Kitchen & Bathroom Remodeling

So, you have decided to remodel your bathroom and you have also decided to replace those old, worn out cabinets which have seen better days. Bathroom cabinets play a major role in maintaining an organized bathroom. Besides being of maximum utility, they are one of the most eye catching fixtures of the bathroom. They also consume most amount of the bathroom remodeling budget.

Since cabinets take a huge chunk from your budget, decide how much you want to spend on cabinets, in advance. You can do this by first deciding where you want your cabinets. Then take measurements of the area. Decide whether you want stock cabinets, semi-custom or custom cabinets. Stock cabinets are the most inexpensive ones followed by semi-custom and then custom cabinets. When you meet the expert with these rough ideas and figures in mind, he can give you a more accurate picture.

As mentioned earlier, there are three types of cabinets available in the market. You have to choose from them according to your budget and your specific requirements.

Bathroom vanity cabinets are an essential component of any bathroom and can add drama to your design and decor. Bathroom sink cabinets provide countertop space, a place for the sink and faucets and great storage below. It is amazing how often bathroom cabinets and storage are left out of the planning process. It is important to have a place for everything in your bathroom that is easily accessible to everyone. Bathroom vanity cabinets and storage provide home organization and reduce clutter. You never can have too much bathroom storage!

They are Stock, Semi-custom and Custom cabinets.

Stock cabinets are inexpensive and most popular. They are mass produced and built in standard sizes and shapes. The choice of color, design and style is limited.

Here are types of bathroom storage cabinets:

1. Cabinetry - bathroom vanity cabinets, wall cabinets, recessed cabinets and medicine cabinets.
2. Open shelving - recessed shelving, corner shelving and surface mounted shelves.
3. Over the toilet cabinets - cabinets that use the wall space over the toilet for storage cabinets.
4. Linen closets, towers with baskets, built-in closets and cabinets or freestanding bathroom sink cabinets that often extend from the floor to the ceiling and provide excellent bathroom storage for linens and other bathroom items.

In framed cabinet, a frame is placed around the front of the cabinet opening. It is also called face frame. It is used to secure the door to the cabinet. Framed cabinets are more expensive than frameless cabinets because they use more material.

In frameless cabinets, there is no face frame and door is hung directly on the cabinet box. Frameless cabinets occupy lesser space than framed ones.

While selecting cabinets for your bathroom, keep in mind that your cabinets should match the rest of your bathroom.
Doors and drawers of the cabinets should operate smoothly.
Don’t just go by the looks of the doors of the cabinets because it’s the quality and construction of the whole boxes that counts.

by: Max Bellamy
Bathrooms do not always offer many opportunities to make style statements. Sure, you can paint the walls or change the flooring. You can buy a new rug or wastebasket; you can even buy matching towels and washcloths. The truth is, though, that decorating possibilities simply do not abound in the average bathroom. There is one area, however, that allows for many personal style choices: shower curtains.

The shower curtain takes up a significant amount of space in a bathroom — shouldn’t it say something about your personal style? Today, shower curtains are available in a dazzling array of styles, colors, and materials. Shower curtains can be whimsical, elegant, simple, bold, floral, masculine, and most any other style you desire.

You can buy traditional rod-style shower curtains, or for added pizzazz, you can buy decorative curtain hooks. These are available in glass, plastic, brass, silver, and copper. You’re virtually guaranteed to find one you like, from simple white rings to colorful butterfly-shaped shower curtain hooks.

Shower curtains are available in many different materials, including vinyl, fabric, terry cloth, and plastic. Most shower curtains will require a liner. This liner hangs from the rod and goes inside the bathtub or shower. This helps to keep water inside the tub. It also offers a degree of protection to the shower curtain, as it helps to keep it a little drier and extend its life.

