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bathroom remodel

5 Factors That Make All the Difference in Your Bathroom Remodel 

January 17, 2023
Chloe Taylor
Comments Off on 5 Factors That Make All the Difference in Your Bathroom Remodel 

Springtime is the time for renovation. Whether you’re planning on selling your home or just looking for a way to upgrade your bathroom to make it look more aesthetically pleasing, there are some things you can implement that can make all the difference. Read on to learn about five factors you should consider when you’re doing a bathroom remodel.

How you use the space you have

Making the most of the space we have is very important when remodeling the bathroom. You need to carefully plan where everything is going to be and make a detailed layout for your new bathroom. Even though working with what you already have means you’ll be facing some limits in terms of square footage and existing piping, you can still make it work to your advantage. If you’re looking to create a modern bathroom, relocating the utilities such as the toilet and bathtub can be costly, but sometimes it can be worth the money. Repiping the plumbing system is necessary if you want to give your bathroom a contemporary vibe by installing a freestanding bathtub or changing the position of the toilet so that it isn’t facing the door. Also, the area around your sink can be utilized for storing toiletries and everyday items, so consider investing in practical storage or bathroom cabinets where you can hide all the clutter to keep your countertops clean and clear.

What you choose to invest in

During your bathroom remodel, there are some things you can save on while allowing yourself to splurge on other, more notable pieces. The things you can save on are the toilet and the mirror. You don’t have to get rid of the whole porcelain perch – just replace the toilet seat and lid and you’re good to go. The same goes for a mirror – instead of purchasing a new one, consider framing the mirror to give it an updated look. Now, the one thing you shouldn’t resist splurging on is a bathtub. A tub is a place where you can relax and unwind after a long day, so you need to invest in one that is both comfortable and visually appealing. That’s why it is wise to invest in high-quality designer baths – other than being highly functional, their attractive design will make your bathroom look chic and luxurious, thus creating a spa-like experience. 

How you choose to arrange your bathroom 

The layout you choose for your bathroom can have a significant impact on its functionality, as well as the overall appeal of the room. According to Feng Shui, your toilet shouldn’t be the first thing you see when you enter the bathroom. Instead, consider placing it several feet away from the door. Let something else be the focal point of your bathroom, like a tub, or a nice vanity with a framed mirror. If you’re looking to make your bathroom look stylish, place the tub in the center – a freestanding bath is a contemporary way to arrange your bathroom and make it look more sophisticated and refined. Where you decide to place your bathtub can tell something about your personality and what qualities you’re looking for. 

 

Which materials you decide to use

Similar to bathtubs, countertops made from high-quality materials are another investment worth their price. Splurging on a marble or granite countertop for your vanity is a great way to elevate your bathroom and give it a polished high-end look. The other materials you use in your bathroom don’t have to be expensive at all. By splurging strategically on items that are eye-catching, you’re creating focal points that will stand out, meaning you can save money on things that serve as supporting elements. You don’t have to spend a fortune to install marble tiles – white or neutral-colored ceramic tiles will work just fine. And even though hardwood flooring will infuse your bathroom with great character, you don’t need to spend a fortune on installing and maintaining it – opt for ceramic tiles that mimic the texture and pattern of real hardwood flooring. That way, you’re getting the best of both worlds.

What lighting scheme you choose for your bathroom

Lights can really affect how we perceive space. When placed strategically, they can even make the bathroom look more spacious than it actually is. In combination with mirrors, they add value to the room and make it look more appealing. Mirrors and lights are two multifunctional design elements interior designers use to expand the room visually. How you choose to place your lighting fixtures plays a big role in designing a contemporary bathroom. The perfect lighting scheme consists of layering ambient, accent, decorative, and task lighting.  Many interior designers like to introduce lighting around the mirror frame to make it stand out, while recessed lighting is a rather inexpensive way to make your bathroom look luxe. Another lighting device worth investing in is the dimmer switch – it’ll add mood to your space and make your late-night baths so much cozier. 

