Category: Home Improvement

The Process

Choose your Home Design

Browse through our product range on our website to find a home that suits your lifestyle and budget. Use the home finder on our website to filter our range with your requirements. Another way you can explore our home designs is to take a virtual tour of our many display homes online.

Explore our Display Homes

to find inspiration for your home and to discuss your requirements with one of our New Home Consultants. We maintain a great range of single storey and two storey homes on display to suit a range of lot sizes, all of which are conveniently located in leading land estates and prime locations

TIP: If you’re considering buying a block of land, why not ask one of our new home consultants for a free assessment of your block before you purchase it?

Looking for Land?

Take the stress out of finding a block of land and a home to match with a fixed price home and land package. We have made finding your new home easy by partnering with some of the leading developments

Do you own a block of land?

If you already own a block of land, we’ll provide advice on all aspects of choosing a floor plan that fits your block size and suits your requirements, facade options available to give your new home additional street appeal, and what inclusions you would like for your new home. We can also provide you with a fixed price for your new home with zero to pay up front

 

CRUCIAL TIPS FOR YOUR FIRST-TIME HOME BUILD

Building a home will likely be one of the largest projects you ever take on. It can be emotionally and physically DRAINING. I know this from first-hand experience, and I’m making it easier for you by sharing my CRUCIAL tips for your first-time home build below.

HAVE AS MANY FINISHES PICKED OUT AS POSSIBLE BEFORE YOU BREAK GROUND

Choosing finishes (e.g. home exterior materials or flooring) early will keep your build process on time and running smoothly. You will find that some finishes are on backorder or have a long ship time. Other finishes may no longer be available, so this allows you time to go back to the drawing board and make a different selection.

Picking out items early allows for the products to be in your builder’s possession as soon as the subcontractors are ready to install. Believe me … you want things ready to go when your subs are ready to work on your home. Otherwise, you might wait a long time while they complete another project.

BE PREPARED TO GO OVER BUDGET (BUT IT DOESN’T HAVE TO BE A LOT)

Everyone says ‘YOU’LL GO OVER BUDGET’ … and I agree to some extent. HOWEVER, I was able to stay VERY close to budget because I was extremely clear with my builder about the caliber of finishes I wanted BEFORE he priced our custom home.

IF YOUR BUDGET IS TIGHT, LET YOUR TOP PRIORITY BE YOUR GUIDE

If you have a tight budget, focus on elements of your future home that are most important to you. If you are more interested in fancy custom details in your home (e.g. window seats, crown molding, high-end appliances, custom cabinets, etc.), then focus your budget on the finishes rather than square footage.

 

TIPS FOR BUILDING A CUSTOM HOME

If you have been dreaming about building your dream home, it is time to make them into reality. Building a custom home can be a daunting yet exciting experience. Realizing a dream comes with many challenges. However, all of these can be addressed by one simple thing — careful planning. So, if you’re ready to make your dream home a reality,

Choose the Right Builder For You

Choosing the best is not enough. Sometimes, it is about choosing the right one for your needs. A builder may be the best in building regular custom homes, or they can be better for building a green and sustainable home. In some cases, you can find a local builder that’s both. That’s why you should look for the right contractor who will help you achieve a sustainable home. Looking for builders specializing in green homes is not hard, you just have to look at the right places. Still, you have to make sure that your builder is trustworthy and reliable before signing on the dotted line.

If you have several home builders bidding for your home project, don’t always go for the lowest bidder. You have to take into consideration that sometimes, builders will lower their costs just to win the bid. This means you wind up getting what you pay for, and your dream home will suffer from lower quality materials and workmanship. Some builders will give you a lower bid but charge you later on with add-ons.

Work with a Lawyer

When you build a custom home, you are going to invest good money in it. You have to make sure that all your hard work will produce results. Aside from working with the right contractor, you also have to hire a trustworthy lawyer to take a look-see at your construction contract. Make sure all your bases are covered. Sometimes paying a small attorney fee is enough to save you thousands of dollars if anything goes south during the construction

Check the Lot

Before deciding to buy land, don’t forget to investigate the community. Knowing the crime rate and local amenities is an excellent way to start your investment before you purchase land. It also helps to know the history of the area in case there is a red flag you would want to know about. Choose an area that has easy accessibility to schools, commercial districts, and restaurants.

 

Guide To Buying A New Construction Home

What You Should Know About Buying A New Construction Home

Most of the tips for buying a home are directed to people who are purchasing an existing home. However, some buyers do not want to live in a pre-owned home, and they would much rather have a brand new property. This type of purchase comes with its own set of challenges, and the rules that apply to pre-lived homes are not necessarily the same for new construction. If the thought of buying a new construction home intrigues you, read on for more details.

If you are planning to purchase a house that is just built or are building a custom home, there are some steps you need to take to ensure the property you buy works for you and your family. Follow these tips for buying a new construction home to not only make the process as easy as possible but also to ensure you find a quality builder to create your dream home.

How to Identify a Good New Construction Home Builder

Finding a good builder can be a long and drawn-out process, with plenty of scars to bear if not done correctly. Your home is your everything, so you need to be sure that only qualified and professional builders come into contact with it. There are phone books, cork boards and an internet full of builder names, but how do you know if any of them are the right ones for your build?

Get Recommendations

There is nothing quite as effective as recommendations from trusted colleagues, friends, or family when you are looking at buying a new construction home. Ask around and the put word out that you are actively looking for local builders. Within a short amount of time you should have some reliable referrals from your sphere of influence.

Builder Websites

When you are looking for your next builder, unification sites can be very helpful. There are two market-leading websites that offer a database of builders alongside recommendations. One of them, MyBuilder, relies on clients to provide searchable feedback about their builder and the workmanship once the project has been completed. Each builder’s rating is determined by how positive their feedback is.

