The Design/Build Advantage – A Collaborative Process For Quality and Value in Home Remodeling
Posted on 26. Mar, 2010 by admin in general
Remodeling Can Be A Challenge
A major home addition or remodeling project can be a very daunting process for the homeowner. Defining your specific needs, finding an architect, working with them through the process of refining the design, and then selecting a qualified builder all can be very time consuming and frustrating. And there can be pitfalls and unforeseen expenses along the way.
To define your needs and acquire architectural drawings without knowing how much the project will cost to build can send you back to the drawing board if it doesn’t meet your budget, requiring you to go through the steps again and incur additional design costs. Once a project is underway, it is quite common for conflicts to arise between the architect or designer and the builder, especially if the homeowner asks for changes along the way.
The Design/Build Alternative
Design/Build is an alternative approach that streamlines the process and enables budget discipline from the beginning and all along the way. The design/build contractor takes full responsibility for design, construction, and satisfactory completion, delivering the project on time and on budget. In this method, as ideas are developed, all team members make decisions in a collaborative approach. This provides greater efficiency and a more satisfying result for the time and money invested.
A company with both design and construction expertise, as well as systems to control costs can provide pricing as soon as the scope of the project is determined. The architect, engineer and contractor are then able to focus on the project with an emphasis on quality, rather than protecting their own individual interests. The lines of communication are simplified and chances for misunderstanding are reduced. The construction expertise of the contractor and the aesthetic and ergonomics expertise of the design professionals are melded to produce a greater value for the homeowner than could be realized if both were working independently.
The client saves time and effort by dealing with a single source for all matters instead of separately with a contractor, an architect, an engineer, and subcontractors. Overall time to design and build the project is substantially reduced because design and construction activities overlap. For instance, a foundation can be poured to take advantage of favorable weather while choices of flooring finishes are still being finalized.
How the Process Works
The process begins with a meeting between the design/build contractor and the homeowner to discuss what they want to accomplish with the changes in their home, and to understand their budget parameters. Then an Existing Conditions Report is developed, a detailed survey of the property that includes measurements, photographs, structural elements and mechanical systems of the home.
Based on this report and the budget parameters set by the homeowner, a general budget range is provided and design discussion leads to a Design Contract. The next step is to develop conceptual floor plans and elevations utilizing “real time design.” This computer-based collaborative process makes it possible for the architect, engineer, and builder to meet with the homeowner to show renderings options for how the new remodeled space can actually look and integrate with the rest of the home before the investment is made in detailed drawings and plans.
Three-dimensional visuals are shown on computer screen or projected on an entire wall that visualize room layouts, surface materials and the location of built-in elements and major furniture pieces in the remodeled space. Real time design is a participatory process for the homeowner, making it easy for them to compare what options can look like and also to make changes in design and visualize them right on the spot. It also enables discussion of the budget implications for changes that are considered. With agreement to conceptual drawings, work is then begun on detailed plans for the project.
Selecting a Design/Build Contractor
In selecting a design/build contractor for your remodeling project, it is important to thoroughly research any company you are considering. Make sure they have done similar projects on homes like yours. Ask for references and be sure to ask about their satisfaction with the process, cost controls and of course the end result. Ask is you can visit them to view the completed projects for yourself. And be sure you meet the person who will manage your project. You may also want to also inquire about the real time design capabilities of the firm.
