10 Types of Doors to Consider for Your Remodeling Project

Things you should know before choosing interior and exterior doors

Doors, whether they be exterior or interior, are important to setting the style of your home. Doors are available in a variety of different types, materials and styles. Understanding how each type works and where in your home it will work the best, will help you choose the ideal doors for your remodeling project at the Lake of the Ozarks.  Better Homes and Gardens has put together a great list of the types of doors you could come across to help you shop more confidently.  

Types of Doors

1. Single-Acting Doors - These are the most common type of doors which are hinged on one side to open in one direction.  They are the standard doors that you'll find on the interior of your home. 

2. Double-Acting Doors - These doors open in either direction and work well between a kitchen and a dining room.  

3. Bi-fold Doors - These doors have two panels that fold to one side.  They are often used on closets or pantries.  Two sets can be installed for a wider opening.  

4. Bypass Doors - These doors have panels that slide past each other.  They are also often used on closets or any other place where there isn't enough room for a swinging door.  Only one side of the closet or room can be open at a time. 

5. Exterior Sliding Doors - These doors usually have one fixed panel and another that slides.

6. Pocket Doors - These doors actually slide into the wall.  They are perfect for a space where there isn't room for a door to swing open.  They are easy to install during construction, but adding one later can be a major project.  

7. Paneled Doors - These are built with panels that fit into grooves in the stiles and rails.  They have a classic look and wood ones can be painted or stained.  Steel, fiberglass and hardboard doors that look like paneled doors are also available. 

8. Flush Doors - These doors have a flat surface on each side, usually covered with wood veneer. Flush interior doors are usually hollow-core doors, while flush exterior doors have a solid core to help keep the heat in during the winter and out during the summer.

9. French Doors - These doors have rectangular glass panes, or lights, from top to bottom.  They are often hung in pairs opening from the sides, as exterior doors to a garden, patio or deck. Traditional french doors are made with a 15-light design.  

10. Patio Doors - These are usually sliding glass doors with one fixed pane of glass and a sliding one. They typically let in a lot of light and allow a great view of the outdoors.

Exterior vs Interior

Exterior doors make a statement because they are the first impression that people have as they enter your home.  Security and energy efficiency are the primary functions of exteriors doors. Therefore, they are typically made of wood, fiberglass or steel.  Wood provides a sense of warmth and richness, but can be relatively expensive and require a high level of maintenance. A less costly option would be the solid-core, wood-veneer flush doors.  Another option is fiberglass because it is durable and flexible enough to be installed in any climate without warping or rotting and is very low maintenance.  Steel is practical and long-lasting.  Exterior doors are typically 1 3/4 inches thick.  Interior doors on the other hand are typically 1 inch think and are usually lighter than exterior doors because they don't have to be weather resistant or provide security.    

Now that you have an idea of what types of doors you can expect to find, you can begin planning your home remodel at the Lake of the Ozarks.  Decide what will work best for your home based on your budget and the style you are going for and then give All-Star Home Renovations a call for your door installation at the Lake of the Ozarks and you are on your way to a new and improved home!

Follow our blog for advice on remodels at the Lake of the Ozarks, minor home repairs and improvements, tips to improve the value of your home, and so much more.

All-Star Home Renovations serves the entire Lake of the Ozarks area. We can handle everything from your most complex home improvement and remodeling projects to the simplest.

All-Star Renovations has 25 years experience and is fully insured!

• Kitchen Remodels
• Bathroom Remodels
• Deck Additions
• Siding, Roofing, Windows & Doors
• Tile & Flooring Installation
• Screened Room Additions
• Custom Trim Finish Work
• ... and so much more!

Request a free estimate on your next project!

Serving the Entire Lake of the Ozarks Area

Adam : 573-286-2569
adam@all-star-renovations.com

Jay: 573-480-4757
jay@all-star-renovations.com

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Bathroom Basics: Fixture Styles and Trends

Bathroom trends are moving towards creating a spa-like atmosphere, an escape from your day to day tasks.  But how do you decide on specifics with the overwhelming amount of bathroom fixture options? HGTVremodels.com shows us the basics of shower fixtures, sinks, faucets and toilets, so you can find the best option for your bathroom remodel at the Lake of the Ozarks.  

