| Renovating should be a fun and exciting process | | | | will add more efficiency to your kitchen. There's a |
| (really!). The key is to plan the project out in | | | | roasting oven that that just plugs in and sits on your |
| advance, hire the right people, allot the appropriate | | | | countertop - great for big dinner events when you |
| amount of time, and make provisions for delays. Try | | | | could really use another oven. |
| not to make the completion date coincide with your | | | | If you have a small space with a closet (front entry, |
| birthday or anniversary. Begin waaaay before that | | | | bedroom), consider changing the regular doors to |
| date, if you're planning a special party, and even then, | | | | mirrored doors. That really opens up a room and |
| have an alternate location in mind. | | | | provides more light, quickly. |
| Don't impose a time frame on yourself or your | | | | Window Treatments can make the world of |
| contractor that will create stress. At the same time, | | | | difference in a room. There's a huge selection of |
| get a clear understanding of how long the project will | | | | gorgeous curtains, most of them reasonably priced. |
| probably take, and when it will begin. If it's a three | | | | Shop around - there are some great deals, out there. |
| month job and the work won't begin until November, | | | | On-line shopping is perfect for this. At the very least, |
| your house will not be ready for a New Year's Party, | | | | it'll give you an idea of what's available on the market. |
| unless you're celebrating Chinese New Year... This is a | | | | Adding a beautiful Valance will have a huge impact on |
| surprisingly common problem - how much time the | | | | the room. You can make them out of Crown |
| home owner thinks a project will take and that actual | | | | Moulding if you like the wooden look, or you can build |
| work time required. | | | | them out of plywood, cover with cotton batting, |
| There are no Contractor Fairies (and I refer here to | | | | then material to suit your room, and staple them at |
| the magical ones! Ha,ha,ha!) who can slip in the middle | | | | the back. Be sure to get help hanging them on the |
| of the night and have the project done by the | | | | wall as they will be quite heavy. Be sure to attach it |
| morning, although that would be good! (I'm guessing | | | | where there's a stud, too. (Are you making your own |
| that there'd be some really loud dance music, | | | | stud jokes?! Ha,ha!) The relatively new wrought iron |
| anyway, which would just keep you awake...!) Have | | | | curtain rods with all the cool attachments are really |
| your Contractor include a probable time frame with | | | | attractive, too. They are much easier to install and |
| the quote. | | | | generally less expensive than a valance. You can buy |
| Have a clear idea of what you want before your | | | | ready-made material valances, too - they're usually |
| contractor comes over. You don't have to sketch | | | | offered with the set of curtains that you choose. |
| out the changes, but you should be able to tell him or | | | | Tie-backs can make a real difference, too, so have a |
| her what changes you would like to see. Many good | | | | wee look at them, as well. |
| contractors will have done so many renos that they | | | | Furniture plays a key role in the look of your house. |
| will immediately know what needs to be done, the | | | | There are some gorgeous slip covers available, if you |
| approximate cost and time-frame. When a contractor | | | | don't want to replace your extra comfortable stuff! |
| tells you that 'the little bathroom' will cost about | | | | You could try your hand at reupholstering your |
| $3,000.00, don't think that your job will secretly only | | | | furniture. It's not as hard as it looks, but it does take |
| cost about $20.00, maybe a little less...then be | | | | time and skill, but if you're a willing participant and plan |
| shocked and dismayed when your bill comes in | | | | it carefully, it should work out all right. Get a staple |
| at...$3,000.00. You'd be surprised how many people | | | | gun to make the job a little easier. |
| have notions like that. Try not to fall into this trap, or | | | | Maybe you're in the market for a new head board? |
| to think that any changes you make once the job | | | | You can make your own out of a nice door, with an |
| has started won't affect the price or the amount of | | | | even pattern, some nice Crown Moulding, and some |
| time of a project. Always get written quotes for any | | | | legs. You can purchase these at any lumber store. |
| work you are having done, that way you'll both be | | | | Turn it on its' side to create the look you're after. |
| clear about the expectations for the job. | | | | If you'd like a softer headboard, try covering a sheet |
| If you're really stuck trying to figure out how to | | | | of plywood with a fair bit of padding, then cover |
| improve an area in your home, consider hiring a | | | | with material and staple. If it's big enough, you may |
| Designer. Keep in mind that they can work within | | | | be able to just sit it behind the head of the bed, or |
| your budget, but if your budget is really tight, it's | | | | you can attach it to the frame. |
| probably better to spend the consultation fee on | | | | Let go of your old notions about painting wooden |
| new drapes or a toilet... If decision making is a | | | | furniture - it can really bring it into the present |
| problem area for you, and you're able to relinquish | | | | (especially if it's that really dark wood so very popular |
| control, then a designer might be the clear solution. | | | | in the 70's...). If you are painting a hutch, remember |
| Shop around the same way you would for a | | | | to paint the interior to keep it looking light. Adding |
| contractor until you find someone you're really | | | | additional lighting is easy with the new 'stick on lights' |
