Bathroom Remodeling – 8 Things to Consider When Planning a Bathroom Renovation
Bathroom remodeling has the second highest return on investment of any renovation you can do in your home. It is right next to kitchen remodeling for ROI.
A bathroom remodel can cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars, to tens of thousands. It all depends on your budget, your home and your goals.
No matter what your budget, you have 2 goals with a bathroom remodel. To increase its beauty and to increase its function.
Here are 8 areas you need to consider whether you are thinking about just freshening up, or completely renovating your bathroom. The great thing about this list is you can choose to do 1, 2, or all of them in any combination, and still make a big impact on your bathrooms usability and look.
Cabinets
The first thing you are going to notice when you walk into your new bathroom, are the cabinets. New cabinets will improve your bathroom almost instantly.
Cabinet prices range a lot, from cheap particle board to custom construction. But, you can usually find something quite elegant for a reasonable price if you shop around.
Hardware
Even if you can’t afford to upgrade your cabinetry, new hardware will make a huge difference. Whether you have replaced your cabinetry or not, there are literally thousands of different items you can pick out to enhance your look.
It is amazing how a nice set of hardware will make even a mediocre cabinet look high end.
Fixtures
New bathroom fixtures, including faucets and sinks etc should be chosen to fit in with the style of the cabinetry and the overall look. You don’t want to put modern fixtures in with elegant old fashioned cabinetry and hardware.
Even if you can’t upgrade your cabinets, adding new fixtures, as long as they are a similar style, will make a big difference in the feel of your bathroom.
Flooring / Tile
There simply isn’t a better finish for a bathroom floor than tile. Usually bathrooms aren’t that large, so the cost difference over other options will not even be that significant. Its possible find inexpensive tile if you look around for sales. It is also possible to find very expensive, elegant tile, depending on your budget.
Another popular option is linoleum, but if you can find inexpensive tile, it will definitely have a bigger impact, for probably a similar cost.
Storage
Creating a storage wall is always a great investment. Bathrooms never seem to have enough storage, but by building a storage wall, you can get small items out of your way, and create an attractive display.
Mirror
Adding a big mirror to your bathroom will accomplish 2 things. First of all, it is a very practical addition, allowing you to get ready with ease. Second, it will make your small bathroom look larger.
Lighting
If your bathroom is bright, it doesn’t matter if it is small. It will feel bright and comfortable. There are many choices of different bathroom lights available starting at the very inexpensive and moving up to very extravagant.
Tub or Shower
In Panama, bath tubs are not very popular, but they are gaining acceptance. Whirlpool tubs are built in many different sizes and shapes. They will fit into any spot where an existing tub exists, and often even where there is an existing shower.
These 8 improvements can be done on their own, or in combination with a complete bathroom remodel. It all depends on your budget and goals. But, if you want to freshen up your bathroom, these are the 8 areas you need to think about.
The first thing you need to do is determine your budget. And then, look at each one of these items to decide which you can change, and which you can not.
A bathroom remodel, whether small or large, will make your home a much more enjoyable place to be. And it will make your home more valuable when you go to sell.…
Home Remodeling and Renovation Tips for Homeowners
Maryland homeowners are undertaking renovations and remodels for several reasons in today’s real estate market. Many owners who purchased in the last 5 to 7 years have been forced to stay in their homes because they owe more than the present market value. They realize that since they will be staying in their home for a while, they might as well make improvements that they will enjoy. Others, who are considering a move, are improving their homes to make them more market ready when they decide to sell. Upgrading a home to the standard of the neighborhood is usually a wise choice for a value-conscious homeowner.
Return On Investment
Whatever the reason, making careful and thoughtful decisions about home improvement is the key to getting the most return on investment. Most improvements that are made do not bring the full return of the cost at the sale of the home, but some improvements bring a better return than others.
In conjunction with National Association of Realtors, Remodeling Magazine conducts an annual survey that is one of the most comprehensive and most cited on the subject of return on investment when it comes to home remodeling. The 2010 survey has just been published at .
The average payback on home improvement projects in the Washington Metropolitan Area, which includes a large part of Maryland, is 64%, with a low of 48% on a home office remodel, and a high of 147% on a steel entry door replacement.
The 5 top ROI projects are:
An attic bedroom at 90% ROI
A basement remodel at 84% ROI
Siding Replacement at 80.5% ROI
A wood deck addition at 79.8% (A composite deck has a 71.2% ROI)
Window Replacement (wood) at 78.4% ROI (Vinyl widows bring 76.4% ROI)
What gets the least ROI?
