Clues your water heater is junk

Clues your water heater is junk You wake up to take your morning shower and there is ice cold, Alaska water coming out of your showerhead. This could be a very good sign that your water heater is not functioning at all anymore and it’s time to get a new one.  If you wait too long it may lead to bigger problems as well, such as large leaks and water damage to your home. So aside from complete catastrophe know when to replace your water heater from the small signs.

1. Water Temperature – Water temp variance could be a good indication that the water heater is getting ready to call it quits. If your water heater doesn’t get as hot as it used to be or the temperature comes in waves, invest in a new one before you are left in the cold water!

2. Age – Electric water heaters usually only last for 8-10 years, while gas water heaters last 6-8 years. You may even be making a eco friendly upgrade when you swap your old water heater for a newer model.

3. Leaks – If your water heater is creating an ocean or lake in your garage or basement, fixing it is recommended before water damage arises. You can trouble shoot your water heater but depending on the age you may just need to replace it.

4. Rusty water – A gush of rusty colored water when you open the hot water faucet is a major indicator of an aging water heart. Generally this is caused by years of sediment that has been deposited in your tank. When you turn on the hot water the sediment is stirred up and comes out. Usually seeing this rust colored water is a sign that corrosion and leakage is on its way. Draining and flushing your water heater can help, but when this is not enough – replace.

5. Drain issues - Over time, sediment builds up inside a water heater. Flushing your water heater once a year will help solve this and extend the life of your water heater. However, if this task isn’t performed for an extended period of time then the sediment build-up will eventually reach a point where it can no longer be resolved. At this point a water heater replacement will be necessary.

When deciding to replace your water heater, you will want to decide if you would like one powered by electricity, natural gas or propane gas. Water heaters these days are amazingly efficient. Look for models that sport the government-appointed Energy Star label. The tag also is supposed to indicate the annual operating cost of the device. You also will need to determine the size of the water heater you need, in gallons. After choosing your water heater, you will want to either hire a qualified installer or learn how to do it yourself.

Common Backsplash issues that will make you glad you hired a contractor

Common Backsplash issues that will make you glad you hired a contractor

Your kitchen backsplash may be just one of the simplest parts or your home. However, you could have so many dilemmas when it comes to the installation and probably with remodeling in the future. When you look at a backsplash area, it seems so simple being a rectangular space on your kitchen wall. When you try to work on it and improve it the way you like, you come to find that it is not that easy to handle the job. Working on any vertical surface can be challenging. You may need to find a contractor for your Los Angeles Kitchen remodel to assist you and take some work off your hands.

Why hire a contractor to work on your backsplash project?

Here are some common problems about kitchen backsplash that would require help from a professional contractor, and make you thankful that you have some professional help.

1. Timing in placing the backsplash – everything should start with planning, most especially when it comes to the kitchen backsplash. What most people have dilemmas about is when to fix the backsplash. Do you install backsplash before the cabinets go in? Do you do the backsplash last? The say of a professional contractor is needed in this case. The experts will know when to take care of the backsplash, appropriately, to make sure that everything will turn out with the best quality. For example you won’t ruin a new countertop by dropping grout.

2. Right height for backsplash – this is a common problem for most homeowners. They end up doing the backsplash themselves but are not sure about the right height for it. Would it be alright to keep it low or high? Should the height be dependent with the width of the kitchen counter? A contractor will be able to measure the perfect height for it, and make sure that the wall is ready for any height and weight you choose.

3. Tiling process – it could be easy to place the tile on the wall, but which tile should be used for the backsplash purposes? You may need to contact a professional to help you in choosing the right type of tile to use. You can let them do the installation as well for better results. Although you can install the tiles yourself, a professional contractor can do it expertly in a timely manner. Get the best results for your money, after all this is an investment.

4.  Backsplash design – how should a backsplash look like? Is it a must for it to match the tiles with the designs on the kitchen floor? What material should you use? What angle should the backsplash be installed?  Your contractor can answer all these and more questions about back splashes and remodels.   

A good contractor can help you fix your kitchen backsplash in Los Angeles homes or even your business. If you have any more problems with installation and maintenance of backsplash for your kitchen you could always ask your contractor. Look for the right contractor to help you expertly with your project. Make sure all your kitchen backsplash dilemmas are resolved by hiring a professional contractor

Waterwise plants for a low maintenance yard of Los Angeles

Waterwise plants for a low maintenance yard of Los Angeles

A lawn might be lovely, but it takes a lot of hard work to make it so; you’ve got to mow, weed, thatch, reseed, aerate. Then repeat. If you’d rather spend more time enjoying the outdoors instead of working on it, switch to one of these low-maintenance yard ideas. As a bonus, you’ll also save on your water bill because these alternatives use less water.