 

First-Time Building Mistakes to Avoid

Building a new home is a dream for many people. Getting exactly what you want in your house is the end result — you hope. But challenges will face you through many of the steps. Mistakes, delays and Mother Nature happen, and sometimes your patience or checking account runs low.

To avoid some pitfalls of building a new home so you come out on the other end with all smiles,  two home building experts talk about what to avoid and what to watch for during the entire process.

Production builder

This is someone building from a pretty predetermined plan and options. You don’t get to change anything. The good thing with production home is that you get to walk through a model home, and you get a quick delivery. You can visualize what you will get. It’s usually cheaper, and they are usually national builders and building a mass quantity of homes.

Semi-custom builder

This is typically a local or regional builder. You start from a plan. You can make edits and customizations. You can walk through a model getting the benefit of seeing what it could look like. It’s a little more expensive than a production builder house and it might take a little more time.

Custom builder

The biggest difference from the other two is the builder designs around your lifestyle. The other is you designing your life around the home, says. Custom homes start from a blank slate. The disadvantage is you can’t see the house. You can look at plans and see a 3-D plan to get an idea, but you can’t walk through the house. This doesn’t necessarily make it more expensive, though. If you have a good building partner and you have a budget, the builder will help you craft the home and not go over your budget.

How do I start my own home builder business?

Construction is one of the top industries for startups; however, it also has one of the highest rates of failure. 63.6% of construction companies close within the first five years, whether due to a lack of business knowledge and experience, lack of finances or lack of planning.1 You don’t have to be one of them.

Researching your market, drafting a concrete plan for how you’ll run your business and getting help can ensure that you have a strong foundation to grow your business on. It can also help you avoid the pitfalls that so many new construction companies run into. So where do you start?

Research your local market

Your first question should be whether a construction company is even a viable option in your area. After all, if the construction market is already oversaturated and customers are happy with the current local companies, it might be hard to get a foothold in the industry, let alone create a successful business.

So start with market research. You’ll want to know how many local construction companies are already operating in your area, what they specialize in, how much they charge, and what their reputation is. Coupled with this, you should also have a similar understanding of your potential customer base — how many of them are there, their median age and status, their interests, etc. Knowing these things can help you develop a better business plan and give you a competitive edge for when you finally step out onto the playing field.

Write your business plan

After you feel you have a good understanding of your local market, you can begin drafting a business plan. This is one of the most important documents you’ll create when first starting out as it can help you keep your business on track and increase your likelihood of success. This plan is also what you’ll give to lenders to help source funding, which means it’s incredibly important to be detailed and put all that market research to good use.

Putting Together a Construction Business Plan

Standard business plans will include the following:

• How you’ll structure and manage the business
• What kind of services you’ll provide
• What types of jobs you’ll bid on
• Who your target market is
• The number of employees you’ll have starting out

Register your business

Once you have your business plan together, it’s important to register your business to make it a legal entity, which can provide personal liability protection, legal benefits, and tax benefits. Registering your business is usually as simple as registering the name of your company with state and local governments. However, as not every state may provide them automatically, you should also take the extra step to register your business on the federal level to get your federal tax ID or Employer Identification Number (EIN). This will also allow you to trademark your business name and logo with the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

 

Find the right licenses & permits

After you’ve registered your business, it’s time to get your licenses and permits in order. Depending on your state, the location of your business, the size of your company, and even the type of construction you plan to do, you’re likely going to need some type of license or permit to operate legally — on both the federal and state level.

Federal law requires permits for certain business practices, from transportation to drilling and mining. For example, there are special permits required for oversize/overweight vehicles. That means that if you’ll be transporting building materials, prefabricated walls, or equipment you could need a permit. For federal permits and licenses you can simply select your business activity on the federal licenses and permits page on the SBA website.

Secure insurance & liabilities

While you’re considering licenses and permits, you should also start thinking about insurance for you and your employees. Given the dangerous nature of many construction jobs, making sure you’re covered in case of an injury is vital. Accidents happen, and it’s important for any construction business owner to make sure they fully understand all the possible liabilities involved. Even if you aren’t ready to commit to a complete contingency plan at the start, you should at least have a realistic idea of what it would look like for your company if something were to happen.

At the very least, most states and construction contracts will require you to carry valid workers’ compensation insurance. But you may find you need general liability insurance, professional liability insurance, auto insurance, and builder’s risk insurance as well. So the sooner you start planning, the better it will be for you.

 

Promote Your Home-Building Services

Once your company is registered and licensed, you can build a team and start marketing your services. Partner with real estate agents, interior designers, architects and other business professionals. For example, you can join forces with a real estate agent who sells land and engage in cross-promotion. Don’t hesitate to take on smaller projects in the beginning because this will make it easier to build a strong portfolio and establish your reputation.

Another thing you can do is to use your compliance as a selling point. Many home-building companies are not fully licensed. If yours complies with the law, you have a competitive advantage. Mention this fact in marketing materials and when bidding on projects.

If you’re targeting local homebuyers, advertise your service on the radio, on TV and in newspapers. Set up advertising campaigns on Facebook and Google to reach local prospects. As your custom house-building company grows, add customer case studies and photo galleries to your portfolio and share it on your website and social media pages. Put your logo on the company’s cars, create architectural 3D renderings and virtual tours and use your website as a communication tool to inform and attract potential clients.

 

How do professional builders make money?

This probably won’t come as a surprise to you… contractors are in business to make money.  They have employees, tools, vehicles, insurance, and advertising to pay for and on top of that, they must support their families.  So, how do professional builders make money and what are the typical margins?

The new car you bought probably had a 50-100% markup over the cost to make it.  In fact, most of the products you purchase have a similar markup over cost.  But for some reason, we don’t like to pay those margins for a new home.

Base House

So, let’s look at the different ways a professional home builder makes money.  First, they make money on the basic cost to build the project.  If we are talking about building a home, we call this base house cost.  This is basically the cost for building the basic home before the customer adds all of their personal touches.  A typical builder gross margin for this is 15%.  When you think about the risk, cost, and time involved in most projects, this is actually a fair deal.