1. Showerheads

Wall-Mount Showerhead
Traditional wall-mount shower heads are basic and functional.  You can find them in many different styles and finishes to match the look you are going for in your bathroom remodel.  New low-flow showerheads use less water while maintaining a steady, powerful pressure.

Hand-Held Showerhead
Good for washing hair and those hard to reach places, hand-held shower heads feature a single head sprayer attached to flexible hose.  The hose allows you to aim the water at different angles, especially useful to those with limited mobility.

Rain Showerhead
Homeowners are splurging now more than ever on fancy shower fixtures for their bathrooms. Rain showerheads allow for that relaxing sensation of bathing in a waterfall or soothing rain shower and are often mounted to the ceiling.

Body Sprayers
Add another feature to your luxurious spa retreat with body sprayers integrated into your shower walls. The sprayers can be adjusted to produce a relaxing mist or to massage the body.  

2. Faucets

New-Fangled Faucet

From timeless and traditional to sleek and modern, faucets can come in a wide range of styles.  Newer models have highly functional features such as integrated ceramic disks within the fixture to help grind away buildup and reduce leaks.

High-Tech Faucet

Bacteria-killing, motion-activated faucets are widely spread among public businesses and are also available for homeowners.  The laminar flow allows for a solid-looking stream that doesn't splash allowing your mirrors and countertops to stay spot and streak free!
   

Wall-Mount Faucet

Rather than being mounted to the counter, faucets can now be fastened to the lavatory deck, integrated or even mounted to the wall.  This style of faucet has gained popularity along with freestanding or vessel-type sinks that require longer spouts that extend well over the top of the bowl.

 

3. Sinks

Drop-In Sink
Self-rimming or drop-in sinks are the easiest to install because they are mounted above the counter. This simple, traditional style sink can be found in a wide variety of shapes and materials.
 

Undermount Sink
Growing in popularity for their easy to clean style and sleek appearance, undermount sinks are installed beneath the countertop.  These work well with stone and other solid surface countertops.

Vessel Sink
Make a statement in your bathroom with a decorative bowl that sits on top of your counter.  This elegant sink style comes in a variety of eye-catching materials including glass, stone and china.

Pedestal Sink
Not only do pedestal sinks offer a timeless appeal, but they save space in the bathroom.  The bowls are available in many shapes from oval to rectangular.

Wall-Hung Sink
Similar to the pedestal sinks, the wall-hung sinks save space by directly mounting to your bathroom wall.  The sinks not only give a bathroom a contemporary look, but are ideal for those in wheelchairs.

4. Toilets

Dual-Flush Toilet

New technology now encourages "conscious flushing" in water-efficient toilets.  You are required to select either a low-water flush for liquid waste or a 1.6 gallon flush for solid waste.

One-Piece Toilet

Eliminating the seam between the tank and the bowl, one-piece toilets allow for a sleek design that doesn't have crevices that attract dirt.  These models are typically more expensive than your average toilet.

Taller Toilet
Traditional toilets are about 14 to 15 inches in height, but newer toilets of 16 to 18 inches in height are favorable for homeowners because they are more comfortable.  While not ideal for children, this style of toilet is perfect for those who use a walker or wheelchair.

According to realtytimes.com, oversized walk-in showers and elegant standalone tubs are strong bathroom trends for 2014!  Combine what you've learned about fixtures with these design trends and you are sure to have a bathroom that will not only wow your guests, but allows that escape for you! And once you have an idea of the design you are going for, call All-Star Home Renovations for your bathroom remodel at the Lake of the Ozarks!

Follow our blog for advice on remodels at the Lake of the Ozarks, minor home repairs and improvements, tips to improve the value of your home, and so much more.

All-Star Home Renovations serves the entire Lake of the Ozarks area. We can handle everything from your most complex home improvement and remodeling projects to the simplest.

