Ltooz
Fitting new shower valve
Monthly Archives: June 2009
Axe – new shower gel
Freakmarketer
Anuncio de Axe (New Shower Gel)
Bathroom Renovation Ideas – Preparation and Inspiration
Madonna Jeffries
Are you tired of the look of your current bathroom layout and feel that it needs a total upgrade? If so you are one of the many people who don’t particularly like the way their bathroom looks. The bathroom is probably the most overlooked room in your home because most people do not feel that the amount of time they spend there warrants the expenditure of money or energy on undertaking a renovation project.
This is in fact quite wrong as a recent study indicates that women will, on average, spend the equivalent of 2 years and 9 months of their lives standing in front of their bathroom mirror fixing their make up and ensuring that they look ‘just right’ before venturing out of the house.
In reality the bathroom home improvement is easily the best place to start you renovation work as you can accomplish quite a transformation with a little imagination, a splash of flair and, of course, a few basic building skills. If you are interested in upgrading your bathroom, but really don’t know where to start, do some research so you can consider the options that are open to you.
The ease of undertaking a bathroom renovation is due to the fact that the average bathroom is quite small in size and therefore a fairly modest remodeling program will have some marked results. Most bathroom renovation ideas are often centered on a replacement of wall and floor tiles as well as the inclusion of new fixtures and fittings. Don’t be put off attempting the project if one of your bathroom renovation ideas includes enlarging the space. The chances are that extending the area of you bathroom will not be too difficult as it could be as simple as removing an adjacent closet or a dividing wall. You will be amazed at how even a relatively small increase of the bathroom area can have a remarkable effect on the look and feel of the room.
Summon Up The Courage And Implement Your Bathroom Renovation Ideas!
Don’t be put off by the big jobs – stripping down the entire bathroom may look like a complicated job but, in all reality, it is quite simple and requires little more than some hard labor by you (and maybe a friend or two). If you are ever going to introduce some good bathroom renovation ideas then you have to get out of your comfort zone and learn some of the skills needed to undertake the work.
If you really are a novice when it comes to renovation work, then it may be in your best interest to engage a professional builder for some aspects of the job. This way you can observe how he approaches the job and you should also be able to throw a few relevant questions his way. Take time and study how to operate the particular power tools needed on the job. Quite often you can download from the internet some quite well presented instructional guides which show you how to use various power tools.
Before you start the bathroom home improvement ensure that you put together a realistic costing for your bathroom renovation. Check some of the online specialty bathroom websites and put together a pricing list for the fixtures such as vanity, light and toilet fittings. We all dream about having gold taps and features in our bathrooms, however, the reality check is that the cost for most people would be prohibitive and well beyond their budget.
When deciding on the look of your bathroom just remember that for many people the bathroom is a private get-away where they like to relax and have a little solitude. If you want to create a sense of tranquility then you should consider going with a classic style that incorporates crisp colors with minimal clutter. By doing this you can create a soft feeling of light and space so that your bathroom becomes a welcoming retreat. If, however, you want to make a statement and don’t particularly want to have to queue to get into your bathroom then go crazy with your creativity and splash around as much color as you like.
Before your bathroom remodeling ideas get the better of you be aware that the whole project will take some time and, unless you engage a professional or take time off from work, there may be some inconvenience while you squeeze the work in at night or during the weekends.
A Word Of Caution
Try to adopt a patient approach and don’t be put off if you initially make a few small mistakes. Even the experts make mistakes at times and even the best bathroom renovation ideas have some inherent problems that will need some corrective action at a later date. Be patient and most importantly, be happy with the thought you’re your workable bathroom renovation ideas are not so difficult after all. With a little forward planning and creativity your new look private oasis can transform before your eyes.
Painting and flooring rooms to attract buyers?
