Turning Your Bathroom Into a Spa

We’ve all been there, we’ve seen the commercials, we’ve seen the movies. You know, the ones with the masseuse by the poolside and the hot tubs in the bathroom and the perfect weekend getaway but let’s be serious, THEY COST TOOOOONS. Here are some surefire ways to turn any old bathroom into your own personal getaway!

• Install a vanity where you can sit and do your makeup and set up some incense and candles. It’ll give you a vintage feel while being very efficient as well. (If you happen to be doing a full bathroom remodeling in Los Angeles, you can call LA Build Corp for a free vanity this summer.)
• You don’t have to install something as expensive as a bathtub to enjoy a relaxing water treatment. Get some quality showerheads for your shower and you’ll love taking showers after a long hard day.
• If you already happen to have a bathtub add whirlpool attachments for a wonderful Jacuzzi feel for the perfect night to yourself.
• Natural stone flooring not only gives you a nice massage-y feeling when you walk on it, but it gives you a serene spa atmosphere too. It’s only about $10 per square foot.
• Install glass shower doors, they’re easier to clean and give a better overall atmosphere to your bathroom.
• Heated flooring is a fantastic way to spruce up any bathroom and make it feel so much more luxurious.
• Heated towel racks, only about $50, are a great way to keep cozy post-bath or shower. An even better thing to do is to heat some aromatherapy towels or blankets for maximum relaxation.
• Tub caddies keep everything you need within arms reach so you don’t have to struggle too much to get your tea or book while in the tub or shower.
• Dimmer switches to control lighting set the mood of the bathroom to a much more relaxing feel. They’re very versatile and inexpensive as well.
• Speakers! Nothing is better than having a facial in the bathtub and listening to great music at the same time.
• Set up a special basket for spa products like bath salts, aromatherapy candles/washcloths, eye masks, body masks, aromatherapy masks, body lotions, creams, oils, etc.  You can even store a bottle of your favorite wine nearby.
• Lastly for an even better shower, install a wooden or stone shower seat (fairly inexpensive) for a zen vibe and a way to relax while showering.

There you have it, just a few ways to ensure you have the perfect bathroom to relax in, and it won’t cost you a ton of money either! Make sure you do not do major bathroom remodeling without a general contractor because if you mess up plumbing or wreck a sink or wall by accident you’ll risk the safety of you and your home. Happy Bathroom Remodeling Los Angeles!

7 Ways to Easily Raise Home Value

Source: LABuildCorp.com

1. De-Clunk!!
You absolutely need to get rid of junk lying around your home and if need be, your yard too. Bring in a trusted friend or a family member to help you discard anything that doesn’t belong or is trash. You need someone who is brutally honest and will not hold back on telling you that the vase you bought for $3 is really tacky and needs to go.


2. Do a Cabinet Makeover:
The kitchen is the heart of the home and it has huge potential for an ROI. Speak with a Los Angeles home remodeling expert about how you can go about this task and they will help you install and design a great kitchen.


3. Paint!
One of the easiest and most effective ways to spruce up any room or house or whatever really, is a fresh new coat of paint. It can easily liven up or even completely change the look of any room. If you’re already happy with your home’s paint, you can opt for a touch up of the current paint and/or fix anything on the walls that require attention. Once again, Los Angeles home remodeling experts can help you tremendously here.


4. Curb Appeal, Curb Appeal, Curb Appeal!!
Curb appeal is so important for any home because it is what sets the first impression. Homebuyers more often than not, judge a home just because of the appearance. People tend to make up their minds before they actually get a chance to see the rest of the home. A general contractor in Los Angeles can really help you change the outlook of your home and ultimately get you a great ROI. Read up on easy ways to raise home value through curb appeal; click here.


5. Fix Your Outdated Lighting:
I cannot stress how important lighting is and how much it changes a room. It can take a room from dull to exciting in seconds, and you can add a dimmer switch for an even better effect on the room. They are fairly inexpensive and with the help of a Los Angeles remodeling expert, you can easily get a good deal on lighting because of their connections and experience.


