Megan Cotton – Roemer's Handyman

A sleek, updated bathroom instantly increases your home’s value. But beyond a financial return, this renovation can improve the way you feel about your space and the way your family uses it.

A licensed contractor will be able to help you understand the details of complex tasks such as plumbing and rewiring. They also offer warranties for materials and workmanship.

Upgrades

There are many upgrades you can make to your bathroom that will increase its value and make it more enjoyable to use. Some of the best ones are small and affordable, like installing a new vanity that has ample storage and sturdy materials, and updating lighting fixtures to a modern design with a brighter bulb. You can also add ventilation to your bathroom to help prevent odors and mildew, and upgrade the flooring with a tile or vinyl that’s easy to clean and durable.

Some more significant improvements, such as upgrading the toilet with a low-flow model that’s elongated at comfort height and has a seat cover to keep water off the floor and a new showerhead and a curtain or door that are both more efficient and attractive, can significantly increase your home’s resale value. However, large-scale changes to your bathroom, such as changing the layout or moving plumbing and sewer pipes, will be much more expensive and require a professional’s touch.

Replacing outdated hardware, such as towel bars and hooks, cabinet knobs, and even the shower curtain rod, can give your bathroom a fresher look without requiring any major work or cost. Replacing a bathtub surround with a new, more modern design is another quick and inexpensive bathroom remodel that can add significant resale value.

Other small but worthwhile updates include:

Adding recessed shelves for stylish storage that doesn’t clutter surfaces.
Replacing a plain shower curtain with one that has an interesting pattern or a window-inspired design.
Laying radiant flooring in your bathroom to make it warm and comfortable to stand on.

Depending on the area, radiant flooring can return up to 93% of its initial investment when it’s installed properly by a licensed professional.

You can also add luxury amenities that are desirable to most homeowners, such as a soaking tub, dual or even a rainfall showerhead, and a broad bench to sit on while you enjoy your bath. However, it’s important to remember that style fads can come and go, so it may be better to stick with more traditional, classic, or neutral options when selecting your fixtures, vanity, and other large components.

Energy Efficiency

Modern energy efficient appliances, fixtures and lighting help reduce your water and electricity usage. That’s good for the environment and your wallet. Replacing outdated bathroom items with new, eco friendly versions during a remodel is a great way to go green without sacrificing comfort or cost. Items like low-flow toilets and water-saving showerheads conserve precious resources while saving you money on your utility bills.

Increasing storage space is another common element of a bathroom remodel. This eliminates clutter, which creates an unsightly mess and can also pose health risks by trapping dust and other allergens. Removing cabinets or adding built-in shelving can provide a great amount of extra storage space for towels, toiletries and other household items.

New lighting fixtures can set the mood for your bathroom, whether you want soft and relaxing for a bath or bright and stimulating for morning routines. Repainting your bathroom in a crisp white color or adding new sconces can brighten the room and make it feel open and inviting.

A remodel can increase the value of your home, which can help if you plan to sell it in the future or use it as collateral for other loans. Upgrading bathroom features and adding functional storage can also improve your home’s resale appeal.

In addition, a remodel can accommodate changing family needs. For example, an older family member may need a wheelchair-friendly bathtub or walk-in shower. Adding these accommodations during a remodel is more convenient than having to modify your house at a later date and can help you stay in your home longer.

A bathroom remodel can improve your quality of life by enhancing daily routines. It can also increase your home’s resale value and help you save on utility costs. By choosing a professional and experienced remodeling company, you can be sure to get the results you want while avoiding costly mistakes. With the right project scope and goals, a remodel can be an affordable and effective way to upgrade your bathroom. For more information about how a remodel can benefit you, contact us today!

Functionality

A bathroom remodel can make your home more comfortable, convenient, and enjoyable to live in. It can also increase the value of your home if you decide to sell it in the future.

A professional contractor can help you plan a functional upgrade that molds your bathroom to fit your needs, whether it’s adding more storage space, improving the layout, or increasing square footage. If you have limited storage options in your bathroom, a remodel can increase the number of cabinets or shelving to provide adequate space for towels, toiletries, and other supplies.