I’m trying to help renovate a really quaint house in the middle of a nice neighborhood. The house has 3 bedrooms, one bathroom [possibly 2, after renovation], a nice kitchen, and a dining room. There’s an outside utility room as well. I’ve got to choose colors and flooring…
What attracted you to your own home when you bought it? Any suggestions on color combinations that tend to be universally pleasing to a home-buyer?
Thanks!
The Lucy Show/Lucy and Viv Put in a New Shower 2/3
angelamarie42
To combat the problem of five people using one bathroom. Lucy and Viv install a new shower.
How to get compensation for hazardous (plaster particles, etc.) renovation in my rented apartment?
asianpaperboy
I’m a student in Ontario Canada renting an apartment across from school campus.
I recently came home and found out they were doing bathroom repairs (repairs I had not asked for, but apparently during routine inspection, management decided to repair it). The bathroom is under heaving construction, and in my living room, I find a big industrial vacuum cleaner, paint cans, plaster, cauqing, etc. along with industrial equipment. My stuff had been moved aside.
4 days later, and it’s still under repair. My stuff has a layer of white dust on it (I think it’s plaster or particle cement) and I noticed that the repair people all wear dust masks. I live here, but was never told of safety precautions or provided with protection. My skin’s been very itchy, but I’m more worried about my lungs.
Is there a way to complain about this, and also is there a way to get compensation for this mess? How much compensation can I expect?
Picture of their equipment in my living room:
Picture of my bathroom:
Picture of a big trash can they put in my hallway (see dust mask):
Picture of bag of whatever they’re using:
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r313/lailogic/18-02-09_2250.jpg
Simple Bathroom Renovation Tips for Selling
Dana Smithers
Remove all the clutter and all of your personal items. Buyers don’t want to see your hair brush, tooth brush or your cat’s litter. (Honestly this is what I walked into one day…) Now is the time to sort through what you really need to keep, give away, sell or throw out. Recycle where you can. Counter tops should be clear with the exception of a few accessories.
Clean until every single thing sparkles in this bathroom. If you have a shower curtain buyers will pull it back to see the condition of the tub so clean all the grout until it is white. One of the biggest changes and best investments is painting your walls. Choose a paint colour that will go with the colour scheme of your home which will be in a neutral colour. Light blues and/or greens are easy on the eye colours in bathrooms – think ‘spa’ and calm – a warm beige is always a safe colour.If your lighting fixtures are old then replace them. You can buy very current brushed nickel light fixtures for very reasonable prices at Home Depot, Ikea, Canadian Tire or Rona. The old brass plates just don’t have the look home buyers want. Flooring does not have to be an expensive item for your bathroom update. There are many excellent products on the market. Peel and stick tiles work beautifully in small bathrooms and powder rooms. Linoleum works well in bathrooms. Choose a neutral tile not too dark and not too bright. Avoid using carpet in a bathroom. If you have an old sink and counter tops you can purchase some inexpensive replacements at ReStore Habitat for Humanity, Costco, Home Depot, Canadian Tire and/or Rona. There are many excellent low cost laminates that you can use for new counter tops. Double sinks are the rage right now but not worth the investment for selling. Toilets that are dated in colour such as green, pink, burgundy or blue are to be replaced with new white toilets and toilet seats. Try and keep all of the furnishings in the bathroom white or off white. Tubs and shower stalls can be more of a challenge if they are old and full of mildew. At the least clean as much as possible. Sometimes you can create a cleaner look simply by cleaning with a strong environmentally friendly cleanser and a toothbrush; then add a new grout. If you need to buy a new tub or stall while they may seem inexpensive it is the labour that will cost the most. Buy a new shower curtain in a fabric cloth rather than plastic as this will add warmth to the room. White is always the best colour but other colours will work if they match your towels. Think ‘spa’ and hotel ensuites. You may need to call in the experts if your bathroom really needs fixing up! Cupboards and shelving should be white or off white. If you have wood such as oak now might be the time to consider painting it. You can buy a primer and then a latex paint to