By Penny Stine Friday, March 9, 2012

We have been remodeling our master bathroom for about a month. When I say we, I should clarify: It doesnt include me. Although I did go with the tile guy to choose the tile, I havent done much beyond that. Not only am I totally unqualified to do anything remotely handy, Im having a hard time getting excited about bathroom choices.

At the home improvement store, I had to admit to my husband that I didnt care about the light fixtures. That doesnt mean Im not grateful that were doing the remodel or indifferent to the process, it just means that I have no strong preference regarding toilets, lights or cabinetry.

Our bathroom was at the point where anything would have been an improvement. Seriously. ANYTHING. There was no one feature that was terribly wrong with the room, but there wasnt anything right about it, either. Our house was built in the 1970s, and although the 70s are known for good music and weird clothing, it wasnt an era in which they were building classic homes. When we bought the house, it came with avocado fixtures in one bathroom, blue fixtures in another and off-white carpet in both.

We replaced the avocado toilet years ago, along with the carpeting in bathrooms frequented by teenage boys. Replacing the blue toilet and carpeting in the master bathroom never seemed like an urgent priority. Then we noticed the faucet in the shower had a permanent drip, the carpet had turned from off-white to grungy-gray and we realized the bathroom had outlived its useful service life.

Plus, our master bath included a 32-inch shower, which is pretty roomy if youre one of the seven dwarfs. Not so spacious if youre an average-sized adult. The room was too small for a tub-and-shower combination and the placement of the window made expanding the shower tricky. So we brought in an expert tile guy, who took one look and gave us an option that neither my husband nor I had considered.

The bathroom remodel hasnt been a major inconvenience because we have three bathrooms in the house and only three people currently live there. Were rarely home at the same time, let alone trying to shower and get ready for work at the same time.

It has, however, thrown Howie the dog for a big-time loop. As a former shelter mutt whos probably got some red heeler and dingo in his blood, Howie is a fiercely protective herding dog. Some people would say hes a maniac with issues, but he only acts that way when someone tries to invade his castle or mess with his herd.

Having the tile guy and his helper working in the house for a week was an invasion only second to Normandy. Fortunately, Howies a smart dog and eventually agreed to a truce, at least until the bathrooms finished.

Howie also likes to keep track of his herd at all times, which means he follows us around from room to room. Our house is a tri-level, and during the bathroom remodel, Ive been schlepping around with my toiletries in a basket as I alternate between using the downstairs bathroom and the upstairs bathroom. I should have just invaded one of our other bathrooms during the duration, but a bathroom invasion by me is more like an Occupy Wall Street event, and I couldnt do that to my family.

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Call off the hounds. Bathroom remodel is almost complete

PollyBro Home Remodeling shares expertise with homeowners and makes a donation to The Wounded Warriors Project in the name of all new clients.

Pittsburgh, PA (PRWEB) March 09, 2012

Homeowners use their bathrooms as a way to relax and wind down after a hectic day, says Andrew Parrott, owner of Pollybro Home Remodeling which primarily focuses on bathroom remodels and tile work. Master bathrooms are becoming sanctuaries. People want luxury. They want to feel like theyre going to a spa.

The following are some new trends to help make a bathroom a quiet, peaceful place to unwind:

Large and luxurious walk-in showers

Larger shower stalls with rain showerheads and multiple body jets, as well as steam showers, are becoming more popular. Custom shower systems outperform other areas in the bathroom in terms of where people are spending money, Andrew says. With homeowners planning to stay in their homes longer, some clients are even opting for the European doorless showers that allow a homeowner to continue to use the fixture as they get older and lose mobility.

Bring in the light

Many homeowners are adding windows and skylights to bring in the sunshine and make a bathroom brighter. A less expensive option: adding a bit of glamorous lighting such as a small hanging crystal light feature. For the truly luxurious experience, add a fireplace or open flame fire feature.

Make a bathroom into a mini-den

Framed mirrors, remote control TVs and stereos, and in-floor heating are making bathrooms feel as comfortable as other rooms in the house.

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Top Pittsburgh Bathroom Remodeling Company PollyBro Home Remodeling Announces New Trends in Bathroom Remodeling

See how this list compares to last year'sremodeling projects with big payoffs.

Most homeowners know exactly what they would do to change their current home into their dream home: gut the kitchen, reconfigure the bathroom or repaint the entire exterior. But what if you're ideal renovations don't yield any return?

The key to investing in your home is doing it wisely, making sure you recoup at least some of the cost upon the sale of your home. The National Association of Realtors (NAR) and Remodeling Magazine recently released their 2011-2012 Remodeling Cost vs. Value Report, and the findings prove you don't have to spend a ton of money to add to your home's resale value.

