Category: Remodel

Remodeling Contractors

Kitchen Renovations: Kitchen Makeover For Less Than You Think

Laura

They say: “Nothing sells homes like kitchens and bathrooms”. That is true: old kitchen cabinets with chipping paint, dated backsplash and appliances, last-century tiles and vanities – this all could be a major turn-off for potential buyers. On the contrary, updated fresh comfortable kitchen or bathroom can make a totally different impression of the house, even if other rooms need some improvements. And there is no wonder to that: kitchens and bathrooms are the most costly rooms to make renovations, especially the kitchen. But here are some ideas on how to freshen up the look of your kitchen without breaking the bank.
1. Cabinets. Sometimes there is no need to change the cabinets at all. If your cabinets are in a pretty good condition from inside, putting a coat of fresh paint of a modern color would be enough, just strip and sand the cabinets well before painting them. Don’t forget to update the hardware with a new one – you’ll be amazed how it changes the entire look of your kitchen.
2. Backsplash. Backsplash could be one of the most expensive parts of renovations. Tip: tilting only the area directly behind the stove creates a focal point and helps to save on materials and labour. Instead of tilting the entire backsplash, which would cost around $3000, you can paint the remaining area with a durable, scrubbable paint of color that would complement your cabinets.
3. Appliances. The selection of appliances at big-box stores has grown to include professional-looking models without the hefty price tags. Big-box stores often work closely with national manufacturers, so you can find a great product line at a comparatively fair price.
4. Countertops. Instead of buying expensive granite or concrete countertops you can tile the countertop area either with tile granite or ceramic tile. Local tile stores, like Home Depot or Lowes usually have a pretty good selection of tiles. A little bit more expensive option is to install modular granite or solid-surface. Modular granite is bigger than tile, but smaller than slab, meaning that slices of modular granite can be even installed by you. Solid-surface is the term for man-made, polymer-based countertop materials. It is relatively durable and strong. If you decide to opt for an expensive granite countertop, try to save on finding models that are on sale or the store is discontinuing them.
5. Accessories. Beautiful strategically placed accessories is an inexpensive way to complete the look of your kitchen. Couple of pictures on the wall and original vases or knick-knacks on the table or window would create a finished high-end look of your kitchen.…

Remodel Kitchen

Easy to Implement Kitchen Renovation Ideas

Laura

Is it time for you to renovate your kitchen? Are you tired of looking at the same dingy floor and the cabinets with mismatched hardware? Remodeling the kitchen is popular, and there are many options and kitchen renovation ideas that you can employ that do not take much time or effort.
Consider what type of kitchen you might want to have before you start calling around to contractors though. Do you want to have an ultra modern kitchen, or would you prefer a quaint country style kitchen. You should also consider the amount of space that you have. Knowing what you want ahead of time will make choosing the various pieces of the kitchen as well as the contractor much easier.
To give your kitchen a modern feel, you might want to replace your appliances with stainless steel versions. You can even have stainless steel countertops. They are easy to clean, sleek, and they look great. For a modern kitchen, you might want to have a flat screen TV mounted to the wall. You can watch your favorite cooking shows while you are preparing a meal, or watch the news while you have your coffee in the morning.
You will be able to find many different types of countertops, cabinets, hardware, and fixtures for your kitchen. If you like the cabinets you have and only want to replace other elements of your kitchen, you might still want to replace the hardware. Replacing the handles and knobs on cabinets and drawers is easy, something that you will be able to do on your own in less than an hour. Other easy kitchen renovation ideas are to strip the cabinets and the drawers and then paint them a different color. This is something that most people will be able to do in an afternoon.
You may find that you would rather hire a kitchen designer who will be able to come to your home and help you with the kitchen renovation ideas. He or she will have knowledge of the various types of flooring and cabinets that will look great in your house. You can listen to what the designer has to say, but make sure that you provide some ideas of your own so that the kitchen has some of your unique style. A new kitchen will make you feel great, and it will give your home a brand new feeling.…

Remodeling Contractors

What Type of Wood Is Best for Replacing Kitchen Cabinets?

