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A bathroom remodel is typically on the top of every homeowner’s dream list of upgrades they would like to accomplish in their homes. Whether the upgrade is for resale value, or for personal enjoyment to have a place to come home and relax in there is a bathroom renovation for everyone. To begin the planning process of a bathroom remodeling project, it is important to have a design in mind along with a realistic budget. Choosing to hire a professional home remodeler is a great option that can help during the planning process to make things run more smoothly. Below are a few helpful tips when doing a bathroom remodel in your home.

Before Calling the Professionals

A bathroom remodel can be very daunting, and many homeowners are eager to call their licensed contractor right away to start the project. Before you pick up that phone to call, you should first begin the initial plan with the members of your home and get a firm grasp as to your needs/ wants for your bathroom. Think of a budget you would like to stay in proximity to and always plan for a little extra because, with any renovations, there is always the possibility of unexpected issues that can arise and will increase costs later. One of the other factors that can change your mind on several details to the project other than money is timing. Be sure to expect any renovation to range from 30-90 days to complete which can be tough since the bathroom is a main room in the house, we use daily for our hygiene needs so having a backup bathroom that will be used or other obstacles will need to be thought thoroughly as well. It is also important no matter how long the renovation is taking to stick to your original plan as best as possible. Even the smallest changes can add extra money and time to the project that will be sure to ass additional frustration.

Designing Your Space

Generally, a home will consist of 1 or more bathrooms in a home with the features of a toilet, sink, and bathtub. There are optional extras such as a separate shower, dual his/her sinks and other luxuries to add into your bathroom floor plans. It is important to keep in mind what the rest of your home layout and design looks like to keep them flowing nicely together especially if it’s a joining bathroom extension to the master bedroom. Sometimes from a design standpoint is not always functional and with a bathroom that will be getting used constantly, you will want it to be designed according to a usability factor since after all the bathroom will need to fit your lifestyle needs. In some cases, if you are considering renovations to your power room bathroom, your design choices will affect your house guests as well since this will be the bathroom that they will use when visiting as well.

Making the Most of Your Dollars

If you are trying to get the best bang for your buck, there are a few ways you can cut corners when designing your bathroom renovations. First, it is highly recommended to keep the new bath’s plumbing fixtures like the existing floor plan so that new pipes/ wiring does not need to be moved can save hundreds of dollars. However, in a situation where the home is very old or outdated, a professional contractor may find that the pipes and wiring may need to be replaced anyway which may be a good time to move them to a new location if purchasing new ones already during the project. If your budget is tight and you are looking to make your room feel larger than it is without expensive expansions, a few tricks can be done for this purpose. Installing pedestal sinks are a great space saver option when choosing counters. Another great option is installing a glass shower door to make the room feel more spacious since a shower curtain will block light making it feel more enclosed. Another visual item to increase the space of the room is choosing a larger mirror for the vanity as well.

JFC Remodeling, out of Howell, Michigan, offers a variety of construction services for the home including: kitchen and bath remodeling, flooring renovations, and home remodeling.  You can find out more information at http://www.jfcremodeling.com or by reaching out to our home renovation specialists at 810.923.1123.

When it comes to renovating your home, one of the biggest decisions you’ll make is what type of flooring to use. For most homeowners this is not an easy choice. Balancing out the pros and cons of each flooring type, considering not only the look of it, but also its practicality can be a daunting task. What is the comfort level? Will it stand up to pets and kids? How will you maintain it? And, does it fit your budget?

Your homes location and the particular room that needs resurfacing are other factors. Homes located near the beach tend to utilize tile flooring for easier clean-up of sand. Colder climates prefer the warmth of carpet, cork, or hardwood flooring with area rugs but they’re not suggested options for bathrooms or mudrooms; tile, vinyl or linoleum are better choices.

These are questions the professionals at JFC Remodeling can help you assess. With over 30 years experience, Jason Foldenauer and his team are licensed and insured contractors ready to assist you. Compare options available below and contact them for a free consultation. 810-923-1123

Pros and Cons of Popular Flooring Options

Hardwood:

Pros: Hardwood is durable and attractive. Choose various types of hardwood and the stain color. It can be resanded and refinished several time and can last the lifetime of the house if it doesn’t get too wet.

