Maximize your curb appeal: 1 day & 3 day projects

Maximize your curb appeal: 1 day & 3 day projects Driving through Los Angeles neighborhoods and any like neighborhoods you will notice houses that can use a little sprucing up. We spend some much time on the inside of our homes that we forget when the outside needs attention. Curb appeal is important no matter if your home is on the market or not. Maybe you have just neglected the outside as you don’t have the time or budget to vamp it up. Here are our top 1 day & 3 day projects that range in price, pick the one that best suits your needs and give it a try.

1 day Curb Appeal Projects

Dress up your front door – try adding some paint to fancy your entry way. Try a bright color like red to really make a statement.

Replace old hardware with new complimentary hardware – For instance replace your house numbers, door locks, mailbox and lighting with new designs. Create symmetry by placing even lights or plants on either side of the door or walkway. The eye will always be drawn to misplaced or uneven objects, give your home the symmetry it needs. Install outdoor lights along the walkway or driveway – you can even purchase solar powered lights to be eco-friendly. Renew planter beds – cutting away the dead plants will help give more life to the plants you have left. Nothing screams uncared for than dead plants and yards lacking maintenance. Replace gutters and downpours – At least check to make sure your existing ones are still attached to the house.

There are many more projects that will take less than a day to complete and will really add that extra oomph your home needs.

3 day Curb Appeal Projects

These few projects will take more than a day to complete and may require some professional help, though they will be more than enjoyable in the end.

Renew paint, siding, and trim – Give your house a facelift with a new paint job. Dated and fading exterior paint may be holding your house back from rocking the appealing side. Look into paint colors that will accentuate your home. Choosing a color that is really loud may not be such a great idea either. Add shutters or accent trim – it’s the little details that really show you care. Dress up the driveway – a new drive way is worth a thousand words. Make the drive way the grand entrance with new concrete or stone. Even adding lighted columns at the bottom of the driveway can make your house a big deal on the block. Add a porch or portico – Creating more for the eye to look out is very beneficial. Not only will this added feature be something nice to look at, you and your family can benefit from it as well. Try adding a pergola to an existing porch or adding a portico to your front entry way. Hardscape and water features – The newest craze if showing off your water features in your front yard versus your back yard now.

Contact a remodeling and design company to give your front yard a hardscape and possibly a water feature that is top of town.

Last but not least – adding stone veneers or slate tiles to the exterior walls can really add the look of luxury and elegance for a low price.

No matter what project or projects you decide to try, never forget that the outside of your home needs as much attention as the inside. For all of your remodel and design needs, you can contact us for your free estimate. 1.877.642.7772

Los Angeles Remodeling Trends 2015

In this day and age there are so many different options and trends to follow when it comes to the latest and greatest Los Angeles remodel ideas. We say stick with what you love and we will help you build what you dream of.

For homeowners who want to make sure that their places of residence are ecofriendly, there is good news for you; you can remodel your house without making a large dent into your wallet or the economy.

We can thank the economy to the increase in remodeling, as banks are reluctant to give out home buying loans, meaning our only option is to upgrade the home we have currently. You will now find that there are a great deal of home remodeling incentives out there these days ready to give your home a makeover at a fraction of the cost as before, but with more materials and customizable options than ever before. We have recently seen the value of partnering with a program that will help finance energy and water saving remodels. The HERO program is not based of credit score, and you can finance for as long as 20 years.

One very popular way to modernize your Los Angeles home is to renovate the kitchen. To most people, the kitchen could very well be considered the heart of the home. This is due to the fact that a great deal of time is spent in the kitchen and because the kitchen is the place in the house that needs the most attention when it comes to appliances and their upkeep. The increased value of an upgraded kitchen done the proper way is unbelievable.

An easy way to give your kitchen a “facelift” is to redo the existing cabinets, shelves, and drawers in the kitchen. Materials for floors and countertops are also available in an array of recycled materials that can cost you less than others.  Some types of components that can be added to existing cabinets, shelves, and drawers is to add new hardware, new handles, slide-out shelves, or install devices such as a Lazy Susan. The great benefit of hiring a Los Angeles remodeling firm, such as Spazio LA, they will be able to redesign your kitchen and give you more space than you ever thought you had. Another quick and easy way to give your kitchen a new look is to replace the sink. One may not notice just how much a sink makes a difference, but cooking in a kitchen with a faulty, small, not-aesthetically pleasing sink can be a real pain-in-the-butt. Nowadays, the Farmhouse sink is making a way into Los Angeles remodels. From the floor to the cabinets, the options are endless.

The kitchen is just a place to start with, Los Angeles remodeling trends will be constantly changing and evolving, whole house remodels are on the rise. To see about financing for your home remodel, contact us today. 1.877.642.7772

Eco Friendly Upgrades that really make a difference

Eco Friendly Upgrades that really make a difference Remodeling your home can feel great as you get a fresh start and get to fix all the issues that bother you, but then you worry about how much wasted materials there are and the cost of remodeling, and the energy and water waste. Fortunately for you there are ways to remodel to make you planet and your own health better. Well planned Green remodels can save you money every month on utility bills. Green remodels can even be financed without easy payment options and NO credit check.

Let go over the basics so you can get a better idea why green remodels are so important to the environment.

The average household uses 350 gallons of water every day – this goes to you toilet, shower, faucet, laundry, and leaks. That amounts to 127,400 gallons per year for every house.

