Kitchen & Bath Learning Center
Welcome to our Learning Center, your trusted resource for all your home remodeling questions! Whether you're wondering about the timeline for planning a kitchen remodel, the design decisions involved in a bathroom remodel, or the costs associated with these projects, we’ve got you covered!
Our expert articles dive into essential topics like selecting the best water filter system for your kitchen remodel, understanding the difference between a bathroom renovation and a remodel, and finding the right remodeling contractor for your project. We also offer insights on choosing the best building materials and tips for living in your home during a kitchen or bathroom remodel. Explore our comprehensive guides to make informed decisions and turn your dream home in the New Hampshire Seacoast or Southern Maine into a reality!
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- Age in place
- Bathroom remodeling
- Budgeting
- Built-ins
- Case studies
- Contracts & proposals
- Design decisions
- Featured projects
- Hiring a contractor
- Home renovations
- Home value
- Kitchen remodeling
- Material selection
- Product comparisons
- Project management
- Remodeling costs
- Remodeling problems
- Remodeling process
- Remodeling tips
- Renovations vs. remodeling
- Timelines
Vinyl vs. laminate flooring: which is better for your home?
Picture this: you’re ready to update your floors, but you’re staring at samples of vinyl and laminate, wondering which one is the better choice. Both options are budget-friendly, stylish, and relatively easy to install—but which is right for your home? Have you been wondering:
Do people even use laminate flooring anymore?
What is the difference between vinyl and laminate flooring?
When would vinyl flooring be a better choice?
When would laminate flooring be a better choice?
Are there any pitfalls I need to avoid when installing laminate or vinyl flooring?
Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered. Let’s walk through these two flooring options and uncover the pros and cons of each!
Product Comparison: Single Bowl vs. Double Bowl Sinks
When it comes to designing your dream kitchen, there’s one decision that often sneaks up on homeowners: choosing the perfect sink. It’s not the first thing most people think about when dreaming of new cabinets or gleaming countertops, but the right sink can make a world of difference in your daily kitchen routine. One of the biggest debates? Single bowl vs. double bowl sinks.
If you’ve been standing in the middle of a kitchen showroom or scrolling through endless Pinterest boards wondering which option is best for you, you’re in the right place. In this blog, we’ll break down the ins and outs of both sink types to help you decide what’s best for your home in the New Hampshire seacoast. Let’s dive into some common questions homeowners have when choosing a kitchen sink:
Product Comparison: Frameless vs. framed shower doors
When you're planning a bathroom remodel, one of the key decisions you'll have to make is choosing between frameless and framed shower doors. With so many factors to consider, it can be hard to decide which option is right for you. Have you been wondering:
What are the differences between frameless and framed shower doors?
Are frameless shower doors more prone to leaks compared to framed ones?
Are frameless shower doors easier to clean than framed shower doors?
Which option is more durable, frameless or framed shower doors?
Are frameless shower doors more expensive than framed ones?
How will my choice of shower doors affect the overall look of my bathroom?
In this article, we'll explore these questions and many more! We'll break down the differences, pros, and cons of frameless and framed shower doors to help you make the best choice for your bathroom remodel.
Should I choose a bathtub or a walk-in shower for my bathroom remodel in Portsmouth, NH?
When it comes to remodeling your bathroom, one of the biggest decisions you’ll face is choosing between a bathtub and a walk-in shower. Each has its own set of benefits, and what’s right for your home depends on your lifestyle, family needs, and long-term goals.
What are the pros and cons of having a bathtub vs. a walk-in shower?
How much space will I need for a walk-in shower versus a bathtub?
Is a walk-in shower more expensive to install than a bathtub?
What materials should I consider for a walk-in shower or bathtub?
Are there any safety concerns I should consider for either option?
Will I regret not having a bathtub if I choose a walk-in shower?
Let’s dive into these questions, and more, to help you make the right decision for your remodel!
Undermount vs. Drop-in Sinks: Which is best for my remodel?
Choosing the right sink for your kitchen or bathroom remodel is a big decision that can impact both the look and functionality of your space. As you weigh your options, have you found yourself asking:
What is the difference between an undermount sink and a drop-in sink?
Which sink style is better for a modern kitchen or bathroom?
What are the benefits of an undermount sink compared to a drop-in sink?
Can an undermount sink be installed with any countertop material?
How do cleaning and maintenance compare between undermount and drop-in sinks?
What are the cost differences between undermount and drop-in sinks?
Let’s dive into these questions to help you make the best choice for your home!
Product Comparison: Underfloor Heating Vs. Radiant Heat
When it comes to remodeling your bathroom, choosing the right heating system is crucial for both comfort and efficiency. Underfloor heating and radiant heat are two popular options, but how do they compare? Have you been wondering:
What is the difference between underfloor heating and radiant heat?
How does underfloor heating work compared to radiant heat?
What are the benefits of underfloor heating in a bathroom?
What are the benefits of radiant heat in a bathroom?
Which is more energy-efficient: underfloor heating or radiant heat?
