Budget is the scary word that bothers you when you undertake the work of kitchen renovation. It is one of the reasons only a few people can go ahead with the work as planned. No one can deny that the condition of the kitchen is a throwback of your living style. The thing that leaves you in dilemma is how to avoid making the project exorbitant in terms of money. Do you know where to indulge and how to mitigate the cost of renovation? Remember that the result of home renovation must not only create a glamorous look but also add value to your property. Unfortunately, it takes very little time for the cost to escalate in the Kitchen Cabinet Renovation project. Do you know that you can get the dream kitchen without splurging?
Keep your budget tight and make your kitchen the most favorable area of your home with ease.
Keeping the cabinets
The renovation or makeover of cabinets is one of the areas where you need to spend a major part of your finances. How about preserving the old cabinets if they are in good condition? You can just coast them with paint or resurface the cabinets to reduce the cost. Consulting with the experts will reveal better results, but having a mind of your own is a better way to ensure a beautiful result in the end.
Retaining the layout
The kitchen designer you hire may show eagerness to change the layout completely such as making it L-shaped, like a gallery or corridor, making it with a single wall. Unfortunately, the present layout may be perfect. The only thing you need to do during the renovation work is to arrange the things properly so that everything you want becomes readily available. If you leave the shape of the kitchen undisturbed, you can save a lot of money and stay within the budget you have created in the beginning.
Discarding the things smartly
When it comes to the electrical items in the kitchen, you may not decide to keep a few of them such as the refrigerator, stove, and the chimney. If you decide to sell these items, try to get an estimate from the second-hand shops. You can also take photos of these items and post them in the online selling sites to find out if the option has the potential to fetch more money. If you are lucky enough to sell them at a good price, it can help you to buy a new appliance at half the cost and it is a good option to rely on.
Choosing the countertop
The material to be used for the countertop can raise a few concerns, especially when you need to stay within the budget. Even though there is a wide range of options available with varying rates, combining two materials can help you to curb the cost. You can replace granite with a laminate that comes with stone-like appearance.
Flooring options
Kitchen is one of the places where the flooring needs to be considered carefully. When you do not have enough to spend on the renovation work, using a ceramic tile can fulfill your wish. It may not be as attractive as the other options, but it is highly durable. Alternatively, you can install laminate flooring over the current floor for the best results. The vinyl tiles are also cheap, so you may consider this option as well.
Buying from the internet
People love to shop from the internet nowadays, but that does not mean that you can buy anything online as the variance of prices can be unimaginably high or low. Find out which days are the best when you buy certain items online so that you can grab the discounts easily. You can also buy second-hand items from people you know such as a refrigerator that your friend has hardly used. Having enough time to buy the items you need for kitchen remodeling helps you to go for comparison shopping before you finalize the decision to purchase. There are plenty of options available when you want to reduce the cost of the kitchen items to half. The only thing you need to do is to find the right opportunity.
You can try to check the options of kitchen remodeling before going ahead with the project. Try to avoid indulging unnecessarily to make your investment worth the money you spend on a kitchen renovation.
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Home improvement is a big deal now with more people embracing their creativity and letting it show in the places they live. This has led to the rise of different incredible trends and hacks that provide the perfect opportunity for people to work on their homes. However, with all this development, it also gets confusing and daunting for some people.
This is mainly because they have no idea where to start or some of the hacks they can include in different areas. These hacks are meant to be easily doable tasks that will transform your space when implemented. We’ve categorized these hacks in terms of placement and application. Some of them include:
Floors-
In the home, floors play a big role in how the home looks and the general style you’ll be working with. A few tweaks here and there can completely change up the look of your floors and add style and character. Some of the most versatile hacks to include for your flooring include:
Peel and Stick Tiles:
When it comes to finding the perfect flooring for that annoying red floor or just need a new look, peel and stick tiles will do the trick. These tiles are amazing given that you can easily install them yourself. They are designed to give off the illusion of regular tiles without having to deal with grout, glue, and other tedious processes. You can get them in different colors, styles, and patterns making them the perfect option.
