Home Improvement, Furniture and Gardening

The use of recessed lighting has become the trend in most homes and offices today, you have probably observed this in many places. This kind of lighting is not just placed like ordinary lighting a lot is needed in planning and wiring. The recessed lighting comes in three parts the trim, the lamp and the housing .The type of trim that has been selected always has an effect on the kind of light that will be produced. There are reflectors used during the light production to enhance the quality. Halogen recessed lighting has baffles which are used to minimize the glare and also control the amount of brightness. This lighting is versatile in that they are made in adjustable fittings that can be moved to any direction.

Halogen Recessed lighting fixtures can be mounted on the ceiling, this is actually a great look for the house, and in fact it creates a sophisticated look. Since this recessed lighting are fixtures they can be placed in any part or corner of a room. Whether you opt for wider angles or for narrow spotlights the function and value will be the same. To offer great advantage one can choose energy saving bulbs to be fixed inside the fixture.

This kind of lighting is very economical; the use of halogen recessed lighting has actually come a long way in changing lighting. The fixtures come with control options, these options are designed to control the amount of light, meaning you can switch from bright lights to dimmer lights. The halogen recessed types of lighting created for the high ceilings is created in a way that it offers good and efficient lighting.

If you are the type that is keen on lighting or basically you are intrigued by sophisticated lighting then this type of lighting should be your choice. The recessed lights create a pleasant atmosphere in terms of ambiance such that the room looks elegant and subtle. To match up and create an inviting interior décor, it is advisable to use the recessed lighting; you will be surprised at how neat and planned your room will look. This type of lighting can be incorporated in any room in the house; the study, the kitchen, the living room and the bedroom.

Halogen recessed lighting comes with numerous benefits. By using this lighting you can actually cut down on electricity cost because it is one way of energy saving. This lighting is inexpensive and the no matter where it is placed it enhances the feeling of a room. Since recessed lighting comes in different styles, shapes and sizes you can customize the look of the room depending on your taste and preference. Unlike hanging bulbs in the bathrooms the halogen recessed lighting is safe for the inside of bathrooms and closets. For the art enthusiasts lighting is a very important factor in determining how a piece looks, if you want to highlight or enhance lighting this type of lighting will work just right for art pieces.

A science or an art

Do you think of interior design as a science or an art? Well, it might be a quiet difficult question; but in fact a combination of both. Interior design can be defined as an applied art where creativity skills and technical knowledge provide solutions. These solutions are applied to achieve a more convenient habitat.

Interior design provides answers that are both functional and attractive and enhance the quality of life. Interior design reflects and interacts with the cultural background and traditional heritage of the occupants.

The design process itself runs through a systematic and interactive methodology to create an innovative and functional design solution whereby the needs and resources of the occupants are satisfied.

To achieve a well designed environment many elements contribute together thus innovating the overall theme e.g. color, light, texture…etc. interior design provides solutions for residential, commercial, educational, healthcare, office and hospitality projects consequently affecting our daily way of living or in other words; our behavior.

However interior design leans on our cultural heritage, yet it still can directly or indirectly shape our behavior and definitely it influences our reactions. For instance a room painted in red feels warm than another painted in blue! However it’s the same environment but the color which is an important design element has altered our behavior and way of thinking. The same color itself can trigger different emotions depending on its reference to either symbolic or psychological functions considering the linkages that vary with time, place and cultural background. While white color is worn at weddings and may represent purity, sterility, virginity and peace for some nations, it was the color worn at funerals for others during certain periods in history.

Another noteworthy proof of how interior design can affect our behavior is light! It has to be customized according to the function performed by the occupants. That major element can ensure and highlight a certain frame of mind! For example in a work environment an inadequate light amount would cause annoyance and discomfort. On the contrary you would enjoy a nice dinner or a romantic movie on a dimmed light.

