Chip Wade Answered My Home Improvement Questions

Recently I was asked if I'd like to submit any questions on home improvement to Chip Wade. Of course I would.  I love watching him on HGTV.

As I've posted before, we recently had our walnut floors refinished.  With Christmas parties coming up, I wanted to know if there was anything I could do to keep the floors looking great while relaxing about having a number of people on them.  Chip gave some very good advice on this.

A couple of the other questions I asked were for a friend with a very old house.  She's recently replaced windows and wanted to make sure the new stucco looked good and didn't leak around the new windows.  He gave very precise instructions on how to make them look great.

My last question was regarding a new toilet.  Chip suggested the Delta Corrente toilet that is made for easy installation, easy cleaning and with little chance of leaking.  It sounds like it's a great alternative to some of the others out there.  And, the best part is that it's under $200 and available at our favorite store, The Home Depot!  :)

Here's the video of Chip answering my questions.  I'm thrilled that he took the time to answer mine!

I was compensated for participating in this.  My opinions of Chip Wade and The Home Depot are my own.

Thanks so much for visiting!

 

Pam

before & After: A Client's Home Featured In Small Rooms Decorating Magazine

A while back, I shared some before & midstage photos of a client's DC rowhouse.  When I was just about to have our third son (this past Spring) I did a photoshoot with my good friend & photographer Helen Norman & her assistant, F.J. Hughes.  I was so happy with how my clients' home turned out & the house ended up getting shot again for Small Room Decorating Magazine right after.  My clients actually fell for a new home in another area of DC & moved a couple of weeks after the shoot and so we're now onto the next project!  It was pretty much a whirlwind for my clients & I'm so appreciative of them for letting us invade their home for photoshoots multiple times. 

Here are a couple of 'before' pics of the home:

{My clients' dining room: They already had a GORGEOUS chandelier by Oly and really beautifully done window treatments.  The dining room functions as both a dining room and a sitting room and the dropleaf dining table itself moves under the window and becomes a console when the room transitions into a sitting room.  My clients purchased the settee so it could function for both spaces.}

Here's what their living room looked like before:

{As you can see, they already had some amazing pieces to work with & I love their style.  My goal was to warm up the space & to get it just right for them.}

One of the first things we did was repaint the main areas of the home in ivory & to repaint the doors black for some contrast & interest & to bounce the black accents throughout the room:

We used many of their own pieces & added new pieces to create a sort of modern mix of old & new.  To see all of my plans for the spaces, click here. 

Here's the before:

And here's the 'after':

We rearranged the furniture & floated the daybed so that it coule be accessed from both sides.  We added a pair of clean-lined linen wing chairs for a cozy spot to hang. 

We added a mix of textured, patterned and hand block-printed fabrics for some energy & interest:

{Dark brown & white pillow fabric & ottoman fabric by Raoul Textiles, and center paisley pillow is one of mine, "live paisley."}

We flanked the existing sofa with two large iron & cement tables to hold loads of books & magazines. 

Below, the lamp is a custom creation by my friend, lighting designer, Rick Singleton.  The photographs are taken from the oversized German Magazine, The Manipulator, and I found them at Avery Studios.  The frames were beautifully hand painted by another friend, artist, John Matthew Moore.  I wanted them hung so that they intersected slightly with the wing chairs for a more layered, relaxed look.  I love how the little kitty is peeking out from between the two chairs.  We went with a clear glass cocktail table because even though the room looks open & expansive, it's really fairly small & we wanted to keep it feeling open & airy.

A little workspace is carved out of the living room:

Here's the view from their loft bedroom above, which I really love. The wood floors transition to the deck floors just outside:

Here's the dining room below:

Here's the dining room "after"--

The vintage BRNO chairs we found were covered in hairy cream cowhide.  The painting is from one of my favorite Natural Curiosities collections by Paule Marrot, the French painter, engraver & textile designer who did most of her work between the 1920s and 1950s.  As a decorator, there's nothing more exciting than when you find clients who are willing to go outside the box and who are open to atypical things.   

Here's another view of the dining room:

The leaves on the table were honeysuckle branches from my yard and I really love how they looked & smelled.  I don't have any at our new house & think I need to get some.

To see the rest of the photos of other areas of the home (including a little sprucing up we did in the master bedroom) and the dining room set up as both a sitting room and a dining room, check out the current issue of Small Room Decorating Magazine.  The article was produced by Charlotte Safavi & shot by Helen Norman.  I haven't been able to pick up my copy yet & it doesn't seem like the magazine is sold everywhere but I have seen it at my grocery store & in bookstores.  Thanks so much to everyone who put the article together & especially to my clients for being so open to the design process & for letting it all happen!!

Hope you enjoyed!!


If you'd like help creating a home you absolutely love, contact me about our design services. ps- All of the pretty photos in this post were taken by Helen too ;)

Our kitchen

Our kitchen is coming together- and true to the impatient child that lives inside of me- I've moved in. 

