Archive for the ‘Remodeling Tips’ Category
Picking Your Kitchen Counter top
There are lots of options when it comes to choosing your counter top…
There are so many different materials, colors and patterns to choose from that picking your new counter top can be a rather daunting task.
Here are some tips to help you decide on the best counter top for your home:
Laminate
This is your basic counter top—it comes in different finishes (matte, satin, gloss) colors and patterns. It’s versatile and dependable. It’s the lowest priced counter top but not low in quality as it can last for 30 years if cared for.
Pros: It’s easy to install, economical and lots of selection.
Cons: The base layer is susceptible to water damage, heat and scratching and it’s difficult to repair.
Solid Surface (Acrylic, Polyester, or blend)
Solid surface counter tops are plastic that’s been molded into the shape of a counter top. A variety of materials are blended to produce interesting colors and patterns.
Pros: Scratches are easy to buff out, lots of options to choose from.
Cons: It scratches easily, susceptible to heat damage, more expensive than laminate, mimics stone counter tops but isn’t really.
Engineered Stone
These counter tops are made of 93% real quartz that is glued back together. It looks like stone even though it is “artificial”.
Engineered stone is very durable and as maintenance-free as a counter top can be. In fact it’s pretty hard to damage these counter tops unless you’re really trying. In rare cases the counter top can “flake” but fortunately it’s easy to repair.
Pros: Looks like “real” stone, it’s non-porous so it won’t stain or absorb odors, almost maintenance-free, very popular, considered an upgrade in the resale market.
Cons: The only drawback with this type of counter top is it’s price—it’s about 3 to 4 times more expensive than other counter tops.
Granite
This is your high-end counter top. Every piece is unique. Available in many colors and priced competitively with engineered stone and solid surface counter tops.
Granite needs to be sealed regularly but the process is simple and only takes a few minutes every 6 months to 2 years depending on use and color.
It’s fun to go to the store and select your own slab. Be sure not to make your selection from a small sample.
Pros: The beauty of real stone can’t be matched, you have about 120 color choices, priced competitively and unique.
Cons: This counter top does require a small amount of maintenance on a regular basis.
Concrete
You can get some really neat special effects and colors that can be molded right into the concrete. There are 3 distinct types of concrete counter tops:
- Poured counter tops
- Chunks of colored rock are mixed in before being formed into counter tops
- The artistic molded and dyed look—looks like a chunk of real rock
Pros: Unique, can be made into any shape you want or need.
Cons: Requires sealing just like the granite counter tops do and it’s very expensive. Though an interesting trend, concrete counter tops could hurt your resale value.
This is definitely not an all-inclusive discussion on counter tops—but it’ll give you a good starting point.
For more information check out the different countertops available on the internet or go to your local hardware stores to see what’s available.
How to Choose Your Kitchen Cabinets
What does your kitchen need?
Here are some tips to help you figure out just what your kitchen needs:
- How much storage space do you need? If you regularly shop in bulk stores you’ll want to choose cabinets that provide ample storage space and plenty of convenience—look for cabinets with plenty of shelves, lazy susans, pull out shelves, etc.
- Take a look at your current kitchen—what do you like? What don’t you like? Which cabinet design suits your needs best? Be sure to pay close attention to your work triangle (this is the triangular shape defined by the sink, refrigerator, and cook top/stove) – does this layout fit your needs?
- Create a wish list of cabinets and items in your kitchen that you simply can’t do without.
- If recycling is important consider planning a 4 drawer “base cabinet” or slide out bins to hold your garbage and recyclables. Organization in this area will save you a bundle of time in the long run.
- Take a look at the new kitchen appliances and other items available out there today and decide which ones you simply can’t live without and plan them into your kitchen.
- Do you cook alone or do other family members share in the experience? If you regularly have lots of people in your kitchen you may want to plan a “double L” kitchen design that allows plenty of room for everyone.
- Do you entertain much? Consider a breakfast bar and barstools or an island so your company can enjoy your kitchen without being in your way.
- Is your kitchen a clutter-gatherer? Do you regularly find newspapers, bills, mail, etc strewn all over your countertops? Consider adding a message center or a small desk area built into one of your upper wall kitchen cabinets where you’ll be able to conceal the clutter more easily.
- How long do you plan to stay in this home? Are the changes you’re planning on making justifiable for this length of time? Will they increase the value of your home?
After considering and answering all these questions you’ll have a better feel for your kitchen storage needs.
