Category: Remodel

Remodel Kitchen

Hardwood Flooring Installation

Laura

In most homes carpet is a thing of the past. New homes and many older homes have hard wood flooring. This option of all types and colors are flying of the shelf in home improvement stores. Recent studies have shown that carpet can hold pet dander, dust and that will aggravate allergy suffers. Vinyl linoleum can be easily scraped and scared. Linoleum does not have the durability of other types of flooring.
Some a large number of homeowners have turned to this as another type of covering. The maintenance on this type is less than that of carpet. These only require mopping as opposed to vacuuming and shampooing. Hardwoods also add value to any home.
Hardwoods come in any color or finish that is desired. There are local stores that specialize in flooring as well as internet sites. After choosing the type of wood for your home, it is time to find someone to install it. A carpenter or installation specialist can lay the floor in place as it should be. A do it yourself can install their own hardwood flooring. This is a lifelong investment. The right covering will make an old home look brand new.
If you desire a pattern in the floor, it is best to let the installation person to lie this. A cheaper type to install is to laminate. A new one can be installed in a day. Some specialists may ask to bring flooring a day or two earlier so that the wood will expand in the new atmosphere.
After installation, it is time to maintain the wood floor. This type can be scratched and scraped as furniture is moved over it. The floor must be cleaned and moped. If it is an unstained floor, it will need to be stained to the color that the homeowner will like. After this it is time to set back and enjoy the new changes.
A realtor can access and let the homeowner know how much value is added with a specialized or customized installation. This is an expense that will give the homeowner a great return. This type adds charm and warmth to any home. Unlike carpet, this is a durable investment that will last for years to come. With the proper maintenance, generations to come can see the beauty of hardwoods installed today. So opting for this type might just be a mighty good step.…

Remodeling Contractors

Deciding on Glass Kitchen Doors

Laura

It sounds simple enough, pick out a set of glass doors for the new kitchen, I mean, how many different kinds of glass kitchen doors can there possibly be. The answer, of course, is a lot. To the mind of many, an image of a set of wood framed doors set with clear glass will probably be the first thing though of, but the range is far, far wider.
There is a wide variety of tastes and styles catered to when it comes to glass. The traditional country style doors with or without a stained-glass look is only one option. You could change the clear look with a frosted glass appearance or go with tinted glass to really set the tone of the kitchen. Also, you don’t necessarily need frames in your doors with unframed glass doors really giving the kitchen an ultra-modern look.
Whatever style you choose you may want to give serious consideration to investing in tempered glass, particularly if you have young children in the house. Tempered glass is a safe option to go for because if it were to break the glass breaks into safe pieces that won’t leave jagged edges that can cut.
All of the choices available to you seems to be a real positive, but when you are starting off your kitchen renovation and are suddenly faced with the daunting range of choices, you may feel a little overwhelmed. Make sure you do your shopping around so that you can view each type of kitchen door in all of the various configurations available. Decide whether you’re after a traditional or contemporary look and you will find that your choices are narrowed down to a more manageable level.…

