The average American is spending more time at home and that means spending more time getting good use from your home’s features. Many have already utilized the downtime caused by the pandemic to renovate their home. By taking this time to make improvements to your home, you’ll get to enjoy the updates for more time and perhaps have an even greater appreciation for your new space because of coronavirus restraints.
For those wondering which improvements are worth taking the time to complete, one of our recommendations is a bathroom remodel. There are many benefits to remodeling your bathroom, but some homeowners have legitimate concerns about the process. To help with these concerns, here are five questions to ask when considering remodeling your bathroom.
Maintaining a budget is important with any remodeling project. For homeowners looking to make improvements that will increase your home’s value, creating a budget is key to this process. The average at-home bathroom remodel costs around $10,000 and can go much higher, of course. This includes the cost of hiring a contractor to complete intricate tasks like tiling, lighting, and installing a new shower or tub.
If your budget is tight, there are a few ways to lower this cost. For example, consider focusing on a high-quality paint and updating light fixtures instead of laying tile or putting in granite counter tops. You may also want to consider having a remodel done in stages so you can stretch your budget further and make your new space exactly how you want it. Ultimately, you are in control of what you want your remodel to cost, so plan well and enjoy both the process and the outcome.
The wisest investors know that if you are going to invest in anything, it needs to be worth the time and effort spent to make the improvements. While some are focused on the bottom line, others want to know that their home remodel is going to add value to their lives, and then to their bank account when they sell their home.
If you are in the market to sell, and your realtor suggests a bathroom update before listing, you may want to listen. Some studies show an average of 50% (but sometimes closer to 70%) return from bathroom reno projects. Some parts of the Providence area have even seen returns of more than 100% on their bathroom renovations.
For home renovations, a bathroom renovation is one of the highest returns on investment you can make. The key here is to focus on spending money wisely on the updates that will bring about a high return. For example, adding a second sink in a master bathroom or installing a doorless, larger shower space, will add more value than choosing the most expensive countertops. It is a balance between enjoying what you prefer now versus how much the update will return to you as a percentage of your investment.
There is also the “Joy” factor to consider when remodeling. Those who have made bathroom remodels a priority have reported being happier in their homes and satisfied with how their updates have made them feel. You sometimes cannot put a price tag on happiness.
One of the most common misconceptions about remodeling your bathroom is that everything will need to be replaced during a renovation. With a bathroom renovation, you can do a partial or a full renovation.
Some homeowners are embracing their retro pink or blue wall tiles, while others wouldn’t dream of living with such a dated looking bathroom. First, decide what you like and what you don’t and what things bother you and must be replaced as a priority. Next, build your budget and your list of things to be done as part of your bathroom reno project.
Cracked tiles, leaking toilets, and outdated bathtubs will need attention to get the most out of your investment. Thankfully, these are items that can be replaced relatively easily by a qualified contractor.
A bathroom remodel can be a creative project as well as a source of future profit. For resale value, classic and traditional colors and selections tend to bring a higher return. Ultimately, you are remodeling for yourself and your enjoyment of your space for as long as you choose to live in your home.
It’s worth noting that if your home has only one bath, adding a second bathroom typically adds more value to your home than a remodeled bathroom. For bathrooms, it’s quantity over quality, especially these days when many are at home, perhaps even giving their pets a bath and preferring to do that in a separate tub area.
Buyers are also most interested in cabinetry, flooring, and a new tub or shower. For homes in neighborhoods with lots of families, tubs are extremely popular to remodel, especially if you have the space for a standalone tub in the owner’s suite. Otherwise, many are opting for adding huge, walk-in showers to make their delay routine easier and more enjoyable.
While some home remodeling projects can be done by the homeowner, a bathroom remodel is one that is best left to professionals. A bathroom has many complex components that take a skilled craftsman’s expertise to ensure it is completed correctly. From electrical to plumbing to tilework and everything in between, a licensed professional contractor will ensure that your bathroom renovation is done right the first time.
The bottom line is hiring a contractor who can take care of the carpentry, remodeling, and painting work is essential when deciding to do a bathroom renovation project in your home. Too many have started a bathroom reno project, only to find months and years later, that it is just too difficult and time-consuming, even if you are spending more time at home.
For all bathroom renovations, large and small, we recommend utilizing the services of an experienced contractor who can provide you with design ideas, great work, and an end result that you love.
