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Redecorating Your Kitchen

If you're updating your kitchen because you're bored with how it looks, a little redecorating might be just the thing. New paint, cabinet handles and updated window treatments can renew a room. A new faucet or light fixture can go along way. Small jobs like these often fall into the do-it-yourself category. Other options include hiring a licensed and insured handyman, general contractor , plumber or electrician.

Pull and Replace Remodel

This type of project simply involves removing old items and installing new ones in their place. In a kitchen remodel, this typically includes some combination of flooring, countertops, cabinets, appliances, sinks, faucets, and lighting fixtures. Some homeowners might want to tackle some of this work themselves, hiring certain contractors for some of the more difficult aspects. The best thing to do is call a local contractor and ask some questions. Most contractors will make the time to at least point you in the right direction..

Complete Kitchen Remodel

A complete kitchen remodel involves "gutting" the entire kitchen by tearing out the walls, flooring, and insulation down to the framing. Older homes often have outdated insulation, plumbing, electrical and mechanical infrastructure that can't run all the modern amenities, so some of these things may need to be updated. Extra insulation can help keep your home warmer in winter and cooler in summer. Gutting a room also provides the best opportunity to update wiring for all your phone, fax, Internet, television and networking needs. A project of this size requires skilled labor from several different trades, which means it also requires a general contractor. Being your own general contractor if your not experienced can lead to a lot of problems and budget issues. If you're not up for doing it yourself, a general contractor or design/build firm can do it for you. .

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True - wood is affordable and has the classic look we've all grown up to love. However, as the wood quickly ages, splinters surface, boards warp, crack and sag. The warm color of the wood fades to a dull grey... until the mold and mildew turns it green. You are then stuck with continuous maintenance requirements eating at your free time and expense of your bank account. Wood deck maintenance (power washing, sanding, scraping, staining, and replacing deck boards) can cost an additional $1500 to $3000 every 5 years! An alternative to using wood for your deck is using composite materials.

Composite materials can be used in a variety of ways one of them is decking. These are often a combination of recycled products including concrete and plastics. The beauty of this material is that it can withstand just about anything thrown at it from the weather without becoming too damaged. And, it can be made to look like hardwoods as well.For those who are looking to use these composite decking options in their home, it is essential that they take the time to do several things. When the research steps are done correctly, the contractor will make sure the homeowner has the best knowledge available about the products and services that are ahead of them. Composite decking has been around for about ten years. Each and every year it seems to get just a little better. But, remember to take the time to learn about the product because not all companies offer the same thing. There is no doubt that this product can offer beauty and easy maintenance to the home.

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For those of you unfamiliar with the tile world, these are two products primarily used for tile underlayment on floors. Tile preparation has come along way in the past few years compared to when tiles were installed either over a mud job or directly over plywood. What was discovered over the years and many tile repairs later that there are new, faster ways to prep floors for tile.

Two of the most common ways now are either using a cement backerboard (Durock), or Schluter –Ditra tile mat. Durock comes in sheets of ¼” or ½” as compared with Ditra which comes in a roll for whatever size job your doing. I myself prefer using Ditra as it is lighter, easier to cut, and doesn’t add to the floor load as much as Durock does. Durock is installed using ceramic coated screws as where Ditra is installed using a modified/unmodified thinset depending on your sub-floor. Ditra allows the floor to move and shift without effecting the tiles . Over time Durock settles and breaks down allowing the tiles to move around, resulting in tile and grout cracks. Ditra is a little more expensive but you save that money in the end with labor costs.

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Tips on choosing and hiring a contractor

1. Get to know your contractor before you choose one. Have your contractor come over for a consultation and ask questions. Like, how long have you been in business? Will you be doing the work yourself, or will your employees? Who will be supervising the project? How long have you been working with your subcontractors? Ask questions


2. Do your homework after you meet with contractors. Make sure they are licensed/insured and have their LEAD RRP certification.  Check with your local state website or building departments  to make sure. Ask questions.


3. Get a least three different quotes and make sure everything is included in the quote.  A lot of times contractors will leave things out , only to back charge you in the end at a higher rate. Ask questions.


4. Take your time choosing the contractor. Never feel rushed or pressured into making a decision. Your home is your investment! Check to see if the contractor is currently working on any other projects and if you can go see them. Ask questions.


5. Last but not least, sign a contract before the job starts. Make sure there is a scope of work, payment schedule, contingency clause and a copy for your records. Never pay for the job in full or give a final payment before you are satisfied. Ask questions and remember you are the boss!!

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Most bathroom remodeling projects go wrong from poor communication between the homeowner and the contractor or from lack of a cohesive plan. In particular, having a plan for a bathroom remodel is critical to prevent costly and time-consuming headaches during the actual project. Long before construction begins, brainstorm different bathroom remodeling ideas to investigate your options. Talk to architects, interior designers, and contractors about what’s out there and what might work best for you. Here’s some bathroom remodeling ideas to get you started thinking about how you can transform your old bathroom.

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In order to keep your porch looking and performing at it’s very best, to facilitate much anticipated use this summer, requires some up-keeping. This may not be as difficult as you think! It will, of course, depend on what shape your porch is now, and what it is made off. Many homeowners have one of these two types of patios, either concrete or wood, and each of those can be treated or untreated. Porches that have lasted for a number of years, withstanding a great deal of usage, are most likely constructed of finished cement, or pressure-treated wood, or wood sealed with polyurethane. However, if your patio is showing exaggerated signs of wear, there’s a good chance it has NEVER been properly treated. Here’s how to proceed.

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