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.…

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.…

Bathroom Remodeling – Choosing the Right Flooring For Your Bathroom

While many homeowners believe that flooring is more for aesthetics than anything else, your flooring services multiple purposes in the bathroom. When you’re getting ready to do bathroom remodeling you need to put careful consideration in the type of flooring that you’ll install. Very specific factors come in to play with the bathroom, from water retention and absorbency, stain resistance, safety when wet, overall durability, cost, how it fits with the design. Here’s a look into the different flooring options to consider while you prep for bathroom remodeling in your home.
Carpeting: While it might not seem like the best idea in an environment that is perpetually exposed to moisture, carpet is actually a great option for the bathroom – you just have to make the right purchase decision and do your homework on the carpet you want. You need to install carpet that is stain-resistant as well as milder-resistance. The backing of the carpet also needs to hold the water back so it won’t be absorbed by the padding. If this is in line then you have no worries about carpet installation in the bathroom.
Ceramic Tile: Ceramic tile for bathroom flooring is designed a little differently than the ceramic tile you would use on a countertop or backsplash. While those surfaces are smooth, ceramic flooring tiles are made with a textured surface to prevent slipping. It’s a favored option for floors because of the custom designs, shapes and more that are available – lending an opportunity to create a truly unique floor in your bathroom.
Laminate: Laminate is made of layers of material that have been bonded together for strength and durability, including resin and wood fibers. The final pieces are formed together into compressed planks with an image that’s imprinted on the surface. This allows a custom design in various material styles and colors, most commonly wood. It’s durable and easy to clean, making it an affordable and great option for many bathroom remodeling projects.
Hardwood: It’s an added expense, but it’s difficult to replicate the beauty and character that comes from a hardwood floor. It lends a great deal of warmth and comfort to the bathroom environment, which is beneficial if you’re the type to rely on your bathroom for relaxation after a long day. Even older wood floors can be easily refreshed and to ensure safety you can apply a no-slip finish in the bathroom.
Natural Stone: Natural stone is often cut into large tiles that are placed in various patterns across the floor in the bathroom. It’s common for tiles to be cut in 12″ squares but they can also come larger. Being natural stone it’s highly durable and easy to care for. When properly sealed the floor won’t absorb water and the surface is naturally slip-resistant making it a safe option for your bathroom flooring. The only downside here is that natural stone tends to get a little cold on the feet.
Vinyl: This has long been one of the most popular options for bathroom flooring, coming in sheets or tiles that can be easily placed and bonded to the subfloor. It comes in a variety of shapes and patterns to fit most designs and personal styles. While easy to clean, vinyl tiles have a lot of seams which creates potential for mold. The bonding glue can also give after time, causing your vinyl to release from the flooring.
Ultimately you’ll need to choose the flooring that best suits your personal preferences, your budget and the overall look of your room. If you’re not certain which type of flooring suits your bathroom, take the time to consult with a general contractor. They can help you make an informed decision on what material is best for your bathroom remodeling project.…

Things That You Need To Know When It Comes To Interior Design

If you have lived in your home for any amount of time, you are probably ready for a change. Your home is your haven, so you must make it reflect you and your personality. If you aren’t sure how to do that, this article contains some interior design tips to help you out.

When choosing colors for your interior design, avoid going with fads. Olive green walls may have been popular once upon a time, but it can make your home look dated. Go for neutral colors that can withstand the test of time. That way, you would not feel like you have to repaint every year.

Use your own photos as artwork. As a cheaper and more personal way to adorn your walls, use photos that you’ve taken. Either have prints made and frame them or use one of the many photo-to-canvas providers to have your photo made into a gallery canvas. If you are more tech-savvy, you can alter your photos in software to make them look even more like artwork.

Try to incorporate a “warm haven” in one of the rooms in your house. This is an important area for you to have so that you can relax after a long day of work or school. Use tranquil colors in this room and try to include a fireplace in this area.

For quick and easy inspiration, it helps to stay abreast of interior design trends and themes. You wouldn’t want to appear to be stuck in the 1970’s with outdated decor. Look around, especially when in other people’s home’s to get a good idea of the latest decorating styles today.

When redecorating a bedroom, adding a little color can help. Paint one accent wall or add some extra bold pillows to the bed. Place an accent chair in the corner or use lampshades with a bold pop of color. This adds visual interest to the room, and it is an inexpensive way to change the space.

Use wallpaper on 50 percent of your wall. When trying to redecorate walls it can be very expensive. Cover half of the wall with wallpaper to save money. Give your wallpaper a nice border and paint the remaining wall. This is one good way to have your home look stylish without spending too much money.

Use many levels of lighting. By utilizing lighting in your design you can accomplish multiple looks in one room. An overhead light is typically necessary, but try installing a dimmer switch so you can vary the level and create ambiance in the evening. Install accent lighting to bring focus to art pieces. Task lighting is also important for reading nooks or kitchen prep areas. Multi-level lighting will allow you to create many vibes with one design.

Remodeling

Remodeling your kitchen can be one of the most extensive (and expensive!) interior-design jobs in your house. Despite the hassle and expense involved, resist the temptation to save money by buying cheap cabinets. There’s an enormous difference in quality between premium and cut-rate cabinets. You’ll only end up replacing discount cabinetry a few years down the line.

Now that you have some ideas, it’s important to get started. It is really easy to get distracted by your responsibilities, but you have to make time for you! You will feel much more relaxed when you finally have some time to transform your spaced and feel more at home in your house.…