Remodeling any room can pose a challenge, a bathroom, however, throws more challenges than the rest. With plenty of different factors to bear in mind, including plumbing tiles, fixtures, and even storage, a bathroom renovation needs a thorough planning and professional help, if it is to be successful.

Picture courtesy: Jared Rice

Here are few things to consider before your bathroom renovation process.

Budget

The first thing to do, after you decide that you want a renovation for your bathroom, is to come up with a realistic budget. This will serve as a guide and will aide with the decision making process throughout the remodeling phase. Knowing the amount of money that you are going to spend on materials, labor, fixtures, cabinets, etc. right from the onset of the project will help you get the most of the process.

Besides, presenting the budget up front is the only way your architect or interior designer will understand what to work with, to give you the expected results.

While making your budget, you should remember to factor in all the aspects, including plumbing, labor, cost of materials, electricity and even transportation. Don’t forget to include some miscellaneous funds that will cater to any arising issue.

Picture courtesy: Tom Rogerson

Design Style

Before the walls of your bathroom are broken down, you should have a solid plan for what your new bathroom is going to look like. Decide beforehand whether you want a high-tech, modern, luxurious, or traditional design. There is a range of factors to bear in mind based on the style, for instance, the pattern, color, fixtures like shower heads, taps and toilets, baths, tile choice and so on. Consider who will be using the bathroom and make your decision around what will meet their needs. to view some options.

Picture courtesy: Dan Watson

Expertise

Once you have your budget in writing, the next thing is to find an expert to carry out the work. You should not, at any cost, try to muddle on your own, or hire just about anybody in the name of saving money. You’ll be surprised to learn that many projects are never completed just because the homeowner was trying to minimise cost.

Since you don’t want to experience such, it is a good idea to work with well-experienced builders and architects who will work with your budget to help you get beautiful and functional spaces. The architect will also help to oversee the project to ensure everything is done according to plan. They’ll make sure that everything, including waterproofing, is handled by licensed and qualified professionals. When not done correctly, leaks might occur, and the repair costs can be very high.

Picture courtesy: Lisa Moyneur

Pipework

If you are doing a, on a budget, try not to move the pipework. Moving the drainage and pipes translates to more work and money. However, if you are doing an overhaul, you may need to alter the layout. In such cases, you can take advantage and change the pipes to larger ones because they don’t clog easily. And if you live in areas that experience winter, then it would be an excellent idea for your supply lines to be routed inside.

Source

https://www.architecturelab.net/4-simple-things-to-consider-before-bathroom-renovation/

Sure, you can try yourself to fix that annoying, leaky showerhead, build that dresser that came in 14 pieces, or replace the screen on your patio slider before the pets get out, but you know in your heart of hearts such tasks are not in your skill set. Or maybe you are expecting guests or have an emergency job and need to find an expert to do repairs, plumbing or electrical work pronto.

The ever-clever app market, sensing the need for “an Uber for handyman services,” has you covered. Several on-demand, same-day service apps have launched in Southern California in the last few years, allowing you to check on thoroughly screened available home services and repair providers near you. You can check customer ratings and reviews, rates and availability before booking.

“Southern Californians are tech savvy,” said Takl Chairman and CEO Willis Johnson in launching the home-service app in the area last year. “People’s lives are becoming more and more hectic. We believe there is a huge demand for people to find immediate help with small jobs and chores through an easy-to-use app.”

Here’s a look at three home services on-demand apps available in the Southland, Serviz, Takl and TaskRabbit, as well as Homee on Demand, which is just entering the market. All offer service pros who have been vetted and had background checks. Some also offer other work like housecleaning and moving and hauling services; TaskRabbit even offers a waiting in line service for you. In each app, you can read customer reviews and ratings, and all payments are done upon job completion so you don’t have to “settle up” with the provider.

SERVIZ

On-demand home services featuring “unbeatable, upfront pricing” are offered by Serviz in the Los Angeles, Orange County and Inland Empire metro areas.

How it works: Serviz vets and contracts with independent home-service providers. It lists 19 specialized service categories like plumbing, electrical, home inspection, handymen and appliance repair, then lists particular services in each category. Once you find what you need done, you pick a two-hour appointment window (pros can be at your door in as little as 60 minutes) and your appointment is booked instantly. Serviz lets you know which pro is coming so you can read reviews, and you can track pros in real time so you know when they are on their way.

