The Homeowner's Guide to Kitchen & Bathroom Remodeling

CONCORD — One of the most critical parts of remodeling a bathroom is designing the shower enclosure. Due to the importance of both aesthetic and functional aspects, it’s important to choose a visually appealing design that also serves your specific needs. Fortunately, in today’s market, there are many shower design options to choose from. One crucial aesthetic choice is whether to go with a framed or frameless enclosure. While a framed enclosure is a more conventional option, a frameless enclosure is a good choice for a modern and/or minimalist design. Going frameless is also optimal for a shower that features ornate tile or stonework, since there are no frames or channels to detract from the view. Read more

DUBLIN — Every woman should have a toolbox—they’re handy for making quick home repairs and essential for many decorative projects. If you’re planning on hanging pictures, putting up shelving or displaying your kids’ latest creations from art class, start by making sure you have a fully stocked toolbox. Most toolboxes come with basics like screws, frame hangers and pin nails, but you should also include a tape measure so you can organize frames and shelves proportionally across your walls. For placing nails, there’s no substitute for a good hammer, so choose one you can use comfortably and accurately. Next, you’ll need a level, which will help you determine if a frame is tilting or if new shelves are straight. Read more

UNION CITY — When it comes to kitchen countertops, two of the most popular materials on the market are quartz and granite. Both materials are similar in some ways while very different in others. To make an informed choice, it’s a good idea to learn about these similarities and differences. Similarities Fabrication/Installation: Both quartz and granite countertops are fabricated and installed in virtually the same way. Dimensions: Regardless of what material it’s made of, your countertop will have the same thickness (typically two to three centimeters). Differences Composition: Quartz is a man-made, non-porous material that is easy to clean and doesn’t require any auxiliary sealers. Read more

SANTA CLARA – When it comes to designing and executing a remodeling project, one of the most important considerations is energy conservation. Building codes require a certain level of energy efficiency, but there are many opportunities to go above and beyond these basic standards to maximize energy conservation in your living space. Insulation By keeping the heat in and the cold out, insulation is a crucial part of maintaining an energy-efficient home. There are a few different types of insulation, all of which entail varying costs and levels of performance. For example, having fiberglass batt insulation in your walls and attic satisfies local building codes and provides a reasonable level of insulation. Read more

VALLEJO — Many homeowners think of bathroom exhaust fans as a “one size fits all” affair, but in reality, there are several variables to consider. As modern homes are being built tighter to maximize energy efficiency, the need for adequate ventilation has increased, which is why building code legislation now requires bathroom fans to be installed in any new or remodeled bathrooms, regardless of whether they have windows. Few people realize that a bathroom fan doesn’t merely reduce moisture—it actually improves air quality by removing pollutants like mold, mildew and dust from the indoor environment. However, simply having a fan isn’t enough; you need one that’s correctly sized for the space. In determining the right fan size for your bathroom, Read more