Kitchen - 2/4 - Phoenix Remodeling | Phoenix Handyman

Life Cycle of Ceramic Tile vs. Carpet

March 15, 2012 by Susan

When you begin the arduous task of researching a project, it is easy to see the initial costs in front of you and walk away. However in these situations it usually pays off to look a little deeper.

When it comes to choosing what type of flooring you want to install, price is going to be a huge factor in the decision process. This is where being shortsighted can come back to bite you. Some questions that should come to mind are:

- How large of a project is this?

- What is your short term/long term budget

- How long does the flooring need to last?

If these questions resonate with you in any way, you might want to consider engineering your project for a life cycle value. By value-engineering your project you can perform a Life Cycle Cost Analysis, also known as a Cradle-to-Grave Analysis, to realize your full investment in terms of how your decision can affect your budget over the life of the floor. To perform a Life Cycle Cost Analysis you need to take into consideration all costs for owning, operating, maintaining, and disposing of the product. This includes:

- Labor life cycle analysis Life Cycle of Ceramic Tile vs. Carpet

- Installation Materials

- Contractor overhead and profit

- Maintenance (physical and aesthetic)

- Final costs to remove the flooring

The Tile Council of North America, Inc. recently performed a Life Cycle Cost Analysis on 12 of the most popular flooring options, including everything from carpet to porcelain ceramics. The results are listed in the table below.

*Per Square Foot Data taken from the Tile Council of North America

As you can see from the results of the test, ceramic and porcelain tiles have the longest expected lifespan with 50 years, driving the cost for its overall life cycle ($0.33 – $0.39) significantly lower than carpet ($1.26) and vinyl ($1.41 – $1.85) products, which need to be replaced periodically.

Because properly installed tile can last a lifetime, it is no wonder it is one of the greenest, most sustainable ways to build. By contributing to various credits, ceramic and porcelain tiles can help you attain LEED Certification for your project, while at the same time lowering the overall expenses over the lifetime of the building.

According to these results you can see how important it is to plan your project based off its complete life cycle value, rather than the initial cost. Just because something might cost more upfront doesn’t mean it will be less expensive over the lifetime of the floor.

Has a Life Cycle Cost Analysis ever saved you money? If so, share your story.

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This article was provided by StonePeak Ceramics. Visit the StonePeak Ceramics blog for more articles and info.

Filed Under: Do it Yourself Projects, Kitchen Tagged With: arizona handyman, bathroom, Do it Yourself Projects, phoenix arizona handyman, phoenix doors, phoenix home remodel, phoenix home repair, phoenix remodel, phoenix remodeling, phoenix windows, scottsdale handyman

Universal Design Trends in the Kitchen and Bathroom

March 9, 2012 by Home Improvement Blog

by MeCC Interiors

The demand for products that are both accessible and functional continues to rise as knowledge increases and the product range becomes more readily available and attractive. With an aging population who will no doubt want to live comfortable, independent lives for as long as possible, universal design will only continue to grow in importance.

Kitchen

Electrolux 24" drawer refrigeration unit

Appliances, accessories, and lighting have all become more intuitive and easier to use.

Refrigerators and dishwashers can be built into lower drawer spaces, creating easier access and seamless blending with the rest of the space.

Induction cooktops, which are energy-efficient, do not feature an open flame, and provide a cooking surface which remains relatively temperature neutral during cooking, present a great accessible option! Another benefit is that, because they are more shallow than standard cooktops, they provide additional space for access bo chefs in wheelchairs.

Pull-out faucets have become the norm in kitchens. For added ease of use, consider a touch-activated or hands-free model which can be outfitted with an automatic shut-off feature.

Though some manufacturers offer adjustable height countertops – i.e. they can be raised or lowered depending on the use and the user – another option is to simply lower the countertops altogether. This is valuable for those requiring access from a wheelchair or otherwise seated position.

Grab bar from Kohler, model K-10540 in vibrant brushed bronze, 1 of 6 finish options

Bathroom

Grab bars have been around for ages, but more and more manufacturers see the benefit in offering coordinating grab bar options and finishes to their faucet and shower fixtures.

