If you feel that your kitchen does not have the magic that it previously had, it may be time that you think about remodeling your kitchen.

 And why not? Millions of Americans do it every year. While it is not really a national past time, more and more Americans are discovering that kitchen remodeling does not require everything in their kitchen overhauled. With this follows another fact that kitchen remodeling does not have to be that expensive. Undergoing a kitchen remodeling project can be as simple as changing the kitchen the lights.

 Lighting defines the ambiance. It profusely defines a room’s overall atmosphere and gives a somewhat feeling of mystery when installed (and used) properly. If you want to remodel your kitchen but do not want to have everything changed, simply changing the lighting fixture in your kitchen can bring the necessary change that you want in your kitchen. 

 There are a number of unlimited options available in the market for different lighting fixtures for your kitchen. They come in a wide variety of designs, sizes, shapes and style. With the different styles of lights to choose from, you are sure to have a hard time coming up with the best kind of light that will go perfectly with your kitchen. Lighting greatly affects how you feel when you are in a particular room. There are even times when your mood would depend on it. It is wise to check all the kitchen lighting options available so you can make the perfect choice.

 Ceiling lights are a popular choice. As the name suggests, these are lighting fixtures that are attached to the ceiling and are known to be the most traditional type of lighting for the kitchen. If you are scouting for good looking ceiling lights that can fit your kitchen, you can check out your local home improvement stores but if you don’t find anything you fancy, online retail stores for kitchen lighting are also available. The price of course depends on the design of your choice but, more often than not, ceiling lights are the cheapest of all kitchen lights. Ceiling lights fits best for people remodeling their kitchen on a tight budget.

 Hanging kitchen lights with ceiling fans are also a popular choice. Hanging kitchen lights are of two types: chandeliers and pendants. The latter are called such since they are attached to the ceiling and hang down at least a foot or more. On the other hand, chandeliers are collections of hanging lights. They are also referred to as mini lights but are often larger size light fixtures.

 There are also under cabinet lights available for your kitchen. These are best attached inside the kitchen cabinets. If you are one who enjoys a light snack during the wee hours of the night, these type of light is ideal for you. They can also be used on cupboards and can serve as great additions to your kitchen remodeling project.

 Before you purchase ceiling lights, mini pendant lights, chandeliers or under cabinet lights, you need to first consider which light would look great in your kitchen and can also make your kitchen look stylish. Your choice of light should make you feel more comfortable and at ease with your kitchen. So if you are scouting for kitchen lights but not able to find any on your local home improvement stores, check online stores. It’s easier, faster and best of all, it’s free.

In most recent times, homeowners are investing a lot of money into searching for ways to improve their bathrooms and create a more comfortable, functional feel. After all, the craziness surrounding our every day lives makes the time in the bathroom some of your only personal time. It seems reasonable to want your bathroom to be soothing, rejuvenating, and practical. Bathroom remodeling is a wonderful way to add value to your home and pleasure to your hectic life. With so many aspects to consider, such as cabinets, faucets and fixtures, flooring, toilets, vanities, showers and bath tubs, bathroom remodeling can often be very overwhelming.


One of the rooms in the house used more often by most people is the bathroom. While spending a lot of money on the usually smallest room in the house may not be high on everyone’s list, since everyone uses this room quite often, bathroom remodeling can make its use more comfortable and convenient. There are different ways to improve the appearance and functionality of this small space, and bathroom remodeling does not have to put a major crimp in the bank account.


Unless the bathroom is in dire need of extensive renovations, bathroom remodeling can be done on a tight budget. Many times simple things can offer a vast improvement on its appearance, such as a new shower curtain or liner and a new curtain rod. Changing out the faucets on the sink and tub as well as the shower head can make the bathroom look much better. A shower head with a pulse can even make an inexpensive bathroom remodeling job seem as though more work was actually performed. If the two racks are broken or non-existent, installing new ones can usually be done at cheaper price and can add to the overall appearance. Putting new towels on new towel racks in the same color scheme as the rest of the room is only one simple bathroom remodeling task that can make a difference.


