Bathroom Makeovers Tips on a Budget

Working on bathroom makeovers on a tight budget for small or large scale ones can also be quite difficult.

A lot of things should be considered to attain the desired output in mind considering the available resources on hand.

Though it is ideal to call and pay contractors and plumbers to do the work, much can also be done by a respective homeowner or business establishment manager.

Below are tips which can help on big or small bathroom makeover ideas on a budget and plans you have in mind for future renovations:

Ensure you have everything on hand prior to jumping into the project

• Before you grab the hammer and begin cutting the needed wood and supplies, make sure everything you’re going to need is prepared and ready. Consider those items which would take several weeks to prepare and order like vanity tops, special order tiles, shower heads for shower makeovers, sinks and the likes. Others materials such as plumbing fixtures, new lighting, bathtubs should also have already been pre-ordered and communicated depending on your preference. It is ideal to have these done to have an efficient flow of activities for your bathroom project and you’ll be able to identify whether you need an extra hand in moving the plumbing lines for the sink location or running new cable for the lights before you rip up and do patching on the walls.

Bare in mind all possible options

• In ordering special parts and items for your bathroom makeovers diy, some home centers may have limited selection of vanities and tops while special orders may take 4 weeks to month for delivery, it is best to take a look on all other sources. There are local independent suppliers who specialize in natural stone have a wide variety of tops ranging in different sizes and colors. They may also provide custom-cut tops which would fit on personalized and unusual spaces and shapes. In today’s modern times, what’s readily accessible would be the internet or online websites. One can begin surfing and contacting independent retailers and get massive discounts and selections.

Plan for Shower storage

• Other than the shower makeovers, you would want to consider shower storage for your shampoo, soap, razor and body wash. Most especially for tiny bathroom makeover, we wouldn’t want to consume additional space for these. We wouldn’t want to settle with cheap plastic units that hang from the showerhead or attached to rods that run from the tub to the ceiling which is quite unpleasing to the eyes. A better solution would be built in the-wall shelving. The finished output shelving, especially if tiled appropriately, looks very attractive and doesn't jut into the shower. With this one don't have to worry about knocking off the shampoo bottles with elbows when you're singing karaoke into the showerhead.

Ripping the Underlayment

• A major time-consuming factor in special or cheap bathroom makeovers would be removing old flooring tile or vinyl which often times leave stubborn pieces that refuse to come off the bathroom. One recommended approach in ripping the underlayment would be cutting these into small sections which make removal easier. Set the circular saw blade just deep enough to cut through the thin plywood underlayment without cutting into the underlying subfloor.

Utilize accent tiles

• There are expensive tiles such as mosaic or glass tiles but if you are working on a tight budget for your bathroom makeovers, you don’t need a lot of it to add style and glamor to the bathroom. You may just use these special tiles in a portion of your bathroom or borders then make use of ordinary tiles to fill up the rest of the spaces in the bathroom.

Getting a Curved Shower rod

• An apparently small detail, curved shower rods generates a surprising amount of space to your shower, typically as part of the 5x8 bathroom remodel ideas. You'll pay a little more of around $28 versus to the $6 starting price for the usual straight rods. In addition to the extra space, though, the curved models look nice and attach to the wall with screws instead of tension, so you don't need to worry about them being pulled down.

Add a spacer to the toilet flange or extension

• When you add the floor tiles upon replacing the vinyl flooring, it will add an extra height that will most likely raise the toilet enough to no longer fit snugly on the flange for the waste line in the floor. This will entail raising the flange. One would need a flange spacer that attaches to the flange with screws to give you the extra height. Once it's in, you install the toilet normally, with the wax ring. Flange spacers are offered in different thicknesses at home centers for about $3.

Consider appropriate lighting needs

• Consider the lighting as an essential factor for bathroom makeovers; you do not want to end up with outdated light fixtures. Plan the lighting needs ahead of time which would include running cable wires and should be safe enough for any users. Choose recessed lighting over the shower for a more effective illumination while one is taking a bath.

Always call a professional for additional help

• We know for a fact that time and money are of the essence but if at any point you feel that there are some activities that are already beyond your knowledge and skills and are already outside of your comfort zone, call a professional. You may need an electrician to help run cable wires for in-floor heating controls or a plumber if the water or drain lines need to be moved. It is a no go if we stick with DIY because we do not want to end up spending more money on repairs and reconstructing because one went on to do an activity resulting into a more catastrophic output. A project planner may want to factor this in early on.

