by Nisha Sharma

Home improvements are a great way to bring up the property value of your house. However, there are some hazards that you should avoid when you are making improvements to your home. One of the biggest mistakes that people make when they are renovating their homes is over-expanding. When a homeowner over-expands their house, they tend to add more features than is necessary for basic living. Over-expanding and ensuring fire safety of a home not only costs a lot of money to complete, it can bring up the utility costs as well. Avoid over-expanding your home unless you plan on living there for a very long time.

Another hazard that people should avoid when making home improvements is changing the general architecture. If you have a stylized home –a rancher for instance- you should not be implementing modernized aspects such as doors or windows. When you go to sell the house, potential buyers could be turned off by this strange transformation. In the same vein as this, people should also avoid changing the function of a room in their home. Sure, turning a spare bedroom into a game room is fine, but leave your bathroom as a bathroom.

There is a major difference between a “do-it-yourselfer” and a contractor. If you have a leaky faucet or a spot on your floor, feel free to fix the issue. However, a professional should always do home improvements. If you are looking to expand a room, install a bathroom or rewire any part of your house, you should always have a professional complete the task. There are a lot of codes in residential living that you should be aware of. If not, you could be setting a fire hazard or breaking residential code.

If you do decide to make home improvements yourself or through a contractor it’s best to over budget than to under budget. One of the most frequent hazards of home improvements is under budgeting for a renovation. And under budgeting doesn’t just refer to money. Knowing the amount of time that your home is going to be in disarray is essential to keeping a schedule for your home improvement. This is why it’s best to go through a contractor. Contractors know how to keep schedules and will get your improvements done within that time frame.

Once the home improvements are done on your home, it is important to maintain them. Making sure that you are cleaning the gutters and checking for any termites in your improvement is essential to keeping your improvement in good standing. If you aren’t keeping up with your improvements, the work will be for nothing.

Home improvements are great for any home. They can expand the functionality of the house while giving you more of a return if you are thinking about selling the property. But if you are going to make improvements to your home, there are hazards you should avoid. Follow this guideline before you start your home improvements and you should see a great return on your initial investment.

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About the Contributor

My name is Nisha Sharma, I am the Editor for FireSafetyStore.co.uk. If you would like to find out more information about fire safety products, such as fire blankets, fire extinguisher, or for safety items around the home feel free to visit my site.

by Helen Davies

image copyright © Better Bathrooms

If you’re planning a bathroom remodel, you’ll be thinking about all the bathroom fittings and fixtures there are available, and maybe feeling a little overwhelmed. Unless you go into a remodelling project with a very clear idea of what you want, it can be easy to get confused.

We’ve pulled together a few key points to guide you through that tricky decision-making process.

Simple sanitaryware or bathroom cabinets?

Sanitaryware refers to the fixtures in your bathroom, like your toilet, bath, and sink. Choosing standalone sanitaryware can lend a bathroom a traditional style and can be a good route to minimalism too. However, you’ll find that without the addition of a couple of bathroom cabinets, you soon build up a lot of clutter in your bathroom, which can be fatal to your minimalist ethos!

If you opt for a fully fitted bathroom furniture suite instead, you’ll select items such as vanities or washstands, storage cabinets, WC units, and medicine cabinets. All of this brings coordination to a room, and allows for ample storage of all your hygiene products. You can select bathroom cabinets which match your preferred style, whether that monochrome chic, natural wood, or eclectic colour.

Modern or traditional?

Only you can decide this one: one style will simply appeal to you more. However, things to bear in mind as you mull it over, if the answer isn’t immediately obvious to you, are:

1. Is my home a new build, or has it been renovated in a traditional style? Your bathroom should be in keeping with your home generally.

2. What are the rest of my furnishings like? You want to maintain, if possible, a flow of style and colour between rooms so that the whole house seems to have been pulled together in a deliberate and coherent way.

Choosing specific fixtures

Once you’ve got an idea of your overall scheme for the bathroom, it’s time to get down to specifics. Choosing your bathroom cabinets or bathroom suite is something that should be done with care, as you will want your bathroom to last for a number of years – remodelling is expensive and time consuming.

Think about the way you use your existing room, and the fixtures you’d like most in your new room. Understanding what items you use most will help you to prioritise when it comes to measuring your space and drawing up a plan for your new layout.