Zero-threshold shower bases are more prevalent, especially when paired with a trench drain to keep water from flooding the rest of the bathroom floor.

Quartz+By+ACO+Shower+Drain 002 300x248 Universal Design Trends in the Kitchen and Bathroom

Quartz shower drain by quartzbyaco.com

Walk-in tubs are being heavily promoted by some. Others are offering things like removable flip-up benches. They can be elevated or easily removed, which may prove a better bet when it come to re-sale value of the home.

The Kitchen Re-Imagined

March 6, 2012 by Home Improvement Blog

Electrolux issued a challenge to the architecture and design communities last year: with no limits to the imagination, re-imagine a kitchen you have seen, worked on, or would like to work on. The only set requirements were that the submitted kitchens must feature a minimum of five (5) Electrolux ICON appliances and that designs incorporate elements typically found within a kitchen (but not limited to).

Here are some of the finalists. To view the others, visit the competition page.

Design: Chiara Ferrari

The elegance of this [Chiara Ferrari's] design is created by the contrast between the smooth, sleek, seamless countertop and the rough, textured, and warm recycled plywood. There is a working surface within the wall units that is a prep area with a mirrored backsplash to help create the illusion of a much larger space.

Design: Ali Taylor

[Ali Taylor's] proposed kitchen takes its cue from the design of Electrolux ICON appliances, which combine elegance and technological innovation with a user-friendly interface. It is a “floating” island that functions as a sculptural insertion into the living room area. The stacks are accommodated inside the vertical component of the island structure.

Design: Laura Bohn – Goats on the Roof

This kitchen project [by Laura Bohn] is integrated into a rural site in Pennsylvania, a working farm with stables. The kitchen addition is approximately 850 sq ft, and mixes industrial lights, stainless steel Electrolux ICON appliances with rough flagstone, white Carrara marble counters and exotic plants — creating a balance between the rural surroundings and the modern kitchen.

Design: Stephanie Katch and Pamela Katch of Katch I.D. Inc.

This high-style, high-function glass kitchen accommodates a bustling family life as well as large-scale entertaining — it can service a quick family breakfast as easily as a catered dinner for 50. The functional and aesthetic qualities of the kitchen are equally practical and luxurious.

Design: Ghislaine Vinas

Back to basics takes an existing kitchen design and re-conceives it through the lens of [Ghislaine Vinas'] Danish roots — using the form of the classic Danish house and the simple, green monopoly toy house as inspiration. The design also mines history as it uses large digital prints of historic kitchens to reflect on what kitchens are today and what they once were.

Would one of these kitchens get your vote?

Filed Under: Do it Yourself Projects, Kitchen Tagged With: arizona handyman, Do it Yourself Projects, phoenix arizona handyman, phoenix doors, phoenix home remodel, phoenix home repair, phoenix remodel, phoenix remodeling, phoenix windows, scottsdale handyman

One of the top 5 Questions we get asked. How long will I be without my kitchen?

February 29, 2012 by Susan

by Kitchen Magic

MG 5804 One of the top 5 Questions we get asked. How long will I be without my kitchen?

Kitchen shown took 5 days from start to finish.

Q. I am interested in doing my kitchen, but am unsure as to how long my home will be torn up? How long does a job take?

–Jane T.
Scotch Plains, NJ

A: It depends on the scope of the job, but generally for a standard kitchen refacing, you can expect to be without your kitchen for three to five days. All new cabinetry or significant remodeling can take longer. Of course, some contractors will want to space those days out over several weeks, leaving your kitchen unusual between visits. Be sure you use a company like Kitchen Magic, that installs on consecutive days to minimize disruption.

You will want to dine out or eat take-out during that time, and you may want to have bottled water on hand. Paper plates and disposable utensils are a good idea, since you will not be able to wash dishes until the kitchen is finished.