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Tips for Remodeling Your Home for the New Year

More often than not, most new year’s resolution would include staying fit and healthy, losing weight and diet, spending less and in turn saving more.

Wouldn’t it be great to add home remodeling as part of your new year’s resolution list to start the year right?

Below are some of the home renovation tips that a home owner would be able to apply to have their house in great shape all year round:

1. A house or home owner can invest in smart tech thermostats which identifies and memorizes energy use patterns and utilizes Geo-fence technology to determine whether you are at home or outside for work. It is perfect for either the on the go person or a lazy type one as they would just need to use their phones and change the temperature from the couch or before leaving their houses in their smart touch screen phones.
2. Light switches adapted a new and modern twist called occupancy sensors that automatically turn overhead lights on or off based on motions in the room or specific area. Kids and adult would often forget turning the lights off on their way out and this technology would be essential and would end up on top of the list for renovation ideas for small homes and large scale ones.
3. If you are into security proofed aspect, video doorbells and smart-smoke alarms will be a best option for you to get into. The technology will help notify you if someone is knocking at the front door or even if you are in vacation, you would be able to identify who’s there. Smart smoke alarms will inform you via sms or text if set off. Though the technology has not yet been set to call the police or fire department once it is triggered, you will have to do this on your own.
4. Ensure to look at your budget and spend wisely for the upcoming year and plan for having your renovation ideas for old homes to materialize. Examples are working on one small fix per month would also be advisable, like your remodeling ideas for kitchens which would make wonders if done properly, adding LED lights to brighten up key areas, painting kitchen cabinets, getting new counter tops or a new faucet to change the old leaking ones or changing to water impermeable engineered vinyl plank flooring
5. Indulge into the option of swapping out your current appliances for Energy Star ones and water sense faucets and fixtures.
6. Be observant and do the yearly check-ups. Take a pair of binoculars for an objective tour around your house exterior, he suggests. Look for decayed wood, loose or missing roof shingles, and whether gutters are clear and if there are any potential leakage issues.
7. Another activity you can do as part of your house remodeling ideas for small homes and big ones would be rearranging furniture and pull out things you haven’t used for quite a while. This would be the most economical way to do home renovation or remodeling to give your dwellings a different touch in the new year.
8. Check on one safety-related item per month, whether testing your smoke alarms, adding carbon monoxide detectors, maintaining the furnace, or cleaning dryer exhaust ducts.

As we look into the new year leaving behind the current year, it is predicted that we will be seeing certain design trends popping up in homes and houses.

The common trends would include bold and dramatic colors while other options will have a more minimalist feel.

This home remodeling option would include changing your home paint or design colors with the following:

• Bold and Dramatic Colors

  • Jewel colors are expected to enter the scene making their ways into homes in the form of paint colors, accent pieces and in decorative items like blankets, throw pillows and curtains. Colors range from deep, vivid greens and purples. Another popular color to look into would be named Greenery. This color is defined with a zesty green hue with a refreshing and revitalizing feel which is a perfect approach to start a new year.

• Marble accent

  • Marble is set to make a comeback at the start of the new year. Marble accents ranging from tables to counter tops as part of the remodeling ideas for kitchens and even for smaller pieces like the cutting boards. It is becoming popular that we are seeing marble-inspired textures used in once unfamiliar places like graphic design, packaging, clothing, bed sheets and more. With its timeless beauty, it’s easy to see why everyone is loving marble.

• Matte appliances

  • Manufacturers and the consumers are getting inclined into getting matte stainless steel appliances and are beginning to trend higher versus the shiny ones we’ve accustomed to seeing. The matte look goes with the minimalist trend we see in more sleek homes as opposed to a glossy finish. Matte finished appliances would not just be falling under a dark grey tint which is quite similar to the traditional stainless steel but would also be available in white, black and gray. If you like a more modern and minimalist look for your home for your home renovation tips, you might be drawn to these more muted appliances.

• Subway tile

  • Another option that is on the rise in popularity is the classic subway tile. The ceramic tile is making a noise and nothing can stop its way back into homes in the form of kitchen back splashes and bathroom showers. The subway tile is a very well renowned choice on television shows like HGTV’s Fixer Upper; the show’s designer combines the clean look of the tile with marble counter tops, sleek appliances and trendy decor.

