Planning A Home Makeover? Use This Guide!

Whether you own a crumbling, century-old Victorian, in need of a complete overhaul or an 80s-era gem, that needs a new kitchen, most homes can benefit from a bit of home improvement. All at once or a little at a time, this article will show you how to keep costs down and get the home you desire.

When it comes to home improvement, it is important to know which types of improvements will add to the value of your home and which will not. This will be important when it does come time to sell your house. Such general maintenance such as sealing the driveway and replacing the roof will not add to the value, however, an additional bathroom or a patio may.

Flooring can be a relatively simple home improvement project even for a novice. Focus on putting tile in your kitchen and bathrooms and replace your carpet with hardwood flooring. Home improvement stores have a wealth of information about how to make this process easy for you to complete.

Before doing any home improvements, ask your loved ones for help. You may not be able to locate anyone to give you a hand if you have begun. You might also have problems completing the project on time, which can add more stress and work to your life.

The next time you're working on a home improvement project, be sure to find a good spot to store the debris that your work is generating. Removing construction debris can be costly if you do not plan properly, and you can avoid project delays by planning ahead.

A great home improvement tip is to call local repair services and shop around for the best deal. By shopping around, you'll have more of an awareness of who you're doing business with, and you'll be more likely to find the right person for the job. This can be a great way to make sure you're getting quality work done.

Your outdoor chair cushions will eventually flatten as time goes by. However, you can breathe new life into those flattened cushions with a a little sunshine. Sunlight dries up excess moisture and restores the springiness. Ensure that you flip both sides of the cushions and avoid leaving them out too long, since the sun can fade fabric colors.

Remember those annoying little paper jewelry boxes that you get with every purchase? Don't throw them out. Instead utilize them to clean your desk or bathroom drawer. Remove the lids and clip the boxes together to fit the inside of your drawer. You can now use them to categorize and store your little things such as paper clips, erasers, notepads and other small items.

Keep your furniture safe from drink spills and cup outlines by displaying coasters. Coasters are available in a myriad of designs and you are sure to find one to fit your taste. The most common places to use coasters would be your living room end table, coffee table, nightstand, and dining room table.

Balance the layout of your living room by arranging your furniture symmetrically. For example, opt to put your couch as a focal point, a coffee table in the middle and two lounge chairs on the opposite side of the couch-one on each side. Symmetry can also be achieved in your bedroom, by placing matching lamps and nightstands, on both sides of your bed.

Before working in your bathroom or kitchen, shut the water off. This seems obvious at first blush, but it's precisely because it's obvious that many homeowners forget it, which can result in costly water damage.

Is an older person living with you? If so, then you should make sure your home renovations are safe, mobile, and easily accessible to this elderly individual. Step-in showers make it easier for them to bathe without slipping. Grab bars are easily installed and will make your home a much safer environment for the family member as well.

Brighten up your kitchen or bathroom with a mosaic backsplash. Backsplashes serve two purposes: they are both utilitarian and a style element. Most people use regular square tile clay for their backsplash, but a mosaic design creates interest and allows you to express your personality. Fortunately, you can buy mosaic tiles on a mesh sheet, saving the time that it would take to lay each tile individually. This provides you with an intricate pattern without having to cut any tile, which can be tricky.

For a personalized and one-of-a-kind wall covering, consider designing and ordering your own customized wallpaper online or through a local design studio. New websites offer a variety of options for wallpaper design, including enlarged photographs, murals, or even your children's artwork delivered to your door in a matter of weeks.

If you are considering hanging wallpaper in your bathroom, laundry room, or kitchen, opt for wet-look vinyl. This type of wallpaper is able to withstand sprinkles, splashes, and splatters and is also ideal for use in homes in even the most humid climate. Be sure to clean and smooth the wall surface before hanging vinyl, however, as any imperfections may show through.

Strategically placed mirrors, can add visual interest to any room and make the area feel more spacious. This is especially useful in small bathrooms. Use adhesive-backed mirrors from any home improvement center, to create a distinctive design, that adds impact and an illusion of more space. This project can be easily achieved in under an hour and with, as little as, fifty dollars.

