able to be patient then you are going to end up making the project take a lot longer than it should take. You are not going to be able to rush through your project, because if you do, it is going to take you quite a bit longer than it should because you could end up breaking something or doing something wrong.
Plan out your project carefully on paper. Write down everything you’re going to need to buy and how long you think each thing is going to take. Try to call the home improvement stores to check on prices so you can see what kind of money you’re looking at spending so you know if it’s plausible for you to start working on this project. If you have to remodel something and you won’t be able to stay in your home until it’s done, figure out where you’re going to stay for a while.
Purchase everything you need, but be careful and pick out a home improvement store with the best prices. It’s a good idea to call around before going to any store. You want to find places that are having sales or you want to find coupons somewhere if they are available. Don’t just go to one store and buy everything there. You should be able to find a deal on different items at different places, and try looking online as well because sometimes the business’s website will have coupons or deals that you can look over.
It’s okay to hire someone else to help with the project if you need to. You may want to do some research before you hire someone so you’re sure that you’re getting the best person for the job. Ask the person you’re thinking of hiring if they have done similar work in the past. Also don’t just pick out the first contractor you find so that you can ask others what they’d charge for the same services. Always read through any contracts that you have to sign that the contractor gives you because you don’t want it to say that you’re willing to pay for something you don’t even need.
Repairing your home from time to time is something that you’ll have to do as a homeowner. The above advice you were given should assist you the next time you need to get your project off of the ground. Just be patient and you’ll see results.
How To Make Home Improvement Free Of Stress
When it comes to home improvement projects, you want to make sure you approach things in the right way. If you’re not prepared with a plan and know the necessary information about your projects, then you can have a very difficult time. Continue reading to learn how to make home improvement projects free of stress.
One thing you’re going to want to do is to simplify each project you’re planning. Take things one step at a time, and make sure you’re not leaving anything out. It’s okay if you take your time as long as you do things right. You don’t have to be in a rush, but you want to be calculated. Plus, rushing and making mistakes can bring on the stress as well.
That is why you also need a good written plan to work from. Having things written down will help you not only work much more efficiently, but it will help you get things right from the beginning. Without a written plan, you are likely to leave something out and make a mistake. This can end up costing you more money and making you feel like you just hired someone to begin with.
Speaking of hiring someone, if the job is too big for you, do not worry about hiring a contractor. You’ve looked into the matter, and it’s time to bring in a professional. That is okay because you can handle certain projects, but you don’t need to make things difficult for yourself by trying to take on something that is too big. This will only cause you many problems in the long run.
If the job just requires a few helping hands but is something you can do, then you can also look into having a friend or a few friends help. This is good for even some of the smaller projects because you can always use a helping hand or spotter. Plus, it helps to have a little social activity as well. This keeps you happy and safe.
If there are many home improvement projects going on, and you’re not at the helm, then you may want to consider living off premises for awhile. This can make it to where you’re not constantly dodging things, and the projects can even possibly get done faster. It can make things much easier on both you and your family.
Do not have problems finishing. It’s not a good idea to start one project while you’re still working on another. Furthermore, it’s okay if you don’t make your timeframe. Make it to where the home improvement projects are on the side and can be finished methodically as you continue along. Focus on being able to live among your project, and again, remember to do one at a time.
If you were wondering how you can approach home improvement the right way without all the added stress, then this article has benefited you. Keep in mind the advice that you’ve read so that you can have fun with your home improvement projects and end up with the right outcome.
How to Hire a Contractor for Home Projects
Many people tend to make mistakes when they hire a contractor. Some will take the person with the biggest ad in the Yellow Pages. Others will just pick the first name in the list. Yet others take the cheapest option. In all of these cases, a little additional research would go a long way, and this article details what extra steps need to be taken.
Ask anyone you know who owns a home for a referral. Everyone has used an electrician, plumber, inspector or contractor at some point, if they own their own home. From a flooring installer to a bathroom renovator, you will find many people have great stories about work done on their residence. Make a list of the people they recommend to start you off.