Office Remodel at 48% ROI
Sunroom Addition at 55% ROI
Backup power generator at 60% ROI
Bathroom addition at 62% ROI
Garage addition at 66% ROI
Renovations on Older Homes: Lead Paint
The median age of homes in the U.S. is 36 years old. In other words, half the homes in the country were built before 1974. The median home age in Maryland is 42, half of the homes in Maryland’s communities were built before 1968. Lead paint was not banned until 1978. Many of these older homes contain lead paint, which is a health hazard and requires special treatment. New environmental regulations took effect this year, requiring a contractor to have a certification by the EPA to perform work on homes with lead-based paint. The enforcement of the rule won’t start until October 1 of 2010, to give remodeling contractors time to get the certification.
The rule doesn’t apply to do-it-yourself homeowners, only to professionals. But homeowners who undertake renovations should become familiar with issues surrounding lead-based paint. The EPA publishes guidelines in “Renovate Right”, found on their website.
To find out if your home has lead based paint you can use a test kit found at your local hardware store. You can also hire a certified risk assessor or contractor to find out.
Greening Your Home
Once the testing is out of the way, the possibilities for renovation plans can be endless. Green renovations are just one of the considerations to think about. Green construction is getting much more positive press these days, from builders and from buyers. Green renovations could make your house more desirable to buyers in today’s market. In a recent survey by U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and McGraw-Hill Construction, the results show that interest in green-friendly renovations and building strategies are on the rise. Some of the findings:
Green building combines smart design and careful material selection to reduce energy and water consumption. One of the many resources for green design ideas is the U.S. Green Building Council. When planning green renovations, remember the Federal tax Credits for certain qualifying energy efficient renovations, but also remember that Maryland’s tax credits and grants for certain home renovations.
If the renovations you are planning are beyond your scope, hiring a reputable contractor is a wise choice. The cost is often well-spent when the results are professional. But how does one select a contractor who will do a great job for a reasonable price?
Tips from the Better Business Bureau
While the cost vs. payback factor is important in planning renovation projects, it’s not the only consideration. For homeowners who are renovating to be able to “age in place” or who need to care for an elderly family member, or remodel for a home office so they don’t have to commute, other issues may be more important than return on investment. For some projects, the satisfaction and quality of life while living in a house that you love is the main priority.
Gather bids from between 3 to …
Kitchen Remodeling – Top 5 Reasons to Remodel
Kitchen Remodeling – Top 5 Reasons to Remodel
Your kitchen is one of the most visited rooms in the household because it’s the gathering place for the whole family when they get hungry. Food is one of the essential pleasures that attracts people to the kitchen making it the busiest and most used location in your home.
Because of the overwhelming significance people place on their own cooking area, the popularity of kitchen remodeling has gained a large number of interested followers. If you wish to do some home remodeling, the kitchen is the best place to start.
Top 5 reasons for kitchen remodeling1. Upgrade existing kitchen
Whether you have just moved into a new home or have lived there for some time, you may not be entirely happy with your kitchen because it’s not functioning how you want. For instance you want to create a center island to make better use of space or the appliances are not sufficient or located in hard to reach places.
2. Family expansion or reduction
When you purchased your home you had no kids however now that you have several kids you may want to expand your kitchen to accommodate your family members.
Alternatively you may have a large kitchen but now the kids have left home and you’re not as active as you were years ago. A smaller kitchen would make it easier to access all the appliances, cabinets, etc.
3. Custom-made kitchen
You’re not happy with the stock kitchen you received with your new house and wish to have a new one designed. A custom kitchen may be expensive however you’ll be happier with it because it’s built according to your needs and fits your lifestyle better.
4. Increased market value
New home buyers always visit the kitchen because it’s where they’ll spend most most of their time. If it looks old or well used (ie faded colors, scratches, broken hinges, etc) consider getting it remodeled. Even if it costs you thousands of dollars to remodel you’ll recoup the costs by increasing your homes market value.
5. Partial remodeling
Instead of remodeling the whole kitchen you may just want to remodel the counter tops, kitchen cabinets or flooring. Each of these areas may become worn out, lose their colors or the hardware is outdated and needs replacing.
Whatever reason you have, remodeling a kitchen is a great investment because it not only adds value to your home but will give it a fresh new look you’ll be happy with for years to come.…
Home Remodeling – Create Your Dream Home!
Home Remodeling – Create Your Dream Home!
The biggest asset that one can own is his or her home. Everybody wishes for a dream house which is decorated as per their tastes and comforts. Nowadays people are ready to put enormous efforts into the idea of home improvement in order to make their place worth living. This would not only make their house look beautiful and attractive but would also improve their living space and increase the value of their homes too. Over the years, people have become style-conscious. In order to update their houses with latest fads and trends, people often resort to the concept of home remodeling. People may also go for such home renovations simply because the house is too old that needs to be refurnished.
Reasons to Remodel a Home
People may want to remodel their homes to make an effective utilization of their living space.
