Minimal renovation projects often include adding a laminate on surfaces to create a practical yet posh-looking countertop. If you’re not really looking to build your dream kitchen or you just have enough budget for a small project, laminate works best as an inexpensive alternative to granite or marble countertops. Laminate, when properly installed makes for a useful work surface and far from being simple, comes in hundreds of designs. La Quinta construction experts, Desert Stone Works, provide essential and creative advice on how to create that effective and stylish countertop without all the mess and fuss of a costly renovation project.   

As to the base or substrate, you have a variety of options, but medium-density fiberboard (MDF) and particleboard should be on the top of your list. If you’re installing a countertop on an area likely to be exposed to a lot of elements like heat and water, particleboard would be most ideal. In contrast, MDF tents to expand and contract over exposure to liquids.

The downside of picking particleboard is it doesn’t come any thicker than ¾ inch, which is just too thin for a proper countertop. If that’s the case you can always double up on the material and extend it as thick as 1 1/2-inch for a raised counter.

Whatever base you choose, taking additional precautions will help extend the life of your countertop. Protect your substrate by painting it with a thick coat of primer, particularly on the underside, to shield it against moisture. This is most useful especially when you’re planning on installing such countertop in the laundry area or over a dishwasher.

 While laminate works as an affordable alternative to marble countertops, installing it is not a simple and easy task. When using contact cement, the substance bonds the moment the surfaces touch, so lining both materials properly is crucial. Otherwise, it will be a mess. Before you use a j-roller to set the substrate and laminate together, separate them conveniently with dowels to allow you the chance to ensure they are correctly lined up before they attach.

As to getting that seamless look, La Quinta construction contractor, Desert Stone Works, advise proper sequencing in order to avoid visible edges. Laminate the side edges first, then the front, with the top last. Allow a slightly larger cut of laminate for each part trimming each portion with a small router and a file before moving on to the next piece, creating a tight seam on all countertop corners. 

Renovating your bathroom, just like any other residential construction project, is not as simple as it seems. Without the proper planning, or even assistance from expert Palm Desert construction contractors, anything from picking out the wrong type of materials to forgetting key aspects can wash all your efforts and money down the drain. So here are important considerations to keep in mind to achieve the ideal bathroom remodeling results:

It all starts with the budget. When you set the extent and limitations of your budget, you’ll know the type of materials to choose for your bathroom remodeling project as well as the boundaries of the design to go with. However, having a restricted budget does not mean you have to do so little changes. Being aware of your budget, allows you to consider what you can afford and other aspects you can get creative with.     

There is also the option of doing an eco-friendly residential construction approach. Having green solutions offers benefits to the environment and to your household in the long run. Eco-friendly products not only come in charming designs but they also function better, lowering the costs of utility bills. 

Why replace when you can refinish instead? Any city or Palm Desert construction company will suggest refinishing bathroom items such as your bathtub, shower, or the sinks to avoid an expensive project. 

Expert construction contractors would also suggest renovating without moving the plumbing around. Changes in the pipes’ outlines will involve more than the average amount of expenses. If you save on plumbing, you’ll have more budget for your dream fixtures.

Next consideration involves skill and capacity. Know what do-it-yourself projects you can undertake and what you can hire residential construction contractors to perform instead. Your bathroom remodeling project will go a lot smoothly and efficiently if professionals won’t spend their time fixing problems you inadvertently caused with doubtful craftsmanship.

Lastly, maintain your bathroom’s healthy and clean environment with proper installation of ventilation. Without it, moisture develops and lingers, allowing mold and mildew to set in. When this happens, the damage will render your bathroom remodeling useless, so set the proper guard to enjoy the results of your hard work a lot longer.

Taking on home remodeling projects right in your own home can be a truly rewarding experience once it’s done. But keep in mind that things do not always go according to plan. From installing ill-fitted granite countertops to being unable to finish even a small bathroom remodeling task, you may want to avoid the pitfalls of home renovations by doing your homework and looking out for these remodeling nightmares. Doing so with save you all that inconvenience and even a whole lot of time and money.

 

1.    Not Having The Proper Paperwork

Whether you’re doing remodeling in Palm Desert, construction in New York, or any other city, every renovation needs the proper permit. While you may disregard this to avoid shelling out money up front, the move might cost you more expenses in the long run. Apart from getting imposed with fees and other charges, not having the right permit for any addition to your residence will affect the value of your property altogether. So consult with a contractor and get the paperwork done right to allow yourself that peace of mind.

2.    Buying Cheap and Low Quality Materials

Remodeling implies you want a better living space and lasting structures. So don’t fall for affordable deals just because they look like they will save you money. Cheap materials may lead to difficult installations and breakable furniture, leaving you with costly trips back to the hardware. From wood cabinets to granite countertops, make sure you pick materials that are both cost-effective and at a reliable quality. It doesn’t have to be the most expensive ones on the market, but taking the time to study your options or even asking a contractor will earn you that dreamy living space without all the flaws.

3.    Getting the Measurements Wrong

 

From measuring an entire kitchen to a small bathroom, remodeling successfully without unnecessary delays is party rooted on proper measurements. Don’t forget to factor in important elements when you do the numbers. That is, consider the edges and frames when you measure a window, get the exact measurements so you know the size of the appliance you need to buy, and take the height of the structure into account before making installations. 

4.    Not Hiring a Professional for Big Remodeling Projects

 

Remodeling a corner of your house may be easy, but when you’re doing an entire kitchen or a room addition, do not try to be a hero and do it all by yourself. You don’t just pay contractors to do the heavy lifting. You hire city of Palm Desert construction companies primarily for their expertise. They have years of experience dealing with countless details in remodeling, including ones you do not normally expect.  Not only do they have the skill for the job, the right ones are connected with ideal contractors, like granite countertops suppliers, that would help you achieve your goal faster.

5.    Working with the Wrong Contractor

 

Should you decide to hire a bit of help, get the right ones by doing your research, asking for references or visiting their warehouse for a look at their portfolio. Confirm their business licenses and insurance, so you know you’re back is covered in case anything goes wrong. Whether it’s a simple bathroom remodeling project or an entire room addition, check out what their previous clients have to say about their performance and work ethic. If you want that dream space without all the nightmares, choosing a trusted remodeling contractor makes all the difference.