You can draw your own scale floor plan, or use one of a number of internet sites, to try out different combinations of bathroom fittings and bathroom cabinets in the confines of your own space, before you spend any money or remove your existing bathroom suite. Run through as many versions as you need to, and only start shopping for your bathroom furniture once you’re sure not only of what you want in your bathroom but also what your bathroom can comfortably accommodate.

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About the Contributor

Helen Davies is a content writer for Better Bathrooms, a UK based supplier of a wide range of bathroom cabinets as well as freestanding and fitted bathroom furniture.

Revitalize your space with the new design trends for 2012

Love interior design? Live in Toronto? Well you’re invited to the first 2011/12 event of the Design Talk series at Urban Mode.  Guest speaker Lucy Campos-Gentile, Principal Interior Designer of TO DESIGN CO returns to share the upcoming design trends for 2012.  Lucy will be focusing on the new trends in paint, fabrics, floors, and more – providing an inside peek at what’s new for 2012 on Thursday, November 24^th, 2011 at Urban Mode at 7:00pm. So get inspired to refresh your spaces using combinations of paint, fabrics and other design elements that don’t require costly and time consuming renovations.  See what’s new, and determine the style keepers amongst the elements you already own. Learn how to find your own personal style; Lucy will be sharing tips and examples of how to turn bland spaces into unique and stylish rooms.

Tickets are available online:  http://designtrends2012.eventbrite.com

About Lucy Campos-Gentile

Lucy Campos-Gentile started working in Interior Design over fifteen years ago. In the first two years of her career, she worked in largely corporate, retail, and hospitality design. When she was hired by a builder to work in the residential field of the market, her career shifted, and she later started her own design firm, TO DESIGN CO.

TO DESIGN CO is a full-service interior design firm specializing in home renovations, additions, new construction, and remodeling. Lucy provides design services around the GTA including project planning, drawings, project management, and trade supervision. Lucy plans with her clients using a full range of samples and detailed specifications, floor plans, architectural drawings and 3D models, then manages projects, overseeing the selection and purchasing of furniture, products, and materials. TO DESIGN CO clients need only to express their design wants and needs, approve the resulting plans, then enjoy the wonders of a well-designed space that offers function, style and balance!

by Erik Braunitzer of Douglas Elliman Real Estate Company, agents for Bronx Rentals

photo by Big Dog Renovations

The two best investments homeowners can make to improve the value of their home are to renovate both the kitchen and bathroom. These rooms are the most important selling features of any house. Most of these improvements are DIY projects that do not mandate hiring a professional or using expensive materials.

Glass Tiles
Many glass tiles are available on the market today. Many are handmade from recycled glass, making unique tiles that are almost impossible to reproduce with machines. Installing these tiles is only slightly different than ceramic tiles, with much of the same types of mastic and grout. The look is luxury without the price tag.

Some glass tiles are available with glitter or other pieces allowed to stay in the glass. The look is one of sheer brilliance. Any color combination is possible with recycled glass, even soda bottles. These make beautiful sea-green tiles unlike any machine made tiles today.

Use glass tiles as accent pieces, medallions, borders, backsplashes, tub surrounds and more. The possibilities are only limited by imagination.

Tin Ceilings
These have never gone out of style. Choose antique or vintage tiles for a look of opulence. Tin tiles cover drab or stained ceilings with ease. Installing them takes no more than a screws or special cement. The tiles can be painted or stained, or even treated with faux metals and glitter paints for effect. If one cannot afford vintage tiles, PVC tiles molded to resemble tin tiles provide the same looks for a fraction of the cost.

New Hardware
One of the simplest ways to rejuvenate a bathroom or kitchen is to change the hardware. New hinges, drawer and cabinet pulls, new slides are all part of the hardware. Vintage glass pulls bring new life to any cabinet, or perhaps a more modern look with metals. Handmade pulls, such as horn or specialty woods bring an exotic outdoor look into the home space. In many cases, kitchens look entirely different with just hardware changes and a can of paint, usually under $100.

Improved Flooring
From floor tiles to hardwood, improved flooring often makes a selling point or focal point for visitors. Floating floors are inexpensive and easy to install, while solid hardwood floors last forever but require the installation of an expert. Maintaining a hardwood floor is not difficult if stains and spills are cleaned up quickly, and pads placed on furniture feet are used to prevent scuffs and scratches.