Standard Options

The second way contractors make money are on the items you decide to change during the pre-planning stage that are typical in nature.  A few examples would be adding a recessed can light or an additional hose bib.  These require nothing special to price out and install as long as you choose them prior to pulling a permit.  The markup on these typically range from 30-50%.  For example, if a recessed can light costs the builder $50 for the electrician to supply and install, the cost to you will typically be somewhere between $65 and $75.

 

Custom Changes

The next type of option that builders make money on are what we call non-standard options, or special options.  These are custom options that involve drawing a plan, estimating quantities, bidding, and sometimes include hard to find, expensive products.  These changes can be very time consuming, can be difficult to estimate accurately, and they can involve products that may be hard to get and are easily damaged or stolen.  These special custom options typically come with a 75-100% markup.

Late Changes

The last type of change is the one no contractor wants to deal with.  These are the late change orders that come after construction has begun.  These involve plan changes, bidding, permit changes, tear outs, on-site management, product order changes, and delays.  The true cost of this type of change can be analyzed by breaking down the overhead costs from delays, the additional management time to implement, communicate and supervise the change, and the additional labor and material to do the actual work.  The late change should be avoided at all costs as you won’t be happy with the price you pay in both time and money.

Overall Builder’s Fee

So, what is a fair price to pay your contractor to take on the responsibility of completing your new home on time, per your budget and specifications, and in a quality fashion?  An overall gross margin for the professional home builder of 15-20% is typically a fair price.  If this seems high to you, you may want to explore options where you actually take on some of the responsibility for the success of the project.  If you build your own home, you can do some of the actual labor yourself to save even more money.

BATHROOM REMODEL CHECKLIST

Remodeling a bathroom is an excellent way to refresh your space and increase your home’s value at the same time. Remodeling a bathroom can be as simple as applying a new coat of paint or buying a new sink and fixtures. Or you can go big – start with a fresh slate and give the bathroom an entirely new look. Whatever updates you’re dreaming of, it will pay to plan ahead

On average, remodeling a bathroom costs between $5,000 and $10,000. The more major the project, the more it will cost. One way to control costs is to prepare well in advance

Set a list of priorities and expectations.

What is your big-picture goal?

When does the job need to be finished?

Set a budget.

How much do you want to do? New shower and more square footage? Or just a new sink and a coat of paint? Make these decisions now before you start remodeling. Don’t forget the details, like the knobs on the new cabinets and the light switch covers.

Choose a color palette or design style.

Stay consistent with color and material choices, and choose options that are cohesive with the design in the rest of the house.

Source your materials and permits.

Talk to manufacturers. Look into alternative eco-friendly, low-VOC or moisture-resistant materials.

Consider upgrades such as a bathroom fan, electric heater or radiant-heated floors.

Try to purchase as much as possible before you begin.

Plan logistics.

Find out if you’ll need to plumb the toilet or shower or if you can you use existing pipes.

Check shipping periods to make sure you can get all the materials in time.

Line up a contractor or, if you’re doing the work yourself, clear your schedule.

Will the remodel require enough tear-out that you’ll need to seal off other rooms from dust or noise?

Anticipate obstacles.

Will the subfloor need to be replaced?

Will the new tub fit through the door?

Can the existing wiring be used?

Will the inspection officer be available during the remodel process?

Create a timeline.

Make a list that follows a logical timeline: Don’t repaint before caulking, and don’t finish the tile floor before installing the shower.

Get creative.

Think outside the box for a unique look: shiplap walls, board and batten, beadboard or tiles.

Look for unique lights and furniture at thrift stores.

 

One Day Bath Remodel

If your bathroom is reminiscent of decades past or is simply in need of some serious TLC, Bath Planet can have your bathroom looking fresh and new in as little as a day, for just a fraction of the price of a traditional remodel! Our remodels are completely customized and retrofitted to your existing bathroom for easy installation and minimal disruption to your daily routine.

One Day Bathroom Remodel

At Bath Planet our experts use a superior process to evaluate your bathroom by taking measurements and designing a new bath, shower, or surround for you. Using your measurements, a brand new bath system is designed to create a brand new look and feel to match your bathroom vision. Not only do we replace bathtubs and showers, but we also convert bathtubs to showers and vice versa. We can also renovate your existing bath or shower to be more accessible for those with limited mobility.

Our one-day bathroom renovation options are nearly endless! With so many different color and design patterns to choose from, you shower or bath can be customized to suit any style. We also offer a variety of accessories like shelving, corner caddies, and hardware that can be custom fit to your new one-day bath replacement

 

Bathroom Remodel Costs: Ways You Can Save

If the thought of remodeling your bathroom puts stars in your eyes, the price tag may quickly bring you back down to earth. Americans typically spent $5,500 per bathroom remodel in 2017, according to a U.S. Census survey of homeowners. A remodel is defined as a job that makes substantial changes to a room but stops short of building or tearing down walls. A major renovation, on the other hand, typically set home-improvers back $10,000, according to the same survey.  In yet another source, Remodeling magazine suggests a midrange bathroom remodel costs about $18,500, on average, according to its analysis of remodeling software estimates.

Breaking down the cost of your bathroom remodel

In a breakdown of bathroom remodeling costs, the biggest single expense is labor: Around 20% of the total price pays for professionals to tear out old elements and install new ones, according to the National Kitchen and Bath Association.

You could do the design and installation yourself, but you’d better be sure you have the know-how. Professionals have education, skills and experience that will help keep your project on track by avoiding mistakes and dealing with hidden problems that can emerge during a renovation.

How to plan your bathroom remodel project

Determine the goal: When remodeling a bathroom, set your sights on added comfort and functionality, not just resale value. The average bathroom remodel recoups just 64.8% of its cost in increased home value, according to Remodeling magazine’s most recent Cost vs. Value report.