 I found a bunch of my vintage oil paintings & hung them above the sink as I've been planning to do for months and it makes me soooooo happy.  Yes, I know, there's still painting & electrical to be done & cabinets to attach, but my artwork is up.  I try to ignore the blue painter's tape, open electrical outlets & such and just focus on the finished parts of the kitchen.  (It works surprisingly well when you are cooking for the first time in 3 months!!! yay!!)

Our island- which will be covered in reclaimed wood from the Lorimer Workshop in Rhode Island- and topped in honed marble- will be finished in a few weeks.  For now, I got a piece of navy gingham oicloth to put over our plywood.  (I think I'm going to keep it for really messy days- ie kids' art & craft projects & pizza parties ;)

{Our contractors worked really hard to make our kitchen functional for us on Thanksgiving & stayed late -when I know they wanted to be at home with their families- getting the appliances hooked up the night before.  We did a turkey (rotisserie style ;) in the oven & are just so thankful for everything.  I know there are many out there who are dealing with storm damage & who are trying to piece back together their homes, which is really tough & our thoughts have been with them.}

Here's a photo of the main wall in the kitchen, where the range is (and hood will be)...

{I love my range.  I didn't think it was possible to love an appliance but I sort of do.  It looks good and cooks food faster than any oven/stove we've ever had before.  We've always inherited our appliances with our houses and so this house is the first time we've done research & purchased what we really want.  There is SUCH a difference, I had NO IDEA. Crazy.}

Here's a picture of a beef (before we cooked it) on Saturday for some friends...

Now, more about this range.  (The Smeg Opera--- discontinued but I was able to find one.  There is a newer model available, but as far as I've been able to tell, it doesn't come with the rotisserie function.  BUT...  there are stands you can buy to put in any convection oven to make rotisserie-style food.)  It's Italian as was pointed out to me.  (I thought it was Australian because in my serach for rotisserie Smegs, I could only find them on the Smeg Australia site so I got completely confused.)  BUT-  THIS THING IS AMAZING.  Again, I've never purchased my own appliances before and I've never cooked on any high-end appliances before so what I'm comparing it to is generally the lowest available range from Home Depot, but hot damn!!  It's crazy!!! 

We overcooked the scrambled eggs on the first morning because we didn't know eggs could even cook that quickly.  We turned around & they were done.  (We had gas burners at our last house too but this one has much higher BTUs I guess...  I got it because it was pretty. ;)  (And came with good reviews.)

I searched for hours for this thing and looked at lots of different brands- all online- before coming to my decision.  I wanted an affordable professional style range (which for us, ruled out many of the higher-end brands like Wolf or LaCanche- MY DREAM ;) that looked good & had good reviews.  Having a rotisserie function was something on my dream wish list and I pretty much flipped out when I found one that had it all.  (To check out some more ranges I found that looked good, go here.)

I am really liking some of my other appliances too, so when I get the chance, I'll post on them too. 

And finally, just wanted to share a quick pic I snapped (when I was in my Norman Bates rocker holding the baby this morning) out our loft window...  Watching the sunrise with the boys has become one of my favorite things...  It's so peaceful and recharges me somehow:

I hope your Thanksgiving was special & that you find some quiet time in the holiday whirlwind we're now entering into!!

If you'd like help creating a home you absolutely love, contact me about our design services.

Home Remodeling For The Office

When it comes time for home remodeling of your office space, you may think that this is an easy job to do. After all, you just need some paint and new furniture for the space. However, there is a lot more that can go into this type of project to make it a success. Every individual needs to take into consideration what his or her needs are, but hiring a professional to give you ideas, times and guidance may be well worth the investment. Often times, you will learn how to tailor this space to fit all of your needs for years to come.

Configuring the Space

One of the first steps in this type of home remodeling task hs to determine what this area needs to provide. Is it where you work for your job? Do you spend time here reading? What does it needs to serve as for your specific needs? By answering these questions, you can begin to see what your options are in creating a successful space for you and for anyone else using it. The remodeler will ask you questions about this, including what types of tools and resources will be housed here later.

Designing Furniture

One of the best things about upgrading this space is picking new furniture. Everything from built-in bookshelves to stellar hardwood desks can make this space very professional and elegant. You may want to discuss the style of the space to ensure that you choose the right types of furniture to create the theme or decor that is right for your needs. You also want to focus on selecting the layout of the space based on the size of the features you plan to add.

Considering the Details

One of the main reasons to work with a professional is because he or she is going to help with those fine details. For example, if you will be placing a computer on the desk, where will the outlet need to be? How many outlets do you need? Where should lighting focus? What about privacy shades on the windows? You may want to work with this professional on flooring choices as well as wall coloring and decor. There is plenty to think about, but with the help of a professional, you do not have to worry about any detail.

Home remodeling can be a great way to add value into the business, but only if you invest enough time and effort into it. If you want nothing more than to paint the walls, you may not need a professional (though that is still a good idea too). However, for more advanced projects and a more tailored finish look, turn to a professional instead. 