6. Flooring:
Throw out that outdated 10 year old beige carpet and opt for something more appropriate for each room. By that I mean, you should generally go with tile for bathrooms and showers, wood or tile for kitchens, and wood is usually better for dining rooms because food and water build up in the carpet and make it dirty really fast. For an office it is simply preference between wood and carpet but for family rooms and sitting areas in general, carpet is a better idea. Bedrooms are also from preference but make sure they all match and make sure that your house doesn’t just look like a giant miss-matched puzzle. There should an overall design and to help you with this a Los Angeles home remodeling expert should be able to help


7. The Little Things:
You know, like door knobs and hinges and leaks and… Well you could name a thousand but you should take the time and tackle all of these important details at once. Fix all the leaky faucets, grease all of the squeaky door hinges, buy newer, more modern door accents, etc. These little things show that your home is not just all show and no substance.

How to Do Green Bathroom Remodeling

In Los Angeles, bathrooms are usually very large in size and relatively easy to make green. Hire a Los Angeles bathroom remodeling company that offers green renovations and you’re good to go. Bathrooms are affluent with opportunities for green remodeling. It not only saves the Earth but it saves you tons on water and power expenses. Here a few steps you can take when planning for a green Los Angeles bathroom remodeling.

Select resilient green resources...

• Begin by mounting low-flow showerheads and spouts. After that, make sure that you fix any leaks as soon as possible. You can try installing a gray-water system; it gathers water from the sink and shower and feeds the toilet and the garden, pretty neat huh? You can leave the work for your Los Angeles generalcontractor to deal with because if they are certified green, they will know exactly what to do. 

• Think about a faucet with a sprayer because that allows you to rinse the sink much easier and you can even wash your hair without having to take a full shower. Next, you wanna think about the inner workings of your bathroom; hospital-plumbing brass sinks ensure paddle handles that enable you to use elbows so you don’t have to touch them with unclean hands. Try to do this with natural ceramic or non-toxic cement.

• Install a solar powered water heater. This should not be hard because many Los Angeles home remodeling companies offer evacuated tube water heaters.

• Bathrooms are warm and humid which is unfortunately a breeding environment for mold and mildew. You can use chemical cleaners and bleaches or you can control the humidity. If you don’t already have one, an HRV is a necessity. Bringing in fresh air requires balance with exhausted air; this guarantees that there’s a continuous stream of air and constant exclusion of surplus moisture. Surge the air current in your bathroom more by exhausting a low power depletion fan with an automatic timer switch. 

(If you need additional help with Los Angeles bathroom remodeling)

How to Fix Exterior Painting Issues

Painting the entire exterior of a home is a huge responsibility but it is a very popular Los Angeles home remodeling. Something that many may not take into consideration as well is that you don't have to paint every part of your home. You can do a few repairs or a few touch-ups to add a quick splash of curb appeal.



First off, you have to clean and arrange the surface, choose what kind of paint you will use, and finally, paint! The best period to paint is in late spring or early fall on a dry day that is not really sunny. Below 40F and hot straight sunlight can decay paint projects. Inspect your house thoroughly before you paint, and take corrective action to prevent the root causes of paint failure.


Mind you though, this post is only about dealing with a sundry of painting problems, if you have questions contact a Los Angeles home remodeling expert.

• Cracking

Cracking is often the result of painting over wet wood. It can also result from moisture within the house pushing its way out. If you cannot control the moisture with exhaust fans, use latex primer and latex paint. Latex allows some moisture to pass right through the paint. Another reason for peeling is a dull or lustrous surface. To undo the harm, all free paint flakes must be scratched off with a wire brush and the exterior must be sanded thoroughly. Naked spots must be primed before painting.

• Alligatoring

This refers to the skin of the alligator, rough and separated. Paint shrivels into singular islands, revealing the prior surface, usually because the top coat is not adhering to the paint below. Either the paint was not compatible or it was painted before the first coat was dried. To purge you from this problem, get the old paint of and sand, prime, paint over it once more.