Remodeling your bathroom is an exciting project because you get the opportunity to express your personality and creativity through your living space. Have in mind these five factors when you’re doing bathroom remodeling and you’re sure to create a modern oasis you (and potential buyers) will love, and probably add some value to your home in the process.

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10 Tips for Hiring a Bathroom Remodeling Contractor

February 18, 2022
Chloe Taylor
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“Wash away your troubles with some bubbles.” 

Have you recently purchased a new living space for yourself and are setting it up? Do you love taking long hot showers in the winters while you ponder over how your day went? Bathroom space is one of those places where you can escape from your family members for a few minutes so you can have some peace. 

Bathroom remodeling might sound like a difficult or hectic task at first if you don’t have prior experience. You should know that a lot of effort and energy goes behind the bathroom remodeling process, and you have to take care of the tiny details as well. 

So, when you are looking forward to a bathroom remodeling, it is natural to wonder if you will be opting for a DIY solution or hiring a professional contractor. If you don’t have the time or energy to work on the bathroom remodel yourself, then hiring a bathroom remodeling contractor is the best shot you have. 

Why Should You Get a Bathroom Remodeling? 

If you are looking for bathroom remodel contractors near me, you should know that bathroom remodels impacts quality of life and provides you with good home value. Also, once you get a remodel done, it will save you money in the long run, and you won’t have to invest in unwanted or expensive repairs later on. This way, you will also be able to curb electricity bills and water usage. 

Make a clear plan of your own 

Did you know that in 2021, 33 percent of homeowners renovated their master bathroom because they could no longer stand their bathroom? This study shows that many people are concerned about their bathroom space and pay proper attention to it. 

Before reaching out to a bathroom remodeling contractor, make sure that you make a clear plan of your own. Spend time gathering your ideas write down any goals that you might want to achieve with your bathroom or any specific changes that you would like to see. Also, look for some ideas and inspiration on Google or Pinterest, so you know would you want the final result to be like. 

Research on remodeling contractors 

If you don’t have prior experience with remodeling contractors, it is important that you do your research on them. Look for remodeling contractors around you, such as in your local area, so you know what kind of work they do. 

Once you research remodeling contractors, you will know about the rates they charge as well as the kind of services they offer. Moreover, during your research, you can also ask close friends and family members about their experience with remodeling contractors. If they have a good experience with someone, you can also approach the same contractor. 

Conduct your interviews 

Conducting interviews of different bathroom contractors will help you compare the contractors and choose the best one among them. It is advised that you interview at least two or three contractors and choose the one who best meets your needs.

When conducting interviews, you may also ask them fundamental questions such as their level of expertise, the number of individuals on the team, and if they are appropriately licenced and insured. Moreover, you can also ask for a list of references, so you are sure about their authenticity and know whether they have worked on some good projects or not. 

Review their previous work 

When you have a look at the previous work that they did for their clients, you will know if they are efficient and productive with their work. Ideally, your remodeling contractor should come with a few photos of their best work for you to view. If they don’t have pictures with them, then you might also be able to view them on their website or social media pages. 

While all bathroom remodeling contractors do a good job, you should see which contractor suits your requirements and works in a similar style. Also, if you don’t find good images or feel that something isn’t right with their work, then don’t ignore that thought. Simply leave that contractor and move on towards the next option that you have. 

Ask for reliable references 

After you have reviewed their previous work and all seems fine, ask them to provide reliable references to confirm and re-check everything yourself. Contact the authorities in your state to confirm and verify their license. Also, reach out to their references provided and go and see the work yourself. 

Furthermore, make sure that the references that they have provided are honest with you and tell you all the right details about the bathroom remodeling contractor. If the references hesitate to provide you with the truth, you should know that something is fishy. Look out for certain red flags such as inconsistent work, multiple bad reviews, and high costs. 