Pricing: Under each heading, you can see flat-rate pricing for specific services; many include a notation of “plus parts” and you can choose “add-on” services. Diagnostic and hourly rate services are also available. Sample rates include $174 for standard-brand appliance repair and $89 to unclog a drain.

TAKL

Takl offers same-day help for more than 400 pre-priced home services in Los Angeles and Orange counties and the Inland Empire.

How it works: Chores are listed under a general heading like handymen and then specific, like “mount a flat-screen TV” or “caulk a bathtub.” You choose the chore you want done or “custom job” if you need something not listed. Under the chore you pick, you will see the service provider’s responsibilities and what is expected from you. For example, to install up to 12 walkway solar lights, you supply the lights, the service provider installs them and ensures they work properly. Jobs can either be same-day “now jobs” or “scheduled jobs.”

Pricing: Every chore is pre-priced so you know what to expect with no unwanted charges. Examples include mounting a flat-screen TV starting at $104 and assembling furniture starting at $58.

TASKRABBIT

TaskRabbit connects you with safe and reliable Taskers to help you with your jobs and chores in Los Angeles and Orange counties, including general handymen, furniture assemblers and yard workers.

How it works: You choose your service area and the type of service tasker you need. After entering the estimated number of hours needed, task details, when needed (day and time, or if you are flexible), and your address, you get a list of nearby people qualified for your job. Their ratings, per hour rates, self-descriptions, how many TaskRabbit tasks they have done and reviews are listed, as well as whether they are “elite skilled.” Once you choose a tasker, you negotiate the particulars through the app.

Pricing: Tasks have a one-hour minimum. A 7.5 percent “trust and support” fee is added to the tasker’s total rate. Handymen and furniture assembly providers start at $28 an hour, yard workers at $19 an hour.

HOMEE ON DEMAND

Homee is a GPS-based platform that offers immediate access to plumbers, HVAC servicers, electricians and handymen. The Florida-based company launched in Los Angeles and Orange counties and the Inland Empire areas in May. It has limited professionals available to date but is expected to expand in the coming months.

How it works: You select a service and pro experience level preference and add notes and photos of the project (required). Homee matches you with a local pro who can get started right away. Once requested, the professional will be at your home in an average of about 30 minutes to provide the service.

Pricing: The job is priced by the minute and timed by a timer that you can control. It can be paused if the provider goes on a lunch break or leaves to pick up materials, so there aren’t any extra fees.

Source

https://www.sgvtribune.com/2018/08/09/these-home-improvement-apps-bring-repair-services-to-your-door/

Sure, you can try yourself to fix that annoying, leaky showerhead, build that dresser that came in 14 pieces, or replace the screen on your patio slider before the pets get out, but you know in your heart of hearts such tasks are not in your skill set. Or maybe you are expecting guests or have an emergency job and need to find an expert to do repairs, plumbing or electrical work pronto.

The ever-clever app market, sensing the need for “an Uber for handyman services,” has you covered. Several on-demand, same-day service apps have launched in Southern California in the last few years, allowing you to check on thoroughly screened available home services and repair providers near you. You can check customer ratings and reviews, rates and availability before booking.

“Southern Californians are tech savvy,” said Takl Chairman and CEO Willis Johnson in launching the home-service app in the area last year. “People’s lives are becoming more and more hectic. We believe there is a huge demand for people to find immediate help with small jobs and chores through an easy-to-use app.”

Here’s a look at three home services on-demand apps available in the Southland, Serviz, Takl and TaskRabbit, as well as Homee on Demand, which is just entering the market. All offer service pros who have been vetted and had background checks. Some also offer other work like housecleaning and moving and hauling services; TaskRabbit even offers a waiting in line service for you. In each app, you can read customer reviews and ratings, and all payments are done upon job completion so you don’t have to “settle up” with the provider.

SERVIZ

On-demand home services featuring “unbeatable, upfront pricing” are offered by Serviz in the Los Angeles, Orange County and Inland Empire metro areas.

How it works: Serviz vets and contracts with independent home-service providers. It lists 19 specialized service categories like plumbing, electrical, home inspection, handymen and appliance repair, then lists particular services in each category. Once you find what you need done, you pick a two-hour appointment window (pros can be at your door in as little as 60 minutes) and your appointment is booked instantly. Serviz lets you know which pro is coming so you can read reviews, and you can track pros in real time so you know when they are on their way.

Pricing: Under each heading, you can see flat-rate pricing for specific services; many include a notation of “plus parts” and you can choose “add-on” services. Diagnostic and hourly rate services are also available. Sample rates include $174 for standard-brand appliance repair and $89 to unclog a drain.