Make sure pets and kids are kept out of the way while the job is happening. They can interfere with work and may be injured; workmen will be too busy to keep an eye on them.

DSC 0406 One of the top 5 Questions we get asked. How long will I be without my kitchen?

before

Eismont2 1024x819 One of the top 5 Questions we get asked. How long will I be without my kitchen?

After: Refaced kitchen in classic cherry. Countertop: Corian. Color: Maui

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This article was provided by Kitchen Magic. Give us a call today at 1-888-5REFACE. We’ll be happy to arrange a free in-home consultation and show you how affordable and convenient a new kitchen can be.

Modern Classic Kitchen Renovation

February 28, 2012 by Susan

A look at a stunning kitchen remodel, which was part of a full ground level renovation. The style is modern, classic and timeless.

MG 5854 Modern Classic Kitchen Renovation

A pristine new kitchen, in a modern classic style was part of a full ground level renovation

We combined an adjacent room and the old kitchen to make a larger kitchen, dinette and entertaining area. We also closed two window openings in order to realize the hidden potential of the space; this yielded not only additional storage in prime kitchen spots, but also allowed for a balanced focal wall with a defined focal point.

To replace the light lost, we widened and raised the opening height of the old walkout to accommodate extra tall, extra wide French doors with sidelights, and transom.

We also built the fridge into the wall with decorative trim in stained maple, surrounded with designer wallpaper.

Our goal was to make every elevation, however pragmatic, a balanced visual composition with interesting visual elements.

View more renovations by BiglarKinyan Design Partnership:

Fashion District Loft

Gorgeous and Green

A Touch of Glamour

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About the Contributor

BiglarKinyan Design Partnership is a design and construction firm that specializes in creating extraordinary architectural interiors including designer kitchens and bathrooms. Our designs are timeless and catered specifically to each of our client’s unique styles and needs. We design and manage each project to ensure excellence and a hassle-free experience for our clients. We work exclusively with specialized construction professionals and are on-site to oversee construction. BiglarKinyan Design Partnership has been featured by media outlets across the country, including: National Post, Chatelaine, Home & Decor Magazine, The Star Phoenix, Metro Montreal, Montoit Magazine, Yahoo Lifestyles, AOL, Shaw.ca, Handy Canadian, and of course, the Home Renovation Guide and Home Interior Guide.

5 Ways Our Kitchen Remodel Enhanced Our Home Life

February 21, 2012 by Susan

by Guest

My husband and I have been in the process of remodeling our home for many years now. This past year, we decided on a kitchen renovation focusing on the kitchen cabinets and countertops.

The kitchen remodeling went as planned and we couldn’t be happier with the result. Our goal was to streamline the kitchen while matching its design to the rest of the changes we’ve made in the house.

One area we wanted to improve was movement through the kitchen. Our old kitchen had a huge island with very little space between it and the kitchen cabinets, countertops and appliances. To fix this problem, we installed narrow-depth cabinets and countertops, as the island is the most used area of the kitchen, and a new island the same size as the old one, but with additional cabinet space.

My husband’s tall, but stocky and I’m short, but thin. The new design made our home life a thousand times better because he’s always had difficulty with the island and space and I’ve always had problems reaching for dishes at the back of cabinets. Since we moved into this house, we haven’t been able to cook together and I’ve had to ask him for help or use a step ladder. Now, there’s plenty of space and all of the items we need are on hand in the island or at the front of the cabinets.

In addition to new kitchen countertops and cabinets, we added an extra pantry away from our appliances. My husband loves to cook and the pantry location has always frustrated him because it was near the oven and heat can ruin dried herbs and flour. The pantry added during the kitchen renovation is larger and no longer near heat.

Another area we changed during the kitchen remodeling was the style and color of the kitchen countertops and cabinetry. We’ve added a lot of natural, rustic changes to our home in other rooms and wanted the kitchen to have a warm atmosphere. The old kitchen cabinetry was blue-painted fiberboard with plastic hardware. We ripped out the old cabinetry and installed natural oak cabinets with natural green and black granite countertops. It’s beautiful.

