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The Keys to a Successful Bathroom Remodeling Project
Everyone likes to have a space in their home that they can relax. However, many people forget that their bathroom can be remodeled to serve that very purpose. If you are ready to consider remodeling your bathroom so that it can be a place in which you can feel that you are living in luxury you have found the perfect article for you. Continue reading so that you can learn more about your options.
The are many luxurious options when it comes to bathing and showering. There are bath tubs that can give you a massage, fit more than one person and large enough that you can submerge yourself. When it comes to showers the options are almost endless. Some of these options include being able to set the temperature, changing the pulse and speed of the water flow as well as shower heads that point straight down on you instead of from the side. Before you begin to remodel your bathroom you should take the time to look into these options so that you can be sure that you are going to have the bathing or showering experience that you truly desire.
Be smart about the colors that you choose for your bathroom. Different colors create different moods, and frankly, some colors are just flat out unattrative or are just a fad. For example, if you want your bathroom to be a place that gives you energy to start your day you are going to want to go with bright yellows, but if you want your bathroom to be a place for you to relax you should then choose greens and/or blues. Also, be sure to remember that some colors are simply a trend, so try to avoid them as you surely do not want to be remodeling your bathroom in the near future.
Make sure that you plan everything out for your remodeling project before you begin. The central reason that you must plan ahead is that not doing so will almost surely lead to some sort of major crisis, like surpassing your budget or having to tear something out after it is installed. Planning ensures that you will have all of the materials at hand that you will need as well as having the knowledge that you need to successfully complete the project. No matter how excited you are about starting the remodeling you must take the time to plan every phase of the remodel so that you can end up with the results that you desire. Whatever you do, do not take this tip lightly.
As you read at the start of this article, there are many ways that you can turn your bathroom into a place that you find to be relaxing and luxurious. Now that you read this article you should get out there are start researching your options and making your plan of action. As long as you follow the above tips you will surely be happy that you did in the end.
Great Ideas For Remodeling Your Garage
The garage is often overlooked as usable living space. A lot of people just use it as a storage space for all of their extra belongings. Even if you park your car in there, there is usually a bit of space left that you can use to extend your living space. There are some helpful ideas on how you can remodel your garage into a space that can add value.
Your garage provides the perfect spot for a workshop. You can set aside a corner of your garage and put in a heavy-duty work bench. If your garage still has exposed beams on the walls, you can finish that off with a peg board. Use that in combination with various hooks, and you can have a convenient spot to hang your hand tools. Install a task light on your work bench. When you have a big project to work on, just park your car outside for a bit. You will have all the space you need to work on your project with your tools on hand and neatly organized.
You can transform your garage into a room for entertainment. Put in some durable carpeting and then wire this area for your home electronics. You can put in your entertainment center and include a big TV, speakers, DVD player, video games and whatever else you want to use. Put in a couple of recliners or a comfortable sofa set if you plan to have guests over.
Maybe you need a place to work out. The garage would be a perfect place to set up a home gym. A workout bench is usually too big for inside the house, but you can easily put it in your garage. Add some shelves for storing your other workout gear, like dumbells, a jump rope and an exercise mat if you do floor exercises. You can put in a small TV as well, just in case you want to play any exercise videos.
Perhaps you need a space to set up your home office. The garage will be ideal because it takes you away from the hustle and bustle of your family’s household activities. Make sure you have enough outlets for your office equipment and good lighting. Make this area comfortable if you are going to work in this environment.
You can even convert your garage into an extra bedroom. This would be perfect for guests or for your growing teenager who just wants his own space apart from everyone. Explore options for temperature control because your home’s HVAC system usually does not extend into the garage area.
You can even convert your garage into an extra bathroom if you can have the required plumbing installed. It can be a simple as a half bath with just the toilet and a sink.
There are countless ways in which you can transform your garage into a living space. Be creative, and write down your plan. If you think through it carefully, you can have that extra space that you have been wanting for a long time.
How To Get The Most Out Of A Bath Remodeling Project
If you have ever been faced with the decision to remodel your master bathroom, you know that there are a lot of ways to make it add value to your home. What to add and what not to add can become hard questions to consider. With so many options available to you to make your bathroom luxurious, you may feel lost. The following article will help you create the bathroom of your dreams!
The way you remodel your bathroom should be stylish. The appliances should be updated and keep in mind what an average buyer would look for. You may not be looking to sell your home, but to add value to your property, the only way to do that is to create a remodeled bathroom that appeals to others. Don’t focus on your style alone!