I do believe that the relation between mass and space creates the greatest impact on human behavior. Minimalism where the work is stripped down to its most fundamental features and the subject is reduced to its necessary elements was an approach for better living environments. A cluttered habitat is definitely irritating while fine organized minimal but yet function environments promote serenity and comfort. A good design coordinating mass and space can elevate the sense of creativity and innovation.

Again cultural variations transform occupant’s vision to surrounding space. For instance a minimal designed interior seems less and for some nations less reflects poverty.

The influence of interior design on human behavior is apparent while working for instance on educational projects like nurseries where children experience a phase of mind shaping. Color, light and texture integrate together to encourage creativity. Safety is another dimension that could be enhanced.

From my point of view a global standard design code for interior environments is not applicable since occupants respond in a different way in accordance with several factors such as cultural background, social heritage or climate conditions. Interior design could effectively develop the quality of life in accordance with formerly mentioned factors; focusing on the basics of creating an ideal habitat for living.

A shower is incomplete without a shower tray. It is a simple tray in the shower area with a drain. It is of high utility, letting the shower water flow into the drain. These are available in various shapes and sizes too. Besides being small and large in size, these come in shapes like square, rectangular, quadrant tray and pentagonal shower tray. While choosing one for your bathroom, you have to take into account how much space you can assign for the tray, and how spacious is your bathroom.

Shower trays come in stylish D-shape, U-shape and even Bowed. These trays are available in 3 main types, namely stone resin, acrylic and acrylic-capped. Acrylic type is most popular due to its easy availability and affordable range. Creating a look of style and elegance these maintain your wet area neat and hygienic. Cleaning this space of your bathroom is not a back breaking experience.

Using normal household detergents and other soft cleaning agents is one of the simplest ways to maintain this space fee of germs and other bacteria’s. Keep away from strong cleaning agents and scrubs as these could easily leave scratches on the surface.

It is common to have a seating in the shower area. Comforts being the priority of the modern bathroom designs, shower seats have taken their share of popularity too. Free-standing shower benches that can be shifted in and out of the shower area, folding benches, built-in benches, etc are the different types of options you have as a consumer when you set out to buy one. Usually tiled, these are made of durable and sturdy metal or heavy duty plastic. Water proof in constructions is easy to clean and maintain. Shower seats offer comfort and are most convenient for handicapped and the aging people.

If you’re on a shower tray and shower seat hunt, it is worth trying dependable online bathroom stores, since these give you wide options with huge range of products. You can easily zero down your choice keeping your expenditure with-in your allotted budget. Adding comfort with elegance to your bathroom is worth every penny.

If you are looking for interior design ideas for your own home then there are endless sources of inspiration just about everywhere, in fact, the biggest challenge is probably identifying your own particular taste and style out of the many that are out there and of course choosing the appropriate colour schemes, fabrics, fixtures and fittings to go along with it.

To get an idea of what you like, browse through magazines and brochures dedicated to homes, visit showrooms and exhibitions, take note of what you like about friends and families homes, search the Internet, watch TV programmes that focus on transforming homes and you will soon get an idea of what kind of style appeals to you and what doesn’t.

The following list represents just a small sample of the kind of interior design ideas and styles that might be of interest with a very broad description of each one. This list is by no means exhaustive and the descriptions are there just to spark some ideas as there are no firmly fixed rules regarding different styles, it is all about what looks and feels right for you.

A traditional style

The traditional style is arguably one of the more popular choices. It is characterised by practical furniture, which is also functional and of course comfortable. There are no big statements being made here. The colour schemes are not loud and fussy and the overall impression is a homely one that is restful to the eye, in other words it isn’t at all outrageous or bold in design but has a more elegant look and feel to it.

The modern approach

A modern style allows for a more daring approach with brighter colour mixes, symmetrical, angular and straight lines and possibly stark colour contrasts. Leather furniture and metallic fittings can add a nice touch and lighting can be used effectively to highlight different areas. Modern styles are generally clean cut and slick and sleek and so don’t go well with too many extra accessories.