Laura

Once you have decided to remodel your kitchen, the biggest question you are going to face is what type of new cabinets to install. Today, there are many more options available than when your old kitchen cabinets were made. There are hundreds of door styles to choose from, a myriad of stain options and finishes plus different types of wood which each have their own unique features.
There are five basic types of wood used in cabinet construction. Cherry, Oak, Soft Maple, Hard Maple and Hickory. Oak is the type of wood that you probably most associate with cabinetry, it is very durable and abundant. The grain in oak is a little more pronounced than the other woods and the color will range from a light tan to dark brown. Cherry has also been used for years in producing high end cabinets and furniture. It isn’t as hard as oak but is still strong and stiff and easy to work with. The grain in cherry wood is finer than oak and it can range in color from almost white to reddish brown.
As homeowners looked for new options to get away from Oak or Cherry, Maple and Hickory have become increasingly popular in recent years. Maple comes in two varieties soft and hard. The soft maple from the Red Maple tree or Silver Maple has the consistency and weight of cherry while hard maple from the Sugar Maple or Black Maple tree is harder and stronger like oak. Both of the maples have a very fine grain and tend to be lighter in color than oak or cherry. The hard maple will be a little bit darker than the soft maple.
Hickory is also growing in popularity in the kitchen. Cabinets made of this wood are very strong and durable. The hickory wood comes from the Shagbark and Butternut trees and provides a great deal of color options ranging from almost white to dark brown. Hickory takes to staining very well which will show off the grain patterns and texture. With Hickory you are also getting the sturdiest wood in America, the stuff that the pioneers built their wagons out of.
When choosing the type of wood for your cabinets, remember that even with each individual type there can be a great deal of variation in color and grain pattern. If you have a large kitchen, you might want to go with a darker wood or stain but if it is a small room then a lighter color of cabinets will make the area seem more open. The great thing about choosing wood cabinets is that they are very easy to maintain. Simply wipe them down occasionally with a damp cloth and dry. Do not use too much water because the moisture can damage the wood. Ask your manufacturer for an extra quart of the stain that was used on the cabinets in case you have to do some touch up work later on.…

Remodeling Contractors

Vinyl Flooring Prices – How to Estimate Cost

Laura

When it comes to computing for vinyl flooring prices, it is important to remember that the cost of vinyl tiles or sheets is not the only thing that you need to consider. There are other costs involved in laying vinyl flooring.
For instance, you need to take into consideration labor expenses just in case you do not want to do your own vinyl floor or you need to hire someone to remove your old tiles, carpets or other flooring materials before you can start laying vinyl flooring. Read on to learn important tips on how you can estimate the costs when you change your flooring to vinyl.
The first thing that you need to consider, when thinking of the cost of your vinyl flooring is the price of tiles or sheets. The price of each tile will depend on its size as well as design and quality. Most common vinyl tiles are 18 by 18 and 12 by 12 inches. If you plan to change a huge area, you can also opt to use vinyl sheets, which can either be 12 or 6 feet wide. If you are really on a tight budget, there are $1 vinyl tiles.
However, if you want to make sure that the quality and design will last a long time, you might want to invest in vinyl sheets or tiles that cost around $2 to $5 per square foot. So, if you plan to renovate your 10-by-20-foot kitchen, for example, you will have to shell out $400 to $1,000 for vinyl tiles or sheets.
Aside from the tiles or sheets, you also need to include the cost of labor when estimating your vinyl flooring prices. For simple projects, the cost of vinyl installation can be about $1 per square foot. There are also vinyl flooring suppliers who offer free installation, so you might want to inquire about that.
However, if your sub-floor surface has problems and needs to be smoothed out before the installation of vinyl materials, you should expect higher fees. Be sure to ask several installers so you can compare their fees.
Another thing that you need to consider when computing for vinyl flooring expense is the price of vinyl adhesives.
Although there are vinyl tiles or sheets that are self-adhesive, you may still buy special vinyl adhesives to ensure that the vinyl tiles in areas that have high foot traffic will not easily peel off. The prices of vinyl adhesives can range from $9 to $30.…