Home Improvement Products For The Kitchen And Bathroom

The kitchen and bathroom are considered the most valuable rooms in a home. Home improvement products that can create a better and more modern look for these rooms are good investments. They increase the value of a home, and they are items that will be used every day by everyone in the household. The products are available in every price range.

Kitchen and Bathroom Fixtures

In the kitchen and bathrooms, the fixtures are one of the most important home improvement products that can be purchased and installed. When a bathroom has a sink, faucet or shower that is outdated or in poor condition, the home’s value is severely affected. Installing the latest fixtures can be done by the homeowner, and they can often be purchased for a reasonable price.

In the kitchen, the sink, dishwasher and countertops are vital to the modernity of the room. Home improvement products that can update these features can add thousands to the value of the home. Home improvement websites can provide everything from the tools needed to install fixtures to the latest appliances.

Flooring for the Home

The flooring that you have in your kitchen and bathrooms speaks volumes about how up-to-date the home is. Updated homes often use tile or wood flooring in the wet rooms. Home improvement products available online can make it easier to lay tile or to install wood flooring. Some of the popular flooring styles are made to be easy to install for homeowners. With grooves built into each piece, they can simply be slid into place by anyone, regardless of their home improvement experience. Many brands of wood flooring come with a tongue-and-groove system that make it fast and easy to lay flooring.

Adding Personal Touches

In addition to the fixtures, appliances and practical items that every kitchen and bathroom needs, many people want those rooms to be personalized. Home improvement products like towel racks, wall shelves and even art work can be bought online and used to create exactly the room that moves you.

Paint, spackle and trim for the walls are all home improvement products that can transform the look of a room. A new paint job that keeps the room sporting the latest trendy color is an inexpensive way to update a room. Trim added to the baseboards or to the ceiling makes a room look completed. Often, these are the only items needed to take a plain, unmemorable bathroom and change it into a modern room that reflects the personality of those who live there. The rooms that you use every day should be attractive, useful and modern to make every day a little more enjoyable.

Your Home Improvement Loan

When you need cash, you borrow some from a bank or any other lending institution. These days it’s a little bit more complicated than before. There are personal loans, secured loans, credit loan, car purchase plans, and home improvement loans, flexible loans, all of which are available from a wide range of lenders and at dramatically different interest rates.

Home improvement loans will provide you with a dependable groundwork to build on the home you have been dreaming of home improvement loans play a very important function when your financial position is tight and you want Home improvement to be done.

Home improvement loans are functional for any kind of improvement or home extension. Home improvement loan can be availed for double glazing, new conservatory, heating system, new kitchen, rewiring and plumbing or any home remodeling that you can think of. The cost of home improvements is generally paid by savings or revolving credits like credit or store cards. Credit cards imply no borrowing. In many ways it is idyllic for there are no repayments to be made. But credit cards can be an expensive option especially if the borrowing extends beyond the credit limit.

So in every circumstance a personal loan for home improvement is a more disciplined and cheaper option. Few important tips before you apply for home improvement loan:-

Spring is the perfect time to start home improvement projects and interest rates make home equity loans attractive, but don’t commit to anything until you’ve done a proper investigation first.

Home improvement loan can add value to your house; however, some improvements pay off more than others. A few facts have to be kept in mind before you decide how much to spend and what part of your house be spend on.

Renovation of your kitchen can add up to 150 % of the cost of the project to your home’s resale value. If you add second bathroom your resale value will increase by 90 percent of the project cost, and an addition of room, such as a family room or an extra bedroom, provides a 60 to 80 percent return. Few other improvements, such as new windows and doors or replacing the cooling or heating system, may be practical but they don't necessarily translate into resale profits.

So in every circumstance a personal loan for home improvement is a more disciplined and cheaper option.

A few important tips to keep in mind before you apply for home improvement loan:

Spring is the perfect time to start home improvement projects and interest rates make home improvement loans attractive, but don’t commit to anything until you’ve done a proper investigation first.

Other home improvement loan options:

Home equity lines of credit — a variable rate line of credit with the ability to lock in up to three fixed rates.

Home equity loans — a fixed rate loan using the equity in your home for those large home improvement projects.

Personal line of credit — this revolving line of credit provides quick access to funds and is an intelligent alternative to using a credit card.

Some lenders provide the facility of transferring an existing home improvement loan to a new loan with better interest rate and flexible repayment options. This is also known as refinance of home improvement loan. Some lenders also have insurance cover for their loan through payment protection plan, thereby securing the loan for the borrower and making him stress free from the financial burden. So remember to compare, choose and save! For your best suiting option, before closing down the home improvement loan deal, visit us online. 

Hiring The Right Home Improvement Louisiana Contractors

At some point, homeowners will require major renovation or improvement to the house. And for any home improvement or renovation projects, it is important that the right contractor is chosen to carry on the renovation works. This is to ensure that everything in the renovation plan is followed and carried out. Whether it’s a bathroom renovation or changing roof or construction of additional space or structures, an experienced contractor should be able to manage the renovation works professionally and without delay and unnecessary wastage.

