Adding up the costs for a bathroom remodeling project

Before beginning any bathroom remodeling, you should create a budget. Pick an amount of money you can reasonably afford, and then check the costs of supplies to estimate what you can do in your remodeling project. It is wise to save about 20 percent of your budget to cover emergencies. They do happen. Keep in mind, too, the costs of professional help from plumbers or electricians. These services cost significantly more than doing the job yourself, so do whatever work you can. You may want to do your own painting, lay your tile, or decorate the new bathroom yourself. The extra work you do will let you be creative and have fun while saving money.

Online sites exist to help you estimate the cost of your bathroom remodeling. The Web sites have several remodeling scenarios to select; for example, adding a bathtub or redoing the walls. The calculators ask you your location, the size of your bathroom, the preparation work needed, and the amount and type of supplies you'll need. These sites are an easy way to plan your bathroom remodeling costs in minutes.

It also helps to talk with other people, either in person or online, who have remodeled their own bathrooms. They may alert you to great deals, products to avoid or unexpected costs they encountered. You can never do too much research. Check out the national averages of bathroom remodeling costs and get estimates from local contractors. If you are hiring someone to do work in your bathroom, don't be afraid to purchase the supplies. It may save significant costs.

The costs of supplies add up. A typical sink costs between $60 and $100, but higher-end sinks cost hundreds of dollars. Vinyl flooring is the cheapest, starting at around $3 a foot. Ceramic tile is usually triple the price of vinyl. Basic bathtubs cost a few hundred dollars, and whirlpool tubs thousands. Showers cost between $300 and $2,000. Traditional toilets cost under $200, but smaller or fancier toilets can cost up to $1,500. Paint costs around $50, wallpaper $60, and new accessories can cost anywhere from a few dollars to a hundred dollars. The important thing is to plan properly and shop wisely to keep a bathroom remodeling cost within your budget. You can always add more later on because after one bathroom remodeling experience, you will have the skills to tackle more.

What about faux finishes for you kitchen cabinets?

Faux finished cabinets are finding a welcome home in today's kitchens. From the most timeworn distressed looks to high-end lacquered finishes, a decorative painter can add just the right touch from his artist's pallet to create the exact design and style most appropriate for your dream kitchen.

As we all know so very well, the kitchen is the heart of the home. It's our source of comfort and joy. Whether we're preparing a meal for our loved ones or just hanging out with our friends, the kitchen is the place everyone loves to be the best. And these days, the makeup of our kitchen environs is getting the attention it deserves.

Older kitchens are being remodeled and expanded. The kitchens in new homes are bigger than ever and are more accessible, too. Everything that goes into making a perfect space is being included -- professional cooking equipment, granite countertops, sophisticated lighting, and especially important is stunningly beautiful cabinetry.

Giving the kitchen a particular feel can be easily achieved through decorative painting on the cabinets -- whether the look is farmhouse French, Swedish country, or even slick contemporary.

A sophisticated and experienced faux finisher has at his command many finishes and materials that can fit the needs of the interior designer, homebuilder and homeowner. He is able to provide information on the best colors and most suitable techniques, plus bring unique artistic insights to the job.

Some of the faux effects that are popular in kitchens these days include one or a combination of the following:

• Dry-brushing
• Stippling
• Stains and paints
• Ragged glazes
• Metallic finishes
• Antique distressed finishes

Pricing for the finishes depends upon the level of complexity and the material used to get that “just right” look. If your kitchen cabinetry is freshly painted, then a simple dry-brushed finish may be all you need, and is usually inexpensive. However, the more steps that are involved in a process, the more the price goes up. A knowledgeable faux finisher can work within your budget while giving you the best possible look to complete your dreams.

I encourage you to contact an experienced professional faux finisher for a free consultation when you are ready to begin your kitchen project. Discuss your ideas with a faux finish expert -- look at colors, styles, techniques and samples. Then develop the perfect combination for your dream kitchen. Ask detailed questions, get references, ask to see photos, and if possible go to a kitchen the faux finisher has completed to check out his quality and level of competence. Make your heart of the home as perfect as you deserve.

Perfect fillers for your pillows and comforters

There is a range of choices for pillow and comforter fillers, from the traditional to the most high tech. Which is desired will depend on individual circumstances, of course. But those choices are always made more wisely when informed by a little knowledge.

Filling issues divide neatly into two closely related categories: material and geometry. But far from being a strenuous exercise in chemistry or math, learning about the different types can be fun and useful to anyone seeking the best in bedding.

Baffling and down used in comforters are a good illustration of the relationship between material and geometry. Natural goose down is often used in fine bed coverings. But it helps if the down is pocketed in tiny cells. That helps prevent it moving around and keeps it from being crushed so quickly.

