Posts filed under ‘budget’
POWDERING THE POWDER ROOM
Half bathrooms can be a challenge for any homeowner, how to add style and organization along with functionality! Powder rooms typically will serve not only your family but also any guests that arrive to your home. With a few simple tips and ideas you can take your powder room from boring to amazing!
ORGANIZATION
A small space DEMANDS organization in order for it to function as the space it needs to be. Organization comes in many forms, but in the powder room one of the most under-utilized space is above the toilet. Use the vertical space for storage and you will be able to maintain organization in a small area. There are large variety of bathroom accessories such as towel racks, towel bars and rings, towel shelves and racks and even robe hooks that can make organization and functionality work in a powder room.
BE BOLD
This small space can handle a variety of colors and textures. Choose carefully but have fun. Wallpaper or dark colors tiles will go in small spaces. If you choose a patterned wall paper, ensure that the rest of the items in the bathroom are simple with clean lines. While the pattern will look fabulous, overwhelming this small space with too much character can happen quickly.
HARDWARE
Choose funky or sleek but this is an area where you can splurge and really bring some style and flash into the powder room. Since the only hardware you will be installing is on the sink like toilet paper, toothbrush holders, and soap dishes be creative! Using bold drawer knobs and handles can also be worked in your small powder room to give you more sylish effects.
LIGHTING
Instead of a boring flush overhead light, choose something daring. Flank the mirror with two lights or choose a small chandelier to add style. Lighting will make or break your space so take your time in this choice!
SPACE SAVING SINK AND FUN MIRROR
www,hgtv.com
One of the most important items in the powder room is going to be the sink and mirror. Choosing a sink that fits the space correctly is important. Storage space can also be found in the sink if you choose a vanity over a pedestal sink. A funky mirror can also really make the space unique and one of a kind. A pedestal sink will add the illusion of space due to the fact that it is not bulky like a full vanity. The mirror in this picture also adds some style and charm to the small space.
Powder rooms can add charm and uniqueness to your home with a few simple steps! Explore ideas and be bold in your choices, for a couple hundred of dollars your powder room can be completely revamped andreinvented to fit your individual style.
How to Repair a Tile Backsplash
After months and months of searching, you have finally found your dream home. You’re walking through the kitchen, and you’re thinking of all the wonderful dinner parties you will have, in your new, beautiful kitchen.
As you’re walking around the kitchen you see three broken tiles near the base of the wall. You think to yourself, “I can fix that”, nothing is going to stand between you and your dream home.
The first thing on your ‘to do’ list, after you purchase your home, is to fix those three broken tiles. Now where to start, how to get them out, without breaking any other tile? Follow these simple steps, and before long you will be having your first dinner party.
Steps to Repair Tile Backsplash:
1 Pull a grout saw along the edge of the joint to remove damaged grout, but do not mar the tiles. Cut into the good grout slightly so the new grout can bind to a solid surface. These devices either have serrated teeth that you use like a saw or abrasive-textured blades.
2 Place painter’s tape along the edges of tiles you don’t plan to remove. This helps protect their edges as you remove adjacent tiles.
3 Insert the tip of a small chisel into the joint with the tip facing the broken tile you need to remove from the backsplash. Tap gently on the chisel with a hammer to loosen and remove the tile. If you have multiple tiles to remove, pop them all out in this manner. Some may break as you remove them.
4 Continue using the chisel to remove any thin-set mortar that remains on the substrate behind the tile. Wipe the substrate clean with a damp sponge.
5 Dry fit the new tiles into the openings. If the new tiles have spacers, you may need to remove them, using tile nippers, to get the tiles to fit. Smooth rough edges with a sanding stone.
6 Mix thin set mortar with latex additive until the thin set resembles mashed potatoes. Let the mortar set for a few minutes for any air bubbles to dissipate.
7 Apply the thin set mortar to the substrate with a trowel. Butter the back of each tile with the mortar as well, placing more thin set in the center of the tile’s back. Reset tile into position on the wall, taking care to keep joint lines straight and even. The tiles should be level with adjacent tiles as well. Allow the thin set to dry for 30 minutes before proceeding. Remove the painter’s tape.
8 Mix un-sanded grout with enough water to make the grout resemble mashed potatoes. Wipe the grout into the joints diagonally with a grout float. If you can’t push the grout into the joint with the float, push it in with your finger. Smooth the joints so they resemble the existing joints. Wipe off excess grout with the float. Allow the grout to dry for 10 minutes.
9 Wipe the tiles with a clean, damp sponge. If a haze develops, polish it off with a soft, dry cloth.
If completely replacing your backsplash tile is not in the budget, these repair steps will get you by!
