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They say home is where the heart is and hearth is where the heart of the home is. Alright, maybe the second part of that sentence isn’t really part of the saying but we all know the heart of the home is in the kitchen, especially for the food lovers out there. And what’s the heart of the kitchen but the countertop? Let us help you pick the best material for your kitchen’s countertop in this article.

Butcher Block

For a wooden countertop, butcher block is the countertop material you’re looking for. Made from renewable materials, small cuts and scratches can simply be sanded out and have your countertop looking brand new. However, you have to take note that this countertop is prone to water damage and that it easily soaks up water. For maintenance, this counter top requires sealing and treatment for a longer lasting countertop life.

Concrete

Even though most concrete-based countertops contain toxic materials, the discerning homemaker can incorporate more environment-friendly recycled materials. Concrete countertops can also tolerate hot cookware. However, like the butcher block, a concrete countertop is also porous and may require periodical sealing and maintenance.

Engineered Stone

If you think a marble countertop is a bit pricey, an engineered stone made from other materials like quartz can be a better and cheaper alternative. Try locating a local fabricator to slash off expensive shipping costs. Why opt for this countertop? With its durability and resistance to most cuts, stains and scratches, it can also handle hot cookware.

Laminates

If hygiene is of the utmost importance in your countertop choice, then a laminate countertop is your best bet. With an easy maintenance routine of soap and water, it easily complements your kitchen. There are also a lot of designs you can choose from. However, this laminate countertop has some visual problems with seams, nicks and scratches showing. It’s also not as hot-resistant as the other countertop materials.

So you’ve lived and loved your home for years but now you’re starting to see the wear and tear accumulated over the years. Before the damage worsens, which translates into a heftier remodeling cost, we’re giving you a smart remodeler’s guide on how to plan for a remodeling mission that’ll restore your home to the beauty it once were.

Evaluate

Pick your priority room, spot or section of the house that you think is in need of repair. It might have been your ideal room once but after having “test-lived” in it for quite some time, we’re sure you’ve got some tweaks that would make using the room a little bit better for you and your tasks.

List down all activities that happens in your chosen room and review if any structural damage is related to it. It’s also important to re-assess if the room meets the needs you have.

Wish List

After careful evaluation, comes your favorite part! It’s wish list time. Create a list of needs and wants you want for the room. Say, for a kitchen, you might need more storage for the pots and pans that get crammed in your cupboard or a built-in oven for your baking.

Pros

A wish list is dreamy and all but if the budget and space don’t fit, it’ll be hard for you to make that wish list for your home remodeling come true.

To help you bring that wish list closer to reality, consult with professional remodelers. With most consultation free of charge, you’ll get sound professional advice on the current trends in remodeling, room designs and styles, and remodeling costs.

With these tips, we’re sure you’ll be on your way to being a smart remodeler in no time.

Turn your basement from a place of neglect to the place-to-be in your house with these remodeling ideas that’ll be a sure hit for the whole family.

Cocktail Bar

Invoke the speakeasy spirit and build a mini-bar downstairs where you can cap off the day with a drink or two.

Instead of cramming your kitchen and dining area with your liquor bottles, devote your basement to your collection and give your wine cellar an upgrade!

Throw in some bar glasses, plush seats and bar stools, and a sturdy counter complete with a mini-fridge for your ice and a bit of the entertainment (music is preferred) and you now have your very own private speakeasy.

Home office

Are you also a part of the revolutionary workforce who stay at home but still manage to bring the bread? When the rest of the house constantly reminds you of all the chores that needs to be finished, a quick retreat into your very own workspace pins your concentration to the work at hand.

Bring in a working table with a lot of drawers for filing and organizing important stuff, if possible, an ergonomic chair that promotes good posture even while sitting, your work paraphernalia and a radio/speaker for a bit of entertainment to keep you in a better working mood. Now you have

Mini-theater

Don’t think for a second it’s only the celebrities and billionaires who can have a movie house in their home. You, too, can have your very own for lower the price. Just haul in your television, arrange some bean bags, calibrate your sound system, turn off the lights and press ‘Play.’

Don’t forget the bowl of popcorn and drinks before you go down, too!

With just a few tweaks and rearranging, spruce up your basement from a boring space to well-used one with these basement remodeling ideas!

Home remodeling is a very attractive idea to any homemaker out there. However, before you fall into any pitfalls of such an endeavor, be sure to abide by these 10 commandments for home remodeling.

1. Thou shall adhere to one coherent design theme.
2. Thou shall research and find an inspiration to help you create the overall look for your home remodeling.
3. Thou shall not go beyond your allotted budget.
4. Thou shall not covet thy neighbors’ design.
5. Thou shall learn to declutter and reorganize before opting to remodel.
6. Thou shall prioritize what needs fixing or replacing before thinking of constructing an extension to your house.
7. Thou shall look for cost-effective materials or ask your contractor to help you source for cheaper but better alternatives.
8. Thou shall be prepared for last minute changes if and when budget or materials call for it.
9. Thou shall not attempt to do complex home remodeling on your own if you have no prior experience.
10. Thou shall call us for your free consultation and cost estimate today.

Remodeling a small bathroom can be a challenging task, but it’s not impossible. Using the right bathroom remodeling ideas, you can transform that small space to become your favorite room in the whole house.

Here are some design ideas to help you get started.

Proper Storage

You can install open shelves vertically to make the space look airier or add extra shelves below the bathroom counter. Free up extra floor space using a pedestal sink.

The other option is to install a traditional sink which comes with included storage underneath. You can also fix a ledge-style shelf just below the mirror and over the sink and use this space to store your cosmetics if the counter space is limited.

Mirrors

Mirrors and glass doors will create an illusion of depth in a space that is really small. Use a fully mirrored wall or glass tiles to add depth to a room. You can also add ambient lighting to create the illusion of a more expansive space.