These are just only a few home remodeling ideas that one can start doing to their most valuable and vital property.

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Kitchen Remodeling Tips – What to consider when remodeling a kitchen

One of the spaces in homes that would need extreme detail and structuring would be the kitchen especially for some home owners who treat such area as something sacred or essential.

For old houses or for houses that would need further renovation, there are a couple of questions to highlight on what to consider when remodeling a kitchen whether the reason behind remodeling would be because of the need to enhance the aesthetics of the actual area or because of additional repairs of damaged structures in the kitchen.

Please take note of the following kitchen remodel tips from the pros:

• Designing wide walkways in the kitchen

  • For people who are fond of cooking or for others who are extremely fond of cooking, it requires them to move efficiently and effectively from one area to another to get kitchen utensils, vegetables or flavorings. One thing that could help in the movement would be wider paths. Experts say that paths throughout a kitchen should be at least 36 inches wide. Paths within the cooking zone should be 42 inches wide for a one-cook kitchen and 48 inches wide for a two-cook configuration.

• Design and direct traffic

  • Keep the cooktop out of traffic areas especially for kid friendly kitchen designs to avoid accidents. Make the refrigerator accessible to homeowners, family members and guests and for those people who will cook.

• Smart storage for Knives and other sharp objects

  • It is best to consider in DIY kitchen remodel what to do first is to have a designated spot for knives. This ensures it is easy to look for the right knife for a specific job and to keep all dangerous and harmful materials off reach from children. It is also advisable to secure a knife drawer with several divisions to classify the type of knives depending on the use.

• Stay clear of corners

  • To make cabinet and appliance doors fully functional, plan space for the door's clearance and swing direction in your kitchen design. Keep appliances away from corners, and make sure doors won't bang into each other if open at the same time.

• Plan Landing spaces and consider countertops

  • When remodeling a kitchen in steps where to start, allow 15 inches of countertop on each side of a cooktop and the refrigerator. The landing space should be situated near the microwave. People who would cook more often may require more counter space which is ideally between the cooking range and the sink. Factoring in two countertop heights makes baking easy and helps kids who are involved in meal preparation.

• Spot the focal point

  • Splashy tile, fancy floors, sizable range hoods, bright kitchen cabinets, and busy countertop patterns give the eye too much to look at. Pick one focal point in your kitchen design and complement that area with a few other quieter, eye-pleasing details.

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Bathroom Remodeling Tips

If one wishes to undergo a bathroom remodeling, it can be really exhausting but worth it once the desired output has been met.

It is important to have a clear mindset on what to expect and what are the things that need to be considered which can definitely spell out the difference between a months long waking experience ending up in a bathroom that you settle or a very pleasant experience resulting in the bathroom you have long been dreaming for.

Whether you are remodeling a small bathroom or an executive or large one, many aspects should be considered and should be approached with extreme preparation and thinking to end up with the expected output you have set.

The following are the items and things one should consider and not take for granted:

Determine the bathroom remodeling cost

Before you begin any project you have in mind, it is important to lay out the expectation and efficiently determine how to remodel a bathroom on a budget, not unless one has overflowing resources on hand to come up with his or her dream bathroom.

Placing the expectations into perspectives is needed when it comes to how much money one is willing to invest.

Consider factors such as size of the bathroom, the quality of materials you want to include and whether you are planning to do some labor yourself or hire bathroom remodeling contractors for further assistance and expertise.

Going online and checking websites of bathroom designs and ideas would be recommended to give one a clearer idea on hot designs and the corresponding cost on achieving it.

Ensure that you do not make the toilet the first thing one sees when opening the door

If you are to ask any bathroom designer or bathroom remodeling contractors what his first and main tip is, this would be on top of his or her list.

The reasons are quite obvious.

Most of the times, bathroom doors are left open wherein guest who will be coming in and out of your house would be the first thing that they would see and admittedly, may not be the most pleasant thing that you would like them to see.

Just make sure that this would not be the focal point of your house, its best to situate it internally or a strategic location in your home which would not that be difficult for anyone to go into.

Consider having a few vintage finishes in your bathroom

Though part of your steps to remodel a bathroom would be giving them a fresh, contemporary look, there would be times that you would need to retain some original aspects of it.