Think Big With Your Small Bathroom
Dissatisfied with not having adequate storage in your small bathroom? Not happy with the dark lighting? Or just tired of feeling claustrophobic? Then it is time to create a functional and delightful bath even if it is small.
Creating an illusion that your bathroom is bigger starts with factors such as bathroom fixtures, colors, lighting, storage and accessories. You can make a splash with a few minor alterations.
Bathroom fixtures: One way to give your small bathroom room is to go with a wall-mounted washbasin with a wooden shelf underneath to hold supplies, and a towel bar. Or a petite vanity style sinks with a single drawer and a place where you can have baskets underneath to hold bathroom content. Even wall mounted toilets, can give you the extra space needed in your tiny bathroom. These compact commode tanks is hidden inside the 2×6 stud wall, allowing for 9 inches of extra space in the center of the room. Or get space in a small square bath by positioning the vanity sink in a corner.
Storage for your bathroom items: To store bathroom items without taking up much space is to install floor to ceiling cabinets, or built-in cabinets using open shelves, closed doors or both. Also the use of medicine cabinets for additional storage is a great way to store your essentials that can eliminate shelves or cabinet spaces.
Illumination : Use a glass shower wall or door to eliminate the visual barrier of a shower curtain or doors giving your compact bathroom look and feel more roomier. Other tricks you can do that will give a bigger impression is to use lighting around large bathroom mirrors illuminating any reflection. Mirrors reflect the style and substance of any room.
Lighting it up: Make your small bathroom light up! Using shower lights , wall mounted lights to overhead hanging lights will bring functionality and brightness to any size bathrooms. Also add skylights to bring in natural light if a window is not present in your bathroom.
Tile it right: Create attention by setting focal points in compact spaces. Using glass tiles or marble mosaic tiles can create a shimmering backdrop behind sinks, Create a colorful pattern or use rich tones to add warmth and create balance. Make an illusion of a higher ceiling. Wood moldings,wallpaper borders, and tile designs placed where the walls and ceiling meet will also provide a splash of color and help naturally draw the eye upward.
Making a big splash in your tiny bath by treating it with chic fixtures and alluring finishes. Look to colorful fabrics like glass or mosaic tiles, updated fixtures with space saving ones, and storage spaces to help your tiny bath bubble with greatness.
Happy Weekend!
We at Plumbtile are thankful to our friends and all our loyal customers online. We have extended our Photo Contest promo to give everyone the chance to participate and win. The promo is now extended up to April 15, 2013.
If you haven’t heard about the contest yet, you will be pleased to hear that we are giving out $1000 worth of kitchen and bathroom products!
The rules are very simple. You just have to go to our Facebook fan page and upload a remodeling photo (past or present), and you will get the chance to win.
Tell all you friends! Share this article and spread the word!
Again, thank you from all of us at Plumbtile!
Tip Mondays: Fit Big Ideas in Tiny Spaces
It’s important to utilize every inch of bathroom space, especially if you find yourself stuck with a room that feels no larger than a shoebox. When doing a remodel in a compact bathroom, highlight each detail to entice and distract the eye from the size factor. Downsizing fixtures can help make a tiny bathroom appear more spacious and glass tiles will reflect light which can brighten an otherwise dark and stuffy area.
Bad Lighting = Uncomfortable Atmosphere. Brighten Things Up!
This bathroom is poor-lit with fluorescent lighting which doesn’t help balance the “downer” dark tile shade. Instead, consider going with brighter, more appealing glass tiles in a border or band pattern around the room to attract the eye and make the room appear larger. Installing tile can be tricky, however. For tips on installing glass tile, consult a local professional tile installer or visit with the Plumbtile experts for more helpful information on this task.
Save Some Space
Choose space saving tactics such as towel hooks installed on the back of the door instead of taking up more wall space that could be utilized in other ways. Install easily removable caddies in shower areas so that you have your products available when needed, but can easily store them away once finished. Caddies in stainless steel often will match other fixtures currently being used and easily wipe clean without much fuss. Also consider floating shelf cubbies where you can store towels and other items, while keeping floor space clear.
Just remember…
When you get down to the nitty-gritty of space constricted bathroom remodels, you will always win if you rule on the side of simplistic and chic. Don’t overdo it and you are sure to achieve a unique and convenient bathroom you will be proud to spend time in.
Remodeling your bathroom? Win the $1000* prize this holiday season! Visit our Facebook fan page.
*Win $1000 worth of bathroom and kitchen products from Plumbtile.com!
Better Toilets for the Prison System!
As of June 27, 2012, over $90,000 has been calculated as the ongoing renovation costs at the Illinois Department of Corrections. The state estimates the total cost to exceed $500,000. Pontiac, Illinois is getting ready to accept all the inmates from the soon-to-be closing Tamms Correctional Facility. The bulk of the budget will go to cable television and toilets.