Water wasted from leaks: 30 gallons – 4,000 gallons per day

Water wasted from older toilets: 18 liters per flush

Here are a few of the most common remodeling projects, along with some specific advice on what you can do to make them eco-friendly.

Remodeling a Kitchen

Kitchens are high on most home remodelers' wish lists. If you're remodeling yours, here are some ideas for making it green:

• Choose Energy Star rated appliances, which will use less energy and often don't cost more. Check with your utility company, too: you may get a rebate on your purchase. And federal tax credits are sometimes made available, as also described on the Energy Star website.

• Put in formaldehyde-free cabinetry to avoid releasing environmental toxins. Better yet, go for wood certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), which will be sustainably harvested.
• Install a beautiful alternative to granite: recycled-content countertops, incorporating glass, paper, cork, or other materials.
• Get a water filter instead of buying bottled water.
• Take advantage of natural light with well-placed windows, skylights, or sun tunnels.
• Keep the refrigerator out of the sunlight and away from the oven, where it gets hot and must work harder.

Remodeling a Bathroom

Bathrooms are another place where remodelers have plenty of opportunity to make wise choices. Eco-friendly ideas include:

• Replace toilets with low-flow models.

Together we can make a big difference, one house at at time. Go Green

HERO Financing helps homeowners become more Eco-friendly

HERO Financing helps homeowners become more Eco-friendly You are fully aware that your energy bill is too high and that your home is not water efficient, but you just can’t afford the eco-friendly remodel you need. At least not until now, we are here to introduce the HERO program.

HERO, Home Energy Renovation Opportunity, is the number one efficiency program in the U.S. Offering 100% financing on the cost and installation of all eligible products at a low fixed rate, and with flexible payment terms. Spazio LA has partnered with the HERO Program because we want to make a difference with water and energy consumption. In our efforts to protect the resources we currently have, we are now offering homeowners this great opportunity.

What does the HERO program mean to Spazio LA?

Our participation in the HERO program means homeowners will be able to afford remodels and renovations in Los Angeles and all counties active in the program. Thousands of people will be able to make a difference in the effort to save energy, water and use renewable resources. Thousands of people will be able to afford to renovate and save money every single month on utility bills. We have gone through rigorous through test and inspections to become a qualified HERO participant, just to show you how important this program is to us here at Spazio LA.

This means that more homes will be equipped with water efficient toilets, faucets, and shower heads. More homes will have the luxury of proper heating and air conditioning that will also save energy, and more homes will use the power of solar to heat their pools and water tanks. Saving money on your monthly bills is real, and we are happy to help.

How does the HERO program work?

The program offers 100% financing, also the payments are made directly through the homeowner’s property taxes, as often as you make the property tax payment – not monthly. The financing can be carried for 5-20 year terms.  Since the financing is paid into the property, 100% of the cost of the remodel is tax deductible.

HERO offers financing in over 50 product categories including, but not limited to:

1. Exterior doors and windows

2. Central Air, Mini Split Heat & Air

3. Attic insulation

4. Ventilation Fans

5. Furnace

6. Solar panels

The list goes on; there are numerous eco-friendly upgrades that are 100% covered by the HERO Program. If there isn’t a product on the list that you are interested in, you can call the HERO Program to talk to a specialist to see if the product will qualify. https://www.heroprogram.com/products

Contact Spazio LA today to see if the HERO program will work for your remodel. 1-877-624-7772

Old kitchens are warned: Your days are done!

Old kitchens are warned: Your days are done!

Our Burbank kitchen remodel is warning to all old kitchens, your days are numbered! Spazio LA is coming for you.

Our client had grown tired of their outdated kitchen, and dreamt of nothing more than a space that complimented their style and a place to entertain.

Problem areas of the existing kitchen: The dark and dreary color scheme of their kitchen made the space seem more small and compact than it was already. Lacking cabinet & storage space floating shelves housed appliances and décor. These problem areas our client hoped to fix with the new space we were going to deliver.

Remodel must haves:

1. More space to entertain – build Custom Island with seating and built-in appliances.

2. More cabinet & storage space – replace floating shelves with cabinets and pantry.

3. Upgraded appliances- add built in appliances, energy saving appliances.

4. Eco friendly materials – environmentally friendly flooring, light color flooring.

Have you made your remodel must have list yet?

Demo and construction gets under way as we plan to surprise our clients with a kitchen straight out of a magazine.

We gutted everything! From the floating shelves, sink, counters tops, cabinets, and range – we emptied the entire kitchen space.

Framing for the new skylight is in the works! Skylights are a great way to lower your energy bills and impress your family. And this skylight will be a show stopper when we are finished.

It may not look like much while we are in the midst of a remodel, but that just makes the outcome even more satisfying.

Say hello to a brand new kitchen! Is this the same house? Oh yes, this is the same house you saw in the very first picture. It now has the Spazio LA touch.

I bet you never would have thought that we could the dark and sad kitchen into something as spectacular as this! This magazine worthy kitchen has everything off the must have list plus more.

White cabinets and light floors make this room feel large, but the dark counters and pop of backsplash give a modern edge. Ecofriendly hard wood floors installed parallel throughout the space elongate the floor plan.

Our specialty is custom kitchens, and custom islands come natural for us. This custom island is well equipped with a built in microwave – say goodbye to a counter space thief! Built in range that will make any professional chef jealous, and seating for 3. I forgot to mention the outlets on either side of the island, just in case you want to throw a table lamp up there for ambience or need to plug in a crockpot during a family gathering. You will want to throw gatherings with a kitchen like this. The remodel makes organizing and utilizing space easy with custom cabinets and pantry – no more awkward spaces or flimsy shelves.