Exterior renovations dominated the list of cost-effective projects. "This year's Remodeling Cost vs. Value Report shows the value of putting your home's best facade forward, so to speak," said NAR President Moe Veissi. "Inexpensive exterior replacement projects are not only crucial to a home's regular upkeep, but are also expected to recoup close to 70 percent of costs."

So, without further ado, here are some of the home improvement projects which will get you the most bang for your buck:

Go here to read the rest:
Home improvement projects with big payoffs

Greg and Susan Humm were getting sick of their drab, mauve master bathroom and beat-up cabinetry in the kitchen. With their kids out of college, freeing up some cash, the couple decided it might be time to upgrade their Lake Oswego home.

"It was something we had put off for several years," Greg Humm said. "We thought the timing was right, both from a perspective of our personal life and the market."

Remodel spending in the Portland area has been in a steady decline since a 2007 peak of $304 million, according to building data aggregator Construction Monitor. Last year, homeowners spent $210 million on home improvement projects.

But as the economy turns around, remodeling contractors are taking aim at the homeowners who might have sold and moved up in the boom days. Today's homeowners, with more confidence in their job security but less equity in their homes, are more likely to stay put.

The Humms' home is one of 12 to be featured in the Tour of Remodeled Homes this weekend, a showcase for local remodelers' best work. Contractors in the showcase will make the pitch that investing in the extras makes their stay a little more comfortable.

If you go

Tour of Remodeled Homes

When: Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

While remodel spending has fallen, the number of permits issued have stayed near their 2009 peak, ending just under 4,500 last year.

But in 2009 and 2010, most of the jobs were low-cost maintenance projects, said Mitch Stanley, the owner of Stanley Renovation & Design. The painting, replacing windows and improving energy efficiency that kept permit numbers high didn't fetch the high price tag of the whole-home remodels of years past.

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Portland-area remodelers expect stronger year, bigger projects

Dee Ryan

Sun staff photos can be ordered by visiting our MyCapture site.

LOWELL -- A kitchen redo or bathroom remodeling is no laughing matter -- unless you're someone like Dee Ryan, who can poke fun at herself and make others laugh.

That's the Tewksbury native's goal in DeeConstruction, a one-woman comedy she'll show off in a staged reading at 7 p.m. Monday, March 26, at Merrimack Repertory Theatre.

"I got addicted to home repair -- electrical rewired, plumbing re-pipes, French-door upgrades and landscaping makeovers -- when we were living in L.A. and I started writing these short pieces about it as part of my comic ladies support group," Ryan said recently by phone.

Over several years and varying stages, it has evolved into the show she brings to Lowell.

"It's been done in a bunch of theaters in L.A. and also at a theater in Reston, Va., and the Pittsburgh Public Theater," she said. "It's been about eight years and the thing about the piece is that it's very personal and a lot of people will recognize themselves in it."

It chronicles her odyssey across the turbulent waters of tyrannical contractors, siren architects, monster neighbors and clueless husbands.

Bringing it to Lowell came about after her husband, Austin Tichenor -- co-creator, director and performer of the Reduced Shakespeare Company -- brought it to the attention of MRT artistic director Charles Towers when RSC was in Lowell this season for its Christmas show.

"Charles loved it, but said he already was planning a one-person show, so

Continue reading here:
'DeeConstruction' a woman's comic take on renovation

With a rich home remodeling blog, great deals on home goods, such as kitchen and bathroom fixtures, lighting, home decor and a growing catalog of well priced products, HomeThangs.com opens its doors with a bang.

(PRWEB) March 02, 2012

But the site has other perks, too. The HomeThangs.com blog - http://www.homethangs.com/blog/ - features daily updates on home improvement trends, new products, product reviews, decorating ideas, DIY home improvement tips, as well as seasonal topics. HomeThangs.coms Facebook page and Twitter feed - @HomeThangs offers followers deals and coupons. The site is rich with information about the items it sells, offering consumers detailed overviews of both the item they are looking at and the brand in general on the same page. It also gives consumers the chance to reviews items and reads others reviews. In addition, HomeThangs.com has a physical base in its two showrooms, both located outside of Philadelphia.

2012 will be a big year for HomeThangs.com. The dedicated team behind the site bring in new brands, like Uttermost Home Dcor, Bathroom Vanities by Wyndham Collection, unique exclusive wall art pieces and much more. They also plan to expand the site to sell furniture with which consumers can fill their newly remodeled homes. While expansion will continue throughout the site, there will be particular focus on luxury and designer brands for furniture, lighting, and kitchen and bathroom fixtures. Consumers can expect to be wowed by top-tier products and not feel so bad splurging on a few since HomeThangs.com continues to work diligently to secure better prices on all of its items, bringing discounts and deals to the consumer.

Keep an eye on HomeThangs.com. The site is growing quickly, to the benefit of all consumers looking to spiff up their home with both major and minor improvements.

