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 If someone in your family has a disability or is aging, your Staten Island bathroom remodel design will either make the remodeled bathroom more comfortable and accessible or inaccessible. Your design can easily incorporate the features and space recommendations that will make the bathroom more accessible for everyone.
The housing industry has outlined several levels of accessibility standards in Staten Island bathroom design and construction ranging from barrier free to accessible to industry standard housing. The main difference is in how accessible it is for everyone with special needs. Over the last few decades, bathroom designers, architects and manufacturers of fixtures and other bathroom safety products have begun to respond to the need for greater accessibility (and safety) in bathrooms. The result is a set of standards known as universal design.
Many of these features are nice to have in any home and can be added with little or no cost when you remodel a bathroom. Regardless of your current situation, you might want to review the list and see if some of these recommendations can work in your new bathroom for the comfort of your family.
The universal design recommendations for bathrooms include:
-Place electrical receptacles at 15 or 18 inches above the floor
-Allow a door opening width of 34 – 36 inches
-Leave a minimum of 18 inches of clear floor space beside all doors on the “pull side” to allow space to get out of the way when opening doors
-Leave a turning space in the bathroom of 5 feet in diameter (for wheelchair)
-Use contrasting colors between floor surfaces and trim to make them easier to see
-Choose easy-to-use hardware: lever door handles, push electrical plates, loop handle pulls on drawers and cabinet doors, lever faucet handles, touch latches, keyless locks
-Position light switches 35-44 inches above the floor, maximum
-Pressure balanced anti-scald valves at tubs and showers
-Hand-held showerheads at all tubs and showers in addition to fixed heads.
-Bathing fixture requirement: minimum 5 feet long by 3 feet deep (4 feet preferred) curbless shower or tub with integral seat, waterproof floor and a floor drain
-30” by 48” clear floor spaces at each fixture (spaces may overlap)
-Clear space of 3 feet in front and to one side of toilet
-Toilet centered 18 inches from any side wall, cabinet or tub
-Broad blocking between studs in walls around toilet, tub and shower for placement and location of grab bars
-Minimum lavatory counter height of 32 inches
-Clear knee space 29” high under sink (may be accomplished with fold-back self-storing doors)
-No pedestal sinks
-Mount sink as close to front of countertop as possible.
These are the primary elements of “universal design” in bathrooms. You might, however, choose to install grab bars in tub and shower and beside and in front of the toilet simply because it is helpful for people of all ages and physical ability. Contact your Staten Island contractor to discuss what options will work for your home.
 Many Staten Island families find it necessary to consider accessibility in designing their kitchen because of a family member with a disability or because of aging family members who are experiencing some physical limitations. At this time, there is no code of accessible design for residential homes. There are, however, sets of guidelines for various levels of home accessibility. Many of the features needed by persons with disabilities are also attractive and useful to others.
If you want to make your remodeled Staten Island kitchen more accessible, here are some of the basic steps you might take:
- Raise electrical outlets from the standard height of 12 inches to 15 or 18 inches above the floor
- Consider wider hallways and doors (34-36 inches)
- Do not include interior steps
- Color contrast between trim and surface of the floor
- Lever door handles, loop handle pulls on drawers and cabinet doors, touch latches or magnetic latches on cabinets
- Light switches at 36-44 inches above the floor
- Single lever water controls
- Pressure balanced anti-scald valve at sinks
- Space between face of cabinets and walls of 48 inches or more
- Clear knee space under sink
- Adjustable-height work surfaces (28-42 inches)
- Stretches of continuous counter tops for easy sliding of heavy items
- Pantry storage with easy access pull-out or adjustable-height shelves
- Front-mounted controls on appliances
- Cook top with knee space below
- Side-by-side refrigerator to allow easy access to all items
- Built-in oven with knee space beside
- Dishwasher raised on a platform or drawer unit so top rack is level with adjacent counter top
- Crank operated windows
Design help is also available from organizations like the Arthritis Foundation, the MS Foundation, the Parkinson’s Foundation and agencies on Aging. These organizations can also help you find architects and certified kitchen designers in Staten Island who have the knowledge and experience to help you make good choices in creating an accessible kitchen. These organizations can also help you find manufacturers who make the appropriate styles of appliances.
