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

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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

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7 Remodeling Projects to Get Your Home Ready to Sell

Add Value to Your Home by Remodeling

Are you thinking about selling your house in 2014?  Does it maybe need a little work before its ready to present to the market?  We have put together a list of remodeling projects that will add value to your home and help you make a better return on your investment when you sell it next year!

Kitchen Remodel.

The kitchen is one of the most important rooms in the house and what better way to make an impression than with a brand new, updated kitchen!  Choosing laminate over granite can save you money, but still allow for an updated look.  Avoid custom cabinets or consider just resurfacing the ones you have.  Replacing the sink and faucets is also another simple way to add value to your kitchen.  Consider adding an island, if you don't already have one for extra counter space.  Durable floors are also a must for a new kitchen. For a remodeling estimate in Lake of the Ozarks, call All-Star!

Bathroom Remodel.

One project that is typically long overdue would be a bathroom remodel.  Whether its something minor like needing more room to move around or a little more major like mold behind the shower walls, a new bathroom will make your home stand out.  Simple maintenance repair is a great place to start, fix a leaking faucet or toilet.  Be careful not to get too trendy, because your bathroom can become outdated quickly and prospective buyers don't want that.  Many people don't have time for baths anymore, so the big whirlpool tubs that take up a bunch of room, are being replaced with large walk-in showers.  Also, you may want to consider adding a bathroom on; older homes have a lot of charm, but often don't have adequate bathroom space for the amount of bedrooms.  

Replacing the Siding. 

When choosing what type of siding to use, keep in mind the neighborhood you are in.  If your neighbors all have vinyl, then vinyl might be the best choice.  Both non-foam and foam backed vinyl get about the same return, but the foam back costs a lot more.  Fiber-cement siding is a stylish choice for a more upscale community.  

Adding a Wood Deck. 

A deck is a great way to create a smooth transition from the home to the outdoors.  A small deck with a little bench and planter is great or if you have a larger house, a large deck for grilling and entertaining may be ideal.

Attic or Basement Remodel. 

People need more and more room these days, whether its for company coming to visit or rooms for hobbies. Turning the attic into an extra bedroom or remodeling the basement can add more space and more value to your home.  Converting unused space into an additional living area is less expensive than an addition and doesn't take up any of your yard space.

Updating Electrical and Plumbing. 

Electrical and Plumbing are two of the most important things about your house.  If there is an issue with either, the buyer will most likely ask you to fix them or lower your price.  To eliminate this problem, fix these items before you put it on the market; your house will be more attractive to buyers if they don't have to worry about those types of issues.  Buyers are more interested in having a home that functions properly, than having a brand new bathroom or kitchen.

Outside Maintenance. 

Last, but definitely not least, make your home inviting from the outside.  The exterior of your home is the first impression that people get when looking to buy.  If the outside is a mess, they may not even care to take a look inside.  New siding would be a great start, but also consider replacing the front door and maybe the windows.  These will both look good inside and out.  Switching from a wood door to a steel door requires less maintenance.  One thing to keep in mind, is that you actually lose more heat from cracks in the door frame than through the actual door, so you can choose a door based on aesthetics rather than energy-efficiency.   Replacing street facing garage doors also boosts curb appeal for very little money.

There are many projects from small to large that you can do to improve the value of your home.  Talk with your neighbors and real estate agents to see what people are looking for specifically in your area. And if you are remodeling at the Lake of the Ozarks, call All-Star to get these projects 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
Follow us on Twitter
Connect with us on LinkedIn

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Cure Your Winter Blues with these 5 Home Improvement Projects

Fun, Easy Projects to Keep You Entertained

Is the thought of being stuck inside all winter driving you crazy?  As the days get shorter and the temperature gets colder, many people start to experience what many like to call the "winter blues." The Sioux City Journal has some great home improvement projects to keep you entertained this cold, winter season!

