Lowe’s home improvement expert, Mike Kraft, demonstrates how to plan and design a backyard patio. Learn the different types of brick patterns you can use, such as jack on jack, basket weave or pinwheels. After deciding how you would like to layout your patio, you can begin marking the area. Mike Kraft shows how to mark with mason string, stakes and marking paint. To learn how to prepare the patio foundation and finally install your paving stones, visit www.Lowes.com
TCCN.ca video hostess Denyc takes you on location to the Art Institute in Vancouver, BC, Canada to meet up with Rachel Tuttle (Communications Co-Ordinator) and to speak with Interior Design instructor Lyn Jones and student Amber Johnson. The video also features music by Justin Mauriello (“Don’t Stop the Music” and “Across the Universe” from the album Justin Sings the Hits). Courtesy of Sony Music / IN-n-OUT Records. The Art Institute of Vancouver at TCCN.ca www.tccn.ca Art Institute of Vancouver www.artinstitutes.edu TCCN.ca | The Canadian Construction Network www.tccn.ca Justin Mauriello (i Hate Kate official website) http
When operating a table saw, adjust the height of a table saw before turning on the power. Discover how to use a table saw withtips from an experienced handyman in this free video on do-it-yourself home repairs. Expert: James Drew Contact: www.jnchomerepair.com Bio: James Drew is the owner and president of JNC Home Repair in Austin, TX. Drew is also an HVAC certified tech with more than two decades experience in plumbing, masonry, and carpentry. Filmmaker: Todd Green
Where to find free bathroom design ideas
Instead of paying an arm and a leg for a designer bathroom that someone else has designed for you why not do it yourself? Designing your bathroom yourself isn’t as difficult as it might sound, it might save you a quite a bit of money and it’s a very satisfying feeling to know that it was you that created it.
Measure and draw your bathroom to scale
The first thing you should do is measure and draw out your existing bathroom on a sheet of squared paper. Try to be as accurate as you can because every inch might count depending on what you want to get in your new bathroom and how much space you have to play with.
Measure the distance between opposite walls on both sides of the room in case the room is wider at one end than the other. Measure floor to ceiling and the position and size of windows including the depth of the window. Also measure the size, position and shape of any irregularities in the room such as pipework.
Draw a floor plan of your bathroom from above and a plan of each wall. When you’ve finished you will have 5 drawings and a set of measurements. Make sure that you take these and a tape measure with you wherever you go because you will need to use them often.
Forget about bathroom showrooms and magazines for now
Magazines and showrooms are trying to sell you something and they will naturally go out of their way to show things in the most appealing way, which may not always be the most practical or realistic way for you. You will be using these resources of course but leave them until you have a better idea of what it is you want in your new bathroom design.
Make use of a digital camera
Take a digital camera with you whenever you’re in bathroom design mode and use it to make a visual record everything you come across. Note down what each image is about and file it away carefully on your computer for later. This is an excellent design technique and most people don’t do it.
Visit your friends
Most people are happy to talk about their bathroom especially to a friend and especially if they have recently remodeled their bathroom. Make a point of visiting all of your friends and start to build a folder full of ideas based on what they have done in their bathrooms.
Ask as many questions that you can think of to find out what their ideas were, how their ideas changed, what they like about their bathroom and just as important, what do they dislike about the room. Make good notes that you will understand when you read them later.
Most people will either have remodeled their bathroom in the last few years or know of someone who has. If your friend knows of someone with a new bathroom ask them if they can arrange for you to go and see it. The more you see the better.
Look over some houses for sale.
Real estate agents in your area will arrange for you to go and view properties for sale and if you tell them that you are looking for a great bathroom they will try and find them for you.
If you don’t feel comfortable doing this because you have no intention of buying a new property then I suggest that you try and get over it. It’s a great way to get ideas for your own bathroom and who knows what might happen when you start looking. You wouldn’t be the first to do this kind of research and end up buying a new property so don’t feel bad about doing it.
Buy some magazines
By now you should be feeling confident about what it is you are looking for. Now is the time to find a few good magazines on remodeling and home improvement to crystallise your ideas.
Visit showrooms
Now that you know what it is that you are looking for it’s time to visit the showrooms in your area to see what is available and match your ideas to items that you can buy. Make notes and take lots of pictures with your digital camera of everything interesting that you find.
Pick up brochures on home improvement and bathroom remodeling
Always pick up as many brochures as you can find when touring the showrooms. Circle the items that you are interested in and make sure you write down prices and thoughts that you have at the time.
Research the Internet
Last but not least, make full use of the Internet to find product specifications, contractors and ideas on web sites all over.
Have fun remodeling your bathroom.
One of the most frequently used and scrutinized rooms in the house is the bathroom; a well-planned out and completed bathroom remodeling will render years of aesthetic functionality and impress even the most discerning visitor to your home.
Steps to Take Prior to Selecting Bathroom Design
Before you consider details such as materials and bathroom remodeling cost, you need to formulate a bathroom remodeling idea on which to center your plans. Do this by observing other bathroom designs; at friends’ houses, in magazines, or on the internet. Make a list of those features you most like and those you do not.
Ask yourself questions such as: Will the bathroom be designed for enhanced relaxation, or for practical functionality? Will efficient storage need to be incorporated into the design? Do I want to create mood with the lighting? Will I be enlarging the bathroom, or formulating an idea for remodeling a small bathroom? How will the bathroom primarily be used?
If increased relaxation is the focus of design, you may want to include specialized areas within the room design. You may want to have subdued lighting in the tub area, but increased lighting by the vanity and mirror for shaving and applying make-up.
You may want to include a dressing area with seating. If more than one person will be using the bathroom at the same time, you may want to include separate sinks and multiple mirrors.
If space and functionality are important factors, then design must emphasize well-planned storage. Utilize cabinets, shelves, and stylish containers for keeping necessities in the room, to avoid clutter.
Bathroom Remodeling Cost Considerations
Bathroom remodeling cost is an important factor in formulating your bathroom remodeling idea. Therefore, a budget should be developed for the project. Carefully project cost requirements not only for the project, but for unexpected “emergency” costs, as well.
Before selecting a contractor, prudent homeowners will have a list of questions ready to ask the contractor. For instance, “What work, if any, can I do to help cut costs,” and “Will I save money if I purchase needed materials myself?”
While it is true more technical aspects of the project such as electrical wiring, plumbing, and tub/shower kit installations are best left to professionals, some demolition and prep work can be handled by the homeowner.
When selecting a contractor, network with friends and other persons who have recently had a bathroom remodeled to get references for local contractors. The Internet is another useful source.
Summary
Before making any decisions, thoroughly research all aspects of your project such as: permits, contractors, structural changes, materials needed, time frame, and all costs involved.
Rule-of-thumb: set aside 20% of the total bathroom remodeling projected budget to cover emergencies or unseen costs.
Lastly, enjoy the fun and excitement of creating your own bathroom remodeling idea, from start to finish. And enjoy the years of satisfaction offered by the finished project!
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Provided by Lori S. Anton
