Tag: remodeling

The Better House Design: Traditional or Contemporary Design?

You want to build a new house or do a big renovation, but you don’t know what style you want. Is it hard to choose between a traditional style with comfortable furniture and classic designs and a modern style with sleek, clean lines? You’ll be glad to hear that you can have them both in the popular transitional style.

The eloquent luxury transitional style lets you choose your favorite parts from both traditional and modern styles. The result is a style that is comfortable, classic, and stylish.

When you build a custom transitional home, one of the best parts is that you can pick your favorite parts from each style without sacrificing the look, value, or quality of the finished product.

So, how can you do this, and what should you think about it?

Here are some simple ways to describe traditional and modern styles.

The traditional style is a way of designing and building that looks like the classic styles of old Europe. It has crown molding, a wainscot, a chair rail, and coffered ceilings. It also has natural materials like wood.

Modern style is all about simple, clean lines, slim legs, and sharp angles that make things look open and airy. It relies on using things made by people, like glass, metal, and concrete.

The transitional style is a mix of traditional and modern styles. It has soft lines and comfortable furniture of the traditional style without all the fuss, and it keeps the modern color palettes and clean lines.

Here are some things to think about when making a transitional style:

1. Choose a neutral color scheme like grey, sand, or white that fits the traditional style. If you want to add some contrast, think about adding some bold accents.

2. Don’t make the woodwork too fancy. Avoid fancy crown molding and wainscot to keep with the modern style. Keep it simple.

3. Style of change Modern lighting is an exciting way to change the look of your home. Lighting can make a room look amazing, and as the number of options grows, fixtures are becoming more popular. Choose a modern chandelier or molecular light as the room’s eye-catching centerpiece.

4. Metallic elements are very popular in the popular transitional style of today because they can be used with any design style. Incorporate gold, bronze, or copper through faucets, lighting, side tables, and other accessories. Check out our blog, The Art of Mixing Metals in Your Home.

5. Adding carpet for texture is a big part of the transitional design. They hold the furniture in place, add color, and make the floor soft and comfortable. A traditional woven or knotted rug can add texture and pattern, and it’s best to choose neutral colors to go with the design.

6. You can also move from traditional to transitional with modern art. Accents are very important in transitional-style homes, and those accents can make the design look either modern or traditional. Choose your favorite piece of modern art to make a bold focal point. And to avoid looking too busy, it’s best to keep things simple.

Watch our latest video, “How to Get Started on Designing Your Home,” for more in-depth help.

Our advice… Create something and have fun!

LK West Valley City General Contractors is a family business that has been around since 2006. It is a design-build company that specializes in high-end remodels, home additions, and custom homes. Our main office is in West Valley, UT. The National Association of the Remodeling Industry has given us awards, and the Better Business Bureau has given us an A+ rating.

Creative Commons Attribution: You can share this article in its entirety as long as you give credit to LK West Valley City General Contractors and include a link back to this page.

Knowledge of Siding’s R-Value

The R-value of insulation gauges how well it keeps heat from escaping a structure. It’s critical to understand what this phrase implies if you’ve run across it while searching to renovate your house with new vinyl siding. You can learn more about vinyl siding R-value and what to take into account when selecting a new exterior for your house from the knowledgeable staff at CMB Edison Stucco & EIFS Repair. What is R-Value for siding?

R-Value Definition

Your home’s airflow is restricted by adequate interior and exterior insulation. A material’s capacity to limit heat flow is measured by its R-value. It is based on an expression called “R-factor,” which is calculated by sandwiching a material between two plates and measuring the heat flow through it. One square foot of material with a thickness of one inch is used for these lab tests. The material’s outside surfaces vary in temperature by one degree Fahrenheit. The material’s thermal conductivity is calculated using the heat flow rate expressed in BTUs per hour.

The R-factor is multiplied by the material’s thickness to get the R-value. For instance, if the thickness of the insulating material is 1.5 inches and the R-factor is 2, the R-value will be 3. When it comes to stopping heat from leaving and keeping cold air out, the material performs better with a higher R-value and vice versa during warmer months.

