budget

Fireplace Tiles The Best Budget Friendly Upgrade

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With so many home improvement projects to choose from, it can be hard to decide on which one to commit to. However, there is one which always stands out not just from its looks but with the value it provides for such a small investment. Installing new fireplace tiles is always an upgrade that is guaranteed to give you results that will be admired well into the future.

Focal Point

The fireplace is virtually always the focal point of whichever room it’s in. Your eyes are instantly pulled towards it and even more so if it is actually functioning at the time. It therefore is often not only is a major influence on the the look of the entire room but the whole lower level of your house. By concentrating on this small yet always viewed and prominent space you can make a huge impact.

Accent, Match, Or Create

Fortunately there are a wide variety of options to help you accent, match, or create just about any style or feel you want. Antique fireplace tiles are often one of the most commonly used by those who have a love for vintage. They can found in Art Deco, Edwardian, and Victorian to name a few. Natural stone is another choice that homeowners love as it can really add an upscale feel and range from classic to modern. Slate fireplace tiles in particular along with ones made from marble and granite can really add to the look of your home along with its value too.

A Home Project That Won’t Put A Hole In Your Wallet

One of the most unique things about this project is just how little you have to spend to get big results. The fact that the overall area to be tiled only is relatively small and the that the fireplace is a natural focal point mean you only need a few tiles to not only complete the job but make a serious impact. This can often allow you purchase more expensive materials than your normally would and still remain under your budget. And of course by shopping for yout fireplace tiles online or waiting until there are sales locally you can save even more.

For fast and easy beauty that lasts new fireplace tiles are always a simple way to go. From natural stone to antique there are options for all to enjoy and make every space look its best. Best of all these it’s all possible for only a fraction of the price and time most other projects would cost.

If you’d like to learn more about these special tiles and what they can do for you be sure to read: http://www.tilehomeguide.com/fireplace-tiles-everything-you-need-to-know/ and click here for an enormous resource of tile related articles and projects!

7 Ideas for Loft Conversions to Suit Your Budget

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Besides having extensions to increase the space in your home, loft extensions can help you have another bedroom, a bedroom and suite or even two bedrooms. However, choosing the right type of conversion depending on your budget is a problem to most homeowners. The following are some conversions you might do with your roof space from the cheapest to the most expensive.

However, if your loft is not used as a habitable space currently, you are required to increase the thickness of the floor as well as the depth of the rafters so as to comply with Building regulations set by the state.

Simple roof conversion with roof lights you cannot be able to create dormers in a tall, narrow loft due to financial constraints or planning permissions, you should consider leaving the space available as one instead of dividing it with a wall. The amount of money needed is relatively small with the whole plan requiring installation of stairs, insulation and purchase of roof lights to successfully have a pleasant room.

1) Roof light conversion with bathroom

This is possible if you’ve a large roof space because you can consider having adding a bathroom while doing your loft conversion. Finally, you can end up having a private room which is has light and a freestanding tub for your bathroom. However, you should have low level storage in the eaves to create enough storage space.

2) Part width dormer conversion

Full width dormers are mostly not practical and hence most people do not like them. Among the reasons why they are not preferred include: The right planning permission may be unattainable

The width of the widow or French windows

Most homeowners do not like large dormers and therefore prefer small ones

Therefore, if you need more headroom, you are supposed to create a dormer around a window and it will help you gain the full height space across the width of the window. It is important to note that this style retains most of the original shape of the roof interiorly and exteriorly.

3) Double sided part width dormers

You can be able to create a symmetrical double dormer room on the other side of your loft if you’ve enough space on your roof. This will result in more living space because you will be having double dormers.

4) Loft conversion with low-level roof lights

This low level space is not usually used to its maximum potential because it is used as a storage unit by most people e.g. to store suitcases and other heavy household items. If you can find an alternative space to keep your items, you can have a glass like expanse to give you a view of the outside as well as to allow enough light to pass through.

5) Mezzanine space

The original height of the ceiling usually determines the scale of renovation in creating mezzanine space. Ideally, the job is structurally simpler and cheaper in price if you’ve a tall room with your only focus being on using the eaves which are already visible. However, you will require more time and money if you need to expose the roof space by removing the ceiling. To start this project, there are building regulations which you are supposed to comply with and hence you should consult local authority before commencing on the project.

There are two reasons for creating mezza space: If your floor to ceiling height in your roof space is not enough to create a loft space If your property is semi—detached which has a three sided sloping roof

6) Rear dormer conversion

This is the most common way of increasing the usability and head height available in your loft space. You should understand that the front slope of your roof doesn’t change and hence your property remains unaltered from the street even if you’ve done conversions. With a rear dormer, you can have a master suite which entails a bedroom en suite, enough storage and still have enough room for your staircases.

7) Rear full width dormer which has folding doors and a Juliet balcony

You can have bifold door connecting your new rear extension with the garden. This could be a better option rather than having only a window facing your garden. However, when planning to install bifold doors, you should also include the cost of a balustrade in your budget to avoid frustrations.

For most of these examples to be implemented, the skills of a structural engineer are needed. Therefore, remember including a structural engineer’s fee in your budget whenever you need to convert your loft.