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.…
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.…
How to Avoid Getting Burned With Kitchen Remodeling Mistakes
People choose to remodel their kitchen for a variety of reasons. Some homeowners simply want a more updated look. They choose to upgrade their kitchen in more modern décor and colors. However, others feel the need to remodel their kitchen room due to inconvenience and inefficient use of the available space. Whether you are displeased with the layout of the room or simply want a new look, there are some mistakes that you should steer clear of when remodeling your kitchen.
Skipping Ventilation
When remodeling your kitchen, consider adding outside ventilation. It is important that stove hoods or be vented to the outdoors if at all possible. This simple addition can dramatically reduce smoke and odors in the kitchen.
Creating a Large Island
Many modern kitchens include a work island. Islands can be wonderful work spaces for a cook. However, if not properly thought through, they can be a kitchen nightmare. The key is having an island which is the right size and in the right spot. A 3 foot by 4 foot island provides plenty of workspace for most purposes. It is also essential to make sure that you have at least 3 to 4 feet between your island and your cabinets. Anything less can make both the island and the cabinets difficult to use. The best practice is to block off the size and location of your potential island in your kitchen before making a purchase.
Forgetting the Garbage
Kitchens can be messy. Most cooks have both containers and food to throw away. Not properly planning for the disposal of these items can make a kitchen look messy. When planning your remodeling, think about the most convenient ways to store your garbage. The best method is to hide waste receptacles in cabinets. Make certain that you have enough room so that your can is not overflowing all of the time. Creating a separate space for z food waste container or installing a garbage disposal is also a good idea.
Creating Unusable Cabinet Space
Cabinets are very important for storing utensils and non-perishables. Think about the size, height and location of your cabinets before buying them. Draw a sketch and plan what items will go into each cabinet. Consider that while deep cabinets hold more, they are not practical if you cannot reach the items in them. Deep corners are often unused in cabinet spaces. Consider installing lazy susans and swing out or pull out caddies.
Inadequate Lighting
Most kitchens need more than one middle of the ceiling light. Ensure that you plan for proper lighting above the stove, counters, sink and other work areas. Under the cabinet lights are also popular choices with many people.
Remodeling your kitchen may be a once in a lifetime adventure. Give it care, planning and thought before taking the plunge. While considering all of the things that you want your kitchen to have, keep these common kitchen remodeling mistakes in mind.…