Flipping houses is one of the most lucrative professions out there. But, as you might expect, this isn’t something that just anyone can do. In fact, it takes someone with a tremendous depth of knowledge regarding the housing market, property values, home renovations and legal procedure.
If you didn’t already know, the main idea behind flipping a home is to buy low and sell high, usually after putting a few dollars into upgrading and modernizing the home, to make it more appealing to a new buyer. This is the hard part, however, since you’ll need to minimize your out of pocket cost and maximize the value-add of your investment.
This is where the bathroom becomes a superb opportunity. Bathrooms are a clear focal point in homes (we spend a lot of time in them), they’re cheap enough to upgrade (when done right) and they can leave a big impression on people if they exceed expectations. Because of these things, it’s in many flippers’ best interests to pay some attention to the bathroom.
Let’s take a look at a few of the things that can really jack up the value of a home, that won’t end up costing you in the end:
Shower refinishing in Glendale, AZ is going to be a big value-add for many people. People see the shower as a comfortable amenity: somewhere they can relax, unwind and get clean. Refinishing the shower means refreshing this coveted space and projecting an air of cleanliness for prospective home buyers.
Countertop finishing in Glendale, AZ is another great way to enhance the appeal of a bathroom, without actually having to put in a lot of work or expense. Breathing new life into the existing countertops goes a long way to restoring the entire look and feel of the room.
Updating fixtures is a great way to modernize without a lot of heavy lifting. Replacing those old 70s fixtures with something a bit more on trend can give the impression that more things have been updated and that the bathroom is modern-ready.
Throwing in a brand new mirror or investing a few bucks in vanity refinishing in Glendale will dramatically increase the appeal of the bathroom. Not only is a mirror something that’s coveted in a bathroom, it can also open the room up and help reflect natural light: two things that really resonate with home buyers.
If you’re going for the big finale, upgrading materials might just be the big winner for you when it comes to flipping a home. Changing out linoleum for tile flooring or old porcelain for a tile shower can tip people over the edge and cause them to stop and think positively about the entire home.
Flipping a home is never easy, but if you can leverage a single room to your advantage, it can help to create an entire train of thought regarding the hole home. Capitalize on the bathroom with some of the above tips and see what some TLC to this oft-used room can do for you!
Are your counter tops showing signs of wear and needing to be replaced? While you may think you need to replace them, it’s entirely possible that they only need to be repaired. This will give your counter tops new life at a fraction of the cost. And not only will counter top repair in Phoenix, AZ, save you money—it will also avoid the mess and time associated with replacing your counter tops.
Benefits of counter top repair
Counter top repair in Phoenix, AZ can make old and worn counter tops look new again. Repairs can be done on a multitude of surfaces, including porcelain and fiberglass. The process requires the use of a very hard and durable acrylic coating, which is applied to the surface of your existing counter top. It can change the appearance of your counter tops to a different texture or color, as well as repair cracks and chips.
The biggest benefit to repairing your counter tops is the amount of money you will save compared to having them completely replaced. On average, a homeowner will save between 30 percent and 50 percent over replacement costs by investing in counter top repair in Phoenix, AZ. This is works particularly well on custom counter tops or very large surface counter tops that would be costly to replace.
Unlike replacing your counter tops, repairs can typically be done in 24 to 36 hours, and you won’t have the mess of demolition. You can have a new look in your kitchen in hours, as opposed to the days it would take to replace your counter tops with new ones. Counter top repair in Phoenix, AZ will also give your counter tops a useful life of up to 10 to 15 years with proper maintenance.
What to expect with counter top repair
When completing counter top repair in Phoenix, AZ, a contractor will first prepare your counter tops for the application. They will clean the counter tops and dry the surface, removing any dirt and lint. They will then mark the damaged area, masking scratched surfaces with tape. Next, an adhesive will be applied to your counter tops and left to dry for at least 24 hours. Once dried, a sealant will be put on over the adhesive. This is designed to protect against scratches and chips and give your counter tops a nice shine. The last step is to wipe the surface clean after the sealant has cured. When complete, you will have beautiful new counter tops to appreciate.
