Renovating That Moldy Old Bathroom

However much you may have thought through the options while making that dream home of yours, it seems that there are always improvements that can be made at home. Taking a decision to renovate your apartment is not an easy one since these projects can cause havoc with your daily routine. One such project that can really disrupt your entire household is bathroom remodeling. This is especially so because once the project begins this room will need to be off limits for several days.

Although the bathroom is often the smallest room in your house, it is one of the most important rooms. Many aspects make bathroom renovating a serious project. You can save money as well as avoid undue hassles if a bathroom makeover is handled methodically.

The first thing required to be settled is to prepare a schedule for bathroom use to accommodate family members and plan for guests if any are coming over during the renovation.

To avoid overshooting your budget it is recommended that you finalize the fixtures that you would like to put back again and the ones that you need to replace before actually beginning the process of remodeling. Once you list the fixtures you will realize why bath remodeling often takes more time than anticipated and disrupts budgets. The main fixtures involved in bathroom remodeling include the tub, shower, toilet, sink, cabinets, lighting and flooring.

Storage is another aspect that needs to be kept in mind as certain decorative fixtures, like a pedestal sink, leave no room for storage under them. For a well functioning bathroom it is essential that there be storage space for storing towels, toiletries and cleaning supplies.

While going in for expensive fixtures like whirlpool tubs it will be better if you talk to friends, neighbours and relatives who might have installed these, as they take up a lot of space and are expensive to repair.

Lighting and flooring are two aspects of the bathroom that are often over looked. If you have natural light it will be better to go for lighting that will complement it and still retain privacy. In the absence of natural light, try to create one using the kind of lighting that you prefer. You could chose to have a bold, strong lighting environment or a relaxing, dim environment for your aroma bath.

Easy cleaning should be the foremost consideration when completing the bathroom renovation project. Although they cost more than other surfaces, natural stone or ceramic tiles are the easiest to clean and last a life time. Bathrooms are messy and in turn can mess up the house. Being able to quickly clean up surfaces is a great time saver and can also ensure that you avoid slipping on wet surfaces later.

Transforming Your Garden With a Natural Stone Patio

There is such a wide range of natural stone now available that whatever type of garden you have there is sure to be something suitable that will transform your outside space whether it is a small courtyard garden or has acres of space. But knowing that there are suitable natural stone tiles out there is the easy part - choosing which tiles are right for your patio is harder.

And it is not just the colour that you need to get right - the surface finish is even more important - does it need to be slip-resistant, will there be young children playing on it, does it need to be hard-wearing? These are some of the questions you will have to ask yourself before you even begin to look at the choices available.

In addition, natural stone will have unique characteristics depending on which quarry it came from and may also have a special finish depending on the manufacturer. So one type of slate, for example, may not be the same if it has come from different quarries or was cut and finished by a different manufacturer. Most natural stone has an indefinite life-span (think of all the ancient buildings made of natural stone that are still standing across the world) but if it has a special finish then another consideration is the longevity of the finish - will it be hard-wearing and last many years or will the special character of the finish disappear under the effects of harsh weather?

Clearly the choice of finish is not simply about its beauty at the time of laying the natural stone but also how it will look in a few years' time since a patio is not the type of structure to be frequently changed although one of the advantages of natural stone is that there is an active second-hand market for pre-used tiles if you do ever decide to replace them.

Depending on their size and thickness, most natural stone tiles can be laid as a patio onto a bed of sand although some slate tiles may require a bed of mortar. But any areas that will be used as a driveway or parking for vehicles will need a concrete base.

Natural stone tiles are available in a huge range of shapes and sizes from widths of 300mm and this range of sizes can allow you to design a unique layout for your patio. This might be a regular pattern or many people choose a random layout which can look equally attractive, particularly for a large area in a rustic setting. But even with just a single shape and size you can achieve a stunning patio, for example, rectangular tiles laid out in an offset pattern like brickwork can look particularly effective in a small area.

Although natural stone tiles can be expensive, the advantages of a natural stone patio are that it will look beautiful from the day it is laid for a lifetime and is available in such a variety of colours and styles that it will suit any type of home; rustic, traditional or contemporary. Its colour might weather but will not fade as coloured concrete alternatives do. It is resistant to harsh weather conditions and is relatively low maintenance, with only the possibility of the pointing needing replacing at some stage.

