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.…

Basement Renovations

How to Come Up With Kitchen Design Ideas

Laura

Everyone who is looking for new ideas for kitchen design in their Toronto home will find many different places from which they can draw inspiration. When you have made up your mind that you need to remodel that old kitchen, consider looking in some of these places for some fresh ideas.
Magazines
Magazines can be a great source of inspiration. Find magazines that focus on home d?�cor to find great pictures of kitchens. Many of the magazines will even list the types of appliances, cabinets, and flooring that the kitchens use. However, you do not have to limit your search to home design magazines. Lifestyle magazines, travel magazines, and more will sometimes have great pictures that you can use for your ideas.
The Internet
The Internet makes it easy to look up pictures of kitchens. You can find professionally designed kitchens, do-it-yourself kitchens, and everything in between. You can see pictures of old kitchens and ultra modern, semi-automated kitchens. Expand your horizons and look at many different types of kitchens. You never know what you might be able to find.
Showrooms and Open Houses
You can often find showrooms at furniture stores that have kitchen setups that you might like. In addition, go to some open houses to see how other people have created their kitchens. You might find something that you like. Visit as many of these showrooms and open houses that time affords. Pay particular attention to the homes that have kitchens that are about the same size as yours.
Hire a Kitchen Designer
When searching for ideas for that new kitchen design in your Toronto home, you might want to consider hiring a professional designer. He or she will be able to show you many different types of styles, designs, and materials that you might never have though of, or that you have already written off. The professionals know the ins and outs of kitchen design, and they will be able to help you understand how to work with the space that you have. Together, you will be able to come up with a design that makes everyone happy.
You will find no shortage of places to get inspiration. When you are in the planning stages, it is important that you keep an open mind and that you keep your eyes open as well. You never know where you might get your next great idea!…

Bathroom Renovations

Top Three Kitchen Renovation Ideas For You

Laura

Is it time for a kitchen renovation? Are you planning on remodeling your kitchen but have no ideas or not really sure what to do? You want a kitchen that will have every furniture, appliances and accessories in its proper place with still plenty of space to work around.
You also dream of having a nice set of kitchen accessories complimenting a well-planned layout and a gorgeous design and still keeping your expenses as minimal as possible. Is this even possible? Maybe it is but not in one sitting.
What you can do is to have a kitchen renovation by portion. It all depends on your priority and budget. If you can allocate a big amount of money and just want to stick to your budget then a lot of choices are open to you. However if you cannot spare that huge amount then you will have to be imaginative and innovative. Consider the following things when planning a kitchen renovation.
1. Pots and pans storage – This is the common problem that housewives have. They want some storage where they will have an easier access on those pots and pans that they want to use. Since most people have lots of pots and pans being stored in their cabinet, organizing and storing them has become a concern.
Solution : Get some pot racks or pot hanger. Your collection of cooking vessels can be accommodated. The racks and the hanger help you save space and you won’t have a problem even if you have a mix-and-match collection. It also adds a charming accent to your kitchen.
2. Enough room for your counter space – Probably you would often hear your friends’ complaint about having the need for some extra countertop space because there isn’t any room for them to prepare food. You cannot rearrange all the things that you put on the top because they are all important appliances and you use them everyday.
Solution : Mount an island because this creates extra storage space wherein you can place your other items from your countertop to free up space for preparing food.
3. Storage has always been a major concern of anyone. As days pass by, you get to acquire more stuff when you purchase additional appliance or got it as a gift.
Solution : Sort out the things that you need and want. Consider having a garage sale for things that you find no use of or are bored to look at. Spring cleaning is still the best way to do it. You get to have less of things to worry about plus you have additional money to allocate for other priorities.…

Home Remodeling

Commercial Fitness Flooring – Various Benefits Of Rubber Flooring In Sports Centers And Arenas

Laura

When you go to the gym and work hard, you’re prone to several injuries. Now if you actually look at the chances of you falling down on the floor, you can’t even imagine the kind of risk you’re taking. This is the reason why commercial fitness flooring is quite important in sports centers and arenas.
Rubber gym flooring can definitely reduce the chances of serious injury. Apart from that, even if you drop weights on it, the ground beneath will not be affected because it can absorb the shock. This is the reason why rubber flooring for gyms is considered as the right option.
When it comes to commercial fitness flooring, there are quite a lot of options and there are a lot of advantages for each and every option that is available. Athletic flooring and sports flooring should ensure the safety of the people who involve in these kinds of activities. Recycled rubber floor tiles can actually take the wear and tear of all the activities taken up in such places.
Apart from all these advantages, you tend to make a lot of noise when you actually move, lift and drop the weights in the gym. So imagine the kind of nuisance it might create to the people around or the neighbors in that locality. So there is a high need to absorb the kind of noise that is generated in such a place and this is the reason why rolled rubber flooring is preferred.
So in order to ensure that everything is damage free, the right kind of choice for the flooring is quite important. Apart from that, in most of the sports centers or in the gyms, people tend to sweat a lot and if the flooring is completely exposed to this kind of condition, there are chances of various sweat stains or even scratches on the floor because of the equipment.
So in order to minimize this kind of damage done to the floor, it should be protected with the right kind of material on it. Recycled rubber flooring as a part of commercial fitness flooring will definitely work well when it comes to absorbing noise that is created. This way, it is a solution for quite a lot of issues and is the most suitable option.
Above all, if you actually go for the right colors and design options, this kind of flooring will definitely enhance the beauty of the whole place. And when it comes to affordability, you can definitely save a lot of money if you choose this material for the flooring. Other flooring options are quite costly and when it comes to the durability factor, they’re not a match for recycled rubber flooring.
This is the reason why, it is quite important to completely understand about all the benefits of this material in order to choose it as the primary option. May it be a gym, or a sports center, or even a children’s play area; when it comes to solving all …

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.…

Renovation Contractor

Kitchen Renovations – How to Pick Your Contractor

Laura

If your kitchen renovation is going to be a sizable job, unless you are a genius at DIY, and have a lot of time on your hands, your are probably going to have to hire a contractor. With the right contractor, kitchen renovation can be a wonderful experience. With the wrong contractor, you can find yourself in the middle of a nightmare. Do all you can in the beginning to make sure you know how to pick your contractor wisely, rather than live to regret you choice later on.
The first step in answer to the question ‘how to pick your contractor’ is to start by making a list of contractors in your area. Word of mouth is often the best reference, but don’t rely on it. Ask your friends and family, and check out a couple of companies online. Another good option is to enquire at your local building supply store – they will often have good suggestions. Make sure to tell them you want someone who specialises in kitchen renovation. A quick first step is to check the names of the contractors with your local Better Business Bureau – a quick and easy step to take before making your primary choices.
The next step is to contact the contractors on your list, and set up an interview. If you want to know ‘how to pick your contractor’ then pay careful attention to this. A good contractor is willing to discuss his experience in kitchen renovation, more than happy to hand of a list of references from satisfied customers, and answers your questions in a forthright manner. If the contractor is offended by your questions, or evasive, that should be a red flag, to move on to the next interview. Kitchen renovation is an expensive exercise, and you don’t want to find yourself halfway in with a disaster on your hands.
Don’t just rely on written references – the contractor’s girlfriend and brother could have written them. Anyone with experience advising you on how to pick your contractor will tell you to contact the people on the list, and while you should be polite, you should also ask them as many questions as possible. You should look for an answer to these questions in particular ‘did you use him for kitchen renovation?’, ‘did he complete the job on time and on budget?’, and ‘were you happy with the contractor’s workmanship?’ If a contractor did a great job, you should have no trouble finding people who used him and are willing to answer a couple of questions. If the responses are lukewarm – be careful. Often people don’t want to speak outright of a bad experience. Besides references, there are a couple of other things to consider when you pick your contractor for kitchen renovation. Is he qualified/licensed, and does he have insurance which is current – don’t rely on his word here, ask for proof.
When you have chosen your top 3 or 4 contractors, ask them for a …

