Install appropriate insulation in area to be remodeled.

Install high-efficiency windows instead of those that minimally meet the energy code.

Seal all exterior penetrations in areas being remodeled.

Purchase only Energy Star®-rated appliances. Install only low-flow water fixtures.

Upgrade to at least an Energy Star®-rated water heater, or better yet, a tankless water heater.

Purchase the highest efficiency HVAC system you can afford and make sure it is correctly sized for the area you want to condition.

Use programmable thermostats

Greener products to consider:

Non-toxic paints and sealants
Natural flooring
Local building materials
Native plants for landscaping

You can view the pictures or have fun setting up duels between glamorous kitchens. When you’ve finished with your own remodel, post a picture for a duel – dare you?

The Fix&Flip Network offers some tips:
For beginners in home improvement, the flooring material that is easiest to install is vinyl tiles and sheets. Many vinyl flooring materials are already self adhesive, so you really do not have to think much about applying adhesives and bonding materials.

With vinyl, after you have laid down the vinyl tiles or sheets, you just need to ensure that the tiles are clean and free of dirt and you already have a floor that will look as if it has been done by a professional. Ceramic tile flooring is also popular, but it is easy to break. Utmost care is needed while installing them. Overall, vinyl is much cheaper and easier to redo just in case you see problems.

Remember that you cannot simply install vinyl tiles, wooden panels or ceramic tiles on top of your existing flooring. Finally, it is also important that you have all the tools that you need before you start your flooring project. Again, if you are not comfortable with using home repair tools, the best flooring material for you is vinyl flooring .

Repair broken floor tiles/install new tiles
To spruce up the bathroom or kitchen, repair broken tiles and install new ones. Try using the Dremel Multi-Max Oscillating Tool for best results. Insert a grout blade into the oscillating tool and orient the blade on the tool so you can best access all four sides of the broken tile. For hard set grout, use the maximum speed; softer and less-set grout can be worked at a medium speed. Keep the blade at a right angle to the floor, being careful not to knick the remaining good tile. Remove all the old tile and dust.

Continue working away remaining grout. Remove the remaining thin set material with a diamond coated accessory. Attach the sanding pad and diamond paper. With the sander flat to the floor, work away any old material, dusting several times throughout. Removing the excess material will allow the new tile to sit flush with the other tiles already in place. Once the surface is clean to the subfloor, remove any dust with a wet sponge. Finally, affix and grout new tile into place.

Refinish kitchen or bathroom cabinets
Refinishing cabinets in a kitchen or bathroom is an inexpensive way to update the look of the whole room. Detach all of the drawers and doors and store them in a clean, dry place. Inspect the cabinets for any damage, and repair with wood putty or by sanding. Then, wash cabinets to remove any dirt that has accumulated over time. In order to make the next step, sanding, as effortless as possible, use an oscillating tool with sanding pad and sand paper. 120 wood sandpaper is usually recommended. While sanding on medium speed, keep the sanding pad flat to the wood. Always move the pad in the direction of the grain. Finally, paint or stain the cabinets.

Tile grout
Removing and replacing tile grout is a small renovation project that pays big dividends in appearance and most homeowners find the project simple enough to do on their own. One of the primary reasons people replace grout is because of mold accumulation. The first step is to remove the existing grout material. Invest in an inexpensive power tool equipped with an attachment designed specifically for quick grout removal such as a rotary tool with a grout removal blade which will grind the old grout away in a matter of minutes. Then, thoroughly clean the areas where the existing grout was removed before adding the new grout between tiles. Remember to follow the grout manufacturer’s directions for a clean and thorough job.

Remove old caulk
Removing old sealing caulk from around a sink or bathtub is a simple way to refresh a room. Begin by lining caulk with masking tape to reduce the risk of scratching the porcelain or tile. For easy removal, use an oscillating tool with a flexible scraper blade. Set the tool at a low speed and insert the blade in between the wall and the caulk. Make sure that the screw head does not make contact with the surface during the scraping process by holding the tool at an angle to the blade. Work the line between the sink and the lower edge of the caulk and peel away the remaining caulk. When all the caulk is removed, wipe the area with rubbing alcohol to remove any remaining residue and remove the tape.