Another reason as to why people consider introducing necessary changes to their homes is to modernize it and update it with latest trends.
Some may want to make their homes functional for the aged, kids or persons with disabilities.
Some would prefer remodeling their homes to increase their resale value as per the new property trends.
People may also remodel their homes to make them energy efficient. In order to achieve this, people may resort to adding insulation or changing windows.
How to start Home Remodeling?
Money is the primary consideration that one needs to bear in mind while doing home improvements. A well planned budget should be prepared in order to invest money wisely and in right direction. People should be aware as to how much they have in hand to spend. The budget will not only tell how much to spend but it would also guide as to where to cut costs or impose controls.
Once people have formulated a financial budget, they should prioritize as to where to spend the money and how much to spend. Some may want to change the entire look of their house whereas some would prefer to make only few necessary changes where they think is relevant. This decision will be influenced by the amount of money a person can afford to spend.
People must plan as to what changes they wish to introduce. They should go through various magazines that would help them in deciding design and color schemes. For instance, if they want to do a complete make-over of their bedroom, they must read a lot of bedroom magazines which would help them in making the right choice.
People must contact reliable architects and interior decorators to convey their designs and ideas. In order to ensure that their designs and ideas are turned into reality, professional help is necessary. These professional people must be highly competent as to deliver desired results within a limited budget.
Home remodeling requires lot of patience as it is a tedious job. However, at the same time home remodeling is full of fun and exciting too. People need to work with enormous amount of patience to get fruitful results.
Home remodeling can be quite a stressful procedure. However, it is worth all the stress and cost in order to make home sweet home. One can do wonders by introducing only few changes in their homes. It calls for prudent investment and making most of it within that limited budget. Everybody must make few changes in their homes from time to time to make it appealing and full of life.…
Kohler Toilet – A Brand With Name, Fame and Trust!
Toilets today play an important role in the every house. Previously houses were huge and they had their toilets in the backyard, today with the coming of apartments for many families it has become essential to have compact bathrooms with attached toilets. It has become according to the need of times to have a beautiful toilet in case any visitor visiting has the need of it. Moreover, if there is a neat and clean toilet that would speak volumes of the owner, who has regard and concern not just of those, who will get to use the toilet, but also the family and the neighbors by having an environment clean and healthy.
Kohler toilet! Where does this name steps in from? Kohler is renowned as manufacturers of fine toilet products. Having an excellent history dating back to 1873 when as immigrants this trade was started, then soon with the passing of time and scope for improvement the need to innovate was felt.
Research was carried, surveys were made and finally in the 1960 emerged the new bold looks of Kohler toilet, with respect to the environment and conservation of water, together with the facility of satisfaction for the ultimate user. Colors varieties were offered.
Their surveys were beginning to pay dividends they succeeded in creating awareness and soon the demand was established with the coming of the new generation. These innovations also were introduced taking into consideration the demand was there but the need for changes was as essential. Soon the need for flushing was becoming a major issue clean bowls needed water, but the need to conserve water also playing a major role was the need of the hour. Detailed etching was done studies carried out with the cooperation of the health department, and soon it was found that the pressure of the water could assure clean bowls again Kohler toilet with this research and development board came with solutions.
This goes to show determination and the hope of building and presenting a product depends on the amount of faith and confidence you have in you. Even the clay, the sand and the rubbles combined can eventually bring out the finished product a thing to see, appreciate and desire to relish the ownership of this toilet. It was also noticed earlier though that the need for seat cover were one of the innovations made in order to restrict the stench from spreading.
Today Kohler toilet with pride can say it has to offer ranges that can be ideal for toilets; yet going unsaid they still are involved in making better toilets to suit the situation with all facilities. It is not the end of their pursuit; they continue to carry on with their research in providing endless range.…
How to Set Boundaries That Your Dog Will Obey Every Time
How to Set Boundaries That Your Dog Will Obey Every Time
It’s no surprise that dogs have a natural tendency to explore and learn more about the world around them. On the leash, they excitedly pull us this way and that as they smell something interesting and dive in for a closer smell. This is unfortunately why thousands of dogs end up lost each year; they decide they need to satisfy their curiosities and the next thing we know they are gone. But there are several ways to avoid this heartbreak. First, use the benefit of a great containment technology called an invisible dog fence. Second, if your dog does get out again, consider looking at one of the many dog tracking collars so you can find your dog quickly.
The first way to set boundaries for any dog is to establish them immediately. In all of the perimeters around your home, walk your dog around the perimeter you plan to set for him. When he starts to go off course, make an unpleasant sound and tug on his collar briefly. Keep doing this several times a day for a week prior to your purchase of a pet fence. Next, decide on an invisible pet fence to buy for your front and back yards. These systems are meant for being outside in the elements and they are reliable and active 24 hours a day. They come with a wire for a boundary, so be sure to place this wire in the same boundary you have been showing your dog. Most kits come with markers or stakes to give your dog something to see as he learns the boundaries. Once the collar is on the dog and the wire is activated by the indoor power unit, the dog will begin receiving correction for nearing the wire. The pet fence companies claim that a dog will learn to stay within its boundaries, without a leash, in less than 2 week’s time.
