| ...cost-effective in the long runwhile the initial investment in ceramic tiles might be higher than some alternatives, their durability and longevity make them cost-effective over time. they seldom need replacing and maintain their appearance for years.
increase in property valueinstalling high-quality ceramic tiles can significantly increase the value of your property. they are a sought-after feat... |
| ...diate attention to spills, and periodic professional cleaning can keep these carpets looking new for years. their enduring quality ensures that, unlike other floor coverings, they don’t need frequent replacing, making them a cost-effective choice in the long run.
making the right choicewhen shopping for an axminster carpet, it's important to consider the room where it will be placed, the level of... |
| ...new bar stools. whether you're upgrading your present home bar or are building a new one from scratch, there are bar chairs and stools that guests will look forward to settling into for hours on end. replacing your card table and chairs set with a permanent installation, featuring a comfortable bar, can create an inviting space that will be the envy of the neighborhood.
a decorative wine rack wit... |
| ...es in your home, consider
these easy and cost-effective ways to give your bathroom a facelift.
accessorize with color
there are numerous ways to create a new look without lifting any tools.
replacing linens and other soft surfaces like rugs, window treatments and shower
curtains can help brighten up your space. adding a fresh coat of paint is
another low-cost way to modify the look a... |
| ...aces in your home, consider
these easy and cost-effective ways to give your bathroom a facelift.
accessorize with color
there are numerous ways to create a new look without lifting any tools.
replacing linens and other soft surfaces like rugs, window treatments and shower
curtains can help brighten up your space. adding a fresh coat of paint is
another low-cost way to modify the look a... |
| ... rooms to life and make spaces look larger and more
welcoming. you can brighten up your home in a variety of ways, from
strategically placing table and floor lamps that fit your design style to
replacing older ceiling and wall-mounted fixtures with more modern styles.
give cabinetry a fresh look
there are numerous easy ways to update your kitchen and bathroom cabinets to
create a mor... |
| ...nging your flooring has the potential to significantly affect the acoustics of your space, thanks to the large amount of space it covers in a room.
if you had carpet in your space before, and you're replacing it with luxury vinyl tiles, you're likely to find that the space feels louder as a result. however, if you had another type of hard surface flooring, you'll likely find it much quieter, as l... |
| ...question: i am planning to replace the flooring throughout my home. i’ve been looking into replacing it with bamboo. can you tell me why bamboo would be a good choice and what are some of its benefits?
answer: bamboo is a smart choice for flooring in today’s homes. it is not only aesthetically enhancing, but comes with many benefits that has lend to popularity amongst other flooring treatments.
... |
| ... eye level with your patio. make note of any tiles that are raised or sunken compared to the surrounding ones. fortunately, sprucing up your hardscape can be as simple as removing the damaged pieces, replacing the mortar underneath, and filling the gaps with a new tile, but if you find that your patio is badly damaged and out of your skillset to repair, call a contractor.
if you need to completel... |
| ...g.
the 1940’sjoining industries across the nation during the ’40s, pvc manufacturers turned their attention to assisting the war effort. vinyl-coated wire was widely used aboard u.s. military ships, replacing wire insulated with rubber. vinyl manufacturers were working in high gear as world war ii wound down, and they quickly found new markets for the durable plastic. following the war, news of v... |
| ...aired with the perfect accent rug can create a cozy space that will look and feel warmer.
hardwood flooring installation
installing wood floors is a lot more complicated than painting your walls or replacing the hardware on your kitchen cabinets, so it is not recommended as a diy project. in the long run, you will save money and time by using a professional.
sustainability
mannington engineere... |
| .... acting on the inspiration of global
trends can be as simple as shifting your outlook to bringing eye-catching
features and everyday functions into your home.
for example, playing with color, replacing doors and incorporating unique
accents can help contribute to an on-trend style that flows seamlessly from room
to room. colors offer the opportunity to create a mood and update a space.... |
| ...wide range of options available, you can create
just about any look you desire, from an ultra-modern sleek motif to a farm-style
design that blends modern convenience with yesteryear charm.
if replacing your home appliances isn't in the budget, it's important to ensure
they're being properly maintained. this applies to the kitchen, of course, but
also other appliances throughout the hou... |
| ...
thinking of adding a deck? how about replacing the tired, worn siding
on your house? now that the weather is colder, it's the perfect time to curl up
with a hot beverage and start planning your 2019 home projects so you can nail
the budget and settle on the look you're after.
