Month: December 2020

Bathroom Renovations

Choosing A Technician For Refrigerator Repair

Laura

Getting refrigerator repair is important if you notice your fridge is broken. Without it you run the risk of the problem getting worse. If the issue gets worse than it can cost more to fix and sometimes become unfix-able. On the other hand if you get it fixed when it happens there is a better than it will last.
One common issue with a fridge is that it stops making things cold. This is a huge problem because you can lose all the food that goes bad. This is all wasted money. This issue can be caused by a non functioning compressor or the thermostat not being set properly.
Other problems may be simpler like to much dust or it could have become unplugged. These can be checked easily by pulling the fridge out a bit and looking behind it. If it has become unplugged simply re plug it back in. If you notice a lot of dust than you can simply remove the outside excessive dust with a duster.
The best way to get help is to use a repair technician. A repair tech will be skilled in fixing fridges. This knowledge is important so other parts and pieces of the refrigerator do not break when trying to fix the issue already at hand. If a person tries to fix their fridge themselves they can cause more problems.
To find help the internet and yellow pages can be used. Both options can get fast results. The idea is to look for appliance repair technicians. When using the Internet you can find reviews on some of the workers or companies. For the web you simply pull up the browser and type in some key words. After your search compile a list and check out each one. This is also the same way you go about using the yellow pages when looking for some help.
Another way to find help is to call numbers that you see on commercials or billboards for help. This also includes writing down any numbers that you see when driving around from stores and plazas. It is imperative that you call them all first and compare and contrast their characteristics so that you can choose the one that is best for you and your situation.
There are a few things that should be considered when you are picking a company or person to use. One major thing that should be considered is how many years they have been in business. Aside from this, complaints and their prices are also important to know. Knowing the prices will help you choose between all of the options. Complaints will give you an insight to how they work and the type of results you can expect to see.
Dealing with refrigerator repair can be cheap or expensive depending upon the company or person you choose to do the repairs. To find them the yellow pages or the internet can be used. Once you compile a list you just pick the …

Bathroom Remodel

How to Save Lots of Money Doing Your Own Home Repairs

Laura

The secret that I’m about to share with you is something that very few people know anything about. I don’t think that most homeowners or do-it-yourselfers even take the time to ask a contractor or house repair professional, how they actually learned how to do certain types of home repairs.
If you’re really interested in saving lots of money by doing your own repairs, you should purchase some home repair books and ask other contractors for tips and advice. I worked for a gardener who knew quite a bit about landscaping, vegetables and plants, but very little about building repairs. This particular individual would often invite me and my family over for a barbecue and ask me all sorts of questions about house repairs and where I got my experience from.
This man saved himself a lot of money on building repairs and you can too, by asking the right questions and gathering the right information. If you don’t know anyone who can help you for free with your DIY repairs, you can take the next step and see if there is a book available that you can use as a guide to do your own DIY repairs.
I have been a contractor for a long time and have been doing house repairs even longer. I built my first room addition when I was 18 years old and got all of the information that I needed from other building professionals and books. I probably didn’t know any more than most people when I started doing house repairs and remodeling work.
By asking questions and reading books, I eventually became extremely inefficient at doing my own home repairs and I even get paid for doing home repairs for other people. If you want to save some money, you need to learn how to do the home repairs on your own.…

Home Contractors

How to Complete a Home Renovation Project Quickly and On Time

Laura

It is rare to meet someone who has undergone a home renovation that hasn’t complained that it took too long. Having worked on home renovation projects of varying scales for homeowners getting their house ready to sell or prior to move in or even when they’re living in the home, I have found that there are certain things that help make a project move quickly and efficiently. Whenever I see projects drag on and on for months, even years, it’s because they’re lacking in one or more of these areas. Granted, there are things that come up that are out of your control, but I can promise that if you follow the tips below, you’ll reduce your project timeline significantly.

First and foremost, Have a Plan – Sounds simple enough right? I want to renovate my kitchen or bath. That’s a start, but there’s much more to it than that. Consult with your contractor about your project and find out a realistic time frame to start and complete the work. I recommend you get a calendar and use it as a project tracker. If it’s going to take 6 weeks for example, mark what the finish date is on the calendar. Then, reverse engineer or back track everything that needs to be done and assign a date to everything. For example, Day 1 Demolition, Day 2 Remove popcorn ceiling, Day 3 electrical rough-in, etc. This will also help you know what materials you need and when. For example, if you’re doing demolition on Day 1, you’ll need a dumpster on site. If you’re hiring a General Contractor to work on your project, they will handle these details, but it’s good to ask what you need to provide and what they will provide. If you are installing cabinets on Day 30, and it takes 4 weeks to order the cabinets, that means you need to get the floor plan designed immediately so that an order can be placed and delivered in time.

Have a realistic budget. How will you fund your project? Savings? Loan? Credit Cards? A gut kitchen or bath renovation is not inexpensive. Be prepared to spend several thousand dollars even on the low end. Make a list of everything you’ll need: cabinets, flooring, lighting, appliances, fixtures, sinks, disposal, toilet, tub, knobs, and more. Also, who is going to do the work. Is this a DIY project or will you be employing professionals? If you’re going with the DIY route, be realistic about your abilities and how much time you have to contribute to the renovation considering your other responsibilities – full time job, family, etc.

Know What You Want. Do you have a particular style that you like? How do you want the space to function? How do you envision using the space? What all needs to fit in the space? In the kitchen, consider storage for all the dishes, pots, bakeware, glassware and cookbooks. In the bathroom, consider the number and kind of people using the space …

Home Contractors

Free Home Repair Advice

Laura

I’m not going to charge you anything for the home repair advice that I’m about to share with you. In other words, it’s not going to cost you a thing and everyone likes free stuff including house repair professionals. If you are a do-it-yourself house repair amateur or pro, you should read on, because this free advice is going to save you a lot of money and frustration in the future.
The advice that I am about to give you, applies to every professional and amateur building repair do-it-yourselfer. Don’t do any building repairs incorrectly. With that said, that’s the free home repair advice that you’ve been waiting for, but will anyone do anything with the valuable information that I have just given you.
I’m the person they call, to fix the house repairs that were done incorrectly in the first place. These home repairs often cause more damage than the original ones would have, if they were left alone and no one ever repaired them.
You’re free house repair advice is simple and easy to understand. Don’t do any home repairs incorrectly means that you shouldn’t do any home repairs, unless you actually know how to do them or are willing to get the information to do them correctly. Just because you watch your neighbor making a building repair, doesn’t mean that it was done correctly.
Improper and poor house repairs can cause lots of damage to your house. If you’re not sure or you don’t feel comfortable making certain house repairs, you can always hire a professional or go down to your local library or bookstore to gather some more information about doing the building repairs yourself.…

Renovation House

How Can You Improve Your Home?

Laura

The house’s owner knows the fact that it’s just not the asset but also provides happiness and financial security to them. Are now got bored with the same look of your house? Wanted to renovate it for having good and fresh look?