| comfortable with, someone who will listen to what | | | | available at regular retail outlets. Smear Vaseline on |
| you want. Remember, it's your house, so do what's | | | | the windows of the unit before you paint it to make |
| right for you. If you say, "Absolutely no red" and the | | | | clean up faster and easier. |
| designer says you need all red if you're going to be | | | | You can replace the hardware, too, or paint that, as |
| 'cutting edge', then choose another designer - one | | | | well. If you really want to be adventurous, you could |
| who is more interested in catering to your needs. | | | | tile the top of your dressers and end tables with a |
| Is there a quick fix? | | | | nice marble or ceramic tile. Check my'Tiling Page' to |
| Often, there is a quick fix. If you aren't dealing with | | | | learn how to do this. |
| structural changes or a complete makeover, then | | | | New Bedding can really change the feel of a |
| consider a coat of paint, new flooring, new | | | | bedroom. If you don't already have Bed skirts, try |
| baseboards, and/or new window treatments. There | | | | adding these. An easy and inexpensive way to |
| are lots of things that you can do yourself, now. You | | | | create you own bed skirt is to take a flat sheet that |
| might want to up-date your bathroom or kitchen | | | | is a size larger than your bed. Place it carefully on the |
| with new flooring. There's a new glueless laminate | | | | bed to reach the floor around the bed, then make |
| 'wood' flooring that you can tackle on your own, if | | | | pleats at the corners. You can pin it, or just arrange |
| you are so inclined. Tiling is an excellent option, too, | | | | the top mattress over the sheet to hold it in place. |
| and you can learn how to do that on our site (click | | | | Try adding a Duvet Cover over an old comforter for |
| on the Tiling page), or attend a seminar at your local | | | | a different look. You can get matching Pillow Cases, |
| hardware store. A really nice throw rug can change | | | | too, that'll really complete the look. |
| the look of a room and add new life to an old carpet. | | | | Speaking of Tiling, if your Kitchen Countertop has |
| Installation of new carpet should be professionally | | | | seen better days, you might want to consider tiling it. |
| done, unless it's a small area and you are skilled at | | | | This is actually a surprisingly inexpensive venture, |
| that. | | | | especially if you can do it yourself. Many arborite |
| Sometimes a simple change like up-dating your | | | | countertops have a little 'lip' at the outer edge, which |
| hardware (the knobs in your kitchen - no, not your | | | | you will probably have to plane down to create a |
| husband's friends! Ha,ha,ha! ) can make a huge | | | | smooth and square surface in preparation for the tile. |
| difference in the overall look of a room. You may be | | | | You can also remove the old countertop and replace |
| able to paint your cabinetry if you don't want to | | | | it with ¾ plywood (have it specially cut to fit), |
| replace it. If you are replacing the cabinets, Check | | | | then tile on that. There are so many beautiful tiles to |
| out your Local Hardware Stores selection. You can | | | | choose from, that the possibilities are endless. Look |
| check for price, availability, installation fees (don't try | | | | at all the different sizes of tile, too. People often |
| this alone!), and for some ideas in general that you | | | | think of the tiny tiles, or the 4" tiles, for a |
| like. They will provide you with a computer printout | | | | Countertop, but you can go much larger. The tile we |
| of what your completed kitchen will look like, if you | | | | chose for our next kitchen (you can watch this |
| arrange to meet with a Kitchen Designer and draw | | | | process by clicking on the Tiling box) is a 13" X 13" |
| one out together. | | | | Green Marble Ceramic Tile - gorgeous. Real marble tile |
| If you have an old brick fireplace that you don't care | | | | is fantastic, too. There is a special grout to use for |
| for anymore, or want to give it a fresh look, consider | | | | countertops, so be sure to tell your retailer what |
| painting it. This is not a crime...painted brick looks | | | | your project is. Also, using a thin grout line will make |
| great! Generally, creamy shades work well, but you | | | | a real difference. |
| can choose what you like. Brick really soaks up the | | | | If your bathroom is in need of an up-date, a coat of |
| paint, so use a good primer, first. | | | | paint might do the trick. Many people have |
| You can also put a marble tile (slate works well, too) | | | | successfully painted their tile. Ask your retailer what |
| around the fireplace. Use the correct tile adhesive | | | | type of paint and finish you'll need for this. The |
| (ask at the store) and choose a nice grout. | | | | bathtub can be painted, too - there's a service that |
| You can actually buy a Fireplace Surround pre-made, | | | | specializes in this, so check your local papers. Tub |
| or you can build your own Mantel with Crown | | | | Surrounds are not a bad idea if there's no water |
| Moulding and some nice lumber. You may want to | | | | damage on the walls. Tiling is always a good option. If |
| bring in some help for this. While you're looking at the | | | | you're doing it yourself, and you have to tear down |
| Fireplace Mantels, check out the cool 'Fireplace | | | | the existing walls, remember to use waterproof |
| Overmantels' -- they're gorgeous! You can have | | | | drywall before you complete the wall finish. Replacing |
| mirror custom cut to fit in the center and make your | | | | the countertop, sink, toilet, tub or fixtures will really |
| house look fabulous, darling! | | | | improve the look of the bathroom. Call a professional |
| Changing the lighting can create a whole new look in | | | | before you 'get in too deep', though, and by that I |