How much does it cost to install underfloor heating versus radiant heat?
Let’s explore these questions in depth to help you decide which system is best for your space!
Product Comparison: Granite vs. Quartz Countertops
When you're remodeling your kitchen, choosing the right countertops can feel like a big decision. Granite and quartz are two of the most popular options out there, but how do you know which one is the best fit for your home? Have you been wondering:
What are the differences between granite and quartz countertops?
How do granite and quartz countertops compare in terms of durability?
What are the pros and cons of granite vs. quartz countertops?
Are quartz countertops more expensive than granite countertops?
Which countertop material is easier to maintain, granite or quartz?
Which is better for my kitchen, granite or quartz countertops?
How do I choose the best cabinets for my kitchen remodel?
Selecting the perfect cabinets can be a daunting task. With so many options available, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Today we’re answering some of the most common questions homeowners have when comparing kitchen cabinets, questions like:
What are the best materials for kitchen cabinets?
How do solid wood cabinets compare to MDF or plywood?
What are the differences between stock, semi-custom, and custom cabinets?
Are custom kitchen cabinets worth the investment?
What are the most durable kitchen cabinet materials?
How do I choose the right kitchen cabinet finish?
Let’s dive into these questions and more to help you find the perfect cabinets for your kitchen!
Product Comparison: Tile Showers vs. Solid Surface Showers
The type of shower you choose for your bathroom remodel can make a big difference in both functionality and aesthetics. Tile and solid surface showers are two popular choices, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. let’s compare these two options, and answer your pressing questions, like :
What are the pros and cons of tile showers vs. solid surface showers?
What is the cost difference between a tile shower and a solid surface shower?
Do solid surface showers offer better waterproofing than tile showers?
Which shower type is better for a DIY project: tile or solid surface?
Which shower type has a longer lifespan: tile or solid surface?
Are there any health concerns with using tile or solid surface materials in showers?
And much more!
What is the best type of flooring for a bathroom?
When it comes to bathroom flooring, homeowners often seek a combination of durability, aesthetic appeal, and ease of maintenance. With so many options available, it can be challenging to determine which flooring material best suits your bathroom's needs. Have you been wondering:
What are the pros and cons of different bathroom flooring options?
How do I choose the best bathroom flooring for my lifestyle and needs?
How does the cost of different bathroom flooring options compare?
What bathroom flooring options are the easiest to clean and maintain?
Can I install bathroom flooring myself, or should I hire a professional?
How do different bathroom flooring options handle moisture and spills?
How long does it typically take to install new bathroom flooring?
Can I install new bathroom flooring over my existing floor?
You’re in the right place! We’ll answer all of these questions and more!
What is the best type of flooring for a kitchen remodel?
When it comes to kitchen flooring, homeowners often seek a combination of durability, aesthetic appeal, and ease of maintenance. With so many options available, it can be challenging to determine which flooring material best suits your kitchen's needs. Have you been wondering:
What are the pros and cons of each popular kitchen flooring option?
How do I choose the best kitchen flooring for my lifestyle and needs?
What are the most durable kitchen flooring materials?
How does the cost of different kitchen flooring options compare?
What kitchen flooring options are the easiest to clean and maintain?
Can I install kitchen flooring myself, or should I hire a professional?
How do different kitchen flooring options handle moisture and spills?
How long does it typically take to install new kitchen flooring?
Can I install new kitchen flooring over my existing floor?
What is the best type of water purification system for my kitchen remodel?
What are the different methods of purifying drinking water? What is reverse osmosis? What is a filter system? How is a reverse osmosis system different from a filter system? Which system is better?
Water purification is an essential consideration in any kitchen remodel, ensuring that the water you use for drinking and cooking is clean and safe. In this article, we will explore the intricacies of water purification systems, particularly focusing on reverse osmosis (RO) systems and traditional filter systems. We'll answer key questions to help you make an informed decision for your kitchen remodel.
Ceramic or porcelain tile vs. luxury vinyl flooring. Which is better for a bathroom floor?
As most of us know, wood-based flooring, like hardwood, or laminate doesn’t hold up well in a wet environment. This understanding leads most of us to make the wise decision of using an extremely water-resistant flooring material.
The most popular types of waterproof flooring materials are ceramic/porcelain tile and the many different styles of vinyl flooring. But, what are the differences between these different materials? And, which one is better?
What is the difference between builder-grade, quality-grade, and high-end building products?
Imagine walking into a home improvement store, only to find yourself lost among aisles of cabinets, countertops, and flooring options. The labels on products are dizzying: "builder-grade," "contractor-grade," "high-quality," "high-end"—what does it all mean? How do you know which is right for your home?
If you’ve ever wondered, “What does ‘builder-grade’ mean?” or “Does ‘contractor-grade’ mean high-quality?” or “What’s the difference between builder-grade and contractor-grade?”—you’re not alone. These terms can be confusing, especially since they aren’t strictly defined in the industry. But don't worry; we’re here to break down the jargon and help you make sense of it all, so you can choose the best materials for your remodel with confidence.