Every detail in this kitchen was done with special care, keeping one thing in mind: our clients dream. You give us your ideas and we make them become reality.

How to completely ROCK a Home Remodel

How to completely ROCK a  Home Remodel It is important to know that not all Home Remodel companies are created equal. Some professionals have been in the business longer, and others have a better reputation when it comes to completed work. Make sure you have the best team on your side to Rock your home remodel. Do your homework and make certain you have made the best choice before you sign a contract. I know that you are eager to hurry up and start so they can hurry up and finish, but take your time or else you may regret it in the end. For instance, there are plenty of stories detailing shady contractors being paid and not doing the work. Take Michigan home and business owners whom hired a company, paid the owner and received no work or refund.

"It is important to know that not all Home Remodel companies are created equal"

Horror stories these are, though we want to make sure you aren’t one to live a nightmare with this remodel or any project. Interview companies that you interested in, ask lots of questions and read their reviews. People tend to write reviews when they are really mad or really happy, having public reviews means you can see for yourself if their reputation is one to be proud of. Reviews will help guide you but here are a list of questions you need to be asking upfront.

Ask the right questions: 1. How long have you been in the kitchen and bathroom remodeling business? 2. How many projects like mine have you completed? 3. Who will be working on the project? 4. Are the other workers employees or subcontractors? 5. Can you provide me with references? 6. May I see a current job site? 7. Are you and your employees licensed and insured? 8. What license(s) do you have? 9. What other training and affiliations do you have? 10. How do you charge, and what does that include? 11. Can you give me a written estimate? 12. What do your services include? 13. How will I be charged for parts and materials? 14. When can this job get done? 15. What is your policy for change orders? 16. What happens when cost exceeds the budget? What about changes to materials or labor pricing? 17. What will I need to provide? 18. Are there any important considerations or concerns you foresee with this project?

Contact us today to get all your questions answered.

The WORST remodeling advice EVER

The WORST remodeling advice EVER Every great remodel started with a great plan, and if you don’t have one you are asking for disaster! If you want to fail at your remodel, we can give the best advice to lose money, waste time and get the worst imaginable remodel outcome.

Follow these steps to have your home remodel FAIL!

Below we have comprised the all-time top remodeling LIES!!!

1. Do not ever dream about this remodel, or look for inspirations. Ideas and inspirations are a no no. Steer clear of Pinterest and home décor magazines, these will give you dreams and ideas of a perfect remodel. Think of how you want remodel each room once you get to it, never plan before you start.

No plan = fail. You must have a plan and ideas of how you want your remodel to look before you start. Take all of your ideas and put them together in a binder or file so that you can get a better feel for what direction you want your remodel to go in. Write down all of the things you dream of and your partner, even if it is a spa bathroom or laundry room addition.

2. Don’t set a budget. Checking to see how much money you have to actually spend on this project or need to finance is warned against. It doesn’t matter how much your home is worth, or the how much the homes around you are worth. Spend as much as you want on your home remodel, you will get it all back if you plan on selling anyways.

You must set a budget and figure out how much is too much to spend on this project. You can waste the most money by not using the money you have wise enough.

3. DIY the whole remodel project. Contractors and professionals, who needs them? Everything can be done on your own, and may even cost you less money than anticipated, if you have the spare time to work after you get off your day job.

You can NOT DIY your whole home remodel. There are certain projects that you can DIY, but if you are not experienced you may waste money and time, and end up with a major fail. Check into local remodel companies and bring all your ideas to the tables.

4. If you do hire someone for help, give them all the money up front and just let them do the remodel without any contracts or guarantees. No need to check references or other completed projects of theirs, all remodel companies are created equal.

Do your homework! Not every contractor or professional remodel company is professional. A contract should be drawn up with deadlines and phases, contractors ask for a deposit but generally require full payment once completed.

5. If you need to get a loan, get the first loan you hear about. Quick money is the most important thing when looking for a remodel home loan.

Check what types of loans are available, interest rate and amount available. Do not settle for the first loan that offers quick money, they may cost you in the long run.

6. The most expensive materials and fixtures are the best way to go when you want to make money on your remodel. If your new kitchen is worth more than your neighbor’s kitchen, then your house will sell and make you tons in profit.

Expensive materials do not mean that you will make more money necessarily when you sell. There is a such thing as investing too much money on a remodel, and losing money when you sell. Be wise.

You can either do your remodel the right way or the wrong way. Get educated and think things through before you jump the gun. Remodel smart the first time.

Remodeling your house: Budget Wise

Remodeling your house: Budget Wise The idea of remodeling may sound easy to most home owners, but remodeling the right way is a lot more complex. Adding square footage or remodeling existing rooms is a great way to increase the value of your home, though knowing how much money is too much or too little to invest isn’t easy. You can over spend on your projects and in the long run get money back to neither cover your investments nor be close to making any profit. If you do end up over improving you are running a gamble to find someone with the same taste as you and willing to spend what you are hoping to make.

Appraiser, John Bredemeyer, advises remodeling your home based off of the value of each room, based on the total value of your home.

