Kitchen Remodeling on a Budget – Restrain Yourself from Spending

June 26, 2015

Kitchen Remodeling on a Budget – Restrain Yourself from Spending Anyone who plans on doing some remodeling in their kitchen should make sure that they are very clear on how much money they want to spend for this project. In general, the average price for remodeling an upscale kitchen is around eighty thousand dollars, yet there are 3 factors that you have to consider if you want to spend that much money on this. The first one is your budget and the second one is the amount of time you plan on living in your home.

So if you only pan to live like three to five years in your home, then you should see your kitchen remodeling project as a way to improve your home’s value.

Make sure though that you’re only going to spend as much money as you think you can recover by selling the house.

If you plan on living in the house for more than five years, then you should consider doing a remodel that will make your family and you the most comfortable.

When it comes to the third factor to consider, it’s the neighborhood.

In case you plan on adding a spectacular kitchen update in a middle class neighborhood, then when you’ll sell your home you’re most likely not going to recoup the money you spent on it.

Cost breakdown

Kitchen remodeling budget distribution About twenty to thirty five percent of your project costs is going to be consumed by labor. Adding to the cost are also the cabinets which are usually pretty expensive. To offer you a better idea of how the costs break down, take a look at the table below:

35% for the kitchen cabinets

20% for appliances that go into your design.

20% for hired labor.

10% for the new kitchen windows.

5% for the plumbing fixtures.

3% for the fittings.

7% other stuff you may need.

20% of your budget needs to be laid aside for unexpected expenses

If you have an older residence, then you should certainly expect some unpleasant surprise along the way. It could be that the floor beneath the washer is rotten or that the wiring in the walls is outdated. To cover these surprises, it’s recommended that you leave some wiggle room in your budget.

Set priorities and stick with them

It’s best to have a list that contains the things that are the most important for you, such as cabinets, appliances, electronics and so forth. Also, when you set your priorities, go through the importance of the little things such as hi-tech faucets and molding to the overall look and feel of the kitchen. While seemingly inexpensive, they can easily add up.

Paying for the kitchen remodeling project

Paying for kitchen remodeling A home equity loan is one of the best ways to consider when it comes to paying for your kitchen remodel and that’s because they’re tax deductible.

Also, you may have cash in hand to pay for the project, but before you go ahead and pull money from your investment account, you may want to consider the benefits of borrowing cash at a low interest rate.

Will you live in your home during the renovation?

If you want to reduce your stress, then it’s best to live someplace else while you’re home is being renovated. However, this means you need to factor in the costs of renting an apartment or home and how long you need to rent it for.

No kitchen – no Eating

Without a functional kitchen, you’ll need to consider eating out a lot and this means quite a bit of money is going to be spent on food. Because of that, this expense should be fit into your budget at the outset.

Monitor your budget closely and frequently

Make sure to have a spreadsheet where you keep tabs of every little expense you consider. If there are any cost overruns, then you’ll easily be able to stop them.

Lower costs by making your hands dirty

Lower kitchen remodeling costs by doing some of the small work Taking out the old flooring, appliances and cabinets can be done by yourself, so how about you consider this in order to save some money?

Extras should be avoided

Make sure that you don’t deviate from your original plan, since it’s easy to spend a lot more money on the remodel by adding various kitchen features. The extras are just extras and they’re not required for you to use and enjoy your new kitchen .

Decorating your Home? Maybe it’s Time to Get a Professional?

June 22, 2015

Maybe it is Time to Get a Professional Home Decorator Did you know that by updating your interior design you’ll be able to ready your property for prospective buyers, make your home looks closer to the way you want it to look, but also bring a new sense of order and overall enliven your surroundings? Regardless of the reasons you have for making this change, it’s very important that the results are going to perfectly fit your vision.

After reading many magazines and books to find inspiration for how you’ll go about with this project, you’ve finally decided to get to work. However, before you begin, you may still have that feeling of insecurity that you may not really know what you’re doing and since this is a costly and time consuming project, it would be better to hire someone who can help you out. An interior designer or an interior decorator may just be the professionals you’re looking for, but will hiring one of them be expensive and are they going to be able to turn your vision into reality?