Bathroom Remodel

Ideas for Redesigning a Kitchen

Laura

If attempting to redesign a kitchen to give it the right look and functionality, you often have to start with a well thought-out plan. A complete kitchen renovation needs to look at all aspects of the design, and not just the style or appearance. Functional aspects, such as the type of storage, cooking equipment, and available work space also need to be considered.
Here are some of the main features to look at when doing a full-scale kitchen redesign –
Floor Plan – common floor plan designs include those with the more typical U-shape or L-shape, but if you’re looking for a more unique designed kitchen you might want to look at the possibility of a circular styled kitchen. A circular floor plan is a perfect way to make the most use of the available floor space, which will mean curved work surfaces entirely surround you, and this make it super easy to reach any area in seconds.
Floor Surface – relaying the flooring in the kitchen is often seen as a quite large and expensive job, but it certainly offers a great way to renovate a kitchen, which not only improves on the aesthetics but can also make the work area so much more comfortable. If hoping to increase the comfort level, you might want to look at the various types of rubbing flooring, which comes in a wide-range of colors and is extremely easy on the feet. However, if you’re after an elegant touch, the slate or limestone floors are a popular choice. Solid wood floor can also look appealing in the kitchen; although with this floor type you would need to ensure it is well sealed and maintained.
Dining Area – if you are looking for ways to modernize the kitchen to give a more family oriented feel, you might want to look at creating space to install a nook-styled area with a table and benches or a long breakfast bar. If the existing design of the kitchen gives limit to no space for eating a meal, you might want to have a floor plan professionally designed, which is able to feature everything you desire.
Storage Options – one of the most significant features to a well-designed kitchen is to include the right size and shape of storage units to ensure all you kitchen ware has somewhere to go. Modern kitchen cabinets and cupboards are extremely versatile and come in wide-range of innovative designs. If the right kitchen layout is created, you shouldn’t have a problem in having the most important kitchen tools close to hand at all times.…

Basement Remodeling

Living Through a Kitchen Renovation

Laura

So many details need to be addressed when looking into renovating any room in your house. This is especially true when it comes to a kitchen remodel. Many people are really interested in keeping their kitchen renovations within a budget. It is very difficult to make an accurate budget without doing some research into exactly what you want to accomplish with the renovation. Make sure that at the start you have a realistic game plan on what the outcome should look like and address a budget based on the completed renovation.
Each step of the way involves a new way of thinking. As you start the planning phase of your kitchen remodel think about the little details that are going to make you fall in love with your space again. Consider the natural light coming into the space. This will help to determine how dark the cupboards can actually be without closing the room in too much. Another thing that you need to look into is how much bigger or smaller you want the space. Will you be adding or removing cupboards? Is the space going to be use for cooking, entertaining and dinning? If so make sure that you plan for adequate space to move around in and space for seating. It is also important to consider how much of the renovating you want to hire out or are you interested in getting your handyman outfit on and doing the job yourself?
In order to stick within a budget it is important to plan each detail like it is the most important piece of the puzzle for your area to come together. If you are thinking about moving the appliances in the space make sure you budget a large chunk of money for gas, plumbing and electrical to be properly installed. Moving a sink, for instance, can cost upwards of two thousand dollars alone for the correct plumbing and drainage to be installed. These are things to think about ahead of time. Consider the lighting that is in the kitchen. Are you going to change this? If you are upgrading the lighting you will want to budget again for an electrician to come out and make sure the electricity that is currently being run is what is necessary for the upgrade.
When thinking about your cabinets look into having them refaced. If you are happy with the current layout and the cabinets are in good shape this option allows you to update the look. However if you are in the market for new cabinetry the best options are to sketch out your kitchen layout how you see it and take it into a cabinet installer. They will send someone out to measure will help give you tips to make the layout flow. It is also important to consider if you will use solid hardwood for both cabinet and doors or if you will save a bit and use press wood for the cabinet and hard wood on the doors.…

Kitchen Remodel

Kitchen Flooring

Laura

Choosing the right option for kitchen flooring is essential for any homeowner looking to remodel or refurbish an outdated kitchen. Since the kitchen is one of the most highly-trafficked rooms of the house, it is essential that flooring options are durable and reliable, as well as easy to clean. The ideal flooring options can safely take a beating from drops, spills and more, as well as a constant flow of foot traffic in and out. Choosing a stylish, yet affordable option from a reputable dealer is the best option for experienced renovators and DIY home improvement aficionados alike. Wood, vinyl and tile are often the most common materials used, and all have their benefits and drawbacks that need to be considered prior to making a final purchase.
Vinyl
Vinyl is the most affordable option to homeowners on a budget, and it is available in an almost endless supply of styles, designs and colors for any desired d?�cor. Vinyl is also easy to clean and maintain. However, because vinyl is so inexpensive upfront, it is less durable than some of the other options out there, and it may need to be replaced regularly in order to avoid damage.
Tile
Ceramic tiles can be a longer-lasting alternative to vinyl while still being budget friendly. Tiles are easily maintained and easily cleaned, and are able to withstand scratches, dents or other damage commonly experienced in high-trafficked areas. However, if the structure of the house experiences movement, it is easy for ceramic tiles to break or crack and damage the floor. Tiles are also more slick when wet, and can raise some safety concerns that need to be taken into account especially if there are children in the household. Ceramic tiles do come in a variety of options though, and a textured surface can reduce the possibility of accidental falls or injuries.
Wood
Wood floors may seem a risky choice when considering flooring options for the kitchen given its susceptibility to moisture damage. But wooden floors offer a unique and pleasant feel to a very popular room of the home, and are easily maintained when installed properly. Wood is very resilient to high volume traffic and can withstand a lot of impact that would otherwise damage an alternative floor surface. If a wooden floor has been selected for your kitchen, it is imperative that it is coated with a substantial protective finish to keep out moisture and spills common in the kitchen or bathroom.
When shopping for a new flooring solution for the home, it may be tempting to peruse the selection often found in big retail chains specializing in home remodeling, but that’s not always the best option available. Local dealerships that specialize in home flooring often offer better deals as well as higher quality products than those offered in mass-production alternatives. By locating a reputable and trustworthy local dealer, customers can get higher satisfaction as well as specialized advice in purchasing their kitchen flooring, and are sure to get products that match …

Remodeling

How to Create a Classic Kitchen Design

Laura

A new kitchen renovation can vastly improve the value of your home, as well as making everyday life a bit easier and more enjoyable. It makes sense, then, to invest in a kitchen design that can stand the test of time and is guaranteed to offer full functionality. If you’re thinking of creating a new kitchen design for your home, consider using these elements of classic interiors to reach the best solution possible.

White and Wood – A classic combination that remains fresh and interesting to this day, white cabinets and wooden surfaces work well in a huge variety of different settings. White painted cabinets can make your kitchen design seem more spacious than it actually is, while wooden floorboards will introduce visual warmth and comfort to the space.

Polished Metals – Polished metal cabinet handles, hinges and plumbing fixtures are an easy choice for classic spaces. Choose a uniform look by using either dull, muted bronze for all fixtures, or high shine stainless steel.

Rustic Touches – The greatest classic space plans recognise that this space is a working room and are thus optimised for efficient cooking, as well as easy cleaning and maintenance. Instead of aiming for a spotless kitchen design, consider including rustic features such as exposed wooden beams and farm style work tables.

Vintage Hardware – If you are thinking of renovating your period home, you might want to consider creating a classic kitchen design to complement the idiosyncratic architecture and atmosphere of the space. To complete the look, try using second-hand lighting fixtures, hardware and cabinets that ensure your kitchen design is authentic to the time.

Simplicity – You don’t have to break the budget or hunt down eclectic design pieces to build your classic space. In fact, many classic spaces are all about simplicity, with muted colours, clean lines and warm, homey touches.

Modern Appliances – One of the best advantages of a classic kitchen design is that they can adapt to and work with a variety of different looks and applications. This means that there is no need to compromise on your appliance purchases, allowing you to fill your space with the latest high-tech amenities.

