How to Build a Raised Garden Bed for Under $15!

How to Choose Flooring To choose flooring, it’s best to start by determining what you need. Consider these factors: Room : Some types, like carpet or hardwood, aren’t ideal for every space Family Situation : Young children or pets need spill-proof and scratch-resistant flooring Budget : Price varies widely, so you need to know what you can afford Installation Requirements: Some materials need an underlayment or pad, which may cost extra Style: Certain types work better than others to create the right aesthetic Return on Investment (ROI): Higher cost or quality often means a better long-term investment Types of Flooring Materials There are six popular flooring materials used in residential homes, from classic hardwood to eco-friendly laminate. Additionally, there are several other lesser-used types that come with their own benefits. Use the below guide to choose which type or types are best for your space. 1. Hardwood Flooring Hardwood continues to be the top choice for its great appearance and long-term ROI. Pros : popular for its visually appeal many varietals available to vary color and style high ROI can be resurfaced every 3-5 years best for shared living spaces Cons : expensive compared to other top flooring materials can develop scrapes, scratches and dents over time can incur moisture damage 2. Laminate Flooring Their are several pros and cons of laminate flooring to consider when researching this material. Pros : lower price than hardwood ease of installation durability variety of colors and styles, like natural wood good for high-traffic areas Cons : prone to moisture damage difficult to repair not ideal for kitchens or bathrooms 3. Vinyl or Linoleum Vinyl flooring is not the cheap-looking alternative it used to be. These days, this synthetic flooring for the home is durable and effectively mimic wood, ceramic and stone. Pros : affordable versatile great for high-traffic areas easy to maintain DIY installation possible Cons : lower ROI vs. wood or laminate less popular due to appearance 4. Porcelain or Ceramic Tile Flooring Ceramic and porcelain tile flooring are beautiful options for high-traffic and moisture-prone areas in the home. Pros : come in a variety of looks and designs durable non-porous or waterproof great for kitchens, bathrooms and entryways Cons : one of the most expensive options difficult to install can chip and scratch under heavy use 5. Natural Stone Tile Flooring Natural stone tile is a classic flooring option that includes granite, marble, travertine and sandstone. Some materials, like travertine, are more durable than others. Keep in mind that finishes require different amounts of care. A polished marble surface will show scratches and scuffs more easily than a tumbled one, for example. Pros : durable insulated for warmth comes in many styles, colors and shapes great for radiant heating eco friendly good for homes with kids and/or pets Cons : one of the most expensive options can easily chip or scratch some stone tile types are porous expensive repairs 6. Carpet Carpet remains a favorite for many homeowners, especially for bedrooms. Pros : cost-effective soft and warm on feet multiple colors and designs available great for soundproofing stain-resistant varieties exist Cons : difficult to maintain – professional cleaning recommended at least once a year can absorb smells not great for homes with pets not recommended for moisture-prone areas: kitchen, bathroom New or Alternative Flooring Ideas If you’re looking for unique flooring materials that look great or have extra benefits like sustainability, consider these other types: Rubber: poured material non-slip surface great for the kitchen, indoor gym or play area Parquet : wood pieces arranged in a mosaic pattern usually costs more than other wood styles great for formal spaces Terrazzo : composite made of natural stone chips and resin dazzling design works well indoors and outdoors, depending on the style. Marmoleum : sustainable vinyl alternative custom construction great for bathrooms and kitchens Bamboo : eco-friendly and wood-like moisture resistant better for kitchens and decks than most woods Cork : low VOCs fire-resistant sound-blocking best for quiet areas Flooring Comparison Wondering which flooring is right for your home? There’s often more than one right answer when comparing factors like durability, comfort and style. Determine the most important factors for you to narrow down your choices of the best material or materials for your space. The most durable hard flooring types are: bamboo travertine vinyl sheet Best Type of Flooring for Dogs, Cats or Other Pets The ideal flooring for pets is non-slip porcelain or stone tile. This waterproof surface is less likely to scratch or wear underfoot. Best Whole House Flooring If you’re installing the same flooring for the whole house, you’ll probably want solid hardwood or tile. These materials work well in most rooms. Best Eco-Friendly or Sustainable Flooring Materials The best recycled flooring materials are bamboo and cork. Cork also provides additional insulation with an R-value about 1.125, the highest of indoor hard surfaces. Easiest to Install or Maintain Vinyl plank or sheet is the easiest to install or maintain. All you need to do is sweep it regularly and mop on occasion. Cheapest Type With prices running as low as $0.75 per square foot for materials, the cheapest flooring types are vinyl or carpet. Prettiest Flooring The prettiest flooring has a lot of character and comes in hardwood, natural stone tile or terrazzo. Best Old Flooring Types If you need to match old flooring in a home, look for solid hardwood or natural stone tile. These styles have been popular for centuries. Fire-Resistant Flooring The flooring types most likely to resist