If you have wanted a spa bath, now may be the time to install it.

Last week the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) and John Burns Real Estate Consulting (JBREC) released their third-quarter 2020 Kitchen & Bath Market Index (KBMI.) For the first time this year, theKBMIis above 50, at 61.9; up from 44.2 in Q2 and 41 in Q1. Scores of 50 indicate expansion and scores below indicate contraction.

NKBA members rank the overall health of the industry at 6.9 (on a scale of one to 10,) just below the 7.2 reported in pre-COVID Q4 2019. While confident about current business conditions at 56.5, industry members are even more optimistic about future conditions, which they set at 66.9 as 2020 draws to a close.

As we approach the end of an unprecedented year, the industry outlook is promising, said NKBA CEO Bill Darcy. While COVID-19 will continue to present challenges to the supply chain, labor and spending, were grateful to be one of a few industries that has actually seen growth in response to consumers spending more time at home and looking to make their spaces more functional in this new normal. Kitchen and bath professionals are well-positioned for continued success into the coming year.

The Do-It-Yourself aspects of the kitchen and bath remodels kicked in as soon as Americans began to sequester at home, Darcy says.

Paint sales in big-box stores went up immediately, followed by more intensive home improvement projects.

Consumers have undertaken a lot of remodeling in 2020, but significant opportunity remains, especially for the kitchen and bath market, going into 2021, notesTodd Tomalak, Principal at JBREC. Much of the already completed renovation work has focused outside the home redoing decks, gardens and outdoor entertaining spaces in response to COVID-19 restrictions.For many families working and schooling from home, 2020 wasnt the ideal time to redo a space as essential as the kitchen or bathroom. As such, we anticipate continued activity for kitchen and bath remodeling next year.

In the first half of 2020, NKBA members predicted negative sales for the year, but Q3 brought better news for the industry, which now expects a 1.1% increase in YOY sales compared to 2019. In fact, Q3 sales in 2020 were up 2.1% from 2019, and sales grew 5.9% since last quarter overall ranging from designers, who saw a smaller 3.2% increase, to manufacturers, who experienced a significant 9.6% rise.

More than half (62%) of all companies surveyed report COVID-19 drove higher demand to their business in Q3. While the crisis continues to have some adverse effect on the industry, with 29% reporting the pandemic has led to lower demand, its negative impact has lessened each quarter and, at 5.9 (on a scale of one to 10), is nearly 30% lower than the Q1 rating of 8.1. Among those industry professionals who havent seen demand return to normal levels, 29% expect it to do so in 2021.

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Kitchen And Bath Remodels Up During COVID-19 Restrictions - Forbes

The Week

No one expected Donald Trump and his supporters to lose the 2020 presidential election graciously, least of all those of us who thought he had a much better chance of winning it than public polling suggested.This is why, in one sense anyway, I think we should not put too much stock in surveys like this one, which suggests that only a quarter or so of Republicans "accept" the results of this year's election. Ever since Democrats and their allies in the media began using this phrase in the fall of 2016 in a bad-faith attempt to secure some kind of worthless pledge from Trump (they would ignore this apparently world-historic imperative by spending the next four years insisting that Trump was not himself the duly elected president), I have found myself asking exactly what it is supposed to mean. Does the result of a presidential election depend upon our attitudes concerning it? You might as well ask people whether they "accept" the results of bad weather or personal financial setbacks.Which is why I believe it makes more sense to see the conservative response to the 2020 election not as some bizarre new development on the American right or even as the outgrowth of QAnon and other conspiracy theories, but rather as the inevitable culmination of a process that began long ago.For decades now it has been clear that the flipside of Americans' veneration of the office of the presidency, which combines the functions of head of government and head of state into one extraordinarily powerful title, is our insistence that presidents whom we do not ourselves support cannot be just that: politicians we did not vote for and would just as soon not see re-elected. Instead, the opponents of virtually every president in my lifetime, from Bill Clinton to Trump, have insisted that he was at the very least illegitimate, if not a tyrant.These vague inclinations have a way of justifying themselves. After years of omnidirectional scandalmongering by the House GOP, Clinton was impeached in 1998. George W. Bush, who owed his election to a Supreme Court decision that outraged half the country, spent most of his eight years in office being compared to characters from dystopian novels and to various historical dictators; everything was the subject of intense, indeed at times ludicrous scrutiny, from his invasion of Iraq to his re-election in 2004, which was the basis of another of conspiracy theories involving (what else?) the manipulation of electronic voting machines. Barack Obama's legitimacy was cast into doubt by his enemies long before his inauguration thanks to the so-called birther controversy, which actually began during Hillary Clinton's 2008 presidential run. Meanwhile Trump was accused by liberals of being some kind of Russian plant from the minute he took office, a ludicrous fiction of which his previous opponent appeared to be convinced four years later.Complaining about supposed democratic norms is a mug's game. In a country in which authority tends to be understood in what might politely be described as conditional terms, it should not be surprising that the sizable portion of the electorate supporting one candidate should reject the other. The days when people of my grandparents' generation calmly insisted that the person in the White House deserves our full respect and support regardless of one's vote are as remote as the gold standard or smoke-filled rooms at party conventions.My guess is that at some point, likely well beyond the point at which it serves any purpose save those of nostalgia and self-aggrandizement, we will come to regret our inability to acknowledge the victories of presidential candidates we dislike, much less to hope for their success in office. The presidency is too powerful for it to; if our constitution had been meant to give us something more akin to the partisan and provisional office of prime minister, I suspect we would be in a very different position.In the meantime, however, insisting that only one half of the country should greet the results of presidential elections with unconditional enthusiasm makes about as much sense as asking why 70 million people should have been allowed to vote for the losing candidate.More stories from theweek.com 7 criminally funny cartoons about Trump's potential pardon spree The GOP is driving itself mad Trump gets a judicial reality check