Light and Airy – When planning your classic interiors, remember to focus on creating an airy, spacious room with plenty of natural light. Make use of sunny windows, sun-lights and discreet under cabinet lighting, as well as pale colours and spacious walkways to create the most comfortable and soothing space possible.…

Basement Remodeling

What Floor Covering Is Right for You?

Laura

There are many options when choosing floor coverings with the number of different products and materials increasing all the time. Have you ever thought about cork, sea grass, poured resins or engineered woods? Perhaps you should. If you’re looking for a new floor covering for your home or workplace and you find yourself in a quandary here are ten options to help you decide:
Solid Wood. A classic choice as wood is a hardwearing and practical material yet looks and feels high-end too. One of the best qualities about wood is that it can stand up to kids and pets and needs to be refinished only every few years. Wood, in general is more expensive to install than carpet yet the value is much higher because it will never need to be replaced. Choose narrow boards if you want a narrow room to appear wider where as wide boards help provide balance for a large rooms. For a more rustic feel choose wood with knots and colour variations. Dark woods and finishes have proved very popular in the past but over of the last few years blonde woods appear to be in vogue.
Carpet. Often regarded as the cheapest option in floor coverings. Carpet is appropriate in many settings, especially in low-traffic areas like bedrooms. One of the main advantages carpet provides is sound insulation. It also helps with energy conservation and it doesn’t necessarily require a level surface for installation. Although there’s a certain “yuck” factor in carpets as they are only cleaned rarely, they trap allergens and dust and need to be vacuumed regularly. When choosing carpets look for a loop or twist pile of 80 percent wool/20 percent nylon blend for the best look and durability. Current trends suggest more and more people are using for carpet in stairways and halls are opting for striped patterns.
Porcelain tiles. More hard wearing than their ceramic counterparts, Porcelain tiles are virtually maintenance free. Porcelain is more expensive than ceramic and usually requires installation by a professional since they need to be properly bedded and spaced, as they can expand and contract. Current trends are metallic finishes, modern weaves and wood effects.
Bamboo. If you’re looking for an eco-friendly floor choice, bamboo is the way to go, since it can be harvested every three to five years, unlike the 15 to 25 years for most wood. It wears well and comes in many colour choices. The current trend is glossy, almost black bamboo especially in rooms with an East Asian feel.
Cork. If you’re looking for a floor with anti-slip properties then you can’t do better than cork. Cork can help impede falls and is a natural fire retardant. It is also an excellent choice for those looking for sound and energy insulation but who don’t want to go the carpet route. Pale shades, greys, dark browns and metallics are gaining favour over the traditional light brown.
Laminate floors. More popular a few years ago than they are now, probably …

Renovation Contractor

Polished Concrete Is The Better Answer For Healthy Indoor Living

Laura

This is something that I have been waiting on for a long time; a way to get rid of those carpets that trap and keep buried in their fibers the dirt and filth that gets tracked in with every step and still maintain up to date fashion for my home. I am pleased to see that the love affair with carpets is subsiding.
Now that we see this amazing change in perspective what are we replacing those floor coverings with? Well, it could be epoxy flooring. Brisbane and the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast are proud to be part of this fashion trend in flooring.
When it comes to flooring, it is not hard to imagine that concrete flooring is one of the most substantial ways to go for quality as well as long term use. However, it is hard to imagine that anyone would wish to use raw concrete on their floors.
This is where polished concrete comes in. Most everyone knows that there are a number of products that can be used to enhance the appearance of concrete and that includes epoxy flooring which is simply a sealant covering for the surface of a concrete floor.
These coverings are attractive and wear well for a time, but once they lose their luster they should be removed and the whole process must be repeated. So, what other choice do we have? Glad you asked. Polished concrete is the way to go for that long lasting shine and ultimate in indestructibility.…

Room Additions

Easy Small Kitchen Renovation

Laura

If we compare home with plants than the kitchen is the leaf of the plants and if the leaf is not in an appropriate form then the plants will definitely expire soon. So while we plan for renovation of our home, we should think first about the renovation of the kitchen. Now let’s discuss about a small kitchen renovation. It’s easy but there are some important points those we have to always keep in mind while we going to do so.
The very first point of a small kitchen renovation is to plan a design in your mind and then draw it on paper. It means that you have to think at first what kind of kitchen you want to see after the renovation. So the planning is very important thing before doing anything.
The second part is cleaning and removing. Normally clean the kitchen if it is too dirty to work and then remove all the old and unnecessary elements of the kitchen. Then send those for repairing or purchase new essentials if possible as because it looks better.
The floor of the kitchen is a very important part of this renovation. It should be well decorated by using nice looking marvels or tiles which should be matched with your kitchen infrastructure and design.
The fourth step is to use the oil protected primer and paint for your kitchen as because it prevents the walls and the roof of the kitchen from the oil which is created in the kitchen during cooking. So, it should be of good quality and attractive.
Now the fifth and final step of a small kitchen renovation is to arrange the requirements of a good kitchen like a chimney, laminated cabinets, well-designed storage areas, nice looking containers, ingredients, and so on and those should have a good quality also etc. But one thing must be bear in mind that everything ought to be in its proper position.
So, in this way you can renovate your small kitchen into a well decorated and appealing family kitchen easily.…

Room Additions

What You Need To Know About Selecting The Right Moisture Absorbent

Laura

While water is very important to us, there are many situations where we simply do not want to see anymore of it. Even though our bodies are composed mostly of water, there is such a thing as too much of a good thing. Water can be significant problem for us if we are not careful and we should always make sure that we have the right number of moisture absorbent products around for different circumstances.
One of the best moisture absorbent materials anywhere is calcium chloride. It’s often found as an ingredient in the composite that they spray onto snow and ice with rock salt. You will also find it in medication bottles and other places as an ingredient, where unwanted moisture must be eliminated.
Calcium chloride can be good at getting rid of moisture from the air, cutting down on humidity and discouraging the formation of mold and mildew. Sometimes we need something with a little bit more ability to help us get rid of the physical presence of water. For example, we might find water leaking and seeping through the walls or floor of our basement. This we must stop at all counts.
If leaking floors and walls are not bad enough, from time to time bad weather can cause rain water or surface water to leak beneath doors. Sometimes there is not much we can do about extreme weather events other than to react and this is where we should have a moisture absorber product that is purpose made to come to our defense.
No amount of calcium chloride is going to be able to absorb the amount of water that could come into our homes during heavy weather events. This is when you need something stronger like polypropylene. If you include this super absorbent within a flexible and durable material, you have what is known in the south of the country as a hurricane sock.
You can defend yourself against extreme events with a hurricane sock and also guard against a one-off or accidental occurrence. What if your water heater springs a leak suddenly and you have to wait for a plumber to get there? In this case you need to absorb the moisture in a hurry and a typical hurricane sock made of polypropylene can take up to a gallon of water at any one time.
You might have a leak from a pipe or a water heater and don’t want to spend time mopping up with a bucket while you could be summoning somebody to help you. This is when the hurricane sock could be left in place as you head for the phone and call that emergency number.
Remember that different products are suitable for different situations. In certain instances you might turn to calcium chloride to deal with moisture, but for major leaks and accidents and weather events, polypropylene is the product of choice for your moisture absorber.…

