How to Keep Your Attics Sanitary and Safe

While many homeowners commonly focus on some areas of the house like bathroom and kitchen for renovations and remodellings, there is one part that needs your attention too: the attic. Clean attics are crucial for improving the air quality and energy efficiency of your home. In addition, they can be attractive to larger pests. There are some simple steps you can take to keep them sanitary and safe.

attic renovation

Your attic is a valuable space for remodeling and extending your living quarters. A finished attic can be a livable space, perfect for a bedroom or playroom. The possibilities are endless. Your attic can also serve as a space for storing your things. If you’re creative, you can even convert an attic into a home office or playroom for the kids. If you can work with a contractor, your attic will be transformed into a beautiful space.

Converting an attic is a popular DIY project for many homeowners. It is a cheap alternative to extending the main floor. Common materials used in an attic conversion include insulation, drywall, and carpeting. Attics are typically quieter than the main floor, and they can even hold a bedroom and an office. You can even install a skylight to let in more natural light. The benefits of attics are obvious.

Before beginning your project, make sure you wear protective clothing. For example, a good pair of long pants and long sleeves. Don’t leave any exposed skin. Avoid wearing hard hats because they can interfere with your work. Knitted caps and hooded sweatshirts are excellent options for protecting the head. A pair of treaded shoes are a better choice than large boots. A quality N95 mask can protect the respiratory system and prevent you from breathing dangerous air in the attic.

While you can easily install plywood to cover attic floors, you may want to consider purchasing special plastic decking to fill in the gaps. These plastic sheets are much lighter than plywood and can be dropped into gaps in attics without damaging them. The right type of decking will increase storage space and make your attic safer. You’ll be surprised at how much more use you can get from your attic. You’ll be glad you did.

Before you install any insulation in your attic, make sure it isn’t blocking the eaves. Make sure the insulation extends past the top of the exterior wall to cover the top of the joists. You can also install drywall if your attic is floored. However, you might have to replace some floorboards to maintain the stiffness of the ceiling. In either case, it’s important to check the ceiling to see if it needs any repair.

Typically, the ceiling of an attic is made of two types of materials: rafter lumber and joists. Rafter lumber is used in homes built in the last twenty years and is less expensive than rafters. A rafter and joist structure is sturdy enough to support a ceiling, but it is not a good choice for heavy boxes. However, this method requires finishing. It isn’t as attractive as finished rafter and joist systems.

Attics can be finished or unfinished depending on their location. If your attic is habitable, it will be considered a finished room by appraisers. Otherwise, it can be used for storage. Then, if you’d like to turn it into a bedroom or an office, you’ll need to renovate it. You can also use unfinished attics as storage space. If you don’t want to renovate it, you can always add a bathroom or add a bedroom.

Ventilation is crucial in attics to maintain healthy indoor air quality. Unfinished attics tend to be hotter than the rest of the house. A ventilated attic will keep the air cooler and will prevent moisture from entering the house. The warm air that collects in an unfinished attic can lead to ice dams. If your attic is fully finished, you can install a ventilation system to keep the temperature comfortable.

Another important step is to consider how the ceiling of the attic can be sealed. If there are cracks in the top plate of the plywood collar, it can cause air leaks. If these cracks are not sealed, you should use a polyethylene sleeve or rigid board insulation to prevent air from leaking into the attic. These are two major mistakes that can cause costly damage. To avoid any of these mistakes, it’s important to regularly check the attic for signs of water damage.

Bathroom Remodeling – How to Do it Right

If you’re planning a bathroom remodeling project, the most important thing to remember is that it’s never too late to get started. Remodeling your bathroom doesn’t have to be a tremendous job, especially if you do it on your own. Some simple bathroom remodeling projects can add value to your home and make it more attractive. Here are a few tips to help you plan a bathroom remodeling project on a budget:

bathroom remodeling

Now is the best time to take stock of all of your bathroom remodeling needs and wants. Taking a walk through your bathroom design showroom will help you determine what kind of change you’d like to make, how big of a job it is, and help you decide on the most affordable, practical, and pleasing option. If you don’t feel comfortable taking a tour of your own home, talk to Bathroom Remodeling Houston contractor who does renovation work. Most contractors can offer free consultations or charge a flat rate for one to see their entire bathroom renovation project, so be sure to find out how much work will be involved before you commit to a contractor.

Next, you need to decide whether you’d like to update your plumbing, install new fixtures, or replace outdated ones. New fixtures are an excellent way to update your bathroom, but there are several things to consider when choosing them. For example, where will you install the fixtures? Ensure plenty of light in your bathrooms since poorly-lit bathrooms are very unpleasant spaces. New fixtures should also be made of high-quality materials, such as ceramic, glass, or stainless steel so that your bathroom remains easy to maintain.

It would help if you also thought about updating your existing bathroom cabinets and vanities. New cabinets can come in many different designs, but old cabinets are usually unsuitable for a bathroom redesign. Bathrooms with standard bathroom amenities tend to be small, but you can still add more space by upgrading your existing cabinets. A cabinet with a larger door and more shelves is the perfect option if you’re looking for extra storage space. It would help if you also considered installing a new vanity, as it will give your bathroom a modern look.

The flooring in your bathroom will depend on your design style, the size, and the layout of the room. Ceramic tiles are an excellent choice for a modern redesign, but stone and marble might look better in older homes. Bathroom tile comes in many different colors and patterns, including classic white, earthy tones, and unique colors such as purple, green, and black. If you’re not familiar with tile styles, you should ask a professional to help you pick out the best tile for your needs.

Besides upgrading your bathroom hardware, the next most significant expense you’ll incur is new shower doors. Shower doors can be made from many different materials, including fiberglass, wood, chrome, and more; you should think about using one that matches your cabinetry and mirrors. Many homeowners prefer shower doors that open sideways, as this provides an unobstructed view of the back of the bathroom. Other homeowners opt for a hinged door, eliminating the need to swing open the shower door.

Next on your list should be installing new windows and proper ventilation. Windows and ventilation systems can be tricky in bathrooms with poor ventilation. If you plan to install window inserts, you should place them where the sun cannot shine through, such as over the toilet or in the corner of a room. Consider installing air filters in your bathroom, as well, to improve air circulation. Finally, consider using a vapor barrier to keep moisture from collecting in your bathroom.

Most homeowners don’t think much about their plumbing fixtures or the various types of utilities like tubs and showers, but these can significantly impact how your bathroom looks. Plumbing fixtures like faucets and toilets can influence the overall look of your bathroom by changing the way your space looks. For example, if you’re using a standard toilet, you can update your fixtures by replacing your old “drain” faucet with a high-quality chrome shower faucet. This will upgrade your master bath and bathroom look by making it appear larger and more luxurious. Similarly, you can change your faucets for more contemporary designs or add accessories like soap dispensers to your sink and bathroom tiles.