• Sweltering

Paint that rises from the surface and forms blisters is usually due to moisture or improper painting. If this occurs, scrape off the blisters and if you see dry wood behind them, then it is a cause of moisture. If you catch paint, then it is a solvent blister and it’s most likely initiated by painting with an oil-base or alkyd-base coating in very hot weather. The heat formulates a coating on the paint and gathers solvent in a bubble.

• Crinkling

Fresh paint can run and dip into sequences of loose sags. This happens when the paint you’re using is too dense and it forms a film over the liquid paint below. It can also ensue if you paint in cold weather. To retouch, make certain that the new paint has the appropriate regularity and make sure to brush it out as you paint. Before undertaking this, you have to sand the affected area smooth and if essential, eradicate the paint completely.






For more information on types of issues with painting.

Why Should I Hire a Los Angeles General Contractor?

Planning to do a Los Angeles kitchen remodeling project? If you are, make sure you're not doing it by yourself or with the help of inexperienced friends and family members. Hire a Los Angeles general contractor. If you're still hesitant, here are some factors to help you with your decision.


Interests

A Los Angeles general contractor will be licensed to perform the work they are hired to do. This license means the contractor has sufficient knowledge and experience to work in this field. This gives you some peace of mind when you trust them to do work on your biggest investment. The Los Angeles general contractor might be a little pricey but remember, you're better off spending the money now instead of having to repair the damage later.


Paperwork

Most people don't realize that work being done on their home requires a building permit from the city. If you are doing any type of major work, you need to show the plans to the city government and the work will need to be approved. If you hire a Los Angeles general contractor, he or she takes care of this paperwork on your behalf.


Supplies

With a Los Angeles general contractor you will save money on the materials needed for your project. Most of the stores selling them will offer discounts to contractors who use purchase from them regularly, so you won't have to pay as much. If you're concerned about paying too much for the supplies, add into the contract that you'd like to see receipts for all supplies purchased.


Professionalism

Los Angeles general contractors are in this industry as professionals. They also have the experience to know how to manage the business in a professional manner and doing estimates and writing up contracts. Many times deals you make with people you know fall through and end up in court, all because no one wrote details on paper.


Subcontractors

Most Los Angeles general contractors do not do the construction work themselves, although a few might. Instead, they hire outside help; they will know who to hire to get the job done as efficiently as possible and following all requirements and guidelines.

What is the Cost of an Average Los Angeles Construction?

How Much is an Average Los Angeles Construction?

An average is a little hard to actuate with costs oscillating so severely all the time. Second, there are many factors and several places to look. However, you must know what you are looking for. Use a table for basing permit fees using last years numbers; in order to use the table properly, you need know how many square feet, the type of construction and the occupancy.

For example, say you have a 3000 sq. ft. single family home in need of Los Angeles construction, using Type VB construction.

SQ FT = 3000

Type of Construction = VB

Single Family Dwelling = R3

California Multiplier = 1.0

Building Valuation Data Multiplier = 95.91

BVD x SF x Cal = 95.91 x 3000 x 1.0 = $287,730 as building valuation

You need to acknowledge that this is just an estimate and that the actual costs will vary. This works very well for permits, but the above description is actually building cost valuation and is considered in reference to what the city or county values your project at, and often it has nothing to do with the actual construction costs. The construction costs varies between areas and cities, and depends on the finishes and the details, particularly. You will have the same finishes and details in the average Los Angeles home addition and Los Angeles room addition in let's say Van Nuys or Glendale. So as you can see, the average Los Angeles construction cost varies from city to city.

Los Angeles Kitchen Remodeling

The kitchen is the heart of the home and if it is of adequate size, you can even set up a place to eat as well. It also houses your most important appliances, including your refrigerator, stove, dishwasher, and even your washing machine. A kitchen requires adequate storage space, i.e. cabinets, cupboards, drawers, shelves, etc. This is why your kitchen needs to be designed very well by professional Los Angeles kitchen remodeling contractors.

So where do you start? What should you look for when looking at different designs?

• First things first: you need to analyze the space that currently have. Measure your kitchen and then take note of the location of the windows and doors. Where are the power points and light fittings? Also, how is the piping? 

