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The two most common rooms in a home that get remodeled are the kitchen and bathroom. They are also two of the most expensive rooms to remodel, depending on how extensive the remodel is. Alot goes into the planning of these remodels and the material used in each one can be really costly. Kitchens and bathrooms also have the highest ROI or return on investment.

Below are some of the costs associated with kitchen and bathroom remodeling. They are the current national averages and are a rough figure price to work with. Its always best to work with a licensed & insured contractor that has alot of experience with these types of remodels. They can sit down with you to go over your budget and help you get a good idea on the costs associated with each remodel.

According to Remodeling Magazine's 2010-11 Cost vs. Value Report, the national average cost for a midrange bathroom remodel is $15,899. The national average cost for an upscale bathroom remodel is $51,455. There are many factors that will affect the cost of your bathroom remodel. Generally, the biggest cost factors will be the:

RemodelingOnline puts minor 10×20 kitchen remodeling price at about $18,000, mid range at $50,000 and high end at $100,000+. CabinetsDiscounters reports average remodeling costs at $12,000 – $22,000 range and ServiceMagic puts the average cost of kitchen remodeling at about $19,000, based on limited remodel. Full kitchen remodel estimate goes above $50,000.There are many factors that will affect the cost of your kitchen remodel. Generally, the biggest cost factors will be the:

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So you've decided that its time to remodel a part of your home. Now the hard part is figuring out which contractor to choose and how much money is in the budget. While each remodeling project is different, a good contractor can help you determine a general budget range for many of you remodeling projects, based on what similar remodeling projects have cost in the past. However, there are several factors which affect the final cost of any remodeling project. Such as; quality of materials, site conditions, accessibility, specific design tastes, finishes, updating existing mechanical systems, etc..

The best way to start the process is to sit down and figure out exactly what is in the budget. That will not only help you and your contractor in the bidding process , but also save you alot of money in the end of your project, by avoiding extra work orders and overruns. Next, is to figure out exactly what you want to have done and what finishes fit within your budget. A good way to save money is to do some research yourself and find out exactly what your dealing with in the market today.

One of the biggest things to watch out for is an extremely low price. although it looks and sounds good, you will get what you pay for in the end. You cant put a price on having a reliable contractor that shows up every day and does a quality job for you. Sometimes that low price will cost you double in the end.

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Tiling a backsplash is always a nice way to spruce up the area above your countertops. Its also serves as a barrier for oil, sauces, and kitchen grime. The best thing you can do is buy some samples to bring home and match to your paint, countertops, and kitchen cabinets. Youll also want to measure the area youll be tiling , to choose wht looks best in the existing space you have. Once you have all that stuff figured out its time to start your layout, then install your tile.

The first thing you want to do is take all of your outlet covers off and cover your countertops with a dropcloth or some cardboard to protect them. Next , you want to measure the area your going to tile, so you can find the center of whichever wall your going to tile. You can do a dry layout meaning you can lay the tiles out on the countertop exactly where theyre going to go ,in order to see how it looks.

Next , you want to start with applying mastic or thinset a little at a time. Dont mastic the whole wall, only a small area to start. Most of the time your going to be using a v-notched trowel to spread your mastic. Make sure your bottom row of tiles or your first sheet of tiles is level or plumb. Thats one of the most important steps, because the rest of the tiles will be set off your first tiles. Allow proper drying time for your mastic or thinset to set before you grout.

Last, but not least, its time for the grout. Depending on the size of your tile youll either be using sanded or unsanded grout. You want to start by mixing a little water in a bucket with a few scoops of grout. You can hand mix it with a trowel to the consistency of peanut butter or whatever you find is comfortable to work with.Spead it into the joints with a rubber grout float on a 45* degree angle making sure its a uniform application in all the joints. After that, you want to sponge off the backsplash with some clean water and a new sponge. A haze will develop after that,which you can sponge off the same way making sure to always have clean water. When your done apply some grout sealer and invite your neighbors over!!

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If your tiling a floor for the first time, dont worry its probably something you can handle, if you have some patience and the right tools. Most wet saws you can rent and the other tools, such as buckets, trowels, and grout floats you can purchase for little money.

The first thing you want to do is make sure your sub-floor is sound.The best way to acheive this is to install 3" exterior grade screws into the joists under the sub-floor. You can find the joists below by the existing nail holes. Strike some chalk lines on the sub-floor and install the 3" screws every six inches along the joists.

