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Posts tagged home remodeling

Choosing a Toilet

Apr24
2009
4 Comments Written by Alicia

toilet

Toilet talk is often ignored when focusing on a bathroom, even though it’s the most used and most important aspect of the bathroom! We all use them; we all need them to be efficient. We’d even like them to fit in with the design of our bathroom and look nice, though we might not admit it. Luckily, toilets come in a wide assortment of shapes, sizes, flush methods, colors and designs! All of these aspects also factor into the price. After reading this article, your newly acquired toilet knowledge will help you choose a new, upgraded toilet!

Size & Shape

When deciding on a size, consider how large your bathroom is and how tall the common users are. To make sure that you shop in the right size vicinity, first measure the “rough-in”, which is the space between the wall and where the toilet is mounted to the ground. Choose a width and a height, and then choose an elongated or circular seat.

Elongated toilets are longer than the average toilet and add comfort for adult users.

Circular toilets take up less space and are usually considered more fashionable.

Style

A one-piece toilet looks like one giant piece, though really it’s about five or six pieces that fit smoothly together. These are stylish, seamless and easier to clean.

A two-piece toilet is the more traditional, possibly cheaper style. The bowl and the tank are bolted together. Since this style is older, it’s easier to find parts for fixing.

Wall-mounted toilets mount right onto the wall and are ideal for handicap accessibility. For these, you need thick walls to hold it in place, and the water flushes through the wall instead of the floor. These will cost more to install.

Flush

To save water consumption, a law went into effect in 1994 that states toilets can only use 1.6 gallons of water when flushing. For this reason, it’s incredibly important to find a flush with strength, durability and efficiency.

A gravity flush is the most traditional type. It uses natural gravity to flush the water down a valve that opens when the toilet handle is pressed down. This method is quietest, but it might not always be strong enough and it sometimes creates moisture on the outside of the toilet bowl.

A pressure-assist flush uses the home’s water supply to assist in flushing. Pressure and gravity work together to create a more powerful flush. This is a much noisier flush and is harder to repair.

A vacuum-assist flush has an actual vacuum inside the toilet tank that sucks the waste out. It is quieter that a pressure-assist and stronger than a gravity flush. Since the makeup is similar to a gravity flush, it’s also easier to fix. These are the newest type of flush and most likely the most expensive.

Design

How much does style matter to you? Just because commodes are a necessity doesn’t mean we can’t have fun with toilet design! If you’re remodeling your entire bathroom, sets are available so that the toilet’s finish matches the shower surround and the vanity. Just updating the toilet? All different colors and finishes are available! However, keep in mind that if you plan to sell your home, neutral décor is better.

Price

Toilets are constantly modernizing and offering more. Depending on how much you expect from your toilet, it can range from $100 to $4500! The average is between $150 and $400. If you really want your toilet to act as a throne, splurge with a heated seat, an automatic flush or a dryer. It all depends how much the toilet, and the added value to your home, is worth to you.

Posted in Home Improvement, Tips and Ideas - Tagged bathroom, choosing a toilet, commode, Home Improvement, toilet
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Do You Know about the Untapped Potential in Your Home?

Aug29
2008
Leave a Comment Written by Allegra

attic

The Essentials
Did you know that your attic offers you the opportunity to add livable space to your home without going through all the hassle (and expenses) of an addition? It’s true! With a little hard work and elbow grease, you can turn your currently unused attic into a new master suite, a game room, a rec room, a home office or anything you wish!

You will need a permit for this project. You’ll also need a zoning check and a site plan. You may also want to hire a building inspector or a structural engineer to check things out and make sure your attic can actually be converted.

The Plan
Some adjustments will need to be in order for the attic transformation to take place.

First, does your attic have a floor? The framework will most likely need to be reinforced to make sure it can hold up against walking and everyday furniture. You may also need to reinforce the roof to make sure it can hold up insulation. Speaking of which, you’ll need to insulate and ventilate this space. A separate system can be installed in the attic for heating and air-conditioning if your current one won’t work.