It is important that you don’t end up compromising your budget with your remodel. Ensure that you are always using materials that are good quality, but are rather inexpensive. When looking for ceramic tiles, you don’t always have to purchase the most expensive ones. You are paying for the design printed on the tiles as opposed to the quality. Know when you can avoid buying the most expensive items, but keep in mind that for some materials price may dictate quality.
Don’t just start your project without giving it some initial thought. It is important that you know exactly where your project is headed. Sit down and plan a functional layout. It is crucial that you choose to design a layout that suits your needs, but it would still be functional if you ever choose to sell your home.
Never forget the importance of the small details that you put in the bathroom. Focus on creating patterns with your tiles and use wrought iron knobs for your cabinets. Every little detail counts, especially when you are looking to design a bathroom that appeals to a luxury crowd.
Add some cute luxury items to decorate your bathroom! Warm up the environment by lighting candles for ambiance and use baskets to hide your items out of sight. Simple gestures like the latter mentioned create a more personalized space.
Your bathroom remodel should make the master bathroom comfortable. In fact, comfort should be the key element used to design the bathtub, toilet and sink area. The way you decorate the space should also create a feeling of luxurious comfort. For example, shaggy rugs and warmed hand towels are a great way to display comfort.
Always compare prices for materials you need to complete your project. Some hardware stores are more expensive than others. It is important that you are getting a good deal on the items that you need. Also keep in mind which hardware stores offer coupons, sales and have a better return policy.
Your bathroom can look stylish and luxurious if you follow the advice from this article. It is important that you love your remodel; after all, people spend a lot of time in the bathroom. Never forget to experiment and add a dose of luxury.
Home Improvement Tips That Lead To Success Despite A Lack Of Knowledge
Home improvement is not always as easy as we are taught to believe and most of us have a horror story to tell about some project that took a turn for the worse in the past. This article will leave you feeling more secure about any projects you wish to attempt and give you an outlet to expand your knowledge and reduce the risk of failure by a large margin. Ego, lack of planning and impatience tend to be the biggest causes for failure but by the end of this article, those will not be a factor in your next home improvement project.
Before you begin your next project, talk to friends, family and co-workers about your plans. You may find out that someone you know went through the same repair and in some circumstances, they may offer to help. It is imperative that you do not dive into a project blindly with no knowledge as this always ends in failure of some sort. It is always recommended to put ego aside and ask for some information from others that will lead to a positive result and no mistakes that can affect something else.
Always make sure you are using the correct tools for the job. Most jobs will require specialty tools for some part of the improvement and trying to make it work with the wrong tool could lead to damage that was not accounted for in the budget or worse, getting seriously hurt. A tool that costs a few dollars is far cheaper than replacing something major or paying for a trip to the emergency room so ensure that you know what tools are required by asking the home improvement store representative before you start the improvement project.
Make sure you are also purchasing the proper materials for the job. If you are patching a hole in the wall, don’t try to rig a backing behind the wall and fill a ten inch hole with Spackle. Also make sure that you are buying high quality products. Many people believe that all dry wall is the same because it meets a certain standard. The fact is that the standard is not all that great and not all brands are of the same quality. How many times have you put a hanger on the wall and it just tears the drywall away yet at another time or home, you did the same thing and a gorilla couldn’t have pulled it out despite not being driven into a stud? There is a difference in all materials and you should try to stick with those that are higher quality than the so called standards.
Finally, do not let mistakes bring you down. There will always be mistakes and how we react is the difference between failure and success. By this point, any mistakes should be minimal as you have educated yourself to how the job will go. Simply finish what you are working on and take care of the mistake when the step is most required as some can wait until the main project is complete.
By following these suggestions you are ensured of having a home improvement project that ends in success with only minor mistakes along the way. Do your best to examine materials and choose those of a higher quality for the best long term results and finally, don’t let a mistake bring you down mentally. It happens and as with everything in life, it is a learning experience and a mistake you will never make again.