Low maintenance does not necessarily mean that you will avoid plants all together; the use of water wise plants will require less water and grow well in your area. As well as water wise plants, use of rocks in your yard will allow run off water to collect and feed your plants.

Gardeners wishing to live in a sustainable way will want to plant water-wise plants in their gardens. Indeed, many cities may soon require it. Waterwise plants have developed qualities that help them tolerate low rainfall, high heat and drying winds. These characteristics are taproots, leaves with fine gray hairs or high oil content, and bulbous, water-storing roots.

Here are  a list of water wise plants and alternatives:

Perennials, Shrubs, and Ornamental Grasses  Agave species (Agave)  Alyogyne huegelii (Blue Hibiscus)  Arctostaphylos species (Manzanita)  Artemisia species (Sagebrush)  Ceanothus species (California Lilac)  Chamelaucium uncinatum (Geraldton Waxflower)  Cistus species (Rockrose)  Dudleya species (Live Forever)  Echeveria species (Hens-and-Chickens)  Encelia californica (California Encelia)  Galvezia speciosa (Island Bush Snapdragon)  Grevillea species (Grevillea)  Heteromeles arbutifolia (Toyon)  Lavandula species (Lavender)  Leucophyllum species (Texas Ranger)  Lobelia laxiflora (Mexican Bush Lobelia)  Mahonia nevinii (Nevin’s Barberry)  Melalueca nesophila (Pink Melaleuca)  Myrtus communis (Common Myrtle)  Nassella species (Needlegrass)  Penstemon species (Penstemon)  Rhus species (Sumac)  Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary)  Salvia, selected species (Sage)  Sisyrinchium bellum (Blue-Eyed Grass)  Tapetes lemmonii (Copper Canyon Daisy)  Verbena, selected species (Verbena)

Trees  Arbutus unedo (Strawberry Tree)  Chitalpa tashkentensis (Chitalpa)  Geijera parviflora (Australian Willow)  Laurus nobilis (Sweet Bay)  Olea europaea ‘Swan Hill’ (Swan Hill Olive)  Pinus eldarica (Afghan Pine)  Prosopsis chilensis (Chilean Mesquite)  Quercus agrifolia (Coast Live Oak)  Rhus lancea (African Sumac) Vines  Bougainvillea species (Bougainvillea)  Macfadyena unguis-cati (Cat’s Claw)  Vitis californica (California Wild Grape) Turf  Buchloe dactyloides (Buffalograss)  Cynodon dactylon (Hybrid Bermudagrass)  Zoysia ‘Victoria’ (Victoria Zoysiagrass) Ground Cover  Acacia redolens ‘Desert Carpet’  (Dwarf Prostrate Acacia)  Achillea species (Yarrow)  Baccharis species (Coyote Brush)  Cotoneaster dammeri (Bearberry Cotoneaster)  Lampranthus species (Ice Plant)  Lantana montevidensis (Trailing Lantana)  Myoporum parvifolium (Myoporum)  Sedum species (Stonecrop)

Backsplash meant to catch your eye

Backsplash meant to catch your eye Every square inch of your kitchen should be used to improve the flow and design of your newly remodeled kitchen. Homeowners are no longer ignoring the space between the kitchen counter and the cabinets, and back splashes are no longer only 4 inches tall. Now colorful and eye catching backsplashes are being installed. Backsplashes are reaching new heights and design; even new materials are taking the kitchen remodel by storm. No longer are stone, subway tiles, and stainless steel the only “trend” when it comes to backsplashes.  Tile will remain in the number one spot for 2016 with stone falling shortly behind at number 2. Although the materials used for tiles and backsplashes are ever growing.

If you do want to stick to the older trend, you can buy your subway tiles for cheaper than regular tiles, and natural stone will give your kitchen a durable edge. Though the latest rage in tile is now 3D tile and textured tile. Textured tile can add depth to your kitchen backsplash wall, and create a cool piece of art to look at. If you spend time in the kitchen you will more than likely look at your new backsplash, so make it something worth looking at.

But if you want to liven up your kitchen and install eye catching backsplash, you will need to match your backsplash to your personality. Try mixing it up with White marble and a flashy wallpaper or river rocks. Our Advice: If you want something amazing and fit for your personal style – go with a material that complements your life. Green gurus and ecofriendly homeowners are reaching for the reclaimed wood and antique wood tiles for their kitchen backsplashes. Ever have left over wood from your homes’ flooring? Now you can put it to use by using it as backsplash. But your wood backsplash doesn’t have to match the color of your floors – opt for staining your left over pieces to your taste. Even concrete can be an ecofriendly option for backsplash. Embossed concrete will be seen on kitchen walls – and can be embossed to look like individual tiles – though with less work.

