Before deciding the refinishing your cabinets is the optimal solution to your kitchen remodeling ideas, be sure that the cabinets are in good condition to begin with.  Refinishing does not remove knicks, warping, or other damage to the cabinets.

Here are a few tips for getting the most out of this home improvement project:

• remove doors and drawer fronts from the cabinets
• remove all hardware from doors and drawer fronts
• clean the cabinets thoroughly, paying special attention to any grease spots
• prepare the surface according to recommendations for the particular material
• if painting, spray on the paint for the most uniform coverage
• refinish the inside of the cabinets at the same time
• use gloss or semi-gloss paint or polyurethane

If you follow these tips and remain patient, your cabinets and your kitchen should have a renewed look and you can cross one more home improvement project off your list.

If refinishing your cabinets is not going to get you the results you are looking for, stay tuned to this home improvement blog for information about refacing kitchen cabinets.

(Photo Credit:  http://www.flickr.com/photos/hazeldog/3815828729/)

Cabinets Refinished with Paint

Installing a fireplace is a common dream home improvement or remodeling project.  If you are thinking about adding a fireplace during remodeling, there are many choices and options to be considered.

Pellet Stoves

Fireplaces that use wood or pellets as fuel sources provide the unique wood-burning smell that some people desire.  In many parts of the country wood or pellets are an economical fuel choice as well.  The downsides to this type of fireplace are that getting and storing the wood or pellets takes a lot of work and the heat tends to be uneven.  It takes a lot of practice to know how much fuel will produce the desired amount of heat.  Then maintaining that heat level also requires attention.  These types of fireplaces also require more cleaning and maintenance than gas fireplaces.

Gas Fireplaces

Many people have turned to gas fireplaces due to their minimal maintenance requirements and reliable heat output.  While remodeling, you can pipe the fuel directly to the fireplace. Most come with a remote control to start or turn off the flame, and built-in thermostats control the heat output to help maintain a comfortable level. Talk about convenience!

If you are adding a fireplace as part of a home improvement project and your house has more than one floor, think about placement of the fireplace and the possibility that you can use one chimney for a fireplace on each level.  Less remodeling will be required if you can “stack” the fireplaces, and you will stretch your home improvement dollar. With any fuel type, fireplaces should have fans in order to distribute the heat throughout the house.  A humidifier may also be needed if your fireplace becomes your main source of heat.

(Photo Credit:  http://www.flikr.com/photos/regencyfire/3369268420/)

Bamboo flooring is as beautiful as any hardwood and will certainly add value to your home.  Bamboo flooring is available in different shades and colors.  You can also choose a bamboo that shows more growth rings and knots.  In general, the darker the color, the softer the bamboo wood.  Some claim that bamboo is more durable than other wood flooring, but remember that any wood flooring can scratch and all require gentle cleaning.

Installation of bamboo flooring is similar to installation of other wood flooring products in your home.  Bamboo can be installed as a floating floor, tongue and groove, or as click together flooring.  As for any home improvement project, you’ll need to assess your abilities to install the flooring yourself.

Home improvement using green remodeling techniques and materials will continue to be a trend for the forseeable future.  Bamboo flooring will increase the value of your home and showcase your concern for the environment as well as your flair for home improvement.

(Photo Credit:   http://www.flickr.com/photos/43162676@N07/4054180883/)

Ready to Paint!

Painting is absolutely the easiest and cheapest of any home improvement project.  You can update the interior design of a tired room or add curb appeal to your home’s exterior at a fraction of the cost of most home improvement projects.

Choosing the right colors for you, your room and your furniture is the most difficult aspect of interior design.  The color choices today are endless, but thankfully experimenting with color is relatively easy with paint.  If you want to try something different, just buy a half-gallon and see how it looks.  Express yourself in your interior design.

After your color decisions are made, it’s time to get down to work.  The most important, and least appealing, part of painting is the prep-work.  These steps are time-consuming, but will pay off in the end:

• Remove switch and outlet covers.
• Spackle nail holes.
• Tape off windows and other areas difficult to paint around.
• Cover furniture.