Whilst there are cheaper alternatives to natural stone on the market, and you can use porcelain tiles for a patio and even some ceramic tiles providing their water absorbency level is low enough, nothing quite beats the organic look of natural stone tiles on a patio.

What Is Waterproofing?

Even after decades of technological advancement we are still facing weather induced problems contaminating our constructed buildings. The most destructive weather element to concrete, masonry and natural stone structures is water. The only way to prevent this is to 'envelope' your building by waterproofing it using water resistant products. It sounded simple but again it's not. Most waterproofing work done during the construction stage was most often done recklessly. This happens for many numbers of reasons and for one, the construction companies aren't able to monitor each and every one of its construction workers work so the quality may differ or if you are unlucky they skip a step. Most contractors outsourced their construction workers who speak other languages than English so you tend to wonder about their comprehension of things and what about cutting corners? Some irresponsible company dared to cut corners in the name of cost saving and maximizing profit margins. Either way, once the building is done, all beautifully concealed with coatings of plasters and all you can see is a gorgeous looking house or building. Buildings must be made waterproof or water-resistant from roof tops to vertical above grade walls to below grade floors.

Did you know that almost 90% of water intrusion problems occur within the 1% of building's exterior surface area? Reason being is that during construction, from the process of design, construction, maintenance and 99% of building envelope will typically function properly. It is the remaining 1% that needs attention and time by owners, designers, architects, engineers and contractors to ensure an effective building envelope. The most common reason of waterproofing problem came from the discrepancies of the designs and installations.

The building 'envelope' that I was referring to means a combination of roofing, waterproofing, damp proofing and flashing system that act cohesively as a barrier, protecting interior areas from water and weather intrusion. Waterproofing does not only prevent water penetration but also prevent structural damage to building components. It prevents the passage of pollutants that cause steel deterioration and concrete palling, such as chloride ion build ups into structural components. Once water are able to seep through and in contact with the steels inside the concrete, oxidation occurs. This will result into the expansion of steel and creation of cracks (or even bigger cracks). Building envelopes also acts as weather barrier - the wind, the cold and the heat. These forces with combination of water can multiply the magnitude of damage to building structures as well as its interior. Direct exposure to the wind can force water deeper into a building structure through cracks or crevices where water may not normally penetrate. In order to prevent this, building envelope must not only be water resistant but also weather tight against the wind.

Waterproofing system does not last forever. It usually lasts between five to ten years depending on the contractor's workmanship as well as quality of products. However the lifespan of waterproofing barriers may be shorten even more due to weathering, U.V rays and earth movements. Most of us are oblivious about the fact that waterproofing barriers can be compromised when we do physical alteration towards the external part of the building for example; renovations or even minor alteration or repair works - so long that it leads to physical alteration of the building's surface.

As far as remedial waterproofing is concern, there are four main areas that are usually problem prone which are the roof, wet areas such as toilets, kitchen and balcony, subterranean areas and lastly external walls. Should you have leakage from the roof note that if you are a flat roof or other wise.If you are a flat roof, you should check if your roof is having an active leakage or not. If it is active there is a possibility that there is 'ponding' on top of the roof which means that you might have problem with the gutter or leakage from water tank but if it only leaks when it rains then it is just the roof that is problematic. Many contractors take advantage of this situation to cheat owners into thinking that it is a complicated problem and over charge them.

There were countless times when we face mind boggling leakage problems. Water penetrations are visible but the source was unknown as there was no water source nearby. The Owners would usually call for a plumber to solve the problem as they thought that it was plumbing problem. Plumbers are great at solving plumbing problems when they know and see a clear cut case. It is usually not the case for waterproofing. Seepage and leakage are most often random an inexperience person would blind hack the seepage area in attempt to remedy the problem and we would see that a large part of our walls have been torn apart. The traditional way of rectifying leakage or seepage on wet areas usually involves extensive hacking, removal of existing tiles, pumping of PU grouting with a high pressured compressor. These processes are a nuisance to owners as it is messy, expensive and would usually frowns the 'lady of the house' because they had to remove their designer tiles and most of them did not survive the removal process. After the expensive and troublesome remedial process owners would usually come across another leakage elsewhere and that area is not covered by the contractor's warranty.