See the following example based off a $500,000 home;

Kitchen 10%-20% home value: $50,000 – 100, 000 budget

Master Bathroom Suite 15% home value: $75,000 budget

Bathrooms 5% home value: $25,000 budget

Other rooms (living room, dining room, bedroom) 1%-3% home value: $5,000- 15,000 budget

Patio or Deck 2%-5% home value: $10,000-25,000 budget

You budget may vary depending on many factors like; size, addition or renovation, and cost of appliances and materials. Higher quality will cost more, but keep in mind the value of the room you are remodeling.

The top 3 remodeling projects that will add value to your home are:

1. Kitchen – Kitchens sell homes> Be careful to remodel smart because a $75K remodel may get you the same value as a $50K remodel, thus the importance of using the right company to represent you.

2. Bathroom - A bathroom can be remodeled for well under the cost of a kitchen remodel, but add the same kind of value. This is one room you don’t want to miss when you remodel.

3. Landscape & Hardscape – The outside of the home is the first impression of the rest of the house. If the outside is junky, this could cause you to lose value. Curb appeal is a real thing. Families these days are enjoying their homes and entertaining, a great outdoor space can increase the value of your home more than you think.

If you are planning this remodel project solely based off increasing your home’s value, you need to talk to a qualified remodeling company and consult with local home appraisers or real estate agents to make sure your remodel will meet your perspective goals. The homes around yours will affect your home’s value greatly, remodeled or not. Don’t be afraid to do your homework before your remodel. Contact us today to get a free in home consultation.

10 Best Holiday DIY for $50

10 Best DIY projects for under $50 There is nothing better than great DIY projects for the house. Here are a few of the best DIY projects for under $50.

1. DIY Macramé Curtain.  This easy curtain can be made with under $50 material and only a few hours’ time. This is perfect for sprucing up a closet that may be lacking a door, or a groovy entry way into a room.  Check out A Beautiful Mess for full instructions and tips on this Bohemian DIY Home décor.

2. Chevron Lamp Makeover. Got an ugly lamp shade? There is nothing a little tape and paint can’t fix. Take any old lamp shade and add paint for a new updated look. Try using tape as a guide for chevron stripes or design. Coco 29 did a great yellow chevron rendition.

3. DIY Magnetic Knife Board. This space saver is great for those small kitchens that do not have ample counter space. By creating your very own magnetic knife board you get those knifes off the counter, and out of the reach of little hands. DIY Magnetic Knife Boards can be mounted anywhere, high or low, and can be tailored to any décor style.

4. DIY Closet Kit. I don’t know many people whom were born with the ability to keep their closet organized, but this DIY Closet Kit is perfect at helping those, and especially if you have kids. Find socks and underwear in little time, and possible even get rid of your old dresser that is taking up space. I personally love this idea and want one in the kids’ bedroom. Premade closet kits can cost you anywhere from $200+ dollars, make this one for $50.

5. Concrete DIY Fire Pit. Perfect for those nights where a bon fire just is the right thing to do. The DIY Concrete Fire Pit can be made in only a few hours, and is ready to use when you are. Its sleek look will have every one asking where they can purchase one for themselves.

6. Farmhouse Coffee Table DIY. Caution this table requires some pretty awesome power tools! It’s cool what a few scrap pieces of wood and some wheels can do for your living room. You can even skip the wheels if you have young kids that would turn this table into a sled, with or without the wheels it would make a great DIY Coffee Table.

7. Staircase DIY Update. Get rid of the old carpeted staircase and in with the new sleek look. Demo, stain and paint, and you have a whole new house. Ok, you don’t have a whole new house, but you created a grand staircase with little effort.

8. DIY Industrial Tables. Sometimes time is money. In this case this day project may not be for you, but it looks so cool. You can make end tables, or even a coffee table to match. This is for those whom love exposed brick and HVAC ducts, the Industrial lovers table this is.

9. DIY Wine Rack. This is super chic and adds a spark to any décor. The best part of this is DIY Wine Rack project is the fact that it looks expensive. Don’t purchase one from the store, build your own and have something to be proud of in your kitchen.

10. Kids Room DIY Crate Seats. You can find these plastic baskets in most stores, and kids usually use them to stand on anyways. Why not turn them into cute seats for the kids room, heck possibly even the living room. Crates, foam, fabric and wood – there you have DIY Crate Seats.

We love to see your completed DIY remodel projects. Comment with your best DIY to date and pictures.

DIY @ Home Coffee Bar

DIY @ Home Coffee Bar Are you among the majority of people whom start their day off with your morning dose of caffeine? Like many, I too start the day off with a coffee, whether it is hot or cold, it’s become my routine. Why not have my own coffee bar at home and save a few trips to the coffee shop? DIY Coffee bars are becoming a trend that you will want to be part off. Step up your plain coffee bar for a more elegant set up.

Ample storage for your coffee mugs and supplies is important when planning your home coffee bar.

Try your hand at DIY and Upcycle an old microwave cart with a new coat of paint and wicker baskets to give your coffee bar new life. Don’t be afraid to scavenge local thrift stores for used furniture, a little sandpaper and paint never killed anyone.

The storage unit above this coffee bar is a pallet project that has been remade into a shelf, with added hooks to hang your coffee cups. The idea here is to be simple, yet creative and your coffee bar will never fail. With the right décor you won’t even need to repaint your coffee cart. Take this red coffee bar for instance, it has seen better days – but the cute décor and coffee theme draw your eyes away from the peeling paint.

You don’t need a large kitchen or large space to have a great coffee bar in your home. Try repurposing an old end table for you coffee bar. Hang artwork or floating shelves above the end table to add extra flair and make known that this is your coffee bar.

