House Renovation

House Renovation, Interior Design

The top bathroom renovation ideas

8th March 20220

So, you’ve decided your bathroom needs a little upgrade and remodel. However, if you’re not sure about what you want to change or what type of style you are interested in, then this blog can very informative for you. Some of these bathroom model ideas may give you major inspiration for your own home.  

Here is the list of bathroom renovation ideas:  

  • Relocating the bathtub  

With a simple shift in the tub and toilet, it can transform the entire space. It can turn a small bathroom into a room with more space to work with. However, relocating will result in more work which may cost you more. If you need to move the key elements, try to keep the toilet in the same place or close to it. So, you can connect it to the pipe and save you money.  

Walk In Shower with 2 Doors and Marble Chevron Tiles - Transitional - Bathroom
source: fox group construction 
  • New flooring  

By updating the flooring, it can turn the room into a show-stopper. If you replace plain tiles with ones that have a pattern it will bring more life into the room. Although, many people like the look of hardwood it is best to avoid this for bathrooms because of the water and steam. You can find great mimics of wood in different types of vinyl.  

Devonstyle Grey Pattern Wall and Floor Tile - Tiles from Tile Mountain
  • Paint that pops  

You can make a bold statement by brightening the bathroom with bright paint. Paring it with matte black accessories can add a modern sleek feel to the room. Also, using bright colours can make the room feel bigger without extending the space.  

32 Best Bathroom Paint Colors - Popular Ideas for Bathroom Wall Colors
Image: DAVID A. LAND
  • Having a statement mirror  

When you have a small bathroom having a large mirror can make the room feel lighter and more spacious. A mirror that covers the entire room is very effective, and a great way to renovate a space.  

7 Fantastic mirrors that will make your bathroom the star of your home - Daily Dream Decor
source: studio mcgee 
  • Stylish storage  

Instead of having your clutter on the show a way to remodel your bathroom is to add some storage. Some people like to have their product on shelves so staying organised is a must. You can also get cupboards and shelves that match the aesthetic of the room.  

Burford Bathroom Storage – Furnitureco

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House Renovation

The Best Renovations To Improve Your House Value

23rd February 20220

Are you wanting to increase your house value so you can sell? Then you are in the right place. Here are some of the best renovations you can do that will improve your houses value. 

Kitchen Renovations  

Kitchen renovations are one of the most popular projects to do. Every home buyer will always look out for how the kitchen looks. Nowadays, modern kitchens are most wanted. You can increase the value a little bit by working on cupboard doors making the kitchen look better. However, you can increase the value by a big some by working on the worktops and tiling, or even adding new kitchen appliances. A kitchen renovation can raise the value up to 12%. However, before you begin make sure you have planned this correctly as this can take time and be expensive. 

Bathroom Renovations 

Another popular choice is bathroom renovations. This can increase the value of your home to around 7-8% however, if this is done incorrectly it can decrease the value of your home by a lot. When renovating a bathroom, you should take into consideration the trends people want. For example, wet rooms, marbled surfaces or steam lined storage. Little things like that can raise the value. 

Decorating  

Decorating is one of the cheapest ways to raise your houses value. Depending on the materials you decide to use you can raise your houses value by 5%. However, you have to consider lots of different styles and what style would make the home perfect for you or homebuyers. Decorating can cover a variety of projects such as painting, wallpapering or flooring. However, since decorating raises the value so little sometimes it’s best to leave the home plain with no damage and let the homebuyers decorate themselves. 

Smart Home  

Nowadays having technology is your home is very desirable. For example, having smart lightbulbs or a security system. This is becoming increasingly common for homebuyers to want this for their homes. There are many more smart technologies you can add to your home. Adding technology can raise the value of your home by 7% however, it also has been known to raise the value by an amazing 35%. This depends on what kind of technology you add to your home. 