Give a quick update to your kitchen by wiping down the cabinets and either adding or changing the cabinet hardware. Giving your kitchen cabinets a new set of knobs or handles can really enhance the look of your kitchen without costing a lot of money. With so many styles of knobs and handles available, you can change the character of your kitchen quickly and easily.

Chicago IL Bathroom Remodel


Start small when remodeling your bathroom. You can make a big impact even with a small budget. New fixtures, towel bars and artwork can make a huge difference. Changing the paint can freshen things and make it seem clean and new. These small repairs are very affordable and can make the whole room look much better.

There's no need for a full bathroom remodel when you can make your bathroom more functional and stylish by installing new fixtures. Update the shower with a more adjustable shower head or there are even models that mimic rainfall! New sink faucets, towel racks, cabinet hardware or mirrors are other effective choices. Change out your fixtures and you will update your style with out breaking your budget.

When remodeling a bathroom, it may be possible to refinish the tub instead of replacing it. If your tub has a porcelain coating, there are people that specialize in doing this for you. It's also possible to put in new bathroom tiles over the old tiles, which saves a lot of hassle. It doesn't make sense to spend money to replace them, except if they are damaged by water.

Home improvement does not need to put you in the poor house. With a bit of know how and a bit of sweat, you can fix up your home without breaking the bank. Follow the tips outlined in this article and start the journey towards the home of your dreams.

Is this the right time? http://bathroomremodelchicago.blogspot.com/2014/01/choosing-right-time-to-embark-on-home.html

Choosing The Right Time To Embark On Home Renovations

Many people mistakenly believe that home improvement is always best left to the pros. However, if you can keep an open mind, home improvement can be simple. The piece below is full of ideas and advice capable of making your home improvement journey a pleasant and satisfying one.

If you're looking to add variety to your rooms with paint you can do it very quickly and cost effectively. Paint one wall a different striking color in your room that doesn't match the other wall colors. This will create a new focal point in your room and make your space feel like it just had a real update.

Almost anyone of any experience level can fix leaky faucets. You will save money - and your water reserves - if you take the time to fix the problem quickly. This project can save you a bit of money off your next water bill.

Devote some time into weather-stripping your home. Even though your house might be insulated, there are probably small crevices around windows and doors through which air will leak. That means your house will lose cool air during the summer and warm air during the winter, leading to a higher energy bill when you run heating and cooling appliances. Weather-stripping your doors and windows will keep that from happening.

If you are hiring a contractor or landscaper to work on your home improvement project, make sure that they are licensed. If a contractor has a license, it means that they are a legitimate businessman who is skilled in the type of work you require. It also indicates that the contractor follows and is informed about the latest updates in the industry.

Maximize kitchen cabinet storage space. Use a turntable inside a cabinet for smaller items such as spice jars. In larger cabinets, use shelf dividers to double the storage space. Stack items on top of each other, such as canned or boxed food goods. Install floor to ceiling pantry cabinets. The most important tip? Get rid of anything you don't need or use, such as old appliances or tableware. Any food that you don't intend to eat, especially canned items, can be donated to your local food bank.

Spice up the look of your rooms by using patterned wallpaper on your walls and hanging a conversation piece of artwork. Pick something interesting with many textures or images to look at. Don't be afraid to go bold and interesting to show a sense of personality through your choices. You can even paint something yourself and hang it up to match your wallpaper.

Add a bit more swing to your home run swings when playing baseball, by putting a little uppercut into them. When it's a higher pitch, add a bit of a slight uppercut to your swing to really send that ball flying. That kind of swing relies more on powerful hip and midsection muscles to be successful, so you also get a great workout.

When you renovate a bathroom, it pays to make the bathroom handicap-accessible as part of the renovation project. Although it is not necessary to completely convert the bathroom now, preparing it for future adaptations as you grow older will be very convenient. These improvements will increase your home's value.

Unless your carpet is very worn or outdated, try steam cleaning it before replacing it. If your goal is to sell your house, all you need to do is make a positive first impression. Often cleaning carpets will achieve this goal, and replacing them becomes unnecessary. Hiring a professional steam cleaner can save you thousands over replacing carpet throughout a house.