"updating your home's exterior can make an older home look more modern, but it
can also make a new bui... |
| ...nner's endeavor, it's a project that can pay dividends in
the long run.
better bathrooms
many homeowners approach a bathroom upgrade with big projects in mind, like
swapping out the vanity, replacing the tub or installing tile flooring. however,
it's possible to make a noticeable impact with much smaller changes. simply
updating bathroom fixtures and fittings such as shower heads, fa... |
| ...important to
consider which projects are likely to bring the greatest return on your
investment.
flooring
much like hands reveal a person's true age, flooring speaks volumes about a
home. replacing and updating worn floors can instantly add value. a timeless
selection like wood flooring, particularly in heavy traffic areas, is durable
enough to withstand wear and complements a wide... |
| ...
use on the parts of your home that need it most. learn more about these and
other energy-efficient heating and cooling solutions at
jcpenneyhomeservices.com.
thermostats
while servicing or replacing an hvac system may be the obvious change when it
comes to conserving energy, you can also see reductions by using an upgraded
thermostat, such as a "smart" or connected model. these devi... |
| ...stay comfortable during the summer -
and all year long - is to change the air filter on their system regularly;
however, if your air conditioner is more than 10 years old, it's time to
consider replacing it with a more efficient system that will save significant
energy and help lower utility bills."
by taking on a few quick and easy home maintenance projects, homeowners can help
reduc... |
| ...ng your refresh, consider these simple,
stylish swaps that don't require investing tons of time or budget.
upgrade your kitchen fixtures
faucets often serve as the centerpiece of the kitchen. replacing an outdated
model is an easy way to give your space a facelift. choose a piece that's as
functional as it is fashionable such as the delta allentown faucet, available at
the home depot... |
| .... plus, this high-arc touchless faucet offers flexibility to suit user
preference - simply switch to manual function for guests not familiar with
touchless operation.
* paint your cabinets. if replacing your kitchen cabinets is not in the budget
this year, repainting them is the next best thing. a fresh coat of paint can
dramatically change the appearance of your kitchen. select a paint... |
| ... sneak in.
* make a big splash in your bathroom. no, you're not going to spontaneously
decide to remodel your bathroom, but a few tiny changes in this space can make
it seem as though you did. replacing your existing fixtures is a cost-effective
way to give the space an entirely new appearance. a little elbow grease goes a
long way too. don't be afraid to get down on your knees and bid ... |
| ...ith proper maintenance, commercial carpet can last upwards of 20 years. however, in that time it's likely you'll have to replace sections or tiles that become particularly worn or damaged.
if you're replacing tiles, it's crucial that you can get an exact color and pattern match, or else the new section will stand-out and be even more noticeable than the damaged part you replaced. with printed car... |
| ...ergy bill.
check and replace your vacuum bag, filter and belt
a full vacuum bag, clogged filter or broken belt can hinder your vacuum's
effectiveness, leaving dirt, dust and allergens behind. replacing your vacuum
bags every 1-2 months, filters every 3-6 months and belts once per year is
recommended to help your vacuum achieve peak performance. even more, a filtrete
hepa vacuum filte... |
| ...
that doesn't require you to actually get away.