Baffling is one very common way to do that.

Fabric 'walls' are sewn into the form of cells stuffed with down. That keeps the down from shifting or bunching, leading to less warmth and ruining the visual appeal of a good comforter. It allows the down to maximize loft, the ability of the down to fill the empty space.

The degree to which it can do that is known as the fill power, a number that ranges between 500-800. Anything greater than 625 is considered superior. The higher the number, in general, the greater the ability to insulate well and the greater the comfort or cushioning.

Sometimes, though, even cotton, wool or synthetic fibers can do a very good job both in pillows and comforters. When used in this way, it's called batting and having good batting is key to any comfortable, long lasting bedding. Good batting makes good bedding.

But which kind of cotton is used often makes the difference between so-so and superior. There's a reason, for example, that Egyptian cotton is so highly prized and praised. It has the longest staple - the length of an individual fiber - of any cotton in the world. As such, it provides the best strength and hence durability, along with the highest comfort.

Goose down is another popular filling for either application. Apart from the geometry we talked about above, the material itself has its own internal geometry and chemical properties that make it ideal for filling. It traps air within the feather that provides excellent natural insulation. That, combined with the 'walls' that form the space the air is trapped in, gives it staying power, as well.

Still, even modern materials like polyester and polyurethane can do a great job when they're well made. They have high strength and retain their resiliency for a long time. They shed water well and don't mildew.

So when you look for a quality pillow or comforter to complement and complete that bed set, don't neglect to investigate the filling. You don't have to be a scientist to appreciate what it can offer.

Garage doors that look good and function well

The new generation of garage doors is reasonably priced, safe and easy to install and they are no longer a convenience for only a select few. You should consider changing your garage door if it is too old or if it has an old motor or pulley system.

The garage doors can be selected by the type of the chain system they use: screw-drive system, chain drive system or computer controlled system. The screw drive system has a mechanism that moves the length of a steel rod; it is a lifting mechanism that is mounted in your garage ceiling. The chain drive system is made of a chain that moves the door along a pair of tracks; this is the most common and affordable system but also has the disadvantage of being extremely noisy. The computer drive mechanism doesn’t use any screws or chains; the system’s body is mounted above the door.

The speed and the type of power are other factors used in selecting a new garage door. A faster door means a more expensive one, but this feature reduces the waiting time on your driveway. Even though it opens quickly, a door usually closes pretty slow for safety. The power of the motor is important in choosing a door because it has to have enough power to raise the door; a large motor is likely to last longer. Also the quietness of the motor should be another decision factor.

Enhanced security features can be found in a newer generation door that uses random codes. A new random code is generated each time the remote control is used to open the garage door. This security code prevents you from opening another garage and vice versa. The remote control may be found in several models with a different number of buttons. A multiple button remote control is the best choice for someone who has several garages. The fixed controller is mounted on the wall either inside or outside, near the garage door and it allows the garage door to open without a remote controller. The keypad allows to close the door for a specific period of time and it provides enough time to exit the garage without running.

Safety features are present on every garage door. These features prevent the door from crushing objects or people by reversing the direction if it hits something. This safety feature is triggered by an electronic beam and it is mandated by law. A computer-controlled mechanism can detect or compensate for varying conditions, for example if the door is coming in contact with an obstruction or is closing too fast.

What about some cool floor lamps for your home?

A floor lamp is a great addition to a home. These lamps are great for lighting a small area or a large area. They add a distinct look to a room. They come in many styles and designs. Many are able to be matched to your furniture, curtains, or other accessories. Floor lamps are a great design feature in a room as well as a necessary feature in providing light.

Floor lamps come in different styles and shapes. Most are tall, like 6 feet or taller and have an open faced feature at the top to allow light to filter towards the ceiling. This allows the light to spread out in a soft, but effective way and illuminate an area. These lamps can also be halogen floor lamps which are much more cost effective and energy saving.


The designs of floor lamps vary. You can find a multitude of styles, colors, and features available in these lamps. Floor lamps can have an added texture as well. A decorative lamp shade or glass globe with etched or stenciled designs can be a great touch to a room. You can find contemporary floor lamps and elegant floor lamps, You can find stylish and sleek or funky and wide looks in floor lamps. There is an unlimited amount of choice available to you. And, to find these floor lamps you don't have to look far. Many discount department stores carry them. Or, to find a bigger selection try, your local home improvement store. You can also find lighting specialty stores with a huge supply there. Lastly, you can find many to choose from online.Floor lamps are an easy, inexpensive way to add to your room. They create a area to work in, to read in, or light an entire room. Floor lamps are accessories in a room as well. They add to the room in light quantity and in the style and feel that they offer as well. Floor lamps are a great addition to a room.