Hiring the right renovation contractor from the many Louisiana contractors can be a difficult task especially if it is the first time you are undertaking such a task. But some people can help you. Ask for referrals from people you know. One of them must have done some home renovations in the past and know some contractors as well. You can check local directories or phone books. Online directories can also give you a list of contractors specializing in home improvements. You can check some names and make online research about their background and experience. 

You should look for Louisiana contractors that specialize on the type of renovation work you need for your home. If you are renovating the entire house and not just replacing wood floors or electrical wirings, you will have to find a general contractor. They will be in-charge of providing you with all the services you need for the renovation of your home. They will provide you with the electrical contractor, carpentry contractor, plumbing, etc., and make sure that all the components of home renovation are complied with according the working plans. Essentially, the general contractor will be your supervisor-on-site as they will be managing the daily activities on the construction site.

In order to be assured of the credibility and integrity of the contractor you wish to hire, it is important that you check their licenses, permits and insurance for validity. The contractors should be able to provide you with copies of the licenses, permits and insurance certificates. When all the documents are properly checked, request a written and detailed estimate of cost for the project. Their estimate should include details on specific materials to be used and construction methods used (if applicable) and estimated completion per phase or stage. The estimate or quote should also contain payment terms. There should be no lump-sum payment. Negotiate for payments to be made after completion of each construction stage. And allow for a retention fee that you will keep until a specified time. This retention fee should cover for incidental expenses or repairs that might crop up after the project is completed.
The last part of the process is signing the contract. But before any document is signed, have a lawyer browse through the terms of the contract to make sure there are protection clauses for both parties and not just for one. The contract or agreement should also clearly spell out the specific responsibilities of the contractor with respect to the implementation of the renovation plan. 

Simple Red and White Christmas Table

I love seeing pretty Christmas tables.  I love gingham and plaid fabrics, especially in red.

 

Yesterday I was on a mission to find some dishes to go with some square white plates that I already had.  I was so excited to find these snowman plates from Pier 1.  They were exactly what I'd had in mind and were on sale to boot!

 

I used my Mom's silver, which I am so happy to have. 

 

 

I was thrilled to find the gingham napkins, pretty bell napkin rings and plaid placemats at Pier 1 as well.

 

 

Even though we always sit in the same places at our table, I think the placecard holders are cute.

 

 

 

 

I used  a Santa that was my Mom's for the centerpiece and poinsettias in galvanized pots.

 

I'm trying to simplify my decorating this year.  I like how this  looks festive and was easy to do. 

 

Thanks so much for your visit!

 

Pam


I am linking to the following parties:

Debbiedoo's Newbie with a Twist Party

>

Home Improvement Products

Home Improvement Products cover a wide variety of needs and uses. The basic idea behind shopping for these items is to create a better home that is personalized, comfortable and attractive. Home improvement items can be DIY items that allow homeowners to upgrade their homes or simple items that just make a home look better.

Home Convenience

Many home improvement products are created to make daily life more convenient. Storage items such as storage ottomans, closet organizers, shoe racks and shelving are made to give members of the household a better way of storing items. With things put away in their own space, it is possible to find things quickly and to keep the home less cluttered.

Convenience items include under-counter shelving that makes it easier to store cleaning products. It also includes over-door organizers, Lazy Susans for the cabinets and extra shelving that can create more storage space in closets and pantries. With the right convenience products, the entire family can help keep the home organized with less effort.

Home Décor Items

Home décor is more than just a necessity for keeping a home’s value steady. It is one of the fun parts of having a home and, for many, buying these items is an engaging hobby. Décor items include window coverings, lighting fixtures, art for the walls, rugs and other items that make each room more enjoyable.

Shopping for décor products often begins by looking for items that are missing from each room. Are there areas that are bland and unused? Are there spaces that could be better utilized if they were prettier and more comfortable? For some rooms, an accent furniture piece may transform it into a space that is usable for more than one activity. A craft organizer in the dining room can create a space to do crafts as well as to eat. A bench in the bedroom can give you a conversation area without taking away from the sleeping space.

Outdoor Living Products

For many people, their outdoors spaces aren’t as well taken care of as their indoor spaces. To improve your outdoor living areas, look for home improvement products that will enhance both the home and your style of living. A hot tub is a large investment, but it will be both fun to use and will add some value to your home. Other popular outdoor improvements include outdoor lighting, patio furniture, awnings and flowerpots.

Outdoor landscaping significantly improves a home’s value, and that can be accomplished with a few simple gardening tools and seeds. Items such as flowerbed edging and garden statues can be purchased online for the final touches to your landscaping.

Home Remodeling And Home Renovation

There comes a time when your house needs some good refreshing renovation. Regardless of the fact that homes need regular maintenance, home remodeling can have a great impact on your spirit and can change your mood tremendously. So whether it’s because the old kitchen, bath or living room is in bad shape and out of fashion, or just because you feel like it, what you need next is to find a good home contractor whom you can trust and with whom you can work on your home renovation project.