Interior Designer vs. Interior Decorator

Interior designers are professionals that have studied interiors, including color theory, lighting design, but also spatial planning so they can easily interpret architectural renderings. Not only that, but they’ve undergone training in a wide range of design applications and are very well versed in zoning regulations, permitting and building codes.

Most of the times, such professionals are specialized in aircraft, hospitality, commercial, residential and many other types of interior spaces. Their focus is on functional design and planning, but also the interior space’s decorative aspects.

On the other hand, an interior decorator will only focus on interior design’s decorative aspects. Color, materials, textiles and furniture selection are exactly what they are going to help you with in order to make sure your home look as amazing as you want it to look. Compared to interior designers, this profession doesn’t require a degree in interior decoration nor are there formal memberships associations.

Budget

Home decorating budget If your budget is not that large, then it’s a good idea that you consider tackling the project ton your own. In terms of money, this will help you cut out the costs of labor and consultation which are generally quite expensive. For instance, while some professionals will charge you by the hour including other extra fees, others will charge you based on the complexity of the project.

However, there are also professionals who will only charge you a flat fee which includes everything you need to make your room or entire home look exactly the way you want to. However, for those charging a flat fee, don’t be surprised if you’re asked to pay upfront in full for any purchases that need to be made.

In some cases, designers can also charge you a retainer fee which ranges between five hundred dollars to twenty five thousand dollars after the contract is signed.

But even if your budget is not large, you should know that there are still many benefit you could take advantage of by hiring an interior designer. Since they’ve been in the industry for a long time, they know exactly where they can get the best deals and can also negotiate for the best price. They can also help you make the right choices and avoid mistakes which can save you a lot of money, hassle and headaches in the long run.

Skill

Home decorating skills If you have a knack for interior design and an eye for style, then a do it yourself approach may just be the right approach in your situation. But if you struggle with how to accessorize, furniture arrangement, textiles and lack basic knowledge of color combinations, then, you may want to consider hiring an interior designer to help you out with this.

They’re able to look at your room with a new and fresh perspective and then make the necessary changes in order to ensure it looks perfect. Therefore, if you have high expectations for this project, then don’t try to tackle it on your own and get some help along the way.

Time

There are some people who just love challenges and given the fact that some of them may also be working from home, it’s a given that they try to complete such projects on their own. While this approach can save you a lot of time and money, it does require that you’re patient and know exactly what you’re doing.

Dedicating time for home decorating

There is a lot of time consuming work that goes into an interior design project, including:

Shopping for interesting and inexpensive design components.

Considering various materials and design options.

Monitoring delays and problems with vendors.

Putting everything together.

And if you thought that was it, then you are very wrong. In fact, after you decide on everything you need to buy, you’re also going to need to put it all together in a stylish and cohesive fashion. If you want to save time and take a great weight off your shoulders, then go ahead and hire a professional to help you out at this point. Don’t go for the first one, but make sure that you interview several designers in order to find the one whose personality, working style and aesthetic will suit you best.

Building codes and remodeling permits

Building code requirements Based on the extent of the work, you’ll need to acquire the right permits of any actual construction or remodeling is going to be done. From visiting the right office, to filing out the paperwork and making sure that it’s delivered fast so that work can begin as soon as possible, the interior designer needs to handle everything that can speed up the project.

It’s very important though that you only consider hiring professionals who obtain permits, since the work is going to greatly add to your home’s resale value. On top of that, possible buyers are also going to want to see the permits before they commit to a purchase.

At the end of the day, regardless if you decide to tackle this project on your own or maybe hire a professional, you should take a final decision based on your budget and the amount of work you’re ready to personally consider.

Colors to Consider when Painting a Bedroom

June 19, 2015

Colors to Consider when Painting a Bedroom Painting your bedroom can be quite an important project, especially if you’re the type who really cares a lot about the way his home looks. If you have no idea about how to paint it though, don’t worry about it. Below we’re going to offer you some pretty amazing suggestions you’ll certainly love.