Use hardwood floors even in the bathroom and throughout the house to maintain the flow of the décor. Rugs and carpets protect the floor while allowing the room to change looks with the seasons without removing the hardwood.

Sustainable woods, such as ipe, bamboo and teak are making their way to the top of the flooring world. Although costing more than traditional hardwoods, they are often more durable, and allow more design and color choices. Cork is another sustainable flooring option popular among homeowners today. These woods provide flooring for homeowners, and create jobs and industries in their countries of origins. Sustainable practices also protect the environment.

Spend the time to research the options for remodeling the kitchen and bathroom today. Many projects cost far less than the finished project looks suggest. No one has to tell their guests they did not spend a fortune.

By Erie Construction

Driftwood

There is no need to settle for boring carpet or laminate flooring in your home. Why not try something a little more interesting? If you’re looking for unique and distinctive, take a look at these 10 interesting floor coverings.

Driftwood

Driftwood is wood that washes up on the beach after being tossed by winds, waves, and tides. Erosion sometimes makes it difficult to determine the origin of the wood, but it could come from trees that have fallen into the ocean, lost cargo, or even the remains of shipwrecks. It is a hassle for beach-goers everywhere, but it makes for a beautiful and interesting floor.

Liquid Lava ™

These liquid filled tiles swirl under the pressure of your feet, and are sure to make you feel like a kid again. They’re available in several color combinations and make walking around your house way more fun.

Glass

Floors made from thick cut glass are uncommonly beautiful. With a variety of textures to choose from, glass floors can fit in anywhere in your home. Its natural aqua color lends a calming ambiance to your room.

Cork

If you are looking for an Earth-friendly flooring option, consider cork. Cork is harvested from the bark of oak trees every 9 years. The trees don’t need to be cut down during the process. The harvested cork is used first for wine stoppers, the scraps go into cork flooring.

Fruit

One of the most unique floors on the market, this floor is actually made from peach pits! The edges get sanded down to show off the color and make the floors smooth.

Tye Dye ™

These tiles are heat activated. When warmed, the tiles preform a psychedelic color change.  This distinctive tile is sure to grab the attention of any house guest.

Reclaimed Wood

The things you love most in your home have a story, so why shouldn’t your floor? Reclaimed wood is salvaged from barns, factories, and even breweries. This wood lets history shine through its scars, holes, and bruises.

Antibacterial

These amazing tiles eliminate bacteria and help you breathe better, but they look like regular ceramic tiles.

Seashell

Mother of pearl is the inner layer of shell, and is the same material that makes a pearl. The material is traditionally made into jewelry, statues and lighting. The tiles are just as beautiful and iridescent.

Leather

Looks like leather isn’t just for shoes and handbags anymore. Leather tiles are an earthy way to add a bit of luxury to your home. Everything from faux-gator to saddle leather is available in tiles for richly detailed floors.

This article was written by Erie Construction. Visit our website for more information about home remodeling.

by miltteacom

In the United States and around the world, subway glass tiles have played an integral part of our underground transit history. Admired for its beauty, while recognized for its amazing durability, the classic 3×6 subway glass tiles have stood the test of time. Glass subway tiles made their entrance upon the opening of the New York City Subway in 1904.

The small white subway tiles covered all the walls of the underground transit system, giving a timeless and artistic elegance for millions of travelers and visitors to see. Their mosaic artwork gave elegance and inspired many other subway systems throughout the globe, to follow in their path. Even today, much of the original tiles and artwork remain intact, and are still the prime choice when new subway walls and floors when designed.

A Natural Transition

Are you looking for an economical and cost-effective choice when doing renovations for the home? Then let us introduce you to the subway glass tile. With an endless selection of colors, textures and finishes, the subway glass tile’s versatility, eloquence, and durable surface, make it an irresistible choice for any home. Glass tiles have a depth of beauty that is simply unmatched by the finest ceramic tiles. Incorporating these tiles into your home is comparable to enhancing every area with a unique beauty, a showcase of artwork all on its own.

