Kitchen Countertop Remodel with Concrete

Kitchen counter top remodeling doesn’t have to mean the use of granite.  While granite is a popular countertop surface, it can be prohibitively expensive, as well as environmentally unfriendly.  Granite is a non-renewable resource and does not fit into any green remodeling plan.

Concrete is fast becoming a popular option for kitchen counter top remodeling.  Concrete is a versatile material which can be dyed, stained, stamped and ground in order to add flair to your kitchen.  Kitchen countertops made from concrete can be any color from stark white to brilliant blue to black.  Sinks, drainboards, and trivets can even be poured along with the countertop to make a truly seamless surface.  The only special care needed is an occasional application of sealant which adds a shine to the finish and ensures that the counter top surface doesn’t stain.

Concrete countertops also fit perfectly within a green remodeling plan.  Concrete is made from rock aggregates and waste-products, such as soda ash, are often mixed in.  Speaking of green, kitchen countertops made from concrete can also save you quite of bit of green over granite.

Contractors in your area that have installed concrete kitchen counter tops should have samples that they are able to show you.  The brave at heart can also do this project themselves.  All it takes is some patience.  Pour several smaller molds for practice and to experiment with color.

Basement Remodeling, How to Plan Ahead?

Egress Window for a Basement Bedroom

Finishing a basement or basement remodeling is a sure way to add value to your home.  As with all home improvement remodeling projects, be sure that the basic design of the finished space is functional.  Things to consider for a basement remodeling project:

• When all the walls are up, will furniture be able to be moved into the space?  Too often a poorly planned wall is erected at the bottom of the stairs and there is no room to wriggle that large sofa into the family room.
• Will there be enough light?  Basement offices need a good lighting source.  Include as much natural light as possible and use overhead can or fluorescent lights.
• Will your bedrooms be counted?  Each basement bedrooms should have a closet and an egress window.  Check your local building codes for the specific requirements of your area.
• How difficult will it be to put in a bathroom?  Plan your bathroom with existing drains and plumbing in mind.  There may already be easy access to a drain and plumbing.
• How cold will it be?  Basements can get cold in the winter, so remember to have plenty of heating ducts installed.

Most basement remodeling will double the square feet of your home.  This investment, as part of an overall home improvement remodeling plan, will pay off in the future as well as give you expanded living space now.

(Photo Credit:  http://www.flickr.com/photos/twozens/1270919505/)

Kitchen Remodeling: Installing a New Kitchen Faucet

Many kitchen remodeling tasks can be done yourself.  For example, it doesn’t take a plumber to replace a kitchen faucet.  The biggest dilemma will be deciding which faucet will meet your needs, your tastes, and your budget.

You need to determine whether your kitchen remodeling project will include replacing the sink too, or just the faucet.  If you are only replacing the faucet, look at the current arrangement noting the number of holes in your sink.  If you have an older, traditional faucet with two handles and a sprayer to the side, the new faucet will have to use, or cover, all of those existing holes.  This information is on most packaging, or the “footprints” of your current faucet and the new faucet can also be measured and compared.

Removal of the old faucet without the help of a plumber:

• Turn off the water supply under the sink.  There is a valve for both the hot and cold water.
• Remove the water supply lines from the current faucet.  Plumbers use a faucet wrench, but a crescent wrench should work.
• Remove the nuts that hold the faucet in place.
• Remove the faucet.

Before setting the new faucet in place, be sure to clean the gunk from where the old faucet was.  One of the benefits of kitchen remodeling is that you get to enjoy a completely clean kitchen.

Because there are many types of faucets, each will come with different instructions for special options such as pullout sprayers, soap dispensers, etc.  Basic installation of the new faucet is as easy as doing the previous steps in reverse.

Turn on the water and check for leaks.  If you find a leak, don’t panic and call the plumber yet!  Check that the supply lines are adequately tightened and also check that the supply lines themselves are not leaking.  Lastly check that the faucet is firmly seated onto the plastic seal.

This kitchen remodeling project will enhance the look of your kitchen for years to come.

(Photo Credit:  http://www.flickr.com/photos/lisasanderson/3757384947/)