Your bathroom is one of the most used places in your house. The bathtub in particular gets as much or more use than any appliance that you own. Everyone who lives in a home uses the bathtub on a regular basis. Replacing an entire tub can be costly. Maybe you should consider converting your tub into a shower stall or revamping it with a bathtub conversion kit.

Change your tub into a shower stall

This option gives the bathroom an entirely new look. It is also an excellent option if accessibility is an issue, since stepping over the edge of the tub can be difficult.

• Cut your current tub: Some people choose to cut a space out of the side of their tub. This makes stepping in and out easier and is the best option if your motivation for the conversion is to help family members who need easier access to the tub. With this option you may want to install some additional grip handles on the walls of the stall for extra support for your loved ones.
• Install a shower kit over top- Other people prefer to pick out a conversion kit that fits over the top of your current tub. These kits come in a variety of colors and styles. They can be applied directly over your current tub which makes the process a lot simpler than an all-out replacement. Both options are generally less expensive than replacing your tub.

Keep a bathtub

Once again you have options. The wide variety of options is one of the reasons that converting a bathtub can be a fun project. You can create a new look regardless of which option you choose. In this case you get to choose between

• Resurfacing your bathtub- Maybe you like the way your bathtub looks except for its color. Or maybe the old tub’s surface has worn away with use. Resurfacing your tub will fix either scenario. Remember that if you resurface yourself, you will be working with a variety of chemicals that need to be handled carefully. Precautions need to be taken so you are safe. Regardless of whether you do it or you hire a professional, resurfacing will make your tub look brand new and it will definitely feel smoother to the touch.
• Purchase a conversion kit- Just like with the shower stall conversion, there are kits that will fit over your tub, turning it into a new one. This option lets you change everything about the way your tub looks because you can choose from different styles and finishes (maybe you are tired of porcelain and want marble for instance). One appealing option is turning your traditional tub into a whirlpool tub. Having massaging jets in your tub will help you relax, or in some cases even recover.

You can look up pictures on the internet or go to your local hardware store to see what all of these choices actually look like. You have so many options when converting a bathtub that you will definitely be able to find the one that fits you best. As always, if you have any questions about how to install, or would like the job done professionally, we are ready to help at Handyman Connection. Good luck and happy remodeling!

Handyman Connection is proud to serve the home improvement and home repair needs of Tampa, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Lakeland, Orlando, Bradenton, Sarasota, Naples, Ft. Myers, Melbourne, Merritt Island & Titusville.

Updates to your home make it more comfortable while you are living in it and add value in the event that you want to sell or draw equity. You can change the entire look of a room and add durability to your floor with properly installed tile. Making the remodel decision is easier than actually installing the tile, but following the right steps simplifies the process.

1. Gather your tools- Here are some of the things you will need:

1. Scrapers
2. Wedging tool
3. Sandpaper
4. Spacers
5. Level
6. Chalk string
7. Tile cutter
8. Knee pads
9. Measuring tape
10. Sponge
11. Grout
12. Tiles
13. Tile cement

2. Prepare the area- The underlying floor itself will need some work. Remove any old adhesives that may be left from the previous floor. Sealing cracks in concrete may also be necessary. You want your floor to be level all the way across, so that your new tile floor will be even and last for years. Also be aware of parts of the room that will require you to cut tiles. Thinking about this during the preparation stage will make the work more efficient during installation.

3. Find the center- The exact center of your floor is where you will begin laying the tile. First measure the center points of the walls of the room. Then stretch your chalk string from wall to wall, stretched from center point to center point. Now “snap” it down and it will leave chalk lines giving you an accurate center point of the floor.

4. Do a practice run- Lay tiles down without any adhesive. Use your spacers and make sure that you like the look and that the center has actually been found. A dry run is important because it easy to fix mistakes when you haven’t used any adhesive.

5. Install the tile- Once your floor is prepped, you know where center is and you have completed your practice run it is time to get started. You will be working on one small section at a time. Space out the section you will be working from (starting from the center of the room of course) and apply your chosen adhesive. Then carefully place tiles in straight lines. Use your spacers to help keep your floor uniform. Work quickly so that the adhesive dries against the back of the tiles, but don’t go so fast that you lay the floor unevenly. The corners of the tiles should be next to each other to obtain the look you want for your finished floor. When laying the tiles, place them in a downward motion in the place you want them to be. Do not slide them or wiggle them into place. Place them gently, apply some pressure to spread the adhesive and move on to the next tile.

6. Lay the grout- After you have installed the individual tiles, you will need to let the adhesive set. Your best bet is to let the tile set for 24 hours before you begin grouting.

