How To Remodel Your Kitchen: 5 Tips
Kitchen remodeling is putting your creativity in mind to work. Do not make it look like everyone else's kitchen. Make it unique, make it stand out, unleash your true self.
Although kitchen improvement is an arduous task, it's worth the hard work. To lessen the burden, here are the things that need to be done for kitchen remodeling:
Things to do:
Select a theme.
Of course your old kitchen theme will work just fine but since you are planning for kitchen improvement, you will have the chance to make it look better.
Pick a kitchen layout
L-shape
Shaped like a letter L, containing a very flexible layout design. We can place anything in any area using this layout and the space between storage, cooking, and preparation area is close enough for an efficient work space.
U-Shaped
Layout is shaped to form a letter "U". It has adequate counter space, and an efficient working environment.
Island Option
Designed to meet modern homes because there are plenty of counter space and prevents traffic within the working area.
Galley Kitchen
Most preferred layout for smaller kitchen space. Appliances are close to one another so its perfect if only one member of the household cooks.
Tips:
1. Keep It Simple
The kitchen is designed to be a working area so avoid any clutter. Do not decorate furnish it with useless items as this will only hinder the efficiency of the kitchen.
2. Spacious and Clutter-free
Kitchen layouts are for different kitchen spaces. Choose a layout fit for your kitchen space. The Island layout looks functional and is an effective working space. But it will just be a clutter if installed on small kitchen spaces.
4. Use whatever you have
Our goal is to remodel, not to construct a new kitchen. Make use of old materials like wood, metal, plastics. etc and turn it into a new one. One good example is to repaint and fix old kitchen cabinets to use with your kitchen remodeling.
5. Hire contractors
Although it may be a good idea to do it alone, contractors still does it better. They are experienced in doing these jobs and can put your ideas into reality.
Why go for kitchen improvement?
Simple. For increased productivity. How can you work well in your old kitchen when you hear cracks on floors, holes in the ceiling, and a very dark room. Additionally modernization keeps us away from obsolete kitchen methods, ideas, and design to give way to a new and improved kitchen.
The goal of kitchen improvement is not only for aesthetics but for improved functionality. Before you decide if your kitchen needs it, plan about it first. Will it increase productivity in the kitchen and lessen your cooking time? Is it different with the current theme of your home? If yes then it's time for to remodel your kitchen.
For the latest in tile selections for your kitchen remodel, contact At Your Door FLoors.
At Your Door Floors flooring store
http://www.atyourdoorfloors.com
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Saturday, August 13, 2011
How to Find the Right Contractor for Your Remodeling or Flooring Job
How to Find the Right Contractor for Your Remodeling or Flooring Job
Contractors can make or break your remodeling job. So it's best if you choose the most appropriate contractor for the job. So how can we get your perfect contractor?
1. Check within your area, experts for the remodeling job. You can check for local trade associations too. List them all up.
2. Check your listed contractors if they have complaints. A good way to check for it is to look it up in your local Better Business Bureau office. To be sure, call the agency the contractor is licensed to double-check the contractors record. Remove those that have a proven history of complains.
3. Prepare the questions to ask with the contractors. Call every contractor left on the list then set up an appointment. Ask all the questions you prepared, what he has in the local building community, and his experience in remodeling. Additionally, ask if he had done similar home remodeling job as yours, ask about the estimate initial cost for the plan, and how long will the project take. Don't forget to ask his contact information so that you can contact him immediately if he's hired.
4. After the interview, further shorten the list by crossing out contractors that are not fit for the job. Check the credentials of the remaining credentials. See if he is in a remodeling association by contacting the organization for verification. Ask his references about performance of the contractor(how he utilizes the budget,how he was able to complete the project in time, etc).
5. Compare information you have gathered to all the remaining contractors. The best way to select a contractor fit for the job is the contractor should have a proven record of success. Pick a contractor that can turn your visions into reality.
6. Get a contract to your chosen contractor so remodeling can begin. Pay attention to every detail he said specially on the work that he is agreeing to do with you. Once satisfied sign the contract.
Additional Tips:
As much as possible, look for remodeling contractors within your area.
Some contractor offers are way too good to be true, if you encounter one, immediately cross them out in your list.
If you want long-term results, don't get too tight with your remodeling budget.
