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
The best bathroom showrooms in the New Hampshire seacoast
You are ready to start planning your bathroom remodel! Congratulations!
Where can you go to compare plumbing fixtures, flooring materials, vanity lights, or paint colors? You can find tons of information online, but how will you know how these products look and feel in real life? Where are the best places to go to plan your bathroom 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 finger jointed lumber?
Lumber mills use “clear”, knot-free lumber when they are making moldings or small trim boards. The problem with using clear lumber is that it comes at a premium price. If a mill can only use perfectly clear, knot-free boards, they will have to pay a premium for them because those boards are relatively uncommon.
Do you have any other options for your project? Is there a better alternative to clear trim boards?
What are material allowances?
When a homeowner is planning a home improvement project, there are a lot of decisions that need to be made. Every single decision will affect their budget, either positively or negatively.
How can a homeowner know if they can afford the project if they have to spend months designing it and choosing all of the materials before they can learn what it will cost? Is that what a material allowance is for?
When are material allowances used in a construction project? What are the advantages of material allowances? What are the disadvantages of using material allowances? Should I sign a contract that has material allowances in it?
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.
What is the standard height for kitchen and bathroom accessories?
Are you unsure about where your kitchen or bathroom fixtures and accessories are supposed to go? Are there industry standards that dictate the placement of these items? What are these standards? Would it be okay if you wanted to put some of these items in a different place?