Since shower curtains are often wet, precautions have to be taken to prevent the growth of mildew, bacteria, fungus, and other harmful germs. They need to be cleaned and dried periodically. They should also be sprayed with a disinfectant. It is also helpful to wipe the shower curtain dry after each use. In addition, some antibacterial shower curtains are available. A company called InPro Clickeze offers the Super Bio Stat, a shower curtain that is mildew resistant, antibacterial, and anti-microbial.

If you are looking for a quick change at a low cost, consider buying a new shower curtain. There are so many choices available that you are sure to find one that’s right for you.

About the author:
Shower Curtains Info provides detailed information about unique, designer, hookless, fabric, and kids’ shower curtains, and shower curtain rods and hooks. Shower Curtains Info is the sister site of Bathroom Vanities Web.

Remodeling a bathroom can be an exciting and fun experience, particularly if your bathroom has outdated baby blue or pink tile covering the walls. Planning and estimating bathroom remodeling costs prior to starting the project however is critical for ensuring a completely positive experience.

Today many new bathroom remodeling jobs include Jacuzzi tubs or whirlpool baths, along with separate showers. In addition there are a multitude of toilet, vanity, countertop and sink styles to choose from. Costs for these items vary widely.

If planned properly a bathroom remodeling project can be accomplished on a shoestring budget and still look like you’ve completely transformed the room. It depends only on your creativity and level of sweat equity. All new bathroom fixtures are not critical in remodeling a bathroom. Many fixtures can be restored to a brand new appearance with just a little time and sweat equity. In some cases, such as with toilets, it is frequently the preferred route. Older toilets use more water per flush than the new models. Though the new ones are environmentally friendlier, they have a reputation for clogging and thus many people choose to preserve their older toilets in a bathroom remodeling project.

The bathroom is one of the most important rooms in the house. It is usually where you start and end your day. Thus the return on investment for remodeling a bathroom is fairly high. Consequently it makes a great deal of sense to spend some money and remodel a bathroom, even if you do not plan on being in the house for a long time.

A bathroom remodeling project however can be a messy and annoying home improvement project. Frequently bathrooms are right off bedrooms or in the master bedroom. Consequently they can cause significant disruptions and cleanliness issues with your home. And the length of the disruption can take as long as a month or more, even when well planned out.

To mitigate the disruption of a bathroom remodeling project, planning is absolutely essential. The first item to consider is whether you will do it yourself, or hire a general contractor. Regardless of what route, a homeowner needs to first sketch out some bathroom remodeling ideas to ensure the bathroom design and cost estimates will meet their targeted functional requirements and budget. If a general contractor is to be hired these initial sketches will be helpful in communicating your bathroom remodeling plans and ideas.

During the planning phase, you should identify the main objectives of the future bathroom. Is a Jacuzzi or whirlpool tub desired? Is a pedestal sink preferred over a traditional vanity? You should research the latest products on the market including: cabinets/vanities, countertops, toilets, shower/tubs and flooring. Also, homeowners are now more frequently using tile in bathrooms, both on the floors and walls. Tile adds a look of elegance to a bathroom that is not captured with vinyl or Linoleum flooring materials.

It is also important to consider any structural changes to the existing bathroom area. In particular, if a Jacuzzi or whirlpool tub is to be installed a deck area will probably need to be framed in. In addition, if overhead lighting is desired then soffits may need to be framed in.

Your initial sketches of your bathroom remodeling plan should include the basic layout of the bathroom with the toilet, shower/tub and vanity locations identified. In addition, dimensions should be included in the sketches. Also, if there are already known preferred manufacturers for the various bathroom utilities then they should also be included on the sketches. Once the sketches have been completed it is time to contact a remodeling general contractor. They should be able to work from your sketches to develop a firm fixed quotation on the bathroom remodeling project.

For more help on remodeling your bathroom, see HomeAdditionPlus.com’s Bathroom Remodeling Bid Sheet. The Bathroom Remodeling Bid Sheet will help ensure that your bathroom remodeling project goes smoothly and you get the finished bathroom you are looking for. In addition, it will help to ensure that your remodeled bathroom will be accomplished on time and on budget.