Building codes require the room to be seven-and-a-half feet over 50 percent of the living area. Cramped does not mean cozy, and if you have to crouch in your new living space, you probably won’t be using it much. Make sure the ceiling height is tall enough. This can be altered. You can switch out a hipped roof with a gabled roof (like the roof of a shed) or dormers. Not only do these alternations add height, but usually windows as well.

You will need to make sure your attic gets enough light so it doesn’t feel dark and tiny. Dormers allow you to add windows. You can also install skylights and/or artificial lighting.

If you are going to be using the attic, you’re, of course, going to want to have it easily accessible. For this, you can use an existing staircase or install a new one. If there’s already a staircase leading to the attic, make sure it’s structurally sound. If not, you can install a traditional staircase. You can also install a spiral staircase. Whichever you choose, there are certain requirements you’ll need to meet to make the staircase up to code.

The Work

All of this work can be done yourself, or you can hire a contractor to do the heavy lifting. It all depends on your budget and how much you have to spend. Don’t forget to figure out a budget before you start this project, and try your best to stick to it! Also, make a plan before you start anything so you can figure out if what you want is feasible.

As long as it’s possible to convert your attic, then there’s no reason to ignore the potential living space up there, just collecting dust. Turn it into something great and enjoy!

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Posted in Tips and Ideas - Tagged add-ons to home, adding space, adding value to your home, additions, expanding living areas, expansions, home, home renovations, how to improve your home, real estate, untapped potential
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Should You Finish Your Basement?

Apr18
2008
2 Comments Written by Shanna

Basement RemodelAre you looking to add extra space to your home?

Are potential buyers turned off by the small size of your home’s interior? Would a finished basement help capture their attention?

There are pluses and minuses with either finished or unfinished spaces, so you’ll want to do your homework before jumping into a lengthy project. However, it makes sense that by transforming unused spaces into functional living areas, you could give your home a leg up against the competition.

Should you finish your basement? You decide.

Tip #1: Do some comparison shopping

It’s Basic Selling 101 to know your competition. Learning what your neighbors offer will give you a good idea of how your home stacks up. What asking price are similar homes in the area, with and without finished basements, going for? If the difference in price is very small, remodeling your basement may not be a worthwhile project. However, if it looks like you can reasonably expect a large return for your work, it’s worth the investment.

Of course, if you’re considering the remodel for more immediate needs-your own increased living space, for example-that should take priority over whatever statistics you find.

Tip #2: Talk with professionals

Talk with a few contractors and get quotes to find the best deal for your project. Especially if you’ll be adding a bathroom or completing other major renovations, you’ll want to find experts who can help.

Your contractor will be able to help you get a clear plan in place, take care of plumbing and electric needs and ensure the work is done to industry standards. 

Also, be aware that when you undertake a basement remodeling project, your city may require certain permits, so you’ll want to check with your local governmental authorities before beginning work.

Tip #3: Make design choices that blend with the rest of the home

If you do decide to remodel, by all means do it right. This means choosing good-quality materials that will match the rest of the home in style and design.

If the basement looks better than the other levels, buyers will wish the whole home had been redone.

If it looks worse than the other levels, having been completed with shoddy materials, buyers will know. Instead of adding value, the project will only reveal the work buyers would have to invest.

However, if the basement has been finished with the same trim, moldings, walls and doors as the rest of the interior, the basement will seem to maximize the total living space. This adds value in the mind of the buyer.

So the choice is yours:

Leave your basement unfinished, and you give buyers current storage areas, with the potential to create finished spaces in the future.

Undergo a remodeling project, and you increase your home’s living spaces for yourself and for future buyers.

Posted in Tips and Ideas - Tagged adding value to your home, basement, construction projects, finished basement, home improvements, remodeling
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Types of Flooring (con.)

Apr13
2008
Leave a Comment Written by Becky

Whether you’re designing a new home or planning a remodel, it pays to be informed about your options. Flooring affects every room, from the kitchen to the living areas, so it’s worth considering.