Replacing Your Tile Grout:
When dealing with tiles for your flooring, you may find that the grout may get stained and turn to a different color which becomes hard to clean. However, you have the option of replacing the grout with a new one in the same color or a different one.
Adding a New Finish:
This is especially a great idea if you are dealing with wooden flooring. With this, it is easier to add a new finish when needed to give the floors a new and vibrant look.
Lighting:
One of the most understated hacks is the ability to switch out your light fixtures and improve the overall look significantly. Most people don’t know what role lighting plays in your space. You need to improve your lighting situation which will give your space more life. To make it more appealing, consider getting light fixtures that feature some detail and unique design.
Additionally, you could also include undercabinet lighting for your kitchen featuring the use of custom led lights. You also have the option of choosing to go with statement chandeliers, floor lamps, wall lights, and pendant lights among others. When it comes to lighting, you are spoilt for choice and can easily improve your space.
Walls-
Adding some style to your walls is another great way to improve the overall look of your home. For this, you have a few options to choose from that are easy to work with and get quality results. They include:
Adding a Fresh Coat of Paint:
Paint is a great easy way to get a different look when working on your walls. With this, you have the option of working with a variety of colors depending on the vibe you are going for. Additionally, you could paint one wall a different color and have that as your accent wall. This will improve the look of your room significantly.
Adding a Wallpaper:
Wallpapers provide a lay way out especially if you don’t want to do a paint job on your walls. They come in different types, patterns, and designs to ensure that they cater to everyone’s needs. With this, you can choose to cover all your walls or use them on one wall that will serve as your accent wall.
Hanging Art:
Art is another great way to bring your taste and style into your home. For this, you can create your art piece or purchase one made by another artist.
Entryway:
When it comes to your entryway, the first thing you need to consider is your storage options. Once you get into the house, where do your shoes, bag, coat, and keys go? Having a station where all these items can be kept will keep the home tidy and also add a great design aspect to your space. Additionally, you can also add other decor items to make your entryway arrangement more visually appealing.
Patio:
When it comes to dealing with the outdoors, one of the most effective ways to change it up is by adding a seating area. Be creative with this and go for something that portrays who you are. Don’t be too rigid that you’ll only stick to what’s normal. Find what works for you and add it to your space. Play around with colors and create a cozy space to relax with family and friends.
Greenery:
Adding some green aspects to your home is an amazing way to improve the look and add some character. The best part about adding greenery into your space is that it will help improve air circulation. When working with greenery, you need to ensure that you take the time to water them to ensure they are healthy at all times. You could also opt for fake plants given that they will add the same look and style.
Conclusion:
Investing in your home and interior design is essential to ensure that you are content with your living space. This is something you can do by implementing a few hacks here and there. Take your time to go through them and add them to your space one at a time. Transformation is a gradual process which means you’ll need to keep at it until you get to your desired outcome.
Read Also:
How To Increase The Value Of Your Home
Important Things to Know Before Starting a Home Improvement Project
Home Sweet Home Improvement: How to Find the Best Home Improvement Loans
The house is the first shelter that makes up our first institution, the family. It is the witness of whatever first we have in life, from our very first step to probably our very first word. The house that we live in is the territory of our feelings and thoughts, both unheard and unspoken.
Since the house is the very place we dwell in as a place of comfort, homeowners should assure the sturdiness of the house from the very walls up to the heights of the roof. If the house is not sturdy enough to stand against the wrath of mother nature, it may not be a safe house after all.
People may say that it is close to impossible to stand against a storm or a tornado, most especially. However, what most people don’t know is that they can have a home that can stand against storms and hurricanes.
Methods for strengthening the structural frame of the house, from the foundations to the roofs, here are some helpful tips to help you have a sturdy house.
Super Foundation
Source: http://bit.ly/2u5Af7R
Before you can even start building a house, you have to ensure a foundation first and foremost. It is a fundamental part of the house, and an inappropriate base can be the means of stand or break for your home.
There are different types of foundations ranging from, basements, crawlspaces, and concrete slab on grade. Basements are the most common type in many homes in America. Second to its popularity is the crawlspace which elevates the level of the house higher than average.