Buying Cabinets
Keep the following things in mind when buying your new cabinets:
- Look for top quality construction—solid frames, reinforced corners, and closed backs.
- Look for doors and drawers that operate smoothly and quietly.
- Cabinets will use approximately 50% of your kitchen remodel budget. So it’s a good idea to set yourself a spending limit before you leave the house.
- Grab a tape measure and measure the space you have for your cabinets—both upper and lower.
- Stock cabinets are cheaper than custom or semi-custom cabinets. They’re a standard shape and size. Semi-custom cabinets are factory built but you have options for the design and style. Custom cabinets are built to your specifications.
- Check around in all the stores and online to see what’s available before making your final decision.
The key to choosing the right kitchen cabinets is to spend enough time looking around before you buy.
Check the quality of the construction, the variety of styles, colors and designs. Think about how they’ll fill your cabinet needs.
And last but definitely not least, don’t forget your budget. Cabinets are expensive so be sure to add their cost into your remodeling budget.
Is It Time to Remodel Your Kitchen?
Your kitchen is one of the most important rooms in your house…
… it’s the heart of your home, and a place you likely spend a lot of time—preparing food, eating, working on projects or homework, etc. This room tends to be a people magnet.
Tired of your kitchen?
How do you know when it’s time to remodel?
5 tips to help you decide
- You’re embarrassed to have visitors in your kitchen—have you stopped having dinner parties or guests over for coffee? It’s hard to “show off” your kitchen when it’s visibly falling apart. This is your number one indicator it’s time to renovate.
- You don’t want to eat in the kitchen anymore—have you found yourself looking for a different room to sit in and eat your meal? This is a clear indication that your kitchen has problems that need to be addressed.
- You’re ill at ease in your own kitchen—if you start feeling uneasy when you’re in the kitchen it’s probably time to bring some beauty and shine back to the room. The kitchen is supposed to be the place where you feel the most comfortable. It should be an inviting and comfortable room.
- The kitchen cabinets have lost their color and luster—Kitchen cabinets are among the most conspicuous things in your kitchen and if they start losing color, shine and luster you’re going to notice it. Suddenly the room has become ugly and uninviting. It’s time to think about remodeling the room.
- The kitchen appliances are falling apart—This is a sure-fire sign that it’s time to make some changes in your kitchen. Appliances that aren’t working up to par are costing you money to run and need to be replaced.
A few more things to think about:
- Are there holes in the walls?
- Do the walls need a fresh coat of paint or do they need a complete overall?
- Is the ceiling splattered, graying or turning a faint yellow?
- Are you noticing an increase in bugs or insects crawling around in window sills or across the floor, or in cabinets?
- Is the flooring cracked, curling, chipped, worn through in places, are the seams pulling apart?
Signs to look for in an aging floor…
Cracks—A cracked surface not only spoils the look of your kitchen but means the sub-floor is open to damage. Spills will ooze through the cracks into the sub-flooring and, if left untreated, could start rot.
Soft spots—This could indicate a serious problem with the sub-flooring. Replacing the flooring won’t solve the problem. The sub-floor needs to be replaced or at least strengthened.
Outdated—An outdated floor can really bring down the whole feel and look of your kitchen. Replacing it will add value to your home as a whole.
Stained—A stained floor, like an outdated one, brings down the value of your home and the looks of your kitchen. Consider changing it at your earliest opportunity.
Warped—Old and worn floors are prone to warping—a sure sign of water damage. Warped floors make walking uncomfortable and difficult. If warping is a problem you’ll not only have to replace the flooring but the sub-flooring as well.
Remodeling your kitchen doesn’t necessarily mean parting with an enormous amount of money all at once. Start small—one piece at a time—as you can afford it.
All you need to do is plan out exactly what your kitchen will look like when it’s done—then choose what needs to be done first and do it—one piece at a time.
What Should I Use to Build My Deck?
Once you’ve decided the type of deck you’re going to build there are a variety of materials to choose from.
But before choosing the decking material you’re going to buy, shop around and get as much information as you can so that you can make an informed decision.
This way you’ll know the advantages and disadvantages of each of the different types of material and which will be best suited to your needs and weather conditions.
Timber Decking
Timber is the most popular decking material because of its longevity, natural look, and built in water repellent which makes it resistant to rotting.
Make sure it’s pressure treated lumber so it’ll be resistant to termites, white ants, and other infesting insects.
Timber comes in a wide variety of natural colors and stains.
Composite Decking
Composite is a mixture of 50% recycles plastic and 50% wood fibers—this percentage varies with the different manufacturers.
