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23 Jan

How to Plan for a Bathroom Renovation

Decide on Design Elements

Before you start remodeling the bathroom, choose a design that fits your vision, as well as your DIY skill set. There are many different ways to approach this project, ranging from repainting and swapping out the vanity to gutting the space and starting from scratch. Here are a few details you absolutely need to nail down before you begin your bathroom renovation:

Color scheme: Interested in a modern farmhouse look? Or are you looking for a clean, contemporary design to match the rest of your home decor? Find inspiration photos for your vision ahead of time to make sure your new bathroom tiles don’t clash with your choice of paint.
New fixtures: Will you replace your shower or tub? Are you installing a new sink? Replacing one or both of these fixtures will add to your project’s timeline and budget.
Storage spaces: Where will you keep your towels and toiletries post-remodel? If you’re removing a closet to expand the room, make sure you have shelving or cabinets to make up for the lost storage space in your bathroom.
Location of utilities: Do you know where the electrical wiring and plumbing pipes are located? Keep these areas marked to avoid damaging these hookups and having to make expensive repairs.

23 Jan

Popular Interior Design Trend: Wainscotting

How do you say it?

Wayne’s coating? Wayne’s cotting? Wayne’s kitting? Merriam-Webster prefers the first pronunciation, but all are acceptable. It’s also fine to call it wainscot; the terms are interchangeable.

Wainscoting may sound peculiar but merely refers to paneling, typically made of wood, that lines the interior walls of a home.

Homeowners seeking to add a touch of luxury and elegance to a living space increasingly turn to wainscoting as opposed to mere wallpaper or painted designs. Easy enough to do-it-yourself (DIY) and a cost-effective interior decor option, the trend has seen a resurgence over the recent decade and is currently popular on social media in Malaysia.

Four Ways to Save on Costs Get the look of wainscoting without the pricey panels.

Painted on Planks Roll vertical stripes in alternating hues over the lower third of your wall for a cheery two-tone plank effect. A horizontal painted band mimics a cap rail.
Wall Frames Install a chair rail and glue and nail frames made from decorative panel moldings beneath it. Paint the chair rail and everything below the same color for the look of raised-panel wainscoting.
Faux Flat Panel Glue and nail rails, stiles, and cap molding directly to smooth drywall or plaster to mimic flat panel wainscoting. Paint the boards the same color as the wall, or finish the wood in an accent color to match the rest of the trim in the room.
Stain-Grade Wall Veneer Affix hardwood plywood directly to the wall. Then nail on your stiles and rails, and top the plywood with cap molding. For the look of a solid-wood assembly, cut the plywood so that its grain runs vertically on the wall.

23 Jan

Tips On Developing Home Renovation Budget

1) Work Out A More Accurate Home Renovation Budget

The one way to get a more accurate budget is by getting an estimate on how much the remodelling will cost. The best way to do this is by getting at least 3 renovation quotes from multiple suppliers – it’ll help you get an idea of how much you need to plan for.

2) Determine Your Needs And Priorities

Always keep in mind your goals for the renovation. This will avoid you from getting sidetracked with smaller projects that were not in the initial plan or budget. If you’re prioritizing the kitchen this time, stick to this plan, and this alone!

3) Create A Detailed Remodeling Plan

Once you’ve determined your goals, create a detailed plan that includes expected costs. If you want to be ultra organized, you could even build a spreadsheet that includes each portion of the project along with the estimated labor and material cost.

So, what are some of the common causes of blown budgets? Not adding up the little costs (appliances, clean-up cost, stamp duty, insurance, etc.) Not doing a thorough inspection to determine underlying problems (pests, water damage, issues with wiring etc.) Underestimating costs for labor and materials