Change is an inevitable part of all aspects of life- and our home lives are no exception. As we spend so much of our time in our homes (even more so due to the ongoing pandemic), it’s no wonder we look for change in terms of interior design and in the structure of our properties. From lifestyle changes- such as starting a family which requires interior change and perhaps change to the exterior, to modernising a home, a new theme or style- home renovations are something all homeowners will do at least once in their life. Renovating your property can be a challenging experience, however the transformational change to your home can be rewarding. Each property renovation task you undertake will bring new challenges and unexpected twists, and there are plenty of tips and tricks that can help if you find yourself in a sticky home renovation situation. Additionally, home renovations are a great way to add value to the cost of your property, as it enables you to adjust your home to the property market, therefore making it more desirable while adding value onto the property. If you’re wondering “how can I sell my house fast?”, then home renovations are a perfect place to start. But before you begin, here at We Buy Any House have compiled a list of things you should know before you begin a property renovation project.

Start With a Building Survey:

Before renovating any part of your property- you should commission a chartered building surveyor. This is especially important if you are planning on doing any structural renovations, such as building an extension or doing a loft conversion. The price of a surveyor typically ranges from £500 to over £1,000, depending on the age, size and location of the house. However, they will highlight important issues such as problems with the roofing, damp or any structural movement- which can cause major damage if not assessed properly.

Budgets and Quotes:

We all love to indulge in home-makeover TV shows- however they aren’t the greatest advisor when it comes to renovating your own home in terms of budget and expenses. It’s important that you don’t underestimate the cost of your renovation project, as this may result in you taking loans from the bank and ending up in financial hardship. Instead, before your project commences, sit down with your family/partner and work out how much things will cost- down to the last little details. Then, put some extra money aside in case anything goes wrong as an emergency fund.

Another thing to do is ask for an accurate estimate. Don’t trust the valuation of one person, seek several experts in that field and get an average estimate of the cost for specific jobs. Additionally, don’t rely on a ‘textimate’ (over the phone estimate). Encourage the person to come and view your property in person, so they can see what they’re dealing with firsthand.

Create a Realistic Timeline:

In an ideal world, all renovation projects would be done at the click of a finger. However, unfortunately, in reality this isn’t always the case. It’s important to have a sense of realism about home renovation projects and understand that even though you have probably been given a rough estimate by contractors, there may be factors which implicate this. Prepare for things to take longer than assumed and try to avoid feelings of frustration by envisioning the finalised result. A tip to get around this is to order your new updates before you have the existing materials removed, so that there’s no waiting time.

Expect the Unexpected:

Midway through your home renovation, there may be an unexpected occurrence. Whether it’s regarding uneven floors due to a shifted center joist, a roofing problem or problem with your water system, this can have a huge impact on the time scale of the project. The renovations will stop, and you will have to source a specialist who can repair that specific issue- and then renovations will resume when the site is safe and legally sound. This is just one reason why it’s better to allocate extra time and money into your renovation project- so you are protected from unanticipated mishaps along the way.

Be Specific:

Time is money and money is time. Your home renovation will probably not be cheap, so its best to have a clear plan before you give the green light. Although things may crop up along the way, there are certain things that should be concrete throughout the process (no pun intended!). Where you plan for things such as your radiators to be positioned, sockets and lighting layout should all be thought of well in advance. After all, it’s you that will be struggling to use your phone whilst its charging. The same goes for interior design. Don’t be swayed by a designer that thinks they know your style and taste and want free reign (unless you’re comfortable and happy with this). Instead, pre plan the interior of your home, and if it can’t be an exact match, get something close.

 

Cabinets are home assets. They hold and keep the most important things for you, such as clothes, tools, utensils, display frames and figures, and even your important documents. Almost everything that you need to keep and care for is put in the cabinet. It is essential to invest in cabinets with multiple shelves to help you organize your essentials and household stuff together.

There are various types and sizes of cabinets. There are small ones for documents, and there are big ones that can hold appliances and equipment. There are standing cabinets and hanging cabinets. There are also portable ones as well as those that are mounted on the wall. Each kind of cabinet serves a specific purpose and fits in particular places. For instance, if you want to save space, you can have hanging cabinets. If you have enough household space, you can have standing cabinets. And if you wish to change the placement of your cabinet inside your household now and then, you can have portable cabinets.

A carpenter has the expertise, skills, and experience that can help you achieve a cost-efficient, durable, and highly functional custom cabinet. You can get carpenter quotes to know the best carpenters who offer professional skills and highly satisfactory service near your area. How much does a carpenter cost? It depends on the duration of service and the weight of the workload. You can pay a carpenter by hourly rate or by the project. It is wise to compare quotes to give yourself choices and ensure that you get the best professional work right on your budget.