A More Beautiful Home Through Improved Flooring
The flooring throughout your home can really improve the entire appearance of each room. If you have children, you may want to choose a nearly indestructible, easy to clean floor. If you only have adults living in your home, you may want to choose delicate Mexican ceramic tiles. Whatever your needs and preferences, this article can help you decide how you want to update your flooring./p>
Original natural wood floors increase the value of any home if they are beautiful and well taken care of. If you have wood floors that have been covered by carpet for years or wood that is lackluster, you can bring back the shine. Old wood must be sanded, stained to the perfect color and sealed for protection. Although it is possible to accomplish this as a do-it-yourself project, if you don’t have any experience, you should probably hire professionals. You do not want to take the chance of ruining your floors because you don’t know what you are doing. Wood floors can also be painted, faux-finished or stenciled with any design or pattern you choose./p>
Carpeting can add softness and warmth to your home. Make sure you choose a color you love because you will probably keep the same carpet for years. Keep your carpet free from moisture and vacuum regularly. Vacuuming removes dirt and keeps the pile from appearing crushed. Move heavy furniture slightly every few months to avoid ruining the pile under the furniture. Use sharp scissors to trim pieces that are coming loose. Avoid putting carpet in the kitchen, bathrooms or any other area that may cause a buildup of moisture. Such moisture can create the perfect breeding ground for bacteria. If you decide to lay carpet yourself, be sure to lay a high-quality carpeting pad first. However, carpet installation is relatively inexpensive. Some companies will lay the carpet for free when you purchase it from them./p>
Ceramic, vinyl and laminate flooring are perfect choices for anyone who lives in a warm climate. It will keep your home cool and make it feel more open. Choose the type of ceramic or laminate flooring that will fit into your lifestyle. Laminate wood flooring is particularly easy to clean and extremely difficult to damage. It’s a perfect and inexpensive alternative to natural wood flooring./p>
For the least expensive choice, install self-sticking vinyl sheet floors in your bathrooms, kitchen and laundry room. You can easily apply this type of flooring on your home. It is quick and economical. Unlike wood laminate flooring, vinyl does not hold up quite as well. Have an idea of how long you plan to leave this flooring in place before making your decision. Cheaper flooring will be more susceptible to damage. This is certainly a case of ‘you get what you pay for’./p>
You don’t have to have the same flooring throughout your entire home. Make each room individual by choosing flooring options that enhance the decor. The suggestions in this article may have given you just the incentive you needed to update your home’s flooring.
Eleven Easy Projects To Bring Your Outdated Kitchen Up To Date
Many people consider the kitchen to be the heart of the home. Bringing this area of your home up-to-date to create a warm and inviting area for your entire family. The following eleven kitchen projects will help you get your kitchen looking its best. And best of all, each of these projects can be completed within a weekend.
One of the easiest ways to add instant pizzazz to a kitchen is by tiling the backsplash. This inexpensive project can be completed by almost any homeowner. Many home improvement stores offer classes to teach homeowners how to tile a backsplash.
There are many flooring options for your kitchen. Whether you choose to install a hardwood floor or a tile floor, you can change the entire look of your kitchen in a weekend.
One of the most important things in a kitchen is the kitchen sink and faucet. You do not need a plumber to change these plumbing fixtures out. These can easily be changed out by the average homeowner.
If you do not want to paint your entire kitchen, consider painting an accent wall. An accident wall adds an area of interest. Once you have painted your accent wall, use it to showcase your prized possessions.
New window treatments can totally change the look of your kitchen. Choose a valance curtain combination that coordinates with your overall kitchen design.
Over time, your wall decor seems to fade into the background because you have gotten used to it. To help create new interest, rearrange your wall decor. This simple task can totally change the look of your kitchen.
With today’s improvements in paint, you can now paint your kitchen countertops. This is an easy project; however, you must follow the directions to get the results you want. The first thing you must do before beginning any painting project is to thoroughly clean the surface. Use a degreaser to remove all traces of grease from your counters. Then, rinse well and allow to air dry for best results.
You can change the appearance of your kitchen cabinets by simply changing out your cabinet’s hardware. This hardware includes your cabinet’s hinges, door knobs and pulls. Visit your local home improvement store to get inspiration.
You can create new ambiance in your kitchen by installing new lighting fixtures. Whether you want to add task lighting above your workstations or want to add an overhead lighting fixture, you can do this within a day or two. Think about how you use lighting and where you need additional lighting and begin adding it to your existing kitchen.
If your cabinets are outdated, you should consider painting your cabinets. If you decide to paint your cabinets, you will need to clean your cabinets using a degreaser. Then you will need to apply two coats of primer to your cabinets. Primer helps paint adhere better to the surface of your cabinet. Once your primer has thoroughly dried, apply at least two coats of oil-base paint for best results.
