Having a stylish and functional bathroom can really make a difference in your home. Bathroom remodeling can become a big project so why not sit back, relax and let Handyman Connection Florida create the perfect bathroom that you’ve been dreaming of through our bathroom remodeling services! Here are a few ways that Handyman Connection can upgrade your bathroom.

• Lighting – Having a well lit bathroom can be the difference between a drab and a fab bathroom. Chandeliers, dimmer switches, fan/light combos are just a few of the many ways that your bathroom lighting can be upgraded.
• Shower or Tub – A luxurious shower or tub is not as farfetched as you might think. Handyman Connection can upgrade your bathing experience through their extensive bathroom remodeling services. If you’ve been wishing for a Jacuzzi tub or stand up shower with clear glass doors you can have it!
• Sink and Vanity – While we all learned how to share when we were young, when it comes to hygiene sometimes sharing is not the best. If you’ve ever wished for dual master sinks or your own medicine cabinet, Handyman Connection and help. Whether you are looking for granite or acrylic countertops, vessel sinks, eco friendly hands free technology or any other specialty bathroom remodeling services then look no further.

Any kind of remodeling job for your home can be stressful and overbearing. Choosing to let a professional from Handyman Connection help through their extensive bathroom remodeling services can put your mind at ease. Contact us today to schedule a free estimate!

Were you planning on hosting a holiday party this year that you cancelled because you felt like your house couldn’t accommodate guests? Even a smaller home can be used for entertaining; it might just take a little remodeling. If you do want to do more entertaining, then you should incorporate this desire into your home renovation plans. Each room can be tweaked a bit to better accommodate guests.

The Kitchen

• Add an island- Having an island installed can be great for entertaining and for family use. It gives you a little extra counter space when you are getting your party appetizers ready and then converts into a place to serve food or a bar when your party starts.
• Keep it open- This rule will apply to all of your rooms. If you strategically place counters in ways that allow traffic, your kitchen will allow you more mobility and space for friends to collect and talk. Larger open kitchens have become more popular over the past several years, because the kitchen isn’t just for cooking anymore.
• Appliances- You might want to think about new appliances if you are renovating to entertain. You might need a larger refrigerator or a unit with a larger icemaker, maybe even a wine chiller to stock your favorites. You will want to consider these items when you are planning out cabinets and the layout of the kitchen.

The Living Room

• Open it up- Again, open spaces accommodate more guests. If you have a wall dividing your common areas, you might want to have it taken down. Avoid putting bookshelves or large entertainment centers near walkways. They will stifle traffic and cause backups. Having shelving built directly into walls can be a good way to store your things and eliminate large furniture. Shelving like this can easily be added during remodeling.
• Add seating- A house built for entertaining needs plenty of places to sit. These places should be comfortable and allow multiple people to take a load off and enjoy each other’s company. Having two or three seating areas in a large living room makes this common area a great place for a party.
• Provide access to other rooms- If your current living room is in a corner of the house or otherwise off on its own, you might want to consider repurposing it. Maybe use a more central dining room that connects to the kitchen and/or outside exit. This will allow party traffic to move freely throughout the house and give people multiple rooms, instead of trapping everyone in one confined area of the house. If you lose your dining room, consider a breakfast nook in the kitchen for family dining or purchase a dining room table that easily retracts or folds for storage during your events.

Take it outside

• Use the patio- Florida weather can be great for evening parties in the summer or anytime parties when it cools off a bit. Think about how nice a cocktail party on a screened in patio that has some contemporary outdoor tile could be. This remodeling idea can help you throw birthday parties for the kids in Naples or casual dinner parties for a select group of friends in Bradenton.
• Take it poolside- If your home has a pool, then you are ready for summertime parties. Birthday parties for the kids or a family-friendly Fourth of July barbecue beg for some poolside renovations. Try adding some pavers if your pool deck is smaller, to provide more space for people or even an outdoor table.