Remodeling Contractors

Great Guide On How To Remodel Your House

Laura

When thinking about home improvements, some homeowners get scared. Perhaps they believe the difficulty, mess, hassle and expense of home improvement are just too overwhelming. However, improving a home doesn’t have to be hard. For the homeowner that takes the time to plan these improvements carefully and learns all they can before beginning, then they can accomplish great things with minimal fuss.

Add weather stripping to doors and windows to give your home’s energy efficiency a big boost. It is a cheap fix that will seal the air leaks around the windows and doors and reduce the cost of heating and cooling your home. You can also reduce the drafts you feel inside your home on windy, cold nights.

Plain lampshades can make your whole room look boring. With stencils, you can brighten them up. Use paint or an ink pad to add designs that be taken from a template, then add them to your boring lampshades. This will give your rooms some personality, taking away from the reality of how boring an ordinary lamp shade can be.

Add some protection to all of your floors before painting. Doing so can prevent paint from staining floors or carpets. One inexpensive and effective way to protect flooring is using layers of old newspapers. Plastic sheeting or inexpensive paint cloths will work, too.

Over time, ceramic tile can stop looking shiny and start to look grimy. A safe, but effective method is by mixing vinegar and water together. Fill a bucket with the solution and easily mop your floor. The solution will wash away dirt and grime, leaving your floors clean again.

If your home improvement project means working near a gas line from a stove, furnace, fireplace or other fixture, ensure that you know exactly where the gas shutoff is before you start working. Exercising extreme caution will keep you and your family safe. Starting a fire or causing an injury during your project is undesirable.

A great way to improve your home is to actually improve your yard through different landscaping tweaks. Your front lawn is the first thing people see when they look at your home, and a beautiful front lawn can impress your neighbors and any visitors. Keep your grass cut and neat, and you may even want to plant some shrubs to make your lawn look even better.

Save money by purchasing a drain snake. You will avoid the cost of buying expensive drain cleaners. Snaking your drain is something you should have someone with experience there for when you do it for the first time. Snakes come in a variety of sizes so make sure you get the one right for your pipe.

Building supplies are valuable and are prone to theft most of the time. That’s why these supplies should be located in a secure spot whenever you are not using them. If your home has lockable doors and windows, keeping them inside is fine. If you house is not complete, and impossible to lock, …

Remodeling Contractors

Home Improvement Tips To Keep You On The Right Track

Laura

How does I begin when it comes to home improvement? Do you need answers? Many people avoid home improvements, as they just don’t seem manageable. This article should help you get back on track with home improvements.

When it comes to home improvement, be sure that you take note of your surroundings and only make improvements that make sense. For instance, having an uncovered deck in Arizona or a sun room that has no ventilation in Michigan would be nonsensical renovations that will have potential buyers questioning your house upkeep decisions. Do what is desired, but don’t go beyond your immediate climate needs.

You can renew the appearance of your walls by spackling small holes and painting. The first step is using spackle from your home improvement store. A little spackle goes a long way when doing these projects. The little holes may be filled with spackle using just a bobby pin. After the spackle has dried, use something stiff, such as a credit card, to smooth the hole until your wall looks smooth. Top with paint. This will allow you to get rid of holes in your walls quickly.

Sit your family down and talk about the safety escapes in your house. People generally panic when things go awry. However, working on a safe route and practicing this route can really help to alleviate the panic involved in escaping. Discuss not only the routes to be taken, but also all possible scenarios.

You can use 3-D tile instead of buying art for your walls. If you use tiles in a few different colors and arrange them in a creative way on the wall, it will add some unusual artwork!

Re-purpose unlikely items for interesting home improvements. For example, a luggage rack can be reused as a side table. Just take glass out of an old picture frame and set it on top, adhering it with permanent glue. Add a lamp and some books and you have a perfectly good side table.