If you have an attic you do not use, consider adding more rooms to your house or transforming it into a loft if the ceiling is rather low. This will definitely increase the value of your house besides giving you more space. Make sure you use proper isolation to avoid your new rooms from getting too cold or moist.

If your backyard is on a slope, consider building a deck to extend your living area. A sloped backyard in itself is not an ideal space for any type of activity. However, if you add a deck, you can furnish it with deck furniture and make an outdoor retreat where you can relax or entertain friends.

Make changes as you go. If you are doing a home improvement project yourself, there is no reason why you should keep moving forward on something you dislike. Changing it up can add to expenses, but it is much better to spend a little more now, than to have to re-do something you hated in the beginning.

If you plan to renovate your whole house, start small by transforming one room or area of your home and see how it turns out. If it isn't what you were hoping for, you still have time to hire help or learn how to better plan your entire renovation.

Make sure that you clean your downspouts and gutters at least a couple of times per year to prevent costly damage to your home. Overflowing gutters can actually cause water to leak onto interior walls, and gutters clogged with pounds of wet leaves may buckle under the weight. This is especially important in autumn, when leaves are shedding rapidly from the trees.

There are many tutorials that can be found on any type of home improvement, probably more than you could possible imagine. Whether you find these tutorials online, in books, or from a friend, it is a great help to review these before and during the home improvement process. If you do not have the knowledge you need, you could be stuck with not very functional work.

Bathroom Remodel Chicago, IL


If you want to redo your bathroom, do it small at first. A budget that is small still can do a lot for you while still letting things look like they cost a bit of money. Replace the mirror, toilet roll holders, light fixtures, and towel bars. Change the color of the paint for a fresh, new look. It won't cost much, but it will look like an expensive remodel.

There's no need for a full bathroom remodel when you can make your bathroom more functional and stylish by installing new fixtures. Update the shower with a more adjustable shower head or there are even models that mimic rainfall! New sink faucets, towel racks, cabinet hardware or mirrors are other effective choices. Change out your fixtures and you will update your style with out breaking your budget.

Instead of replacing your tub, can it be refinished? If you have a porcelain coated tub, there are companies that will refinish your old tub and make it look brand new. It is also possible for these companies to apply a new finish to the old tiles above the tub, eliminating the need to remove them. It's pointless to replace the entire tub, provided the tub is free of water damage.

There are plenty of ways to keep yourself sane and still make all those home improvements. It is important to remain flexible when getting involved in repairs of this nature. The article above was written to give you important tips on home improvement. If you implement these tips, you can update your house before you know it!

See http://bathroomremodelchicago.blogspot.com/2014/01/finding-relief-from-it-needs-to-be-fixed.html

Finding Relief From "it Needs To Be Fixed"

Home improvement projects come in a variety of sizes. Many people believe that fortune can enter a household when the doorway is kept clear. Read this article for some tips on home improvement with feng shui.

Replacing the hardware in your home such as doorknobs, hinges, pulls, light fixtures, etc, can transform a home from one era to another. It is a quick and easy way to make your home look newer and more updated just by switching out these little details. Brushed nickel and copper are great new trends that will spice up your look.

When working with a contractor to do a home renovation, decide on the whole project at the beginning and stick to that plan. Constantly changing the plan can slow down the renovation process and scare off your contractor from doing anything independently. Also, constantly changing renovations often end up looking piecemeal, since they weren't created with a clear vision in mind.

When it comes to home improvement, be sure that you are not causing your home to awkwardly stand out from the rest of the neighborhood. This will ensure you will be able to resell it and also, that you will not receive scorn from your neighbors. Be creative, but try to lean toward conservative with colors. With additions, keep your the total size of your home somewhat near that of your neighbors.

When it comes to home improvement, consider adding extra insulation to your home to assist with your cooling costs in the summer and heating costs in the winter. This will save you money as well as keep you and your family more comfortable. The two best ways to insulate are to add weather strips to your doors and ensure that your attic is lined.

When doing projects in the bathrooms or kitchen, make sure the water main is turned off. Any time your work involves the pipes or water supply in your home, you need to locate the shutoff before starting your work. Taking this step can help prevent a flood.

