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stevhenzana-blog · 6 years ago

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Things Are Getting Homier At The Duplex!

Last month we shared how refinishing the floors at the duplex made us feel like we turned a major corner at a house we've been renovating for over a year (remember when it looked like this?!). And now we are firmly in “the fun part!” You know, where you get to start bringing in rugs and light fixtures and furniture and accessories so it goes from looking like a construction zone to an actual home. It's THE. BEST. Especially after months and months of expensive improvements that you don't even see when the drywall goes back up (like plumbing and electrical upgrades).

So let's just get right into it. Behold, this wall of the left side's master bedroom that we pretty much rebuilt from scratch:

bench / similar light / similar rug / walls: SW Spare White / doors: SW White Truffle

That rug is the one we originally bought for the pink house's living room (you can see it there in this post) but it often looked too dark paired with our dark sectional. But in this room with a fluffy white bed on top of it, we think it'll look worlds lighter and brighter – especially paired with our pretty pink closet doors and that capiz chandelier that we hung between them (which used to hang above our dining table in the pink house – more on that switcheroo here).

We actually added those two closets during framing because it was the largest room but it didn't have a closet at all originally. So we thought flanking the window with two of 'em added lots of storage and symmetry (whereas just one closet would take a bite out of the corner of the room and feel less balanced).

Here's the same bedroom, as you view it from the door. We can't wait to add some thick wooden shelves in that little chimney nook that we were able to expose during the renovation.

Below is a similar view of this bedroom when we bought the house. It was just a boring box, complete with a drop ceiling to hide a whole lot of mold and rot that was going on above it.

The photo below is a picture of the back bedroom on the other side (the right side of the duplex) as it looks now. Over here we reused the only set of original doors that we could salvage: these cool skinny little pine doors, complete with their original hardware.

bench / similar plant / similar light / basket / Walls: SW Spare White

They have tiny little latches on each side that stole my heart the second I saw them, along with little faux drawers at the bottom with old cup pulls. So much quirk & character!

And since they're not standard height (they're shorter than standard interior doors) we got to add cute little cubbies above them. I love how the curved baskets bring in some texture and some softness with so many rectangles going on around them. Same with the curved chandelier.

We're also pretty excited about our kitchen progress, since we worked over the holiday break to assemble both sides (not without hiccups – more on that here) but we're really happy to be mostly over that hump. The appliances are on their way, and our counters should be getting templated and installed before the end of the month. We can see the finish line!!! (Ok, and then we have to add shelves, hardware, and a bold patterned backsplash, but we're closer to the end than the beginning!)

cabinets / hood / pendant light

That's the kitchen on the right side and here we are in the adjacent mudroom/laundry room. We still need to build in that storage cabinet, but we're waiting for the stacked washer & dryer to be installed first. And those painted pocket doors (they're Oyster Bay by Sherwin Williams) lead to the kitchen, and will probably stay open most of the time. We added them in case people want to shut out the noise when laundry's going. And because they're just so dang cute.

pendant light / floor tile / walls: Spare White by SW / doors: Oyster Bay by SW

We'll also be adding lots of mudroom storage in here, like hooks and baskets galore for shoes, bathing suits, towels and all that good stuff. The outdoor showers are a few steps away from the back door that leads into this room, so this space is going to be a workhorse for sure.

Ok, but now let's take a peek at the kitchen on the left side of the duplex. We chose some moody blue-green-gray cabinets for this side, but they look bright blue here. Wait for it…

cabinets / hood / pendant light

They're still covered with a protective film that we aren't going to remove until after the appliances and counters are installed, but you can see from the piece John's holding up below that they're a lot grayer and greener underneath the film. We LOVE the color for a beach house. Feels really playful but not too out there.

This is the mudroom off of that kitchen, where we did a similar tile pattern as the other mudroom, but in a totally different colorway. We love how each side feels related to the other side – but not identical. Kinda like they're cousins but not twins. We still need quarter round trim in here (most of the other rooms are done – but we held off on this room so we can add a few built-ins and then install it).

floor tiles: pink, white, & taupe / door color: White Truffle by SW / door: secondhand find (!!!)

So those are just a few of the spaces that look SO MUCH BETTER already – even before our huge truckload of furniture arrives (yes, we're renting a giant box truck and driving things down ourselves in less than a week!). But even without all the beds and tables and sofas and chairs that are coming, we're soaking up this PROGRESS, BEAUTIFUL PROGRESS! And you know I'm counting down the days until I can share more photos with furniture and curtains and art and ALL THE THINGS!!!

P.S. To see all of our duplex progress from the very beginning, click here for around a dozen posts that'll cover a lot of ground (from buying it and floor planning to rebuilding it, tiling, and refinishing the floors).

*This post contains affiliate links*

One more P.S. – If you like blog posts, you can get an additional one each week delivered straight to your inbox – and it's free! Just sign up here (and if you'd like to see a few sample emails first, here's one, and here's another one).

The post Things Are Getting Homier At The Duplex! appeared first on Young House Love.

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stevhenzana-blog · 6 years ago

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Moving to Denver - 10 Pros and Cons You Should Know

In 1893, Katharine Lee Bates sat atop Pikes Peak and wrote “America the Beautiful,” one of the most well-known patriotic songs of our time. Just about 100 miles away from that summit at the base of the Rocky Mountains sits Denver, Colorado. With its blue skies and panoramic mountain views, Denver, a.k.a. the Mile High City is perhaps one of the most beautiful areas in the country. In fact, its beauty has inspired countless other authors, musicians and pop culture icons.

Maybe this natural beauty is why moving to Denver is so appealing. Or, maybe it's the 300-days of sun a year, easy access to the mountains and inherent outdoor playground. Either way, Metro Denver is one of the fastest growing cities in the nation, with almost 100,000 people moving there in the past seven years. Now, with a population of over three million, the city is scrambling to develop the infrastructure, transit and housing needed to keep pace with the demand.

Would you move to Denver? The area boasts a strong economy and a shiny, new façade that will take your breath away, both literally and figuratively. But some argue that it's overcrowded and expensive. We're exploring some other reasons why you might want to stay or stay away. These living in Denver pros and cons should help you decide if Denver is, in fact, the right choice for you. Have some advice you'd like to share with potential residents? Let us know in the comments below!

1. Denver is young, hip and desirable.

A millennial haven, 66% of the population in Denver are under the age of 44. Denver is also not a very culturally diverse city. 76.9% of the population is Caucasian, with gentrification being a major hot-button issue. This has greatly impacted the demand for rental housing, which makes homeownership less obtainable.

Denver is among the likes of the San Francisco Bay Area and Seattle when it comes to home price appreciation outpacing income growth and affordability. Apartments rent for an average of $1,519 a month, with median home prices jumping 10% to $420,000 in 2018.