* fix up the fixtures. a brand-new tub completely redefines your bathroom, and
if you want to bring the rest of your bathroom up-to-date as well, replacing
your existing fixtures with new models is an easy way to do it. from towel racks
to faucets and shower hardware, new fixtures are an effective way to show your
sense of style and bring... |
| ...ergy bill.
check and replace your vacuum bag, filter and belt
a full vacuum bag, clogged filter or broken belt can hinder your vacuum's
effectiveness, leaving dirt, dust and allergens behind. replacing your vacuum
bags every 1-2 months, filters every 3-6 months and belts once per year is
recommended to help your vacuum achieve peak performance. even more, a filtrete
hepa vacuum filte... |
| ...
kitchen
it's the heart of the home, and it's where many homeowners sink big money to
make upgrades. kitchen renovations don't have to require a second mortgage
though. re-facing rather than replacing cabinetry can bring about a whole new
look for a whole lot less money. this is a good option when the existing
cabinets are still in good working condition and you're just looking for an... |
| ...minate allergens, contributing to
improved air quality.
for a new build, installing a zoned system from the outset is relatively simple.
however, zoned systems are also a possible solution for replacing your home's
hvac system or rectifying a problem with a single uncomfortable room. pairing
the system with sensors or remote app controls can bring operating costs even
lower through co... |
| ... to safely reheat food.
install eco-friendly insulation. certain materials in your home, such as insulation, can be replaced with sustainable options that also improve indoor air quality. consider replacing your existing attic insulation with sheep's wool insulation, such as all-natural options from havelock wool. this renewable, high-performing and safe-to-handle material excels at managing mo... |
| ... shower isn’t just where you get clean; it’s also a morning wake-up tool or end-of-day relaxation therapy treatment. deluxe showers often feature multiple jets, rainfall showerheads and hand showers. replacing an ordinary showerhead with a shower system is a cost-effective and easy way to add a luxurious experience to the shower.
options like the grohe retro-fit shower system offer a drenching ... |
| ...binets can help keep pots, pans, lids and dishware better organized and more easily accessible.
a step up:
* some people need a bit of extra incentive to stay organized. if that’s you, consider replacing solid cabinet doors with glass ones that reveal what’s inside. knowing the contents of your cabinets are always on display can help inspire you to keep them tidy and organized. plus, glass-f... |
| ...on door company. “we will also make doors using multiple wood species, for a look none of your neighbors will have.”
2. go big
if you’re planning a new home, or a remodel of your existing home, replacing the front door with an extra-large door is an impressive way to fashion a grand entry. to make a big impression, wood doors can be custom ordered in virtually any large size. for example, a ... |
| ...d:
* upgrade your kitchen faucet and sink — the kitchen faucet and sink aren’t just practical tools every kitchen needs — they can also be essential elements of a room’s overall design and appeal. replacing a dated kitchen faucet is a minor change that can mean a lot to homebuyers. choose a pull-down, multi-function option like the american standard edgewater semi-professional kitchen faucet wi... |
| ...d highlight beautiful architectural features. all lighting should be dusted, but for those fixtures that are old, outdated, or broken, consider inexpensive replacement options. something as simple as replacing glass globes can add high-impact style. adding task and accent lighting is another smart investment. for example, under-cabinet lights in the kitchen are easy to install and are likely to im... |
| ...t only looking for cosmetic upgrades, they also want improvements that will help save them money for as long as they live in the home."
some green projects you can easily accomplish yourself, like replacing less efficient light bulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs or leds throughout the house, or installing a programmable thermostat. other improvements may require professional expertise b... |
| ...plete bathroom remodel — are going to be expensive, other diy projects can be tackled in an economical and enjoyable way. these projects may include repainting a room, installing a new ceiling fan or replacing old, damaged baseboards. the limit is your imagination, so look around your house to see what home improvements could enhance your home and then apply these tips for an affordable and reward... |
| ...p soak tub drain, which has a unique overflow feature that allows 2-inch deeper water than a standard bathtub drain. this universal drain works in most standard bathtubs — and that could be yours.