Recession Proof Your Interior Design or Decorating Business
Posted on 26. Mar, 2010 by admin in general
If you make your living as an interior designer or decorator the current economy has got to be hurting your business. When the economy is slow, many people who might otherwise hire an interior designer or decorator are forced to move such a â??non-essentialâ?? service to the bottom of their priority list. If you havenâ??t felt the pinch yet, brace yourself as your business could take a drastic nose-dive during an economic recession. Nobody really needs interior design services, especially in have-not times.Thereâ??s also the fact that so many of your days are spent on the business-side of design; negotiating with contractors, waiting for deliveries to arrive, billing, gathering quotes, and so on. This is all time that doesnâ??t directly generate revenue for your interior design or decorating business, and when client billings are already meager, this can really hurt your financial situation.Maybe youâ??re one of the many trained interior decorators who have ended up working in retail for a 100% commission. If the economy gets worse and youâ??re working purely on commission, where does that leave you? Even in good times, if you work for 100% commission you might as well be your own boss and have the freedom to market yourself to new clients rather than being tied to any one store.When I decided to take the reigns of my life back and do something that would allow me to profit from my creativity, I considered a career in interior design. I struggled with that option countless times across a 20 year period when I was unsatisfied in my work. I researched, and even interviewed, many interior design schools in my â??former lifeâ? but for some reason I never took the step to enroll. I decided with my BA, MBA and a couple decades of experience in business, being in a classroom for two to four years with kids 20 years my junior was not something I wanted to do.Never mind tuition costs and the tremendous loss of income while youâ??re a student. Then who knows how many years of working experience as a designer or decorator would be needed after graduation to really start earning money. I wanted to unleash my creativity and love for decorating, but I definitely needed to start making money as soon as possible. So, I started my own home staging company.As soon as my business was launched, the money was coming in. Within my second year as a home stager I was making up to $10,000 per month. Compare that to the median annual salary of $36,150 a year for an Interior Designer according to Salary.com this year. Iâ??m very happy I trusted my instincts!If youâ??re an interior designer or decorator and you arenâ??t making enough money, consider adding Home Staging to your service mix or switching to a more profitable career as a Home Stager altogether.Here a few ways a home staging business can be more profitable than an interior design business:â?¢ As a home stager you get the opportunity to work with different types of people than you would as an interior designer. Generally, only very high income individuals hire interior designers, which limits your target market. Home stagers work mostly with clients in the middle to upper income level which gives you a much larger percentage of the population to market to, and increases the number of projects available for you to work on.â?¢ Home stagers enjoy a higher volume of projects than interior designers because each one is so short in nature. One interior design project might take months to complete (especially when you factor in the wait times to have upholstery done, or furniture delivered), but the average home staging project takes only a few hours or days. Thereâ??s no way I could have decorated hundreds of homes within a couple of years as a new interior designer, the way I did as a new home stager. With such quick projects, a home stager is able to complete (and get paid for) a significantly higher number of projects per year than an interior designer who often has client work on hold through no fault of their own.â?¢ When the economy is slow, people eliminate the non-essentials. Interior design or decorating isnâ??t really high on the â??essential items listâ? especially when choices need to be made about what to give up, and thereâ??s no real deadline to redecorate or renovate a room. In uncertain times, interior design moves way down on the priority list, while home staging move up. No matter how slow the economy is or how much the real estate market has declined, there will always be people who absolutely have to sell and move by a certain date. Divorce, job relocation, job loss, mounting debts, a death in the family or a birth often get people to put their house on the market even if it isnâ??t the best time to sell. When a homeowner is desperate to sell their house, a home stager will often be involved since the seller stands to make a handsome profit from their services. When people have less time, less money or less equity in their house, they need a home stager so they can get whatever they can out of the sale of their home! As a home stager, your creativity and talent for decorating will serve you well in slow economic times and slow real estate markets.I especially love the amount of creative freedom I get as a home stager. Because my clients know Iâ??m decorating their home to sell and not for them to live in, I am able to execute my creative vision without their interference or taking their taste into consideration. I canâ??t imagine wasting hours sitting with a client who canâ??t decide which color they want for their bathroom, or which fabric to pick for their drapes. My clients donâ??t care what I choose as long as their house will sell quicker because of it. Besides that, my home staging business is extremely profitable which every entrepreneur wants.If your interior design business isnâ??t doing as well as you hoped, itâ??s not too late to make a change towards living a more creatively fulfilling career that is also more profitable. Do some research into the home staging field. Itâ??s a career that is virtually â??recession-proofâ?.
Decorating Or Interior Design With Laminate Flooring – Ultimate Laid-Back Decor
Posted on 25. Mar, 2010 by admin in general
Decorating or interior design with laminate flooring is taking the home improvement world by storm. Laminate flooring is one the fastest growing areas in the renovation industry. These glueless, floating creations are toted as the best low-maintenance decorating or interior design idea in decades. It has become one of the most popular ways to spend a home remodeling loan. Why is laminate flooring so much in vogue and how can it be incorporated into your decor?