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Kitchen and bathroom remodeling made simple with Granite Transformations of North Phoenix - Yahoo News

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The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that there are 220,000,000 shower heads installed in homes across the United States. They also estimate that about 10 percent of those shower heads are replaced each year due to wear and tear, bathroom remodeling and other reasons.

Here's what to know about buying and replacing a shower head if you're in the market for a new one.

Your shower head, along with your shower faucets, are part of your overall shower system. And the shower head, of course, is where the water comes out.

Most shower heads manufactured in the U.S. follow the National Pipe Thread standard of 1/2-inch. This helps ensure that any shower head you choose will fit into a standard shower elbow. Still, it's worth noting the outside diameter of your shower elbow and desired shower head before buying, especially if you're considering one manufactured outside the U.S.

There are three main types of shower heads:

Fixed shower heads are mounted on the wall of your shower. You can usually angle them and even adjust their height, but you can't remove them from the wall. Most people prefer multi-function shower heads like the Tibbers Shower Head that lets you change the spray pattern and pressure.

A popular option within the fixed shower head category is the rain shower head. These extra-large shower heads can be mounted on a wall or a ceiling to create the experience of standing under rainfall. They're great for anyone looking for a luxurious, spa-like shower experience. One well-rated option to consider is this Voolan Rain Shower Head.

Handheld shower heads let you hold and direct the water wherever you want. They usually have a flexible hose and are mounted on the shower wall with a bracket. This can be a good option if you regularly wash pets or children in your shower, are recovering from an injury, have mobility issues or just want an easy way to clean your shower. You can buy just the shower head or a set, like the AquaDance High Pressure Chrome Face Handheld Shower that also includes the hose and holder.

Dual shower heads have a handheld unit attached to a fixed shower head. They offer the best of both worlds if you can't decide between a fixed shower head or a handheld. One well-rated option is AquaDance Premium High Pressure Three-Way Rainfall Combo.

Gallery: 10 Ways to Keep the Cold Out This Winter (The Family Handyman)

If your shower space and budget allow, consider installing a fixed shower head and a traditional handheld shower head.

One final consideration is the shower head finish. Most people match their shower head to their bathroom faucets and other bathroom hardware. A few of today's most popular shower head finishes are copper, nickel, chrome, brass and bronze.

It's a good idea to replace your shower head if it:

No longer gives off good, strong water flow. This can be caused by sediment buildup, so you can try to clean your shower head before buying a new one.

Has an unfixable leak. First, see if you can fix your dripping shower.

Has substantial sediment buildup. This is especially common with hard water.

Has uncleanable mold. You can try to clean off mold by soaking the shower head in vinegar overnight and then running the hot water.

You might also decide to replace your shower head if you're doing a bathroom remodel or if you want a water-saving shower head. When shopping for an eco-friendly, low-flow shower head, look for the WaterSense label.