A cottage in the country

Imagine a quaint cottage in the country and what it might look like on the inside and you can begin to get an idea of a country or cottage style. The country style has more of a rustic, informal look and feel. It could include attractive fabrics on the furniture, subtle colour schemes, country patterns and prints, and flowers. The “worn” look works very well as do antique style fittings, wooden furniture, rugs and cotton table cloths.

The minimalist look

This works on the basic principle that less is so much more. It has a very simple, clean cut and spacious look to it with minimal furniture, and very few accessories. There are no extras, just the absolute bare essentials and nothing else.

A themed style

Perhaps you’d prefer a themed style, for example, a nature theme based on water, the forest or wildlife. You could also choose Japanese, Asian, Mexican, or Wild West themes, in fact, whatever you can think of. There are no restrictions, just whatever has an individual appeal for you.

What about Feng shui?

Feng shui literally means “wind-water” and is a Chinese school of thought based on the idea that how a room is laid out and furnished has an impact on the health and wellbeing of its occupants. If this appeals to you then colour is important and so is the layout of the furniture and the fittings. Furniture must be placed in such as way as to create an atmosphere of comfort that is also in harmony with the surroundings. There are a number of “rules” attached to Feng Shui so you would have to familiarise yourself with these first.

Using a mixture of styles

Interior design ideas often bring a mix of two or more styles together to produce striking results. However, a word of caution, mixing lots of different styles together can also look cluttered, messy and downright chaotic unless you have some artistic flair and an eye for detail in order to get it right. The best way to spark off your own interior design ideas is to take a look at other styles and find out what appeals to you and expand on that. Take a note of what colours are used, what “feelings” you get from the rooms and of course, you will also be able identify what you simply don’t like and want to avoid.

Getting it right

Think about and try to imagine what impression or mood you want to create in each room, for example romantic, risqué, tranquil, vibrant, earthy, homely, playful, and exciting and so on. Looking at lots of other rooms will give you an idea of what appeals to you and you can then base your own interior design ideas on that. Once you have identified the kind of style, colours, fixtures and fittings you like, you can choose to hire a designer to do the work for you or you may decide to do it yourself, in any event, with a little thought and fore planning you will be able to create rooms that are both functional and beautiful and that totally reflect who you are.

Building a shed house is a very intriguing concept to me. I have always liked the idea of small spaces built for specific uses. The idea of a shed house to me seems quite unique. Now when I say build a shed house, I don’t mean build an eight-by-ten storage shed and live in it. My vision is a small outbuilding built with the expressed purpose of being livable or usable for some purpose that requires finishing. Think guest suite, detached office, sewing room… the list could go on and on.

You might ask what the point is. If you want to build a guest room addition to your house, think of all that is involved. You will likely need an architect, contractor, foundation, building permits and inspections. I didn’t even mention the huge cost and mess you have to deal with when doing an addition. All in all, this is a huge undertaking and an inconvenience. With a detached “shed house”, however, you save on many of these steps. You may still need to pull a permit for some of the wiring or plumbing, but you certainly won’t have near the headache.

I first had the idea of this concept when my company was servicing a campground. They had probably twenty very small cabins that were brought in and set on blocks just like a mobile home. They were finished inside usually with only a bathroom and sleeping quarters. They made a neat little get away. This gave me the idea of doing something similar, only as a guest house on my own property. A conventional foundation may not even be necessary and thousands of dollars can be saved because of this.

The great advantage to having a separate guest house is the privacy that is afforded to both you and your guests. They will have their own space and you will have yours. I mentioned the cost difference earlier. You can purchase a shed at your local box store or you may have a local dealer. Depending on the quality and size, these can range from under one thousand dollars to several thousands. The problem you will run into is that generally speaking these sheds won’t be quite big enough. You could finish them out with insulation and drywall, but without room for a small bathroom I feel it defeats the purpose. The obvious answer is to build your own!

