telephone: (847) 477-5274

email: mmazer@althomes.com

January 2010

In this issue:

• Remodeling Ideas for Small Bathrooms
• Helpful Information about Snow Removal
• Re-Gifting up to $2,000
• The way to a Happy New Year
• Trivia Challenge

Remodeling Ideas for Small Bathrooms

Many homeowners are faced wit the problem of having to change the look of a small bathroom. Here's some information on how to make the most of small bath spaces from bathroom remodeling expert James Chapman:

One of the most popular solutions for small bathroom remodeling is to simply knock off one side. This will allow you to expand in one direction and get more space. The problem though is that this solution is not cheap. Aside from spending a lot to reconstruct a new wall, you would also have to consider paying for extensive changes in plumbing and wiring.

There are options if you do not wish to push back your walls of your small baths. One of them is to simply replace previously large fixtures and features with smaller ones. There are small baths tubs, sinks, small toilets and cabinets that can be installed in place of old ones. You have to make sure though that the largest member of your family can comfortably use these smaller fixtures. Hanging Some Objects are other excellent ideas for small bathrooms design. Large, wooden storage cabinets can take a lot of space. Create more space by knocking down these cabinets instead of the walls. You can opt to install  floating cabinets or metal bar shelves. You can also hang small hampers on hooks on your wall. Aside from cabinets, you can also leave some other bathroom fixtures hanging. A baseless sink and a vanity with a hanging glass ledge are examples.

Small bathroom remodeling will not be complete without a new coat of paint. One technique is to avoid dark colors. Choose lighter ones and pair that with equally light colored tiles and fixtures. The light color will not just be soothing. It can also help create the impression that you really have more space. If you want to paint some designs, choose those that aren't too large. Moreover, you can use artificial or natural light to create the impression of expansiveness. It is always great if you can simply cut out a large top window. If this puts you in danger of being seen from outside, you can use bright lighting instead. Have a dimmer installed so you can create softer light when your mood calls for it.

Small bathroom remodeling can actually be a lot of fun. The real key is to simply change viewer perspective and utilize every available space you have. The key to a successful project is to talk with an experienced professional who can take your ideas, and theirs, and make them a reality.

  A Re-gift That Won't See Our Closet  For Next Year

We were very fortunate this year to receive a Gift Certificate from our cabinet supplier hilltopcabinet distributors, inc. out of St. Charles, Illinois.

We will pass along this Gift Certificate to the first customer that engages us under a full "turn-key" Design Build Kitchen or Bathroom remodeling project. 

See their website at  www.hilltopcabinet.com  to view the craftsmanship of Quality, Medallion and DuraSupreme cabinetry.

This Gift Certificate is redeemable for ALL Hilltop products we incorporate on your behalf prior to June 30, 2010:

• $ 500 off purchases of $ 5,000 or less

• $ 1,000 off purchases from $ 5,001 to $ 20,000

• $ 2,000 of purchases above $ 20,000

This Gift Certificate is not redeemable for cash.

Don't wait to utilize this Re-gifted Gift Certificate for kitchen, vanity, built-in bookcase cabinets or countertops.

GREEN INFORMATION OF THE MONTH

Recycling fresh trees after Christmas can make a huge difference in reducing  waste. Instead of taking up space in the landfill, trees can be ground into wood chips, which can be used to mulch gardens or parks or to prevent erosion at a local watershed.