I really can’t express how happy we are with the changes. In the past, our kitchen wasn’t an easy place for two people to navigate at the same time or well-suited for guests. Now, we’re cooking together more and using our kitchen completely.

Heller 1 1024x819 5 Ways Our Kitchen Remodel Enhanced Our Home Life

before

after

Designing Roller Blinds – Ideas and Methods

December 22, 2011 by Susan

by Nicola Winters

When choosing a roller blind to feature in your newly decorated room or home, it is important to choose a style which you will be happy with and that compliments the rest of your interior décor. The amount of variety available in fabrics, colours and designs, makes it relatively easy to find the perfect window treatment to compliment your room. However, if mainstream designs and patterns are not for you then why not create your own roller blinds? This will, not only incorporate character, individuality and personality into your home, but also offer an inexpensive alternative the next time your blinds are in need of replacing or sprucing up.

Firstly, a plain roller blind will need to be purchased to act as the base of your design. Choose a colour that matches your room and also suits the pattern or design you wish to apply to it. DIY kits for roller blinds can also be purchased, complete with instructions of how to attach your appliques.

Stamping, painting and double sided iron on appliques can all be used to create the design you want. Appliques can be purchased readily made or you can make them yourself using separate fabric from the roller blind. Simply iron the appliques onto a piece of fabric, cut out interesting motifs and iron carefully iron them onto the roller blind. Alternatively, stamps can be used to achieve similar results. These, again, can be readily made and purchased from decorating or craft stores or made from scratch using everyday household objects such as wood, soap or even potatoes. By dipping them in the paint of your choice and pressing them firmly onto the blind, an instant pattern or design can be created.

A third option is to paint them manually. The perfect plan for the artistic and creative; this method is particularly rewarding when completed.

IDEAS

Kitchen and Living room

There are already plenty of designs, styles and fabrics available to buy in roller blinds and attempting to be creative is harder than most think. Take a look around your home and garden and be inspired by shapes, objects and patterns that you see. A particular favourite amongst homeowners is the use of flowers. These can be either painted, stamped or ironed on using fabric motifs and add instant character to your, seemingly, dull window treatments. Leaves are another favourite that also brightens up any room or area within the home. By using a thin paintbrush, stems and vines can be drawn around the shapes to create extra imagery. This is also a great way of covering up any mistakes or drips that have occurred when stamping.

Bathroom

Blues and whites are typically seen in bathrooms and blinds can be very limited when offering patterned designs to suit this type of room with the home. However, by using fabric appliques to create waves, dolphins, splashes or shapes, a bathroom’s window treatment can be transformed into a centre piece.

Bedrooms

The new fashion in home furnishing and decoration is the use of ornaments and pictures in the shape of single words. Words such as love, peace, home and relax can create a certain mood or feel within a room. Stencils can be bought which spell out single words or even phrases which can be added to blinds within the bedroom to add a warm, cosy yet modern feel to the area.

Children

When decorating children’s bedrooms, it’s a great idea to get them involved in the action. If children are actively involved in the creation of something, they are much less likely to damage it. Finger painting and hand stamping is a particular favourite activity amongst young children so why not incorporate it into the designing of their roller blinds. Not only will it be a lovely touch but can also be saved and stored, so in years to come, you can remember the time when you both actively engaged in a fun activity that brightened the home up.

Filed Under: Do it Yourself Projects, Kitchen Tagged With: arizona handyman, bathroom, DIY, Do it Yourself Projects, phoenix arizona handyman, phoenix doors, phoenix home remodel, phoenix home repair, phoenix remodel, phoenix remodeling, phoenix windows, scottsdale handyman, windows

Fun Tips for Remodeling your Kitchen or Bathroom

November 9, 2011 by Susan

by Erik Braunitzer of Douglas Elliman Real Estate Company, agents for Bronx Rentals

photo by Big Dog Renovations

The two best investments homeowners can make to improve the value of their home are to renovate both the kitchen and bathroom. These rooms are the most important selling features of any house. Most of these improvements are DIY projects that do not mandate hiring a professional or using expensive materials.

