Category: Renovation

Room Additions

Consider A Makeover For Your Bathroom

Whether your motivation is to enhance your usage experience or to enhance your home’s resale value, a bathroom remodel project is one of the best investments a homeowner can make. In terms of maximizing the benefits, few can argue that renovating your bathroom will offer the most bang for the buck in terms of payback when it comes time to sell while allowing you the extra comfort and enjoyment while you are still in your home.
Much like a kitchen, the bathroom tends to be one area where potential home buyers have strong emotions. A functional and stylish bathroom can literally make or break the deal when you put your home on the market. But resale potential is not the primary reason to consider your bathroom renovation. Sure we all would like as much money as we can get, but why not enjoy your home to the fullest while you are still in it? Plus, with the economy in a down trend, more and more people are choosing to spruce up their existing homes instead of moving to a new home. You can save a lot of money by remaining in your home and simply improving it instead of moving. For the long-term, that decision makes a lot of sense financially.
Your renovation project can be as simple or elaborate as you desire. It is amazing what a new mirror and a new coat of paint can do for a bathroom. If your budget and energy allows, you can get really ambitious and knock out walls, install a new tub or shower, add new cabinets, and a number of other things. The only limit to your project will be budget and imagination.
Before you begin any project, you need to plan carefully. the last thing you want to do is begin a bathroom renovation that renders it useless for weeks because you didn’t realize the impact of changes you made or because you ran out of funds before you finished. The best way to avoid these types of planning mistakes is to use the services of a professional contractor. A professional will know the process, know the right subcontractors, and be able to steer you towards a successful completion. If your project is relatively small, then you can probably do it yourself without any help. But when pipes need to be moved or electrical outlets need to be moved, unless you really know what you are doing, do not attempt these types of tasks by yourself. Always leave these types of jobs to the professionals.
A bathroom renovation can make a big difference in your enjoyment of your home while adding potential resale value. If you don’t have the bathroom of your dreams already, look into an upgrade. Whether you want a major facelift or just new counters and lights, you will be happy you did. And the older and more worn your current bathroom is, the more you will probably enjoy your new one. The best part is that there are many options available regardless of your budget, just get creative and enjoy the experience.…

by Suzana Mikolova
3 Minute
Room Additions

Let’s Stir the Christmas Pudding in a Brand New Kitchen

When it comes to our homes, for many of us the kitchen is at the heart. Whether enjoying a quick warming drink after an autumn walk or sitting down for a meal with family or friends, the kitchen provides food, warmth and comfort.
Unfortunately, because it is used so much, without our noticing our kitchens can become tired and shabby. Suddenly, meals are better taken elsewhere and the under-heated slightly grimy kitchen becomes a place to visit for as short a time as possible.
At that stage, you know you need a new kitchen. Call in a builder who knows about kitchens and there is still just time to bask in the warmth of a fresh kitchen by Christmas. When designing your new kitchen, start with the basics, light, heating and space. You might not want to move water pipes or ventilation so have little option about placement of sink or cooker, but before you commit to any design, draw a scale model of the space itself only and see what is possible.
Starting with heating, think about underfloor heating for early morning cosy toes, or one of those clever little heaters which fit under your floor cupboards. Either method will save having to have large radiators and therefore save wall space. With lighting, you need good lights to be able to see what you are cooking but also mood lighting for candlelit dinners. Think about ceiling spotlights, lights over work surfaces and near sinks.
Try to work on the golden triangle principle of cooker, sink and work surface. Think about how you use space and spread that use around the kitchen. For example, if you have a morning bottleneck at present with fridge, breakfast bowls and cereals all kept next t the toaster and kettle think about spreading them out so that the progress of the meal flows naturally on to the table.
When deciding on the decoration, remember that kitchens can become greasy and steamy and choose surfaces that will clean easily. Consider glass splash backs, tiles and wood. Choose work surfaces to help make a colour statement and keep walls fairly neutral.
Whatever you decide for your new kitchen our main tip is to make sure that you choose a builder or installer that can manage the whole installation. Juggling separate firms of plumbers, electricians, builders and fitters will slow the work down and could lead to Christmas on a building site.…