All-Star Renovations has 25 years experience and is fully insured!

• Kitchen Remodels
• Bathroom Remodels
• Deck Additions
• Siding, Roofing, Windows & Doors
• Tile & Flooring Installation
• Screened Room Additions
• Custom Trim Finish Work
• ... and so much more!

Request a free estimate on your next project!

Serving the Entire Lake of the Ozarks Area

Adam : 573-286-2569
adam@all-star-renovations.com

Jay: 573-480-4757
jay@all-star-renovations.com

Like us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
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How to Keep Your Tile Floors Clean

Make Those Tile Floors Shine

Clean floors can do a lot for the appearance of a home.  You may have all the rooms picked up and organized, but a dirty floor creates that sense of clutter even when everything else is clean. Every time you go in and out of the house you are dragging in more dust and dirt.  At first you may not notice it, but eventually your floors become dull and sometimes you can even see the dust gathering together near the walls and behind doors.  And if walking on them turns your bare feet black, it's time to clean those floors and make them shine.  SheKnows.com has a few steps for you to follow to get your tile floors at the Lake of the Ozarks squeaky clean!

Step 1: Wipe Up Spills

During your day to day tasks, you are bound to spill something on the floor.  Rather than letting it set into your floors, wipe it up immediatly.  This will keep you from having to work extra hard to get it up later.  For liquid splills, use a damp cloth and for solid materials grab the broom or a vacuum for a quick fix.

Step 2: Remove Loose Dust

A broom and dustpan work well for any hard surface floors, but a vacuum is actually a better option, even for tile.  Sweeping often leaves behind dust particles, whereas a vacuum will get more of that dust out of the way and get your floors ready for mopping.  Most vacuums have a hard surface setting. but if yours doesn't, raise the height to the maximum setting to avoid scratching your floors.

Step 3: Know Your Surface

Knowing what type of materials your tiles are made of makes a difference in how you clean them. Many materials are sensitive to the harsh chemicals in cleaning products, especially any natural stones such as marble or travertine.  A general purpose cleaner or even simply hot, soapy water works fine for daily cleanup on ceramic tile.  You only need cleaning products if the dirt and grime has really built up and you need to do some hard-core cleaning.  Many manufacturers will recommend certain products for you to use for the heavy duty jobs. Since all tile is not the same, using the wrong cleaner can mar or dull your tile.  In addition to the cleaner, you need something to clean it with.  For smooth tiled floors, a soft mop should do the trick, but for rough surfaces, you will probably need a good scrub brush.

Step 4: Distinguish Your Dirt 

In addition to the type of tile you have, you should be aware of what type of dirt you are trying to get rid of.  If your are cleaning bathroom tile, you are likely dealing with soap scum.  Kitchen tiles will most likely be covered in grease and and grime.  Different types of dirt need different types of cleaning products.  Many cleaning product labels will say "cuts grease," which is good for the kitchen. Often times, you don't even need those store-bought products with all their harsh chemicals.  If hot water doesn't do the trick on your ceramic tiles, try adding two tablespoons of rubbing alcohol to each gallon of water.  This especially helps with dirty grout, but be sure to wipe up any excess liquid to keep from saturating the grout.  For vinyl tiles, you can add one cup of vinegar to a gallon of water. For marble and stone tile, as mentioned above, you need to be very careful.  Vinegar, rubbing alcohol and the store-bought cleaners can destroy the natural stone tiles.  Add some mild dish soap to your water instead and be sure mop again with just water to make sure all the soap residue is gone.    

Step 5: Be Pro-Active

The most important step you can do, is to prevent the buildup of dirt and grime.  The more often you at least sweep or run a soft mop across the floors, the easier they will be to keep clean. Experts suggest to sweep at least every other day and mop at least every two weeks.  If you wait and let that dirt build up, it will be harder and take longer to get them back to the way they were. You can also lessen the amount of dirt you track in by having mats inside and outside your doors.  Also taking off your shoes at the door helps a lot and be sure to clean those mats regularly.