Every house has potential. With some planning and the advice of an expert, you can turn your house into an entertaining Mecca with some strategic renovations. Just think about what kind of parties you want to host and focus on the rooms that best accommodate them. If you would like some advice we would love to help; just call (800) 884-2639.

Sources:

Eplans.com

Building Materials 365

Renovator’s Place

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Walls do more than break an open house into rooms; they play a very important role in the overall look of the home. A room can go from bland to brilliant with a few strokes of a paint brush or an afternoon of properly putting up wallpaper. You can surround yourself with your favorite colors, patterns and even images by way of finishing your walls. While both paint and wallpaper can do the trick, many people find themselves wondering which option is better.

As much as personal preference plays a role in any home renovation decision, there are some differences to consider between the two media.

• Ease of installation- Paint tends to win this argument hands down. Even a novice remodeler can effectively paint a wall. While this does not take texturing or painting patterns into account, spreading paint is considerably easier than the process of putting up wallpaper that is straight and free of air bubbles.
• Intricate design- Wallpaper takes the cake here. While you can absolutely paint intricate designs, it is far simpler to pick out a wallpaper pattern that you like. You literally have hundreds to choose from.
• Modern look- While this is the most debatable point we will make, we are choosing paint as the winner in this category. Many people associate wallpaper and their grandparents’ house. This is important to keep in mind–regardless of your personal opinion–if you are remodeling to help sell your home. A potential buyer might be turned off by what they perceive as an outdated look.
• Ease of replacement- Once again paint wins the battle. While dark paints may take several layers of primer, properly changing wallpaper is more time consuming and difficult. It is possible to wallpaper or even paint over existing wallpaper, but this is not recommended. Having multiple layers on your wall can lead to air bubbles in the future.
• Longevity- Wallpaper easily wins the longevity argument. Paint needs to be touched up every few years, while quality wallpaper can easily last a decade or more. The only question becomes whether you are happy with having the exact same walls for a decade plus.
• Cost- Up front paint is considerably less expensive than wallpaper. While there is an argument for wallpaper’s longevity (bringing its total cost down), paint is still generally less expensive. Think about it like this: you buy wallpaper by the square foot and paint by the gallon.

While this is an unofficial set of guidelines, we have paint winning the competition 4-2. Our guidelines took aesthetics, functionality and monetary factors into account so by our decision-making process the choice is easy. As we said, your own personal tastes may value aesthetics more than other factors, so some people will choose wallpaper and there is nothing wrong with that. In the end you should be happy with your walls.

If you have any questions about your options when it comes to finishing off your walls or need a helping hand in getting the job done feel free to visit us online.

Sources:

Searchwarp.com

Remodeling Geeks

Do It Yourself.com

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New floors can be good home renovations for a number of reasons. They can change the entire look of a room, add value and make you, the homeowner, happier. Many people opt out of carpet and tile and decide that they want wood floors….or at least floors that look and act like wood. The question then becomes whether you should choose laminate flooring or hardwood. The two products are similar to one another, but do have some distinguishing characteristics.

To begin it is useful to define exactly what the two products are.

• Hardwood Flooring- The name is pretty self-explanatory here. Hardwood flooring is made purely out of pieces of wood. Engineered hardwood is a more recently available option that has a pure wood top layer built over interwoven pieces of either pure wood or a wood product similar to particle board.
• Laminate Flooring- This flooring option is usually comprised of a very thin piece of wood that has a standard print glued onto it that gives it the appearance of natural wood. This thin piece is then finished with a protective seal and glued onto a very dense frame, which creates a sturdy product that “looks like” wood.

Both flooring options will give you a smooth floor. Both flooring options are relatively easy to clean and do not hold dust and/or dander like carpet does. You can also obtain both types of flooring in a wide array of natural colors. There are some differences that you will need to consider.