Advantage Of Custom Cabinets

Custom cabinets are your best choice when it comes to choosing storage for your household. Custom cabinets can fit according to your needs and preferences. The specifications of a custom cabinet are highly dependent on your demand. You can express your style and creativity in your cabinet without sacrificing its quality and durability. Indeed, no penny goes to waste when you are able to get a cost-efficient and very satisfactory cabinet to add value to your household and keep your essentials safe and organized.

More flexible

Custom cabinets can fit any available space in your house. There are unlimited size variations, and it can fit precisely anywhere you wish to put it. They are made to fit your lifestyle, and it is up to you to choose the dimensions, style, and final furnish of your cabinet. But if you have no idea where to begin, a carpenter can help you plan your cabinet, including costing, dimensions, design, and materials that will be used. You do not need to worry about carpentry service deals because you ask for carpenter quotes to hire the best and nearest carpenter in your area.

With the help of a carpenter, you can have highly functional cabinets in the important areas of your household. You can have a well-polished and smoothly furnished cabinet made with excellent woodwork skills.

More durable

The durability and functionality of your custom cabinet are the priority; that is why skilled carpenters use excellent construction methods to make sure that the measurements are accurate and the dimensions are correct. You do not want to have expensive maintenance service along the road, and an essential aspect of ensuring durability is having a thick and sturdy custom cabinet.

The cabinet boxes should be ½ inch on the sides and ¼ inch on the back. But if you can have it at  ¾ inch and ½ inch, that is better. The drawer boxes should be sliding smoothly and neatly with a cracking sound. Of course, you can go beyond these dimensions as long as it fits the space where you will put your cabinet. Lastly, the shelves should be ¾ inches thick. These standard measurements are not new to a carpenter, and their skills and expertise can create a cabinet with accurate dimensions that suit your needs.

Custom Accessories And Details

The best things about a custom cabinet, aside from specified dimensions, are specified accessories and details. There are designated standards of measurement which you can go beyond and add intricate details that suit your preference. Custom accessories and details include cabinet handles, the style of the door opening, and the functions of the shelves. You can have shelves without covering, with a sliding cover, dorr-type cover, or with panels.

A carpenter can help you choose the correct details and accessories for the style of cabinet that you will choose. You can also rely on him when it comes to visualizing the cabinet that embodies your preferences. All of these cabinet accessories and details will be specified during the planning and costing. Make sure to communicate your preferences but make sure that it is reasonable. After all, a carpenter will bring out the best in the custom cabinet that you envision.

Invest In Professional Work

Whether for your new house or a part of a renovation plan, your custom cabinets are one of your most significant home investments. Of course, you want nothing but the best when it comes to adding value to your home and improving your quality of living. It is best if you invest in professional work, and the best woodwork skills you can rely on are a carpenter’s skills.

 

As you upgrade your home, one of the areas that is likely to be left out is the pool area. Just like other areas of your home, the pool gets worn out too. Why does your pool need attention too? This is the place you get rejuvenation after long tiresome days, it might also be where you host guests and it also contributes to the overall appeal of your home.

If your pool exhibits dry ambience, has leaks and old systems and it is no longer trendy, this is a call for an upgrade. With the help of pool remodeling Tucson experts, here are some upgrades that will transform your pool area.

Installing LED lights

Is the poor lighting in your pool blocking you from enjoying your evenings and nights in the pool area? Well, installing LED lights will give it an impressive transformation. Not only will these lights save your energy by about 75%, but they will also add to the ambience while ensuring lighting is adequate.

To make the view even better, you can install LED lights that change colors to create a light show in your pool. This is a  good way to revamp a swimming pool that is out of trend, while at the same time enhancing safety.

Add some stone coping around the pool

Stone coping around the swimming pool will give it a great face lift. Stone coping has greater ambience compared to concrete. More so, it is safer that other materials like tiles which are slippery to walk on. Stone coping comes in a wide range of options and designs allowing you to achieve your preferred aesthetics.

Compared to other materials this gives a distinct charm that also makes your pool look expensive and elegant.

Automatic leveler

An automatic leveler will detect when the water levels in the pool are too low and trigger a refill up to the optimum level. Whey do you need an automatic leveler? For one, it will give you peace of mind as it will eliminate the constant worry of whether the water levels are okay. Note that too low levels can cause damage to the pool equipment which can be expensive to replace.

It will also go a long way in protecting your yard from flooding caused by overfilling. It also has an aesthetic benefit as it eliminates the need to have hoses floating on your pool (hoses can be a hazard too).

Tile replacement

Broken and old tiles are not only unsightly, but they can cause injury or damage to the pool. This is one of the priority areas of remodeling that will instantly change the appearance of your pool. Retiling with updated and attractive tiles will enhance the overall appearance of your pool area.

