Let's Talk Remodeling

[Am_I_There_Yet]

Oh WOW!!! I love that just as it is!! So nice! Are the tile

What color cabinet panels are you going with? Something dark?

Shovan lives! Yeah!

I was worried that Humberto got you!

I don't know what I'm going to do. I'm so confused. We're supplying all the materials, so I have to get my act together to add it to her estimate (when I get it, that is).

I'm torn between a medium color, and glazed cream.

 

[shovan]

Shovan lives! Yeah!

I was worried that Humberto got you!

I don't know what I'm going to do. I'm so confused. We're supplying all the materials, so I have to get my act together to add it to her estimate (when I get it, that is).

I'm torn between a medium color, and glazed cream.

I'm here, just a bit soggy! My comp. battery locked up & I didn't finish my question. Are those tiles also granite? They are so pretty & go so well with the granite on the tub!

You know I'm not going to tell you what to pick! You have such great taste & it does depend on the cabinet choice. Also since granite is different with each & every slab, you really won't know until you go pick out your piece, anyway!

p.s. Did you see my earlier question about Houston restaurants?

 

[mickeysgal]

I'm torn between a medium color, and glazed cream.

Wouldn't you match the color of the panels to the color of your vanity?

I understand what you're saying. You want granite on all the flat surfaces and mosaic on the vertical surfaces (but panels on the front).

I like the ideal of having the mozaics on the wall running into the tile area as a 2nd feature strip in the shower area. As long as the mozaics match the granite. I've seen too many combinations of granite and tile that truly don't make sense. They contrast instead of complement. I know you won't do that, of course.

That is such a pretty picture!

 

[Syrreal]

That is a HUGE deck! It's beautiful! I wish I had an interesting lot, so I could do something like that.

Yeah, it's huge which is why it was so expensive!!! We had thought to make it much smaller ut the price wasn't going to be that much less so we decided to go for it.

It's actually about 60 feet accross. The new deck is about 12x35 for the wide part with a 5 foot walkway at the end and stairs. The old deck was kind of a weird U shape that had a a 4x5 foor section then a 3 foot wide walkway and the usable part was only about 10x10. Plus there were no stairs so it was more of a wooden balcony than a deck.

We also got good news yesterday that all the work we want done to the house is going to way less than we thought (about a third less) so now we can splurge some and still stay within our budget.

And can anyone explain to me what a steam shower is? Is it just a fancy name for a regular shower with the glass doors all the way to the ceiling?

 

[BillSears]

Quick update. I miss my kitchen sink and my washer and dryer! I'm glad I did a load of laundry just before the demo. I didn't even think about the washer and dryer being out of comission until the job was done. I might have to actually drive to a laundromat if I start running out of clothes.

Syrreal, that deck looks fantastic!!! I hope you get to really enjoy it this fall.

Am_I_There_Yet, I love the look of that bathroom. My bathroom is next on my list of improvements. I can't wait to get it done but I'm dreading being without a bathroom while it's being done. I have a small weird combination bathroom with a toliet-tub-toilet arraingement. Technically it's 1 1/2 baths but they're all connected. I suspect once they start work I won't have a bathroom in the house until it's finished.

Bill, so sorry about your countertop problems! I hate to throw anything else into the mix, but have you looked into Corian?

I thought about it some but I'm just going to stick with this one contractor for this job. I don't want to have to have one person do the cabinets and one do the countertops. I'm sure I'll be happy with this Acadia color and I'm sure everyone else will think it's great. They'll just be this little nagging voice at the back of my mind saying..."It's not your first choice."

 

[Miss Jasmine]

AMITY, I really like the look of panels on the apron so I would go with that along with the mosaic above the decking, on the window sills and accents that you talked about.

 

[shovan]

And can anyone explain to me what a steam shower is? Is it just a fancy name for a regular shower with the glass doors all the way to the ceiling?

No you can actually install a steam unit into the shower! My contractor has one in his home.

Quick update. I miss my kitchen sink and my washer and dryer! I'm glad I did a load of laundry just before the demo. I didn't even think about the washer and dryer being out of comission until the job was done. I might have to actually drive to a laundromat if I start running out of clothes.


I thought about it some but I'm just going to stick with this one contractor for this job. I don't want to have to have one person do the cabinets and one do the countertops. I'm sure I'll be happy with this Acadia color and I'm sure everyone else will think it's great. They'll just be this little nagging voice at the back of my mind saying..."It's not your first choice."

No kitchen sink or washer & dryer! That sounds tough! I sure to understand not wanting to make things more complicated once you're already into the remodel! The color was pretty & I'm sure you'll be super happy once it's done!

 

[Am_I_There_Yet]

I'm here, just a bit soggy! My comp. battery locked up & I didn't finish my question. Are those tiles also granite? They are so pretty & go so well with the granite on the tub!

I think they're ceramic, or possibly even travertine. I'm not sure.

p.s. Did you see my earlier question about Houston restaurants?

No, I must have missed it! I went back and looked but didn't see it. What was the question?

Wouldn't you match the color of the panels to the color of your vanity?