Finally, an herb garden in your window can add a touch of green to your kitchen. This edible project is easy and will give you fresh herbs to use when you are cooking.
There are many weekend projects that can transform your kitchen. Use the tips located above to guide you on your journey to a beautiful kitchen.
Figuring Out How To Take On A Roofing Project
Getting a new roof is a big part of owning a home. It costs quite a bit of money, so you need to know if you’re able to just repair it, or if you have to replace the whole thing. Here you are going to learn how to tell if you need a new roof and where to go for help.
See if you can inspect your roof to see how badly it needs repairs. Be careful if you’re going to climb up onto your roof. You really should get someone to spot you. This is so that they can hold the ladder for you. If the ladder were to fall, then it may be hard for you to get down. If you have nobody to spot you and you have a phone, carry it up there with you, so if you get stuck, you can try calling people.
If you’re not able to tell if your roof needs repaired or replaced, you may want to get someone out there that can inspect it for you. It’s important to do this if you’re not good at telling the condition of your roof. If you don’t, you may end up paying for a new roof when all it needed was a simple repair. If you can afford it, you should have a couple of companies come out to tell you what they think, so you can tell if they’re being truthful or not.
Figure out how much you’re able to spend on the project. Most of the time you’re just required to pay a little of the money at first, and then when they finish, you pay them the rest. You don’t want to give all of your money to a company when they haven’t even started the project yet. You don’t know how long it will take, and you don’t know how much of your money should go towards materials until they are finished. Sometimes they may charge you less than the original estimate because the problem wasn’t as bad as you thought it was.
Figure out if the roofing person has insurance. This is in case they damage something or get hurt. If they’re not insured, then you’re the one who may have to pay medical expenses or to repair the damage they caused. You should also ask them for references that you can call. This is a great way to see if they’re good at making their customers happy. Ask them about warranties as well. Much of the time, if you get a warranty, that means if something happens to your roof, you can have the repairs paid for if you didn’t try to fix it yourself.
Now you should have some of the questions you had about roofing answered. It may cost you quite a bit of money to get a new roof or to get it repaired, but it is worth it because your roof protects your home. Whatever you decide to do, be safe when working with your roof.
What To Consider When It Comes To Home Improvement Projects Outdoors
You want to pay attention to the outside of your home as well as the landscape and yard. There are many things to think about, and you don’t want to move in a direction that actually detracts from the value of your home. Keep reading, and think about these suggestions concerning what to consider when it comes to home improvement projects outdoors.
Consider investigating whether or not you know for sure if a home improvement project on the outside of your home is actually going to increase the value. There are many things to consider here. For instance, say you’re planting a tree. Choosing the right tree and the right place makes the value of your home increase. However, choosing the wrong tree and the wrong location is not going to help but instead hinder.
What type of neighborhood do you live in? This should have a lot to do with what you do to the outside of your home, including your yard. While you don’t want to be so uniform that things look cheap, you don’t want to go bonkers here either. Instead, you want to get creative but also use native plants and maybe think of color schemes and other things that represent your neighborhood.
When considering your neighborhood, you also need to consider rules that you must follow as well. Certain neighborhoods and communities will have homeowner’s association rules. If you are only abiding by city rules, then you just need to keep from making your yard and the exterior of your home from looking crazy!
Is your home going to be marketable with the changes being made? The types of changes you make should make you feel better about the home, but they should also be consistent with an increase in value. Make sure that you are taking this into consideration.
Do you have children in your home? What about animals? Of course they will both venture to the outside of your home. All the changes you make need to be safe for both children and pets in your home. Be sure that you look out for this when making home improvements. Safety comes first!
There are many updates you can make to the exterior of your home that can save you money vs. making you spend money on upkeep. Therefore, try to mix these a little so that you can offset costs. Think about energy efficiency, and of course continue to consider the fact that the changes should also increase the value of your home. You want to get the most for your money.
Coming up with home improvement projects for outside your home is a very important process. The outside is just as important as the inside, so be sure you take that into account. Keep in mind the tips that have been presented so that you can make the right decisions. You want to have the right improvements made so that your home moves in the right direction in value.
