Category Archives: Home Renovation

10 Showers You’ll Want to Ditch Your Tub

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Category : Home Improvement Home Renovation

Nowadays, we find ourselves more and more frequently with bathrooms that opt ​​for a shower instead of a bathtub. In addition to the obvious saving of space that the shower supposes compared to the bathtub, they also have the advantage of being able to incorporate a multitude of design elements to achieve a modern and very current shower space. And not only finishes and decorative accessories for showers have undergone a great advance in recent years. The technology applied, for example, to the taps can make this shower space a real pleasure for the senses. Do you want to see some examples?

#1. Oriental inspiration

The first shower that we show you are located in a bathroom that chooses an Asian-inspired aesthetic for its decoration. In a bathroom of this type, the shower space is, if possible, even more, important due to the symbolism that water and natural elements have for these cultures. In this case, the shower area is lined with natural stone and incorporates wood through a floor platform. 

#2. A bathroom with all the comfort

The bathroom, once almost reviled, deserves more and more attention from interior designers. It is an important place in a home, and it is the space where we pay more attention to the body and mind, as it is the place dedicated to hygiene, care and relaxation.

#3. A special shower

The space of a modern shower can become a relaxing and comfortable spa. To achieve this, we have to pay attention to the materials and the type of shower tray and the combination of colours, finishes and textures and include massage jets and adjustable pressure showers.

#4. Mosaics

Light is, without a doubt, the main element in this bathroom. In addition to a good lighting design, the colour palette, based on nuanced whites and beige tones, contributes to creating that sensation of luminosity and shine that the proposal has. In this case, the shower is located in the corner and is closed with an angled glass partition that provides transparency, lightness and dynamism to the whole.

#5. Colors and decoration

The use of colour and decorative effects are the strengths of this bathroom that we show you here. The chosen design and decoration highlights the eclectic taste and originality of its owners. Red is the one selected for the shower area, a colour rarely used for this type of space, which undoubtedly gives the proposal a great personality.

#6. A rustic shower

Yes, you can also design a rustic-style bathroom without it having the traditional bathtub. Every time we find more examples of rustic bathrooms that do not give up the comfort of a shower. In this space, decorative elements typical of rural designs can coexist with rabidly modern pieces or accessories that incorporate the latest technology. 

#7. The shower as the protagonist

It is not frequent to find that the shower takes over the bathroom’s role and chooses a central position to become the most prominent element of the bathroom. But creativity applied to designs quarterfinal current bathroom We also show spaces opting for this provision, as we show in the picture: a shower which highlights the grey wall, wooden base and an enclosure ‘ minimal’ of glass.

#8. A tectonic bath

The current pace of life is getting faster and faster, so the house spaces that we use daily must also be considered from a practical point of view and an aesthetic one. The bathroom that we show you in the image fulfils both functions: a walk-in shower, very easy to clean, and colours that guarantee easy maintenance while providing a tectonic and very sophisticated look to the bathroom.

#9. Urban style

The ‘subway type’ wall tiles are a classic that has become a trend in recent years. They are being used more and more, not only in the bathroom but also in cosy environments with an industrial touch. It is also a cheap material, easy to maintain and clean and never goes out of style.

#10. Comfort and design

We say goodbye with an original proposal: two sinks on a wooden countertop, a small and luxurious shower and a decoration with white as the protagonist but with black touches to create contrast. 

As you can see, the shower can be present in the most varied bathroom designs, and it is a very topical element. And you, are you more of a shower or a bathtub?

5 Benefits of Owning a Home

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Category : Home Improvement Home Renovation

If you’re wondering whether buying a home now sounds like a good idea, you’re not alone. While the saying that this is a great time to buy a home rings so familiar, many people question if there are still benefits to being a homeowner. You’ve probably heard that property values have declined or that it’s much better to rent than buy, yet the truth is that purchasing a home still forms part of the dream of millions.

Here you can see a list of the benefits of buying a home. Indeed, this is also a purchase that comes with obligations. This is why before you decide to buy, you should evaluate whether being an owner would be beneficial for you and your family and whether it fits your current reality.