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House Renovation, Interior Design

6 great ideas on how to renovate your bedroom

7th February 20220

From a full renovation to a small redecoration, there are plenty of ways to remodel a bedroom. Bedrooms can be such easy rooms to update. Renovating your bedroom, can change your mood and give the space a whole new vibe. Here are some ideas on how to renovate your bedroom on a budget.  

Paint your bedroom walls –  

Painting is one of the most immediately noticeable bedrooms remodel ideas. You can paint a room in a couple of days and the results last for years. Choosing the right paint colour can be really important in the bedroom because it can affect your mood. Usually, cool light colours make you calm and warm colours energise you.  

paint color for bedroom ideas - Vrogue.co

Updating the floor –  

Many people like to install carpets in the bedrooms because they are great insulation. However, wood floors and a soft rug create the idea of luxury. You can get the look of wood floors without spending a huge amount of money by installing vinyl or laminate.  

Flooring Store- Carpet, Hardwood, Luxury Vinyl, Tile, Laminate | Tacoma, WA

A DIY headboard –  

A DIY headboard might sound complex, however, there are ways in which it could become a simple task. It can be as simple as getting a large piece of wood and painting it or hanging a section of wallpaper or a rug above your bed. You can make your bed the statement of the room, without spending a huge amount on a headboard.  

23 DIY Headboard Ideas for More Attractive Bedroom

Adding some shelfs –  

You can easily find wall shelves for under £10. Not only do they provide storage, but they are also perfect to hold décor. Adding a shelf above your bed can be a great focal point in the room.  

Open Shelving 101: a guide to DIY shelving - Calling All Creators

Statement bedroom light fixture –  

Most bedrooms come with a simple light or light shade that doesn’t add much to the room. So, replacing it with a statement piece is a quick and easy bedroom renovation idea.  

Adding a seating area –  

One major piece of advice for better sleep is designating the bed as a sleep-only space. So, if you have the room adding a seating area such as a window seat or small armchairs will be beneficial.  

Bedroom Window Seat Ideas | Houzz UK

House Renovation

Bathroom Renovations: Things to Consider

24th January 20220

Bathroom renovations gives you the chance to refresh your bathroom and make sure it’s perfect for you. A more efficient bathroom will save you money in the long run and reduce strain on the environment. 

Bathroom renovation cons 

The effect on your home.  

When renovating your bathroom, it will have a huge effect on your household. The process of remodelling can become a nightmare for you and anyone else in the household, especially if it goes wrong.  

Its costly  

Bathroom renovations are never cheap, especially bathrooms. If you’re wanting to completely remodel, you’ll need to know the costs if toilets, bathtubs, showers, sink and any other maintenance that will be needed. Other factors you will need to consider is tiling, mirrors, plumbing and painting expenses. Also, you will need to be aware of any outdated or broken pipes as you will need to replace them. Before you start renovating you should create a budget, and make sure it’s realistic.  

Time  

It doesn’t matter what you plan, the timeline to this project is out of your control. Sometimes small or large problems will appear that needs to be dealt with, the labourers may not be as punctual as you thought. Therefore, don’t expect your planned 2-week renovation to take the correct time as it will most likely take longer. 

Bathroom renovation Pros 

Increase hoe value  

Renovating your homes bathroom can add value by 5% of your homes buying price. Visitors that are looking to buy will appreciate a modern and contemporary appearance compared to an outdated design. Remember, newer features, pluming and design will attract more buyers if your wating to see your home. 

Your dream designs 

When remodelling you get to decide exactly what it will look like and everything that will go with it. For example, you get to have any style you like and add as many touches as you like, such as  

  • Storage space 
  • Energy saving features 
  • Heated towel rack  
  • Mirrors  

Many different styles  

  • Contemporary style 
  • Eclectic style 
  • Modern style  
  • Traditional style 
  • Asian style 
  • Beach style 
  • Craftsman style 
  • Farmhouse style  
Visualizer: Nataliya Yahela

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House Renovation

Bathtubs: Everything You Want To Know

9th December 20210

There are many different bathtubs such as: 