Conclusion

As you remodel your home, do not leave your pool out. It gets worn out too, something that will not only cause inefficiency in energy use but can also be a hazard. Do a remodel to eliminate these worries and also enhance the ambience of your outdoor space.

Are you looking for a new kitchen design for your home in 2021? This is the perfect time to update your space to fit your personality. However, if you aren’t sure how to change your kitchen, look at the design trends below for some insight.

Natural Look

Wood is a natural look that is truly timeless. Updating the kitchen with wood accents is a great choice. With many wood textures, finishes, and species, you have a ton of options. Replace your cabinets with wood ones for a considerable change.

Floating Shelves

If you need extra storage, consider modern floating shelves. This is a great kitchen design option that gives you functional space for storage. It’s fun to look at and completely practical.

Extra Colour

Even adding a new coat of paint can transform the kitchen. If you want an easy accent, add some colourful paint. Look for complementary bright colours and paint the walls and cabinets in different hues.

dditional Textures

Textures in kitchens are becoming popular. It might sound complicated, but all it involves is a little creativity. For instance, wooden cabinets, tile floors, and stone countertops work well together to add texture.

Stunning Fixtures

All the small fixtures can also come into play with kitchen design. Large lights can add elegance or new faucets can make the space more modern. Think about accents, colours, and more.

Modern Metal Materials

Adding metal to the kitchen can make it more modern and sleep. Stainless steel faucets, appliances, and other fixtures offer a dose of shine in any kitchen. A silver, copper, or gold backsplash will also work well.

Exciting Backsplashes

Everyone has backsplashes in their kitchen today. Bold designs and colours are the newest way to make them stand out. Add some texture and personality in a simple kitchen design product.

dded Storage

If you have lots of appliances, consider more storage. For example, a large cabinet can hold rice cookers, instant pots, and air fryers. You could also install a cabinet with pull-out shelves for all the extras.

When you are considering a new kitchen, make sure you have an expert kitchen design team by your side. They can help you decide the best way to rejuvenate the space and make it somewhere you want to spend all your time.

 

Having hot water is one of the most vital resources a homeowner can have. Taking showers, doing dishes, and washing clothes all require this valuable commodity.

Water heaters can malfunction at any time with no warning. Learning to troubleshoot problems with your water heater can be a lifesaver.

If you’re unfamiliar with how to navigate your water heaters system, it’s okay. We’ve got a guide on learning how to fix your water heater.

Troubleshooting Your Water Heater

Listed below are some of the most common problems you can encounter with your water heater. Keep reading to find out simple solutions for these problems.

Thermostat Issues

If the water in your sink or tub is too hot or too cold, there could be a thermostat problem. Testing the thermostat with a voltage meter can let you know if the component is faulty.

Dripping Valves

Does the hot water in your home not last long enough? This could be a problem with dripping valves or fixtures.

Use a wrench and check all the connections on the pipes and hoses around the water heater. Ensure everything is tight and locked correctly.

Puddles Under the Water Heater

You may have found a puddle of water under the heater unit. Is it a leak or just condensation?

If you’ve recently installed a new water heater, condensation is present on many newer models. Monitor your water heater as it turns on.

Condensation tends to build up after the first few minutes a water heater turns on. Approximately one half-gallon of vapor can form from the unit powering on.

Winterising

Is your water heater freezing when the temperatures get cold outside? Frozen water heaters can cause severe malfunctions.

The heater may require extra insulation around the main unit. If this doesn’t seem to help, consider purchasing insulation for your pipes.

Recognise and Diagnose

Pay attention to how your water heater functions. Get familiar with the noises it makes and the cycles it goes through. This ensures your ability to notice small changes that could lead to bigger problems later.

If you simply can’t fix it yourself, consider investing in a brand new water heater from your local plumber

Lighting plays a crucial role in interior design. It has a direct effect on the appearance, mood, and functionality of a room. Besides placement, your choice of a lighting fixture can either make or break your home design. In your next lighting purchase, be sure to consider these important factors to save time and money.

Overall theme

Always choose a lighting fixture that complements the overall theme of your house and the furniture design. You must decide first whether to go for a classic, contemporary, or transitional theme. Then, you can shop for lighting fixtures.

Ceiling height

Another important factor to consider is the ceiling height of the room. If your ceiling height is 8 feet or lower, it would be ideal to choose flush mount or semi-flush mount lights. That will avoid crowding the space unlike when you install chandeliers and pendant lights.

Room size

Your lighting should be proportional to the size of the room. Choosing a light fixture that is too small for the size of the room won’t give you the right amount of light for illuminating spaces. On the other hand, too much light can make a room feel uncomfortable.

Energy efficiency

This is an important consideration when shopping for a lighting fixture. Opting for LEDs will help you save money on your monthly energy bills. According to the Department of Energy, LED lights use at least 75 percent less energy than incandescent lights.