Note: Most shower head manufacturers offer a limited lifetime warranty, so check on that before you buy a new one.

Replacing a fixed shower head is usually as simple as unscrewing the old shower head, then screwing in and tightening the new one. A special situation arises when you need to install toggle bolts for an adjustable shower head within a fiberglass or plastic shower.

With handheld shower heads, you'll also need to screw the bracket into the wall if it's not already installed. Things get a little trickier with dual shower heads. You'll typically need to install a diverter that routes water to both the handheld and the fixed shower heads, but that is a fairly easy DIY endeavor.

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The Homeowner's Guide to Shower Heads - MSN Money

I have to wonder why so much attention is given to couples becoming engaged at Christmas time?

According to jewelry ads, and virtually every Hallmark Christmas movie ever made, more couples are engaged at Christmas than at any other time of the year.

Maybe its the chance to kill two turtledoves with one stone? The lure of making a diamond the gift for that year is just too good? Whatever the reason, its a very romantic trope.

What is often lacking, though, is some holly jolly attention to what a very married Christmas is really like. Not better. Not worse. Definitely different.

Mr. Wonderful is pretty much a saint. He has his own fans, and everyone finds him easygoing and charming. Obviously, hes awesome and every day is a fresh joy.

That said, he does tend to struggle with shopping. He has been pretty much spoiled in that my love language is acts of service far more than gifts. Nonetheless, I still like a nice box to unwrap from time to time.

He has in the past given me some amazing gifts. He has been fortunate in having a daughter. From an early age, Girl Wonder took over the care and keeping of moms wish list.

Unfortunately, with college and work taking precedence these days, she was not in the house to assist him in shopping this year. Accordingly, he kept asking ME what I wanted for Christmas. Like women since time began, I am prone to surprise me, which is not the answer he was hoping for.

My mother once told me, correctly, that men are terrible at reading minds, but theyre pretty good at doing exactly what theyre told. Plus, the best way to get what you want is to ask for it. I finally just sent him a link to a watch I might like to have. Nothing crazy. Reasonable price. Remember, I sent him the link, people.

Apparently, and we will glean more detail as the incident is reconstructed as we go to trial, the link would not work for him. Thus, he made the mistake of looking me the mother of his children and his wife of over two decades in the eye and uttering the fateful words: Just go ahead and order your own gift.

His calling hours will be held at the close of the pandemic. He was a good man, and we will miss him.

That is the kind of mistake no self-respecting boyfriend or girlfriend should ever make. Heres some cash, get your own present. No, baby. It takes marriage to make a man that brave.

A dear friend has also been married for ages. Recently her husband, who usually isnt insane, tricked her into going hiking. Shes a fit and fun type person, so she agreed to hike a few miles in the hills of Tennessee.

They hiked eight miles. Eight. Eight is not a few. Eight is an awful lot of miles. My friend was not amused.

Worse, her husband decided he really liked hiking. Im told he stomped around, swinging his arms and declaring that he felt invigorated. This led to his belief that they were going to become an outdoorsy hiking couple and be invigorated regularly. My friend can now often be heard muttering, I swear to God if he gives me hiking boots for Christmas

Once married, I did muddy the waters of gifting bliss by actually wanting things like a new vacuum cleaner, sofa or remodeling our bathroom to count as our gifts to each other. Nothing says I love you like a new wax ring.

Add children, and the very married Christmas takes on a new look. Mostly the look of surprise on Mr. Wonderfuls face as he was just as surprised as the children were as they opened their gifts on Christmas morning.

He is a wonderful, hardworking man, and his efforts provided the children with many glorious Christmas mornings. He also rarely had much of an idea what they were getting. I was the hunter and gather of the gifts, after all.

We have enjoyed 28 Christmases together. 24 of them married. Each of them more magical than the last. We dont always get the gift-giving right but the gift of laughing about it is always in style.

Married Christmas to all, and to all a good night!

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Have yourself a very married Christmas - Farm and Dairy

DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The "Global Ceramic Sanitary Ware Market 2020-2024" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The ceramic sanitary ware market is poised to grow by 226.25 million units during 2020-2024 progressing at a CAGR of 8% during the forecast period.

The report on ceramic sanitary ware market provides a holistic analysis, market size and forecast, trends, growth drivers, and challenges, as well as vendor analysis covering around 25 vendors.