It’s embossed with a wood grain to give it a more natural wood look at double the cost of timber.
Composite is a perfect alternative to wood decking and has been known to last more than 25 years.
Once its installed it will fade to a lighter shade of the color you chose—usually within the first 12 weeks.
It’s a slip resistant material so it’s great if you have small children running around.
Aluminum Decking
The practicality of this material is phenomenal. Unlike other decking materials aluminum does not expand and contract with the weather.
It has a powder coated paint finish and available in only 3 colors—white, gray, and tan. Because it’s made with interlocking profiles there’s no need for nails and screws—quick and easy to install.
The main drawbacks are that it’s not very aesthetically pleasing and is quite noisy when you walk on it.
Brick Patios
Bricks are usually chosen based on:
- Color—ranging from reds and burgundies to whites and buffs
- Texture—there’s a large variety of face textures to choose from
No matter what color or texture you choose the grade of brick is dependent on your local climate.
Building bricks, pavers and face bricks come in three grades based on the weather they’ll be subjected to:
1. No weather (NW)—as the name suggests these bricks are for interior use only.
2. Moderate weather (MW)—this rating means the brick will stand up to moderate weather conditions with some frost and freezing.
3. Severe weather (SW)—these bricks are made to withstand severe weather including freeze-thaw cycles.
It’s highly recommended to use SW bricks for all patios as they’ll be exposed to some severe weather pretty much anywhere you live in North America.
When choosing brick for patios avoid the following types of bricks:
- Common brick
- Face brick
- Fire brick
- Any type of brick not designed for paving
Pavers are generally your best choice as they’re both hard and resistant to moisture and wear.
One thing to watch out for when choosing your pavers:
Just because it looks like brick doesn’t mean it is.
Concrete pavers have had color added and are subject to fading. Once this happens it’s impossible to bring it back again.
BEST IDEA: Stick to the real thing.
Need to Replace That Old Deck?
… or want to build a new one?
A new deck can bring you and your family years of enjoyment. Not to mention that it can also add value and beauty to your home.
Like every other remodeling project it’s a good idea to start out with some type of plan in mind.
So, like the other projects we’ve already talked about the first thing you’ll need to think about is what you want your new deck to accomplish. What type of deck will be the biggest asset to your home?
To help answer these questions I want to tell you about the 7 major kinds of outdoor decks:
Wrap Around Decks
Just in case you didn’t know porches are considered decks. If you’d like to step out of your front door onto a deck that winds its way around to your back door than this may be exactly what you’re looking for.
This type of deck is best for rural homes or those on a large plot of land.
Porch decks let you follow the sun or shade—which ever you prefer—throughout the whole day.
Barbecue Decks
If you’re looking for a place where you can show off your grilling skills without feeling trapped in the kitchen then this is what you’re looking for.
These decks have become increasingly popular as outdoor grilling has gained in popularity.
Real wood or a wood-like composite decking material is your best choice for this type of deck. It keeps the rustic, outdoorsy tone that goes along with the “man-grill”.
Pool Decks
If you have a pool or plan to have one in the future you’ll want to build a deck around it to take advantage of the “pool” atmosphere.
Pool decks should be easy on your bare feet so choose anything with a smooth, satiny surface. Some decking manufacturers have a composite material specially made to be easy on the feet. If slipping is a worry consider exposed concrete.
Second-story Decks
These decks are great for parties and if built right can double as a carport.
It’s a great place to have a hot tub if you’re into views and convenience. It’s can make a wonderful retreat if you build it off the master bedroom. Just make sure it’s built strong enough.
Free-standing Decks
These are probably the easiest to build as you don’t have to worry about removing siding (or stucco).
They’ll need to be structurally supported on all sides so it’s best to plan these decks carefully.
They can be put anywhere on your property but it’s a good idea to remember that they should still be easily accessible.
Multi-level Decks
Built with a series of decks on different levels multi-level decks are the answer to a large property or one that has changes in elevation due to hills, slopes or rocks.
These decks are often connected by steps or pathways—a great place to let the landscaping designer in you have free reign.
Side-yard Decks
Side yards are an often forgotten or, sometimes even, embarrassing space. Why not turn that difficult area into something usable?
A private deck coming off the dining room, kitchen or bedroom onto the side yard is a great way to use this space efficiently.
A Bonus Idea
Even though I’ve listed 7 different types of decks to choose from the number is actually only limited by your imagination.
Try combining ideas—extend a second-story deck to surround your above ground pool.
