15 Helpful Bathroom Remodeling Tips To Know Before Renovating

The following post 15 Helpful Bathroom Remodeling Tips To Know Before Renovating was originally published on:
Joey Monette

As a homeowner, you need to gather a lot of information about bathroom renovations if you are planning to undertake such a large project. This knowledge enables you to make the right decisions about materials to buy, their cost, the labour required and overall budget. This information can help you estimate the amount of time required for the remodelling process to be complete to avoid any inconveniences in your home.

Here are 15 bathroom remodelling tips you need to know:

1. Consider the bathroom remodelling cost

Before you commence the project; you need to have estimates of the total cost to avoid spending more than you planned or having to halt your project. The costs of bathroom renovation can be determined by the size of your bathroom, the quality of materials you need to remodel the bathroom and labor. If you require the hiring of labour, you can take into account the cost of hiring a handyman and vice versa. You can have basic, mid to upper range and deluxe bathroom remodels which will all have different costs.

2. Hide the toilet

It is advisable to avoid making your toilet the first thing to be seen when someone opens the door. This is because the bathroom door can be left open from time to time making your toilet the first thing you or your guest will see. If you don’t have any ideas, you can inquire opinions and options from an experienced bathroom designer. You will have several options to choose from your expert.

3. Consider leaving vintage finishes intact

The main aim of bathroom renovation is to make it look new and fresh. Hence, you are advised to avoid removing vintage finishes if they are going to cost you more in labour to avoid altering your planned budget. In some homes, wall tiles were installed with a wire lath or several coats of concrete and if you are to remove them, you may end up requiring more time and money. However, if you are planning to remove yours, consult a tile specialist.

4. Plan a lighting scheme

Involve a lighting designer to have your bathroom well-lit to maximize its space and make it beautiful. There are several bathroom lighting options and you can choose depending on functionality, cost, preferences and choice.

5. Understand standard bathroom dimensions

While researching about bathroom renovations, knowing about basic standard bathroom dimensions e.g. the size of a standard bathtub and space toilet can help you plan your renovation effectively. You will need an understanding of the amount of space needed and how much you will have left after the renovation.

6. Plan the right height for your sink

Although countertops range between 32 and 34 inches off the floor, you need to have the right height for your sink for easy brushing or washing your hands. You will therefore need to consider how the sink will vary from the counter’s top height to make the right decision. To make this decision, you will also need to consider your height for easy accessibility.

7. Consider having a corner sink

If you have a small bathroom, you can have your sink in one of the corners to free up some space. The decision of putting your sink in a corner can also be determined by how your entry or shower doors swing open. The sink may be hindering easy movement in your bathroom and since you cannot remove the doors, moving the sink to a corner is the ideal choice.

8. Consider having a tiny tub

You can have a shower and/or a bathtub in your bathroom. However, if you have a small bathroom, you can get a small bathtub to economize on the available space. Due to most bathrooms being small, most companies have started manufacturing tiny bathtubs to meet the needs.

9. Choose the right vanity

Vanity is just for looks and hence you should be very cautious when choosing one. The size, type of material and cost should be your prime factors. A big one may limit your bathroom space while a small one may not meet your requirements. On the other hand, if you pick the wrong material, you may end up having maintenance issues in future. You should therefore make a sound decision, and if you don’t know how to do it, you can inquire help from an expert.

10. Get a few high-end materials

Although you want to be economical, spending on a few high end materials and finishes can make your bathroom look luxurious. Therefore, in addition to basic and affordable materials, you can get high end floor and wall coverings to make your bathroom luxurious. You can also add some high end countertops and bathroom ceiling to improve your bathroom experience.

11. Counter check your tile size

Most tiles are sold using European sizes i.e. millimetres, and the quoted size might include tile and grout while as a homeowner you are unaware. This can affect your plumbing, tile layout and niches because the tiles would not fit because the measurements are wrong. Before buying tiles, make sure that you have the correct measurements to avoid further inconveniences. Alternatively, you can take an expert with you to help you when buying.