• Once you have figured that out try to figure out where you would strategically place your appliances for your Los Angeles kitchen remodeling. Cabinets? Will they fit there? Will you need corner kitchen cabinets? It's recommended that you find the measurements of your current cabinetry and have an idea of your dream cabinetry, in order to have realistic settings.

• What kind of layout you are looking for? Are you interested in an L-shaped kitchen? Or a spacey one will a nice island or two? This will depend on the size of the kitchen, your appliances, and the amount of traffic to your kitchen.

• A crucial part of the kitchen is the flooring; the best kind of materials are durable, resistant to heat and moisture, are easy to clean, and aren't slippery which is a great safety asset for everyone in the home. 

Before you start, budgeting needs to be done. You can take this up with a Los Angeles kitchen remodeling contractor and a trusted banker. If not, would you be able to manage the payments on a loan? If done wrong, budgeting will ruin your entire project. Happy kitchen remodeling Los Angeles!

Budgeting for Your Los Angeles Kitchen Remodeling

I've gathered some tips on budgeting a Los Angeles kitchen remodeling project in order to give an idea of how you should go about doing it. You should always consult with a professional on these matters; this is simply just some information you need to know.

• Decide how much you would like to spend and stick to it! Too often people neglect to stick to their original plans and end up all over the place. There are three main guidelines to stick to when picking a number: how much you can afford, how long you plan to live there, and your neighborhood.
• Try to plan how much goes into what, make a list of kitchen improvements and jot down how much is going to go into each. Labor usually takes up about 25%.
• Set aside about 15% of your budget in case of emergencies.
• Then prioritize this list.
• Determine exactly how you are going to pay for the project (i.e. loans)
• Are you going to set up a temporary kitchen or move out altogether? Decide and consider the costs of both of these options.
• You're probably going to have to eat out often, this should also be added into the total budget.
• Create a spreadsheet to keep up with exactly how much money is being spent and where. This way as soon as you go over budget, you can immediately recognize and stop the overspending.
• Do the things small tasks that a Los Angeles general contractor is not needed for yourself. Just know what job is for you and what job is for your contractor!
• Lastly, this is a bit repetitive but you neeeeeeeed to stray from thoughts such as: "oh it would great to add..." or "we should ask them to put in a ..." This is what destroys budgets; it is crucial to stick to it!

Once again this is just a small outline of what you should do beforehand. Once you have done this show it to your contractor and banker in order to get approval for technicalities and finances. Have fun kitchen remodeling Los Angeles!

How to Find the Best General Contractor

When you're hiring someone to wreck your home and rebuild it, you definitely need to make sure you follow these guidelines to finding the perfect general contractor in los angeles.

• Make sure that they have a good rep in the industry, this tells you a lot right off the bat and should help you eliminate a couple of choices.
• You need to make sure that their services are local and include a local address. This is more convenient for you and it ensures that they are always on hand to handle any problems that might arise.
• They should have a considerably large reference pool; skip around some names and call them. You can even call the ones who had bad experiences and ask them why.
• When you see them for the first time, they should have adequate certifications and they should be able to show proof.
• Believe it or not if their vehicle is not in good shape, chances are that they aren't too good with details and appearances. They should also be using pretty up-to-date equipment and tools.
• Lastly, a good tradesmen will give you a personal line where you can reach him directly. This shows the fact that they want to give you the most convenient service they can.

Here are some signs that you shouldn't avoid when hiring a contractor:

• If they demand cash, that's a bit fishy. This may happen if they are trying to cut costs like licensing fees, insurance bills, etc. 
• If they want to skip the permits or have you apply for them, then you need to dump this Los Angeles general contractor right there.
• If they solicit business door to door, don't go for it. Because if they mess up the job, you can't get them back to fix it.
• You need to be comfortable with letting someone inside your home and having your keys. If your gut is telling you something is wrong, then usually something is.

If you are willing to do a little research and follow these guidelines, you'll have no trouble finding a general contractor in los angeles, or really anywhere. Good Luck!

Remodeling Outdoors

Courtesy of: http://remodelingyourworld.wordpress.com/2012/06/18/home_remodeling/


Ever think of installing a patio or deck? or both perhaps? Here is an article on what to do when you're thinking about adding a patio/deck.

