When you think of home remodeling, you probably think of extending a room or changing cabinets in a kitchen or modernizing an older home. Yet there is a whole new market of people needing home renovations – the elderly.

Renovations for the Elderly:

According to a recent CNN report, home renovations for the elderly are on the rise. These types of renovations are the fastest-growing segment of the remodeling industry, said James Lapides of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). NAHB’s recent study concluded that 75 percent of remodeling companies have seen an increase in requests for so-called “aging-in-place” work.

The “Certified Aging in Place” Specialist program, offered by the NAHB Remodelers Council to teach professionals how to modify homes for older adults, has increased in enrollment, according to Lapides. Representatives of NAHB and the AARP created the program in 2002. Over 1,000 participants have learned building techniques and structural awareness for accommodating physical needs. (CNN, “Builders: Home Renovations for Elderly on the Rise”, by Grace Wong)

Statistics Show Elderly Want to Stay in Their Homes:

According to the AARP, 83% of people over 45 own their own homes. A 2003 AARP survey, “These Four Walls,” sampled this group and found that 75% expect to stay there for the rest of their lives. 51% envision making changes so that can happen.

In addition, The National Association of Home Builders conducted a survey of remodelers and learned that:

• 75% reported getting more requests for “aging in place” projects

• 60% had done “aging in place” projects. Of those:

• 43% were for customers aged 45 to 54

• 76% were for customers aged 55 to 64

• 67% were for customers 65 and older

Remodelers reported that clients wanted aging-in-place remodeling because:

• 75% were planning for future needs

• 53% were living with older parents

• 46% had acute, age-related disabilities

• 23% had acute disabilities unrelated to aging

(realestate.msn.com, “Elegant Remodels Allow ‘Aging in Place’”, by Marilyn Lewis)

A Remodeling Project:

Some families are bringing older relatives to live with them and extending a part of the house to accommodate that change. Others are making modifications for physical reasons, such as widening doorways for wheelchairs, lowering bathtub walls and adding support bars. Other modifications simply include updating an older home because of wear and tear. However, the going trend is to do it all with style.

An example of an accommodating remodeling project occurred in a California backyard. A playhouse was rebuilt to become a livable apartment for one family’s 70 year-old father with Paget’s disease. Building aspects of the apartment include a walk-in shower with no obstructing ledge at the entrance, two-inch-square commercial nonskid tile, lever handles instead of doorknobs and an anti-scald device to keep water temperature even. (realestate.msn.com, “Elegant Remodels Allow ‘Aging in Place’”, by Marilyn Lewis)

Suggestions for Remodeling:

If you are contemplating a remodeling project, keep the future in mind. You can make simple changes now for what may be needed many years in the future. Sam Clark, a builder and author of “The Real Goods Independent Builder: Designing & Building a House Your Own Way” and “Remodeling a Kitchen”, provides the following suggestions for changes to make to your home to accommodate the physical bodily changes that occur over time:

• Remodel your home so that you can live on the ground level if necessary.

• Widen doorways to accommodate wheelchairs.

• Plan the front entry to be as level with the ground as local building codes allow. Eliminate stairs with sloping sidewalks.

• Try to think way ahead. For example, in a bathroom remodel, install reinforcement for grab bars.

• Plan for a lot of storage within the “optimal reach zone” – the space between 20 inches and 44 inches above the floor to a depth of 20 inches away from your body.

• Use drawers instead of cupboards where possible.

• Install lever handles throughout the house.

• Use hard flooring or choose an attractive, low-pile commercial carpet.

• Place electric outlets higher than usual and switches lower.

• Install a shelf outside the front door so you can put down packages while searching for keys.

Additional tips from the Home Remodelers in New Jersey (www.homeremodelersgroup.com) further suggests vinyl siding. Vinyl siding is made to look like real wood and it never needs painting, preventing any hazardous maintenance or painting. Vinyl windows are also suggested; they are easy to clean and energy efficient.

For additional remodeling articles, visit http://www.homeremodelersgroup.com/?source=articles

Travertine is a specially cut sedimentary rock, which remains at cool temperature giving the bathroom a roman touch. Through electric shower, temperature of water can be regulated according to the needs. There is no need of geysers anymore.