This vintage end table would be nothing without the décor and table lamp. Perfect example of how simple can be elegant! Stick a theme to your coffee bar and don’t forget about décor.

Your Holiday home remodeling Wish List

Your Holiday home remodeling Wish List  

Dear Santa,

This year I have been nice! A few things that I am asking for are:

Luxe Countertops- Marble or Granite may be pretty. I am in need of something fancy to impress all my friends, and last as long as I will. You can even throw in a luxe backsplash if you must.

Floors- I am thinking hardwood or bamboo. Bamboo is eco-friendly and looks great. I would be happy with Wood, Terra Cota, or Marble floors. Something that will give me a rich look and last as long as my countertops. I need a material that is easy to keep clean and doesn’t need a lot of maintenance.

Drawers instead of doors – The kitchen is in need of desperate organization, and I would love drawers instead of doors. This hidden feature makes the kitchen look sleek and the organization factor leaves a decluttered elegance. Extra deep drawers would be great for pots and pans, and all those baking dishes.

Light – I need windows everywhere! Bringing the light from outdoors will limit my electricity usage and make me feel larger. In place of cabinets in the kitchen I would like large windows. More light will allow my rooms to feel larger and more open, giving me the free space I have always wanted.

Pantry wall – Better make it a Pantry room. Since we will be removing cabinets for windows, we will need a pantry built to store all of our goods. A floor to ceiling pantry will be a great addition and organization tool.

Upgraded appliances – I’m talking double oven, 8 burner stove top, high power venting hood and separate full size refrigerator and freezer. These appliances will make life easier and enjoyable for all whom enter the kitchen. I mean, who doesn’t want a professional kitchen?

Curbless, glassless shower and spa soaking tub – No more glass to clean after every shower and the seamless look of a curbless shower has me in awe. Adding a spa soaking tub will not only kick the bathroom up a notch, but add that luxury retreat feel.

Radiant heated floors – I have heard it can be quite chilly on toes stepping out of the shower or bath; I need heated floors in the bathrooms this Holiday to make sure toes stay warm.

Walk in closets – Walk in closets are a must on my Holiday list. Clutter, clothing, shoes and items build up over the years , a deep walk in closet in every bedroom would be delightful.

I hope that I am on the Nice list this year, as my list is rather small. :)

Sincerely,

Your house

Mistakes to avoid in your Bathroom Remodel

Mistakes to avoid in your Bathroom Remodel Some things are meant for other rooms in your house, rather than your bathroom. Don’t waste your well earned money on your next bathroom remodel. Avoid bathroom remodel mistakes by avoiding these materials or colors.

1. Wall to Wall Carpet

Carpet is majorly discouraged by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.  Yes this is one comfy flooring to rest your toes on after a long bath, but this material harbors mold, mildew and bacteria. Ultimately carpet in your bathroom is a health concern, more so than a decorating fail. 30 years ago this was a big trend in the remodeling industry, now we are more aware of the risks imposed by carpet in bathrooms. Skip the carpet and opt for a few bathroom throw rugs that can be washed and dries regularly. Tile flooring in bathrooms is a great surface to choose when remodeling your bathroom floor. Tile is easy to clean and disinfect, durable, there are a millions design and color options and will last as long as your bathroom.

2. Wall Paper

We all see the fancy bathrooms in the magazines that display lavish wall paper; fact of the matter is that any high moisture will cause the wall paper to peel eventually. Think about this, why use wall paper in a steamy room, when people use steam to remove old wall paper? Your bathroom produces the most moisture and steam in the whole house. If you must, absolutely must, have your bathroom wall papered – use a high quality, Vinyl wall paper. DO NOT attempt to use a peel and stick wall paper, this will be a waste of time and money. Peel and stick wall paper will bubble and peel within weeks if not days. Wall paper will last the longest in half bathrooms or bathrooms used less frequently.

3. Yellow paint

Avoid breaking out the Canary Yellow paint for your bathroom remodel, as this color is not a great choice for bathrooms. Yellow and yellow tones can make a bathroom look brash, and create a room that obscures your reflection. Ladies, note to self, don’t apply makeup in a yellow room. Choose colors that have a gray or blue tint to get that Spa like feel in your bathroom. Also consider the size of your room before picking a paint color. Darker colors are best suited for larger rooms, and light colors for small rooms.

Easy DIY Floating Shelves on a Budget

Easy DIY Floating Shelves on a Budget

Holiday shopping is here, and you just had to wipe the drool of your face from admiring the Floating Shelve selection. The shelf was the only thing you admired because they price tag wasn’t so appealing. Here is your chance to DIY them yourself, save money and impress people with your handyman or woman, skills. It’s easy, fast and you will be more proud to show off these shelves than you will be to have admitted to spending $60 a shelf from the store. You will spend about $15 per shelf if you DIY this project! That is a killer savings if you ask me.

It’s as easy as 1.2.3

1. Build frames and attach to wall

2. Build frame enclosures

3. Paint or Stain your Shelves

Step 1: What you will need to do first is build your frame for each shelf before you install. This frame will consist of 4 pieces of Pine or Whitewood Board if you were to make them 32inches long; the piece that is going to be attached to the wall will need to be measured to the length where you will want these shelves to be installed or your desired length of choice. The three other pieces will act as your shelf supports, and be cut to the desired depth of the shelf, and attached to the 4^th piece.

Approximately you want your supports every 10inches to make sure your shelf frame is sturdy.

