Bathroom Renovation Ideas for 2021

Bathroom renovations come in all shapes and sizes, from a full remodel to some small upgrades. Furthermore, there is no need for you to break the bank if you want to spruce up the bathroom a little bit. If you’ve decided that 2021 is the year for you to finally update your bathroom, keep on reading for some ideas.

Install new tiles

In case you have a few cracked tiles in your bathroom, you should be thinking about replacing them. Not only are cracks unsightly but they can also create structural problems if water seeps into them and penetrates the subfloor. Moreover, you can also opt for this project if you simply don’t like the current color scheme of the bathroom. When picking the new tiles, there are several things to keep in mind. First, you need to find the right shade. Then, consider the size of the tiles. Finally, decide on the pattern you will use. There are many options available, from black and white chevron tiles on the floor to navy blue wall tiles in a diamond pattern.

Replace your shower with a bathtub

Maybe you want to tackle a bigger project. In that scenario, consider replacing your shower with a tub or vice versa. For example, if you have the space for a bathtub and you’d like to have a relaxing bubble bath every once in a while, this is a great move. You can choose from a wide array of bathtubs that are available on the market, whether you want a freestanding clawfoot one or an alcove one. On the other hand, if your bathroom feels cramped and you don’t really use the tub that often, opting for a walk-in shower will provide your family with all the extra space you might need for storage. Lastly, you also have the option of combining the two approaches. For example, adding a glass panel next to your tub is probably the most affordable alternative here.

Opt for floating elements

Something else you can think about if you have a small bathroom is getting floating elements. By mounting them on the wall, you will be freeing up some floor space which can help create the illusion of a bigger bathroom. For instance, you can get a new floating vanity or a floating toilet. Fortunately, these elements are available in a variety of styles so whether you want a high gloss white vanity or one that has a more natural look, you will be able to complete your bathroom with no issues.

Swap out the faucets

Swapping out the faucets is a small and more affordable project that can make a big difference. If you’re handy, this is something that you can do in a few hours. If your showerhead currently feels subpar, get a new model. Perhaps a rainfall showerhead is exactly what you need. Then, you can swap out the faucet in the bathroom for a low-flow model or even look into sensor-activated ones that will ensure you are not wasting any water. With so many bathroom brands on the market, you have amazing options at your disposal. In terms of color, everything from matte black and brushed gold to chrome and brass is available.

Get new hardware pieces

Besides new faucets and showerheads, you can also replace all the other hardware pieces in the bathroom. While there might not be too many of them, having them match your color scheme can really tie everything together. So, towel racks, toilet paper holders, vanity handles, soap dispensers, toothbrush holders, and similar items should also be swapped with updated versions.

Improve the lighting

While on the topic of hardware, you should not overlook the lighting situation in your bathroom. Is there enough light to put on your makeup or shave in the morning? Can the lights be dimmed when you want a relaxing bath? Keep all of these things in mind when thinking about the lighting fixtures. For starters, you want bright task lights around the mirrors. Then, you can install a dimmer switch that will allow you to control the brightness of your overhead lighting fixtures. Moreover, if you want to make a statement, you should invest in a focal fixture like a chandelier or a pendant that will make the space more elegant.

Add radiant floor heating

If you’re working with a bigger budget, you can even consider installing a radiant floor heating system. No matter if you choose an electric or water-based system, you will ensure there are no cold spots in your bathroom, which will create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Plus, this means that you will save on space as no radiators will be taking up the walls. Of course, this is best done while you’re also replacing the floor tiles.

Invest in smart technology

Smart home technology is taking over the world. If you’ve already invested in some smart home elements like security and entertainment, you can also make your bathroom more connected to the whole home. For example, a smart toilet is more hygienic than the average toilet as it has many automated and hands-free features. Additionally, the seat can be pre-warmed. Moreover, you can also control the lights with an app, play relaxing music by simply saying a voice command, or start a bath by telling a virtual assistant to do so.

Regardless of the budget you are working with, there is a variety of ways how you can revamp your bathroom in 2021. The options abound from replacing hardware items and installing new lighting fixtures to changing tiles and adding a bathtub, so put your thinking cap on, make a plan and start renovating.

