Universal Pictures/Photo illustration by Mike Falco

Two months into quarantine, all the issues with your home or apartment have likely become abundantly apparent. If you rent instead of buy and youre trying to limit contact with people, this is the time to take charge minimally. There are repairs and upgrades you can execute without going overboard; obviously you need to be careful so you can still get your security deposit back.

To start, you should consult DIY For Renters: Dont Call the Landlord (Creative Homeowner/Fox Chapel Publishing) by DIY expert Charles Byers., the just-released maintenance guide for anyone on a lease who needs some home self-help.

DIY covers everything from drywall repair to painting to electrical and plumbing issues, all with straightforward, step-by-step instructions and plenty of photos. Its a bit more advanced than a For Dummies book, but anyone whos even moderately familiar with tools should be able to follow along with ease.

Byers, a former carpentry instructor at the Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology and a current teacher at the schools residential remodeling department, expanded on the books ideas for us during this time of being stuck at home when we really should be doing something useful with our time.

Five things we learned:

There are two basic repairs that take very little effort to do, and both deal with swinging doors, says Byers. The first is when the door sticks when its closed; there are multiple methods covered in the book, but the simplest involves removing the top-hinge short screw and replacing it with a 2 long screw of the same head diameter using a power screwdriver on low-speed. This will pull the door jamb closer to the framing behind it to secure the door, since during the doors life it shifted due to its weight.

And if you have a door that wont stay open without an object holding it back? Per Byers: First, see if any hinge screws are loose. Next, remove the bottom hinge pin. Lay the pin on a solid surface using a wooden block under the pin, then use a hammer to strike the pin in the center of its length. This will deform the pin slightly so that when it is re-inserted into the hinge, it will create friction. If this helps but does not eliminate the issue, remove the bottom pin and create an additional bend in the pin by repeating the striking method.

I suggest doing any repair that does not involve a lot of expense or time, says Byers, who gave us a list of some of the simplest and less expensive repairs or maintenance items, which include: replacing furnace air filters and inline water filters; checking clearances for weeds and overgrown grass and leaves around the outdoor heat pump or central air compressor units; removing and re-screening window screens; clearing floor registers and cold-air wall registers of cobwebs; changing batteries in smoke/CO2 detectors; power washing the walkways outside; and cleaning the gutters for the spring rains.

My rule is that anything that requires a licensed professional to perform the task or anything beyond your comfort zone, says Byers. Some examples include repairing sewer lines, or anything that involves the live electrical service panel in a building. As well, renters should avoid any repairs that would majorly alter any part of the building,because if you attempt something like this (e.g., replacing the vinyl floor thats over a concrete slab in the bathroom with carpet), you are assuming the entire expense and the possibility of the landlord not liking the type or quality of work you performed. Instead, contact the landlord to get permission for a professional to come in.

With electrical outlets in a building, especially older outlets that may cause issues, I recommend a polarity plug tester, says Byers. It can come in handy when, for example, the toaster doesnt work in the morning. A plug tester in a three-prong outlet will instantly signal if the receptacle is live, in good working order and if theres any other issue (which will be detected and readable by the testers LED light sequences). So if those three things are good, you need a new toaster.

An issue in this writers apartment doesnt have an easy answer. If you have access to the bottom of the floor, Byers says there are solutions (long story short, they involve attaching 2x4 pieces of wood to floor joists). But in a third-level apartment in a larger rental building in Brooklyn, my options appear limited to noise-canceling headphones and realizing were all in this together and hey, I do have a door that wont stay open.

More here:
Dear Renters: These Are the DIY Home Repairs You Can Make Without Getting in Trouble - InsideHook

Before: Gloomy Guest Bath

With dark wood cabinets and dull, colorless tiles, this guest bathroom is anything but inviting.

Soft gray walls, marble flooring and a furniture-style vanity create an elegant spot for guests to freshen up. Heather Scott Home & Design removes the wall-mounted cabinet above the toilet, making the space feel much larger and brighter.

Instead of designing an expensive custom cabinet for the space, Scott attaches a Silestone countertop remnant to a chest furniture piece. The accent tile in the shower storage niche is pricier than the rooms other tile, so its limited to a small space where it still makes a big impact.

The builder-grade cabinets and basic tile floor make this feel more like a generic hotel bathroom than a welcoming guest bath.

