Everything You Should Know About Remodeling Your Bathroom

When doing a bathroom remodel there is a lot to take into consideration.  Prior planning on any major home improvement allows the project to move along smoother but none so more than with a bathroom especially a master bath.  Below are some tips to help the renovation of your bathroom run smooth.

First and last, hire a contractor.  When taking on the remodel of a room that is used daily such as a bathroom or kitchen, minimizing downtime is the most important step in the process.  When you are trying to accomplish a remodel on your own and deal with the demands of everyday life it is easy to become overwhelmed and sloppy.  The expense added when hiring a contractor is often off set by time saved and the amount of a discount they receive when purchasing materials for your project.

The next step is to preplan as much as possible.  Purchase materials ahead of time.  When looking for faucets purchase quality and elegance.  It will sell well later on when you are ready to move and can be adjusted to fit into any style bathroom.  Looking for a tub?  Try it out.  This requires you actually getting into it, sitting, stretching out and taking into account everything that you will want the tub to serve a purpose for.  Larger tubs are needed when taking into consideration aging in place modifications.  This is all something you should consider.  Once the tub is installed it is too late to go back and redo the mistake without costing a lot of money and access time.

Bathroom flooring should be durable and able to stand the test of time even with the moisture and water build up that occurs in a bathroom.  Most often bathroom flooring consists of ceramic tile. Ceramic tile flooring is durable, up to date and varies in expensive making it a solid choice in bathroom flooring.

A nice toilet is a must for any bathroom renovation.  In stock homes the cheapest toilet is usually chosen.  For an extra hundred bucks or so you can increase the comfort of your toilet tenfold.  A toilet that is high is easier on the knees while a toilet that offers slant in positioning adds comfort.  Your bathroom especially in a remodel should add comfort to your lifestyle.

Another feature that is important in the bathroom is the lighting.  Lighting in a bathroom should always be adjustable.  Bright lighting is not always necessary but is nice when applying makeup, waxing or shaving.  Dim lighting is nice to add some ambience for a relaxing bath or when waking up in the morning.   Lighting is a very important element in most rooms throughout your home.  It is not something to overlook and should always be incorporated into the budget especially in bathroom renovations.

When renovating a bathroom consider the small details.  Don’t overdo it but consider adding some as they often bring the luxury to your home renovations.  One thing that sells a home is a luxurious master bath so it is important not to miss the mark!

Jason Foldenauer Construction offers a variety of home renovations to clients ranging from kitchen and bathroom remodeling to home additions and storage sheds.  Contacthttp://www.jfcremodeling.com today all of your home renovating needs.

Advice on Remodeling Your Homes Kitchen

Kitchen renovations are one of the most popular options when considering rooms to remodel in your home.  Upgrading your kitchen will update your home, add value and increase the ease of use.  Hire an experiences kitchen contractor; this is the number one tip anyone can give you when looking into a large renovation project.  Below are a few more to think about.

If you are going to proceed with any renovation in your home but especially with a kitchen remodel only use quality materials.  Top quality products with top notch construction mean that something as simple as your cabinet door will close correctly and never stick.  Purchase kitchen cupboards and cabinetry made out of solid wood.  Particle board will not hold up when used on kitchen drawers, cabinets or cabinet doors.  With something as visible and often used such as kitchen cabinetry you need solid construction and superior materials.

Consider the size of your kitchen when buying kitchen cabinets.  If you have super tall ceilings you can maximize kitchen storage by purchasing tall cabinets.  Extra storage is not something homeowners or future buyers will ever complain about.  Keeping a twelve to eighteen inch between the cabinets and the ceiling is an acceptable clearance. 

When considering kitchen cabinets there is always a great debate on if to go with stain or paint.  Staining is the most forgiving option however they are not easily redone either.  With paint you get a unique finish that adds personality to your kitchen.  Cabinets that are painted also have the ability to easily be changed with a fresh coat of paint.

