If you’re stretched for space, don’t overlook an unfinished basement. Basement remodeling is a good way to maximize your interior space and create a home office, kids’ playroom, wine cellar or….anything you want.
As you peruse the space, think about what your biggest needs are? Do the teenagers need a place to hang out and watch movies? Do you want a quiet craft room? Whatever it is can be accomplished with the right plan and right contractor.
The first major thing you need is head room. If you are lucky enough to have a tall basement or can move some pipes around to get a 7-foot clearance, then almost any other issue can be solved. This might mean the basement remodeling is just done in one part of the basement. (Check your municipality for code requirement in this area). read more »
Is your pink bathtub too much to stomach? Are the chips and scratches driving you crazy? Before taking the bold step of replacing your bathtub, take a cold, hard look at its flaws. You may be able to give bathtub refinishing or a bathtub liner a try instead.
Bathtub Refinishing Options
Bathtub refinishing has become a hot project in recent years, as people realize that replacing a bathtub is no easy project. (It often forces you to redo the walls and floors – or even the whole room). For $300 to $400, bathtub refinishing can give your tub a new look.
The process takes about four hours and is similar to painting the tub, but with chemicals. read more »
If you’re dreading preparing the Thanksgiving meal in your old kitchen, consider some quick fix kitchen remodeling projects to give the space new life. While a full kitchen remodeling could take three or four months, there are several ways to update a kitchen in a few weeks.
Cabinet refacing is one of the most dramatic changes you can make without spending $10,000 to $30,000 or more on a new kitchen. Cabinet refacing involves replacing the cabinet doors and drawers to essentially give the overall space new life. If you’re tired of your flat panel oak doors, for example, switch to a raised panel cherry door with an arch. The transformation will be bold!
Cabinet Refacing Guidelines
Cabinet refacing works best if your existing cabinet boxes are solid and in good shape. If this is not the case, focus on other projects and change out the cabinets later.
Cabinet hardware is another quick project that can pay big dividends. By replacing those simple brass buttons with sleek brushed pewter handles, you can give the whole cabinetry layout a boost. read more »
Is your bathroom looking a little worn and tired? Is the tile cracking? The vanity door falling off the hinges? If so, you may be debating whether to try some quick fixes or go for the gusto and gut the room. Here’s how to decide whether a full bathroom remodeling is in order.
Look around the room with a critical eye. You may think you do this everyday, but … really … focus on each component. How old is the vanity? Is the sink in good shape? What about the floor? Is the tub chipped?
Go around the room and consider whether replacing a few pieces would give you the look you want. Also think about how long you plan to stay in the house – longer plans typically can justify a bigger bathroom remodeling!
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Replacement windows. They are a tricky home improvement project. That’s because there are so many of them in your house. If you count, you might come up with 20, 30 …even 50 windows. The thoughts of buying 20 replacement windows seems daunting, but you have to look long-term.
The reality is that windows play an important part in the style of your house – and also the comfort you feel while inside. Ask anyone with leaking windows and you’ll hear it – “I want new windows!” Definitely an important home improvement project for them!
Replacement Window Performance
If you’re debating whether to buy replacement windows, look at their performance. What kind of shape are they in? Are they solid wood with nice trim? In that case, it might be worth adding a few shims to block air leakage. Then, restain or paint them and calling it a day.
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In most parts of the country, temperatures are dropping and the leaves are falling. If you’re like me, this leads to the inevitable discussion of energy efficiency. Are we ready for winter? Have we sealed all the drafts and checked all the windows?
This is particularly important in an older home, where the windows may not seal well and settling may have created gaps. This advice works for any age home, however, as even newer homes may have openings where air can infiltrate.
If you’re concerned about energy efficiency – and the resulting affect on your heating bills – it pays to take action before the real cold comes in. Spend an afternoon walking around the inside and outside of your house and examining all the windows and doors. Do you need new caulk? Is the trim in disrepair?
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