A front porch is a worthwhile place to invest your home improvement efforts. This is where you make your initial impression to your guests. Remove all debris and clutter and add some decorations, such as furniture, lights, or flowers. Your home will be worth more if you make these changes.

One quick way to change the look of your kitchen is with new knobs and handles on your cabinets. Not only are cabinet knobs easy to install, but they also make any cabinet look like a brand new one. If you do add in new knobs, make sure you clean your cabinets so that everything looks better in the end. Put the new knobs on the cabinetry and you are done!

Before starting a new project, you should alert your neighbors of the schedule for your project. Living next to a construction job is a genuine irritation. Neighbors tend to appreciate the information regarding such a disturbance and will surely thank you for letting them know the estimated …

Remodel Kitchen

Your Home Improvement Confusion Cleared With This Advice

Laura

For those that haven’t been exposed to feng shui, a room’s “energy” can be impacted by re-arranging its furniture. There are those that believe that a simple technique such as maintaining a clear doorway will bestow fortune on one’s household. This article provides information about improving your home with feng shui.

You can increase your home’s value with one project. If you want to sell your home, do a few small projects first. A bright and colorful coat of paint can add visual interest to any room or exterior. This simple fix will cost only $100 or $200, but can increase your equity up to $1,000.

Save money when it comes to kitchen remodeling through refinishing the cabinets that you have, as opposed to replacing them. For a different look, you can simply replace the doors and hardware or paint the bases. That will allow you to modernize the kitchen without paying too much.

If you door still squeaks despite your best efforts to remedy the situation, it may just need a new hinge. Virtually all hardware stores carry door hinges. Just take apart the hinge, then attach each of its side to the wall frame and door. Then, just line up the hinge pieces and place in the pins.

Don’t select a busy upholstery pattern when you’re buying new furniture. Doing so may lock you in to a certain style in your home. If you stick to solid, neutral colors in upholstery, (e.g. beige, brown, green, or black) you’ll have plenty of flexibility when you start to accessorize. Patterns can then be easily updated at a later time, so as never to look dated and old-fashioned.

Seek the help of family and friends before beginning a project. You may not be able to locate anyone to give you a hand if you have begun. This can put your project behind schedule and cause you some aggravation. Plan ahead.

When doing any projects that are near or involve a gas line, it is imperative that you shut the line down before beginning. You should also be extremely vigilant when working near the gas supply. Safety is the number one priority in these situations and you don’t want anything bad to happen.

Adding attic insulation can help you save money on winter heating bills. Because heat rises, a massive amount of heat can be lost by houses that have bad insulation, especially during autumn and winter. You can purchase this insulation at a hardware shop and you will be able to install it yourself.

Unsurprisingly, an immaculate, well-crafted front door can increase the value of a property as much as 10 percent. You can update the look of your door by investing in a relatively inexpensive new doorknob and lock. You might be surprised at the variety of available shapes and finishes.

Feng shui is the idea that the placement of furniture can impact your home’s energy flow and have a difference in your quality of life. Following the ideas of …

Remodel Kitchen

Suprising Tips For Planning Your Next Home Improvement Project

Laura

Now, your mind is made up. You feel ready to start working on improving your home. There’s no time like the present. You may be a bit puzzled as to where to begin, but you’re in luck. This article will answer all your questions. Continue reading to find out some helpful tips for getting you started on your home improvement projects.

Use a wet sponge on your drywall installation. Don’t sand your drywall seams, sponge them. It may take a bit of practice, but sponging drywall seams can be as effective as sanding them down. It also doesn’t make your room fill with dust.

Before painting a room, cover each electrical outlet with foil. Aluminum foil is simple to apply and keeps the covers from getting paint all over them. It is also easier to clean up. Remember to remove and recycle the foil only after the paint has dried.

Shop around for the best deals. If you put down new flooring, it can be expensive and a price comparison is helpful in these instances. There are places you can buy construction and remodeling supplies at a discount.