TAKL

Takl offers same-day help for more than 400 pre-priced home services in Los Angeles and Orange counties and the Inland Empire.

How it works: Chores are listed under a general heading like handymen and then specific, like “mount a flat-screen TV” or “caulk a bathtub.” You choose the chore you want done or “custom job” if you need something not listed. Under the chore you pick, you will see the service provider’s responsibilities and what is expected from you. For example, to install up to 12 walkway solar lights, you supply the lights, the service provider installs them and ensures they work properly. Jobs can either be same-day “now jobs” or “scheduled jobs.”

Pricing: Every chore is pre-priced so you know what to expect with no unwanted charges. Examples include mounting a flat-screen TV starting at $104 and assembling furniture starting at $58.

TASKRABBIT

TaskRabbit connects you with safe and reliable Taskers to help you with your jobs and chores in Los Angeles and Orange counties, including general handymen, furniture assemblers and yard workers.

How it works: You choose your service area and the type of service tasker you need. After entering the estimated number of hours needed, task details, when needed (day and time, or if you are flexible), and your address, you get a list of nearby people qualified for your job. Their ratings, per hour rates, self-descriptions, how many TaskRabbit tasks they have done and reviews are listed, as well as whether they are “elite skilled.” Once you choose a tasker, you negotiate the particulars through the app.

Pricing: Tasks have a one-hour minimum. A 7.5 percent “trust and support” fee is added to the tasker’s total rate. Handymen and furniture assembly providers start at $28 an hour, yard workers at $19 an hour.

HOMEE ON DEMAND

Homee is a GPS-based platform that offers immediate access to plumbers, HVAC servicers, electricians and handymen. The Florida-based company launched in Los Angeles and Orange counties and the Inland Empire areas in May. It has limited professionals available to date but is expected to expand in the coming months.

How it works: You select a service and pro experience level preference and add notes and photos of the project (required). Homee matches you with a local pro who can get started right away. Once requested, the professional will be at your home in an average of about 30 minutes to provide the service.

Pricing: The job is priced by the minute and timed by a timer that you can control. It can be paused if the provider goes on a lunch break or leaves to pick up materials, so there aren’t any extra fees.

Source

https://www.pe.com/2018/08/09/these-home-improvement-apps-bring-repair-services-to-your-door/

Sure, you can try yourself to fix that annoying, leaky showerhead, build that dresser that came in 14 pieces, or replace the screen on your patio slider before the pets get out, but you know in your heart of hearts such tasks are not in your skill set. Or maybe you are expecting guests or have an emergency job and need to find an expert to do repairs, plumbing or electrical work pronto.

The ever-clever app market, sensing the need for “an Uber for handyman services,” has you covered. Several on-demand, same-day service apps have launched in Southern California in the last few years, allowing you to check on thoroughly screened available home services and repair providers near you. You can check customer ratings and reviews, rates and availability before booking.

“Southern Californians are tech savvy,” said Takl Chairman and CEO Willis Johnson in launching the home-service app in the area last year. “People’s lives are becoming more and more hectic. We believe there is a huge demand for people to find immediate help with small jobs and chores through an easy-to-use app.”

Here’s a look at three home services on-demand apps available in the Southland, Serviz, Takl and TaskRabbit, as well as Homee on Demand, which is just entering the market. All offer service pros who have been vetted and had background checks. Some also offer other work like housecleaning and moving and hauling services; TaskRabbit even offers a waiting in line service for you. In each app, you can read customer reviews and ratings, and all payments are done upon job completion so you don’t have to “settle up” with the provider.

SERVIZ

On-demand home services featuring “unbeatable, upfront pricing” are offered by Serviz in the Los Angeles, Orange County and Inland Empire metro areas.

How it works: Serviz vets and contracts with independent home-service providers. It lists 19 specialized service categories like plumbing, electrical, home inspection, handymen and appliance repair, then lists particular services in each category. Once you find what you need done, you pick a two-hour appointment window (pros can be at your door in as little as 60 minutes) and your appointment is booked instantly. Serviz lets you know which pro is coming so you can read reviews, and you can track pros in real time so you know when they are on their way.

Pricing: Under each heading, you can see flat-rate pricing for specific services; many include a notation of “plus parts” and you can choose “add-on” services. Diagnostic and hourly rate services are also available. Sample rates include $174 for standard-brand appliance repair and $89 to unclog a drain.