In the end, this encumbered owners from getting their waterproofing problems repaired immediately. Most owners allow their problems to spread and cause further damage to the building structure. Not only that, toxic mold would grow on damp walls and ceilings making the house or building hazardous to health. Some people simply result to covering up discolouration's, molds and efflorescence instead of rectifying the problem. This act is reckless and irresponsible because if there toxic molds spawning somewhere it could possibly cost you a life as toxic or black molds can cause respiratory problems and it can worsen an asthmatic condition, can cause allergic reaction and possible bronchial infections.

The Basics Of Fencing Your Yard

Whenever one looks at houses while driving down the subdivision, fences are rarely eye-catching. Fences are usually a component of the whole backdrop of a house, and perhaps this is the main essence of a fence. The beauty of a house is made to stand out through the use of fences and it should not be the other way around. Fences accentuate the natural splendour of one's home, and properly choosing and installing fences are key ingredients towards attaining that specific goal.

There are many reasons why people would want to put fences on their yard or reinstall new ones. For those houses which never had fences, the owners may want to have some sense of privacy and security, even though in reality, fences don't really provide security and privacy. Nonetheless, fences concretize the boundaries of one's properties. This is a very important thing that fences provide. Other people would want to install fences so that their pets and small children would not go out of their yards.

Types of Fences

When installing fences in one's yard, there are many types that one can choose from. Fences that are made from timber are by far, are arguably the most popular ones. These are quite cheap, versatile and come in different shapes and sizes. These are also preferred by some buyers because they are environment-friendly. However, timber can rot and some types of timber fences are no-good in terms of quality.

Modern houses usually have brick or cement fences. Brick fences are popular because of their sturdiness and durability. The colours selection is also endless. These, however, are more expensive than timber fences. There are also steel fences which are lightweight and quite strong. Steel fences can, however, make irritating noise, especially if it's windy or rainy.

There are also stone fences and those which are made from natural materials such as bamboo, cane and reed.

In fencing up one's yard, one has to take into consideration some of the following factors to be able to make the project a successful and fulfilling. Here are some of them:

Local Laws and Permits

There are different laws regarding the installation of fences in different parts of the country. Most local fencing laws would prohibit fences that are more than 6 feet in height to be able to preserve the aesthetic value of the whole place. One should consult the local authorities before even proceeding with the selection process. A practical idea is to ask one's neighbour about his experiences when he was putting up his fence.

Cost of Materials

After one has consulted the local laws and permit stipulations, he can now go on with the fence selection process (choices will be limited in accordance with the local laws). One of the most important things to look at when selecting fencing materials, as with any kind of materials, is the cost of the different choices. The different materials vary in cost. Timber, bamboo and other natural materials usually cost less than brick and stone fences.

Perspectives

Privacy is one o the main reasons why fences are build. However, fences should not obstruct the view of the owners from inside. Fences that are too tall tend to do this. Avoid building a Berlin Wall between your house and the street as much as possible.

Strength and Durability

Again, different materials vary in terms of strength and durability. Brick, stone and steel fences are to be installed by homeowners who would prefer stability than design and appearance. Make sure that the not-so-strong fences such as timber and bamboo fences are protected from vines. Vines may not seem harmful to fences but they are actually one of the reasons why fences break down. They drag the fences down through their weight.

Installing the Fence

One can hire professionals in putting up the fence. Perhaps, he can contract the friendly neighbourhood carpenter to do this for him. If one is to install the fence by himself, he should use a chart where the exact distance of the fence can be indicated. This makes placing the posts much more easier and will make the installation smoother.

These are just some of the few tips that we can share with you. Remember that fences are sideshows and the house is the main attraction. Remember this rule and you'll be fine.

Picking A Kitchen Countertop You Can Live With

Your kitchen countertops serve two purposes - to provide a work surface and to look good so it's important to know how to select one that satisfies your criteria for both.

Your countertops need to be functional for preparing food and provide easy clean up. They are also the first thing you notice when you walk in the kitchen. The right countertop can add beauty and style as well as practicality. When planning a kitchen remodel, your countertops should be carefully chosen for these reasons and others.

Selecting the material is a matter of personal preference, but you should make sure the material has several features. This will allow you to keep the countertops in tip top shape for many years to come and make them easy to work with. Countertops are a huge investment and making sure you get the right ones is critical. Here's some features you should look for:

Durability

Kitchen countertops take a beating so you want to make sure they are durable. If you pick a material that can easily crack, burn or stain you might find that you have to put money into repairing them. Of course, durable countertops will be among the most expensive, but it will be money well spent.