Next, check with local organizations which deal with the renovation you wish to complete. For example, Mike Holmes’ website offers recommendations for contractors across Canada he believes in. Job-specific associations often have lists of people who are a member you can scan through. Lastly, check out Angie’s List for local workers and reviews on their work. Add these names to your list as well.
Check with the Better Business Bureau to find out if there are any complaints about the contractors on your list. You can visit BBB.org and enter their name to find out more. If they aren’t listed, or have unsatisfied complaints, cross them off your list. Companies which don’t join the BBB aren’t able to be verified, so they aren’t worth considering.
Call up each contractor on your list and ask if they have a license. Also ask about their professional association memberships, and if they have any certifications. Lastly, ask them about their insurance. If you do select a contractor from your list, be sure to ask for copies of proof of all that they tell you when they first visit your home.
Also ask for a list of references. You should be able to call these people and even see the work done. A list of references is only helpful if you actually contact the people on the list, after all. Do your due diligence and contact as many references as you can to be sure that the work done was up to standards, completed on time and priced within their budget.
Get everything in writing. From warranties to estimates, you should have documentation for all of the work done. If the company offers a guarantee on their work, get that in writing, too. Also get the contact information of the company including their physical address so you know where to find them if something happens after they are done.
With all of this information available to you, you should be ready to find a great contractor. Take your time, do your research and be sure to consider your choice carefully. If you choose correctly, not only will your renovation be done right, on time and on budget, but you will find a partner who can help you in the future with any home projects you need to complete.
Remodeling Your Bathroom in a Cost Effective Manner
Changing the look of a bathroom can raise the value of a home. There are many ways to cut cost. From doing it yourself to hiring a handyman, there are many ways to do it and the more you know the cheaper it will be. Here are some tips on how to do it yourself.
Put new pull knobs and hinges on cabinets. This will give the room some shine. Handles and knobs are cheap and do wonders for the look of a bathroom. Adding new hinges will, for pennies, get rid of the noise some doors make.
Putting in a new sink is easy and fast. There are only a few waterlines to disconnect. Both are located under the sink. Turn off the water, then unscrew the lines and unhook the drain. Now, all that is left is to pull out the sink itself. Sit the new sink in and reconnect all lines, turn on water. Check for leaks. If there are none, waterlines are connected properly. Get caulking and put a bead around the sink. This should double your investment in the room.
The floor needs to be gone over carefully. Remove the covering on the floor and check for damage. After looking over the floor, remove any wood that is rotting. Measure the size of bad area. Cut wood to fit where old wood was removed. Make sure everything is nailed. Apply glue to the floor that will hold the new covering. Cut new floor covering to fit room. Allow the glue to dry before you walk on it. This does not cost much in time or money.
Installing a new toilet is one effective way to add value to a bathroom. Take out the bolts that are holding the toilet to the floor. Lifting the toilet off the ring and checking the seal is a very important step. After removing the toilet from your floor, you should always replace the old wax seal. This will prevent leaks from doing more damage to the floor. There are a number of choices for a new toilet. The one that most people choose would be a one gallon tank. By purchasing this type of toilet, you will also save money on water. Set the new toilet down carefully on the new wax ring. After you are sure that the toilet is lined up perfectly, tighten down the bolts to create a new seal with the wax ring. Now if you have no leaks, the job has been successfully finished.
Although you can hire a handyman to do this work, it can be costly. Learning how to do the work yourself will save you the most money. Hopefully, these tips will be informative. By following these steps, you can get more of a positive return on the investment that you have made. Adding value to your home is as easy as going to the hardware store. Most people think a new look for a room is too expensive, but it does not have to be.
How To Find A Reliable Contractor For Your Home Improvement Needs
When you want to renovate your house, no doubt you want to do it in the most cost-effective way. You may frequently want to do the home improvements yourself. However, there are projects that are best left to the professionals. They services can be expensive. Typically, the labor itself is two-thirds of the total cost of a project. With such a big investment in labor, you can see why you owe it to yourself to find the best contractor for the job. This article will guide you along in finding the perfect one for your project.