If looking at more extensive bathroom remodeling, plan on spending more money. A fresh coat of paint can brighten up an otherwise dull room, but making sure the walls are in good condition can take time. There may even be a need to add lighting to the bathroom which those who use makeup will appreciate having sufficient lighting to see the effects of their efforts. Look at the floor as seen from the entry door and if necessary, consider changing the floor material. Today’s laminate flooring offers options for use in bathroom remodeling and can make a good initial impact when entering the room. It should also lead the eyes to the opposite wall and a cheap picture or two can help dress up the bathroom.


Tearing down walls and moving plumbing can be an expensive project and the homeowner needs to make sure the change is being made out of necessity and not simply for the sake of change. By keeping any bathroom remodeling project within budget while make making needed changes will make the project go much faster and smoother without unnecessary stress.

A big hidden cost in kitchen remodeling is financing cost. Thus, proper planning of any kitchen renovation project must consider financing. For example, a brand new marble kitchen flooring costing $5,000 will set you back another extra 15% (or $750) per year in interest charges if you don’t fund the kitchen improvement project properly. And, even if you paid the entire $5,000 in cash, you are still accumulating opportunity costs for funding the kitchen improvement project upfront. For example, you could be earning 5% in interest (or $250) on the $5,000 by putting the money in a high yield CD, instead of on the kitchen improvement project.



So, how can we have it both ways? How can we get the kitchen improvement that we wanted and earn interest on our money at the same time? The answer is in — interest-free financing offers — either from the home improvement dealers (e.g., Sears, Home Depot, etc.) or credit card companies (e.g., Capital One, Chase, Bank of America MBNA, etc.). Fund the project by using interest-free money from the home improvement dealers and credit card companies, and put the money that has been saved for the kitchen improvement into interest-earning money vehicles, such as savings account and CDs, during the interest-free grace period. Be sure to pay off the loan after the grace period. You will be able to knock off another 5% or more on the kitchen improvement project. Some credit cards even give you cash back for your spending (up to 5% depending on specific offers), which gives you even more savings.



Kitchen remodeling experts have suggested the best financing options for kitchen upgrades.



• For standalone kitchen upgrades on kitchen appliances, flooring, cabinets, and other kitchen improvements, including installation, that are below $1000, the best option is interest-free offers or no initial payment offers from local home improvement dealers, such as Sears, Best Buy, Home Depot, and Costco.
• For larger kitchen improvements up to $5000, credit cards with 0% or low introductory APR offer the best deal.



Of course, finding a reliable professional kitchen remodeling contractor probably provides the most savings, both in terms of time and money. Comparison shopping for the best free quote also helps. But, if you finance your kitchen remodeling project smartly, you will be able to save even more on kitchen improvements!

More money is spent annually on home renovation than on new construction, (almost $300 billion in 2006). It is estimated that more than a million homes per year undergo major renovation or remodeling.



Economic and environmental realities are driving homeowners to look at how to maximize resource usage and to decrease the waste stream generated by construction projects. More of us are asking if there are better ways to remodel that can enhance health, reduce energy consumption, lower maintenance costs and minimize environmental impact. There is. It’s called green remodeling.



What is green remodeling? Essentially, it is the convergence of three basic principles:



• Increasing energy efficiency


• Improving indoor air quality


• Conserving natural resources



Perhaps the best way to describe the philosophy of green remodeling is that it is a form of applied common sense. Remodeling and renovation projects offer myriad ways to reduce, re-use and recycle. Salvaging and re-using materials can result in lower cost of materials and in the reduction of environmentally damaging waste disposal and lowering disposal-related fees. As a bonus, the use of salvaged materials, such as wood flooring, doors and antique fixtures can also add beauty and style to a newly remodeled space.



In their book, “Green Remodeling”, co-authors David Johnston and Kim Master refer to green remodeling as “Changing the World, One Room at a Time” (available at http://www.amazon.com), According to the authors, you can do this by employing green building processes and materials in remodeling projects, because going green “is more energy-efficient, more resource-conserving, healthier for occupants and more affordable to create, operate and maintain”.



Many products and practices used in remodeling a home can have negative effects on the environment. Green remodeling requires that thoughtful attention is given to minimizing or eliminating products or practices that could cause environmental damage or that could harm occupants during construction, or after the remodeling project is complete.