Designer Rebecca Zajac prettifies the room by replacing the cabinets with a custom vanity and laying down patterned floor tiles. Black and brass metals complement the gray and give the room a warm sophistication.

Zajac saves money by using a remnant counter from the owners kitchen remodel. The mirror is a bargain find.

The worn almond-colored wall tile, coupled with the maroon paint, make the guest bathroom a dreary corner of this historic Charleston, N.C., home.

Designer Lauren Messina brightens up the room with an elegant chandelier. The pretty floral wallpaper ties the colors in the room together.

Rather than entirely replace the wall and floor tiles, Messina refinishes the tiling and makes it white for a crisp, updated look.

Everything about this small bathroom is in need of a modern makeover, from the busy wallpaper to the curtained pedestal sink. The dull glow cast by the dated brass sconces is unhelpful in a space that already feels dark and confined.

Designer Shelley Rodner brightens and modernizes the bathroom with playful silver wallpaper and a chocolate vanity with much-needed storage. A handsome chandelier replaces the sconces.

Rodner chooses a petite-sized vanity, which costs a third less than similar designs with larger footprints.

Emerald green walls overwhelm this small bathroom, which lacks cohesion and personality.

To give the bathroom more personality, TerraCotta Design swaps out the plain pedestal sink for an Asian-themed vanity and replaces the oval mirror with an expansive frameless mirror that enlarges the room. TerraCotta keeps the wood flooring and repaints the walls to transform the room without going over budget.

Theres hardly any room to move in this outdated bathroom. A wall-to-wall vanity overwhelms the small space.

A floating vanity and spacious glass shower open up this previously cramped bathroom. Rather than splurging on stone slab counters, Brown Design Group cuts costs with a one-piece countertop and sink. A single glass-panel shower helps the room feel larger while saving on extra hardware for a swinging door. Large-format wall tiles make for a quick install.

From the square floor tiles to the dated sink faucets, this bathroom is an unsightly throwback to the 1980s.

TerraCotta Design switches out the faucet, hardware and tile for an instantly dramatic transformation. A pair of bright, bold red stools pulls the look together.

Excerpt from:
Before-and-After Bathroom Remodels on a Budget | HGTV

Ready to give your bathroom a new look? How you decorate the walls, the style of lighting you choose, the size of the vanity, and the shower or tub set up all play a part in a well-designed bathroom remodel. Whether youre looking for decorating ideas for a master bathroom or a small space, these four bathroom decor ideas will help bring new life to your bathroom.

In small bathrooms what you decide to put on the wall can make or break the space. If it's painted a bright or crazy color, cluttered with a towel rack above the toilet, or has giant wall tile from floor to ceiling, your small space will feel half the size. Choose a neutral paint color that will open up the space and make it feel brighter or bigger. If you're looking for a bold pattern or something to make the space stand out, add small tile in intricate patterns or a lively wallpaper as an accent wall behind the sink to make a statement without crowding the space. If you want a special touch, tile the backsplash behind the sink with a contrasting color to the rest of the wall.

If you're looking for decorating ideas on a larger scale, like for a master bath, consider using a bold color that matches the design on your tile floor. Dark colors are trending right now. And if you have plenty of space, lean a ladder against the wall near the shower or sink as a stylish way to display your towels instead of a wall-mounted towel rack. You can add artwork or floating shelving above the toilet for a nice finishing touch.

To maximize the light in a small space without adding yet one more element to the bathroom design, use recessed lights to provide plenty of bright light. Generally, 20- to 25-watt light bulbs will offer sufficient lighting for most bathrooms without being too bright or too dim. Edison light bulbs can give your bathroom a vintage, rustic vibe hanging above the sink, or pair with sculpted glass sconces for a decorative vanity light. If you have a curtain on the window for privacy, consider switching to frosted glass to allow more natural light in to brighten things up.

Working in an open master bath allows for more of a distinctive-statement vanity light above the sink. You can improve the light fixture from standard-issue wall sconces to a unique and modern twist on pendant lighting. If you haven't heard of a planter light, it's a pendant light with a hanging portion below the light bulb for air plants or succulents, which can be a super unique light option. Make a statement by hanging a trio of them where there is a bit of natural light for the perfect nature-spa feel.