• Purchase Price- Laminate is by and large less expensive than hardwood. It is difficult to quote exact pricing, but you are sure to save a considerable amount of money (especially from a percentage standpoint) up front if you choose laminate.
• Durability- This is a two-pronged issue.
  • When it comes to product life, hardwood lasts longer. If it is properly maintained, hardwood lasts considerably longer than laminate. This causes some hardwood fans to argue that in the end hardwood is less expensive than laminate.
  • When it comes to wear and tear, laminate tends to win the argument. Laminate is generally more resistant to scratching (think kids, pets and dragging furniture) and staining (again, kids and pets)
• Aesthetics- Hardwood usually wins this argument. People feel that hardwood looks better than laminate. Hardwood will have natural grain running through it to give it character, while laminate will have the same pattern repeated every few feet. Having said that, aesthetic decisions are up to you–it’s your house, right!?
• Remodeling- Hardwood definitely wins this argument. Natural hardwood can be sanded and refinished (read as “change the color and make it look and feel new”) several times, while engineered hardwood can usually be refinished once or twice. Laminate is a set product, so what you buy is what you get forever.
• Installation- If you are a do-it-yourselfer, laminate is considered to be easier to install. The pieces snap together simply and are easy to cut to fit your room(s). Regardless of the flooring product that you choose, you will have to careful during installation; improperly installed flooring can bow or buckle over time, ruining the look of the floor regardless of what it is made of.

Whatever your final choice, you can rest assured that you can have a quality floor installed in your home. Your personal thoughts on each factor, as well as your needs and budget, will all play a role in helping you decide which type of flooring will ultimately go down in your house.

Sources:

Floorfacts.com

Hardwood Floors 101

Reliable Remodeler

Professor’s House

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When people think home renovation they tend to think about projects that can improve the inside of the house. But don’t forget how much you can enjoy the outside! Sitting outside on a pleasant summer evening can be very relaxing. Reading and even watching the kids play are all good reasons to go outside. But who wants to stand in the yard the whole time? Not us, that’s why we recommend the addition of a patio. Add a table and some chairs and you now have an outside dining area that will give you a change of pace and let you enjoy other areas of your property. But how exactly do you go about putting in a patio?

Surface Materials

First thing pick the materials that you want the base to be made of. Keep in mind that each type of material has a different look and price, both of which are important factors in deciding

• Concrete- Can be poured by a novice or a professional. It’s often your least expensive option.
• Outdoor Tile- Just like indoor varieties, there are a lot of options and look and price change with the options.
• Stone Veneer- A synthetic product, it is made in factories. Again there are a variety of looks.
• Pavers- Another factory produced option, you can choose from many sizes and colors.
• Brick- One of the oldest building materials in use besides stone. You can choose between contemporary and antique bricks depending upon what you are looking for and your budget.
• Stone- The most natural option. It can get pricy depending on which type of stone you like the best.

Other Supplies

• Shovel (square head shovel)

• Rocks (for all surface materials except cement)
• Sand (for all surface materials except cement)
• Sledge Hammer
• Hose
• Broom
• Wood Boards
• Measuring Tape
• Level
• Once you have gathered your building materials you are ready to get started.

1. Set the base- Decide where you want your patio to be. Clear the area of sod and debris. Dig down at least 6” to prepare for the foundation. Then use your wood boards to surround the area, this is your frame.
2. Lay the foundation- Once you have your frame, lay down the rocks and then pour the dirt over it. Use the shovel to level off the dirt, make sure your surface is flat. This will be your foundation. Allow the foundation to settle overnight.
3. Install the surface- If you chose concrete, your next step is to mix and pour the concrete and then level it. Most often people choose one of the other surface materials. If you did, now you will begin laying your pieces. Start in one of the corners. Lay the surface material so it is evenly spaced and level. The pieces should be separated but close together. (You can incorporate a pattern but for first timers we suggest sticking to this easier method.) Take plenty of breaks to use your level to ensure a smooth surface as you work. Press down firmly as you lay the material so it can begin to set.
4. Finishing- Once you have laid an even surface, pour some dirt over top, make sure it fills in between the cracks. Use a broom to sweep the dirt off the surface and into the cracks. Use the hose to gently spray water over the new patio, this will allow the dirt to compact between the surface pieces and help them stay together. After letting the patio set for a day, remove the wood frame.