" As our everyday lives become more and more hectic, a place to escape and unwind becomes increasingly appealing. So what’s better than creating that dream oasis in the comfort of your own backyard. Whether it’s a place to wine, dine and entertain or simply to sit down and relax, a well-designed patio or deck can always add to the charm of a home.

Remodeling or building a deck is more easily said than done though. Installing piers and footings for a deck or laying down uniform paver stones for a patio require time, skill and expertise. This one’s not exactly a DIY guys, but finding the right contractor could also be tricky…

According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, over 50 Percent of home improvement companies stay in business less than five years.  It’s no secret that renovation companies rank high in the number of consumer complaints received by the Better Business Bureau.  Home improvement statistics like these leave homeowners asking a million different questions, but make sure you are not the only one asking questions; if a contractor is not asking you questions, he is not taking the time and interest to know and meet your needs. And most important of all check the Better Business Bureau’s website for their ratings and past complaints.

 When it comes to a major project like this, you are way better off opting out of a DIY option and getting professional help, its always smarter to do some research and find out what could possibly work better for you. Here is a good place to start from:

Patio vs. Deck?
Patios can be attached to a house, or separated. They are designed and positioned with the rest of the landscape in mind. Patios are versatile: they can take on any shape you can imagine and be built with a variety of materials depending on your budget and desired maintenance level. They can be concrete, pavers, stone, tile, brick, pebbles, rock or even pea gravel. Since patios are mostly built at or around ground level, they don’t usually require safety railings.

Decks on the other hand are mostly made of wood or a composite wood material or vinyl. Popular woods for decking include redwood, cedar and pressure-treated pine. Properly maintained decks offer a beauty and warmth unlike any other material. 

(some more information) "

Just thought i'd share this for those of you interested in outdoor renovation! There are so many possibilities when it comes to home remodeling in Los Angeles! It also makes very valid points in the fact that most projects with home remodeling shouldn't be done by yourself. You need professional assistance, or you shouldn't do it at all. Once again this is the source.

Why You Should Start Bathroom Remodeling

source: LA Build Corp

"Bathroom Remodeling Contractors of Los Angeles

Why Remodel Your Bathroom

A nice, newly remodeled bathroom not only adds value to your house, a potential ROI of about 80% or higher. It also makes your time spent at home more enjoyable.  Depending on your budget you might consider amenities like a spa tub, steam shower, sauna, towel warming racks, and custom lighting.  The bathroom is no longer just a place to shower or use the toilet; many homeowners are transforming their bathroom into a private spa like getaway, to wash off the stress of a busy day.  Let your imagination run wild and then tell us about your dream bathroom.

Get a Bathroom Remodel That Enhances Your Home

Do you know what you like about your bathroom? What would you remodel about the bath? As with kitchen renovations, a remodeled bathroom needs to fulfill your needs in addition to looking nice. 
• Do you like short showers, or do you enjoy long baths?
• How many people share the mirrors and sinks in the morning?
• Are you looking to remodel an en-suite bath?

Remodeling your bathroom should make life easier: from luxuriating in a home bath spa to adding half-bath convenience to a bedroom, we will remodel your bathroom while ensuring it meets your needs now and in the future."

Even this professional source will tell you how much bathroom remodeling can add to your home and make life that much easier. If you're in need of inspiration or don't know where to start with your home remodeling projects altogether, go here, or here.

Popular Bathroom Remodeling Designs

Everything from ideas to themes, if you are having trouble with bathroom remodeling, take a look at these ideas and themes for your bathroom and hopefully get inspired!