What you should include when you build a shed house is simple. You need a living/sleeping space. These can be one in the same. Two chairs and a bed do quite nicely, and a folding couch is also an option. You will also want a small closet and bathroom. I recommend including only a small shower and not a full bath. The last amenity that I will suggest, and is quite optional, is a mini fridge and microwave. This can be done in about a three foot square area. Use a small table or section of counter mounted over the fridge to hold the microwave. Finish off the “kitchenette”, if you can even call it that, with a single wall cabinet above the microwave for a little dry storage.

This layout will provide a very livable guest suite for a very minimal cost. Here’s the best part-I mentioned building this yourself. You might not feel that it’s something you can take on because of limited experience. The answer is to get plans and instructions. If you have done any looking at all, you have probably seen shed plans for sale online. The kicker is that if you want to finish out your space you will also need some guidance in the area of wiring and plumbing. While you may choose to hire someone to do this part for you, it will be much cheaper to do it yourself.

Recessed lighting in the foyer or entrance hall is an effective way to showcase a curving staircase or entry floor. Recessed adjustable lighting can also add light to the areas and objects that you want to stand out. One fixture can light several areas, simply by changing the bulb from a spot to a flood or you can highlight details in a space by using spot fixtures in strategically placed areas.

In a living room, place fixtures approximately 8′- 0″ apart to provide general unobtrusive light that won’t clash with room furnishings. A dimmer gives adjustable light levels for any activity or occasion. Be sure to distribute the light evenly. The fixtures should be about 18″ to 24″ from the wall, spaced one to one-and-a-half times the distance from the wall. To highlight a textured wall or reveal wall patterns (such as a brick wall) use the grazing technique by placing fixtures 12″ from the wall and 12″ to 24″ apart.

When adding recessed lighting to a bath, the size of the room will decide the lighting requirements. Bathrooms over 100 square feet require general light, while smaller baths can use mirror fixtures. Recessed incandescent fixtures work well and can provide general illumination for bathrooms up to 100 square feet. Place them no more than 36″ apart and centered over the counter. Add fixtures for each additional 50 square feet of space. Note that wall sconces should be used in order to properly light a mirror or vanity, as using only recessed lighting in the space will shadow the face.

In shower or bath areas, recessed lighting must be approved for a damp location. Local electrical and building codes should be consulted when selecting the lighting for these areas, as specific requirements vary from state to state.

For the kitchen, recessed incandescent downlights should be placed approximately 6′ to 8′ apart. Fluorescent recessed fixtures are a good alternative choice, as they last ten times longer and deliver three to four times more light per watt than incandescent lighting. Plus, recessed fixtures can be hidden in niches or placed to shine through glass shelves for a unique, backlight display.

How to buy recessed lighting

Recessed lighting fixtures have three parts – the housing, the trim and a bulb. Each part is needed to complete the fixture. When you first select products, you can shop either by the housing style or by the trim. After choosing a product, such as a specific housing, you will need to scan further down the product detail page to see the compatible trims that will work with the housing you selected. Remember to make sure the housing and trim are compatible and from the same manufacturer. Then, select the type of lighting you need, such as line voltage, low voltage (with a transformer) or fluorescent. Make sure you are purchasing both a housing and a trim piece as you will need both to have a complete fixture.

Recessed lighting glossary

It always helps to know the proper terms to describe a fixture you’re using. Here are definitions of some of the more common words and phrases used with recessed lighting:

Housings: Housings are recessed fixtures which can “house” a variety of line and low voltage lamp styles and wattages. These housings allow for connection to the electrical system and in conjunction with trims and bulbs create the finished product of a recessed fixture.

Trim: Housing Trims finish off the hole in the ceiling and can play an integral part of light effectiveness or effects based on the wide range of finishes and types available. Note that a black baffle can cut light output by 50% since the color black absorbs light.

Baffle: The baffle is the interior of the trim that is recessed into the ceiling. Most baffles are stepped up with milligrooves.

Line Voltage: Fixtures that operate at 120 volts are considered line voltage lamps. They do not require a transformer and can be directly connected to the electrical wiring.