Insulation within

The majority of people image fluffy fiberglass rolls or walls filled with spray foam when they think about insulation. Although this sort of insulation is efficient, some air leakage may still occur, costing you money in heating and cooling expenses. The wooden studs in your walls may have insulation between them, but there isn’t insulation on the studs themselves. 25% of a home’s wall area may be made up of studs. The mechanism of thermal bridging allows energy to traverse them from the cozy inside of your house to the brisk outside. Your house may not be as warm as it might be due to these energy leaks, which could cost you money.

Vinyl siding with insulation

These studs and other areas are covered with exterior insulated vinyl siding, which helps prevent thermal bridging and lowers energy loss. Depending on the brand, style, and amount of siding you choose, high-quality insulated vinyl siding generally ranges in R-value from 2.0 to 4.0.

The average R-value for vinyl siding is 0.61. The R-value of high-quality vinyl siding is greater than that of many other construction materials, whether it is insulated or not. The R-values for other kinds of construction materials are as follows:

  • 0.37 for fiber cement.
  • 0.40 for stucco
  • 0.44 for Brick veneer minus 
  • 0.11 for Veneer of stone

You may better understand the siding R-value and choose the material that may be best for you by discussing your demands and the look you want to achieve with an expert builder.

Further Advantages of Vinyl Siding

Regular and insulated vinyl siding both provide advantages: In addition to having a greater R-value, which may assist improve the energy efficiency of your house.

Low care – Vinyl siding can be cleaned with a little mild soap and a garden hose and doesn’t need painting, caulking, or staining.

Durability – Good vinyl siding is capable of withstanding the weather, including UV radiation, strong winds, and snowstorms. It also resists moisture and bugs, which helps stop deterioration.

Versatility – Vinyl siding may be found in almost every color, texture, and design you can think of, including siding that mimics real wood or stone.

Curb appeal – First impressions are crucial, and although siding R-value and energy efficiency are vital, curb attractiveness is equally crucial. Installing vinyl siding improves curb appeal and may raise the value of your house, whether you’re selling it or just want it to stand out from the rest.

Contact Us For More Information On Siding R-Value

For more than 65 years, CMB Edison Stucco & EIFS Repair has served clients in Central and Northern New Jersey with excellent workmanship, premium products, and customer service second to none. Contact us online or give us a call at (201) 822-2206 to arrange for a free estimate to learn more about our vinyl siding options and the other services we provide. To meet your demands and your budget, we provide numerous home renovation financing solutions.

Bathtub Liners & Inserts: A Quick Guide

When you want to update the design of your bathroom, a bathtub liner may seem like a perfect option for a replacement or even refinishing. Unfortunately, bathtub inserts have a number of issues that you may not see until it is too late.

Don’t apply a bandage when you can cure the issue for less money!

What are Bathtub Liners?

Bathtub liners, also known as bathtub inserts, are molded plastic or acrylic coverings that are bonded and caulked into place over your existing tub.

6 Issues Related to Bathtub Inserts

  1. Switching from Porcelain to Plastic

When you install a bathtub liner over your existing tub, you exchange the aesthetic appeal of a porcelain tub for that of acrylic or plastic. Although acrylic is durable, it is not as durable as porcelain. It is typical for tub liners to develop cracks. Acrylic and plastic have a different feel than porcelain, which is something to consider if you prefer soaking in the tub on occasion.

  1. Tub liners are more costly.

In spite of the common misconception, that bathtub liner are a cost-effective option for refinishing, liners are often much more costly. Liners may easily cost several thousand dollars, but refinishing costs just a few hundred.

  1. Inserts for bathtubs may leak.

Although tub liners are designed to fit as tightly as possible over your tub, they are nevertheless glued and caulked into place. This makes it simple for water to enter the space between the liner and the existing tub, leading to stink, mold, and mildew. Water removal is difficult, and water accumulation will occur again.

  1. It may take many weeks to install.

The installation of your bathtub liner might take weeks or even months from the moment you sign the contract with the contractor you’ve selected. Your tub’s dimensions must be provided to the manufacturer, who then makes and ships the liner to the installer. The technician must then plan a time to install your liner.

  1. You Must Contact a Plumber

It may seem simple to slip a cover over your bathtub, but the increased height will need a plumber to adjust your drain and overflow.