If you can stomach the prices, one major pro of living in Denver is the views. No matter which neighborhood you choose, the metro is surrounded by 140 miles of panoramic mountain views, totaling 200 visible peaks.

That said, the very first step to becoming a Denverite is picking a neighborhood. Living in Denver is an experience, and because so many people want to do it, picking a community can get competitive and pricey (more on that later). Decide whether any of the following areas suit you, then figure out if you can afford it.

Top Neighborhoods in Denver

Fast-paced living with a relaxed vibe is possible in any of the following city neighborhoods. However, each area offers a little something different, which make picking the right one that much more important. Here are a few of the best places to live in Denver.

The Highlands – Widely accepted as one of the most desirable places to live, the Highlands, and LoHi (Lower Highlands) specifically, is teeming with innovative restaurant concepts, hip rooftops, patios and boutique shops.

Average apartment rental: $2,023

RiNo (River North) – If you don't want to be a LoDo (Lower Downtown) Ballpark Bro, RiNo is downtown Denver's hipster neighbor. Full of trendy warehouse conversions, street art and an explosion of bars and restaurants, it's the current place to see and be seen.

Average apartment rental: $1,727

Capitol Hill – A bit rougher around the edges, Cap Hill is generally regarded to be the most affordable and convenient neighborhood in city proper. Home to the Capital building, it's major thoroughfare of Colfax Avenue is the longest street in America.

Average apartment rental: $1,519

We spoke with seasoned broker and real estate agent, Irene Glazer of Live Urban Real Estate for some insight. “Preference on which neighborhood to choose can vary widely based on taste and budget,” Glazer explains. “Do you like urban, suburban, hip, up-and-coming, walkable, trendy, affordable, accessible to mountains/downtown, parks? Denver has a wonderful array that will fit most any lifestyle.”

Glazer gave us a sampling of a few more under-the-radar Denver neighborhoods that have their own unique charm and character.

Harvey Park - This neighborhood is located in Southwest Denver and is bounded by South Sheridan, Hampden, Lowell, and Jewell. Built in the 1950's, it's known for its selection of some of Denver's best and most affordable, mid-century modern architecture. Cliff May-style California Contemporary homes fill the neighborhoods' quiet, suburban-like streets.

Average home prices: in the low $400,000s.

Platt Park - This area is located in Southeast Denver and is bounded by Downing, Broadway, Evans and I-25, Platt Park is seeing many of its older homes remodeled for 21st century living as well as quite a few new builds and pop-tops. The neighborhood is lovely, charming and walkable with one of the best/quaintest shopping districts, South Pearl Street. Don't miss the summertime Farmer's Market because it's arguably the best in the city.

Average home prices: around $500,000.

Sunnyside - Located in Northwest Denver, Sunnyside is bounded by I70, 38th, Federal and I25. It's an up-and-coming neighborhood near trendy Tennyson and is already pretty well discovered, yet still in transition. It's easy to take a bike ride or a walk downtown, and there is easy access to get out of town. This area has a wonderful mix of old architecture as well as new (mostly attached) homes. Trendy coffee shops, restaurants, boutiques and home goods stores are starting to pop up everywhere.

Average home prices: in the $500,000s.

Denver Suburbs to Consider:

Denver is a good place to raise a family if you have the right resources, like a stable job and a steady income. Bringing some kids along for the move? Check out some of these top rated Denver suburbs.

Stapleton – Stapleton is a new neighborhood that popped up a few years ago built on the old airport base. Its proximity to the city and relative affordability of new builds makes it a popular option for young families.

Arvada - Olde Town Arvada has one of the cutest “Main streets” of any suburb. Its popularity has also caught on the past few years, driving up home prices.

Englewood - This is a suburb with a lot of variety. Englewood has small, affordable homes with character located near the fun and funk of South Broadway, suburban “tract” style homes near the Denver Tech Center and sprawling mansions in Cherry Hills Village.

Wheat Ridge - Close enough to the city yet a world away, Wheat Ridge is a natural expansion from NW Denver. There's tons of new development happening on 38th Ave., with breweries and restaurants clamoring to get in on the action.

2. Denver is becoming a major city.

There are so many opinions out there as to whether or not living in Denver is affordable. Some stats say yes it's affordable (compared to metros like New York City), but rapidly increasing rental prices and fast selling homes say otherwise. While living in Denver is much more affordable than living in places like Los Angeles, it's still pricey. For instance, the median home cost in Denver is $421,900, which just about doubles the national average of $216,200.

Before moving to Denver, make sure you're able to spend within your means, which means allotting no more than 30% of your salary to housing costs. If you're looking to buy or rent before relocating, make sure you give yourself plenty of time. Finding a place is highly competitive so most people use a rental agent. If you opt to rent, make sure you know your rights as a Colorado tenant.

Denver Housing Market Stats

Irene Glazer also helped us understand just how the housing market has changed over the past few years. Here are some highlights:

The Denver housing market has been appreciating at a double-digit clip since we started our climb out of the recession in about 2013. This past year we saw a bit slower appreciation of about 8%.

Our average sold price in metro Denver finished out at approximately $475K in 2017, and the prediction is that we will be around $500K by the end of 2018.

Inventory is still the biggest buzzword, and we are still extremely short on it, without a reprieve in sight.

We are about to enter the “Market Compression” phase in our annual real estate cycle where demand picks up before homes are listed, creating our early spring frenzy. This creates additional challenges as inventory levels typically continue to fall through January. If demand picks up, multiple offers, bidding wars and heightened flash sales could accelerate pricing earlier than expected in 2018.

Not sure whether you should rent or buy? According to Glazer, weighing expected appreciation, even at modest rates of 6% (Denver's historical average), against impending rent increases, it is still more advantageous to own vs. rent in the Denver market.

3. The cost of living in Denver won't break the bank, yet.

The biggest hurdle new residents face when moving to Denver is housing costs. Other than that, most cost of living expenses is more or less comparative to other cities.

Cost of Living Factors:

Taxes - Property taxes are relatively low, sales tax is high, and income tax falls right in the middle at 4.63%.

Health Care - Costs about 17% more than the national average.

Groceries - You'll pay about 4% less than the national average.

4. Denver's economy is booming.

Higher paying jobs are available in Denver because so many top companies want to be based here. However, that means the competition for a quality job is that much more intense. Also, wages in Denver might not be as high as they need to be to afford the cost of living.

The average median income in Denver is $57,773, which is about 6% less than than the national average. Even if you can afford to live in Denver today, it's important to note that average salary increases aren't keeping pace with rising rents.

This discrepancy between rising housing costs and stagnant salaries could cause an issue a few years in and force a move further outside the city. Make sure you have a job in hand and some additional savings before relocating to this highly desirable area.

Top Denver Industries & Companies:

Tech - The startup scene is exploding with companies like Baker Technologies and more established companies like Google and HomeAdvisor.