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1) It Gives You Stability

When you buy, the moves are over year after year, the activities that impact your wallet and the stability of your family. Besides money, it also saves you the time you have to spend picking up your things in the old house and putting them in the new one.

One of the most significant advantages is that if you have children, they won’t have to change schools, except to do so with their group, and they can continue to participate in everyday activities with their friends.

2) You Will Feel Safe Having a Roof for You and Your Family

Being able to call the area you live in “my home” will make you feel confident, entitled, and most importantly, proud. Owning a home will give you a real sense of accomplishment, knowing you achieved one of your most desired personal goals. This will, in turn, contribute to a better quality of life for you and the whole family.

3) Plan for the Long Term

Maybe your house doesn’t look like those in magazines when you buy it, and you dream of changing the interior or even the layout. Even if you can’t do it right away, you can plan numerous improvements for the future. As long as you consider the building codes or restrictions that apply in your community, you will have no problem doing so.

Sometimes the improvements are minor and purely aesthetic, such as having some curtains custom-made for your living room. If you live in a rental house and move, you will probably lose that investment because the dimensions may differ from where you live now.

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4) The Purchase Is an Investment

It is true that, unlike a few years ago, in most cases, you will not see an immediate increase in the value of your property. But in the long run, real estate remains a safe investment, and many experts believe that the worst part of the economic crisis is over and view the future with optimism.
In any case, you must have realistic goals regarding your income. Again, these will not materialize immediately, with few exceptions.

5) Ownership Gives You Independence

You can make your own decisions and eliminate problems with landlords. Many of them are used to inspecting the properties they rent out, which sometimes creates uncomfortable situations for residents.
Being an owner also means that you can paint the interior walls the colour you want, you can keep pets and even replace the carpets and put in that wooden floor you like so much, or you can even build a terrace or an extra room.

If you’re planning to build a new home and need help from experts, the Elite New Homes team has over 16 years in the residential construction industry. They also employ an independent building inspector to review work at lock up and other stages of the building process, and more! Do not hesitate to contact them!

Common Myths About Home Remodelling

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Category : Home Renovation

Home renovations can be quite fun, but there still are many homeowners that cannot handle home remodelling projects by themselves, and often fall for certain home-improvement myths. Therefore, we will debunk some of these myths for you today.

#1. Always Go for Big Renovations and Improvements

When we think of home renovations, instead of thinking about something big and extravagant, why don’t we go for more realistic ones? For instance, what is the use of making huge renovations such as demolishing, installation of new flooring and new fixtures when these improvements only represent additional costs to your budget and do not satisfy you?

#2. Home Remodelling Is a Fast and Easy Process

What made us think that renovation is an easy and fast process? The answer is

DIY Network shows! These televised DIY shows’ illusions of reality have given viewers the impression that renovation projects can be easily accomplished and within a short range of time. However, that’s not how things usually happen. Compared to real-life situations, a reality show is scripted and along with the small crew shown on TV, a large group of people carry out the lion’s share of work when the cameras are not rolling.

Home remodelling is a complex project which requires a large amount of thinking, planning, research, time and arduous effort. Without these factors, home renovations don’t go as well as planned, more problems can arise, including higher than anticipated costs. That’s why it is recommended to hire professionals.

However, even then, you will need to discuss your budget and your expectations with them. Once they have inspected the house, they will decide where to start first, what materials will be required, what types of problems can arise and how much it will cost. So, overall, remodelling is a quite challenging project.

#3. DIY Is Cost-Saving

Suppose that with some DIY tips provided by the Internet, you have been able to unclog a toilet, repair a faucet or paint a room. However, it doesn’t mean that now you can do your home remodelling project yourself. Certain tasks require the expertise of professionals, such as major roofing projects, carpentry work, some electrical repairs, installation of flooring, and other structural work.

