My husband and I want to remodel our kitchen and would like to plan for the time and costs. How long did your kitchen remodel take and were there unexpected expenses you hadn't counted for that came up? Were you happy with the outcome of the kitchen based on what you spent?

It took 3 months….. we did it ourselves and it cost 27,000$ Canadian….

Unexpected expenses: wiring that was no longer any good, having to buy more tiles, redoing the floor base to make it smooth for the new tiles (because pulling up the old ones ruined the floor underneath) and having to make a new countertop instead of just being able to relaminate the old one (the wood underneath the old laminate was rotting).

Yes… very happy with the outcome! We have just sold the house… paid it 133 500.00$ just over 5 years ago…. just sold it for 279 500.00$… I'd say that definitely covers the cost of the kitchen renovation!

Posted in: Kitchen Remodelling | Comments(3)

Why? I was also wondering why the light fittings might be covered up with a sheet of perspex?

Usually stainless steel for hygiene purposes, as it can be cleaned with very hot water and cleaning fluids. The lights are covered with perspex for safety, if the bulbs break for any reason the perspex shield will catch it and protects the bulb from accidental breakage.

Posted in: Kitchen Equipment | Comments(5)

I’ve got the pots and pans and now I need knives! I don’t really want the whole block set, just a good paring knife and a couple of chef’s knives. I know that good ones are expensive but I also know that just because it’s expensive it doesn’t mean that it’s good. Any advice and good brands and kinds to get would be great!

I love my Kitchenaid set. It comes with a sharpener, and it makes my knives cut like new.

Also, Rachael Ray has a line of knives sold at Kohls (and maybe some other stores).

Posted in: Kitchen Accessories | Comments(5)

I am decorating my kitchen in the Eiffel Tower theme. I have plates and things for my dining area; however, I am having a difficult time finding kitchen items - such as: a cookie (or treat) jar, dish towels (black & creme or white), pot holders…things like these that would normally be on display in a kitchen, only with the Paris theme. Any help that you can give will be greatly appreciated!!!! Thanks!

http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fie%3DUTF8%26rs%3D1055398%26keywords%3DEiffel%2520Tower%26rh%3Di%253Aaps%252Ck%253AEiffel%2520Tower%252Ci%253Agarden%252Cn%253A1055398%252Cn%253A284507&tag=mariesmanor0b-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325

http://girlsthemebedrooms.com/parisian/French-style-oohlala-decorating-ideas.html

Posted in: Kitchen Accessories | Comments(3)

I am wanting to remodel the entire bathroom. Is it okay to just do the floors and new sink cabinet, etc and then wait until later to do the tub surround area? There is also a half wall between the toilet and tub area that will probably come down during second phase. Or is it better to do it all at the same time? Why?
the tub will be replaced and I do have a second bathroom to use.

Consider the entire project for a moment. Understand that you will have a lot of things torn open, removing the flooring, the sink cabinet, etc. Wouldn't it be easier to do it all at once instead of possibly damaging your new floor or sink cabinet while trying to remove the old tub surround later? Also think about the mess, two messes instead of one. Not to mention your tools and all the materials, you will basically be doing things twice. If you are hiring someone, it could cost you a lot more to have them come back.

It's always best, if you can afford it and if you have the time and resources, to do the entire project at one time.

I hope this helps…..

rentahandyman@yahoo.com

Posted in: Bathroom Remodelling | Comments(20)

We have a tiny walk- through bathroom (one door in my bedroom, the other in the family room) that my husband and I want to remodel ourselves. Are there any online sites were you can design your own bathroom with a given dimension?

Try DIY or maybe this old house. They may not have exact dimensions but will have great ideas and how to find out what you'll need. Good luck.Usually just cosmetic changes make a big difference. Like changing colors with paint, changing knobs, mirrors, shower curtains and ruga as well as the shower curtain. Maybe even the faucets. Good luck.

Posted in: Bathroom Remodelling | Comments(5)

I'm trying to fin something to buy my parents for christmas and I'm stuck.
However, there bathroom isn't themed at all. It's a mixture of blues, flowers, water animals, pearl white, off-yellow, etc.
So would it be ok to buy them a theme for their bathroom like a shower curton, toilet seat, toothbrush holder, floor rug, etc. or is the thought of pulling a toilet seat out as a christmas present just not good?

Thanks for you help…

As long as you know their tastes enough to be sure they'll like the theme you pick I think it would be a great gift. I think it would be fun to open a gift like that!

Posted in: Bathroom Accessories | Comments(9)

Where in Singapore can I find a lot of bathroom accessories shops that sell towel rails? Those where you can put your clothes and hang your towels on.
What is the 'beyond' department?

go "IMM" to look for those shops.

Posted in: Bathroom Accessories | Comments(6)