Another way to improve the functionality of your bathroom is by upgrading its plumbing systems. Outdated pipes and fixtures often result in clogs, leaks, and other problems. A remodel gives you the opportunity to replace these old components with newer models that are designed for better performance and less maintenance.

Replacing older showerheads and toilets with more energy efficient versions can reduce your home’s water consumption without sacrificing comfort. These improvements may also result in lower water bills.

In addition to making your bathroom more comfortable and convenient, upgrades can make it easier for people with disabilities or mobility issues to use the room safely. For example, installing grab bars or a handheld showerhead can allow individuals with limited mobility to bathe without assistance. Changing out old tubs for walk-in showers or a newer model with an elongated bowl can also offer increased comfort and accessibility.

If you have an older home, a bathroom renovation can be the perfect opportunity to address any lead paint concerns in your home. This is an important health and safety issue for pregnant women and children who may come into contact with it. By removing all the existing paint in your bathroom and replacing it with fresh, lead-safe drywall, you can avoid any potential exposure and protect your family from harmful lead chemicals.

Aesthetics

Bathroom remodels provide an opportunity to improve your home’s aesthetic. Your bathroom is one of the most important rooms in your house, and it should be a place where you feel comfortable, happy and calm. If your bathroom is in disrepair and outdated, it can make you feel like your home is unfinished. With a simple remodel, you can transform your bathroom into an elegant oasis.

Adding cabinets is one of the most effective ways to add storage space and create a more streamlined look in your bathroom. You can also take advantage of existing spaces in your bathroom to increase storage space, such as unused corners or the area under your sink. Increasing storage space in your bathroom will not only improve the overall appearance of your bathroom, but it will also help reduce clutter and keep your home organized.

If you want to make your bathroom more modern, consider removing the tub and replacing it with a large shower. Shower fixtures can be designed to spray multiple directions, giving you the feeling of being in a spa while you shower. You can also find shower heads that offer a variety of spray settings, including pulsing jets for massaging your body.

Another way to improve the look of your bathroom is to add natural lighting. Natural light can help brighten up your space and make it feel more open and inviting. If you don’t have access to natural light, you can try installing light fixtures that mimic the appearance of natural light.

When you’re remodeling your bathroom, it’s also a great opportunity to upgrade your fixtures and hardware. Newer faucets and sinks will look more stylish and modern than old, outdated ones. You can choose from a wide range of different finishes and styles to match your personal taste.

Whether you decide to renovate your bathroom or remodel it completely, it’s always best to seek professional advice. A renovation expert will be able to point out any issues that you might have overlooked and help you come up with solutions that are both functional and beautiful. They can also walk you through the approval process, which varies depending on your property type and management company.

HVAC

Furnace Installation Is a Complex Process That Requires Professional Attention to Detail

March 21, 2024December 2, 2024 Megan Cotton

Furnace Installation is a complex process that requires professional attention to detail. Besides ensuring that the furnace is properly sized, a professional will also make sure it is installed in an appropriate location and away from combustible materials.

Furnaces operate by drawing air into a ductwork system that distributes warm air throughout the house. They are powered by gas or electricity and use blowers to circulate the air.

Furnace installation is a significant investment, and it’s important to find the right HVAC company for your needs. Choosing a reputable contractor with a solid reputation can save you money in the long run by eliminating costly mistakes. It can also help you save energy by installing a more efficient furnace.

There are many factors that affect the cost of furnace installation, including the brand and size of the unit. A larger unit is usually more expensive than a smaller one, but it can save you money in the long run by reducing your energy consumption. A new unit will also have a longer lifespan than a used one, and it may even come with an extended warranty.

The cost of furnace installation can also vary depending on the type of fuel you use. Natural gas units are typically the most expensive, but they offer the best heat for colder climates. If you choose a gas unit, it’s important to install a properly sized gas line. A small unit could cause problems later on, such as insufficient heat and high utility bills.