#4. Follow Trends

Many homeowners tend to go with the latest design trends for their home remodelling projects. No, it’s not necessary! It is not because Sherwin-Williams named naval blue as the colour of the year that you should paint every room of your house with this colour.

Instead of going with the trends, you can try to go for some more retro style. For instance, if you want to add the 1970s touch to your home, you can integrate the art of macramé in your house. And, if you still want to try trends, stick only with one room instead of the whole house.

#5. Green Is Expensive

Green living has now become a tendency in the 21st century. However, a common myth is that “green” home renovations products can be more costly than traditional ones. This is not totally true. While green living does have higher initial costs, whether you will be installing solar panels or using other green building practices, you will reap the benefits of your investment in the long run.

#6. Swimming Pools Add Value

Many people tend to think that a swimming pool can increase the value of your house. However, there are certain factors that you should consider. First, you should take into consideration your location. For example, if you live in a hot part of the country, a pool might help. But if you live in very cold regions, adding a swimming pool will be like adding a liability.

Now, do you have a more realistic view of home remodelling? Please share your comments!

Having an Aquarium at Home: Everything You Need to Know

Category : Home Renovation

For many years, it has been possible to reproduce aquatic ecosystems within a house. In fact, with the technological advances of recent decades, it has evolved from a small fishbowl to a huge aquarium. However, it is not only a decorative complement to the different spaces of the home. And, deciding to have an aquarium at home can be a challenge at first. Although it is an excellent alternative for contemplating and enjoying a small natural space at home, there are some considerations for its maintenance. And it’s not just a question of where it will be located; it’s also essential to know in advance how it will work, what care it needs and how the fish will receive an environment that is suitable for their lives. Are you considering acquiring one? Here’s what you should keep in mind:

Consider the Space Available

First of all, do you already know where you will put the aquarium? This is very important because the size of the aquarium depends on the available space. Whenever possible, the most suitable option should be chosen; moreover, depending on this, the choice of fish and their quantity will also be made.

Pick Your Fish Type

You need to evaluate the types of fish you wish to have in the aquarium. It should be clear whether you prefer cold water or warm water. The difference between these fish varieties is that cold water fish are more resistant, have slow movements, and are generally peaceful.

On the other hand, those with warm water must stay in an environment between 23ºC and 25ºC. They are preferred because they have bright colors; however, they are more territorial and can trigger fights for their space.

The Water Option Matters

There are several alternatives for conditioning the water before using it to fill the aquarium. First of all, it can be boiled and left to stand. Another option is to let it rest for a day in the sun. Finally, rainwater could be recovered.

If the fish are warm water, you will have to buy a heater and a thermometer to monitor the water temperature. Otherwise, the environment could be degraded, which would lead to the death of the species.

Think About Soil and Plants

Soil and plants are an excellent complement to have a more attractive home aquarium. The ground is almost always made of gravel, i.e., small colored stones. However, some add moss and organic matter. Plants become a refuge for fish. Although artificial plants can be used, we recommend using natural plants to benefit the fish.

Feeding Your Fish

It is essential to keep in mind that fish cannot be fed “just anything”. Inappropriate feeding can shorten your life. Therefore, it is best to give them a unique concentrate of fishmeal, eggs, vegetables, and vitamins. Also, they should only be fed twice a day, following the five-minute rule. This means that food will only be provided during this period. Giving too much food is also dangerous for them.

Light It Up

We must take into account the importance of lighting the aquarium. Unique artificial lights are almost always used, as direct sunlight can cause algae growth. These lights are turned on for 8 to 10 hours a day.

Don’t Overlook Maintenance

When you have an aquarium at home, you must consider the time required to maintain it. Remember that it must be cleaned regularly to keep it in good condition. Water changes and care will depend on the number of fish and the amount of food provided.
– It is best to clean it twice a month (every two weeks, for example). Changing the water can be done in a simple process. Only water can be removed from the bottom using a hose and a gravity tube.
– The habit of removing fish for cleaning is a thing of the past. Some devices allow the removal of waste without altering the environment in which it is found.