It must sound interesting to renovate the house but it is much more difficult and complicated when it comes under implementation. Before renovating your house you must thing what are the things which you wants to get rid of your house? What new thing you want to incorporate in your house so that it can add value to your house at the time of reselling it.

Some home improvements tips which you can easily do it yourself and saving money on expensive home improvements contractors.

Always start your home improvement from developing the exterior as it form the major part of your house. By seeing the exterior one can makes the impression of the house. So all try to make your exterior impressive.

Apply new paint or replace the sliding if it has been too older to keep. New paint will give extremely new look to your house and increase the value of your house.

While doing painting take care of few things like the living area of the house the paint should be of light color to give the feeling of big. You can expand the height of the house by using light colors. Apply two coats of paints for better look.

Landscaping also comes in the area of exterior. Try to keep the law as magical by keeping some king of rock fountain which will grab the people’s attention to a top by, and have a look at the fountain.

You can always refurnish our home with news and replacing the older ones.

In kitchen renovation could be the fun. You need to choose the right kitchen counter top of marble or granite all depending on the budget allotted for the renovation. You should make sure that all the color and other thing are complimenting each other and get a high quality sink.…

Home Remodeling

Does Kitchen Cabinet Refacing Make Sense?

Laura

There are a number of situations where cabinet refacing is a very practical and affordable solution to change the look of the cabinets in your kitchen. The process of refacing cabinets can be completed much more quickly than a replacement project and the cost can be as much as half the price of having brand new cabinets installed. The caveat is that you must be happy with the current layout of your kitchen because the cabinets cannot be moved to a new location.
Cabinet refacing most often involves replacing doors and drawer fronts and putting matching wood veneer pieces over other exposed areas. The installer will use your existing cabinet framework for the project so as long as your current cabinets are structurally sound this type of kitchen remodeling will work. Once all of the drawers and cabinet doors have been removed, the pieces of wood veneer are cut to size and affixed to all of the parts of the cabinet frame that can be seen. The veneer pieces are very thin and have a self-sticking back so that they adhere well to the surface. Matching strips of molding are often used to cover the area where the cabinet meets the wall to cover any gaps.
There are a myriad of choices when it comes to the type of wood and stain for refacing your cabinets. Major manufacturers boast of over 400 selections of solid woods, door styles and finishes to suit your taste. They also offer the latest options for outfitting your cabinets that were not available when your old cabinets were made 15 or 20 years ago. Pull out shelves for base cabinets will add to the functionality of your kitchen and give you more storage space, lazy susans will make things stored in corner cabinets more accessible and you can have one of your bottom cabinets outfitted with a stow away trash bin.
There are other modern conveniences that can be brought into your kitchen while you are having kitchen refacing done. Want a microwave that hangs over the stove? Your installer can retro-fit the current cabinet structure to accommodate that. Contractors can also rework your current layout to turn a set of existing cabinets into a large pantry. If you have the room, the contractor will also be able to add an extra cabinet or too as part of the project. If you have always wanted an island in your kitchen for entertaining and food preparation, this is the time to do it.
One of the major advantages of going the route of cabinet refacing is that the entire job can be completed in less than a week. Instead of losing the use of your kitchen for weeks, a refacing job can be done in a matter of days. There also is not the hassle of figuring out where to go with everything that is stored in your cabinets when the kitchen is gutted. When you do cabinet refacing, most of the things in your cabinets …

Kitchen Remodel

Kitchen Decorating Ideas and Themes

Laura

Kitchen decorating ideas allow you to transform your room without spending a lot of money. You might want to give your space a fresh new look every few years. You use your kitchen every day in some aspect so you want to make sure that it’s a space that you truly enjoy. Here are a few tips for kitchen decorating ideas.
Start off with one item that you truly love and then work on from there. This could even be the jumping off point for the rest of your room. Mosaic glass tile comes in a variety of colors and finishes and it has a very contemporary or modern feel to it. You could add in a backsplash to give a little character and color to a room that is completely neutral. This allows you to put your personal stamp on the space without it being a complete remodel. The tile that you choose will completely affect the rest of your design style. For instance, you could choose a hand painted Spanish tile for more of a warm feeling by bringing in a lot of beautiful cobalt blues and terra-cotta colors.
Pattern is used in a lot of different design styles but for some reason it’s almost always left out of the kitchen. You can bring it in several different ways to really give a little bit of life to your room. For instance, you can try using a very subtle stencil on your cabinets. You could also go with a raised stencil that will really give you more of the look of an architectural element. These are often made from plaster. If you do go with something like a stencil you want to make sure that you change out the colors so you keep it sophisticated. Stencils aren’t just for the country design style; they add a very custom touch to your cabinets or walls.
Another popular theme for kitchens is just to go with a specific design style. This would be a lot more sophisticated than a basic theme room. It will also have a lot of versatility and a lot of different color palettes and styles that you can go with in each design style. Some basic design styles are shabby chic, country, French country, classic, Art Deco, modern, contemporary, and Tuscan. Any of these design styles will help you choose items in a specific color palette. It will also give you some direction to really create a cohesive space in your home that speaks to who you are.…

Renovation House

VOC Free Flooring

Laura

VOC stands for Volatile Organic Compounds. These are carbon based chemical compounds that vaporize under pressure. You may have seen or heard the words,” low VOC’s, or no “VOC’s describing different floor coverings, underlayments, and or adhesives. VOCs cannot be seen by the naked eye. They also aren’t detectable by odor as they don’t smell. But they are extremely hazardous to your health! Side effects are headaches, coughing, pneumonia, fatigue, asthma attacks, and have been linked to several others.
You may ask, “Where do VOCs come from?” Some options, like vinyl flooring, are made up of them. In wood flooring products like bamboo and laminate, VOC’s usually come from the adhesives or other additives. In such cases, it is possible to find VOC free products, so long as the manufacturer has not used VOC-emitting glues or finishes. With regard to plywood subfloors, there are alternative materials you can use, or you can investigate sealants to keep the gases from escaping into your living area… Wow, what a big risk it would be to have this in your home!
VOC’s are commonly found in most flooring materials, dry cleaning solvents, paint thinners and gasoline. Whether you know it, or not, VOCs pollute the air inside your home, causing poor air quality. If it seeps outdoors, it’s likely to damage groundwater and soil. These are very important factors to remember when you are shopping for flooring for your home. Make it a safe place for you and your family always read the labels for VOC free, or low VOC contents.
Carpet is a good example of high VOC exposure. Within the first few days of carpet installation it holds bacteria, and dust. A suggestion would be to keep your house well ventilated, open windows and doors during installation to lower the VOC’s.Other examples are Cork, Bamboo, and Vinyl flooring. All of them use some type of adhesive to install, it is a must to read your labels to check the VOC level, or use water based polyurethane. An alternative would be to use recycled hardwood flooring. This is actually a good “Green” way to go; otherwise they would be left to rot. Why waste wood that adds character to your home and is also VOC free?
Reclaimed wood flooring offers a truly distinctive choice when it comes to wood floors. Reclaimed and recycled wood reduces the demand for new wood and helps to conserve our forests and moderate the potential impacts of incremental logging upon the environment. Using recycled or salvaged wood is a socially and ecologically responsible decision. Hardwood flooring does not collect dust unlike carpet; this alone will cut down the VOC level. It is a quick fix with a dust mop, and you are dust free. This makes it a very healthy and logical choice for your flooring needs. The quality and life span of using solid wood out weighs carpet, or any laminated flooring option by a long shot. By sticking to low VOC, or VOC free flooring …

