5 Remodeling Myths Revealed

Many home owners find themselves in need of renovating parts of their homes. Whether it be dated cabinets or mismatched hardware, updating a home can almost always encourage a larger resale value. Unfortunately, there are some myths surrounding home renovation that owners should be aware of before entering into a project.

Myth: Any remodel is a good one
Fact: Most home owners think that any remodeling project for a home is a good one yet this may not necessarily be true.

Not every home remodeling project is beneficial. It is important for home owners to research how the renovation will effect their home and weigh their options before entering into an expensive and timely project.

Myth: Interior improvements are better than exterior ones
Fact: Just because we spend most of our quality time indoors does not mean that the outside should be ignored. Both the interior and exterior are equally important.

Myth: Always follow the latest design trends
Fact: Many house owners think it’s a good idea to always fit in with the latest design trends. Home owners should try to think more carefully about how the remodel fairs in the future.

Flat roofs are among today’s common roof design trends but the engineer says that although this is fashionable, flat roofs may not be fashionable in ten years. Also, flat roofs do not fair well and are not safe for areas with large amounts of rain.

Myth: Cracks in walls indicate big problems
Fact: Most cracks are a result of expansion and contraction and are a sign of structural failure, especially if a proper dump proof course was not used while constructing the foundation of the structure. The expansion and contraction is natural for many houses and in most cases once the crack is fixed the problem is solved. However, if the crack continues to expand there could be a structural or foundation problem.

Myth: Retail hardware shops are cheap and better places to buy home improvement materials
Fact: When it comes to buying small hardware like bolts and locks, retail hardware shops offer a wide selection to choose from.

However, when it comes to large scale home remodeling projects, retail hardware shops may not be the best place. Home owners should consider consulting a construction professional as well. Some materials found in most retail hardware shops are substandard; only a construction engineer or material testing laboratories can rule out counterfeit products.

Bathtub Reglazing

When home owners are looking to spruce up dated bathroom tile, reglazing the tub and shower is an option. For many bathrooms, to 'gut' and refurbish the room would be upwards of several thousand dollars. Reglazing the tile in the bathroom will pull it into this decade without breaking the bank.

Typically, reglazing will cost approximately $1,000, but has the ability to transform the old into something new. Reglazing a bathroom should be performed by a professional. The process uses many chemicals that are too toxic for an amateur to handle safely.

The reglazing process should take a professional roughly about 10 days. The video below shows the drastic change that reglazing can offer.

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.