Home Renovation Series 5: Bathroom Flooring

Bathroom and Powder Room space is a small area of your home that will probably be utilized more than any other room in your home. So why not have your bathroom space aesthetically appealing, and functional for your needs, if you are going to be using it everyday. This series will introduce you to some popular Flooring options for this space that is functional and durable, and affordable for renovations.

Consider Before Bathroom Renovations

Washroom Aesthetics

Do not have fixtures with mismatched materials. For instance, Your Sink Faucets and Shower faucets made from separate materials. If it is Metal, make sure they are both metal. If it is chrome, make sure everything else is also chrome. Sophistication and flow comes from repetition of materials, especially from small spaces, such as your bathroom. Keep the materials similar if they are metal, chrome, wood, copper, etc.

Lighting

A pot light or two in your shower or a vanity mirror is good from brightening the space. Get the Right bulbs that will brighten the area.

Spacing/Plumbing

Measure the plumbing clearances, and your contractor should make sure the spacing between the wall and toilet flange have at least a full 12 inches from back wall to the front of the stat of the toilet flange/drain. Also avoid moving around plumbing, since it may be the one of the most expensive parts of renovating a bathroom. At all costs, do not try to do it yourself either, unless you are professionally trained and a certified plumber.

Ventilation

Your bathroom should have excellent ventilation, to reduce condensation from building up, and bubbling up the ceiling paint. It is apart of the building code to have proper ventilation or windows. If you do not have window in the bathroom, a stronger fan is recommended. Investing in a timer switch that runs the fan 15 minutes after stepping out of the shower, helps keep the washroom ventilated.

Ventilation

Designer Vent

Paint

Also relating to ventilation, use a moisture-resistant paint and always make sure, there is a high quality primer on your dry walls, that is moisture resistant. Do not rely on the 2-in-1, Paint and Primer in One Paints either.

Towel bars

Tower bars that are only supported by Drywall Plugs, will become loose and weak over time. Pre-plan your towel placement and make sure you install the towel bars into the wood framing. If you have yet to install drywalls, have wood blockings in the right place, that will support your towel bars, and give you strong commercial working support.

Washroom Flooring

Flooring comes down to appearance and functionality throughout most parts of the home. However Washroom Flooring, is more about how it can perform under stress, and with constant water and moisture. Here are some flooring Options for your washroom, and the Pros/Cons of each choice of Material.

Porcelain or Ceramic Tiles

Porcelain tiles are waterproof, Stylish and cost-effective. They have many styles that can give Luxury appearance to your washroom. Also work really well with heated flooring. If floors or room is not heated, it can become cold to the feet, and a slippery hard surface.

Polished Porcelain

Simple Ceramic Tile

Porcelain Tiles

Vinyl Flooring: Plank, Sheet and Tile

Vinyl for dealing with extreme amounts of water (children’s washroom/ laundry). Luxury Vinyl Plank flooring is a popular choice. It is 100% Waterproof, Cost-Effective and an Easy DIY (do it yourself) Project. The only downside is, that it can be much lower for resale-value, and Bumps/Gaps in the Subfloor can reflect on the surface.

Vinyl

Natural Stone

Natural Stone is hard, durable, aesthetically pleasing, and a good choice if you can afford it. Real Stone flooring can be the most expensive flooring option. An Excellent choice for Luxury Homes giving it big resale value, and Extreme Durability. Coldness can be mitigated by radiant heating, and Slippery flooring can be changed to Textured Stone. Slate. Marble, Granite, and Limestone are some materials used. The major downside is, that it can be very expensive, and should not be done as a DIY project. Hire a Professional when dealing with such expensive material.

Natural Marble Floors

Marble Shower Surround

Soapstone Floors/Tub

Grey Limestone

Engineered Wood

Better than solid wood in high moisture environment. Gives the Authentic wood look with real hardwood veneer, and has a plywood base that holds up well against moisture. Best choice if you want Natural wood in Bathroom. It is Dimensionally stable with real wood on top. However, over sanding can wear off the top wood layer, and can be moderately- high priced. Also, any wood floor, even well protected is prone to some damage, and wear/tear.

Engineered Wood

Flooring

Laminate Flooring

Laminate, which is Resin-impregnated paper a top a wood chip base. Surfaced with an illustration of oak, cherry, slate, marble, or any other stone/wood. Laminate is inexpensive, and easy to install. However, it will only work if you take precautions to protect the base from water/moisture. Tight seems between the planks is a must, or else any moisture that makes it through will make the laminate expand, and bubble. At this point, the Laminate cannot be repaired and must be teared out and replaced. Although Laminate is very inexpensive, and easy to install, It is also unreliable to use in washrooms, compared to other materials.

Laminate Flooring

Home Renovation Series 4: A Smarter Home

Smart Homes or Homes with built in Technological Upgrades are aimed for convenience, safety, and going green with energy cost reduction for all home owners, not just the luxury market. Being in control of your home appliances, lighting, thermostat, voice control home navigation, from almost anywhere in your house, is quite convenient.