Get the estimates for the job 

Do you want your interiors to be the best and will not compromise on anything? If that is what you are after, you will easily get the best work done at the most reasonable prices. Once you have finalized a remodeling contractor, then you should ask them to provide you with estimates. 

Confirm what kind of work you need to get done, and then ask them to give you a written estimate. At times people might mishear or misunderstand the quotes, so it is better if you have them in writing for the future. Also, getting a verbal estimate isn’t a good idea because you or the contractor might forget later on. When you get a written estimate, all parties will stick to it, and it will be binding for everyone. 

Work on the schedule 

If you have a job or a busy work schedule, it might be a little difficult for you to deal with a bathroom remodel contractor. Depending on your requirements, a contractor who works at your place might take a few days to complete the project. 

Most homeowners don’t realize the importance of working on time which is why delays occur. If you create a schedule for yourself, then it will be easy to deal with the contractors. Discuss any timing issues that you might have so the contractor can see if it will be easy for them to take up the job or not. 

Clarify the contractor’s job 

Many times different contractors deal with different matters, or some contractors even refuse to do some things. Before you draw up the contract, speak with the bathroom contractor about the details as to what you want to be accomplished during the project. 

For example, you could prepare a list of the important things that need to be done. These could include changing the tiles getting new taps or drainage pipes installed. Also, have a chat with them about the materials that should be used and if they charge separately for the materials or they will be included in the final charges. 

Discuss options in details 

Once you have clarified what work you are looking forward to, discuss your options. Suppose you have one bathroom in your house and 2 or 3 people living together. Think about how you will manage this situation. Talk to the contractor about figuring out alternate options for using the bathroom. The contractor might also give you some advice or else come up with a plan that includes the arrival and exit time of the contractor. This way, it will be easier for you to use the bathroom at your convenience. 

Verify the licensing 

Despite the fact that everything might be going well, it is important that you verify the license and credentials of the bathroom contractor for peace of mind. Bathroom contractors are licensed and registered most of the time, so there is nothing to worry about. If you are still concerned, you may visit their website or contact appropriate authorities for the most up-to-date information.

Parting Note 

Your final choice of selecting a bathroom remodeling contractor will not depend on one but several different things. Most of the time, people tend to fixate on only one factor, which causes trouble for them. When you meet the contractor, see if your vibe matches with them or if you will be able to work with them in a civilized manner. Also, see if their ongoing projects leave them with enough time so that they can easily work with you as well. If all the factors go well, then you should have your ideal bathroom remodeling contractor in less than no time.

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A Guide to Getting Coverage for Your Boiler

December 20, 2021
Chloe Taylor
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If you rent your home, your landlord is responsible for ensuring your heating system. If you’re a homeowner, however, it’s up to you to secure the appropriate coverage. Corgi Home Plan shares how to get the best coverage for your boiler.

If you have an older boiler, it can be more difficult to find coverage. Some policies will only cover boilers that are less than seven years old. It can be very difficult to cover a boiler that’s more than 15 years old. 

If your boiler is fairly new, you should check the warranty or guarantee from the manufacturer. You may already have replacement coverage. It’s common for warranties to last for about 2 years, but some manufacturers have a shorter or longer coverage period. You should be aware that there are likely to be conditioned to this coverage and that your coverage may be limited. 

It’s best to read the fine print and look over your paperwork closely. From there, you can decide on the option that best suits your needs. 

How Much Will It Cost to Cover My Boiler? 

There are a number of factors that can impact what you pay for boiler coverage. It’s important to remember that there are different kinds of central heating systems. In addition to the type of boiler you use, your costs will be impacted by your location, the age of the boiler, and the size of the home that you live in. 

It’s common for coverage to be limited. Your coverage may be capped at a certain amount. If you opt for a less expensive policy, you may have limits on the number of claims you can make each year. Because of that, you’ll want to look through your benefits closely. Compare your options and find a level of coverage that you’ll be comfortable with. 