For older homes, the original wall tiles may have several coats of concrete and maybe wire lath which would make it difficult to remove causing additional labor cost.

Consider keeping the vintage tiles and allot the time and money in just enhancing these tiles or putting the resources elsewhere.

Think of an effective and pleasant lighting scheme

The best way to plan a well lit space is to ensure one incorporates layers of task, accent, ambient and decorative lighting.

The lighting should not be that glaring yet not too dim enough to see the surroundings and get a cozy feel.

Take note of bathroom dimensions

It is important to learn and understand the project area by knowing a few key measurements which includes the size of a typical bathtub and how much space is needed for a toilet, which will definitely help achieve an efficient bathroom remodeling scheme.

Plan the right height for your sink

This is one of the most common de prioritized items when remodeling a bathroom. The typical counter tops range from 32 to 34 inches from the ground or floor.

You would need to think of how your sink will add to or take away from the counter top's height.

If you have an above-counter vessel sink, for example, you’ll want to make your counter height lower so you can wash your hands or brush your teeth comfortably.

Consider a corner sink

When working on a tight or small bathroom with potential traffic flow problems due to the entry door or with layouts having shower doors, it is best to consider putting the sink in the corner which saves up space and eating up the larger portion of the bathroom floor.

Choosing the right vanity

These vanities are established and put up not only for looks but also for other needed reasons.

It is important to balance whether we allot a smaller or bigger space for this; it could eat up a considerable amount of space if it is too big or you would be scrambling for more counter tops if this is too small.

Picking the inappropriate materials would lead to having maintenance issues.

It is alright to spend on a few high end materials

Smaller spaces like the bathroom can be a good recipient for a few higher end materials and can definitely be a good investment.

See what you can do shifting from the most basic , affordable materials to higher quality and high end materials as one does remodeling bathroom showers, tubs or sink.

Make sure to double check tile sizes

There are some home and house ware stores that sells different sized tiles from what they are marketing.

That’s because most tile is sold in European sizes (millimeters), and the quoted size might also factor in a grout joint, putting your fancy new tile at 11⅜, which can affect your tile layout, niches and plumbing.

Try installing a toilet yourself

The costs of installing fixtures also add to the cost of a remodeling project. One thing that many homeowners can do themselves is hook up a new toilet, which can take just one hour.

Originally Posted Here: Bathroom Remodeling Tips

Remodeling Tips to Make a Small Bathroom Look Bigger

Remodeling a bathroom does not always have to be a complex renovation. There are slight upgrades that can make a world of difference. There are also plenty of ways of remodeling a small bathroom and give it a brand new and, in some cases, much bigger look.

Single-Handle Faucet
To save space around the sink area, there are several sink options with a single handle instead of having two knobs. It will make for less work during the construction process as well.


Wall-Mounted Faucets
Mounting sink faucets into the wall call for a less bulky style of sink to be installed. This will open up a wide range of possibilities when it comes to choosing a sink. When space is a concern, there are slimmer-fit sink options to choose from.


More Light
Letting in more natural light will give the appearance of more space. Some smaller bathrooms are limited in space, but it if is possible to add a window or skylight, then the dimensions will appear much larger than they actually are.


A Door Towel Bar
Cramped bathrooms do not always provide additional space, which means a towel bar is not always an option to stand on its own. Attaching the towel bat to the outside of a shower door is a way of including this component while also saving space.Ted Denning Kitchen and Bath in Omaha will walk you through even the smallest steps to ensure your satisfaction.


Widen Mirror
A wider mirror will serve a few purposes. It will allow two people to get ready simultaneously while also giving off the illusion of more space. This can also provide a more aesthetic appearance to smaller bathrooms.


Recessed Cabinets
When there is limited space, going with bulky shelves is not a realistic option. This could work for storage space in and out of a shower. Even in small bathrooms that are without a shower, recessed shelving is a great way to add more space and dimension.


Match the Ceiling
Painting the ceiling the same color as the walls will make the room seem bigger. Having a contrasting ceiling color will limit the depth and create a ceiling line. Looking around in a bathroom where the ceiling matches the walls will actually expand the room from a visual perspective.


Ted Denning Kitchen & Bath can make your small bathroom appear larger and accommodate all your needs in regards to style, functionality and budget. Also specializing in kitchen remodeling and shower remodeling, Ted Denning Kitchen & Bath in Omaha is your one and only choice in Iowa.

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