Remodel Kitchen

Common Mistakes of Renovating a Kitchen

Laura

If you’re preparing to renovate a modern or retro-styled kitchen, you want to make certain it gets done properly and to a high-standard. A competent kitchen renovation can be quite lengthy and expensive, so it helps to take a moment to do the necessary preparation work at the start to ensure things go smoothly. Some of the common mistakes to avoid in renovating a kitchen might include –
Budget – first start out by determining the available budget and go from there. With the modern styles of kitchens and the innovative features available it can be quite easy to get carried away. Renovating a kitchen is often very pricey, so it is important to first look at the main structures of the design, such as the cabinets or worktop, which is where the majority of the money goes. And then look at items that aren’t so important. A well-designed kitchen can increase the value of a property, but it is still important to stay within budget, as only so much can be recuperated once a property is sold.
Poor Planning – one of the most common errors to make in any renovation project is no or poor planning. A major kitchen renovation can be quite a complicated process, and can take a great deal of planning, what with the large number of cabinets, drawers, worktops, etc to plan, there is quite a bit of room for error. A simple way to ensure a kitchen is well-planned is to use the services of a professional kitchen design service, which should ensure everything goes well once the construction phase starts.
Design Style – another mistake seen with kitchen renovations is to just go with one of the latest trendy-styled kitchens, without giving too much thought as to how well it will look once installed in your home. What looks impressive in a catalogue or showroom might not really translate that well once in place in your own home, especially if it is not able to coordinate with the surrounding decor. When redesigning a kitchen make sure to pick a design which goes with your existing home set-up; go with a design that isn’t going to look dated after a short period of time, wont clash with the rest of the home, and isn’t likely to get on your nerves within a month or two.
Contractor – when it comes to the stage of installing the newly design kitchen, you want to be sure of using a reliable and experienced kitchen contractor. Before employing a particular contractor, be certain to check them out, get references, and make certain the person is fully qualified and insured to do this type of work. Make sure from the start that the kitchen installer is aware of your available budget and want you require and things are likely to go more smoothly.…

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.…

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.…

Remodel Kitchen

How to Renovate and Create a High End Kitchen on a Budget

Laura

If you want to renovate and create the high end kitchen of your dreams, but are on a budget, the steps listed here will help you in deciding which appliances to buy and help determine whether or not you should hire out for professional help when creating the kitchen you dream of. Kitchen renovation is possible if you start with a decent sized budget to work with.
If you are planning to remodel your kitchen and you are a do-it-yourself type of person, you should be able to create a nice, high end kitchen without paying high end prices. You should start with the appliances first. By choosing the best reputable brands that you can afford, keeping an eye out for sales, and shopping around, you should be able to find what you are looking for with prices that will meet your budget.
You can find appliances that do far more than just keep your beverages cold, and your dinners warm. Some of the modern appliances now even have TV screens mounted on them!
Countertops and cabinets should be next on your list. You may want to consider hiring professionals for this part of the kitchen renovation. Placement and cutting can be very difficult if you are not a professional in this area of expertise. There are many popular styles to choose from. Some of the most popular countertops and cabinets continue to be granite and wood.
Stainless steel is also a nice look for many high end kitchens. Now for the flooring. With the many choices to choose from, stone, tile, or wood, a professional may be able to get your flooring in much easier and quicker than you could. But if you have the expertise in this line of renovation, then you may want to do it yourself to save even more money. Just make sure to choose a floor that will match your countertops and your kitchen sink.
By following these basic guidelines, you now have a general idea on how to renovate and create your high end kitchen on a budget.…

Remodel Kitchen

Handyman Services

Laura

Working in and around our homes is one of everyone’s least favorite things to do. Fixing that doorknob, the broken faucet, the loose cupboard shelf, the clogged gutter or leaky roof are just a small sampling that all homeowners at one time or another must do to stay on top of their home repairs so the house doesn’t fall apart due to neglect. The reality is that we all procrastinate and put these small little jobs off for tomorrow, but for most of us tomorrow never comes and the jobs simply do not get done. What to do? Your wife is complaining and you’re tired of pulling that doorknob off, but you work all day, every day and you want some time to your self also. The answer can be a simple one, hire a handyman!
Your house is the biggest investment most people make and home repair is not exclusive to fixing things around the house that are broken, keeping things in good shape is another great reason to hire a qualified handyman. A handyman is someone that knows something about many different repairs jobs that come up in a home. A handyman knows enough about plumbing, electric, carpentry, painting and other small home repair jobs that come up.
The jobs a handyman typically performs are easy enough and only require a basic knowledge of the job. Carpentry and painting are certainly jobs a handyman can do. Fixing a broken faucet usually does not require a licensed plumber, replacing an outlet or a ceiling fan, usually does not require a licensed electrician, but a handyman can typically perform these services well, cost effectively and allow you the chance to relax after working all week..…

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.…