  • Firstly,Freestanding tub  
  • Secondly, Drop in tub 
  • Three-wall alcove tub 
  • Corner tub 
  • Undermount tub 
  • Claw foot tub 
  • Hot tub 
  • Finally, Japanese tub  

Three-wall alcove tub 

Pros for example:

  • Firstly, Easy to clean and maintain 
  • Practical and functional  
  • Can be decorated  
  • Finally, Affordable  

Cons 

  • Generic in feel  
  • Must be placed between two walls  

Freestanding tub 

Pros for instance

  • Adds to house value  
  • Visual impact 
  • Can be situated anywhere in the room 
  • Versatile look 

Cons such as:

  • No storage areas  
  • Expensive  
  • Extremely heavyweight  

Drop in tub 

Pros 

  • Firstly, high end, luxurious feel 
  • No slip, grip handles  

Cons  

  • Difficult to install and remove. 

Corner tubs 

Pros such as:

  • Maximum versatility  
  • Makes use of corner space 
  • Can be glasses enclosed or open style  

Cons 

  • Tub accessibility is limited  
  • Can only be in the corner of the room 

Clawfoot tub 

Pros for example:

  • Adds immediate vintage charm and period detail to a bathroom 
  • Easy to install 
  • Space beneath 

Cons  

  • Lack of storage 

Undermount tub  

Pros in particular

  • Easy to clean 
  • Durable and sturdy 
  • High end, luxurious feel  

Cons 

  • So, tub cannot simply be removed without destroying the surrounding decking. 

Hot tubs 

Pros such as:

  • Deep soaking relaxation 
  • Hydrotherapy for those with achy joints and arthritis 

Cons 

  • Expensive  

Japanese tub  

Pros for instance,

  • Amazing design  
  • Adds house value  
  • Artistic presentation  
  • Offers deep soaking  

Cons for example:

  • No storage  
  • Expensive  

Questions that are frequently asked about bathtubs 

What materials are bathtubs made from? 

Often bathtubs are made out of porcelain which is usually steel-based. But bathtubs can be made from marble, acrylic, and fiberglass. However, historically bathtubs have been made from wood, copper, and iron. 

Can bathtubs be repaired? 

In addition, it is possible to make repairs on a variety of tubs. For example, these include porcelain tubs and those made from marble, acrylic, and fiberglass. Small chips and scratches can often be repaired making this more of an economical option than replacing the entire tub. 

How long do bathtubs last? 

Although it depends on the tub material and how well it has been made. In addition, you can find original bathtubs in old houses that are in fantastic condition at 100 years old. 

Furthermore, what are the most popular bathtubs? 

  • Freestanding tub 
  • Drop in tub 
  • Three-wall alcove tubs 

Can bathtubs be recycled? 

So, a bathtub is not easily recycled. Although, cast iron tubs may be of interest to some metal scrap yards or foundries. Nevertheless, steel is one of the most recycled materials. However, it takes some work to remove the enamel finish which may not be worth the effort for some recyclers. It may be better to repurpose your bathtub instead of recycling, for example: 

  • Feeding and drinking troughs for animal farms 
  • Container for garden 
  • Backyard pool for pets  
  • Finally, Party bucket for beverages and ice. 

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Design and Inspiration, House Renovation

Renovations That Increase Your House Value: Part 1

29th November 20210

Renovations to consider when wanting to add more value to your home 

Loft and garage conversions  

These two conversions are the most popular way of extending and adding value to the property. However, converting these into living space will add value by 15%. In addition, a garage conversion will increase the value by 20%. People convert these to create more living space and storage. 

Energy efficiency improvements  

This can fall into two categories: 

  • Simple low-cost improvements 
  • High-cost improvement works 

From research, energy-saving improvements to your property can raise the value by 14%. Meanwhile, improving lost insulation, cavity wall installation, double glazing, and adding a high-performance boiler would decrease energy bills giving the home more value. 