Upholding and caring for surfaces and relationships has been our mission at Bruno Painting since 2004. We care deeply for our clients and work hard to make their homes a more enjoyable space to live. From tiling to remodeling (and of course painting), we have a skilled team of professional craftsmen who can make your home renovation dreams into reality.
When you take on a home painting project yourself, you’ll find an almost excessive number of paint types within each paint brand from which to choose. Though there are many choices, it can be difficult to know which paint is best for your specific painting project.
When you hire a painting professional to paint your home, on the other hand, you’ll have a wide variety of professional paint brands at your disposal, plus a painting team with the knowledge and information needed to select the best paint for your particular home and its unique characteristics.
We’ve put together a list of some of the best interior and exterior paint brands for your home. You can use this information to better understand all the different paint technologies available and be better able to have a conversation with your painting contractor about the best paints for your home.
Source: Benjamin Moore
For interior paint, some paint characteristics we believe are important are paint thickness, paint coverage or spread, fumes or paint odor, “green” considerations, color variety, sheen selection, specific chemical and preservative ingredients, and ease of application.
When we consider if a paint is “green,” we look at the presence or absence of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). VOCs release gasses into the air that cause a strong paint odor, and which can be harmful to people and animals, possibly causing respiratory problems as well as harm the air quality.
Along with these factors, we look at customer satisfaction and overall performance for the price. Here are our top recommendations for interior paints:
Source: finepaintsofeurope.com
Fine Paints of Europe created the Eurolux™ Interior Acrylic Paint line to serve as an odorless acrylic paint option, which has been perfected over the last two decades. The coating quality is unmatched by this remarkable paint. Many have compared the durability and scrubbable strength tile, with the same washability! It is both quick drying and Low VOC, making this a wonderful option for lasting beauty in any home. We recommend this in both kitchens and bathrooms due to its impeccable ability to be cleaned.
As an alternative, Eco™ Waterborne Paints by Fine Paints of Europe offer the benefits of both alkyd and acrylic formulated paints. With easy clean-up and application, this self-leveling paint dries to a beautiful finish while also being Low VOC paint, making it an eco-friendly choice. We recommend this paint for dining rooms, family rooms, and even bedrooms.
Source: Benjamin Moore
Aura by Benjamin Moore is another paint we recommend for homeowners specifically looking for a paint that goes on effortlessly. The Gennex color-technology in this paint has maximum performance for long-lasting results. As a paint and primer in one, this paint dries quickly and adapts well to different surfaces. We recommend Aura in bedrooms for its low VOCs and minimal-odor qualities. Additionally, Aura Bath and Spa is designed specifically for high-humidity areas like your bathroom.
Last, but not least, for interior paint Regal Select by Benjamin Moore has performed well for more than 50 years. With its unique formula, a wide variety of beautiful colors, and an easy-to-clean finish for all sheens, this paint is one of our favorites.
As a paint and primer in one, Regal Select performs consistently on many different surfaces. The greatest advantage is that it has zero VOC and low odor making this a versatile choice for any room in your home.
Exterior surfaces require paints that match the needs caused by local conditions. For homes that are near a body of water, for example, mildew-resistant paint will protect best; a stain- and dirt-resistant paint performs well in urban areas. Our exterior paint recommendations are based on specific attributes that may apply to your home’s unique needs.
Benjamin Moore’s Regal Select Exterior Paints offer optimum coverage with protection and durability. This paint holds up its appearance to weathering very nicely. This is due in part to the alkyd technology, which provides ultimate adherence to all surfaces. Its resistance to cracking, dirt, mildew, and color change make this a good overall choice for homes whose exterior requires extra protection from moisture and other elements.
Source: finepaintsofeurope.com
EUROLUXⓇ Housepaint by Fine Paints of Europe provides the advantages of both traditional oil formulas and modern acrylic features with a state-of-the-art formulation. Thanks to the advanced, durable coating this paint application is known for easy use. Weather resistance and environmental conscientiousness are associated with this paint which boasts superior adhesion to surfaces with flexibility making it a great choice for exterior paint as it stands up to numerous cycles of contraction and expansion that we see on the classic coast.
We use a number of different paint lines from these companies outside of these and always prioritize the highest quality paints. These are a simple selection of some of the best options as a starting point for you to consider. There are many paints on the market, with professional-grade paints offering the most technologically advanced qualities. Choosing one or more of these paints that are manufactured using the latest in paint-performance technologies will give your home greater protection and a better paint finish in the long run.
