5 easy ways to plan for your home remodeling project

Especially if you have not completed the one before, starting a home renovation can be quite overwhelming. Your remodel will involve several details including the help from Alberta plumbing contractors can become quite daunting whatever the project might be.

 To help reduce your level of stress while keeping you on budget and on schedule, you can make use of these steps and tips for planning a home remodel to select how to order, prioritize and also build a detailed home project plan.

Check out the following 5 ideal home remodeling project that you can try out:

1. Build a complete home improvement project plan

Developing a plan with the designers, architects, civil engineers, even plumbing contractors should clearly states the goal for your renovation is the first step in remodeling project here including every designing inspiration and an outline of the word that requires to be completed here.

Investigate your local zoning regulations and permits at this point in planning for a home renovation. For your remodel, make sure that your neighborhood is zoned and find out if you require a permit or not. You will more likely need a permit if you are getting your project completed that will alter the structure of your home or the use of a room.

2. Set a Project Budget

Determining your financing and budget is the next step when you are planning for a home renovation. The costs for permits and building materials along with the labor costs, and the cost of decorations or cosmetic touches should also be included in your budget.

You need to use your home improvement project plan from step one to eliminate project elements that are a lower priority if your cost estimates do not fit in your budget. From multiple contractors you can request the cost estimates that can help you find the best option on the basis of your budget.

3. Hire Contractors

You will have to hire your team next in your home project planning. You need not select your contractors on the cost estimates alone. The following are the things that you should be considering while interviewing and selecting your contractors.

Years of experience:It can make them safer bet than the one who is new to the business with the help of a contractor who has been doing business for a very long period of time.

Contracting license:To obtain any needed certifications specific to their line of work, you need to ensure that your contractor has gone through all the steps.

Certificate of insurance:For the type of work they are performing, the contractors should have the worker’s compensation and liability insurance.

References: You need to call and request the references. To ensure that your contractor is not just good on paper, this will be a great way.

Payment schedule:The Better Business Bureau advises not to with the help of a reputable contractor who will not be asking you to pay upfront. Before the construction starts, it is important to discuss the terms of payments with them. It is better to spend a bit more time to get someone you are confortable working with in some of the cases here.

4. Build a Timeline

It is time to place together your timeline once you have your budget and team in place for your remodeling plan. If you are hoping to have it completed by a specific date, work backward from the date instead, you need to select the desired date. Determine the length of time every portion of the project that it will take as you sit down with your contractors. Discuss on  how long they will be taking and which project portions can be completed concurrently as you need to have the steps of remodel completed first.

Mark every step of the project with the use of a calendar. Including a few days' worth of wiggle room for unexpected issues, set a completion date. Ensure that the timeline is realistic and is within your budget as you confirm with your contractors or team members.

5. Pack Up and Get Ready for Home Renovation

It is time to make plans to avoid any room while it is under construction now that your home project planning is nearing to an end.

It depends on what work is being done whether or not you should live in your home during the construction times. It is to your kitchen that planning on having some major work done? Build a temporary place to remove all your dishes, minor appliances, cook, and eat and also to store some furniture. You might wish in moving out completely for a short-time if you are planning a whole home renovation.

Ask Your Contractor Plenty of Questions

You need not be afraid to quiz your contractor about every step of the process when you are planning on your home renovation.

The following are the factors on which you need to have professional opinion:

• Budget

• Schedule

• Other contractors

• Materials

Stick to your own plans as much as possible with all being said. Unless there is a good reason for it, do not allow your contractor to force a more expensive product or services. Validating your choices and preventing serious mistakes, let use their expertise.

Plan for Problems When Renovating

They all go awry even with the most detailed home remodeling plans. You should never wish in letting it down. By setting aside a piece of budget for the unforeseen costs and allotting a few extra days in your project timeline, be prepared for delays and issues. During the renovation and to help you stick to your plan in the end, this will prevent the stress and overspending.