TAKL

Takl offers same-day help for more than 400 pre-priced home services in Los Angeles and Orange counties and the Inland Empire.

How it works: Chores are listed under a general heading like handymen and then specific, like “mount a flat-screen TV” or “caulk a bathtub.” You choose the chore you want done or “custom job” if you need something not listed. Under the chore you pick, you will see the service provider’s responsibilities and what is expected from you. For example, to install up to 12 walkway solar lights, you supply the lights, the service provider installs them and ensures they work properly. Jobs can either be same-day “now jobs” or “scheduled jobs.”

Pricing: Every chore is pre-priced so you know what to expect with no unwanted charges. Examples include mounting a flat-screen TV starting at $104 and assembling furniture starting at $58.

TASKRABBIT

TaskRabbit connects you with safe and reliable Taskers to help you with your jobs and chores in Los Angeles and Orange counties, including general handymen, furniture assemblers and yard workers.

How it works: You choose your service area and the type of service tasker you need. After entering the estimated number of hours needed, task details, when needed (day and time, or if you are flexible), and your address, you get a list of nearby people qualified for your job. Their ratings, per hour rates, self-descriptions, how many TaskRabbit tasks they have done and reviews are listed, as well as whether they are “elite skilled.” Once you choose a tasker, you negotiate the particulars through the app.

Pricing: Tasks have a one-hour minimum. A 7.5 percent “trust and support” fee is added to the tasker’s total rate. Handymen and furniture assembly providers start at $28 an hour, yard workers at $19 an hour.

HOMEE ON DEMAND

Homee is a GPS-based platform that offers immediate access to plumbers, HVAC servicers, electricians and handymen. The Florida-based company launched in Los Angeles and Orange counties and the Inland Empire areas in May. It has limited professionals available to date but is expected to expand in the coming months.

How it works: You select a service and pro experience level preference and add notes and photos of the project (required). Homee matches you with a local pro who can get started right away. Once requested, the professional will be at your home in an average of about 30 minutes to provide the service.

Pricing: The job is priced by the minute and timed by a timer that you can control. It can be paused if the provider goes on a lunch break or leaves to pick up materials, so there aren’t any extra fees.

Source

https://www.dailynews.com/2018/08/09/these-home-improvement-apps-bring-repair-services-to-your-door/

At some point during your home ownership you will want to renovate the kitchen. It is generally considered and the most popular room to renovate.

But, it is also one of the biggest jobs you can undertake; apart from renovating a basement

Unless you are a very experienced DIYer and have plenty of time on your hands you will need to get several trades in to help complete your kitchen renovation:

The Joiner

There are many joinery firms which can help you but it is best to choose one that has experience in kitchen design; .

You can purchase cupboards and counter tops for your local DIY store. However, they will never fit or look quite as good as a bespoke kitchen designed for you by a joiner.

Even if you do opt for the store designed cupboards you’ll find it beneficial to have a joiner ready to install them and the counter tops. This will ensure you get a flawless finish.

Electrician

You’re almost certainly going to move the socket locations and perhaps change the light in your remodeled kitchen.

In fact it is highly likely that you will want to replace your appliances; adding electrical sockets is possible for the competent DIYer but a professional is generally a safer bet.

They can also run in extra circuits and connect an electric cooker directly to the mains. These are not things you want to be doing yourself.

Plumber

If you’re remodeling a kitchen then you’re going to be taking out the sink and replacing it; or perhaps even moving it.

This means adjusting your current plumbing arrangements.

Water and electricity do not mix well but both are in the kitchen. It is best to get professional help to ensure that you get the plumbing right.

Not only will this ensure your appliances are exactly where you want them, it will also ensure there are no leaks. You may be surprised at how much a single drip can cost you over the course of a year.

Plumbers can also deal with any gas you have in your home; this must be done by a suitably qualified person; you can’t just do it yourself.

Stone Mason

This will not always be required but if you are hoping to have a stone counter top then you’ll need the help of a professional stone mason. You simply have no chance of producing the same effect without them!

Tiler

Kitchens need to have splash backs to protect the walls when using the sink or the stove. This is often done through the use of tiles and you may wish to consider having a tiler on hand to do this for you. It can be difficult to get a high quality finish when you try to do it yourself the professional makes it look easy.

It is also worth noting that if you choose to do the work yourself you may need a laborer to help you complete the task. It is also possible that the walls will need to be re-dry lined; a professional can help you with this.

Source

https://www.topdreamer.com/what-trades-do-i-need-for-a-complete-kitchen-renovation/