If your counter tops are worn or damaged, think about repairing them before you replace them. Counter top repair in Phoenix, AZ is a budget-friendly alternative to replacing counter tops. You can change their look and enjoy them for many years to come. When you need to repair your counter tops, contact A-1 Porcelain & Fiberglass Service L.L.C. We are an experienced contractor knowledgeable in the repair and refinishing of countertops, bathtubs, showers, sinks, vanities and tiles. With over 30 years in business, A-1 Porcelain & Fiberglass Service L.L.C. offers competitive pricing and quality work, courtesy of our knowledgeable technicians.
When it comes to installing a new bathtub, many homeowners first look to materials that are affordable while also offering quality and reliability—materials like fiberglass, for example. Fiberglass offers all the above traits along with easy installation, a range of color options and the fact that it’s simple to care for. Choose a fiberglass tub for your bathroom and enjoy a sleek, easy-to-maintain surface every time you hop in for a bath. If you have fiberglass bath tubs in Glendale, AZ, take note of the following maintenance tips to ensure a long-lasting and good-looking tub.
Frequent cleaning
Like other areas of your home, you may wait until the bathtub is overly gross before deciding to clean it. Depending on the season, the area where you live and whether you have proper ventilation to remove bathroom moisture and odors, you should plan on cleaning your tub and other bathroom fixtures every other week to once a week. We know your life is busy, but pencil in time to clean for a germ-free and sparkling bathroom because, when you think about it, the bathroom is one of the most frequently used rooms in your home.
Use gentle cleaners and cleaning tools
Whether you have soap scum buildup or mildew forming around the edges of your tub or you wipe it down on a regular basis, avoid using abrasive cleaners and don’t use harsh cleaning tools that will scratch your fiberglass bath tubs in Glendale, AZ. Pair a gentle cleaning solution—like diluted dish soap or a non-abrasive cleaner manufactured for fiberglass tubs—with a soft cloth or sponge. As fiberglass is rather susceptible to scratching, never use a scrub brush or coarse pads.
Keep heavy or sharp objects from falling
Cracks and scratches can be unsightly, and they may even require repair work. So consider what shower and bath items you have stored in your bathtub area. Shower caddies, loose soap dishes, heavy bottles, razors and shaving supplies, children’s toys—secure all these items from falling down into the tub. If you have to use any tools near your fiberglass tub for maintenance purposes, lay a thick blanket down to protect its floor and surface from heavy or sharp objects that may get dropped or knocked over.
Fix damage immediately
Should your fiberglass tub sustain damage, such as cracks, deep scratches, gouges or a small crater from a dropped heavy object, you need to call in the professionals—and quickly—for an assessment and repairs. Don’t wait to call the pros—even if the damage appears small, it has the potential to expand. So that little crack on the side of the tub could spider out causing further, more costly damage. If the damage is not a mere surface scratch on the finish like you first thought, repairs may not be possible and you may have to replace the entire fiberglass bathtub.
Need repairs made? Have questions about how to maintain your bath tubs in Glendale, AZ? Interested in more information about new fiberglass bathtub installation? If any of these circumstances apply to your situation, contact A-1 Porcelain & Fiberglass Service L.L.C. today.
With a regular cleaning routine, your bathroom fixtures will stay shiny and odor-free and have a better chance of lasting a long time. From your tub to your bathroom tiling in Glendale, AZ, here is a spring cleaning checklist that will not only leave your bathroom smelling fresh, but also keep your fixtures and tiles in tip-top shape:
Clean exhaust fans: Since bathroom exhaust fans work to remove moisture and steam from the air to stave off mold and mildew growth, make sure fan grates are clear of lint, dust and other particles. Use a vacuum to suck out the bulk of the buildup, then remove the fan cover and wash in warm soapy water. While that’s drying, check for any blockage in the ductwork before replacing the cover.
Pick up items that retain moisture: Another cause of bathroom mildew is wet items, like towels, washcloths, garments, bath mats and paper products. After an initial spring cleaning, utilize hampers in the laundry room, wash bath towels after every three uses, run floor mats through the washer once a month and don’t leave moisture-retaining items in bathrooms with showers. Doing this also eliminates bacteria and other germs.
