Category: Bathroom Renovations

Bathroom Renovations

Installing Custom Kitchen Cabinets Is an Art

The biggest expense you are going to face in the renovation of the kitchen is replacing your cabinets. It is not unusual at all to spend $10-20,000 on custom cabinets for a remodeling project and you want to protect your investment by making sure that the cabinets are installed properly. Most of the top end manufacturers will not even let you install them yourself, even if you wanted to. To qualify for the guarantee that comes with the cabinets they must be professionally installed.
Since you are spending so much on the cabinets to begin with, now is not the time to scrimp and try and save a buck. The good news is that whatever you spend now rebuilding the kitchen you will be paid back when you go to sell the home. Research shows that nearly 100% of the cost of a kitchen remodel can be recovered because it increases the value of your home. You are even more likely to increase the property value when you choose high end materials like custom cabinetry.
Since custom cabinets are being built specifically for your kitchen, it is going to be a very tight fit and that is why professional installation is so important. There are also considerations for working around the plumbing going to the sink and the vents for the stove. The process is not as simple as finding the studs in the wall and hanging up a couple of cabinets like you do to get extra storage space in the garage. The actual frames for the cabinets have to assembled in your home and then the doors and drawers are added later.
Custom cabinets will create an ultra modern look that is very trendy. The current style is for flat fronts with very little ornamentation. Sleek is the in term and that is the look that your installer will be going for. They can also be very creative in coming up with unique ways to utilize the space you have in your kitchen in the most efficient manner. A large food pantry is a nice addition with slide out shelves. They can also build special plate racks into the design or an under the counter wine rack.
Another classy addition that a skilled carpenter can add is crown molding which will finish off the cabinets in style. Moldings that run across the top of the cabinets are very popular and create a nice space for plants or vases. They can also use the molding to frame a kitchen window or door to match the wooden cabinets. There also creative ways which installers are building a casing for refrigerators and stoves which makes them look like they are part of the cabinets. Since the cabinets are being custom made just for your space there should be no gaps or openings. Want a wide screen television in the kitchen? Ask the cabinet maker to design a stowaway cabinet for it so it can be hidden away while entertaining.…

by Suzana Mikolova
3 Minute
Bathroom Renovations

Custom Kitchen Cabinets – Choosing the Right Wood

As you are looking for custom kitchen cabinets, you’ll quickly find that it’s not as easy to choose as you may think. There are different types of woods to choose from, and you will need to carefully consider the pros and cons of different types of wood before making your decision.
When you are choosing those cabinets, durability, how they accept stain, and cost can be important. You need to consider cost, but remember durability is going to be even more important. The right choice of wood is essential because you need wood that is going to hold up in a kitchen, and not all types of wood do well as kitchen cabinets.
Some of the best options in wood choice for the kitchen cabinets include pine, cherry, maple, and oak. All of these wood types are great for the kitchen, but which one will work best for your kitchen? Which type of wood will fit your budget or which will meet your style requirements for your kitchen renovation? Here is a closer look at these wood options you can consider when you pick out those cabinets.
One of the options you have for those wood kitchen cabinets is pine. This wood is soft and can be found all over the world. Within the U.S. it is Easter White Pine that is usually found and this is often used to make cabinets. This wood is a bit yellowish in color and it has brown knots in it that look very beautiful. Because of the grain of the wood, it is a great candidate for staining and many people choose this option for their kitchens.
Another popular wood choice for kitchen cabinets happens to be cherry word. Cherry can be a light reddish brown or it can be a deeper red color as well. This is one of the more high end options and it definitely a bit more expensive than some of the other wood options that you can choose from. The great thing is that it is extremely beautiful in cabinets. Sure, it will cost you to go with cherry, but the beauty of your cabinets is well worth the money that you put into them.
You will also find that both maple wood and oak wood are popular cabinet wood choices. They are hardwoods that hold up very well in the kitchen, which is why they are so often used. Maple has a light color and the grain is very even. The oak is usually golden to reddish, depending on the oak, and it has an open grain. Both of these options do very well with stain and they are durable, which is important when you are choosing the cabinets for your kitchen.…

by Suzana Mikolova
3 Minute
Bathroom Renovations

Time For A Little Bathroom Remodeling?