If you are re-painting a small space, such as an undersized bedroom or living room, make use of light colors. Lighter colors on the walls will reflect more light, making the room feel brighter and larger. Also, consider using two shades of the same color in stripes, which can make the room feel longer or taller.

To make your carpet feel new again, rent a carpet cleaner. Carpet cleaners are able to deep clean your carpeting in a way that an ordinary vacuum can't. You may be shocked when you see how much dirt it pulls up. Carpet cleaners can be rented for a very low cost. Many cost less than $25 for a day's use.

Strategically placed mirrors, can add visual interest to any room and make the area feel more spacious. This is especially useful in small bathrooms. Use adhesive-backed mirrors from any home improvement center, to create a distinctive design, that adds impact and an illusion of more space. This project can be easily achieved in under an hour and with, as little as, fifty dollars.

Landscaping is the largest component of curb appeal. Make sure that your lawn is green and mowed, that there are no weeds growing in your flower beds and that all bushes, trees and shrubbery are trimmed and shaped nicely. These things can make your home look well cared for and put together.

A great tip for home improvement is to avoid putting your own personal stamp on improvements. This will make it less likely that you will earn a return on the investment because what looks good to you may not look good to someone else. If you use renovations simply to express yourself, do not consider the renovations as an investment in the resale value of your home.

If you plan to renovate your whole house, start small by transforming one room or area of your home and see how it turns out. If it isn't what you were hoping for, you still have time to hire help or learn how to better plan your entire renovation.

If you are buying a new bathtub, be sure to sit in the tub and lie back in it to be certain it's the right size and shape for you before purchasing it. Also, take good measurements of your bathroom space to be sure the tub will fit in the space you have.

If space is at a premium in your home, consider remodeling the attic or basement. These often overlooked spaces can be a cost-effective way to gain more square footage in your home, without resorting to a costly extension. If the area is already partially finished, your project will progress quickly, and you'll be enjoying your new space in no time.

Get yourself a stainless steel taping knife if you plan to do sheetrock taping. A high-quality taping knife lasts longer than cheap varieties and is easier to keep clean. Those who buy a taping knife made of stainless steel, and practice proper cleaning and storage techniques, will have a tool that lasts a lifetime.

Before painting, stripping wallpaper, or performing other updates to your walls, remove all of the outlet covers and switchplates from the room in which you are working. This ensures that the covers remain free of paint splatters, and when you reinstall them over the painted surface, the results will be seamless.

Make use of the internet to help you complete your projects. On the web, you can find the information you need to choose the right tools and buy the lowest-priced, most highly-effective supplies. In addition, you can usually confirm your plans by consulting online references, and get tips and strategies to help you get your work done successfully.

When thinking about doing a home improvement project, consider upgrading your appliances. Get rid of your old appliances. Nothing looks worse than having dated appliances in a home that also cost a considerable amount of money because they are not energy efficient. Sleek new appliances add value to the home and will help save energy too.

Bathroom Remodel Chicago, IL


When you are going to remodel your bathroom, go small at first. Just a little money is necessary for making a dramatic difference in your bathroom. New fixtures, towel bars and artwork can make a huge difference. A new coat of paint could make a big difference too. All of this will result in your bathroom looking brand new without having to spend a fortune.

There's no need for a full bathroom remodel when you can make your bathroom more functional and stylish by installing new fixtures. Update the shower with a more adjustable shower head or there are even models that mimic rainfall! New sink faucets, towel racks, cabinet hardware or mirrors are other effective choices. Change out your fixtures and you will update your style with out breaking your budget.

When remodeling your bathroom, consider refinishing your tub instead of replacing it. If your tub is made of porcelain, there are many places to get it refinished. Additionally, these companies can also refinish the old tile surrounding your tub so it doesn't have to be replaced either. Water damage is the only thing that makes replacing these items an absolute necessity; if it's not present, refinishing them instead can save a lot of money.

As we have said before, incorporating feng sui is a way to set up your furniture so you have better luck. Apply what you've just learned, and get started on your next project today.

See http://bathroomremodelchicago.blogspot.com/2014/01/chicago-bathroom-remodeling.html

Chicago Bathroom Remodeling

Interior Design Advice That Will Save You Money

Are you interested in improving the appearance of your home through interior design? You are not the only one in this situation, and this article was designed just for your situation. These are the tips of professionals, and they can help you improve your space!