Aerospace -Denver is keen on becoming “Aerospace Alley” (their play on Silicon Valley) with major companies like The Boeing Company, Raytheon and Northrop Grumman located here.

Agriculture - Colorado's food and agriculture industry generates more than $5 billion a year, with companies like Love Grown Foods, Leprino Foods and Nutrien leading the charge. Colorado also ranks third in the nation for craft beer sales and production.

Casual Concepts - Noodles & Company, Smashburger, Qboda and Boston Market are all headquartered here.

Marijuana – Cannabis is big business, bringing in more revenue than some small countries.

5. Once you adjust to the altitude, the weather is incredible.

The quality of life in Denver is highly desirable, once you get used to the lack of oxygen. Contrary to popular belief, Denver is not located in the Rocky Mountains. It is a mile or so above sea level, though (5,280 feet, to be exact), and that can take your body some time to adjust. For most people, the pros far outweigh the cons as far as weather is concerned.

What It's Like Living in Denver:

There are an estimated 300 days of sunshine every year. Even though the summers are hot, they lack humidity, which makes them more comfortable.

The sky is bluer and the stars are brighter than other parts of the country due to the high-desert climate and elevation.

Some of the top weekend vacation destinations are located within a few hours of Denver.

The temperature can rise or fall by 40 degrees in a day due to the altitude, so always dress in layers.

Since the air is thinner, there are lower levels of oxygen, which can take a toll on your body if you're not used to it or have an ongoing medical condition.

Tips to Acclimate to the Altitude:

The air is really dry, which can dehydrate your body if you're not drinking enough water. Make sure to drink more water than you normally would, and always have chap-stick handy.

Take it easy upon arrival. If you plan to do any mountain activities, give your body a few days to acclimate.

Make sure to get enough sleep if the altitude makes you feel drowsy.

At higher elevations, the sun is more intense, so always wear sunscreen!

6. Traffic is undesirable in and out of the city.

One difference between Denver and other large cities is the amount of weekend traffic headed out of the city toward the mountains. Ski traffic is something you'll want to account for if you move here since Denver is situated 75 miles or so from dozens of world-renowned ski resorts. Expect heavy traffic on Friday evenings and Saturday mornings in the winter. It can take anywhere from a 1.5-hour drive to 6+ hour nightmare.

But that isn't the only time you'll run into traffic in Denver. Since the city exploded with growth in the past decade, traffic within the metro can get congested too. Luckily, Denver is geographically small so getting to and from anywhere should take about 20-minutes during non-rush hour periods. Also, if you live and work in the downtown area, biking and the new Lime Scooters are a viable way to commute.

Tips for Getting Around:

Be careful where you park. The sides of the street change to accommodate street sweeping.

Consider getting a car with four-wheel drive or one that can handle more rugged mountain driving and varied weather conditions.

The city added new light rail lines in 2016, including one that goes to the airport. Other light rails connect some suburbs to the city.

Denver is a highly bike-friendly city. It's estimated that between 6-7% of downtown employees commute to work by bike.

You can also rent B-cycle bikes from docks around the city, either by the hour or by day.

7. Denver is a beer destination and is on its way to becoming a food destination.

Craft brew fanatics will love that Denver is home to the second most microbreweries next to Portland. In fact, the area has been coined as the Napa Valley of Beer. But if you're looking to enjoy a pint or two during happy hour, remember to drink some water too. If not, you might feel buzzed sooner than you would in cities closer to sea level. Beer can have more of an effect due to thin air.

We spoke with Editor of Rocky Mountain Food Report, Dionne Roberts, on how the food and drink scene has evolved. “Denver's craft culinary and beverage scene continues to show rapid growth with the influx of diverse and gifted chefs, brewers and distillers,” Roberts explains. “More people want to be a part of the mountain culture and that adds depth to the growing number of options and cultivates a higher sense of quality in the cuisine.”

Roberts also shared with us some recommendations for potential residents to visit while in Denver.

Places to Drink:

First Draft - A place to try dozens of local microbrews all under one roof. At First Draft, you're given a swipe card to pour your own tastings.

Black Project Spontaneous & Wild Ales - Specializes in unique, blended and barrel-aged sour beers with industrial airplane-esque decor and meticulous brewing processes.

Epic Brewing Company - Offers a fun, community tasting room with a lineup of dozens of flagship and elevated craft beers.

Black Shirt Brewing Company - Relays an approachable rock n' roll edge in their stylistic, aptly-named beers, live music performances and funky brewery atmosphere.

My Brother's Bar – So old it's been operating since before Colorado was officially a state, Jack Kerouac, Neal Cassady and Allen Ginsberg all hung out here.

Death & Co – If you get tired of beer, this NYC outpost has a literal bible of craft cocktails in the swanky Ramble Hotel.

Williams & Graham – Denver is also huge on speakeasies, with Williams & Graham named one of the top 50 cocktail bars in the world. The coolest part? You have to walk through a bookshelf to find it.

Great American Beer Fest - This fall festival has the largest variety of beer served of any public tasting across the country. You'll be hard-pressed to try them all, since there are over 800 breweries and thousands of beers present. Buy your tickets immediately when they go on sale, as they do sell out in minutes.

Places to Eat:

Euclid Hall - Located in the heart of Larimer Square with a focus on elevated pub fare, a great ambiance and thorough attention to providing locally sourced ingredients.

AVANTI Food and Beverage - Denver basically pioneered the food hall concept, and AVANTI was one of the OGs for its killer rooftop. All vendors have short-term leases as a way to test pilot their concepts.

Beatrice & Woodsley - A whimsical, cozy restaurant with a seasonal craft menu on Broadway that boasts a fairy tale interior perfect for date night or intimate gatherings.

Snooze – Brunch is serious business in Denver, and local chain Snooze is always slammed. Expect to wait about an hour for their signature pancake flights.

Linger – A former mortuary turned “eatuary,” Linger serves innovative, international small places. Don't miss the vintage VW bus on the roof and one of the best skyline views of the city.

The Buckhorn Exchange – A National Historic Landmark, the Buckhorn Exchange received the state's first liquor license and pays homage to the state's game meat culture. If you're brave, it's also the place to try Rocky Mountain Oysters.

Tavernetta – The newly revamped Union Station has really become a must-see destination and hotspot. While all the restaurants are good, Tavernetta is elevated Italian worth seeking out.

TAG – Troy Guard is one of Denver's most beloved chefs. His first outpost has unique fusion dishes, like Hamachi with pop rocks.

Tacos Tequila Whiskey – Ask anyone what Denver's staple cuisine is, and taquerias are definitely part of the narrative (along with green chile).

16th Street Mall - Located in downtown Denver, this one-mile pedestrian section is packed with tons of cafes, brewpubs and restaurants. After a night out, play one of the ten public pianos on display. It's touristy, but a must-see for first-timers.