Believe it or not, bathroom can be personal and private. With our stunning collection of contemporary, or traditional or cloakroom style bathroom suites and a huge range of travertine tiles of different color and style along with the stylish electric shower that are available in a wide variety in the market, the idea of bathroom can be revolutionized.

A bathroom mirror can easily change the look of your bathroom. It can be easily hanged on the wall of your bathroom. HIB mirrors are known for their elegance, style and quality. They utilize sophisticated technologies to make high end products. HIB mirrors are known for their great illumination, stylish design efficient functionality and durability. HIB mirrors such as HIB Hallifax mirrors, HIB constellation mirror, and HIB lunar LED mirror are popular varieties of mirrors that are available in market. If you are looking for a kind of tiles for flooring of your bathroom that could withstand moisture in bathroom then your search stops at travertine tiles. These tiles are naturally obtained from environment and are known for its strength and durability. Mostly they are available in honey or beige colors and can be procured in form of large slabs or small tiles. These tiles are available in beautiful patterns and will definitely suite any of your bathroom styles. When selected carefully you can create wonders with your bathroom fittings.

After spending so much money, effort and time on refurbishment of your house or office, you will definitely want to have a clean and beautiful presentation. With a professional after building cleanup, you can enter your the place which is clean and beautiful and smells fresh.

Most of the building contractors throughout the world rely on the professional after construction cleanup services. The professional crew can easily and efficiently remove all the dust, dirt and debris from the construction site. When the debris resulted from the remodelling or renovation is deposited outside the property, it becomes nuisance for the neighbours and locality as well. It has to be removed everyday to keep the area clean. Contractors are often not equipped to handle the debris on a daily basis. They can tie up with a professional cleaning company to provide the debris removal services.

Some of the important tasks, an after building cleaning project includes are

• Scrubbing and washing of all the surfaces.
• Removing dust from the high areas like ceiling pipes, vents, duct work, light fixtures and others.
• Cleaning of all the surfaces like office furniture or trim work. The proper cleaning involves removal of stains, dusting, scrubbing and vacuuming.
• Insides of desks and file cabinets should be cleaned.
• When it comes to kitchen and bathroom cleaning, special attention should be given. The cleaning of these areas includes cleaning of tiles, scrubbing of floors, polishing of steel surfaces, wiping of walls and more.
• Kitchen and bathrooms need to be sanitized completely so that they can be ready to use straightaway.
• After scrubbing of floors, waxing and buffing is needed.
• Windows give impression of cleanliness even before entering a house or an office. Clean them carefully and don’t forget about window frames and window sills.
• Window glasses should be sparkling clean; remove etches and scrape any deposition on them.

While you are getting professional after building cleaning, you can also get some instructions about how to maintain the regular cleanliness of the house afterwards. It may be very helpful.

So, why don’t you replace your floor tiles? These days you have several tiling options that are unique, attractive and affordable. Some good choices for bathroom tiles are given below:

1. Ceramic Tiles: They are popular due to their stain and water resistant feature. These tiles are easy to cut and install. Several homemakers conduct a DIY ( Do-it-yourself) project for their households. Their variety and versatility are an extensive feature that acts beneficial for interior designers. They come in textured and glazed form. However, glazed ceramic tiles work best with bathroom applications.
2. Glass Tiles: Earlier, these tiles were used as a back splash or shower wall tile. Nowadays, they are also used as floor tiles. It’s an appropriate choice for people who look for a versatile tile material. It is readily available at the tile retail shops at affordable prices. You can also install beautiful mosaic patterns in your bathroom.
3. Stone Tiles: These natural tiles are a hit, when it comes to a long lasting tile feature. Their longevity signifies its strength and durability as a floor tile. It withstands high foot traffic and its natural color brings you close to nature. You can install marble, limestone, travertine or sandstone tiles. These tiles open the sky to never-ending range of color, shape, size and texture of bathroom tile.
4. Wooden Tiles: Nowadays, some people also buy wooden tiles. They give a style statement despite their unrealistic ability. These days, some retailers sell wooden tiles made of bamboo that have better moisture resistant properties. However, this material is yet to be accepted as bathroom floor tile.

So, what are you waiting for? Choose the most appropriate floor tiles option and buy them for your bathroom remodeling project.

First, create a budget. Determine how much money you can comfortably spend, and save about 20 percent for emergencies. Get estimates for the work that needs professionals, and always include electrical, plumbing, heating and cooling, and drywall installation costs in your budget.