Outdoor décor (garden landscaping and external works) 

Furthermore, maintaining the garden area can add value by 10% – 20%. The things people keep in mind about the garden is: 

  • Privacy and security  
  • Good lighting  
  • Well thought terraced area  
  • Flat lawn  

Other renovations that can increase your house value  

  • Firstly, garage conversion 20% increase 
  • Secondly, loft conversion 15% increase 
  • Energy saving 14% increase 
  • Balcony 12% increase 
  • Outdoor décor 10% – 20% increase 
  • Open living plan 6% increase 
  • Kitchen 6% increase 
  • Central heating 5.4% increase 
  • Bathroom 5% increase  
  • Paint and decorate 5% increase 
  • Fireplace 5% increase 
  • Conservatory 5% increase 
  • Flooring 3% increase 
  • Roof 3% increase 
  • Finally, decking 2% increase 

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House Renovation, Interior Design

10 ways to modernise your old house and make it feel brand new

26th November 20210

As the saying goes don’t move, improve. Especially if you love your house but want to modernise it to become more of your style. Adding affordable improvements can also add value to your home and can maximise how you use it.

Remove walls – 

removing the walls between the dining and living room or even the kitchen can transform an older home. Creating an open plan living space and making the room feel airy and modern, without damaging the character too much. 

How to Divide an Open-plan Space With a Half-wall | Houzz UK

Replace or clean the flooring –  

If the older house has a dirty carpet, it would be best to either clean it or buy a new one and make the space feel fresh. And if the flooring is wood or dark in colour to modernise the place you should opt for a lighter colour choice. 

▷ How to replace carpet with vinyl flooring? And why? | L'Antic Colonial

Paint the walls – 

The walls in outdated houses often have crazy wallpaper or dark paint on them. To make your home modern you need to choose colours that will tie your home together. This is an affordable easy way to transform your house quickly.  

Bright Pieces gallery wall - White and gold - desenio.co.uk

Install larger windows –  

By replacing the old windows with larger ones or by adding bi-fold doors it can open up a space. By doing this you will be creating indoor/ outdoor living which has become a very popular style of home design.   

50 Living Rooms with Big Windows (Photos) - Home Stratosphere

Replace old fixtures  

From light switches to cabinet handles, fixtures can really date a home. Update these common fixtures in your home and they will bring your design.  

  • Light switches 
  • Outlets and plugs 
  • Cabinet hardware 
  • Door handles  
  • Indoor and outdoor light fixtures 
Modern Nordic Lighting | Wayfair

Hide the clutter –  

Having numerous ornaments, pictures and magazines can instantly make a home feel outdated and uninviting. Having multi-functional furniture and hidden storage is a simple way to declutter and give your space a modern feel.  

Amazon.com: HOMCOM 39" Modern Lift Top Coffee Table Desk with Hidden Storage Compartment for Living Room, Coffee Brown Woodgrain : Home & Kitchen

Add new lighting to your home – 

Having proper lighting can bring a room to life. A poorly lit room looks small, dark, and cramped, while a bright room appears open and welcoming. The easiest way of doing this is by adding lamps to dark areas and replacing the ceiling lights.  

Lenny Smoked Glass Table Lamp | Dunelm

Landscape the garden – 

 Landscaping is often overlooked. Planting more trees and flowers or having freshly cut grass can transform the garden and the look of the house. Many outdated houses have overgrown plants or plants that need a lot of love. To modernise the house, you should show just as much care to the outside as you do on the inside.  

9 Peter Fudge Gardens ideas | modern garden, landscape design, outdoor gardens

Revamp the fireplace –  

A fireplace is a great focal point to a room. However, because fireplaces first became popular in the 70s and 80s you may need to make some changes for them to become modern. 

Traditional or Modern Fireplace? | Heat & Glo

Refresh or replace internal doors –  

You can give any room an update with a new door. By repainting or adding glass windows to the doors it can transform the entire layout of a home. Glass doors create an open-plan area without removing any internal walls, which is perfect for families.