8. There are plenty of fun things to do in Denver.

Relocating to Denver is a much more enjoyable experience when you know there's a ton you'll want to do once you arrive. Do any of the following interest you enough to start packing up your belongings and heading to Denver?

Professional Sports Teams:

Denver Broncos - One of pro football's biggest winners since the merger of the American and National Football Leagues in 1970, with a cult following

Colorado Rockies - Coors Field has jokingly been called the best bar in Denver, so even if you're not a baseball fan, the stadium is worth a visit

Colorado Avalanche - NHL team that won eight division title games in a row–the longest streak in the league

Denver Nuggets - NBA team that has yet to reach the championship round in the playoffs, but is fun to watch nonetheless

Attractions and Fun Things to Do:

Top Golf - Spend a leisurely day hitting some golf balls further than you normally would. No, really. Due to the high altitude, golf balls can reportedly go up to 10% farther!

The Stanley Hotel - Horror fanatics should take an hour trek outside of Denver to visit this historic landmark that inspired Stephen King's 1977 bestseller, The Shining. Want a glimpse into the paranormal? Take their Night Spirit Tour and explore some creepy spaces.

Red Rocks Amphitheatre - Chances are, if you want to see one of your favorite big time musicians live, they will have played at Red Rocks. The most acoustically perfect outdoor amphitheater in the world, music sounds incredible here and the views are unforgettable.

Denver Performing Arts Complex (The DCPA) - Enjoy a variety of seasonal events on this four-block strip, like Broadway Theatre, ballet and opera.

9. Taking advantage of the great outdoors is easy all year.

Denver is the ideal location for adventure seekers looking to explore thrilling mountain peaks and valleys. But you don't have to be an adrenaline junkie or avid skier to enjoy outdoor life in Colorado. There are dozens of day trips suitable for the entire family all year round.

Green Spaces in the City:

Washington Park - Take a pedal boat across Smith Lake for a perfect afternoon with the family.

City Park - Hike the Mile High Trail in this park and get a five-kilometer workout exactly one mile above sea level.

Confluence Park - Take a kayak out and explore man-made kayak chutes located minutes from downtown.

Cherry Creek Bike Path – A 42-mile paved pathway that starts in downtown Denver, you could bike for a few hours or make the day of it.

Ski Getaways:

Vail Mountain Resort - There are 5,289 acres of skiable slopes at this legendary ski spot.

Breckenridge – With five peaks in one resort, travelers come from all over the world to ski Breck.

Winter Park - This is the longest running ski resort in Colorado with over 3,000 acres of award-winning terrain to explore.

Copper Mountain – One of the more local resorts, Copper's naturally divided terrain is a great place to learn and perfect your turns.

Outdoor Adventures:

Rocky Mountain National Park - Denver's most accessible national park, RMNP is 415 square miles of protected mountain land. Drive Trail Ridge Road for epic views and hike the acclaimed Dream Lake.

Mount Evans - Climb the highest paved road in North America and eventually reach the summit at 14,260 feet.

Rocky Mountain Ziplines - Zip through sections of the Rocky Mountains and take in the sights on over 6,000 feet of cable.

Clear Creek Whitewater Rafting – The closest whitewater to Denver, ride the rapids for a real adrenaline rush.

Glenwood Springs – Colorado has more than 30 hot springs, which are a relaxing year-round getaway.

Private Foothills Tour - Take a four hour trek through the Foothills of Denver. There are many stops built into the tour. If you have kids, make sure to stop at Dinosaur Ridge, which is optional.

10. Marijuana is legal, but public consumption is not.

Colorado was the first state to legalize recreational marijuana, which might not impact your life in Denver as much as you think. You may smell it, but you'll rarely see people partaking, as it is still illegal to smoke in public. According to a survey by the Colorado Department of Public Health, only 13.6% of residents partake in recreational marijuana use, and fewer of them smoke every day. While this figure is much larger than the national average, some argue that many pot smokers in other states keep their habit behind closed doors. Regardless of where you stand on this issue, there are some things you should know, as that Rocky Mountain High is a big part of life in Denver.

Marijuana Etiquette:

Dispensaries are identified with green crosses that look like pharmacies. “Bud-tenders” will walk you through the buying process and explain the effects the different strains may have on your body (sativa, indica and hybrids).

If you wish to smoke pot in your home, make sure it is allowed in your lease agreement before you light up.

You must be over the age of 21 to buy and consume pot in Colorado.

Public use of marijuana is illegal, so don't expect to find people lighting up in the streets.

Certain hotels and AirBnbs restrict the use of marijuana on their premises, so be sure to find a smoker-friendly establishment if you're planning a trip and wish to smoke.

Just because marijuana use is legal doesn't mean your boss has to agree. Your company can administer drug tests and create policies banning the use of marijuana.

The marijuana industry is very innovative and there are many ways to experiment with its effects without actually smoking. Topicals, edibles, and vaping are all extremely popular.

If pregnant, the CDPH advises strongly against the use of marijuana. If any newborn baby tests positive for THC, the hospital is advised to contact child protective services.

Make relocating to Denver a relatively simple process.

If you're planning a move to Denver, creating a checklist of everything you need to do can be helpful. In order to be considered a resident of Denver, you must be employed, own a business, or reside in Denver for at least 90 days. Don't forget some of these essential steps to becoming a Denverite.

Moving to Denver Checklist:

Before registering your car, update out of state vehicle titles using this form. Be sure your car will pass the required emissions tests before bringing it into the state. If not, you may have to sell the car before you move.

Transfer your license within 30 days and register your car within 90 days at the DMV.

Decide whether or not you want to update your organ donor status.

Learn about the requirements for residency as it relates to higher education.

Change your address and have your mail forwarded using this form from the USPS.

Sometimes relocation dates don't match up exactly. If your belongings arrive before you have access to your home, consider temporary self storage in Denver.

We hope you learned a thing or two about life in Denver. Would you ever move here? Do you have some insight you'd like to share? Let us know in the comment section.

This post originally appeared on the Life Storage blog on 2/2/18 and was revised on 1/10/19 to provide new information.

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stevhenzana-blog · 6 years ago

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How to Keep Your New Year's Resolutions

Every new year millions of people make resolutions to get organized, simplify, lose weight, exercise more, spend less time on their phones, save money, etc. The reality is only about 8% of people succeed in keeping their resolutions. Why do so many people, who have great intentions fail? The problem is most people have a laundry list of things they want to change or improve each year and the goals aren't very specific. For example, one year I decided I wanted to simplify my life. That's a great goal because who really wants a more complicated life? But how could I actually simplify things? What I should have said was: “This year I'm going to wait 48 hours before I say “yes” to any new commitments so I can evaluate whether or not it is worth saying yes to.” In order to keep your resolutions, you need can't just say you want to get organized or lose weight. You need a plan.