Second, design a floor plan. Ask yourself, will you be working with the existing space or will you be adding on or knocking down walls? Check to make sure you will not disturb the electrical wiring, plumbing, or zoning regulations. Next, measure the amount of space you have and draw a floor plan. In drawing the plan, first put in all the items that are fixed. For example, if the toilet must be in one place because of plumbing, it is a fixed item. Experiment with how you like your floor plan, using different arrangements, with different types of cabinetry, shelves, or even walls. You might try pocket doors to save space, and corner sinks, floating sinks, or pedestal sinks to save even more space. L-shaped vanities and alcoves also save space. In addition, corner showers conserve space, and clear glass in showers creates the illusion of even more space. You may want to add windows or mirrors to let in light.

Third, make a list of the supplies you’ll need and make sure they are available when you need them. Some typical supplies include sinks, flooring, wall tile, countertops, lighting, medicine cabinets, showers, bath tubs, cabinets and cabinet handles, toilets, extra storage, faucets, toilet paper holders, paint or wallpaper, chairs, accessories (like storage containers and/or artwork), as well as tools you have or can buy.

Fourth, create a timetable. Talk to experts or people at home improvement stores to plan how much time you’ll need. If you’re hiring contractors, work with them to design a timetable you all can follow.

Plan projects according to the time you have available. Put in a new toilet and sink one weekend, for example, and paint another. You don’t have to do it all at once, so plan sensibly. Don’t paint the walls or install woodwork until the hardware is taken care of — you don’t want to damage work you’ve already done. Above all, be flexible and allow time for the unexpected or even emergencies to happen.

Fifth, keep in mind legal considerations. Get and post a building permit, pay any necessary fees, make sure you, your contractor, and any workers have insurance coverage, and keep children and animals away from the construction area.

By following these checklists, your bathroom remodeling plans will be a snap.

Nothing seems to urge on do-it-yourselfers like a DIY bathroom plumbing project. The evidence lays in the community of homeowners who have dug in their heels, refusing to shell out hard earned dollars to a plumber simply to rectify a leaky faucet. The DIY bathroom plumbing project runs the gamut from drippy faucets and running commodes to noisy nozzles and flooding floors. But even more diverse are the extended projects that result from this initial foray into DIY-land. Suddenly, a DIY bathroom plumbing project becomes a full-blown remodel – vanities replaced; showers re-tiled; original floors swapped for their newer counterparts.

For those who have strapped on their tool belt and begun their journey into their DIY bathroom plumbing project, there are a few things to keep in mind. First and foremost, it is imperative that before beginning any repairs of sinks, toilets, and showers to turn off the water to that location. Nothing ends a DIY bathroom plumbing project quicker than a surprise flood. Further, any project involving electricity should be handled with extreme caution. Just as you turned off the water – turn off the electric power in the bathroom before tackling any projects.

Secondly, be sure that you have the appropriate parts to complete the DIY bathroom plumbing project. Parts that don’t fit will elongate the project and can easily end with disastrous results.

Finally, do your homework. Be sure to research the DIY bathroom plumbing project prior to starting. The Internet can be an enormous source of information as can your local home improvement store. And remember, you may be doing it yourself, but that doesn’t mean you can’t call in a professional if you get in over your head. Sometimes a pro can actually wind up saving you money in the end.

If you are well-researched, organized, and on your toes, your DIY bathroom plumbing project can pay dividends. Not only will you have the bathroom you want, but you’ll have the unrivalled satisfaction of knowing you did it yourself.

These hot new trendy showers stray from the days of the typical bath/shower combination now giving homeowners more options in where to allocate their walk-in shower. With the emergence of shower range designs from semi-framed, framed to frameless combined with uncompromising construction, walk-in showers have become the core addition in bathroom renovations. Today much of the design effort is being placed on creating a more open space in the bathroom. Consumers are becoming increasingly in favor of clear glass showers to serve as the focal point in their bathroom because of the clean precision line construction and as a mean of reflecting light especially for bathrooms not equipped with windows. By incorporating glass type walk-in showers other bathroom fixtures can easily be built into the remaining bathroom décor. The well engineered showers offer a sleek ultra contemporary solution suited to complete the look of any bathroom design while allowing for artwork, bathroom accessories, bathroom flooring and tiles to be configured with the shower unit.