fire are stone or porcelain tile. They don’t burn or melt except at very high temperatures. Top Material for Soundproofing Cork or carpet are ideal options for soundproofing. Many homeowners prefer this for rooms like a young child’s play area or recording studio. Best Flooring for Radiant Heat The best flooring for radiant heating has a thickness of 0.375 inches to 0.5 inches in these materials: natural stone tile ceramic or porcelain laminate engineered hardwood Most Resilient for Kids The most resilient flooring for kids is carpet or vinyl. Children are more likely to spill or scratch surfaces, and these products can be easier to maintain. Top Flooring for Elderly or Disabled People The best flooring for people with limited mobility is rubber or low-pile carpet. These materials are soft and non-slip. Best for Resale Value Hardwood or tile are the ideal flooring choices for resale value. Hardwood in particular can have an ROI as much as 70% to 80%. Bathroom or Kitchen Flooring The best flooring for bathrooms or kitchens is tile or vinyl. These materials also go well in the mudroom. Living Room Flooring: Hardwood or Carpet Hardwood or carpet are the best flooring choices for the living room. They offer comfort and style without compromising durability. Dens or Family Room Flooring Ideas When you choose flooring for the den or family room, consider vinyl or carpet. These provide an ideal balance of comfort and durability. Durable Entryway or Foyer Flooring Tile or vinyl are the most durable flooring options for entryways and foyers. They are waterproof and scratch resistant. Best Kinds of Flooring for Laundry Rooms The best flooring for laundry rooms are vinyl or tile. These types can handle higher humidity and spills without warping or bleaching. Best Floor for Stairs or Hallways Carpet or hardwood are the most appropriate choices for stairs and hallways because they are easier to cut to unusual sizes. Basement Floors The best basement flooring types are tile, laminate or engineered hardwood. These materials handle higher moisture better than hardwood and can be installed on a concrete subfloor. Garage Floors The best option for this room is concrete. Installing garage floor coatings or garage tiles helps provide a non-slip surface that is easy to clean. Outbuildings: Barn and Shed Flooring The most durable flooring options for outbuildings are concrete or pressure-treated wood. These materials are moisture-resistant and hardy in hot or cold weather. Call us today for your new flooring! Original Post: https://www.homeadvisor.com/r/flooring-material-types/ Home Advisor

There’s an old saying in the real estate industry, “Kitchens sell homes.” Since the kitchen is central to the home and commonly used by families, it’s one of the first things many house hunters look at. Whether you’re renovating your kitchen to help your home sell or to create the kitchen of your culinary dreams, there’s some planning and budgeting you’ll want to do first. It can feel like the options for your kitchen are limitless, but unless you have a limitless budget, you’re going to have to pick and choose what’s actually important to you. Do you need more storage? Do you want more space for entertaining? Do you want a flow that works better for your family? Here are few questions you can ask yourself to help you narrow down your must-haves: What are the pain points of your current kitchen? What do you need more of? What do you need less of? Will you need to change the layout? What needs to be updated? Are you looking to sell soon? Which updates will add the most value to your kitchen? Set A Budget Now that you know what you won’t budge on and what would just be nice to have, it’s time to create a budget. According to HomeAdvisor, the average cost of a kitchen renovation in the U.S. is $22,129. The lower end renovations come in around $4,000, with higher end renovations reaching more than $50,000. How do you know what a realistic budget is for your kitchen renovation? A good rule of thumb is to spend 5% – 15% of your homes total value on your kitchen renovation. For example, if your house is valued at $200,000, a decent kitchen renovation budget would be 10% of that value, so about $20,000. Here are a few things you can do to get a more accurate budget and decide how much to allocate where. Divide Your Budget By Area Of Focus Let’s say you allocated $20,000 to renovate your kitchen. How do you know where to spend that money? According to HomeAdvisor and the National Kitchen and Bath Association, the breakdown could look something like this: Cabinetry and hardware: 29% Installation: 17% Appliances and ventilation: 14% Countertops: 10% Flooring: 7% Lighting: 5% Walls and ceilings: 5% Design fees: 4% Doors and windows: 4% Faucets and plumbing: 4% Other: 1% Be mindful that everyone’s kitchen needs are different, so these estimates are just that – estimates. If flooring is more important to you than countertops, readjust how you allocate that money. The important thing is making sure you’re not going over the budget you set for yourself. So, if you want to spend more in one area, make sure to balance it out by cutting back on another element. Visit Stores And Showrooms Visiting hardware stores and showrooms will give you an idea of what materials and options are on the market and how much they cost. If you’re looking to cut costs in certain areas, take a look at what a similar but less expensive option might be. For example, if you really like the look of natural stone floors in the kitchen, but that’s out of your budget, maybe opt for a ceramic tile that looks like natural stone. Or if you really want that high-end, custom cabinetry, invest your money there but choose a less expensive countertop option instead like laminate. Leave Room For A Professional Kitchen