Renovation Costs

Pros and Cons of Doing Your Own Kitchen Renovation

Laura

There are a lot of considerations when having kitchen renovations. In the age of today’s technology, you can see a lot of people working on their own kitchens. Working the craft reserved for renovators is a tough job. Though it takes mastery, you can learn it if you just allot time and effort.
Kitchen renovations today can really cost a lot of money especially when you are having the help of reputable contractors in your area. In terms of the quality of work delivered into your residence, you can say that their services can really be worth the money. As an alternative to renovation when having budget constrains, you may opt to do things on your own. This decision however should include weighing the pros and the cons.
Pros
1. You Can Save a Lot of Money
You can save a lot of money when you do things on your own considering that you don’t need to pay for the labor involved. You can allot the funds for better purposes if you are going to be able to do the right kitchen renovation in your home.
2. Get What You Really Wanted
If you are capable of doing DIY renovations, you can put what you want exactly how you pictured it on your mind. This is a common problem among renovators since they may not be able to translate what is on your mind.
3. Finish at Your Own Pace
The good thing with DIY renovations is that you can do things halfway. You may choose when to finish the other half without worries especially when you are running low on funds.
Cons
1. You may only worsen the situation
Renovators undergo certification process for a reason. If you are going to do things on your own with a 10 minute YouTube instructional as your basis, this will not really be a wise move.
2. You May Lose More Money
There is a chance that you could lose more money from a DIY renovation. This is because of the fact that contractors have discounts from those brands that provide materials for construction. For individuals planning to do their own kitchen renovations, it would really be ideal if you account the possible cost of the project.
If you are going to renovate your home, you need to realize that it takes years of practice in order to master even the simplest kitchen renovation procedures. Over the years, people have concentrated on improving their blue collar skills just for them to be involved directly to the changes that they want to apply on their homes. With these pros and cons, you can now evaluate whether or not this is a good or a bad move. For you to do your own kitchen renovation needs, you need to be confident enough with your skills plus the fact that you should be able to save a lot of money at the end of the project. If not, might as well try the help of …

Renovation Contractor

Kitchen Renovation – A Few Things to Consider

Laura

Kitchens are the center of activity in every home and that is why it is important that it is designed in a way that is more comfortable and inviting to the whole family and guests as well. It’s not just a place of family to gather, it’s the focal point when your friends come to visit so don’t forget to add a touch of your personality in your kitchen to give it an unique flair. The perfect kitchen design should be a combination of your taste, personality, budget, functioning needs and your renovation ideas.
When you’re planning to revamp your kitchen, make sure you go through a lot of ideas to develop your unique design for your new kitchen. Budgeting is also very necessary and you should take your time browsing places to find best prices. Flooring, counter tops, appliances, faucets, tiles, color schemes, utensils and storage space are among many things that are important to plan before starting your kitchen renovation. First you need to decide on a color scheme around which the whole kitchen will be designed. As warm colors are more suitable to be used in a kitchen, make sure that you blend some red or oranges with your color scheme to give your kitchen an inviting look.
Kitchen is amongst the most expensive renovation project in a house and make sure that every purchase you make must have a resale value or be an investment if you ever decide to sell your property. Buy counter tops that are made with long lasting materials such as marble and granite. These materials are expensive but totally worth it when you consider per year maintenance cost. Granite and marble counter tops not only add value to your property but they also look stylish and are easy to maintain. A backsplash is also an important part of the kitchen that you should not ignore. Backsplash doesn’t only give an easier cleaning space between the cabinets and counter tops but also looks beautiful and gives a finished look to the kitchen.
Your kitchen-remodeling project must include a de-cluttering policy. The organized and cleaned space will give your kitchen a spacious and airy look. Get extra storage space by ordering custom-made deeper cabinets and extra drawers. The storage space can also be achieved by getting a kitchen island to save precious space for eating area. The kitchen island is not only a space-saver but also a style statement.
After you have the complete design for your new kitchen, start making calls to hire a general contractor who will understand your needs and ideas to make your dream kitchen a reality. You can also take help from your contractor about your kitchen ideas, places to shop for materials or the kinds of material to use in your kitchen. Hire a contractor that somebody has recommended or who has a good local or market reputation. Don’t be intimidated by all the tech-talk from any contractor; remember, you’re the one paying him. It is smart …

Home Maintenance

Walnut Hardwood Floor – A Real Natural Beauty

Laura

There is nothing that can beat the beauty of the American Black walnut hardwood flooring. Walnut trees are vastly grown throughout northern parts of the US and Canada. The most beautiful feature of this kind of wood is the color contrast, as the outside of the wood has an almost white color and the inside of the wood a contrast of dark chocolate brown with a tint of purple. Although manufacturers of Walnut hardwood floors have tried their best to create designs and contracts that will really meet the most standards, still it may be a very good idea for you to have a look at the real picture to make sure you like what you are getting.
An American black walnut hardwood floor should be used with care, because although most hardwood tends to be able to withstand hardships, this wood is much softer than most common woods making it prone to scratches and dents, so you will have to be very careful with the maintenance of this floor if you are too fussy about these things. Prefinished American Black walnut hardwood floors will normally be finished with a satin finish to make them more durable.
Walnut has proven to be a very stable choice for your floors. This kind of wood does not mind too much heat, however, it may not be very comfortable with too much humidity, and however, this is a common case with most hardwood floors.
Working with walnut is very easy and a great experience because the wood is not too hard. Therefore, if you are planning on renovating other parts of your house besides your floor then, walnut wood may be the best option, especially for places like stairs and railings.
Therefore, perhaps, the best wood for your unfinished flooring project may actually be the walnut hardwood. As you don’t really have to worry too much about the finish that you are going to get and cutting and sawing the wood is easier than with harder wood like Maple.
However, the biggest advantage of American Black Walnut Hardwood flooring may be that you don’t really need to match this floor with any other color or tint as the natural beauty is enough in itself. You can just apply a finish touch of a clear coat and you can repeat this treatment whenever you feel the need. Your hardwood floor will always look nice and it will definitely remain with you for many years to come.…

Bathroom Remodel

Looking To Replace Your Kitchen Countertops? Go With Granite

Laura

There are a number of options for new countertops in the kitchen but the trend currently is definitely toward granite. The stone is extremely durable and will hold up well to the daily grind that comes with cooking. Granite will hold its luster for years with a minimal amount of maintenance and will add elegance to your home that will increase the value.
The number one drawback to granite is the cost. To have a slab of granite configured to fit your kitchen and installed will cost you at least $60 per square foot and can go up to over $90. A typical 3×12 granite countertop will cost you somewhere in the neighborhood of $3000. One of the most costly expenses related to granite is shipping it to your home. Granite slabs are very heavy and great care must be taken in moving them around because they can snap, especially if a sink hole was cut out at the factory. Because they can be difficult to handle, installation is best left to the experts.
Ten years ago, composite materials became very popular for use in the kitchen. Sold under name brands like Corian, Avonite and Swanstone, these one piece countertops provided a nice upgrade over conventional laminate which has been the industry standard for years. The materials though are not as durable as granite and cannot withstand high temperatures as well. A pot just removed from the stove can be placed on a granite countertop with no fear of it burning the surface. Granite when sealed properly is also much more stain resistant than the composites made from plastic resins.
There is also no substitute for the look of Granite. There is no material that is produced by man which can match the appearance of polished stone. Granite is made up of tiny crystals which are ground down using diamond studded pads to polish off the stone to a smooth finish. The surface is ground down to the point where it is completely flat and the shine comes from the way that the polished granite reflects the light.
There are enough color options available in granite to match any design or taste. While no two pieces are alike, slabs are classified into basic color groups of white, yellow, blue, green and brown. The White Granite tends to be more cream colored and often will have speckles of black or gray in it. The yellow granite is a brownish yellow while the brown granite tends to be a dark tan. The blue and green granites come in both dark and lighter shades of those colors. Each different color can be found with a wide variety of marbling. The most expensive cuts of stone are variegated granite pieces which have elaborate veins running through them. These pieces have been compared to pieces of art and give the illusion of movement throughout. Going with variegated granite will give your kitchen a look like no other and make it truly unique.…