Trendy

Orange bedroom walls Trying hot hues on the walls of your bedroom is certainly a good start, but before you go ahead and do it, you need to think for a few moments about how the color you have chosen to use is going to suit the bedroom. For instance, if you splash them across the walls, nineteen eighties neon brights can make for a pretty interesting and comfortable sleeping space. On the other hand, you could also try a soothing combination of pink and dove gray.

You can click this picture for a paint color combination palette.

Classic

No matter how many trends come and go, one thing’s for sure: classic color combinations are here to stay and that’s how it’s always going to be. In this regard, it’s very much recommended that you consider pairing yellow and blue for instance to paint your bedroom. A way to express this palette in paint though would be by painting the walls in butter yellow and making sure the ceiling is properly painted in sky blue.

However, that’s not the only color combo you can consider. Another one would be the green and red combo and in this regard, you could pair lime and cherry, mint and coral, but also pine and cranberry together seamlessly. The result will look nothing short of phenomenal.

Neutral

There is a reason why neutral paint colors are so popular when it comes to bedrooms. For instance, if you go with a creamy white for the walls, then this is going to allow you to play with any color combination in your accessories and bedding. On top of that, they also have a recessive and also soothing quality which is great if you want to use this room mostly to relax. On the other hand, you shouldn’t think that neutrals need to be boring.

In fact, you should consider adding a paint finish or using a glossy paint that is either opalescent or shimmery. To add interest to a neutral scheme though, you should use contrast: the trim work should be painted in a pale cafe au lait, while the walls in a cappuccino brown.

Bright

Green badroom walls If you plan on adding an invigorating shade to the bedroom, then a bright, clear and clean paint color is definitely a great choice to consider. In case the room lacks natural light though you may want to use jade green, blue or turquoise to give it energy. Lastly, if the room is flooded with light, painting it in a jonquil yellow is the best way to go about it.

Spa-like

A lot of people want their rooms to look like a spa and if that’s the case with you as well, then no one’s stopping you from painting your bedroom like this. In order to create cozy confines, some spas may use dark shades, but there are also others which focus on creating an airy environment by using layers of cloudy whites or water greens and blues. If upon entering this room you feel relaxed, then any of these color combinations is a great idea.

Build a Walk-In Closet in Your Unused Bedroom

June 15, 2015

Build a Walk-In Closet in Your Bedroom If your current home lacks adequate closet space, then you probably know how it feels when you want to just store a few things, but you have nowhere to put them. On the other hand, it seems that the lack of storage area may also have a negative impact on your property’s desirability and that is why it’s worth making sure that sooner or later you’re going to consider investing in additional closets.

This is especially the case if you want to sell your home for a good price and have the peace of mind that you’re going to find a buyer fast. Most of the times, it seems that building a walk-in closet in a master bedroom can easily fix the storage space issue, but how can you go about building it?

Well, there a few basic steps you should follow when building one, but in case you’d be in any doubt that building a closet is within your abilities, take a look at this funny video and continue reading.

Where to find an appropriate closet space?

Build a Walk-In Closet in Your Unused Bedroom One of the first things you should consider when it comes to adding a closet to your home is checking to see whether you have an extra bedroom that can be converted to a walk-in closet or not. If you don’t, then don’t worry about it, since you can also consider turning an neighboring room or alcove into a walk-in closet. How can you do that? Well, all you need to consider is framing walls to border it and lastly, all you have to do is add a door.

However, if you have a bedroom that features an open door plan, creating the space for your closet means you’ll have to consider framing bigger walls. Depending on several details, such as the projected size of your walk-in closet and the size of the master bedroom, it’s possible that you need to consider borrowing space from an adjacent room.

If this is the case, then you need to get in touch with a well reputed and experienced contractor to help you out with completing the project. For those who want to create a completely new area for their closet, they should give some thought to the kind of doors they’d like to get. To give the walk-in closet a luxurious feel, you can go for French doors, but solid doors are also a good idea.