Another time-saving up front step you can take is to make sure you have all the proper home improvement and painting tools at hand:

• Brushes (at least one smaller one with an angle tip for cutting in molding)
• Rollers
• Roller pans
• Edgers
• Rags for spills and drips

Edgers are great time-savers for painting up against ceilings or up to door trim.  As long as the wall texture is not too thick, an edger will help you make a clean line transition, a hallmark of excellent interior design.

Remember, paint top to bottom.  Paint the ceiling first, then all of the trim, finally the walls.  After all of the preparation is done and the right tools are available, the actual painting goes very quickly and the look of your room transforms in front of your eyes.  A simple coat of paint, done well, could be just the right home improvement project for your house.

(Photo Credit:  http://www.flickr.com/photos/booleansplit/3366476478/)

Efficiency ratings need to be considered for remodeling that includes appliance, furnace, or boiler replacement.  For example, a 90 percent efficiency rating means that 90 percent of the fuel converts to heat.  Most 20 year old furnaces are operating at roughly 60 percent efficiency.

Another important consideration, regardless of the type of heating, is that the heat source be adequately sized for the space you are heating.  If you have done some remodeling and added on to your house or have finished your basement, your heated space has increased.  Your furnace or boiler size should be increased, as well.

Due to electricity prices, electric heat is the least desirable form.  But the fuel source for your heat varies in different parts of the country.  Gas, electric, heating oil, wood, and pellets are all common heating fuel sources.  Installing a fireplace to supplement your current system may not be efficient, but it will add value to your home.

Also, remember to regularly maintain your heating system, and have it checked by a heating professional at least once a year.  Regular maintenance will improve the efficiency of your system and prolong its life.

Shower Idea!

Remodeling your bathroom can easily include shower remodeling.  New surrounds and tile are obvious places to start your shower remodeling, but don’t forget the showerhead.  Showerheads don’t have to be merely functional.  They can also be attractive and add to the comfort of your bathroom and the value of your home.  This is one simple and inexpensive improvement that makes sense.

There are a variety of showerheads to choose from which can compliment the style of any bathroom and shower remodeling project.  Most new showerheads require minimal plumbing work, however in order to install some of the high-end fixtures, pipes may need to be extended or moved and a professional plumber may be required.

One popular new showerhead model is often either placed higher on the wall than a standard showerhead, or is mounted on the ceiling.  This showerhead is large and gives a soothing rain-like effect.  Another high-end showerhead includes multiple jets of water placed at different heights to surround your body in water.  Nearly all new showerheads include low-flow technology to conserve water.  Of course, for shower remodeling, you want to choose fixtures with the same finish as the rest of your bathroom fixtures.

Whichever new showerhead is chosen for your bathroom and shower remodeling project, be sure to choose high quality fixtures that you can enjoy for years to come.

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.

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/)

Whether you are replacing a toilet because your old one is broken or because you want to remodel your bathroom, you will find that it’s not as difficult as you may believe. Anyone can do it and it won’t take you much time either. Follow the steps below to replace your toilet and enhance the beauty of your bathroom.

#1 Turn the water off by reaching to the back of the toilet down below on the wall.

#2 Flush the toilet to remove most of the water from the tank and bowl. The remaining can be soaked up with a sponge.

#3 Remove the water hose from the toilet, which is located where you just turned the water off. Be sure to have a bucket ready to catch any water remaining in the hose.

#4 There are two plastic caps on each side of the toilet where the feet are, pop those off with a screwdriver and then unbolt the nuts on each side to remove them.

#5 If you have caulking around your toilet, cut it to make it easier to remove the toilet.

#6 Reach down, grab the toilet firmly, lift with your knees, and pull straight up.

#7 Remove the existing beeswax seal.

#8 Reinstall a brand new seal with a flange roughly $5 or below.

#9 When reinstalling the toilet, make sure it is centered on the seal.

#10 Let the gravity of the toilet seat itself on the seal, ensuring the bolts are lined up properly with the toilet’s feet and then tighten the nuts evenly.

#11 Place plastic caps over nuts.

#12 Reconnect the hose.

#13 You can now turn on the water valve and check for leaks.

Congratulations! You just replaced a toilet!

(Photo Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/juhansonin/463545370/)

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