Read also: Different Types Of Conversions To Make The Most Of Spare Space In Your Homes
Last but not least is the concrete slab on grade which is a solid concrete pad from which the house stands on.
Basements are the most prevalent in the country because it is the strongest among the other foundations. Homeowners opting for basements are also most likely fond of having extra rooms in their house. A basement can accommodate space which can be enough for a playroom, storage room, or even a bedroom.
Crawlspaces, on the other hand, are lower than the basement but is higher than the concrete slab on grade. Though in most cases, crawlspaces are vulnerable to moist cases, you can ventilate it and fix it to control the moisture level.
Lastly, concrete slab on grade is the cheapest among the foundations. It is a pad of concrete planted on the ground where the house can stand. It is free from termites and also from the safety of vital water supply and drainage pipes.
When problems with the pipes occur, the person doing the job has to crack the concrete open to see the pipes. However, the cost of a concrete slab on grade is more affordable compared to basements and crawlspaces.
Connecting Walls
Source: http://bit.ly/2tbjHIN
Walls are the frame of the house, the skeletal system of the building. Most homeowners ignore the needed quality of walls from which such mindset leads to the delicate structure of the wholesome of the house. A damaged or weak wall can trigger the destruction of your whole house.
Read also: Top Expert Tips For A Stunning Condo Interior!
There are many methods to consider when making strong walls, one of them is called the continuous load path. It is the way that connects every bit of the house, from the floor composition to the threshold of the roof. In this connection, the walls connect the roof and the foundation from which the "path" starts.
This method requires a focal point where the house meets its balance. Imposing balance in the home is acquiring connection in the building. This joint is with the bolts, metal connectors, nails and screws, and everything else that can add up to the inside of the walls.
If the house has this kind of connection, the frame of the house will be like a chain on the inside that will be able to stand against calamities.
Nowadays, home constructions follow the program of the continuous load path. However, not every firm in the country supports the national building standards. So as a homeowner, you should ask the construction team to use the continuous load path method, or ask them if they do.
Metal Roofing
Source: http://bit.ly/2vxOQGW
The roof is the ozone layer of a building. It protects us from the sun, the snow, and the rain - most especially cyclones. Cyclones are the number one enemies of roofs. Cyclones can do so much to a roof and damage it a lot, but if you have the appropriate roof, you can survive them all.
Read also: Professional Roofing Services And Different Decorating Styles
The best shelter that can help you assure a safe house that your family can dwell in for the next 30 - 50 years is the metal roof. Metal roofing is the standard roof of Houston, especially since the city is vulnerable to cyclones due to its geographical location.
Using metal for your roof is a basic necessity as it is one of the safest roofing material that can withstand fear and some harsh climate conditions. Aside from being fireproof and stormproof, if we may say, metal also reflects the heat of the sun stopping most of it from entering your house. You can save yourself from humidity and save your electricity from using air conditioners.
The durability of metal roofing is also 2 - 3 times stronger than average roofs. This length can equate to 30 - 50 years lifespan, by which we can say that metal roofing can witness the adulthood transition of your kid by the least.
In the maintenance of the roof, many companies do metal roof repair in Houston. As one of the advantages of metal roofing, it is quick and easy to install and can also be customizable according to the uniqueness of the house.
Takeaway
From the foundation to the walls to the roof, the house itself should be able to withstand any problems the homeowners can think of for the sake of the people that will live in it. It pays to be knowledgeable of the structure of the house to ensure prior safety.
Home as a basic shelter is also the first institution where things for families begin. Building a house with healthy bones is protecting the family itself.
A homeowner should ensure that the house is in good maintenance. Regularly clean your basements, check the walls and don't be afraid to dial up some companies of metal roofing Houston for your roof. Any bills for maintenance or necessary improvements are better than hospital bills.
Precautions are always better than a cure. Know the quick knicks and knacks of your house and address them efficiently. More so, it pays if you know the fundamentals of your home.
So you want to downsize to a smaller apartment?
If you’re banging your head against the wall trying to figure out how to make a move go smoothly, you’re not alone. We’ve all been guilty of having too much stuff!