renovations, especially in-depth ones, require work you might not want to take on yourself, like actually installing electrical, plumbing, or cabinets, removing current cabinetry or knocking down walls. There are countless horror stories of homeowners getting their Chip Gaines on and rushing into demo day without being mindful of wires or plumbing in the walls. Bring In The Pros You know what you want, how much it’ll cost and how much you’re willing to spend. Now it’s time to hire the team that’s going to help make it happen for you! Than Merrill of FortuneBuilders, a real estate education company, says that one of the biggest mistakes homeowners make in their renovation projects is ignoring the benefits of hiring a kitchen designer, as well as a contractor. They can help you stay on track, on budget and on top of the job properly. Hiring A Contractor A contractor is the point person for the actual renovation. They source and provide all the materials, plan out the timeline for the project and hire the subcontractors who will be working throughout your renovation. Essentially, they’re what makes the project run smoothly and finish on time. Hiring a contractor is an additional cost, but they’ll have the best deals on materials and could end up saving you money in the long run. You can look for contractors in your area and read their reviews on websites, such as Angie’s List or HomeAdvisor. Friends and family can also be a great resource. Ask around and see who has worked with a contractor they’d recommend. Once you’ve narrowed it down to a few professionals you think might be a good fit, it’s smart to reach out with questions to help you determine if they’re the right person for the job. Some our suggested questions include: Are you licensed? Are you and your subcontractors insured? Will you obtain any necessary permits? Do you offer free quotes? What would the next steps be? Do you have different payment options? Will you handle the cleanup from the project? Will we have communication throughout the renovation project? Asking questions like these can help ensure you and your contractor are on the same page and could work well together throughout the renovation. Hiring A Kitchen Designer Kitchen designers won’t be working on the actual renovation like your contractor does. They are interior designers who plan out the design, style, layout and materials you need for kitchen renovations. While independent kitchen designers will be an additional expense, but if you’re using a national home improvement chain, kitchen designers often come free as an additional resource. While it won’t cost extra, designers affiliated with chains are limited to supplies and materials offered by that chain. Independent kitchen designers have the ability to source from different places, finding you the right price point and more variety. Be sure to vet your designer options like you would with a contractor. Search for local designers and read their reviews online. Ask family and friends if they worked with someone they’d recommend. You can always reach out to potential designers with additional questions like: Can I see samples of your past work? What is the communication flow like? What are your payment terms? Will we have final approval before elements are incorporated into the design? Install Electrical And Lighting Electrical renovation projects are no small feat and are usually best left to professionals. If you’re already working with a contractor, they’ll have an electrician lined up for this portion of the project. If you’re handling the renovation on your own, consider calling an electrician to handle or guide this these tasks. Some common electrical renovations are: Lighting Dimmer switches Wiring for dishwasher Setting up for a new range and oven Adding more receptacles on the countertop Wiring for garbage disposal Lighting Trends Statement Fixtures If you want your kitchen to make a statement, a bold pendant lighting or a chandelier could be the perfect fixture for your new space. Hidden lighting under your cabinets is a kitchen lighting trend that has gained steam in the last few years. It’s practical and stylish. One of the most popular features in modern kitchens and renos lots of light, “…especially under cabinets,” says Merrill. “It helps illuminate the meal preparation and cleanup process any time of the day.” The first step is to pick your paint colors. If you’ve been working with a kitchen designer, they’ll help you deliberate and find the right color for your home. If you’re picking colors on your own, here are a few things to keep in mind. Kitchen Paint Trends Neutrals still reign supreme in the interior design world, according to Derek Hales, the editor-in-chief of Modern Castle. “Neutrals are in around the entire home, but certainly the kitchen,” says Hales. “Some people are opting for an all-white kitchen, while others are bringing in soft, warm grays or even blacks.” To add interest while keeping a neutral wall color, Hales suggests accenting with interesting textures or colored dishes. “[It’s] a fun way to add variation without having bright colors on your walls,” adds Hales. Even deep, moody neutrals are becoming popular in modern kitchens. “Black is back and so is brass,” says Erica Reiner of E. Leigh Designs. “You can see black in everything from cabinetry paint, faucets, pendant shades to accessories, with pops of brass on the drawer pulls and knobs, faucets, pendants and accessories.” Lay Flooring After paint comes the flooring. Depending on the material you choose for your kitchen flooring, the effort required for installation will vary. For example, laminate or hardwood flooring doesn’t require any grout work whereas tile flooring will keep you a bit busier laying tile and grouting. Below are some common kitchen flooring