Guest Contributor: Theodora Evans

How to Solve the Most Common Garage Issues and Malfunctions

Have you been experiencing some problems with your garage? You probably spend time there every day, whether parking your car, working on projects or even having a party. When something goes wrong with a highly used area of your home, it can be an inconvenience. 

Here’s how to solve the most common garage issues and malfunctions so you can get yours back to working order.

Issue 1: Clutter

Most homeowners would agree that a cluttered garage is common. Garages are a space for extra storage, but when they’re overstuffed, you’re probably not making the most of it. 

When you use a garage to the best of its abilities, you’ll have a lot more room to spare. Here’s how to bust the clutter:

• Add cabinets: Cabinets or other upright storage shelves are great in garages. They can hide your tools and other items while keeping everything neat and tidy.

• Store items on the wall: A few hooks will allow you to store items by hanging them on the wall. Rakes, shovels and other tools can easily lay flat and add more space.

• Install overhead racks: Overhead racks are ideal for items you don’t use as often. They’re out of sight and out of mind until you need them.

Go through all the items in your garage, throw out or recycle what you don’t use, and use label boxes and storage containers. Then use these storage tips to keep the mess at bay.

Issue 2: Poor Insulation

Poor insulation defeats the purpose of having a garage, which is to store things to keep them out of harsh weather conditions. 

Insulate your garage walls first. If there’s an attic above it, insulate that as well. Any insulation will work fine here. An insulated garage will save energy, and you’ll be able to keep items safe from the weather. 

Issue 3: Faulty Garage Door

Garage doors serve as the largest entryway to your home, so you want to be sure it’s operating correctly and safely. Here are a few signs it’s time to inspect your garage door: 

• It suddenly slams shut.

• There are straining sounds coming from the springs.

• It feels heavier when you try to open it.

• You feel a draft coming in from the bottom of the door.

Replacing the torsion springs will fix most of these issues. For the last sign, you should apply new weatherstripping. 

Issue 4: Damaged Floor

Do you notice cracks all along your garage floor? If so, you might consider finishing it. Cars drive over it, and there is heavy foot traffic in some areas. Sometimes, the floors crumble, chip and have an unpleasant look. 

If all you have here is a cement layer, you might want to consider a garage floor finish. You can add a layer of epoxy or even heavy-duty floor mats. If you use your garage for entertainment, you can add carpet or an indoor flooring option. 

Issue 5: Inadequate Lighting

If you work in your garage, poor lighting can be more than just an inconvenience: It can pose a safety hazard. Garages are full of tools and other dangerous equipment, so it’s necessary to see where you’re going. 

The solution is simple — add more light or replace the ones you have. Fluorescent lights and LEDs work great in garages because they provide ample light, save energy and last a long time. If you would rather have natural light, add more windows. 

Issue 6: Nonfunctioning Garage Door Opener

When leaving your garage or coming home to it, you want to be able to open the garage door with the touch of a button. In colder weather or rain, the last thing you want to do is get out of your car to open the garage door manually. 

If your opener isn’t working, the first thing you should do is replace the batteries. If that doesn’t fix it, check your entry for any obstructions. Examine the track alignment or the torsion springs to correct the problem.

Make Your Garage Fully Functional 

These solutions to the most common garage issues should have you back up and running in no time and provide you with a fully functional space.

Guest Contributor: Rose Morrison

How To Do A Spring Closet Clean-out

Spring cleaning is something that many people talk about, but few actually take the time to do. Some may refer to it when talking about the garage or basement, but one area that most people overlook is the closet. If it doesn’t get cleaned seasonally, clothes and accessories may turn into an unorganized mess. Some items might not fit anymore or may have gone out of style; some shoes might be worn out, or accessories get tangled and damaged. As the weather gets warmer, it may be time to spring clean that closet.

During those hectic mornings or exhausted late nights, it can be a drag to put things where they belong. This may leave you with last winter’s forgotten coats or only the left shoe of a pair in the wrong place. Straightening the closet after seasons of disregard could take a full day or more. However, with a bit of patience and determination, you can feel accomplished about your organized closet.

In your spring closet clean-out , know that Maid in Hoboken is a house cleaning and disinfecting services provider that will help you and give you that great satisfaction for an organized closet.

