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Updating a primary bathroom can be wonderful to meet changing needs, refresh for a modern style, or improve home sale prospects. But what bathroom remodeling ideas are best for different projects? Why Are You Remodeling? There are many reasons why a bathroom might need to be remodeled. Leaks or other damage may make the room unusable until it is remodeled, or changing needs of the family may require adjustments to fixtures, shower stalls, tubs, or entryways to make the room more accessible or practical. A poorly designed primary bath can be remodeled to improve functionality and efficiency, or it may...

When it comes to energy use in your home, only the kitchen rivals the bathroom. If your home has more than one bathroom, the energy use can increase even more. Large amounts of heat, water and lighting are used in the bathroom every day, by every member of the household.Obviously, it would be a benefit to both the environment and every homeowner’s wallet if considerations were taken to improve the energy efficiency of the bathroom. The EPA has estimated that if just one in ten homes were to upgrade their bathrooms with energy efficient fixtures (sinks, toilets and showerheads) over...

As kitchens have evolved into bigger rooms with more activities and people, the original work triangle is joined by zones that serve multiple functions. Here’s how to make the parts work together seamlessly. What's the triangle's origin? When kitchens were built in new suburban communities after the Second World War, many builders designed them based on a single work triangle since the rooms often were small. The main appliances—refrigerator, range, and sink--were placed at the tips of a triangle to save steps. Anybody working could pivot from one appliance to another. What are current NKBA guidelines? As time went on,...

While it’s an arduous task that needs to be done in the heat of the summer, sealing your asphalt driveway is a necessary task in maintaining its integrity. Here are the five steps you need to take to prepare your driveway to look like new again: 1) Pick a good span of daysThe first step in this process is scouting out the weather reports and seeing where there is a good three or four-day span of hot temperatures without any rain. 2) MeasureYou will want to measure the dimensions of your driveway and keep that information when you plan on...

Generally speaking, when you compare common decking materials there are three choices: Cedar, pressure-treated wood and composite decking. Neither one is a bad choice. They vary in looks, durability and cost -- each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Below, we’ll talk about all three, and which one will best suit your needs. Cedar is a popular choice because it is a less expensive alternative to redwood, while still being highly rot and moisture resistant. When weathered, cedar takes on a silvery gray appearance and easily accepts stains. Generally, most professionals figure a lifespan of 15 to 20 years for...