Since 1993, The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) http://www.usgbc.org/ has developed and administered a Green Building Rating System. USGBC provides practical information on applying green building standards to building projects. The adoption of green practices is seen as a way homeowners can meaningfully contribute to efforts aimed toward reducing global warming. There are many green alternatives to standard practices that USGBC recommends:



• Use wood alternatives like engineered lumber, or Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified wood harvested from managed forests (http://www.fscus.org)



• Employ renewable products like bamboo for flooring



• Reduce the use of paint and cleaning products containing high levels of volatile organic compounds (VOC’s)



• Use natural fiber rugs and fabrics



• When available, use recycled or high recycled-content materials



• Plant trees to provide shade and wind protection, saving money on heating and cooling costs



• Green up your yard using native plants that are adapted to local soil and weather conditions, thereby lowering maintenance and reducing the use of chemical pesticides, fertilizer and irrigation



• Shop locally. When practical, use locally produced products to reduce carbon emissions caused by long distance transportation



When planning a remodeling project, bear in mind that it is both easier and cheaper to incorporate green materials and strategies in the early stages, rather than adding them piecemeal, or as an afterthought, when in the thick of the project.



Here are some green remodeling strategies to consider.

Energy Conservation


Ways to increase energy efficiency can range from simply adding an insulation blanket to your water heater and insulating hot water pipes to replacing older appliances with new Energy Star-rated appliances. Replacing a standard storage water heater with a so-called tankless water heating system can result in increased efficiency and significant monthly utility savings. Additional savings can be achieved by simply switching from incandescent to fluorescent lighting, which reduces energy consumption for lighting by up to 75 percent. Thanks to the Energy Policy Act of 2005, homeowners who choose green alternatives when updating their homes could be eligible for tax credits to offset some remodeling costs. For details on available credits, go to the following website: http://www.energystar.gov.



If your remodeling project includes new exterior siding, consider having a professional evaluate the insulation in your exterior wall cavities and the energy efficiency of your doors and windows. If deficiencies are found, insulation materials such as cellulose, rock wool and some forms of foam can be installed from outside, without damaging interior wall surfaces. Adding a house wrap under new siding will markedly reduce air infiltration and exfiltration, saving on both heating and cooling costs. Tests commonly performed when evaluating the thermal efficiencies of your home can diagnose the ability of your wall, window and door systems to prevent heat loss and air infiltration. A primary technique to evaluate energy efficiency involves the use of ‘blower doors’ to test air inflow and outflow. http://www.homeenergy.org.



Replacing old single pane windows with insulated glass can save up to 25 percent on heating and cooling costs. The highest level of savings can be achieved by using so-called low-e glazing (for low emittance). Low-e coatings are microscopically thin, metal or metallic oxide layers deposited on window or skylight glass primarily to reduce radiative heat flow. Low-e glass units are available that promote high, moderate or low solar gain, depending on your climate.

Indoor Air Quality


When an older home is tightened up to promote greater energy efficiency, it’s imperative to assure that adequate ventilation is available in order to assure healthy indoor air and to prevent interior moisture build-up.



Current research indicates that our indoor air is often more polluted than outside air. This increased concern is prompted by the realization that most people spend 80-90 percent of their time indoors.



There are many sources that can negatively impact indoor air quality. These include pollutants from the outdoor environment, and the toxic chemicals used inside the home from a variety of sources. Indoor air is often further degraded by other pollutants introduced by occupants, such as tobacco smoke, smoke or particulates emitted by home appliances that burn wood, coal, kerosene, and propane (or natural gas). Other significant sources of toxicity come from sealants, cleaning products, paint, asbestos, damp carpets or fabrics, and certain pressed-wood cabinet and furniture products that release chemicals into the air. In some areas, radon (a naturally-emitted subterranean radioactive gas found in some regions) can cause serious health problems. http://www.dspinspections.com


/radon_facts.htm



Green remodeling seeks to remedy these problems with a combination of air filtration, ventilation systems and choosing to use the least toxic product options. An overview of the problem and possible solutions are available from the Environmental Protection Agency http://www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/insidest.html

Reduced Material Waste and Resource Conservation


As a rule, remodeling is more eco-friendly than new construction, since fewer materials and resources are consumed to remodel an old house than to build a new structure. Since 30 percent of materials disposed of at landfills typically consist of construction debris, there is a lot of room for improvement in home improvement.