Low Voltage: Fixtures that operate at a lower voltage than line voltage are termed low voltage. These fixtures require a transformer to reduce line voltage, usually to 12 or 24 volts. Many fixtures using the smaller MR16 bulbs are low voltage fixtures.

Airtight: Meets airtight requirements to a certain CFM or less air leakage.

Wet Area: Means the fixture is U.L. listed for use in damp locations, such as a shower or certain outdoor environments.

Energy Star: The fixture uses less energy than incandescent fixtures and is Energy Star Rated.

Shower Trim: Trim suitable for a shower light. Shower trim must also use a housing that is approved for damp locations.

Eyeball: This trim is a versatile lamp for recessed lighting. It can be swiveled left to right as well as aimed up from vertical on a wall. It does protrude below the ceiling line, and so would be more visible.

New Construction Fixture: The fixture is suitable for installation in an open wall construction (no sheet rock or plaster) where full access to ceilings, walls, and floors make no hindrance to installation. Fixture typically includes bar hangers to attach to floor joists, and the housing is bulkier than a remodel fixture.

Remodel Fixture: The fixture is suitable for installation in a remodel or renovation of an existing structure. The fixture is less bulky than new-construction fixtures in order to be fitted into an existing ceiling. Note there still may need to be removal of sheetrock or large holes in the ceiling made in order to accommodate a new lighting plan. An expert electrician should be consulted on how much demo work is needed in order to add a remodel fixture to an existing space.

IC Rated (Insulation Contact Rated): This means the fixture is U.L. listed for use in direct contact with thermal insulation.

Non IC Rated (Non Insulation Contact Rated): The fixture does not meet standards for use in direct contact with thermal insulation. Insulation must be kept at least 3″ away from the housing.

When it comes to decorating designer cookies, there are three techniques that used; decorating the cookie with royal icing, color flow, and fondant. Using these three techniques will produce the professional designer cookie look that you are after.

The first technique is to use royal icing to decorate the cookie. Using a basic royal icing recipe, a decorating bag and tip, you can decorate your cookie any way you like. Most often tip #1 is used for fine outlining the cookie and decorating the details. You can also use other decorating tips like the star tips #16 and #21 to achieve zig zags and interesting borders.

The second technique is the color flow method. This is a method made popular by Wilton Cake Decorating. To make the color flow icing, combine:

1 pound of confectioners sugar

2 tablespoons of Wilton Color Flow Mix

1/4 plus 1 teaspoon of water

Blend on low speed for seven minutes.

This color flow icing will be stiff. Using a small piping tip (#1 or #2) outline your cookie. After the outline of the cookie has “set” or hardened, you need to “flood” the cookie with the thinned icing. To thin your color flow icing, add a few drops of water at a time until it is a thinner consistency that will run.

Now take your thinned icing and pipe it into the center area of your cookie. The icing will spread and fill in your cookie area. After the color flow has set, you can add more detail to your cookie with more of the thicker color flow icing or the royal icing.

The third technique for decorating designer cookies is using fondant. Many people are “afraid” to try fondant but it is actually very easy. You first need to tint the fondant the color that you need for your cookie and then roll it out to approximately 1/18″ thick. Using the same cookie cutter that you used to cut out the cookie, cut the same shape out of your fondant.

Next, lightly moisten the back of the fondant shape with water – not too much or you will make the fondant “soggy”. Lay the fondant shape on your cookie and lightly press down, shape, and smooth the edges with your fingers. After you have the fondant on the cookie, you can decorate it giving it details with the royal icing or the full-strength color flow icing.

Using these tips and techniques, you will be making professional designer cookies for your friends and family in no time!

The current trend for open floor plans is as fresh and exhilarating today as it was twenty or so years ago when homes began to be built in this fashion. Even owners of older traditional, compartmentalized homes have embraced the idea of flowing spaces by knocking down and/or moving walls. Initially the homeowner is thrilled with the concept of spaciousness, but when the task of decorating and furnishing comes due, the reality can present some practical decorating challenges.