To re-caulk, line the seam with fresh tape. Hold the nozzle of your caulking gun toward the joint about 45 degrees out from it. Apply steady pressure to the trigger while moving the gun at a smooth speed along the length of the seam.

In this economy, though, who can afford to give their teenager the room decor of his or her dreams? Actually, you can – if you get your teen involved in the planning and execution of her room redesign.

What’s more, involving teens in redesigning their own rooms teaches them valuable budgeting and home improvement skills that will serve them well when they own homes someday. Focus your teen room redesign project on teaching a handful of important skills, including:

* Budgeting – Allowing your teen to update her decor is a great way to teach her budgeting basics. Start out by deciding how much cash you’ll contribute to her efforts and how much she’ll have to come up with on her own. Help her allocate her funds by deciding what she most wants to change about her room. Can she live with the carpet if she wants to buy a pricier bed? Is the wall color OK as long as she can have new linens and drapes?

* Painting – It’s the simplest, most cost-effective way to give a room a completely new look and if your teenager learns how to paint well now, he’ll never fear the job later when he has to tackle it in his own home. If you’re not confident about your own painting skills, sign yourself and your child up for a class in the basics at your local home improvement store.

* Flooring – Installing, hardwood floors, tile and vinyl can often exceed the cost of the materials. Learning how to install carpet yourselves can be a great money-saver, allowing your teen to stretch his budget and acquire a valuable skill at the same time.

* Wallpaper murals –Unexpectedly easy to install, wallpaper murals are a great, cost-effective way to make a bold, personalized statement in any room. Look for a company, like Environmental Graphics, that offers teen-friendly images and complete online instructions for installation. Visit www.DecorPlace.com to learn more.

* Linens and drapes – The lesson here can be twofold – either how to shop for and find great linens and drapes at discount prices, or how to make your own at a fraction of the cost you would pay to buy them. If you possess basic sewing skills, you can easily help your teen tackle making his or her own drapes and linens. Or, you can both enroll in a sewing class at your local community college to perfect your skills.

Helping your teenager redecorate her room can be a great way to teach her valuable skills, refresh your own abilities and enjoy a memorable experience together.

In the Bathroom

* Consider reglazing a tub instead of replacing it, especially if it is still in relatively good condition. This can save you more than half the cost of a tub replacement and minimize the dust at the same time.

* Cultured marble sheets are a good choice for tub surrounds, instead of ceramic tile. You will save considerably on labor costs and the marble sheets are much easier to clean.

* Fiberglass surrounds are also less costly than tile.

* Examine how you are utilizing space. You may be able to steal some space from a neighboring room or closet. If your overall space is limited, purchase a jetted tub and shower combination or install a pedestal lavatory instead of a vanity cabinet with a sink. Understand that while pedestal lavatories do eliminate the need for vanities and save space, some models may cost more than a separate vanity cabinet and sink.

* Cultured marble lavatories can be a great budget choice since it is an integrated sink bowl and countertop sold in one easily installed unit.

* Define what is truly needed in the bathroom. Sometimes an extra bath is planned when installing a double sink in an existing bath would meet the need.

* If you are going to add a large jetted tub to your project, consider adding a water heater dedicated to that tub. A large jetted tub can hold up to an average of 75 gallons or more, which can easily overextend your existing water heater and cause problems in the future.

* When revamping yesterday’s bathroom to fit with today’s homeowners’ expectations for luxury, homeowners can familiarize themselves with the latest options in home spa advancements. One such indulgence is an electric warming system beneath your new stone or tile floor.

Now you can get started!

“Consumers think everything has to match, but the pros mix,” says Laura Dalzell, owner and president of Cabinets & Designs, Inc. in Lexington, Kenn. She’s a firm believer in combining, – for example painted wood cabinets with cabinets in both natural wood tones and a wide range of colored stains. Mixing is the magic that brings a kitchen to life, she believes. “Different finishes create the ‘furniture look’ that’s been the trend in kitchens for the last decade or so.”