Home Remodeling

Hardwood Laminate Flooring

Laura

Hardwood laminate flooring is a flexible floor covering that provides you with the feel of having hardwood floors, devoid of the large expense. Hardwood laminate surfaces are highly valued for their toughness as well as their aesthetic beauty. This beauty has the capacity to express warmth and character to most any kind of room and will fit with almost any decor.
Despite the fact that hardwood laminate flooring really does resemble hardwood, it is not constructed of solid wood. It’s produced from a number of materials bonded together under extreme pressure. Made from many layers of ply laid cross ways, it is truly as tough as real hardwood. This machine created product will not stain, warp or even buckle. The coated surface provides it a high degree of scratch resistance. This flooring is tough!
A main benefits of laminate flooring are not simply its replication of genuine hardwood and its intense toughness, but the ease with which the flooring may be installed and maintained. It can be installed very quickly. After you observe the initial number of tiles going together, it is possible to finish the project yourself. The introduction of glueless laminates has changed the flooring business, opening a door for the “do-it-yourself” market.
Hardwood laminate floors are exceptionally stain repellent and requires only minor routine maintenance. A vacuum cleaner can certainly perform the task in most instances. Mopping hardwood laminate flooring with a hot damp mop, along with a gentle cleaner can remove just about all filth and grime. Always read the manufacturers cleaning recommendations prior to washing your floor, since they may fluctuate from brand to brand.
Laminate hardwood flooring comes in many types and designs. This kind of flooring can replicate essentially any wood floors, such as mahogany, oak, bamboo, cork, and pine. All wood varieties have their own particular features, so a style, texture, and color of laminate can easily be found to go with just about any decor. Hardwood laminate flooring will increase the value of your home without breaking the bank. Laminate flooring can be bought and put in for a portion of the price associated with authentic hardwood. Even though the labor might be time consuming, as well as a bit tough on ones knees, you most likely can save about 40% of the total job cost as a result of installing the floors yourself.
The hardwood flooring “look” is one which is always classic. Umpteen flooring fashions have come and gone (remember shag rugs? ) but the classic hardwood flooring look will always be in fashion. Since hardwood laminate flooring emulates that “wood look”, your floors will always be chic!…

Home Repair

Laminated Wood Flooring 101 – Facts You Need to Understand About Them

Laura

There are a lot of floor coverings that you can choose from. You can opt for stones, vinyl and even wood. On the other hand, if you want to breathe new life into your floors, then you can do so by installing laminated wood flooring. However, this type of floor covering is entirely different from the ones that you are used to. Laminated wood floorings are more durable than the usual wood materials since it underwent the process of lamination. If you want to know more about them, then read on. Here are the things that you need to understand about laminated wood floorings.
The Materials That They Are Made From
Unlike the conventional wooden materials, the laminates are made from fiber board materials and melamine resins that are bonded together and undergo the process of lamination. Since the materials are made from scrap wood, they cost less than if you would buy slabs of hardwood. This particular floor covering also answers environmental concerns since they are made from recycled materials.
They Are Sensitive To Moisture
This type of floor covering is very sensitive to moisture and water. What happens if there is a presence of too much moisture is that the floors buckle or bends since the fibers absorb the moisture leaving a trail of an unsmooth surface on the floors. On the other hand, since it retains moisture, it is often attacked by molds and mildew. To remedy this problem, you need to make sure that you install this laminate tile flooring in places that are not subjected to high moisture such as the kitchen or the bathroom.
They Are Sensitive To High Heat
Although this rarely happens, low temperature on the floors would often result to shrinking of the floors therefore you can see gaps in between the boards.…

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..…

Home Renovation

The White Marble Tiles Review

Laura

White marble tiles, which are used in both the modern and traditional buildings, are popular among the homemakers and interior decorators. In fact, they are actually perfect for any kind of decoration.
The white tiles are generally used in the walls of the bathrooms. They look amazing in the bathrooms but afterwards people have started using them in other parts of their homes. At present the white marble tiles are used in kitchen, dinning room and sometimes even in living rooms. The homemakers admire these tiles for their unique designs and grand style. These tiles have some other advantages besides being beautiful: especially when used in a kitchen these tiles actually protect the walls of the kitchen from continuous heat and steam produced from the stove or oven.
Carrara marbles are a well established name in the marble industry. They are used in the houses, offices, public spots like restaurants and shopping malls. The marbles are of superior quality and very popular all over the world.
There are different types of white tiles and all are equally popular among the builders. The homemakers want to have the superior quality tiles to decorate their homes. They like to build the dream house with the world famous white marble tiles. This kind of tile gives a luxurious touch in the rooms. There are mainly three types of tiles made from white marble.
The homemakers can go through different websites to get the details of the tiles. They will get the range of tiles, color, pattern, design of numerous white tiles. Some white tiles have beautiful carvings, twisted design, and swirl. They are even gorgeous and make the place beautiful.
The white terracotta or ceramic tiles are equally liked by the enthusiasts. The terracotta tiles are available in different shades and they give an artistic touch to the place. The terracotta or ceramic tiles are quite affordable than the Carrara marble tiles. They are within the budget of the common people. The white ceramic tiles are easy to clean and maintain. The homemakers can clean them easily with common soap solution and water.
The Bianco Carrara, Statuario, and Calacatta are the best form of white marble tiles. They have beautiful design of layers and patterns. It is advisable that the buyers must have all information before buying the expensive piece of art for decorating their houses.…

Home Maintenance

How to Take Care of Hardwood Floors to Last As Long As Possible

Laura

Your hardwood floor was a big investment and you probably want it to stay in good condition for as long as possible. However, you probably missed out on how to take care of it from the hardwood floor installer. You can actually hire people to maintain your hardwood floor but it can cost hundreds of dollars to do so. But with the right knowledge, you can do it yourself and save money.
The first thing you probably thought about is to how to keep the shine on your floor. Before you go out to buy any floor cleaner, you have to figure out what kind of flooring you have. By using the wrong products, you can damage your floor and make it look worse. For example, if you have hardwood flooring, you want to find cleaning products that work with hardwood flooring.
Keeping your floor clean is important. You should dust every single week and clean up any mess you make to prevent stains from setting in. What happens when you leave a stain is that they set in and you have to really scrub it to get it out. Scrubbing the floors can scratch and damage it so you want to avoid that as much as possible.
The second thing you can do is to use rugs. If you want your hardwood floor to last as long as possible, you will want to use rugs as they protect the floor. They are great as decoration as well. When using rugs, you also want to use rug pads as the dirt and dust trapped under your rug can scratch the floor. The rug pads will hold the rug in place so you don’t accidentally move it and do a number on the floor.
The third thing you can do is to use wax to make your floor shine. You want to buy a wax that will work with the type of flooring you have. You can apply a small amount of wax and use a cloth to rub the wax away. This works wonders for laminate flooring and will really bring your flooring back to life if it has lost its shine over time.
The fourth thing you have to take into consideration is making sure you use the right vacuum cleaner for your hardwood floors. You want a vacuum cleaner without a beater bar so that you can get into boards. The dust can really build up and regular vacuums cannot reach in to get all of it out.
So those are some of the things you need to know to take care of a hardwood floor. Your hardwood floor installer may not have told you everything you need to know. So it is best to learn everything you can to keep your floor in great condition. With the right care, your floors can last decades. Make sure you use the right products and cleaning methods depending on the type of floor you have.…

Home Repair

Unblocking A Drain – Information and Advice

Laura

From time to time, a household problem rears its ugly head and you have to put on your DIY hat to sort it out. A common problem is the blocked drain – they smell awful, appear as if from nowhere and can cause you structural problems if left too long. The first thing to try when you get a blocked drain is to pour boiling water down it, as usually this is enough to shift whatever stubborn blockage is causing the problem and let you get on with your day.
If the boiling water doesn’t work, give some thought to what might be causing the problem so you have a better idea of how to attack it directly. Common causes of blocked drains are leaves, leftover food and dishwasher soap. You could also find out if your neighbors are having similar problems as, if so, it might fall under the jurisdiction of the authorities if the blockage was caused by something they’re responsible for. If it’s just you having problems, then it’s up to you to sort it out.
An effective, simple way of sorting out a blocked drain is by using a plunger and hook. The hook should be metal, but if you don’t have one, the end of a clothes hanger will do. Use the plunger to try and shift whatever it is that’s blocking the drain and then use the hook to fish out anything that doesn’t move away by itself – be careful you don’t damage the pipes when you do this. This method is particularly good for bathroom drains and minor external blockages.
For more stubborn blockages, it’s recommended to use caustic soda. This comes in crystal form and is also known as soda crystals or sodium hydroxide. Wear plastic gloves and goggles when using it as it’s highly corrosive and could damage your clothes or skin. Follow the instructions on the packet and pour the soda down the drain where it should dissolve the blockage and allow whatever was stuck to move on and the problem to dissipate. You could also use specialist drain cleaners here, or thick bleach.
Surely the best method of unblocking a drain is not to let it get blocked at all – make sure you clean your external drains of leaves regularly to lower the chances of them getting block and keep an eye on your interior drains so you can act quickly if you need to. If you do get a bad blockage, then it’s an idea to call in an expert, who will make sure you don’t have structural damage by inserting a camera down the drain to check out the problem.
*Disclaimer* This information should be used as a guide only and should not be relied upon as the sole source of information on this issue. We cannot be held responsible for any loss, inconvenience, damage (whether special or consequential) or claims arising out of the use of this information.…