The report offers an up-to-date analysis regarding the current global market scenario, latest trends and drivers, and the overall market environment. The market is driven by the increasing expenditure on bathroom remodeling and major brands expanding manufacturing facilities.

The ceramic sanitary ware market analysis includes product segment and geographical landscapes. This study identifies the growing availability of ceramic sanitary ware on online platforms as one of the prime reasons driving the ceramic sanitary ware market growth during the next few years.

The report presents a detailed picture of the market by the way of study, synthesis, and summation of data from multiple sources by an analysis of key parameters.

Companies Mentioned

The ceramic sanitary ware market covers the following areas:

The study was conducted using an objective combination of primary and secondary information including inputs from key participants in the industry. The report contains a comprehensive market and vendor landscape in addition to an analysis of the key vendors.

The report presents a detailed picture of the market by the way of study, synthesis, and summation of data from multiple sources by an analysis of key parameters such as profit, pricing, competition, and promotions. It presents various market facets by identifying the key industry influences. The data presented is comprehensive, reliable, and a result of extensive research - both primary and secondary.

This market research report provides a complete competitive landscape and an in-depth vendor selection methodology and analysis using qualitative and quantitative research to forecast an accurate market growth.

Key Topics Covered:

1. Executive Summary

2. Market Landscape

3. Market Sizing

4. Five Forces Analysis

5. Market Segmentation by Product

6. Customer Landscape

7. Geographic Landscape

8. Vendor Landscape

9. Vendor Analysis

10. Appendix

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/23i02c

Link:
Global Ceramic Sanitary Ware Market (2020 to 2024) - Featuring Duravit, Geberit and Kohler Among Others - ResearchAndMarkets.com - Business Wire

SOUTH BEND Coronavirus-related safety improvements paid for with federal pandemic relief dollars should be done at the county jail before the end of the year.

Renovations could begin in about a week, and although the work will cause some disruption, Sheriff Bill Redman said it will be worth it because the last thing we want is an outbreak of COVID inside our walls here.

The St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved awarding a bid Tuesday to Ziolkowski Construction, of South Bend, to do the work for $837,000. It was the lowest of three bids received.

Jail renovations are aimed at keeping staff, visitors and inmates safe from the spread of the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19. Work will include remodeling a visitation area, training area and breakroom, and modifications to the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system in the medical wing.

Since the pandemic began, the sheriffs department has had 11 inmates and eight staff members, including corrections and police officers, test positive for the virus, Redman said. He credited strict safety protocols with the relatively small numbers but said renovations will make it easier to keep people separated and limit contact. More video courtrooms also will reduce the need to transport inmates to the courthouse.

The jail has had a lower than normal inmate population since last spring because judges and prosecutors are allowing some nonviolent offenders not to be jailed, which also helps curb spread of the virus in the jail, Redman said. Currently, the daily inmate population is between 520 and 530 when ordinarily it might be between 600 and 700, he said.

Separate, planned technology improvements are coinciding with the renovations that will offer video visitation for inmates, which will also boost virus safety, according to Redman.

In September, commissioners unanimously approved an agreement of between $2 million and $2.5 million with South Bend engineering and design firm DLZ to oversee the jail remodeling project. They also OKd another agreement with DLZ for $125,000 to study at least 18 other county buildings and make recommendations for coronavirus-related safety improvements. At the time, commissioner Dave Thomas, Democrat, District 2, said he was not a fan of no-bid contracts, but thought DLZs knowledge of county properties would help expedite the work.

St. Joseph County received $8.7 million in federal coronavirus relief funding, or CARES Act money, which is supposed to be used before next year for expenses related to the pandemic.

Commissioners were enthusiastic about the use of coronavirus money for the jail and commended the work people put in to fast-track the plan.

A project that normally might take a year or longer came together in three or four months, Board of Commissioners President Andy Kostielney, Republican, District 1, said.

Commissioners attorney Jamie Woods noted that despite emergency circumstances that would have allowed the board to award construction to a chosen vendor, commissioners sought bids in an open and fair process.

Coronavirus funding also is covering $2 million for testing and other projects by the health department; $110,000 for bathroom renovations at highway garages; $540,000 in employee hazard pay if eligible; and materials such as masks, sanitizer, gloves and hard plastic barriers. About $6.7 million of the grant had been committed as of September, according to the county auditors office.