Give yourself a break and start thinking of solutions. Stay inspired by focusing on the many benefits of downsizing!
Moving into a smaller apartment gives you the chance to start over and get rid of things you no longer need. It can also help you to get organized and keep only the essentials.
Even better, you won’t have to clean nearly as much space and can live as a minimalist! That in itself has some serious perks. Your stuff won’t own you and you’ll have more time to enjoy life.
Do you see where we’re going with this?
Get ready, because, in this article, we offer seven expert hacks to help make the process of moving into a smaller apartment easier.
Here are 7 Expert Hacks for Downsizing to a Smaller Apartment:
1. Analyze the space you’ll have
It’s essential to know the total space of your new apartment before you start the downsizing process.
Take a look at your new floor plan and figure out how much room in feet and inches are on each wall. That way you’ll know what will fit in your apartment.
If the measurements aren’t on the floor plan, ask the leasing office to provide you with the details.
But, the floor plan or provided measurements won’t tell you everything. You need to measure the extra spaces as well:
Closets
Space under the bed (more on this later)
Bathroom storage and cabinets
Garage storage (if your apartment includes a separate garage)
Kitchen storage and cabinets
Other spaces where you might add shelving (like the top of the fridge or in a window)
When you’re done with that, measure your current furniture and decide which pieces will fit into your place and which ones you won’t need.
2. Determine your actual needs
An excellent way to figure out what your needs are is by asking yourself if everything was gone, what would you replace?
Jot down some necessary items you can’t live without such as a bed, sofa, coffeemaker, dog bed — whatever is important to you.
You should also ask yourself the following questions:
What sentimental items will I miss the most?
Does this item serve a purpose?
Do I already have something that serves the same purpose?
Can I use this item to accomplish more than one task?
Is this object in good shape, and will it last for a while longer?
This is the point where you’ll be making some headway on knowing what you’re keeping and what you can live without.
If ever in doubt of whether you should keep or donate something, go back to asking yourself these questions.
3. Set some tangible goals
When it’s getting closer to moving time, you need to come up with a game plan.
Best get started with setting some goals before time escapes you!
We’re assuming you want to declutter and possibly redecorate your new place, and if that’s the case, it’s time to set some tangible goals.
Ask yourself these questions:
(Yes, we realize we’re telling you to do this yet again.)
What do I hope to gain by adopting a minimalist lifestyle?
Do I want to keep the furniture I have or get new furniture (#1 and #4 will help with this)
How do I plan to declutter?
How will I maximize my space? (Keep reading because we cover this in #4.)
What will I do if I can’t decide to part with some items?
Should I pay for storage elsewhere to store extra belongings?
Need some help answering those kinds of questions?
Here are some goals you could have:
I want a clutter-free apartment that will give me peace.
Not fixating on my possessions will help me feel free.
I’d like to have a clean slate and keep my belongings organized moving forward.
Being minimalistic will help me put emphasis on the most important emotional and physical items in my life.
Write down a few goals that inspire you so that when you feel like giving up, you’ll be able to remind yourself of your intentions.
4. Be a master organizer by maximizing space
Since you know how much space is in your apartment, as we recommended in #2, you should already have a plan in place as to where everything should go.
With the limited storage space in your new digs, it’ll help to store things vertically.
Vertically aligning hooks and shelves helps you take advantage of every square inch of space.
You might want to use adhesive hooks at first because most are easy to adjust.
We’ll be getting into how to simplify your wardrobe next, but for now, keep in mind that multi-use furniture can solve a lot of storage problems.
Keep reading because we’re about to reveal some killer ideas.
One idea is to maximize space by incorporating storage headboards. These are pieces of furniture such as bookshelves and a hutch that’ll fit over your bed.
Incorporating these types of units will make it easier to store a variety of items from family treasures to books and jewelry.
For example, incorporating a fitted unit in your closet can make it easier to organize.
Beyond that, think of other ways you can make use of storage. Is there any room underneath the bed you’ll be moving into your fancy new apartment?
If there isn’t and you need an upgrade, buy a bed that has drawers underneath. Trust us — those drawers will be your best friend when you need to store extra items of clothing such as blankets or sweatshirts.