  1. Replacement is challenging

Your tub liner will eventually wear out and need replacement. The procedure of removing the old liner is difficult and typically entails cutting the liner out of the tub.

Save Money and Time Through Refinishing

Refinishing your bathtub is a one-day job that costs a fraction of what a liner would. There is no need for demolition, mold or mildew danger, or a plumber. Our restoration method returns your porcelain tub to its original splendor, if not better. We provide a choice of color options so that your tub will always complement your interior design. Request your free quotation now!

floor tiles - refinish vs reglaze

Floor Tiles: Refinish or Replacement?

In order to make your house a beautiful place, the tile is vital. It’s a location where you’re free to do anything you want. Choosing a tile is an important decision, and you should take it seriously. Do not only go with the cheapest option; weigh the advantages and disadvantages as well.

Knowing the pros and cons of each kind of concrete flooring can help you determine which is best suited to your lifestyle and your family’s demands. For the sake of your house, this piece will examine the merits and cons of both techniques.

Refinishing floor tiles

When a floor tile has been refinished, it will resemble the original tile’s appearance. The finish will be immaculate and stain-proof. After a thorough refinishing, there will be no signs of wear or stains on the floor’s surface. Refinishing your tile or countertop to make it appear like it was just installed might be as simple as reglazing your bathtub or resurfacing your countertop.

A professional reRefinisher may be required to complete the task of refinishing a floor tile. Equipment and soap specifically designed to remove mildew, filth, mold, and dirt from floor tiles are needed for the procedure. Additionally, specific glues, solvents, and brushes are needed to clean the grout lines throughout this operation.

After carefully cleaning the floor tiles, a protective coating is applied. The floor tile will be completely dry and free of moisture or stains when this procedure is completed. Before utilizing the final tiles on your flooring, you must allow the layer to cure fully.

Floor Tile Refinishing has several advantages, including the following:

  • Afterward, the floor tiles will be spotless and free of any stains or wear.
  • The tiles will seem as though they’ve just been installed for the first time in years. In locations with a high concentration of speculators, this may assist raise the value of your house.
  • One visit is all that is required to finish the procedure. Follow-up visits are unnecessary after the first procedure is complete.

Replacement of the floor tiles

Replace a floor tile by taking out the old one and installing a new one. If you do some study on the sort of tile you’d want to utilize, this may be accomplished.

If you are unable to accomplish the task on your own, it is advised that you employ a floor tile specialist. These professionals have the right tools and know-how to take up your old floor tile and put down a new one in its place. Finishing touches like grout lines and sealants are then applied before the tiles are covered in a protective coating that enables them to cure fully before being used on your floor.

Replace Your Floor Tiles for These Reasons

  • Your floor will be scratch and stain-free once you replace the floor tile.
  • There will be no usage of toxic chemicals in the process.
  • The tile will have a fresh appearance and a beautiful surface finish. When you live in an area where speculators are interested, this may assist to raise the value of your property.

Floor Tile Replacement has its drawbacks

  • At the very least, you’ll need to make two trips: once to do away with the old floor tile and again to replace it.
  • The color of your new floor tiles is out of your hands.
  • Refinishing requires more time.
  • To do this task on your own, you may need to invest in specialized sealers and other equipment.
  • It may be difficult to obtain a floor tile that matches your original.
  • Changing a floor tile necessitates removing a portion of the old tile.

Comparison

It’s crucial to keep in mind that the final outcomes of floor tile restoration and replacement are the same. However, the procedures varies greatly and may incur additional expenses as a consequence. The replacement will be more expensive financially. Additionally, you may want to take into account the time and complexity of doing so yourself.

The wear and tear on your floor should also be taken into account if you opt to replace a soiled or damaged tile. While refinishing will eliminate the stains and restore the floor’s original luster, replacing a tile ensures that the new one will last for many years to come and be put to good use.

Consider your individual requirements and circumstances when weighing the pros and drawbacks of repairing or replacing your floor. Consider your finances and the amount of time you have available before making a decision on the best way to remodel your property. You should keep in mind that increasing the total worth of your property may be accomplished in either direction.