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Tanya Tymoshuk HomeThangs Home Improvement Store (267) 670-3883 Email Information

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HomeThangs.com: New Home Goods Store Opens Virtual Doors

Local Broward County plumbing company, John’s Plumbing, has been in business for over 27 years and continues to work closely with clients to ensure projects are finished properly, quickly, and affordably. A fully licensed and insured plumbing contractor, John’s Plumbing treats every project with respect, professionalism, and efficiency. These Fort Lauderdale Plumbers provide residential and commercial services, fully guarantee their work, and are available 24/7, and now also have recently increased their vehicle supply to ensure more availability and faster service.

Fort Lauderdale, FL (PRWEB) February 28, 2012

John’s Plumbing is a reliable and professional company that has been providing quick and efficient bathroom repair and other Fort Lauderdale plumbers services to clients throughout Broward County for over two decades. Their fully licensed and insured team of technicians provide residential and commercial plumbing services ranging anywhere from water heater installation, kitchen sink repairs, and dishwasher repairs, to bathroom remodeling, and toilet and shower repairs and installation. John’s Plumbing also specializes in underground leak detection, leak repair, and works closely with insurance companies. They claim they “really can do it all.”

When using John’s Plumbing, customers can expect a licensed Fort Lauderdale Plumber from the company to arrive promptly, assess the situation, fully explain what the repair will entail, answer any questions, and then put it all down in writing. They even encourage their clients to compare their prices to those of other local plumbing services, to see that they truly do offer the best deals and reliable service. And even more importantly, if the customer happens to find a lower quote, John’s Plumbing will not only match the price, but they will beat it! It is with services such as these that they can so strongly pride themselves on creating personal relationships with their clients. John’s Plumbing also takes pride in their quick response time, their competency, and their availability. Not only do they fully guarantee their work, but they are available 24 hours a day, with an always open “Emergency Service Line” contact line.

Whether you are searching for licensed Fort Lauderdale plumbers for new remodeling, renovations, a tiny leak, or 24 hour emergency service, John’s Plumbing is the answer. They offer free, no obligation estimates, and tackle on a plethora of types of projects including bathroom repairs, video inspections, kitchen faucet replacement, sink drain issues, water heater repairs, supply and drain lines, backflow prevention, and many, many more. Whatever the situation, a certified plumber in Fort Lauderdale from John’s Plumbing is sure to handle it, and get it done right and on time, with no hidden costs or fees. And now, with more vehicles, their success and effectiveness can only increase. Perfect timing for the upcoming “World Plumbing Day” celebration on March 11!

Contact:

Louis Rivera

John's Plumbing

Phone: 954-639-9405

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Louis Rivera
Johns Plumbing
954-639-9405
Email Information

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John’s Plumbing Expands their Fleet of Vehicles to Provide Faster Fort Lauderdale Plumbers Services to all of Broward ...

Published: February 23, 2012 12:01 AM EST
Updated: February 22, 2012 4:16 PM EST

Dear Abby

Jeanne Phillips

Dear Abby: My otherwise loving, honest, generous, kind and attentive husband of 10 years feels it's his right to walk into the bathroom whenever he wants, even when I'm in there.

He says it's coincidence, but I think he does it intentionally. We don't have locks -- or even doors -- to shut our master bathroom. We do have other bathrooms in the house.

I have asked him repeatedly not to come in or to make some noise so I know he's coming. He says he "forgets."

If I'm in the shower or bent over with my head upside down blow-drying my hair and turn around or look up and see another person, I get startled. My adrenaline pumps and I end up yelling at him.

I'd prefer to get clean and pretty in peace. My husband thinks I'm overreacting. Am I? -- Bothered In The Bathroom

Dear Bothered: Feeling as strongly as you do, it's surprising that you would move into a house in which the master bedroom and bath are set up this way. And yes, I do think you're overreacting.

However, you have a couple of options: The first would be for you to get clean and pretty in one of the other bathrooms. The second would be to start a remodeling project and have a door (or doors) to your master bath installed so your husband can knock before entering.

Dear Abby: I am married to a wonderful and unique man. Despite his privileged upbringing he is very down-to-earth. His parents' affluence afforded him many opportunities and still does.

Unfortunately, my in-laws are snobbish, self-absorbed and competitive. They are critical of everyone -- especially their grown son. They put him and each other down constantly. They cause scenes and can't enjoy life.

My husband is trying to be patient because he knows his parents aren't going to change at their age. But they consume so much of our energy with their constant dramatic highs and lows. Any advice for dealing with drama queens (and kings)? They do love us and can be considerate. -- Living In The Real World In New Jersey

Dear Real: It may help you and your husband to understand that people who act the way your in-laws do are usually insecure on some basic level. They put others down to inflate their egos and reassure themselves that they're "OK" by magnifying (or inventing) flaws in others.