A Wise Choice

There are so many advantages when choosing this beautiful tile to install in your home. They are impervious to moisture and heat, making them an ideal, economical, and practical choice for bathrooms, kitchens, and even swimming pools. Whether you are considering subway glass tiles for a kitchen backsplash or a beveled edge subway tile for your bathroom or shower walls, you will never be disappointed. When you bring this timeless classic tile design into your home, you join and share in the echoes of its rich historical past.

With the combination of fresh and vivid colors of glass, and the traditional design of ceramic subway tiles, a new design has been created catching the eyes of high-end designers, especially in trendy restaurants. Restaurant owners know how important it is that their image and structures reflect just the right ambiance, while preserving its beauty. Subway glass tiles withstand heavy traffic, while easily holding up to the splatters of food and wine. With its popularity rising, whether in high-rise apartments, or in the most fashionable homes, these small subway tiles remain affordable to all.

The Green Effect:  Subway glass tiles are not only visually appealing, but they are eco-friendly. For all of you environmentalists out there who are serious about not using non-recyclable materials, all subway tile glass is recycled and considered safe for the environment.

Subway glass tiles are perfect for any renovation project, whether you need a modern or present-day design.  They are beautiful, durable, and best of all – easy to keep clean, and hard to damage.  Glass subway tiles keep it simple, while remaining the most economical and practical alternative – for any room – anytime and anywhere.

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This Article was provided by Glass Tile Oasis. At Glass Tile Oasis we carry glass tiles in a wide range of colors and styles at  low prices visit our website today at wwww.glasstileoasis.com

The National Property "After"

Home Renovation Guide gets the dish from Stacey and Megan Valnes (from Sunset Park Realtors), on a recent project success. They had a property that had been appraised at $875,000. After spending $11,000 on exterior improvements, the property’s value went up to $1,025,000.

1. How did you decide on which home improvements projects to do and did you have a budget in mind?

As Realtors, our makeovers usually consist of an update and beautification of the outside of the building or home. For example, we paint, landscape, change out hardware (garage door handles, light fixtures, window screens, etc.) and stage when needed. We decide on a case to case basis which makeovers to do, depending on the state of the property at hand. If a property is old, shabby, or we believe it could be sold for more once improved, we improve it. The National property screamed for help because it was very dated, needed painting, and it’s landscaping was an overgrown unattractive jungle of a mess. Creating great curb appeal is simple and shouldn’t cost too much money. We always have a budget in mind, which comes from our seller. For $10,000 we can usually get everything done.

"Before"

2. What inspired your design choices in terms of improving curb appeal?

For the National property, our design choices were inspired by more modern buildings with a contemporary feeling to them. Our sellers were open to color and fresh ideas, so we used that to our advantage. The building was a big square block type, so in order to make it look more homey and appealing, we used warm colors (greens, olives, creams, and orange) in the paint and really popped it out with lots of colorful flowers in the landscaping. In the end, the building looked like a very distant cousin of it’s old self and was truly beautiful.

3. Were there any surprises that came up – i.e.: challenges that were unexpected or some of the work ended up being easier than expected?

The biggest challenge on this project was picking the paint colors. The sellers really wanted something bold and outspoken, like blue and purple, and we had to get them to acknowledge that the general public doesn’t find blue and purple attractive on a building, and we should use more trendy colors. Property styles change in fashion like clothes and one has to follow trends closely in order to stay in the game. Stacey and I decided to compromise and give them their bold color by including a fabulous orange for the door colors. Other than that, it was smooth sailing.

4. Was the work DIY or professional? From this experience, what would you recommend should definitely be done by a pro or what could a homeowner tackle himself/herself?

All the work, with the exception of the design, was professional. Stacey and I are Realtors, not painters. We contract out whatever needs to be done to our trusted group of people. We have a man for every job. Stacey and I choose paint colors, flowers, and communicate how the general look and feel of the building should be, and the professionals take it from there. Of course, a homeowner can tackle whatever they feel competent at and do it themselves, if they choose to. For example, if someone is an avid gardener and really wants to get into the landscaping job, by all means go for it. However, this can slow the process and end up being more expensive.

5. Is there anything you learned from this experience that you can apply to future projects?

We learn something from every project. From the National property, we learned that an array of color in the flower landscaping can change the whole face and feel of the building. Many people stick with green plants because it’s easy, but color in the garden is spectacularly beautiful and most everyone appreciates it.