Now you have a basic patio! Buy some patio furniture and enjoy the new addition to your yard. Let us know if you have any questions. 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.

Hurricane season is in full swing, and now is the time to protect your home in case of severe weather.  One of the most effective ways to protect your home—and your family—is with storm or hurricane shutters.  Properly installed hurricane shutters protect against flying debris, prevent water damage, and even help maintain the integrity of your roof. 

Who needs storm shutters?

Anyone who lives in an area that could be affected by severe storms should invest in hurricane shutters.  In Florida, that means virtually anyone living on the peninsula, since hurricanes have been known to cross the state, affecting areas far from the coast.  Even if you live in an evacuation area, it’s still important to protect your home and possessions with hurricane shutters.

Why do I need hurricane shutters?

Hurricane shutters prevent debris from coming through a window.  In addition to protecting family members from injury, storm shutters also prevent broken windows—and the water damage that can result as rain comes through broken windows.  Meanwhile, broken windows can let in wind and produce extra pressure on the walls and ceiling of a home, causing walls to buckle or the roof to give way.

Usually I just tape my windows. Isn’t that enough?

Tape does not protect against broken windows.  It simply holds the broken glass together.  Meanwhile, as the adhesive gets hot in the sun over time, it can become extremely difficult to remove.  If you must leave a window shutter-free (for instance as an emergency exit), consider covering it with protective film. 

When should I install storm shutters?

Ideally, shutters should be installed during home construction.  Since this usually doesn’t happen, the next best option is to install shutters prior to the onset of severe weather.  Don’t wait until a Hurricane Watch is issued, because most home repair companies will be extremely busy and it may be difficult to get someone to install the shutters in time.    

Can I install hurricane shutters myself?

Depending on the kind of shutters you choose, you may be able to install them yourself.  More cumbersome shutters, such as those made of steel or those with an automatic mechanism, should be installed by a professional.

Where can I find a trustworthy professional to install my shutters?

First check with friends and family, or call the local Better Business Bureau to find a reputable independent contractor.  Most importantly, be sure to select a contractor who has all the proper licenses.  During storm season, dishonest repairmen tend to pop up, since so many people are looking for work done in a hurry. 

What kind of shutters are best?

Steel hurricane shutters offer the most protection, but they are also the most expensive and difficult to install.  Aluminum provides a satisfactory alternative, although they do not always meet building code.  Consider your family’s needs when choosing shutters.  Older adults may prefer hurricane shutters that have an automatic mechanism or accordion design.  If money is tight, carefully measure plywood to fit the inside of each window.   

Installing sturdy hurricane shutters is a critical step in hurricane preparedness.  Protect your home, property, and family with durable shutters that can withstand the elements. 

Sources:

http://www.aoml.noaa.gov/hrd/shutters/index1.html

http://www.aoml.noaa.gov/hrd/shutters/index3.html

Embarking on a home improvement or renovation project can be both exciting and daunting: in addition to improving the look and functionality of your home, you’re also required to trust relative strangers with your most valuable asset. That’s why it’s so important to choose a contractor carefully. Using an unlicensed contractor can have serious consequences.

Why Look for the License

Although many contractors without proper licensure may be perfectly competent and honest, using an unlicensed contractor places the homeowner at the risk of assuming undue liability. For instance, if the contractor or one of his employees is injured on a homeowner’s property, the contractor can sue the homeowner for damages.

Meanwhile, unlicensed contractors often cut corners by neglecting to pull proper permits or asking the homeowner to pull them. Either way, the homeowner assumes all responsibility for both improperly filed paperwork and any code violations. If another person’s property (say, the neighbor’s lawn) is damaged, the homeowner would also be financially responsible.