Guide to Spring Cleaning

It’s one thing to deep clean the kitchen and freshen up the bathroom on a daily or weekly basis; it’s quite another to tackle four season’s worth of outfits that are hanging in your closet. Deciding what to keep, what to toss and what to donate can be a daunting process, especially if memories and happy feelings are tied to the certain pieces. It may take some time but having a spring-cleaning session at least once a year could help keep the clutter and cobwebs away. Here are some tips to ease the process:

1. Get prepared. Don’t think that you can clean the whole closet in two hours — unless you’re tackling section by section. If the goal is to clean the entire closet, set aside a weekend to finish the job. Have bags ready for donation, containers for extra organization and a workout outfit ready so you can break a sweat.

2. Start purging. Take inventory of each item you own and ask the important questions. Has it been worn in the past six months to a year? Does it still fit? Is it stained or tattered? Don’t feel obligated to keep an item because of sentimental value or a “just-in-case” event. If it doesn’t serve a purpose, get rid of it.

3. Clean the traditional way. Once you’ve decided on the clothes that will stay, pull everything off the shelves. Dust the surfaces, empty old boxes, vacuum the floor and wipe down any shelves that may have a layer of dust. This can also help you find any forgotten items that might have gotten stuck in the corners and crevices.

4. Use the hang and fold methods. Hang pieces that wrinkle easily, such as blouses, dress shirts, dresses, slacks, gowns and jackets. Fold other pieces that can be stored in bulk, such as jeans, t-shirts, sweatpants, undergarments and socks. If an item isn’t going to be worn anytime soon because of the weather, put it in storage.

5. Add storage systems. Depending on the size of the closet, bins and boxes can provide designated spaces for items that may not fit in a drawer or on clothing rod. Hanging space is sometimes precious in small closets, so hooks, cubbies and shelves could be a smart and savvy addition to the area.

6. Maintain your organizational system. It’s counterproductive to create the closet of your dreams only for it to get messy a few weeks later. Get rid of items along the way to prevent the accumulation of unused or forgotten pieces. Replace or repair broken heels, torn sleeves and loose threads so the clutter doesn’t accumulate.

As tempting as it may be to engage in retail therapy, too much shopping can be detrimental on your newly purged closet. Keep track of the items you need — such as new denim or a solid pair of shoes — to prevent the spring cleaning from being a bust. It’s normal for a closet to become a bit disordered and disheveled over time, but don’t underestimate the endorphins that can come from a clean space, giving you more room for new items that make you happy.

AUTHOR BIO: Tom Happ is President of Closet Works — based in Elmhurst, Illinois — which for 32 years has served Chicagoland with customized closet and storage solutions. With more than 100 employees, each solution is designed, fabricated and Installed to optimize the storage for every room within the home.

How To Avoid Stinky Plumbing Problems

A time will come when you will have plumbing problems that could make your entire commercial building dysfunctional. You should never delay any quality plumbing maintenance because the issue will become even worse. You can expect the usual issues to happen with your plumbing system, such as overflowing toilet water, leaking faucets, and burst water pipes. 

While the mentioned plumbing problems are usually not a problem for others, others may cause the entire building to stink. Any building would rather have faucet water overflowing out of the sink rather than toilet waste flowing back up and making the entire bathroom stink. If you want to prevent any stinky plumbing problems, you can find several tips and tricks that some commercial buildings use. 

Tip #1: Fix Your Sewer Line’s Breach Problems

You should know that any sewer line can get damaged by many elements. One way to damage a sewer line is when clogs start building up until the pressure causes the line to burst. Another is when tree roots could grow through the line, causing extensive damage to the pipe’s surface. Lastly, the sewer line could potentially sink further because of soil issues. 

And when the sewer line breaks, the waste inside will flow out and make your building stink. It is one of the most disgusting plumbing problems you would not want happening to your building, so you should try to prevent it as early as possible. Remember that preventing a problem is the best solution rather than fixing it when it happens. 

An excellent way to prevent it is by having every toilet and drain inspected by a professional plumber. Usually, they inspect the toilet to see if it’s flushing the water smoothly. And when they notice that the water isn’t going down faster than usual, that’s usually an indication of a sewer line clog. And when they inspect drains, they would try to listen if there’s a gurgling sound because it’s also another indication of a clog. 

Tip #2: Clean Out Your Garbage Disposal Frequently

If your office kitchen has a garbage disposal, ensure that you have it cleaned from time to time. The garbage disposal’s purpose is to grind large food residue that you dump into the sink, but that doesn’t mean that you don’t need to clean it. Food stuck on the garbage disposal grinder for a long time will cause a foul smell, which will linger around the room. 