Across the country, California designer Debbie Nassetta nods in agreement from her desk at RoomScapes Inc., a top design firm in Laguna Niguel. Nassetta likes contrast. “If you have dark cabinets, make the floor lighter. With light cabinets, go the other way around,” she advises. Her own home kitchen features cabinets in three different colors: stained cherry on one wall and the work island with the rest painted cream. Plus, there’s a piece de resistance, a large armoire she painted black to make it stand out in the crowd.

At The Kitchen Source in Dallas, designer Alison Gillespie also praises contrasting colors. “We do our best not to match cabinets and floors.” Alison advocates a mix of different species of woods. For example, a hand-scraped oak floor with maple cabinets in an opaque finish.

From New Orleans and Cabinets By Design, Inc., designer Christina Sheets confirms. “Down here wood species don’t matter.” Given The Big Easy’s penchant for preserving old things, many homeowners refinish rather than replace their vintage hardwood floors, Sheets explains. The floors are then stained to complement –- not match – new hardwood cabinets.

“We also like to mix cabinets in the same kitchen,” she says. “The idea is to create visual contrast between the work island and the perimeter cabinets. Locally, popular mixes include cherry and cypress for cabinets, and butcher block on the work island.

“If the perimeter cabinets differ from the work island, we might put the same countertop material on both,” Sheets says. “But if the cabinets are alike, we’d use different countertops for contrast, say, granite and butcher block.”

Arizona designer Elizabeth Spengler, who creates kitchens for Dorado Designs, Inc., in Oro Valley, often uses one color for base cabinets and another for wall cabinets. Her own kitchen is a medley of contrasting woods and colors: red birch flooring, glazed oak base cabinets, perimeter wall cabinets painted granny apple-green, and a cherry-stained work island with a black glaze.

Spengler also advocates a mix of different wood species throughout the house, such as a rift-cut oak in a contemporary kitchen with birds-eye maple furniture in the dining room and olive ash burl pieces in the living room.

Even hardwood floors in adjacent rooms may vary “as long as you use some transitional device to make it work,” Elizabeth says. Her favorite: a border incorporating the wood species or color from the floor next door. “Just make sure there’s enough contrast to show you mean it,” she says. “Near-misses don’t make it.”

What about wood mouldings in the kitchen? As a general rule, the designers agree that ceiling mouldings should be finished like the wall cabinets. Base and other mouldings usually follow suit.

The pros point out that painted mouldings make the space look lighter and more open, while stained wood creates warmth and coziness. New York designer John Buscarello is definitely a paint partisan. “Paint the mouldings,” urges Buscarello, whose kitchens have been featured at the National Kitchen and Bath Industry Show and in dozens of decorating magazines. “Painted ceiling mouldings make the ceiling look higher and the rooms look larger.” Painting also downplays mouldings, he says, “and lets the wood of the cabinets be the star.”

So stop worrying and let the fun begin. Mix it up. The experts have spoken.

For more top designers’ opinions about mixing-not-matching hardwoods in your home, visit the American Hardwood Information Center at www.Hardwoodinfo.com and click on “Write and Request” for a free copy of the booklet, “American Hardwoods By Design.”

]]> http://www.remodel.net/mix-it-up-with-a-variety-of-wood-in-your-design/feed/ 2 http://www.remodel.net/remodeling-tips-for-boomers/ http://www.remodel.net/remodeling-tips-for-boomers/#comments Fri, 14 Aug 2009 07:01:47 +0000 Remodeling http://www.remodel.net/?p=186 There are 78.2 million baby boomers according to the U.S. Census Bureau. If you are one of them, born between 1946 and 1964, you might soon look at your house with a new perspective.

“The bones begin to creek a little more as you age — things that don’t happen when you are younger,” says Morris Carey, one of the Carey Bros., nationally recognized experts on home building and renovation. As a baby boomer himself, he knows the changes this generation faces.

Their nationally syndicated radio show, “On The House,” has partnered with Premier Bathrooms, a company that specializes in walk-in bathtubs, disabled bathrooms and assisted bathing products, to help educate people on how to make sure their home is safe and secure so they can maintain their independence as long as possible.

