Thursday, August 7, 2008

Kitchen Installation Things To Consider

There is a big choice of kitchen flooring options to choose from: bamboo floor, walnut floor, birch floor, oak floor. For comfortable kitchen floor installation you may choose engineered wood or solid wood.

Such floors are durable and the hardwood floors are more resistant to weather and stains, which will make them perfect for the new kitchen floor installation.

Laminate, though sometimes looks like wood, in fact is a synthetic material. Laminate flooring is more water resistant than natural wood. But the main advantages are that this flooring is very easy to install and the material is relatively inexpensive compared to real hardwood flooring.

Ceramic tile is also a good material for a kitchen flooring, it's hygienic and easy to clean. But it has also a disadvantage: with time the surface may get covered with small cracks as it is not the strongest material.

Walls decoration.
The most common materials for the kitchen walls are tiles, wallpaper and paint. Paint is the cheapest and fastest way to renovate a kitchen, wallpaper is more expensive, but can give just a little more character with its large variety of patterns. Wallpaper requires special attention. The first hit of any kitchen accident - fat splashes or steam from a boiling kettle - comes to the wall paper. The optimal solution here is vinyl and washable wallpaper that can endure wet cleaning. Choosing wallpapers and paints for your kitchen walls decoration, make sure the materials are made especially for kitchen use as these will be more resistant against humidity and will be easy to clean.

Ceiling options.
And finally, the top is the ceiling. Naturally it should be easy to clean and waterproof. The suspended ceiling of tiles and rails is assembled quickly and easily, it allows hiding the communications and setting up the spot lights. Though, the room will lose 7-10 cm in height.

Another version of the suspended ceiling is plasterboard. It requires a little more effort: after the sheets are installed, they must be plastered and painted. But this material perfectly traps sounds and allows creating any multi-level decor, as well as allows a necessary space for spotlights installation.

Kitchen furniture is also an important component of comfort. Not only the looks of the kitchen cabinets but the material they are made of are of great significance. The frame is usually made of DF, and "face" of more practical - humidity-reC76sistant and easy to clean materials. Though it can be the same DF, only covered with melamine or laminate.

A range of kitchen worktops.
The material for a kitchen worktop is even more important, because this is where we cut, mince and chop up. A kitchen worktop could be cleaned with a damp sponge hundred times a day. The more practical it is, the more pleasant it is to create culinary masterpieces on it. Keeping your kitchen clean is essential to keep food safe. Otherwise bacteria can grow and spread. The range of styles, colours and materials is vast: traditional materials as granite, hardwood up to modern materials like stainless steel, glass, corian etc.

It is possible to mix and match worktop materials e.g. put granite where you are likely to be preparing food and setting down very hot pans and then laminate or wood for the rest. Very practical are kitchen worktops made of artificial stones. These look like natural ones and are extremely robust. Regardless its synthetic origin, it's quite an ecologically safe material.

And finally, think again if all the drawers, shelves and kitchen appliances are placed comfortably. It's known, that if the furniture and appliances, worktops are placed irrationally, food preparation, cooking and serving could take a few extra kilometers around the kitchen every day. If everything is in the right place, you can save up to 60% of way and 30% of time. A kitchen could be divided in three "work areas" - preparation, cooking and washing-up. Each area should include all the appliances required as well as a suitable sized work space around it.

Country style, hi-tech, classic - the style of your kitchen may vary. Practical, ecologically safe and durable materials, fresh air, in short, the climate in the kitchen multiplied by your creative approach and ability to create comfort will help you to build up an ideal kitchen. It's much easier to complete it than it may seem at first. Today you have all facilities to settle beauty and functionality in accord under the same roof.

Arthur Prudent is a developer of London builders: bathroom, kitchen renovation - web site offering all aspects of builders services. Kitchen installation: things to consider. Part two

Wednesday, August 6, 2008

Bathroom Remodeling Ideas For the Spa Feel at Home

Consider these bathroom remodeling ideas to make your bathroom more enjoyable.

No matter how old and outdated your bathroom, there are thousands of great bathroom remodeling ideas for every situation. The bathroom is also one of the best rooms of the house to remodel when it comes to adding value to your home.

The ultimate goal for a spa-like bathroom is for the environment to be inviting, relaxing and tranquil. Keep busy dcor patterns for another space. Sure you'll want to keep your newly remodeled bathroom in the same tone and style as the rest of your home. However, just make sure to choose floor patterns, wall coverings and accent pieces that don't overload the senses. The idea is to relax.

So what are some bathroom remodeling ideas that can make your bathroom a little more enjoyable? In order to truly enjoy your bathroom you need to consider whether or not the new design will fit in your home. You not only want the look to be nice but it should also be functional for your family.

Bathroom Remodeling Ideas

Heated tile is a great way to enhance your bathroom remodeling ideas. Just think no more cold tile touching your feet. A walk in tiled shower is another great way to create luxury in your bathroom. Just upgrading appliances and painting your bathroom can go a long way.

