Remodeling Tips to Make a Tiny Bathroom Appear Larger

If you have shopped around for a new home or condo, you may have noticed that newer model homes feature spacious, large bathrooms. Compared to older model houses, contemporary designs focus as much on comfort as they do efficiency - whereas your home may have a smaller bathroom because it isn't designed for leisure, but functionality. These days, though, people want to pamper themselves with a lengthy bath or take their time getting ready for the day, and it cannot be accomplished well in a small bathroom. If you are unable to widen the area, there are still ways to remodel so the space looks bigger and more comfortable.

Looking for ideas to get rid of that closed-in feeling every time you use the bathroom? Here are a few ideas to get you started. Some you may be able to do yourself, while others may require the help of a reputable contractor who specializes in bathroom renovations.

1) If you have an under cabinet sink, consider replacing it with a pedestal model. The removal of the cabinet will free up that space and make your bathroom look less cluttered. It's not uncommon to let your bathroom build up with dozens of half-empty tubes and bottles. Try to economize with your toiletries and use one common shelf unit - like something that positions over the commode - while clearing up other space.

2) Consider a second mirror or replace your current bathroom mirror with a larger one. Mirrors are used often in decorating to add depth to a small space. They train your eye to see the room as lighter and larger.

3) If you are able to replace the flooring, try something in a light color that better reflects the light rather than absorbs it. Larger tiles, too, may help open up the room.

4) Bringing more light into a room not only helps open the space, but makes the room more pleasant. If you have curtains, try removing them for a short time and see if it makes a difference.

Above all else, keep the bathroom clean whenever possible and remove items that don't necessarily have to be there. If you keep a laundry hamper in your bathroom for convenience, try moving it to a closet or the laundry room to make more space. More light, and a color scheme that emphasizes the brightness in your bathroom can help create the feeling of space that you want.


Kathryn Lively is a freelance writer specializing in articles on Norfolk home remodeling services and Virginia Beach remodeling services.

Should I Hire a Professional to Remodel My Kitchen?

So, you are sitting in your kitchen now and looking at the same cabinets and fixtures that probably came with the house. Whether you have lived in your home for ten, twenty, or even more years, you know your tastes have changed over time. What appeared fashionable back when the home was built may look completed outdated now, and unfortunately too worn to be considered vintage. When you come into your kitchen you want to be inspired to cook and entertain, and enjoy wonderful meals at home. A remodel of the space can be helpful, but is this an undertaking you should do yourself, or should you hire a contractor?

Do it yourself projects, some may argue, can save you money initial as far as labor goes. However, if you are not particularly skilled in home improvement - and a kitchen remodel requires a fair amount of work - you might find the improvements you make now need more improvement should things break down. If you plan on a complete overhaul of your kitchen, replacing certain appliances in addition to cabinets and counters, you may want to consider bringing in a professional to assess the job.
Why hire a remodeling service for your kitchen job? There are a number of reasons:

1) A contractor can advise you of ways to make your kitchen more energy efficient. You may not be aware of green innovations in home improvement, and your contractor can point you in the right direction. Energy efficient appliances and installation of eco-friendly windows can contribute to the lowering of your utility bills, saving you money in the long run.

2) A contractor may be able to get certain counters, cabinets, and other fixtures at a better price than if you tried to buy the materials on your own. Contractors work with specific brands and know where to get their supplies. You may be limited, too, to places where you can get the decor you want.

3) Hiring a quality contractor to handle your home renovation frees up your time. Depending on the extent of the work, this can be a time consuming process, and if you work you may find you have to set remodeling aside. This, of course, can leave your kitchen useless for days or weeks. A contractor can work during the day and help get your kitchen functional when you need it.

Employing a reputable, bonded construction company to handle your kitchen remodeling can help you save money in the long run. Consider shopping for a good fit to beautify and modernize your home.

Kathryn Lively is a freelance writer specializing in articles on Virginia Beach remodeling and Norfolk home remodeling services.

Why Remodel Your Home?

The old saying holds true: be it ever so humble, there's no place like home. Those who are fortunate to own their own home have the luxury of being able to hammer a nail into a wall without consequence, or replacing carpet with wooden or marble tile, or painting a wall any color they choose.

And, like fashions, homes do tend to go in and out of style as time passes. What might have been the trend in home furnishings and appliances when you bought your home may appear passe and unattractive now. More than likely, you have considered a home makeover, but is it necessary to go to something extreme like renovation of a room or an entire house? Is it affordable? How will it benefit you in the long run?

Here are a few things to consider if you are thinking of hiring a contractor to remodel your home:

Growth Have there been new additions to the family since you bought the house? Would you rather stay put than sell and look for something bigger? If you have the property and the resources, having an addition to the house may be more affordable than starting over with a new place. Your home can grow as your family grows, yet the familiar sites and environs that attracted you to where you live remain.