Some ideas for the bathroom of your dreams:

• Try installing a long mirror on top of a double sink to make the room look bigger and brighter.
• Optimize natural light with a window and some beautiful sheer curtains.
• Choose an achromatic color scheme to mellow things out.
• Try decorating your bathroom with a tile of your choice, it gives life without being garish.
• If you want more variety try to install different architectural designs, such as arches, dome-like shapes, trigonometric patterns, etc.
• Try adding a vanity.
• You could try to use natural elements, such as wood, bamboo, etc.
• Try adding a bold splash of color to one wall and match a few accessories accordingly.
• You can make a pattern with your tiles as well. The best would be a checkerboard-type pattern.
• Add some plant life to liven up the room.
• For smaller bathroom remodeling, it's crucial to limit your color scheme and have adequate storage so it doesn't look cluttered and make the room look smaller.
• If you're looking for more storage install some shelves over your toilet to add some chic storage that isn't too ostentatious.
• Hang decorative towels to add accents to a boring wall.
• Add a stool or bench to bring a relaxed vibe as well as a place to sit and light some incense after a long night.

Some themes for an amazing bathroom remodeling project:

• Shabby Chic
• Beachy
• Modern/Contemporary
• Nautical
• Elegant
• Asian
• Retro
• European

There are many options but if you don't exactly know where to start for your bathroom remodeling project, you can hire a professional, tell them what you want, and they will work with you a designer and a contractor in order to bring your vision to life while also having a well-set plan. This big of a project requires professional help anyway but it's better to know what to ask and what to expect with these kinds of projects. A good construction company will give you a consultation free of charge and try to work with you and not just get a profit. Happy Remodeling!

Bathroom Remodeling

Bathroom Remodeling:


SOURCE
Copyright Freshome.com

"Relaxation can be achieved in a variety of forms. For today we put together a collection of 30 amazing bathroom designs that are meant to release pressure. Whether it is the shape of the bathtub that makes a difference, the inspiring decorative objects or the view that can be admired, these bathrooms all have something in common with relaxation. Some interiors are rich in green arrangements, which add freshness and invigorate the place. We also tried to find a few bathroom designs that have a special color theme. We noticed that wood has a great effect in modern decors- take the first picture for example- as it adds authenticity and personality."

Windows are also of major importance, as they have a huge influence on the aesthetics and atmosphere of a room. Diagonal windows add a dramatic touch and are welcomed in case there is an inclined wall near by. Most of the bathrooms in the pictures below are modern, but you will also notice a few classic elements that combine perfectly with the contemporary arrangements. Have a look and tell us what you think about this collection of bathroom designs. Take your time, as each interior has a lot to offer.

Pictures Obtained From:http://freshome.com/2010/06/01/30-beautiful-and-relaxing-bathroom-design-ideas/

So What Do You Guys Think? These Are Some Fantastic Ideas For Bathroom Remodeling!! But for projects This big you with definitely want to hire a certified contractor who works for a company that includes bathroom remodeling as one of their services and has a good rating on BBB.

DIY vs. Contractor

You know I love planning and doing home improvement projects, while many others may choose to simply call a contractor even for the smallest projects. Kitchen remodeling and bathroom remodeling are particular favorites that give as much worth to homes as to quality of life to homeowners. Many (like me) take on this task as a DIY “Do It Yourself” to save some money. Although the DIY approach can be very cost efficient if done right, it can easily turn to what seems like a never-ending nightmare.

I mean, we've all seen HGTV and Extreme Home Makeover and all of the other DIY shows on TV that make remodeling and renovating your bathroom or kitchen seem like a breeze. What you don’t see in the 30 minutes of a program, is all of the hard work that goes into remodeling any room. Television shows leave out a plethora of details, time and hard work that goes into remodeling. Because come on let’s be serious; do you really want to see how long it would take someone to scrape all of the 30-year old wallpaper off of the walls? Or to spend 2 days watching paint dry??

Several home improvement jobs simply don't require professionals if you spend some time to figure out how to do them yourself. Things as a simple repainting a room, for example. Others need more attention to detail and consideration that can only come with experience, like ventilation and safety. When planning to do some bathroom remodeling it is important to select materials that are not only attractive but are also non-skid, to avoid falls. In the kitchen that new deluxe range also needs to have adequate ventilation as well. No matter what type of home improvement and remodeling you ultimately decide to do, it's really important to ensure that you are starting with a design that utilizes your existing space efficiently and gives you the most of your money. You can opt for a DIY home improvement or get professional help. DIY can be less expensive than getting professional help, but to make home improvements you need to have the talent, patience and the skills.

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