We know paint selection can be difficult, even confusing. Our mission at Bruno Painting is Upholding and Caring for Surfaces and Relationships. We take great pride in the carpentry and painting projects we do for Rhode Island homeowners and are excited to help you with the process of choosing the right paint for your home's interior and exterior. Contact us for a fresh coat of paint for your home!
The English writer Sydney Smith once said “A comfortable house is a great source of happiness. It ranks immediately after health and a good conscience.” If this is true, then caring for your home and making it a beautiful and well-protected space is important. And now, more than ever, with all the time we’re spending at home due to COVID, have space you love is important for your mental well-being and peace of mind.
To keep your space feeling fresh and updated, it’s important to care for the walls and other painted surfaces on a regular basis to prevent your interior from feeling old, scuffed, and unclean. A healthy home starts with a fresh coat of paint every few years. Here are the top five reasons to schedule a painting contractor for your home’s interior this year.
A home that is well lived in has quite a bit of character. Sometimes character is beneficial, but not so if it means scuffed, dingy walls, or damaged surfaces. Instead of feeling homey or cozy, a home in this type of ill repair only looks like it’s not well-taken care of. Not only is it important to repair worn or damaged areas of your interior wall space, keeping up with your home’s interior maintenance is essential for a healthy home environment.
Typically speaking, interior walls are composed of materials that absorb moisture naturally. Over time, these surfaces can absorb too much moisture if exposed without a coat of paint to protect them. This means that damage internally to the structure of your home can begin to occur. Moisture within the walls can also lead to mold which is never good for your health. Thankfully, the solution is simple; a fresh coat of paint regularly applied to walls seals out moisture and gives your porous walls the protection they need.
Local professional painters have knowledge about high-quality paints and which types and brands protect your home in relation to how you live. From children to pets to the occasional recliner rubbing against the wall, paint acts as the perfect buffer between your family and your home.
Interior painting can be a surefire way to make your home a happier, more comfortable space. For new homeowners, this may be an essential step in order to make your house your own. Older colors even can feel dated and nonconforming to your style. Whatever the case may be, making the colors of your interior appealing to you should be a priority.
New colors are released yearly to help homeowners keep their homes looking sharp. Many homeowners like to stay on-trend, while others prefer to use classic colors, despite what shows as new or popular at the moment. Popular colors such as Coral Clay or Naval from Sherwin Williams and First Light or Blue Danube by Benjamin Moore can bring new life to any space. Jeweled tones like dark blues and sage greens are popular with many homeowners recently, though, Sherwin-Williams has recently introduced their 2021 palettes that show some unique color combinations and many of Benjamin Moore’s 2020 colors are lighter hues. What’s important is that your new paint color makes your home happier for you.
Older paint can influence you in more ways than one. The health and wellbeing of people indoors have become a vital piece to the improvement of paints used around the house. Advances in technology have made it possible to offer interior paint with low or zero VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds), which give off a strong paint “odor” and actually release harmful vapors.
Over time, the release of these vapors or gasses can cause respiratory or other health problems related to allergies, asthma, or other chemical-related issues. Thankfully, these issues along with allergens like dust and pet dander are kept to a minimum with interior painting, improving your home’s air quality.
Each home is unique in its imperfections and that is what often makes them special. Small imperfections add up eventually and these quaint marks can begin to make your home look unkempt.
Oftentimes, walls will have dents, scuffs, and dings from regular usage. Resurfacing and repainting your interior can remove these imperfections to give your home a pristine and refreshed look.
In a seller’s market, homeowners may need to move quickly after they sell their home, also quickly. One of the simplest and least expensive ways to get your home market-ready is by repainting. Both interior and exterior painting are a foolproof way to increase the overall value of your home.
Additionally, a professional paint job communicates to potential buyers that you’ve taken good care of your home. If your home has been on the market for a while, a paint update to neutral colors can move your home off the market faster, sometimes even over your asking price.
Not planning on selling your home soon? Not to worry, a high-quality professional paint job with the right contractor can last up to 7 years. It’s no wonder that so many make the smart investment to paint their homes.
The key to a long-lasting painting of your interior is a finding skilled contractor to prepare your surfaces correctly before completing the project. Finding a local professional that you trust and have confidence that they can meet your home’s needs is paramount.
Our Mission at Bruno Painting has been to uphold and care for surfaces and relationships. Our painting division consists of some of the most skilled professionals in all of Rhode Island. We look forward to the pleasure of helping you make your home, not only look beautiful but also provide a healthy environment for you and your family for years to come. Reach out to get an estimate for your painting, carpentry, and remodeling needs!