| your home. If it's not too complicated, you can do | | | | mean before you end up in a foot of water - outside |
| this on your own. If it's too tricky or dangerous, bring | | | | of the bathroom! |
| in an electrician. Changing the light switches and | | | | Shelving can make a tremendous difference in the |
| switch plates can make a huge difference, too. You | | | | feel of you home if space is an issue. Check your |
| can go from the past to the present in a flick of the | | | | closets to see if there's a space at the very top |
| switch! Ha,ha,ha! | | | | where a shelf could be added. That's usually wasted |
| Doors have a huge impact on how a house looks. | | | | space, and you could store your 'opposite season' |
| Painting old wooden doors (the ones from the 60's | | | | clothes up there. Can you build shelves into your |
| and 70's) can add new life to them. Change the | | | | Pantry to make more room for canned goods? |
| hardware while you're at it, and you'll have a nice | | | | Stackable baskets and boxes are useful for storing all |
| new door! Switching to French Doors (the ones with | | | | the extra little things that cause clutter around the |
| the glass inserts) can add extra light to a room. You | | | | house. There are lots of shelving 'kits' on the market, |
| can get the glass with many different looks, if | | | | now. They are often less expensive than buying all |
| privacy is a concern. If your budget will allow, | | | | the materials to build your own shelves, so check |
| consider changing all the doors to the new white | | | | these out first. |
| colonial style - that looks nice in just about every | | | | A really simple way to change the look and feel of |
| home. They're clean and neat, and will brighten up a | | | | your home is to rearrange the furniture. Sounds |
| hallway. | | | | painfully simple, but it can breathe new life into a |
| Replacing your front door can give the house a real | | | | room. Also, the addition of some nice big tropical |
| boost and probably add a bit of safety, too, since | | | | plants, some hanging plants, and/or some potted |
| many of the new doors are made of steel. | | | | flowering plants will add life and colour to a room. |
| Sometimes adding a lovely screen door can create | | | | Hanging some nice prints or other artwork will do |
| more interest at the front entry. When you change | | | | wonders for your décor, too. |
| the doors, you will probably want to replace the | | | | Major Renovations |
| baseboards, too. If you are trying to make the job | | | | Generally, major renovations would encompass |
| as easy as possible, consider using Rosettes for the | | | | Remodeling a portion of your home or the whole |
| corners, then all the cuts will be straight ones. Use | | | | thing. The important stuff to remember is not to get |
| Dap to fill in any little gaps, or wood filler if you've | | | | in too deep. A very common problem is taking on |
| gone with a wooden finish. | | | | more than you can chew, usually right after watching |
| Also, Changing out the Garage Doors in an Older | | | | your favourite renovation show on television! It |
| Home to Update the Exterior look of your house is a | | | | always takes waaaay longer to do a renovation than |
| great idea. Garage Doors are a very reasonable price, | | | | what is accomplished with the magic of TV! Ha,ha,ha! |
| these days -- some things become more reasonable | | | | For one, they have all kinds of professional help (free |
| as time goes on -- go figure! But changing out the | | | | - yours probably won't be...), and note how the |
| Garage Doors can create an incredible new look for | | | | camera carefully avoids any close-up shots of the |
| your house. And maybe add some nice neat Trim | | | | finished work. If you race through a job, you'll have |
| around the Doors, too! | | | | lots and lots of time afterward to look at all the |
| Did you know that you can paint your appliances? It | | | | mistakes. Take your time, plan it out carefully, and do |
| works, too. You can hire a painting service to do this | | | | one area at a time. Sounds obvious, but it's |
| if you're worried about the outcome. If you are | | | | surprisingly easy to start ripping out all the stuff you |
| getting new kitchen cabinetry, you can order | | | | don't like, then realize later that it takes forever to |
| matching covers for the appliances. Ask at the | | | | actually fix any given area. Much better to decide |
| cabinet place for details to see if that is feasible in | | | | what needs to be done, write out a list, then |
| your kitchen. Sometimes your best bet is just to bite | | | | prioritize. If you have the Walls and the Floors on the |
| the bullet and buy new appliances. My favourite new | | | | same list, do the walls first - it'll be less stressful |
| appliance (who knew you could have a 'favorite | | | | when the paint splatters! |
| appliance?!) is the Upright Freezer. I'm putting one in | | | | If it's a huge remodeling job, consider how you will |
| the new house, it's sooo cool! It looks like a | | | | cope with all the mess. Do you have an alternate |
| refrigerator -- some the same height and almost the | | | | location where you can live during the renovations? |
| same size, and some a little shorter. You can arrange | | | | How about a little area of the house that you can |
| to have the door open from the left, if you have the | | | | keep as a sanctuary? Give this some serious thought |
| fridge and upright freezer side by side, so access is | | | | before you get started. It can be surprising how |
| even easier. Anyway, it saves 'losing' all those items | | | | difficult life can be during a reno project. If you |
| at the bottom of a regular freezer that you can't | | | | happen to have a House Trailer, this is probably a |
| remember and find a couple of years later... Also, | | | | good time to 'camp out', if only for a little break from |
| there are some really neat new small appliances that | | | | the chaos. |