By: Mark J. Donovan

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Remodeling a bathroom can be an exciting and fun experience, particularly if your bathroom has outdated baby blue or pink tile covering the walls. Planning and estimating bathroom remodeling costs prior to starting the project however is critical for ensuring a completely positive experience.

Today many new bathroom remodeling jobs include Jacuzzi tubs or whirlpool baths, along with separate showers. In addition there are a multitude of toilet, vanity, countertop and sink styles to choose from. Costs for these items vary widely.

If planned properly a bathroom remodeling project can be accomplished on a shoestring budget and still look like you’ve completely transformed the room. It depends only on your creativity and level of sweat equity. All new bathroom fixtures are not critical in remodeling a bathroom. Many fixtures can be restored to a brand new appearance with just a little time and sweat equity. In some cases, such as with toilets, it is frequently the preferred route. Older toilets use more water per flush than the new models. Though the new ones are environmentally friendlier, they have a reputation for clogging and thus many people choose to preserve their older toilets in a bathroom remodeling project.

The bathroom is one of the most important rooms in the house. It is usually where you start and end your day. Thus the return on investment for remodeling a bathroom is fairly high. Consequently it makes a great deal of sense to spend some money and remodel a bathroom, even if you do not plan on being in the house for a long time.

A bathroom remodeling project however can be a messy and annoying home improvement project. Frequently bathrooms are right off bedrooms or in the master bedroom. Consequently they can cause significant disruptions and cleanliness issues with your home. And the length of the disruption can take as long as a month or more, even when well planned out.

To mitigate the disruption of a bathroom remodeling project, planning is absolutely essential. The first item to consider is whether you will do it yourself, or hire a general contractor. Regardless of what route, a homeowner needs to first sketch out some bathroom remodeling ideas to ensure the bathroom design and cost estimates will meet their targeted functional requirements and budget. If a general contractor is to be hired these initial sketches will be helpful in communicating your bathroom remodeling plans and ideas.

During the planning phase, you should identify the main objectives of the future bathroom. Is a Jacuzzi or whirlpool tub desired? Is a pedestal sink preferred over a traditional vanity? You should research the latest products on the market including: cabinets/vanities, countertops, toilets, shower/tubs and flooring. Also, homeowners are now more frequently using tile in bathrooms, both on the floors and walls. Tile adds a look of elegance to a bathroom that is not captured with vinyl or Linoleum flooring materials.

It is also important to consider any structural changes to the existing bathroom area. In particular, if a Jacuzzi or whirlpool tub is to be installed a deck area will probably need to be framed in. In addition, if overhead lighting is desired then soffits may need to be framed in.

Your initial sketches of your bathroom remodeling plan should include the basic layout of the bathroom with the toilet, shower/tub and vanity locations identified. In addition, dimensions should be included in the sketches. Also, if there are already known preferred manufacturers for the various bathroom utilities then they should also be included on the sketches. Once the sketches have been completed it is time to contact a remodeling general contractor. They should be able to work from your sketches to develop a firm fixed quotation on the bathroom remodeling project.

For more help on remodeling your bathroom, see HomeAdditionPlus.com’s Bathroom Remodeling Bid Sheet. The Bathroom Remodeling Bid Sheet will help ensure that your bathroom remodeling project goes smoothly and you get the finished bathroom you are looking for. In addition, it will help to ensure that your remodeled bathroom will be accomplished on time and on budget.

By: Mark J. Donovan

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Are you a homeowner who has recently decided that you would like to have your bathroom remodeled? If so, why would you like to have it remodeled? One of the most common reasons for bathroom remodeling is for a change. Many homeowners make the decision to remodel their bathrooms when they are no longer pleased with the way that their looks. If you are looking to change the way that your bathroom looks, you could definitely benefit from a remodeling project, but that is not all that you could benefit from. You could also benefit from changing your bathroom theme or décor.