Consult a licensed San Diego electrician

Are you having a hard time deciding what type of lighting fixture to install in your home? If yes, do not hesitate to ask the experts from your trusted local electrical company. Hiring a professional San Diego electrician to perform installations and repairs in your home will help ensure your safety and the safety of your family. What are you waiting for? Call the pros now!

 

Kitchen design incorporates a variety of elements. Each plays a vital part in bringing your concept to life, from what appliances you choose to the color scheme for your worktops and interiors. One area that is not just important for function but also style is your countertops. This surface area will give you a foundation to prepare food and also ties your design ideas together.

How do you decide on the best option with the vast array of countertop materials to choose from? Check out some of the popular kitchen countertop materials below to find out:

Quartz countertops

Quartz is an excellent example of getting a high-end look in your kitchen without the high maintenance compared to other materials. It is one of the hardest minerals on the planet and is resistant to staining and marks, which is perfect for a busy family kitchen. This material is also extremely durable, and there is more consistency within the colors from slab to slab. The finish of quartz has a glossy look and creates a luxury aesthetic in the kitchen space. Take a look at some of the best quartz kitchen countertops for examples of this material.

Marble countertops

Marble is synonymous with luxury and is used in low-traffic kitchen spaces. The material is more fragile than other options as it has a porous surface and may stain easily. This natural material is beautifully unique and can vary from slab to slab in color and veining. There is a range of matte and glossy finishes depending on your requirements.

Granite countertops

Granite is a natural product that originates from a variety of sources across the world. It has a raw and unmatched beauty, and the look may vary from slab to slab. While this material is durable, it does require some maintenance, such as sealing every 10-15 years. This sealant protects the granite from oil penetration and staining, so ask your vendor what is required when selecting this material for your kitchen.

Solid synthetic countertops

Solid surfaces made from synthetic materials are a popular choice in kitchens. This countertop material is nonporous and is heat and stain-resistant. Over time you may see some scratches on the surface, but these can usually be removed with buffing. If you’re looking for a consistent color or pattern match, this is an excellent option as there is a wide selection of colors and styles. Most solid surfaces have a matte finish and vary in price depending on the color choice.

Solid wood countertops

Wood is another option for kitchen countertops, especially if you want to add warmth to the interiors. However, it is mainly recommended that wood be used as a focal point rather than the whole surface of the kitchen. Wood is high maintenance and scratches easily. It is also susceptible to damage from water and general kitchen items. This style of countertop is usually matte, but you can have a high gloss applied to the surface for a smooth appearance.

 

On that model home tour I shared earlier this week, I spied an amazing live edge wood mirror on the wall in the dining room of one of the staged homes. (I was also happy to see my favorite small round dining table also used in this client’s dining nook.)

Rounded edge rectangle and circle mirrors with pencil thin or wood trim edges have been popular in the past few years but I love that we’re seeing more organic flowing edge mirrors.

These live edge and asymmetrical mirrors mimic more of the shapes you’d see in nature. They make great focal points and as always, mirrors are that perfect solution for bouncing light around a room.

live edge 36”custom live edge

wood live edge48” live edge

rectangle live edge

wavy woodhickory swirl mirror

organic ovalmidcentury wood

48” brass rough edge

black wavy edge (also gold) / edgebark

black irregular edge (also brass) / brass set of 3

asymmetrical set – irregular shape

flowing woodibiza gold

gunmetalchampagne organic shape

gold asymmetrical mirror

Do you love these more organic shapes too?

Over the weekend I toured some nearby model homes in a new housing development. I love peeking into model homes to look for creative design ideas. These designers/stagers had some great takeaways which I was going to share on Instagram but instead decided they were worthy of a blog post.

I shot these with a cell phone so the quality is not as good as if I had brought my dSLR camera, but they capture the the spaces and details adequately enough. I’ll share more closeups and video in today’s Instagram stories.

Think bigger: display large scale art instead of a gallery wall of smaller frames.

Turn macramé curtains into a bed canopy.

Say yes to subtle patterned wall to wall carpet.

Classic hue + modern shapes = this opaque blue glass tile mosaic.

Blend different shapes of porcelain tile flooring.

Consider rectangular open cabinets instead of floating shelves for storage.

For drama, stack rectangular natural stone tiles in a shower.

Group smaller tables to create one larger interesting coffee table arrangement.

Tuck an ottoman under nesting tables for texture and/or extra seating.

Hang wall cubbies asymmetrically in kids rooms.

Stained wood slats over dark paint make a dramatic backdrop to bookcases.

Better in threes: group small pendants in corners or above nightstands.

Hang white brick wallpaper on one wall for subtle texture.

Install textured tile in creative stripes inside small showers.

Display opportunity: Shelves in front of windows.

Small spaces are perfect spots for focal point wall treatments.

Group same size mirrors together in an abstract wall display.

Which one is your favorite design element?