Bright and bold colors

Small bathrooms look nice in bold and striking colors. Use fixtures, flooring and wall paintings of different colors that blend perfectly together while being careful not to overpower the small bathroom space.

Proper Cabinetry

Choose the type of cabinetry that will work best for your small bathroom. You can consider using the space right outside your bathroom to store wash cloths, hand towels or bathroom supplies in well designed open shelves.

Get rid of clutter

If you love decorating your bathroom using your favorite accessories, look for a nice vanity tray where you can organize all these items on the bathroom counter. Any accessories that add personality to your bathroom should be well organized on the counter.

Eliminate design distractions

Sometimes less is more especially if you are dealing with limited space. You can use clean lines to make the design look simple and more expansive. Glass shelves can also add the visual appeal you’re looking for without overpowering the available space.

Smaller appliances

Choose smaller appliances to prevent the space from looking even smaller. A smaller sink, mirror and fixtures that take little space can make a big difference.

Home remodeling is not just about designs. It’s also about preparation, engineering, mechanical repairs, rebuilding and the finishing.

Preparation: The first step in any remodeling project is preparation. Start with a list of every design idea that comes to mind and then narrow them down to the ones that are reasonable, affordable, and doable.

Run the ideas by your remodeling contractor since they are experienced and can help in choosing the designs. They can advise you on which design is most suitable for the space you have.

Engineering: Contractors work with engineers because remodeling may change the structure of the home or office. Engineers ensure that your home remains stable and safe before, during, and after the remodeling project. Make sure your contractor has the necessary engineers in his team.

Mechanical repairs: Contractors assess a home or building structure before remodeling it. The assessment determines if the structure has any issue that might affect the planned project. Mechanical repairs may be necessary before remodeling can begin.

Rebuilding: With sizeable projects, the structure may need to go through a rebuilding process. Some parts of your home or building may need structural reinforcements or modifications to ensure safety while accommodating the new design.

Finishing: The last phase of a remodeling project is the finishing stage where everything comes together. You and your contractor go over the plans or design and double-check to make sure that the new living space or remodeled area is how it’s supposed to be. Make sure your contractor leaves no loose ends or back jobs.

Knowledge of these aspects of remodeling enables you to make the proper arrangements during the remodeling period. They help you know what is needed for the whole project to be successful.

Understanding these phases also helps you plan ahead and prepare a budget for the project. The most important thing is to select the right contractor who can do the work within a reasonable time and budget.

Home remodeling projects can be an expensive undertaking that may boost the value and appeal of your home. Remodeling may also make sense if you’re planning to put your house on the market in the near future.

So here are 3 remodeling design tips, not only to increase the market value of your property in Katy, but for your own home enjoyment.

Natural Finishes

Natural materials like wood flooring, granite and metals can add value to your home because of the timeless appeal and classic elegance that they afford. Wood flooring, granite counters and metal fixtures may be more expensive to install initially, but these products can last for decades.

Customization

Who isn’t impressed with customized fixtures or structures in a house? Or with custom kitchen cabinets, pull-out systems and shelves? But whether you’re planningto sell or not, you will definitely benefit from a well-designed custom kitchen.

Customized cabinets and quality fixtures in your bathroom can also greatly increase the appeal of your home.

Keep in mind that kitchens and bathrooms sell homes so don’t scrimp on your remodeling budget in either of these areas.

Paint it Right

A fresh coat of paint on your home’s interior and exterior is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to give your house a new look.

You can paint your house according to your own style if you are not planning to sell your home. However, if you’re planning to put your property up for sale, it is highly recommended that you paint your house with a neutral color, preferably white, to make your home appear brighter and more spacious.

After applying these tips, the market value of your property will not only increase, but you will also get to enjoy the results of your home remodeling project for as long as you own the place.

Who doesn’t want a nice and spacious kitchen to work in, right?

If you are stuck with a small kitchen, there are some simple things you can do to make your kitchen not only functional to fit all of your needs, but also aesthetically pleasant so it’s the best place for your family and friends to hang out.

You can either DIY (do it yourself) or hire a home remodeling contractor to do it for you. Either way, these tips can help you formulate a plan and guide you on your simple kitchen-remodeling project.

1. PAINT IT LIGHT

The color that you choose can make a huge difference. Opt for light-colored paint on your walls, especially if you have a small space. Dark paints can overwhelm the entire room, making your kitchen space appear smaller than it actually is.

2. CABINETS

Do you have dark wood cabinets in your small kitchen? How about painting those with a light colored paint, or better yet, opt for open shelves to create the illusion of a bigger kitchen space.

Another way to make your small kitchen appear larger is to add stencil designs to your cabinet walls in order to draw the eyes upward to the ceiling; a trick to creating the illusion of higher ceilings.

3. FLOORING

Similarly, avoid dark flooring in your small kitchen space. Do not install black tiles or dark wood floors. Instead, choose something light such as light grey, white oak, or another light-colored flooring that will blend well with your kitchen motiff.

If you are thinking of a laminate or linoleum, avoid small and busy designs. Choose solid light colors as much as possible.

4. LIGHTING

If your kitchen does not receive enough natural light, or you do not have enough windows for sunlight to come in, then consider putting artificial lighting in strategic places to illuminate your kitchen. You can even put lights under your cabinets.

5. WINDOW DESIGNS

Ask your home remodeling contractor if you can add additional windows or find a way to make your existing windows larger. An unobstructed view of the outside can definitely make it appear as if your kitchen space is bigger than it actually is.

If adding more windows is not possible, then just make sure that you don’t use heavy draperies and bulky valances. Opt for lighter fabric curtains in solid or pinstriped designs.