Cons: Hardwood requires regular maintenance and can warp with moisture. It needs to be refinished periodically. It also needs a subfloor installed. It can be damaged by too much moisture and easily scratched by pets’ nails.

Cost: On average $3 to $14 per square foot for materials.

Engineered Hardwood

Pros: Less expensive than hardwood, engineered hardwood comes prefinished and is easier to install. It works better with heated floors and is less susceptible to moisture damage. Doesn’t require a subfloor.

Cons: Can only be refinished a few times.

Cost: On average $3 to $13 per square foot for materials.

Carpet:

Pros: Softer and warmer to walk on than most other materials. It’s often less expensive than other flooring.

Cons: Can be easily stained by spills and wears out more quickly than other flooring. Can be a problem for people with allergies.

Costs: On average $1 to $11 per square foot, depending upon material.

Tile:

Pros: Extremely durable, will last longer than the house, easy to clean, comes in a huge variety of styles, sizes and colors. You can even buy porcelain tile that looks like wood.

Cons: Not very comfortable to walk on and can be cold. Grout is not easy to clean, surface is hard to stand on for long periods, and anything dropped on tile breaks. Tile requires expert installation, though it can be done by a skilled DIY homeowner.

Cost: On average $1 to $10 per square foot for materials.  

Laminate:

Pros: Inexpensive, can be installed over existing floors, comes prefinished. It can also be a DIY project. It’s softer on feet than tile if it is installed with proper backing.

Cons: Can’t be refinished, can be destroyed by flooding or damaged by moisture.

Cost: On average 69 cents to $4.50 per square foot for materials.

JFC Remodeling is a full-service licensed contractor out of Howell, Michigan.  Specializing in kitchen and bathroom renovations, flooring upgrades, and home remodelingservices.  More information can be found online at https://jfcremodeling.com/.

Summers are a great time in Michigan.  It is the perfect time to enjoy the beach, BBQ’s, and flip flops.  It is also the perfect time for homeowners to tackle home improvement projects.  The weather is finally perfect – no snow, ice, or excessive wind.  The summer months are the perfect time to assess your home, make general repairs, perform maintenance, and take on larger scaled projects like the installation of a new roof, kitchen remodels (YEAH FOR BBQ’S), porch upgrades, upgraded decking, and more.  Depending on your budget and the renovations you choose, you can increase the overall value of your home by updating the space.

The Most Common Summer Projects

• Pressure Washing – Nothing speaks louder than a well-maintained home.  Power washing your homes siding and decking is an inexpensive way to clean your home.  Removing mold, algae, and mildew can result in increasing the longevity of your sidings lifespan.  Pressure washing costs about $500 for a professional to complete or for the DIY a power washer can be rented for about $50 for four hours.
• Landscaping – Any home improvement that increases your homes curb appeal will add value to your home.  Landscaping doesn’t have to be complex, simple lawn care and maintenance with a few flower beds to enhance the space can really transform a home.  If you are not interested in hiring a professional landscaper, it is important to have a plan in place before diving into landscaping. 
• Kitchen Renovations – When it comes to kitchens it is best for homeowners to work with a reliable contractor as kitchen remodeling can take a quick turn in the wrong direction.  You don’t need every one of the latest gadgets, top line appliances, and exotic materials to create a kitchen that is the envy of the neighborhood. The most important aspect is the layout and flow of your space. 

A small kitchen can function better than a large kitchen with the right layout design.  An important aspect in renovating, especially in kitchens is lighting.  Modern lighting overhead and underneath cabinetry can transform the overall feel of the space.  Including a backsplash is always an inexpensive way to add to the look of the space.  Believe it or not, it is possible to completely redo the look and feel of a kitchen can cost as little as $4,000 when you hire a professional kitchen contractor.

• Deck Additions – Summer is all about creating an environment outdoor that is both functional and comfortable.  Adding to your deck is a great way to make the space usable.  Outdoor kitchen spaces, comfy lounge spaces, sitting nooks, fire pits, high top bars, the list of outdoor decking renovations that add value to your space are endless.   Renovate your deck into a space that feels like you are on a constant vacation. 

JFC Remodeling is a full-service licensed contractor out of Howell, Michigan.  Specializing in kitchen and bathroom renovations, flooring upgrades, and home remodelingservices.  More information can be found online at https://jfcremodeling.com/.