options: Linoleum Many renovators who are on a budget opt for linoleum flooring because it’s an inexpensive flooring option that comes in countless shapes, styles and colors. You can find linoleum flooring that looks like wood, stone tile or classic colored tiles. Pros Inexpensive Stain resistant Nonabsorbent Biodegradable Low-maintenance Cons Easily dented and scratched Color can change if overexposed to sunlight Not recommended in high humidity areas Lower resale value Laminate Laminate flooring in kitchens is a highly debated topic in the renovation world. Many complaints center around the fact that laminate is not waterproof; however, many say that since moisture can be controlled in a kitchen, it’s not as much of a concern. Pros Low-maintenance Very durable Similar look to wood or stone Easy to install Cons Not waterproof Requires specific laminate floor cleaner Lower resale value Hardwood Homeowners and house hunters flock to hardwood because it’s naturally pretty flooring. Don’t believe me? Watch any show on HGTV and count how many times the homeowners mention hardwood. Hardwood can also last for a very long time, but not without some work. Pros Beautiful and versatile Durable Long-lasting, if properly maintained High resale value Cons Expensive Requires more maintenance than other options Should be sanded and refinished every 10 years Ceramic Tiles Last but not least is ceramic tile. Tile flooring has been popular in kitchens because it’s durable, easy to clean and long-lasting. Plus, you can create some really interesting design elements with tile. It’s also moderately priced, giving homeowners the most bang for their buck in terms of quality and longevity. Pros Water-resistant Low-maintenance Lots of design options Cons Very hard, which makes it uncomfortable to stand on for long periods of time Can be cold Time-consuming and laborious installation Install Cabinetry Even if you’re handling the renovation yourself, consider hiring a professional to install cabinets for you. The last thing you want is to get your cabinets up and start refilling them only to have them fall down or to realize you didn’t level them properly. A professional will make sure the cabinets are installed properly. If you haven’t been working with a kitchen designer to figure out what kind of cabinets you want, here are a few styles you should be aware of: Shaker Style Shaker cabinets are classic and fit with many styles. The key element of these cabinets are the doors which have a middle panel that is set back from the trim that surrounds the edges of the door. “Shaker style cabinets are very in right now,” says Hales. “Whether you’re doing a farmhouse flip, classic craftsman or full-modern design, a shaker style is timeless, providing depth-of-field and has a good weight to it.” Low Cabinets Many homeowners like the look of high ceilings with cabinetry reaching all the way to the top, but it’s not the most practical placement in many kitchens. Nancy Valent, president of NMV Strategies says low cabinets are becoming more popular. “Low cabinets allow for easy access and sturdy pull out drawers for pots and pans,” advises Valent. Open Shelving Floating and open shelving is trending in homes across America. This design concept is loved by many designers as well, because it allows you to use your well-designed kitchenware as décor. Reiner says, “With floating shelves as uppers, you open up the visible and perceived space in the kitchen by doing away with bulky enclosed cabinets. This look is especially great for modern, contemporary, bohemian and transitional styles.” So not only will exposed shelving showcase your kitchenware, it can also open up the space visually. Place The Countertops You’re getting so close! Your kitchen is finally starting to look like a kitchen again and not a construction zone. Next up: your countertops. One thing to keep in mind about your countertops is the timeline. This is where things can sometimes slow down because many designers prefer measuring for countertops once the cabinets are installed. This is especially important to note if you’re ordering fabricated countertops like quartz. To decide which countertop material is right for you, take a look at the options below: Granite In recent years, no material stood a chance against granite. It was the be all and end all of kitchen counters. It’s still popular, but with the upgrades made to other materials, it’s not the only high-quality option. Pros Durable Comes in a variety of colors and styles Visually appealing Cons More expensive Porous, which means it needs to be resealed often Quartz “Quartz countertops are a low-maintenance opinion, perfect for any busy kitchen,” says Valent. Quartz is a very strong material, and when mixed with resin, makes countertops nonporous, stain-resistant and easy to clean. Unlike granite, marble or concrete countertops, you don’t have to worry about sealing, conditioning or polishing a quartz countertop. Pros Durable Nonporous Easy to clean Versatile, with countless colors, textures, styles and shapes Cons Can be damaged by chemicals like bleach Not heat-resistant Expensive Laminate Laminate countertops get a bad rap, but they are cost-effective, especially if you’re trying to stick to a budget. Pros Least expensive countertop option Easier installation than other materials Variety of colors and finishes Cons Easily damaged Low resale value Short-lived Enjoying Your New Kitchen Renovating your kitchen can be a long process, but it’s worth it in the end. Whether you’re renovating to sell or to build the perfect kitchen for your dream home, you’ve put in the work and now it’s time to relax. If you’re planning a kitchen remodel, call today! Original Post: https://www.rockethomes.com/blog/homeowner-tips/guide-to-remodeling-kitchen Miranda Crace