When your in-laws start to criticize, be pleasant and make a point of saying something positive about their target. It will short-circuit the rant.

Write to Dear Abby at http://www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.

See the original post:
Dear Abby: Couple's bathroom a battleground

Dear Abby: My otherwise loving, honest, generous, kind and attentive husband of 10 years feels it’s his right to walk into the bathroom whenever he wants, even when I’m in there. He says it’s coincidence, but I think he does it intentionally. We don’t have locks—or even doors—to shut our master bathroom. We do have other bathrooms in the house.

I have asked him repeatedly not to come in or to make some noise so I know he’s coming. He says he “forgets.” If I’m in the shower or bent over with my head upside down blow-drying my hair and turn around or look up and see another person, I get startled. My adrenaline pumps and I end up yelling at him.

I’d prefer to get clean and pretty in peace. My husband thinks I’m overreacting. Am I?

—Bothered in the Bathroom

Dear Bothered: Feeling as strongly as you do, it’s surprising that you would move into a house in which the master bedroom and bath are set up this way. And yes, I do think you’re overreacting.

However, you have a couple of options: The first would be for you to get clean and pretty in one of the other bathrooms. The second would be to start a remodeling project and have a door (or doors) to your master bath installed so your husband can knock before entering.

Shell out for sitter

Dear Abby: I’m a 40-year-old working mother raising a daughter who is the joy of my life. Once in a great while I’ll accept an invitation to go on a date and hire a baby sitter to watch my daughter.

My question is, who should pay for the sitter? The man who asked me out or should I? I have yet to have a suitor offer to pay. Is that just the way it is, or are these men just cheap?

—Mom On a Budget

Dear Mom: Paying for your daughter’s sitter is YOUR responsibility. When you become involved in a steady relationship and the cost of a sitter becomes a financial burden, discuss it then with your boyfriend, who should be willing to share some of the cost.

Link:
Bathroom becomes battleground

DEAR ABBY: My otherwise loving, honest, generous, kind and attentive husband of 10 years feels it's his right to walk into the bathroom whenever he wants, even when I'm in there. He says it's coincidence, but I think he does it intentionally. We don't have locks -- or even doors -- to shut our master bathroom. We do have other bathrooms in the house.

I have asked him repeatedly not to come in or to make some noise so I know he's coming. He says he "forgets." If I'm in the shower or bent over with my head upside down blow-drying my hair and turn around or look up and see another person, I get startled. My adrenaline pumps and I end up yelling at him.

I'd prefer to get clean and pretty in peace. My husband thinks I'm overreacting. Am I? -- BOTHERED IN THE BATHROOM

DEAR BOTHERED: Feeling as strongly as you do, it's surprising that you would move into a house in which the master bedroom and bath are set up this way. And yes, I do think you're overreacting.

However, you have a couple of options: The first would be for you to get clean and pretty in one of the other bathrooms. The second would be to start a remodeling project and have a door (or doors) to your master bath installed so your husband can knock before entering.

DEAR ABBY: I am married to a wonderful and unique man. Despite his privileged upbringing he is very down-to-earth. His parents' affluence afforded him many opportunities and still does. Unfortunately, my in-laws are snobbish, self-absorbed and competitive. They are critical of everyone -- especially their grown son. They put him and each other down constantly. They cause scenes and can't enjoy life.

My husband is trying to be patient because he knows his parents aren't going to change at their age. But they consume so much of our energy with their constant dramatic highs and lows. Any advice for dealing with drama queens (and kings)? They do love us and can be considerate. -- LIVING IN THE REAL WORLD IN NEW JERSEY

DEAR REAL: It may help you and your husband to understand that people who act the way your in-laws do are usually insecure on some basic level. They put others down to inflate their egos and reassure themselves that they're "OK" by magnifying (or inventing) flaws in others. When your in-laws start to criticize, be pleasant and make a point of saying something positive about their target. It will short-circuit the rant.

DEAR ABBY: I'm a 40-year-old working mother raising a daughter who is the joy of my life. Once in a great while I'll accept an invitation to go on a date and hire a baby sitter to watch my daughter.

My question is, who should pay for the sitter? The man who asked me out or should I? I have yet to have a suitor offer to pay. Is that just the way it is, or are these men just cheap? -- MOM ON A BUDGET

DEAR MOM: Paying for your daughter's sitter is your responsibility. When you become involved in a steady relationship and the cost of a sitter becomes a financial burden, discuss it then with your boyfriend, who should be willing to share some of the cost.

Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Write Dear Abby at http://www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.

To order "How to Write Letters for All Occasions," send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $7 (U.S. funds) to: Dear Abby -- Letter Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. Shipping and handling are included in the price.

Here is the original post:
Couple Can't Come To Terms Over Bathroom Battleground