No schedule-juggling homeowner has time for finicky house cleaning chores these days. Laminate flooring solutions are so easy to maintain, that it is turning into serious competition for Milliken Legato carpet tiles and other carpeting ranges. Decorating or interior design with laminate flooring allows you to install your new floor over almost any existing floor. Two exceptions are carpeting and real wood on concrete.
A laminate floor consists of planks with a tongue and groove design. This decorating and interior design solution simply clicks together to form a stable floating floor. Four to five layers are fused together under pressure to form the planks. The most important layers are the high density fiberboard core and the wear layer that is usually covered with tough-as-nails aluminum oxide. This is the layer that prevents staining, scuffing and fading. The decorating or interior design layer resides between the wear layer and the core. This resembles real wood, ceramic tile, or stone tile. The engineering is such that the appearance is absolutely authentic. No more fake or plastic-looking laminates!
It is vital that you match your choice of laminate flooring close to the traffic flow of each area. You will also need to take special precautions in bathrooms and kitchens where water is likely to be a factor. Your general decorating and interior design also has to be taken into account when choosing the coloring and texture of the laminate flooring.
One of the main reasons for the popularity of laminate flooring is the fact that the latest designs emulate real wood floors closely, but at a fraction of the cost. The wood grains are copied carefully and the textures give the floors a highly authentic and realistic appearance. By choosing this decorating and interior design option, you are virtually assured of the warmth and atmosphere of a real hardwood floor without any of the maintenance and warping woes.
The timelessness of wood is replicated to the last detail. Laminate flooring planks are now beveled to give an even more realistic look. In addition, you can opt for a weathered appearance if you prefer. The glueless, click together designs are a snap for do it yourself enthusiasts, ready to use immediately upon completion. The engineering behind this decorating and interior design idea is so innovative that joints are almost invisible. The best ranges come with warranties of up to thirty years.
While choosing a finish, aim to create continuity and balance with the decorating and interior design. Keep in mind that a lighter finish will create a spacious impression, while darker hues are warm and lead to a more intimate atmosphere. If you want to install a dark floor, you will need lots of natural light. If your furniture is dark and heavy, contrast this with a lighter flooring hue for a striking effect.
The diverse ranges allow you to choose a finish and texture to compliment a rustic decorating and interior design style, or a more contemporary feel. A strip floor will expand a room significantly, making this suitable for use in a smaller area. The wider planks do well in a more roomy area. You can even opt to create a unique decorating and interior design style, by combining a variety of plank widths.
If you need to replace a kitchen floor, remember that this is a high traffic, often messy environment, where accidents are likely. A lot of dirt will be trudged in over time. When choosing your decorating or interior design style for this area, you need to make sure that the flooring is hard-wearing, non-slip and comfortable to stand on for long hours. Both vinyl such as Allure Trafficmaster flooring, and laminate flooring are good options here. Be kind to your feet by choosing the best underlayment you can find. Consider a similar flooring choice for bathrooms, as long as installation instructions regarding sealing and the use of glue are followed to the letter.
If you have kids and pets, your living room decorating and interior design will also benefit from a laminate flooring installation. These floors are easy to keep clean and the wear layers are made to be stain resistant. Just make sure that you keep pet nails trimmed to prevent scratches. Extend the living room flooring choice to the dining room. Laminate flooring here is a far more sensible choice than carpeting, due to the danger of staining.
Laminate flooring can also be your decorating and interior design choice in bedrooms. Here traffic flow is usually fairly minimal, so the AC rating can be lower. Remember that your flooring is there for the long haul. Opt for a neutral flooring shade that will tone in with a change of decor at a later stage. Add color and warmth with area rugs if you feel the need to do so.
If you want to create a touch of drama in your decorating and interior design, choose the entry hall for this purpose. Intricate patterns can be created with laminate flooring if you are so inclined.
Before installing laminate flooring in a basement, get professional input to ensure that moisture won’t be a problem. If any of the floors are heated, check with the laminate flooring supplier if this is in order. Not all laminate flooring ranges can be used if subfloor heating is part of the decorating or interior design.
