Articles and Ideas2020-05-28T22:41:40-04:00

Bathroom Remodeling Ideas

If you are considering a bathroom renovation, be sure to view our archive of articles for bathroom remodeling ideas. You’ll find suggestions on cabinets, countertops, backsplashes, sinks, tile, fixtures, and more, which you can incorporate into your bathroom renovation project plan.

15 Alternatives to White to Paint Your Bathroom

Bathroom paint colors can set a tone and mood for a space in a home that gets heavy use. Regardless of the paint color, it’s best to use a semi-gloss finish paint, as this type of paint works best in high-moisture environments, is easy to clean, and isn’t impacted by the occasional splash of water. Learn about bathroom paint ideas for updating your basement bathroom.

February 20th, 2022|

Granite Types to Consider for Bathroom, Kitchen, and Bar Countertops

Granite is one of the toughest natural stones available, is highly resistant to scratches and chips, and is more affordable than marble - which makes it ideal for bathroom, kitchen, and basement bar countertops. Learn about granite options for bathrooms, kitchens, and basement bars and the benefits of each.

January 28th, 2022|

How Long Does a Septic Tank Last?

To maximize a septic tank’s lifespan, is it recommended to pump a septic tank every 2 to 3 years. As part of the service call, the septic service company should inspect the complete system for potential issues that could require repairs. Identifying and repairing issues quickly can extend the septic tank and system life. It is also recommended to avoid flushing items down the toilet that could harm the septic system and lead to failure. Learn about septic system lifespan, identifying possible septic tank and septic field failures, and how to extend the life of a septic system.

January 27th, 2022|

Bathroom Maintenance – The Correct Way to Clean a Shower

Regularly cleaning your bathroom shower removes mold and mildew and soap scum that makes a bathtub or shower look dirty. Not all shower materials are the same, and some cleaners may be harmful to a shower surface. Learn how to clean a shower safely and correctly and the best cleaners for each surface type.

December 29th, 2021|

The Cost For Bamboo Flooring

Bamboo flooring is an eco-friendly wood flooring option that offers a unique look, durability, accepts stain like hardwood, and presents a modern look. Installation costs for bamboo flooring range between $1,500-$15,000 with a national average of $6,000, which calculates to $5-$15 per square foot, including labor and materials. The benefits of using bamboo flooring are many, including ease of installation, durability, it's low maintenance, and it's moisture, mold, and mildew resistant. Learn about the benefits of bamboo flooring and factors that could impact the project cost.

December 23rd, 2021|

Bathroom Design Ideas – Adding a Water Closet

The water closet - a small, closed room containing a toilet that is part of the bathroom - has been reintroduced in modern-day bathroom design. The benefits of a water closet are additional privacy when multiple people are using the bathroom and improved hygiene as having a toilet in an enclosed space prevents particles from spreading when the toilet is flushed. Learn more about the water closet and why it is popular in modern bathroom designs.

December 22nd, 2021|

Things to Know About Solid Surface Kitchen and Bathroom Countertops

There are 3 types of solid surface countertops - acrylic-based, polyester-based, and acrylic/polyester-based, each having unique attributes. There are many benefits to using solid surface countertops - they are nonporous, easy to clean, easy to repair, can appear seamless, and can look like granite or marble but cost less and require less maintenance. Learn about options for solid surface countertops and the benefits of each.

December 21st, 2021|

Master Bathroom Ideas to Copy in Your Own Space

If you're planning a master bathroom renovation, consider options such as a freestanding or soaker tub, fireplace, double vanity, steam or walk-in shower, bidet, and heated floors to improve the functionality of the space. View ideas and options that you can incorporate into your upcoming master bathroom remodeling project.

October 29th, 2021|

Does a Home Warranty Cover Plumbing Systems?

A home warranty is a service plan that provides coverage for service, repair, and replacement of systems and appliances listed in the warranty policy. Warranties can provide different types of coverage, including major home systems such as HVAC, electrical, and plumbing as well as appliances. Plumbing is considered a service, so most warranties provide coverage for indoor pipe and other plumbing repairs. Covered repairs usually include leaks or breaks in pipes, fixing or replacing faucets and valves, fixing or replacing built-in motors and pumps, and basket strainers, and clearing of tub, shower, and toilet blockages and stoppages. Learn about coverage offered by a typical home warranty.