Windows And Knowing When It Is Time For An Upgrade
Many people are experiencing extraordinarily expensive utility bills these days with little idea as to why. It is expected that the industry itself is simply increasing prices to satisfy shareholders while in most cases, something in the home simply isn’t or is no longer energy efficient. Now maybe you have gone through the home and upgraded many items and the home itself is newer so you are still at a loss for the increase. Odds are it is the windows in the home itself. Don’t assume that the builder put top of the line windows in the home as he may have simply put low quality efficient windows or even overstock that are not up to par today to reduce his costs and increase profit. This article will point out some areas to check that will clue you in to whether you need to replace your windows or not so please continue reading for more information.
Condensation seen on the glass during hot or cold days is a definitive sign that your windows need to be replaced. A lifetime warranty or several year guarantee is not necessarily a clue as to how long the window will last. It is a promise that the window can be replaced at a reduced cost or for free during that time so do not think for a second they will not fail during that period of time. Check to see if the windows you have are under warranty for replacement or start getting quotes to replace them as faulty windows can add a substantial sum to your bills each month.
At the very least, an energy efficient window will have gas between two panes of glass to insulate the house. This prevents cool air from entering the home or heat during the summer and vice versa during the winter months. If the internal pane is cold in the winter and warm in the summer, they are no longer effective as a barrier against outside temperatures allowing the cold or warm air into the home thus altering your desired temperature. When this occurs, the heating or cooling system works harder to maintain the temperature you desire. It is time for new windows if you notice this on yours.
You can also use a birthday candle that has been lit to pass around the edges of the window and along the framework. If the candle flickers at all from anything outside of movement, go slow, then you have a draft meaning outside air is entering and internal air is exiting. As above, this means your system is working overtime to maintain the internal temperature thus increasing the monthly bill.
You also need to visually inspect windows for cracks in the glass, a foggy appearance on the glass itself, and rotted wood or missing trim on the window or around it. Look at the caulking around the window frame where it sits in the wall and look for deterioration. These are all huge flags to replace the windows as there is little you can do that will have a long lasting repair result.
By taking a few moments to inspect your windows using the tips listed above, you will assuredly know if it is time for replacement. Even if it is only one window causing the issue, it should be replaced as the cost will be recouped in a short period of time due to the savings each month on your utility bill itself.
Remodel Your Bathroom On A Budget
Bathrooms are a major part of a home’s attractiveness and functionality, but fixing them up can be costly. The following article will offer tips that can help you build a better bathroom for less.
1. Follow a budgeted plan. Establish your spending limits beforehand, and stick to them. A good plan will keep you on track and prevent unexpected obstacles from breaking the bank. Research your project carefully, shop around for the best prices and create a fail proof blueprint for success.
2. Avoid changing plumbing if possible. Plan your project around the pipes you have, rather than moving them. Plumbing is not only difficult and expensive to change, but you could find yourself with major problems that require professional intervention if you’re not careful.
3. Refinish existing porcelain rather than replacing it. It’s fairly economical to spiff-up your tub or shower and sink, and not very hard to accomplish. Re-grout between tiles and clean up the surface areas that have become discolored. Often, a thorough stripping can bring old porcelain back to its original glory.
4. Resort to hiring help as necessary. If you’re not totally sure you can succeed on any part of your plan, hiring help will be cheaper than possibly damaging your bathroom. At least consult with an expert to make sure you’re going about your project the right way, in order to avoid potential disaster.
5. Know your contractor. Research anyone you hire to come into your home and make sure they’re offering you the lowest price. Try and get someone recommended by a personal acquaintance of yours. Tell the contractor you want to do as much of the work as possible, even clean-up, to cut these additional costs.
6. Remember ventilation. Proper ventilation will make your bathroom more comfortable and prevent moisture from accumulating and forming mold. Keep ventilation in mind from the beginning and work it into your improvement plans. Although there are simple models and methods to work with when it comes to ventilation, knowing the basic mechanics can keep your project going and add to its eventual success.
7. New hardware is a fast and effective upgrade. Replacing the faucets and fixtures in your bathroom will instantly improve the look and add to what ever style you are trying to achieve. Although this is one of the most cost effective ways to upgrade the room, be cautious when installing new hardware on older sinks or tubs, as they may be prone to cracking. Also, be sure your measurements match up before you start taking anything apart.
8. Experiment with lighting. Adding lights or moving them around can do a lot to improve your bathroom, without making the project expensive. Work with different ideas in light shades, and use mirrors to give the appearance of more space. Install dimmer switches too, for night time safety and convenience.
Have fun fixing up your bathroom and enjoy the fact that you didn’t spend too much for it! Use these tips and common sense ideas to create the home of your dreams on a budget.