If you are looking to replace your shower or tub, check out all the options on the market. There are showers combined with whirlpool and steam options. You could even replace a tub with a luxury bathtub or even adding a simple television can make your bathroom more relaxing.

For furniture ideas take a look at adding a relaxing chair, his and her vanities and more. Glass fixtures such as vanities or bowl sinks are very modern. Buying new thick towels and even a towel warmer is extremely inviting.

The best places to find more realistic bathroom remodeling ideas for any bathroom is to look through home magazines, project books from your local hardware store and of course browsing the internet from home.

This article was written by Gregg Hicks of http://www.reliableremodeler.com which provides Internet-based home improvement information and services. Offering homeowners a simple, quick, and free way to access, qualified home improvement remodeling co20Cntractors.

Monday, August 4, 2008

Bathroom Design in Perth

Choosing a bathroom design in Perth should be an easy thing to do. However when faced with the plethora of available products it can be daunting.

Begin by looking through magazines. Tear out or mark all the bathrooms that appeal to you. Look at the home- themed TV shows and make note of the bathroom features that you like. Over time you should be able to see a common theme/pattern running through your choices. At this point you may choose to go it alone or get the help of a qualified designer, indeed some people find the choices so overwhelming that it is best to get the designer in at the beginning!

Decide which process is easier for you, remember that the cost of using a professional can often be offset by the fact that they can save you on some products, save time finding tradesmen and most importantly save costly mistakes by making wrong choices. You will, in all probability, have to live with the mistake or the dream for a long time. You have to decide which would be easier to live with.

Next work out your budget - a vital step! You cannot have a "champagne" bathroom on a "beer" budget so it is important to be realistic. Remember to leave money in the budget for demolition of an old bathroom, if applicable. After the budget has been considered it's time to measure up the space you will have to work with, you cannot have a giant spa or bath in a tiny bathroom . It is also wise to consider your storage space in the bathroom design particularly for future users such as teenage kids.

When you have worked out where everything will go, remembering it is always expensive to move plumbing, then you need to choose your fixtures and fittings. Tile shops can be ideal for this as they invariably have the laminate samples available so you can put that part together there. If you do not want laminate tops be sure to take samples of your chosen items to the tile shops or tile samples to the other shops you need to visit. Remember your lighting and mirrors as well as paint colours, you are planning the whole room.

Bathroom design in Perth offers so many choices - have fun and enjoy your end results.

Jacqueline Hars is an interior designer in Perth, Western Australia. She is known for creating the "wow" factor for her clients.

She also has an intimate knowledge of where to source the best product and good tradesmen. With this knowledge she can save her clients around 10% on a typical project, and yet Jacqueline's fees are only about 5% of the project cost.

By engaging Jacqueline, her clients get a stunning result cheaper than if they did it themselves. Click the link for Jacqueline's free report on Perth Interior Design.

Sunday, August 3, 2008

Stone Fire Pit

There is one thing that can make a very big difference between having something that you use and that can help you from time to time and thee is a completely other thing which can be used from time to time but just having it will make your guests and yourself gaze and admire it, one such thing is a stone fire pit.

A stone fire pit is one of the most impressive things you can have in your garden, or in your outdoor kitchen, this unique idea has not been around for many years, but in the last few years people are more and more interested in having a stone fire pit in their garden or backyard. The 5B4stone fire pit looks like it is connected to the past, maybe a few hundreds of years ago almost every family in town had one but today it is truly a unique thing to have.

One of the great things in having a stone fire pit outside is that you will get a lot of freedom in deciding how it is going to look, and its looks is all what it’s about, the stone fire pit will be impressive no matter what why you make it when it is lit and the fire is on, the question is how would you like it to look when its off, and how would you like the stone of the fire pit to relate to your garden and garden features.

The important things to remember when looking for a stone fire pit are that you will need someone who knows how to design those, so that the fire is solid and that there is enough air flow to feed the fire so it is balanced on all sides of the stone structure, that it is safe and that you can approach the fire if you wish, some people like to get close to the fire pit in order to get warm or to fry marshmallows, either way you will need to make sure that the person in charge of building it knows what he is doing.

The basic design of a stone fire pit is almost always the same, and it is a very good opportunity for you to go wild and get whatever you had in mind, the only things you will need to consider are safety and usability of the stone structure, but other than that the stone fire pit is really about having something v590ery impressive in your garden and that it will generate enough heat in the winter to keep you warm while you sit outside.

For those of you who are interested in something even more unique is the option to experiment with different stones and try and get all kinds of stones for the fire pit construction, this may cost a little more but it will guarantee that this will be one stone fire pit people will not forget, nevertheless, even a regular stone fire pit is something to be proud of.