Contractors are like the fishes in the sea. There are so many of them, different kinds with different functions. To get what you want, you need the right net for it.
Arnel Y. Colar is a freelance writer, expert in Home Improvement. He writes articles for PuttingOnTheFix and AtYourDoorFloors.
Putting On The Fix is a remodeling company that specializes in bathroom and kitchen home improvement projects. They service the Dallas and Fort Worth metro area. At Your Door Floors is a flooring store that sells and installs floor materials like tile, hardwood, carpet and laminate.
If you are in need of an excellent and guaranteed service from professionals at a price that is within your budget, visit their websites at http://www.puttingonthefix.com and http://www.atyourdoorfloors.com. Free consultations are also available.
Brian Heltzel
Contractors can make or break your remodeling job. So it's best if you choose the most appropriate contractor for the job. So how can we get your perfect contractor?
1. Check within your area, experts for the remodeling job. You can check for local trade associations too. List them all up.
2. Check your listed contractors if they have complaints. A good way to check for it is to look it up in your local Better Business Bureau office. To be sure, call the agency the contractor is licensed to double-check the contractors record. Remove those that have a proven history of complains.
3. Prepare the questions to ask with the contractors. Call every contractor left on the list then set up an appointment. Ask all the questions you prepared, what he has in the local building community, and his experience in remodeling. Additionally, ask if he had done similar home remodeling job as yours, ask about the estimate initial cost for the plan, and how long will the project take. Don't forget to ask his contact information so that you can contact him immediately if he's hired.
4. After the interview, further shorten the list by crossing out contractors that are not fit for the job. Check the credentials of the remaining credentials. See if he is in a remodeling association by contacting the organization for verification. Ask his references about performance of the contractor(how he utilizes the budget,how he was able to complete the project in time, etc).
5. Compare information you have gathered to all the remaining contractors. The best way to select a contractor fit for the job is the contractor should have a proven record of success. Pick a contractor that can turn your visions into reality.
6. Get a contract to your chosen contractor so remodeling can begin. Pay attention to every detail he said specially on the work that he is agreeing to do with you. Once satisfied sign the contract.
Additional Tips:
As much as possible, look for remodeling contractors within your area.
Some contractor offers are way too good to be true, if you encounter one, immediately cross them out in your list.
If you want long-term results, don't get too tight with your remodeling budget.
Contractors are like the fishes in the sea. There are so many of them, different kinds with different functions. To get what you want, you need the right net for it.
Arnel Y. Colar is a freelance writer, expert in Home Improvement. He writes articles for PuttingOnTheFix and AtYourDoorFloors.
Putting On The Fix is a remodeling company that specializes in bathroom and kitchen home improvement projects. They service the Dallas and Fort Worth metro area. At Your Door Floors is a flooring store that sells and installs floor materials like tile, hardwood, carpet and laminate.
If you are in need of an excellent and guaranteed service from professionals at a price that is within your budget, visit their websites at http://www.puttingonthefix.com and http://www.atyourdoorfloors.com. Free consultations are also available.
Brian Heltzel
Monday, August 8, 2011
How To Install Flooring
For home improvements, hiring a contractor just to install tiles for flooring is inappropriate if you consider yourself a handy person and are adept at following instructions or tutorials. It also is true when you are dealing with small rooms. So before wasting more money than your actual remodeling needs here is my guide on how to install tiles:
PREPARE THE FLOOR
1. Clean the base floor. Make sure that the floor is free of dirt, grease, or oil. Clean it with environmentally safe chemicals or alternatively we can use detergents.
2. Flatten the floor. Remove any unnecessary spots that can appear through the floor tile thus ruin its appearance.
LOCATE THE CENTER OF THE ROOM
1. To locate the center of the room, first mark the center of the walls. Disregard any offsets or irregularities.
2. Locate the center of the east wall and west wall, then make a line starting from the center of the east wall until it reaches on the west wall. Do the same for the north and south walls.
3. The intersection of the 2 lines that you have just created is the center of the room.
CHECK WHAT YOU HAVE DONE
1. Begin by laying loose tiles on the guide that you just created.
2. Start from the center of the room then follow your trail until you reach the walls.
3. The distance between the tile and the wall must not be less than 2 inches nor more than 8 inches. If this happens, readjust the center line that is parallel to the wall by 4-1/2 inches.