When it comes to changing bathroom themes or décor, one of the most commonly asked questions is why. A large number of homeowners automatically assume that remodeling their bathroom is enough. If you are remodeling your bathroom, the remodeling, alone, may be more than enough to give you what you want, as well as what you need, but it depends. It depends on how much remodeling you are doing. If you are planning on changing around your whole bathroom, you may be pleased enough. However, if you are only remodeling a portion of your bathroom, you may want to do more. In fact, if you are looking to remodel your bathroom, so it looks as if you have a completely different bathroom, you may want to think about changing your décor or your bathroom theme.

As previously mentioned, the biggest reason why you should want to change your bathroom theme or décor is because of the change. You can change a bathroom as much as you want, by replacing the fixtures, but if you have the same bathroom theme or décor, it may still seem like the same old bathroom. If that is the case, you may still be unhappy. After spending hundreds or thousands of dollars on a bathroom remodeling project, unhappiness is not a feeling that you should be left with. Therefore, it may be a good idea for you think about changing around your bathroom décor or even completely changing your bathroom theme.

Aside from wondering why, many homeowners fear the extra work that goes along with redecorating a bathroom. Many hoped that the work would stop when the remodeling did. In all honesty, it really isn’t that difficult to pick out and change your bathroom décor or bathroom theme, at least it shouldn’t be. Bathroom themes and decors are often used to describe kitchen wall hangings, shower curtains, window curtains, and bath mats. What is nice about these items is that most can be purchased from an unlimited number of different locations. In fact, if you are looking for the easiest way to replace your bathroom décor or change your bathroom theme, you are advised to shop online. You can easily browse through bathroom products, as well as order and pay for them, without ever having to leave your home; talk about saving time!

Although there is a good chance that you could benefit from replacing the décor in your bathroom or changing your bathroom theme, you may want to wait until your bathroom remodeling has finished before making a decision. There is a chance that you may find the remodeling enough to give you the bathroom of your dreams; thus eliminating the need for a new bathroom theme or décor.

Stock bathroom cabinets come in many sizes. They start at nine inches wide and work their way up to 48 inches wide in three-inch increments. Bathroom cabinets come in any style, color and material imaginable and are usually available within one week of ordering. Special sizes are not available when purchasing stock bathroom cabinets.

From there, you have choices depending on varying sizes of millwork. Custom and semi-custom bathroom cabinets are an option if you have time and a little more money to spend.

Differing in not just size, but features semi and full custom bathroom cabinets can be made for any space or purpose. Consider your lifestyle-What do you store in a bathroom? Do you want the interior and exterior of the cabinets to match? Do you have any unique storage needs?

If you want to go this route, please work closely with your contractor and provide this information up front. These cabinets will cost more and can take up to ten weeks for delivery-sometimes longer.

Bathroom remodeling is one of our county’s most popular major home improvements, especially when considering the return on investment when you decide to sell your home.

Bathroom remodeling can cost you as much or as little as you choose to put into it. While a simple upgrade involving a new vanity counter top, new light fixtures and additional accessories can be done for less than $1000, many homeowners are choosing to start from scratch and enhance all of the features. A fully remodeled bathroom can cost in excess of $15,000 or more.

Plan and execute your project with the following bathroom remodeling advice:

1. What does your bathroom need?
Do you want to create more space in your bathroom? Do you need an additional sink? Does the bathroom tile need to be upgraded? Determine what your ideal bathroom would look like and then prioritize your needs before your wants.

2. Assemble and review bathroom design ideas.
The internet is a massive resource to gather ideas as well as inspiration. Consult with a bathroom remodeling contractor for fresh ideas to help decide what you want. It is also helpful to a contratcor if you can provide pictures and images of what you’re interested in.

3. Determine your bathroom remodeling budget.
How you will finance your bathroom remodeling project? Will you need to take out a loan? Answers to these questions will be a factor in determining your budget.

4. Secure building permits.
Before embarking on your remodeling project be sure to secure a building permit from your municipal or county government. Failure to do so could make your bathroom remodel much more costly.