Choosing the right home contractor for complete home renovation is a serious decision. The things one should check for when looking for a reliable home improvement contractor are primarily: good references and recommendations, good standing with the CSLB, and of course the license and insurance. 

With creativity in design you can make your home look rich, comfortable and fun to live in, even with a limited budget. The choices of good materials for any home remodeling project are extensive, and a good home contractor can show you how you can achieve the home of your dreams even within your budget and without compromising the quality of the home improvement job, be it a kitchen remodeling, bathroom remodeling or a totally new home addition.

As a general contractor I meet many home owners for home remodeling estimate. Usually they are referred to me by clients with whom I worked already and recommended me for the job. In my experience, weather it’s a kitchen remodeling, room addition, garage conversion or you name it, home renovation can be a very simple experience once you make up your mind on the style, materials, colors , appliances and your budget . A good home contractor should work with you patiently on every detail and provide a good advice every step of the way. It is a big investment and a long term one which can also benefit you in terms of the resale price for the house if you plan on selling in the future, so follow the golden principles mentioned above and every thing should work in your favor. 

Our Stair Rail is in!!

Our iron stair rail went in and I wanted to share some pics with you.  I spent a lot of time pouring over images of railings and figuring out just exactly what I wanted.  We worked with Tom Owens of Herndon Ironworks and his railing is truly beautiful.  It's really special to be able to work with true craftspeople on our home and to be able to do things that are a bit outside of the "box."

 {Tom Owens- bottom left- & his team of craftsmen. They are all so good at what they do!!}

For our railing, I wanted something that felt both modern & old at the same time.  It's simple & clean and spare and has a beautiful patina. 

When I visited Herndon IronWorks (literally a mile away from our old house) Tom & I looked around the shop so we could determine the finish I was after. 

We soon found out that I was drawn to the metals that had aged naturally over time vs. any faux aged finishes.  Everything I liked was outside & had weathered to a rusty black. 

To get the finish I wanted, Tom set the new iron for our railing outside & let it weather for a few weeks. 

{We used 1/2 inch square pickets for our rails, seen at the top left of the above photo}


The end of the top rail is a lamb's tongue that gently swirls into a sort of vine around the post:

 

It's the slightest bit of curve & "pretty" & quirk in an otherwise very spare & clean design.  I love little elements like this & it's sort of a microcosm for how I like rooms to feel. 

You might remember that our stairs were originall very steep, and so to make them a bit more manageable for our boys (and us! ;)  CarrMichael Constrution put new stairs in.  I wanted to be able to see the sides of the stairs & to have the drywall go right into the steps themselves without a stringer, so Mike Carr (owner of CarrMichael) made it happen.  Here's what the stairs looked like before:

{Justin, my very sweet little man}

...And here they are now:

{two other sweet ones- Dave & Ashby} 

 The temporary door at the top of the stairs & the wooden horizontal old railings will both be removed & we've got lots of cleaning up to so (walls, woodwork, etc.) but we're on our way!!  I love how the pickets attach directly into the drywall.  The curve into the drywall and are out farther than the stair treads, so they actually make the stairs even wider than before because there's so much more usable space on them. 

I'm so happy with how everything turned out & I really can't thank everyone who was involved enough.  It takes so many hours & brains to really come up with something good & it's definitely worth it!!  To read more about my stair inspiration, click here.




If you'd like help creating a home you absolutely love, contact me about our design services.

The Benefits Of Home Improvement Projects

There are many reasons to consider a Home Improvement project instead of selling your house and buying another. A home improvement project can be a fantastic way to save money or just to personalize your home to suit you better. In today's economy, the ability to accomplish improvements, both small and large to your home, can be a great asset. If you are a handy person, this will be even easier for you. However, a novice can complete most projects.

What Kind of Projects Should You Attempt?

If the reason for your home improvement project is to increase the value of your home, the best places to start are in the kitchen and bathroom. These are two places that both prospective homebuyers and current homeowners tend to concentrate on. Luckily, for you, both of these rooms are relatively simple and while they can be expensive, they do necessarily need to be. Something as simple as resurfacing a countertop or changing a faucet in the kitchen or putting in a new sink or mirror in the bathroom can make an amazing change in almost no time at all.

Learning to Do Home Improvements

If you are a novice handyman, it’s easy enough to gain the skills needed to do the already mentioned improvements. A library is a great place to start your learning, there are some fantastic home improvement books with simple step-by-step directions and pictures to guide you every step of the way. Another way to learn what you need to know is to consult video sites online. There are experts and novices alike that can show and tell you all that is needed for just about any project that you want to complete. It is important to note, however, that it is a wise idea to watch several videos by several different people to get a good feel for whose example to follow.

Where to Buy Supplies

Now that you have decided on the perfect home improvement project and have researched just how to get it accomplished, it’s time to buy all of the needed supplies. This may present another issue. Where to buy the supplies? If you live in a town large enough, you can go to a large home improvement store for one stop shopping. However, in a small town, you may have to resort to a department store. They will generally have what you need, even if they don’t have as good of a selection. Sometimes it’s possible to find a discount store that specializes in scratch and dent product at a savings, allowing you to do more with your money.

