It’s true: People don’t generally like the way grab bars look. The industrial feel of old-school grab bars brings to mind an institution of some sort. And so while it would make sense to install grab bars during any bathroom remodel, many homeowners don’t on account of the looks. These are from our friends at…
Wish your compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) worked better with dimmer switches? Your wish has been granted thanks to a product launched this week at the International Builders' Show. The Decora CFL Slide Dimmer –hitting stores next month — is made by Leviton Manufacturing, a 104-year-old company based in New York. Until now, even specially…
Here is a highly respected tool for determining the payback on your remodel. However, if you plan on living in your house for more than five years, you must factor in the quality of life increases as well as the payback on your investment. After all, is it a home where you live and shelter…
November 16, 2009 – NAHB Remodelers recently announced three winners of its third annual Homes for Life Award, recognizing exceptional remodeling work for aging in place and universal design. Sponsored by Best Bath Systems, the awards were presented at the NAHB Remodelers gala during the Remodeling Show in Indianapolis last month. Carole Ponzio, CGA, CAPS,…
Whole-house remodels get turned into serial projects Residential remodels are no longer those once-in-a-lifetime projects that keep homeowners dreaming years on end before they ever pick up a hammer. Instead, many homeowners opt to do a series of remodels as their schedules, budgets and lifestyles evolve over time, according to the National Association of the…
The remodeling industry is slow all over . . . except for in New Orleans, where rebuilding after Hurricane Katrina continues in full swing. Above you see a century-old home in the Holy Cross area of the Lower 9th Ward being restored by the Preservation Resource Center. In this throw-away world, it does the heart…
If you have found benefit in this site, would you consider being a supporter? The author of this site loves helping people puzzle through the process of remodeling. But doing this takes time and effort and skill. Without financial support, it cannot be sustained. If you like this site, you can show your appreciation by…
What recession? We who love our homes still seek to make them better. I was curious about what types of projects interest people these days, so I studied the Google searches that brought folks to Kathy's Remodeling Blog. From what I see, you are a curious group, in a good way. Here are some of…
Ever wish you could see through walls? This magical skill comes in handy when you're thinking of cutting into a wall or moving a wall or changing it in some major way. Soon enough, the thought will come: "We don't know what's inside that wall." For instance, where are pipes and electrical runs? Where are…
Reader Doug did due diligence, hired a respected and licensed contractor, and still had problems. In fact, he found himself giving the contractor direction on how to do the job right. Here's what Doug wrote: What I would like to know is, as a new homeowner who knew next to nothing about remodeling, and who…