If one of your family members has allergies or asthma, a laminate floor is an excellent decorating or interior design solution. This is one of the best ways to limit exposure to dust-mites. No matter how conscientious you are with cleaning, carpeting remains a dust-trap.
All the manufacturers supply ranges of decorative transition moldings with which you can give your flooring a professional finish. Match the moldings closely with the flooring tones. Where you install baseboards against a wall, these can be of a contrasting color.
Plan your laminate flooring project with care. Create flowing transitions between the different rooms. With a bit of care and forethought, your flooring will become a focal point in your decorating and interior design endeavors.
Bathroom Floor Tiles
Posted on 25. Mar, 2010 by admin in general
While the installation of wall tiles is sometimes limited to certain areas of the bathroom, floor tiles tend to be used to cover the whole of the room. It is possible to limit floor tiles\’ use to areas likely to get wet (outside a shower cubicle or next to a bath) but in general it usually looks better if the whole floor has one consistent finish.
The appearance of the finished floor will depend on the tiles chosen, and there is a huge choice available. Darker colours can make a dramatic statement while lighter colours will keep the room feeling airy. The material that the tile is made of is also an important consideration. Ceramic tiles can usually be used in most circumstances but natural stone tiles are not always suitable for use in wet rooms. Many stone tiles require sealing before use and careful cleaning after use but luckily there are a whole host of ceramic equivalents which can prove more practical in most instances, but it is always worth checking with your tile supplier prior to purchasing to ensure their suitability. Another feature that you might wish to look for when choosing a floor tile is its non-slip characteristics. Many smooth, glossy or glazed tiles can be very slippery underfoot especially when wet, so suppliers will always have tiles with raised patterns moulded or cut into the surface to aid with grip.
Wet rooms can use floor tiles to make one, complete, waterproof surface for the whole room, turning the entire space into a showering area. For this type of application it is vital that the correct materials are used for creating the floor. The substrate and location of the room can dictate which method is used to create the wet room floor. There are a wide range of ancillary products available to enable tiles to be used as a wet room floor. These include floor panels that help with creating the correct falls to ensure the shower water gets ducted away, tanking materials to help ensure a completely waterproof area, special adhesives and grouts that are designed to cope with the demanding environment. Tiles can also be used for the floor inside a smaller shower area such as an enclosure or cubicle – effectively creating a shower tray made out of floor tiles. The same provisos will still apply regarding suitable substrates, adhesives and falls to ensure the floor remains waterproof.
Installing Bathroom Flooring
Posted on 24. Mar, 2010 by admin in general
Are you ready for a new bathroom floor? Perhaps your taste is willing to accept a new pattern or design to match recently painted or papered walls, but your wallet may be telling you to wait until the economy takes a turn for the better. If you have been successful in managing a few fixer-upper projects around your home in the past, you may be able to install new bathroom flooring for a fraction of the cost that you would have to pay professionals. All you need are a few simple guidelines and quality floor tile or linoleum.
First, decide what type of flooring you want for your bathroom. Tile works especially well, because any of the pieces that become rotted, mildewed, or damaged are easy to replace without taking up the entire floor. Just be sure to buy extra tiles when purchasing the initial batch so the replacement pieces will match their original counterparts. Linoleum may be cheaper, and some people find it a smoother application and fit than tile. But linoleum can be a little trickier to replace if one part becomes damaged, because you will have to cut away the broken part and cut the precise shape and size of replacement tile, which is no small feat.
Next, buy your supplies at the hardware or flooring supply store. Ask the sales associate for suggestions or help when you go shopping for bathroom flooring needs. Read the directions on the adhesive container as well as guidelines that come with the tile or linoleum. In addition, you can check with the sales associate at the store or visit the manufacturer’s website to get help in planning the installation. If you haven’t already, check out tips for removing the old flooring, and repair or replace the sub-floor.
At home, lay out your materials, choosing a time when other family members will be away or occupied in another part of the house. Open the windows or run the whole-house fan to provide adequate air circulation to offset fumes from the adhesive and flooring product. Start in the corner furthest from the doorway that you will exit after completing the job, and this is where to begin laying the new flooring.