Decks are an outlet for your creativity. Don’t stop at these 7 ideas.
Remodeling Your Backyard
It’s that time of year again…
The time when we’re thinking about our backyards, gardens and that new fence we’ve been meaning to put up for years now.
First things first
The first thing you need to do is to figure out exactly where your property lines exist. It’s better to be safe than sorry when you have to face an irate neighbor complaining you’ve stolen some of his/her yard.
You’ll also need to check with the local zoning laws and building codes to find out exactly what you can and can’t install. There could easily be regulations you’ve never even thought about.
There’s nothing worse than having to tear down a fence which you’ve gone through considerable effort and expense to put up.
What’s the purpose for your fence?
Before you decide on design and material you’ll have to decide on the purpose of your fence:
- Is it purely for your landscape design?
- Are you trying to keep your child or pet safe?
- Is it going to be offering privacy?
- Something for your plants to grow on?
- Boundary demarcation?
- Protecting your property?
- Enhancing the beauty of your home?
- Dividing your yard into designated areas?
- Pool fence?
- Will you need a gate?
Your reasons for having the fence will largely decide the materials you choose to build it with.
Types of fences
There are many different types of fencing.
- The old classic white picket fence— has vertical wooden boards spaced about an inch and a half apart. They’re decorative but don’t provide much privacy. Consider planting small flowering shrubs near the fence to provide some privacy and enhance the beauty of the fence itself.
- Privacy fences—are very strong and sturdy, standing as high as eight feet tall (depending on zoning laws). These fences don’t have any visible gaps and can protect your yard from heavy winds.
- Wrought iron and aluminum fences—are built for their ornamental value. There’s a huge selection to choose
from–comes in black, golden, green, brown, etc. Comes in elegant horizontal and vertical bar designs to intricate and complex floral designs. Similar to the picket fence except the foundation is made from concrete. These fences are durable and easy to maintain. - Vinyl fences—are fences for the budget conscious. Can imitate metal or wood fencing. They’re durable and low on maintenance. Consider hanging metal hooks or rings near the top of the fence so you can add some hanging flowering plants.
- Split rail fences—are great for those large yards. Has a simple and rugged appearance. Makes ranch-style homes look attractive
- Live fences—are created by having climbing plants growing on decorative wire fencing or wooden frames. This fence will take a few years to complete as plants need time to grow. Maintain this fence by watering and pruning your plants periodically.
- Wire mesh fences—are a good idea for protecting your vegetable garden. Can also be used for growing hanging plants like tomatoes and chillies.
- Adding an arch to your fence really enhances the overall impression. It’s a great way to make your fence look complete. Add a beautiful climbing rose and the picture is complete.
Look around—the sky’s the limit.
How to Choose Your Bathroom Vanity
Choosing Your Bathroom Vanity
There are two basic types of bathroom vanities to choose from:
Free standing vanities—these are a great choice when you have a small bathroom or for those who don’t require much storage space. Wall-mounted cabinets usually fall into this category as well.
Built in units—usually contain more storage space underneath the cabinet. These units are ideal for high traffic bathrooms that need storage. These vanities can be made from many different types of woods including oak, mahogany, walnut, cherry, maple, etc.
Bathroom vanities come:
- In a variety of styles, shapes, colors, sizes, materials, and finishes
- With one sink or two
When you’re shopping for a new vanity you’ll have to consider each of these things to make sure you get something that will provide your bathroom with the function, look, and value it needs and you’re looking for.
Countertops
Just like the cabinets, countertops come in a variety of materials, shapes, sizes and colors. You can choose from:
- Stone—attractive, durable, expensive. Be sure to seal and maintain the surface to prevent stains, scratches and cracks.
- Ceramic tile—durable, available in many colors and designs. Grout is easily stained if not properly maintained
- Wood—can be expensive. Must be well maintained to prevent scratching, staining and mildew.
- Concrete—extremely durable. Can be stained and glazed in a variety of colors.
- Laminates, Composite materials, Stainless steel—easily scratched but easily repaired or replaced.
Remember: Countertops see more than their fair share of wear and water so be sure to choose something durable and easy to maintain.
Choosing your style
The most important thing here is deciding which vanity style will best suit your bathroom and whole home décor. You’ll want to remain consistent with the rest your home.
If your home is filled with Shaker furniture find a matching vanity. Have sleek, clean, straight lined furniture? Choose a vanity that reflects the same details.
Things to keep in mind:
- Too much choice can become overwhelming—think function first and then go on to the other details.