You now know what to do before and after purchasing an aquarium for your home. Do you have any other useful tips in maintaining an aquarium? Remember to share them in the comments below!

How to Prevent Soil Compaction on Your Plot (Part 2)

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Category : Home Renovation

This post is a continuation of Part 1 on How to Prevent Soil Compaction on Your Plot. Lately, we have gone through 

– Context of compaction

– Compaction events

– Sources of compaction

We will now cover:

– Preventing compaction to avoid possible disorders 

Prevention of compactions to avoid possible disorders

Soil investigation (geotechnics) and foundations are closely linked and are the essential basis for preventing compaction. Soil investigation and the study of the building’s structure make it possible to assess the pressures exerted.

Adaptation of the foundations

In a building, the foundations ensure the transfer of forces: vertical compression, the building’s weight, overloads, and they respond to the reaction forces of the ground (its bearing capacity).

The type and dimensions of the foundations are thus determined. They imply knowledge of the soil’s nature: a soil study (geotechnical) is therefore strongly recommended. Ignorance of the soil’s geotechnical properties can lead to the construction of foundations that are not deep enough or built on unstable fill or heterogeneous soils of different bearing capacity.

Foundations take various forms depending on the geotechnical study: superficial when the hard ground is close to the surface, deep when the resistant layer of foundation is at a significant depth, special to meet particular criteria such as in marshes.

Good to know:  Earthquake-resistant building regulations must also be complied with depending on the construction region.

Points to watch out for

The depth of the hard ground for the foundations should be determined in the following ways:

    • the cleanliness of the excavation bottoms should be checked to ensure that the footings are poured adequately on the hard ground (clean soil and fill falling to the bottom), 
    • the pouring of the foundations should be postponed in the event of heavy rain (stagnation of water at the bottom of the excavation).

It is also necessary to highlight a soil’s heterogeneities requiring specific adaptations (such as constructing a foundation in wells and long lines to pass an area of unstable embankments).

Good to know: when you build on a subdivision, a soil study linked to the development permit for this subdivision is available and can provide you with information.

Expansion and Compaction Joints

As soon as the masonry walls reach large surfaces, it is necessary to intersect them with joints that respond to:

    • the expansion or shrinkage of the materials, 
    • the difference in load brought by the construction on the foundations,  
    • the presence of heterogeneous ground and therefore different foundations, 
    • the antiseismic protection (antiseismic rules).

The spacing between the joints is determined according to several criteria.

The first is the building’s location: in dry regions on shores, the joints must be provided with every 20 metres, whereas in wet temperate areas, it is every 35 metres in the case of load-bearing masonry.

Then comes the building’s general design, the nature of the masonry materials, the masonry function (load-bearing or not), and the joint’s role.

Good to know: the joint must be regular over the entire height (without contact points) and at most 2 cm wide. On the facade, it must be protected against infiltration by a watertight bead and a joint cover. On the inside wall, the joint can be made with a flexible product with good fire resistance.

 That’s it. All you needed to know about soil compaction. Thank you for staying posted on our new blog posts. Hope the posts from Part 1 till here would be of any help to you. Remember to leave your comments below and share these posts in your network.

How to Decorate with Neutral Colors?

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Category : Home Improvement Home Renovation

Interiors painted in neutral colors – white, gray, black, and beige – can be just as warm and inviting as their more colorful counterparts. But if you don’t pay proper attention to them, you risk living in an insipid and dull space. And we don’t want that to happen, right?

When it comes to interior decorating, neutral colors are as popular as ever, and there are good reasons for this. They are elegant, serene, welcoming, and never go out of style. And unlike stronger colors that can be difficult to match, neutrals work with almost all other colors and are especially well suited. But there are several factors that you must take into account when decorating with a neutral color. But first of all, what are the neutral colors?

 

What are the neutral colors?

There is a lot of debate about defining the neutrals when it comes to colors, but generally, all those colors of low saturation or intensity are considered neutral.