update the look. Keep the contrast of colour to a minimum in the bathrooms. If your mirror is cracked or slightly damaged then replace it. The current trend is to individual mirrors if you have double sinks, or one large mirror with a brushed nickel-like border around it. Find a mirror that suits the style of your home. Home Sense, Ikea, Home Depot, Canadian Tire and/or Rona are good sources. Depending on the size of your bathroom hang some art that is restful to the eye and in soft colours. Abstract art is not a good choice in the bathroom but ocean scenes & florals are good. Home Sense is a favourite store for accessorizing for staging. Select contemporary accessories for the finishing touches in the bathroom:Towels – choose towels that are big and fluffy – white, beige or matching paint colour towels are a good choice. Make sure everyone in the family knows that these clean, new, fluffy towels are for show only at this time. Put them away when you are not having a showing. An orchid or small plant or vase can be a nice addition to any ensuite, bathroom or powder room. If you have space wrap some hand towels up in a basket and put them in a corner or center if you have double sinks. Avoid using bathmats when showing a bathroom. You can cozy up the room with your paint colours, towels and shower curtain. Keep the floor clear and clean. Avoid potpourri in the bathroom and the use of heavy deodorizers. Try putting some fresh lemons in the bathroom in a glass bowel.
The Bathroom Vanity: the Centerpiece of your Bathroom Renovation
Gary Nealon
If you have been to Lowes or Home Depot lately you will see a larger selection of unique bathroom vanities. Most of these vanities are way over priced. These bathroom vanities look very appealing and it provides for an impulse buy, but if you shop around a little you will find these same vanities at a much better price.
A quick example; we found a “42 inch Euro Vanity online at an RTA kitchen cabinet and bathroom vanity website for around $290 dollars. That same vanity at the Home Depot web site was almost $600 dollars. We also found out that the Home Depot’s vanity was made of particle board, while the RTA site uses real wood in their bathroom vanity construction.
If you are looking for a very best in bathroom vanities, or even what they would call bathroom furniture, the internet has the stores beat hands down. The websites provided bathroom vanities that were hand painted, they used imported wood, and they were of solid construction. Many of them even come with the vanity tops, hardware, and matching mirrors included. These vanities would be a great addition to any bathroom that wants to stand out from the average.
Most of the cabinets or vanities that you buy these days are labeled RTA. This simple phrase stands for ready to assemble. If you’re buying retail you will see assembled cabinets and cabinets in boxes. It’s basically the same thing. A building supply super store might assemble some of the vanities or cabinets and charge you an even higher price; they also sell RTA cabinets and market these products to the do it your self people. Either way it is the same cabinet, we just found out that it is easy and cost effect to assemble the cabinets ourselves. Some of the real nice bathroom vanities come assembled and are shipped directly to you, but others can easily be put together with a flat head screw drive. All of the RTA bathroom vanities and kitchen cabinets come with one simple page of instructions.
The shipping is an additional cost, but when you factor in the savings you get from buying online, you still come out far ahead of buying at a retail store. This is because most of the bathroom vanity websites, and the kitchen cabinet websites, are importing and warehousing the items. They have no need for a store and the high costs associated with having a retail location, so they can provide the same items at a fraction of the cost. Another nice feature is that they deliver to your door. No fighting through traffic, waiting in store lines, and you are saving gas money at the same time.
So after we got past that, we went online and found a wonderful bathroom vanity website. We also found that the better websites will have a large selection of kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanities. This usually is a sign of a decent online store. But, make sure you go to a few different websites, you will see a vast difference in pricing and be careful, some sites might state “free shipping” but they will make that cost up in higher prices. In the end we found a good site and it provided us with the high end style bathroom vanity we were looking for and it also gave us some great ideas for other projects around the house.