In “Types of Flooring,” we presented the facts about a few options: hardwood, laminate, stone, and carpet. Now let’s take a look at tile:

Ceramic tile

If installed and maintained properly, ceramic tile flooring should last for a very long time. Its versatility makes ceramic tile particularly appealing, as it is appropriate for every room in your home. Glazed ceramic tile is resistant to scratching and to water, so you won’t have to worry about any damage from spills. Easy to maintain, it comes in a wide variety of textures and colors that will enhance the beauty in any room.

Negatives: Because of its hard surface, ceramic tile may crack or chip. It is also difficult to install yourself, so professional installation is recommended.

Alternatives: Stronger and denser than ceramic tile, porcelain tile is also highly resistant to scratches, staining, and fading.

Vinyl

Vinyl flooring boasts the biggest variety of colors and patterns, so you can get the look of wood, stone, or ceramic tile without the cost. Available in sheets or tiles, vinyl flooring is easy to maintain and is a great value for your money. It is also water-resistant, so you can use it in any room in your home.

Negatives: Although vinyl is a great value, it won’t actually increase the home’s value, and it also won’t last as long as ceramic tile, hardwood, or linoleum.

Linoleum

Linoleum flooring is very cost-effective because it lasts for a long time. On top of being extremely durable and easy to maintain, it is also one of the most environmentally friendly types of flooring. Maintaining it is as easy as cleaning it with a damp mop. Linoleum is also appealing because it doesn’t scratch or burn, and, like several other kinds of flooring, it is available in many different colors and patterns.

Negatives: Linoleum costs more than vinyl and is tricky to install, so you should probably get a professional to do it.

Posted in Home Improvement, Tips and Ideas - Tagged buying a home, designing a home, floor options, flooring, home improvements, selling a home
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Big-Time Home Remodeling

Mar08
2008
1 Comment Written by Sarah

How to Hire the Right Contractor and Keep to Your Budget

Contractor

While do-it-yourself remodels are all the rage these days, there are some projects that will inevitably be outside your realm of expertise. When these larger-scale projects come around, it might be best to hire a contractor to organize and execute your plan. Structural changes and major additions will likely result in hiring outside work, and it is important to know what you need before you begin construction. While your contractor should be well-versed in local building codes, trade expertise and organization, it is your responsibility to bring as much to the project as you are able. Knowledge, planning and solid records are three solid ways to minimize the cost of your remodel:

Know Exactly What you Want

Write down every detail of your remodeling plan, from the massive wall knock-downs down to knobs and faucets. This is important when writing a contract with your contractor; the more detailed the plan, the closer you will stay to your proposed budget when construction begins. Also, the more information you include, the less likely your contractor will make a costly error due to miscommunication. The National Association of the Remodeling Industry advises customers to “include all your product selections in the contract to avoid confusion…Include the model, size, color, and…save 10-20 percent of your budget to allow for items added to the scope of work.” Keep in mind that some projects are more labor-intensive than others, and can affect the total of your proposed budget.

Know how to Add Space

There are two ways to add space to your home: you can either add square footage beyond the original structure, you can use space from one room to make another space bigger. This is called space reconfiguration, and can save a lot of money if you aren’t remodeling for the sole purpose of adding square footage. The NARI suggests “stealing” space from linen or pantry closets, finding spaces in between wall studs to build sleek storage niches or using hallway space.

Minimize Labor Costs

When installing minor accessories such as crown molding, chair-rail molding, trim, casings or siding, you can order them pre-finished to avoid extra on-site labor. The NARI also suggests ordering finger-jointed trim instead of clear, vertical grain to save money and make installation easier. If you are remodeling a bathroom, consider installing a shower/tub combination or a pedestal sink instead of a full vanity. These additions can make installation much easier and less costly; some pedestal sinks can be pricey, but the upside is that they also save space.

Posted in Home Improvement, Tips and Ideas - Tagged adding value to your home, construction projects, Home Improvement, home improvements, renovations, tips
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