A Homeowner’s Guide to Home Renovation Projects
Suggestions and advice for how to approach common home renovation projects, including basement finishing, bathroom remodeling, and kitchen renovation projects.
Basement Flooring Ideas for Finishing Your Below-Grade Space
Finishing the basement floor is a good way to enhance the aesthetic appeal and comfort of a basement, making it a more desirable space to work, play, or relax. Basement flooring material options include epoxy, paint, concrete stain, sheet vinyl, vinyl plank, ceramic tile, rubber flooring, carpet tile, engineered wood, and cork - each with pros and cons. Learn about the different basement flooring material options and the positives and negatives of each.
Bathroom Flooring Ideas That Are as Durable as They Are Stylish
When planning a bathroom installation as part of a basement finishing project, there are many flooring types to select from. All options should be able to handle frequent moisture, temperature changes, high humidity levels, be a non-slip surface, and be easy to clean. Common bathroom flooring materials include ceramic, porcelain, vinyl, waterproof laminate flooring, linoleum, concrete, natural stone, cork, bamboo, and terrazzo - each with pros and cons. Learn about different flooring options for your finished basement bathroom installation or upcoming bathroom remodel.
How a Sustainable Kitchen Remodel Can Save You Money
According to the Remodeling 2023 Cost vs. Value Report, projects like a minor kitchen remodel can offer a return on investment of more than 85 percent. And choosing appliances, fixtures, and materials that are more sustainable and energy-efficient than the previous units can not only help the environment, but could also attract more buyers should you want to sell your home. For example, upgrading to a more efficient faucet and dishwasher can enhance the functionality and aesthetics of a kitchen, as well as help reduce household water use by 30 percent. Learn ideas for your upcoming basement kitchen or kitchenette installation and how to include sustainable material and fixtures that could yield energy and cost savings.
The Best Kitchen Countertop Materials
Choosing a kitchen countertop material for a kitchen remodel - or a basement finishing project with a kitchen or kitchenette - that best suits the way you use your kitchen is just as important as how the material looks. Considerations when selecting a kitchen countertop material should include the integral strength of the material; durability against heat, spills, and stains; how easy is it to clean; sealing requirements; and longevity. Possible kitchen countertop materials include quartz, granite, laminate, marble, butcher block, soapstone, terrazzo, and stainless steel. Learn about characteristics of countertop materials for your kitchen - or basement kitchen or kitchenette - installation to determine which best suits your needs.
Walk-In Shower Ideas for Your Basement Remodeling Project
Adding a walk-in shower to your bathroom as part of a basement remodeling project can make a bathroom look bigger, make it more accessible, provide more flexibility for a bathroom design, and yield a higher return on investment. Get walk-in shower design ideas for your bathroom remodeling project.
Important Things to Know When Insulating Basement Walls
Installing basement wall insulation and basement ceiling insulation as part of a basement finishing project can help walls keep heat in a basement during cold months and prevent heat from entering a basement in warmer months. Before insulating basement walls, there are important tasks that should be completed and considerations that can prevent future damage to your finished basement. Learn about basement insulation types and considerations when installing insulation materials.
Difference Between Gas and Electric Fireplaces
It is common for new homes to have gas fireplaces or electric fireplaces instead of a traditional wood fireplace since they are less expensive to install, cleaner, easier to maintain, and more efficient. Some homeowners are even converting existing wood-burning fireplaced to gas or electric, as the conversion can increase the value of a home and make it more appealing. Learn about differences between gas fireplaces and electric fireplaces and considerations when including the appliance in a home remodeling project.
How Long Does Bathroom Shower Grout Take to Dry
Bathroom shower tile grout that doesn’t dry and cure properly, or gets wet before it cures, could allow water to seep into gaps and behind tiles or cause it to flake or peel. It is important for grout to fully cure to ensure a durable, well-bonded structure, and there is no set drying and curing time for bathtub and shower tile grout. Factors that impact grout drying and curing time include type of grout used, room temperature, and humidity levels. Learn about different grout types and factors impacting drying and curing time.
The Cost of a Whirlpool Bath Remodeling Project
The installation of a jetted tub as part of a bath remodeling project typically requires installation of a concrete slab or joists and additional electrical components. Other factors that impact the cost of a whirlpool bath remodeling project include the type and size of the jetted tub, framing and plumbing required for installation, and labor costs for the area. Learn about factors to consider when planning for a bathroom remodel or basement finishing project that includes a jetted bathtub.