Renovation Contractor Hiring Tips
Rafi Michael
Renovation is the process of improving a structure. Two prominent types of renovations are commercial and residential. Before embarking on any renovation, it is good to look at some renovation contractor hiring tips to not only avoid con artists but also get the best contractors. Renovations can involve home modifications like stair glides, handicap modifications for disabled people, basement remodeling and renovation or business premises modifications like office space renovation. Whether one is a professional do-it-by-yourself genius or a homeowner, there comes a time when one needs some professional home building or renovating. The renovations may range from simple home modifications like bathroom renovations and remodeling to complex ones like porch lifts and elevators.
Depending on the complexity of the project at hand, the contractor chosen will be spending some time in or around the renovation premises for familiarization. Preferably the contactor should be local, since they understand the law governing the area on buildings and renovations. For instance for a person living in Toronto, it is advisable to find a Toronto home renovations company for building or renovating purposes. When looking for a renovation contractor to do some building renovations, beware of owner-contactor matchmaking services that advertise the contractor members having been pre-screened, verified or certified with valid licenses. They can be misleading to the owner who can be allured by the false sense of security. One should know for instance, the difference between a certified and a registered contractor.
A registered contractor is registered with the Department of Business and Professional Regulation after accomplishing several competency requirements in some jurisdictions, thus can only work within the certified jurisdiction. When hiring contractors for building or renovating, one is encouraged to check the validity of their insurance, licenses, bonding and other essential credentials. Check out the references provided and enquire on recently accomplished tasks similar to the one at hand. This will give an impression of how the work might be once completed. Get the names of previous clients of the contractor in question contact them for information. It is wise to ask several questions before settling for one. Some of the facts to consider are whether the contractor is open to communication during the whole duration of the project and if the contractor can keep the owner informed on the project’s progress. Others include whether the workers will work promptly and if they clean up the site after each day’s job.
It is also wise to consider if the project will be completed on time and if there will be any unnecessary delays. It is advisable to look for recommendations from previous satisfied customers as well. If possible, one should visit the contractor’s former project to see the way building or renovating work was carried out. In Toronto, Ontario, Mississauga and other parts of Canada, numerous contractor companies perform a wide range of additions and renovations. Generally Toronto home renovations involve painting, cleaning, roofing among a host of other building renovations. There are also Toronto renovation internet sites that provide quotes from various renovation companies.
How Much Return on My Money Should I Get – With a Bathroom Renovation When I Sell My House?
Leaftech
If you are a homeowner, then you have probably already considered some type of renovation to one of the rooms said to bring in extra money when it comes to a sale. The two most recommended rooms when it comes to renovations, of course, are the bathroom and the kitchen. In this article, we are going to take a look at what you can expect when it comes to a return on a bathroom remodel when you sell your home.
First of all, consider the type of renovation
Renovations, of course, come in many different types. If you have an older home, you might HAVE to renovate your bathroom in order to have any shot at a sale at all. In this case, the return on your investment as we discuss below will be much higher, simply due to the fact that your house won’t sell without it.
Otherwise, we are left with two types of renovation, the minor remodel and the major remodel. In the minor scenario, all you want to do, essentially, is upgrade your bathroom with new cabinets, fixtures, and so on. Your main costs will be in the price of the goods you install. Generally these fix-ups will cost around $10,000.
In a major renovation, you have to factor in the costs of labour as well. Major renovations mean knocking out the walls, re-doing the plumbing and all the tiling, and so on. It can get quite pricey, as there are a number of different professionals involved, and you can expect to double up on your minor remodel price to at least $20,000.
So what’s the return?
Generally speaking, a remodel of any type on one or more bathrooms in a home will yield an 86% rate of return on the sale. So if you spend $20,000 on your remodel, you can expect to get $17,200 added to the value of your home because of it.
Of course, that is not all there is to the return. The customers who you market your home to will certainly determine the true value of your renovations; demographics will determine how appealing your bathroom is and thus the return yield. Still, a bathroom renovation, as long as you consider it carefully, is acknowledged by most experts as a great way to significantly up the value of your home overall.