Small kitchens are happy to get a backsplash made of tile mirrors! These mirrors come in any shape or size and can really reflect the light a small kitchen may be lacking. We first saw them in kitchens of the 80’s – but they are making a strong come back for 2016. The reflective power of a mirror can catch what small light you have in your kitchen and make it appear brighter and larger. Say good bye to dark and dingy – get yourself mirrored backsplash tiles.

As you can see there are so many more options rather than simple subway tile or natural stone for your kitchen backsplash and it doesn’t take much more than a creative idea to get a cool backsplash. Some installations take less work and time than others. If you have questions or need help with a remodel project don’t be afraid to reach out and contact us. 1.877.642.7772 Spazio LA

Where do you start fixing up a fixer upper?

Where do you start fixing up a fixer upper? Buying a brand new house or even newer house isn’t feasible for everyone. Buying a fixer upper could have been your dream, who knows. Though now that you are all moved in, where do you start when you can’t fix up the whole house at once? It seems like there is an issue every corner your turn and the issues keep adding up.

If you haven’t ever experienced a fixer upper or older house, the experience is like this; kitchen & bathroom sink backs up and wont drain, bathroom shower is slow to drain (so you are standing in dirty water),  the washer is flooding your laundry room or garage, your windows are all single paned and have no barrier to the outside elements, you have a leaky roof, your lights only turn on half the time you flick the on switch, let’s not even talk about the flooring (it’s that bad). The kitchen layout is horrible – don’t even think about having more than one person in the kitchen at any one time, mismatched cabinets, no garbage disposal or dishwasher,  ONE electrical outlet, and the appliances are not energy saving friendly. Now on to the bathroom- it may be shaped like a hallway – long and narrow, or it may be the size of a closet. It is outdated, no ventilation, and the word relaxing doesn’t pop into your head. Older houses have either very small closets or no closets, this just spells disaster. This is just the start to what a fixer upper has in store for you.

All you can see in your head is knocking down walls to make that grand open floor plan, a large chef’s kitchen, walk-in closets, spa style bathroom, new floors throughout, and to have your electrical and plumping situation in working order. All you can see is your fixer upper looking like a brand new house .The whole house remodel is nice, but sometimes you have to start small, and that’s perfectly fine. You have to figure out where to start before you start.

Make a list of all of the major issues, like the sinks not draining, leaks, plumping and electrical issues – make a list of all the major things that have to work before anything else. There is no point in remodeling the kitchen if the ceiling leaks so bad it’s like the kitchen is raining. Once you have the major issues listed you can now move on to the things that you need to change or fix, then a list of the things you want to add. Rome wasn’t built in a day, so your house doesn’t have to be remodeled in one either. Consulting a remodeling company after you have created your list is recommended.

A remodeling company isn’t you worst enemy. You may be thinking that they are more expensive than you can afford, but this may come to a surprise to you, you can afford them. Remodeling and interior design teams can help look at your house and your list of issues and break down where to spend your money first, where you can save money, and if they can help you finance the remodel projects. For help with your fixer upper – contact Spazio LA today. 1.877.642.7772

Sherman Oaks Remodel goes from 700 sq feet to over 2000 !

Sherman Oaks Remodel goes from 700sq feet to over 2,000

This Sherman Oaks home is a great way to display the love and passion we have for what we do here at Spazio LA. We were able to build a home of our client’s dreams as well as bring our creative expertise to another level. After 7 months of hard work and over 1300sq feet added on to this beautiful home, we are proud to go ahead and share all details with you.

750sq feet before – 2150sq feet after: Smooth grey stucco, Brazilian Ipe siding, modern metal and glass gates and beautiful landscaping makes for this gorgeous house front. Can you say major curb appeal right off the back? I think we can be safe to say that this makes you want to come on in and see what’s on the inside.

Let’s get started with all the great details that made this remodel whole.

Master Bedroom and Kid’s Bedroom:

This beautiful master bedroom has lots of natural light thanks to the use of the world famous NANA wall (retractable glass door panels, we have a great blog about them and how to get your own) as well as the 14 foot vaulted ceilings. The NANA walls open up to the IPE deck and patio area.  Some will argue that the NANA walls make this room feel so huge, some will argue that the incredibly tall ceilings make this room feel huge – but we will tell you that the combination of the two make for one amazing sight to see. The art work on the walls are all original pieces, and the bed frame was designed and fabricated specifically for the client. We will always go above and beyond to make sure our client is entirely happy with their space.

The beautiful kid’s room has zebra hardwood floors, a custom aluminum and glass doored closet, and a custom blue ocean chalk wall mural. This room was designed for a younger child – but the design can most certainly grow with your child or become an office later on when they fly the nest.