You probably have friends and family who have had work done on their houses by a contractor. Ask them if they would like to recommend their contractors. Get more information on whether or not they were pleased with the work rendered. Ask them if the contractor was easy to work with. Did the contractor respond to phone calls promptly? Were their prices reasonable? Was the work completed on time? If you have the chance, see if you can take a look at the workmanship yourself. You can also find reviews on contractors online, but there is nothing better than to get a recommendation from someone whom you trust.
All contractors should have a valid contractor’s license from their own state. You many find some unlicensed handyman businesses trying to bid for work. However, you cannot be sure about the businesses’ work quality because they are unlicensed.
Also, all contractors should carry their own company insurance. Usually, the employees of a contracting company are covered by the company’s insurance. If any any employee gets hurt on the job, the company insurance will cover their injuries. However, if the company does not have insurance, and one of their employees gets hurt working on your property, you can be liable for medical costs. So, the lesson here is, always confirm that the contractor has a valid state license and that it has company insurance.
Write down a description of your project, including any measurements and your preferred choice of materials. Then, when you talk to the contractors about a written estimate, always refer back to your same notes. You want to keep that part of the estimate consistent so your comparisons will not be skewed by too many variables.
When you get an estimate, be sure that is divided into cost of materials and cost of labor. The cost of materials should not differ too much because contractors get their supplies from similar sources. What you are comparing is the cost of service when you are comparing quotes.
The lowest bid does not necessarily give you the best value. The bid could be low because the company is new and they just want to drum up business. That is perfectly fine, but you have to weigh the risk of hiring a cheaper, untested service for your project instead of a more expensive but seasoned professional for the work.
Take your time with selecting the right contractor. If you make a good choice, you can rest easy that the contractor will deliver what he promised.
Creative Ways To Give Your Floors A New Look
If you are dealing with outdated flooring in your home, there are several different ways to remedy the situation. Each will provide a different look, and each will fit into your budget in a different way. This article will explore some of the most common, yet creative, ways to give your floors a whole new look.
1. Refinish Wood Floors
If you already have wood under your outdated carpets, one of the most beautiful choices you can make when creating a new flooring look in your home is to refinish the wood. Refinishing involves sanding, staining and sealing the floors that are already there. It is typically more cost effective than replacing the floors, unless the existing wood floors are in very bad condition (i.e.: badly scratched or severely damaged due to water, mold or mildew) and in need of extensive repairs. If you are new to refinishing your floors, it is a good idea to get an expert’s opinion before proceeding with the project.
2. Install new carpet tiles
Replacing carpeting can help to give your room a new look. When doing so, consider carpet tiles rather than traditional carpeting. Carpet tiles cover an entire space in the same way that traditional carpeting does, but if you happen upon a stain you cannot get out in the future, you simply have to replace one tile, rather than a whole room of carpet. The tiles will likely cost you as much as traditional carpet now, but they can provide great cost savings in the future.
3. Choose laminate floors over wood
Everyone loves the look of wood, but not everyone loves the price that is attached to it. Rather than looking only at traditional wood options, consider laminate instead. There are many new laminate options available that look and feel much like real wood. They are typically easier to install, even for the do-it-yourself individual, and the cost of the product is less than wood, too. In addition, laminate often withstands damage, such as scratches from pets, much better than wood does. This makes it a durable option that can last you for years.
4. Consider concrete floors
Concrete is a great option, especially if you are looking at upgrading floors in a basement area or rec room. It is very durable and cost effective too. You can paint concrete in just about any color you like, making it easy to customize to match your decor. This is another project that most do-it-yourself individuals can handle with minimal training.
As you can see, there are a variety of different options available when it comes to replacing or repairing your current floors. Take some time to evaluate them all in order to find the look and feel that will work for your family. By doing so, you can give your home a whole new look that will increase the warmth of your space, as well as the value of your home. Have fun exploring your new flooring choices!
Home Improvement Tips To Tackle Any Project
Home improvement projects don’t always require a contractor to get done properly. However, it is important that you adequately prepare for your project before getting start. Your success relies on how well you prepare! Doing a home improvement project yourself can provide you with significant benefits such as more money to put towards other projects. The following tips will help you tackle any project!
