News from 
Remodeling by the Tinman
 
   Summer, 2015 V5-2
In This Issue 

 

- Interior Appeal

 

- Bathroom Design

  Ideas

       

- Windows: Replace 

  or Keep?

 

- Hot Tips

Remodeling by 
the Tinman 
 
Over 30 years 
delivering beautiful 
updated spaces 
 
Residential & Commercial 
Remodeling
  
Phone:  847-763-1800
 
Fax:      847-763-1808
 
 
We Get Mail

  

I want to thank you for your thoughtfulness and follow through on procedures. I look forward to working with you 

on other projects. 

B.B.


 Rick's company did a complete rehab of my kitchen The crew was prompt, professional, and very skillful. The job was done flawlessly and in a timely manner.  I highly recommend Remodeling by the Tinman.  

M.L.

 

Meet Rick 
"the Tinman"

Rick
My goal:
 Exceed your expectations & deliver beautiful updated spaces you can enjoy 
living in while making certain 
your remodeling vision
 is not cost prohibitive."
Member 

NARI
National Association of the Remodeling Industry

National Kitchen and 
Bath Association
 
 Skokie Chamber of Commerce

Certification

NARI Certified Remodeler 

Lead-safe ERA Certification


HOT TIPS

Dining Room Light Fixtures
On 8 ft tall ceiling, hang the light fixture 30-34 inches above the dining room table.
Ceilings higher than 8 feet, add 3 inches per foot. So, if your ceiling is 10 ft tall, hang the light fixture 36-40 inches over the table.

Replace or Repair?
  
Refrigerators           usually have a 10   to 20 year               lifespan.  

However, at some point all refrigerators begin to break down and you'll have to decide to repair or replace it. 

If your refrigerator is less than 8 years old, repairing it may be a wise decision. If more than 15 years old, replacement may be best.  Refrigerators 8 years old and older use more energy than new refrigerators and cost $$$ on electric bills.  

Consumer Reports
Recommends replacing products if the cost of the repair is more than half the price of buying a new one.

 



Enjoy 
the Summer


 

INTERIOR APPEAL   

 

Your home may have curb appeal, but what happens when you open the front door?  Is the foyer's style carried out on the staircase, (if a multilevel home)?  Too often the staircase and foyer have different styles & don't flow together. Perhaps it's because there are a multitude of features that need to be addressed: 

  • Steps & risers:   carpeted, uncarpeted, or runners
  • Bannister: handrails & spindles.  Material: wood, steel, plexiglass etc.
  • Inside walls:  painted and/or wallpapered 
Treat the staircase and foyer as one space.  Then when you open the door, your home will have interior appeal.

 

Whatever your choice, don't overlook stair safety.

Falls on stairways can cause serious injury and even death. 

Safety Tips

         * Lighting

Entire staircase should have light.

         * Handrails 

Fit the grip of the hand fully & fixed at a                     comfortable height about 34 inches.

  * Stair Risers 

-Dimension 7 -7.5 inch height

 

         * Step Tread 

 - Wide enough for secure footing about 

   10-11 inches.

 

 

 

BATHROOM DESIGN IDEAS

 

The bathroom is the first and last room you use at the start and end of each day. Since it gets so much use, it can begin to look run down.  Renovating the bathroom transforms it to a soothing, fresher space. To jump start ideas for your bathroom remodel, consider these current design trends.

 

FLOORS

 Geometric shapes are popular such as diamond, oval, or trapezoid.  Wood-tone tile, marble, or travertine achieves a natural feel. Large tiles are 

very popular.

 

RADIANT HEATING UNDER FLOORING 

Keeps your feet warm, especially in the middle of the night. 

BATHTUBS   

Bathtubs are declining in popularity.  However, for those who still embrace the bathtub, space-saving stand-alone tubs are popular.  Air tubs are replacing whirlpool bathtubs.

 

SHOWERS

  Walk-in showers tiled from floor to ceiling with multiple shower heads (fixed and hand held) and water and temperature 

control give a spa-like treatment. Frameless glass doors add to the effect of an open space.


 
BATHROOM FIXTURES

 Stainless steel remains very popular.  However chrome, brushed nickel, and oil-rubbed bronze and coppery, brassy and bronze-y metals are 

evolving.


 
FLOATING VANITIES  

 Give the illusion they are floating in air. Keeping the vanity off the floor makes the bathroom feel more spacious.  If you need storage, opt for a vanity that still has traditional paneling but lacks legs.

 

 

 

WINDOWS: REPLACE OR KEEP ?

 

Windows take a beating from our changing seasons and over time need to be replaced. These 5 questions should help you decide if it's time to replace your windows.

 

1. Is there a draft of hot or cold air around                   the window?

2. Is peeling paint and/or splitting on the                     window sills?

3. Is it difficult to open, close, or lock your                   windows?

4. Is there light coming in under the                             window sill?

5. Is their condensation between the window               panes?

 

When replacing windows, there are many things to consider:

 

Window Frames

Wood, aluminum, vinyl,  fiberglass.

 

Window Glass

 Double or triple pane

 

Window Styles

Casement windows 

Provide top to bottom ventilation. 

 

Double-Hung Windows 

Slide up and down to improve air circulation and are easy to clean.


 S
liding Windows

Both sides slide open horizontally providing easy access to fresh air. 

 

 

lightbulb Energy Efficiency

 

R-values indicate the windows energy efficiency. Higher R-values mean better insulating properties. 

U-factor indicates the rate windows keep heat inside. The lower the number, the more energy-efficient.

 

 It may be worth the investment to replace your windows for today's more energy efficient ones and save $$$ on electric and heating bills.   

 

Contact Rick, The Tinman, for more information on the best window replacements for your home. 

 

[email protected]  

 847-763-1800