Now how do you know when your floor is really clean?  Its easier to tell on hard surfaces than it is on carpet, but sometimes you don't know for sure until you test it. You can take a wet paper towel and wipe the surface to see if it picks up any dirt you may have missed.  Also touch it with you hand to see if there are any sticky places, sometimes the cleaning products will leave a residue that will actually attract more dirt and keep it glued to the floor.  Be sure to get those products thoroughly cleaned up.  And if you have neglected your flooring at the Lake of the Ozarks for too long and find that they are dull or scratched up and need replaced, call All-Star Renovations to get the job done!

Follow our blog for advice on remodels at the Lake of the Ozarks, minor home repairs and improvements, tips to improve the value of your home, and so much more.

All-Star Home Renovations serves the entire Lake of the Ozarks area. We can handle everything from your most complex home improvement and remodeling projects to the simplest.

All-Star Renovations has 25 years experience and is fully insured!

• Kitchen Remodels
• Bathroom Remodels
• Deck Additions
• Siding, Roofing, Windows & Doors
• Tile & Flooring Installation
• Screened Room Additions
• Custom Trim Finish Work
• ... and so much more!

Request a free estimate on your next project!

Serving the Entire Lake of the Ozarks Area

Adam : 573-286-2569
adam@all-star-renovations.com

Jay: 573-480-4757
jay@all-star-renovations.com

Like us on Facebook
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4 Hot Kitchen Trends for 2014

Kitchen Changes for the New Year

Get your New Year kicked off right with that new kitchen you have always wanted!  We want to highlight some hot new trends in kitchen remodels for 2014 that we have pulled from the Zillow Digs Home Design Trend Report for 2014.  Consider having All-Star Home Renovations make your dream kitchen remodel at the Lake of the Ozarks a reality!

1.  Black Countertops. 

Looking to add sophistication to your kitchen this year?  Try black countertops with popular materials such as black granite and quartz.  For a tasteful yet dramatic look, use black granite that is honed or has a leather finish.  You can also expect to see these black counters paired with a lighter counter such as marble for contrast.  

2. Open Shelving.

Traditionally, people would try to hide their kitchenware in cabinets and drawers, but a new trend shows that open shelving is the way to go in 2014.  It is now considered fashionable to display everything from dishes to pots and pans to gourmet cooking spices and oils.  Be careful not to end up with a cluttered look, organize your kitchenware artistically.

3. Glass Front Cabinets.

For those of you who aren't quite ready for everyone to see your kitchenware, or maybe you still have some stuff that doesn't completely match, glass front cabinets are also trending.  Since the kitchen has become a gathering place for family and friends, presentation has become a priority.

4. Dark Paint Colors. 

Some of the most popular paint colors for 2014 include black, dark browns, dark red and copper tones.  However, since dark colors make a room feel smaller, limit yourself to painting an accent wall.  You could even consider painting the ceiling or floor.  A splash of color can really pull a room together and liven it up.




Not only are these trends going to be popular, but kitchens are at the top of the list for most likely to be remodeled in 2014.  The report by Zillow is based on what homeowners identify as trends, so you can update your kitchen with the confidence that your peers will love it.  For help with remodeling your kitchen at the Lake of the Ozarks, be sure to call All-Star Home Renovations for a free estimate!

Follow our blog for advice on remodels at the Lake of the Ozarks, minor home repairs and improvements, tips to improve the value of your home, and so much more.

All-Star Home Renovations serves the entire Lake of the Ozarks area. We can handle everything from your most complex home improvement and remodeling projects to the simplest.

All-Star Renovations has 25 years experience and is fully insured!

• Kitchen Remodels
• Bathroom Remodels
• Deck Additions
• Siding, Roofing, Windows & Doors
• Tile & Flooring Installation
• Screened Room Additions
• Custom Trim Finish Work
• ... and so much more!

Request a free estimate on your next project!

Serving the Entire Lake of the Ozarks Area

Adam : 573-286-2569
adam@all-star-renovations.com

Jay: 573-480-4757
jay@all-star-renovations.com

Like us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
Connect with us on LinkedIn

Follow us on Google+