12. Consider turning your bathtub to a shower

If you have a bathtub and you rarely take baths, you need to convert it into a shower to maximize your space. In fact, it is very cost effective because you won’t have to reroute your plumbing system. A shower economizes on space and if you’ve a small bathroom, it is the better option.

13. Install a toilet yourself

Most homeowners have experienced toilet problems and are usually experienced in installing toilet fixtures. Since installing toilet can increase the cost of bathroom remodelling, you can opt to do it yourself to cut the costs. It takes just an hour and involves basic skills which most homeowners have acquired over the years.

14. Dry out your bathroom

Mold and mildew growth is facilitated by moisture. Hence, if you want to reduce mold and mildew growth in your bathroom, you need to dry your bathroom. You can facilitate moisture removal in your bathroom bay having an operable windows and a fan. A bathroom window which can be opened and closed facilitates circulation of air and consequently reduce moisture (humidity) in the bathroom. On the other hand, a fan that vents to the outside and not to the attic will facilitate moisture removal.

15. Plan on how the hardwood meets your tile floor

Most likely, your bathroom will have a tile floor while the adjacent room or the hallway will have a different material e.g. hardwood. You should therefore plan in advance how these two materials will meet because their transition requires a lot of skills. As a homeowner, effective planning before the project starts will make your bathroom remodelling a success.

source http://caliberwestrenovations.ca/?p=1986

How Artificial Grass Will Save You Water & Money

How Artificial Grass Will Save You Water & Money was first published on: www.caliberwestrenovations.ca.com

When it comes to your lawn, it’s sometimes hard to decide on the best product to use. For instance, the news lately has been all about the drought which has been affecting Southwestern British Columbia, especially, Vancouver, Victoria and Surrey. This weather means you need to choose the best landscaping options that save water.

Throughout British Columbia, water agencies are posing more and more restrictions on watering your grass. If you're found watering your lawn illegally, the fines can be as much as $1000.

When searching for the best alternatives to natural grass, which consumes a lot of water, one of the best options is artificial grass that offers the classic green look. When compared to the everyday non-decorative rock or brown bark, synthetic grass is a better attraction when mixed with flowers or shrubs, which are naturally drought tolerant.

One of the critical elements of landscaping that’s sustainable in summer is a beautiful mix of plants that are drought tolerant and artificial grass. Artificial grass is becoming the best alternative to natural grass; the result is that most homeowners are replacing their lawn. You may have heard of the downsides of artificial turf as a replacement for natural grass.

Artificial Grass Benefits

Here in Caliber West, we want to downplay those dilemmas that artificial grass is associated with. First, we’ll talk about the advantages of wholesale synthetic grass:

• It’s ideal if you have pets; that’s because it won’t hold onto dog urine stains.
• You can clean it quickly after dog messes
• It’s best around planters, barbeques, backyards, front yards, walkways and swimming pools
• You can use it in different areas of your property-for instance as a base for narrow spots, base for patio and the drainage area, and for the dog run
• Easy when it comes to maintaining
• Can last for over ten years
• Lawn maintenance costs will go down since you won’t need to irrigate, fertilise, mow or use chemicals to prevent diseases and pests
• Your water bills cost will go down, while you conserve this natural resource. The rest of your natural drought tolerant landscaping can use drip irrigation that uses little water. It means the artificial grass won’t interfere with your natural landscaping.
• It blends well with non-native and native landscaping
• Feels and looks close to the natural grass, providing a cushioned and soft playing area, has a thickness that resembles a natural turf's healthy carpet and has lush green colour.
• Landscape trees can still be added to the synthetic grass lawn. They do well with artificial grass since the grass remains green under the canopy.
• If you want a professional PGA like putting green in your backyard, as a golf enthusiast, it perfect. It’s fun to play on and adds elegance

 

Artificial Grass Challenges

As with all products, none is perfect. There have been some concerns about artificial grass for lawns. Below we give the three cons and their solutions.