A touch of elegance for your home with stained glass

If there is one way to throw a new light on your home, it's through the stained glass you put in your windows. Whether you want to enhance old windows by replacing some of the panes, or are complementing the new Pella windows you've installed, stained glass can lend an air of grace and quiet elegance to a room.

Where and how you incorporate stained glass into a window treatment depends a great deal on the style of windows you have, and what you want to spend to achieve that multi-colored glow.

In an older home that has wood framed windows with six or nine panes, it's possible to take out the upper row of glass, and replace those panes with new ones cut from older stained glass that can be salvaged from yard sales, flea markets and auctions.

New stained glass that is handmade, can be quite costly due to the craftsmanship that goes into it. That's why cutting old panels of stained glass is a cost-effective alternative, that can give you several panes from one sheet. Even if the glass has small cracks or separations in the colored sections, they are easily repaired.

If you have installed a Pella casement window in your kitchen, a semi-circle of stained glass framed and set into the wall over top, will add jewel tones to the warmth of morning sunlight. Or you might choose to replace the entire bathroom window with stained glass, making it a decorative way to preserve your privacy.

The old and the new can come together in harmony. Take a look at your home and consider whether you'd like to warm up the house with stained glass, or combine it with the sophistication of new Pella windows. It's a pairing guaranteed to create a unique new look.

A fireplace for a cozy time during the cold winter days

Installing a fireplace in a home is a big decision. Installing a fireplace is as difficult as it is necessary to find the right location, ventilation, and safety aspects. Therefore, it will more than likely be installed by a professional. All this can add up to a large expense. There are also many things to consider when choosing which fireplace is the right model and design for the home it will go into.

Fireplaces are great for cold winter nights. They add a dimension to the home and a sense of style. Maybe the thought of warm hot chocolate on a snowy winter day is a motivating factor in purchasing a fireplace? Adding a fireplace mantel above to store precious items to show off is also a consideration? To find the right fireplace, consider several options.

The first option to choose when looking into purchasing a fireplace is which type it will be. Gas fireplaces allow for one choice. Another choice is an electric fireplace. Each offers mostly the same features, except the obvious difference. Which of these is best for the home is a choice the homeowner will need to make. Consider the safety aspects as well as the functionality of each.

Assuming that a fireplace inside the home is out of the question, there is still another option. An outdoor fireplace is ideal in this situation. They are becoming more and more popular and can even be found in the average home improvement store. Outdoor fireplaces come in many styles and sizes. These are great options in communities where an open fire is not permitted.

Fireplaces can add a lot to a home including value. It is important though to remember safety is key and having it professionally installed is probably the best choice. The fireplace can be a great place to spend a winter night. Consider adding one to the home as an investment in the home and in the quality of life.

How about making your own roman shades for that unique touch?

Roman shades are a simple and elegant window treatment to block the sun or prying neighbors. Nicer than plain plastic shades, but less expensive than ornate window shades, Roman shades provide the perfect start to a beginning home decorator.

Roman shades can be purchased from home improvement or department stores, or they can be custom made by in interior designer. The cheapest way to decorate your home with Roman shades is to make them yourself. Get ready to refresh your math skills!

To make Roman shades, first measure the window you’d like to put them in. Measure the height and width of the window from inside its frame. Or, if you want the shade to cover more than the window, measure the height and width of the surface the shade will cover. Your shade will probably need to be between 45 and 54 inches wide.

Before you shop for your fabric, you’ll need to calculate the number of dowels and the amount of fabric you’ll need. To figure out how many dowels you will need, divide the window height by six to nine inches, which will be the space between each dowel fold. You’ll need to find a number that goes evenly into your window height. For example, if your window height is 64 inches, divide by six. You’ll then need eight dowels for eight pleats. Each dowel needs 1.5 inches, so multiplied by eight, you’ll need an extra 12 inches of fabric. You’ll also need an extra six inches of fabric to mount the shade, meaning you’ll need 18 extra inches for this example. Add this to your window height to get your final height. Add two inches of fabric to your window width. Now you have the size of the fabric you need. Whew!

Next, the fun part: selecting the fabric of your shade. Shades without busy patterns are the easiest to work with because you won’t need to make sure the pattern blends seamlessly with each fold. If your window gets southern light, consider picking a near-shear fabric. This will produce a warm, soothing light in your room. Take a picture or your room, fabric swatches of your furniture, and a paint sample of your room when you shop. You don’t want to finish making your Roman shade to discover it clashes with the rest of your room!