Basement Renovations

How to Clean Hardwood Floors

Laura

One of the best types of flooring is hardwood flooring that enhances the beauty of the interior of a house and adds style and attraction. It is one of the top used flooring systems because its material will lasts for many years and it is easy to clean. Using a vacuum cleaner is a most common way to clean the wooden floors but there are also some more good ways to clean hardwood floors. It is not at all a difficult task to clean hardwood floors but it is important to know the correct techniques in order to do it easily and quickly.
Following are some of the best ways of cleaning hardwood floors:
It is claimed by many experts that washing a hardwood floor with water is the simplest and easiest way and it usually does not cause damage to the wood. But you have to make sure that the floor should not be wet for a long time after cleaning. It should be dried out sooner rather than later. If there are holes or aberrations on the flooring, the water should not be allowed to go into these holes so it cannot start destroying the wood.
The floor ideally should not be made too wet or the water should not be splashed on the floor. In its place a mop could come to salvage. A wet mop would be a good option to have the dampening effect on the floor. It is important to remove the dust and debris before pulling the mop on the whole floor. Use a broom if it is manageable to clean off the dust or a use a vacuum cleaner.
Using a mixture of vinegar and water would also prove very helpful in cleaning hardwood floors. It is quite convenient and easy to do and it provides a great shine and cleanness to the floor.
Cleaning hardwood floor with wax also required at regular intervals to give shine to the lacquered floors. But some people tend to use it too many times, which is undesirable because it would mean spending a lot of wax to remove later.
There is also another effective way to clean a hardwood floor which is to boil some water and dip few black tea bags in it. Wait for the water to cool down and then dispense it in a cleaning bucket, take a mop, squeeze it and clean the floor.…

Home Contractors

Benefits of Floor Tiles

Laura

Are you looking for an alternative to carpets or wooden flooring in your home or office? If so it is worth taking a look at floor tiles. Many people are now looking to buy floor tiles for their home instead of conventional flooring options such as carpet, as floor tiles are often much more durable and can make a wonderful change to the interior design of any room in your home instantly.
Not only will floor tiles give your room an instant re-vamp, but they are often more affordable to lay than other flooring methods, and very simple to lay also. In terms of appearance, when you choose a tiled floor the list of options is almost endless. This is because there are so many different styles, colours, patterns and sizes of available for you to choose from, therefore whether you are looking for something unique to make your home stand out, or just want something stylish you are sure to find it easily.
There are many reasons why homeowners, and those updating properties, are choosing to tile the floors in their home. Some of which include the fact that they are extremely durable. The reason for this is they are often made from hard-wearing materials such as ceramic or even luxury materials such as marble. These materials do not scratch as easily as other material can such as wood, and do not stain like carpet would if something was split onto it.
Floor tiles are also very comfortable. This is actually a common misconception, as many assume that tiles are too hard; however they are brilliant for ensuring your floor is level, and actually provide a relieving sense of sturdiness.
When you choose floor tiles, you will also find they are waterproof. This is a very convenient quality, as your tiles will not become damaged or marked when water hits them, unlike other flooring types such as carpet, which can become damaged when wet.
As floor tiles are waterproof it also makes them very easy to clean, which is another benefit of using floor tiles. You can quickly clean your floor tiles, either using a sweeping brush to get rid of dust or debris, or you can even choose to use a conventional vacuum cleaner for an even quicker clean. To further clean your tiles you can quickly mop your floor with warm water and floor detergent for an instant glisten.
Conclusion
There are many reasons why tiling a floor is becoming a popular option for those who want a different flooring option to wood or carpets. They not only come in many different styles and colours, but they are easy to clean and can often cost less to lay than traditional flooring options.…

Home Improvement Contractors

Different Kitchen Backsplash Options

Laura

The area between your countertops and the bottom of your cabinets draws a lot attention, and can be a focal point of your kitchen renovation. The backsplash is both functional and decorative and deserves a lot of consideration when you are designing your new kitchen.
The backsplash is designed to protect the walls from water, grease, and other cooking foodstuffs that can damage a bare drywall surface. The backsplash should be a minimum of 4 inches above your countertops, but for an elegant look, the entire area between the counter and cabinet should be covered by your backsplash material. The waterproof surface of the backsplash not only protects the wall surface from damage, but it also makes your kitchen more sanitary by limiting the growth of mold and mildew associated with waterlogged surfaces.
You have a wide variety of choices for your backsplash material when you remodel your kitchen. It is important that your backsplash choice complements both your countertops and cabinets to display a consistent theme to your kitchen. The backsplash should tie the design elements of your kitchen together, and if it doesn’t, the entire feel of the kitchen just won’t be there.
Using rough, natural stone tiles in earth tones will give your kitchen an ‘Old World’ feel. Combined with natural wood cabinets and slab granite countertops, your kitchen will have an elegant feel to it. For a more contemporary look a sleek, stainless stain backsplash coupled with clean, smooth faced cabinets and a Corian surface countertop will fit the bill. Hand painted tiles to create a pattern or mural on your backsplash will give your kitchen a country or Mediterranean feel. You can use the same material for your backsplash that you use for your countertop for a modern sophisticated look. Glass block, metal sheets, or even cork can be other options that you can use for your backsplash material. You can be as extravagant or simple as you want with your backsplash material and design. If you are on a tight budget, there are a couple of ideas that you should consider. A cheap way to provide the protection that a backsplash provides your walls is a waterproof, vinyl wallpaper backsplash application. If you want the look of any more traditional backsplash, you can install your backsplash on the wall behind your sink only, and not worry about the surface on the other wall of your kitchen, or add the backsplash to those walls as your budget allows.
With all the design choices available for your backsplash, you should consult with a kitchen designer, who will help you make the right choices for the feel you are trying to achieve with your kitchen remodel. They will be able to assist you with your choice of material and the installation through the contacts that they have established. While the installation of most types of backsplashes in relatively straightforward, and can be accomplished by most do-it-yourselfers, an experienced installer will ensure that you have a professional looking …