Create a budget: “Have a wish list and a must-have list,” says Colin Shaw, owner of Shaw Remodeling in Niantic, Connecticut. First, price non-negotiable elements. Once your list is solid, get an estimate of installation costs from several potential contractors. Soon you’ll have a rough idea of what the total project will cost. If there’s still room in your budget, take a second look at wish list items to see what else can be included.

 

QUICK TIPS TO CHOOSE A BATHROOM RENOVATION CONTRACTOR

According to a survey, 83% of the Canadians every year opt for a bathroom renovation project. The fun fact is that, a good section of manipulated by those not-so-realistic DIY videos go frenzied and take up the task by themselves. However, people with minimum IQ will always do what is necessary, i.e. hiring bathroom repair contractors Toronto.

The complexity of the job entails expertise and no novice touch. So, if you are planning to remodel your bathroom this summer, without looking further choose one of the best bathroom repair contractors Toronto in town. Well, getting the superlative contractor is also a task. While choosing a service, you need to consider a few factors to level up the remodeling game.

Look for Credentials

This is one of the foolproof ways to settle for one of the top bathroom repair contractors Toronto in your locality. A good service will never be hesitant to produce the credentials to their clients. Therefore, if a contractor fails to provide the relevant certificates and license, you know which route to choose. Never compromise in terms of verifying the credibility of a contractor as it may to lead you towards having potential damage to your asset.

Experience Counts

Experience matters any day in every field and bathroom repairing is no exception to it. To reach the right contractor, pay heed to the years of experience. Not to mention, a contractor service can only sustain for a prolonged period if and only if they are able to satisfy their customers with their skill and proficiency. Take a look at their work portfolio to get a better idea of their experience.

Schedule an Appointment

This is indeed a smart step to consider. For instance, you can narrow down the list of the contractors and arrange meetings accordingly to decide for the best one. Generally, professional bathroom repair contractors Toronto never turn down such meetings. In such discussions, you must propose your estimated budget for bathroom remodeling work.

 

Tips for Hiring a Bathroom Remodeling Contractor

Hiring a bathroom remodeling contractor can save you loads of misery and time due to some of the difficult operations like electrical, tiling and plumbing that are involved. However, before you select the appropriate contractor, you need some checklist of your wants and needs. You need to hire someone you can get along with and trust to do your job well. Below are 3 tips for hiring remodeling contractors to help you make an informed decision

Do your homework

It is important that you have a clear plan of what you want for both your project and the contractor. For your renovations, you need to have a clear idea of how you want your bathroom to look like and to have a realistic budget of how much you are prepared to spend. As for the contractor, you want to focus on individuals who have prior experience with your type of project. You need to get recommendations from friends, family, or even a building inspector about bathroom contractors in your area.

Contractors are not necessarily designers

Some bathroom remodeling contractors are inclusive of everything that has to do with a bathroom renovation. This means that they will help you with every aspect of the remodel, from the initial design to the very last towel bar screwed into the wall. However, other bathroom remodeling contractors want you to come into the project with bathroom design plans ready for them to execute.

Supply your own materials and save money

Be aware that every item that the contractor buys will have his/her commission tacked onto it. However, most bathroom remodeling contractors are perfectly fine with you purchasing items on your own. These could be decorative towel bars, mirrors, toilets or light fixtures. Keep in mind though that the lowest price quotations may not always be your best pick.

Tips to Keep You From Hating Your Kitchen Remodel

Kitchen remodeling sits at the top of many homeowners’ wish lists, and for good reason: If properly done, a renovation makes the kitchen more attractive, improves its efficiency, and raises the resale price of your home

Set a Budget

If you’re planning to renovate your kitchen completely, be prepared to pay about 10% or 15% of your home’s current value. That’s no arbitrary percentage; it’s a budget that ensures that the quality of your improvements stays in line with your home’s worth. Although spending too little is a concern, it’s equally important to avoid overspending. Be sure to allow leeway for surprises. Who knows what plumbing or wiring nightmares lurk in the walls behind those old cabinets?

Size Matters

Are the cooks in your household taller or shorter than average? Careful shopping and strategic design can make their lives much easier without making your kitchen overly specialized. For example, manufacturers recommend installing a hood 30 inches above the cooktop—in other words, right in the face of a six-foot-tall cook. Luckily, there’s a simple solution: Most hoods work just fine if mounted slightly higher. The lesson is that no matter how lovely something looks on the drawing board, you must account for the lifestyle and physical characteristics of the people who will actually be using the kitchen.

Focus on Lighting

In the hardest-working room of your house, don’t underestimate the benefits of living with neither shadows nor glare. Use a mix of fixtures to layer light of different types—ambient, task, accent, and mood

Indulge (Some of) Your Whims

Maybe you’re right on top of the latest trends, or maybe you love bright colors. Remember, materials and colors that look fantastic in a sample-size swatch might very well appear over- or underwhelming in a larger dose. Resist the temptation of going over the top with busy tile patterns or purple appliances. Instead, integrate the design elements you love as accents, not centerpieces. Otherwise, you run the risk of alienating future buyers who don’t happen to share your idiosyncratic style sense.

 

Common Kitchen Renovation Mistakes to Avoid

While a significant expense for most homeowners, renovating your kitchen is also an investment that can last you for years to come and may even increase the overall value of your home. Therefore, there are a few tips you’ll want to keep in mind before you embark on your renovation journey—as well as a number of common mistakes you’ll want to try and avoid. Doing so will help make your time, effort, and money well worth it.