replacing a standard toilet seat with an upscale option like the dxv at100 spalet electronic bidet seat furthers the luxuriousness of the bathroom without the cost commitment and permanency of install... |
| ...ercent and 65 percent, respectively, according to remodeling's cost vs. value report. however, they can also cost tens of thousands of dollars.
by contrast, exterior projects like adding a deck or replacing a garage door deliver similar high rates of return, but for far less cost. adding a composite deck can cost around $17,000 and yield an roi of more than 65 percent, while a garage door typic... |
| ...or introducing style in the kitchen, today's kitchen sinks accommodate a wide range of designs and preferences. both function and aesthetics - including unexpected, vibrant color - are important when replacing your sink.
an option such as the elkay quartz luxe collection comes in six bold colors and three mount styles with a variety of bowl options and add-on accessories.
the collection combi... |
| ...t of the bathroom, with many renovators reporting that homeowners want customization such as lighting, built-in seating, benches and hand-showers installed. remodeling your shower can be as simple as replacing an old-style, static showerhead with an upgraded, more luxurious model. one option is the american standard drenching 6-inch square showerhead, paired with the times square shower system tha... |
| ...for the seasoned homeowner, the emerging strands of twinkling lights are more than just a sign of holiday get-togethers. it also means that soon, if not already, the ground will be covered in snow. ensuring your snow blower is up to the task can make or break this season for many. these diy tune-up tips can help you weather the winter storms.
"taking the time to prep your snow blower for the seas... |
| ...and your in-laws will love what you've done with the room:
make necessity meet luxury
sinks and toilets are bathroom necessities, but they can also be eco-friendly luxurious design statements, too. replacing an ordinary, older, gallon-guzzling commode with an option that combines toilet and personal cleansing functions can conserve water while elevating the comfort, beauty and luxury experience ... |
| ...re your purchase answers the needs of your lifestyle. when shopping for updated appliances, look at how the models you’re considering perform in areas such as:
noise control: especially if you’re replacing an older cooling and heating system, you may have been battling the sounds it was emitting for years. you’ll immediately notice the difference with many of today’s appliances, which are desi... |
| ...ish, while rotating spray jets let you skip soaking and still target baked-on, caked-on messes.
in addition to purchasing new appliances, homeowners can easily create a new mood in their kitchens by replacing cabinets. often, you can schedule a free in-home consultation with a licensed professional to discuss cabinet door styles, colors and hardware – such as hinges, knobs and pulls – and receive... |
| ... you've just bought a new home or you're looking to refresh your familiar abode, chances are good you have a laundry list of home-improvement projects to accomplish.
from aesthetic upgrades (like replacing the laminate floors in the kitchen with patterned tile) to practical necessities (like removing the tree roots from the sewage pipes) there is no shortage of projects for homeowners to tackl... |
| ...that you will be able to access in the event of an emergency. not only will this help expedite your claim if you need to replace items, but you'll have a list ready when you face the daunting task of replacing your belongings.
keep up on home maintenance
stepping outside after a significant storm is no time to remember that you forgot to trim the tree or secure a loose section of fencing. maki... |
| ...h a fresh, modern set for a fast visual update and to help tie in the new appliances.
kitchen faucet
as one of the most-used items in the house, this fixture has its fair share of wear and tear. replacing the faucet is an easy and quick project that will make an impact.
pull out trays
to eliminate the need to dig for pots and pans, install rolling trays in your cabinets... |
| ...ddinga new coat of paint. would you like to add a glossy shine to the kitchen? simply apply mesh-back glass tile to fit the dimensions of cabinet door panels. finish the update with a modern touch by replacing outdated hardware with the many new, stylish options available.
bathroom
from tiles and countertops to faucets and showerheads, the options are endless for bathroom updates. with wall-... |
| ...e.
don't let money go out the window
windows have a significant impact on your heating and cooling bills. so, it's extremely important to make the most energy-efficient choice for your home.