Open floor plan:

 

Our design for the sunken living room was to and depth and dimension, maybe even bring in some drama. This open floor plan needed a little change in level, so we sunk the living room and opened it up with more 11ft NANA walls. This makes for the perfect indoor/outdoor experience, just open the glass walls to bring the life to the party.

An open concept design and polished concrete floors, Spazio LA was able to achieve a loft feel in this large home. Concrete flooring throughout the kitchen, island with seating – plus room for a dining table, are just a start to this great kitchen. This contemporary kitchen shows off master chef appliances and became an entertainer’s delight.

This bathroom design incorporates concrete onto the walls with a beautiful green color pallet and black slate tile on the floors.  The shower has large Italian porcelain tiles complemented by a Brazilian teak wood floor. For those of you whom don’t know much about Brazilian Teak Wood it is durable, and will not absorb water – which makes it good for showers or saunas as it will never rot.

We spent a lot of time on this project from the design to the build, but we are very proud to share this with you. Spazio LA hopes to inspire you to believe that your home can be just as beautiful as you dream it to be.

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!

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.

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.

What are the advantages of using a DESIGN BUILD company?

 

Most people when they want to remodel their entire home or just one specific area such as the Kitchen, or the master bathroom, they call up a general contractor or a home improvement company to get bids.  Little do they know that, in most cases, contractors or home improvement companies have no experience in designing spaces.  They will rely on the client to tell them what to do in terms of finishes and overall look.  This is where it gets tricky for the clients, most people don’t have the vision to successfully create a new space from scratch, let alone tell a contractor what to do.  So things can get out of hand and usually projects will take longer than normal leaving the clients very frustrated at the end of the project.

When people hire a Design Build company like Spazio LA , clients get a full team of experts.  In other words, a Designer in charge of absorbing all your design wishes as well as incorporating functionality within the overall design; a contractor with a full team of professionals to work on the project, and an onsite project manager that will, periodically, inspect the progress of the project.  Design build companies also have a number of highly qualified architects that work in conjunction with the designer in the cases where new additions, structural changes or even new construction building permits are required.

Designer:

A designer is a professional with a degree in art and design that has the tools to come up with ideas and put them on paper or computer so that it can be transformed into reality.

What kind of services does a designer provide to my home remodeling project?

For one, you can actually look at your designer as your personal assistant and best friend throughout your remodeling process.  Your personal designer will listen to your ideas, will share inspirational pictures, and will try to put together your perfect space just like you have dreamed it; and in most cases, even better than your dreams.  Your designer will also take you to showrooms to select finish materials such as, tiles, wood floors, fixtures, curtains, and even furniture and art work.  A designer from Spazio LA will also visit the project on a regular basis to make sure his designs are well executed by our builders.  In sum, your designer is the go to person throughout your entire project and is an immeasurable value to the success of your project.

Contractor:

As licensed general contractors, Spazio LA can build and remodel anything that we set our minds to.  From complete home remodels to room additions, to kitchens, bathrooms and even outdoor spaces such as pools and patios; Spazio LA has done it all. Different from most home improvement companies, that in order to cut on costs, they would bring a crew that will basically start and finish your project.  The same crew that does your demolition will also be doing your plumbing, and your electrical as well as your drywall and tile installation.  This been a normal practice among home improvement companies, at Spazio LA we run the show in a different manner.  Every crew that comes to our client’s projects is specific to their trade.  The demo crew does only demolition and cleaning of all trash and debris.  We only use license electricians and plumbers and our tile installers are exclusively doing that for us.  This guarantees our clients that the project is done right by a trade professional and with the highest of qualities.

Project Manager:

Why is important to have a project manager at my home remodeling project?

Think of your project manager as your quality control guy, as well as your problem solver.

We all know that no matter how good a construction crew is, there are always surprises along the way.  A project manager is the one that is there to take care of those problems when they arrive.  A project manager makes sure to schedule each crew according to the progress of the project in a seamless way so that there are no intermissions in the job, guaranteeing the early completion of the project.  Our project managers have worked in the construction field for over a decade and are very knowledgeable in all aspects of the construction process.  Between your personal designer and your project manager, you can make sure you can sleep well at night; your house is in great hands.

Spazio LA, was born with a single great goal in mind “customer satisfaction”.  By providing a full design build service, we are able to get close to our clients in ways that the home remodeling industry has been lacking.  We take pride in our work and are fueled by our client’s satisfaction.