Dog tracking collars come in many different styles, with all sorts of features, and in a variety of price ranges. Decide what you need for your situation before buying a collar. If you take your dog hunting and will be traveling to lots of different places where you and your dog may become separated, then look for a longer-range collar with something like GPS. Yes, just like what we love to have in our cars, we can have in our dog’s collar. The GPS system works the same by telling us our dog’s exact location via satellite positioning. These systems work in more than just a hunting scenario, they can work for any dog that runs away and needs to be found. This can save your dog from being out on the streets any longer than he has to. However, though you can find your dog in a jiffy if he runs away, seriously consider investing in an invisible dog fence as a compliment to any dog tracking collars you decide on.
The above technologies work together to create a safer and more secure boundary for your pet. You can allow them to roam outside with confidence knowing that they will not run off or get hit by a car. There’s no price tag you can put on that kind of peace of mind!…
7 Signs You Might Need to Remodel Your Kitchen
Looking for one last nook or cranny for your dishes? Have you found yourself in your kitchen desperately needing more space for cooking? These are some typical signs that it may be time for a new kitchen. Here is a list of 7 signs that you may need to remodel your kitchen.
Counter Top Space – Are you constantly looking for space to do prep work in your kitchen? Has your kitchen island become the family’s mail room? According to the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA), a Kitchen should have a minimum of 158″ (13 ft) of linear counter top space. But that’s just the minimum. Sometimes rearranging your appliances more efficiently can open up some counter top space. However if this is the case,you may want to consider removing walls to create a great room that contains your kitchen, living room and dining room. Opening walls also gives you creative options to create a kitchen island.
Outdated Appliances – Are your appliances the same as they were when the house was first built? This could be a very noticeable sign that your kitchen is starting to show its age, but more importantly could be costing you more money thank you might think. Recent advances in Green Technology have created a demand for energy efficient appliances that can save you time and money.
Kitchen Flow – You may be aware of the kitchen triangle (the distance between your stove, refrigerator, and sink) However, once again sometimes the minimum isn’t enough, especially if you there are more than one cooks in the house. Minimum aisle distances should be 36″ and the NKBA recommends 48″ in aisles if you plan on using multiple cooks in the kitchen. To create multiple cooking stations you can easily add a prep sink to create another work station. A well laid out plan should separate the cooking areas from the gathering areas of the home where guests and family socialize.
Outdated Cabinetry – If you’re living in a home built during 1970s or earlier, it probably goes without saying that you are constantly reminded it’s time for a kitchen remodel. The species of wood you choose for you cabinets set the tone of your kitchen. Choosing a new species can help update your kitchen drastically and immediately. Sometimes staining or painting is all you need to give your kitchen an updated look. Other times the damage may be to severe of the cabinet faces are really starting to show their age. Replacing cabinets usually means a complete kitchen remodel all around, but some things can be salvaged and reused like appliances or fixtures.
Lighting – Older incandescent light fixtures can give off ugly light and worst, cost you money. Recent “Green” trends in technology have created a high demand for energy efficient light bulbs. The best advancements in energy efficient lighting is the LED light. Typical light bulbs will last 900 hours, where an LED can last up to 30,000 hours. That’s 30 years at 3 hours a day. In addition, you can power 6 LED lights with same amount of energy it takes to power one incandescent bulb. LED lights are a great choice for any room in your home and can help update the feel of your kitchen.
Kitchen Location – If your kitchen is feeling like a dark closet tucked away in your home, you might want to consider opening the kitchen up. The best way to do this is knocking down walls to open up to the living room and dining room. Another alternative that may be more economical is adding a door to an outdoor patio. This can be a great way to entertain family and guests in an outdoor environment. A door opening the exterior needs to be a minimum of 34″ but this could be a good place to add sliding doors or french doors depending on the layout of your home.
Best Time for Kitchen Remodeling – Recent economic trends have lowered the cost in some areas of the remodeling industry. One area is the labor industry where costs have dropped 15-25% in some areas. Companies that have stayed healthy over the last 3-4 years have probably done so through excellent customer service. In addition, many remodeling companies have become efficient in 3D design. 3D design has become a game changer for remodeling companies and home owners. 3D design puts your in your kitchen remodel before construction begins. It also allows companies to put together accurate estimates so that you know exactly where your money is being spent. Because your dollar can go further with lower costs, 3D design, and excellent customer service, you can be sure that updating your kitchen now is a solid investment.…