replacing old windows with energy star qualified windows can lower household energy bills by 7 to 15 percent, according to the u.s. environmental protection agency (epa). lower energy consumption also... |
| ...vices can help you use less water and save money. the environmental protection agency (epa) says that products with the watersense or energystar labels will cut down on your water usage. for example, replacing faucets and aerators with watersense models can save you an average of 700 gallons of water per year. replacing your showerhead could save 2,900 gallons of water per year, and a new toilet c... |
| ...sense from moen makes it easy to accomplish a variety of routine tasks with speed and efficiency. a simple hand movement sets water in motion in an instant and helps prevent the spread of germs. and, replacing a kitchen faucet can be a surprisingly simple do-it-yourself project. simply follow the enclosed directions, or utilize online installation guides and videos, and you'll soon enjoy the fashi... |
| ...ted to avoid wasting energy.
-* windows: caulking and putting up energy-saving window film is a great start, but a more dramatic change might make a world of difference if you want to make a sale. replacing your existing windows with high-efficiency versions can be an expensive proposition, but the return on your investment can be dramatic, particularly if you're hoping to attract buyers.
* ... |
| ...r steel doors and nearly 54 percent for fiberglass doors, according to remodeling magazine's cost vs. value report.
* layer and upgrade lighting in key rooms such as living rooms and family rooms. replacing outdated lights can create a fresh, appealing atmosphere in a room. but don't stop at overhead fixtures. layer your lighting by adding new floor lamps and table lamps. a variety of lighting ... |
| ...times the floor can get overlooked as a design element in a room. but a beautiful floor can pull the whole look of a room together. refinishing hardwood floors, installing laminate or stone flooring, replacing carpets, or investing in quality area rugs are all ways you can add the perfect finishing touch to a room.
there are a lot of ways you can add luxury to your living spaces, so start explo... |
| ...th traditional and modern spaces, but also offer great features like integrated sinks and decorative edges, to make it a simple one-stop remodeling project. consumers can give a room new life just by replacing a countertop with laminate at significant savings compared to other materials.'
get inspired and create a space to live in high definition
before embarking on a renovation project, tal... |
| ... prevention measures include:
* test your smoke alarm.
* clean the smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors each month with a vacuum.
* the international association of fire chiefs recommends replacing smoke alarms every 10 years and having a combination of both ionization and photoelectric smoke alarms to keep you alert to all types of home fires.
... |
| ...e cat's litter box and more. when it comes to ensuring the home looks, feels and smells clean, 64 percent of homeowners have even gone to extreme measures to rid their homes of pungent odors, such as replacing a rug or carpet (34 percent), purchasing a new trash can (26 percent) or replacing a couch or another piece of furniture (17 percent), according to a survey commissioned by filtrete filters ... |
| ...re both a significant design element and a functional necessity. countertops act as work and storage areas, provide staging and serving space, and have a major impact on the overall look of the room. replacing lower-cost countertops such as laminate with higher-end materials like granite can enhance the usability and look of your work surface. even if you opt to replace older laminate with the sam... |
| ...lect off your floors, you really start to notice some imperfections. if you've been waiting to screen and recoat your hardwood floor to give it a new shine, now's the perfect time to do it. if you're replacing tile, vinyl or linoleum flooring, a heat gun is a great tool to help soften the adhesive for easy removal. the wagner ht3500 digital heat gun offers 12 precise temperature settings, making i... |
| ...pdating your window treatments is a great, cost-effective way to completely change the look of a space.
