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Are you in the process of renovating your bathroom or simply replacing your bathroom sink? If the answer is yes, you may think that you can easily walk into any home improvement store and pick up a new sink immediately.

We are sorry to say that that is not the case!

There are so many different sink materials that you can choose from and you need to make sure that you pick the one that will work best for your needs.

Here are 5 bathroom sink materials you need to know about and why:

1. Ceramic

Most of us are familiar with ceramic sinks and we love them because they are durable and resistant to scratches and chipping. That makes this material one of the best since this sink will be used constantly throughout the day. Maintenance and cleaning of ceramic sinks is easy, as dirt and grime are unable to penetrate through the surface.

2. Porcelain

Porcelain sinks are even more durable than regular ceramic and it is a common choice amongst homeowners, due to its low moisture absorption and the fact that it is easy to clean. We recommend cleaning this material with an all-purpose cleaner and avoiding vinegar, as the high acid content will destroy the finish. This material can get chipped easily if something is dropped into it and stains will set if they are left longer than a minute.

3. Natural Stone

Natural stone is beautiful when it is used for sinks and since it is a natural material, no two stone sinks will ever look alike. You can choose a polished and finished sink, or you can go rustic and purchase one that is unfinished. These sinks must be sealed prior to installation and you will need to reseal it every year or two. A stone cleaner is your best option when it comes to cleaning this material and it is necessary to wipe the water out of these sinks after using them, so that the mineral deposits do not build up over time.

4. Stainless Steel

Stainless steel sinks are normally found in kitchens, but you can also place one inside your bathroom. This material is resistant to germs and bacteria and it can be scrubbed constantly to keep it looking nice. These sinks are quite durable, but you need to use caution that you do not scratch them. This sink is easily washed with a mild soap and water and any standing water should be wiped up to prevent the sink from changing colors due to the buildup of minerals.

5. Wood

Wood sinks are becoming more popular and teak is a favorite option due to its moisture resistance. Cleaning this sink is easy with gentle soap and a soft cloth. It is important to note that wood sinks do change color over time, so you may want to choose a lighter color to begin with. To keep this sink looking beautiful, you will need to apply teak oil to it approximately four times a year.

We recommend choosing the bathroom sink material that will not only meet your needs, but also meet the time that you have available for cleaning and maintaining it. After all, there is no point in purchasing a sink that requires a lot of maintenance if you have no time to do any of it!

Remodeling a bathroom can be quite intimidating, due to the amount of decisions that you need to make during the entire process. One of the most challenging things that you will need to figure out is what type your new bathroom faucet will be. There are four different options and then you have all the different finishes to choose from as well.

Here are the 4 different bathroom faucets that you can choose from:

1. Center-set: This faucet is affixed to a plate that has a spout and two handles and it is normally used on sinks that have three faucet holes.

2. Widespread: The widespread faucet has a spout and two handles as well, but they are each mounted separately into the holes in the sink.

3. Single Hole: The single hole faucet takes up less space, plus give your bathroom sink a more modern look.

4. Wall Mount: If you do not want your faucet attached to your sink, then you can choose one that attaches to the wall over it. Your water supply needs to be accessible through the wall, which means that you may need to pay more to have this type of faucet installed.

Here are the 5 questions that you should ask yourself, so that you can choose the best faucet for your bathroom:

1. What faucet will fit your sink? It is always important to choose a faucet that will fit the hole openings in the sink in your bathroom.

2. What features are you looking for in your new sink? There are plenty of features available in newer faucets, which means that you will need to know which ones appeal to you the most. Do you want a low-flow one to conserve water, an aerator to reduce the water that comes out to save some money, or a hands-free faucet that only turns on with motion? You will be amazed at all the options that you can choose from.

3. What finish do you want? There are plenty of finishes to choose from but the most common include some type of chrome, nickel, and bronze. Thankfully, most faucets are available in all finishes, so you do not need to worry about settling for your second or third choice.

4. What is your budget? Faucets are just like everything else, which means that you can spend a little money or a lot of money on just one faucet. We recommend having your budget in mind before you venture to the store to pick out a faucet or you may find yourself even more overwhelmed when you get there. Your budget can at least help you avoid at least a third of options!