Make sure to not only use different colors, but vary the textures and patterns also. Varying textures create interest and depth in a room, while patterns provide a contrast to smooth pieces such as wood furniture or window glass. If your design plan is contemporary, then patterns and texture are required to get the right look.

If you are planning on having a baby, try to set aside a room near the master bedroom to hold your child. This is important as you do not want to have to walk a long way to get to your baby in the middle of the night when he or she is crying.

A coffee table is one of the more important components that you will need to put in your home, as it is both practical and aesthetically pleasing. Make sure that when you purchase your coffee table, that it matches the style of your home and comes with coasters to protect the surface.

Before you start an interior-design project, check out the prices of the materials you need. Usually, if you shop and compare prices, you will be able to find better prices than you expected. Shopping around also gives you time to make sure that your ideas are concrete and well-fleshed out before you undertake a big project.

Create some form of collection. Designers usually place collections together in groups of three or more. For example, you could showcase three or more interesting figurines, artifacts or architectural elements. A collection is always at least three pictures. A collection of just about anything provides a very warm appearance and is a great conversation starter.

Use vinyl adhesive stickers to decorate a child's room. Because you may not want to redo your child's room each time they go through a phase (trains? dinosaurs? super heroes?), vinyl stickers are a great solution. Available in practically every design from words to numbers to athletes and more, they allow you to stick them semi-permanently to any wall, but easily remove them when your child finds a new passion.

Even if you have carpeted in your living room you can place an area rug in the seating area to create a nice touch. You can place it so it comes out in front of the seated area. This way, you will have a nice rug to look at, and your carpet in front of your couch will not get worn.

When you're considering lighting for your room, try to use as much natural light as possible. Natural light can leave you in a much better mood than the light from a lamp. Utilize windows and skylights whenever possible. Not only will it improve your mood; it'll save you money on your electric bill.

While fluorescent light bulbs save energy, and last longer than incandescent bulbs, they are not always ideal for some areas of the home. They emit a harsher, more blueish light than incandescents. Fluorescent bulbs are often fine for kitchens and bathrooms. For areas like the den or living room, the softer, more subtle light of an incandescent bulb may be the better choice.

If you have some art work to put up in your living room a good place to put a large place is behind your large couch. The painting should be about 2/3 the length of your couch. It is ok if it is bigger or smaller, but this ratio looks the best.

One of the best ways to add pizzazz into the entertainment room of your house is to incorporate a large flat-screen television. Even though this will set you back a little bit, it will be well worth the cost if you spend a lot of time watching television with friends or family.

Bathroom Design Chicago


If you're an environmentally conscious individual, consider implementing recycled materials when redesigning your bathroom. You can use things like recycled fixtures, antique tiles and refurbished wood. Using these materials opens up a world of design possibilities that is only as limited as your imagination. Creating a green bathroom will end up saving you a lot of money on supplies.

Designing your home's interior does not require the assistance of pricey professionals or magazines. You just need to go with your instinct if you want to create a welcoming space for the entire family. What you have read in the above article is meant to help you begin on the path to interior bathroom design success.

See bath ideas http://bathroomremodelchicago.blogspot.com/2013/11/bathroom-remodel-chicago_20.html

Bathroom Remodel Chicago

A Home You Can Relax In: Finishing Your Home Improvement Projects

More than half of the homeowners in the United States have done their own home improvement. Home improvement projects generally have one of the following as their goals: comfort, increased salability, energy savings, and basic maintenance and repair. There are many resources out there for the homeowner looking to engage in their own home improvement projects.

Put in an outdoor motion detector for your outside lighting. This way the lights will only be on when they are activated and not all day or all night unnecessarily. Most people don't need their outside lights other than when they come home or leave after dark.

Make your house energy efficient by placing weather striping in your doors and windows. This fix costs next to nothing, and it makes your home much more comfortable. Not to mention, it saves you money. It can even reduce those drafts that always seem to appear on chilly nights.