Ease Of Cleaning

One of the big jobs in the kitchen is keeping the counters clean, therefore you want to choose a material that makes this job easier on you. Countertops that are made from a porous material will stain and end up looking unclean. Tiles will be hard to clean because crumbs and other stuff will collect in the grout - and if you have light coloured grout it will get dirty very fast. Granite and Corian are pretty easy to clean and the colouring can help even a dirty counter look great.

Safety

Who would think you might have to consider safety in a counter top? Well if you have small children you should make sure that edges are rounded to protect from injury. You don't want rough edges on the counter tops either. These days, you can even buy countertops that are treated with a special substance that can cut down on bacteria that can cause food poisoning.

Style

Last but not least you want your kitchen countertops to reflect the style of your kitchen. Think about the colour and texture and how that fits into your current (or intended) style. You can check out the kitchen showrooms to see what colours and types of materials look best with the cabinets you have or might be installing.

You can buy kitchen countertops in many materials from granite to tile to porcelain to stainless steel to slate to marble. They are even making them from cement now! All of these materials can work, and if you select your countertops carefully they can be an investment you can live with for years to come.

Bathroom Decorations - Tips On How To Get Started

If you want to redecorate your house there are many things that you can do. What happens though if you want to redecorate your bathroom? It's not as tough as you might think and there are rather a few things you can do to change your existent bathroom decor to something newer and more upbeat. And it doesn't need to be expensive either. Lets take a look at a few things that will get you started.

You can get a good looking bathroom even if you are on a tight budget. You will inevitably need to cut a few corners but they won't need to be drastic or anything too dramatic. One of the best n-ways to boost your john if you're on a tight budget will be to go at it slowly. Take it a piece at a time or even a particular set at a time and change your old bathroom decor to suit your new bathroom decor. This also provides you the time to ponder, research ideas and evaluate your ideas.

The problem with that though, is that you might not get to see a striking change taking place, alternatively you'll have a gradual change which can be rather unsatisfactory sometimes. So another thing you can do would be to change more or less the whole of your bathroom decor all at once. This can be more comforting to the individual and can brighten your day considerably when you see the changes that have been wrought. Of course if your budget allows this kind of activity.

The best place to start though, whether you're on a awful budget or not, is by fetching the time to sit back and think about what you want changed about your bathroom decor. Unless you're amply redesigning your bathroom then it's almost a presumption that you won't change around any of the fittings. So if you have decide not to re-design, your next need is to decide what it is about your old bathroom decor that you disfavor so much and what it is that you want to change.

This process, many times, can be the longest. Because it requires you to think, imagine and visualize what you see unsuitable in your bathroom. Trust me, once this process is done you will be happy you did it. when in this process be sure to document and take notes so you can refer to them later. This way you aren't shooting from the hip. We all know what happens when we do this. We buy things we think we like, out of impulse, and later realize it really isn't what we wanted.

This might not be as easygoing as you think as not everything is physical at first glance. That's why you need to sit back and take a good hard look at what you need to do about your bathroom decor. To get the best effect let's start with the walls. Does it need a fresh work of paint or can you get away with a few strategically located pictures and prints.

If you have a rain shower drapery does that need to be replaced, and what about the rugs and mats as such? Another good place for you to start is with a color intrigue in mind. If you can settle down on what you want your bathroom to look like in the last analysis - inside rationality of course - then you can proceed from there.

Now if all of this seems overwhelming to your, don't worry. Research, understand and learn the fundamental concepts of interior design and decorating. With this knowledge you will feel confident in your approach. Also, let me clarify here - I am not talking about a 4 year degree. I am talking about the fundamentals to boost your confidence to get started. So, let us wrap up with a knick knacks.

A few knick knacks here and there which will enhance your lavatory should do the trick. Intersperse them with a few expensive cardinal pieces and your new bathroom decor should be all that you could want or need. Please, don't go crazy with the knick knacks. If you feel it is too much, then I would say it is too much.