Familiarize yourself with what you will have to do to successfully complete your project. It is vital that you fully understand what the project will require you to do. Prepare by writing a list of materials and other supplies that you will need throughout the entire project. This will allow you to understand your budget properly and it also helps saves several trips to your local hardware store. The Internet offers a wealth of information as to how you can go about completing each project. If you have any specific concerns, join a home improvement forum or discussion group to answer your questions.
Always check if you have all of the supplies needed before beginning a given task. This is especially important if your project is something that requires a certain speed to complete. For example, joint compound and paint generally dry quickly, so ensure that you have all of your compound or painting materials. Always keep paper towels or bags around to help clean up messes. Never ignore safety warnings and always use safety goggles and protective gear whenever required.
Make sure that your workspace is clean enough for you to begin your project. This will be your final step before beginning to work. How much you need to clear a given space will ultimately depend on the type of project that you are looking to undertake. If your project requires you to use paints, solvents or other products that can contain chemical fumes, ensure that your area has enough ventilation. If needed, use a fan to properly circulate the air. If you are going to be varnishing or painting, ensure that your area is clean and dirt free. Dirt and dust can make it harder for you to properly finish your project. Use a vacuum or duster when necessary.
Always ensure that you keep away pets as well as small children from your work area. Many projects can become potentially harmful if a child or pet accidentally trips on something, or inhales the fumes. Take the proper precautions in order to prevent your child or pet from getting hurt. If needed, use a giant tarp to seal off your workspace.
You are now officially ready to begin your project. Take your time and if you don’t know how to do something, consult the Internet. Never rush through anything, and if you are not feeling into working that day, take a day off. Better to take a longer time to finish something as opposed to doing a poor job of it.
A home improvement project can be a lot of fun! By taking the necessary steps to prepare for your project, you are setting yourself up for success. It is important that you are proud of the work you’ve done.
Which Type of Roofing is Right For You
When you have to replace your roof, there are many factors you need to consider. The most important factor is often which roofing material will be the best choice for where you live and what look you are going for. To learn about each product available, continue reading this article.
Asphalt shingles are cheap, look good and can be quite durable. They can even be made of recycled materials, making them very green. A second layer of shingles can be installed over an older, worn out layer, leading to a cheap repair option.
Wood shakes are a gorgeous way to cover your roof. They look natural and add character to your home. Thanks to the different colors, sizes and cuts available, your roof will never look like any other on the block. Wood is also a great insulator while permitting air to flow out of the attic. This creates circulation and helps to cool your home. That said, you will have to take the time to maintain your roof and keep it in good shape, otherwise it won’t have a long lifespan. From mold to termites, you have to stay on top of any issues which arise.
Clay tiles look great on a home with a southwestern or Spanish style to them, but they also add style to a contemporary design. The lifespan of tile is exceptionally long, outlasting the materials which make up the roof’s infrastructure. It can’t rot, doesn’t burn in a fire, and no pest can cause it to fall apart. You don’t have to do much to keep it in good shape, plus it comes in a huge rainbow of colors and a myriad of styles. The only thing which stands against installing a tile roof is the weight of the materials. That means you may have to pay to reinforce your roof to ensure that your home can handle the mass. If you buy cheaper tiles, you’ll find they fade as the color is only applied to the exterior of the tile, so invest in expensive, durable options instead.
Slate shingles are slices of rock which happens to be a very expensive option. That said, it is gorgeous, can create many different patterns, and it has all of the rewards you get from installing a tile roof. It’s very safe in a fire, takes little to no maintenance and is safe from rotting.
Metal roofs come in many styles today, even resembling tile or shingles. They are highly durable, won’t burn and take very little maintenance. They’re extremely energy efficient as they reflect heat and stop it from heating up the attic. Installing a metal roof can save a homeowner as much as 20% on utility bills.
Now that you understand the pros and cons of the various materials available to you, you are better able to make a decision on which is best for you. You can now be confident that whichever you choose, it will be the right choice. As long as you use what you have learned here, you’ll end up with a great result.