What are your storage choices?

Clothing hangers After you’ve framed out or chose the area for your closet, you’ll need to give some thought to the kind of storage you’d like constructed into your room. For storing clothing with hangers for instance, it’s recommended that you add 2-3 areas with rods at different heights, but you should also not limit yourself to this specific type of storage.

Clothes closet shelving You can consider making some shelves that will be built into the walls and be used for storing jeans, sweaters and other similar items. On top of that, you should also include a section of drawers which is certainly going to be useful for storing small items like socks and underwear. Lastly, it’s recommended that you also add storage for shoes, like a series of slanted shelves or cubbies.

What type of flooring should you consider?

Closets are generally utilitarian spaces, but this doesn’t mean that you cannot turn them into luxurious spaces. The overall feel and look of the closet is directly influenced by the type of flooring you choose and if you want to give the area an elegant and warm feel, then a hardwood floor is perfect for this purpose.

Clothes closet floors

And while dark wood such as cherry and mahogany provides a masculine and sophisticated feel, you can also use oak and maple in order to brighten the walk-in closet.

Recommended ventilation and light fixtures

Clothes closet lights To protect your wardrobe and make sure that the walk-in locker is comfortable, proper ventilation and lighting are essential. Therefore, you should carefully choose the fixtures you want to use in it and make sure to hire a contractor or electrician to wire the walk-in for lighting.

For a luxurious look, you can go with a statement fixture, such as a pendant light or a chandelier for the middle of the closet. However, you have to make sure that your closet lighting type complies with local building code requirements.

In case you’re using a converted bedroom with a window, you can make use of sunlight. Just make sure to use blinds or curtains though, since natural light can and will damage and fade your clothing. In terms of proper ventilation, a window will help, yet dedicated heating or cooling vents are a lot better for circulating air.

Brighten Your Room with New Window Installation

June 13, 2015

Brighten Your Room with New Window Installation Chicago neighborhood homes, especially the ones located in older parts of the Windy City are quite often build extremely close to each-other. Getting some sunlight or any natural light into a room located on a wall facing another building is extremely difficult. Old windows are often damaged, taped up and blocking whatever natural light there might be trying to get into that area.

With some basic tools and skills a new vinyl window installation in Chicago is very simple. On top of that, for each window you’re going to install on your own, you’ll save quite a bit of money.

However, before you begin, it’s important to check the current condition of your window frames and if they’re really out of square or rotten, the frame and the entire unit itself may have to be replaced. As a result, the complexity and cost of the entire project will increase, but you can still tackle it like a pro.

On the other hand, if the frames are in good shape, then all you need to do is carefully measure the interior height and width of each of your window frames top to sill and side to side. These measurements have to be double checked in order to ensure they are accurate, since ending up with a window that won’t fit is not what you’re aiming for here. In general, the old frame sizes are going to match a regular size vinyl window.

Tools you’ll need to install new window

Utility knife.
Safety glasses.
Pry bar.
Hearing protection.
Level.
Caulk gun.
Tape measure.
Cordless drill.
Hammer.

Materials required for window installation

Foam backer rod.
Insulation.
Acrylic caulk.
Shims.

tape

Using the measurements you just got, you’ll have to proceed with ordering the windows from a home center or lumberyard, but remember that based on the features you need and manufacturer, the price can vary quite a bit. A good idea would be to order windows with two layers of glass.

As for installing them, it’s going to take about half a day for the first unit, but once you learn the steps, it’s going to be much easier with the rest of the windows. You can find the steps on how to do this below:

Carefully remove the top and save it, since you’ll use it later in the same place.
Proceed with removing the old lower window sash.
Remove the parting stop (you won’t need it anymore).
Remove the old top sash.
Open the sash pockets and then carefully remove the weights. The sash cord pulleys also have to be removed and don’t forget to use fiberglass insulation for stuffing the weight pockets.
The new window should now be pushed into place against the exterior stop. The mounting screws should be driven in the sides.
The outside now needs to be caulked and after that, make sure to install the vinyl trim pieces.
Finally, reinstall the old inside stop.