Easy Ways to Update your Kitchen

If you are looking for some ideas to redecorate your kitchen, it doesn’t have to be expensive or time consuming. Some minor changes that you can do on your own can really change the overall affect the room has. Many of us spend a great deal of time in the kitchen cooking, eating, and visiting with our family and friends. It is important that our kitchen has a very comfortable feeling to it. Some simple projects include adding a new kitchen sink, counters, and even bar stools.

Changing the design of your kitchen sink can change the look of any style of kitchen. There are many designs to select from so you will be able to find exactly what you are looking for. You will likely want to choose a kitchen sink that fits the space you already have designated for it. However, if you need a deeper kitchen sink or a wider one it is possible to do so by cutting away some of the counter space.

Some of the newer models of kitchen sinks feature one deep side and one shallow side. Others feature three separate compartments instead of the traditional one or two style. The type of material you choose for your kitchen sink will really influence the overall look. Choose from stainless steel, cast iron, or copper.

Probably one of the most common kitchen decorating options is redoing the counters. This can be simply redoing them in a new color and material or changing the layout of the kitchen so you have more counter space. In many open kitchens one complaint is too much space that isn’t being used. To remedy this type of situation a straight counter can be turned into a T shape or an L shape to let you take advantage of some of the open spaces. You can also place an island in the middle of the kitchen to serve as a work area.

There are many different types of counter top materials you can choose from. There are also so many colors that you will definitely find one to match the overall décor of your kitchen area. The most common type of counter material is granite. This is very solid and it will last for years.

Adding bar stools to your kitchen area is a great way to give it some flare. It will also provide you with some additional room when you have a few too many people for your kitchen table to hold. Bar stools are available in a variety of colors so look for something to match with the flooring and the cabinets in your kitchen.

They are available in metal or wood materials and they come in a variety of styles. Many of them don’t have backs but many people prefer those that do have a regular chair back on them. Look for bar stools that have a durable and comfortable seat. You also need to carefully consider the height of your counters. The bar stools need to fit under them properly and provide a comfortable reach from the sitting position to the counter area.

10 Things To Think About Before Installing Hardwood Flooring

Hardwood floors can add beauty and warmth to any room in your home and can be a wise choice if you are remodeling or building an addition. Hardwood floors can last for decades so selecting the best hardwood floor for your particular needs is important. Here's some things to think about if you are considering installing hardwood floors in your home.

1. Type of hardwood flooring. Believe it or not, there are countless types of hardwood floors. The first thing to do is to choose amongst the various types.

2. Price. Not everything that is expensive is of the best quality. Most often than not, the price of flooring depends on the cost of materials from which it is made and how it was transported from the manufacturing plant to the present store. If the flooring is imported from another country, chances are it might cost a lot, but is not necessarily sturdier.

3. Maintenance. Various types of hardwood floors require different forms of cleaning to maintain the original look. Though the usual sweeping and waxing will do, specially formulated cleaning formulas are available depending on the type of flooring and different kinds of woods may have different cleaning restrictions and needs.

4. Repair. Not all wood floors lasts forever. Proper repair and maintenance of damaged floors can preserve the original grandeur, but you must be sure that the appropriate materials will be on hand years down the road.

5. Method of payment. If one is short in cash, look for stores that accept credit card payments. Since there are still some home depots that do not accept specific types of credit cards, it would be best to check first if ones credit card is acceptable from where one has decided to purchase. If the only place where ones preferred hardwood floors is available does not accept credit cards, it would be best to first save the needed cash since it would be unlikely that they would run out of stocks until such time that funds are accumulated.

6. Not all hardwood floorings are of the same colour. Choose the shade that best suits the general motif or shade of the house and its furniture for a more coordinated look

7. Consider the rooms where the hardwood floor will be installed. Naturally, if one prefers their bathroom floor to be made of wood, this would entail a special type one since it is common knowledge that wood and water don't mix.

8. To purchase unfinished or pre-finished wood flooring. Hardwood floors can be bought in its unfinished (not subjected to any treatment) or pre-finished (has several coating of UV-cured polyurethane) state. Installation of pre-finished hardwood floors would result in lesser odours and dust, thus requiring little time for clean up.

9. Installation. Hardwood floors may be nailed down, glued or floating. If the current floors are covered with ceramic tiles or vinyl the floating form is the best. This also cuts the cleaning time since it would only be assembled on top of the old flooring Choose which best suits the type of under floor one has or the capability of the one doing the task.