by Suzana Mikolova
3 Minute
Renovation Costs

Bathroom Fixtures: Energy-Efficient Fixtures

Technology has also permeated into the creation of bathroom fixtures with the main intention of making energy efficient appliances and equipment. There are several fixtures, appliances, and equipment that are combined with electronic devices to provide efficient, ‘no-hands’ system. These systems help to enhance water use efficiency and at the same time ensure proper sanitation. Some of the water- and energy-efficient bathroom fixtures are discussed here.
Water Efficient Fixtures
The greatest benefit of water efficient bathroom fixtures is the savings it provides in both water and sewer bills. Further, such fixtures reduce the need for high-cost water supply equipment, waste water treatment systems, and thereby help in the maintenance of aquatic and riparian ecosystems. These fixtures also reduce the need for pumping, heating, or treating water. It also leads to water efficiency in product life cycles thereby preventing pollution.
High-efficiency Toilets and Urinals
These bathroom fixtures have been introduced by the plumbing industry with clear intentions of water conservation and energy efficiency. High-efficiency toilets use 1.3 gallons per flush as compared to the mandatory 1.6 gallons. The high-efficiency urinals that were created in co-operation with the water authority have a flush average of less than the mandatory 1.0 gallons.
High-efficiency washing machines
These bathroom appliances are believed to use technological advances to ensure water and energy efficiency in the process of washing clothes. Most of these high-efficient models use 35% to 50% less water as compared to the traditional models. This transfers to water conservation and savings in energy for heating lesser water.
Pre-Rinse Spray Valves
Pre-rinse spray valves are bathroom fixtures that are used in restaurants to clean the food particles from dishes before placing them in the dishwasher. The dishwashing process accounts for two-thirds of water consumption in such establishments. By installing high-efficient spray valves, you will consume only 1.6 gallons or lesser water per minute as compared to the conventional 3.0 gallons per minute.…

by Suzana Mikolova
2 Minute
Renovation Contractor

Residential Plumbing – Don’t Forget the Plunger!

While a toilet plunger may not be the sexiest of purchases, there are only a few things more frustrating than a clogged toilet with no plunger on hand. So, go out and buy that plunger. And, when you do, keep the following in mind:
1. Plunger type. While the plunger is one of the most familiar plumbing tools, not all are the same. What most people don’t know is that there are actually two standard types – the “cup plunger” and the “flange plunger.” The more familiar “cup plunger” (commonly referred to as the “sink plunger”) consists of a rubber cup with a flat rim attached to a plastic, metal or wooden handle, and is designed to create a seal against flat surfaces, making it best suited for unclogging sinks, showers, bathtubs, floor drains. While this type of plunger is sometimes used on toilet clots, what every plumber knows (and you should too) is that there is a specific type of plunger that is more effective for toilets.
Given a toilet bowl’s shape, toilets are better served with a bowl shaped plunger, with an additional protruding ring or “flange,” known as the “flange plunger,” or “toilet plunger.” This type of plunger is specifically designed to seal the hole at the bottom of the toilet bowl and to snake down into the actual toilet drain, allowing for greater pressure to be applied to the clogged pipe. In the event that your toilet is of the low flow variety, you should also be aware that some toilet plungers are designed specifically for use with these types of toilets and feature a long, funneled nose allowing for a tighter seal and prevention of backsplash. Note: Toilet plungers are found wherever sink plungers are sold.
2. Size. In addition to the type of plunger (a “cup” versus a “sink”), one other item to consider is the plunger size, both the size of the rubber cup and the handle. In general, the longer the handle and the larger the cup, the more “powerful” the plunge. In addition, a longer handles ensures a farther distance between your hands and the dirty water.
3. Storage. While many people simply keep their toilet plunger on the bathroom floor next to the toilet, a plunger is not the most pleasant item to look at. More importantly, these bacteria-ridden tools are unsanitary and can lead to disease and illness in both people and animals. Thus, it is important to always store it safely, and when purchasing it, you should also purchase something to keep it in. Whether it be a bucket, a custom plunger holder, a plastic sack or even a flower pot, it is important that the plunger be stored properly. For total storage and concealment, on the market today there are also sanitary storage cabinets and other devices which are discrete and allow you to hide it safely inside the bathroom wall.
So, go out and buy that plunger, otherwise known as the “plumber’s friend,” and a nice container to keep it in. And, then learn how to use it! With a plunger on hand, a clogged toilet can be cleared in a few simple steps – no licensed plumber required.…

by Suzana Mikolova
3 Minute
Renovation Contractor

Change The Look Of Your Kitchen With Under Cabinet Lighting

A kitchen renovation is a beautiful renovation if done properly. Of course, it’s also a very costly one. Certainly, there are benefits because it will increase the market value of the home. However, if you can’t afford or aren’t willing to make such a huge investment, you can do other things. For instance, you can change the look of your kitchen with under cabinet lighting.
Far too often, people are guilty of neglecting the benefits that come with lighting. Instead, they will think of the light fixture and how it looks only. The problem with that is that there is so much more to lighting but it can really change the way a room looks with the flip of a switch.
With regards to the kitchen, when such lights are installed, many changes occur. Left on on their own at night, they provide very soft and subtle lighting to help anyone get to where they need to go. But at the same time, they can create a certain atmosphere. And they’ll change the way your cabinets and counters look in an instant.
But more than that, they’re also extremely useful. Any cook can tell you how crucial they are when it comes to preparing their meals. Any job no matter how large or small can be simplified with all this extra light that is focused on a certain area.
As a consumer, you’ll have lots of choices when it comes to purchasing these items. There are different models available. So, if there aren’t available sockets in the vicinity, you simply choose models better battery operated. Like this, you get the benefit without the high cost that would normally come with an electrician installing them professionally.
Because there are so many choices, it’s good to get acquainted with them all. Like that, you’ll be able to make a good decision with all your lighting needs being addressed.…

by Suzana Mikolova
2 Minute
Renovation Costs

Kitchen Lighting Ideas – the Most Popular Lighting Trends You Can Apply in Your Own Home