Home Repair

Kitchen Cabinet Ideas – Affordable Ways to Give Your Kitchen a New Look

Laura

Every spring, most families find it the right time to also help their kitchen turn a new leaf. Hence, they try to think of a lot of kitchen cabinet ideas that would not be so expensive but still be able to implement some change to the overall look of the kitchen.
It is not kept from anyone that the cheapest way to do this is by just painting your old cabinets new. You must expect that through time, your cabinets may have built up enough amount of grease and grime that it would definitely need some thorough cleaning.
So one of the most effective kitchen cabinet ideas is to clean them first with an all purpose cleaner and give it some good amount of scrubbing. Then allow it to totally dry up. Before you start with the painting job, cover first all the other parts of the kitchen like the flooring, the countertops and other appliances for stain protection.
You can also settle for just giving your kitchen cabinets a brand new finish. Remember that refacing is a much convenient way to give your kitchen cabinet a fresh look. You can settle for the oak or maple finish if you want a traditional look since pine is a successful tool in bringing in a country feel to your home.
To change your kitchen cabinet hardware is also one of the most effective kitchen cabinet ideas that you can consider doing. The hardware in the kitchen can be found tarnished, damaged or outdated through time. This cannot usually be helped.
So if you would try to change the hardware, it can already have a new appeal. Just make sure that what you will get would still match and complement the original design of the cabinets and the kitchen. As a golden rule, remember always that dark toned hardware goes well with the light touches and finishes.
Another possible kitchen cabinet ideas is the replacement of kitchen countertops. If you still want to do this task yourself, then you can just simply resurface it with the use of some plastic laminate. This would even protect your countertop from the cuts that the kitchen knife can do each time chopping is done over it.
But if you have the budget, then do not hesitate to get someone to really replace the entire countertop for this would surely add aesthetic value not just to your kitchen but to your home.…

Basement Renovations

How to Effectively Insulate Drafty Windows

Laura

Sometimes if you’re on a budget, or maybe not be the home owner, you might pay little attention to the poor insulation that you have to live with, disregarding the discomfort and higher utility bills. You might feel that you cannot afford to do anything, or do not need to do anything as you are just renting, but you really need to pay attention to the power bill, which you alone are paying for.
If you have a real problem with air leaks, you must insulate drafty Windows or you will be paying through the nose for the pleasure of conditioning the outside air. If you live in an older home with inefficient windows, over a period of time they will warp ever so slightly due to the outside temperature and the action of the sun and will not fit the space they were intended for. Often, you will not be able to see any issue with the naked eye, but understand that unless you insulate drafty windows, the issue will be ongoing.
Don’t hold your breath if you are asking your landlord to replace windows in your property, no matter how good a relationship you might have. You can insulates drafty windows yourself and you do not have to spend all your budget doing so.
If you buy a selection of purpose made draft stoppers, you can fix the issue of window drafts quite simply. These flexible products are designed to fit any opening, are made to last a long time and are filled with ground corn cob, so are great insulators. These draft stoppers will pay for themselves time and again.
You can fit plastic to insulate drafty windows, if you don’t mind taking on a fairly significant project and dealing with the end results. Don’t forget, that you might not be able to open these windows after you finish and this might be an issue when that beautiful spring weather comes around.
Clean your windows before you think about putting plastic kits in places or you won’t be able to reach them to clean afterward. As you put the kit in place, carefully and slowly remove the paper backing and try to avoid any wrinkles. A hair dryer will heat the plastic and cause it to shrink into place, providing you with the tight fit that you are looking for.
Professional double glazing panel work is very expensive and can be as, or more expensive than actually replacing the windows themselves. If you are very ambitious you can remove the old window frames and put sealant in place before replacing, but this is not for the average person to take on.
You can insulate drafty windows the old-fashioned way and be far more effective, especially if you have limited funds available to you. Window and door draft stoppers are just perfect at keeping the draft at bay and maintaining the correct internal air temperature.…

House Improvements

Cut Costs Through Refacing Your Cabinets

Laura

If you’ve ever endeavored on a home improvement you know that the most important part is to have the right materials, the time, and plan to make an effective project. When you’re dealing with your home you don’t want to use the cheapest materials and cheat on time when you’re trying to increase the value of your home or just trying to improve the look of your home for you and your family. As you look into redoing your kitchen you want to make sure you have the best of all of these things. But most of us don’t have the money to pay a professional to come into our kitchen and tear it all out and put in brand new appliances, countertops, and cabinets.
Don’t worry if you can’t afford this because like the majority of us you can change the look of your kitchen just by refacing your cabinets and drawers. But again as you embark on the refacing project make sure you don’t go too cheap on your materials.
To determine if refacing is all your kitchen and maybe bathrooms need go through all the cabinets and drawers and do a thorough check. Check to see if the outsides are in good conditions without any chips or dents in the surfaces. Then you need to determine if you like the general layout of your cabinets. If you hate the setup of all your cabinets than you might have to think about investing into tearing down your current cabinets and reinstalling new ones into the arrangement that you prefer. But as long as you like the current arrangement then resurfacing your cabinets may be the better and cheaper way for you.
Go check out products and prices at your local paint store. They will be the experts dealing with paint and will be able to let you know exactly what you need and the best prices to do it. You may run a risk if you go to your large home improvement store because who’s to say the paint guy there isn’t from the home and garden department covering for someone who called in sick. You want to get the best advice from the most knowledgeable source and that’s normally at the paint store.
Refacing your cabinets through a new paint job is a project that you can do on your own. Get the supplies that the professional at the store recommends and get home and get to work. It may take a lot of sanding and primer to get the base going but by the end of your project your kitchen can look as good as new just by adding some paint to the surface of your cabinets and drawers, and it didn’t even hurt the bank too much.…

Bathroom Renovations

Installing Hickory Hardwood: Considering Hand-Scraped Flooring

Laura

Its attractive appearance of reddish heartwood and cream-colored sapwood captures your eye and grabs your attention. Yet, beneath that beautiful appearance, hickory hardwood is durable – one of the most durable domestic species, in fact. With a Janka scale rating of 1820, hickory offers excellent density, but its strength can be a detriment. Why? Coupled with closed, rough grain, hickory hardwood is difficult to machine, sand, and finish. For adding this product, what options do you have?
Prefinished is extremely practical across all species. When it comes to adding a full floor of hardwood, the planks just need to be added without finishing. In a day, you can place all of your furniture back into the space. On the other hand, prefinished products, hickory and other species, come with a limited set of stains, and if you have a particular look in mind, the existing options may not reflect your vision. Additionally, adding a stain or finish tends to make newer flooring blend in better with existing materials.
Unfinished with an alternative approach. If you have a specific look in mind, you’re willing to go through the rigors and unconventional techniques to installing hickory. What does this entail? For sanding, go with a belt sander. As you sand with the grain of the wood, change from an 80-grit belt to 120-grit for smoothing out the surface and 220-grit for any finishing touches.
For staining, the pores must be opened or closed. In its natural state, hickory produces a blotchy patina. A wood conditioner fully closes off the grain, after which a stain can be added on top, while water-popping opens it, making the wood more receptive.
Hand-scraped flooring. A textured surface of natural character marks and manual distressing makes hand-scraped flooring the perfect choice for a rustic look. Added to this, the texture camouflages any blotching resulting from an applied finish. This way, hand-scraped hickory flooring allows you to add the distinct red and white look and include a stain of your choosing.
Yet, keep in mind that not all hand-scraped flooring is identical. Products tend to be divided between classic and rustic hardwoods. Classic is considerably smoother, with texture carved into the surface. Rustic, as the name implies, is characterized by knots, mineral streaks, and graining. Beyond these two basic classifications, hand-scraped hardwood is distressed through a combination of scraping, aging, or a darker stain. Floors, after an unfinished hardwood is added, can even be custom distressed before a finish is applied.…