“When looking at the safety of a home, the bathroom is top of mind, especially for baby boomers” says Iain Whyte, CEO of Premier Care In Bathing. “It’s a highly-used area where many accidents can occur. Start with this room when considering safety.”

Here are some easy tips from Premier Bathrooms and the Carey Bros. for creating a safe and secure house for aging adults:

1. Safer flooring
Hard floors like linoleum, hardwood and concrete become a hazard for slipping and injury as we age. Many people choose to install carpet because it does not lift and move, reducing the chance of tripping. Plus it is warmer on feet and softer if there is a fall. If you do choose to keep your hard floors, make sure they are free of clutter and clean up any wet areas right away. In bathrooms, use a non-slip flooring option and rugs that have a sticky backing.

2. Walk-in tubs
Walk-in tubs like the ones from Premier Bathrooms are great for seniors that want to take baths but don’t want to climb over a big ledge and risk slipping and falling. The walk-in door is the main reason people choose these types of tubs, but the benefits don’t stop there. With a contoured seat and hydrotherapy system, walk-in tubs are a must for someone who wants to remain independent in their home and stay healthy. Different models are available with unique features like temperature control and automatic seat lifts so you can find one that is right for you.

3. Higher toilet
They are called handicapped toilets, senior toilets and tall toilets, but whatever the name they are a great idea for aging people. These types of toilets sit higher off the floor so that the user doesn’t have to bend their knees as much to get up and down. Ease of use becomes key as we age.

4. Wider doorways
Whether we like it or not, most baby boomers will eventually use a walker, cane or wheel chair. Door openings are rather small, especially in older houses. Wider doorways make walking around the home easy, no matter what your life situation. Plus it’s great when the grandkids come over in a stroller.

5. Good lighting
Low lighting can be disastrous for aging adults whose vision isn’t as good as it used to be. It’s important to have well-lit rooms and walkways so that it’s easy to get around all areas of the house. Make sure you are using lights that are easy to reach and use so that you can walk around in confidence.

“These steps are a great start to help people live comfortably in their home,” says Carey. And Whyte agrees, “Life changes mean changes to our homes too. Living your golden years in a safe and secure house is very important for both health and comfort.”

For more information visit www.premier-bathrooms.com, call (800) 578-2899 or www.onthehouse.com.

]]> http://www.remodel.net/remodeling-tips-for-boomers/feed/ 1 http://www.remodel.net/new-flooring-heres-some-advice/ http://www.remodel.net/new-flooring-heres-some-advice/#comments Tue, 11 Aug 2009 17:59:44 +0000 Remodeling http://www.remodel.net/?p=183 If you haven’t shopped for flooring in the past few years, prepare yourself. The vast array of hard-surface options is extensive, to say the least.

From stone to tile, wood to vinyl, linoleum to laminate, the choices can seem endless. How do you sift through the features and benefits of each to choose the product that is best for your home and your needs, from installation to maintenance and upkeep? And, equally important, how much is it going to cost to get the floor of your dreams?

New flooring, no matter what type you select, is more affordable than you may think. The key to success in finding the right floor is to go to a reputable, high-quality flooring retailer who can help you make sense of all the choices available in today’s diverse marketplace.

“Besides offering great service, the latest designs and an extensive array of product choices, today’s quality flooring retailers also compete when it comes to price,” says Gary Finseth, director of marketing for Tarkett Residential, a large flooring manufacturer. “But, their greatest ability is to differentiate themselves with professional sales people who can educate you to make the best purchasing decision for your home and your lifestyle.”

A knowledgeable flooring retailer will help you identify the best floor covering choices that complement your style of living, as well as the colors and finishes that suit your individual tastes. This includes more than just showing samples of various flooring options. A quality flooring retailer helps consumers understand how traffic, cleaning needs and other factors can influence a flooring decision – especially when performance and value are the key factors in most every decision.

For example, you might love the look of real hardwood floors, but if your home has a lot of traffic and activity, an indent- and wear-resistant laminate might be the best (and far more affordable) choice for you. Today’s laminate offerings are designed so authentically to mimic wood and other surfaces, it’s often hard to tell the difference.