I understand what you're saying. You want granite on all the flat surfaces and mosaic on the vertical surfaces (but panels on the front).

I like the ideal of having the mozaics on the wall running into the tile area as a 2nd feature strip in the shower area. As long as the mozaics match the granite. I've seen too many combinations of granite and tile that truly don't make sense. They contrast instead of complement. I know you won't do that, of course.

That is such a pretty picture!

Yes, I'd match the panels to the vanity. I've run into a problem though. I need to order the cabinets first, since they take the longest, and the tub so that they can build the cabinet for it. I won't know what to order as far as the panels go, since I don't have the tub cabinet measurements yet.

It's like the chicken and the egg. What comes first?

I spoke with the contractor this morning, and she liked the idea of the accent strips too, but thinks it would be too choppy to also put them on the tub apron, which I agree. It'll either be the panels, or the floor tile at this point, and it'll all be a close match. I'm really just going for different textures more than anything else.

We also got good news yesterday that all the work we want done to the house is going to way less than we thought (about a third less) so now we can splurge some and still stay within our budget.

You've gotta love it when that happens! I wish it would happen to me.

And can anyone explain to me what a steam shower is? Is it just a fancy name for a regular shower with the glass doors all the way to the ceiling?

That's what I thought they were, but I read Shovan's comment. I actually haven't a clue!

Quick update. I miss my kitchen sink and my washer and dryer! I'm glad I did a load of laundry just before the demo. I didn't even think about the washer and dryer being out of comission until the job was done. I might have to actually drive to a laundromat if I start running out of clothes.

As much as I hate doing dishes and washing clothes, yeah, that would be a major PITA to be without both at the same time. Remember, this too shall pass!

Am_I_There_Yet, I love the look of that bathroom. My bathroom is next on my list of improvements. I can't wait to get it done but I'm dreading being without a bathroom while it's being done. I have a small weird combination bathroom with a toliet-tub-toilet arraingement. Technically it's 1 1/2 baths but they're all connected. I suspect once they start work I won't have a bathroom in the house until it's finished.

Oh, that wouldn't be fun at all. At least I have a second full bathroom that we can use. My only issue will be with my 17 year old daughter who takes the world's longest showers. I'm sure there will be lots of bickering!

AMITY, I really like the look of panels on the apron so I would go with that along with the mosaic above the decking, on the window sills and accents that you talked about.

I'm definitely leaning in that direction! Now, if they'd only get me my quote!

 

[Albertan mom]

Hi
I haven't read everyones posts because I am busy renovating (HAHA) but I saw this thread and was excited!! We are doing our basement. What started out as just paint has turned into paint, new casings, baseboards, and finally, laminate flooring!

Question:
Has anyone ever painted the bricks on a woodburning fireplace?

Ours are a ugly red/black combo and I want to paint them white. The one guy at Home Depot said it would be too hot and the paint would peel. The girl said it would be fine, just prime it and use a latex paint.

Anyone have any experience with this?

 

[Miss Jasmine]

Hi
I haven't read everyones posts because I am busy renovating (HAHA) but I saw this thread and was excited!! We are doing our basement. What started out as just paint has turned into paint, new casings, baseboards, and finally, laminate flooring!

Question:
Has anyone ever painted the bricks on a woodburning fireplace?

Ours are a ugly red/black combo and I want to paint them white. The one guy at Home Depot said it would be too hot and the paint would peel. The girl said it would be fine, just prime it and use a latex paint.

Anyone have any experience with this?

I have never done this myself, but I have seen them do it on home improvement shows.

Once again I have been quite helpful on this thread.

Oh hey wait, here's some info: http://tlc.discovery.com/fansites/tradingspaces/project/project_08.html

I also read on another site that once it is painted though, it is very hard to take off the paint, that you will just always have to repaint it and it may hurt resale value. I think it was a Bob Villa message board.

 

[Am_I_There_Yet]

Hi
I haven't read everyones posts because I am busy renovating (HAHA) but I saw this thread and was excited!! We are doing our basement. What started out as just paint has turned into paint, new casings, baseboards, and finally, laminate flooring!

Question:
Has anyone ever painted the bricks on a woodburning fireplace?

Ours are a ugly red/black combo and I want to paint them white. The one guy at Home Depot said it would be too hot and the paint would peel. The girl said it would be fine, just prime it and use a latex paint.

Anyone have any experience with this?

I would go to a specialty paint store, like Sherwin Williams, or Benjamin Moore and ask them.

I see it done all the time. Plus, if paint can be made to paint the insides of fire boxes and grills, I'm sure there are paints that can handle the exterior of a fireplace - especially a brick one.

See if you can track down Mickeygal's pictures on here. She has done an amazing basement remodel!

 

[shovan]

Albertan Mom, Ditto on going to a paint store! I checked into that a while back but decided not to do it. My local paint store told me it could be done!

Am I There Yet, Any tips for Tex-Mex or Steak places in Houston? Also any hotel tips? My DH did score with the Astros tickets!
We were going to stay downtown but the prices have shot up a bit since last year! Hilton Houston Southwest on SW Fwy (near the Galleria?) has some good deals right now. Some of the reviews are kind of " iffy" on the area, is it okay? The hotel itself has some very good reviews!