A bathroom is supposed to be a room of comfort, for some a sanctuary. Just like all of us, after years of use, we start to look and feel a little worn and out dated. Think of a bathroom remodel as an eye lift for your home. How should you go about it?
The first thing you’ll want to determine is budget. Unfortunately, most of us have to be concerned with this factor, as it will dictate the extent and limitations of your improvements. Next, you will want to formulate a plan of attack for the renovations you would like to see done in your bathroom remodeling. Then you should locate a good contractor that will do the job for you.
The size of your bathroom is one of the most critical elements in deciding what to do, because it will determine the types and sizes of sinks, shelves, and fixtures that will be placed inside. Believe me, you don’t want to feel too cramped in your bathroom. If you have a small space to begin with there are opportunities to create the illusion of a larger space with a more open and uncluttered feel. The proper choice of fixtures should do the trick to create an illusion of openness. Choices like using a pocket door to save more space. If you have linen closets installed, you can replace them with wall cabinets.
You can actually purchase complete bathroom suites if you don’t want to purchase bathroom items separately. You can check your local showrooms or view them online. If you are working with a contractor, often times they have access to these types of assets for you to review as well. Try to find out which one will suit your taste and budget. Choosing a whole suite, if it works with your budget, can make a bathroom remodel project a little quicker and easier.
If your personal style requires you to get the items separately, you my want to analyze what current items could potentially work with your new vision. For instance; if you have a great bathtub already and a toilet that works, you could maximize your dollars by updating the floor, counter tops, mirror and lighting at a significantly lower price. You can often shop locally or online for great deals on these items yourself.
You can choose between different types of toilet seats and hinges and cisterns that are hidden or mounted on the toilet itself. Cisterns may also be operated by a push button or a lever.
Sinks come in different sizes and shapes and materials. Some are over-the-counter, some are under-the-counter, some are wall-mounted, and some are on a pedestal. You would be surprised at how much your bathroom space would change with a new sink and counter space.
Bathtubs are usually rectangular or circular and if space allows, you may have a shower room in the bathroom. You can pick your choice on the different kinds of standard and handheld shower heads.
The color of the wall and floor and material for the tile should be carefully chosen. Let it give an ambiance of cleanliness in the room, while not dating the look within a couple years.
A home remodel of a bathroom is not as daunting as it may seem if you proceed with proper planning. You may just feel comfort inside that you may not have felt before for a long time.…

by Suzana Mikolova
3 Minute
Bathroom Renovations

Vinyl Composite Tile Versus Other Types of Flooring Material

Vinyl composite tile, also known as VCT, is a material preferred by many contractors and builders for floorings and walls. If you look at the floors and walls of new or newly renovated hospitals, schools, warehouses, factories and other commercial and industrial establishments, you will realize that most of them use VCT.
Although VCT is popular for commercial and industrial uses, there is no reason for you not to use this type of material for flooring at home. In fact, more and more households in the country are making use of vinyl tiles as an alternative to conventional flooring materials. In order to help you decide whether vinyl is best for you, check out the comparison between vinyl and other types of flooring materials.
Vinyl composition tiles are popular because they are not only affordable, but they are strong and durable as well. The average life span of vinyl tile flooring, particularly the one that is made of the highest quality, is around 15 years. For something that costs $2 to $5 per square foot, this can really be a good deal.
Besides, vinyl floor products that are sold in the market these days can be made to imitate the texture and appearance of most traditional materials. Furthermore, VCT comes in different colors, designs and styles. Whatever the motif or design of your home is, you will surely find a tile that will perfectly fit the look of your home interior.
It is without a doubt that wood is more durable and stronger than vinyl tiles. Even if you buy the most expensive VCT, well-maintained wood will still outlast the VCT when it comes to lifespan. Besides, wood flooring is also elegant and timeless. However, wood is very expensive, at least three times the price of ordinary vinyl. Wood can also warp or bend due to water damage.
When used for years, you will also see expansion and contraction of wooden materials. With VCT, you will not have a problem with water damage because this material is resistant to moisture. In case some areas of the vinyl flooring are chipped or damaged, you can easily replace the affected areas.
Carpet flooring is another preferred type of flooring in the US. This is also inexpensive and it comes in different designs and colors. However, carpet is quite difficult to maintain.
With vinyl composite tile, you will not have this problem. Cleaning and maintaining VCT flooring can be very easy and convenient.…

by Suzana Mikolova
3 Minute
Bathroom Renovations

Premade Kitchen Cabinets VS Custom Design and Manufacturing – What’s Right For You?

