How To Create The ‘Oasis Factor’ With Innovative Duravit Bathroom Fixtures
If we’ve learned anything in the past few years, it’s that figuring home values, and calculating the value of home improvements is a tricky proposition. Location, market conditions, and the products used in remodeling any room are all factors in how much money one might recoup from a project. Upgrading a bathroom is no exception.
But there is an intangible involved in the remodeling of a bathroom. I like to think of it as “the oasis factor.” If the home is our castle, then the bathroom should be our oasis. That’s where Duravit products come in. Durability and practicality are an issue of course-but what is function without form? Duravit combines both.
Is it just possible that baby boomers and gen-Xers are staying put in their homes, and abandoning the concept of changing residences more often than they change their cars? If this is the case, then why upgrade a bathroom just for function? That’s only taking care of half the job. Why not upgrade not only the fixtures but the ambiance? Duravit products stand up to both challenges.
While they may not yet be a household name in the U.S., worldwide their bathroom furnishings are a standard of excellence in remodeling and new construction. Hotels, public buildings, and new homes throughout Europe, Asia and the Middle East are using Duravit products. In cost, their fixtures can compete with the better-known American brands, yet there’s a step up in design and innovation in products from this German company that has been around nearly 200 years. Steam showers, tubs for two, over-size sinks, even out-door tubs and “pools” allow the homeowner or builder to create a spa or bathroom project that is out-of-the-ordinary. Why settle for a bathroom that is just the same but different?
As our needs change, so do our tastes. In college, or our first apartment, a box on the floor served not only as a bookcase, but an end table, dining table, and lamp stand. Anyone who has travelled to foreign lands has probably seen what passes for a bathroom in some older hotels. Are these rooms functional? , sometimes, they’re barely so. Are they beautiful? Rarely. And are these rooms an oasis of relaxation? Never. Why does the bathroom have to be a space that is, despite a few upgrades, simply a room for a toilet, sink, and bathing area? Duravit thinks outside the box-not only the box that confines your room, but the box that confines design and function.
Design is a big part of the appeal of their products, but Duravit just doesn’t design bathroom furnishings on the outside and slap a famous designer logo on the product. Their designers are creating products for the bathroom inside and out. In other words, it’s that design/function/innovation dynamic that is being created. Okay, maybe they’re not reinventing the wheel, but they are reinventing the idea of a bathroom. Next time you’re searching for the “oasis” in your home, check out Duravit bathroom furnishings. You may be in for a surprise.…
Tips for a Successful Kitchen Renovation
It is a well-known fact that the kitchen and the bathroom are the most expensive rooms in the house, so a bit of research and planning ahead of your renovation will help to keep costs and stresses down, and have the project go as smoothly as possible.
Budget. As with any project to be undertaken, the first thing you need to do is fix your budget, and please, please, please remember to allow for overruns – you do not known what will be found in the walls or the floor that will result in additional costs to the project.
Layout. Does the existing layout work for you? Are you taking out any walls to make a bigger space, or adding windows or doors? These kinds of changes need to be taken into account when considering the layout of the kitchen. Remember the triangle between sink, stove and fridge!
Electrical Outlets. A very common problem in a kitchen is an insufficient number of electrical outlets, particularly at countertop level. If your large appliances are all to be built-in, each will need a dedicated outlet. How much countertop space will you have? Do you have small appliances that live on the counter like a coffee machine, toaster or toaster oven? Do you have other appliances that live in a cupboard and are used only occasionally? Additional outlets should be provided to accommodate these appliances.
Countertop. There are numerous choices for the countertop, from tiles to granite or polished stone, to concrete, stainless steel and various molded surfaces. And the price range is equally huge, with unique custom-made surfaces costing thousands of dollars. Be careful that you don’t overspend on the finishes as you might not get it back on reselling your property. Also think about wear and tear on the counter – do you have kids? Might there be frequent spillages that might cause staining?
Cabinets. The choice of finishes for your cabinets is limitless, from natural wood to laminates, stainless steel, glass, synthetic finishes and various combinations of them all. Do you wish your upper level cabinets to go right up to the ceiling – the advantages of this include more storage space though high up, no dust can collect on the top of the cupboards, plus it gives the illusion of a higher ceiling, which is particularly good if your ceiling is a little low.
Floor. Are you installing a new floor covering? If yes, it needs to be something that is very durable to withstand the wear and tear of traffic in the busiest room in your house! Hardwood, tile, stone or even polished concrete fill this role effectively and efficiently.