• Artificial grass isn’t 100% as natural grass: at Caliber West, we have the most premium and realistic artificial turf in the industry. You can order samples and get to see what variety of artificial grass will look best in your yard. We recommend that you mix the artificial grass with shrubs, trees, flowers, paving stones and decorative stones and natural drought tolerant plants. The result will be a modern and excellent landscaping design.
• Artificial grass may heat up: at Caliber West, we recommend the cool blades turf since it’s a synthetic blend that’s heat resistant. We advise that your contractor adds our natural sand fill which is antimicrobial and temperature reducing. This specialized sand will reduce your artificial turf temperature by up to 20%. That’s compared to the untreated artificial grass which doesn’t have the unique infill addition. Our advice is that you add 1.5-2lbs per sq. Ft of this infill to enable it to reach the 20% reduction in temperature.
• Artificial grass installation is on the higher side: grading, initial excavation for the outlay and the installation of synthetic grass may be expensive, which depends on the square feet involved and the project's size. However, if you compare these costs with the money you'll be saving on lawn maintenance, water bills and services over time, it a better option.

The best deal available now to homeowners are the local rebates for removing your natural grass that consumes lots of water and new financing options on energy saving that need no down payment or credit score. They can be approved in 10 minutes or less and come with payment plans of up to 20 years. The payments will be tax deductible. They are similar to those on offer to solar installations. They are popular as they make it easy for homeowners to get upgrades on their homes by installing the artificial grass, while at the same time enhancing the value of their property. At Caliber West, we can connect you with the right financing options to help in paying for your installation of artificial grass.

source http://caliberwestrenovations.ca/?p=1984

11 Quick & Affordable Kitchen Renovation Tips

11 Quick & Affordable Kitchen Renovation Tips was first published to: Caliber West Renovations Service Blog

Kitchen remodeling can prove to be a wallet emptier if you don’t know exactly what you are after, or how to do it. That is why if you would rather save your hard earned money when you remodel, it is important to choose the best projects that will create the biggest impact but cost the least amount of money. If you are capable of staying focused on your desired results and eager to get your hands a little dirty with the projects, then you will certainly be able to have your kitchen update on your budget.

Here are 11 ideas to help with your kitchen renovations:

1. Change the lighting.

Any new stylish lighting can change the whole atmosphere of the room and be the centre focus. Things such as blown glass pendants come cheap while bursting with style. This is a really cheap way to completely change the feel of your kitchen.

2. New Hardware.

Remodeling your kitchen could also include adding some new hardware to what you have. This will create a new look and add some variety. Just be careful with the price of this, especially if you have a lot of cabinets. To check the amount of new hardware you need, just count the number of knobs and pulls in your kitchen and see what hardware can fit in the budget that you have. There are lots of cheap options like brass pulls or knobs that you can find for around $10 per piece.

3. New Accessories.

It is difficult to decorate much in the kitchen, so you have to be sure to take every opportunity you have to decorate things. This could include using things like utensil holders that fit a theme or displaying things in rustic packaging.

4. Paint your cabinet.

Some kitchen cabinets seem to get old with their colour, or they are just too bland. Try repainting to spruce up the look of your kitchen.

5. Only paint half of the cabinets.

One new modern style is to paint only your cabinets on the bottom and keep the bottom of your kitchen island black, then leave all of the upper cabinets a solid white.

6. Put in some sconces.

These provide an excellent light that creates a nice atmosphere. On a budget, you can find some plug in versions and then find a way to conceal the cord. Or if you have a little more money, you can hire an electrician to get them professionally done.

7. Use Rustic style.

Using things such as a farmhouse look can create a warming look to your kitchen. For example, you can replace a door for a sliding barn looking door, or even use an antique stool for decorations.

8. Use easy to install shelves.

If you do not have a lot of cabinet space, use some easily installed wood shelves with metal brackets.

9. Get a nice look by using Roman shades.

These will make your kitchen seem more like home and give it a nice feel. Make sure to match your shades with your glass doors for a nice unified look.

10. Paint the floor.

Painting the floor a nice colour can create a new stylish feel for a small cost.

11. Look on Craigslist.

Some building materials or remodelling items can be found on Craigslist for very cheap. This is a great place to start if you are looking for some budget materials.

source http://caliberwestrenovations.ca/?p=1978