Interior Projects
    Fireplace Makeover
    Hardwood Flooring
    Staining Your Tile Grout
    Caulk & Caulking

  Bathroom Facelift
    Vanities & Sinks
    Vanity Tops
    Faucets
    Tub/Shower Doors
    Medicine Cabinets
    Floor Tile
    Electrical & Lighting
    Walls & Ceiling
    Accessories
 
  Basement Tips
    Lighting Techniques
    Sump Pumps
    Contain Water Intrusion

  Deck & Patio
    Cleaning & Stripping
    Power Washing
    Staining Your Deck
    Furnishing Your Patio

  Energy Related Tips
    Savings for the summer
    Savings for the winter
    Hot Water Savings
 
  Home Security
    General Security Tips
    Security Lighting
    Security Cameras
    Lock Bumping
 
  Storage Solutions
    Closet (Reach In)
    Closet (Walk In)
    Pantry
    Basement

  Out Of The Normal
    Hockey Centerpieces
    Winter Cat Shelter

LIGHTING & ELECTRICAL - I've had customers overwhelmed when they stepped into the lighting section. What determines the lighting you choose will be guided by function and taste. By now you've probably chosen your finish for your fixtures and accessories so you've also narrowed down your lighting selections. This will make it easier to choose a fixture. Remember also to keep in mind the placement in relation to the medicine cabinet and also how you want the light directed. Will your vanity serve as your make up area?

Although dimmer swtiches are not that common in bathroom, it's an option if you want to create some mood lighting for soaking in your tub . Remember also that there are codes for lighting close to water. If you have a shower light that is over your shower, you'll have to abide by the codes when replacing your trim kit. Exposed bulbs are not allowed. Consult with your building department, electrician, or your knowledgeable home center specialist.

Most times, you'll want to replace your switch and receptacle covers as part of your project. Cheap metal covers will tend to rust with the moisture found in the bathroom. Brass may tarnish if not properly coated. Quality counts here. You may find your switches and receptacles are dirty or cracked.

Caution should be taken when replacing these items as water is involved. Consult your local codes or hire an electrician since you'll probably need to use a GFI outlet when near water.

Being energy conscious is important today and there are different types of light bulbs including standard incandescent, fluorescent, and halogen. We've used incandescent for years. Many people are replacing these type bulbs throughout their house with screw in fluorescent type bulbs. If you're going to have an open style glass fixture, you probably won't want to use these fluorescent screw in bulbs. They're not the most attractive bulb made and will detract from the beauty of the light fixture. How often through the day is your bathroom light actually on? Halogen lights provide a nice white light. The replacement bulbs are on the high side though. You might be surprised to find that more and more manufacturers today are making fixtures to accept specialty bulbs only. With that, you're at the mercy of the manufacturer when it comes time to replace the bulbs.

Next Topic: Walls and Ceiling