For starters, plan your kitchen accordingly. By this we mean take some time to consider your family’s needs and your lifestyle. This will help ensure everyone can get the most out of the space. Ask yourself how often you cook, what appliances you would like to dedicate extra time (and money) investing in, and how much storage you consider essential. Perhaps the kitchen is your family’s main space for socializing and entertaining, and sometimes even doubles as an after-school homework zone. In this case, you may want to pay extra attention to your seating choices and counter space, or maybe dedicate certain areas to serve more than one purpose

Going It Alone

Even if you’re the DIY type, make sure to consult a kitchen design expert before starting your project. A professional will be able to help fine-tune your remodel plan, offer tips and advice, and maybe even recommend some ideas you hadn’t already considered.

Overlooking Storage Details

Don’t skip over the seemingly small add-ons and storage features, like additional drawer dividers, or cabinet expansions like pantry pullouts and lazy Susans. These details will not only increase your kitchen’s storage efficiency, but will also save you money as they are much more costly to add on down the road

Forgetting Your Workflow

When planning you’re remodeling, remember your kitchen’s busiest areas: the sink, stove, and refrigerator. Make sure these areas and appliances are in an efficient location that is relevant to one another. Many designers refer to this as the kitchen “work triangle”.

 

Kitchen Remodeling Guide

Hey, have you heard the one about the 36-inch pro-style range that ripped the molding off the back door on its way into the house? Or the poured-on-site concrete countertop that cracked three months after installation? Or maybe it was the contractor who was paid in advance, promptly skipped town, and was never heard from again

Yep, we’ve heard those stories, too. Let’s face it, in a nation where home renovation long ago surpassed baseball as the Great American Pastime, kitchen nightmares are a dime a dozen — and anyone who’s ever traded Formica countertops and a Harvest Gold fridge for soapstone and a stainless steel side-by-side knows exactly what we’re talking about.

Finding (and Holding Onto) the Best Pros

Kitchen remodeling is at the top of homeowners’ wish lists. It is also, according to attorneys general across the country, a leading source of consumer complaints. Recommendations from friends are the best place to start your search for a qualified contractor. But before you make a decision, keep these caveats in mind

They’re only as good as their last job. “General contractors often win jobs based on their good reputations,” explains architect Dennis Wedlick, author of Good House Hunting: 20 Steps to Your Dream Home. “But circumstances can change. When the contractor switches subcontractors or laborers, quality can be affected.” Ask your top three candidates to supply references, and follow up with the most recent ones

What you see is what you get. In addition to completed renovations, try to visit a job in progress. You can learn a lot about a contractor’s commitment to quality and safety by seeing for yourself how clean the site is and how carefully the drywall is hung and taped

 

Kitchen Remodeling Guide: Tips & Advice

Hiring a Kitchen Remodeling Contractor

Redesigning and renovation of kitchens and dining rooms are the most popular issues among the homeowners. Finding the right contractor is one of the trickiest things for dummies. Ask your experienced friends and neighbors about their successes and kitchen remodeling nightmares. Browse through the forums and web reviews. Here are the things you should bear in mind while seeking for a professional

These are the three R’s of successful communication with a contractor. Offer the workers some soft drinks or coffee for refreshment. Don’t be on the way in the process of remodeling, especially in the kitchen and make your children and pets do the same to be responsible for calm renovation process. Be respectful and don’t talk politics and family relationships issues. Following these three simple rules will make your mutual communication flowing in the process of kitchen remodeling

If You Do Kitchen Remodeling Yourself

The DIY option is never prohibited and you can easily deal with kitchen remodeling on your own if you have a bit of experience and certain skills. This part of the guide is devoted to handy homeowners willing to do the renovation with their own hands. The first thing you need to remember is that all materials you need should be preordered and delivered on time before you start the demolition. Otherwise, you’ll have to cope with the kitchen under construction for weeks or even months. Do you have the materials ready? OK, let’s pass on to the first step you can beat yourself and save money on kitchen remodeling.

Speaking of the Cabinets…

Basic stock cabinets are perfect for fast kitchen remodeling. They are cheap, versatile and easily installed. They’re almost always in stock and generally delivered at once. Thanks to their simple look, their average cost is low. The only disadvantage is that your choice of designs will be very limited. If you’re a bit more sophisticated homeowner, you can try semi-custom kitchen cabinets presented in a wider variety of styles. That’s a pricier option, but you’ll have a chance to add fancy elements to your kitchen remodeling overall design: glass doors, moldings, and side panels. Besides, you’ll get a variety of coloring options. Such cabinets are generally preordered.

Materials

If you’re limited on budget, consider the right pick of material. There are several options available: Laminate. That’s the cheapest option. Budget countertops are also manufactured from the laminate. That’s a neutral naturally friendly idea. It is released in flat panels and cannot be reshaped. However, if you’re devoted to simplicity, these sleek minimalistic laminate panels will look contemporary and neat. Vinyl. Produced from the same material as laminate. It tightly wraps the cabinet doors providing you with more design options. You get attractive kitchen cabinets with simple maintenance for a moderate price.

 

What I wish I’d known before my first kitchen renovation

After years of dreaming about it, I finally renovated my kitchen last spring. Since it was my first renovation project, I put my journalist cap on, did extensive research, and asked everyone I could think of about their kitchen renovation experiences. While I learned some lessons the hard way, in the end, I got exactly the kitchen I wanted—one that includes a dishwasher-garbage-sink work triangle (life altering!), a giant island, and a heated tile floor (I cry with joy every morning when I walk on it).

Mixing and matching pricey items with less expensive ones, as I did, should be part of any renovation budget strategy. For example, I went super-basic on the refrigerator and dishwasher so I could go big with a six-burner, restaurant-quality range, and I opted for manufactured quartz over natural marble so I could upgrade to modern matte black cabinets

Get professional design help.

A kitchen designer will know tricks you won’t, but ask about how they charge: Do they bill for the design plus a markup on everything you buy, and can you order things on your own to save money? (Ask your contractor the same questions.) Also, check for design help in unlikely places: After three missteps on the design front, I discovered that my local building supply store, Riverhead Building Supply in East Hampton, New York, had a kitchen design center, and their design was free and amazing (thank you again, Cori Schramm!). I ordered mid-priced, semi-custom cabinets—and my countertops—there, and I was able to buy everything else (often on sale) on my own at other stores.