Glass Tiles
Many glass tiles are available on the market today. Many are handmade from recycled glass, making unique tiles that are almost impossible to reproduce with machines. Installing these tiles is only slightly different than ceramic tiles, with much of the same types of mastic and grout. The look is luxury without the price tag.

Some glass tiles are available with glitter or other pieces allowed to stay in the glass. The look is one of sheer brilliance. Any color combination is possible with recycled glass, even soda bottles. These make beautiful sea-green tiles unlike any machine made tiles today.

Use glass tiles as accent pieces, medallions, borders, backsplashes, tub surrounds and more. The possibilities are only limited by imagination.

Tin Ceilings
These have never gone out of style. Choose antique or vintage tiles for a look of opulence. Tin tiles cover drab or stained ceilings with ease. Installing them takes no more than a screws or special cement. The tiles can be painted or stained, or even treated with faux metals and glitter paints for effect. If one cannot afford vintage tiles, PVC tiles molded to resemble tin tiles provide the same looks for a fraction of the cost.

New Hardware
One of the simplest ways to rejuvenate a bathroom or kitchen is to change the hardware. New hinges, drawer and cabinet pulls, new slides are all part of the hardware. Vintage glass pulls bring new life to any cabinet, or perhaps a more modern look with metals. Handmade pulls, such as horn or specialty woods bring an exotic outdoor look into the home space. In many cases, kitchens look entirely different with just hardware changes and a can of paint, usually under $100.

Improved Flooring
From floor tiles to hardwood, improved flooring often makes a selling point or focal point for visitors. Floating floors are inexpensive and easy to install, while solid hardwood floors last forever but require the installation of an expert. Maintaining a hardwood floor is not difficult if stains and spills are cleaned up quickly, and pads placed on furniture feet are used to prevent scuffs and scratches.

Use hardwood floors even in the bathroom and throughout the house to maintain the flow of the décor. Rugs and carpets protect the floor while allowing the room to change looks with the seasons without removing the hardwood.

Sustainable woods, such as ipe, bamboo and teak are making their way to the top of the flooring world. Although costing more than traditional hardwoods, they are often more durable, and allow more design and color choices. Cork is another sustainable flooring option popular among homeowners today. These woods provide flooring for homeowners, and create jobs and industries in their countries of origins. Sustainable practices also protect the environment.

Spend the time to research the options for remodeling the kitchen and bathroom today. Many projects cost far less than the finished project looks suggest. No one has to tell their guests they did not spend a fortune.

Glass Subway Tiles bring Beauty and History Home

October 19, 2011 by Susan

by miltteacom

In the United States and around the world, subway glass tiles have played an integral part of our underground transit history. Admired for its beauty, while recognized for its amazing durability, the classic 3×6 subway glass tiles have stood the test of time. Glass subway tiles made their entrance upon the opening of the New York City Subway in 1904.

The small white subway tiles covered all the walls of the underground transit system, giving a timeless and artistic elegance for millions of travelers and visitors to see. Their mosaic artwork gave elegance and inspired many other subway systems throughout the globe, to follow in their path. Even today, much of the original tiles and artwork remain intact, and are still the prime choice when new subway walls and floors when designed.

A Natural Transition

Are you looking for an economical and cost-effective choice when doing renovations for the home? Then let us introduce you to the subway glass tile. With an endless selection of colors, textures and finishes, the subway glass tile’s versatility, eloquence, and durable surface, make it an irresistible choice for any home. Glass tiles have a depth of beauty that is simply unmatched by the finest ceramic tiles. Incorporating these tiles into your home is comparable to enhancing every area with a unique beauty, a showcase of artwork all on its own.

A Wise Choice

There are so many advantages when choosing this beautiful tile to install in your home. They are impervious to moisture and heat, making them an ideal, economical, and practical choice for bathrooms, kitchens, and even swimming pools. Whether you are considering subway glass tiles for a kitchen backsplash or a beveled edge subway tile for your bathroom or shower walls, you will never be disappointed. When you bring this timeless classic tile design into your home, you join and share in the echoes of its rich historical past.