The next thing you want to do is a dry layout. Find the midpoint off of each wall and mark each one. Next, you want to snap some chalk lines along those marks.The line crossing at the room’s center are the starting point of the tile. Lay a row of the tiles your are using along a straightedge more than halfway across the room. For consistent joints, use tile spacers you have chosen to use. This row determines the size of cut tiles along the walls.

Always use thinset mortar to lay your floor tiles, NOT mastic. Depending on which size tiles your installing will depict which size trowel your going to use to install your tile. Usually a good rule to go by is the bigger your tiles, the bigger the notched trowel your going to use. You want to start by mixing your thinset in a 5 gallon bucket with a power drill with a paddle bit on the end. This will help you achieve a consistent thinset bed of mortar. Start by applying the thinset to the floor with your trowel at a 45 degree anlge , making sure that it leaves notches on the floor. Set your tiles one at a time making sure to put your tile spacers in between each tile, in all four corners.

Now comes the not so fun part, grouting. After the floor tile sets overnight, use a margin trowel to scrape off any thinset from the tile surface or in the joints.Mix up a batch of grout to a looser-than-mayonnaise consistency. Add water a little at a time by squeezing it from a sponge.Scoop a trowelful of grout onto the floor and spread it with your rubber float held at a 45-degree angle to the floor. Push the grout into the joints by first moving the float in line with the joints, then diagonal to them. Work from the edges of the room toward the center, making sure to take your time.A good grout job will make the floor tile look that much better. After your done grouting a haze will cover the tiles. Simply wipe it off with a damp sponge and seal the grout lines when it dries.

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So, you have black mold and you dont know what to do to get rid of it.First, you have to find where or what is causing the black mold problem. Some common instances are leaky pipes, a leaky roof, high humidity areas, and poorly ventilated areas are just a few.Then, you have to determine how much black mold there is and if its time to call in a professional or its something you can handle yourself. Generally a good rule of thumb is that if the black mold is covering an area greater than 10 Sq. ft, its time to call in the professionals.In most cases, it’s not necessary to call in a professional when you have a minor mold problem in your home.

Black mold is extremely toxic and can be deadly if not treated correctly.At their most extreme symptoms, black mold symptoms can be fatal, particularly for kids with allergies to mold. Black mold symptoms can be very serious and include a choking feeling, asthma, breathing difficulty/respiratory problems, wheezing, and dizziness to name a few.

After you determine that its a job you can handle and feel comfortable doing so, its time to suit up.You want to purchase eye protection, rubber or latex gloves, a respirator or mold approved mask, and proper mold removal products. You can always make your own mold spray at home with hydrogen peroxide or a mixture of bleach and water if the affected area is not to great. Assess any damages that may have caused the fungus growth and repair them first.Seal off the affected area with tape and plastic. Remove any objects near or around the mold growth area and cover the rest of the room with sheets of plastic to prevent fungal spores from spreading in the air. You may want to also spray the area with a light mist of water to help keep the mold spores down.Remove any moldy materials that cannot be saved such as drywall mold, then seal it in a plastic bag and remove it from your home.Use a proper mold spray to clean the affected area taking care to follow the manufacturer’s directions listed on the bottle.Repair any areas affected by mold in necessary and dry out the area using several fans and/or a dehumidifier.Next, seal and discard any items used in the cleaning process such as brushes, rags and gloves in a plastic garbage bag to prevent further contamination from mold that may become airborne.

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Finish carpentry is one of the most beautiful aspects of the trade. Its one of the areas in carpentry that requires you to take your time, have alot of pride, and be able to pay attention to detail. It also requires the skill and touch of a craftsman because of its final appearence.

A finish carpenter is responsible for installing baseboard, crown molding, window/door trim, and many other pieces of millwork, such as cabinets and mantels. Finish carpenters are the last guys on the job, but have the biggest repsonsibilty of making sure everything looks great.

If finish carpentry is something your interested in, many lumberyards and finish carpentry stores offer free classes on installing millwork.Another way to learn is to join a class at a vocational school or local union hall.

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Are you looking for a new project to go green? Have you looked into buying or building a greenhouse? You will need to make several decisions before you are ready to build or order a greenhouse. Some of these choices are based on money, how much you enjoy gardening, and what type of climate or grow zone you live in.

There are some very simple greenhouses, which do not cost much, but then there are very fancy greenhouses with multiple doors, vents, accessories and decorations that could be just what you have always dreamed of. When you finally find that greenhouse based on your selections of style, function, and price you will be very satisfied with your choice.

