Category Archives: Home Improvement

You Should Really Consider Remodeling Those Old Bathrooms

Old houses with old bathrooms do have a certain charm to them. their vintage décor and fixtures do attract a lot of attention when people come by. But just because your bathroom is old fashioned, doesn’t mean that it is something people would enjoy looking at. On the contrary. If you are looking to boost the value of your home, and eventually sell the place, you should think about remodeling those old bathrooms ASAP. And remember, while doing that, you can go for the vintage look, but stay away from the dated look.

bathroom remodel Denver

Bathrooms are a sensitive subject for many homeowners. People don’t really talk about their bathrooms with other people. That’s because most people don’t really take care of their bathrooms as well and as often as they should. And that is understandable. Keeping a bathroom clean and “presentable” takes a lot of time and effort. You have to use a lot of cleaning supplies and you have a lot of things in there that can break or get damaged. From pipes to fixtures to wiring and even the furniture you have in there, everything can deteriorate if not handled carefully. That is why people usually remodel their bathrooms when they are about to list their house on the market.

Remodeling a bathroom can be quite a hassle. There are a lot of jobs to do, and people without any home improvement skills or experience shouldn’t dive into such a project. Not to mention the inconvenience of not being able to use that bathroom until the work is done. This is why people should always seek professional help when thinking of a remodeling project. Especially if that remodeling involves stuff like changing tiles, sinks, tubs etc. Specialized companies can be found fairly easily, and if you do your research correctly, it doesn’t have to end up costing you and arm and a leg. You can start looking for the right company for you by simply going online and looking up “bathroom remodeling company” and then start going through the results.

The biggest advantage of using bathroom remodel Denver professionals for a job like this one is the help you get even prior to starting the project. You can meet up with them and tell them what you are thinking of doing and they can help you find the right solutions for each task. Plus, many of these companies work with designers. So if you ever run out of ideas for your remodeling project, they can jump in and help you. They can make sure that your project goes smoothly and can even advice you on how to follow the latest trends and how to give your bathroom a new and fresh personality. This way, remodeling your old bathrooms doesn’t have to be a headache. Sure, there will be some stress involved, and maybe you’ll have to make some tough calls from time to time, but always remember the advantages a bathroom remodeling has for the value of your home.

 

Tips for Refinishing Your Basement After the Kids Are Gone

Many people feel a void when their kids grow up and leave the family home and that void motivates them to start new projects. One of the best ways to keep busy is to accomplish that long-planned basement refinishing that you have been dreaming of for years. Here are some tips for you.

Sort Through Your Items – and Be Cruel to Yourself

In most homes, the basement is the space where all the items that are broken or no longer used end up. The first thing to do, the very first process in the basement refinishing project is to sort through all those items and to assess them in terms of usefulness. Create three piles:

  • A pile for broken items – items that are damaged and broken, such as malfunctioning household appliances, old duvets, the old costumes that your kids wore for Halloween parties and other similar stuff should be carefully evaluated and tossed, if they are no longer usable or useful for anyone;
  • A pile for items that you will probably not use ever again, but might be useful for someone else – the items in this pile can be sold and you can use the money to reduce the costs of the basement refinishing project or they can be donated to a charity;
  • A pile for the items that you need and use – you will need to find a safe place for these items for the duration of the renovation.

 

Assess the Condition of the Basement

Basements are spaces located under ground level, therefore they tend to accumulate more moisture that the other rooms in the house. This special feature requires special measures – the electrical wiring in the walls needs to be suitable for the conditions in the basement, the walls and the floor need to be inspected to find any dampness and all the necessary measures need to be made to eliminate that dampness and to prevent it from coming back. If necessary, bare the walls until all the damp plaster is removed and do the same with the floor, too, then ensure the proper ventilation of the space and wait until everything is dry before you move on to the next phase.

Use the Right Materials

Your basement needs materials that are suitable for the special conditions in the basement. Certain, very common building materials, such as drywall is not a great choice for basements and neither is hardwood or cork flooring. Fortunately, there are some great alternatives that are in many cases cheaper, too – plaster walls might be a more conventional solution that takes longer to build, but they are also an option that is friendlier on the budget, while moisture-resistant vinyl flooring is an excellent, durable and attractive solution for your space.

Pay attention to the insulation, too – using the right material and applying it correctly is essential for preventing dampness, for ensuring the quality of the air in the space and for preventing energy loss. When you choose your insulation, also pay attention to the material’s sound insulating qualities, especially if you are planning to use the basement as a music room or a room for your home theater.

basement finishing Southlands

We strongly advise that you consult with professional basement finishing Southlands contractors early in the process. They will provide expert guidance regarding the condition of your basement, and offer suggestions on materials and design tips as well.