With the combination of fresh and vivid colors of glass, and the traditional design of ceramic subway tiles, a new design has been created catching the eyes of high-end designers, especially in trendy restaurants. Restaurant owners know how important it is that their image and structures reflect just the right ambiance, while preserving its beauty. Subway glass tiles withstand heavy traffic, while easily holding up to the splatters of food and wine. With its popularity rising, whether in high-rise apartments, or in the most fashionable homes, these small subway tiles remain affordable to all.

The Green Effect: Subway glass tiles are not only visually appealing, but they are eco-friendly. For all of you environmentalists out there who are serious about not using non-recyclable materials, all subway tile glass is recycled and considered safe for the environment.

Subway glass tiles are perfect for any renovation project, whether you need a modern or present-day design. They are beautiful, durable, and best of all – easy to keep clean, and hard to damage. Glass subway tiles keep it simple, while remaining the most economical and practical alternative – for any room – anytime and anywhere.

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This Article was provided by Glass Tile Oasis. At Glass Tile Oasis we carry glass tiles in a wide range of colors and styles at low prices visit our website today at wwww.glasstileoasis.com

5 Ways to Clean Your Kitchen with Lemon

August 17, 2011 by Susan

by Mr. Appliance

lemon water05 5 Ways to Clean Your Kitchen with Lemon

When life gives you lemons, clean up your kitchen! That’s right. Go green by cleaning your kitchen with the fresh scent of lemon to give your appliances that sparkle they deserve without squeezing your pocketbook.

Use these simple tips to freshen up your kitchen:

1. Microwave

Mix together 2 Tbsp. of lemon juice and 2 cups of water in a microwave safe bowl. Microwave on HIGH for one to two minutes. Allow bowl to cool down, then use mixture to wipe down the inside walls of the microwave.

2. Oven

Mixture together 2 Tbsp. of liquid dish soap and 2 Tbsp. of lemon juice with 1 quart of warm water. Apply the mixture to the inside of the oven. Return after one hour and scrub with a sponge. Rinse well.

3. Fridge

Quart a lemon and place in small bowl. Sprinkle a dash of table salt and 2 tsp. of baking soda onto lemons. Place uncovered dish in the middle of refrigerator and let sit for three to five days.

4. Dishwasher

Mixture 2 Tbsp. of lemon juice with 1 cup of white vinegar. Pour into the bottom of empty dishwasher and allow for one cleaning cycle.

5. Stovetop

In a small bowl, mix 2 Tbsp. of lemon juice with 2-3 Tbsp. baking soda to form paste. Apply paste to stovetop and wipe away with warm, damp sponge or towel.

Follow these do-it-yourself cleaning tips periodically by adding them to your family calendar. To help prolong the life of your appliances, combine these tips with regular visits from your local appliance repair professional.

For recipes, appliance and energy tips, follow Mr. Appliance on Twitter at @MrApplianceCorp and like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MrApplianceCorp.

About Mr. Appliance

Mr. Appliance is North America’s largest appliance repair franchise system. Established in 1996, its franchises provide full-service residential and light commercial appliance repair. Mr. Appliance has more than 140 locations throughout the United States and Canada and is consistently ranked among the top home service franchises by Entrepreneur magazine and other industry experts. Mr. Appliance is a subsidiary of The Dwyer Group, Inc. For more information, visit www.mrappliance.com.

Filed Under: Do it Yourself Projects, Kitchen Tagged With: arizona handyman, DIY, Do it Yourself Projects, phoenix arizona handyman, phoenix doors, phoenix home remodel, phoenix home repair, phoenix remodel, phoenix remodeling, phoenix windows, scottsdale handyman

A look at a stunning kitchen remodel, which was part of a full ground level renovation. The style is modern, classic and timeless.

About the Contributor

About Mr. Appliance

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