You can also check ghclark.com for more tips and ideas on how to modernize your home. To help reduce your level of stress while keeping you on budget and on schedule, you can make use of these steps and tips for planning a home remodel to select how to order, prioritize and also build a detailed home project plan.

Complete Structural Projects First

You need to ensure that you are prioritizing any structural projects first when you are planning for a home renovation. You need to be sure to complete those before spending money on general cosmetic changes if your roof, foundation or electrical system needs improvements.

Plan Ahead for Waste Removal

To think about waste removal, do not wait till your contractor is piling concrete in your driveways. Make sure that you discuss the plans with your contractor before getting rid of debris in your budget. To find the waste removal solution, you need to decide on who is responsible for the construction debris and where it will be located during the planning process.

Guest Contributor: Matthew Hiles

Plumbing upgrades that increase the value of your home

Investing in your home is always an excellent choice. A few tweaks here, a bit of DIY there, and it soon turns into your dream home. But, these improvements do not just add to the looks. They add to the price of a property to a larger or lesser extent. As one of the vital parts of your home, plumbing plays a crucial role in this calculation. Now, this is quite an extensive topic. Plumbing upgrades that increase the value of your home are many. Some of them demand a lot of time and resources to implement. This is why we decided to create this guide. With it, you will have a good baseline on where to start and what to focus on. 

Quality over quantity

Any type of home upgrade is a long-term investment. Plumbing is no different in this regard. It is something you want to last for quite a while—ideally, a lifetime. The good thing is that it is possible, but only if the upgrades are a work of quality. Seeing how some of these upgrades can be costly, it is essential to pay attention to every detail.

It’s best to choose quality over quantity of upgrades.

Your choice of plumbers will impact the quality of work

You don't want just anyone working on one of the essential parts of your home. Therefore, choose a company with a good track record, one that hires people with ample experience, honed skills, and proper equipment. This will maximize the quality of work and give you much-needed peace of mind as you won't worry if you made the right choice. 

Don’t go cheap on materials and supplies

Everything you save on materials and supplies – you'll spend later on repairs. Therefore, don't just go with the cheapest options. Remember – you're building something that's meant to last. So, try and find the right balance between quality and price. 

For extensive plumbing upgrades that improve the value of your home, you should even pay attention to seemingly minor things. For instance, packaging in which supplies and materials come in. They can get damaged during transport or if you're moving larger quantities. Therefore, you want to use quality materials to protect your possessions.

Eco-friendly plumbing upgrades that increase the value of your home also save money in the long run

Living in an eco-friendly environment is always beneficial, and it can cut the cost of utilities significantly, especially if you're viewing it long-term. Not to mention that you can add "eco-friendly" to the list of traits if you ever decide to sell. This will make your home far more appealing to potential buyers. Meaning: Sell faster and for more money! An ideal scenario, if there ever was one.

Bathroom upgrades are a good starting point

The bathroom is one of the most used areas of the home. Therefore, this is a good starting point if you’re considering upgrading. 

Toilets

Toilets are not objects that endure a gentle treatment from their users. They are quick to show signs of wear. So, think of replacing and upgrading them. It’s always good to go with eco-friendly variants, such as a dual-flush toilet. 

Faucets and fixtures

Upgrading faucets and fixtures is another excellent choice. However, here you have an added benefit of looks. If you select bathroom fixtures that fit your style, you will add a splash of luxury to your bathroom. And we all know how long showers and relaxing baths are much more enjoyable in cozy surroundings.

Nothing better than a relaxing bath in a cozy environment after a long day.

Upgrading your kitchen can make it more functional

The kitchen is the heart of the home. As such, any upgrade you make will be welcome. For the most part, these upgrades add utility to your kitchen. 

Pull-down faucets 

These are very practical and easy to use. A wide variety of designs can make them not only functional but aesthetically pleasing. Therefore, you get the functionality and the looks—a win-win.
Alternatively, you can opt for less popular counterparts:

• Pull-out faucets and;

• Side-spray faucets.