1. Start by removing the spacers you put down during installation.
2. Next vacuum the crevices between the tiles to remove any excess dirt or pieces of flaked adhesive.
3. Next mix your grout according to the instructions.
4. Spread the grout evenly over the open portions between the tiles. Make sure you are using enough to completely fill the gaps. Like with the tile installation, work in one section at a time.
5. Once you have spread the grout, use a damp sponge or cloth to wipe any grout that may be on the tile itself. Do this right away so that the grout does not have time to dry. You only want grout in between tiles, not on top of them.
6. Look over the whole floor when you are done grouting to make sure you have been consistent in all areas. This will be the best time to fix mistakes because once the grout sets it is very difficult to fix mistakes.

Consulting with a professional is a good idea before you begin any home improvement project. We are available to provide tips for projects you decide to undertake yourself. We can also reduce your workload and do the installation for you, ensuring a professional finish.

Handyman Connection is proud to serve the home improvement and home repair needs of Tampa, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Lakeland, Orlando, Bradenton, Sarasota, Naples, Ft. Myers, Melbourne, Merritt Island & Titusville.

If you’ve been shopping around for home remodeling or repairs, you may have noticed that most companies advertise that they are licensed or certified. But what does that actually mean, and what benefit does it afford homeowners? The licensure and certification process ensures that contractors are authorized to perform certain tasks in your area. There are multiple levels of certification that contractors can attain:

• City and County Licensure: Depending on the area, most cities require a contractor to hold a city license. Some counties may also have the same mandate. In Florida, contractors have the option of applying for state-wide certification, which allows them to complete work anywhere within Florida. This certification is more expensive and requires more documentation, so it is less common. In the state of Florida, consumers can search for contractors and find out whether they have proper licensure through the Department of Business and Professional Regulation.
• Proper Insurance: In the unlikely event of an accident, insurance protects you from unexpected expense and headache. A contractor’s insurance covers expenses incurred due to installation error, unforeseen damage, and other complications. In some cases the contractor may also be bonded. This is more common for contractors who take large jobs that require third-party financing, such as whole-house remodels.
• Job-Specific Licensure: In Florida, companies must hold separate licenses for expertise that requires specific training. For instance, contractors must obtain licensure for electrical work and asbestos abatement. Be sure that your contractor holds all the necessary licenses if multiple projects will be completed.

Other excellent measures of a contractor’s reliability include registration with the Better Business Bureau. The Better Business Bureau sets high standards for businesses and gives consumers and excellent resource for researching potential merchants and service providers.

Beyond the usual government requirements, a contractor may have earned local recognition for outstanding service or community involvement. Check out the contractor’s website to learn more. Any additional accolades indicate that a business has truly gone “above and beyond” what’s required, to deliver superlative products and service.

The certification and licensure process offers consumers basic protection against fraud and poor workmanship. The best contractors will go beyond the basics, obtaining extra credentials to earn their customers’ trust.

Home repairs and renovations represent a significant investment. That’s why choosing the right contractor is so important for any kind of home repair or remodeling. Savvy homeowners can save money—and ensure that their projects are done right—by carefully determining whom to trust with their homes. Follow these guidelines to ensure that your contractor or repair personnel are honest, qualified, and reasonably priced.

• Look for well-established businesses. When a business has operated in the same community for a long time, its reputation is at stake with every customer. Choose a contractor who has worked in your area for a long time and can provide local references for the kind of project you need done. Avoid contractors who have set up temporary offices in your area. These “fly-by-night” companies may not be licensed, or may take homeowners’ money and leave without completing the job.
• Get referrals for exceptional work. Did your neighbors just get a fantastic facelift for their kitchen? Ask who did the work, and be sure to inquire about how satisfied your neighbors were with the entire process, from bidding to clean-up. When it comes to home renovation and repair, “tried and true” is an excellent characteristic to look for in a contractor.
• Ask for a written estimate in advance. Reliable contractors can provide written estimates and explain what happens if that estimate changes during the course of the project. For instance, what happens if a routine plumbing repair reveals other unforeseen problems? Stay away from companies that charge a fee to assess your needs and provide an estimate.
• Take low-ball bids with a grain of salt. Many companies will give a really low estimate, then inflate the cost with surprise fees or labor after the project has begun. Don’t be a “sitting duck homeowner”—question excessively low bids, rather than accepting them at face value. Remember: quality work takes time and expertise, so “quick fixes” with little labor aren’t always the best approach to home repair.
• Find out about quality guarantees. Any reputable contractor will offer a long-term guarantee on the work. Ask what happens if you have a problem or complication the next day, the following week, or months after the work is done. If the contractor won’t guarantee the work, find someone else to do the job.
• Check on licensure. Getting the proper certifications takes time, money….and expertise. Obtaining proper licensure shows that a contractor is committed to his craft and dedicated to doing things right. Call Florida’s Department of Business and Professional Regulation to find out if your prospective contractor has earned the necessary licensure to operate in your area.

Ultimately choosing a contractor or repairman is all about finding someone whom you can trust with your home. The right contractor will be honest, straightforward, and direct about every aspect of your home repair.