Kitchen countertops are another area where quality is so important.  Consider slate, marble, soapstone, granite or other solid materials when it comes to your kitchen counters.  Laminate is a cheap alternative for kitchens and should only be used if you must redo your kitchen and the budget doesn’t call for something higher end.  When using laminate consider adding wood trim to give the appearance of sophistication. 

Another tip that is all too often ignored it the overuse of detail.  Accents used in the kitchen, not abused.  When it comes backsplashes, pediments over the stove and plaster molding on cabinets it can distract from the clean, airy feeling a kitchen gathering space should have. Choose one major detail that you want added to the kitchen and let it speak for itself.  A tile backsplash adds enough personality that you don’t have to overdo it on the rest.

Don’t over gadget your kitchen either.  Settle on a few key appliances such as a refrigerator, stove and dishwasher.  If you want a blender, a toaster, a smooth maker, bread maker and every other appliance known to man install a lazysusan to store them so that they are easily accessible but not overwhelming the top of the counters.  Basic is always better when it comes to creating a kitchen space that is easy to navigate and entertain.

Kitchen remodeling is something that will take time.  To lessen the burdens consider planning the design and ordering the materials before construction begins.  This way the contractor will know what they have to work with from the start.  This is also a great way to create and stay within a budget. 

Jason Foldenauer Construction offers a variety of homerenovations to clients ranging from kitchen and bathroom remodeling to home additions and storage sheds.  Contact http://www.jfcremodeling.com today all of your home renovating needs.  

Consider Your Space When Remodeling Your Bathroom

Anytime you decide to remodel a space in your home you are filled with emotions that range from stress to excitement. A lot of time and money will go into the job. When hiring a contractor to remodel your homes bathroom there are a few things to keep in mind that allow the job to go smoother. The smoother the job, the less delays and the fewer days you are without a bathroom. Take the tips below into consideration when you decide to take the leap into having your bathroom remodeled.

First things first, it is important that you meet with your bathroom contractor before you start ordering anything. This is important for a few reasons. First they may be able to get a discount on supplies that you need for your space. Second they will help you to understand the different options you have as far as using the space that you have. A large spa tub may be what you want however if it takes away from other essential items in the space a contractor make help you to decide on a smaller space efficient option. 

Once you have met with the contractor and you are sure of the details within the project begin the process of ordering the supplies you will need. Have everything in hand before the project starts. This is especially true when redoing a bathroom. Special orders take time to get in. When you order something they may give you a time of reference. Don't count on this date for anything as you will be disappointed. Before you start the bathroom renovation you will want all the needed tile, fixtures, bathroom cabinetry and so forth. No surprise is a good surprise when it comes to redoing a space as important as your homes bathroom.

When you are considering what to order for the space don't rule any option out until you have had a moment to think about it. Perhaps it may not be what you initially envisioned but after some time and seeing the design on bathroom software that your contractor has available it may become an option. The best advice is to stay open to the ideas of others especially professionals who have remodeled many bathroom spaces similar to yours over the years. They know what has and has not worked in the past. 

A complaint that has been heard over and over for years by bathroom contractors is the lack of storage not only in the cabinets and linen closet but the shower as well. Plan your shower space to accommodate anything and everything you may need. Built in shelving is a brilliant option in shower spaces today. Alleviate the hassle of shower caddy's and soap dishes with built in cubbies to all your showering needs. 

Every detail counts right down to the shower curtain rod. A new option in shower rods is a curved rod. This may not seem like that big of a deal however using a curved shower rod gives you a surprising amount of extra space in the shower without taking away valuable floor space. They attach right to the wall using screws. You will never have to worry about pulling the shower curtain off the wall with those cheap tension rods again.

Add lighting and other extra features that will be important as you age. Bathrooms are the number one space in the home for accidents to occur. Add in safety features while remodeling. They will add to the value of your home as well as benefit your aging body. Little upgrades that cost mere pennies more now during the remodel can be game changers later on. Consider safety bars, upgraded lights and a taller toilet.