Traditionally, the colors that are considered neutral are:

  • White
  • Black
  • Gray
  • Beige
  • Brown
  • Khaki
  • Ivory

 

Warm and cool neutral colors

However, keep in mind that all these colors can have different tones and shades and can be considered warm or cold (which does not make them less neutral).

  • Warm colors have a stimulating effect.
  • While cool colors tend to be calming and relaxing.

 

So warm pigment paints are ideal for decorating living rooms, dining rooms, and kitchens to keep conversations alive. Most neutral colors have some red, yellow, green, or blue shades that create a feeling of warmth or coolness. Even in the bathroom decoration, a neutral color (whether you choose a cold or warm tone) is especially suitable to create a calm and inspiring atmosphere, and that invites you to spend a lot of time in it.

 

How to decorate with neutral colors

Decorating in a neutral color scheme is generally considered “safe,” but a room with a neutral color can be very bland and boring if you’re not careful. If you’re decorating a room with neutrals, be sure to do it right.

Here are a series of ideas and tips:

 

Play with textures

When decorating with a neutral color scheme, one of the most important things to do is play with as many textures as possible:

 

The texture is what will create the most interest, albeit subtly. And this is very evident in the minimalist decoration. When it comes to using textures in white or painted rooms in neutral colors, you will rarely sin excessively. Whenever possible, use fabrics, such as blankets, furs, and cushions, on top of sofas and chairs. You can also dress the floors with warm and lush rugs, such as the precious and desired Moroccan Beni Ouarain rugs.

 

Art, prints, and photographs on the wall

To decorate walls and break the monotony, you can play with various pictures and photographs.

 

Furniture and Accessories Shapes

When all the colors in a room are almost the same, the shape takes center stage. Don’t just buy furniture at random. Think seriously about the table and accessories’ shapes, since they will be the absolute protagonists, especially in a modern style living room, where simplicity and visual lightness are so important.

 

Architectural Details

To add even more interest to a room painted in a neutral color, it’s great to have some architectural details. Think of things like siding, paneling, ceiling medallions, and even a fireplace. These details can significantly affect a room painted entirely in white, gray, or beige, more so than their colorful counterparts.

 

Warmth

Every room painted in a neutral color needs some warmth. Part of this will be provided through textures, but including materials such as wood can be very helpful, as in Nordic bedrooms. You can put up some wooden coffee tables or side chairs with wooden legs. Warm metals like brass and bronze can also help add warmth.

 

Change the decoration according to the season

Interiors painted in neutral colors are highly versatile and can benefit from seasonal changes. When the weather turns colder, roll up the sisal rugs and replace them with darker colored pieces. And on the contrary, when the good weather starts, replace the curtains with linen ones and change the bedding for lighter colors.

 

Neutral colors are soft, subtle, and combine effortlessly with other colors. And also, they are super elegant. What else do you want?

Colors to Choose to Make a Narrow Bathroom Look Bigger

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Category : Home Renovation

The effect of color in rooms depends on natural light, the shape and size of the room, furniture, accessories, artificial light type, etc. Therefore, before deciding which color to paint or tile a narrow bathroom, we must consider that light and neutral tones tend to be visually distanced from the walls, creating a greater sense of spaciousness. Moreover, they multiply the light intensity, extending it evenly and in all directions. Here are some color combinations to use for this purpose:

1) White Tile or Paint

White is one of the most widely used colors for bathroom walls, especially in small, dark rooms, because it increases the visible space and multiplies brightness. Moreover, it combines with all kinds of furniture, beyond style, material, and tone. It would be best if you chose the tone that best suits your style: from pure white to broken, through a protein or an almond.

2) A Touch of Red

Although red is more suitable in larger bathrooms than narrower ones because of its intensity, the truth is that it is perfect for achieving a fresher and more welcoming atmosphere in combination with white. It is an excellent combination in narrow bathrooms where, the red of the painting resting on the sink countertop is not too conspicuous.