Once you have your frame built, you will now move on to attaching these bad boys to the wall. Attaching these frames to your wall will require a stud finder and wood screws. Run your stud finder along the wall, once it beeps indicating a stud you will need to mark where your studs stand, now hold your frame to the wall and mark on your frame where the studs are. Once you have this done you need to predrill your holes, before attaching to the wall. Drill your frame directly into the wall and stud using the holes you predrilled.

Step 2: Measure a piece of ¼ inch plywood to the length and depth of the shelf frame. Once you have measured your plywood, attach the plywood to the bottom of the shelf.  You can attach this piece using Wood glue and Brad nails. Plywood can be used for this piece since you will not rely on this side of the shelf for support. In other words you aren’t going to set anything on the bottom of the shelf so using wood that is thin is acceptable. The top piece you will want to attach in the same manner as the bottom, a piece of 1X10 whitewood board, and each side will be 1X4 whitewood board all measured to size. Now that you have the frame enclosed your shelf should look like a shelf.

Step 3: Paint or Stain your shelves. Be sure to tape off the wall before starting this final step, unless you want paint on your walls as well as the shelves.

Floating shelves are so versatile you can add them to any room.

Inexpensive, Unique and totally DIYable Backsplash

Inexpensive, Unique and totally DIYable Backsplash Who said your backsplash has to be expensive and boring? Get that idea out of your head and let your creative DIY side come to shine with these Kitchen Backsplash ideas. You can spend $1000 on your backsplash or you can spend as little as $60. The choice is yours, but be sure not to choose until you have read this article.

$60 Penny Backsplash: The texture, color and shine of the pennies create a visually interesting backsplash for your kitchen. Use the pennies in random combinations or create designs within the backsplash featuring different shades or sides of the pennies. You can achieve the look you want and save money by completing this project yourself over a weekend. You can achieve this look with Pennies, Clear Mosaic Mounting Sheets, Waterproof Tile Mastic, Waterproof Tile Grout and Sealant. This look takes patience, but is well worth it in the end. Check out this DIY Blog for Step by Step detailed instructions.

Cork Backsplash: Well, if you are a wine lover you may have these piled up. However if you don’t happen to love wine you can purchase Cork off of Amazon for around $15 per 100 corks. For this DIY cork backsplash the corks were sawn in half and cemented to a backboard. Check out this amazing cork backsplash that used 800 corks, which means 1600 cork halves.

Stone Backsplash: Home Depot and Lowes carry Peel and Stick Faux stone backsplash panels. Peel and stick panels are great for those who do not want to attempt grout and grout sealant. Measure your surface area before you attempt to start sticking away, you will need to pre-cut before starting. Local home improvement stores do carry panels of tile or stone that need to be grouted, take a close look at the label before you go home with the wrong stuff.

Flashing Backsplash: A very easy backsplash project that will cost you under $60, Aluminum Flashing. You can find Aluminum Flashing at almost every hardware store in an array of widths and finishes. Since the flashing is so thin and light weight you can directly adhere the flashing to the existing backsplash or wall and cut to size with a box cutter. Use an aluminum molding to tuck your edges in for a clean finishing edge. This project is fast, simple and budget friendly. Check out this transformation.

You don’t have to break the bank to get a great backsplash, just some creativity and time. Good luck to your future DIY kitchen backsplash.

Small bathrooms on Small budgets- Contractor Included

Small bathrooms on Small budgets- Contractor Included  

Congrats you are ready to redecorate and redesign your bathroom, very exciting!  But dropping $17,000 on a spa retreat is light years away from what you can afford to spend today? I’ve got good news for you: You don’t need mega-bucks to transform your bathroom into a relaxing escape. There are plenty of ways to renovate and redesign on a budget. Without having to skimp on a contractor!

According to Home Renovations Expert, Lee Wallander, the national average for a bathroom remodel is around $16,000 to $17,000 based on a 35-40 sq. ft. bathroom remodel.

Ok, now is your chance to admit it, you thought about doing this bathroom remodel as a DIY project? Its ok we all have thought about DIY to save money. Don’t go there, it’s not worth it. You will waste more time and money in the long run. There is a better way to utilize your small budget to renovate your small bathroom.

Finding ways to save money isn’t looking easy when you want Granite countertops and top notch fixtures, but it isn’t impossible. When countertop shopping for your bathroom remodel, avoid common colors such as tans and neutrals, these colors are higher priced as they are in demand. Opt for a broad range of colors, and encourage imperfections. Who wants imperfection? Imperfection equals lower priced granite countertops. Your sink will take up most of your countertop anyways, so no one but you will ever know you bought an imperfect piece.

Fixtures are an easy update and you can find inexpensive fixtures if you are shopper friendly. Compare lots of pries before you set sights on that perfect fixture. Craigslist and EBay can have hidden gems as well. Though, if you have the need to get your hands dirty we have the perfect DIY idea for you. Have paint handy? Want a DIY project for your bathroom remodel? Buy a good quality spray paint to give your fixtures a makeover and save money! This project will require patience, paint and drying time. Ensure that the fixtures have adequate drying time in between coats of paint so you don’t have peeling fixtures later on. This is a great way to salvage old fixtures without spending more than $20.