Additional CARES Act money was received separately by some departments. The health department, for example, received $462,000 for information technology expenses and $300,000 to set up additional COVID-19 testing sites.

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Coronavirus safety improvements on track at St. Joseph County Jail - South Bend Tribune

It does not matter if a homeowner has plans to sell, or if they are ready for an all-new kitchen, remodeling a kitchen is a huge job. In fact, the average price tag on an entirely new kitchen is around $22K. With so much money on the line, the right remodeling companies must be found. Some tips that will help ensure the right professional service is found and used are listed here.

Consider Working with Specialized Professionals

Many general contractors can handle any kitchen remodel project, from beginning to end. For many people, this may sound like the best option. However, these companies do not specialize in any one part of the remodeling process.

That means that each element may not show off the high-quality results a homeowner was searching for. However, with more specialized service providers, such as Granite Transformations, this is a non-issue. By hiring these specialized companies, a person will receive high-quality results that are desired.

Find Out About the Project Timeline

Some homeowners choose a contractor based on the fastest timeline for project completion. The issue with this is that contractors know about this. As a result, they may intentionally underestimate how long the project will take to get the business.

A good way to avoid this issue is by speaking to a few different companies about the time estimates provided for the project. Try to avoid any company that has a much shorter timeline without a viable reason such as a bigger crew. It is also smart to be wary of any contractor who will not or cannot provide a timeline range.

More about this can be found at https://www.granitetransformations.com/location/granite-transformations-of-san-rafael/.

Find Someone Who Will Work with What Is Already in Place

In some situations, it is smarter to work with what is already there than to buy everything brand new. One example of this would be the cabinets. While anyone can rip out cabinets and install brand new ones, there are other, more affordable options. One is to restore the cabinets. This is going to help a homeowner save a lot of money. It will also help to increase the value of the home if the cabinets maintain character and if the professional service can restore them properly.

Find Out How Long the Contractor Has Been in Business

While this may seem like an obvious question, it is one that many homeowners do not think about. More information about this is available at https://www.granitetransformations.com/about-us/. Also, if a company has been in the area for a while, they will want to maintain their good reputation, which means that they are more likely to provide high-quality services.

When it is time to choose a professional for kitchen remodeling, there are several factors to consider. Be sure to keep the information here in mind. Being informed is the best way to ensure the right professional is found and that they meet all the needs and expectations for the project that is being done.

Media ContactCompany Name: Granite TransformationsContact Person: Media RelationsEmail: Send EmailPhone: 707-200-4813Address:3485 Airway Dr., Suite A City: Santa RosaState: CaliforniaCountry: United StatesWebsite: https://www.granitetransformations.com/

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Kitchen and Bathroom Remodeling Is Available in San Rafael, CA - Press Release - Digital Journal

New York, Oct. 13, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Reportlinker.com announces the release of the report "Global Ceramic Sanitary Ware Market 2020-2024" - https://www.reportlinker.com/p03938291/?utm_source=GNW Our reports on ceramic sanitary ware market provides a holistic analysis, market size and forecast, trends, growth drivers, and challenges, as well as vendor analysis covering around 25 vendors. The report offers an up-to-date analysis regarding the current global market scenario, latest trends and drivers, and the overall market environment. The market is driven by the increasing expenditure on bathroom remodeling and major brands expanding manufacturing facilities. In addition, increasing expenditure on bathroom remodeling is anticipated to boost the growth of the market as well. The ceramic sanitary ware market analysis includes product segment and geographical landscapes

The ceramic sanitary ware market is segmented as below: By Product Ceramic washbasins Ceramic wash closets Ceramic cisterns Others By Geography APAC Europe South America MEA North America

This study identifies the growing availability of ceramic sanitary ware on online platforms as one of the prime reasons driving the ceramic sanitary ware market growth during the next few years.

The analyst presents a detailed picture of the market by the way of study, synthesis, and summation of data from multiple sources by an analysis of key parameters. Our ceramic sanitary ware market covers the following areas: Ceramic sanitary ware market sizing Ceramic sanitary ware market forecast Ceramic sanitary ware market industry analysis

Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p03938291/?utm_source=GNW

About ReportlinkerReportLinker is an award-winning market research solution. Reportlinker finds and organizes the latest industry data so you get all the market research you need - instantly, in one place.