The primary considerations in kitchen accessibility are:
1. Space – enough open space in the appropriate parts of the kitchen to allow someone to turn a wheelchair or a scooter.
2. Access – counter height, appliance design and storage design that is accessible to someone with reaching, bending or standing limitations.
3. Safety – think about and plan for alternative ways to do things, such as moving heavy items, reaching across cook tops or ranges, ability to reach needed items from a wheelchair.
With some research and thought you can create an accessible and stylish Staten Island kitchen remodeling design that will be fully accessible and safe for family members with mobility limitations.
 After kitchen remodeling, taking the time to do a Staten Island bathroom remodel is the next step in raising the value of your home. Whether you make big changes or just “freshen up” your bathroom, the following ideas can help make one of the most heavily used rooms in the house one of the most heavily admired.
There are many ways that you can remodel a bathroom. Here are a few ideas:
1. Wall Tiles– Many Staten Island contractors will tell you that smaller tiles are outdated. Why not try bigger or custom designed tiles? The new tiles will be exactly what you want and will help protect your walls from splashing water. As part of your Staten Island bathroom remodeling, try using new tile for your whole wall or just to accent.
2. Floor tiles– Dark, dingy floors will make any Staten Island bathroom seem smaller and less inviting. Try installing lighter colored flooring to open up the space.
3. Heated Floor– Speaking of new flooring, consider heated floor as part of your bathroom remodeling project. It’s a small change that reads as high luxury and would be a big selling point if you plan to put your house on the market.
4. Vanity– Use your bathroom remodeling as an opportunity to try something new. Try cleaner lines with a floating vanity. Or go treasure hunting for a great antique vanity, especially if you live in an older home– look for something that ties in with the decade that the home was built and design around that idea.
5. Faucets– Faucets are a relatively cheap and easy way to freshen up your bathroom. You can also use the faucets to help tie the new decor and design together, for instance if you did go with a touch of retro design as homage to the era when the house was built.
6. Toilets– Relocating a toilet can call for major bathroom remodeling. Replacing it is a simpler task, and can really change the look of your bathroom. Try adding a bidet for a luxurious feel– although for a major task like that you would need to contact a Staten Island contractor.
7. Lighting– Whatever you do, try to get rid of any overhead lighting inyour bathroom. It isn’t attractive and throws unhelpful shadows to those trying to use mirrors. Wall lighting can increase the value of your remodel and is more forgiving than overhead.
 Kitchens are at the heart and soul of family life in most homes. They are often a family room as well as a meal preparation station. They are where hunger meets satiation with regards to food and comfort. As your family enlarges and even when children grow up and bring their own families, the need for Staten Island kitchen remodeling grows ever-present. After living in a home, no one is a better expert on exactly which improvements are needed than you. As the economy improves, home renovations that have been postponed are making better sense to folks rather than purchasing a new home or trying to sell an existing home. With mortgages still difficult to obtain, home improvement loans are often easier to secure. With fewer clients qualifying for home mortgages, banks are becoming more competitive on other loans such as home-equity loans. Interest rates are still the lowest they have been in many years. In fact, refinancing your existing loan to a 15-year term and adding your remodeling costs, you can even reduce your current monthly mortgage payment while you upgrade your home.