Accept that living without a kitchen will be highly unpleasant.

Each morning, as I squatted at the bottom of my living room stairs to brew and pour coffee, I cursed not having a kitchen. But an advance demolition of the old kitchen is critical because it allows for the most precise measurements for the new one. “You’re building cabinets for the space you have,” says California-based designer Tim Clarke. “You want to maximize every inch, learn where hidden pipes might be so that you can remove, and find unforeseen problems early while they can be addressed.”

Choose your appliances and sink early.

Appliances have big implications on layout. When planning, don’t just measure their width: Check the depth and leave clearance for circulation around door openings, including the side of the fridge, which often needs to be up to three inches to open interior drawers fully. Also, don’t skimp on ventilation: People forget the range needs a vent, or they underestimate the strength it needs (a heavy-duty range requires a heavy-duty hood!). Shop for your sink early too, as it’s just as important as your appliances. My huge undermount Franke 60-40 split stainless steel required me to move the dishwasher from its original location—an important early-stage decision. Find an appliance store that will let you buy early but will hold them until you’re ready to install, because appliances go in last.

Things Nobody Tells You About Renovating Your Bathroom

Don’t assume your contractor is on the same page

When you’re functioning as the general contractor—or even working with a general contractor—you have to spell out every part of the plan, and never assume everyone is up to speed,” say the mother-daughter team behind Matriarchy Build in How to Avoid Rookie Remodeling Mistakes. “Someone we know had a contractor demo the wrong bath,” they add.

How much does a bathroom remodel cost? More than you think

Think you can remodel your bathroom head to toe for a couple thousand dollars? We hate to tell you: the average cost of a bathroom remodel was $11,364 in 2016, according to the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA). A basic, low-grade renovation with less expensive materials or smaller swaps could run from $1,500 to $5,000, while a top-of-the-line, tip-to-toe renovation could run up to $23,000.

You may want to rethink that statement-making bathtub

You may be tempted to upgrade your bathroom with a dramatic freestanding bath. But it might not be the most practical choice going forward, particularly if you’re petite, hate cleaning, have an old rickety house, like to take long baths, or take more showers than baths. Read more about the merits of built-in baths (and showers) versus freestanding options in 10 Things Nobody Tells You About Clawfoot Bathtubs, as well as in Remodeling 101: Romance in the Bath: Built-In vs. Freestanding Bathtubs.

Flattering lighting requires planning

Don’t think you can install a few lights and call it a day: because bathrooms are sometimes small and/or dark and filled with mirrors (which complicates how light bounces around), lighting requires careful thought and placement. The simplest way to light a bath is a single diffuse light in the center of the ceiling. Have a bathroom that’s already pretty bright? A pair of wall sconces should be sufficient. Thinking about ceiling-inset downlights? Place with care: avoid installing directly over light-colored countertops (since those will reflect the lights), and place close to the wall over a vanity to maximize light when looking in the mirror. And if you spend a lot of time applying makeup, consider vertical fluorescent light fixtures on either side of the mirror. For more pro tips, see Remodeling 101: How to Install Flattering Lighting in the Bathroom.

Don’t forget to install accessible outlets.

You don’t want to get to the end of a renovation and realize you’ve forgotten to consider the outlets. Think of these outlet errors: you have to plug your hairdryer in across the room, and can’t see yourself in the mirror from there. Or, you’d like to keep your electric toothbrush charging at all times, but neglected to install an outlet in the medicine cabinet. Or, you share your bathroom with your spouse, but only installed an outlet on one side of the vanity. To avoid these mistakes, read Remodeling 101: Where to Locate Electrical Outlets, Bath Edition.

 

DIY Bathroom Remodel Ideas

Renovating a bathroom is no small undertaking. So before you start tearing up the tiles and picking out the tub, get a little advice from the people who make bathroom makeovers their bread and butter.

We polled contractors, designers, and other pros for their top tips and insider tricks for getting every detail right. Whether you’re on a budget or ready to pay a pretty penny, follow these DIY bathroom remodeling ideas and you’re sure to create the bathroom you always wanted

Radiant Floor Heating

Radiant heat beneath tiles makes them toasty underfoot. But you don’t need to have it throughout your house; you can simply add an electric mat to boost a bath’s existing heating system. It can take as long as 45 minutes to warm up, so put it on a programmable thermostat to chase away the chill by the time your alarm clock goes off

Tile Flooring Ideas

If you want an easy-care floor: Go for porcelain or glazed tiles, and avoid porous natural stone tiles like limestone. Unless sealed vigilantly, they’ll absorb drips and spills and become stained over time.

How Much Room Do You Need for a Half Bath?

Theoretically, you can fit a sink and toilet into an 11-square-foot spot and still meet national building codes. But for comfort’s sake, look for an area that’s 3 to 4 feet wide and 6 to 8 feet long. Check local codes for additional requirements, and be sure to check out TOH’s details on dimensions and clearances.

 

Ways to Save Money on Your Bathroom Remodel

Have a Plan Before You Start

Working with a designer or architect may seem like a pricey move right out of the gate for someone wanting to remodel their bathroom on a budget, but it is money well spent. Having a plan you’ve worked out with a professional will assure you that your design, budget and timeline are realistic, and it will give you a goal with a path to get there. “Hiring a designer saves you time and money in the long run, so you don’t make expensive errors,” says south Florida-based designer Meredith Marlow.

Keep Plumbing Where It Is

Another reason to work with a designer on your bathroom renovation: Using the existing piping will save you big bucks. Relocating utilities like the toilet and the bathtub are no small task: Designer Justin Riordan says it costs about $5,000 each time you move plumbing fixtures.

