Ask the REDO Guys
I bought new shower hardware to update my bathrooms and I was told I need to replace the valve to match the brand of shower hardware I purchased, what I can do to avoid cutting the tile? -- Don from L-Streets
Don,
This is a problem we have run into more times than we would like. There are a couple of options to fix the problem without having to disturb the tile. One idea is to keep the same brand as the old shower hardware. Most brands have not changed their valve stems over the years for that very reason.
If you don't want to be limited to that brand or that brand does not exist anymore, one idea is to come from behind and cut a hole in the sheetrock. This may not be the case for all showers depending on what is on the back side of the shower, but we have done this before. Either you or your contractor needs to measure the height of the existing shower valve in the wall and cut a square hole on the back side.
If your plumber is skilled enough he should be able to take out the old valve and install the new one, thus solving your problem without replacing any tile.
This is a problem we have run into more times than we would like. There are a couple of options to fix the problem without having to disturb the tile. One idea is to keep the same brand as the old shower hardware. Most brands have not changed their valve stems over the years for that very reason.
If you don't want to be limited to that brand or that brand does not exist anymore, one idea is to come from behind and cut a hole in the sheetrock. This may not be the case for all showers depending on what is on the back side of the shower, but we have done this before. Either you or your contractor needs to measure the height of the existing shower valve in the wall and cut a square hole on the back side.
If your plumber is skilled enough he should be able to take out the old valve and install the new one, thus solving your problem without replacing any tile.
My wife and I just purchased a new home that has a great floor plan, but I am not crazy about the exterior. Any ideas on how to create curb appeal? -- D.K. from Old Lake Highlands
D.K.,
There are many things you can do to update the exterior of your home, some more expensive than others. Here are a few suggestions: replacing old light fixtures, adding shutters, and simple landscaping are inexpensive ways of enhancing curb appeal. If you are willing to spend a little more, you can drastically change the appearance of your home by painting the exterior or replacing old windows.
There are many things you can do to update the exterior of your home, some more expensive than others. Here are a few suggestions: replacing old light fixtures, adding shutters, and simple landscaping are inexpensive ways of enhancing curb appeal. If you are willing to spend a little more, you can drastically change the appearance of your home by painting the exterior or replacing old windows.
I just replaced the floors in my house and now they don't match my kitchen cabinets. What options do I have short of replacing them? -- Barry from Moss Meadows
Barry,
You have two options, first you can have your cabinets stained to match your floors or have them painted to compliment the room. Staining requires sanding which is more labor intensive and causes more dust. Painting is quicker and slightly less expensive. Either option would look great and will help modernize your kitchen.
You have two options, first you can have your cabinets stained to match your floors or have them painted to compliment the room. Staining requires sanding which is more labor intensive and causes more dust. Painting is quicker and slightly less expensive. Either option would look great and will help modernize your kitchen.
How much should I expect to pay for a quality remodeler? -- Kari from Merriman Park Estates
Kari,
You can expect to pay anywhere from 15% to 25% depending on the size of the job. A fee is typically shown at the bottom of your proposal as a percentage of the total job cost or in some cases as a flat fee (for example 20% of a $10,000 job will result in a $2,000 contractor fee). Expect to pay more for a reputable contractor as you will pay for their experience and quality of work.
You can expect to pay anywhere from 15% to 25% depending on the size of the job. A fee is typically shown at the bottom of your proposal as a percentage of the total job cost or in some cases as a flat fee (for example 20% of a $10,000 job will result in a $2,000 contractor fee). Expect to pay more for a reputable contractor as you will pay for their experience and quality of work.
I am starting an extensive master bath remodel and am concerned about damage to other parts of my house given the demolition and other work to be preformed. Specifically my hardwoods and marble entry. -- Mandy from Town Creek
Mandy,
You are right in being concerned about potential damage during the process as demolition and other construction equipment being brought in and out of the home can be destructive. For instance a marble or tile floor could be easily cracked by someone simply dropping a wrench. A preventative solution is to first put down plastic to cover the floors and then place 1/4 or 1/2 masonite on top to be used as a pathway leading to the work area. This will provide a smooth surface to protect your flooring. You may want to ask your contractor to take similar measures to protect your walls, doors, furniture, etc.