Probably the biggest challenge of which the homeowner becomes aware is the definition of space, that is where one space ends and the other begins. It is easy to recognize an inside or outside corner, but what about two spaces which share a common wall? Does this mean that all the rooms that share walls or all of the rooms in an open floor plan have to be the same color? Knowing that the human eye loves diversity and that the function of each space gives us direction will lean us away from the “one color fits all” approach. A canvas of varied neutrals can be the backdrop for successful and comfortable design. Here’s a methodical approach to creating unity without boredom in an open floor plan;

1) Decorating is theater! Look for opportunities for attention. Is there a wall which might become an accent, or an architectural feature which demands notice? Every space has a primary focal point, this is the star of your show. It might be a fireplace, fine woodwork, a treasured collection of ceramics, a tapestry you purchased on vacation, a rug or piece of furniture…something which is unique, outstanding or something that has special meaning to you. If it’s not a brightly colored object or is not in your direct line of vision then create attraction to it by default. Downplay the other elements in the room so it shines by comparison. In fact, setting up a low key environment with a series of varied neutrals interjected by focal objects is one of the easiest and most forgiving ways to approach an open floor plan. You can accomplish this through the use of color, contrast, orientation in the room, lighting, texture, line and scale. Professional decorators and designers know about all of the tools in the toolbox, not just color (the obvious one). Remember you are the director and by using the decorator’s and designer’s toolbox, you are creating areas of interest.

2) Ok, so maybe you’re just starting out and haven’t acquired any special treasures; the house, condo or apartment doesn’t have any outstanding architecture. Or you might be in the “the kids are too little to have nice things” stage. In this instance, inexpensive renewable objects such as candles, art prints, or toss pillows can become your “eye candy”. Here’s the premise behind “eye candy”: eye candy is the visual equivalent of a piece of very fine Belgian chocolate. Small and contained, it is so rich that only one or two pieces satisfies. Applied to decorating, this outlook gives you the flexibility of establishing a neutral field upon which you can place jewel like tones or accent areas of interest, these objects become your eye candy. This year it’s orange, next year it’s green…not to worry. For a small price you can not only change your color scheme but also the look and feel of your home, casual/formal, country/techno, etc. What better way to put interest and diversity in your home without being overwhelmed?

3) How do you establish a canvas of those varied neutrals mentioned at the beginning of this article without having the house look like that big bowl of oatmeal? Most people think of neutrals as being beige. Let’s lend more options by re-defining the term neutral to include any color which is toned down. Toned down or muted colors tend to sit in the background allowing brighter colors to come forward in the space. If you now have at your disposal more than a palette of beiges to work from, just think about how much flexibility you are going to have? Within a palette of neutrals (even beiges) you can create interest with elements of design other than color. In a kitchen, perhaps you can play stainless (manmade) vs. granite (organic). In a relaxation space such as a family room, the tactile essence of the space is directly proportional to the level of its comfort. Choose leather, chenille, velvet, a knitted throw, a sheepskin area rug. While this whole room might be beige, no one could ever accuse it of being as boring as a bowl of oatmeal.

Understatement of a space is a terrific way to provide the ultimate in flexibility. A space that is a bit underdone is best because it allows each visitor to complete the space by having his/her own dialogue with the room(s). Inside the home, there is nothing strong enough to dictate, only suggestion.. In this way the space becomes more universally appealing without being dull. Overly matched elements in a neutral space are a sure way to have that area fall flat on its face. Flexibility for a space occurs when it can be continually renewed even if the elements within the room do not change. The change comes from within us as we constantly bring new our experiences and growth to it.

Does your shower have dirty, moldy and dingy looking grout and caulk?

There are many ways to regrout and recaulk a shower or bath but there is really only one way to do the job properly so your shower will stay waterproof, stainproof and look beautiful for years to come.