Mirror Frame-Up

Dress up that builder-grade mirror with a fantastic frame, and at a fraction of the price of sourcing a huge hanging mirror. A frame will also hide any age-related wear, says Karen Gray Plaisted, a Warwick, N.Y.-based home stager and decorator. “I often tell clients to add a frame around their mirror to hide the flaking that can happen around the edges, and to give it a more updated look,” she says.

Don’t Toss Money Down the Toilet — Update It

Here’s some potty talk you won’t want to miss: When remodeling your bathroom, consider replacing your toilet seat and lid instead of tossing out the whole porcelain perch. Just changing out these two tops can give your toilet a fresh look without buying a new unit, which saves you plumber installation fees, too.

Hit the Salvage Hard

Home decor blogger Anita Joyce found a large piece of salvage barn wood to serve as a shower curtain valance. It looks like a pricey piece and serves as a focal point, but it was definitely a budget item. Salvage can be intimidating, but if you start by checking out antique stores, flea markets, resellers and auctions, you’ve already got the idea, she says. You just have to go do it to really figure it out … and that’s how you score the really great items. You can also salvage and redo cast iron tubs, light fixtures, even sinks … basically anything that fits your style and you want to put the effort in to saving and making your own!

 

Must-Know Bathroom Renovation Tips

When is the right time to remodel your bathroom? Any time. If you plan to stay in your home, why suffer with outdated decor, an awkward layout, or inefficient fixtures? If you plan to move soon, a remodel might pay off in a higher listing price or a quicker sale. Here are five things to keep in mind when tackling a bathroom remodel.

Start a wish list.

Evaluate your existing bathroom — what you like and what you want to change. List features you’ve always wanted. Group them according to must-haves and nice-to-haves, and number them by importance. Tour model homes and showrooms, and scan magazines and websites to gather inspiration.

Establish a budget.

Whether you want to gut your bathroom and start from scratch or just make cosmetic changes, it’s important to know how much you want to spend before you start. Also set money aside for the unexpected, such as water or mold problems.

Call an expert.

Even if you’re planning a small-scale makeover or tackling some of the remodel yourself, consult a professional. Pros know what your budget can buy, and they provide solid advice on how to save and where to splurge. They can also help you avoid costly mistakes. Be sure to call in experts for plumbing and wiring, and always get more than one estimate for a job.

Get the biggest bang for your buck

Whatever the size of your bath, keep in mind that the more walls containing plumbing pipes, the higher the price tag. Working within a room’s existing footprint might not offer the ideal design solution, but it almost always saves money. Moving the toilet or the drain for the shower or tub can be expensive. However, if electrical or plumbing systems are outdated, it can be cheaper in the long run to gut the room and start from scratch. “The most important thing is to have high-quality installers,” says Linda Welch, a certified master kitchen and bath designer from Monroe, Michigan. Welch recommends spending more on installation than on products. Also, invest in items that can’t be changed easily, such as flooring, the tub, and shower, and don’t overlook practical features such as good lighting and storage.

 

Here’s Your Ultimate Guide to the Do’s and Don’ts of a Bathroom Remodel

Undertaking a bathroom remodel is both exhilarating and nerve-wracking. For many homeowners, it’s a status symbol and one of the first times they can bring a substantial personal touch to their home. However, it’s a sizable investment, one big enough to make most people think twice before diving in unprepared.

If you’re ready to remodel your bathroom, but need some help figuring out how to do it right, we’re here to help. Use the tips in this post as a guide for pulling off a successful remodel and you’ll have all the tools you need to bring your vision to life.

DO: Find design inspiration first

Every great home remodeling project — but especially those that come with a hefty price tag — must start with a plan. Before you start on the physical aspects of the project, like tearing up flooring or putting in a rain forest shower, have a firm idea of what you want your final product to look like.

DON’T: Forget to consider your budget

Once you have your inspiration in mind, it’s incredibly important to be realistic about your budget. Consider how much money you have to spend, as well as how much your ideal project would cost. Though it may not be the most pleasant task to undertake, looking at your finances will help you get a sense of which aspects of a renovation are most feasible for you.

DO: Keep high-end items neutral

Since bathroom remodels are such a huge expense, one of our favorite tips is to keep your high-end purchases as neutral as possible. In particular, we’re talking about things like tile flooring or shower design. Allowing these features to be more of a blank canvas will make it easier to alter your design as trends change and ensure that they have a broader appeal if you ever sell your home.

Kitchen Remodeling Tips

Eliminate Wasted Steps

Think about how and where you use kitchen items. Store breakfast foods and bowls near the breakfast table. Keep wraps and plastic containers in one handy spot near a work surface for wrapping leftovers. Locate dishware and flatware near the dishwasher to ease the process of unloading.

Design Wide Walkways

Paths throughout a kitchen should be at least 36 inches wide. Paths within the cooking zone should be 42 inches wide for a one-cook kitchen and 48 inches wide for a two-cook configuration. When planning, adjust kitchen islands and peninsulas accordingly.

Direct Traffic

For kid-friendly kitchen designs, keep the cooktop out of traffic areas so children don’t catch handles and cause spills when running through. Also, make the refrigerator accessible to both passersby and people working in cooking and cleanup areas.

Find the Right Height for the Microwave

The best height and location for a microwave oven depends on the chef and the degree of kid-friendliness desired in the kitchen. For adults, 15 inches above countertop level is a good microwave height. For kids, a below-countertop setup might be safer and more suitable.

Stay Clear of Corners

To make cabinet and appliance doors fully functional, plan space for the door’s clearance and swing direction in your kitchen design. Keep appliances away from corners, and make sure doors won’t bang into each other if open at the same time.

 

Tips To Avoid Getting Burned By Kitchen Remodels

Don’t Overspend

Before you start planning, consider the market and decide whether a low-, medium-, or high-end kitchen remodel makes the most sense. Costs can run the gamut from $2,000 for a simple paint-and-hardware upgrade to $50,000 if you’re installing expensive countertops and luxury appliances.