These liabilities may seem like a stretch, but they are not as rare as homeowners might think. Furthermore, unlicensed contractors often do not complete a job correctly—or at all. They may not have the necessary expertise to finish a project right, or they may even take your deposit and skip town. One common problem is that they fail to “finish the job” the way the homeowner expected. For example, after replacing pipes, they may not patch the holes in the walls.

Spotting an Unlicensed Contractor

During the contractor selection process, homeowners can look for signs that a contractor may not carry the proper credentials:

• Cheap or free marketing tactics, such as local flyers or placing business cards on community bulletin boards
• Extremely low bids, especially fixed-price estimates that don’t require the contractor to visit your home or determine the true scope of the project
• Demanding the entire price of the project in advance, which is common for people who plan to “take the money and run”
• Producing only an occupancy or out-of-state license, neither of which are valid in Florida
• Saying that they are working “under” someone else’s license, which is only applicable for legitimate employees of the same company
• Displaying only a PO Box or having a long-distance phone number, indicating a potential “fly-by-night” operation

Sticking with licensed contractors gives homeowners the most protection—and the best guarantees of craftsmanship. For your next home repair or renovation project, look for a licensed contractor who has an excellent track record within your community.

Homeowners who may want to sell their home in the coming years will probably continue to face a tough market. One option for improving a home’s appeal—and increasing the resale value—is remodeling. Meanwhile, these projects also enhance a home’s livability. Each year, Remodeling magazine publishes statistics on the return on investment (ROI) that homeowners can expect from different remodeling projects, based on where they live. The ten projects below give the most bang for your remodeling buck!

1. Entry door replacement: Invest in an attractive steel door for the front of your home, and enjoy an average 128.9% return. Why so high? The entryway is usually the focal point of the house, so this project improves curb appeal and can also offer extra security.
2. Converting the attic to a bedroom: Add a functional bedroom with closet space and a full bathroom, for an 83.1% ROI. For this statistic, Remodeling looked at bedrooms that were at least 15 x 15 and used eave space for extra storage.
3. Adding a wooden deck: Enjoy the outdoors year round—and recoup about 80% of your money with a wooden deck. Composite decks also less return, around 71%. Lesson: stick with high quality materials for this outdoor project.
4. Replace vinyl siding: Like replacing the door, putting in new siding can significantly improve a home’s appearance. Return on siding replacement averages 79.9%. Stick with neutral colors for the best return and overall appeal.
5. Minor kitchen remodeling: Give an already-functional kitchen a facelift with new laminate countertops, energy-efficient stove and range, and fresh paint, and enjoy about 78.3% return. A minor kitchen remodel maintains the same structure, but improves appearance.
6. Install new wooden windows: New windows not only give your home a “fresh face,” but they can also improve energy efficiency. Home buyers reward that investment, and this project garners a 77.3% ROI.
7. Install new vinyl windows: Vinyl windows closely follow wooden ones for adding value, with a 76.6% return. The trim color on the windows should complement the siding, and neutral shades are generally the best bet.
8. Remodel the basement: Although this option isn’t common in Florida, it is a popular renovation elsewhere in the South Atlantic region—likely because it pays off about 75% of the homeowner’s investment. To qualify, the basement must be finished and air conditioned/heated.
9. Major kitchen remodel: With a 72.1% return, a major kitchen remodel can be worth the investment, particularly if you plan in staying in the home and enjoying the added functionality for a while before you sell. A major remodel entails ripping out existing cabinets, changing the layout of the kitchen, and new appliances.
10. Redo the bathroom: Use quality materials like tile and porcelain for a higher-end, finished look in the bathroom. Couple that with the finishing touches, like new faucets and towel racks, and enjoy a 71% return on your investment.

The key to maximizing your home improvement dollars is to do the job right the first time. Start with durable materials that will add to the home’s appearance, and don’t forget the details like paint, molding, and baseboards!