3) Combine Brown and White

Generally, light colors are chosen for painting or tiling the walls of a narrow and long bathroom. However, another simple trick is to use white or neutral tones for the sidewalls, making one or both backgrounds stand out with a darker color. Thanks to this visual trick, the desired optical effect is achieved: space appears wider than it is. It can also be achieved with blue as indigo, green as moss, or gray as charcoal.

4) Play With White Tones and Sand

Warm and serene, these shades are easy to combine and help make the decoration stand out. A good choice would be a soft sand color on the walls and ceiling and without a doubt, a successful contrast with the white of the toilets, the floors and the shower walls!

5) Bet on Blue Tones

Because it is a cold color, blue also tends to visually distance itself from the walls. There is a broad palette to choose from, from light blue, sky, sapphire, or grayish. Each of these shades helps to multiply the brightness of the environment while creating a relaxing and fresh atmosphere.

6) Combine Brown and White

Generally, light colors are chosen for painting or tiling the walls of a narrow and long bathroom. However, another simple trick is to use white or neutral tones for the sidewalls, making one or both backgrounds stand out with a darker color. Thanks to this visual trick, the desired optical effect is achieved: space appears more expansive than it is. In this bathroom, they did it with a wall in intense brown, although it can also be achieved with blue as indigo, green as moss, or gray as charcoal.

7) Choose Earth Tones

They are easy to combine and give rise to a natural environment, especially when in contact with light. Softer shades, such as camel or earth, are also handy for making a narrow bathroom look less narrow, especially if you opt for horizontally arranged tiles. These shades also add warmth in combination with white elements.

8) Decorate With Stone and Gray Colors

Do not opt for very intense shades of gray, as these can be too heavy on a visual level, compromising the environment. This combination will emphasize the rest of the decoration and furniture while offering infinite nuances depending on the type of light.

Which color combination do you prefer? Let us know in the comments below!

Home Renovation: What is Polished Concrete

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Category : Home Renovation

Summary

 

 What is polished concrete?

 On which substrates should this concrete be applied?

 Laying polished concrete

 Price of polished concrete

 

 Polished concrete is part of decorative concretes such as printed concrete, washed concrete, stamped concrete or deactivated concrete.

 

 What is polished concrete?

 Polished concrete is in two words a self- polished or self-levelling mortar. Of soft consistency, it is easily spread with a squeegee.

 

 This polished concrete can be very shiny. Nevertheless, it remains relatively uniform in appearance.

 

 It is, however, possible to colour the concrete directly in the mass.

 

 On which substrates should this concrete be applied?

To simplify things, a DIY enthusiast will find it easier to apply polished concrete on an existing screed.

 

 Polished concrete can be used to create a terrace. In the context of a renovation, it can be placed on any support.

 

 The installation of concrete outdoors will be identical to the structure of polished concrete indoors. However, it can be slippery, which is why after the two passes of the installation of the polished concrete, it will be sanded less to keep a less porous and therefore, less slippery side.

 

 Maintenance will be done regularly with a high-pressure cleaner or only with a squeegee.

 

 To obtain a total harmony, it will be a good idea to choose the colour of the exterior polished.

 

 Caution: it is essential not to treat a polished concrete deck with corrosive products.

 

 Here is how to prepare your floor to receive polished concrete:

 

 – If any roughness is visible, remove it with a wire brush.

 – It is essential to dust the floor with a vacuum cleaner.

 – Then protect the bottom of the walls with strips of adhesive tape to avoid splashing when squeegeeing.

– Once your screed is dry, sound and rough:

 – Apply a coat of adhesive composed of special concrete glue diluted with 50% water.

 – Sand and cement will be added to the glue: you will have to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

 – The mixture must be liquid enough to be applied with a roller.

 

 Laying polished concrete

 To avoid any dripping, it is necessary to make a formwork around the surface to be concreted. For this purpose, formwork boards will be fixed by clamps, for example.

 

 Here are the steps for placing polished concrete:

 

 – The polished concrete mix will be made in a concrete mixer and then poured into the bucket in small quantities.

 – Then spread the mixture with a float.