- Measure the space you have available for your vanity. There’s nothing worse than falling in love with a cabinet that won’t fit.
- Does the cabinet you’re looking at fill your storage space requirements?
- What about the cabinet’s height—will it suit your whole family?
- Are the taps easy to reach and use?
- Are the materials durable—what are the care instructions? Are you willing to do the work required to keep your cabinet looking like new?
- Does the color and design suit your bathroom décor and that of the rest of your home?
Go online and check out what’s available to you—print out pictures of the cabinets you like and see if they’ll suit your bathroom. Check in with your local plumbing and hardware stores and see what they have. Take home some pamphlets and check them out in your bathroom.
Knowing exactly what you need and want is going to make your decision process so much easier. If you do your homework beforehand you’ll be less frustrated and overwhelmed by the immense selection available to you.
Choosing Your Bathroom Fixtures
Tips for Buying a New Tub
Before you go out and purchase that new tub here are a few things you’ll need to consider:
Get those measurements
Before you decide on that wonderful six-foot tub complete with jets you’ll need to know whether it fits in your bathroom. You’ll need to know the length and width of your room as well as the exact measurements of the area where your present tub sits (unless you’re planning a major reno).
Decide just how much space you’re willing to dedicate to the tub. What’s more important to you—a large tub, or a bathroom that’s not overwhelmed by the tub?
Choosing your tub
Tub material:
- Acrylic—gives you the most styles, colors and shapes. It’s high gloss similar to enameled tubs. It’s light weight. Scratches are hardly noticeable.
- Porcelain—more durable than plastic. Scratches leave a gray film.
- Marble and stone—very elegant looking but cost a lot.
Color:
After you’ve chosen the size and material of your tub it’s time to choose your color. The most common color is white but no one says you have to be common. You can choose from white, ivory, lime green, lavender, and pale yellow to name just a few.
Look online and in your local stores to give you an idea of what colors are available. Be sure to choose one that will fit in with the color scheme you’ve chosen for your bathroom.
Function:
What features do you want your new tub to have? The options are almost limitless.
- Do you want a simple, plain tub?
- Or one with built in lighting or massage jets?
Take a look at what’s available out there to help you make up your mind.
Compare prices
Once you’ve measured; chosen the tub material, color, shape and size; and decided on the features you’re looking for it’s time to shop. Check online and in your local stores to see who has the tub you’re looking for at the best price. Don’t be afraid to phone around first to save you some time and money.
Tips for Buying a New Shower Stall
Showers can be made from scratch or from purchased components. You can have anything from a luxurious spa/steam shower to a simple pre-fabricated stall. The most important point to keep in mind is the space you have available—unless you are planning a complete change.
Stand alone showers are available in a variety of colors and designs. Just like with the tub you’ll want to decide on the material, color, size and features you want your shower to have.
Showers are made of metal, acrylic, glass and plastic. Be sure to look for good quality acrylic and metals. Poor quality materials look either too bright or too dim.
The shower head
The right shower head can make all the difference between a plain shower and a free spa treatment. Choose your shower head based on its design and function.
You can choose from Rain shower heads, Massaging shower heads, and Hand-held shower heads. These come in metal or plastic.
Remember that the look of the shower head is as important as the function. You can choose from polished brass, chrome, oil rubbed bronze and plastic. Choose the head that you think will best compliment your shower and bath.
And finally, look for a shower and shower head that are easy to clean and maintain. You don’t want to ruin your wonderful spa treatment by having to spend a lot of time scrubbing and cleaning.
What to Look for in Your Bathroom Fixtures
It’s easy to get excited about remodeling your bathroom…
We get all excited when we think about choosing a jetted or claw foot tub or a steam shower, but seldom give much thought or attention to the lowly fixtures. And yet these simple fixtures have the power to give your bathroom a feeling of luxury.
What to look for in a toilet
Here are 7 tips to help you choose the “perfect” toilet…
1. One or two-piece—One piece toilets have the tank built right into the back of the bowl. They’re usually easier to clean—no gap between the tank and bowl, but they’re more expensive. One piece toilets have a lower profile than the two piece ones.
2. Seat shape & size—Toilet bowls and seats come in two varieties—round and elongated. Elongated seats provide more surface area so they’re more comfortable to use than the round ones. But round toilets are better for small spaces.
