06
Feb 12

Porcelain or Travertine: What Is The Right Tile For You?

 Are you wondering what kind of tile you should go with when considering a bathroom or kitchen remodel? When choosing between porcelain and travertine tile, be sure to ask yourself about the following things to help get some clarification as to which product you should use:

1) High or Low Maintenance

Are you a person who prefers low maintenance? Or does regular maintenance and upkeep not bother you? When considering different tile options you need to keep in mind the maintenance that is required for the two most popular kinds of tile: Porcelain and Travertine.

Porcelain

Porcelain is made from a dense type of clay that is baked at a high temperature (2,000+ degrees Fahrenheit) for a considerable period of time. This removes nearly all of the water and makes it very dense and hard. Porcelain is denser and harder than many other building materials, including ceramic tile. It is interesting to note that porcelain has been around a long time; porcelain manufacture originated in China as early as 200 BC.

Porcelain tile is a sealed (non-porous) surface product that requires little-to-no attention other than regular household upkeep. Porcelain requires less maintenance overall than travertine.

Travertine

Travertine is one of the most popular types of stone used in buildings today. Travertine is a type of limestone that is deposited by mineral springs, and quite often by hot springs. For example, Mammoth Hot Springs in Yellowstone National Park contains travertine deposits. Historical uses of travertine stone date back to the ancient Romans, who used travertine to build many of their temples and other structures, including aqueducts and even the Coliseum in Rome. In fact, Michelangelo used travertine for the external ribs of the dome of St Peter’s Basilica.

Travertine tile is a highly porous, natural stone material. Travertine is relatively soft when compared to porcelain, and it is more difficult to maintain. You have two options with Travertine: honed (filled), where all the small naturally occurring holes are filled in, or un-honed (unfilled), which can result in higher overall maintenance.

2) Location

Certain tiles work better in certain locations, and you must keep this in mind when selecting the tile to use in each area or for each application. For example, on shower walls or areas that receive more water than others, a porcelain tile would be best because of the non-porous, low maintenance surface. Often travertine is a nice bathroom remodeling option for areas such as the floor, wainscoting, tub skirt, etc. because the porous material isn’t seeing as much water as in a shower area.

3) Best of Both Worlds

The demand for the look of beautiful natural stone tile along with low maintenance is a growing trend. There are many options to having a travertine look with a porcelain durability as well as low maintenance. Having a low-maintenance porcelain tile with the natural beauty and variation of a travertine or natural stone is a very popular choice today.

Porcelain or Travertine: It’s a Personal Preference!

http://ezinearticles.com/?Porcelain-or-Travertine:-What-Is-the-Right-Tile-for-You?&id=6781448

So, which do you prefer? Once you have in mind exactly what you want, or even if you haven’t made up your mind and would like some advice from the pros, then give us a call today and we can give you the help you need to make your dream into a reality!

3810 Clemmons rd, Clemmons, NC 27012

1-800-913-3873

http://www.crawfordhomeimprovements.net/

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Posted in Flooring, Home Improvement, Home Improvement Tips, Home Improvements Advance, Home Improvements Burmuda Run, Home Improvements Clemmons, Home Improvements Lewisville, Home Improvements Mocksville, Home Improvements Mooresville, Home Improvements Statesville, Home Improvements Wilkesboro, Home Improvements Winston-Salem, Home Maintenance, Home Remodeling | Comments Off
03
Feb 12

How To Make A Bathroom Look Bigger

Having a bright and spacious bathroom to lie back and relax in as you enjoy a long soak is something we all want – however, it is not always possible. Indeed, this part of your property may live up to its reputation as the smallest room in the house a little too well.

However, it is possible to make it seem bigger, whether by fitting new white fixtures like Ideal Standard toilets, or coming up with clever storage.

Read on to learn three simple steps you can take to make your bathroom look brighter and bigger.

New suite

If you have an old bathroom suite that has been there since you moved in, it may not be in the condition you would like. Indeed, coloured bathroom suites have a habit of looking particularly dated.

In addition to this, dark-coloured toilets, sinks and baths can make a room feel more cramped, so it may be time to invest in a shiny new collection.

Should space be at a particular premium, look out for intelligently designed units that make as much use of the room they have as possible.

For instance, having a shower installed over the bath will create extra space if you currently have a separate area for each.

Meanwhile, slower enclosures with sliding doors or those that open inwards will not take up additional space every time you open them. If you rarely take baths, you may find it is worthwhile having this taken out altogether and replaced with a larger shower unit.

Keep in mind that modern design and manufacturing techniques mean that you can find units to fit in even the most awkward spaces, such as Manhattan shower enclosures that can be installed in a corner.

Lighting

One way of making a room look bigger is to ensure it is as well-lit as possible. This can be achieved through both natural and artificial means.

If you do not have any windows in your bathroom and you are unable to have one installed, opt for spot lights that bathe the whole room in a soft glow, rather than one central ceiling light.