Stone fire pits can be a great alternative to any major fire element in your garden or backyard, learn about Fire Pit at the firepits site http://firepit.zupatips.com

Saturday, August 2, 2008

Remodeling Your Basement

The American family is requiring more and more space to spread out. Basements fill this need and add value at the same time. If you're lucky enough to have one, you are ahead of the game in terms of resale value.

But, what if it's unfinished or you want to remodel it? Following are four things to consider when taking on a basement remodeling project to get the most value for your money.

Basement Remodeling:

The Proper Use of the Space One of the very first things you want to consider is what kind of basement remodeling project it's going to be. Are you putting in a home5B4 gym, a media room, an in-law suite, a game room, etc.?

To properly answer this question, it's important to figure out your family dynamic, eg:

  • Do you often have stay-over visitors who have to sleep on the pull-out couch (in-law suite); or
  • Do you work out a lot and wish you could give up the commute and the membership fees to your gym (home gym); or
  • Are you starting a new business and need a home office separate from the rest of the house (media room/office).

This is what is meant by figuring out your family dynamic.

Basement Remodeling Costs

Once you decide on the use of the space, figuring out how much your basement remodeling project is going to cost is a simply matter of getting quotes from several contractors.

When remodeling your basement, you can save some money by tackling some of the simpler projects yourself, eg, hanging sheetrock and drywall (if your basement is unfinished); painting; and installing basic cabinetry and sinks.

You can call in professionals to handle things like electricity, waterproofing and plumbing.

When you are contacting basement remodeling contractors for quotes, make a list of things you absolutely want them to handle. Each one is different, so check several for the best price.

You may want to get quotes on things like electrical wiring, plumbing, painting, ventilation systems, insulation588, waterproofing, floor installation choices, etc.

Basement Remodeling and Resell Value

According to a 2006 annual cost vs. value report by RemodelingOnline, the average cost for finishing a basement ran about $51,000. But, you recoup 90% of that upon resale. So, it's an investment worth making.

Basement Remodeling and Length of Time in the Home

As cited above, basement remodeling is not cheap, but is well worth the investment. This comes with one major caveat: how long you plan to stay in the home.

If you plan to sell, make sure you will recoup the money you spent on your basement remodeling project. While it's easy to recoup $1,000 spent on landscaping, it takes a steady, strong real estate market to recoup $50,000 (if you spend the average).

If you plan to move within the next 3, 5 or 7 years, ask yourself is a basement remodeling project is financially prudent.

All Around the Home is an online home improvement contractor directory, where homeowners can search for contractors by region and specialty like basement remodeling Fix the Home is a website where homeowners can get more information on all types of home improvement projects like remodeling at 297http://www.fixthehome.com/cat/remodeling/topics/basement/

Friday, August 1, 2008

Things To Know About A Replacement Basement Window

While you are remodeling your basement make sure you got all the important stuff sorted out. One of which is the type of window to use. In the old days, windows in basements are made of metal or wooden frames. This has caused problems because they are prone to rust and rot. Therefore your windows get damaged sooner than expected. If you have this concern, then it's time to get a replacement.

If you want it quick, you can always opt hiring companies that specialize on replacement basement windows. But of course it's also important to know a bit about it before you buy. This article should guide you in what type you should use.

1. Frames made from Vinyl. Windows are the major source of good ventilation and proper air circulation in a closed and buried room such as a basement. Choose a replacement basement window that is made of vinyl. It's rust-free and will not rot from its damp environment. It is also modular so you won't have any trouble installing it.

2. Light. Since you are at it, your basement window must be energy efficient. This attributes to the amount of light that your window can allow to come in to your basement. Use the right frame size and glass thickness. Especially with daylight, the amount of heat could help balance your basement room temperature. Basements are prone to moisture because of its damp surroundings.

3. Function. Other than the things mentioned above, another use of window is for passing objects. Most often, it is difficult to have ladders, boards, or poles to pass through the basement entrance. Doors and stairs are narrow and the latter are steep too. A perfect replacement basement window must include other functions such as good ventilation and accessibility for long objects.

4. Aesthetic Appeal. Of course, this is a must. Windows contribute greatly to the interior motif and concept of your den. Beautiful basement windows must not only look good from the inside but from the outside as well. This can be planned out properly. There are so many innovative basement window types that are available in the market today. Some are designed with sliding panes. Others are double glass panels. Choose the one fit best to your basement's interior design. But don't forget to consider the above mentioned.

When you got all these things listed down and figured out, you're ready to go and look for a supplier. Take your time in choosing the right replacement basement window for you. Look for the one that you think is most reasonable. That means beauty, functionality, durability must be present.

There are so many beautiful window designs to choose from out there. Some may cost more but have really good quality. If you do find the type that is beautiful but expensive, the considerations mentioned above should help you decide which ones to buy.

Discover if a basement remodeling picture can assist you with your replacement basement window