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Home Improvement InformationKitchen and Bath Solutions
by:
ARA
(ARA) - House improvement has become one of our country’s greatest pastimes. Americans spent an calculable
$214 billion on home improvements, maintenance and repairs in 2001, according to Harvard’s Joint Center for Housing Studies research report issued in Gregorian calendar month
2003. Simply how and wherever
that money is spent can do a big difference once
it comes to finance
in your home.
Of all the rooms in your house, bathrooms represent the greatest and quickest
return on your remodeling investment. According to Remodeling Magazine, more than 80 pct of your bathroom remodeling expenses can be recouped inside
a year of resale. Not every room in the home offers such a return. Surprisingly, kitchens are sixth on the list with simply over 60 pct of the price returned. Only bathroom additions beat bathroom remodeling with returns over 90 percent.
Despite today’s homeowner remodeling craze, you should weigh the pros and cons of taking on an entire bathroom project alone. Noesis -- including admitting your strengths and weaknesses -- is the key to with success
complementary any project on time and under budget. Ask yourself the following remodeling questions to ensure you are fashioning the better decisions for your investment.
Is it a Remodel or Makeover?
“The 1st consideration should be the scope of work,” says Rick Peters, remodeling expert and author of “MoneySmart Makeovers: Bathrooms.” He asks: “Do you understand your home’s plumbing systems, such as wherever
the waste/vent stack is?”
If the remodeling project involves more than cosmetic fixture replacements or surface redecorating, it may be time to call in an expert to assess your home’s plumbing and pipe placement. Peters suggests the following checklist:
Call a remodeling contractor when:
* Moving a toilet, sink, tub or shower
* Removing or adding walls
* Beginning emanation that runs through the roof
All of these projects require specific skills and noesis of your local building and plumbing codes.
Try the following makeover projects yourself:
* Commutation a faucet, sink or toilet mistreatment existing plumbing
* Beginning shower or shower-tub combination doors
* Beginning new accessories, such as shelves or light fixtures
* Painting, coating or wallpapering
These projects require several skill base, but even as a first-time do-it-yourselfer may be able to complete them in a reasonable timeframe.
What’s the Real Deal on What You Want?
Tempted by what looks good? Check out the quality. Makes that new regulator
have rubber washers or plastic valves? A client of mine bought a regulator
five years ago with plastic valves and it lasted exactly four and a half years. Cheaper versions of the real thing are not serviceable
and have to be replaced entirely. This means you are defrayal double
as more in 10 years as you would-be once in a lifespan for a better faucet.
Look for quality fixture manufacturers such as American Standard. The company’s Champion Toilet featuring America’s Better Flushing System, includes a Worry-Free Decade Assurance that covers the whole toilet inside and out. American Standard’s faucets move with a lifespan assurance on the washerless watertight seal, the function and the finish. Most of its sinks and toilets are ready-made of vitreous china that resists dirt and bacteria. Even as the acrylic tubs are ready-made tougher with a fiberglass bonding for extra strength.
Bottom line: “Your bathroom takes a daily beating,” says Peters. “Buy quality.”
Is There a Great Cover-up Waiting for You?
A number of times, I’ve ventured into bathrooms that have been madeover by covering damaged tiles or walls with acrylic panels. “Sure it looks better, but the problem is still there,” says Peters. “In fact, panels like these hold in wetness
and mildew that was the problem in the 1st place, and now it wish get worse. Do sure leaks and damage are repaired and not simply covered up.”
Peters as well suggests mistreatment a mildew resistant drywall. “Standard drywall can’t stand up to the wetness
in the air, even as with proper venting,” he notes.
What’s your pay-off in finance
time to answer these important questions before you start? You’ll end up with a eminent bathroom remodeling project that adds to the value and enjoyment of your home.
Courtesy of ARA Content
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Courtesy of ARA Content
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