How to Keep Your Resolutions

Be specific

It is easy to say, “I want to get in shape” but it is actually hard to get in shape. A few years ago I decided that I would always take the stairs if possible. Taking the stairs is something specific I could do to move towards a healthier lifestyle. It was also achievable. I'm in good health, so going up and down stairs was something I was capable of doing.

Sometimes I would get winded, but I resolved to get in better shape so that going up a few flights of stairs was no problem. Today I can easily carry luggage up and down the stairs at the airport without breaking a sweat. The small change of taking the stairs, triggered other changes in my life. I didn't want to get sweaty and gross walking up the stairs so I focused more on my physical fitness.

Make them achievable

When thinking about setting resolutions, try to come up with specific and achievable goals. If you want to get organized, take an afternoon to create an organizing plan. Instead of writing down, “organize house” write down “organize pantry” or “clean out coat closet” Set a goal of organizing one specific space a week (or a day).

Everyone is capable of organizing spaces one at a time by making a few small changes to your daily or weekly routine. If you aren't naturally organized check out a book at the library for motivation or purchase a daily/ weekly checklist. Ask one of your super organized friends to come over and help you get started. Make sure the goals you set are ones you have the ability to reach.

Be accountable

When I started to get fit, I did not like going to the gym. I hated it. I decided to hire a trainer to keep me accountable. Not everyone can afford a trainer (I needed one due to a previous back surgery) but everyone needs someone to hold them accountable.

Share your goals with a friend or family member so they can check up on you and maybe even work towards those goals with you. I've found that with every big accomplishment in my life, there has been someone that was constantly checking up on me making sure I stayed on track.

Make it enjoyable

If you absolutely hate what you are doing, chances are you are going to try and avoid doing it at all costs. If you hate to cook, you probably are not going to want to menu plan and make dinner seven nights a week. I like to build in little rewards to motivate me to do things I don't love to do. So if I hated to cook I would probably reward myself with two nights off a week (either go out or have the kids make sandwiches for themselves) if I cooked the other five nights. Or I would find out how much money I saved by cooking at home and use the extra funds to do something fun like take a weekend vacation or buy something fun for the house. A few years ago I stopped making resolutions. I decided instead to evaluate my schedule/ life every month and decide what I needed to focus on. For example this month I decided to focus on making dinner every night. This is actually quite challenging since my girls have practice every night of the week from 5:30-7:30pm. However I realized that because of these practices my family was eating way to many frozen pizzas and junk food. I looked at my schedule and realized there were some nights we could eat dinner at 4:30 and other days the child with practice could either take dinner with them to practice or eat when they got home. So far I've made dinner every single night of 2019 and my kids aren't complaining. ? These dinners aren't fancy (chicken, tacos, spaghetti) but I'm getting into a routine and finding out what works for our schedule. I anticipate by the end of the month I'll have figured out how to make it work with our crazy practice schedule. I might not make dinner every single night of 2019 (and I don't want to, lol) but I will have created a system and routine that allows me to make dinner more often than not. Next month I'll be in a routine of making dinner more frequently and be able to focus on the next project. Here are a few of my favorite things this month.

Adore your Wardrobe

This course from my friend Kelly is LIFE CHANGING! You can look amazing no matter what your size or your budget based on principals found in math and science. Kelly's course completely changed how I dressed and how I felt about clothes. She only offers the course a few times a year so check it out.

Ultimate Home Checklist

I LOVE lists. The Ultimate Home Checklist is a great tool for keeping your home organized through specific tasks you do each day. This planner breaks down chores into small projects that can be done in a few minutes. If you struggle with keeping your house clean and organized this planner is for you!

Freezer Cooking

I use to think freezer cooking was bland casseroles and lots of lasagna. But it really isn't. I love freezer cooking because I don't have to think about dinner. The meals are already prepared and ready to be put in the oven or the crock pot. It really does take the stress out of cooking dinner every night. I use My Freezeasy for freezer meal ideas, recipes, and shopping lists but you can find them on Pinterest too!

The In-Between

I read this book last summer and it really changed my perspective on life in the mundane. It's a quick read about learning to live in the “tension between now and the next big thing' and I highly recommend it!

The post How to Keep Your New Year's Resolutions appeared first on The Happy Housewife™.

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stevhenzana-blog · 6 years ago

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Why Bed Bug Heat Treatments Are Perfect for Souderton Homes in Cold Months

You might be wondering what happens to bed bugs in the winter. The answer is; nothing. Bed bugs are not pests that fall prey to cold weather and die off, nor do they hibernate. While they don't necessarily like cold temperatures, they can survive and continue to move from one location to another, causing infestations as they breed. If you discover you have a bed bug infestation, or just suspect that a bug you've seen in your house is a bed bug, there is no need to panic. Bed bug treatments are available to rid your Souderton home of bed bugs no matter the season. There are several types of treatments to combat bed bugs. Chemical treatments, mattress encasements, and heat treatments are the most popular options. These are all done by professional pest control experts. While some people might attempt DIY methods of getting rid of bed bugs, there are no proven treatments for a homeowner to try on their own. The most reliable and effective bed bug treatment solution for Souderton homes is heat treatment. Heat treatments work by raising the temperature in the affected home to a temperature that will kill bed bugs in all stages. Bed bugs are excellent at hiding. They will seek shelter in outlets or in cracks in baseboards or molding. They can slip behind peeling wallpaper. They will hide in the backs of drawers. They will scurry into the pages of a book. They aren't confined to the mattress, which is why mattress encasements won't help get rid of an infestation. Chemicals can be applied, but if they miss a hidden bug or some of their eggs, you are likely to wind up with an infestation again. Heat treatments are the only safe and effective method to destroy all bed bugs, no matter where they are hiding. Souderton residents who think they have bed bugs should seek help from Moyer Pest Control immediately. Our technicians are trained to safely and effectively eliminate bed bugs in your home. Heat treatments are non-invasive and safe for your family and your belongings. We'll guide you in preparing your home for the treatment and will work quickly and efficiently to help eradicate your bed bug problem. You can rest assured that your Souderton home will remain bed bug-free no matter the season with an effective heat treatment from Moyer Pest Control.

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stevhenzana-blog · 6 years ago

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How to Tell if Your New England Home Has Rodents

There is nothing worse than discovering you have a rodent infestation. There are many common warning signs that rodents leave when they've infiltrated your New England home, it is important that you understand and can recognize the signs. Rodents are predictable and have common areas of activity. If you know where to look for them, it can make identifying an invasion that much easier.

How to Identify Signs of a Rodent Infestation

Let's look at some of the signs that your New England home has rodents:

You may be lying in bed at night and hear a faint scratching in the walls. This can be a sign of mice, rats, chipmunks, or squirrels. It's nearly impossible, just from the sounds, to determine what type of rodent has made its way into your home.