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 with 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

Counter tops good for the environment! #GoGreen

When looking for quality countertops for your home remodel why not choose a material equally beautiful as it is good for the environment? Eco conscious home owners are turning to recycled material for their home projects these days. Some of the most unique and cutting edge countertops are made from recycled material. Ecofriendly design doesn’t have to be boring. Don’t think for one second that you are losing out on style and statement by going green! You can easily find amazing countertops that match your design idea as you can countertops that are not so great. You may want to check out materials before you select your cabinets. And hey, you never know, you may find something better than you expected.

Go bold: go ecofriendly!

You can easily find materials for countertops that are almost 100% recycled or manufactured using less energy, such as wood countertops.

I know, I know, I am talking about being environmentally friendly and then I mention cutting down trees for your countertops. But, there is such a thing as wood countertops made from “sustainably harvested” wood material. This means that manufacturers are aware of when to use a tree and the impact it will have on the whole forest,  versus cutting down a huge field and having devastating effects on the wild life and earth. This also ensures that they used hand saws to remove the trees with no gas powered polluting machines. This helps save wood as one of our natural resources. Look for the SFI or FCS seal of approval before you buy. Wood countertops also cut down on the amount of chemicals being washed down storm drains into the ocean. They only need to be cleaned with soap and water due to the inherent natural properties that protect them against bacteria growth. Plus you will always have a built in cutting board with this solid countertops.

One sleek countertop that should never be used to cut on is stainless steel. Stainless steel countertops are becoming ever more popular for their shiny look and because they are comprised of a large amount of recycled material. Stainless steel is not only durable and non-pourus it is also fully recyclable at the end of its usable life. When you use a recycled material to create a new product it takes less energy as you would use when dealing with raw materials. Saving energy means lowering pollution rates as well.

Other options for ecofriendly materials for countertops are Terrazo and Recycled Glass. Terrazo was originally only seen in Italy, but is making its way into American kitchens with great force. Terrazo is made from recycled materials such as: marble chips, crushed stone, glass, metal and even seashells. It can be made custom and in any color you could imagine. Some even use it as flooring, but that’s another subject. Recycled glass countertops are a great way to green your kitchen also. Not the color green of course, unless that’s what you want! 100% recycled material and one of the best options if you are worried about the environment.

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

Energy Efficient Remodels: It's Time To Go Green!

Energy Efficient Remodels: Go Green!

News headlines today about energy range from home solar panels and homes that generate their own power, homes that are energy independent and recycle rain water for personal use.

You don’t have to go to extreme to be energy efficient, but making changes to your home can help save more energy AND money.

No time is better than during a remodel to make your home energy efficient. The definition of energy efficient is doing more with less power. We aren’t asking you to have a time period where you shut down the lights in your home every day; there will be no walking around with candles bumping into furniture. We are asking you to look deeper and see what other options you have to save energy while living comfortably. Who doesn’t want to see their utility bills cut down by nearly 20-40% every month?

Insulated walls and attic – If your home is not well insulated the rate of heat escaping your house during the winter and entering your home during the summer will be increased. Thus meaning you will be paying more for heating and cooling your house and wasting money. A properly insulated home will stay cooler in the summer and remain warmer during cold months.

Light bulbs- Upgrading traditional light bulbs to LEDs or CFLs light bulbs can save 25-80% energy used and last 25 times longer. If you change out light bulbs not only do you save energy but you will have to replace light bulbs less often.  Changing light bulbs may seem like a minor detail and is often missed when doing home remodeling, but any penny saved counts.

Windows- Ensure your windows are not single glazed and up to par to keep your home the right temperature. Single paned windows should be replaced to cut your air conditioning and heating bill down by 24%. Weather stripping around windows should not be cracked or leaking.

Appliances and Central Air Systems- Having two refrigerators and three deep freezers are a need or a want? If you have any old appliances that you don’t absolutely need or use to its full advantage; recycle them. New energy efficient appliances today are built and designed to save energy without sacrificing style or function. Setting your central air system to a heat and cool point can help regulate room temperature and save energy by turning on only when needed.

Updating furnace- Check the date your furnace was installed. If it was installed before 1992 research shows that it wastes 35% fuel that is uses. Have your furnace inspected for fuel utilization efficiency before you replace it.

Water heater efficiency- Start with checking the water temp setting, it should be turned down to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Who takes a scolding shower anyway? By lowering the temperature on your water heater you aren’t making your water heater work harder for no reason, thus saving energy. Another way to save energy is have your water pipes insulated so that they stay warmer longer in between uses. Professional contractors can install a special pump to work on demand and save water heating energy.

Landscaping- Don’t forget about the outside. To lower the heat radiating into your home from the outdoors have shrubs and plants planted around your house. This adds as shade to your home and also a block to the heat. You can add plants that are low maintenance so that you are saving water also.

There are some simple and then more complex ways to make your home remodel more energy efficient.