Renovation Costs

Home Renovation For Low Budgets

Laura

If you are thinking of home renovation but are concerned about the budget, then do not worry. As now you can have all the luxuries you want while remodeling your house even within a limited budget. Whether you are thinking about renovating your kitchen, basement, and bathroom or are thinking about an addition, here are some things that you can use. These will not only help you save money but will also give that luxurious look to your house.
Affordable Luxuries for Kitchen, Bathrooms or Basement
Granite Countertops – Instead of using solid pieces of natural stone, use countertops in pieces. These are as good as the solid pieces. They not only look attractive but also last longer than solid pieces. They add elegance and style to the kitchen. You can use countertops of granite, soapstone and marble.
Making it more affordable – Granite stones are cut into smaller pieces and cost half the price of the solid stones. After cutting them into several square pieces, they can be applied to the walls and floors like ceramic tiles with the grout. Even if they get damaged, the individual squares can be replaced instead of the whole floor. You can also consider the option of adding a granite overlay on the top of your current countertop.
Stone Tile Backsplash – Whether you have a countertop made from granite or marble, the natural stone is expensive. And when you have a natural stone countertop, you will also want to give it a finishing of stone tile backsplash as it helps in providing that extra protection to the walls. However, this will be expensive.
Making it affordable – Instead of adding these backsplash horizontally, you can turn these tiles sideways like in the shape of a diamond. This will not only help you in saving money but will also give a unique look to the walls.
Custom cabinets – There are unending options for finishing, trims and configuration of the cabinets which are specifically designed to suit your kitchen. And these can also be customized to fit into your kitchen perfectly.
Making it affordable- If you want to save money yet still want the look of a customized cabinet, getting it semi-customized will cost you much less. Simple changes like change in height, width and depth can lend a more finished look to your kitchen.
Wood Flooring – It is definitely a good option and the house looks absolutely gorgeous with it, but may prove to be very expensive.
Making it more affordable- Instead of going for wood flooring, consider getting it laminated. Use pergo which is not that expensive. They are available in a variety of grain patterns. And the average eye will not be able to differentiate between true wood flooring and lamination.
Ornate crown moldings- This is definitely an awesome way of making an ordinary room more interesting. But these will definitely be much higher in cost.
Making it more affordable- Using smaller moldings instead of large ones will cost …

Home Maintenance

Why Is Kitchen Remodeling So Expensive?

Laura

A major renovation could set you back over $100,000 and even a minor remodeling job in the kitchen can quickly add up to $20,000. There are major expenses related to new cabinetry and counter tops as well as appliances and flooring. That is just the materials and does not even begin to include the labor costs of installing the materials and the prep work that may be needed to get the job started.
One of the big factors in determining how expensive the remodeling job is going to be is the age of the home. Retrofitting old homes with new materials can be very time consuming and therefore, costly. Most contractors want to come in and gut the old kitchen and start over. This means ripping out the cabinets and flooring to make it easier to do the electrical work and plumbing that goes with a project of this magnitude. The trouble with starting over though is that some of the potential problems are not discovered until you get all of the old stuff out.
If you have ever gone to replace an old bathroom sink, then you probably have discovered that once you replace one piece of pipe a leak develops in an old piece somewhere else. It is always best to replace all of the pieces at once. The same holds true for kitchen remodeling jobs, all new plumbing fixtures need to be installed. The same goes for electrical connections. When you have the kitchen gutted, is the time to put in new outlets to serve the major appliances. In an older home it is best to install a whole new circuit to serve the kitchen and avoid overloading an existing one. Odds are you are going to want more outlets on the counter as well plus this is the time to run the wires for lighting that can be installed under the cabinets.
If you have been in your home for any period of time there are probably a number of annoying things that you have thought about changing in your kitchen, like the lighting and outlets. It might be that you just don’t like the flow of the room and want to change the location of the appliances. This is achieved much easier when the room is gutted. Perhaps you have always wanted a center island or a breakfast counter for coffee, now is the time to add it. Yes, all of these things will add to the cost of the project but remember what you spend fixing up your kitchen is going to add to the overall value of your home.
It does not make sense to scrimp when you are remodeling the kitchen because it is a project that you do not want to repeat any time soon. If necessary, take another six months or a year to save to be able to afford to get the kitchen just the way you want it. Yes, kitchen remodeling projects can be very expensive but in …

Renovation House

Creating the Perfect Breakfast Nook

Laura

It is easy to build and live in a house; all it takes is construction and voila! You’re in a house. Creating a home, though, takes more work and truly is a labor of love to fill a house with comfort and familiarity. Part of this involves creating the perfect kitchen, a room that can fill the house with warm, savory smells and feelings, and part of a perfect kitchen is the perfect breakfast nook.
The perfect breakfast nook is a cozy and comfortable place where the family can enjoy starting the day off together over a warm, home-cooked meal. As such, there are a few considerations you can take into account when making the idea breakfast setting for your family:
Space: A breakfast nook shouldn’t be too large, because then you lose that intimacy for which nooks were created. A good size for a breakfast nook for your average family of four is around six to eight feet wide and at least five to seven feet deep. This way each person has enough room, but you really get that great feeling of family togetherness.
Fixtures: Any breakfast nook needs a bay window with a bench fitted with comfortable bench cushions that can be used for lounging and sitting during the breakfast meal. Comfort should be the word of the day when choosing the seating. The table should also be just large enough to hold everyone’s food, but not so large that it separates the family. Remember, togetherness is the idea.
Lighting: A perfect nook ideally has a window on one side, to let in that glorious morning light from a sunrise. There is no better way to eat breakfast than with your loved ones, bathed in the warm rays of the sun to shake off that early morning chill.
The most important thing to consider above all, though, is what your family wants. A breakfast nook should reflect your family’s personality so you can use it to truly grow closer together over a nice, warm meal. So keep in mind of your family’s wants before deciding what kind to build!…

Home Remodeling

All You Need To Know About Wet Room Screens

Laura

Once you buy wet room flooring equipment, you will need to complement the same with good wet wall screens if you are to have a dry bathroom. These screens are popular and you will be able to find them easily in the local bathroom store. If you need more variety, you can always buy them online as this will expose you to more than the store will have in stock. You will need to have some basic information on the screens and this article comes to give you just that.

They are easy to install

These screens are a type of shower enclosure and you will not have any trouble installing them. In as much as most people love to install them, the best option is to have a professional install them for you, as you will get the best of results that way. This is because the professional will install them in such a way that all leaks will be prevented, and this will enable you to enjoy a very dry bathroom floor.

As you buy the screens form the store, you can always ask the store owner if he or she knows any good contractor, and once you get the recommendation, your screen can be installed in a matter of hours.

They are easy to maintain

This is one of the best things about the screens. It is actually an understatement to say they are easy to clean. In the case of screens made by glass, cleaning takes less than ten minutes. Because they will get wet as you shower, all that is required of you is to wipe them once you are done with the shower. This does not even take ten minutes. It becomes very easy for you when you cultivate this habit, as the screens will not accumulate any dirt, which maintains them in a clean state.