Storage space can be an issue in a small space. Instead of squeezing a bulky vanity with a countertop sink into a small space, install a pedestal sink to create a sense of openness. You can store the extra towels in the hall closet and the toiletries behind a large mirror -- which is another great way to make a small bathroom feel big. If you really want to get funky and fun, consider upcycling an antique dresser with a vessel sink on top. Ever seen an old sewing machine table converted into a vanity? It can really make the sink and vanity stand out.

Installing a new mirror or vanity can change the entire bathroom space without requiring a major bathroom remodel. Consider adding an opulent double sink bathroom vanity with a reclaimed wood countertop and open storage underneath filled with matching baskets to keep all your goods organized. Add the finishing touch with a large mirror over the sink and you've accomplished master bath remodeling gold.

A frequent, big question is whether you should have a tub or shower. When working in a small space, a shower is typically ideal. A shower will leave you more room for other fixtures as well. But if you aren't doing a heavy bathroom remodel, you can still make your bath feel bigger. Replace the shower curtain with sliding glass doors. It will make it feel like that area is mostly open space, and if there are windows it will allow ambient natural light to brighten the bathroom.

If you're remodeling a master bathroom, plan for a luxurious walk-in shower with a separate whirlpool bath and a water closet for the toilet. If you arent doing a full bathroom remodel, enhance the bathroom design by removing the shower curtain and opting for a floor-to-ceiling glass wall. Its just enough to keep the water in the shower while giving the master bathroom an upscale look. You could include a claw tub; paint the outside of the tub the same color as the wall for a wow effect.

For any size bathroom, swap the curtain for glass on the shower or tub, opt for a unique sink, and keep fixtures as unobtrusive as possible unless its a statement piece. Set things apart from the norm by using bronze, gold, or black sconces with matching shower or tub fixtures.

A good bathroom design works with the space available. Regardless of size, there are decorating ideas to fit every style, from rustic to glamourous. There is no shortage of small- bathroom ideas or large master bathroom design ideas to get your creative juices flowing and that can fit within your budget.

Continue reading here:
4 Bathroom Decor Ideas To Help Your Bathroom Stand Out - Motley Fool

Cody Stashak says the only place hes been since the COVID-19 pandemic canceled spring training is the hardware store.

The Minnesota Twins reliever and 2012 Oakcrest High School graduate built a nursery for he and wife Taylors first child a son due June 24.

He also finished two bedrooms and a half bath in the upstairs of his Atlantic County home on the border of Hammonton and the Sweetwater section of Mullica Township.

Stashak is currently remodeling another bathroom, and a new air conditioning unit is on the way this weekend.

He doesnt mind the work, but he wants to exchange his tool belt for a Twins uniform.

All these house projects are making me want to get back, he said with a laugh. Ive been working since I got home from spring training. Baseball will be a relief.

Stashaks rookie debut and his success in the Twins bullpen made him one of baseballs best feel-good stories last season.

I was never a prospect coming up, he said. I had to earn my way and open up some eyes.

Stashak, 25, played in the outfield and pitched at Oakcrest, a high school not typically regarded as a baseball power. Stashak played two seasons at Cumberland County Community College, where his performance earned him an NCAA Division I scholarship to St. Johns University in New York.

The St. Johns coaches turned him into a full-time pitcher, and the Twins chose Stashak in the 13th round of the 2015 MLB draft. Stashak progressed quickly through the Twins system.

The only thing that kept me moving forward was throwing strikes, he said.

He made his major league debut July 23, throwing two scoreless innings and striking out three against the New York Yankees.

He finished the season with an 0-1 record and a 3.24 ERA in 18 appearances. He struck out 25 and walked just one in 25 innings. Stashak found himself pitching in some high-leverage situations for the Twins, who won 101 games and the American League Central Division title.

Stashak appeared in two postseason games against the Yankees. He allowed a pair of home runs in his first outing but a threw a scoreless 2/3 of an inning in his second appearance. The Yankees swept the three-game division series.

We have a good team with a lot of great guys, Stashak said. They helped me out throughout the season. You had pitchers like (Jake Odorizzi) and (Taylor Rogers). If I had a question, I would just ask.

Stashak showed the benefits of that postseason experience this spring training, throwing seven scoreless innings in five appearances. He struck out nine, walked none and allowed just three hits.