If you’re looking for a more performance-based flooring option, some great new products offer unique designs and the performance consumers prefer for their day-to-day living. One option retailers recommend is Tarkett FiberFloor, a fiber-backed resilient sheet that is warm and comfortable underfoot, is water- and moisture-resistant, stands up to scratches, scuffs, stains and indentations, and is easy to maintain.

Or, if you’re interested in a high-end flooring look such as marble, stone or ceramic tile but don’t like their cold, fragile and pricey applications, many floor-covering retailers recommend turning to luxury vinyl tile. Products like NAFCO’s PermaStone duplicate the look of natural ceramic and stone tile, but are warm, soft and even come with multiple grout options (or none at all) for installation.

And installation is part of the complete package of details and services that comes with a specialty flooring retailer especially if you don’t have the time, tools or temperament to do a quality install yourself. The best retailers take care of all the details so you don’t have to worry about them.

A good retailer will provide you with recommendations and services such as:

* Suggest the proper moldings and why moldings are needed for certain flooring transitions.

* Recommend premium underlayments, such as Tarkett’s Quiet-Cor, that provide better sound insulation and moisture penetration.

* Proper measuring and estimating services to avoid waste or materials shortages.

* Complete installation, including the necessary cutting of door jambs and other accessories.

* All the right tools, including specialty saws and underlayment tape (these are tools that most do-it-yourselfers wouldn’t think to purchase).

* Full installation warranty.

* Individualized follow-up, usually 30 days after installation, to fix any problems.

Most people don’t shop for flooring every day — or even every year — so with so many choices, styles, prices, features and benefits available, it’s nice to know that today’s quality flooring retailer is there to help.

For more information, visit these helpful Web sites: www.tarkettna.com and www.nafco.com.

]]> http://www.remodel.net/new-flooring-heres-some-advice/feed/ 0 http://www.remodel.net/choosing-kitchen-flooring/ http://www.remodel.net/choosing-kitchen-flooring/#comments Wed, 15 Jul 2009 04:20:41 +0000 Remodeling http://www.remodel.net/?p=156 Changing your kitchen flooring is a remodeling job that will provide plenty of bang for your buck. But remember, even a small kitchen gets plenty of foot traffic, so be sure that the flooring you choose is durable. Here, you will learn about the types of flooring that you can choose from when making home improvements.

The first type of flooring that you can redo your kitchen in is vinyl. This is actually among the most popular type of flooring due to the fact that it is relatively inexpensive and it also comes in many different varieties. You can purchase this type of flooring in a tile, or even in a sheet – the choice is yours. There are many different types of patterns, colors, and more that can work perfectly with a wide assortment of decoration themes in the home. There are a couple of downfalls that you need to be aware of if you select this type of flooring for your kitchen. That is, the vinyl can stain relatively easily, and it is prone to damage caused by exposure to moisture.

The next type of flooring that is common to kitchens is linoleum flooring. In the not so distant past, linoleum was considered old fashioned, but today’s linoleum is not the flooring of your grandmother’s time. Now, if you select this flooring type, you will find that it is a bit more expensive than vinyl flooring. Thing is, when you make home improvements, you will want to select flooring that is durable and can stand up to wear and tear as well as any moisture. If this is what you are looking for, then linoleum flooring is sure to be an excellent option.

Tile is another popular kitchen flooring choice. There are three standard types of tile that you can purchase.They are ceramic, quarry, and porcelain. Tile comes in many different decorative forms, and additionally, is highly durable. It is sure to stand up to high traffic, moisture, spills, and other incidents that may occur in the kitchen.

Wood is very popular in kitchens today. Many homeowners love the look and feel of wood flooring – especially in the kitchen. Wood flooring can make a kitchen give off a rustic appeal, and lends warmth to a modern kitchen. It is a type of flooring that is relatively flexible overall. You can choose from maple, oak, bamboo, pine, cherry, and even simulated wood! If you want to redo your kitchen flooring with wood, you will find that there are many different styles, designs, and types.

So, go ahead, pick a new kitchen floor, it’s sure to have a big impact in whichever material you choose.

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