If you are going to use your greenhouse to start seedlings, or for extending your growing season, you won’t need a huge structure. In fact you may find contentment with a building collapsible or cold frame greenhouse. For growing flowers you’ll want something larger, tightly sealed, with good insulation. If you want to grow fresh fruits and vegetables you’ll need something with lots of space to move around in and extra height for tomatoes, etc., to grow into. Knowing such things ahead of time can really make the process of choosing a greenhouse a lot easier. .

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If its in the budget, which is always the motivating factor in any remodeling job, hire a professional to do the job. Home owners dont always know what theyre getting into before they start a project and dont always have the amount of time necessary to finish them. There are many reasons that hiring a professional is better than doing it yourself. Below are a few examples that might help you change your mind.

1. Experience

Do you know what to expect when you take that wall or ceiling out? A professional remodeler understands the structure of a home and is prepared for surprises that may lead to alot of complications. They’ve developed expertise from performing home remodels, attending trainings, and are familiar with laws and regulation pertaining to home construction.

2. Business Management and Integrity

Running a business well is part of the responsibilities of a professional remodeler. This includes having systems for the business, writing clear contracts, having insurance, providing warranties, and more. Better business management means better service for home owners because they can rely on the remodeler to perform with integrity.

3. Longevity

Anyone may be able to purchase a truck and some tools, but only professional remodelers have the skills to remain in business for the long haul. By understanding the practice and business of home remodeling, these professionals can manage changes in the market and return to service your home for years to come. Use the remodelers you can trust to fix problems and keep a home in good health for the long term.

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Its almost that time of year again folks, winter!! Listed below are three things you should do , to get your home ready for our famous New England winters. Winter can be a damaging, treacherous thing on your home. Resulting in unforeseen costs, and not to mention lots of aggravation. Water is the Number one offender when it comes to your home. Here a three things you can do to help keep the water out, dont wait till its too late!!

1.Check the Exterior, Doors and Windows •Inspect exterior for crevice cracks and exposed entry points around pipes; seal them. •Use weatherstripping around doors to prevent cold air from entering the home and caulk windows. •Replace cracked glass in windows and, if you end up replacing the entire window, prime and paint exposed wood. •If your home has a basement, consider protecting its window wells by covering them with plastic shields. •Switch out summer screens with glass replacements from storage. If you have storm windows, install them.

2.Inspect Roof, Gutters & Downspouts •If your weather temperature will fall below 32 degrees in the winter, adding extra insulation to the attic will prevent warm air from creeping to your roof and causing ice dams. •Check flashing to ensure water cannot enter the home. •Replace worn roof shingles or tiles. •Clean out the gutters and use a hose to spray water down the downspouts to clear away debris. •Consider installing leaf guards on the gutters or extensions on the downspouts to direct water away from the home.

3.Check Foundations •Rake away all debris and edible vegetation from the foundation. •Seal up entry points to keep small animals from crawling under the house. •Tuckpoint or seal foundation cracks. Mice can slip through space as thin as a dime. •Inspect sill plates for dry rot or pest infestation. •Secure crawlspace entrances.

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Remodeling a home is not always easy, but can be made simple if you will try to use your creative mind or follow some of the ideas suggested by others. Anyone who is eager to find ways in improving a home can surely attain lots of do-it-yourself remodeling ideas that will best fit your home. It is simply a matter of using your creativity as well as patience to obtain great outcome. Bear in mind that prior to proceeding with your remodeling project, which may include the refinishing or changing of wood cabinets, make certain that everything is prepared, so you will be much organized. Keep in mind too that enhancing the look and feel of your home need not be so costly.Here are a few ideas you can do yourself:

1. Repaint kitchen walls and refinish the knobs and handles of your wood cabinets. To give your kitchen a fresh look, repainting the walls and refinishing the cabinet knobs and handles are good ideas. Doing this can make your kitchen look new.

2. Add a frame in your bathroom and replace your old mirror with a new one. Bathroom do-it-yourself remodeling can be done by making a plan and taking all items away. You may change the appearance and feel of your bathroom by replacing your mirror with a new one, changing fixtures and adding a frame. You may also have your shower curtains replaced and all the damages fixed.

3. Add an entertainment room or family room in your house. One of the few good things that you can do to give your house a new look is adding an entertainment room. You may use a spare room or your garage in creating a relaxing ambience.

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