Kitchens and bathrooms are the two most popular rooms for remodeling, perhaps because they are so critical to a functioning household. They also have the most appliances and fixtures that can wear out over time. Staten Island kitchen remodeling not only adds to your family’s enjoyment but can also increase the resale value of your home. An updated kitchen can also enhance your home as a rental property. New kitchens are frequently a major attraction to prospective buyers and are one of the highest “return on investment” areas in any home. They are also the litmus test for many when assessing the overall quality of a home. With new home construction still barely more than at a standstill, there is an availability of laborers who are willing to offer reasonable discounts on renovation work. In addition, many new appliances and products that have been manufactured for a new housing market that cannot readily absorb them and on which remodelers can negotiate reduced pricing. Newer appliances tend to be more energy-efficient, which reduces your utility costs. If you research and coordinate your laborers (essentially act as your own general contractor), you can also reduce your costs. By doing this, you will also have more direct contact with your carpenters, plumbers, electricians, etc. and be able to communicate your wishes more effectively.
Older kitchens are generally small, separate rooms in a home often without dining or breakfast bar areas. They were designed for functional cooking and not for aesthetics or ambiance. Remodeling can open them up as part of the family room, which is more comfortable, attractive and contemporary. Cabinetry is a major aesthetic statement can be custom-made, stock or refurbished. A dramatic change can be made by replacing that old Formica countertop with Corian, granite, marble or tile, which adds color and texture. Adding a decorative sink and facet is also another eye-catching upgrade that adds elegance to your kitchen. Older kitchens generally lack adequate lighting. A sky light, under the counter lighting, recessed canned lights, or a chandelier-style pendant light can be both functional and distinctive as can larger windows. You can also increase storage space for both small appliances and food items. Flooring can be upgrade from vinyl to hardwood or tile, which are a high-end look and have more durability.
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Jay_Frizznesh
In order to trust a contractor with your home-one of your most valuable assets-the decision-making process to hire the best company is critical.
Many companies are out there, but how do you choose the best one? Well, there are many highlights of a roofing company to make sure that you choose the best one for New York roof repair and installation services.
Roof Repairs
The following qualities should be evident to make sure that you are choosing a contractor to fit you and your family’s needs:
- The roof and gutter installers should believe in getting the job done right the first time. Be aware that some companies out there might slack off and not produce quality results in a timely manner.
- It is best to choose a company who offers a wide array of products and materials to choose from. Be sure that they offer exactly what you are looking for! They should use quality products made from durable materials so you can be rest-assured that you and your family will be kept safe and protected.
- An added bonus of choosing a contractor is if their products are backed by warranties. This would allow you and your family to enjoy the home services for many years to come, and not be worried by product failures!
- The company’s roofing services and its customer service should not only meet your expectations, but exceed them as well!
- If you are concerned about your budget, which most of us are nowadays, you should choose a contractor who delivers the best roofing repair and installation services for your home at affordable prices. You can see if they offer specials on their services or discounts, too.
- Of utmost importance for some people is how long it takes for the contractor to typically complete the projects. If you can find a contractor who completes most projects within 1-2 days, you should choose them!
- When it’s all been said and done and the projects are completed, it is important to choose a contractor who will do a thorough cleanup so your home and property are as clean and beautiful as when they started.
- It is important to find a roofing company who offers a warranty on their labor.
- For your benefit, make sure their team members are well knowledgeable, and that they can answer any questions you have regarding the services and products they offer.
By keeping these qualities at the forefront of your mind, you can feel comfortable to choose a New York roofing company who is the best for you and your family’s needs
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6425142
So if you are looking for a professional Brooklyn roofer, then please call us at 718-420-4640 or complete ouronline request form.
Remember when making windows more energy efficient meant installing the old storm windows? Window engineering has come a long way, with vinyl windows becoming some of the best options available.
The Benefits Of Vinyl Windows
But if you currently have wood, aluminum, or steel windows installed in your home, then you’re probably wondering why you’d ever replace them with vinyl windows.
Here are some of the top benefits of Staten Island vinyl replacement windows, which you should definitely take into consideration:
1. They require no painting.
If you have wood windows, painting them can be a real pain-in-the-neck. First there’s the process of buying the paint and all the materials you’ll need for the job. Then there’s the whole rigmarole of uninstalling the windows, painting them, and then reinstalling them.