When remodeling the tile floors, consider more high-tech options such as tiles that radiate heat. This type of tile heats up with electricity. These can even be a do-it-yourself project, providing you are able to read and follow directions. This is a simple project that is easy to add to the overall project regardless of whether you are doing it yourself or hiring someone else. The first steps inside a winter bathroom will leave your feet grateful for all of the hard work.

One simple home improvement project that will leave your house looking fresh and new is painting. Choose neutral colors like light blues or subtle greens. Touch up the ceilings in colors like eggshell, white or cream. Top off the look with crown molding and remember that there are kits to help you achieve a professional look even if you have very little experience.

Install large corner shelves in your bedroom just below the ceiling. These shelves can easily be constructed using just a sheet of plywood and a couple of pieces of molding. Cut the shelf large enough that it can be used to hold large comforters and other items that you need to keep up and out of the way.

If you are hiring a contractor or landscaper to work on your home improvement project, make sure that they are licensed. If a contractor has a license, it means that they are a legitimate businessman who is skilled in the type of work you require. It also indicates that the contractor follows and is informed about the latest updates in the industry.

When planning for landscaping upgrades, consider native plants in your yard plan. They're generally more hardy and require less water than non-natives. Your plant choices will vary depending on your area, but your county agricultural extension will be able to help you with planning. Also check to see if a local university has a program to help homeowners with native landscaping.

Home improvement stores are the center of all home improvement projects. Not only do the stores sell everything you need to start a project, the staff tends to be knowledgeable and can help you if you ever get stuck. Many stores also offer classes on how to effectively improve your home yourself.

Have a clear picture in mind of the home improvements you want to accomplish. This will prevent disappointment if the project doesn't turn out as you planned. Utilize lists, drawings and magazine articles for ideas on how to create the finished product that will be everything you want!

Among the first aspects when taking on a new home repair project is to clear the area of debris and keep it clear. Demolition gives you lots of debris that you'll need to get rid of efficiently. At the beginning of any project, have a designated area for debris to be collected.

Home improvement and upkeep can be a daunting task but if you attack the each chore systematically you can get the work done quickly and efficiently. Determine what task you will be completing, research and purchase any tools or supplies you may need. Do not push yourself too hard. Take your time to do the job right and you will be justly rewarded.

Find out where to turn the gas off before you begin any home-improvement project. You will need to know this in case of a leak when working around fireplaces, kitchens or anything else that uses the gas lines. Always be overly cautious when working around gas lines to avoid dangerous mishaps.

Taping baseboards and ceilings is a key part to painting. No matter how careful you try to be, you will probably have a problem with paint dripping and running. A taped trim will prevent the running paint from reaching it and ruining it. If your paint does get onto your trim, it may need touch-up work later.

Protect surfaces with a covering during any home improvement projects. Floors should be covered with a tarp or painters plastic if you are painting. For other projects that involve hammering or tearing down walls or cabinets, cover all surfaces to protect them from scratches and damage, including the walls.

Bathroom Remodel Chicago


There's no need to go overboard with costs when you are remodeling a bathroom. Even a small amount of money can help turn a project into a huge impact. Replace the mirror, toilet roll holders, light fixtures, and towel bars. Painting is an excellent improvement for a bathroom. Your bathroom will look modern and updated without leaving a dent in your pocketbook.

There's no need for a full bathroom remodel when you can make your bathroom more functional and stylish by installing new fixtures. Update the shower with a more adjustable shower head or there are even models that mimic rainfall! New sink faucets, towel racks, cabinet hardware or mirrors are other effective choices. Change out your fixtures and you will update your style with out breaking your budget.

Consider refinishing an old bathtub instead of replacing it. If your tub is porcelain, many companies can make your old tub look almost brand new. Some companies will put a brand new finish on old tile surrounding the tub without tearing it down. It is not necessary to replace your bathroom tiles unless the wall underneath has sustained water damage.

As the article states, there are many resources out there to assist with bathroom remodeling and other home improvement projects. A conscientious homeowner will do much research before beginning any type of home improvement project to insure that they have the correct materials and tools on hand to complete the project and ensure a successful improvement.

See makeover plans http://bathroomremodelchicago.blogspot.com/2014/01/planning-home-makeover-use-this-guide.html