We wish we could DIY all of our bathroom remodel needs. Flooring is one area you don’t have to DIY, unless you want concrete floors, or to tile yourself, but you can save money (still using a contractor) if done the right way. If you are installing tile floors in your bathroom remodel, we can give you a few tips to save big money. When shopping for tile, look for sales on tile. Most stores have blow out sales to sell the last of their inventory. Check with your local store to compare prices. Some tile companies have left over tiles from jobs that they are willing to sell at ultra-low prices, snag those up if they are the right price. Remember that an overly done up bathroom will not make you anymore money in the long run, so sale items are ok. No one needs to know you are a smart shopper, but your mom, she will be proud!

These are just some of the ways you can save money when remodeling your small bathroom. For more ideas or help, contact us today.

Minus the Home Addition Mistakes

Minus the Home Addition Mistakes There is no wrong way to do a Home Addition! Oh, yes, there are many ways to do a home addition wrong. Avoid having to tear down your Home Addition by following these top 5 simple rules.

1. Hiring the wrong Contractor or Remodel Company.

You will lose the most money and waste the most time if you do not pick a qualified contractor. You want to be sure the Company you hire has good references, including work completed on time, work completed to the clients standards and within budget. This is the time to ask questions and be sure you have the right crew to support you in this Home Addition.

2. DIY Home Addition.

Any large scale project involving home addition or remodeling your house should be done by a professional. Budget, permits, inspections, and everything else that comes with home additions should be left to someone well experienced in this field. DIY is not the only way you can bring your dream to life or save money, ask your contractor for money saving options or if you can do demo to save money.

3. Salvaging the wrong materials.

We understand that home improvements are not cheap. Saving money is ok, but salvaging the wrong materials will cost you more money in the long run. Salvaging materials will depend on the quality of the material and the damage caused to it after removal. If you are worried about being ecofriendly or saving money, try purchasing your building materials from a reclaimed wood yard or even checking for used light fixtures, cabinets, or shelving. If you are craigslist savvy you can check listings there, some people may have under gone a remodel and have good items you are looking for.

4. Thinking of building without proper permits.

Building without the correct permit is never a good idea. You can suffer large fines and possibly have to tear down your addition. Your contractor should know the appropriate permits you will need and when to apply for them. If you have questions about building permits you can check with your local Building and Safety Department to get your questions answered.

5. Not sticking to your budget.

This home addition isn’t going to be cheap, but you don’t need to go into debt to get it done. Have a set budget lined up before you start, and stick to it. Make your Home Remodel Company aware of your budget and how you will not have any room to increase this budget. Keep in mind that you may have to give up a special feature if something comes up in your project that eats at your budget.

Home addition doesn’t have to be a nightmare.  Let us help you increase your home’s resale value and improve your enjoyment. Contact us today!

Get in shape with your very own Workout Oasis

Get in shape with your very own Workout Oasis

Adding on a home gym can add resale value to your home in much the same way as adding any other addition would.  Just as finishing an attic space or adding on a laundry room would increase the resale value of your home a Home Gym will as well. If this is the year that you vow to get in shape, but hate the packed group classes or the high membership fees, it’s the year to build your own workout oasis. It’s going to be just you and that treadmill to compete with.

If you are going to add value to your home with this addition, you will want to put more effort into this rather than transforming your garage into a sweat shop. Home buyers will pay top dollar for quality, and this means additions done the right way. Now Remember: Anything bolted down, such as exercise equipment becomes part of the home and would be included in the sale of the house unless removed before selling or including a clause in your sale agreement.

You will want a space at least 150sq ft., the bigger the better though in this case. If you can build this gym as an addition you will have more freedom to make space for equipment that you want. If you are repurposing a room you will have to make do with the existing square footage and possibly have to give up on an important workout machine. Not only will you be sacrificing space, you will need to increase ventilation in your home gym.

Gym Essentials:

1. Dumbbells

2. Kettlebell

3. Pull Up Bar

4. Rings

5. Jump Rope

6. Medicine Ball

7. Plyo-Box

8. Barbell

9. Weight Plates

10. Stereo System

Number 10 on the list is number 1 for me. Having a great stereo system and a few t.v’s is important, this way you can catch up on the news or listen to motivational tunes while working off those calories.

Tip: Rubber mats and barriers to protect your floor are good investments you will want to make with this home gym. You don’t want a dumbbell dropping through your wood floor.

Laminate or wood flooring is ok for your home gym addition if you plan only for light workouts and no heavy machines or equipment. If you are planning for more strenuous workouts and heavy duty machines you should aim for Rubber Floor Tiles or a Rubber Mat. You can purchase most gym flooring material and equipment online. Prices can vary for different machines and weights, check your local listings and reviews before you make a large investment.

When doing any home addition or remodel, having a good Remodeling Frim on your side is imperative to save you money and do the job right. Contact Spazio LA if you are thinking of adding or changing your home. We would love to help build your dreams!

Building a custom Wine Cellar in your home

Building a custom Wine Cellar in your home

Wine aficionados have one, why can’t you? Adding a wine cellar to your home can increase the value, give a focal point and most importantly preserve your wine collection. There are a few things you need to think of before you take the leap and start remodeling. Temperature, humidity, light and vibration are things that need to be considered.

When choosing a location for your wine cellar location is everything! Most people keep their homes at the 70 degree temperature; a wine cellar must maintain a 55-58 degree temperature and 50-75 percent humidity. This means that you will want a room that isn’t frequented often and remains colder than the rest of your house. Basements, attics and garages are usually the best first choices.