That’s right, cable TV and toilets. They should’ve consulted toilet experts, and used the budget for state-of-the-art products. We wonder what kind of toilet seats they use over there. Kohler, perhaps?
“Cable television offers inmates additional educational and religious programming. Television is also used as a behavior management tool,” that’s according to Stacey Solano (Corrections spokeswoman).
She also said that cable TV is available at all state prisons. This is paid for by a special inmate benefit fund, and NOT by the state.
Since the state isn’t paying for free cable, how about the toilets?
At the Sheridan Correctional Center, they are buying 38 stainless steel toilets at a cost of about $1,250 each. They say this is to accommodate the male prisoners that are being shuffled around because of the closures.
If this wasn’t a security issue, the prison system can get less expensive and more stylish bathroom fixtures from Plumbtile. For half the price of those stainless steel toilets, here are some worth looking at by the state (that’s just our opinion):
Lacava – Look at this beauty. A wall-hung porcelain toilet with a concealed flushing system.
Duravit - Another wall-mounted toilet. It is a 54 cm PuraVida – White Wondergliss.
And what prisoner wouldn’t want a stylish Victorian Pull Chain Toilet Sunrise Specialty? Now that’s style right there.
Yes of course we know that stainless steel is always the safest option. But if the state can provide cable television, I’m sure they’ll be able to find ways to make stylish toilets safe too. What do you think?
Bathtub Replacements: How much do they cost?
You saved all year for a bathtub. Finally you have the power to purchase the best one, you have many options in mind. You have checked PlumbTile and seen all the options, and thought about them. You are excited and can’t wait any longer.
So, will it be the 83″ Zuma? The luxury whirlpool and air system tub with overflow grid and toe touch drain, and comes in Almond, Biscuit, Black, Bone, Fawn, and all other color varieties you can think of.
Or will it be the sleek Monaco from Victoria-Albert? Featured in the Architectural Digest, this modern dual ended tub you can never go wrong with. It will fit and accentuate any bath design.
Perhaps, you want to go with a massager like the Kohler – Sojourn BubbleMassage bath? Your tired body will receive the utmost relaxation and rejuvenation from these types of tubs.
There are a lot of options and it is up to you to make that decision on which bathtub to buy. Of course you have to factor in your budget and bathroom design, but always remember think about your lifestyle and purpose for buying one.
Before you proceed and before you make that purchase, stop and think. Is that all you have to worry about? Bathtub replacement involves more than just going to the store and buying the bathtub of your dreams.
Consider these factors;
- Is it necessary to move or replace plumbing for the new bathtub?
- Do you need to retile, drywall, and repair carpentry to get the new tub in?
- Do you need to change the wall or the bathroom floor for the replacement tub?
Remember, refinishing a bathtub or installing a liner is always cheaper to get a new tub but will not give you precisely the design choices you want.
What are the costs?
A new bathtub can start as low as $200 and can be as expensive as thousands of dollars depending on size, make, and the technology that comes with it. From whirlpools to LED displays, to those cast in gold and silver; the more stuff it has or does, the more expensive it’s going to get. Steel, as well as fiberglass, are less expensive. Cast iron tubs are durable but are more expensive.
Here’s where the bulk of the budget will go. Removing the old bathtub and replacing it with a new one can go as high as $5000. On the average, the total cost of installation is about $3,500, but is dependent on the difficulty of the job, local rates, repairs and replacement of fixtures, walls and floors.
The total cost must include everything from removing and reinstalling doors (yes, huge tubs can’t fit standard size doors), repair and redesign of existing plumbing, maybe some soldering if with copper piping. Do not attempt to make this a DIY project unless you have experience in construction and plumbing.
Call PlumbTile to get more information about installation and costs. They will appreciate the opportunity to talk with you and will respond to any issues as promptly as possible.
Porcelanosa Products
Are you looking to add the latest trends to your bathroom remodel or renovation, while maintaining beauty and elegance? Well you must look at Plumtiles line of Porcelanosa products. (more…)
Kitchen Transformation on a Tight Budget
It doesn’t have to break the bank to bring new life to an outdated, dreary kitchen. Bright colors, fresh paint and jazzy latches and pulls paired with the willingness to jump in and do it yourself is an economical way to create a space that draws friends and family in to a warm, welcoming focal point of your home. Plumbtile carries a lot of great products to help you revamp your space and stay in budget.
Bathroom Remodel Made Simple
Home renovations can be very daunting. This is because any home remodel project has the potential to become a stress filled, overwhelming, money sucking task. But, if you carefully plan your remodel from start to finish, you will be better prepared to handle any issues that may come up. So take a moment to plan your project and you will soon be enjoying your transformed space with a sense of self satisfaction and pride. Plumbtile offers some great products to help make your renovation project go smoothly. (more…)