Consult with a professional to ensure you are making the most out of your energy use.

Did your flooring kill the value of your home?

Did your flooring kill the value of your home? Los Angeles remodels can be found in all sizes and vary from different budgets, though one thing we don’t see anyone skimping on anymore is flooring. Hardwood flooring is especially popular in Los Angeles and the surrounding neighborhoods. Why is this trend seen so frequently? Whitney Coy of SheKnows.com tells us, “Home buyers are willing to spend top dollar for homes with hardwood floors.” Thus we have bigger budgets for flooring than ever before in remodeling.

Hardwood flooring not only boosts the value of your home, but there are many benefits that come along with the flooring. You can enjoy hardwood flooring even if you are not looking to sell. This amazing flooring can be added to any room – though does better in rooms with low moisture content.

What we love about hardwood flooring:

-the value that it adds to the home.

- can be used in any room, adding or changing a throw rug can make for an easy style change if you get bored.

- lowers allergens in your home, easy to clean with the use of a broom or hardwood flooring vacuum.

- the endless colors, patterns and hues is a major plus when thinking of hardwood flooring.

- these puppies can last a lifetime if cared for the right way!

For every pro, we all know there can be a con. Let’s get into why you may not like hardwood flooring as much as we do. We already mentioned how these floors are not as inexpensive as carpet – but you need to know that these floors last a heck of a lot longer than carpet. The budget for hardwood flooring can run you anywhere from $9 per square foot, and could top nearly $15 per square foot. Thus being said you will need to plan and prepare your budget for this type of remodel and install. Luckily one of the next complaints on the hardwood flooring con list doesn’t really affect us in California as much as other places. Hardwood flooring can be a little cold on your bare feet during the winter months. Did you know that they do make headed flooring systems? This could solve the problem of cold toes if this con really bothers you that much. In floor heated systems take the rigid cold feeling from your feet and actually can reduce home heating bills overall. One other main con that we have found is the noise factor. This is one of the flooring materials that can amplify noise, whereas others can reduce sound waves in your home. Older floors will tend to creak as well. No sneaking up on anyone when you live in a home with hardwood floors!

Now you have it, the good and the bad, the pretty and the ugly. You decide if hardwood floors are for you and your remodel.

Bathroom remodel tips to keep your project afloat

Best Bathroom Remodel Ideas and Tips Of all the bathroom remodel ideas and tips the very first thing you need to think about is your budget. This will be the first tip and the most important. You can’t plan a bathroom remodel without first knowing your budget for the project and how much of that you will need to spend on each aspect of the remodel. The budget will tell you if you will be able to move plumbing, purchase new or refurbish your old items, as you can see the budget is very important. Set your budget ahead of time to avoid overspending and major disaster. Of course there will always be a chance of unexpected changes, but having this budget in play will be a great guide and tell you if you can get that fancy light fixture you have been idolizing.

BUDGET

A few ways to save money from this set budget will be to keep the existing plumbing in the spot that they are in currently, this means no redesigning the layout of the shower or sink. You can also save money by refinishing your tub, sink and cabinet. This costs you about a tenth of the new purchase price. Talk about savings! In some cases you will need to replace your existing tub and cabinet, especially if they are damaged due to moisture and mold. Ventilation is a MUST in order to avoid mold and mildew. Don’t forget to add ample ventilation to your bathroom remodel.

DESIGN

In the design stages remodel experts stress the importance of proper use of lighting. Dim lighting is great for relaxation and baths, though for shaving and makeup application bright lighting is much needed. The use of windows, lighting and mirrors to reflect the light can make a small bathroom seem larger. Tip: Stay away from dark colors when remodeling a small bathroom. Installing a pedestal sink or floating vanity can save flooring space and help when space is limited. No matter small or large – a bathroom should have an abundance of storage. When designing storage space opt for shower niches to harbor soaps, and consider vertical storage units outside of the shower. Utilize all of the space even those areas that are empty. If you are looking to include extra drawers in your vanity, try adding a vessel sink! Installing your flooring at a diagonal angle can give the illusion of more floor space as well. Use a textured tile or matte tile if you are worried about non slip, also try porcelain or glazed tile for easy care.

EXTRAS

Water efficiency can get displaced off the list of remodel items, but should not be forgotten. Fixtures and toilets are no made to be the utmost water efficient. Look for a toilet with a MaP score of 500 or higher to ensure you are saving water with every flush. Not only is water important, energy is as well. Upgrade your bathroom remodel wiring and change out your old amp circuit for a 20 amp. Include plenty of outlets to accommodate your electrical items like razor, curling iron, and tooth brush and so on and so forth.