3. The flush system—Most toilets operate on gravity. They rely on water pressure and the weight of the water in the bowl to force the contents into the pipes. Toilets with wall-mounted tanks rely on the height of the tank to increase the pressure—thus decreasing the amount of water needed. Gravity-flush toilets are the least expensive and the most common. If water conservation is an issue for you consider the new dual-flush toilets.
4. The trapway—Water and waste exit through this part of the toilet. The larger the trapway the better the flushing action and the less the risk of clogs. When you’re buying your toilet be sure to ask whether the trapway is fully glazed as this can improve the flushing performance and make the bowl easier to clean.
5. Toilet height— If there are any senior citizens living in your home it might be more comfortable for them to use a higher toilet. If you have younger children consider a shorter toilet so it’s easier for them to help themselves.
6. Attachment method—Floor or wall mounted. Your choice will largely depend on where the drain line is in you’re bathroom. If you have a floor drain you’ll need a floor-mounted model, you’ll need a wall-mounted model for a wall drain line.
7. Extra features—Lots to choose from here—heated seats, motorized seats that automatically lower, ceramic glazes that make the bowl somewhat antibacterial, built in bidet and drying features, insulation that prevents condensation on the tank, etc.
Choosing your sink
Since it tends to be a focal point of your bathroom the type of sink you choose can have a big impact on the look and feel of the room.
Here are some things to look for:
1. Functionality—What’s going to work best for this bathroom? Size? Shape? Color?
2. Look—Pedestal sinks offer a clean, simple look. Vessel sinks provide a distinct look that works well in a contemporary room. Copper sinks offer a unique experience and are a great conversation piece. Undermount sinks provide counter space with a clean look.
3. Cost—Unfortunately your budget has the last say in the sink you choose. But if you have the time to look around and wait for a sale you may be surprised at what you can find.
Whether you choose a traditional toilet and/or sink let your imagination soar. With prices ranging from $50—$10,000 there’s bound to be something out there to suit you.
Signs Your Bathroom Needs Remodeling
Your bathroom is one of the most used rooms in your home—
… you and your family use it several times a day, every day of the year. So how do you know when it’s time to remodel? Here are the top 3 signs to look for:
You’re Unhappy With It
If you find yourself wishing for something a bit different, more attractive or even exciting every time you use your bathroom then maybe it’s time for a change.
Have you stopped entertaining because you’re bathroom’s too embarrassing to let your guests use?
Maybe you’re tired of sharing the tiny, cramped space with your spouse and family.
This unhappiness with your bathroom is one of the most obvious signs that it’s time to remodel—whether it’s a new cabinet and toilet or remodeling the whole thing.
It’s Hurting the Value of Your Home
Another sign that a bathroom remodel may be in your future can be found when you’re looking to sell your home. Is your bathroom in bad shape, poorly lit or outdated. Then it’s probably time to consider remodeling it.
Did you know that a few quality updates—especially a remodeled bathroom almost always increases the overall value of your home?
New or updated bathrooms are often the deciding factor for prospective buyers. Almost everyone realizes that new or updated bathrooms are a valuable investment—especially if they’re well done and include a shower, double sinks and maybe even a jetted tub.
It’s Unsafe
Another factor to consider is the condition and safety of the room.
- Are you finding patches of mold or mildew? Mold doesn’t have to be extensive to be a problem.
- Is the drywall bubbling up in places?
- The flooring pitted and/or crumbling?
- Are there any loose or missing tiles? These need to be fixed immediately so you don’t develop water problems.
- Grouting crumbling and repeatedly turning black around the tiles?
If this is the case it may not be a matter of if you should remodel but how soon you should remodel.
How Far Do You Want to Go?
Here are some ideas for things you can do when remodeling your bathroom:
- Surface changes—a new coat of paint, new mirror, new taps, new toilet roll holder, etc
- Fixture changes—this goes one step further to replacing the tub, shower, toilet, taps and cabinet
- Change the layout—here you not only do the surface changes but you also change the way your bathroom is laid out
- Complete remodel—Here you are changing everything—all new surface and fixtures, and maybe a new layout
The Benefits of a Bathroom Remodel
Here’s a list of just a few of the benefits you can experience when remodeling your bathroom.
- It adds to the value of your home—your home will sell more readily
- When you sell you could see a 102—130% return on what you invested in the remodel
- You’ll no longer be embarrassed to invite friends to your home
- No more sharing cramped quarters with the rest of your family
- Your new bathtub will be a great place to unwind after a long, hard day
As you can see there are many benefits to remodeling your bathroom—all you need to do now is decide just how far you want to go.