6. Do you have any tips to share with those who are looking to increase their home’s value that are good for the budget-conscious?

If you want to increase your home’s value, you should be able to do so significantly for $10,000 or less. Make it look pretty on the outside. Remember that old saying about first impressions? It applies to homes and properties as well. The outside of your property is the first thing a potential buyer sees when stepping out of their car or walking by, so impress them with fabulous paint, meticulous pride-of-ownership, and beautiful landscaping!

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About the Contributor

Stacey and Megan Valnes from Sunset Park Realtors (follow them at @svalnes or check them out at: www.Sunsetparkrealtors.com

If you’re planning on remodeling your bathroom, you might want to listen up. There are many things that you can do to your space that will make it a room that you can enjoy for years. But you can also install the right kinds of bathroom accessories and fixtures that will be of value when the time comes for you to sell your home.

One important piece in the space that will instantly add value is the right kind of bathroom vanity. This fixture is not only a useful part of any bathroom, but it can also create added elegance to the room. Opt for a contemporary bathroom vanity with neutral colors that will satisfy the majority of potential home buyers in the future

Another easy way to add value to your space is by installing uniformed bathroom accessories. Faucets, towel bars and other accouterments should all have the same finish for a harmonious look that will surely wow individuals who are planning on buying your home.

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About the Contributor

DecorPlanet.com specializes in selling luxurious home and bathroom products including bathroom vanities, bathroom faucets, bathroom cabinets & mirrors, bathroom shower panels, and a variety of other contemporary bathroom items online at discount prices. During our time in business, we have established favorable business relationships with many factories that meet the highest industry recognized standards at favorable and/or discounted prices. By continuously broadening the business scope and scale through rigorous efforts, we will continue to offer many more wholesale priced products, thus broadening the variety that a customer demands.

Remodeling Dilemma: We’re re-doing our kitchen. How do you feel about granite countertops?

Hermanity Answer: (Yawn) Been there, done that. They are SO over did. Give concrete or recycled glass a try.

More eco & budget friendly!

Watch me enumerate with my trademark sass & sagacity the reasons why this viewer should skip granite counter tops!

• Bad for mother earth
• Requires too many Benjamins
• Honey, that ship has sailed. Next!

What do you think? Are granite counter tops here to stay? Or have you discovered some great alternatives? Please share!

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About the Contributor

Herman Chan, celebrity real estate personality seen on HGTV House Hunters, Money Magazine’s real estate expert and is Logo tv’s resident real estate expert. Feel free to check him out on Habitatforhermanity.com or follow him on twitter @hermanity.

by Level One Contracting

As a homeowner, you are not legally permitted to perform your own renovation work, with the exception of the electrical, but it is strongly recommended amateurs not do this as disastrous results can occur.

You are legally responsible for obtaining any building permits required. However, your renovator should look after this on your behalf, specifying which permits are required and who will get them. You will need to provide a letter of authorization before your renovator can apply for a permit for your renovation.

A reputable contractor hires licensed trades to do your work.

Any structural, heating, plumbing, electrical, gas or sprinkler changes require a building permit from the City. Avoid any contractors or designers who tell you otherwise. They must have a Building Code Identification Number to apply for a building permit.

A permit is for your protection. Permits are based on building codes to promote health and safety, and structural integrity.  Some minor cosmetic changes may not require a permit. Confirm with your renovator or check with your municipal building permit office to be sure.

When do I need a permit?

Generally, a building permit is required for renovations that involve changes to the structure or systems of your home.

Types of Permits

Whether you are building or renovating your home, there are basically five types of permits that may be required.

Building Permits

Permits may be required for many repair, renovation and addition projects in existing homes.

Renovating a Strata Lot

If you own a condominium or a townhouse, you may be subject to your strata bylaws and restrictions.

This article was provided by Level One – Renovations Experts. For more details on the topics above and others such as: Who should get the permit – Me or my renovator? What happens if I don’t get a permit? – visit Level One’s Blog.

About the Contributor

Level One Renovations Experts is a full service renovation company with over 12 years in the market. Specializing in kitchen and bathroom renovations from demolition to finish, our goal is to continue exceeding our client’s expectations and building to the highest standards possible.