5. Consider contemorary bathroom design trends.
One of the goals is to add value to your home. You want to ensure that you are coming out ahead when it is time to sell your home. A remodel that is too quirky or not user friendly could adversely affect long-term value.

Mesa Remodeling Contractors

As you consider a bathroom remodel, one of the first places people start is the bathroom tub or shower. Whether you’re getting rid of that 80’s pink-and-brass look, or the tub or shower is just beyond help, bathroom showers and tubs make a huge impact on any bathroom remodel.

From whirlpools and soaking baths to the timeless beauty of a claw foot tub, or creating a walk-in shower, the bathtubs section of your remodel takes a lot of planning. As you form a mental picture of your bath or shower remodel, one of the biggest cost savings is found where the plumbing currently exists. Naturally, using existing plumbing vs. relocating it will keep costs down.

As far as product selection goes, the world’s your oyster. Bathtubs now come in all shapes, sizes and colors. Coming in composite, fiber glass, cast iron, acrylic and steel and ranging from $300 to over $2,000, this is a part of your bathroom remodel well worth ample time and consideration. Think about the space you’re occupying and rely heavily on the input from your contractor. Do walls need to be moved to fit that corner Jacuzzi tub? Will there be any issues with drainage and ventilation for the new bathroom showers? Can we just go with inset pre-made bathroom showers? Can the bathtub fit through the front door? These are questions best left to the professionals. As always, ImproveNet is here to help. Click here to find a contractor

We also have a robust design gallery, complete with bathroom remodeling / design pictures. Not to mention Bathroom Remodeling articles from experts on which bathtub will be right for you.

by: Manuel Kupka

If laying ceramic tiles is totally new to you, “5 Steps to complete a successful ceramic tile installation” is a set of basic but important tips that you will help you avoid making costly mistakes on your next bathroom or ceramic tile installation.

“    Plan which Tile
“    Shop around if you want to save
“    Prepare the surface for a long lasting job
“    Lay the tiles
“    Finishing touches

Plan which Tile

This step is often underestimated and sometimes even forgotten (can you believe it?). Planning your ceramic tile installation from A to Z is probably one of the most important steps for a smooth, easy going and problem free bathroom tile installation.

Some things to take in account are;

“    Suitability of the tile
“    Pattern /colour of the tile
“    Size of the tile
“    Size of the area to be tiled. (This is important data that will be vital to know how much tile, grout, etc, you have to buy)
“    Adhesive, mortar or grout to suit your needs

Not all ceramic tile installations are the same, different tiling installations may require different mortar or grout. DO NOT feel shy about asking the suppliers for advice or help in calculating how much you need. They will gladly help you, as they are likely to make a sale.

Shop around if you want to save

This isn’t as difficult as the first step, however when the budget is tight it can be tricky to find the right tile for the ceramic tile installation you want. You are going to have to make some compromises and so don’t get carried away by the beauty of some of the ceramic tiles. Prices can vary a lot between different tiles, so some end up rather expensive for only a few square metres.
Always shop around, it has never been easier. Just sit in front of the computer and use the Internet. Use local directories to find the suppliers close to you and pay them a visit.

Before making your final decision always check the chosen tile under different lights as the results can be surprisingly different.

Prepare the surface for a long lasting job before laying the ceramic tiles
The surface to be tiled (floor, wall or any other) will often need to be prepared, this can include work like filling, levelling, smoothing, priming and sometimes water proofing.

The right preparation will be directly affect the lifespan of the ceramic tile installation. Unless you want to be tiling again soon, you want to get this right from the start.

This is probably the most important point to ensure a long lasting tiling job. Don’t rush it.

Laying the ceramic tiles safely

The technique of laying ceramic tiles is not especially difficult. It only takes a little bit of practice before anyone can easily master it. Clearing the room to be tiled before starting will help you to do the job safer and easier. Don’t forget to wear your safety goggles when cutting or chipping tiles.
Laying ceramic tiles can also be a bit messy, if you don’t want dust all over the house we suggest sealing the room you want to tile whenever possible. A large piece of plastic tacked to the door frame will do the job quite well.
Try not to allow any adhesive to get on your skin and never forget to read the manufacturers directions before even opening the tin. If some ends up on you, just clean it with water as soon as possible. Even though tile adhesives aren’t usually abrasive, if you leave it for some time it may cause an allergic reaction.