When it comes to your bathroom or remodeling any room in your house for that matter always consider what you want, the practicality and advice from the professionals. This is a sure fire way to get exactly what you want and need every time during home improvements.

Jason Foldenauer Construction offers a variety of home renovations to clients ranging from kitchen and bathroom remodeling to home additions and storage sheds. Contact http://www.jfcremodeling.com today all of your home renovating needs.

Exploring Options When Kitchen Remodeling

When it comes to remodeling your home each and every detail is important. This is never truer than when looking to remodel your homes kitchen. Each detail is as important as the next. When remodeling a space such as the kitchen everything from the new layout right down to the faucets need to be considered. In a kitchen, one of the main focal points is the cabinets. Kitchen cabinets take up a considerable amount of floor and wall space with in the area. When you begin to plan your kitchen remodel make sure to talk to the contractor in depth about the cabinets. This is a great start to start when designing a new kitchen space.

Choosing cabinets is not an easy task. It is overwhelming and without being a visual person often difficult to see within your own space. Many kitchen contractors are now equipped with software that allows you to physical design your space including images of different concepts, cabinetry, appliances and smaller details. This allows you to actually "see" it in place before anything is purchased. When looking at cabinetry for your kitchen there are a few things to take into consideration.

First, look at the different options in kitchen cabinet materials. Most likely you are only familiar with the use of wood in cabinetry for the kitchen. This is the most popular option in kitchens to day but you can also consider other materials such as metal, stainless steel, thermofoil and melamine. 

Check out the different options available in kitchen cabinet door styles. Styles are available from ultra-modern and traditional to country and rustic. The more detail on the cabinet door the more expensive it will be. Also consider that a more complex cabinet door also requires more detailed cleaning.

Consider the type of finish you desire if you have chosen wood doors. Often times homeowners will choose to finish kitchen cabinets with stain but there are other finishes available. Consider paint, glazing and distressing for something different. 

Cabinet door mounting is another decision you will need to make. Most cabinet doors lay over the cabinet case. You can choose a full cabinet mount which allows the door to lay over the cabinet exposing none of the cabinet case. The doors will close together tightly to avoid any exposure to the case. You can also chose to inset the doors however this is the least common cabinet door mounting. Cabinet doors that sit flush inside the cabinet may not be common but are incredibly stylish and give a clean lined look to a kitchen space. 

Cabinet hardware is one of those decisions that is not one that needs to be made right away. Hardware can wait to be chosen until after the kitchen is well on its way to completion. Cabinet hardware can easily enhance the overall look, feel and design of your kitchen. The knobs and pulls you choose can dress up or dress down the feel of the space. If in the end you feel you may have gone a bit one way or another with the kitchen design use the hardware as a way to bring the design back to exactly what you were looking for. 

With cabinets there are an array of things you can analyze straight down to the height and depth of the cabinets. When considering cabinetry for your kitchen think of the space as a clean slate. A professional kitchen contractor can help you to envision something completely new and different in your space to bring out the best that your kitchen has to offer.

Jason Foldenauer Construction offers a variety of home renovations to clients ranging from kitchen and bathroom remodeling to home additions and storage sheds. Contact http://www.jfcremodeling.com today all of your home renovating needs.

The Top Home Improvement Tricks Of The Pros

You don't want to end up with a structurally unsound house full of shoddy home improvement work! This is why it is important to know what you are doing before you try and tackle a home improvement job. This article will provide you with the information you need to be on your way to an A+ handy man.

Try not to cut corners when it comes to the quality of building materials for remodeling or you may pay for it later. Buying cheap wood, plastic or appliances with dings and dents will reduce the initial cost of a project but devalue the entire house later. Since your home is a long term investment, build and rebuild with quality materials, whether for resale value or your own occupation of it.