Appliances. The kitchen is often described as the “heart of the home”, so you don’t want to skimp on appliances. Stainless steel is more expensive but it will last longer. Having appliances that match is also very important to the overall look of the finished kitchen. Do you want a dishwasher and where do you want it to be located? Do you want a built-in microwave or wine cooler, and where should they be located. Now is the time to think about these things.
There you have it. Lots to think about before your project gets started, but planning ahead will more than pay for itself in the successful completion of the project.…
What to Look for in a Home Remodeling Company
A Seattle home remodeling company should not be chosen merely because it’s the first one that appeared in the phone book or because it’s the one with the cheapest rates. Most people these days care so much about convenience and economy that they end up sacrificing quality because they don’t want to exert a bit of effort in finding a company that can do the work for them. As a result, they end up with homes that look nothing like what they envisioned.
Make sure that the renovation company that you’re getting actually specializes in remodeling. Consider for a second construction companies that have shifted towards remodeling. Because they came from a different field, their mindset about the work is radically different. For them, as long as they finish the job, then that’s it. Contrast that with remodeling companies, who know full well that there’s more to renovations than simply building things and reorganizing. They see to it that everything is considered, from beginning to end, including the cleanup.
With regards to price, certainly budget is always a factor that you will need to consider. However, it shouldn’t be the only criterion in your mind when you’re looking for a company to do the remodeling for you. If the offer sounds too good to be true, chances are, it is. You might end up either scammed or left with substandard work, since you’re getting what you actually paid for. Even if it’s slightly more expensive, a renovation company that actually gives a quote with a detailed breakdown of the costs is more reliable than one that gives a lump sum without telling you where the expenses are going.
Before you choose a company that will do the house renovations for you, make sure you consider these factors. Remember, it’s your home they’re going to be working on, so making that extra effort will be worth it in the end.…
Struggling With Your Roof? Try These Tips!
In order to successfully manage putting a good roof on your home, you need to know the necessary knowledge about taking care of such a big task. This article contains much helpful information concerning what you need to consider so that you can move forward. Keep reading to find out more about roofing.
Never hesitate to replace your roof’s shingles. While you may believe it is okay to put off a roof repair, you will only further the damage by prolonging it. Repairing shingles immediately will save cash for you and avoid you a headache. Taking care of your roof will make it last.
While it may sound backwards, one of the best times to find a leak is when it’s completely dry out. Keep an eye out for things like mold in corners, unusually dark ceiling tiles, and damp insulation. You can use these things to guide you to the spot the leak is coming from.
Check to make sure the contractor has all the licenses he needs. If you’re unsure of what that is exactly, don’t just assume everything is okay because the contractors says it is. Contact your local building department and ask them what is needed.
If you’re looking into getting insurance on your roof, make sure replacement is covered along with repairs. You don’t want to be stuck paying for a new roof out of pocket. Repair coverage is a great thing to have, but you also want to be covered for the worst case scenario.
Before spending thousands of dollars on having your roof repairs by a contractor, see if you can do the fixes. While more complicated matters (such as needing your whole roof replaced) require the help of a roofer, you can do simpler issues on your own, like shingle repairs. You can head to the Internet for step-by-step guides on simple fixes.
Slate roofs can offer you something that a shingle roof cannot, this is an aged and sophisticated look. Slate roofs have been used for hundreds of years, as tar shingles have not been produced for as long as people have needed roofs. Some of the most famous buildings have slate roofs, all having a sophisticated and timely look.
Home Repair
Always keep safety in mind. Danger abounds in roofing work. Wait for ideal conditions. If the weather looks bad, hold off. It isn’t worth dying over! You must know what you are doing, and you must work safely.
Remodeling
Invest in the highest quality roofing tiles your money can buy. This is especially important if you are living in the house you are remodeling. The best roofing materials for your home depend on the climate of your location, so be sure to research the best roofing tiles for your climate.
How do you feel about your roofing knowledge now? You should have learned quite a bit from reading the article, so keep the advice that you’ve picked up in mind as you continue your roofing project. Now that you have all you need, you can ensure that the roof you put on your home is adequate.…
Roofing Advice That Can Save You A Hassle
Sadly, it is not wise to place your full trust in the representations of all contractors. For quality work, you need to know enough about roofing to know what should be done. The following article will teach you everything you need to know to tackle that roof repair.
When meeting with a professional roofer, ask to see a copy of their liability insurance. Any trustworthy roofer should have copies readily available. If they have a hard time providing you with their papers, they’re probably not someone you want to work with. When you’re trusting someone with your roof, you want all your bases covered.
You should have certain expectations of your roofer. For example, any shingles that fall down to the ground should be picked up and hauled off your property. In addition, the roofer should pick up the majority of the nails that fall down as well, although it is likely that a few may be missed. In general, your yard should be clean and picked up after the work is completed.