Start Your Home Improvement Project

Home improvement can be defined as modifying the existing structure of one’s home by making additions and making changes. Mostly a professional technician is recruited however, sometimes; the home improvements is done on a non-professional and an amateur basis by the homeowner.

As mentioned above, there are two ways of going about the process of home improvement. The first id the professional and the second is the do it your self (DIY) method. In the professional method you could hire a general contractor to be in charge of the whole home improvement project. On the other hand you could do away with the contractor and ‘do it yourself (DIY). You will need to hire the plumbers, electricians, roofers etc yourself. 

There are endless types of works in that you could do. To begin with the walls could be wall papered, or painted. Wood paneling can also be installed on it. New flooring, such as linoleum, hardwood flooring, and tiling can be installed. The kitchen and bathroom sink, cabinets, and pipes can be replaced with new ones. The electrical and plumbing systems could be upgraded. As also the heating and the air conditioning systems.

Similarly other home improvements projects that t could be undertaken are the tearing and replacement of the roof, repairing the foundation and the chimney if required, waterproofing the basements etc. these are only a few of the home improvements projects mentioned here. 

Home Improvement Products For The Kitchen And Bathroom

The kitchen and bathroom are considered the most valuable rooms in a home. Home improvement products that can create a better and more modern look for these rooms are good investments. They increase the value of a home, and they are items that will be used every day by everyone in the household. The products are available in every price range.

Kitchen and Bathroom Fixtures

In the kitchen and bathrooms, the fixtures are one of the most important home improvement products that can be purchased and installed. When a bathroom has a sink, faucet or shower that is outdated or in poor condition, the home’s value is severely affected. Installing the latest fixtures can be done by the homeowner, and they can often be purchased for a reasonable price.

In the kitchen, the sink, dishwasher and countertops are vital to the modernity of the room. Home improvement products that can update these features can add thousands to the value of the home. Home improvement websites can provide everything from the tools needed to install fixtures to the latest appliances.

Flooring for the Home

The flooring that you have in your kitchen and bathrooms speaks volumes about how up-to-date the home is. Updated homes often use tile or wood flooring in the wet rooms. Home improvement products available online can make it easier to lay tile or to install wood flooring. Some of the popular flooring styles are made to be easy to install for homeowners. With grooves built into each piece, they can simply be slid into place by anyone, regardless of their home improvement experience. Many brands of wood flooring come with a tongue-and-groove system that make it fast and easy to lay flooring.

Adding Personal Touches

In addition to the fixtures, appliances and practical items that every kitchen and bathroom needs, many people want those rooms to be personalized. Home improvement products like towel racks, wall shelves and even art work can be bought online and used to create exactly the room that moves you.

Paint, spackle and trim for the walls are all home improvement products that can transform the look of a room. A new paint job that keeps the room sporting the latest trendy color is an inexpensive way to update a room. Trim added to the baseboards or to the ceiling makes a room look completed. Often, these are the only items needed to take a plain, unmemorable bathroom and change it into a modern room that reflects the personality of those who live there. The rooms that you use every day should be attractive, useful and modern to make every day a little more enjoyable. 

Unexpected Home Improvement Projects

While the majority of home improvement projects are projects that homeowners are excited about there are those that homeowners dread or have forced upon them by way of damage to their home. Examples of involuntary home improvement projects include homes damaged by water and those damaged by fire. Both unfortunate incidences must be dealt with quickly and efficiently by a homeowner if they are to save their belongings, their home, and restore it to livable condition.

Individuals with homes damaged by water, more specifically floods, have an arduous and daunting task in front of them. Not only must they deal with the reality of damage and even potential loss of their home in some circumstances but they must also find and hire a reputable contractor that can help them return their home to its former condition and even restore damaged furniture and other items. Flooding in a home can occur as a result of an issue with the roof, troubled plumbing, and of course natural disasters. Should anyone ever find themselves in the midst of an emergency flood cleanup there are a few guidelines that, if followed, can help get their home up and running once again.

Anytime a home has been damaged by water safety assessing damage should be top priority for a homeowner. Before any phone calls are made or anything is thrown out or replaced a thorough evaluation of the damage should be taken by homeowners. Once a homeowner has a good idea of what has been damaged and to what extent it's, they can begin searching for a reliable specialist that can help them with their home. In some cases it might even be a good idea for homeowners to call in a professional assessor to evaluate the extent of damage done to their home. While homeowners can utilize their eyes and their hands to assess damage, a professional has tools and experience at their disposal which will help them evaluate the damage done to the internal structures and even electrical structures within a home.

Once the damage incurred within a home is been assessed homeowners should take great care to document everything. Documenting items that have been damaged and even those left undamaged can be of great benefit to homeowners when they go to file a claim with their insurance company. Not only should damage be documented on paper with written word but pictures and even video should be taken of the damage in order to provide professionals and even insurance personnel with physical evidence of the damage incurred. The more documentation a homeowner has for their flood/water damage incident the better off they will be moving forward and getting everything repaired.

