Showing posts with label bathroom fixtures. Show all posts
Showing posts with label bathroom fixtures. Show all posts
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Think You Can Take On That Bathroom Remodeling Project?
Before You Decide to Do It Yourself, Read This!With one of the highest rates of return on investment of any home improvement, bathroom remodeling not only adds value to your home, but also is a major selling point for potential buyers. However, when you consider everything that goes into a quality bathroom renovation, the costs can add up quickly. From fixtures to plumbing to floors to paint, you may find yourself in over your head before you even begin. Add expensive labor costs and contractor fees and you may start to think that doing the work yourself is not a bad idea. But before you undertake a major bathroom renovation project on your own, think about it carefully.
Sure, you can manage to finish all the work yourself but can you manage to make it look great? We all want to save money, but none of us wants oddly cut tiles, crooked wallpaper, peeling paint,leaky pipes an uneven toilet, or any one of the number of other little mistakes that can creep their way into an amateur remodeling project. Make sure you’re ready for—and can live with—a finished job that looks like you did it yourself.
Have you ever planned and executed such a project before? Not everyone has the eye, the vision, the understanding, the attention to detail, or the focus to properly design a bathroom themselves. And have you ever actually performed any of the remodeling tasks that your plan calls for or used any of the tools required to do the job? If you are inexperienced or just all thumbs, you may be biting off a lot more than you can chew.
Are you basing your bathroom remodel on something you got from a home improvement book or magazine? Sure, on paper it may seem like a simple, step-by-step process. But remodeling a bathroom is not like baking cookies. All homes and bathrooms are not alike, and a cookie-cutter, one-size-fits-all design project may simply not work for your bathroom situation.
Does your municipality require permits for such work? If so, do you know how to acquire them? Plumbing and remodeling contractors can get these permits easily; do-it-yourselfers may not know the proper channels.
If you’ve ever attempted a do-it-yourself home improvement you know how hard it can be to overlook even the smallest mistake once the project is complete. Your eyes go over and over that one spot that looks less than perfect or that dark corner that just doesn’t seem right. If you’re the kind of person who is uncomfortable with imperfection or can’t deal with your own failures then it may be better to leave the job to a professional.
One of the best things about hiring a pro is that they know people. And not just any people. They know people who can get great deals on everything from light fixtures to faucets to custom tiles. You probably do not know these people. A professional can help you get the best price on the best materials; you could actually end up paying more by doing things on your own.
Home improvements take time. In some cases, they can take lots of time—time away from your spouse, your kids, your normal life. Before you undertake a major renovation like a bathroom remodel, make sure you consider the toll it may take on your personal life and your relationships. Annoying delays and setbacks can pile up, making what once seemed like a simple project drag on for weeks or months. Unless you’re truly prepared for the unknown, you may want to leave things to the pros.
Bathroom upgrades are not a simple home improvement project. You may be reluctant to spend money on hiring a professional, but this is really the only way to avoid costly mistakes. It is possible, though, to save money even if you go with a pro. Here are some ways how:
- Buy your own fixtures instead of paying the contractor’s mark-up.
- Remove tile and flooring yourself if your plan is to replace it anyway.
- Take on painting and tiling on your own. Even if you’re a total novice, you can do a good job with a little practice.
Don't Forget: Beautiful walls, cabinets and floors are great, but the real guts of your bathroom are the pipes and plumbing fixtures. You not only want your remodeled bathroom to look like a million bucks, you want it to be functional and worry-free. If your bathroom remodeling project calls for the installation, replacement or reconfiguration of plumbing fixtures, pipes and equipment, call the plumbing professionals at Horizon Services. We will make sure that everything is installed and connected properly and fully operational so that you can use and enjoy your new bathroom to its fullest.
Related Bathroom and Plumbing Information from Horizon Services...
Related Bathroom and Plumbing Information from Horizon Services...
- Horizon Plumbing Services
- Horizon Drain Cleaning Services
- Horizon Sewer Line Services
- How To Properly Use a Plunger to Unclog a Toilet, Sink or Tub
- Winter Plumbing Maintenance Tips
- 9 Ways to Save Water
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Monday, December 6, 2010
Is Your Bathroom Trying to Tell You Something?
Keep Your Eyes and Ears Open for Key Plumbing, Heating and Cooling Signals!Your bathroom is one of the most versatile and functional rooms in your home. It helps you stay clean, takes care of waste, and can even help you unwind at the end of a long day. With so many different functions, it’s not surprising that your bathroom can become overworked. The good news is that if you pay close attention, your bathroom will often “tell” you exactly what it needs. Here are some common messages your bathroom may be sending you.
"I Need Better Ventilation": Fogged bathroom mirrors are a sure sign that your bathroom is not well ventilated. Insufficient ventilation doesn’t just make it harder to get ready, but it can cause mold growth and more rapid aging of tile, grout, wood, and other building materials. A bathroom ventilation system that’s working properly should clear the room of steam and excess moisture in about five minutes. If this isn’t happening in your bathroom, you should consider replacing your bathroom fan.
"I Need You to Take it Easy on the Hot Water Heater": If your shower gets cold or takes forever to heat up, you’re likely overtaxing your water heater. There’s really nothing worse than having your nice, warm shower go stone cold on you just as you’re ready to rinse out your shampoo. Installing a new hot water heater will cost about $1000, and there are now several energy efficient models that can help you cut down on your monthly utility bills.