In remodeling your kitchen, it is important that you do not forget about implementing some interesting kitchen lighting ideas. Lighting can complement well the interiors of any home and hence it is very crucial that all the lighting fixtures are placed strategically and accordingly. It can really go a long way in making your kitchen look brand new.
The most common error that most people commit in implement their own kitchen lighting ideas is installing just a single fixture right in the center of the kitchen. This could result to shadows which could be inconvenient when you do a few tasks around the house. To give your kitchen a total makeover through lighting, you should combine natural and artificial lighting in a balanced way.
You should also take note that your lighting should be related to the colors of your kitchen. You must also plan out your budget well since lighting fixtures can really cost a lot more than you imagine. In terms of your kitchen cabinets, you can decorate it with lights to enhance its plain look. You can install them on sides of the kitchen so that it can minimize the shadows.
The cove style of lighting is also one of the most important kitchen lighting ideas you can implement. This is utilized for the even distribution of light in correct proportions all throughout your entire kitchen. It can also be used to highlight the overall shape, design and layout of your kitchen area. Recessed lighting can also be applied if you want to enhance the architectural design of your kitchen.…

by Suzana Mikolova
2 Minute
Renovation House

Top 7 Decorating Mistakes

Being an interior designer for over 25 years I’m quite familiar with the most common mistakes most people make (even some professionals) when decorating a home. Decorating should reflect our taste and style, and it is a very personal thing. However there are a few decorating blunders that should be avoided. Below is a list of mistakes and fixes.
MISTAKE 1: The Line Up…lining up the furniture on one wall. I see this done a lot especially in bedrooms, where several different size dressers are all shoved against one wall. This creates a “cluttered” look and feel. It’s also unbalanced.
THE FIX: Be sure to measure the space and the dimensions of the furniture you’ll be placing on each wall. Place one main piece of furniture on a wall. You want to make sure the room looks and feels balanced. Also, be sure to leave enough “walk room” between the bed and the furniture. You don’t want to be bumping into things if you get up in the middle of the night to use the bathroom. Scale is very important here.
MISTAKE 2: Furniture people think pushing the living room sofa against the wall and by having the open space in the center of the room will make the room appear larger…False. This type of arrangement makes it difficult to carry on a conversation.
THE FIX: Since the sofa is the largest piece in the room it should be placed in the center and across from either the entertainment wall or fireplace (the focal point). Rearrange the other pieces around the sofa to create an intimate setting that is more conversational. (group all piece in the center of the room) Make sure you’re TV is hung/placed at eye level and the sofa is placed at the correct distance from the TV. The distance depends on the size of the TV and your preference. A good rule of thumb is to take the size of the TV and multiply it by 1.5. For example, if you have a 42″ Flat Screen TV, you would multiply 42 x 1.5 = 63″ or 5’1/4″. If you feel that it’s still too close you can move your sofa back to about 6′. The larger the TV the further back the sofa should go. So it’s important to know your room size before purchasing a TV. (measure to the back seat of the sofa)
Some rooms are too small for this configuration, if you have to place the sofa against a wall be sure to group the other pieces around the ‘t push the chair against another wall, etc.
Upon entry you see the back of the ‘s a great place for a console table to be placed with a few accessories displayed.
MISTAKE 3: Fear of I first moved to the dessert I was shocked at how many beige / cream colored houses I went to. Floors, walls, ceilings and furniture were all beige, which tends to look boring and lacks creativity. Many of the clients told me that they love color but were afraid to use it. Many think using a paint color, other than off white; will make the room look smaller and be difficult to match with furniture.
THE FIX: Use your favorite colors! I recommend selecting the upholstery and window treatments first. You can start with a palette of three colors in different shades and contrast – you can have one dark deep color, complimented by lighter colors. Select the main color followed by accent colors. Darker colors tend to ground while lighter colors tend to float. Don’t use all jewel tones or pastels – mix it up. After those selections are made then the paint color can be selected. It is best to select a few colors and paint them on the wall in the room. Stay with it for a day or so and see how the color looks in the natural light and nighttime light, then select. The goal of paint color is to enhance the other colors being used and to create a mood. You can use paint color to make something pop or to create a soft glow. But always surround yourself in the colors you love.
MISTAKE 4: Too Many Patterns… using too many patterns can become distracting to the eye, busy and overbearing. However, you don’t want to be “matchy-matchy” either. There are many ways to introduce patterns to the d?�cor of a room but there is also a fine line with how many to use and where.
THE FIX: I love to decorate a room with different patterns, it creates interest. However, you must stay true to your color palette and plan. Use patterns and prints very specifically to support the main color and draw attention to the accent colors. Mix it …

by Suzana Mikolova
8 Minute