I was hungry to earn my spot out of spring training, he said. Im the type of guy that sets my mind on something, and when (I) want it, (I) go get it.

Stashak throws mostly a fastball and a slider with a changeup occasionally mixed in. His fastball averages 91.7 mph, but Stashak still had an impressive 17.1 swinging strike percentage last season. By comparison, Astros closer Roberto Osuna, who led the American League with 38 saves, had a swinging strike percentage of 16.9 last season.

Its all about changing the (hitters) eye levels, Stashak said, and pretty much putting the ball where you want to put it. Everybody has a weakness.

During the pandemic, Stashak has gone back to his roots to stay in shape. He works out with the modest weights he has and throws bullpens on a portable mound in front of his home. His best friend and 2012 Buena Regional graduate Anthony Lopez catches.

The portable mound came from the South Jersey Sand Sharks travel team that Stashak played for as a youngster. He threw on that mound when he was 10 years old.

If and when baseball returns, theres been plenty of talk lately about what conditions the game would be played under. One of the main discussions is how paternity leave for players such as Stashak would be handled.

Im just taking it day by day, he said. Theres nothing we can do right now until we get word on whats going on with baseball. Well go from there once we figure out whats going on.

The next few weeks are sure to be eventful for Stashak, but he has no doubts about being ready to play again.

Its about time, he said, to get back to baseball.

The rest is here:
Cody Stashak preparing for future as a father and as a major leaguer - Press of Atlantic City

By Camille FurstEditor-in-Chief

As students walked through Armstrong Hall in January when it reopened after a year-long renovation, mixed emotions abounded.

While some students, like junior mechanical engineering major Lauren DeSimone, believe the renovations went really well, others, like senior computer engineering major Paul Brodhead, feel that it was all for nothing.

With the help of an $8 million state bond, the College went into phase three of the STEM complex project and renovated the School of Engineerings Armstrong Hall a building that was constructed in 1961 with few updates since. With the first phase of the project consisting of the construction of the STEM building along with the chemistry and forum additions, and the second consisting of renovations for the existing science buildings, the third and final phase Armstrong Halls remodeling concluded the project in the beginning of the spring 2020 semester.

For as long as Dean of the School of Engineering Steven Schreiner can remember, renovations for Armstrong Hall have always been in mind. Students, faculty and staff feel these alterations were a long time coming with grungy classrooms and overused labs, renovations felt like, for some, too little and too late.

While it was estimated to cost $20 million to do a complete renovation of Armstrong Hall, the College could only request money from the state for asset renewal needs, according to campus architect Lynda Rothermel.

This cut the funding in half for a bond through the states Higher Education Capital Improvement Fund (CIF) and with the state only giving $8 million of that $10-million request, cuts to the budget had to be made once again.

While we were disappointed that the $8.0M budget meant that we could not complete a full renovation, we were appreciative that we would be able to address asset renewal needs, Rothermel said in an email to The Signal.

The increase in students enrolled in STEM-related majors jump-started the cause of the buildings renovations, and, according to the application sent from the College to the state for a $10-million bond, educational opportunities were being adversely impacted by existing space constraints and building system deficiencies.

In 2010, the College conducted a feasibility study that confirmed the existence of deficiencies and the necessity for them to be repaired. This is what led to the application citing needs for asset renewal, which Rothermel describes as renewing an existing asset, not creating a new asset.

In the application sent to the state requesting funds for the remodeling, the College stated that enrollment in the School of Engineering has increased in the past ten years, so there was insufficient space for work to be done and projects to be completed something many students had concerns about previously.

Really the biggest change for me was our lab space, said Hussain Khajanchi, a senior electrical engineering major. Now with this new renovation, all three of them have a combined lab space, so the space is much bigger than it used to be.

This was one of Schreiners biggest hopes for the renovations effects as well, since gaining more faculty-research space in the building was one of his highest priorities.

The glass walls that appeared similar to the recent construction of the STEM complex were apparent, as well as new furnishings for students study space, but most of the renovations took place behind the scenes, and into the walls of the building instead. According to documents obtained by The Signal, remodeling occurred primarily for the mechanical and electrical systems, including heating, ventilation and air conditioning all of which are in line with the Colleges application stating that the funds would be used for asset renewal.