Here are some features we would like to introduce to you,

1. Smart Thermostat

   A smart thermostat controls your Heating, Ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system remotely, and simultaneously shows your energy consumption metrics. You have the technology to program your Heating and A/C to shutdown while you are away from home, and also remotely set it on, shortly before making your way back to your home. This can reduce your Air Conditioning and Heating costs by not having them running all day.

Smart Phone Thermostat Sync

Control Temperature through your Smart Phone

Room sensor to help manage hot and cold spots

Comes with built-in Amazon Alexa Voice Service

Away mode, while you are not home

2. Smart Appliances

There are home appliances available, that makes you a cup of coffee just before you wake up, and can be connected to your smartphone or tablet. You can get alerts if your refrigerator temperature is too high or when the water filter needs to be changed. Manufacturers have also added Diagnostic features that will help technicians determine parts that need repair, in the appliances.

3. Smart Security

While you are spending time away from home, a smart security system can let you have access to home security through your smartphone. You have the ability to receive text/email alerts where there is activity around your home, or to see who is at the door. Seeing what your pets are up to while are away.

4. Smart Lighting

Automated Home Lighting, which became popular in commercial/industrial properties is also available for the average consumer. Lights can be set or programmed to turn on when entering rooms, and also adjust for daylight savings time. They may be set to turn on at a certain time of the day, and turn off at a programmed time. Specialized light bulbs that adjust to your mood or activities.

5. Solar Power

It is clearly evident that our Earth and Humans have relied on the Suns energy for longer than Science or statistics can ever prove. The provider of Energy and Life to all is, the Sun. Did you know that 1.2% of the Sahara Desert with Solar Panels is sufficient enough to cover all the worlds energy. Basically One Hour of Solar Energy that hits the Earth, is more than what humanity will use in an entire year.

Why have we ever considered coal, oil, natural gas or nuclear power for Powering ourCities? There is no way, those energy resources can compete with the sun. Neither are they clean sources of energy.

The Sun’s energy is free,clean, sage, and renewable. This is not a cheap upgrade, nor is it expensive, considering the money you will save on your monthly output for years, and for every owner of that home. Key Benefits: Zero Emissions, reduce the carbon footprint, Sustainable Energy, Silent Operation, Affordable, and helps saves the world’s ecosystems.

Solar Panels/Solar Roofs, solar powered fixtures, Solar Water Heating systems, and many other solar products that have even hit the mainstream market yet, are available for your homes today.

Solar Powered Garden Lighting

Solar Panel Skylight

Tesla Solar Shingles

Home Renovation Series 3: Basement Renovation

With a little creativity, you can revamp your basement in to a wonderful space that will increase the overall square footage of living space to your home, and also increasing the overall economic value of your home. This is proven fact in the real estate market.

There are several ways you can transform your basement, for instance, you may add a recreation/games room, wet bar, kids playroom, reading room, home theater, guest bedrooms, music rooms, extra kitchen, basement apartment, home gym, wine cellar, panties, and storage room. The ideas are almost endless with what you can do.

As being one of the most popular projects that homeowners undertake, doing your homework and hiring the right contractor is a must. There are factors like municipal permits involved, proper insulation, wood and concrete, safe furnace room enclosure, and framing that must undertaken only by a professional. Not all basement renovations are a Do-It-Yourself job, that most popular home media/TV outlets convince you to believe.

A building permit is your insurance that the job is done up to municipal building code. In case of a fire, the fire marshals and insurance companies will investigate to find the root cause of a fire. if no inspections or certification had been made, the blame lies with you as a homeowner. Potential buyers of your home may also contact municipal office if a permit exists. When working with our Realtors, we will ensure that you and your property are in full protection, if you choose to sell your property.

Basement walls are not always straight and aligned. Bent or crooked framing results in uneven and wavy trim, making it tougher to install cabinets or shelving. A contractor will make sure that the framing is vertically and horizontally aligned.

The Furnace and Water tank must be completely separate from the renovation and be enclosed in a properly ventilated space for efficient air circulation and fire prevention. The water heater requires sufficient combustion air to breathe and for maintenance work to be done. A certified HVAC professional will ensure this.

If you do not properly insulate your basement, you are just asking for mold and mildew growth. The correct vapor barrier, and creating a thermal break between the warm air inside and the cold air outside will prevent moisture buildup and condensation. Even the concrete foundation contains moisture and absorbs water from the exterior, no matter how long the concrete has been poured. The wood framing may rot or deteriorate if their is no moisture barrier when framing.

These are just some of the thing that you must hire a professional to do. Not all renovations are a do it yourself (DIY) project.

Lets take a look at some wonderful renovation ideas for your basement, now that we got the technicalities out of the way.

Basement Reno. Ideas

1. Wet Bar

View fullsize

Christian Brothers Cabinets

This it the perfect space in your home to turn in to a Bar. All you need is a bar counter, cabinetry, a few appliances, and maybe a wine coolers. Transforming this space into an intimate cozy hangout for grown-ups.

2.Billiards/games Room

2. home theatre/cinema space

2. Children’s play/activities space

Children’s Play/Activities Space

Children’s Play Space

3. music Studio space

Music Room/ Studio

Music Room/ Studio

4.laundry room

5.wine room/ cellar

Wine Room

5. home office

Basement Office Space

6. home gym/ fitness space

7.Pantry space

If you are interested in any of these Basement Renovation Ideas, we are happy to connect you with Home Renovation Specialists and contractors that are experienced in Basement Renovations.