Once you’ve decided to remodel your kitchen, it’s not long before you’re dreaming of the new kitchen look and design. Cabinets are a vital component of your new kitchen, as they set the tone for the entire room. For those with an open concept, the look of the cabinets carry through to the design of adjoining dining and family rooms, as well!
OPTIONS, OPTIONS, OPTIONS
Before you settle on a design and style of cabinetry, you need to determine if you’re choosing pre-made cabinets, or if you’ll opt for an entirely custom design. Both options have their pros and cons, and before you can decide, you must weigh them for yourself.
PRE-MADE ADVANTAGES
Those who choose pre-made cabinets often have budget constraints that make that option attractive. Because these cabinets are made in various standard sizes (by manufacturer), they can be mass-produced, resulting in a lower price point. Even if one has the budget for custom cabinets, they may choose pre-made simply to devote money to higher grade flooring or countertops.
Pre-made cabinets are ideal for those kitchens with an open concept and flexibility in design space. These rooms often have two to three walls with an open flow to the dining area, which makes hanging cabinets not custom-designed easier.
High-quality pre-made cabinets can be engineered to be just has moisture-resistant and strong as their custom, solid-wood counterparts. These cabinets are made in solid wood as well as press board, so you can take your personal preferences into account.
CUSTOM DESIGN AND MANUFACTURING ADVANTAGE
It doesn’t take too long to explain the advantages of opting for custom cabinets, manufactured to your exact specifications and preferences. After all, you get cabinets that are specially designed to fit and flatter your kitchen space. You can specify specialized shelving and cabinetry that meet your family’s needs.
Companies that specialize in custom cabinets should be vetted for the quality of work they perform. You can ask for photos of previous work, as well as testimonials attesting to their expertise in building and installing custom cabinets.
THE BOTTOM LINE: WHICH TO CHOOSE?
The factors to consider when choosing between custom cabinets and pre-made are several. Take into account the size and shape of your kitchen, and understand what kind of flexibility you have in choosing pre-made cabinets. If you have limited space and flexibility of design, you may be better off choosing custom cabinets to optimize your space and functionality.
If budget is your primary concern, then pre-made cabinets are hard to turn down. Additionally, choosing pre-made cabinets makes budget room for higher-end finishes like granite countertops and stainless steel appliances.
Well-made custom cabinets are a fine option for those who truly seek an absolutely unique kitchen design. There is something to be said for demanding the highest-quality, and some will be thrilled to pay extra for the custom experience. Handsome custom cabinets will definitely stand the test of time.…