Remove any debris from the exposed sub-floor. Remove or cover wall coving to keep it from getting stained by the adhesive. Then apply the adhesive according to the package directions. After this, lay the linoleum or tile, taking care to put it neatly in place. Make sure it is secure and will hold steady until the adhesive dries. Take a clean towel or rag and use it to wipe away excess glue from between the tiles or around the linoleum. Keep everyone off the new flooring until the adhesive has set.
After installation, follow manufacturers’ guidelines for cleaning and maintaining your new bathroom floor. Never use cleaning chemicals, especially bleach or ammonia (which should not be mixed, by the way, due to harmful vapors that can result). You may be able to dust mop your new floor daily or weekly, and scrub it every week or two to keep the new floor looking great.
Replacing your Bathroom Accessories
Posted on 24. Mar, 2010 by admin in general
Bathroom accessories provide the finishing touches to any new bath project. Whether you are looking for ultra-modern wall mounted accessories or more traditional counter top accessories; towel bars, soap dish, toilet paper holder, and so forth, which ties together the room’s design elements.
Updating the Look of Your Bath is Quick & Simple. No matter the type of accessory; it needs to be fastened securely to the wall. Plastic inserts are driven into a hole drilled in the wall and expand when a screw is inserted; they’re best for light-duty applications. Try to attach at least one mounting screw of an accessory to a wall stud. Bathroom accessories can be installed in less than two hours.
To make sure your bath looks organized and clutter-free, use your best judgment in determining the proper number or bathroom accessories for your bath. Once you have determined your style, you should then take accurate measurements of your bath. A general rule is two-to-three counter accessories, such as a toothbrush holder, cup holder and soap dish.
Many fixture manufacturers have created bathroom accessories to coordinate with their sinks, toilets, and tubs to take the guesswork out of selection. Proper ventilation is necessary to keep damp clothes and towels from mildewing. Laundry hampers come in many colors and finishes, made of several materials including wicker, vinyl and wood.
Make a Statement in Your Bath with Stylish Accessories. Once you have selected the specific finish for your bathroom, the next step is determining the style and size you prefer. You’ll pick the finish, style and number of accessories to match your bathroom décor.
Take Advantage of Quality Gold Coast Interior Design Services
Posted on 23. Mar, 2010 by admin in general
Red Door Interiors is a personally run company specializing in all aspects of interior design and decorating (refer to our Services page for a list of services) in the residential as well as the commercial areas of interior design. Red Door Interiors has been offering Interior Design services in the Gold Coast Area of Australia. Any one or all of the following services are offered by Red Door Interiors:Design and Planning: Making the most of your space by planning your interiors and solving your design problems. We design bathrooms, kitchens, plan office layouts and design custom cabinetry for bars, libraries, studies, reception counters and anything that needs to be custom made. We supply plans and drawings. Design Concept: Forming the overall concept for the whole project, this is presented in a visual form that shows fabrics, furniture, colours and finishes. This will be the master plan for the project and future work to follow.Interior Decorating Consultation: we can provide you with decorating advice on a once off or hourly basis if you need some guidance or expert assistance in the choice of colours, finishes or selection and placement of furniture. Selection and co-ordination of finishes for investment properties or new homes: together with paint colours these items will form the shell of the interior and need to be coordinated with the overall concept to create the best background for the furnishings and help to sell your new investment. Elements included in this service are the specification of wall finishes – paint, paneling, wallpaper- floor coverings – tiles, carpet, stone, timber – light fittings and bathroom tiles and fittings.Quoting, supply and installation of furnishings: creating a budget by obtaining prices and quotes on the items required for the interior and then managing the ordering and installation process. Red Door Interiors has access to wholesalers in all areas of soft furnishing, furniture, fabric and interior products, so the client is not limited to one retail supplier but rather has the choice of the best supplier for their requirement. These items include:• Window finishes: roller blinds (motorized or chain operated), external awnings, timber shutters, roman blinds, curtains, pelmets, swags and tails.