You are right in being concerned about potential damage during the process as demolition and other construction equipment being brought in and out of the home can be destructive. For instance a marble or tile floor could be easily cracked by someone simply dropping a wrench. A preventative solution is to first put down plastic to cover the floors and then place 1/4 or 1/2 masonite on top to be used as a pathway leading to the work area. This will provide a smooth surface to protect your flooring. You may want to ask your contractor to take similar measures to protect your walls, doors, furniture, etc.
I'm about to start a remodel project in my kitchen, what are some ways to control the dust from getting all over the rest of the house? -- Julie from White Rock Valley
Julie,
Great question. In your situation we would recommend two ways of controlling the dust. First we would have our contractors use light weight painters plastic to partition off the area you will be working. This creates a bubble like effect to enclose the area and minimize the dust from escaping your kitchen.
I would also take notice of any return air vents that might be within that work area as well. If those don't get sealed up then the return air will suck the dust up and spread it throughout the house. If this happens you can guarantee to have some cleaning on your hands for weeks to come.
Great question. In your situation we would recommend two ways of controlling the dust. First we would have our contractors use light weight painters plastic to partition off the area you will be working. This creates a bubble like effect to enclose the area and minimize the dust from escaping your kitchen.
I would also take notice of any return air vents that might be within that work area as well. If those don't get sealed up then the return air will suck the dust up and spread it throughout the house. If this happens you can guarantee to have some cleaning on your hands for weeks to come.
The brick on my home has some unsightly cracks following the mortar lines, is there an easy quick way to fix this problem? -- Sarah from Lake Ridge
Sarah,
Short of spending lots of time and multiple trips to the local home supply store we do have a quick, inexpensive and easy solution for this problem. Since you already have cracks in the mortar, take a quarter size piece (or larger) out from that area that best represents the color overall. Take the mortar to the paint store, (Lowes or Home Depot's paint department will work too) and get an outside grade paint to match the mortar.
While at the hardware store buy some mortar repair mix. Apply the mortar repair mix as directed on the label and make sure to tool the mortar over the cracks to match the rest of the house. Let the mortar dry and then lightly brush the paint over the new mortar.
The goal is to blend the color onto the new mortar without putting too much paint. This repair is designed to make these issues disappear from curbside, yet up close you will probably notice the repair.
Short of spending lots of time and multiple trips to the local home supply store we do have a quick, inexpensive and easy solution for this problem. Since you already have cracks in the mortar, take a quarter size piece (or larger) out from that area that best represents the color overall. Take the mortar to the paint store, (Lowes or Home Depot's paint department will work too) and get an outside grade paint to match the mortar.
While at the hardware store buy some mortar repair mix. Apply the mortar repair mix as directed on the label and make sure to tool the mortar over the cracks to match the rest of the house. Let the mortar dry and then lightly brush the paint over the new mortar.
The goal is to blend the color onto the new mortar without putting too much paint. This repair is designed to make these issues disappear from curbside, yet up close you will probably notice the repair.
REDO is a full service remodeling company which primarily serves the neighborhoods of Lakewood and Lake Highlands. It is owned by Dave Anderson and Scott Clouse, long time friends who turned their love of construction into a full time remodeling career.
What Dave and Scott love most about remodeling is recreating space for the way their clients live. At REDO our vision is to provide quality solutions to all customers from design elements to cost-effective planning. We place a high importance on working with you to find a design you will be happy with for a long time. Our company has developed relationships with architects and interior designers that can come in and help give ideas to make each project unique.
We also understand the value of saving a buck when it comes to costly projects. That's why we utilize our contractors pricing to get materials and labor below market value and in turn pass that savings onto you.
Whether you want to renovate, remodel, or simply refresh your home, call REDO today.
Contact the REDO Guys:
Email: info@redoguys.com
Phone: 214-707-7463 or 214-803-4774
What Dave and Scott love most about remodeling is recreating space for the way their clients live. At REDO our vision is to provide quality solutions to all customers from design elements to cost-effective planning. We place a high importance on working with you to find a design you will be happy with for a long time. Our company has developed relationships with architects and interior designers that can come in and help give ideas to make each project unique.
We also understand the value of saving a buck when it comes to costly projects. That's why we utilize our contractors pricing to get materials and labor below market value and in turn pass that savings onto you.
Whether you want to renovate, remodel, or simply refresh your home, call REDO today.
Contact the REDO Guys:
Email: info@redoguys.com
Phone: 214-707-7463 or 214-803-4774