 

[mickeysgal]

What started out as just paint has turned into paint, new casings, baseboards, and finally, laminate flooring!

Oh yes, you certainly belong here on this thread. Welcome!!

 

[mickeysgal]

See if you can track down Mickeygal's pictures on here. She has done an amazing basement remodel!

Why thank you! I should take some updated pictures as we actually have some furniture, rugs, and best of all door knobs!

 

[Am_I_There_Yet]

Am I There Yet, Any tips for Tex-Mex or Steak places in Houston? Also any hotel tips? My DH did score with the Astros tickets!
We were going to stay downtown but the prices have shot up a bit since last year! Hilton Houston Southwest on SW Fwy (near the Galleria?) has some good deals right now. Some of the reviews are kind of " iffy" on the area, is it okay? The hotel itself has some very good reviews!

There really isn't much near Minute Maid Park. There is a Hyatt, Courtyard by Marriott and a Four Seasons in downtown, which are pretty close. The rates really go down on weekends, because the hotels are geared for business travelers. There are lots of new swanky bars downtown now too. They're really trying to revitalize the area.

If you're coming during the week, then yeah, you're going to pay $$$ to stay downtown.

Are you planning on going to The Galleria? If not, I wouldn't stay in that area. It's super-congested right now due to road construction. There are lots of places to stay, and places to eat around there though.

As far as Mexican food, you can't go wrong with Los Cucos, Chuy's, Lupe Tortillas or Pappasito's.

I'll look up the addresses and PM you with the ones that are the closest to you.

 

[shovan]

There really isn't much near Minute Maid Park. There is a Hyatt, Courtyard by Marriott and a Four Seasons in downtown, which are pretty close. The rates really go down on weekends, because the hotels are geared for business travelers. There are lots of new swanky bars downtown now too. They're really trying to revitalize the area.

If you're coming during the week, then yeah, you're going to pay $$$ to stay downtown.

Are you planning on going to The Galleria? If not, I wouldn't stay in that area. It's super-congested right now due to road construction. There are lots of places to stay, and places to eat around there though.

As far as Mexican food, you can't go wrong with Los Cucos, Chuy's, Lupe Tortillas or Pappasito's.

I'll look up the addresses and PM you with the ones that are the closest to you.

Well my DD is coming along, so I'm sure we will have to find time to hit the Galleria!! We've stayed at the Hyatt before & liked it a lot, except for the cost of parking, so we were considering getting out of downtown to avoid that. My DH is feeling cheap right now & trying to talk me into a Comfort Inn right now, so I'm really hunting for another bargain! There are so many hotel choices in Houston now, it's almost overwhelming! I'll let you know when we pick one! Thanks for the help!

 

[Am_I_There_Yet]

Why thank you! I should take some updated pictures as we actually have some furniture, rugs, and best of all door knobs!

I want to see it! What's wrong with you????

 

[Am_I_There_Yet]

Well my DD is coming along, so I'm sure we will have to find time to hit the Galleria!! We've stayed at the Hyatt before & liked it a lot, except for the cost of parking, so we were considering getting out of downtown to avoid that. My DH is feeling cheap right now & trying to talk me into a Comfort Inn right now, so I'm really hunting for another bargain! There are so many hotel choices in Houston now, it's almost overwhelming! I'll let you know when we pick one! Thanks for the help!

Oh, then let me look at that area and I'll see if I can help some. I also forgot about steak houses. I'll PM you this weekend.

 

[blanq]

Okay, this is a pic of one of the latest bathrooms that my contractor has done (I hope it's okay with homeowner to post it here!). Obviously the shower glass hasn't been installed yet, but this is identical to how my bathroom is set up, with the exception of the vanity placement next to the shower.

Do you see where there is granite underneath and on the window sill? I want the granite decking, but I think I'd like the cabinet panels on the tub apron, but mosaic above the decking and on the window sills.

I would like to carry the mosaic as an accent into the shower at the same level, and add another strip of mosaic around where the accent tiles are in this shower. This way, I'd have two accent strips inside the shower, 12" tall.

Would it look better with the mosaic on the tub apron too?

Am I making any sense?

I love this bathroom, but it's a little too monochromatic for me, although I LOVE this granite. I want something to break up the colors to make the granite "pop". Everything I pick will be still be neutral, but will add a little bit of different texture.

I need to decide, because using this much granite could bump me into more than a slab, and that would cost $$$. Mosaic may save me some money.

Here's another shot that shows the granite better. I'm really liking this granite!

That granite really is beautiful! I like your idea of breaking up the look with mosaic; including it on the tub apron would be wonderful. Adding that mosaic would probably save you some money, would add more visual interest, and would certainly break up the color and texture a bit.

 

[Am_I_There_Yet]

That granite really is beautiful! I like your idea of breaking up the look with mosaic; including it on the tub apron would be wonderful. Adding that mosaic would probably save you some money, would add more visual interest, and would certainly break up the color and texture a bit.

The granite is called Yellow Fantasy and of course, is in the upper level, price-wise. Know wonder I liked it so much!