• Soft furnishings: bed covers, bed heads, cushions, bed valances. • Upholstered couches and chairs: reupholstered or new. • Furniture: dining tables, chairs, occasional chairs, entertainment units, coffee tables. • Accessories: artwork, mirrors, rugs, lamps, plants, decorative objectsColour consultancy: by selecting the best paint colours to suit your architecture, your lifestyle and your outlook we can create or change your image. We select and specify paint for all aspects of the project, both internally and externally. A full colour consultation will result in a colour board and specification list.Furniture packages and styling: complete turnkey packages to suit various budgets can be supplied for the investment unit or presale presentation. All the furniture, bedding, electrical and white goods, artwork, kitchenware and accessories are supplied as a complete, stylishly designed package and within a set time frame to allow the investor total piece of mind that his investment will attract the best clientele without his having to furnish the property himself.Corporate Design: Good interior planning and interior design of your office space can instantly upgrade your professional image and has been shown to improve staff morale and increase productivity.Red Door Interiors has been offering Gold Coast Interior Design Services for 25 years and has vast experience in planning office layouts and decorating corporate interiors. We can provide you with a proposal to revamp your existing interior or design a totally new one. We handle all aspects from planning and layouts, designing receptions and boardrooms, colour schemes to suit or change your image, selecting office furniture, and supplying blinds, artwork and accessories. We can work in conjunction with your builders or can provide our own sub contractors for the interior construction and fitout.
Light Up the Bathroom
Posted on 22. Mar, 2010 by admin in general
Bathrooms are a crucial element to the value of a home. Everyone enjoys a nice bathroom since it is one of the most trafficked rooms in houses, condos, and apartments. Of course nice floors, walls, tub and fixtures are very important, but lighting can really make all of the difference. The right lighting in a bathroom should make everything from putting on make-up to having a relaxing soak in the tub enjoyable.
There are several things that happen in the bathroom that need shadowless lighting, including make-up, hair styling, and shaving. In order to accomplish this kind of lighting, it is important to position the light fixtures over the wall mirror and on either side. Those fixtures on either side (or sconces) should be positioned at the same vertical level that your face would usually be so that the mirror can hold the greatest light coverage in this area. The most luminous portion of the fixture (if there is one) should be located directly in line with where you plan to use the mirror most. Energy efficient light bulbs will also provide more flattering, crisper light, while saving you money on your electric bill.
Downward pointing light fixtures with incandescent or halogen bulbs are very common for bathroom settings. Downward recessed lights provide bright light where it is needed, like tubs, showers, or vanities, and they tend to blend in to the architecture and decoration. They can also be used to supplement other more decorative light fixtures that are not very efficient in producing light.
When it comes to bathroom ambience, there is always the classic downward pointing mood lighting fixtures that are places low to the ground. Floor lighting is a great way to create a relaxing atmosphere, however, recently many decorators are moving toward more modern spa-like fixtures. Stone fixtures, or soft amber shades, and even fixtures of fine metals or alabaster glass are being found in more and more bathrooms of those who seek to make the bathroom a private retreat center.
The most important thing to consider when lighting your own bathroom is your personal touch and style. First think about how you want to utilize this room. Is it a place to relax, or place to be productive, when getting ready for the day? Perhaps it would be better to use a vanity outside of the bathroom for primping, to reserve the bathroom for calmer moments. Some people faced with these kinds of decisions have both types of lighting in the bathroom so that depending on their needs they can have either variety, and when it is designed carefully, it can work very well.
Bathroom lighting is possibly the most important lighting in the home. It is a place where people actually need to be able to see what they are doing. Don’t let bad lighting keep you from appreciating one of the most important rooms in the house.
Bathroom Remodeling Books, Are They Worth The Buy?
Posted on 21. Mar, 2010 by admin in general
Are you one of the many homeowners who has recently decided that you would like to tackle a home improvement project, such as remodeling your bathroom? If so, do you have any previous home improvement or remodeling experience? If you do not, it is advised that you try and get a little. Perhaps, the best way to do that would be to take a class on bathroom remodeling, but that isnt always possible. A nice and relatively affordable alternate to remodeling classes are bathroom remodeling books. Despite the fact that remodeling books are full of valuable information, you may be wondering whether or not they are really worth the buy.