Make a bookcase using a bit of wallpaper. Choose a fun and original wallpaper design. Only put the wallpaper on the back of the bookcase; you will see the wallpaper behind the books. Not only will this bring an old bookcase back to life, it will be a signature piece in your room.

Attaching PVC pipes to each another is easy, and requires just a bit of PVC primer and cement. You need to use these products that are specially formulated for pipes because no other types of glue or cement will hold, and the primer will ensure that a leak does not develop. Also, the pipes’ surfaces need to be free from water.

One great way to save money on winter heating costs is insulating your attic. Heat rises and can be lost in houses that are poorly insulated. Insulation is easily obtained at many hardware or home improvement stores and can be simple to install.

You can make decorative pillows easily. Use some old clothing, such as t-shirts or jeans and cut the fabric to make custom covers for your existing pillows. Personalize your teen’s room and add some spice without spending a lot of money.

There isn’t a lot of natural light in most basements, if any at all. Be sure to plan artificial lighting strategically to maximize your basement space. If you luck out, you have have high, protruding walls from ground level in your basement. If this is the case for you, you may have the ability to pit in windows so that you can let some natural light in.

Now, you know more about home improvement projects. If you felt you were ready prior to reading this article, think about where you are now! Apply the advice from this article and you will be on your way to taking on your home improvement projects with confidence.…

Remodeling Contractors

Must Do’s For Home Improvement

Laura

Are you looking for some great home improvement ideas? Are you also looking for tips on how exactly to make repairs? This article has some great ideas and thorough information about helping you with enjoyable home projects.

Often, rooms that are small in size can have a gloomy and closed-in feel, but they do not have to feel that way. Let in the light! If there are windows, clean them and keep your blinds open. It is surprising that your room will look bigger if you use the natural sunlight. Use pale colors when it comes to your walls and avoid clutter. That tiny room will suddenly seem much more spacious and breathable.

When planning your home improvements, it is important to pinpoint which room you want to start on. Keep in mind that remodeling can be tackled room by room to preserve your budget. Plan remodeling projects ahead of time and be on the lookout for sales. A good way to save money while improving your house is to plan ahead.

Putting in another bathroom will add a great deal of value to your home. Consider the usefulness and convenience that a second bath adds to the living situation in the home. When the time to sell your home comes, you will attract buyers who have a large family.

When doing any projects that are near or involve a gas line, it is imperative that you shut the line down before beginning. You must be very careful with these types of projects. You can be seriously injured or start a fire during the project.

Remove any excess cord that is hanging from your blinds. Children and pets have both been known to become tangled in these dangling cords, sometimes leading to strangulation. Do not cut them too short, you will need enough length to still use the blinds. Prevent accidents by cutting it or tying it.

Consider installing a shower in your home if none of your existing bathrooms currently have one. Not only are showers more accessible than bathtubs, you can also save much more water by using them, especially if your family is large. A shower that takes five minutes uses less than a quarter of the water required to fill a tub.

While you may think you have level kitchen floors, use your level when you install kitchen cabinetry, just in case. Begin at the floor level, the highest point, and put a line where the cabinets will go in so that they are level.

When you replace your windows with energy efficient ones, you are conserving energy as well as money. Most homeowners are very satisfied with their decision to purchase new windows.

There are times in life when you lack inspiration. We have given you a few nice ideas – but don’t rush into anything. One wrong move could leave you needing to rent a hotel room, and a faulty repair could result in losing your home indefinitely. By using the advice from the …

Remodel Kitchen

Home Improvement Tips For The First Time Home Buyer

Laura

There are some projects that could be enjoyable and could also improve your home. Your house is your personal castle, and when you put effort into it, you will feel wonderful. Sometimes, it’s a little hard to know where to begin. The advice in this article will help you with ideas and techniques to put your house in the best shape.