To keep your painting equipment from crusting up or getting dry when you take a break, keep Ziploc baggies handy. When you go on your break, put every brush or roller head in a bag and seal. This prevents the paint already on the brushes from drying out before you apply another coat.

Purchase your building materials at re-use stores such as Habitat ror Humanity's Re-Store. When you do this, you are saving resources and recycling your money by investing it in your own home and in providing homes for the homeless. If you hire a contractor, make sure s/he does not throw out usable materials. Either re-use them yourself or donate them to the Re-Store.

Light is a premium often overlooked in many home improvement projects. There are far, far more rooms in the world that are too dim than there are rooms that are too bright. Adding more light fixtures is almost always a wise home improvement job, and often a fairly simple one. In more extensive renovation work, installing more windows accomplishes similar results. Adding natural light to bathroom renovations and kitchen remodels will add value to any home.

Your ceramic tile can lose its luster after a while and appear grungy. Mixing a solution of water and vinegar can create a safe solution for most flooring. Grab a bucket, fill it with your solution and you can mop your floors with ease. This will get rid of the grime and dirt, making your floors look as though they are gleaming and new.

Buying new appliances can actually save you money in the long run. Companies today have invested a lot of money in creating appliances that conserve energy. If you buy a new fridge that uses less electricity, during the life of the refrigerator, you will actually be saving money. This is a great way to add value to a home you are selling as well.  New appliances are an inexpensive way to bring in a bigger offer on your home.

When it comes time to re-do your roof, put up light colored shingles, or another light colored roofing material. The lighter color will reflect the sun’s rays instead of absorbing them, reducing the heat buildup in your attic. You can save a substantial amount on your monthly heating and cooling bill.

The life of your home and the repairs you do to it could be drastically reduced if you do not know what you are doing. This is why you should take the information you have obtained from this article and devise a set plan for how you will tackle your home improvement issues.

Reason To Opt For A Second Story Home Addition

Often times we purchase homes in the beginning of our marriages that are meant to be starter homes.  Eventually when children come along a bigger space will be needed to accommodate the growing family so we will move on to another home.  What happens when you find yourself in this situation however you don’t want to move?  For whatever reason, the neighbors are great, the economy is poor, etc… you find yourself wanting or needing to stay in this home however need more space.  Your house needs to grow and we all know there is not any fertilizer out there that will make that happen.  What is the next best option?  That’s right; add on to the existing home.

Adding a second story to your home allows you many benefits as does any new room addition,  the obvious being extra space.  The addition of a second story means that you do not have to acquire additional land.  This is super beneficial when looking at the cost of land and the limited quantity available in many already existent areas where homes inhabit. 

Another benefit to adding a second story is the fact that if you like the location of your home.  This is especially true if the property is enhanced with a pool, water features or a family park within walking distance you aren’t going to want to move.  The neighborhood means so much too many of us.  You might enjoy the history of the home or the proximity to a school. 

Another major benefit of adding a second story to a home is the opportunity to modernize the look of your home.  Adding space and light often brightens the home up and adds an entirely new perspective.  Adding windows and higher ceilings to the second story addition and in turn add light and brightness to the space.

The second story can be used to meet any need for addition space.  Traditionally second stories have been built to accommodate more children, guest bedroom or spare bathrooms.  So many ideas for addition space within a home. 

·         If you are a movie fan think about adding on a second floor space to accommodate a home theatre.  Think about the possibilities with a space dedicated to the movie watching experience. HD wide screen television, theatre seating (comfy extra wide recliners), a small kitchen for drinks and popcorn and some surround sound speakers.  Do I have you convinced yet?  Room additions and extra space can mean luxury to any second store addition. 

·         Crafters are also in need of a space that can be left undisturbed.  Who likes to clean up after every time they start a project when they are interrupted by daily life?  A second story addition is a perfect space to create a hobby and craft room.