A useful trick is to decorate the room with tiles or even a shiny wallpaper, as this will bounce what light there is around the room. A large mirror will do the same trick and even a white bathroom suite can help you achieve this.

White is the most reflective colour, so in a small bathroom you should opt for this palette as much as possible. However, creating a few focal points will also add to the illusion of space, so break up the neutral tones with a few contrasting hues of colour, such as the odd bright tile.

Intelligent storage

While not much is stored in the bathroom, all those bottles of shampoo, bubble bath, spare toilet rolls and fluffy towels can take up a fair chunk of space.

Keeping the floor as clear of clutter as possible is another great way to make the room feel bigger, but when you have so many things you need to keep in the bathroom this may not always be possible.

Fit shelves around the walls of your bathroom higher than eye level, so all your belongings can be stored away neatly. You can place anything on here from spare towels to shaving mirrors and get it down whenever you need it.

Another idea is to invest in a heated towel rack as this will not only make the room warmer, but will also give you somewhere to store your linens.

http://ezinearticles.com/?How-to-Make-a-Bathroom-Look-Bigger&id=6842314

We all want enough space in our bathrooms, but sometimes we can’t add to what we already have. These tips will help when you don’t have that option. Of course, when you do, then give us a call, and we’ll help turn that bathroom into something you’ve always dreamed of!

3810 Clemmons rd, Clemmons, NC 27012

1-800-913-3873

http://www.crawfordhomeimprovements.net/

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Posted in Home Improvement, Home Improvement Tips, Home Improvements Advance, Home Improvements Burmuda Run, Home Improvements Clemmons, Home Improvements Lewisville, Home Improvements Mocksville, Home Improvements Mooresville, Home Improvements Statesville, Home Improvements Wilkesboro, Home Improvements Winston-Salem, Home Maintenance, Home Remodeling | Comments Off
30
Jan 12

Five Simple Ways To Get More Storage Space From Small House Floor Plans

 

Over the years it’s easy to accumulate many items, treasured for their memories or possessing valuable attributes; things just too important to get rid of, but no place to adequately store. If the house you are planning to build (or the one you are currently living in) is just too small to accommodate everything you hold near and dear, then it’s time to get a little resourceful. Whether you’re planning to build a new small house or renovate an existing one, here are some creative ways to find extra space to resolve your storage problems.

Stairwell

Stairways up or down, almost always provide valuable extra storage space for shelving, cabinets or closets. For example, a one story house with a staircase down to a basement and no second floor will provide room for raised cabinets or closet space at the opposite end of the stairwell, accessible from the main floor. The bottom of the cabinet or closet will need to be raised or sloped up to allow the required headroom on the other side as you go down the stairs. Depending on the depth of the closet, the usable space for a standard 8′ ceiling house will allow up to 7 feet in height and 3 to 4 feet in width.

If the stairwell is not accessible from the end, a smaller, modified storage space can be achieved from either side (opposite the doorway end). This can yield an interesting staggered arrangement of shelves or niches for displaying your favorite knickknacks. The height and distance of each niche would correspond to the headroom for the stairway behind the wall.

Door and Window Headers

The blank space above doorways and windows (if curtain valances are not used) can be a great spot for bookshelves or even small cabinets snuggly fit up against the ceiling. The shelves can also be continued down both sides in areas where they will not be affected by a swinging door. This can be an attractive focal point, framing a doorway or window in a den or study. In addition, low cabinets with seating on top can be located under windows, completing the framed look.

Upper Room Corners

This same idea can be applied to walls above inner corners in rooms where there may be furniture below but nothing above. A large, attractive corner cabinet works well in a bedroom and may even be carried across, above the bed wall, providing a place on the underside for recessed lighting. This arrangement is also suitable in a home office above a corner desk.

Second Story Knee Walls

The attic eaves behind short knee walls resulting from second story sloped ceilings are an ideal location for built-in storage. By varying the height, depth or style of the built-ins, an attractive and useful display of cabinetry and shelving is possible.

Accessible Attic Storage

Many homes with attic space above the main living areas have small scuttles for access, sometimes located in a closet ceiling and, more often than not, very difficult to utilize. Installing a pull-down staircase (also referred to as a folding-ladder) in the ceiling of a hallway or attached garage (if available) should be a high priority. These handy hide-away staircases can make access so much more safe and convenient. They provide great storage space for seasonal items such as holiday decorations or other once-a-year items.

If there is no place to locate the stair unit without it becoming an eyesore, and you have a basement, install it in the ceiling of the stairwell leading to the basement. The unit should run parallel to the existing stairway with the pull-chord accessible from the top basement stair landing and go up from that point. When the stairs are pulled down, you can climb up to the attic. When the pull-down staircase is closed upward into the ceiling, you can access the basement.