Finding the Right Type of Coverage 

Many boiler issues occur because the boiler hasn’t been properly maintained. To prevent those kinds of problems, look for a plan that covers the cost of yearly servicing. The cost of maintaining a boiler is much less than the cost of repairs. 

While there are plans that will cover your boiler and nothing else, there are also plans that cover the entire central heating system. Check every plan and take the time to compare your options. You may not have to pay much more to cover your entire system. 

You’ll also want to see when your coverage starts. In some cases, there will be a period at the start of the plan when you can’t make claims. This period could last anywhere from two weeks to a month. These restrictions are in place to keep homeowners from seeking coverage after their boiler has already broken down. 

Another option you may want to look for is a 24-hour helpline. This ensures that you’ll always be able to get assistance in an emergency. You should also check to see what kind of emergency coverage is available. 

Deciding On Your Best Option 

You may be able to purchase boiler coverage from your utility company. While bundling coverage can make things easier for you, it could also lead to higher costs. It’s best to compare a variety of options. Look at the cost of policies and the coverage that they provide. 

Make sure that you get the coverage you need at a price that’s affordable for you. 

Having coverage for your boiler can help you to rest easy. Replacing a boiler can be very expensive. If you have coverage, you’ll be protected if your boiler breaks down. 

With a range of options available, you’ll want to make sure you compare your different choices. Choosing the right plan will provide you with better benefits. Remember, the cheapest option isn’t always the right choice. You’ll want to make sure that any plan you’re paying for will actually meet your needs.

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Beautiful Bathroom Redesign Ideas for Small Apartments

August 3, 2018
Mike Johnston
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Too often, small apartments are viewed as a type of prison which leaves us cramped and forces us to make design compromises. However, let’s try to look on the bright side. Tiny places are easier to clean and maintain, they encourage you to focus on quality over quantity, the heating and cooling bills are usually lower, and, most importantly, they give you the opportunity to invest the same amount of creativity (and money) into decorating every single room. This is especially important for bathrooms, which are often pushed aside, as the other rooms gain priority. So, here are a few ideas for redesigning your petite bathroom.

Get the most out of corners

Corners usually remain unused, and since your bathroom could benefit from every additional square foot, you should reconsider your decision to leave them as they are. For starters, you can install a corner sink to avoid disrupting the traffic lane in the room. Corner sinks can have storage space underneath, and you can use the limited counter space to decorate with fresh flowers or candles. Furthermore, you can set up a corner shower, and use up the vertical space for corner shelves.

Round it up

If you have a small apartment, you have probably read thousands of articles about using clean-lined furniture to fit everything in. However, in bathrooms, elements with sharp corners can pose a hazard for your hips. Also, you can go with a round or oval-shaped sink, which will allow more counter space for your toiletries and decorations.

Pair busy and simple

Another décor rule you should break is going way too simplistic with the tiles and the walls. Feel free to create some dynamics by combining elaborately designed floors with minimalistic painted walls or monochromatic wall tiles. Also, if you decide to make one entire surface patterned or colorful, keep everything else in the room simple.

Extend what you can

Double sinks are great, but if you want to have enough storage and counter space, consider getting a long sink, where the sink and the countertop come in one piece. The sink is still sufficient for two people to get ready at the same time, but it saves you serious space. Also, you can extend the counter over the toilet or alongside a wall, at least in a narrower style.

Don’t be afraid of going large

You can decide to make some pieces large, but in those cases, you need to maximize your efforts to fit everything in (think floating shelves and niches). If there is one piece where you can afford to go extra-large, that is the mirror. Not only will it serve as a glamorous design element, but it will also create the illusion of spaciousness by reflecting the light throughout the room.

Show off your shower

Don’t hide away your shower with dark curtains or foggy matte glass. Instead, opt for completely translucent frameless glass doors, which will transform your shower from a purely functional item into a design asset. Additionally, the space will appear larger.