Use a spirit level to help you with the depth & level of the tiles and spacers to maintain an even distance between them.

The finishing touches

Once the tile adhesive or mortar has cured (dried) and the tiles are firm and even, you can start with the finishing touches.

You’ll have to fill the spaces between tiles with grout making sure you don’t leave any gaps as these cause damp problems, in a shower for example.

The technique is very simple, use a rubber faced trowel to spread the grout and a cotton cloth to clean the excess grout from the tiles afterwards.

There are many different types of grouts; you’ll have to choose the right one depending on the surface and chosen tile.

Now that you have your ceramic tiles laid down, you only need to take care of them, usually manufacturers provide information on taking care of their tiles and only minimal effort is required. Most household cleaning products will do the job well, if some particular stain is stubborn, there are many commercial stain removers, just make sure you use the right product for the right tile.

You are now closer to discovering how satisfying it can be handling a tile installation yourself; just follow these 5 steps to get the best result.

About the author:
Learn how to Tile a Bathroom & Profit from insider tips that will help you complete secure and reliable tiling in 5-easy steps. Get the FREE report “27 Insider Tiling Tips you want to know” , visit us at http://www.bathroom-tile-installation.com

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Redecorating, remodeling add value, dimension

Sue Doerfler

Bathrooms top our lists when it comes to indulging ourselves.

They are where we relax in solitude in our oversize jet tubs or stand in silence in a rain-forestlike shower.

They are a place to express our personalities, from a serene Old World look in a powder room to a clean, simple look in the master bathroom.

They’re where we like to spend our redecorating and remodeling dollars and where we recoup those dollars when we sell our homes. A major bathroom remodel, about $12,335, fetches an 86.5percent return in mountain states, including Arizona, according to Remodeling magazine’s 2006 “Cost vs. Value” report.

These bathrooms may inspire you to start over on your own, or give you fun decorating ideas and accents to add to your own home.

by: Carole Pagan

One of everyone’s least favorite chores is cleaning the bath- room. You put it off … and put it off… until it takes nothing short of an atomic bomb to get it clean. It doesn’t have to be that way.

4 steps, about 2-3 minutes a day- and you will never have to deal with soap scum build up or scrubbing the bathroom ever again.

The tools you will need-

* a shower squeegee * paper towels * glass cleaner * Scrub Free

These should be kept in the bathroom. Splurge on the extra bottle of glass cleaner and an extra roll of paper towels to keep in the bathroom.

Here are the 4 steps-

1. When you get out of the shower, after you have dried off and put on your lotion and such… do a once over on the shower walls with the squeegee.

2. Take 2 pieces of paper towel and clean in this order- mirror, counters, quick wipe over towel bars, chrome in shower, and toilet lip. Throw paper towel away.

3. Do one of these chores each day or two-

*Spray tub with scrub free and do a quick wipe down with wet rag or sponge, or *Clean the toilet, or *Do a quick wipe up of the floor, or *Do a quick cleaning on your shower doors, if you have them, or if you have shower curtains- spray any spots with Clorox Cleanup.

Each of these only take seconds if you don’t let it get bad in the first place.

4. Watch for any mold, or discoloring of the grout. Spray with Clorox Cleanup and just let it work.

That’s it. Your bathroom will always look terrific, and it’ll be a lot healthier too.

Don’t let build up happen in the first place. Keeping it clean in the first place is so much easier than trying to clean it later.

About the author: Carole is the Author of Secret Confessions of a Clean Freak. If you Love a really clean home, but Hate cleaning it, you’ll want Carole’s time saving secrets. Get your own copy here - http://CleanFreak.CommonSenseLiving.com

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