An inspiring guide to French door perfection.

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Architecture & Building, House Renovation

Everything You Should Know About Home Elevator Before Purchasing

24th November 20210

To some people installing an elevator in their home might be a luxury, saving you walking from one floor to another. However, too many other people living in a multi-story home might come with some concerns. Especially if you face physical limitations, as a result of injury, surgery, or age.  

Types of home elevators –  

Cable-driven elevator –  

This type of elevator is powered by a cable wound around a drum. These are some of the most well know elevators, they are typically seen in commercial buildings and stores. Elevators with dedicated shafts require a pit and machine room in addition to the shaft itself to operate. They are also the most cost-effective when built into new construction. The average prices for this type are £15,000 – £26,000. 

Glass Cable Elevator - Octagonal - Elevators | Nationwide Lifts

Chain driven elevator –  

Similar to a cable-driven however this one is powered by a chain wound around a drum. The benefits of the chain rather than the cable are that is it more durable. It requires less maintenance and doesn’t need to get replaced. They also don’t require a machine room so it saves space. The average price for this is around £15,000 – £37,000 

What are the Common Types of residential elevators? - Kravelv

Hydraulic –  

This is powered by a piston that travels inside a cylinder. The cylinder connects to a system that pumps fluid, usually oil to control the movements. They do not require a machine room as the power system is contained in the elevator shaft. However, the builders would need to dig a pit below for the shaft. Because of this, it would be relatively simple to fit into a home. The price for this would be around £15,000 – £37,000 

Home Lift: Residential Home Elevators in Hyderabad, Telangana |Celcius Systems

Pneumatic elevator –  

Finally, this one uses a vacuum system within a tube to power the elevator’s movement. The futuristic design adds an element of interest to home décor. Because it is vacuum-powered, it doesn’t require a pit or a machine room, making it easy to install in homes. The prices vary from around £26,000 – £37,000 

Pneumatic Vacuum Elevators | Morning Star Elevator

How safe are home elevators?  

Modern home elevators are very safe. With safety codes, local building codes, and extra safety measures, home elevators today are designed to ensure a high level of safety.  

What happens if it gets stuck?  

If the elevator gets stuck between floors you should have an emergency phone installed. You can use this phone to call an emergency operator and they will send someone to help you exit the elevator. You should never try and exit the elevator yourself if it gets stuck.  

How much space is needed for an elevator?  

A home elevator typically won’t be more than 18 square feet, and an elevator with a shaft usually needs about 5 square feet of shaft space.  

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Architecture & Building, House Renovation

An Informative Step By Step Guide To Building A New Home

4th October 20210

Looking to build a new home but don’t know where to start? this step by step guide is a perfect way to understand the process of the construction

1. Prepare the construction site 

Firstly, before any construction can happen, the local government must approve the design and provide permits. You will need these permits for everything from home construction, electrical work, plumbing, and planning. Once the permits are required, construction can begin.  

Often site preparation and foundation are performed by the same people. The crew clears the site of rocks, debris, and trees. They then level the site, put up wooden forms to serve as a template for the foundation, and dig holes and trenched. The footings are then formed and poured, as well as the foundation walls. The areas between them are levelled and fitted with plumbing drains and electrical chases; then the slab is poured. Once all of the concrete is set an inspector will visit the site to make sure the foundations are up to code and installed properly. 

2. Complete rough framing  

The floor, walls, and roof systems will all be completed. Usually, plywood sheathing is applied to the exterior walls, roof, and windows and the exterior doors are installed. It is then covered with a protective barrier known as a house wrap. This prevents liquid water from infiltrating the structure. This also reduces the likelihood of d rot.   

3. complete rough plumbing and electrical 

Once the shell is finished the roof can be installed and the following are installed: 

  • Pipes and wires 
  • Water supply lines 
  • Sewer lines and vents  
  • Bathtubs, shower units 
  • Ductwork for HVAC system 
  • HVAC vent pipes 

Once all of the things are installed you will need to have a few more inspections. 