Do you see droppings in your kitchen drawers, pantry, or under your sinks? Sometimes, based on the size and shape of the droppings you can determine what type of rodent you have.

You may find shredded paper or torn packaging in odd places. As rodents try to build nests, they gather whatever materials they can find, including your paper towels or cardboard from boxes.

Are there holes in and around your house? Rodents have an innate desire to gnaw, and will chew through your siding, concrete, drywall, or even brick to get inside.

You may see insulation that is out of place. Rodents will build nests with your insulation. Mice have even been known to nest in the insulation in your appliances, including your stove.

You may experience electrical disturbances. Rodents will gnaw at anything, including your wiring. If you start noticing flickering lights or a particular outlet stops working, it's possible rodents have chewed the wiring.

Getting Professional Help

If you suspect rodents based on these signs, or because you've seen them scurrying through your home, it's best to call a professional pest control company right away. Big Blue Bug Solutions are the experts in rodent removal and exclusion in the New England area that you can trust.

Our professional technicians are trained to safely bait and trap rodents to rid you of your problem. Trying it yourself can often time be not only fruitless but can be dangerous as well, because many rodents spread disease. Our experts will inspect your home to determine points of entry and help you determine ways to exclude rodents in the future. Don't hesitate to call us immediately if you suspect a rodent infestation.

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stevhenzana-blog · 6 years ago

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5 Mistakes Worcester Homeowners Make to Invite Wildlife Inside

There are some common mistakes homeowners make to attract wildlife such as raccoons, opossums, bats, and more to their homes. Most of these mistakes are easy to correct and take no more than an afternoon to remedy. Let's look at the five most frequent mistakes and how to correct them.

Making Food Sources Available

You have made food accessible to wildlife. Food is the number one thing that wildlife is attracted to.

If you keep your pet's food dish outside, keep a full bird feeder, or store pantry goods in your unsealed garage or basement, you are sending an invitation to raccoons, opossums, and their friends. To correct this, only put pet food out when your pets are eating and remove it when they are done.

Keep bird feeders away from your house.

Store extra pet food and pantry goods in sealed containers if you use your garage or basement as a storage area.

You Have a Trash Bin or Compost Pile

Again, this is a food-related situation. Wildlife creatures do not care if their food source is spoiled, scraps, or in your trash.

Keep your outdoor trash bins sealed tightly with lids closed.

Keep compost bins away from your house.

Make sure your trash bins stay closed.

Leaving Easy Ways to Hide and Climb

You store wood piles next to your house. Wood piles make great homes for wildlife. Rather than store your firewood under your deck or next to your garage, keep it in a storage shed or hut at least 20' away from your home. You have damage or holes and unsealed vents. Any holes in your siding, around doors, in screens, at your soffits or roof line can invite wildlife in. Don't make your home easily accessible.

Complete all home repairs in a timely manner.

Inspect the exterior of your home often.

Cap chimneys and put screens in vents.

You've Provided Them a Bridge

Any overhanging tree branches, vine plants, or landscaping around the foundation can give wildlife the foothold they need to get into areas of your house that are more accessible.

Cut back bushes.

Pull down vines growing on the outside of your home.

Trim overhanging tree branches at least 6 to 8 feet away from your roofline.

Do Not Wait Too Long To Call in the Professionals

Even if you've taken all the above steps, you may still find yourself with a wildlife infestation. Raccoons, opossums, squirrels, bats, and more are tenacious when seeking a food source and shelter.

It is always best to call us at Big Blue Bug Solutions to help rid your home of wildlife. Not only can wildlife creatures carry diseases, but some of these creatures need to be removed and relocated in a manner that will ensure they don't simply re-invade your home. We have over 80 years' experience in keeping Worcester homes free from wildlife. We will work with you on trapping and exclusion techniques to keep your home safe.

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stevhenzana-blog · 6 years ago

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How Patio Planning Goes from Overwhelming to Fun and Easy

If you're in the process of patio planning, even if you've only just begun your research, then you may have already realized that there's a lot involved. There are so many different factors in play and a big range of choices when it comes to patio materials and even patio builders (all with different price ranges), and you might feel terribly overwhelmed.

If you are going to spend tens of thousands of dollars on a new patio, you want it to be perfect. It ought to not only look nice but should not have ongoing problems with it either. You should be able to create a patio that meets your needs and doesn't have you wondering if you wasted your money.

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stevhenzana-blog · 6 years ago

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2019 Maximum HSA Contribution Limits – How Much Can You Save for Your Medical Expenses?

Health Savings Accounts, or HSAs, are growing in popularity among people who need affordable health insurance and among employers looking to save on health insurance costs.

HSAs have many benefits beyond cost savings. Let's dive in and take a look at what exactly is a health savings account, the HSA contribution limits for each calendar year, how HSAs are one of the most flexible financial accounts you can open, and why it's a good idea to max out your annual HSA contributions.

What is a Health Savings Account?

Health Savings Accounts are a type of tax-advantaged savings account specifically for health care spending. Contributions are tax deductible in the year they are made, and grow tax-free. Withdrawals are tax-free when used for qualified medical expenses.

In essence, a Health Savings Account is very similar to a combination of a Traditional IRA (tax deduction when you make the contribution) and a Roth IRA (no taxes on qualified withdrawals for medical expenses).

This is a huge benefit!

Health Savings Account Eligibility

To be eligible for an HSA, you need to participate in a qualifying High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) for health insurance.

A plan may qualify as an HDHP if the deductibles are $1,350 per year or higher for individuals, or $2,700 per year or higher for a family plan. These deductibles are typically higher than average, hence the name, High Deductible Health Plan.

High-Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) also limit the deductible amounts and out-of-pocket expenses. For 2019, these limits are $6,750 for self-coverage only, and up to $13,500 for family coverage.

Advantages of HDHPs

Many people choose these health insurance plans because they typically have lower monthly premiums due to the high deductible. Many employers offer these HDHP plans for the same reasons.

The goal of the higher deductibles is to save costs for everyone, incentivize policyholders to become smarter with their healthcare spending and give you the option of setting aside money pre-tax to pay for healthcare. On the flip side, you need to have sufficient funds to pay your portion of the deductible. So only choose an HDHP if you have some money set aside in an emergency fund or cash savings.

Tax Advantages of Health Savings Accounts

You can set aside pre-tax income in an HSA for use specifically on health spending. HSAs are often compared to and confused with Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs).

The two are similar in that you set aside pre-tax income for health costs, but FSAs have a serious downside that HSAs do not. With an FSA if you do not spend all of the funds in your account by the end of the year you forfeit the remaining balance of your account to the plan administrator.