Keep your bed if you like it, and it just so happens that you may be able to squeeze in some bins underneath to use as storage. For example, milk crates work well when you want to store books, tee shirts, and keepsakes.
5. Simplify your wardrobe
Seriously, how do you go about simplifying your wardrobe with you have a gazillion t-shirts?
If you think your new closet is small, just think about the people who live in tiny homes. Now those are super tiny!
Don’t worry; you can do this if they can!
Here are some steps to follow that’ll make your wardrobe functional in no time at all.
Step 1: Get all of your clothing out (ALL of it!) and put it somewhere you can sort through it. Whether that’s on the floor or on your bed is entirely up to you.
Step 2: Next, divide those clothes into three different piles and decide to donate, keep, or store them.
Step 3: Ask yourself if the clothing fits you or if it's still in wearable condition. If you haven’t worn jeans, for example, due to a weight gain or loss, donate or store those items.
Don’t keep clothing that’s falling apart. That’s just a waste of precious closet space!
Step 4: Are you done going through your clothing and separating them into three different piles?
Okay good, you’re going to do it again. This time ask yourself if this clothing fits your personality and your current lifestyle.
Step 5: Mission complete! Well, almost. Organize the clothes you’re keeping, store what you plan to wear later (such as seasonal clothing), and drop off clothes you’re donating.
6. Sell or donate what you don’t want
Now that you know how much space you have, and how to simplify your wardrobe, let's dive into why it's so essential to sell or donate belongings. It's time to stop and figure out which items you can and can't part with.
As you know, whether you're moving to a different city or relocating to a separate apartment at the same complex, moving takes a lot of work.
You should do everything in your power to simplify the moving process.
Eager to make some money to help with moving expenses?
One way to do that is by selling belongings and furniture you no longer want.
Try Craigslist, eBay, garage sales, Facebook, consignment stores, and more.
Before you even start packing, you should sell, donate, or recycle stuff you can live without. This will eliminate packing everything up only to decide later that you didn't need that item of clothing or five extra plates.
If you have problems deciding whether you want to keep, sell, or donate an item, take a hard look at everything you own.
Think about whether another person would find use out of that item.
If the item is useful, you can either donate it or sell it, depending on its value.
Who knows, your trash may turn into someone else's treasure.
7. Digitize nonessential media
Next let's dive into how you can digitize and save documents, pictures, videos, cassettes, videos, DVDs, and CDs.
While it's important to keep hard copies of documents such as your social security card and birth certificate, try to save and scan everything else.
Transfer CDs and DVDs to digital files by using free computer programs such as Freemake Video Converter, Movavi, and WinX.
Scan documents to your computer or save them as PDF files. After you're done scanning everything, use services like Google Drive, Dropbox, and Microsoft One Drive.
Online storage sites are lifesavers when your goal is to digitize media.
Think of all of the space you'll free up in your new apartment by getting rid of boxes of videos, paper, and more by going paperless!
It'll take some time, but it'll totally be worth it. And boom! Suddenly you'll realize you're there.
So, do you think it’s time to move? Even though downsizing may seem daunting, it doesn’t have to be. Moving to a smaller apartment has its perks, such as decluttering your life and organizing your new place with fewer belongings.
Simply put, downsizing to a smaller apartment means:
Enjoying lower monthly expenses and living costs
Not having to clean nearly as much since your place is smaller
Living a minimalist lifestyle without meaningless belongings getting in your way
Instead of sweating the small stuff, take the moving process step by step. Before you know it, you’ll be enjoying your new digs, relieved that you took the time to eliminate the clutter.
Carolina Creek is a great townhouse-style community located about a mile from Eastern Carolina University's campus. The community consists of 2x3 and 3x3 apartments and contains a full amenity suite including a fitness center, pool, business center, and game room. The community is the best value in the Greenville NC student housing market.
Read Also:
5 Tips For Designing a Tiny House
How To Make Your Home Look Like You Hired An Interior Designer
Buying A House Vs Renting An Apartment: Which Is More Affordable?