Home Repair

How to Give a Modern Look to Your Kitchen

Laura

It’s quite possible to turn your kitchen into a unique food theater. All you need is to get the area well renovated and designed. You can easily give your kitchen a modern look by discovering the right steps to take. There are certain areas to look into and some considerations to make. Here are some of them:
• The Kitchen Walls
To give your kitchen a modern look, you have to consider the walls. You need to use tiles all over the walls. Painting is never a good idea since the paint can easily wear out or get discolored with time. There are several kinds of tiles you can use on your kitchen walls. You can go for the white or colored types. There are also the flower types. You simply choose the best tile product that will suit your kitchen.
• Go for New Window Treatments
You can give your kitchen a modern look when you get the windows treated. You need to choose quality window treatments that will add color to the entire kitchen area. You can add quality blinds on the windows. Just make sure the colors are superb.
• The Kitchen Floor
The floor of your kitchen is very important when thinking of changing the beauty. The best idea you can engage is to get the floors tiled. You need to choose floor tiles that will suit the kitchen walls.
• Go for Modern Kitchen Furniture Products
To give your kitchen a modern look, you have to go for quality kitchen furniture products. You need to install new kitchen cabinets, cupboards, counter tops, bench tops and so on. These products can be in wooden, metal or stainless form. It all depends on your budget. Some of the furniture products can be very costly. You need to make proper inquiries before you get them installed.
• The Lighting
Lighting is very vital when thinking of modernizing your kitchen. You have to overhaul the old lighting system and then install modern day types. You can use designer fluorescent bulbs to make your kitchen look great.
• The Plumbing System
You need to install modern plumbing materials to make the kitchen look great. You can go for modern day taps, metal sinks and other plumbing materials. You need to replace the old materials with the modern day types.
• Install New Kitchen Appliances
You can give your kitchen a modern look by installing new appliances. You need an AC unit in the kitchen. You also need to install a quality gas cooker, stove, microwave oven and other necessary appliances. Just make sure they are the modern day types.
In all, you still need to engage a reliable kitchen installation firm to help you out when thinking of modernizing your kitchen. You can save your time and energy when you engage such a firm. All you need is to let the contractor know exactly what you need and the budget you have. You can be sure of seeing your kitchen …

Remodeling

Remodel Your Kitchen the Right Way! Use This Guide For the Best Kitchen Remodeling Advice

Laura

Kitchen renovating can be a very good investment decision regarding your home. This will be a costly investment decision; however it can be achievable without breaking the bank. In order to renovate a kitchen area can be a challenging task which calls for taking into account present structures, plumbing as well as electrical wiring, architectural factors, and numerous other crucial aspects. A lot of households think about remodelling their kitchen area and is without a doubt one of the most preferred choices for increasing the valuation of their family home. Kitchen remodelling will be a perfect means in order to help completely transform your home in to your dream home.
Cabinets Cupboards as well as kitchen countertops tend to be the largest expenditure associated with your kitchen area upgrade. Cabinets vary from typically the highest priced custom-made, to the “off the shelf” range readily available from home centres. Customized cabinets can easily run well above $10,000 installed, therefore everyone should shop around. Solid wooden cupboards as well as granite counter tops are generally all the trend and will certainly never go out of fashion because of their elegance not to mention natural attractiveness.
Home Appliances Simply by remodelling the kitchen area anyone can easily add more value to their home, and also at the very same time help you save money using energy-efficient kitchen home appliances. Presently there are countless kinds of kitchen home appliances specially designed to satisfy every individual desire. Stainless steel kitchen appliances, for instance, can easily change a kitchen’s look not to mention feel. You do not expect to now have your incredible kitchen area filled up with old appliances.
Kitchen Countertops Countertops will certainly bring out all the elegance and style regarding your brand new kitchen. They will range right from the top end granite and also marble to laminate, the very least expensive. Based upon your selection the actual cost may range extensively depending upon the material which will be used. The granite countertop is definitely one of the most long-lasting as well as maintenance free counter tops anyone will purchase for their kitchen. Granite seems to have always been the counter top of preference throughout luxurious homes.
Kitchen area remodelling is not necessarily very easy because generally there tends to be numerous different choices to make in order to make a stunning designer kitchen. Renovating a kitchen area can be a huge challenge, however the finish outcome can certainly end up being a dream come true as well as can certainly add more valuation to your property. A new remodelled kitchen area is usually the actual home improvement project which adds typically the most value towards your home.…

House Improvements

Kitchen Remodeling – Creating an Efficient Kitchen

Laura

When you are trying to create an efficient kitchen, before remodeling, you want to consult a professional. A person that is experienced in kitchen remodeling can help you lay out the best plan before you get started.
When kitchen remodeling you want to keep your appliances such as the stove/oven, refrigerator and microwave in a triangular shape along with your kitchen sink. By keeping your main appliances and sink in a triangle shape you are getting the most efficient use out of your kitchen. You will take less steps when the items you need as you are cooking are all close to each other. If your current kitchen layout is not like this, you need to make this the number one priority. A professional will know how to make this happen for you in your kitchen.
When kitchen remodeling are you planning on purchasing new appliances? If so, choose a color you can live with for the next 15 to 20 years. Some folks like stainless steel while others like white or whatever fad color is in at the time. You need to measure your kitchen to make sure that the new appliances you are about to buy will all fit nicely into your kitchen.
The kitchen may be the main room you and your family eat in. If so, you want to make sure that your kitchen lighting is spectacular above the kitchen table. You can choose a new chandelier to spice up your kitchen.
Skylights are another viable option when kitchen remodeling. In the long run you will save money on electricity as you will use less lighting when you are in the kitchen. Consult with a professional so you know how many skylights in your ceiling is the perfect number for your kitchen.
You may decide on putting new kitchen floor in your kitchen. By putting in a new kitchen floor, you immediately update the look of your home. You may choose tile flooring, wood flooring, laminate wood flooring, carpeting, cork flooring and more. Consult with a professional instead of doing-it-yourself as a professional will let you know which type of flooring is best for you. Even if you do not agree with the professional, you can have the flooring of your choice installed, after all, it is your home and you are the one who will be living there.
Another kitchen remodeling idea is to get a new sink. Choose a funky red color if it matches your d?�cor. You may stick with another stainless steel sink. Whatever color of sink you choose make sure it is a color you will love for the rest of your life in case you never move from this home.
Now may be the time to install a laundry room right off of your kitchen so that you do not have to traipse up and down the stairs every time you do laundry. A professional may need to knock a wall out or overhaul a spare room that is close …