5. What faucets are used in the other homes in my neighborhood? If you are close to your neighbors, you probably know what type of faucet they have in their bathrooms. This knowledge will help you know what you do not like and what you may prefer for your bathroom.

Once you have answered these five questions, you will be ready to purchase and install the faucet that will work best in your bathroom.

Cabinets not only add beauty to the kitchen, they are vital to keeping it organized. Like other features, the size, quality, style, material and finish are all important. This can increase the difficulty in finding the right type, but these tips may be helpful.

1. Start with a budget. How much you spend depends on the type of wood, the size and the style of the cabinets. This can account for as much as 45 to 50% of your remodeling budget. If you have a total budget in mind you can have a rough idea of how much you might spend on cabinets.
2. Get measurements. Determine where cabinets will be installed and get the measurements. This sets the basic cabinet size, and helps in setting the cost.
3. Decide between custom or pre-made. Pre-made cabinets are the more affordable option, but there are some drawbacks. You may be forced to adjust other features to accommodate the sizes. These types are generally not the same quality as custom cabinets. Custom cabinets also generally offer wider ranges in design, style and sizes.
4. Find the right style. The look of the kitchen and your home’s architecture should guide the look of your cabinets. The diverse style can make choosing difficult, but there are plenty of great ideas in home improvement magazines and on the Internet. A carpenter can also help you to find the right style for your kitchen.
5. Think about wood type and color. The kitchen’s color scheme and the countertop material should be a good visual fit for cabinets. Cabinet finishes can be bright white, dark wood or anything in between.
6. Consider organizational features. Just as important as the look of your cabinets is how you will use them. How many shelves will they have, and what will the shelf height be? Nifty features like pull-outs for utensils, wine or condiments. Corner shelves and roll out shelves can also boost efficiency in the kitchen.

The desire for additional options may rule out pre-made kitchen cabinets. Stock cabinets can be difficult to modify, so it makes sense to invest in custom styles to get exactly what you want right from the start. Additionally, stock cabinets usually need to be replaced more quickly than custom types. Do not buy kitchen cabinets until you fully work out the size, look and finish. This way you can expect them to last for years and reap the benefits of a functional kitchen.

One of the advantages of home remodeling is the return on investment (ROI). Some projects pay off more than others, and one of the most attractive in terms of ROI is bathroom remodeling. Typically, these average between 60 – 65%, but it can be even higher with luxury upgrades. Here are some of the best ideas that will appeal to buyers and boost the property’s profile.

1. Aging in place upgrades. More families are staying under one roof, so it is likely that some buyers consider the needs of aging parents. Additionally, these features can be useful for individuals with disabilities. Bathrooms with these upgrades will make the home safer, and buyers will be willing to spend a bit more if there is no need to carry out their own upgrades.
2. Sink/vanity combo. An attractive vanity can instantly transform the look of a bathroom. Choose a style and finish that blends with any other improvements. If the sink is in good condition, its age could detract from the décor. Think of a new sink as making a contribution to the new look. The vanity does the same thing, plus it helps to keep the bathroom free of clutter.
3. New lighting features. Too many bathrooms suffer from poor lighting, and this is even worse when the bathroom is not located beside an exterior wall. The bathroom should only be bright, it should have layered lighting options. If the mirror does not have its own lights, adding sconces to either side will be a simple but elegant touch. The shower or bathtub should also have its own light source.
4. New tiles. The range of colors and patterns can give any bathroom a visual boost. The right tones such as terra cotta, can add warmth, and other can make the space luxurious. Choose a non-slip texture to enhance safety. If you are willing to spend a bit more, there are also custom tile options available.
5. A statement bathtub. Some homeowners are getting rid of bathtubs in favor of spa-like showers, but this is still something that home buyers expect to see. If you want a return on your investment consider adding a statement tub. An elegant freestanding tub gives the bathroom a classic touch. It also reinforces the idea of this space being ideal for relaxation after a long day.

When you decide to remodel the bathroom, one of your first thoughts will be about the cost. However, given that these projects tend to pay off well, choose quality materials and products to get the best results.