Kitchen trends you need to know about

Good news for remodel goers this year,  if you are in the process of changing your current kitchen color pallet or you are designing a new remodel. Color trends are changing dramatically and you are in the color changing business during the best time yet. Wouldn’t you just hate to have just changed to a bold blue kitchen and then find out bold is out of the question?!

Soft muted colors are taking over kitchens this year. Bold is no longer the way to go when it comes to kitchen colors. Kitchen colors are changing, according to interior designer Jane Lockhart. Though white motifs will still dominate, everything from cabinets to backsplashes will be done in less saturated tones. “Charcoal, grays and even neutral pastels like pale blue, pale green gray and tinted whites are the new alternative to the standard white,” she says. She also foresees kitchens sporting lighter wood tones, including walnuts, whitewashed woods and white oak in rift grain. Metals are sneaking into the kitchen again.

There has been a revival of warm toned metal accents in the kitchen. While the last few decades seemed to be all about stainless steel and chrome, lately gold, brass, and copper have been making a strong comeback for cabinet hardware, other accent areas, and decor or appliances- such as a row of copper pans hanging above the stove. When it comes to color pairings for the rest of the kitchen, there are multiple possibilities. Black and white give off a luxe feel when paired with gold or brass, cream works well with all three, and you can also go for subtle contrast by pairing cool pastels with warm metal accents.

The trend of two toned cabinets that started back in 2015 will continue this year. This trend is basically combining 2 different colors of cabinets.  This could be uppers in one color, bottoms in a different one, or the whole kitchen cabinets in one color and the island in a different tone. To achieve this look and make your kitchen look larger, pain the upper cabinets a lighter color than the lower cabinets.

For other remodeling ideas, stay tuned to our blog.

Flooring options made to reduce your headache

Pros and Cons of Flooring Options to help stop a flooring headache When remodeling your home you may feel overwhelmed with the many choices of Flooring Options. And there are many options! You may want to consider a few things before you lay down that floor solely because it looks good.

Spazio LA will break down the options and factors that will help you make the right choice.

Things to consider when doing your flooring are:

1. Cleaning and Durability:

If you have pets and kids you may want to consider an option that is easy to clean. Choosing an option that will hold up to traffic and accidents is important.

2. Cost and Value:

It is important to consider the quality of the flooring and the value for your money. You don’t want to throw away money to replace a floor that you had remodeled only a few years back because you went with a cheaper option.  Also, installing quality flooring adds value to your home for years to come.

3. Location, Location, Location:

The ideal flooring can change based on where you are installing it as well. Rooms used more often will require durable flooring. Bathrooms will require flooring that is moisture and water resistant- and safe! Some flooring options and the way it is installed can make an area look larger, or smaller. You want durable flooring in a kids rooms but it needs to be safe and warm also.

Here we lay out the pros and cons of only a few different flooring options. Never the less if you are in doubt call a professional to help you with your home remodeling needs.

Pros & Cons

Carpet

Pros -Carpet can act like another layer of insulation and help keep cold or warm drafts from seeping through the floor.

-It goes without saying that carpet is always going to be the softest of any type of flooring. -Carpet helps to reduce sound and noises from one floor to the next. Cons -Regular vacuuming is needed (every one to two days for high traffic areas) frequently. Spills need to be removed immediately to prevent staining and liquid to seep deep into fibers to cause mold and mildew.

Hardwood

Pros -An upgrade to hardwood floors will add a lot of value to your home. -Hardwood floors are easy to care for by sweeping or vacuuming them daily and wiping them with an approved wood cleaner. -There are many different types of woods, stains and plank sizes to choose from.

Cons

-Every step that is taken on wood floors can be heard. Not to mention, furry friends can slip and slide because their padded feet can’t grip the shiny, smooth surface.

Laminate

Pros -The protective layer on laminate helps protect it from something that would normally stain easily. -Vacuum away loose dirt and debris and mop with a damp mop.

Cons                                                                                                                                                                     -Laminate may look like hardwood, but doesn’t have the value like hardwood. -Laminate flooring is easily dented. Laminate flooring cannot be sanded or refinished. Areas with large scratches or gouges need to be replaced with new laminate flooring.

Tile – Ceramic/Stone/Porcelain

Pros -Easy, fast clean up – and great for high traffic.

-Adds a clean and elegant finish to a room.

- Nontoxic and great for those who suffer allergies as it doesn’t harbor allergens.

Cons -Not a good insulator for heat.

-Dangerous when wet!

-Tiles can crack and need to be replaced.

