Sunday, November 28, 2010

Curb Appeal

First impressions are important in every situation. Researchers have declared that it only takes seven seconds for a first impression to be formed, and several hours for that to be overturned. This is important to remember when selling your house. The first impression a potential buyer will have of your house will be when they arrive in front of it, meaning your "curb appeal". The maintenance of the front of your home has the possibility to make or break a potential sale. The video below can help you make smart decisions towards creating attractive curb appeal.


Saturday, November 13, 2010

Easy, Economical Bathroom Remodeling Tips

After years of use, the bathtub and shower area can start to show its age. Making some inexpensive fixes to the tub and shower surround can remove mildew buildup or dirty grout, and update tiles and fixtures.

This is important because, next to kitchens, a bathroom is the second most used room in a home, meaning the monetary return on the investment is high. Luckily for homeowners, there are plenty of economical ways to "revamp" their bathroom showers and tubs.

Replacing the old grout in between the shower tiles can brighten up the room. The new grout will enhance your existing tile and in many cases look new. According to All Decks and Improvement this will approximately cost $750.

Another option is to replace your tub and shower surround. The cost depends on whether your bathtub has water or mold issues. Problems such as these do not have an easy fix. If these issues arise, many contractors suggest that the bathroom be completely gutted. Although if your shower is free of these issues then it will approximately cost, from $200 to $500.

Reglazing your tub and shower area is the third economical option. According to Master Kitchens and Baths, reglazing can save a customer up to 90 percent on the remodeling costs. This process is also known as refinishing or resurfacing. The process includes acid washing the existing surface to make the area porous, then adhering a new enamel.

Reglazing can be completed in the home, without disturbing the existing tile, fixtures or plumbing. It takes three to four hours and the bathroom is ready to use after 24 hours.

If the bathroom does contain a mold problem, it is important to call a mold specialist immediately. Mold can infiltrate past the surface, through the wallboards and into the framework of the house.

Any of these easy, inexpensive fixes will freshen and breath new life into your bathroom.