It’s fun to fantasize about all the changes you’d make to your kitchen if money were no object. But money is a major issue for many when it comes to such a project. Before you start selecting new appliances and looking at paint chips, check out these 5 budget considerations for kitchen remodels.
1. Ask yourself how long you plan to stay in your home. If you plan to stay for a few years, you’ll want to spend what you can afford to get the most bang for your buck. On the other hand, if you plan to leave soon and just want to optimize the space for a sale, you can choose to do some quick, yet inexpensive, cosmetic updates that will make an impression but not break the bank. This article explains where to splurge and where to save.
2. How do you use your kitchen? That will help determine the kind of changes you’ll want to make. Are you a gourmet cook who’d love a professional range or other high-end appliances? Do you require an eat-in kitchen for family meals? Or is your kitchen used mainly as a place to unpack takeout meals? Your lifestyle should help you determine the “nice to haves” vs. the “need to haves.”
3. Do you plan to remove walls or add architectural details like arches or skylights? Then keep in mind you’ll have to re-route plumbing and electrical lines, which increase the cost of a kitchen remodel significantly. Simpler is easier on the budget. Work with what you’ve got to keep costs in check.
4. Are you handy with tools or a seasoned Do-It-Yourselfer? Since the majority of a kitchen remodel budget is spent on labor, you’ll want to do as much of the work yourself to save money. You can remove old cabinets or fixtures before the pros come in. You can also help with finishing the project by painting and attending to other details. If you do opt to work with a contractor, be sure to get references. Talk to other homeowners to get names or check a national registry like Angie’s List, which lists reviews thousands of service providers in more than 700 categories.
5. Look for deals. It’s seems like kind of no-brainer, but there are deals to be had. Look at clearance racks at your nearby home center and watch for end-of-season sales. Don’t dismiss floor models out of hand. Just make sure to inspect them thoroughly for damage or use. Check this out for even more ways to save.
What are your budget considerations when it comes to kitchen remodels? Share your ideas in the comments!
There’s no doubt an attractive backsplash increases the beauty and value of your kitchen. But if you don’t know how to install backsplash tile that requires grout, it can be a challenge. In addition to the level of expertise required, your time and material costs are also factors. After you’ve chosen your tiles, you’ll need to stock up on materials and tools (see below).
Once you’ve assembled your materials and tools, the work begins. First, “dry fit” the tile on the floor or table to get an idea of the design and make sure it works in the space. Prepare the wall by removing switch plates and outlet covers and sand it to rough up the surface. Next, measure and mark the center of the visual focal point. Using the lever, draw a plumb starting line through the center mark.
Next, apply the mastic or thinset to the wall with the v-notched trowel, covering enough area for about 6-8 tiles. Place the first tile on the edge of the line you marked, pressing firmly. Be sure to leave room at the bottom where it will abut the countertop edge. You’ll be filling in that space with caulk at the end. Continue going outward on each side of that tile with the same technique. When you encounter a cabinet or other edge, you’ll need to cut tiles to fit the space. Using a full tile, place it in the space and mark where to cut using a tile cutter, snips or wet saw.
When all the tiles have been applied to the wall, allow the mastic to dry overnight. The following day, mix up a batch of grout, following the directions on the packaging. With a rubber grout float, pack the grout into the spaces between the tiles. Afterwards, clean the tiles with a sponge soaked with water, rinsing the sponge repeatedly. Wait for the grout to set, about 30-45 minutes. A thin, hazy film will develop. Wipe that off with a dry cloth until the tiles shine. Finally squeeze a thin bead of tub and tile caulk between the bottom edge of the tile and the built-in backsplash or countertop lip, in the corners and where tile meets cabinets.
Now, if you have the time, ambition and wherewithal to undertake installing a backsplash, go for it. But if you want to install a backsplash that’s less labor intensive, and less expensive, consider one of the many backsplash products offered at DIYdecorStore.com.
Fasade decorative thermoplastic panels are quick and easy to install and don’t require grout. You get a designer look for a fraction of the price of a traditional tile installation project. Aspect Peel & Stick metal, stone and glass tiles also require no grout and easily stick to any surface. They’re both projects the DIY’er can easily do in a weekend, adding value and beauty to your home with their striking elegance.
Tools Needed:
- Sandpaper
- A level
- Tape measure
- Rubber grout float
- Notched trowel
- Caulking gun
- Sponge and bucket
- Tile cutter or motorized wet saw
Materials needed:
- Tile mastic or thinset
- Caulk
- Tile grout
- Tile spacers
Have you completed a backsplash project? Let us know how that went and share in the comments!
You make sure your car is tuned up and that your children have the right outerwear for the upcoming winter months. Your home is no different. Now is the time to begin preparations for the long, cold months ahead. The following will give you some tips on how to get your home ready for winter.
Make sure your furnace is up to snuff. You don’t want to be stuck on the first cold day of the season without heat, right? Change filters and stock up on new ones. Schedule a repair if needed. Heating professionals are busy and become even busier when unprepared people (not you) realize too late that their furnaces need fixing.
Along those lines, if you have a wood stove or a fireplace, get your chimney checked by a professional and have it cleaned. Animals like to build nests in chimney flues which is a safety concern, as is creosote buildup. For more information on the care and keeping of chimneys, visit the Chimney Safety Institute of America’s website.
Test your smoke alarms if you haven’t already. You should be doing this monthly as it is, according to the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA). The agency recommends replacing the batteries at least once a year and replacing units every 10 years.
Blow out your sprinkler system if you have one, and turn off outside spigots and drain them as well. Cold weather can cause freezing, which is an expensive headache you won’t want to deal with down the line.
After the leaves have fallen, be sure to clean your gutters. Clogged gutters cause a host of problems because they prevent water from properly draining. Clogged gutters can also fill with ice and cause snow buildup on your roof. The weight from snow, and then subsequent leaking from melting snow, can seriously damage your roof.
Clean and dry patio furniture and store it away from the elements.
Trim bushes and branches that are near the house to prevent damage during severe weather.
For more tips, read this handy article. Then get to work! And if you have any useful tips that have worked for you, let me know in the comments!