Home Contractors

How Laminate Flooring Can Transform Your Room

Laura

If you want to change the look of your room one of the best things you can do is take a look at laminate flooring. Although this style of flooring is not actually genuine wood, it is very strong and scratch resistant, and also in most cases is UV resistant, meaning it will not change color even though it is left in open sunlight for a long period of time. It can be a great choice when you are renovating your home because it is inexpensive in comparison to genuine wood flooring, and can be installed fairly quickly.
Laminate flooring is made from both synthetic and genuine wood materials, which are pressed together using high-pressure to make for a really hardwearing and durable flooring surface. In most cases the laminate is finished off with a polyurethane covering, which is a protective layer that will stop the wood surface from being scratched. This makes it ideal for places where it is possible for damage to occur, and is especially useful for people who have children. Due to the fact that it uses synthetic material, this kind of flooring also goes some way towards protecting the environment due to the fact that it does not use genuine hardwood.
This kind of flooring can be installed in most rooms, although you do need to make sure you do not install it in place where water can be present, such as the bathroom or in places that are near to sinks, perhaps in the kitchen. If water gets into laminate flooring it can damage the core of the wood, and then the planks will need to be replaced.
As mentioned above, this type of flooring is an excellent choice for people who have children, and it is an excellent choice for high traffic areas such as the hallway or the kitchen, since it is durable enough to stand up to a lot of wear. And now that modern technology has improved the look of this wooden flooring comes close to that of a genuine hardwood flooring at nowhere near the price.…

Bathroom Remodel

Where to Find Kitchen Renovation Ideas

Laura

If you’re ready for a change in the look and feel of your home, your kitchen is a great place to start. Not only is it a place where functionality is important, but it’s also the gathering place for your friends and family members. Your kitchen should be a beautiful place where you are comfortable and where you can work on creating meals easily and efficiently.
One problem that many people have with remodeling any part of their homes is that they just don’t know what they want to do. When it comes to kitchen renovation, you might already know a little bit of what you want. You know that you need the stove closer to the fridge, another sink, a better faucet with a spray nozzle, or whatnot. You may not, though, know how best to lay all these things out or how to decorate your kitchen so that it looks different yet still blends with the rest of your home well. Luckily, there are lots of places to find kitchen renovation ideas.
A great place to start is with magazines and online before and after pictures. These will show you the latest ideas for kitchens, including efficient layouts and beautiful decorations. Many times, you can actually get kitchen blueprints from specialty magazines and websites that will help you decide how to lay your kitchen out.
Another great idea is to look at friends’ homes. Is there a kitchen where you feel particularly warm and comfortable? What is it that you like about this kitchen? Ask about where the materials came from, and see if you can take pictures of the parts of the kitchen that you love most.
Once you start finding ideas, keep track of them. Clip out magazine pictures and pictures of friends’ kitchens. Print off pictures online, or at least bookmark links. Make an envelope or folder where you can keep all your kitchen renovation ideas.
When you have lots of ideas stored up, take them to a professional kitchen designer. This person will be able to help you put your ideas together in a cohesive manner. Some of them might not go together, but taken as a whole, they’ll give a good idea of the type of kitchen you want. When you have all your ideas together, you’ll be able to get good advice on the most efficient and practical way to remodel your kitchen from a designer who has been working on kitchens for a while.…

House Improvements

A Home Warranty Plan Gives You Peace of Mind

Laura

Buy a home recently? Congratulations! You’ve made an important step toward building a secure future for your family. The purchase of a home not only gives you the right to paint a wall the color you like, but you become eligible for various tax breaks and equity. That’s why it’s important, once the papers are signed and you have the keys in hand, to look into a solid home warranty plan to protect your home.
What is a Home Warranty?
When you buy electronics or a new car, you often receive or sign up for a warranty that guarantees some degree of assistance should something go wrong.Maybe a part is replaced, or the entire object depending on what you own.
A home warranty works along the same lines, only more items are covered. With such a plan, you get service protection that covers repairs on various household items, like your refrigerator and dishwasher, home air conditioning and heating, and plumbing. You might think at first home insurance is sufficient, but bear in mind that policies will cover property in the event of fire, flood, and other disasters, but won’t take care of repair fees.
How a Home Warranty Works
Let’s say your HVAC goes on the fritz. You call a technician to come out and fix it. If you don’t have a warranty plan set, you’ll have to cover the cost of parts and service. With a plan, however, you file a request with the company from which you bought your warranty and they handle the rest.
When you are ready to purchase a home warranty to protect your household appliances, do some Internet research. You’ll find several handy websites with reviews of the best plans suited for your needs, whether you live in a two-story house or a high-rise condo. These plans are designed to bring you peace of mind as a homeowner and make living much easier.…

Home Contractors

Unfinished Wood Cabinets

Laura

When picking up a type of cabinet to furnish the house’s kitchen, it is best to recognize the finest design, style and properties that may play an important role on the outcome of the proposed kitchen cabinet plan. Unfinished kitchen cabinets are perfect for the construction of your kitchen design. They can be painted, stained, covered, etched or just left undone. Either way, unfinished kitchen cabinets are very flexible.
Choosing the right cabinet wood will also take part in finishing the cabinets. The natural properties of wood can affect design decisions. In addition, some woods are hard, and others are soft, as different wood vary in hardness. Some kitchen cabinet wood differs in color by nature, there are those that are dark and some are light. This offers someone the flexibility of choosing the best stain for the desired cabinet wood color. If light-colored cabinet is preferable the unfinished kitchen cabinet can be finished with varnish or other clear stain. If dark suits the current kitchen d?�cor, then any dark paint available can be used to finish the cabinets. When it comes to stain absorption, not all woods have the same properties, and it’s tougher to lighten wood than to darken it. It is best to choose cleverly what type of unfinished wood cabinet to buy in order to avoid inconvenience.
Any knowledge about wood cabinets is applicable to the project. Choosing the most excellent type of wood will give you the chance to maximize your ideas on how to make your unfinished cabinet look dashing and fashionable.
Unfinished wood cabinet decorations include knobs and pulls; this will give you a chance to pick the perfect decoration that will suit your personal taste. Knobs and pulls can take any cabinet and add color and style. With hundreds of great styles and finishes to choose from, it is easy to add the perfect finishing touch to the kitchen cabinets.
There are also chic add-ons available make the perfect kitchen cabinets. This includes lighting which is more of a necessity than an option. Lighting increases the aesthetic value, sets the right mood and provides necessary task lighting for daily work.
In addition to the artistic way of picking decorations for the unfinished cabinets, you can also save money for it is cheaper than those that completely concluded stained and sealed. This is an alternative way of getting the cheapest but perfect designed kitchen cabinets.…

Home Repair

Find New Remodeling Kitchen Ideas

Laura

So you are sick of your old kitchen? Tired of those boring countertops, old cabinets and scratched up floors? Need some new remodeling kitchen ideas? We’ve got plenty of ways to spruce up your kitchen, from a total redesign to a small facelift that remodels.
Kitchen designs can be simple, yet effective. The kitchen is no longer just serves a purpose, it is a room to be lived in and enjoyed by the whole family and by friends. It is a place to entertain and to provide the comfort and warmth that will spread through the entire household.
A great place to begin with remodeling kitchen ideas is to think of what you are attempting to accomplish. Do you want to bring color into your kitchen, do you need new appliances, are your floors in good condition and what about your counters and cabinets? If you just want to add a little style to your existing floor plan you can cut costs with cabinet refacing instead of brand new built cabinets or laminate countertops versus granite.
You can cut costs with flooring as well with laminate wood veneers versus real hardwood or tile. These options all look remarkably like the real deal but are much less pricey, leaving room for adding some stylish color with paint or tile back splashes, cushions, curtains and more accessories. These all give a new look that remodels. Kitchen headquarters is now the central hub of the home.
On a bigger budget, a complete renovation can really spark excitement. Creating a cooking island in the middle of the kitchen with a fireplace on one wall, a flat screen television mounted on the wall or in a new refrigerator, a couch, and a computer station can make for a grand kitchen design. Granite or marble countertops against dark oak cabinets and flooring with stainless steel appliances add to your remodeling. Kitchen ideas such as bringing in more light with floor to ceiling windows or bay windows work great and totally remodels.
Kitchen flooring can be heated with the new electric heating systems and are a must have for homes in the cooler climates, especially in winter. A cozy atmosphere where while someone is cooking they can be watching television with a loved one, while another family member is surfing the net on the computer or reading a book in the kitchen nook by the bay window. Everyone together in the same room creates a unity. And with today’s open floor plans, the design of the kitchen is ever more important.
If you want something in your home that really pops and completely remodels, kitchen updating is the way to go. Nothing says love more than cookies in the oven, hot chocolate on the stove, a fire burning and a nice comfy couch. Remodeling kitchen ideas abound and if you do a little research you are sure to find the kitchen of your dreams. Make it your mission to bring your family together in your new kitchen.…