2019 can be a big year for you, especially if you take the time to finally do that home addition that you have been dreaming of! Imagine all the new space that you and your family will have and how you finally won’t be tripping over each other as you go about your days and nights.

Here are 4 things to do as you are planning for your 2019 home addition:

1. Create a Budget: Now that you know that you want a home addition built onto your home, you are going to need to decide how much you want and can spend on this venture. The amount that you choose should be reasonable, as this is not something that you can do for a few thousand dollars. However, you do not want to choose an amount that is so high that you will never recoup those costs when you sell.

1. Find Your Property Lines: There is nothing worse that creating a design for your home addition and then finding out that your property lines will not support that design! We recommend that the first thing that you do, after deciding that you want to construct a home addition, is find your property lines and learn the codes of how close you can build to them.

1. Create a Design that Works with Your Current Home: This step is not something that you will be able to do on your own, unless of course you are an architect or residential designer. Therefore, we recommend that you hire someone to work with you to create a design that will work with your current space. After all, you don’t want your home addition to look like it just dropped out of the sky and landed in a heap in a weird spot!

1. Utilize Your Design to Create the Plans for Your Home Addition: The plans that you have created during this step will include all the materials that will be used during the construction process. It will take time for you to decide which materials you want to use throughout this space, which is why this can be the most time-consuming and frustrating part. We do recommend that you choose multiple materials for each item on the list, as you may find that you need to compromise in some areas due to your budget and the availability of some materials.

Constructing a home addition can be challenging, but the above steps can make the process much easier for you and your family. If you follow these steps carefully, you will have everything in place when the construction phase starts. That means that almost all the work can be done without problems arising on the items that you planned out so carefully. Of course, you may still have a few other issues pop up, but those will seem mild in the end!

Remodeling a kitchen is overwhelming enough, but once you add in choosing the right appliances, you may find yourself going over the edge! Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with everything that you need to know about choosing the perfect appliances.

Here are 4 things you need to do when choosing the right appliances for your newly remodeled kitchen:

1. Create Your Plan: Yes, you will need a plan for your appliance purchase, as it will help you avoid buying something that will not make this new space look and feel as it should! We recommend that you take the layout of your new kitchen, your budget, your lifestyle, and the style of this space into consideration before deciding on the appliances that you want.

1. Choosing Your Range or Cooktop and Wall Oven: Depending on how much room you have in your new kitchen, you may have the option to install a cooktop and wall oven instead of a range. Each option has its own benefits, but you will need to know which one will benefit you the most. Of course, if your new kitchen is smaller, you won’t have a choice but to stick with a range. Thankfully, there are multiple fantastic options available, so you can get one that meets all your criteria. Oh, and don’t forget about features like speed cooking, which can cut your time in the kitchen in half!

1. Choosing Your Refrigerator: There used to be a time when all refrigerators were the same, but that is not the case today! Nowadays, you can choose from a top or bottom freezer and side by side units. You also have the option of freestanding, built-in, and fully integrated models. We do recommend that you have an idea of what size refrigerator you will need before you design your kitchen remodel, so you create a large enough space for the one that you eventually purchase. You may also want to consider purchasing a supplemental refrigerator that fits underneath your countertop, as it is an excellent place to store beverages and even a few snacks.

1. Choosing a Dishwasher: Dishwashers no longer need to be out in the open in kitchens, as they can be fully integrated just like refrigerators. That means that the look of a dishwasher is not as important as it once was. Therefore, you can focus more on the inside of the dishwasher, as you see how much can fit inside and how well it does its job. If you do not want a standard dishwasher or are looking at installing a second one in your newly remodeled kitchen, we recommend considering one of the new dishwasher drawers. They work well, do not take up as much space, and can even be installed in an island. And, think of how much faster you can get the dishes done when you are entertaining!

Taking these four things into consideration will help you as you are choosing the right appliances for your newly remodeled kitchen. Do not think that you can walk into a store and pick out the first appliances that you see. Some thought needs to go into this process or you will find yourself using appliances that do not work as well as they should for your needs!