While you are out buying your fabric, buy the rest of your supplies:

• Drapery-lining fabric. You’ll need an extra 0.25 inches to cover the mounting board.
• Blind cord
• Window cleat
• Quarter-inch diameter window dowels, 0.25 inches smaller than the window width
• A wooden mounting board, 0.25 inches smaller than the window width that’s 1x2 inches.
• Half-inch diameter shade rings
• Screw eyes
• Staple gun
• Chalk or air-soluble marker
• Yardstick

The easiest way to make a shade uses lots of pictures and few words. Find instructions at a home improvement store or for free online to make your own Roman shade. Find patterns that make the type of Roman shade you want, whether it is flat, pleated, or with a sunburst. You’ll probably need a sewing machine to make the Roman shade quickly, especially to attach the lining to the fabric. With patience you can make your own Roman shade.

Every bedroom deserves a closet organizer!

Luckily for those with limited closet space, or who just like to keep everything in its place, there are 1,001 closet organizer units and styles.

Modular units are perpetually popular, and for good reason. They come in a style that are stackable and are simple vertical walls with horizontal surfaces. They also come in drawer styles that provide space for shirts, socks and other small items.

Some systems can be special ordered to fill your exact space with every kind of organizer known to man. Built-in shelfs, adjustable racks, movable rods and every other arrangement imaginable can be had in a few clicks.

Woods are an ever popular selection. Oak, cherry, walnut and virtually every other species used for furniture is available for the asking. They can be ordered finished or unfinished if you have a special stain or just enjoy doing it yourself.

Plastic, metal and composite materials are also easy to find in any color or design you could wish for. Plain black or checkerboard, solid red or with an elaborate design, they're all here. Even temporary cardboard closet dresser drawer units can be ordered.

Specialized shoe organizers are very handy. Some styles hang from a sturdy hanger and offer pockets that will accommodate any style or size. Others mount on the closet wall or back side of the door. Slippers, evening shoes, flip-flops, running shoes... anything you can put on your feet can all be housed conveniently. That frees up space on the closet floor.

If you have a little floor space, a floor model shoe organizer filled with racks to accommodate your footwear is easy to find. You can order stackable or stand alone units. Some use metal prongs that flip out to hold the shoes at an angle. Others have a series of wooden pegs from which the shoe hangs for easy access and maximum style. Still others provide cloth no-scuff pockets in a variety of sizes or just small cubbyholes.

Wine racks are even starting to become part of the closet organizer. Closets are often cool all day and all night and they provide a great place to keep that special vintage until it's ready. Modular units with X-shaped inserts make an easy-to-use and expandable option.

Garment storage limitations can be solved in a jiffy. Everything from clear, vinyl to ultra-high end leather garment storage bags are available.

Need something to hang those dozen ties from? No problem. Looking for something to accommodate a dozen belts? Equally easy. One hanger with a swivel head and prongs or hooks can store a dozen easily. Some are even battery driven so you can hang belts or ties on a miniature dry-cleaner type movable assembly. Press the button and your favorite item rotates around for easy access.

Hangers, shelf dividers and a hundred different types of accessory hoop are there for the asking. Need a hanger with four hooks for belts or jewelry? Easy. Need something to store a hundred pairs of socks or stockings? Click, click. What could be easier? And you thought you were going to have to knock out a wall to get a bigger closet.

Have you thought about installing that jacuzzi?

Jacuzzi's are a great recreational and health benefit for a home. Having some idea what type and what uses you will have for it, are keys to purchasing the right one for you.

There's nothing like going to a hotel and finding out you are in the jacuzzi suites! Of course, many people request this when traveling. Jacuzzis can take away a lot of stress and worry just in a few minutes time. Jacuzzi tubs can be added to your home as well giving you a great place to unwind after a long day. A jacuzzi tub is normally larger then the average bathtub and requires a lot more knowledge to install. Obviously, the wiring and power to the jacuzzi is important and should be handled by a professional.So, where to start? Start by knowing what you can afford and how much room is available to you. Jacuzzi's come in many different shapes and also in different qualities. Some often fit the corner of a bathroom as opposed to along a single wall like most bathtubs. This can give you added space in a small bathroom. Finding the right jacuzzi isn't all that hard. Most major home improvement stores will have a selection to start to look at. If, you are not satisfied with the selection there or would like more options, check into specialty stores for more choices. Often times, these places will also offer installation as well. Beware of the extra costs for installation though. Home improvement stores also offer jacuzzi parts if the need arises as well. But, make sure to keep your warranty and guarantees safe since these parts will undoubtedly be expensive if they are not covered by your policy.

Jacuzzi's aren't just found in your local jacuzzi spas anymore. Jacuzzi's have long been known for the way the relax and help us unwind. Having one at home will not only help you unwind from a long day, but it gives you an extra measure of privacy not found in jacuzzi spas. While this investment can be costly, it can have great long term benefits for the owner. It is an investment in your home as well as your health. And the process is not that difficult in finding one that suits your needs.