__________________________

More here:
The Global Ceramic Sanitary Ware Market is expected to grow by 226.25 mn units during 2020-2024 progressing at a CAGR of 8% during the forecast period...

We spend a lot of time in front of our sinkswashing hands, pampering ourselves, rinsing produce, cleaning up after a big mealso its no surprise that choosing ones that will serve your home and lifestyle best can make a world of difference when it comes to enjoying the every day.

Looking for guidance for your project, or an upgrade during a renovation? We talked to three interior designers involved with the 2020 Whole Home Concept Home, who used Elkay sinks throughout the space, to get their take on the sink selection process and provide inspiration for your own.

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Circuit Chef Stainless Steel Sink

Elkayelkay.com

For interior designer Sarah Robertson of Studio Dearborn, combining beauty and efficiency in the kitchen is key. Thats why she strategically positioned the main kitchen sink in the Whole Home on an island with sweeping views of the Rocky Mountains.

If you have multiple people in the kitchen, the island is the place that family and friends always gather around, so it makes sense to have a sink there thats also able to turn into a serving set up, Robertson says. In the Whole Home Concept Home, she used Elkay's Circuit Chef sink, which provides the ability to prep, cook, serve, entertain and clean up all at one convenient workstation.

SBrennerPhoto

If your kitchen configuration allows for it, Robertson strongly recommends the mental and emotional health benefits of gazing at nature.

Its important to think about how a sinks position in the kitchen can help you stay not only connected to your family but the outdoors, she explains. Maximizing your views is so important, and if you stick a sink up against the wall just looking at tile, it doesn't achieve that.

While stainless steel is often a go-to choice for the kitchen because of its appliance-matching look and durability against the clang of dishes, the 2020 Whole Home also spotlights how colored sink materials, such as these quartz models from Elkay, can evoke a more artful tone in a room. The deep, moody-black composite sink in the kitchens preservation pantry is nothing short of a showpiece.

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The houses property has a communal garden, so I felt like there was an opportunity for a different material with the kitchens secondary sink where vegetables would be prepared and preserved, says Robertson, who also notes that a secondary sink offers room for hiding used pots away from guestsa good option if you have the space and you prefer to wait til the end of a party to clean up. A drainboard was installed on the side to make space to rest dishes or produce after cleaning them.

The aesthetics werent lost on Robertson, either. There's something really pretty about handling vegetables up against the black backdrop with a composite sink that wont show scratches that easily.

Bonus? Theres a nearby vacuum sealer for preserving produce or meat so itll last longer, or prepping fresh food for a dip in the kitchen stove's built-in sous vide.

And while single basin sinks are trending for kitchens (and bar areas, like the one in the Whole Home), its important to take into consideration your own sink style and comfort level when making a selection. Thanks to dishwashers most people have started using their sinks just for washing the larger pots and pans, so the double-sided sink isn't as functional as it used to be, says interior designer Erin Hurley. But when Im meeting with homeowners, I still tell people that there's a time and a place for it. You have to think about how you live in your space. So if you're used to hand-washing dishes, don't force a single basin sink into your design just because you think it's pretty.

Having a dedicated sink in your main lounge area can ensure entertaining is a breeze, says General Judd of Me and General Design, who made the bar area of this years Whole Home exceptionally user-friendly.

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What happens a lot when people are in the kitchen and someone is at the sink is that your back is turned to them, so the conversation stops, Judd says. Inside the [Whole Home], we moved the bar sink area to the side, which gives a better opportunity to continue the conversation and be engaged with everyone in the room while making drinks.

Judd selected a single-basin, undermount stainless steel sink and a single-lever faucet from Elkay, always keeping in mind the bar areas smaller square footage and unique function as a place to almost exclusively cut and prep for drink making. (If youre wondering, his favorite cocktail is an Old Fashioned.)

SBrennerPhoto

Especially for a bar area, the smaller undermount stainless [sink] is easy because you're going to be sweeping things into it and there arent going to be any pots and pans, Judd explains, noting its all about matching the size of the sink to the purpose. That goes for the faucet, too, which is why we chose the single-lever at an 8-inch height it wont splash and get water everywhere.

The space offers a feature as practical as it is luxe: a glass rinser. Theres a beer tap in the bar area, and we also attached a glass rinser to the sink, Judd says, which translates to a lot fewer separate glasses to wash at the end of the night. (Bonus: It also serves as a convenient station for washing a childs cup as they move from milk, to juice, to water throughout the day.)