"people often switch their window treatments when the seasons change, but may only think of replacing heavy winter drapes with some frothy sheers," says lauren foster, a home design consultant with blinds.com. "today's versatile window shades offer ample opportunities to create a truly uniqu... |
| ...red throughout the year. discard old items and be sure you are regularly cleaning out the fridge. help reduce odors year-round by keeping a box of arm & hammer baking soda in the fridge at all times, replacing it every 30 days for best results.
reawaken your wardrobe: start the season feeling good in clothes that smell fresh. even when carefully stored, clothing can still be exposed to dust, an... |
| ...lect off your floors, you really start to notice some imperfections. if you've been waiting to screen and recoat your hardwood floor to give it a new shine, now's the perfect time to do it. if you're replacing tile, vinyl or linoleum flooring, a heat gun is a great tool to help soften the adhesive for easy removal. the wagner ht3500 digital heat gun offers 12 precise temperature settings, making i... |
| ... into later construction projects. one small trick is to replace the hardware in highly trafficked areas, such as the kitchen or the bathroom. replace cabinet handles or knobs and drawer pulls. while replacing hardware, make sure to give your door hinges and drawer tracks a good oiling to prevent squeaking.
give your car a tune-up
when it comes to saving, learning how to maintain your vehicle c... |
| ... rattle windows or doors, you may have air leaks there, as well. these can usually be sealed with caulking or weather stripping. in addition:
- replace any cracked or loose window panes.
- consider replacing older, single-pane windows that show signs of leakage, water damage, or condensation with new double-pane windows installed with proper air sealing and flashing.
- windows and doors should ... |
| ...sarah reep, kraftmaid director of designer relations and education, recommends considering the following before you begin a kitchen remodel.
1.) determine the remodel scope. projects can range from replacing the kitchen countertops to completely reconfiguring the kitchen’s floor plan.
2.) identify ways your kitchen remodel can complement your lifestyle. do you want an open floor plan with room... |
| ...for the homeowner with dozens of bottles, jars and accessories, kraftmaid's vanity filler pullout creates storage while saving space with its slim vertical design.
walk-in showers: homeowners are replacing the conventional tub and shower combinations with walk-in showers. large glass doors and earth-tone tiles are being combined with luxury showerheads and water jets for a spa-like feel.
... |
| ...n to www.muralsyourway.com to learn more.
the material world
for bedrooms, linens can make a significant design statement. they're also a flexible, cost-effective way to change a room's look. replacing the toddler-themed linens on your tween's bed with something more contemporary for her age group, may allow you to keep the walls, carpeting and furnishings as they are. even if you invest i... |
| ...d.
"last summer, we responded to more than 550,000 requests for air conditioning repairs during the record-breaking heat wave. you don't want to find out that your air conditioner needs repair or replacing just when you need it most. now's the time to be sure everything's in good working order."
find out the manufacturer's recommendations for maintenance on your type of unit. you can usuall... |
| ...be the main source of temperature loss. according to the us department of energy, windows can account for 10 to 25 percent of your heating bill. fortunately, improving insulation doesn't have to mean replacing all your windows.
measuring energy efficiency
understanding the following three terms will help you make smart choices when searching for ways to make your windows more energy efficient... |
| ...-maintenance exterior materials such as fiber-cement board and stone.
re-siding can be a very good investment. according to the 2009 to 2010 cost vs. value report conducted by remodeling magazine, replacing home siding has one of the highest returns-on-investment among home improvement projects. re-siding with fiber cement, for example, gives 23 percent more return-on-investment than a garage a... |
| ...when it comes to improving outdoor living spaces, decks are a popular choice. if you're thinking about adding a new deck, or even replacing or resurfacing an old deck, there are a lot of things to consider before you get started. these tips from the experts at fiberon will help you design the right deck for your needs.
determine deck use. think through all the ways you'll be using your deck.
*... |
| ...or your next task, consider updating the "lightscape" of your home - it's as easy as changing a light bulb...literally. lighting is approximately 20 percent of the average household's energy bill and replacing standard lighting sources for more environmentally friendly options can cut electric bills dramatically.
bulb basics
when it comes to lighting in the home, many still gravitate toward t... |
| ...ecorating tips from matthews to help get you the priceless design you've always wanted without breaking the bank.
shed a little light: give your kitchen an instant and inexpensive makeover simply by replacing outdated fixtures such as faucets, lighting and hardware. you can also add a tile backsplash or under-cabinet lights to really dress up your kitchen. not only are these functional and design... |