Bathroom industry professionals report that statistically they have seen an increased number of shower sales and are attributed to the high tech flexibility of showers options from electric showers to steam showers cabins and why people are spending more time and finding comfort in the shower. The desire to segregate the bath from the shower points to consumer demands for change and for greater diversity in product range.

With the revival of bathroom remodeling, homeowners are seeking out walk-in showers as the shower replacement alternative not only because of their leading-edge design, but are effortlessly fitted into the space where a bath is being replaced and offer years of maintenance free timeless elegance. Getting all of your other bathroom furnishings to match the shower unit no longer presents a challenge as the polished chrome frame will compliment the remaining bathroom suite as well as other colors in the room. Since bath and shower mixers along with other bathroom accessories are now available in a broad range of chrome designs, beautifying the bathroom to complete the look is a simple task.

Written by Shelley Murphy on behalf of www.victoriaplumb.com an online retailer of bathroom furniture, steam showers, shower enclosures, whirlpool spa baths and bath related products serving the United Kingdom.

Of course, many home-remodeling projects are a great way to add value to your home, not all of them are cash-back guarantees. Before you actually invest your hard earned money into remodeling your home it is prudent to do a little pre-study on what kind of extra payback you can expect for doing the remodeling. It will indeed be worthwhile to study the Cost versus Value published annually by the National Association of Realtors. The report gives you a city-by-city guide on what various home projects will pay back at resale. Also obtain the advice of a Realtor and/or remodeling contractor before you commit to a big home improvement project. These experts can familiarize you with remodeling payback figures tailored to your city. Choose your home remodeling projects wisely and if you borrow money to complete your project, make doubly sure that you will be able to recover the cost of the project when you decide to sell your home .

Remodeling magazines say that remodeling kitchens and baths will add the most value to your home. In some instances, these projects could possibly return more than 100% of the cost if the home is sold within a year. Most market analysts say kitchens sell a home, so remodeling a kitchen should be a first choice for any home remodeling project. Kitchen remodeling would involve upgrading your appliances, replacing door and cabinet handles, painting walls, new counter tops, new floors and a modern cook top range. Sometimes doing it yourself can save money, but consider hiring a professional for large-scale jobs.

A bathroom remodeling is second only to kitchen remodeling in terms of value return on your home improvement investment. A bathroom remodel involves making the most of your current space, by upgrading fixtures, flooring and lighting. A few inexpensive ways to make your existing bathroom more appealing include upgrading your cabinets, counter tops, sinks, tile, bath tub and shower. Kitchens and bathroom remodeling should be the two priority choices when you want to add value to your home. Kitchen and bathroom remodeling will guarantee recouping their cost and adding to the resale value of your house.

Enhancing the curb appeal of your home is one of the most affordable ways to increase the value of your home. Applying a fresh coat of paint can certainly make the inside of your home appear more refreshing to potential buyers, which could mean a quicker sale. Neutral colors are a good choice as they blend well with a variety of other colors and can make a room look larger and more open. Naturally, you can only make the home improvements that your budget will allow and therefore do not needlessly overspend. Concentrate on improving two or three areas in your home which need the most attention.

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Tips for Bathroom Remodeling Design

The task of remodeling your bathroom is difficult andcan be costly There are several key fixtures to consider when you work on your bathroom. And yes, most of them are expensive. There is flooring to consider, as well as the paint, and the result of anything going wrong is you will end up with place that you spend a lot of time in while not enjoying the room. So good planning is essential.

Of course, to be successful, you need to design your remodeling project well before you swing a single hammer. If you take the time to work out a well-planned bathroom remodeling design, a wonderful bathroom is sure to follow.

Map it Out

When you are working on the design for your bathroom remodeling project, make sure to take accurate measurements of your bathroom and create a map to work with. Mark where the plumbing is, mark where your fixtures are, and you’ll be able to better plan what you need to do. The key to a great bathroom remodeling design is good planning, and a map is a great way to keep you focused on exactly where everything needs to be. Draw it out and plan it on paper. It can be a good idea to cut out your main pieces and try them on your map to see how they fit and what they are likely to look like.

There is also software available that can help you plan a bathroom remodel. The simple packages allow you to do the same mapping exercise as above, and the more complex and expensive can even build a ‘virtual bathroom’ so that you can see the results of your planning.