This Concluded Home Renovation Series Part 3, stay tuned for our next Blog.

Thanks for Reading

TESLA ROOF

The Solar Powered Roof by Tesla

Tesla Inc. (formerly, Tesla Motors), is known for its one of its leading electric automobile, in the automotive industry. The company's mission is also to accelerate the world's transition to sustainable and renewable energy. Elon Musk (CEO, co-founder of Tesla), has recognized the need for an affordable, durable and beautifully integrated Solar Powerd Roof. 

Tesla Powerwall

Stores Energy and 100% Self Powered

The Solar Roof compliments the architecture of the home while turning sunlight into electricity. Traditionally roof systems and shingles may be made of asphalt, wood, ceramic, metal, etc. Tesla's roof tiles have the same appearance as traditional roofs, but are actually, are made of tempered glass, which is durable and warrantied for the lifetime of your house, or infinity. There are a few tile preferences to choose from, such as textured, smooth, Tuscan or slate, all customizable to your energy needs. 

Solar Roof Preferences

The existing Powerwall Battery is integrated with the roof, collecting energy during the day and storing it for use, when needed. The affordability is key to anyone investing or repairing their roof. The solar roof ultimately pays for itself considering that your electricity bill will be significantly reduced or eliminated completely, and also increasing the market value of your home. 

Installations will begin sometime in 2019, as initial trials are still in progress. You may reserve your roof now on Teslas Website. The company will take care of your entire Solar roof experience and install it, while also removing your existing roof. 

Tuscan Finish

Smooth Glass Tile Finish

Home Renovation Series 2

 Part 2 of the Renovation Series

1. Manufactured or Antique Brick & Stone Veneer

Stone Veneer Fireplace

Manufactured Stone or Brick Veneer material in your home is a popular renovation idea because of the charm and personality it adds to your home interior. Eco-logically Friendly and requires very minimal upkeep/maintenance. This material provides an Energy advantage by adding thermal mass to your home. Excess heat from wall frames and insulation is reduced in general.

This Veneer is manufactured using bricks or stone, however it is much thinner compared to your exterior Bricks layered. Since the Veneer is not so heavy in weight, it does not significantly affect the structural aspect of your home. This material may be used in several creative ways, such as on your Fireplace, Kitchen Back splashes, Bathroom Accent walls, columns, ceiling overhead, etc. Compared to most renovation ideas, Data and Statistics so this upgrade provides a higher retain able economic value on every dollar invested.

Backsplash

Kitchen Idea

2. Front Entry Door

With Freehold ownership, you have the privilege to make your remodel your home in any way you like. A well designed and welcoming front door is an appealing upgrade to your entry way, and with stunning architectural detail, it reflects your home style.

It is best to choose an entrance that would be hospitable to you and your guests. A variety of colors, trims, wood material, steel, fiberglass, and specialized locking mechanisms are some of many factors that enhance your home entrance. Some other primary functions of your front door are security and energy efficiency.

For Instance, A sturdy wooden door embodies design from the Arts and Crafts Era, which will last for many years by choosing high quality wood, which required minimal painting and staining, for maintenance.

Solid Wood

Double Door Entry

Wrought Iron + Glass Insert

3. Backyard Deck

Deck Design with Seating, and Fire Pit

For every home owner, it is essential to create an accessible space that fits your landscape and outdoor lifestyle. There are several stunning deck designs, ideas and layouts, with the right placement, size, and function for you.

Some materials include, pressure-treated lumber, wood composite (water-resistant), and capped polymer. Some stylish addons may include, pre-assembled railings, lattice skirtings, fascia, and deck lighting. You may style your deck in whatever way you prefer and do it dress it with modern furnishings, container plants, outdoor decors, and your BBQ.

Deck Lighting

The maintenance of your deck will be minimal and usually needed once every 10 to 15 years, depending on how well it is made. Repairs and maintenance usually consists of moisture damage, rot, pulling popped nails, or replacing boards. These are very minor repairs and can also be done by yourself (DIY). It is recommended to do some research and get expert advise before building a deck, to avoid costly mistake and to ensure you meet building requirements.

Post Lights

4. Paint

One of the most visually appealing home improvement and renovation is painting. In our experience, we have notices that homes that are well painted, have always had more appeal to home buyers in the market, with a lot less days on the market, due to such a high interest.

Whether you are painting walls, wood, kitchen cabinets, framing, etc. in the exterior or interior, the right paint cant revitalize and renew your entire home by adding character and a vibrant look. It is affordable and creates a create impact objectively increasing home value, and curb appeal.

Painting can reduce home dust, stains, and greasy fingerprints. Exterior painting can cover stains and damages on surfaces that have been affected by extreme weather and heavy rains.

Painting companies today are increasing their use of Low VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) in their paints to improve healthy indoor air quality, and by keeping excessive moisture out.

This Concludes our Renovation Series 2, stay tuned for Part 3 of our Blog Series