And the “best” part of the whole process is that you’ll have to do it all over again once when it’s time to repaint the windows! With vinyl replacement windows, you can avoid all that hassle. After they’re installed, you’ll never have to paint them throughout the lifetime of the windows.
2. They can reduce your utility bills.
Double-pane vinyl windows create a vacuum between the two panes. But this is a wholesale upgrade from the traditional window configuration, which would include the main window the storm window. The reason is that the double-pane vinyl windows create an air-tight vacuum. That serves as the perfect insulation if you’re running your air conditioner or furnace. The indoor air stays indoors and the outdoor air stays outdoors. This climate control that the vinyl windows provides, allows your home to retain heat from the furnace or coolness from the air conditioner. And the money saved will allow the windows to virtually pay for themselves, due to savings from lower utility bills.
3. They improve the aesthetic value of your home.
Vinyl replacement windows look a hundred times better than any wood, aluminum, or steel windows. In fact, they’ll virtually give your house a facelift!
Even if your house isn’t the newest one on the block, vinyl replacement windows (along with vinyl siding) will make your home look as though it were new! Whether you choose standard double-pane windows, picture windows, or another type-they’ll help to improve the first impression that people have of your home.
4. They improve the monetary value of your home.
Home improvements that increase your home’s value are definitely worthwhile. That’s why vinyl replacement windows are an outstanding investment. You can pass all the benefits of the windows, to the next homeowner of your house. A house is one of the biggest investments that you can make, so putting money back into it is certainly wise.
5. They have safety features.
From their sturdy glass to effective locks, vinyl replacement windows are a significant upgrade to old-style wood, aluminum, and steel windows.
6. They can easily be customized.
This is definitely one of the best benefits of vinyl replacement windows. They can be customized to replace virtually any current window in your home. That’s simply not the case with old-style windows. And besides that, vinyl windows can be installed very quickly and easily.
If you’re looking for new windows for your home, then you should definitely consider Staten Island vinyl replacement windows. They’re economical, attractive, and flexible-they’re perfect!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3393875
So if you are looking for a professional Brooklyn replacement windows contractor, then please call us at 718-420-4640 or complete our online request form.
Are you planning to buy siding for your home? While you have several types to choose from, one of the most popular varieties in New York vinyl siding.
That’s because this type of siding actually provides several benefits over other types of siding. Here are some of the most crucial benefits of siding made of vinyl:
1. Appearance
Do you want vinyl siding of a particular hue or texture? In all likelihood, you can find the perfect siding, which meets your preferences. For instance, you can find such siding made of virtually ever color of the rainbow.
That will make it a cinch to complement any color schemes of your house’s exterior. You can also find which is made from vinyl, which has the appearance of wood grains. That will allow you to enjoy the appearance of wood siding, without the traditional drawbacks that it has.
2. Maintenance
While new siding won’t require maintenance, those made of certain materials may require it as the siding becomes older. Well, you’ll be pleased to learn that siding made from vinyl is low-maintenance. To wash it, just break out your garden hose once every six months, in order to rinse it down.
And unlike other types of siding, you’ll never have to paint vinyl siding. That can save you a ton of time, money, and effort. Just imagine the hassles involved with climbing up a ladder in order to paint every inch of your siding-and then needing to do it again after a few years!
3. Price
Yet another major benefit of siding made from vinyl is that the price is right. Yes, you’ll need to make the initial investment of purchasing the siding. But consider that vinyl itself is quite inexpensive.
You should also keep in mind that since siding made from vinyl is low-maintenance, there will be few expenses needed for the siding’s upkeep. That can be an especially welcome advantage if you’re on a shoestring budget.
