Day: August 11, 2015

Before starting a bathroom renovation, make sure to pick out the materials that you intend to use and come up with a plan. Knowing which materials you want can help you to figure out how your bathroom will look once it is completed; however, remember that looks are not the only factor. You will have to consider durability, how resistant the materials are to moisture and mold as well as how easy they are to clean. Consider visiting a showroom where the different bathroom components are on display. This can give you a better feel for the materials and show you what is available. Here are the main bathroom components and the materials that you should consider:

• Flooring
  Tile is the most popular type of flooring for bathrooms. You should opt for larger tiles with neutral color schemes. Given the fact that bathrooms are subject to humidity, opt for ceramic tiles as these have more texture which can help to prevent slipping. Honed natural stone can provide the same benefit. Other options include sealed wood floors and vinyl, which is usually very affordable.
• Countertops
  Your countertops must be able to stand up to moisture while also providing a usable surface. Your vanity top can serve as a focal point for your bathroom and there are options available to suit a wide range of budgets and tastes. Granite or marble can provide your vanity with a luxurious look while engineered stone is durable and easy to repair if it gets scratched. Laminate, tile and wood are alternatives that are more economical; however, they can be less durable and not as easy to maintain.
• Cabinets
  You will want cabinets that are easy to clean and that give your bathroom the look that you want, whether you prefer a modern or antique look. Woods like oak, cherry or walnut are popular materials and bathroom cabinets that look like antique dressers are currently fashionable. An exhaust fan can help to limit the moisture that might cause damage to wood cabinets.
• Fixtures
  Your sink is another of the important components in your bathroom design. Traditionally, bathroom sinks have been made from porcelain; however, other materials have become popular in recent years. Glass and cast iron sinks are available and can provide you with a greater range of decoration options. When it comes to bathtubs, commonly used (and less expensive) materials include acrylic and enameled cast iron. Marble, onyx and granite are some of your more costly bathtub material options. For toilets, the standard material is porcelain. There is a wide variety of color and design options for porcelain toilets, which may call for you to spend some time on the decision.
• Backsplashes
  Bathroom backsplashes are another way that you can give the room a focal point. There is a wide range of tile materials to choose from, including glass and subway tile. Both materials are available in numerous colors. Mosaic tile patterns can give a bathroom character while helping it to feel bigger.

They say a picture is worth thousand words, but when it comes to owning a home, the exterior says it all. This is why having good curb appeal is so important. Good curb appeal will dramatically improve your home’s appearance and its value. Any money you invest to improve your home’s exterior is returned upon sale. Here are some additions for improving the exterior of your home.

Most people agree that the front door is a good place to start. However, one of the most neglected exterior projects is the driveway. A dreary looking driveway can make the entire house look dull; however, adding some edging along the sides can dramatically improve the driveway’s appearance. This project is easy to do and it’s affordable. Modern materials are so easy to install that just about anyone can do it. You can find many styles of driveway edging at your local big-box home improvement store.

The mailbox is also an exterior improvement that is frequently overlooked. Most houses come with a plain pole in the ground with the mailbox attached to the top of the pole. This is adequate, but not very attractive. Decorating the pole to match the siding is one way to improve its appearance. Changing the metal pole to a nice wooden one is another idea. In fact, there are dozens of affordable ideas on how to make the mailbox look more attractive.

Adding some new landscaping and flowerbeds also goes a long way toward improving the home’s curb appeal. These kinds of additions can be both affordable and fun for the entire family. The project does not require any special tools. All that is needed is a bit of work and some creativity. In fact, nothing can improve your home’s curb appeal faster than a well landscaped yard.

Windows are often overlooked too. Making some new additions to the windows can improve curb appeal and help save you some money. Retractable awnings keep the heat out in the summer, but they allow the sun in during the winter when rolled up. They also make the windows look great.

Now it is time to move to the front door. Sometimes all that is needed is a fresh coat of paint or stain. However, adding a new front door comes with some added benefits. For instance, older doors are drafty. New doors will have extra insulation. They also provide a better seal to cut down on electricity use. Another benefit is they are lighter.

Doing some additions to improve your home’s exterior will be money well spent. In most cases there is a positive return on investment. Moreover, when you improve your home’s curb appeal you get some personal satisfaction as well. Personal satisfaction can be the best investment of all.