Remodeling a Basement Bathroom

July 7th, 2011

One of the best additions to a finished basement is to have a contractor install a bathroom. Not only does this add vast convenience to the living space downstairs but it can finally give you somewhere to slip away – to get away from all the noise of the family. Most contractors can do a great job on a basement bathroom install but you’ll need to provide direction in order to really make the space unique and your own.

Clearing Clutter – If your bathroom traditionally has a lot of clutter then you want to prevent that from happening with the new bathroom. Work with a contractor to install better organization in your new bathroom. You don’t need an expensive vanity with a lot of draws, just install some custom shelves that keep things organized and up off the counter

Frilly Towels Rule – You can really flesh out a spa-style bathroom with linens and fluffy towels that match the overall décor. Most of us will tuck our towels away in linen closets or under the sink. Have your contractor install some custom towel racks or a linen display that keeps your colorful towels out in the open.

Fill the Air with Fragrance – Aromas have a way of altering mood, often in a powerful way. The spa bathroom in your basement is a great place to offer up an array of smells depending on the mood you want, but most bathrooms don’t have a lot of surface area other than the counter. Instead of propping candled on the edge of the tub, on chair or on the floor you can work with a contractor to build out shelves specifically for holding oil warmers or various candles.

Upgrade Electronics – Bright lights are necessary in a bathroom, especially around the vanity, but they aren’t necessary all the time. When you want to enjoy a relaxing bath and you need to set the mood, you want to be able to turn the lights down without relying only on candles. Install a dimmer switch for your bathroom lighting in the basement so you have more control over the intensity of the light. This can give your bathroom a more natural and comforting glow.

Get Lavish – Wall sconces are a luxury but they’re another option to adding candles and controlling the lighting within your bathroom. Not only are they a great way to set the mood for relaxation in your bathroom but they’re easy to install – especially if you install sconces meant for candles alone.

Go beyond Tile – Tile is the ideal flooring for most bathrooms but you can add to the comfort of your bathroom space by having a contractor set you up with a good water and stain resistant carpet. For a secondary bathroom meant primarily for relaxation, a soft carpet can feel great on the feet those rare occasions where you use the spa to relax.

Of course what you do with your basement bathroom and the remodeling of that area is only limited by your desires and imagination. If you don’t want a cookie cutter bathroom but you’re stalling on ideas, you can always give the contractor a general idea of what you’re looking for – they can help you along with design ideas from there.

Posted in Basement, Bathroom

Saving Energy and Money With Replacement Windows

July 3rd, 2011

Windows are one of the most attractive features of your home, especially if you’ve installed newer replacement windows in your home with a certified contractor – it keeps your home looking modern. While replacement windows provide the view, natural light, ventilation and solar heat in the winter they also come with some downsides; your windows typically account for 10 to 25 percent of your heating and energy bills.

During the summer months, your air conditioner has to work a great deal harder in order to cool the home because of all the sun streaming in through your windows. To counter this, you can use energy star windows as well as appropriate curtains and shades to give that AC system a bit of a break. Low-e windows also help by cutting the cooling load in your home by as much as 15%.

Many US homes are still sporting single-pane windows as well. If this is the case for your home, now is the time to consider replacement windows. The cost to you via energy and heating bills by sticking with single-pane windows far exceeds the cost of replacement windows with a certified general contractor or specialized window contractor. The best choice is often high-performance glass (like low-e glass) or an upgrade to double-pane replacement windows. If you’re not sure which is appropriate it’s best to work with a contractor that can lead you to the right decision.

For colder climate homes, a smart choice to improve energy savings is to upgrade to gas filled windows with low emissivity (low-e) coatings on the glass. This is designed to reduce the transfer of heat, thus reducing heat loss in the colder months such as the winters that the east coast experiences in states like Washington DC, Maryland or Virginia.

If you live in a warmer climate, try to choose replacement windows with a contractor that have spectrally selective coatings. This is designed to work like low-e coating, however these reduce heat gain – stopping the heat from transferring into the home. If you can’t afford replacement windows right now then there are some things you can do to improve the performance in the short term while you work on planning for replacement windows with a contractor.

For colder climates try insulating plastic that is placed over the window like a film. Shrink films are available that help reduce infiltration of cold. Likewise, install tight fitting window shades on drafter windows once your weatherization is completed. If you have the option to do so, make sure you install storm windows on the exterior of your home.

For warmer climates, use white window shades, drapes or blinds that help to act as a radiant barrier against the UV rays of the sun. You can also purchase and install sun-control or other reflective films on each of your windows. If you have the budget for it, you can fashion or purchase awnings for south and west facing windows that shield your home from the sun during the warmer part of the day.

Posted in Remodeling Tips