Show some love with accessories

While minimalistic is the way to go with small bathrooms, you don’t need to avoid accessories, you just need to choose and position them strategically. Start by turning bathroom fixtures into accessories. Choose faucets, showerheads, and cabinet hardware in interesting colors (e.g. brass, matte black or copper). Finish up the look by arranging candles, fresh flowers, and houseplants (follow the rule of three).

Your small bathroom doesn’t have to cause you a headache. On the contrary, if you manage to spruce it up with one of these projects, you will have enough space, and as a bonus, you will get stylishness and glam to spare.

 

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The Green Bathroom: Good for Health, Easy on the Wallet

June 16, 2015
Lana Hawkins
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For those who are willing, there are many ways to save the planet and at the same time improve your budget. Although at first, some of these changes might seem radical or even abstract, you need not go far to start this “green” revolution, you can start in your very bathroom. There are many ways in which you can significantly improve your bathroom in three important fields- economically, ecologically and even improve the influence of your bathroom on the general health of your family. The choice is all yours, but here are some simple advice and examples which will best show you all your options and their effects.

Water of life

First you may start by trying to reduce the usage of water in your bathroom. There are several simple and extremely efficient ways to do this. You may start off by installing low flow faucets and shower heads, since it is proven that they spend almost up to 60% less than regular ones, with pretty much the same effectiveness. Next thing is do pretty much the same with your toilet. Low-flush, high-efficiency toilets use almost half of the amount of water that regular toilet does while achieving almost the same effect. Just by taking these two simple steps you will affect both your budget and your impact on the eco-state of your planet significantly on a daily basis.

When speaking of some serious savings, it is of crucial significance to check your plumbing. Leaking pipes may result in a water loss that can annul all your water savings combined. A single leaking pipe if not discovered in time, can cause major problems in your home, which requires additional investment in walls or floors renovation.
The eco-effects on a local scale are almost as devastating. This is definitely not something you can do yourself so make sure to contact a plumbing company and let the professionals deal with that. While at it, make sure to check if your pipes are made of lead, especially in the older houses or apartments. If so be sure to change them since they can represent a serious hazard on your health.

Saving the energy

As for saving the energy, it is one of the most effective ways in which you can improve the eco-friendly conditions in your bathroom. This is also one of the rear situations in life where without some great initial investments, you can save substantial amounts of money. You can start as simple as trying to cover your water-heater and its pipes with some old cloth, blankets or some other isolating material.

In a long run this can save both a lot of energy and affect your budget significantly, in a positive way. If you have wider budget for bathroom remodeling, you could get tank-less water heater, as they provide hot water on demand but they don’t produce standby energy losses as regular types. You should also replace all your regular light bulbs with a LED or CFL (compact fluorescent light) ones.

lights
Photo credit: Flickr

You may also want to try to replace the source of energy that you use for the needs of your bathroom, if not entire home as well. You can always try to change your current energy source for one of the alternative ones, the one with a renewal source. Solar energy is the most obvious and most adequate solutions since just a couple of solar panels may supply your bathroom with hot water, light and even heating for an entire season, as they are efficient even during wintertime. What better way to help both your home budget and global energetic and ecological situation at the same time.

You are the key

But before any other changes take place, there is one thing that is most important of all for this to work. The greatest change must happen inside in you. By changing your everyday habits you can significantly affect your environment in a way you never before believed possible. By taking a shorter showers, not rushing but just being realistic about time needed, or by doing something as simple as turning of water while brushing teeth you can make all the difference necessary. Being a bit more practical and economical about the use of toilet paper or by purchasing only towels made out of organic cotton or linen is really not that hard and do not require any physical changes, but only in the raised level of your general awareness.

“Be the change you want to see in the world”; this change must first happen in you and then and only then can you transfer it to the world around you. With just a bit of will, determination and awareness of the global and local ecological situation, you can be the key of both your own salvation and at the same time leave the Earth a better place than it was before you gave your best shot in preserving it.

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