Home Decorating Intoroduction

May 22, 2015

If you are looking for home decorating and interior design information you have come to the right place. At Nr1 Home Decorating you will find a wealth of helpful interior design advice, as well as a selection of links to great related sites.

If you take advantage of the great decorating tips we provide you can be confident that your home will look amazing in no time! For some basic interior design tips, check out our interior design page. Looking for something unique? Why not try Japanese interior design. Have a bedroom that needs to be decorated?

Check out our page on bedroom decorating for some advice. You don’t have to be an expert to create beautiful rooms. By following some basic rules anybody can be successful at interior design and home decorating. We are confident that the articles at Nr1 Home Decorating will help you fulfill all your decorating dreams!

Furniture and decorative items include a tint of advanced appeal to your homes and work locations.

They develop the desired aura through the proper use of handicrafts, antique furnishings, ornamental plates, and so on.

How to choose the correct home decor

Choosing home decor products, which represent your very own style and seems warm and cordial, is extremely important. Home decorating is the very first top priority and there are numerous devices are available online that can embellish your location in various ways. Under limited budgets house can be accessorized. Now availability of online wholesales dealers, which provides home decor items for a lower cost for decorating locations.

Random Home Décor Ideas

Homes can be decorated with the living space furniture, designer tables, lights, show pieces and others. With the use of stylish lamps you can provide a really stylish appearance to your location. Candle holders, traditional jewelry boxes and wall hanging painting are of different things that show your style and taste of indoor decor. And no need to say, guests and other individuals actually value of your design sense.

Home Décor History and Styles

Home makeovers have actually gone through different modifications and some ideas are brand-new and some means are everlasting. Products of interior decor such as furniture, different kinds of drapes, candle lights, table lights, ceiling chandeliers constantly have actually been in a style for the perfect house design.

Decorating your house and work places is everything about producing the location that is glamorous, wonderful, vibrant, and comforting. It is an art to stand for the identification of individuals and their style of living. Home design accessories and concepts of utilizing them assist individual to boost and raise the complete style of interior decor.

Adding beauty and value to your home

Professional tables, living space furnishings, dining chairs, curtains and linen have their value in boosting the beauty of house. Now drapes are not just used as the useful necessity however also work as an important product to establish the indoor attractiveness of the living location and various other places. It obstructs the aesthetic and natural beams which includes warm furnishing aura in the spaces.

Antique home decor

Antique collectibles such as candle light holders, vases, bows, boxes, etc have the fantastic impact that change the decoration of any place immediately. Various fragrances are likewise vital aspects are worth discovering the appeal and cleanliness. One can develop finest home decorating with the combination of illumination, fragrances, popular designer boxes and various other decorative products look excellent and likewise smarten as soon as possible the appeal quotient of places and numerous other chosen areas.

Low-cost Home Decorating

I was told that that decorating your house are just restricted from your creativity, nonetheless the fact is the belief that it actually is in addition restricted from the budget. Finding the right furniture or upholstery for the home in addition to in accordance with your whole decorating programs can be tough with a good budget. Can you decorate your house if you be lucky adequate to think about a situation in this manner specific? Is advertised possible to achieve it?

Beginning The Design Process

Fortunately, wherein there exists a will, another highlight is the highway. Around townspeople looking created for Cheap Home Decorating items with inexpensive selling rates is a great path to finding exactly what we browse. When you lastly can get them, you can start to value you can’t currently have got to spend that much that can assist the residence appearance good looking.

For just to show, garage revenue and cd stores can have remarkably wonderful furniture together with stuff, therefore be individual in order to obtain things you would like. But however, the family furniture is with this expensive element, and that indicates you have the ability to inquire around the finest and a lot affordable approach to be observed.

The response, obviously, is based upon the search for affordable toss rugs. Why they’re the fastest approach to embellish a Cheap Home Decorating, you ask? To commence with, the carpeting does not really in fact carry out less location than vital live able space. Add color, texture in addition to pattern tin dramatically impact the room right into something completely various.