by Suzana Mikolova
3 Minute
Bathroom Renovations

Finding the Perfect Sink For a Small Bathroom Remodel

Intuition tells most homeowners it is a simple matter to find the perfect sink for a small bathroom remodel. Not too long ago, this was true. But today, there is an array of possibilities. There is great variety in sink materials, installation styles, colors, shapes, and even hardware (or fittings and faucets). All of these factors will determine the suitability of a particular sink for your small bathroom remodel.
The sink you choose for your small bathroom remodel and the specific place you position it in the room will define a great deal of what else you can do in a small space. A new sink for your remodeled bath can cost as little as $100 or somewhat over $1,000. It is usually a good idea to decide how much you can afford to spend on a sink and decide on the major design features and style of your bathroom before you shop for a sink. This will help you stay on track when you see some of the trendy or flashy styles that are available. Keep in mind also that many stores display only the most popular styles and colors in their showrooms. It will probably be worth your time to ask about other options and to check online stores and manufacturers.
Materials: Most sinks are made of enamel, porcelain or china over cast iron or steel. These materials have been used for a very long time. Their durability and ability to resist stains and mildew have made them extremely popular. They are available in almost any color imaginable and any installation style. As bathroom design and décor has become more important in recent years, sinks are now produced in a wide variety of materials, including solid surface materials, acrylics, glass, metals, concrete, cultured stone and genuine stone. Consider who will use the sink when you decide on the material, because stone and concrete will be relatively high maintenance and need sealing and regular re-sealing and glass and metals can scratch easily.
Installation: Your decision to include or not include a vanity in your remodeled small bathroom will narrow your sink installation options.
If you are not using a vanity, your sink will probably be a free-standing or a wall-mounted style. These sinks use very little space, making them ideal for a small bathroom. They are also highly preferred in bathrooms fitted for accessibility. Whether they rest on a pedestal or attach to the wall, the plumbing will be visible (considered a downside by some). They also offer no storage space. In addition to actually requiring less space, these models make your bathroom appear larger.
If you are including a vanity, you might choose the smoothness and sleek continuity of a solid surface vanity top and sink. This is one continuous piece that includes the sink. This style is also possible with stone (granite, marble), cultured stone and concrete. Stone and concrete will require sealing and resealing. These sinks tend to be shallow as compared to some other styles.
Drop-in sinks have a rim that overlaps the edge of the countertop. These are inexpensive and easy to install, making them a great choice for the do-it-yourselfer. Look for a style that has some depth to limit splashing on the surrounding area of the countertop.
Under-mounted sinks attach to the underside of the countertop. These are very popular because they create a smooth surface that takes full advantage of every inch of surface space. This style of installation, however, limits your countertop choices to a material that is completely waterproof (no standard laminate or wood and no natural stone or concrete unless it is carefully sealed).
Countertop installation has become very popular in recent years, although this trend is beginning to wane. This type of installation uses specialty styles of bowls which sit atop a counter or piece of furniture. These styles tend to be costly and installation can also be expensive.
Current trends in bathroom design have focused on exotic materials, unusual shapes, vivid colors, and attempts to use furniture for vanities and cabinets. Small bathroom dimensions will probably prevent you from using furniture, unless you have been able to find a very small antique piece that can serve as your countertop.
Special considerations for small bathroom remodeling: One of the most important considerations in small bathroom design and decoration is maximizing space. This tends to suggest wall-mounted or pedestal sinks or very small and open vanities or surrounds for the sink. Color, shape and material will be largely determined by your style and design and your budget. Remember that lighter colors tend to make rooms look larger, as do vertical stripes. Think carefully also about what you want to be the focal point in the room – the sink, the shower, the tub surround, etc
To create the …

by Suzana Mikolova
5 Minute
General Article

Interested In Learning More About Landscaping? Continue To Read

When people think that they don’t need to landscape their home they often overlook things that could actually improve the quality of their home. Even if you feel like the landscape of your home is just fine, you still might want to take a look at this article. You can learn a thing or two that you can apply towards your home.

Use a drip irrigation system to help you water your plants. The expense of this system will be worth it. This type of system continually provides water to your plants. You also save money on water as it’s all being used by the plants, none will run off or be evaporated by the sun.

A great landscaping tip is to make use of the available spaces that you have. One particular helpful tip is to place bushes in areas where outside noise is a problem as the bushes will help drown out any unwanted sounds. Just make sure that you plan out your spacing carefully.

Try to make your landscaping beautiful for all seasons for beautiful year round results. Select a wide variety of plants, with some blooming in each season, according to the region in which you live. You can also pick trees with nice foliage or evergreens which make your yard look alive all year long.

Prior to purchasing the materials you need for your landscaping adventure, have your designs planned out. This could mean putting whatever you want to build, or plant on paper. By doing this, you will know exactly what you need when you go to the store to purchase all of these materials.

After mowing your yard, consider leaving some of the grass clippings around. As they decompose, the grass clippings will provide nutrients to your yard, so the lawn will be in less need of fertilizer.

Consider using rain barrels to water your yard. Rain barrels are easy to add to any yard, and they serve the purpose of collecting rain water. You can then use that rain water to hydrate your lawn, and plants. This is an easy way to save on the cost of watering plants, and it is an environmentally friendly option too.

A great way to really make your landscaping stand out is to use flowering trees. This can really add some vibrancy to your landscape as it can add lots of different colors. Consider using these items as a border to your entire landscaping design. When the trees blossom, it will really look great.

Be sure that the lawnmower you choose is one of a good quality. Many times, people just buy whichever lawnmower is cheapest or on sale. Generally, these lawnmowers do not cut through grass properly, and they may break easier. Even though it may be more costly, a high-quality mower will usually do the job.

Did you find anything new that you could add to your home? If yes then good, if not, then maybe you just haven’t found something you can add yet. There is always something you can change in your home’s landscape. Just remember that, although it’s up to you to decide how much you want to change. You can be the judge of that and have as much fun as you can, either way.…

by Suzana Mikolova
3 Minute