Remodeling
Remodeling: March 2006 Monthly archive
There is many consumers who like the concept of "doing it yourself" and want to be involved but just don't have the time or energy to spend remodeling a kitchen or bathroom. But they want to select every material used as well as work with a brand they trust. Lowes is capitalizing on this segment of "Do It For Me's" and they will not only sell you the granite countertops but they will install it and cabinets for you.
Not quite a do-it-yourselfer? [Charlotte Observer]
It's always nice to incorporate your own interests or environment into your interior design. But this isn't always easy unless you can create your own custom interior pieces. Here's a surfboard inspired coffee table. What would you make?
Surfboard Table [DIYnet]
A great kitchen layout will allow you to work longer and more efficiently. When designing your kitchen keep in mind the "kitchen triangle" which centers your work space and cuts down on wasted movement.
The Work Triangle [Merillat Cabinets]
Depending on your home's exposures, you may wish to consider switching the functions of rooms within your house in accordance to the seasons. In the winter you may wish to eat and read near the central cozy fireplace but in the summer months you'd like to enjoy your dinner time watching the sunset from a west facing room. All this without tearing down any walls.
Move the Furniture [Design Your Life]
Speedyplan has a great 3-part series on Building Your Home. Part 1 covers plannning ahead and making sure you have a good idea about almost every detail of your home before you speak to a contractor or architect. They will undoubtedly offer new ideas and suggestions and you make their job easier if you already have a focus on the homebuilding process. Check out part 2 and 3 in regards to your budget and selecting a home site.
Part I - Building Your Home
Part II - Decide on a Budget
Part III - Choose Your Home Site
When remodeling a large room it may be necessary to build a wall to create different spaces and add rooms. Building a non-load bearing wall is easier than you think and requires basic carpentry skills and the know-how to create a wall that is safe and up to code.
Building a Wall [Hometips]
Mud rooms, although common throughout the Northeast are virtually non-existent in the Southwest and many other parts of the country. But we think they could be just as useful in the high-desert or flat plains. It rains everywhere and even when it doesn't it can get very dusty, especially with kids in the house. DIYnet provides a step-by-step to building your own mud room that will keep the rest of your house cleaner.
Build Your Own Mudroom [DIYnet]
Renovation Rants has provided a tutorial on their experience refinishing hardwood floors in their 1916 Craftsman. Here are some other resources for refinishing your hardwood floors.
Refinishing Hardwood Floors [About.com]
Is Your Floor a Good Candidate? [Hometime]
DIY Hardwood Floor Refinishing [Hardwood Installer]
Refinishing Hardwood Floors On A Budget [Top House Plans]
Refinishing a Hardwood Floor [Lowes]
Lowe's 4th quarter profits surged 37% on kitchen and bath remodeling. Although they are still number 2, their growth is definitely outpacing that of their chief rival. Their respective stock prices are also headed in opposite directions. In a category once dominated by Home Depot there is definitely a new kid on the block that is here to stay and if you don't already have a Lowes in your community you will soon. And sleep well knowing that you aren't alone in your remodeling needs.
There comes a time when even the most capable DIY homeowners need to call for help. Whether it be for technical skill and know-how or physical labor, there are some projects that require the experience and eye of an expert. Finding these experts is no small task. Where do you start? As always its best to go with a friend or families recommendation but what if you don't know anyone who's needed to call a roofer or tilesetter?
Depending on where you live the Franklin Report has become an excellent source. Currently only servicing New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Westchester/Connecticut, the Franklin Report is an online and book survey of home renovation and maintenance service providers, based on customer feedback and reviews. Miami and San Francisco issues will be released later this year with other metro areas following.
Angie's List is another source for finding contractors and is built by word-of-mouth from different homeowners who submit their own reviews online. This is definitely a much more attractive way of searching than seeing who has the best yellow pages ad. Angie's list covers many more cities but you must subscribe (pay) before accessing any listings.
And if you're fortunate enough to live in New York city, New York magazine just released their Best of NY issue which includes their best home repair services.
After you've created your shortlist of contractors, follow these guidelines from eHow to help you in making your final decision.
The cardboard drink holders DJay used to soundproof his "studio" in Hustle and Flow may have worked for him but eHow.com provides a more effective way to keep noise from bleeding from one room to the next, sans drink holders. Readers also list some other great tips like building a room within a room.
Lumber is scored like diamonds and comes in varying grades based on flaws. knots, splits, and sap pockets that will all downgrade a lumbers score. That doesn't mean it's useless, as the cheaper grade of lumber is great for use below your deck or behind the walls. But don't go too cheap or you will jeopardize the integrity and strength of your floor or wall. Lumber Choices
The remodel or move question is probably the number one quandry facing DIY renovators. Beyond any nostalgic or historical feelings one may have regarding their home, you can follow a calculated path to deciding how much you want to invest in a renovation as opposed to how long you'll be living in your home.
Third Age - Remodel Before You Sell?
About.com - Will Improvements Pay Back What They Cost?
Forbes - Best Real Estate ROI
MSN - remodel or buy a new house?
Reliable Remodeler - Planning to stay just a few years
So you've decided to DIY - what home improvement project will get you the best return.
You fancy yourself a do-it-yourselfer but should you really tackle that fireplace demolition or breaker box rewire? Ask yourself these questions before you do-it-yourself.
The California Energy Commission has a straightforward explanation of what geothermal heating is, how much it costs (short and long term), and what the advantages are. It truly is an under-used technology that can provide you with year-round comfort. Consider geothermal energy for your new build or renovation and you may save money while feeling good about it. Read on...
California Energy Commission (great graphic)
Geothermal Manhattan Townhouse (it's for sale)
Frank Lloyd Wright's Unity Temple Goes Geothermal
Heat from the Earth to Warm Your Hearth
Geoexchange
"Standard vanities are 21 inches deep, but if you order them at 18 inches instead you’ll gain floor space without losing too much storage." More bathroom tips from United Building Centers.
According to Remodeling Online, Americans spent $150 million on home improvement and remodeling their homes last year which was up 4.3% from 2004. The real estate market may have cooled in some areas but current and new homeowners will continue to work towards increasing the value of their home as well as creating a better space to live in.
A properly designed kitchen island can won't make your food taste any better but it can make preparing that food much more enjoyable and your cooking workflow more efficient. Here's an ezine article about what to consider when planning and building a kitchen island.
March 29, 2006 | Comments ()