Avoid An Identity Crisis

Don’t try to remodel a 50’s ranch-style kitchen into a contemporary cook space.All homes, however humble, are built in a certain architectural style. Work with it, not against it. You’ll be spending too much money and time on complete overhaul, and you’ll end up with a kitchen that looks like it belongs in someone else’s home.

Don’t Lose Track Of Trends

There’s always something new in the world of kitchen improvement. By staying on top of the latest technological trends and improvements, you may be able to find less expensive, more eco-friendly versions of the hottest looks.

Keep The Plumbing Where It Is

Moving water and gas lines to accommodate the reconfiguration of sinks, ovens, stoves, or dishwashers is extremely costly, especially in older homes. Keep any pipe-connected elements where they are, and keep some extra cash in your pocket.

Watch For The Wrong Floor Plan

If you do have the budget to rearrange appliances, make sure to keep your floor plan in mind. Does it follow the natural triangular traffic pattern between the refrigerator, stove, and oven? Is the dishwasher next to the sink? It should be, because otherwise, you create a mess every time you walk across the room with a dripping dish in your hand. To save money, I once put a dishwasher in the counter opposite the sink – and as a result, I cleaned up drips on the floor for years.

 

Smart Strategies for Kitchen Remodeling

Plan, Plan, Plan

Planning your kitchen remodel should take more time than the actual construction. If you plan well, the amount of time you’re inconvenienced by construction mayhem will be minimized. Plus, you’re more likely to stay on budget.

Get Real About Appliances

It’s easy to get carried away when planning your new kitchen. A six-burner commercial-grade range and luxury-brand refrigerator may make eye-catching centerpieces, but they may not fit your cooking needs or lifestyle.

Keep the Same Footprint

Nothing will drive up the cost of a remodel faster than changing the location of plumbing pipes and electrical outlets, and knocking down walls. This is usually where unforeseen problems occur.

Don’t Underestimate the Power of Lighting

Lighting can make a world of difference in a kitchen. It can make it look larger and brighter. And it will help you work safely and efficiently. You should have two different types of lighting in your kitchen.

Be Quality-Conscious

Functionality and durability should be top priorities during kitchen remodeling. Resist low-quality bargains, and choose products that combine low maintenance with long warranty periods. Solid-surface countertops, for instance, may cost a little more, but with the proper care, they’ll look great for a long time.

 

What I Wish I Knew Before My DIY Kitchen Remodel

Pick your appliances before doing anything else.

When we planned our kitchen, we slotted in small-to-average-size appliances, but we didn’t know exactly what we wanted. Big mistake. Three months into this project, I became obsessed with a refrigerator—one that wouldn’t fit into the space. Trying to notch in the right appliances after the fact is like a frustrating game of Tetris.

Save money on your cabinets.

Speaking of layout, we knew we wanted the famous kitchen triangle—easy flow among stove, sink and refrigerator. We also knew that if we brought our measurements to Home Depot, the store would draw out our kitchen for free, dropping in cabinet dimensions, advising us on island height and sending us away with a blueprint. What we didn’t know, though, is that we didn’t have to actually buy our cabinets at Home Depot—easily the most expensive element of the project, though there was a sale running at the time.

Let the pros do the most important things.

When we couldn’t get an appointment with an electrician for a month, Rob thought he’d save time and money by wiring the kitchen himself. But hanging new lights, adding a dishwasher in our island and rewiring old outlets took him weeks, with several inspections in between. A pro would have been faster.

Remember that some elements will require a lot of advance notice.

We heeded Kelly’s advice and had our cabinets professionally installed—mess that up, she warned, and you screw up your countertops and backsplash, too. And although our windows were professionally installed as well, I wish I’d known beforehand that windows take six weeks to fabricate. Looking back, I should have ordered them before we did the demolition; after all, you can’t install insulation or drywall without windows.

Know where to find discounted materials.

Kelly had some great suggestions for finding discounts; for instance, I scored remnant countertop pieces (about half the price of a whole slab) at a stone yard. I scoured Overstock and other tile purveyors for remnants as well (in this case, the last few square feet of a batch) and lucked out with a Cle Tile moving sale that got us a 30 percent markdown on the end of a lot. And I worked Etsy for designer-imitation light fixtures, chairs, pulls and other odds and ends, unearthing unique pieces for about 60 percent of what we would have paid at a retailer like Room & Board.

 

DIY Money-Saving Kitchen Remodeling Tips

Remove all cabinet doors and drawers to make them easier to install and to avoid damaging them during installation.

– You’ll need a pencil, tape measure and level to mark the exact position of the cabinets on the walls.

– It is easier to install the upper cabinets first, starting in the corner(s).

– To install upper cabinets, determine their location in relation to the base cabinets. Add the height of the base cabinet to the thickness of your countertop (base cabinets are usually 34-1/2 tall and countertops are usually 1-1/2 inches thick.) Then add 18 inches for the space in between the upper and lower cabinets. Your total should be about 54 inches. This is where the bottom of the upper cabinet will sit.

If the floor isn’t level, find the highest point along the wall where the cabinets will be installed. Mark a chalk line across the wall then attach a 2×4 ledger into the wall studs to help support the cabinets while installing.

– Cut holes for the water lines on the back of the cabinet.

If cutouts are needed for electrical boxes, trace the box with lipstick then hold the cabinet in the correct place and press firmly. The lipstick will transfer to the cabinet. Connect the lines, drill a pilot hole and make the cut-out with a jig saw.

– Make sure you fasten the cabinets to wall studs. If a cabinet hits only one stud, use a toggle bolt to help keep it secure.

– When hanging cabinets, check frequently for plumb and levelness. Don’t fully tighten the screws until the cabinets are plumb, flush and level. Use shims to help achieve evenness.

– Use clamps to hold together cabinets while securing to wall.