10. Choosing between engineered and solid woods. Engineered ones are much easier to install since they can be glued or nailed down. Solid woods on the other hand cannot be subjected to sub-standard installations.

Whatever type of hardwood flooring one chooses, you are sure to end up with a handsome element for the room that is both functional and durable.

The Role of Lighting in Interior Decorating

The types of lighting used in a room can dramatically change the way that room looks. Lighting can be a complicated issue, so let's start by defining some lighting terms.

Incandescent lights. These lights give a nice, golden glow to a room. They are much nicer to use than the cheaper looking fluorescent lights.

Down lights are round or square canisters, usually metal, that are recessed into or mounted onto the ceiling. These lights could be used as spotlights, floodlights or for general lighting.

Table lamps can be used as task lighting or for general lighting.

Up lights are normally one-bulb lights that are placed on the floor behind furniture, glass shelving or plants to give them a dramatic accent.

Strip lighting can be used behind shelves and on stairs and platforms for a dramatic result. The platforms lit this way can appear to be floating above the floor.

Track Lighting. A track makes it possible to use one electrical outlet to supply electricity to many lights along the track's length. The track can be surface mounted or recessed. Track lighting is one of the most versatile lighting systems available and can be moved around to accent different areas of a room.

Track lighting and recessed lighting can be set to produce an effect called wall washing which, as it sounds, washes an entire wall with light.

Dimmer switches give the ability to provide a different level of light by turning the knob. Dimmers save electricity and provide mood lighting for special occasions.

Different rooms in the home need different lighting. Halls and stairs should be well lit to prevent accidents. Living rooms need a mixture of lighting options: background, task lights and accent lighting. The best lighting for kitchens is bright overhead lights and extra under-counter lights for task lighting.

All types of lighting fixtures can be found for whatever your needs may be. They can run from very inexpensive to extremely high cost fixtures.

There are special considerations when using lighting for art or wall hangings.

If you are lighting a single picture or painting, try to place the light so that it does not show a reflection on the glass of the art piece. There are special picture lights made especially for lighting pictures but some of these are not very effective since they can only highlight the top or bottom of the picture. Down lights are a good alternative.

When lighting a group of pictures, it's better to use individual lights in track lighting that can be positioned towards the pictures.

Lighting sculptures can be particularly challenging. You can use up lights, down lights or even strip lights, depending upon the sculpture and its placement. Experiment with different lights and their placement to get the best effect.

Creative use of lighting can really enhance your decorating project. Make use of all of the different types of lighting to make your home a beautiful showcase.

6 Best Ways To Better Home Improvement

Have you always wanted to learn how you can improve your home? I have some tips for you so that you know where to start:

1) In home improvement, getting help where you need it is a good idea. If you are not sure how to do electrical work, you can ask the professionals for help. There are many places where you can seek assistance with just about any project at home that you may have in mind. Hiring a professional often help. This is a good idea because you want your home (and yourself) to be safe and everything to work the way that it should. You can also ask your friend who may know how to do it and they can lend you a hand.

2) Paving your driveway is a great place to start. You will be able to see the difference when compared to your neighbour. In the end your home will look more inviting and also it should raise the value of your property. Remember that first impression counts. If you are tired of replacing gravel each year and muddy shoes when you get out of the car, this should be a great idea for anyone.

3) There are many things that you can do to improve the way your home will look. A simple piece of lighting from a store or a nice touch up to your door with ornaments can help a lot to improve your home. You can do on your own or do it with the help of someone else.

4) Other than paving your driveway, replacing your windows is another good way to add value to your home. You can replace your windows on your own or hire a professional to do the job for you. There are many places that you can find cheaper windows and it will also add the same beauty to your home. Here's a tip: You will also save money on your heating costs because of the new insulated windows.

5) Adding a new carpet or improve the flooring to your home is a great way. You can make a huge difference in the way that your room looks by changing the flooring or a new carpet. There are many different types of carpet and flooring that you can use and you can choose the ones that you like the best.

6) Finally, remember that home improvements can be done all year long. During the the summer months, do the work that has to be done outside the home. During winter, you can concentrate on the internal home improvements. It will even out and you will not waste time because of the opposing weather.

The ideas presented to you are now all in your hands, only you can take these tips and ideas, and put them to use to improve your home. Good luck!