SBrennerPhoto

While other cleaning devices (such as the washer and dryer) are more top-of-mind when designing a functional laundry room, Hurley says that adding a sink to a laundry room is keyespecially if you have kids.

We used a single basin Elkay sink in the Whole Home laundry room, and I think it's fabulous because when kids have an accident or you need to scrub something, its right there and handy, Hurley says.

This is kind of a farm community, with everyone playing outside and getting muddy and dirty. When you come inside, the laundry room is right off the garage, so you can toss your dirty clothes in the sink, and don't have to worry about tracking it through the house.

SBrennerPhoto

If youre working in a smaller space, like a half-bath or a powder room, its easy to turn this petite area into a jewel box with the sink as a focal pointbut keep storage in mind. Pedestal sinks, console sinks and wall-mount or floating sinks may fit your needs perfectly when it comes to size and personality, but those options dont come with the sort of cabinetry that other sink options provide. Be sure youve considered your needs for stocking towels, washcloths and cleaning gear.

Vessel sinksbasins that sit atop a vanity, not inside of it like more traditional sinksare an eye-catching trend in bathroom design, working well in areas that want to spotlight a certain aesthetic, like a copper, natural stone or wading pool style sink. Theyre slightly less sturdy and more prone to chipping, though, and should live in areas that arent going to see a lot of rough-and-tumble behavior.

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9 Tips For Selecting The Right Sink For Any Room in the House - HouseBeautiful.com

Is this the year you finally redo the bathroom? This checklist and guide will help you plan a successful bathroom remodel that will add comfort and value to your Wisconsin home.

Whether you're just adding a new coat of paint or updating the entire design with a new vanity and tub, a bathroom remodel is an exciting home project. To avoid costly mistakes, it's important that you stay organized and on track from start to finish. Use this checklist to help you make smart choices and ensure that your bathroom renovation goes as planned.

1. Design and Plan

Once you've made the decision to remodel your bathroom, you'll need a solid idea and plan for the design. Without a clear picture of what you want your bathroom to look like when the renovation is complete, you may run into mistakes that cost you money and time. A good design plan ensures that the contractor you hire knows exactly what you want and can work within your budget and schedule to complete the remodel.

For ideas and inspiration for your new bathroom, look at home improvement magazines and online for the latest design trends. You'll also want to get swatches from your local paint store to help you finalize the color scheme. Don't forget to take functionality into consideration as well. Take the time to choose a toilet, tub, and fixtures that are both appealing and practical for your needs.

2. Build a Contractor List

Depending on what changes you're making, bathroom renovations can be complex. Don't make the mistake of thinking your bathroom remodel is a DIY project. The last thing you want is to put you and your family at risk when renos aren't done correctly. It's best to hire qualified contractors who have the expertise and skills to do the job right the first time. Make a list of the contractors your remodel will require, such as electrical, plumbing, and tiling.

When you're ready to hire, look for local contractors in your area and get recommendations from family and friends for a qualified professional. Before hiring, contact each specialized contractor on your list to compare estimates.

3. Be in the Know About Permits

You won't need a permit for smaller bathroom makeovers if you're just adding a new coat of paint or retiling the shower. For larger bathroom remodels, check to see what permits you'll need if you're making electrical, plumbing, or structural changes.

Once you know what permits are required, you'll be able to get them at your local government office. Keep in mind that as an extra safety precaution, some local government regulations require that any electrical work be independently inspected and certified.

4. Create a Budget

How much do you want to spend on your bathroom remodel? Setting a budget will help you decide all the details of your renovation and keep you from spending more than you planned.

Include these points when creating a budget:

You may also want to factor in any loss of income if you need to take a day or two off work to be at home to complete the remodel.

5. Financing Your Bathroom Reno

If you need financing for your bathroom remodel, consider going to a local bank for a loan. To be prepared for any unexpected costs, apply for financing that's 20 percent more than your estimated budget.

Is it time to update and redesign your bathroom? Call a HomeAdvisor bathroom remodeler in Wisconsin.

This Patch article is sponsored by HomeAdvisor.

Follow this link:
Wisconsin Homeowners: Renovation Guide To Remodeling The Bathroom - Patch.com