·         A playroom is also something many of us moms desire right around dinner time.  A space that is safe and free of mini disasters happening.  The addition of a second floor can mean an additional space to harbor toys for your kids.  A space all of their own with a door that can be closed and clutter kept within.

·         In-law quarters are also becoming increasingly popular.  A space designed to fit their aging needs.  Barrier free living quarters are often needed as we age and a floor designed to meet their needs under your roof where you can care for them is ideal.  This floor can be accessed using stair chair lifts or even a redesign keeping loved ones on the main level and moving the household into the second story addition.

Of course a second story addition will likely cost more than a simple additional room added on to your home however will likely add tenfold to the value of your home. It is also likely that you will have to hire a licensed contractor or general builder to oversee the project.  Home remodeling of any kind is tricky enough to bring in the professionals but with a second story addition it is a must. 

Home Renovations Tips On Hiring A General Contractor

What comes to mind when I say home remodeling?  Dread I bet! Remodeling, renovations, sprucing up, whatever you want to call it can all be done without headaches guaranteed.  I know it is hard to believe but it is possible to do kitchen and bathroom remodeling, flooring renovations, home additions, porch upgrades and general upgrades without stress or breaking the budget. 

Our home, like many, is in a constant state of repair and could always benefit from a minor remodel or home renovation.  I can think of many things that need to be done right now.  The bathroom renovations would include a flooring renovation along with updates faucets and a new styled mirror.  The kitchen remodel could easily start with cabinet refinishing, flooring upgrade and hardware touches.  This is not to mention we could use a room addition for extra storage and possible a guest bedroom along with some work in the basement.  A basement transformation would be on that wish list too.  I am sure if you spoke with my husband an out building, shed addition would be first on his list.

Of course these are the major things.  This does not touch base on the millions of little items that could use some handyman touches.  The doors get loose, moldings could be updated, crown molding added, pavement outside needs some repair and I am sure you could find some lose boards on our porch and deck not to mention some staining efforts could be used.  There is always something big or small to be done.

This is when I begin to tell you the secret to painless home renovations.  Listen close. The key to stress free remodeling is to hire a trusted contractor.  When you hire a contractor you are not only hiring that person but a team of experts that support him.  A licensed contractor has resources available at the touch of a button.  If you need an electrician, a plumber, general handyman, painter or skilled carpenter they will be able to show you the way to a trusted professional.  I am not saying that finding a contractor will be easy but the effort will pay for itself tenfold.  

There are some things that will help lead the way in helping you find a licensed skilled contractor that best fits your need. The first step in finding a contractor you want to work with is to get a list of contractors from friends, family and acquaintances have used in the past.  This is a great place to start.  If you are new to the area a quick Google search will lend a hand in supplying a number of home renovation specialists.  A terrific way in which to find out a lot of information quickly is to check their website.  A website is the front window to their “store”.  Your gut will help steer from here on whether you want to interview them in person.

Once you have a list the next step is to call and do some preliminary checking.  You will want to only work with insured, licensed contractors.  This is an important first question.  If they are not licensed and insured move on to the next home remodeler as a possible source for your renovation needs.  Eventually you will decide on a few to meet in person.  Ask them to bring a portfolio with references.  Most general contractors will let you know what their specialty is.  Finding a home remodeling specialist will not be difficult.  Your first impression will immediately tell you whether or not this person is someone that is a professional or a quack.  Ask basic questions, get a general feel and move forward.  It is this simple.

A contractor should be willing to vouch for the professionals they hire to work alongside them.  Professional renovators will ensure satisfaction and will guarantee that a job is not complete until the client is one hundred percent satisfied.  Once you have found someone you like. Trust and that does work that impresses you refer them often and use them often.  A reliable general contractor is a commodity and should be treated as one.  You will find that the quality of work they do is good but is better when you are pleasant and helpful in continuing to help them grow their business as well.