Wash shower curtains: Your fabric shower curtain and plastic liner must be washed, too. Wash curtains per the instruction tag and consider tossing the dirty liner and buying a new one (they’re inexpensive). It’s not unusual for the bottom part of the liner where water settles to transfer mold to the inside of the tub. In other words, a clean shower liner can help to maintain the cleanliness of your bathtub.
Pre-clean fixtures: To get your bathroom fixtures as clean as possible with little mess, pre-clean first—use a dry cloth to wipe away dust and hair from surfaces, and then vacuum or sweep floors.
Give fixtures a thorough cleaning: To breathe easier, use eco-friendly cleaning solutions and clean cloths or sponges on everything from the tub and shower to the sink and toilet. Let cleaners set a few minutes to better guarantee that shower soap scum and mildew will break down enough to wipe off easily. If you have multiple bathrooms or large bathroom spaces, break up your spring cleaning into a couple days versus breaking your back to get it all done in a single go. And don’t just focus on the surfaces you can see—be sure to inspect hard-to-reach areas as well.
Clean walls and floor: Keep your bathroom tiling in Glendale, AZ looking new by deep cleaning floors and walls. By mop or by hand, disinfect all tiles, and be sure to get into the seams where individual tiles connect.
Repair any damage: While doing your bathroom spring cleaning, be on the lookout for damage, like cracks and deep scratches on tubs, shower walls, floors, vanities, toilets and cabinets. Have professionals make repairs before leaks or total breaks happen, which could mean the need to invest in replacement fixtures.
This spring, if you are in need of repairs, refinishing or replacements to fixtures or bathroom tiling in Glendale, AZ, call to the knowledgeable professionals at A-1 Porcelain & Fiberglass Service L.L.C. for the help you need.
If you are considering updating your bathtub, you might be wondering what the more time efficient, long lasting and affordable option is: installing a new tub, or investing in bathroom refinishing in Glendale? While there are different arguments to be made for either side, the only way to know for sure is to examine the two options through the lens of three crucial concerns: how long the job will take, how long the results will last and how much it will cost. To that end, here is a look at how bathtub refinishing in Glendale compares to installing a new tub.
Round one: time for job
Having contractors in your home for days or weeks on end is a pain, and many families would gladly take an alternative approach, especially if it offered the same general benefits. When you hire a contractor to install a brand new tub, the very best you can hope for is for them to be out of your hair within a few days. Unfortunately, those few days can easily turn into a few weeks.
Bathtub refinishing, on the other hand, is a very straightforward process. It typically takes about four to five hours to apply, and then another four to five hours before the tub is completely useable. This means that when you opt for refinishing, you could have the equivalent of a new tub in just one working day.
Round two: longevity
Bathtub refinishing might take a shorter amount of time to complete, but does it offer the same longevity as a brand new tub? Well, it all depends on how well you care for it. If you clean it regularly and avoid using harsh chemicals, it should easily last 10 to 15 years.
And as it turns out, that is also the exact amount of time that most people can expect a new tub to last before it starts showing signs of wear. That means that in the category of longevity, new tubs and refinished tubs are in a virtual tie.
Round three: price
Sure, convenience and durability matter, but for most households, there is one factor that can easily outweigh all the others: price. While the actual cost of a new bathtub might only be a few hundred dollars, there are often various extra fees for plumbing services, installation and surfacing the new tub. That means that when all is said and done, your new tub could cost as much as $2,500! Refinishing, on the other hand, also typically costs a few hundred dollars—but with no extra charges, it is a significantly cheaper option.
We have our winner!
With one virtual tie and two outright wins, it looks like bathtub refinishing in Glendale is the obvious winner of this matchup. The next time you are thinking about updating your tub, we hope you will keep these three rounds of competition in mind.
If you do choose to refinish your tub, the team at A-1 Porcelain & Fiberglass Service L.L.C. will be happy to do the job for you. Call us today to learn more!