October 29th, 2021|

The Cost for Radiant Floor Heating

The cost for radiant floor heating depends on the system installed, but the cost is typically between $1,717-$6,047. Factors impacting cost include floor type and size, type of radiant heating installed, materials, labor, installation location in the home, and site preparation and cleanup. Learn about radiant heating systems and the potential cost for installation.

October 28th, 2021|

8 Ways to Fix Common Flooring Issues

While floors and flooring materials might be unique, the issues they cause are not. Learn how you can address common flooring problems - including squeaky floors, popping tiles, buckling floors, chipped tiles, scratched or faded hardwood floors, cracked concrete floors, and more.

October 5th, 2021|

What to do if Your GFCI Won’t Reset

Ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) are electrical outlets that shut off when it senses an overload or surge in electricity. The GFCI outlet instantly trips when experiencing a power surge, triggering the breaker to cut the electrical current to reduce the risk of electrocution. Most building codes require the use of a GFCI outlet when installed near a water or moisture source due to the increased risk of an appliance shorting.

September 22nd, 2021|

Why You Need a Building Permit for a Remodeling Project

To comply with most local building codes, in many instances, you need a building permit for home remodeling projects. Local building departments require a building permit to change load-bearing walls or install plumbing or wiring. Some building departments require permits for other types of updates as well. Learn more about why a permit should be obtained before starting a home remodeling project.

September 21st, 2021|

The Cost to Replace a Bathtub

Replacing a bathtub is one of the top priorities for a bathroom remodel. The average cost to replace a bathtub is between $1,435-$7,246. The actual replacement cost is impacted by the type of new bathtub selected, if plumbing adjustments are required, and labor costs. Other factors that effect the cost of a bathtub replacement include removing and disposing of the old tub and other materials, construction cost for preparing the area for a new bathtub, new faucets and fixtures, additional plumbing and materials, and required permits. Learn about why a bathtub should be replaced and factors that could impact the project cost.

August 26th, 2021|

The Cost to Install a Toilet

The cost to install a toilet averages between $224-$531. The overall project cost is impacted by the type of toilet and complexity of the installation, which can be effected by unexpected issues during installation, including leaks due to insufficient caulking, a cracked flange that causes a wobbly toilet, a leaky flush valve, or an incorrectly installed wax ring seal. Other factors that can impact the cost include removing and disposing of the old toilet, local labor rates, the type and brand of the new toilet, the location for the toilet installation, additional plumbing required, and if the subfloor needs to be replaced. Learn about why a toilet should be replaced and factors that could impact the project cost.

August 26th, 2021|

10 Repairs to Make Before Selling Your Home

There are many repairs and minor updates that will make your home more appealing to potential buyers and avoid problems during a home inspection. Suggested repairs and updates include patching holes and cracks in walls, HVAC maintenance, repairing or replacing bathroom and kitchen faucets, addressing water damage and mold issues, and repairing faulty wiring. Consider making these 10 repairs and updates to avoid deterring potential home buyers.

August 19th, 2021|

Paint a Bathroom This Color to Increase a Home’s Selling Price

A 2021 research study found that certain paint colors can increase the selling price of a home by as much as $5,000. The findings were based on an average U.S. home price of $290,000. For a kitchen, the study found that white was the buyer's preference, while for bathrooms and bedrooms, shades of blue were preferred. Learn about which specific paint colors may increase the selling price of your home.

August 18th, 2021|

Home Renovations to Make Before a Baby Arrives

Consider completing these 11 home renovations before a baby arrives to avoid inconvenience, noise, or health and safety of the baby. Projects to consider completing include refinishing floors, bathroom and kitchen renovations and repairs, mold remediation, and painting and staining. Learn about projects to complete and why it's best to have these finished before bringing a baby into a home.

August 17th, 2021|
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