Even though remodeling generally uses fewer materials than new construction, it can generate a significant waste stream. This results in 136 million tons of waste annually. Planning how salvaged materials can be used or recycled can lessen the costs and the impact of construction debris disposal. Good planning can pay off. If you choose not to re-use your old claw foot tub, you may find a local buyer that will be very happy to take it off your hands. The same is true about sinks, cabinets, lighting fixtures, doors, etc.



When it’s possible, using local materials, building with engineered lumber, and hiring recycling companies to remove waste all help to maximize resource use when remodeling.



Perhaps most important of all when you are considering a remodeling project, get back to the basics. Consider the advice of Sara Gutterman, co-founder of Green Builder magazine http://www.greenbuildermagazine.com:



“In order to accomplish the most desirable sustainable outcome, it is important to begin the process of remodeling with the end result in mind. Understanding the personal impetus behind your desire to remodel is paramount so that you can optimize your new design. Think about how you live in your home. Consider which spaces you use and which ones sit dark and lonely for most of the year, waiting those few special evenings when partygoers enter and infuse them momentarily with life. Many modern designs do not actually fit the needs of the typical homeowner. They often contain formal living spaces that remain unused because of their size and lack of intimacy. When we can understand that interior space is a precious resource just like clean water, air, and soil, we can begin to think more sustainably about it.”

Wood privacy fences are an important component of a house especially one in the urban community. A well-chosen and appropriately-designed fence affords homeowners the pleasure of enjoying their private space without necessarily giving the impression of being an unfriendly neighbor. You don’t even have to fence the entire perimeter of the house. In some cases, even just short sections of fencing in your property can already give you a semblance of solitude and discourage curious onlookers.

Keeping in mind the style and landscaping design of one’s area, there are many fencing options to choose from. Wood privacy fences make for some of the best privacy fences and come in a variety of styles and materials. Vinyl fencing is also a suitable and cheaper alternative, or you can opt for a more natural look with the use of greens – shrubs and trees.

Before putting up that first wooden slat or fence post on your perimeter however, it is best to check with your local zoning authorities for any restrictions on fencing. Different cities have different zoning codes wherein certain limits are imposed on fences including the height, material, and even the direction that the fences face. Be sure to check out as well if there are any privacy fencing regulations observed in your residential area or subdivision.

In sorting out city permits and zoning policies, this is where the practicality, and not just the beauty, of using evergreen trees and shrubs come in – with these types, you don’t have to deal with any legalities. In addition, “living wall” privacy fences are not only limited to the evergreens.

Bamboo hedges can serve as attractive and reliable fences, while there are also a lot of great flowering shrubs which can provide striking foliage that varies in season. Evergreen shrubs on the other hand, can also be artfully trimmed, creating the classic hedge. The choice shrubs that are pruned in this fashion are the boxwood, privet, and yew.

If you want immediate results and don’t want to be bothered with maintaining your fences, then hardscape fences or the traditional privacy fences are clearly the best option for you. The project is easy enough to do and the fence sections are light enough such that the average homeowner can do the job himself. An essential factor to consider when doing the work yourself is if the fence that you put up is strong enough to withstand strong winds. For fences 6 feet tall or less, fence posts should be dug at least 2 feet deep into the soil.

Wood privacy fences not only make for suitable privacy fences, but also the most visually appealing ones as well. The best materials for wood fences that are less likely to warp are cedar, redwood, pine, and cypress. In any case, the wood should be chemically treated for the prevention of rot and insect infestation. To make your wood fences resistant to water damage, you can choose either of two options: treat the materials with synthetic-resin water repellent, or paint it. If you consider painting, do so after the wood slats are cut to the right size but before installation.

Wood fencing in stockade style provides the most solid wood barrier for your property. If you think partial privacy would be enough, lattice fencing doesn’t totally fence out the outside community and allows some breeze and sunshine into your yard. Another popular wood fence is to adopt a combination style – solid wood board fence for about 70% of the fence going down, and lattice design for the top part to make it look more attractive and add a touch of airiness.

Don’t want to tackle building a privacy fence yourself? If you live in the Milwaukee area of Wisconsin, hire a qualified Milwaukee fence contractor by checking out the list of Milwaukee fence companies here.