However, these don’t offer as much utility as pull-down faucets. Still, they can fit better in some kitchens, especially those with shallow sinks. 

Dual basin kitchen sink

Yet another plumbing upgrade that adds value and utility to your home. Yes, they do take additional space, but the convenience they provide is more than worth it. They are ideal for food preparation and washing dishes by hand. And the fact that garbage disposal is always accessible only adds to the value. 

Dishwasher

The dishwasher is an ideal addition to any home. The convenience and practicality of the dishwasher are undeniable. It's such a fantastic time and energy saver. Even if you love doing dishes by hand, one of these puppies will quickly change your mind. Therefore, it's a fantastic idea to install one in your kitchen. Opt for an eco-friendly variant for maximum value and effect. 

A new water heater is never a missed investment

Replacing an old water heater is one of the best upgrades you choose. Newer models are much more efficient, both in terms of energy usage and effectiveness. And, with tankless variants, you can save a lot of storage space. 

On the other hand, maybe your water heater works well. In this case, there's no need to replace it. However, you do want to ensure it remains impeccable. This doesn't add much value, but regular inspection and maintenance of the water heater by professionals will keep it working longer.

Insulate exposed pipes

This is the cheapest DIY-friendly upgrade you can do. Although it won't increase the value of your home by much, the sheer simplicity of the job makes it worthwhile. All it takes is a trip to the hardware store to get some pipe wraps. Installing them is a piece of cake, as all you need to do is, well – wrap the pipes. Et voila – you improved the efficiency of your plumbing system with minimal effort.

Fix or replace leaky faucets and pipes

Leaky faucets or pipes aren't just a minor inconvenience. They put additional strain on your plumbing system. And, if left unattended for a while, they can lead to a variety of issues, such as:

• Mold build-up;

• Ugly stains in the sinks, bathtubs, etc.;

• Caulk decay;

• Damage to ceilings, walls, and floors due to excessive moisture.

As you can see, some of these problems can have severe consequences. Therefore, it's imperative to find plumbing leaks and fix them ASAP. This upgrade should be among your top priorities.

Consider full pipe replacement in an older home

The vast majority of older homes still have metal pipes. Although working, they also present a potential health hazard depending on their age. These pipes are prone to corrosion, which severely undermines their integrity, and can cause them to burst at some point. And to top this list of negatives – old piping can severely undercut the value of your home. Appraisers don’t view them with kindness. 

Rusty pipes can severely jeopardize your health.

Therefore, you should consider replacing old pipes at the first opportunity. However, bear in mind that this is a grand undertaking. It's the most expensive of all on our list and one that takes the most work. You will need to hire experienced professional plumbers to take care of it. Still, this upgrade alone is enough to vastly boost the efficiency of your plumbing and, more importantly, its safety.

Boost the value of your home before selling

If you are planning to sell your house and move out, plumbing upgrades can be an excellent way to increase the home's value. However, this will largely depend on the amount of time you have before the move. Therefore, it's essential to be well-organized. To this end, a simple checklist can be of immense help. It will help you prioritize the upgrades and plan the packing process carefully and to the maximum effect. With this in mind, it is best if you make two checklists—one for upgrades and the other for moving. Keep them on your person at all times, as they will be a great reminder and guide in the chaos of simultaneous home improvement and relocation.

Every upgrade makes your home a better place to live in

Plumbing upgrades that increase the value of your home are a long-term investment. However, they are a long-term project, too. Unless you’re dead-set on doing a full-home remodel, it’s best to take it one upgrade at a time. Yes, this can take a while. But, ultimately, it will improve the value and livability of your home. 

Guest Contributor: Sophia Perry

Crawl Space Waterproofing: Why You Need It

When constructing a home, it needs to have the essential components to ensure everyone can live in it without a problem. You have several examples of systems such as HVACs, plumbing, and electrical. However, one part of the system rarely gets attention, and that is the home's crawl space. 