Home Repair

Install Hardwood Floor The Easy Way

Laura

Discover The secret You Need To Install Hardwood Floor The Easy Way
If you are looking to install hardwood floor, you have many options. You may be looking to remodel your house or maybe you are planning new construction. Regardless, adding a new floor will make your home look great and add equity.
Natural woods of oak, pecan or maple are very fashionable in today’s homes. Tongue and groove is a great form of hardwood that could be used in areas of your home where a hardwood surface is needed.
You have so many options when it comes to flooring surfaces, you can do the work yourself or you may want to hire a hardwood floor installation team. If you want to do it yourself these tips will be of great help to you. This is how you install hardwood floor:
Once you get the hardwood planks delivered, allow them to sit in your house for at least seventy two hours. This allows the wood to adjust to the humidity. Next make sure that the sub flooring is even. After you have the sub flooring all squared up, find the center of the room. Start at the wall and measure outward. Mark the center with a chalk line.
Next you will want to strike a parallel chalk line. This one should be 1/4″ from the wall where you measured. You will run your first floor planks along this. This method will allow you to have room for humidity expansion with out having to try and re-adjust everything.
Allow the chalk line to guide your work. When you nail the flooring down keep the nails in close to the wall. This will allow you to adjust a shoe base after you are done. Just keep nailing down the planks. The tongue of one will fit into the groove on the next and so on. A�Now you know the secret used to installing a wonderful floor.
If the floor is unfinished your final step would be to sand it, and add the protective coat. After you are done with this step you will want to add your shoe base, molding or baseboard.…

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.…

Home Improvement Contractors

Decorating and Maintenance Tips for Travertine Tiles

Laura

Travertine tiles have quickly become a favorite of homeowners and decorators alike. These versatile flooring tiles can be used both indoors and out, and come in styles that can easily mimic more expensive cuts, like marble. They do require some special care and maintenance but even so, their unique look more than makes up for any special considerations that have to be taken.
A Stone with a Long History
Travertine tiles can be a bit expensive to obtain, but the look that they can give to any home more than makes up for the cost of having them installed. The history of their use dates back several hundred years and the best examples can still be found in the ruins dotting the countryside of Italy, Mexico, Peru and Turkey. The largest producer today for these unique flooring tiles is Italy, though domestic United States producers still do a fine business quarrying and aging travertine for sale in this country.
Styles and Finishes
Travertine can be order in one of two finishes: natural and filled. The natural stone look is one of the most popular choices when it comes to installing these tiles in an outdoor setting. The appearance of the stone is exactly how it looks once it is quarried and cut into tiles, resembling limestone in appearance. The overall look once it is installed is of an ancient walkway or floor section, where the stones within it are pitted and worn by the ages. If used around an outdoor area that sees a lot of traffic, like around a pool, they act as a natural safety barrier, as their composition and pitting offers a slip-proof surface, no matter how wet they get.
Inside the home, the preference tends to run towards the filled travertine. Highly polished to a glossy shine, these tiles can resemble marble and mosaic tile, depending on the composition of the stone when it was filled and polished. This makes them perfect for areas of the home that need to be showcased, but will experience little heavy traffic. Entryways and hallways are perfect for them, or larger rooms that will not see a lot of children or animals running through them. The filled and polished stones can be a bit slippery and are a bit more fragile than the natural stone.
Maintenance Tips
Using travertine outside of the home requires very little maintenance, just a quick washing with a hose occasionally. It is the tile used inside of the home that may require a bit more care than usual. The first thing to remember about using this natural stone in your home, especially in areas like the kitchen or bathroom, is that any spills will need to be wiped up, immediately. One reason that they are not often used in these rooms is because of the chance that an acidic juice or carbonated drink will be spilled on them, which can quickly ruin the polished finish if not taken care of.
Using commercial cleaners on travertine …

Basement Remodeling

Green Products

Laura

As more and more environmentally friendly products are coming to market, it seems only fair to mention the role of a few construction material products that are doing their part in helping to clean up the environment. Known as green construction or sustainable building methods, some of these innovations are quite interesting if not amazing. Goals of green building include being health conscious by decreasing pollution and toxins thereby limiting the impact on our environment. Also designed to conserve energy and valuable natural resources, many of these materials are quickly renewable such as fast growing bamboo used to manufacture flooring and paneling. Some products indirectly offer environmental benefits by conserving the water that would normally be an ingredient used to complete the final product such as cement used to mud-float showers and bath tubs in preparation for the installation of ceramic tile.
Although many building contractors and tradesmen are very negative when it comes to new products and techniques, these are usually old school veterans who are very set in their ways. You know the ones who live by the motto: You can’t teach an old dog new tricks. But in keeping an open mind, one will understand and soon admit that there may very well be superior products and techniques available today that were not available yesterday.
One product that comes to mind is a waterproof backer board designed to be applied directly to a tub or shower wall prior to the installation of ceramic tile. While there are several different manufacturers, the benefits are primarily the same and include:
A� Lightweight and easy to install over existing drywall or open studs.
A� Water conservation. Minimal water usage required.
A� No need to for a sand/cement mixture which can release toxins as bags are opened and mixed.
A� Minimal gray water or cement debris generated thereby making clean up easier both in the staging area as well as in the work area.
A� Installation options include flush surface or simulated mud-float.
A� Designs and specifications allow for soap and shampoo niches, shelves and seats, and even tub decks and bases.
If you are considering the installation of a new shower or tub ceramic tile surround and based on the benefits mentioned above, I think it would be prudent to at least investigate using a new product such as this. Not only will you be environmentally conscious and socially responsible but it just might save time and money.…

Renovation Costs

Hand Scraped Hardwoods Making a Splash in Spring of 2010

Laura

As winter comes to an end, and spring emerges, we think, ‘out with the old, in with the new!’ As new flowers bloom where snow once fell, homeowners are looking to give their homes the same vibrancy as a fragrant patch of lilies. In the hardwood flooring industry, this can be seen with hand scraped hardwood floors – the ‘it’ item for Spring 2010.
Hand scraped hardwood floors are a stunning addition to homes because of their classic, timeworn appearance. They exude artistry, craftsmanship, and most of all – character. The delicate accents can transform a widely-used, familiar species such as Oak into a rare masterpiece.
Two popular lines this Spring both come from Versini Hardwood Flooring – Versini Potenza Hand scraped and Versini Milano Hand scraped.
Versini Potenza features the classically beautiful, engineered maple and oak wood, with maple’s fine spores providing the perfect canvas for the smooth brushstrokes of the hand scraping. With the maple wood’s natural luster, the lines on the wood radiate throughout. The oak in this collection is softer than the strong character lines we’re used to seeing from oak, but it works with the softer palate of this collection.
The colors are vibrant golds and reds, but they’re not distracting. The most eye-catching hue in this collection, although there are several head-turners, would be the rich Maple Tavern or the fiery Oak Honeytone. All woods in this collection come in 5-inch planks and feature a 25-year warranty.
Versini Milano is a collection of golden, reddish-hued engineered floors, and features hickory or the exotic Brazilian cherry. These floors exude warmth and charisma, with the Milano Hickory Burnished arguably the front-runner, although Brazilian Cherry Natural is quite a showstopper itself. Woods in this collection also come in 5-inch planks and are backed by a 25-year warranty. This collection would be most comparable to LM Flooring’s Heritage Plank, but for a fraction of the price.
If you’re interested in upgrading your home this spring, talk to an authorized Versini Hardwood Floors retailer. You can learn more about the company and get a feel for Versini’s other product lines – all guaranteed to make a splash in your home this spring.…