GENERAL CONTRACTORS
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Here are some tips and suggestions to consider when remodeling your home:
Details add dollars. Consider crown molding to give a room a finished look. If you are looking to sell your home, buyers will notice these kinds of details.
Away from the walls. Shift furniture away from the walls to make living rooms feel larger and more contemporary.
Focal points. Use furniture placement and lighting to emphasize focal points such as fireplaces. If you have a fireplace and it's not a focal point, change the surround or add tiles or stone.
Safety first! There were more than 15,500 chimney fires reported in 1999, resulting in 130 deaths and more than $152 million in property loss. Use a chimney sweep service to clean and check your fireplace, flue, and chimney.
Return on Investments. When remodeling a bathroom, kitchen or other room, the first priority involves establishing a budget. Keep in mind that you may be able to get a 100% return on investment when your house is sold, and it will be more attractive to buyers.
New features in bathrooms. Aside from what is necessary, people are adding dual showerheads, stereo speakers, whirlpool tubs, and wall installation of television sets to add luxury as well as value to a bathroom.
Take care with lead-based paint. Assume paint in homes built before 1978 contains lead, unless a lead-based paint unless inspection shows otherwise. Open flames, heat guns, and sanding can all release the lead in paint. Exposing anyone to lead dust, especially children, is harmful.
Good ventilation. Good ventilation is important both to your health and to your home. Ventilation is especially important in bathrooms to remove unwanted moisture. This helps prevent the growth of mold and mildew, which can cause allergic reactions and aggravate lung diseases such as asthma. During renovation, be sure to check that your bathroom fan is functioning properly.
Replace that old caulk. Remove the old caulk first, you may need a softener like CAULK-BE-GONE®. With a little practice, you'll be laying down a perfect line of replacment caulk. Fill the tub with water after you’re done to stretch caulk while it dries.
Reglaze that old tub. If your old tub is too large to fit out the door, re-glaze it for a like-new finish. Cost: $300 to $400.
Renovating the kitchen? Don't forget the lighting. In addition to new fixtures, consider putting recessed lights 3’ to 5’ apart on center and 18" from cabinets to light the countertops and showcase your investment.
Start at the bottom. Dated flooring can seriously drag down the value and appearance of your home. Replace old floors with fresh tile in ceramic or stone. Living spaces will look clean and open with wood flooring.
Make your bathroom look bigger. An eye-fooling trick you can use in a small bath is to replace the vanity and sink with a pedestal sink. The smaller footprint gives the illusion of space.