4. install the insulation  

Insulation plays a key role in creating a more comfortable, consistent indoor climate and improving the home’s energy efficiency. The most common types of insulation used in new homes are fiberglass, cellulose, and foam. Most homes are insulated in all exterior walls, as well as the loft and floors.  

5. Complete drywall and the interior fixtures, start the exterior fixtures 

The next step is to hang the drywall and make sure it is taped so the seams are not visible. After the taping is complete the primer coat of paint is applied. Then the contractors will begin installing the external finishes such as brick and stone. 

6. finish interior trim, install driveway and walkways  

All of the interiors get completed and this includes doors, baseboards, window sills, cabinets, vanities, fireplaces, and much more. The walls get the last coats of paint and the wallpaper is applied.  

Generally, the driveway, walkways, and patios are formed at this stage.  

7. install hard surface flooring and countertops  

Ceramic tile, vinyl, and wood flooring are installed as well as the countertops.  

8. finish mechanical trims 

Light fixtures, outlets, and switches are installed and the electrical panel is complete. All of the bathroom fixtures are also installed such as sinks, toilets, baths, and showers.  

9. install finishing touches  

Mirrors, shower doors, and carpet are installed and a big final clean-up takes place. They also complete the landscaping by adding trees, grass, and shrubs  

10. The final walkthrough  

The final step is a walkthrough, your builders will show you and acquaint you with your new home, the features, and the operation of some things. This is also an opportunity to spot items that need to be corrected or adjusted. And also, to check there are no possible damages to the countertops or walls.  

Discover How to Avoid Budget Blowouts when Building a Home | BBBLOGS®
Building a new home

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Advice Center, House Renovation

Are New Build Houses Better Quality Than Old Houses?

17th September 20210

Many people say older homes are of better quality than new homes. This is because in an older home they are probably with plaster and lathe. Whereas, the modern newer homes are often made out of drywall which is a weaker material.   

What is the difference between a new builds and an old builds?  

New build houses are homes that have recently been build and have never had anyone live in them. Whereas, an older house has had at least one person living inside and has been built for a couple of years.  

There are many pros and cons for both types of houses for example:   

Pros for a new build:  

  • Energy efficient – newer and modern buildings have become super insulated, they have double glazing and have heating and cooling systems.  
  • Builder’s warranty – usually new builds have a warranty for around 10 years, and if anything goes wrong the builders will fix it.  
  • More personalisation – you get to have more of a say in the design element. For example, you can choose the carpets, flooring, kitchens and bathrooms. 
  • Everything is brand new – because everything is new it will all be less maintenance than an older home.   

Cons for a new build:  

  • Space – new homes are often a lot more crammed and they seem to suffer with parking.   
  • Smaller rooms – new builds are often smaller and you would need to think more about internal space.  
  • Premium prices – the houses are brand new which means everything is new so it will become more expensive.  
  • Build delays – if you buy the house before its actually built you can experience delays. It can also have a knock-on effect on your mortgage offer.  

Pros for an old build:  

  • Character – if character and history is important to you an old build is perfect. They often have decorative windows, fireplaces and flooring.  
  • Size – older houses tend to have more internal and external space. And houses that were built around 1920 – 1930 often have large gardens and high ceilings.  
  • See issues – with these houses’ problems are usually visible and if you are purchasing you can pull out of the deal if you like.  
  • Adds value – you are able to renovate the house to how you like and add on to it. However, it’s hard to add value to a new build because everything is new.  

Cons for and old build: 

  • High maintenance – the houses have been standing longer and could have had a lot of owners. You also need to keep it looking good and structurally sound.    
  • Poor energy efficiency – the energy bills may be higher because the houses are bigger and less insulated.  
  • Renovations costs – the houses are less likely to be suited to you and they could be run down from previous owners. It could cost you money to repair it.  

Deciding on which houses are better is completely down to people’s opinions and there is no right or wrong answer.  

Old house vs New house

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