They are available in many types

If you love variety, then you will be able to get these screens in many types. There are those that are made of glass, others of plastic and still those that are like curtains for you to choose. Each of the type has its own good and bad side and once you test them, you will make the best choice. The wide variety aspect is an advantage in that you will get to buy a screen that will fit in with your decor hence giving your bathroom a more complete look.…

Remodeling Contractors

Air Conditioning Maintenance – Advice From an Expert

Laura

Sealed inside an air conditioning unit is a chemical, called a refrigerant, that is converted into four different states in the unit: low pressure gas, high pressure gas, low pressure liquid and high pressure liquid. To function efficiently, the system must have a certain charge of refrigerant and must not have any contaminants within the chemical. Air conditioning systems operate at pressures over the level of atmospheric pressure, so any small leak in the system will allow some refrigerant to escape and cause a failure in the system. Therefore, you need to regularly check your unit for leaks, even small ones.
Cleaning the filter of your air conditioner is something that you should do on a monthly basis. This is no big hassle as it will take you just 5 or 10 minutes. The filter can be found on the top or bottom of the unit, and the filter on the window type air conditioning units can be found somewhere near the intake of the unit. You can always check the manual that came with your air conditioner if you are struggling to locate the filter. It is important to switch off your air conditioning at the main circuit breaker before attempting to take out the filter. Having removed it, you should let it soak in warm, soapy water for 5 to 10 minutes, and then leave it to one side to dry out. If you put it back in the air conditioning unit before it has fully dried out then it is possible that mold may build up on it. For window type air conditioning unit filters, you can also use a vacuum cleaner on it.
To do more thorough maintenance tasks you will need to call in a qualified technician, but you only have to do this every 12-18 months. They will take apart your unit and assess each of the parts in it. They will also probably re-gas the refrigerant to take it back to its optimal level. Hiring a qualified technician may cost you in the region of a $100, but that is money well spent when you compare it to the cost of having to buy a whole new unit as a result of your current one breaking down due to it not being properly maintained.…

Kitchen Renovation

Discovering Why Berber Carpet is the Best For Your Home Carpet Solution

Laura

When an individual looks at home carpet its usually determined to be a founding factor in a homes’ appearance. The floor covering of a home represents the basis of any style or decor found in the home and the home carpet could either blend into that appearance or horribly clash. In addition, the situation of your home carpet goes a long way in portraying the type of inhabitant you are. If you are trying to sell a house with home carpet in poor condition it leaves the buyers feeling dirty and questioning the condition of the rest of your home. If you are hosting guests with your dirty home carpet, questions are raised regarding your hygiene and living conditions.
So, how can an individual improve the look of their house and display the image they think would be ideal to them? To begin, you must look into the advantages of home decorating carpet. Home decorating carpet goes far past the conventional solid color house carpet introduced in houses.
With home decorating carpet you can identify various color schemes and decorative patterns that could aid you to set the basis of your new decorating palette or accent an existing style. When considering the widest selection of colors and styles available for an individual, one of the finest carpets to look into is Berber carpet.
Berber carpet has a long history of being a durable carpet that’s benefit can charm to the interest of any house owner. Berber carpet could come in a selection of colors to fit the home owners color palette including a large number of color mixtures to break up the monotony of solid colored home carpet.
Berber carpet even is available in a large number of designs which could assist an individual in laying a foundation for their style or highlighting an existing flair to assist the flow of a room. Whatever your home carpet needs might be, you’ll be able to discover a decorating solution making use of the versatility and top quality of Berber carpet.
When you look into the benefits of wool Berber carpet, quality is often the highest concern to rapidly be followed by cost. Most consumers still make the mistake of going to big corporate businesses to acquire their carpet, only to be met with higher costs to include the purchase, profit and costs of the third rate distributor. If you are trying to invest in the highest quality wool Berber carpet and save a tremendous amount of cash in comparison to big retailers, seek a leader in the carpeting industry.…

Remodel Kitchen

Care Tips For Your Karndean Flooring

Laura

If you have made the decision to go lay Karndean flooring then you have ultimately chosen a unique and stunning surface. When you have had it fitted, you are obviously going to want it to remain in top condition for as long as possible. To do this there are certain cleaning tips and precautions that should be followed that will ensure your new floor stays in top condition.
It should be noted that in order for you to keep your manufacturers guarantee, you need to use the products from Karndeans cleaning range as they are made especially for their surfaces. If you decide to use other products then they may possibly contain ingredients that can damage the floor.
When you come to clean your surface you should use a soft brush to get rid of any surface dust and debris. It is important that a soft brush is used as any other brushes bristles could potentially scratch your floor. To actually clean the surface you should use a damp mop with the recommended cleaning products to ensure a quality, risk free finish to the job. It is also important that you never use any bleach to try and clean the floor as this can again cause damage to it. If you are placing a mat on the floor then you should check that it will not leave a mark as some black rubber varieties may do so. If you are unsure then it is best to check with your carpet supplier.
Generally, if you use some common sense then you should not have too many problems. Any spillages should be dealt with immediately and it is best for people to either take off their shoes or at least give them a good wipe on a mat before walking on the surface. If you follow the above tips then you should find that your Karndean flooring will keep its quality for a much longer period of time.…

Renovation Costs

Kitchen Renovation: One of the Best Ways to Add Value

Laura

What type of remodeling is the best bet when it comes to adding value to your home?
A kitchen renovation is one of the best ways to add value to your home (a bathroom renovation is another potentially good home remodeling investment.) In addition, a renewed kitchen also gives you something you can enjoy while you continue to live in your home.
So, what should you keep in mind when planning your kitchen renovation? Houston homes with custom kitchens sell more than homes without — and there are some specific keys to keep in mind:
1.) Your kitchen renovation should be as functional as it is beautiful. Keep this in mind when it comes to the flow of your kitchen. Where will the work space be? Will the dishwasher be close to the sink?
2.) Lighting & fixtures can go along way in making a statement — sometimes it’s the small things that make the difference.
3.) Appliances are important — especially if you are selling your home soon. In this market — nice appliances can make the difference. Nice means both appearance (stainless perhaps,) and also brand & functionality.
4.) Storage is important — this is one of the top requests when it comes to a new kitchen. Additional storage space can often be added during a remodel. When renovating, think about way to add rather than decrease storage.
The best thing about a kitchen renovation in Houston, is the joy it will bring you for years to come as you remain in your home.…