 – Pour a second bucket, making sure that part of the material is superimposed on the laid material.

 – Spread the concrete with a trowel.

 – Continue in this way over the entire space to be covered.

 – Level with a squeegee and a ruler to obtain a flat floor.

 – The polished concrete layer should not exceed 6 mm.

 – The finishing with a polishing machine will be done on the fresh concrete.

 – Finally, for easy maintenance, use a polymer resin roller.

 

Price of the polished concrete

There are two possibilities for the installation of polished concrete:

 – Either, to call upon a specialised company;

 – Or, you can lay the polished concrete yourself.

In the case of the first choice, it won’t be easy to find a company willing to work for a room or a terrace of less than 50 m2.

If you are lucky enough to find a company that accepts this work, count between $40 and $80 per m2.

In the second case, calculate the cost of materials, the rental of a concrete mixer and a polishing machine and then divide the price of the whole by the number of square meters.

That’s it for polished concrete. Remember to share this post and leave your comments below.

An Ultimate Home Renovation Guide

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Category : Home Renovation

Have you ever decided to renovate your house but confused about where and what to begin with? Should you start with remodelling your living room, your kitchen, or your bathroom? Should you start by demolishing unused spaces, repainting your faded walls, replacing old windows or installing new plumbing systems?

If you are looking for answers to these questions, then you are in the right place.

What are the first steps you need for a home renovation?

Firstly, make a to-do list. List down all the changes that need to be carried out. Analyse all the aspects of your house which require serious remodelling. For example, if notice water stains coming from the roof, you need to repair your roof. If you are getting frequent electrical surges, you may want to check for faulty electrical appliances or consider rewiring your entire system. These issues are among the more common signs that your home needs some TLC.

Secondly, prepare a budget. House renovations are usually expensive projects that require significant investments. Taking into consideration your to-do list, try to analyse and calculate approximately how much the entire job will cost. For example, the expenses for the remodelling of the kitchen could include the cost of adding new quartz countertops, new vintage kitchen faucets and new sleek kitchen appliances. Now, compare your estimated expenditures with your actual funds to see if your renovation project is feasible.

Once you have your budget set, try to prioritise the rooms that desperately need remodelling. For example, if you have a limited amount of resources available, you might want to cross out some minor renovations for next time and focus on the most significant ones.

Who will carry out the renovations?

You can hire professionals for a home renovation. If you recruit a contractor, they will help you with the where, when and how of starting your renovation project. You can also hire an interior designer or architect to get more creative and appealing house concepts. A 2015 survey by Houzz’s staff noted how high-quality results were obtained due to contractors and design-build firms.

However, if you have some DIY skills and equipment, and if your project is small enough, you might be better off handling the renovation yourself so that you can save money.

With the high number of online interior design services and DIY home renovation ideas available to you, you can quickly develop interesting ideas for your home renovation. In addition, you can research the items that you need to buy and look for the cheaper prices. This is known as a cost-saving strategy for all homeowners.

Start the Renovations

Once you have established your priority list, budget, plan, and strategies, the work can begin.

First, it is essential to clean out all the clutter and junk to create more space. Then, as per the design crafted by the contractor or by yourself, the demolishing or remodelling process can start. New plumbing systems are installed, roof leakages are repaired, damaged windows are replaced, fresh paint is applied, concrete floor covering is installed, and brand-new furniture and appliances are arranged.

However, one vital thing to keep in mind while renovating is the budget. According to the 2017 statistics of Houzz, 46 percent of homeowners had exceeded their fixed budgets. Most of the time, it can happen that you have exceeded your set budget. Or, other unexpected issues can arise.

The only way out is to have a backup plan.

A backup involves arranging extra equipment, resources and support of people ahead of time and before the renovation project starts. You make preparations in case your ideas fail or your project turns into a never-ending nightmare. It also ensures that you do not get stuck and do not have to pull your hair out.

According to several home renovators we’ve spoken to: “renovation is like pulling a loose thread on a cheap sweater- the job keeps unravelling.”