How to make your Home Remodeling Projects
There are many rewards to renovating and updating your home. Everyone loves to see the final results but may never know how much it really took to get to that picture perfect look. Most people don’t want to talk about the personal issues and stress that can come with home improvement projects. Major home improvements are actually one of the major stresses listed in divorces because the problems can get overwhelming. So get a good game plan going before you get started on any project because a healthy attitude and a sense of humor will help you get through anything.
Assess what you want to have done and prioritize the list. Find what is most important to you and then build your project around those essentials. Set goals for each step along the way and then acknowledge those goals when they are accomplished. Don’t just focus on the final goal. Understand that each step is important and that each step gets you closer to the final goal.
Put your plan in writing. Keep a calendar and timeline of things. It helps to write things in pencil so that they can be adjusted as needed. Make a master list of all of the telephone numbers for places and people that you need to be in contact with. If you call a store or work with a person who is particularly helpful, then write their name down for future reference. You will need all of the support you can get and making useful contacts is the best way to do it.
Don’t hesitate to call in a contractor to help with the big jobs. They can deal with a lot of the difficulties that may drive you over the edge. Find a reputable contractor with a good track record. Make sure they are licensed and insured. Using a reliable contractor can keep you from having to be a multi-tasker who must do everything. Some projects are best left to the professionals so don’t ever feel like you should be able to tackle a big project, especially if you have never undertaken such a huge job before. Hiring a contractor can help ease your mind and save your sanity.
Call in your friends to help. Whether it is for opinions, advise or hands-on help, friends are often a valuable resource. They know your style and know what is important to you. When you a have a tedious job to do that you want to do yourself, they can often be a great source of free (or reasonably cheap) labor. Their companionship will make the job easier and having many hands will help lighten the load. So invite friends over, feed them well and offer to help them out on their projects.
Always know what permits you will need and get them in advance. Nothing can hold up a job like a permit problem. So know what job require permits and what you have to do to get those permits.
There are many ways that you can make your home improvement a more enjoyable process. You just need to approach it with the proper planning and the right attitude. keep the above tips in mind and you will soon be looking at your newly remodeled home with pride, satisfaction and few regrets.
How To Remodel Your Bathroom Inexpensively
The master bathroom is often a room that people overlook when it comes to style. Your bathroom is more than just functional. It should a place where you can relax and indulge in personal comforts. There are lots of great ways to transform you master bath into a mini haven without spending a lot of money. This article will give you some tips that you can use.
Your master bath is your personal space. No one else should really be using your master bathroom except for you and your significant other. So, when it comes to styling, make it your own. What ever delights you, incorporate that into the design. Look through home magazines and books for ideas. If you have a favorite theme, you can even work that into it. This space is yours, so do whatever you want in making it a place that will help you feel good.
The cost of the remodel will depend on who does the work and what kind of material you are using. When it comes to materials, you do not have to spend a lot to get good quality. Some people like to go with luxury brand fixtures that command a high price. However, you can find many attractive alternatives in your everyday brands.
Plan out how you want your master bath to look like on a piece of paper. Do you need a bigger tub where you can soak away your stress? Do you need storage space for your towels? Where will you put your toiletries so they are easy to get to? As you are envisioning a design, picture yourself going through and living in this design. Try to think of anything else that will make your master bath the ultimate comfort zone.
The little details make a big difference. For instance, how many times have you wished that you hand more hooks to hang your clothes so you do not have to hang everything on one hook? What about the lighting? Is the lighting soft, or is it glaringly harsh? Small details can make all the difference in your enjoyment.
Pamper yourself with various luxury items. Build mini shelves where you can store some scented bath oil around to add to your bath to make your skin softer and nicer smelling. What about putting jacuzzi jets in your tub? A localized heat element can warm up your bathroom without warming up the whole house.
When you have a list of things that you want your master bath to include, do some research on prices. Find out what the market price is for these things. Remember if you are hiring a contractor to do this, about two-thirds of your remodel cost will go toward labor.
If you follow these simple steps in your master bathroom remodel, you can transform it into what you like without breaking your budget. Do not rush through the planning stage. Plan carefully and thoughtfully, and you can finally have the master bathroom of your dreams.