You can find many buildings aside from houses with crawl spaces because they are an integral part of keeping the interior free from problems like the concrete ground getting soaked up with vapor. However, a time will come where the crawl space will get damaged because of moisture. That is the perfect time when building owners would waterproof their crawl spaces. Once you provide waterproof crawl space, you should expect several benefits for your building.

1. Avoid Moisture Problems

Your home or building's crawl space will end up getting damaged when neglected for a long time. Other building owners would suffer the consequences of paying tons for repairs, which they could have avoided if they took better care of their crawl space. Usually, the most common issue for neglected crawl spaces is moisture.

A crawl space gets moisture damage through various ways, including plumbing leaks, water seeping from the soil from heavy rain, or condensation. You should know that humidity condenses on cold or snowy surfaces like ducts and drips onto the crawl space floor. Most building owners find it challenging to determine if there's moisture invading the crawl space, and the only way to know is when someone goes into the crawl space and does a thorough inspection.

The only way to prevent frequent crawl space maintenance and repairs is by waterproofing it. When you waterproof your crawl space, it significantly reduces moisture that damages materials such as bricks, wood, and even metal. If you want to make your crawl space more convenient to access, don't forget to install crawl space access doors.

2. Enhance Indoor Air Quality

Besides avoiding costly expenses, waterproofing your building's crawl space can provide another benefit, which is improving indoor air quality. At least 50% of the air in a crawl space can find its way into your interior building. Since you now know that moisture damages your crawl space, you should expect issues to happen like molds. 

No person should directly inhale the molds' fumes because they are incredibly toxic and can cause severe respiratory problems. Once you start to notice that there's an odd smell emanating from your building's ground floor, you shouldn't think twice about hiring inspectors to check it and provide the best solution to eliminate the molds. 

3. Strengthen Your Building's Structural Integrity

Too much crawl space moisture can cause significant damage to several integral building parts. You may start to notice moisture damaging your building's interior when your wooden floor starts feeling soft and soggy for no reason. The moisture from the ground has found its way to seep through your floor and cause damage, which may require an entire floor replacement because of the irreparable damage. Once you add a vapor barrier between your building's floor and crawl space, you won't have to think about moisture finding its way to your building's interior. 

4. Minimize Electrical Issues and Dangers

Your contractors might have installed electrical wiring right above your crawl space's surface, which is dangerous without efficient waterproofing. Most electrical wires have a rubber compound that protects the wire's inside from any form of moisture. But even the slightest opening on the wire can cause the moisture to damage the wire and potentially cause building fires. If you want to prevent electrical fires, ensure you contact contractors who can crawl space waterproofing. 

Never take your crawl space for granted if you want to enjoy a problem-free home or building. Once you waterproof your crawl space, don't forget to have it regularly inspected because the waterproof coating will wear off at some point. And if you ever need help with supplying high-quality construction materials, you can rely on Best Access Doors all the time! Call us now at 1-800-483-0823.

Guest Contributor: Chris Jackson

How to Change Your Bathroom Without Overspending

If you’re tired of your bathroom – and what comes with it – it’s time to change it. It’s time to remodel it according to your taste. But remodeling takes time and money... and money and time… you might be thinking. And you’re not wrong. It does if you don’t know the shortcuts. We’re here to show you how to change your bathroom without overspending and be happy with it! Check out the next cheap ideas to update your bathroom quickly and inexpensively. 

Paint the wall tiles

Did you know that there is specific paint for wall tiles now? Yes, that’s right. All you have to do is drive to the store and ask for it. Get a color that matches your style. Make sure it’s different from the one you had before. If you’ve got white wall tiles until now, get another color that speaks to you. For example, yellow or light blue could work. Even light green would look good. It all depends on you and your taste.

Get a new shower curtain

If your shower curtain is old, it’s definitely time to change it. You can really change a bathroom’s aspect by getting a new, attractive shower curtain. Choose a color that goes with your new tiles. For example, if your wall tiles are now yellow, get a green shower curtain, or the other way around. This will make your bathroom look really fresh and exotic. The new curtain will also hide the old shower stall, which makes it an even more attractive investment. 