"I Need More Heat": Even if your home’s heating system is working properly, you may need a supplemental heat source in the bathroom. Vents and windows allow heat to escape, which can leave you feeling chilled before, during, or after a shower. For less than $100 you can purchase an electric wall heater or small space heater that will make a significant difference. If you’ve been considering a bathroom remodel, talk to your contractor about radiant floor heating—an energy efficient flooring option that can help make your bathroom warmer and more comfortable.
"I Need a Fixture Overhaul": A water bill that seems to rise steadily month after month is a good indication that your fixtures are aging or leaking. According to the American Water Works Association, installing new, efficient bathroom fixtures and repairing minor leaks can help reduce your daily per capita water consumption by as much as 35 percent. You can find great bathroom fixtures, like showerheads and taps, for as little as $10.
"I Need More Power": Older bathrooms can be especially short on power outlets. If your bathroom has just one electrical outlet, you should seriously consider an upgrade. So many of the tools we use in the bathroom every day—from toothbrushes to razors to hair dryers—rely on electricity and having to go to another room in the house to use them is simply inconvenient. Just $300 or $400 is enough to hire an electrician to install additional outlets in your bathroom.
Listen closely to what your bathroom is trying to tell you, and you’ll be able to nip plumbing and other issues in the bud before they become major repair jobs...and you can save yourself some beaucoups bucks all year round!
Related Information from Horizon Services...
"I Need You to Take it Easy on the Hot Water Heater": If your shower gets cold or takes forever to heat up, you’re likely overtaxing your water heater. There’s really nothing worse than having your nice, warm shower go stone cold on you just as you’re ready to rinse out your shampoo. Installing a new hot water heater will cost about $1000, and there are now several energy efficient models that can help you cut down on your monthly utility bills.
"I Need More Heat": Even if your home’s heating system is working properly, you may need a supplemental heat source in the bathroom. Vents and windows allow heat to escape, which can leave you feeling chilled before, during, or after a shower. For less than $100 you can purchase an electric wall heater or small space heater that will make a significant difference. If you’ve been considering a bathroom remodel, talk to your contractor about radiant floor heating—an energy efficient flooring option that can help make your bathroom warmer and more comfortable.
"I Need a Fixture Overhaul": A water bill that seems to rise steadily month after month is a good indication that your fixtures are aging or leaking. According to the American Water Works Association, installing new, efficient bathroom fixtures and repairing minor leaks can help reduce your daily per capita water consumption by as much as 35 percent. You can find great bathroom fixtures, like showerheads and taps, for as little as $10.
"I Need More Power": Older bathrooms can be especially short on power outlets. If your bathroom has just one electrical outlet, you should seriously consider an upgrade. So many of the tools we use in the bathroom every day—from toothbrushes to razors to hair dryers—rely on electricity and having to go to another room in the house to use them is simply inconvenient. Just $300 or $400 is enough to hire an electrician to install additional outlets in your bathroom.
Listen closely to what your bathroom is trying to tell you, and you’ll be able to nip plumbing and other issues in the bud before they become major repair jobs...and you can save yourself some beaucoups bucks all year round!
Related Information from Horizon Services...
Friday, July 23, 2010
Not-So-Extreme Makeovers for Your Bathroom
New Fixtures are a Simple and Affordable Way to Update a Tired Bathroom!Need a quick and easy way to give your bathroom a facelift on a budget? You don’t need gallons of paint, an army of friends, a three-day weekend, and a bank loan to overhaul your bathroom. Start by replacing tired old hardware and fixtures, and for about $250 you can have a bath or powder room to be proud of in an afternoon or less.
Hardware Overhaul
Mounting new knobs and pulls on your cabinetry is one of the least expensive ways to update your bathroom. For less than $100 you can completely update the look of your bathroom without the cost or hassle of replacing cabinets. Most home improvement stores offer hardware in a wide array of styles and finishes to suit just about any budget. Ultimately, the finish you choose will determine the price. Trendy oiled bronze or antiqued surfaces will cost more than more common finishes like brushed chrome and nickel.
When shopping for new bathroom hardware, look for knobs and pulls that match the existing drill holes in the cabinet and drawer face. You’ll be able to replace the hardware without having to drill new holes or fill old ones. You should also inspect the surface of the cabinetry after you’ve removed the old knobs. If there are any dings or indentations, buy new hardware big enough to cover the flaws.
Faucet First Aid:
Replacing an old faucet is a simple fix that can revamp the look of your bathroom instantly. Many manufacturers offer faucets that resemble sleek, elegant designer models for much more wallet-friendly prices. You’ll also find a great selection of finishes to complement any décor, from pewter and nickel to bronze and chrome. Your local home improvement store carries many of these budget models, with prices starting just around $50.
To ensure proper installation, experts recommend matching your old faucet style with a similar new one. If your existing fixtures are widespread—where the spout is separated from the water handles—replace it with a like model. If you’ve got a center-set faucet—where the spout and handles are mounted in a single unit—choose a similar replacement.
Shape Up Your Shower:
Enjoy a hotel-caliber shower every day by replacing your old showerhead and rod with updated models. Large, full-flow rainfall showerheads give you that luxury spa experience for about $60. A curved shower rod is another popular bathroom update that can add as much as six inches of additional space in your shower. Both fixtures are cheap and easy to install, and available in a wide range of sizes and finishes.
Toilet Tank Trade-Up:
Yes, YOU can replace the tank lever on your toilet! This is a cheap and easy way to tie the whole bathroom together after you’ve updated the faucets and fixtures. Decorative tank levers are available at most hardware, home improvement, and plumbing supply stores; you can find many of them for less than $15.
Related Information...
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