If a roofing salesman is giving you a high pressure pitch, tell him no thank you and show him out of your home. Once the salesman locks you into a contract, you and your home are at their mercy. This makes it essential to prevent being pressured into an agreement.
Never use bleach to clean your roof. While bleach is something that is very effective at cleaning many areas of your home, it should never be used to clean your roof. This is because the chemicals found in bleach are corrosive, and they may cause a lot of damage to the roofing materials.
After a thorough inspection and cleaning of the roof, it is imperative to patch and seal any problem areas. Make sure that the weather report shows nice weather, because sealing materials may take up to two days to completely cure. A sealant or other coating should be applied after the areas are cured.
Before you install a new roof, check out your supplies. Installation is a big cause of leaks, whether it be from the wrong sized nails or cracked shingles. Be sure that the nails and shingles are in good shape before you add them to your roof.
Home Repair
Remember to be safe when it comes to roofing. Danger abounds in roofing work. Don’t be in a rush to address issues with your roof. If you’re not able to work because of bad weather, then you should wait. Don’t injure yourself or worse in the name of home repair. It’s crucial that you take all necessary precautions and have a good idea of what you’re doing up there.
Remodeling
Invest in the highest quality roofing tiles your money can buy. This is especially important if you are living in the house you are remodeling. The best roofing materials for your home depend on the climate of your location, so be sure to research the best roofing tiles for your climate.
As you can see by now, it’s imperative that you learn what you can about roofing. You have to use your head. Apply the great tips found above to make sure your roof is repaired and sealed in a cost-effective way.…
Work Faster And Smarter With These Home Improvment Tips
There is an abundance of information and resources available to help you with DIY projects. If you don’t arm yourself with the right sources and knowledge, home improvement can be a nightmare. This piece is full of ideas that can give you a better understanding of home improvement techniques.
Bathroom Remodel
Make little changes in the bathroom if you don’t have a lot of money. Small budgets can still make large impacts. You could, for instance, replace fixtures, towel bars and other small details. Add a coat of paint to really spruce things up. You’ll have a new, modern bathroom without spending much cash.
Bathroom Renovations
If you are renovating a bathroom, keep handicapped people in mind when you are redesigning the space. This conversion can be done in stages if cost is a concern, and will save a lot of headache if you live in your current home until you die. These improvements will increase your home’s value.
Home Contractors
When looking for someone to help you with home improvements, do your research. This is important because you do not want an inexperienced or unskilled person working on your home. Ask around for a good worker from family and friends or go online and look for reviews on home contractors in your area.
Home Maintenance
To save money on home maintenance, check all of your faucets and pipes for leaks and have them repaired quickly. Leaking faucets can waste quite a bit of water, costing you in higher bills. Also, pipes that are leaking within your walls or under your house can lead to serious water damage.
Home Remodeling
When looking to improve the value of your home, remodeling a bathroom can be a great step to take. Simple bathroom remodeling steps can include painting, changing out fixtures and installing new tiles. More elaborate efforts can include replacing bathtubs, toilets and sinks. Whatever route you choose, you’re sure to see an increased home value when you update your bathroom.
Home Renovation
When working with a contractor to do a home renovation, decide on the whole project at the beginning and stick to that plan. Constantly changing the plan can slow down the renovation process and scare off your contractor from doing anything independently. Also, constantly changing renovations often end up looking piecemeal, since they weren’t created with a clear vision in mind.
Kitchen Remodel
When removing cabinets as part of a kitchen remodel, make sure you don’t just unscrew and yank them off the wall. You will more than likely end up taking some or all of the drywall off with you. Take time and care to remove each and every screw, and use a utility knife around the edges to break the caulking that was most likely used to seal between the cabinet and the wall.
Kitchen Renovation
If you’re embarking on a huge kitchen renovation, set up a makeshift kitchen you can use while yours is unavailable. Your kitchen might not be useable for a couple of weeks so have a microwave and a refrigerator elsewhere in the house so you can store food and make easy meals.
Remodeling
Use energy efficient appliances when remodeling or building a new home. The utility costs can add up quickly if you aren’t using efficient appliances. You can find the rating of any machine you are purchasing on the tag. It will tell you the cost of using it over a year and over it’s lifetime.
It’s worth repeating this point for emphasis: Home improvement doesn’t have to be hard to do. When you apply the tips you just read, you can make your own home-improvement projects easier. You now have a solid foundation of knowledge to think about. Armed with this knowledge, you are now ready to get started on a plan.…