The stench will be overbearing for many, so you need to get it cleaned at least after a week of constant use. In most cases, your building’s cleaning personnel can clean it without a problem since they know how a garbage disposal works and how to take care of them. And once they finish cleaning it, you can advise them to place citrus peels in the garbage disposal to eliminate the overwhelming stench even further. 

Tip #3: Fix and Maintain Your P-Traps

You can find p-traps underneath showers, sinks, and other plumbing fixtures. The purpose of p-traps is to hold ample water to prevent sewer odor and gas from coming out of your drain. The problem usually happens when you use toilets or showers too often, and then the p-traps dry out. Insufficient water inside the p-traps could cause the putrid stench from the sewer lines to climb up and out of the drains. You can fix the problem by cycling water through the rarely used fixtures regularly. 

Ensure you follow the mentioned tips above if you want to avoid the stench from invading your building. If you want to make your plumber’s job more accessible, it would be best to install a plumbing access door where they can work on the pipes without a problem.

Guest Contributor: Chris Jackson

Differences Between Commercial and Residential Plumbing

Residential and commercial buildings can never run properly without the crucial systems, especially the plumbing system. It ensures that both clean and dirty waste inside the building gets appropriately regulated. Without it, you will have difficulty getting clean water and dumping wastewater out of the building. 

But have you wondered the difference between a residential and commercial building's plumbing system? You might find similarities between the two, but you need to learn what sets them apart, especially if you own a house or a commercial building. In most cases, people don't even know the difference between the two plumbing systems that they would try to let somebody else figure it out. 

1. A commercial plumbing system is more complex

You can find many large commercial buildings with several floors and vast that at least six average-sized houses can fit on the land. Because of the commercial building's extensiveness, it's only right that they have the most extensive plumbing system. You will find several toilets, faucets, and sinks strategically placed in different parts of a commercial building. It would also mean that commercial building owners need to have several plumbers working because having one is not enough to complete the plumbing repairs and maintenance within the day. 

But with residential buildings, their plumbing systems are usually not that complex, which means even one or two plumbers can finish it without a problem. The only time the residential building's plumbing system is challenging to work on is larger than an average house. So, if you only have a home that needs plumbing maintenance, hiring a single plumber is enough to get it done. 

2. Plumbing Damage

Because of the commercial building's extensive plumbing system, the damage is more likely to occur than in a residential building. Usually, plumbing problems that happen in residential buildings get taken care of right away. Homeowners would contact a plumber to fix a burst pipe, and they can get it done at a moment's notice. 

But if a burst pipe happens in a commercial building's plumbing system, the damage could cause more problems other than plumbing damage. It could also reach other systems such as electrical wires and gas pipes, which should never happen. What makes the scenario even worse is that the overflowing water could make its way down to the lower levels and disrupt everyone's activities. If ever that happens to your commercial building, provide your plumbers' convenient access to the plumbing system by installing plumbing access panels. 

3. Plumbing System Cleanliness

When it comes to keeping your home's plumbing system clean, you would usually ignore it until an issue happens. That would be the only time when you would ask your plumber to clean the plumbing system, but that isn't the case with commercial buildings. They need to clean their plumbing systems at all times to comply with specific health rules and regulations. 

Failing to clean a commercial building's plumbing system could result in hefty penalties, which could potentially cause the building to close down. Examples of commercial buildings that need clean plumbing systems are restaurants and other businesses that are part of the food industry.

4. Plumbing System Efficiency

Your average home will usually have one or two bathrooms, which is already enough for four family members to use all the time. If one of the bathrooms has problems, everyone can still use the other bathroom. But if that happens to a commercial building, it may become a massive problem for everyone because they would have to look for another inside the building. 

Usually, plumbers would need to close the entire restroom, especially when they need to make extensive repairs. It is one reason that most commercial buildings will have their plumber because no one will ever know when a plumbing issue could happen. They are also crucial to have around the building to fix plumbing problems as quickly as possible.

Don't forget to make the job easy for your plumbers if you want those annoying plumbing problems resolved right away. A good way you can achieve that is by letting your contractors install louvered access doors and panels!

Guest Contributor: Chris Jackson