Renovation Costs

Tips for a Successful Kitchen Renovation

Laura

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 …

Home Improvement Contractors

Why Driveway Cleaning Won’t Save Your Reputation

Laura

You shouldn’t put off the driveway cleaning any longer than you have to, even though it is a very unpleasant task. When it comes to selling your home, the realtor will be the first to tell you how this can create such a bad impression for potential buyers, that they just opt to move to the next property and don’t even get out of the car.
Driveway cleaning does not have to be a regular chore, quite apart from sweeping up all the leaves in the fall of course, as a little bit of prevention is worth all that effort to cure. It’s likely that the stains that appear are caused by drips from your car or truck, stains that appear when you clean off your wheels or treat your tires and other maintenance related chores. When it comes to these tasks, you can’t avoid some of this damage, or can you?
Almost everyone of those stains that appear over time, causing you to consider driveway cleaning, have been caused by the vehicles that you park there overnight. If you had put a floor mat, just like the one in your garage, beneath these vehicles, this would not have happened. Floor mats come in a neutral color so that they don’t stand out and cause attention by themselves. They work extremely well, by containing all those stains that would otherwise have damaged the concrete.
What are the best solutions when it comes to driveway cleaning? Many people swear by the effectiveness of a high-pressure washer, but you may find that you need to treat some of the more stubborn areas anyway. Using a high-pressure washer may appear to be an easy way out, but those who have tried this method can attest to the fact that it is a backbreaking chore in its own right.
Commercial kitty litter can be one of the best ways to get rid of ground in oil stains in your driveway. Get a couple of bags of this and spread it over the area to be treated, grounding it in with a broom. After leaving it overnight, you should be able to shovel up the worst of the mess.
A variety of options will definitely work, depending on who you listen to, when it comes to driveway cleaning. Some people tell you to use brake cleaner, others diluted bleach, while some reckon that Coke product works like a charm!
You had better believe that a badly stained driveway says a lot about you. Don’t wait until it’s time to sell your home before you think about doing something, as the neighbors will certainly not be happy with you, as the state of your property often says a lot about the neighborhood. Driveway cleaning does not have to be a regular task if you use purpose made, vinyl-based mats instead.
By placing a floor mat in your driveway, you will help to avoid a significant, additional issue. If you don’t have one, you will tend to …

Kitchen Remodel

Laminate Floor Cleaning & Maintenance

Laura

Laminate flooring has emerged as an extremely popular alternative to traditional wood flooring. When you take into consideration the beauty of these floors, cheaper cost, and its ease of installation, it is easy to see why.
Laminate flooring is pretty easy to maintain. The most important weapon in your arsenal is a trusty broom or vacuum (with beater bar turned off!). This is true for any floor surface in your home. Side note: If you ever hire a professional cleaner (carpet, tile & grout, etc.) always ask what their first step is. If they don’t vacuum or sweep first, then you need to immediately look for a more “Professional” cleaner. Once you have gotten all the excess “dry soil” off your floor, then basically all you need to do is a quick mopping. I highly recommend a microfiber mop, as they are perfect for these floors.
For weekly maintenance you can just use water. Make sure you ring out the mop as much as possible, as you want to avoid too much moisture. The pad should just be damp. You should also avoid vinegar on your laminate floors. I see a lot of people on the internet that recommend this as a budget cleaner, however, vinegar is an acid. If you repeatedly expose your floor to acid it can potentially damage the aluminum oxide coating of the laminate, thus dulling your floor. If your floor requires more cleaning power than a damp pad, then there are cleaners available that were engineered specifically for that.
Avoid waxes and polishes as well. Again, there are other products available that will restore your shine without any of the adverse effects. Finally, there may be no better defense for your flooring than a strategically placed mat or mats. This can make a huge difference, especially if your laminate floor is by an outside entry point.
Perhaps a bigger problem for laminate floors are scratches from pets or furniture. The reason scratches give laminate floor owners such a headache is that a laminate floor is actually a picture of wood placed on melamine which is placed on a particle board and coated with aluminum oxide. The aluminum oxide coating – which is the top surface (wear layer), is very thin. Unlike wood, laminate cannot be sanded down and refinished. Therefore if you get scratches your options are limited. At this point you basically have 3 ways to go. You can replace the entire floor, buy a special repair kit and try to fill in the scratches by hand, or buy a laminate cleaning product that can hide those scratches. Obviously this will also depend on the severity and frequency of those scratches, but needless to say replacement is the “if nothing else works” option.
Laminate flooring does require some special attention and care, but all in all, it is a very easy to maintain flooring option. They are designed to last up to 20 years, and with the proper care and maintenance, there is no …

Renovation House

Refinishing Hardwood Floors the Right Way to Give You the Best Results

Laura

When you want to refinish your hardwood floors, you know that there’s a lot of work waiting for you. You need time, you need a lot of patience, you need the right materials and tools for the job. However you also know that the result is worth every effort you put into it.
But how do you know when your hardwood floors need refinishing in the first place? It is at the moment you realize that your flooring is rather dull, worn out, no longer shiny and beautiful. When you feel in your heart that something needs to be done about it. You will know exactly when that is.
The first thing you need to do is sanding the floor and for that you have to carefully remove every piece of furniture that is standing in the way. Also see if there are any nails on the floor. If you find any, pound them down the surface so they are not sticking out. Also if you have any carpet staples, pull them out along with any tracks might be around. To actually perform the sanding job you need to have a sander. You can either buy it or rent it.
One thing I forgot to mention, throughout all this work you should have either the windows open or a good ventilation going on. There will be lots of dust and debris created through the refinishing process and you don’t want to inhale all that.
Once the sanding is done, you will have to stain your floor. First remove any sawdust that you might find on the surface. Now use a rag to add some stain to the corner of the floor before applying it everywhere. You want the colors to match. When you are sure you got the right color on, go for the entire surface. For heavier coating use a brush, but if you go for the lighter coating, continue with using the rag. Just simply go with long and steady strokes along the wood grain. Don’t go against it as it will show.
The last thing you need to do is actually apply the final refinish. It is of polyurethane which you need to mix well right until you see air bubbles forming. With a roller or a brush apply the mixture on the wood grain and avoid leaving marks. Then leave it to dry. This could take a couple of hours or more, so be patient. Once it’s dry, you need to apply a second layer of coating. Then wait again to dry, and you’re actually done. Now you can clean everything nicely and put back the furniture. However avoid leaving marks by dragging the furniture on the surface, you don’t want to scratch your newly refinished hardwood flooring.…