With a Health Savings Account you never lose the funds. In fact, you could set aside money this year in an HSA and use it 40 years from now (some people even pay for their health care out of pocket now, and use their HSAs as another way to save for retirement). And as long as the funds are used for healthcare spending, you won't pay any tax on the withdrawals.

2019 HSA Contribution Limits

How much money can you set aside for future healthcare spending with an HSA?

The maximum annual contribution is dependent upon whether you are on an individual or family plan. The maximum HSA contribution limit is $3,500 per year for an individual, while families can contribute $7,000. There is also a catch-up contribution limit of $1,000 for those who are age 55 or older (note: catchup contributions for retirement accounts start at age 50).

Here is a list of contribution limits from recent years, including the HSA contribution limits from 2010 – 2019:

Tax YearIndividualFamily Catch-Up Contributions (age 55 and over) 2019$3,500$7,000$1,000 2018$3,450$6,900$1,000 2017$3,400$6,750$1,000 2016$3,350$6,750$1,000 2015$3,350$6,650$1,000 2014$3,300$6,550$1,000 2013$3,250$6,450$1,000 2012$3,100$6,250$1,000 2011$3,050$6,150$1,000 2010$3,050$6,150$1,000

What Happens If I Contribute Too Much to an HSA?

If you are contributing funds to your HSA automatically through payroll deductions it should be virtually impossible for you to contribute too much to your Health Savings Account. However, it is possible to over-contribute by making deposits outside of the payroll system or simply through error.

If you discover you have contributed too much to your HSA, you must take action to avoid paying penalties to the IRS.

The fix is quite simple: you must remove the excess amount contributed, plus any interest earned on that amount, and pay tax on both before April 15th of the following year. (You can contribute to this year's HSA through April 15 of next year.) You received a tax break by putting the money into your HSA pre-tax, but since you contributed too much you technically should have paid tax on the original income.

Failure to remove the excess contribution by the April 15th deadline and then withdrawing the funds at a later date will result in a 6% excise tax when you do withdraw the funds. Additionally, if you leave the funds in indefinitely, each year you must pay the 6% tax.

However, there is one way to get out of having to remove the contribution and paying tax: leave the contribution in, but avoid the 6% excise tax by lowering the next year's contribution by the amount of the over-contribution.

For example, an individual with an HSA contribution limit of $3,500 per year would have been guilty of contributing $100 too much if they contributed $3,600 this year. They could avoid paying the 6% excise tax by only contributing $3,400 next year (the $3,500 contribution limit minus $100). If they contributed the full $3,500 next year, they would then be forced to pay the 6% tax on the original $100 over-contribution.

Can You Contribute if You Aren't Eligible for the Entire Year? Pro-Rated Contribution Rules Explained

Rarely do you start a new job on January 1st or end it on December 31st. When you gain and lose access to a high deductible health plan will impact your availability to contribute to an HSA. If you are not active in an HDHP for the entire year your situation is a gray area.

Here is what the IRS says in one of its instruction manuals:

Last-month rule allows eligible individuals to make a full contribution for the year even if they were not an eligible individual for the entire year. They can make the full contribution for the year if:

They are eligible individuals on the first day of last month of their taxable year. For most people this would be December 1, and

They remain eligible individuals during the testing period. The testing period runs from December 1 of the current year through December 31 of the following year (for calendar taxpayers).

If the taxpayer does not qualify to contribute the full amount for the year, the contribution is determined by using the sum of the monthly contribution limits rule.

Sum of the monthly contribution limits rule (use Limitation Chart and Worksheet in Form 8889 Instructions). This is the amount determined separately for each month based on eligibility and HDHP coverage on the first day of each month plus catch-up contributions. For this purpose, the monthly limit is 1/12 of the annual contribution limit, as calculated on the Limitation Chart and worksheet.

In other words, you can contribute the full amount if you are eligible as of Dec 1, of the calendar year. However, you may owe back taxes if you do not remain eligible from January 1 – December 31 of the following year.

To avoid tax problems, your HSA contribution can be pro-rated. Simply divide your normal contribution limit by 12 to get your monthly contribution limit.

For individuals, it is $291.66 and for families $583.33 (both numbers represent the 2019 tax year; just apply the current tax year to your situation).

Each month that you had at least 1 day active in an HDHP counts as a full month for your contribution limit. Then simply multiply the number of months you were active in the health plan by your monthly contribution limit.

For example, an individual that started a new job and gained access to an HDHP on March 12th and maintained HDHP coverage through December 31st would have 10 months of pro-rated contribution availability. They could contribute $291.66 x 10 = $2,916.60 for the year. If they contributed the full amount of $3,500 they would need to take the steps listed above to avoid penalties for over-contributing to their HSA.

IRS Publication 969 has more info about HSA qualifications, contribution limits, distribution rules, and more.

Benefits of Maxing Out Your HSA Account Each Year

There are numerous advantages to having an HSA. There is the immediate tax benefit in the year you make your contribution. And since your savings never expire, you can save the funds in your HSA or a linked investment account, and let your savings and investments grow over time. In fact, this can be a brilliant investment strategy:

Using Your HSA as a Super Retirement Account

Health Savings Accounts combine the best of the Traditional IRA and Roth IRA. Contributions are tax-deductible in the year they are made (like a Traditional IRA), and the earnings and withdrawals are tax-free if used for a qualifying medical expense (like a Roth IRA, when used for retirement). There are no age limits when using your HSA funds for a qualifying medical expense. So you can let your money ride until needed. Or just let it grow and pay your medical expenses out of pocket.

What if you want to use your HSA for non-qualifying medical expenses? If used for anything other than a qualifying medical expense, you will pay taxes and a 10% early withdrawal penalty, just as you would with a retirement account. However, the rules change a little bit once you turn age 65. Once you reach age 65, the current tax rules allow you to make non-qualifying withdrawals from your HSA with the same tax rules as a Traditional IRA. So you would pay taxes on the withdrawals, but you would not pay any penalties.

This flexibility makes your HSA one of the most powerful financial tools in your toolbox.

Benefits of Long-Term HSA Ownership

I maximized my HSA contributions each year I was eligible to contribute to an HSA. We decided to take advantage of the investment opportunities through the HSA, so we elected to pay our medical costs out of pocket and invest our HSA funds.

My health insurance plan has since changed, and I am no longer eligible to contribute to an HSA plan. However, I am not required to remove those funds until I decide to use them for medical expenses, or I decide I wish to withdraw the funds for other purposes.

Since the funds are invested, I'd like to let them compound as long as possible. If we have a major medical expense, I can elect to pay for them with our HSA savings. And if we are lucky and don't have any expenses we can't pay out of our cash flow or savings, then I will have a large investment account I can tap into when I reach retirement age. I'm hoping for the latter!

Where to Open an HSA Investment Account

The first thing you need to do is qualify for an HSA with a compatible High Deductible Health Care Plan. Check with your employer if you have an employer-sponsored health care plan. If not, then you may be able to purchase a qualifying HDHP on the ACA exchanges or find one through a health insurance company such as eHealthInsurance (this is where I always found our health care plans after I became self-employed).