Bathroom remodel nightmares that you can avoid

5 Common Bathroom Remodel Mistakes and get a dream bathroom like our master spa retreat:

Building a better bathroom might look easy, but when you are revamping a small space – it only takes a few mistakes to end up with a disaster. Bathroom remodeling is a complex design process with lots of moving parts and ideas floating around.  Just like remodeling any part of your home, bathroom remodeling is no easy task. These 5 common bathroom remodel mistakes are easy to avoid, yet many make. Don’t fall victim to the bathroom remodel fails!

1. Skimped on Skilled Labor! – Books and TV shows make anything look DIY possible. Bathroom remodels are one of the worst first time DIY remodel project you will ever endure. Save yourself the trouble and financial loss, avoid a DIY Bathroom Remodel.  Start by researching local remodel pros and contractors in your area to find the best team for the job. It is easy to hire a company that offers a big time discount, but are they really the best? Remember that you get what you pay for, and good quality work can be expensive. Read the prospective remodel company reviews and ask what their warrantee policy is before signing on the line.

2. Skimped on storage! – This is the worst mistake to make. Why? Because there is never enough storage and if you fail to plan storage you will end up throwing bathroom goods into the hall closet. Use your bathroom space to its fullest potential. Consider niche shower storage spaces for soaps and shampoos. Build custom vertical storage shelving or cabinets to house your towels. Main point, don’t skimp or forget about bathroom storage.

3. Lacking light! – There is nothing worse than a dark and freakishly claustrophobic bathroom. Lacking light or even a view out of the bathroom could put you on the list of bathroom remodel fails.  If you have the opportunity to add a window in the bathroom but are afraid of privacy, opt of  a small horizontal window above the shower or even consider special tint that allows you to see out and not in. If you do not have the luxury of adding a window – play up the light with cool fixtures, light color paint and mirrors to reflect what light you have.

4. Bad location! – Location is more important than you think. I couldn’t imagine having to use bathroom that is attached to the kitchen, let alone when a meal is being cooked. Never locate the bathroom, if you can help it, off the kitchen, living room or any other highly public room. Keep the bathroom located in a place that won’t embarrass anyone for having to do the inevitable.

5. Porcelain throne misplacement! – Last on our 5 common bathroom remodel mistakes is the toilet location. Don’t make the toilet the first thing when you walk into the door! Eye sore! Toilet location and spacing is something important in your bathroom remodel design. Give plenty leg room between the toilet and any close by walls, keep the toilet paper holder within reach as well. If you are a believer in fengshui – the toilet must not face out of the door either.

Now that you know the 5 most common bathroom remodel mistakes – enjoy your remodel project.

To get help with your remodel, contact us today!

Spanish speaking homes are the hot new trend

Spanish speaking homes are the hot new trend Spanish interior design is a vibrant, colorful Mediterranean style that brings to mind rustic villas, sunny patios and an old-fashioned, solid sense of family. Unlike other design styles, Spanish decor is fairly easy to achieve in your own home.

Spanish architectural elements include wooden support beams, carved corbels, wainscoting with Talavera tiles, terra cotta tile flooring. Fully carpeted spaces are uncommon in Spanish interiors. Generally, a uniform hard flooring surface is installed throughout the home and accented with small throw carpets and large area rugs. Traditional Spanish carpets have a knotted weave in staggered rows. A neutral beige or off-white creates a background for linear-patterned designs in soft greens and yellows. The most traditional flooring choice in a Spanish-style home is hardwood, though budget-conscious designers can choose alternative flooring options such as slate, a heavy, matte-finished ceramic or terracotta tile with dark grout.

Spanish-style homes often use leather and Mission-style dark, distressed wood furnishings. Some common dark wood choices include mahogany, walnut, ebony, butternut, teak and rosewood. Traditional furniture provides a complementary contrast to a Spanish-style home’s soft arches and whimsical architectural elements such as carved wood panels. Choose leather armchairs with straight backs, heavy wooden benches and wood chairs upholstered in woven cotton fabrics. Another element of traditional Spanish style homes are wrought iron work. Wrought iron can be found in almost every room, light fixtures, sconces and stair railings. If you are going for the authentic Mexican style entry hall, include a long wooden bench, bright color paint and accents and wrought iron detail.

The Spanish style interior would not be complete without Talavera tiles, or painted tiles as most know them.  Mexican Talavera Tile has its origins in 17th century Mexico with the arrival of Spaniards, who introduced new methods of tile and pottery making. The name Talavera was given to this new form of ceramics to honor the Spanish craftsmen, who were from the town of Talavera DeLa Reina Spain, and introduced the new industry to Mexico. Talavera De La Reina, Spain is a city which has a reputation for its exquisite ceramic pottery and tile. Talavera tiles can be found in Spanish Style homes’ bathrooms, kitchens and as accent around stucco fireplaces.

Make your home speak a foreign language with these interior design tips. For this and more interior design articles follow us on social media.