1. Create Walls that Wow.

With a splash of paint, some modern trim work and crown molding, you can create a whole new look to your room without doing a complete renovation.  Winter is the perfect time to add a fresh coat of paint to your walls because the dryness of the winter months allow the paint to dry faster.  Try a new, bold color or even use painter's tape to create designs.  Wallpaper is making a comeback and would be a great alternative to painting.  Another popular trend is replacing typical baseboards with ones that are at least five inches wide.  You can really bring some life back into a room with custom trim and crown molding projects.

2. Add a Splash of Personality to Your Kitchen.

Adding a backsplash is the perfect way to spice up  your kitchen Home Depot even offers do-it-yourself workshops to prepare you for this easy, winter weekend project.  Installation of tile is relatively simple, but can be tedious which is where the peel and stick tiles come in handy.  Not only do these tiles save you time, but they eliminate a lot of the mess.  Two important things to keep in mind are to take the time to prepare and lay out a template so you don't get irregular lines or extra gaps, and to clean off any extra grout, because once its dry, its almost impossible to get off.  And if you aren't up for the challenge, you can call All-Star Home Renovations to help with your home improvement projects at the Lake of the Ozarks.  

3. Lighten Up Your Rooms.

Another easy, affordable way to add style to your room is with new lights, lamps or ceiling fans. New lights are perfect to accent kitchen and bathroom renovations, while ceiling fans are great to help save on your energy bill because they can push the heat back down.  LED-style lights and dimmer switches also provide money-saving options, while allowing the homeowners to customize the ambiance of the room.  Another emerging trend is Steampunk, which is a cross between vintage and industrial designs.  But a crystal chandelier is still a timeless choice if you are looking for that softer feel.  When installing and dealing with electrical issues, its best to hire a professional such as All-Star Home Renovations so that you know the job is done right.  You definitely don't want your ceiling fans loose or wobbly.

4. Turn Dull Doors into Classy Decor.

Sometimes the things you use the most are the home improvement projects that can go unnoticed. After a closer look, you may notice scratches, cracks, old hinges and outdated styles that are now hard to miss.  Replacing your interior doors with unique or more modern ones is an inexpensive alternative to a complete remodel.  Some options that many people don't think about include double doors, a more functional and attractive alternative to sliding doors and bi-fold doors, and French-style doors which can add natural light and architectural detail to a space.  Another big thing right now is updating the hinges and doorknobs with more modern colors such as brushed nickel or aged bronze. Although you can replace doors yourselves, sometimes the task becomes bigger than expected.  Most jobs involve cutting, trimming and shaping the door to size, and sometimes even replacing the molding.  In this case, sometimes its better to hire a professional such as All-Star Home Renovations.          

5. Take Your Bathroom from Drab to Fab.

For a more ambitious project, turn your boring bathroom into a spa retreat.  If you just want to replace a faucet, re-grout the tile or repaint, you can probably easily do it yourself.  But for those larger projects such as replacing the tub or adding tile floor, call All-Star Home Renovations for your bathroom remodel at the Lake of the Ozarks.  Although it is a bigger investment, a complete remodel might be worth considering.  Many older homes were not built using mold-resistant drywall, so that's one of the best places to start.  You also want to make sure the plumbing is done right, because once the walls are closed up, a leak can go unnoticed for a longtime and cause serious damage.  If you are going to make the investment of upgrading your bathroom, its better to do it right the first time.    

When deciding where to start on your home improvement projects, keep in mind those that will increase your property value, save you money on your electric bill and bring a smile to your face. And remember if you need some help with your home improvements at Lake of the Ozarks, All-Star has you covered.  From kitchens to bathrooms, we can handle any home remodeling project you throw our way!  

For the full Sioux City Journal article, click here: http://siouxcityjournal.com/places/offers/home-improvement-projects-guaranteed-to-cure-the-winter-blues/article_20ecd280-6802-11e3-845a-001a4bcf887a.html

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+