Furnaces are rated with an Annual Fuel Efficiency (AFUE) rating, which measures how efficiently the unit converts energy into heat. The AFUE ratings fall into three categories, with higher-efficiency units costing more upfront but saving you money in the long run by reducing fuel costs.

It’s important to research your options and obtain multiple quotes before choosing a contractor for your furnace installation project. A reputable contractor will provide clear communication throughout the process and ensure that all work is done to your satisfaction. They will also take the time to answer your questions and explain the safety features of your new unit.

Before you get started, make sure that your contractor is licensed and insured. They should also be able to provide you with a written, 100% money-back guarantee on their work. They should also be willing to discuss the types of furnace warranties available and provide you with a breakdown of the total cost. This will give you peace of mind knowing that your furnace is in good hands.

Energy efficiency

Furnaces are generally energy efficient, but the efficiency of a furnace is determined by how it is installed. If the installation process is not completed properly, a furnace will be less efficient and may cost more to operate. Furnace installation is best left to a professional, who will plan the installation process and ensure that all necessary parts are in stock and available before starting the work. During the installation, a professional will also inspect and remove old equipment, test the operation of the new furnace, and help you understand its operating manual.

Many homeowners are concerned about the impact of heating costs on their household budgets, and are looking for ways to save money on their energy bills. One way to do this is to install a high-efficiency furnace. These furnaces use less fuel and are more efficient than traditional models, which can save you up to 30 percent on your energy costs. In addition, high-efficiency furnaces usually have a lower environmental impact.

Another way to reduce your energy consumption is to invest in a programmable thermostat. A programmable thermostat will help you save energy by setting a temperature schedule that fits your lifestyle and routine. The system will automatically adjust the temperature throughout the day to reduce your energy consumption while ensuring that you are comfortable at all times.

In addition to improving the energy efficiency of your furnace, there are many other things you can do to make your home more environmentally friendly. For example, replacing your old ductwork with new insulated ducts will significantly increase the efficiency of your home’s heating system. Leaky ducts can cause heating systems to work overtime to keep your home warm, resulting in higher energy bills.

In addition, you can upgrade your furnace’s blower motor to a more efficient model. Some blower motors have variable-speed controls that adjust airflow based on the heating needs of your home. In addition, there are models that feature a secondary heat exchanger to extract additional energy from combustion gases before they are vented into the environment. Moreover, some models have an electronic commutated fan motor, which is more energy-efficient than older DC or AC fan motors.

Safety

Furnaces are essential for keeping your home warm and comfortable, but they can be dangerous if they’re not properly installed or maintained. In fact, heating equipment is one of the leading causes of home fires. Luckily, there are several things you can do to ensure your furnace is safe and working properly. For starters, make sure you have carbon monoxide detectors and smoke alarms that are properly charged and placed in the right locations to provide instant forewarning of any problems.

In addition to these measures, you should also regularly remove combustible materials from the area around your furnace. This will prevent a buildup of debris that could block airflow and cause fire hazards. You should also ensure that emergency switches and shut-off valves are easily accessible in the event of an accident or malfunction.

Another key step is to have a professional inspect your furnace before turning it on for the first time. This will help ensure that there are no gas leaks and that the thermostat is working correctly. It will also check that the pressure regulators are functioning and are delivering the correct pressure for the furnace to operate safely.

A professional will also take necessary safety precautions and adhere to local and national codes when installing your new furnace. This will ensure that the electrical connections are made correctly and that the work meets manufacturer guidelines. It will also check that the breaker and fuse sizes are suitable for the load of your furnace to avoid any overheating or shorting.

A professional will also check that your furnace is properly vented to ensure that it can disperse the combustion gases safely. This is important to protect your health and the safety of your family members. Moreover, it will ensure that the airflow from the vents is smooth and calibrated. Incorrect venting can lead to low airflow, lower efficiency, and shortened system lifetime. This is why it’s always best to rely on a professional for your furnace installation. They’ll be able to find any issues and correct them before they become more serious.