Once you have a qualifying health care plan, you can shop around for different banks or investment accounts that offer HSAs. I wrote an article about the process of opening an HSA account, which bank I chose, and why.

I decided to open my HSA account with HSA Bank, in part because they have easy access, very low fees (which can be waived if you maintain a certain minimum in your account and because they make it very easy to link your HSA account to a brokerage where you can invest your HSA funds.

HSA Bank offers two investment options. I chose to invest with TD Ameritrade, because of their excellent reputation and access to several hundred fee-free ETFs for trading. So I've never paid anything to make a stock purchase at TD Ameritrade because I invested in ETFs that didn't have any associated trading costs.

You can visit TD Ameritrade to learn more or to open an account.

Health Savings Accounts are one of the most flexible financial accounts you can open. If you are eligible to open an HSA, I recommend maxing out your contributions each year. And if you can swing it, try to pay your medical expenses out of pocket. This will allow your HSA contributions to grow tax-free indefinitely, allowing you to increase your net worth.

The post 2019 Maximum HSA Contribution Limits – How Much Can You Save for Your Medical Expenses? appeared first on Cash Money Life | Personal Finance, Investing, & Career.

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stevhenzana-blog · 6 years ago

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Happy 12th Anniversary to Unclutterer

On January 6, 2007, we published our first blog post with our manifesto of simple living. It's hard to believe it was 12 years ago but here we are, still promoting smart consumerism and avoiding distractions that prevent us from enjoying a modern, luxurious life.

Here are some highlights as we approach our “teen years”:

We've published over 4600 posts and received almost 75,000 comments.

Our first Unitasker Wednesday was published in May 2007 and since then we've featured almost 500 unitaskers.

The Forum was opened in November 2009 to allow fellow unclutterers to connect with each other and share ideas and resources. There are over 2000 topics and over 63,000 replies on our Forum.

Unclutter Your Life in One Week was published in November 2009.

Never Too Busy to Cure Clutter was published in January 2016.

We would like to thank all of the regular and guest writers that have contributed to Unclutterer over the years but most of all, we'd like to thank YOU, our readers, for your continued comments, ideas, and support, and encouragement.

Post written by Jacki Hollywood Brown

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stevhenzana-blog · 6 years ago

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7 tips to planning a bathroom renovation

When planning a bathroom renovation, you need to choose a design option that meets your existing and future needs. This may be a simple renovation to replace fixtures or a complex project to change the layout and enlarge the bathroom.

Our guide to planning a bathroom renovation will give you plenty of food for thought so you can decide how to proceed.

1. Bathroom layout

Think about your current bathroom layout. Is it flexible enough to meet your existing or future needs for space and storage? Is there anything about the layout that bothers you, e.g. perhaps it's noticeably cold or drafty while taking a bath or feels cramped and poky?

Get a bathroom designer in to assess the structure carefully so you know the limits of your bathroom. The proposed renovation must either fit the existing structure or the required structural changes must be possible. They can also draw you up a basic draft of the best layout for the space.

2. Fixtures

When it comes to fixtures, it's a good idea to create a wish list of everything you want in your bathroom reno. After all, modern bathrooms are all about pampering, as well as functionality.

Even if you have to cut your list back at a later date due to budget or size constraints, at least it'll be a conscious decision, and not because you didn't realise you could have it.

Fixtures you might want to consider for a new layout include:

His & hers sinks Free standing bath Whirlpool tub Shower or bath niche Twin showers New toilet Underfloor heating Heated towel rail Adding windows or skylights New ventilation fan.

3. Lighting

The right lighting can make a huge difference to the final look and functionality of your bathroom. So this should be an important consideration and not just an afterthought.

Think about the existing lighting. Is it visually pleasing or is it outdated? Does it use energy efficiently? Does it give out adequate light or do you need more overall light or task lighting?

Ideally, a bathroom should have a few layers of lighting including:

Ambient – such as recessed fixtures or wall sconces

Task – to illuminate the vanity mirror

Decorative – for adding interest to the space

In a bathroom reno, a lighting update may be as simple as replacing the existing fixtures with new ones or as complex as a complete redesign. If you're adding a lot of new features, then you may need new wiring and outlets for increased loads (e.g. whirlpool tubs or underfloor heating).

4. Colour ideas

Choosing a colour scheme is one of the most important factors of a bathroom reno. The right colours will make you want to spend time in your new bathroom, not avoid it.

You may have set ideas on the colours you want to use, or you may need more time to research ideas on interior decorating sites.

If you're not sure where to start or don't want to get it wrong, here are some ideas to help you out:

Use colour cues from materials you've already chosen, e.g. tile tones, marble veins.

Carry a colour palette through from another room in the house, e.g. the kitchen for cohesion and flow.

Create a mood board of tile, paint and fabric samples, so you can see how it all looks together.

Use neutrals, such as grey and white, as your base and add colours with accessories like towels, a pot plant, or fancy hand wash.

5. Storage requirements

Not enough bathroom storage is a common complaint for many homeowners. So make sure your new bathroom takes care of all your storage needs.

Think about how many people will use the bathroom on a regular basis. If it's an ensuite for a master bedroom, for example, then you won't need as much storage as a family bathroom does.

What items do you want to store in the bathroom for ease of access: towels, toilet paper, extra shampoo, toothpaste?

What kind of storage do you want, inbuilt or freestanding? Even if you have a small bathroom you can get creative by adding inset shelving to a wall, a corner or above the doorway.

6. Tiling height

Choosing the right tiling height is important when renovating because it will affect the overall look and feel of the bathroom. As well as the cost.

You can tile to a certain level, for example, to the top of the window or door architrave. You can also have different tiling levels in the one bathroom or you can tile to the ceiling. All will have a different effect on how the bathroom will look.

Speak to a bathroom designer about tiling to get professional advice on what will work in your space.

7. What to budget?

A complete bathroom renovation, in general, cost you between $20,000 and $30,000, a luxury bathroom renovation over $50,000.

At the end of the day, the overall cost estimate of the bathroom renovation will be affected by how labour intensive it is, (e.g. tilers, plumbers, builders) and the how many luxury features you add.

To keep within your budget, prioritise your wishlist and avoid a bathroom renovation blowout by:

Making a plan and sticking to it

Keeping to the layout you have rather than restructuring

Shopping around for the best price on fixtures

Using reputable tradespeople who stick to budgets

Not overspending on designer fixtures.

If you'd like to find out what's possible in terms of a bathroom renovation in your space, get in touch with the team at Bubbles Bathrooms today – we look forward to hearing from you!

The post 7 tips to planning a bathroom renovation appeared first on Bubbles Bathrooms.

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