With the essentials out-of-the-way homeowners should prepare themselves for some hard work. Homes will need to be dried and cleaned up as quickly as possible in order to avert further damage. Additionally houses with water damage that aren't cleaned and dried immediately run the risk of allowing mold and fungus to take root and grow rapidly. In most cases homeowners are best served by calling in a professional to help them clean and dry their home. Professionals can bring in commercial grade dehumidifiers and large fans that expedite the drying process. Additionally professionals will have other types of equipment and knowledge that homeowners don't which will help make drying out a home all the more quick.

Once a home has been dried out, with or without a professional, homeowners will need to begin the substantial undertaking of repairs. The nature and scale of repairs will depend greatly on the amount of and the type of damage incurred by water in their home. Some homes will need only minor cleaning while others will need new construction. Additionally homeowners with water damage may need to seek out temporary alternative housing while professionals repair their home and in worst case scenarios, rebuild it.

Any homeowner who has had water damage in their homes should at least speak with a contractor before moving forward with anything. This can provide them with invaluable insight into how to proceed and give them a number of different options on how to do so. Such professionals might also refer homeowners to other professionals who can help restore their homes and living order as well. 

Home Improvement Ideas: Fireplaces

Which is the best place in the world? To trace the answer, you need not to go out of your home as no other place can be compared with your own home. Surely, your home is always sweet for you and is always the best. Now don’t you want to make it look nice? Don’t you want to be envy of your nearest neighbor? If yes, online home improvement loan is here to help you. Featured with several beneficial aspects, this loan is a true choice to gain financial assistance for your home improvement.

Online home improvement loan can be accessed both in the form of secured and unsecured loan. To get online home improvement loan in the form of secured loan, you need to place any kind of security against the loaned amount. You can place your own home, jewellery, valuable papers as security. Now if you are a home owner and are not in the mood of risking your property, go for unsecured home improvement loan. Here the lender alone bears the risk and you remain free from the risk of repossession of property. 

With the new glass enclosures you can safely seal the fireplace opening and preventing the heat from disappearing. Using this method the damper will also remain open until de coal has dried and you won’t have to worry about smoke getting back in the room. Another factor that has great influence on the fireplaces and their efficiency is the outside temperatures, especially when we are speaking about masonry fireplaces. This is why experts recommend us to use these types of fireplaces only in the spring and in autumn. When the temperatures are low then the fire will draw in more cold air, replacing the warm air inside.

The prefabricated, heat circulating fireplace actually has a separate air space behind the firebox. The cool air enters in this box and then re-enters the room as warm air. This type of fireplace will heat the rooms properly and you will feel comfortable even when the temperatures are low.

When it comes to design, the open fireplaces are preferred by most consumers. Despite their wonderful design though, they are not very efficient when it comes to heating your home. Something that you might want to opt for instead are the gas and electric fireplaces. These types of fireplaces will offer you both the heat you need and the great design in order to transform your home. Such fireplaces are also great when it comes to mounting as they require little effort from your side. Asking professionals to help you with this is probably the best way to solve the problem. So, when you want to invest in a good fireplace you should think about the pros and cons of such an investment.

Home Improvement Loans, What Are They For And How Can They Help You

Home improvement loans as their names say, are home loans meant to finance home modifications. Doing a modification in our home can either be necessary or just because we want our homes to look better. Within modifications or improvements, we can count general repairs, adding a new room, a bathroom, or redecorating the kitchen, just to mention some examples.

In general, home improvements are done with the idea of maintaining or increasing a property's value. This is why landscape improvements or even constructing a swimming pool may be considered eligible for a home improvement loan, depending on the lender.

What Kinds Of Home Improvement Loans Exist?

There are many different options in home improvement loans, you should evaluate first what is that you want to do and compare then the options you got from your lender.

The most common options are: First mortgage loans, home mortgage refinancing, second loans and unsecured loans.

First mortgage loans are an option if you have purchased your home with a home mortgage loan. These loans are offered by your current lender, over you existent mortgage. In general, these kinds of loan are granted for the remaining period of your actual mortgage. The money can be given directly to the contractor or you can receive the total amount against presenting to your lender the proper proofs of monthly payment extended by your contractor.

Home mortgage refinancing are as first mortgage loans, a good option if you have purchased your home over a mortgage loan. By refinancing your actual mortgage loan, you will not borrowing extra money, but through lowering your home mortgage monthly payments, these kinds of loan may help you to release money to arrange monthly payments with your contractor.

Second loans are offered if you have a good equity in your property that justifies the loan. Before accepting any loan, try to search and compare as many different options as you can.

Unsecured loans are nothing but personal loans. If you do not look carefully for your lender, these kinds of loan may be a little more expensive than secured loans but it is worth to mention them. The best point they have, is that you will not need to have equity in your property or any other collateral.

