A backsplash is a covering placed over the wall behind a sink, a stove or cook top, or any other area of a kitchen where there is a potential for splashing of water or food on the wall. Backsplashes can be a simple piece of plastic attached to the wall to protect the paint or wallpaper. Backsplashes can also be highly decorative and create a focal point in a remodeled kitchen.

The size of a backsplash might be determined by the size of the fixture or appliance it will be placed behind. Alternately, you might choose to install a backsplash behind an entire counter or workspace. The backsplash might be a pre-fabricated item that you decide to hang on the wall, or it might be made of decorative ceramic tile.

Ceramic tile is available is a huge variety of colors, finishes, sizes and shapes. These can be installed in a simple solid color or installed in geometric or decorative designs. You can create a mosaic or you can install hand-painted tile.

Visiting a tile store will help you make choices of finish, tile size, tile shape, and combinations of colors, shapes and designs. Many tile stores have displays of tile styles and colors with complimentary pieces and shapes to help you create the design you want. For example, you can easily go to a tile store, choose the basic tile for your floor and for your backsplash. Then by looking at matching pieces suggested by the manufacturer, you can easily select the trim and design components you want to use to create an attractive backsplash.

If your kitchen design is “rustic,” you might choose a ceramic tile with a matte or dull finish in a brick or stone design. A more traditional kitchen might need only simple single-color tile and edging. A modern kitchen might be right for something more creative and elaborate.

The size of the backsplash area will also determine how far you can go in being creative or in adding decorative interest. A small backsplash will need smaller design elements. A large backsplash area, on the other hand, might be made into the focal point of your kitchen design with a mosaic or with hand-painted tiles.

If you decide to incorporate a backsplash into your kitchen remodel design, you will have almost complete freedom in choosing the material – tile, metal, wallpaper – for your backsplash and in deciding how elaborate the design of the finished area will be. The primary purpose of the backsplash is to provide a surface that is easy to clean and that will not be stained easily. Beyond that functionality, your creativity and imagination is the only limit on what you can do.

If you are looking for a kitchen remodeling contractor in Long Island, please call us today at 800.474.3464 or complete our online request form.

Every Long Island homeowner wants to feel confident about the safety of his/her family. Homeowners know the bathroom can be the most dangerous room in the house. In addition to the risk of personal accidents and injuries, electrical receptacles and plumbing could pose a risk of damage to the home itself.

If your bathrooms have not been updated in ten to fifteen years (or more), a safety update in your bathrooms might be a wise and timely investment. Do you have the same electrical outlets beside your bathroom sink that has been there since the house was built thirty years ago? Have your plumbing fixtures, pipes and fittings been upgraded or updated since the house was built? If not, it might be time for a safety upgrade.

Here are some of the basic updates and upgrades you might want to make in your bathrooms:

Change electrical outlets and switches to moisture-proof models, especially if they are near sources of water (sink, toilet, tub or shower)

Install GFCI (Ground-fault circuit interrupters) on all electrical outlets in bathrooms, especially if they are near sources of water. These will prevent short circuiting if water is splashed on them.

Change all faucets to anti-scald models. This will protect you and your children from unexpected harm.

Install showers and tubs with non-slip tray surfaces or install other non-slip materials to make these fixtures safer.

Be sure any steps or platforms leading to tubs or showers have non-slip surfaces and that these areas are brightly lit.

Use safety glass in any windows or doors that are near a tub or shower to prevent further injury if someone slips.

Either don’t put a separate light in the shower, or be sure to use lighting fixtures designed to be used in high-moisture areas. These are designed to protect the lighting and the electrical connections.

Install bright lights around the tub and shower so water on the floor will be easier to see and falls can be prevented.

Check the stability and likelihood of tipping of any stepstool or bench used by children to reach a bathroom sink.

Install safety latches on any bathroom cabinets used for storing medicine, dietary supplements or any potentially hazardous chemicals or cleaning products (even if it is not the bathroom the children customarily use).

If you plan to replace faucets as part of your upgrade, choose faucets with lever handles. These are much easier to use, particularly for people with disabilities and the aging.

Install grab bars beside shower, tub and toilet. Not only are these accessories helpful for the disabled, they can prevent falls for people of all ages.

These tips will help you take the most important steps in making your bathroom safer for your family.

If you are looking for a bathroom remodeling contractor in Long Island, please call us today at 800.474.3464 or complete our online request form.

Going green with a bathroom remodel is a major consideration today for many homeowners. A green bathroom remodel is good for the environment, but it is also good for you because it will save you money on utility bills for years to come. It also might qualify for some rebates and tax credits. The main opportunities to make your bathroom remodel environmentally friendly are in water conservation and in use of energy for heating/cooling and lighting.

Here are some tips for green bathroom remodeling:

1. Choose non-toxic building materials. These materials are better for your family and good for the environment.

2. Choose non-toxic insulation derived from materials like soybean or cotton. These are safer to handle and install, safer for your family, and good for the environment.

3. Choose tropical hardwoods certified by the Forest Stewardship Council. These are rapidly renewable and protect the environment.

4. Wood-based features should come from rapidly renewable sources like cork and bamboo.

5. Choose VOC free (volatile organic compound) paints and sealants. These materials are safer to install, safer for your family (especially if there are children in the home) and better for the environment.

6. Purchase and install low-flow faucets and shower heads to reduce the amount of water used. Install an aerator in all faucets. This is a very significant water conservation step.

7. Choose and install low-flow or dual-flush toilets. These toilets can function with as little as half the water used by older toilets. Dual-flush toilets offer the choice for a lighter flush or a more thorough flush as needed.

8. Choose energy efficient light fixtures and use compact fluorescent bulbs in all light fixtures. You will not need to replace light bulbs as often, and you will use only a fraction of the energy for your lighting needs.

9. Use a window and skylight to provide natural light and natural ventilation. This will make your remodeled bathroom lighter and brighter and save energy.

10. If the bathroom is some distance from the hot water heater, consider installing a tankless water heater. If you are installing a whirlpool or soaker tub, install an in-line water heater. This allows you to re-heat the water in the tub, saving both power and water.

If you want to make your bathroom remodel environmentally friendly and energy-efficient, these ten tips will accomplish a great deal. Your new bathroom will be safer, more comfortable, and environmentally responsible.

If you are looking for a bathroom remodeling contractor in Long Island, please call us today at 800.474.3464 or complete our online request form.