Function Before Form

The secret of a comfortable bathroom is to put the function of your bathroom above what it will look like. No matter how gorgeous your bathroom looks, if you have a poor design, one that makes your bathroom uncomfortable to use, you won’t enjoy it. Throughout your bathroom remodeling design process, consider what you want your bathroom to do and work towards that goal.

Consider Your Fixtures

Make sure to learn exactly where your fixtures will go when designing your remodeling project; you will need the plumbing there to accommodate them. Your sink, tub, and toilet are going to be exactly where you have them right now, unless you can somehow move the the plumbing. In most cases, the location of your fixtures is going to be a hard limit, so plan accordingly.

Locate Things Sensibly

When you decide where smaller fixtures, such as the towel rack or even the toilet paper roll, go in the bathroom remodeling design, keep in mind that they should go in places that are sensible, once again going back to function over form. The towel rack might look nice by the door, but if it’s out of arm’s reach of the bathtub, then you won’t be happy whenever you get out of the shower, for example. With all things in bathroom remodeling design, if you design with an eye for common sense and space, you will be successful in your attempt to create a room that’s both stylish and functional.

Focus on your walls, ceiling and tiles because these three items can greatly influence the outcome of your project. Mix and match the colors by using pastel, earthy, contemporary or traditional colors that fit your taste. Be aware that whatever items, equipment and furniture you wish to add to your bathroom should add warmth and relaxation to the room.

You can create your dream bathroom by expanding the area and separating the toilet from the bath area. You can even add spa treatments, bathtubs, water jets and other more expensive bathroom add-ons. If you have no idea where to start and what items to add, you can always look at a home-improvement magazine and check out the latest bathroom trends.

Know Your Budget

The extent of your bathroom remodeling project will all depend on your budget. If you have a large amount of money for your remodel project, you can start designing your bathroom from scratch. However, you can still remodel your bathroom even with a small budget. Just change the light fixtures, accessories and bathroom furniture.

Designs, Accessories and Furniture

When you decide to start a bathroom remodeling project, it is quickest to organize your goals before shopping for materials. determine on what items you want to replace, add or take away from the bath area. Think about refinishing existing items such as bathtub, shower, sinks and toilet or renewing the tiles, tub and shower enclosure to give a current look to your bathroom even with little investment.

Bathroom Remodeling Check List Helps Keep Project On Track

Renovations in any part of your home can easily get out of hand, both in the terms of time and in costs, but using a bathroom remodeling check list, you can maintain control of your budget as well as keep the job on track. As part of your planning process, a bathroom remodeling check list can also help you determine how much of an upgrade you can afford.

Some of the major items on your list may include any electrical work you may need, plumbing changes or additions, heating and cooling as well as any walls that will need to be moved or repaired. As some of the first things listed on your bathroom remodeling check list, you can also determine the timing of contractors. For example, if you are going to replace an existing tub and wall tile, plumbing work will need done, but having a carpenter handy for installing modern drywall will need to be done first.

In addition to the major work, also listed on your bathroom remodeling check list would be any components, such as cabinets, fixtures and countertops. You should also list the type of countertops you plan to install as well as the floor, the sink, storage cabinets and any free-standing furniture.

Having a column on your bathroom remodeling check list that shows the amount budgeted for each item will help you stay in control of the costs of the project. When buying the items on the list and you decide to go over the cost for one item, you can always pick a cheaper model on another component to stay on budget. By looking at the costs before you go to the store, you can have a good idea of what you are likely to spend.

Once you have determined the exact cost of your project using the bathroom remodeling check list, you should budget another 10 percent of the total cost for contingencies. For instance, when you are cutting out the wall for a fresh fixture you accidentally cut through a water pipe and your current drywall is ruined. The contingency budget can pay to replace the cut pipe as well as the ruined drywall.

You may also plan on the time each item on your bathroom remodeling check list should take to complete as a way of keeping the project on track. You will know during the planning stage how much each item should cost, how long it should take as well as what part of your bathroom is not going to be touched during the project.

If you don’t have the money to hire an architect or contractor for your bathroom remodeling, you can do the work yourself by focusing on simple things that can give a dramatic change to the bathroom. For instance, add a vanity mirror or a shelf and display small items such as perfume bottles, soaps, bath salts, spa accessories and other items you wish to display.