Installation

Furnace installation involves a number of steps that should be performed by qualified professionals. These steps include laying floor mats to protect carpeting and flooring, connecting the furnace to the plenum and ductwork, preparing the gas line and drain, and checking for proper airflow and levelness. Proper installation is important to ensure that the furnace is functioning at maximum efficiency. Poorly installed furnaces can result in uneven heating throughout your home and increased energy bills. It is also crucial to make sure that the new furnace has a clean air filter, as a dirty filter can increase dust and pollen in your home.

It is also important to choose an HVAC contractor with experience installing furnaces. Inexperienced contractors may not take all of the necessary safety precautions, which can lead to costly mistakes and potential hazards in your home. It is also a good idea to check out the contractor’s background and reviews before hiring them. A professional with years of experience can save you time and money by avoiding common errors that many homeowners make when trying to install their own furnaces.

One of the most common furnace installation mistakes is selecting a unit that’s too big for your house. A technician should perform a load calculation to determine the appropriate capacity for your home. In addition, a good HVAC contractor will follow the manufacturer’s recommended specifications for the gas lines and other components.

During the installation process, it is important to carefully examine all wiring connections to ensure that they are secure and properly insulated. Loose or exposed wires can pose a serious fire hazard, so it’s important to take all the necessary safety precautions when working with electricity. It is also a good idea to label or color-code the various electrical connections to make it easier for future repairs and maintenance.

It’s also important to install the ductwork correctly to avoid air leaks and keep your house well-insulated. Insufficient ductwork insulation can lead to high heating bills, as well as unwanted drafts and hot or cold spots in the home. In addition, a poorly-insulated vent pipe can cause condensation and other issues.

Home Insulation

The Importance of Insulation Removal

November 29, 2023 Megan Cotton

Insulation is a vital part of a home. It is often overlooked but can be a major factor in your home’s comfort and energy efficiency.

Many people find themselves removing their old insulation due to rodent damage, a renovation, or moving into a new home. Removing the old insulation is relatively simple, but it can be messy and requires some safety precautions. Click https://perthinsulationremover.com.au/ to learn more.

If you’re having an attic space insulated with spray foam, it is important to remove any old fiberglass or cellulose insulation from the attic floor. This prevents air from blowing past the new insulation and reduces energy costs and makes the new insulation work even better. Removing the older insulation also helps keep your home cleaner and safer.

Before starting the process of removing your old insulation, it is recommended to wear personal protective gear (gloves, goggles, long sleeves, and a mask). Insulation contains airborne materials that can affect your health. If you are not comfortable performing this task, contact a professional insulation removal team.

The best tool to use for removing your old insulation is an insulation removal vacuum cleaner, which is typically gas-powered and uses a high-capacity HEPA filter. It will help you remove the old insulation faster and will stir up less potentially toxic dust into the air, which can contaminate your living spaces. The Vaccum will also make it much easier to clean up afterward, as the insulation will be all contained in one bag.

You can rent these machines from many hardware stores, but you can also purchase them. Some even come with their own trailers for easy transportation.

Once you’ve gathered your equipment and assembled the necessary tools, it is time to start working. Start by clearing a path to your attic access and covering the walls and floors with a large plastic sheet or tarp. This will catch any loose pieces of insulation and keep them from landing in your living space, causing drywall damage.

If you’re using a ladder to get into the attic, it is a good idea to place it against a wall and cover the area underneath it with a plastic sheet. This will ensure that no pieces of insulation fall down on you as you climb up and down the ladder.

Next, clear the attic floor of all debris and dispose of it properly. You can contact your local waste management facility to ask about specific guidelines on disposing of cellulose and fiberglass insulation materials.

Over time, insulation – even in batt form – begins to decompose and may contain mold or mildew. This is bad for your air quality, but it can also be a major mess that’s difficult and time-consuming to clean up. Ideally, the best thing to do is work with professionals to remove old insulation from your attic and your home. These companies are able to quickly and efficiently do the job, protecting you from dangerous particulate matter that could end up in your home’s central air system.