Windowless areas are a must when choosing a location for your wine cellar addition. The ultraviolet rays found in sunlight can do serious damage to your wine, particularly if the bottle is made of clear or blue glass. You can invest in special low-UV lighting for your wine storage area, or you can take the low-tech route and cover your windows and wine racks to prevent light from reaching the bottles. Even artificial lighting can ruin wine, so dimmable lighting is a good choice.

Your floor will play a major role in your rooms’ humidity, thus being said carpet is not an option in your wine cellar. Hardwood, granite tiles and porcelain tiles are a good option for flooring. Not only is flooring important but your walls must be properly insulated as well as the door. Keeping your wine cellar at the right temp and humidity level is the most important thing.

Choosing the right cooling unit will make your life easy to maintain adequate levels. You can opt for a split cooling system, through the wall system or duct cooling systems. Ducted cooling systems, where the entire cooling unit is located remotely and cold air is ducted into the wine cellar, are the most expensive wine cooling systems. Their main advantages are that the wine cellars won’t be subject to noise from the cooling unit, and commercial systems can be serviced by most HVAC professionals. In addition, space in wine cellar can be maximized for wine storage, because the cooling unit doesn’t take any space inside the cellar.

This will end up being the easiest room to maintain, they require less maintenance then most rooms in your house. Once you have the climate controlled you will be able to enjoy this classic addition.

Now that you have the main points down, we can move on to storage. Another key aspect of wine storage is bottle position.  Placing bottles on their sides keeps the corks wet.  When corks dry out, oxygen can reach the wine and cause it to oxidize.  This will spoil the taste of your wine.  You can get wine cellar racks in pre made kits, or have them custom built for your room.

Décor and friends to enjoy your wine cellar with is the last piece to your addition.

Contact us today if you are interested in adding on a Wine Cellar to your next remodel.

Plaster from the 15th century with 21st century appeal

Plaster from the 15^th century with 21^st century appeal Just say it, “What the heck is Venetian plaster?” I knew you wanted to ask, because I was thinking the same thing.  Venetian plaster is a technique for applying plaster not a type of plaster. Venetian plaster is a technique used to wall, ceilings, raised for curved surfaces to give it heightened stucco like appearance. This method of application was preferred by the craftsman of the 15^th century in Venice, Italy, hence its name.

The primary method for applying Venetian plaster to a wall involves using a trowel, putty knife, or spatula to apply the plaster in thin, successive layers that are allowed to individually dry before the next layer is added. The initial layers need to be thinner and smoother than later layers so that the plaster will adhere to the wall effectively over time. As additional layers of Venetian plaster are applied, the objective is not to create a smooth surface, but to work patterns and textures into the plaster that are maintained after it has dried. A final thin layer of Venetian plaster is applied to seal the surface imperfections, and, after this has dried, the surface is usually lightly sanded to polish it and remove any imperfections that could lead to chipping or cracking. The end result is a semi-gloss marbleizing effect where the plaster has subtle color and texture variations that change with lighting and different angles of view.

As you read Venetian plaster takes time and a lot of patience; better to leave it to the professionals. But be careful: Though many companies currently market products claiming to be Venetian Plaster, few really are. Most are simply thick acrylic paints with silicates that mimic marble if applied in thin layers and burnished. Though having a similar appearance and finish to natural plasters, there are some key differences and the finish will not be the same. The great thing about Venetian plaster is the fact that it can be purchased Tinted or you can paint over the plaster.

Venetian plaster adds a classic finish to your home; any room can get the look of Italian elegance. Contact Spazio LA today for a quote on your home remodel or Venetian Plaster project.

Is there a Wood that is tougher than nails?

Is there a Wood that is tougher than nails?

Ipe is a hardwood from the Brazilian rainforests and it's as hard – or harder -- than nails. Ipe is so dense that must be pre-drilled before installation. Ipe is one of the densest hardwoods available, three times harder than cedar. You can find most people whom are used to Ipe comparing its strength to that of steel. It's nearly impossible to drill holes in the wood after placing it on the deck, which is why most builders will drill holes with specialized tools before placing the wood on the deck and securing it in place. Due to its amazing durability it is most often used in outdoor remodels, such as decks and patios. It can be used inside your home, but must be kiln dried to remove moisture before doing so. Ipe can make beautiful cabinets and flooring.

Ipe can last over 40 years in an outdoor setting, which is great news for those who want an Ipe deck or patio. This lumbar is pest, weather, scratch, and mold resistant. This hardwood is so great that you will not have to worry about moisture damage, and sealing your deck is a thing of the past. Ipe also has the same fire rating as concrete and steel, meaning it resists flames much longer than softer woods, and is so dense that it doesn't float in water. Don’t go setting your deck on fire to test this fire rating, but in the event of a fire on your deck, you are in the safe zone.

Ipe wood can cost anywhere from $3-$10 per square foot, so be prepared when you budget for your remodel. Though it does cost a little more than other types of hardwood, many people find that the benefits and look of Ipe outweigh any budget increase. Think of the savings you will have since you won’t be needing to seal and reseal your Ipe wood deck, or replace your deck!

Ipe tips:

-          Let Ipe rest in the area in which you will be installing it for 7 days prior to use, unless otherwise directed. This will allow the Ipe wood to get acclimated to the local temperature and humidity.

-          Don’t store Ipe directly on the ground during the acclimation period.

-          Do not cover with a tarp or plastic while the Ipe wood is adjusting to the temperature.

-        Expect the IPE Decking prices to fluctuate between various companies – each and every company has different operation expenses and over-head.

Ipe is a great choice for a beautiful deck or patio, built to last a life time.