Whether you are planning to build a small house or renovate an existing small home, small house plans can present a challenge when it comes to adequate storage space. With some careful planning you can come up with creative ways for achieving additional attractive and convenient cabinets, closets and accessible attic storage space for all your favorite things.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Five-Simple-Ways-to-Get-More-Storage-Space-From-Small-House-Floor-Plans&id=6831182

We all want the most we can get out of our homes, and some of us have to deal with small spaces, but that doesn’t mean we can’t use that space wisely! With these five simple tips, you can get more use out of your home’s floor plan! If you need help, always keep us in mind for all your home improvement needs.

3810 Clemmons rd Clemmons, NC 27012

1-800-913-3873

http://www.crawfordhomeimprovements.net/

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Posted in Home Improvement, Home Improvement Tips, Home Improvements Advance, Home Improvements Burmuda Run, Home Improvements Clemmons, Home Improvements Lewisville, Home Improvements Mocksville, Home Improvements Mooresville, Home Improvements Statesville, Home Improvements Wilkesboro, Home Improvements Winston-Salem, Home Maintenance, Home Remodeling | Comments Off
25
Jan 12

Tips To Painlessly Redecorating A Kid’s Bedroom

It does not matter the age of your child, these tips will help you get through the redecorating of their room as painlessly as possible. These tips are appropriate for the room you are preparing for the arrival of your first baby or for the toddler growing up into a child of for that transition to teenager. If the reno is for a baby or toddler, it is a bit easier as it’s more about what you want than the child, but once they are a few years old, kids have their own likes and dislikes about colours and themes, so getting their input is a good idea and a great bonding experience.

Budget. As with any renovation or decorating project, you need to have an idea of how much you want to spend on the job. In the case of something relatively simple like a bedroom makeover, you may also want to think about doing the job yourself which will (should) also save you some money.

Theme. Is there something that your child is particularly keen on, like dinosaurs or dancing or cars? It’s neither difficult nor expensive to incorporate a theme into a room, but remember that in a few years your child may have grown out of it, so carrying out the theme in such a way that it can be changed or modified without too much difficulty or expense is a good idea. Let the accessories carry the theme! Remember that if you are doing a complete makeover, things like light fittings and ceiling fans will probably need to be changed too.

Colours. The colour palette for the room is directly tied into the theme, and ideally, try not to use more than 3 colours. Paint is cheap, quick and easy to apply, and easy to change at later date when your 4 year old daughter loves pink and purple but by age 10 likes yellow and green.

Bed. If the makeover is for a baby, the bed is an easy choice. However, if the makeover is for a toddler, think a few years down the line when a bigger bed might be needed and try to redecorate so that the bed can be changed out and the whole room still look appealing. Bunk beds or loft beds are great for space saving in a smaller room, or where more than one child uses the bedroom.

Storage. Kids always have lots of stuff, so think about cupboards, bins and shelves so that toys, clothes, books, etc have a home even if they are not always in it. Storage bins and boxes can be fun and funky and become a feature of the room too. If there is no existing cupboard, do you want to have something built in or do you want to buy some furniture to provide storage for clothes and shoes? Adequate storage is a must!

Desk. Most kids will want to have some sort of table or desk in their room, somewhere that they can do homework or work on art projects, play games or a host of other activities. The desk can be a stand alone piece of furniture or built in as part of a cupboard or loft bed – there are many different options to choose from here. Again, think ahead – if you are buying a small desk for a small child, try to work it into the room in such a way that in a few years when the child is bigger, the desk can be changed out without too much upheaval or disruption to the room.

DIY. If you are planning to do the project yourself, the easiest thing to do is move absolutely everything out of the room first. Preparation is key to a successful project! If you are not refinishing the floor, cover it completely with a drop cloth – an old sheet will do or a tarpaulin or some plastic sheeting. Check the wall for dings and cracks and repair accordingly. Do the windows need to be resealed or repaired in any way? What about the ceiling? Is that part of the makeover? Does it need to be painted? Paint with a satin finish will be easier to wipe off, so you may want to consider this for the walls, and if you are using a custom mixed colour, please remember to have some extra for possible touching up in the future.

And there you have it! With these tips and some planning ahead of time, renovating your child’s bedroom should be a fun weekend project for the whole family, but do not hesitate to get help or advice from a professional if necessary.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Tips-to-Painlessly-Redecorating-a-Kids-Bedroom&id=6825700

Does the thought of changing up your son or daughter’s bedroom appeal to you? Sometimes, there are simply changes that need to be made, regardless of how excited you are to do it. With age, change is inevitable for your child’s bedroom, but with the right know-how, you and your child can be happy with the room once it is finished! If this interests you, feel free to contact us for help from the pros!

3810 Clemmons rd, Clemmons, NC 27012

1-800-913-3873

http://www.crawfordhomeimprovements.net/

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Posted in Home Improvement, Home Improvement Tips, Home Improvements Advance, Home Improvements Burmuda Run, Home Improvements Clemmons, Home Improvements Lewisville, Home Improvements Mocksville, Home Improvements Mooresville, Home Improvements Statesville, Home Improvements Wilkesboro, Home Improvements Winston-Salem, Home Maintenance, Home Remodeling | Comments Off
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