Perhaps, before you start determining whether or not bathroom remodeling books are worth the buy, you should first familiarize yourself with exactly what they are. Bathroom books, which are also sometimes referred to as bathroom remodeling how-to guides, are printed resources that are designed to assist homeowners with their own do it yourself bathroom remodeling projects. Remodeling books and how-to guides not only give you remodeling ideas and tips, but they also tend give detailed remodeling directions, such as directions on how to replace your bathroom flooring and so on.
Now that you know what bathroom remodeling books are, you may want to start examining whether or not you should buy one. Honestly, it all depends on a number of different factors. Bathroom remodeling books or how-to guides come in a number of different formats. There are some books that list information and directions on multiple bathroom projects, while others tend to only focus on one or two. If you are looking to have the majority of your bathroom remodeled, it may be a good idea to purchase a book that covers a number of different projects and visa versa. The best way to make sure that a bathroom remodeling book is money well spend is by making sure that you purchase a book that you can use.
Speaking of a book that you can use, it is not only important to examine the projects that are outlined or explained in a remodeling book, but it is also important to examine how they are outlined or explained. For instance, would you be able to read a detailed set of written directions or would you like to see those directions shown in pictures. While a large number of bathroom remodeling how-to guides have detailed pictures with their directions, not all do. Once again, you will not waste your money and purchase a bathroom remodeling book that will not do you any help.
Another thing to consider, when determining whether or not kitchen remodeling books and how-to guides are worth the money, is their price. How-to remodeling guides can be purchased online, from most home improvement stores, and most books stores. Each of those locations is likely to sell different books, for different prices. Despite the variation in costs, you will find that most traditional bathroom remodeling books, the ones that tend to focus on a number of different projects, sell for as low as ten dollars. If you are looking for a more detailed remodeling book, you may need to pay a little bit more money. Most specialty bathroom remodeling books start out selling for around fifteen or twenty dollars. Of course, you need to remember that some books will sell for less and some books will sell for more.
From the looks of it, you may be thinking that bathroom remodeling books are more than worth the buy. In most cases, you will find that you are right. However, it is also important to note that you should be able to find the same information online, without having to pay a dime. If are looking to save money, instead of purchasing a remodeling how-to guide, you may want to think about performing a standard internet search online.
4 Steps to Follow When Remodeling Your Bathroom
Posted on 21. Mar, 2010 by admin in general
Depending on how you choose to do the remodel, you could end up getting off cheap or you could end up spending thousands of dollars. If you want to make sure that your bathroom gets remodeled the right way, here are a few steps that you should follow whenever you are planning to remodel your bathroom.Step 1 Figure Out What You Really Need Before you even get started on the bathroom remodeling task, you need to figure out the things that you really need in your bathroom. Perhaps you need a sink that is better than the old one, maybe you need to do something with the flooring, or maybe you just need some more space to work with. Make sure you know what you really need to have in your ideal bathroom and how you want it to look as well. This will make it easier to figure out how to remodel it, but you should make sure you take care of needs before you take care of your wants.Step 2 Find Great Ideas You can find ideas in many different places for your new bathroom remodeling project. If you can spend the money, then you may want to see a designer to get some great idea for your bathroom remodel. However, there are many free places that you can find great ideas as well. Consider looking in magazines, in books, or even go online to find some great ideas that you really like. Then make sure that you keep track of these ideas so that you know what you want for your bathroom.Step 3 Decide on a Budget Next you need to make sure that you come up with a budget. The budget you choose needs to be both reasonable and realistic for you. Decide whether you have the money laid aside or whether you are going to need to borrow some money for the big project. Just make sure that you don?t overspend your budget. Even if you don’t have a huge budget, there are plenty of things you can do without spending a huge amount of money.Step 4 Don’t Forget the Building Permit In most areas, you are going to need a building permit if you are doing anything too drastic in the bathroom. Make sure that you find out what you need to do to get one and then have it on hand when you begin the remodeling project. You don’t want to end up with any fines for remodeling, so make sure you dont forget this.