OPEN YOUR BOXED TILES
1. Open all the cartons of tiles to use.
2. Create a pattern by laying 4x7 tiles, in this way you will get the whole idea of the floor. You can choose whatever pattern you prefer.
3. If tiles are in one color, plan the pattern by the grain. If there are more than 2 colors, carefully design your pattern to prevent similar colors lying next to each tile.
APPLY THE TILE CEMENT
1. Follow the instructions of your tile cement product. Spread a coat of the cement or adhesive on one-fourth of the floor. Use a notched trowel,brush, or roller for this step.
2. Most cement will dry for about 15 minutes but it still varies depending on the temperature and humidity in the room that you are applying the tile.
3. After 15 minutes, feel the cement by placing your thumb onto it. If it is tacky and not sticky, the cement is ready.
LAY DOWN THE TILES
1. Begin to lay the tiles at the center of your markings. The first tile must be exactly square with the lines. All other tiles will line up incorrectly if the first tile is wrong.
2. Do not slide tiles into place. Make sure that tiles are butted firmly and does not have any gaps.
3. Lay the tiles according to your pattern. Lay it alternatively toward each wall.
4. For a border tile, place a loose tile on top of the last tile. Add another tile and place it against the wall. Mark the tile. Cut the marked line.
5. For Obstructions: Create a paper pattern that will fit around obstructions then trace the pattern on the tiles. Cut the traced pattern.
Installing flooring tiles is easy, just follow the instructions listed above and you'll get a tiled floor in no time. So you see, not all your remodeling needs require contracted work.
At Your Door Floors flooring store
http://www.atyourdoorfloors.com
http://www.puttingonthefix.com
PREPARE THE FLOOR
1. Clean the base floor. Make sure that the floor is free of dirt, grease, or oil. Clean it with environmentally safe chemicals or alternatively we can use detergents.
2. Flatten the floor. Remove any unnecessary spots that can appear through the floor tile thus ruin its appearance.
LOCATE THE CENTER OF THE ROOM
1. To locate the center of the room, first mark the center of the walls. Disregard any offsets or irregularities.
2. Locate the center of the east wall and west wall, then make a line starting from the center of the east wall until it reaches on the west wall. Do the same for the north and south walls.
3. The intersection of the 2 lines that you have just created is the center of the room.
CHECK WHAT YOU HAVE DONE
1. Begin by laying loose tiles on the guide that you just created.
2. Start from the center of the room then follow your trail until you reach the walls.
3. The distance between the tile and the wall must not be less than 2 inches nor more than 8 inches. If this happens, readjust the center line that is parallel to the wall by 4-1/2 inches.
OPEN YOUR BOXED TILES
1. Open all the cartons of tiles to use.
2. Create a pattern by laying 4x7 tiles, in this way you will get the whole idea of the floor. You can choose whatever pattern you prefer.
3. If tiles are in one color, plan the pattern by the grain. If there are more than 2 colors, carefully design your pattern to prevent similar colors lying next to each tile.
APPLY THE TILE CEMENT
1. Follow the instructions of your tile cement product. Spread a coat of the cement or adhesive on one-fourth of the floor. Use a notched trowel,brush, or roller for this step.
2. Most cement will dry for about 15 minutes but it still varies depending on the temperature and humidity in the room that you are applying the tile.
3. After 15 minutes, feel the cement by placing your thumb onto it. If it is tacky and not sticky, the cement is ready.
LAY DOWN THE TILES
1. Begin to lay the tiles at the center of your markings. The first tile must be exactly square with the lines. All other tiles will line up incorrectly if the first tile is wrong.
2. Do not slide tiles into place. Make sure that tiles are butted firmly and does not have any gaps.
3. Lay the tiles according to your pattern. Lay it alternatively toward each wall.
4. For a border tile, place a loose tile on top of the last tile. Add another tile and place it against the wall. Mark the tile. Cut the marked line.
5. For Obstructions: Create a paper pattern that will fit around obstructions then trace the pattern on the tiles. Cut the traced pattern.
Installing flooring tiles is easy, just follow the instructions listed above and you'll get a tiled floor in no time. So you see, not all your remodeling needs require contracted work.
At Your Door Floors flooring store
http://www.atyourdoorfloors.com
http://www.puttingonthefix.com
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