While they’re working, they can also vacuum up any debris that’s created as the insulation is removed. This can help prevent the particulate matter from entering your living space and causing health problems in your family. It can also be a much easier process than trying to do it yourself without the proper equipment and protection.

If you choose to go the DIY route, make sure you have a shop vac and a lot of large plastic bags to use for the cleanup. It’s also a good idea to spread plastic or a drop cloth over any furniture in the area where you’re doing the work. This will help prevent messes that are going to be difficult and expensive to clean up.

Even with a vacuum, it can be a messy job. Cellulose insulation, which is typically made out of recycled newspaper, can create a huge amount of dust that will easily get into the rest of your house. That’s why it’s important to wear a dust mask and safety glasses while you’re doing the job.

You’ll also want to have a couple of large garbage bins or trash bags to put the contaminated insulation into once you’re done. That way, you can dispose of it safely without exposing yourself to the potential hazards that might be in some of the older forms of insulation, like asbestos or vermiculite. This is a good reason why it’s a good idea to have professionals test the old insulation before attempting to remove it, especially if you think it might be old fiberglass or vermiculite.

When you are reinsulating your home, it is important to consider the proper disposal of old insulation. Disposal methods can vary depending on the type of insulation you have and your local regulations. For example, fiberglass insulation is often recycled to make new material. However, cellulose and other types of loose-fill insulation are not recyclable and must be taken to the landfill. The good news is that landfills are better equipped to handle waste material and have regulations in place to minimize environmental contamination and other concerns.

For loose-fill insulation, it is best to contain it within durable bags before you begin the removal process. This will help prevent the material from leaking out and spreading around your attic and living space. For this reason, it is a good idea to use a large, heavy-duty trash bag for the purpose. It is also a good idea to double-bag the material for added security and safety.

If you are using a blower to remove insulation, it is recommended that you seal off the area around the area from which you are working with plastic and/or a drop cloth. This will prevent the loose insulation from blowing away during the removal process. It is also a good idea to wear protective gloves and face masks when handling the insulation, as the fibers can be harmful to your health.

If you are unsure how to dispose of your insulation, it is always a good idea to consult a professional. These professionals are trained to safely and efficiently remove and dispose of the material while ensuring that no harm comes to the surrounding environment. They will have the necessary equipment to speed the entire process and will be familiar with local regulations regarding safe disposal. As such, hiring a professional can significantly reduce your stress and ensure that the job is done correctly.

Many homes built in older times are not insulated to modern standards and need more than the existing insulation. Adding new insulation can significantly cut energy costs and help make the house more comfortable year round. The cost of installing the right amount of insulation will depend on the type of insulation needed and the size of the house.

The most common form of home insulation is fiberglass, made from glass fibers. It is usually installed in the attic and the crawl space of a home. It is also commonly placed in the walls of a house and in ductwork. The type of fiberglass used varies and it is rated by its R value, with higher numbers denoting better resistance to heat flow.

It is possible to add insulation to a home without removing the existing drywall. Injection foam or blown-in cellulose can be used to fill wall cavities. These types of products offer advantages over loose-fill, batt or roll fiberglass as they resist mold and mildew growth better than the old fashioned insulation.

The first step to installing insulation in an older home is to do a thorough inspection of the attic and crawl space. If there is an extensive amount of debris in the attic or a lot of moisture in the crawl space, it may be necessary to remove the entire insulation and replace it with something more suitable. This should only be done by a professional who has the proper safety equipment.

Old insulation that is being removed can contain a number of dangerous materials including mold, animal feces and asbestos. It is vital that these materials are not allowed to contaminate the rest of the house during removal and should only be handled by professionals who have the necessary equipment.

The best time to add insulation to a home is during construction, when the walls and ceilings are still “open”. This makes it much easier to install drywall and then add insulation later on. However, insulating an existing home is not impossible, and it is worth the extra expense of hiring a professional to do the job.

Author: Megan Cotton

How a Bathroom Remodel Can Increase Your Home’s Value