Add plants 

You could also get some plants for your new bathroom; they’ll look really nice and change the environment completely. Plants enliven any room and add to the coziness. Along with some new short curtains and wall tiles, they’ll change your bathroom design completely. Plants also add energy to the room, so they’ll make your bathroom more comfortable. You could add hanging plants for a better design or stick to the floor plants, if necessary. Whichever type of plant you use, they’ll look amazing in your bathroom.

Update your towels

Towels are a big part of your bathroom. First, because you can always see them and second because you use them often. To change your bathroom design, you can start by changing your towels, especially if you don’t plan on spending money on remodeling. Beautiful towels add to the beauty of the bathroom. If your towels look good, your space will look more vibrant and happier. Use towels to bring some color to your bathroom if you’re not planning on changing the wall tiles or the shower curtain. They’ll do the job. 

Buy a new rug

Bath rugs can also change the design of your bathroom. Your old bath rug probably looks pretty sad. It might not even look like a bathroom rug by now. You could get a fluffy rug and your bathroom will look ten times cozier. Choose a color that sticks out. An orange would go well with yellow, green, or light blue. 

Paint your cabinets

Another type of paint you’ll find at the store is cabinet-paint. Drive to your closest paint supplier and ask them about it. They’ll recommend you the best options. You can paint over melamine or laminate material, which is great. You don’t have to redo your cabinets - just paint over them to make them look fresh. Besides, painting helps you release stress, so this is a double incentive to paint your cabinets. Don’t forget about the color – it must look fresh. For example, a sad grey would not look as fresh as a bright yellow.

Change your out-of-date mirror

Check out to see if your mirror shows any signs of deterioration. If it does, this is the perfect time to change it. Measure its dimensions and start looking for options online. One of the professional essay writers I follow taught me that framing the mirror is another important part of the process. You should place the frame on the wall first and then do the rest. Choose a nice color that goes with the rest of the bathroom. 

Don’t forget to paint the wall behind the mirror. You could hang wallpaper on the mirrored wall and purchase other decorative materials to make your mirror look even prettier. Also, please don’t forget to measure the dimensions of the mirror before you take it off. You’ll really need them. 

Adjust the lighting 

I don’t know what type of lighting you’ve got in your bathroom, but you can always adjust it to make the bathroom look prettier. Lighting affects interior color, so if you’re redecorating your bathroom for an artsy reason, you’ve got to change the lighting. You could use decorative lighting to add visual sparkle to your items, ambient light to fill light, or accent lighting to highlight certain bathroom details. You could also get some Christmas lights and hang them around the mirror. This is probably the cheapest option – and it’ll look good!

Use removable wallpaper 

It’s time to consider redecorating your bathroom walls, so here are your best options. Here is how you can use wallpaper properly and make it look good. First, choose the area where the wallpaper would look best. Make sure this space does not reach the water. Then, use the removable paper on a small part of your bathroom to see how it looks. If you like it, keep going. When this process is finished, you could use wallpaper borders to create an accent wall. 

If this is too complicated but you found a wallpaper that you really like, frame it and then hang the framed wallpaper on your bathroom wall. It’ll still look good!

Wrapping Up

Changing your bathroom doesn’t have to be expensive. Paint your wall tiles, get a new shower curtain, buy a new rug, adjust the lighting, update your towels, upgrade your mirror… Do everything in your power to bring your bathroom back to life! Small adjustments can do a lot to your space, so don’t hesitate to use decorations and such to make your bathroom look better. You don’t have to overspend to be happy with your bathroom.

Author Bio:

Leon Collier is a blogger from the UK who writes for the best dissertation writing services. He owns a personal statement writing service, where he helps students with everything: history, travel, self-development, education, marketing. Leon also occasionally contributes to essay writer service. When not writing, you can find him behind a book or playing tabletop games with his friends. Follow him on Twitter @LeonCollier12.

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