Home Improvement News Bureau

Kitchen And Bathroom Makeovers

Change the look and personality of your kitchen or bath -- in just one weekend

THE MONEY PIT NEWS BUREAU – April 25, 2004:  Are you ready for a real change in your kitchen or bathroom – but your budget isn’t?  Home Improvement experts and co-hosts of The Money Pit Radio Show Debby Robinson and Tom Kraeutler say it can be done with a little imagination and your basic tool box. 

“You don’t have to replace your cabinets for a fresh look,” says Robinson.  “It’s as simple as changing your cabinet hardware.  There are so many creative choices and materials; it’s easy to find one that suits you and the look you want to achieve.” 

Gone are the days of just polished silver or gold.  Kitchen and bathroom hardware are available in a variety of finishes including nickel, bronze, brass, clear and colored glass, retro shapes, and pressed flowers.  One popular source is Restoration Hardware with product available both in-store and on-line.  Another option is to go with a particular theme or motif – be it sports, animals, or flowers with a selection available on the internet through www.KitchenCabinetHardware.com or www.myknobs.com.

To determine the correct size for handles, measure between the existing holes.  A useful and inexpensive tool is available at your nearest hardware store or home center that shows the measurement of standard handles and helps you determine what you have so you can purchase the size you need. 

Tom Kraeutler, Robinson’s co-host also suggests another facet of the makeover – changing the faucet.  “Although a few more tools are needed to change a faucet than a knob, Moen offers expert help via www.moen.com.  There are tools to help you choose faucet you want, determine the type of faucet you need and provides tutorials to help you install it,” he said. 

Kraeutler says many Moen products also feature thier innovative M●PACT® valve system, a revolutionary valve architecture provides the ease and flexibility to upgrade the style of the entire bath without changing out the entire faucet assembly.   With M●PACT® , consumers can easily remove and replace faucets without the need to hire a plumber.

Like the cabinet hardware, faucets are available in a variety of finishes.  There are single-lever and double-handed models to choose from and different sizes, with or without decorative plates.  You might want to choose a replacement with a plate if you find corrosion or damage underneath after removing the existing faucet.  Visit www.moen.com for more information.

Cook up some new lighting
Adding dimmers is a great way to improve the personality of a kitchen without much cost.  Dimmers can control ceiling, countertop and cabinet lighting to allowing a never-ending combination of interesting lighting effects. Plus, replacing old fashioned toggle switches with new high-tech dimmers is a do-it-yourself project made easy by manufacturers like Lutron who over a fully staffed 24/7 toll free help line to guide you through installation.  For more information, go to www.lutron.com.

That new kitchen or bath can be yours in a weekend -- without the mess of a complete renovation or depleting your bank account.

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