Do you have the same opinion? Please share your comments.

How to Renovate an Old House (Part 2)

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Category : Home Renovation

This post is a continuation of Part 1 on How to Renovate an Old House. Lately, we have gone through Facade work, Work on the walls, and the facade’s Materials.

This post will now cover:

    • Renovation of the roof of an old house
    • Renovation of the openings of an old house
    • The interior work

Renovation of the roof of an old house

The renovation of an old roof depends on the materials it is made of and its condition. From simple cleaning to the pure and simple replacement of its covering, the operation requires a professional roofer’s services. Firstly, the roof is a structural element of the house that requires the most outstanding care and because roofing work is dangerous and requires specific know-how and equipment.

Tiles

It is the most used coating on roofs in the USA. But the incomparable durability of the material means that some parts that are more than a hundred years old will sometimes be challenging to replace identically.

Suppose cleaning, defoaming, and treatments are not enough, and too many worn parts need to be replaced. In that case, one should consider completely redoing the roof and choosing tiles that respect the building’s original architecture.

Slates

Widespread in the North and West of the USA, slates also make up a very durable roof covering. Therefore, as with tiles, replacing the most worn parts with the same size models is challenging.

For maintenance, lightly leached water and an anti-foam treatment are sufficient.

Thatched roof

A thatched roof is very authentic and very insulating but less durable. It requires regular maintenance and must be completely redone every 40 years. It implies specific know-how that only a thatcher will be able to accomplish.

Gutters

Fundamental to the durability of roofs, the proper evacuation of rainwater must be the subject of particular care. Once the gutters have been cleaned and unclogged, they must be checked for water tightness, the slightest leak must be traced, and the most damaged segments must be replaced when necessary.

Note: Complete roof renovation is an opportunity to insulate it from the outside and check the roof structure’s general condition. By exposing the surface, you can access these usually inaccessible parts of the building. In an old house, it will be necessary to make sure that the structure is not damaged and improve the insulation to get closer to today’s thermal standards.

Renovating openings in an old house

This is a delicate point in the renovation of old houses. Unless you have a large budget, it is impossible to preserve old joinery without sacrificing the house’s thermal comfort.

In other words, you will have to choose between keeping your old doors and windows that are not very resistant to outside temperatures and noise or replacing them with current models that are more insulating.

Good to know: when the trees on the property are indicated on the house’s cadastral plan, their felling must be reported to the town hall, which may sometimes order them to be replanted.

The interior work

Unless your home is a heritage property, what you do with the interior is your business. It’s up to you to choose the level of comfort you hope to obtain, taking care to secure the building.

Structure of the building

 

The load-bearing walls, bracing beams, floors, stairs, and chimneys must be thoroughly inspected. Renovating an old house is often an opportunity to update its structural elements. Therefore, it is essential to take advantage of this opportunity to clean and treat them (insecticides and fungicides for wooden beams, anti-rust for metal beams) and to replace them if necessary.

Electricity

It is essential to consider the electrical network in the renovation of an old house. For example, the internal structure of cables, plugs, and switches must be brought up to current standards for obvious safety reasons.

Therefore, it is imperative to entrust this work to a professional electrician to remove the old circuit and install the new one. His intervention will also allow you to prove to your insurance company that the house is adequately secured.

Insulation

In an old house, insulation is sometimes non-existent or provided by obsolete means. To guarantee a correct comfort level without exploding your heating bill, you will have to act by reinforcing it.

If the facade is beautiful, it is from the inside that you will have to proceed by fixing insulation against the walls before partitioning them. If, on the other hand, the facade requires an exterior lining, then it will be possible to preserve the interior walls.

Heating

An old house also means old-fashioned heating. Between the chimneys open to the 4 winds and the boilers of another age, an old house’s renovation also involves replacing such equipment.

Fireplaces can be closed by inserts or even replaced by stoves for more efficient heating.

So, that’s it for the renovation of an old house. Should you have more tips and ideas, please remember to comment below and share this post with your friends.

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