4. Sturdiness
This is definitely one of the most important features to look for when shopping for siding. That’s because siding (such as vinyl siding) will be constantly exposed to the elements. And that can be a particularly serious issue if you live in a location where extreme temperatures are common.
In fact, the newer types of siding made from vinyl are even more durable than their predecessors were! As a result, you can have peace-of-mind knowing that your siding won’t dent if it’s hit with a baseball, and it won’t disintegrate if outdoor temperatures become extremely high or low.
5. Appearance
Do you want New York vinyl siding of a particular hue or texture? In all likelihood, you can find the perfect siding made of vinyl, which meets your preferences. For instance, you can find such siding made of virtually ever color of the rainbow-that will make it a cinch to complement any color schemes of your house’s exterior.
You can also find siding made from vinyl, which has the appearance of wood grains. That will allow you to enjoy the appearance of wood siding, without the traditional drawbacks that it has.
Without a doubt, siding made from vinyl is one of your best options. Before choosing a particular siding material, consider these big benefits of siding produced using vinyl.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/4951718
So if you are looking for a professional Staten Island vinyl siding, then please call us at 718-420-4640 or complete our online request form.
Think about it, the kitchen is among the busiest spaces in the household. Family members converge in the kitchen not just to get their food but also to bond and share family legacy recipes. It is a space for storing important utensils and kitchen wares. Also, all the food is stocked in the kitchen. The kitchen should therefore be responsive to all these simultaneously and effective in doing so. If not, it is time to consider doing New York kitchen remodel.
In planning for the New York kitchen remodel, make sure to factor in ease and comfort, effective room space utilization, and simplicity of design. The kitchen should be viewed as a haven and not a space for mess and disorder. By carefully planning for the kitchen design, such scenario will be avoided.
The following are the top tips for having a practical and effective New York kitchen remodel. These answers the basic questions that might be in mind, thus making the household ready for this necessary home improvement:
v Carefully plan before proceeding. The home owner should know what he or she wants for the kitchen after doing the remodeling. The influences, themes, color schemes, as well as preferred texture should be clear in order to avoid excessive spending. With a definite plan in hand, the doing kitchen remodel can be practical and at the same time innovative.
v Allocate a definite budget for the kitchen remodel. After allocating a certain amount, make sure to stick with it. Unnecessary adjustments can lead, at the ultimate, to wastage of materials bought. With a clear amount of investment in mind, one can actually plan how to get the most out of the investment.
v Remember that the kitchen is a space for essential functions: space for storage, preparation space for food, and space for management of waste. These should be carefully integrated in the plan. A wise designer can actually explain to the homeowner the foot traffic inside the kitchen when it becomes too busy. Thus, with the specific functional space made clear, it can be carefully integrated in the plan.
v Be smart in planning the use of space. Installation of appliances, cabinets, and sink should be carefully thought of. Purchase appliances that are not only affordable, but also space saving. Built in cabinets are more preferred than their loose counterparts, it saves you time in planning where to place them. Make sure to allocate enough space that can accommodate all kitchen wares and utensils. In choosing appliances, compact versions are more favored than the bulky ones, with space as the primary consideration.
v Choose a good contractor. A good contractor can give you the best estimates and can do the job in the shortest possible time. Make sure that the contractor has an excellent track record in order to assure that the plan will be implemented well. Thoroughly discuss to the contractor what you exactly want to happen after the New York kitchen remodel.
With these tips, grabbing hold of the dream kitchen every one wants is within reach.
If you are looking for a professional Brooklyn kitchen remodeling contractor, then please call us at718-420-4640 or complete our online request form.
If you are thinking about renovating your bathroom, redecoration and painting probably can come to your mind. These are just a few things that you can do and there are others that you may likely consider. New York Bathroom remodeling adds value to a home. Whether your goal for the renovation is saving money or environmental responsibility, properly remodeling your bathroom can make you feel satisfied.
