Category: Renovation

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.…

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 …

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 …

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!…

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 …

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 …

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.…

Renovation Contractor

Snow Mats Are Essential For Those That Experience Heavy Snowfall

Laura

When Winter approaches, many people throughout the country begin to make preparations for the deluge of snow that will fall and not just affect the outside of the home, but also possibly the inside as well – something that can lead to stained carpets and damaged floorboards, and therefore to the expense of having to clean the whole lot up. It is heartening to know therefore that there is a product out there that can protect the home from this unwelcome invasion of snow.
Snow is something that can find its way in to the home in a huge variety of different ways, from children tramping it in on their feet all the way to pets running in after they’ve been outside. There is also the chance of car tires bringing the snow in to the garage, as well as the most devastating occurrence – snow that melts and seeps underneath the doors.
The solution to this is a snow mat – or a number snow mats – which are easily bought through many different places online, as well as through a number of shops that can be found in every town. These mats are usually made from a highly absorbent polypropylene material that will absorb all of the liquid that tries to get past them.
The other advantage to a snow mat is that the material they are made from is usually incredibly non-slip, therefore making it safe for people to walk over. This is really important for families with small children, as it means that they won’t fall over when running over it.
When placing snow mats, it is important to put them in the place that is most likely to get wet – which is normally just in front of doors or in the garage. By placing them in areas that children and pets walk over, they will have clean shoes and paws without even realizing that they do. Also, by placing them in front of doors, the mats will automatically absorb any melted snow that tries to find its way under the door when it thaws out.
One thing that is essential is that snow mats are placed before the worst of the weather arrives, due to the fact that if they are placed late then the damage could already have been done. This means that the homeowner will be faced with repair bills already and that the snow mats are therefore rendered obsolete. The main advantage of placing them early is that they can usually be bought for a much cheaper price in the summer months, as most people don’t buy them at this time.
Snow mats aren’t just useful in the winter though – they also have a multitude of uses throughout the year as well. They can be used as a barrier against any rain that falls, as well as being great to push against a door and prevent any air from flowing underneath – therefore adding to the heat of the home.…