You may have occasion to repaint your porch. Use a good quality exterior paint. Make sure to paint using a base of the same type as the old kind; use oil for oil or water for water. The unparalleled durability of oil-based paint makes it ideal for trim, but it’s inappropriate for decks or porches themselves (precipitation makes it slippery).

If you have the available funds you should choose real hard wood floors rather than laminate. While laminate is more cost effective and easy to clean, you can not refinish it. In a decade, perhaps two, you can hand the home down to a new owner and you want them to be appreciative of the work performed.

It can be expensive to buy new furniture. Add some spice to your home by buying vintage furniture. There are often some real gems hiding amongst used items. Some items you find might need some work, but they can add a great touch to your home.

Buy metal fixtures that complement your bathrooms; that is a cheap and quick way to modernize. There are many new looks and options for towel racks, curtain rods and other bathroom fixtures. A lot of home improvement stores have these fixtures and they are easy to install in a short amout of time.

Attaching PVC pipes to each another is easy, and requires just a bit of PVC primer and cement. You must use these specific items, since others won’t work. Also, make sure the pipes are dry.

Safety must be your number one priority when you undertake home improvement projects. There is always an element of danger when working with power tools so make sure you are fully aware of what you are doing. You can find good tutorials online that will help you with your tasks.

When you are involved in a home improvement project, be certain to allot a specific spot for the resulting debris and trash. Planning in advance what you are going to do with rubbish can save you time and money during the construction.

Prior to making up your mind about any particular type of home renovation, visit a few open houses in the area. Experience the very newest in options for decorating and see what the outcome of a home improvement project may look like before you get started. A lot of these model homes hire decorators so you are able to see great style.

There isn’t much that means more to you than your home. That is why you should keep it up to par. As you have read above, there are many different tips and tricks you …

Remodel Kitchen

Fix Your House Or Decorate It: Find Out More About Home Improvement.

Laura

Making improvements to your home is the best way to design a beautiful and custom home that fits your needs and can save you some money as well. There is a lot to consider with regards to home improvements so implement the following tips to stay on top of your next project.

Getting your ceilings to seem taller then they are is possible by employing two easy methods. You could paint vertical stripes on a wall or just put a big floor lamp in the room. Doing this creates the illusion of height. The eye focuses on the tall lines, causing the ceilings to seem higher.

Anything simple, like a lampshade, can look and be boring. You can pep up your lamp shades by getting some stencils and acrylic paint, and decorating them to your taste. This livens up the room without having to buy new lamp shades.

One of the best places to start on your home improvement journey is the kitchen. Begin with the walls and remove any grease stains with grease cutter. This solution will rid your walls of grease and a lot of the paint. Re-paint your kitchen in a color you love; you’ll be shocked how great the heart of your home looks when you’ve finished.

You should not get rid of your old doors. The first step is taking them out of their frames so they’re easier to sand. You want to strip them down to bare wood. Purchase paint that is oil based, and use it to coat the door. For a whole new look, consider changing your doorknobs.

Do not go through demolition too quickly as you start your project. Closely examine the area behind cabinet or wall before demolishing it. If you find electrical components, it might cost a lot to repair any issues you have created.

Always consider landscaping with regards to home improvement. People look at the front of your home when they first see it, and this can leave a lasting impression. Not enough people focus on their lawns. Neat, green grass, blooming flowers, stone walkways — these things really add a lot of appeal.

A wood fireplace is not the best way to heat your home. Wood fireplaces are not very efficient; even though, they’re quite attractive. Unfortunately, the majority of the heat goes up the chimney. These types of fireplace also require fresh air, which is provided by your home. This means that there will be less breathable oxygen in the air.

A coat rack mounted to the wall can be an elegant way to display your jewelry. But do not hang real jewelry on the rack, just costume jewelry. Hanging your jewelry on a wall can make a pretty decorative statement, as well as keeping the jewelry tangle-free. Display the items that you wear frequently, so they’ll be at your fingertips when you’re getting dressed.

These tips will aid you in becoming a master when it comes to home improvement projects. These tips are sure …