Things To Have In Mind Before Considering A Home Improvement Loan

Before starting to search for a loan, you should have decided what sort of improvement you want for your home. Is it necessary or you just want it? Both options are valid but for those improvements that are not necessary but wanted, you may have more time to plan and evaluate the construction's details. Needed improvements may be urgent sometimes, so you should be extra careful on your decisions.

Other points to consider, that may be helpful are the costs, the contractors, and the consequences the improvements will have in your property's value.

Comparing how much are you willing to pay and the real costs of the improvements may not always match, this may sound as another silly advice, but before quitting your plans, or accepting to pay more than you can afford you should look for a second, a third and as many different contractor's opinions you can.

Contractors are other thing to care about, besides you agreed with the proposed improvement's cost, you have to feel comfortable with the contractor himself or with the team leader if you chose a big company. That person is going to be in charge of your home improvements and you are going to share some time before things get done.

I have also mentioned improvement's consequences, because you can be highly benefit if you plan your home improvements carefully, so your property's value will be increased over the loan that you are applying for. Other important thing to consider is that some home improvements can be tax deductible, so do not forget to check that with your tax advisor. 

Home Improvement - Small Tips That Make A Big Difference

If you are planning a big home improvement project, you can go one of two ways. You can hire a contractor or you can do it yourself. With some projects, the scope will be too large and involved for you to even think about doing it yourself. With others, you might have a lot of success making it a DIY procedure. If you do choose to forgo a contractor, here are some small tips that can make a big difference.

Kitchen Remodeling Works
If you're wondering which project to tackle first, kitchen remodeling is a great home improvement that can add quite a lot to the value of your home. It may come as a surprise to know that many buyers pick their house based on the kitchen. It's no wonder, really. A lot of time is spent in the kitchen. A lot of work is done there. It needs to be both functional and aesthetically pleasing. If yours is falling out of date, you might want to bring it up to snuff before you put your house on the market.

Shut Off the Water
If you plan to do any home improvement work in the bathroom, kitchen, or laundry area, make sure you shut off the water before you start getting your hands dirty. You never know when you're going to hit that pipe and send water gushing into your house. Once this happens, it can be difficult to get it under control. It's a far better idea to prevent it from happening in the first place.

Finding Supplies on a Budget
Hardware and lumber for home improvement can often be the most expensive aspects of the project. If you're on a budget, you need to find what you can for a reasonable price. One of the best places to do that is the thrift store in your area. Other homeowners often donate their old fixtures to these stores when they do their own upgrades. As they say, one man's trash is another man's treasure.

Take Out Those Top Cabinets
People often feel trapped in their furnishings, particularly in the kitchen. Don't be. Maybe you've been struggling with the fact that you simply don't need all of those cabinets. This would make for a good home improvement project. Take out the cabinets and give yourself some wall space for decorations. Just clearing out the clutter will do a lot for your perception of the space.

Best Ways to Make Improvements to Your Home

No matter how much you love your home there are always improvements that can be made. It may be a simple matter or reorganizing your space or extending what is already available. You may find yourself with a need for more storage. Adding additional closet is always helpful or you could turn the basement into a finished room to provide your family with more room. Home improvements are all about taking what you have and enhancing it. There is no need to move every time you have an urge for something different. Consider your options and make the most of what you have. In the end, you could save money and be pleasantly surprised by the potential within your existing home.

The kitchen is an excellent place to begin with many areas that can evolve through innovative designs. Consider adding a breakfast bar for another eating area or an island in the middle of a spacious kitchen. The island can provide additional work space and stools can be placed along one side for casual dining. It is an intimate way to share a meal, have a quick cup of tea, or stop for a chat. Skylights can bring in an additional light source, promoting a cheerful ambiance. Adding an extension can give everyone more room to move and allow one to have that dining area that has always been wanted. The kitchen is often the heart of the home. There is no reason it cannot be made as accommodating and inviting as possible.

Conservatories are another popular addition that has become more commonplace and popular. They range in size and style, suiting the unique requirements of any individuals. They provide an area that can make people feel closer to the outdoors at any time of year. For those who want to take advantage of the sunny days, a conservatory will become a favourite spot. They can maintain a pleasant temperature throughout the year and be a place where growing things flourish.

A loft is another creative way to provide more options in the home. By building such a space or adapting a current attic, there is a great deal of potential. The loft can be a guest bedroom or a den. It might be a lounge where company gathers to watch television or socialise. A person could create a home office in an area that is separated from all of the commotion in the rest of the home. It is up to the owner to take the modified area in a new direction.

Change is good in the home and there are ample opportunities to shape different areas through imaginative methods. Getting rid of clutter and adding new storage items is a simple way to start. Once more space is available and the budget allows, everyone can contemplate the next home improvement that will be on the way. It can be done one room at a time. As each job is completed, decor can be changed and an old home becomes new again.

Eric enjoys any type of DIY challenge, whether that is fastening solar panels to a roof or building a new extension. Eric works as a mechanical engineering at Ejot Uk, were he has learn a lot about steel beams and know advises others on DIY Projects in his spare time.