Renovation Contractor

Types of Carpeting: What to Know When You’re Planning Carpet Installation

Laura

Carpeting comes in a variety of materials and construction styles. Do your research before making a decision, so you won’t install carpeting you regret.
The right carpeting can really impact the look of a room. Unfortunately, unlike with smaller decor items like curtains or even furniture, once you’ve installed carpeting wall to wall, it’s not easy–or cheap–to change your mind. Whether you’re planning to install carpet in your home for the first time or to replace your existing carpeting, weigh factors including color, texture, and material. Do your research beforehand to avoid making a decision you’ll go on to regret.
Pile
The term “pile” refers to the density of fibers in the carpet, as well as the length of those fibers. The most traditional wall-to-wall carpeting has a short pile for durability and ease of cleaning; carpet with a very long pile is known as shag carpeting, for its shaggy, furry feel. When selecting a pile, consider your personal preference and budget. The more fibers involved in the carpet’s creation, the more the carpeting will cost, but a thicker pile may feel softer to the touch. Think about how the carpeting will feel on your feet, or to anyone who sits on the floor. Will a child be playing in the room? You might want something soft and gentle. Also take into account the room’s use. In a high-traffic area, especially where people walk with dirty shoes, you might be best served by a short, tight weave that can be vacuumed and spot-washed often.
Material
The other major factor that will affect a carpet’s feel and price is the material of its fibers. Typically, natural fibers are more expensive than synthetic fibers. Thus, a wool carpet will be more expensive than a carpet made from nylon, acrylic, or polyester fibers. While wool carpeting is fairly durable, other natural fibers, such as sisal and jute, are more fragile. Synthetic fibers, meanwhile, have been engineered for durability, so they may be more resistant to sun damage, stains, and other forms of wear and tear. Again, rely both on how the material feels and on what you can afford. Keep in mind that a synthetic fiber carpet with a thick, lush pile may still cost less than a wool-silk blend with a very short pile. Also consider the room; you might not want to put wool carpeting in that dirty shoe entryway area.
Other Considerations
In any room, the color of the flooring will play a huge role in your decision-making process. But that’s not the only other variable in home carpeting selection. You’ll also have to choose between a cut pile and a looped pile, meaning that the threads form small loops rather than sticking up into the air. Among the various synthetic materials, each is engineered with different benefits, including crush resistance, stain resistance, moisture resistance, and fade resistance. Which is most important to you? Aside from the carpet itself, you have to consider how much care you’re willing to put …

Remodeling

Turn Your Kitchen Into Your Dream

Laura

You always want to make your house just the way you imagined. At least once a year people go out of their way to paint or re-decorate their house. You probably dream of remodeling your kitchen, but your budget is never enough. With a plan in hand, there are some easy ways for kitchen remodeling. It is a fact, that the kitchen is the busiest area of your house, especially if your family loves to eat. House owners tend to mostly renovate this part of their house the most. Obviously, every one of us would want to cook in a well set up ambience. One of the simplest things to start up with for renovating your kitchen is, to change your kitchen counter-top. If you have that same kitchen counter-top for years, it is time for you to finally change it. There are all kinds of different colors and designs that you can choose from. Kitchen renovation is the best birthday gift you can give your family, if they love to cook. You can renovate your kitchen cabinets as it is the first thing usually people see when they enter. If you are not too sure about what will look nice, you can go ahead and ask your contractor about materials that are best for your kitchen cabinets. You can also find some good designs on the internet.
If you take time out, you will get several kitchen ideas. A perfect way to start kitchen remodeling project is to begin with the walls of your kitchen. You can use a mixture of wallpaper and paint with paint on the walls and a wallpaper border in your room. The kitchen plan that you make should be appropriate and easy for cooking supplies and appliances. There are some areas that need to be completed by professionals like electrical and plumbing. It is important that you change the sink and faucet of your kitchen as well. Your lighting fixtures should also be matching to the theme that you have for your kitchen. You can also attach a few pin lights and floor lamps around your kitchen.
The best kitchen design ideas that you can use is probably adding an island. Kitchen islands create the feeling of more counter space and provide a gathering place. Kitchen remodeling did not change much over the years except for the choice of materials and styles. There are many kitchen specialists for your assistance, who are more than happy to help you.
Wood flooring has now become a major attraction and a perfect way to improve or beautify the look of your home. This adds charm and elegance to your home. Choosing the shade and texture of the wooden floor that perfectly suits your home is a decision you need to take with utmost care. There is also variety of colors available. The kitchen remodeling project, gives your house an elegant and unique look. It also adds to your house a level of sophistication.…

Room Additions

Helping Your Kitchen Designer Figure the Best Plan For You

Laura

The first step to finding someone to help you with a great kitchen design in Toronto is to figure out your style and budget. The next step is to find a kitchen designer who will work with you to reconcile these two important aspects of your build or remodel. You need to find someone who knows how to tweak a design to fit your specific needs and preferences, and not just someone who will have to choose a design from a showroom.
When you first see a model kitchen that looks bright and immaculate, and is staged to seem homey and lived-in, it can really draw you in. But you need to keep in mind that this exact model may not be all that it’s cracked up to be. You may be attracted to certain qualities of the kitchen, but it might not suit your functional needs. You need to take into consideration how much counter space and the number of cabinets you will need. There are other such things to decide on, such as types of appliances and task lighting.
An important question to ask yourself is this: how much will you be using your kitchen? If you are an avid cook and entertainer, you will need more preparation and storage space, and you’ll probably want state of the art appliances.
A great way to figure out all of these aspects is to stand in the middle of your kitchen with a notepad and pen in hand and take inventory of what you have right now. What do you love about your current kitchen? What do you hate about it? What are the biggest must haves when you think about your dream kitchen? What are the things you would like to have, but are negotiable?
Include in your list the types of activities your kitchen serves. Is it a gathering place for friends and family? Should it be child safe? Maybe you are a professional chef and would like to have state of the art accommodations at home as well as work.
Having a list like this to present to your designer will be a huge help to them in assisting you in finding the design and materials that will best suit your needs and wants. This will clue them in to what is most important to you and your lifestyle. Being on the same page as your designer when it comes to these details will save a lot of time in asking questions and making decisions.…

Home Maintenance

Poor Home Construction Can Cause Financial Devastation to Some Homeowners

Laura

If there’s one thing I know about new home construction, it’s the fact that some t home builders will sell their home to anyone who qualifies, even though they really can’t afford to live in the home. Here’s what happened to a homeowner who purchased a poorly constructed house and had a hard time making the payments.
The real estate professional, mortgage lender and the new home builder, got paid for providing the homeowner with their services. Even though the homeowners were going to have problems making their large house payments, it didn’t seem to matter much to the other professionals involved in the transaction. I’m not saying that it didn’t matter, it seemed like it didn’t matter to the homeowners.
Sometimes it doesn’t take much to put someone in financial devastation, especially if you’re already at your financial wits end. There weren’t any problems with the new house for about nine months, when all of a sudden they noticed a horrible smell in the garage.
They didn’t think anything of it, because they were storing their trash cans in the garage and they thought that this was where the smell was coming from. A few more months went by, before one of the homeowners noticed that the ceiling in the garage was starting to turn black.
Water had been leaking from their second-story master bathroom. They contacted the home builder who was no longer in business. That’s got to be the ultimate disappointment to anyone who purchased a home that was poorly constructed.
Luckily it wasn’t a big problem, but the homeowners couldn’t afford to make the repair. They got a couple of estimates, but it didn’t really matter, because the homeowners couldn’t even afford to make the home repair. If they made the home repair, they wouldn’t have enough money to make their house payment.
They chose to make the house payments instead of fixing the water damaged ceiling and water leak. This went on for the next three years, before they actually saved up enough money to make the home repair. This is just another wonderful example how poor house construction can cause financial devastation to some homeowners.
The moral to this story is simple, just because you qualify to purchase a home, doesn’t mean that you can’t afford to live in it. Plenty of people lose their homes every year, because they make mistakes like these. Make sure that you think twice before purchasing a home that you might not be able to afford.…