5 great tips for a bathroom remodel, and other links

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We’ve said time and again that one of the most cost-effective remodeling decisions is to embark on a small to medium-sized bathroom remodel.

If you are in need of a little inspiration, the Huffington Post has put together a list of 5 great ideas for your next bathroom remodel:

1.     Adding light, especially natural light, can take a bathroom to the next level.

2.     Boosting storage space can cut down on clutter and give bathrooms a sleek look.

3.     Hiding the toilet adds another level of privacy, and puts the focus on other parts of the bathroom.

4.     Adding something bold, like a funky tile, vanity or shower head, adds a unique flavor to the bathroom.

5.     Adding natural stone gives the bathroom a classic, elegant look.

If you are looking to remodel somewhere else, U.S. News & World Report has a list of ten easy remodeling projects every homeowner should tackle now.

Some of our favorites include updating your kitchen, installing new lighting or plumbing fixtures, redoing your entryway, and improving your outdoor space.

Whether you are going big or looking at something on a smaller scale, MK Remodeling & Design has the expertise and experience to make your remodeling goals come to life.

Have a good week!

The case against DIY remodeling

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The old adage goes that if you want something done right, it’s best to just do it yourself. When it comes to home remodeling, that might not be the case.

In a world of YouTube tutorials, Pinterest pages, and home-improvement shows making home projects look downright easy, many people are beginning to think they can handle the hard work. And most of them are learning they are wrong.

The Tennessean has a great article on weighing your options on a DIY remodel, and it preaches an abundance of caution.

Safety comes first, and as the article notes, most people embarking on an extensive DIY remodel are not familiar with the tools they will be using. Power tools aren’t something that can be immediately mastered, and people have gotten seriously hurt.

Additionally, power tools are expensive and homeowners will struggle to justify their price tags for a one-time use, the article says.

Professionals are also good at trouble-shooting any problems that may arise during a project. Chances are the pros have seen the issue before and are equipped to deal with it. That’s not the case with homeowners taking on a project for the first time.

Getting behind schedule might lead a first-time remodeler to take ill-advised shortcuts, which can lead to trouble down the road. This problem is seen time and again in a lot of the projects we handle at MK Remodeling & Design. Remember: It’s much cheaper to do it right the first time than to constantly dig yourself out of trouble.

A good rule of thumb is to not take on a project that requires any licensing, the article says. Plumbing, electrical, and structural projects can have catastrophic results if they are not done correctly. Hiring a remodeler and designer will yield the best results.

Give the article a read and let us know what you think.

Have a good week!

Remodeling for our furry friends, and other hot links

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If you’re like us, the king or queen of your domain probably has four legs and a tail.

In our previous post, we mentioned the importance of factoring in every resident’s opinion while going through a remodel. One group you might not have thought of is our furry, four-legged residents.

More homeowners are considering their pets when they decide to renovate their homes. Callen, a Wisconsin construction company, serves up a few ideas for improving your pets’ lifestyle.

Building a pet-washing station in your garage adds convenience and style building a doggie door into an existing closet can make a cozy resting place for your pooch, and incorporating an elevated feeding station into a kitchen remodel will add comfort to your pets and might cut down on messes.

If you’re thinking about building for your animals or yourself, it pays to have a plan. Benzinga.com outlines their three steps to success: Provide an honest assessment of your budget, consider hiring a professional, and realize that any project will take time and patience.

Keeping these three things in mind will help you avoid stress. Speaking of avoiding stress, Hamlethub.com has an article about how to take the worrying out of remodeling once you’ve decided to go through with a project.

Among our favorite tips are have a clear vision, go for great value and not for cheap, and use an end-to-end remodeling company. As the article notes, having one team handle the project from the designing to the building takes a lot of the worrying out of the equation.

Wait a second. Remodeling … design … I think I know someone who does that!

Have a good week!