First step is to thoroughly clean your tiles: Many dirty showers have soap scum accumulation which must be thoroughly cleaned before any regrouting procedure can begin. It is important to use a professional soap scum remover product as well as a professional scrub pad to scrub away the dirt and soap scum from your shower walls and floor. Do not use any type of abrasive scrub pad as they may scratch your tiles. It can be helpful to utilize a professional steam cleaning machine in conjunction with the soap scum removers and scrub pads. A professional truckmounted steam cleaning machine is useful to accelerate the cleaning process but professional soap scum removers and scrub pads as well as a fair amount of elbow grease can be very effective in removing all of the soap scum from your shower walls and floor.

Second step is to remove the dirty, moldy grout and caulk: It is important to first remove all the old caulk from inside and around your shower. The best way to remove old caulk is to use a razor blade tool and scrape it all out from inside and around your shower. After the old caulk has been removed it is now time to remove the grout from your shower. There are many tools like a Dremel or Rotozip tool to do this but the hands down best tool is a Fein Multimaster or Supercut vibrating tool with a diamond bit. It is important to use the Fein tool on every grout line and clean every line with a stiff brush to make sure the new grout will have a firm base to adhere to.

Third step is to dry out your walls: In most cases some water and mold has gotten into your wall. It is therefore necessary to thoroughly and completely dry your shower walls before any regrouting procedure can take place. Do not attempt to regrout over top of a wet shower wall substrate. The water in your walls can continue to harbor dangerous mold and mildew. Also your grout will not set properly due to the moisture in your walls and will become discolored and flake away after a very short period of time. The best way to dry out your shower walls is with a professional dehumidifier for at least 3-7 days. This way you can be certain your shower walls will become dry and any mold and mildew present in your walls is killed before you begin regrouting.

Fourth step is to apply the grout to your shower: It is best to use a profession grout powder mixed with latex additive Do not use any premixed or ready to use products as these are vastly inferior and technically not cement products at all. It is best to go to a professional tile store and purchase your grouting supplies from an experienced salesman. Try to stay away from the big box home improvement stores as they have many inferior products and their sales people generally do not specialize in tile setting products.

Fifth step is to recaulk your shower: The caulk is the weakest link between water damaging your walls and floors so it is important to apply it correctly You should caulk between all tile wall planes and between and fixtures and the tiles. This will insure that water does not get between your tiles and into your walls and floor. It is best to use only 100% silicon caulks. 100% silicon caulk will last the longest and will not allow mold and mildew to grow like the cheaper water based latex or siliconized caulks.

Sixth step is sealing: It is important to seal your grout with a professional impregnating sealer. A high quality sealer will protect your grout from stains and also prevent mold and mildew from forming. Here again it is recommended that your purchase a professional sealer from a tile store and stay away from the cheaper sealers being sold at the big box stores.

Seventh step is to wait 72 hours: Wait 72 hours for your grout and caulk to fully cure and then go and enjoy your new looking shower. A regrouting procedure can be done by many homeowners with the proper tools and some handyman skills. It can also be very convenient and save a lot of headaches to have a professional tile and grout cleaning and restoration company to professionally regrout and recaulk your shower or bath.

How to Hire a Professional Regrouting Contractor: Make sure that your ask many questions of your potential regrouting contractor and do not settle for a cheap incomplete one day regrouting and recaulking procedure. One day regrouting procedures will look sloppy and the grout and caulk will fail in a short period of time. One day regrouting procedures also fail to address any potential water damage in your walls. Also do not accept any company that just skim coats new grout over the old grout. A skim coat procedure will not last and it will only be a short period of time before your skim coated grout starts to chip and flake away. Additionally the new grout will trap water between the two layers of grout causing your shower waterproofing system to fail. Check with your state labor and industries as well as the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to make sure your potential contractor is fully license and insured and does not have any unresolved Better Business Bureau Complaints that may be an indication of shoddy workmanship. For additional information about how our company performs its regrouting and recaulking services please visit Prestige Tile Care online.