Value What is the current value of your home? Were you to sell, would you get a fair price for it in today's market? Home renovation may actually increase the value of your property, and with updated appliances and structures you may stand a better chance at attracting a willing buyer who doesn't have to take care of renovations.

Security and Safety Sometimes, renovation is necessary from a safety standpoint. If you should become injured or ill and require care, you may still want to remain in your home. Renovations to make your home more accessible to you can improve your quality of life.

There are many reasons to consider home improvements. With affordable renovations to your house, you can improve upon the quality of your life and property.

Kathryn Lively is a freelance writer specializing in articles on Virginia Beach home remodeling and Virginia Beach vinyl siding.

Remodeling Versus Selling Your Home, Which is Best?

Should you sell your home, or make do with what you have? Should you consider making a move to a larger place, or contract to have an addition built to your present home? Such decisions are not simple to make, and will require time to consider. Money, time, and the present real estate market will all play roles in whether or not you decide to put your home up for sale, due to age or size. However, one should also note the option of remodeling your present home instead of finding a new one.

Is it better to remodel your present home than try to find a new one? There is no cut and dry answer to that. If it is not imperative to leave your area, but are contemplating a sale to make room for a growing family, perhaps a simple home renovation should be considered as well. Here are just a few reasons why remodeling your current home may be a better investment:

Remodeling may better for your budget. Think about what is involved in selling a home and buying another one. You have to have your home appraised for a good selling price, and maybe you'll hire a Realtor to help with prospective buyers. Meanwhile, you have to look around for a house comparable or cheaper in price than what you are asking. Your house may sell quickly or it may linger, depending on the market. If you are able to sell, though, it may not be as easy to find a house you want. Depending on where you live, a new mortgage may lead you to tighten your belt for a while until you are able to get payments under control.

When you remodel your current home, however, the budget differs and may work to your advantage. Most times, it does not cost as much to renovate a home than buying a new one outright, and most contractors and construction companies offer different ways to finance a home improvement project.

With remodeling, you have control over what you want. So the bathrooms and the kitchen in your present home are outdated. Buying into a new home may give you newer appliances and fixtures, yet you may not immediately find what you want in a new living place. When you consider renovating what you have, however, you are in control of the decor, and not subject to what you are offered elsewhere. Contractors may offer suggestions with regards to fixtures and cabinets, but ultimately when you remodeling you have more freedom in designing the home of your dreams.

Remodeling can improve the value of your home. If you decide not to sell immediately, you can still consider a renovation job and apply that work to a future sale. Updated fixtures, floors, and cabinets are definitely more attractive to a prospective buyer who will not need to hire help to renovate once the papers are signed. Plus, the more improvements are made, the better the asking price.

Whether you decide to sell or renovate, make sure you take all options into consideration. Your home is your place for comfort, and a renovation job can make it more so.

Kathryn Lively is a freelance writer specializing in articles on Virginia Beach home repair and Virginia Beach window replacement.

What is Barrier-Free Remodeling?

If you have spent a good amount of time searching the Internet or the Yellow Pages for a contractor, you may have noticed a few ads proudly proclaiming the company's ability to do "barrier free remodeling" on request. At first glance, this term might not mean anything significant, but to thousands of people seeking to improve the quality of their home life, such a contractor can be a blessing.

"Barrier Free Remodeling" refers to home improvements and renovations designed for handicap accessibility. Homeowners confined to wheelchairs or walkers, or who need assistance with home appliances will know that barrier free structures are helpful and allow them to move through a space without obstacles. Examples of barrier free remodeling may include the following:

• Wider doorways to accommodate wheelchairs
• Handles affixed to bathroom and bedroom walls to assist in moving from bed to shower to bath and back
• Cabinets placed at specific heights to allow for easier access by people in wheelchairs
• Other special fixtures like raised toilet seats, shower benches, or wheelchair ramps

Finding a Barrier Free Contractor

 

Take note that not every contractor you interview for a special project may specialize in barrier free remodeling. It is important to make sure, if you are looking to renovate your home to accommodate handicap access, that the contractor is aware of what is needed. Any such improvements made to a home must adhere to guidelines set by the American Disabilities Act, so as you interview contractors find out if they are knowledgeable about what is required. It is also a good idea to consult with other homeowners who have had similar work done to learn more about whom you should contact for your job. Take the time to research eligible contractors before making a decision, as this is definitely a job that should only be done once, and done correctly.

Kathryn Lively is a freelance writer specializing in articles on Virginia Beach home remodeling and Virginia Beach home repair.