Month: October 2022

How To Do Bathroom Renovations on a Budget

Are you looking to complete some bathroom renovations, but have a very limited budget? Don’t let this get you down as you can redo this room without spending a fortune. It’s just a matter of choosing quality products that will hold up for some time to come. Start with the items that will be used the most and slowly add to them over time. By completing the makeover in this fashion, you can get the bathroom of your dreams even when money is tighter than you would like.

The first thing you should consider buying is new flooring. You don’t want to install new cabinets along with a new tub and toilet only to have to take them up again to install a new floor. Your new flooring will be a major portion of the room and will receive a great deal of use. For this reason you need to choose durable products such as ceramic or stone tile. Make sure they are water resistant and consider installing sub-floor heating coils to keep them warm even during the coldest months. Hardwood floors are another option that can really give the room a warm feeling. Make sure they are sealed properly so you don’t have problems in the future.

Choose a quality toilet as this device will be used frequently. When you go to choose a new toilet, most find that those with elongated bowls and seats are more comfortable than other designs. Be sure to look at the water consumption also. A toilet that uses less water per flush may cost more at the time of purchase, but can save you a great deal of money over the long run.

Choose one item that you feel you must have in your bathroom and build your bathroom renovations around this piece. For some it is a hand bowl set while others will prefer a tub to be the focal point. The choice is completely up to you and, by purchasing this item first, you will know how much you have to spend on other upgrades. Take your time when completing your bathroom renovations so you get the room you have always dreamed of at a price you can afford.

So remember, new flooring, a quality toilet and of course your one item to build your bathroom around. Often a bathroom can make or break a house so you want to do the bathroom that feels right for you.

Green Kitchen Remodel Tips

If your idea is to do some kitchen remodeling, then you need a plan and a budget. While making your plans you should consider a green kitchen remodel.

A green kitchen remodel could be healthier for your home and the environment.

As a healthy side note, if your home is older and you plan on ripping out anything you may need to check for lead based paint and asbestos.

With these two items checked and resolved – if needed- it’s time to make your plan.

If you would like to go green but you are afraid you don’t have the green to spend you will be interested in the first low cost green remodeling tip:

• Keep the same kitchen layout and renew as many items you have now. As an example, you could reface your cabinets, or paint, or stain them.

However, not all items should be renewed. You could paint your appliances and give them and updated look. But, if you have the money, you should update the appliances, and buy energy efficient ones. You should also consider energy efficient windows, doors and skylights. A skylight would add additional daytime lighting.

After planning on all the new windows, doors, and appliances you may decide to go green entirely. If you do, then I have the second green remodeling tip that is good for the environment:

• Remove items from the kitchen carefully. In this way they could be reused by someone else. Donate to a local reuse shop or list in newspaper or online.

Now that the kitchen is gutted it’s time to get green. What is green? Listed below are some green options:

Cabinets- Will take a big chunk of your kitchen remodeling budget. When choosing green cabinets, buy natural or sustainable harvested materials. Choose low VOC finishes and for your adhesive the book, “Prescriptions for a Healthy House,” recommends solvent free carpenters glue as the adhesive. If you are ambitious, you could make your own cabinets with formaldehyde free plywood and buy your doors.

Countertops and backsplashes-Recycled materials can be used, such as stone and glass tile. You could make concrete countertops, or use stainless steel, or even butcher block.

Efficient Lighting-LED lights can be added for efficient task lighting. Compact fluorescent light bulbs should be used in your other lighting fixtures.

Faucets- according to the website “For maximum water efficiency purchase aerators that have flow rates of no more than 1.0 gmp”

Paint – Use only low or no VOC paint.

Flooring – Do not use vinyl on the floor. Instead you can use bamboo or cork, or sustainable harvested wood. However, if you like the styles of vinyl then choose natural linoleum instead.

As you can see it is possible to save green and go green in a kitchen remodel. If your budget allows and you can go completely green that’s great. However, if you can’t, even a little green is better for your home and the environment, than no green at all.

Implementing a Bathroom Redesign Is Not As Easy As It Looks

Deciding whether your bathroom requires a redesign or simply a quick spruce would normally not have been an issue. However when you take a look at the amazing accessories that is available online or in your local bathroom supplier’s showroom you will soon realise that your bathroom is missing some really wonderful furnishings.

If you are considering updating your bathroom maybe due to the fact that it is dull and needs updating or because you have seen some accessories that have taken your fancy your first step will be based up on the budget you wish to spend. Obviously your budget plays the largest priority and will also determine the amount of work required for your project. A lot will also rely up on the size of your bathroom and whether or not you are single or have a family. The likelihood is that if you are single the project will require less work than if you are catering for a family’s needs.

If you have the dilemma where you are unsure exactly what you can implement and where, but want to transform your bathrooms characteristics then there are certain elements online or in even in certain bathroom showrooms where you can utilise 3D technology to explore the look of new layouts. These are usually in the form of 3D design programs that enable you to see exactly how certain products look and feel in contrast with other bathroom accessories. If you do not have this resource available and are extremely confused at renovating your bathroom then you could turn to creating paper shapes modelled on bathroom components you like (scaled down obviously) You can then move these around so that it gives you an idea of which components go best with each other and where they best fit in.

Then next step is to take full measurements of your bathroom and then plan out the configuration. If you are going for a complete renovation then your next objective will be to strip down your bathroom and then plan your layout. The next step is to render the walls and start waterproofing; this will help preserve your bathroom for many years to come. Now your bathroom is ready for the fitting of the new shower, bathtub, toilet and other bathroom furniture you wish to implement. Finally you need the items plumbed in and any electrical work complete, so that you can add the finishing touches.

The idea of transforming your bathroom appears to be easy, but as you will find out, there is much more to bathroom DIY than you think. This is why the majority of us will turn to professionals rather than try to undertake such a project. The most important aspect is to ensure you are totally clear on the expectations of your tradesmen alongside using reliable and trust worthy individuals to carry out your work.