For many people, the bathroom is their place of solitude, hygiene, relaxation and health. Several building material vendors are selling remodeling stuff made of different materials. If you are just in search for some affordable improvements, consider your bathroom space and storage. You can look to the cabinet space and think if you can add shelving. Is it hard to reach the towel? Is it so cold in the bathroom or do you lose things within the closet? These are just a few things that you can easily tweak for a little investment shopping on a weekend at a home improvement store.
If you do are not thinking about changing your bathroom’s infrastructure, some good projects to complete are the floor tile, countertops, wall tile and fixtures. A few things you may consider in making changes are trend and longevity. It is enticing to go with what is new during renovation venture but keep in mind that a trend will always be a trend. Having a bronze colored faucet is a good idea but if you do not feel like redoing this kind of New York bathroom remodeling project once every ten (10) to twenty (20) years, opt for standard choices that have trendy accents.
You may wish to go for a neutral countertop with a selection of wood that can last long while accenting it with bronze fixtures. You can also change things like knobs, faucets, mirrors and paint colors to make your bathroom looks different and have a new feel. The floor tiles and cabinets must be selected for longevity. If you have much time and budget, you may fully remodel your bathroom into a luxurious one. You may have your lavatories mimic those that can give you spa like experience with relaxation elements, steam rooms, heated floors, cascading water fixtures, jet tubs and many more.
These are just some New York bathroom remodeling ideas that you may want to consider. Whether you have little or more time, much or tight budget, you can always find ways to remodel your bathroom and have the kind that will surely add beauty to your home.
So if you are looking for a professional Staten Island bathroom remodeling contractor, then please call us at718-420-4640 or complete our online request form.
Your Brooklyn gutters are there to do more than keep the roof from dripping on you when you enter and exit your home. They’re an integral part of your roof, working together to safeguard your home from damaging rainwater. But when leaves, twigs, and other debris clog your Brooklyn gutters, they can’t properly direct rain away from your home. Keep your home safe with Brooklyn gutters and a Brooklyn gutter protection system for hassle free maintenance and total protection of your home.
Why Brooklyn Gutters Are Important For Your Home
When it rains, water runs down your roof and into your Brooklyn gutters, which then direct the water away from your home. Without Brooklyn gutters, rain would simply pour right off the edges of the roof. Brooklyn Gutters collect and redirect the water away from the house, eliminating damage caused by this constant dripping, splashing, and erosion. From wood rot to foundation problems and mold growth, your Brooklyn gutters help prevent a whole variety of problems with your home.
Brooklyn Seamless gutters are probably the most popular systems on the market today. Only seamed at corners, this style greatly reduces the possibility of leaks. If your Brooklyn gutters are old, rotted out, or deteriorating, you should consider replacing them. Installation will not negatively impact your roof or your shingles and will go a long way toward preventing the incursion of water into your home. Your local home improvement contractors should be able to install new Brooklyn seamless gutters on your house for superior rain protection.
Protect Your Brooklyn Gutters From Becoming Clogged
However, even new Brooklyn gutters can quickly become blocked by leaves. Especially if your home has overhanging trees, it’s easy for debris to fall in. Brooklyn clogged gutters can also lead to major problems with your home, including:
- Foundation erosion and cracking
- Wet basements
- Roof damage
- Rotting wood
- Interior and exterior mold growth
One option is to regularly call a Brooklyn gutter cleaning service. They’ll remove the leaves and gunk to ensure your gutters are clear and water can flow freely. But repeated service calls can be a hassle (not to mention expensive).
A long-term and more cost-effective solution is a Brooklyn gutter protection system. Available in a number of styles, these covers and inserts keep the leaves and twigs out of your gutters so they can do their job. Featuring small holes that allow rainwater to pass through, these screens and inserts prevent the leaves and debris from entering your gutters-no more clogs and no more annual cleanings.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3022924
If you are looking for a professional Brooklyn Gutter Service, then please call us at 718-420-4640 or complete our online request form.
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