According to Rothermel, 14 labs were renovated in the process, but many of the changes, being under the umbrella of asset renewal, is often unseen and underappreciated.

In the application sent to the state for funding, the College noted eight major aspects of renovation, five of which took place behind the walls, such as reconfiguring the HVAC system. Some students, however, wish they were given more opportunities to add input. But according to the application for funding that was sent to the state, the specific aspects were already stated and authorized by the Colleges Board of Trustees at their Dec. 5, 2015, public meeting.

Schreiner said that discussions involving the buildings specific renovations were already underway before Phase 1 of the project, which consisted of the STEM Complexs construction.

Even back then, we had a basic outline of what Armstrong Renovation was going to look like, Schreiner said.

With most of the $8 million being put toward behind-the-scenes improvements, Schreiner said that the footprint of Armstrong Hall did not change at all during this renovation.

But through a series of emails, Schreiner kept informing the engineering students at the College of the updates involving funds. The renovation of Armstrong Hall essentially lied in the hands of the state and whether or not the College received funds, according to Schreiner. If the College hadnt received a bond, he informed the students in an email from Dec. 8, 2016, renovations would need to take place over a much longer period of time.

Meanwhile, Brodhead feels that there wasnt enough communication from administration on which renovations would be done and when. While he didnt feel misled, he felt uninformed.

I think they did a really bad job at publicizing what they were going to do, Brodhead said.

He also feels that the specific renovations that were completed were nonessential and insignificant a factor that he believes was caused from not including students in the process enough. He equated the new buildings renovations to an unfocused mess.

They took a little over a year to take down some non-loadbearing walls, he said. And when it came to the HVAC system, he didnt feel a difference after the year of renovations. It still feels either way too hot or way too cold.

Brodhead and Khajanchi, along with other students, feel that the specific renovations werent chosen in the best interest of the students. Many wished the bathrooms would get refurbished, but that wasnt high enough on the priority list of the administrators and architects to get completed yet.

Other students, like junior biomedical engineering major Justina Walck, felt that the renovations were an overall success, and that students were well-informed throughout the year-long project. While she feels as though the schematics and drawings that were sent to the engineering students of what the building would look like afterward didnt completely correspond with the buildings actual renovations, she said that thats what happens with any project.

Schreiner, on the other hand, said that the items on the top of the priority list consisted of things you dont see but the students use every day. And, while the bathrooms werent completed yet, its in the plans for future renovations.

It wasnt just a decorating plan, he said. It really was a functional look at what we wanted to have.

But senior computer engineering major Zach Warcola feels that, while there were more aesthetic improvements, the overall functionality of Armstrong stayed the same.

After waiting a while to get into the building again, there was really not much difference, he said.

When Schreiner was informed by The Signal of some negative reactions from students, he felt surprised. He credits some malfunctions with the new HVAC system to the common yet temporary mishaps that occur after a renovation.

Its not quite like buying a computer, opening it, putting it on your desk, and everythings working fine, Schreiner said. Say three four weeks before we left campus, I was unaware of any complaints with temperature. Next fall is where Id like that sort of judgement to come.

But that next fall for Schreiner wouldnt come, as he accepted a position as provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs at Manhattan College, which he will begin on July 1. William Keep, the interim provost and vice president of academic affairs at the College, announced his job acceptance in an email on April 1.

In a response to the students negative reactions, however, Schreiner said that he feels they will have a different outlook in a year from now. He feels similarly to Rothermel in the fact that the renovations, most of which were behind the walls, can often be left unnoticed.

I think that Armstrong is a beautiful example of that sort of balance (between renovations in front of and behind the walls), Schreiner said. We could have spent all of the $8 million behind the walls, with the important mechanical systems, electrical systems. Maybe thats a bit of an exaggeration but its really not.

And even though the Colleges official news site announced on March 6 that the renovations were officially completed in Armstrong Hall, both Schreiner and Rothermel said differently.

Schreiner said that, while Armstrong Hall opened its doors for students on Jan. 2, spring break was supposed to be a week spent for campus construction to continue work, but the novel coronavirus altered those plans.

Were approaching completion, he said. I dont think its officially closed out.

Rothermel also said that the renovations arent officially finished. According to Rothermel, a plan is underway to renovate the bathrooms and include a gender-neutral bathroom as well, of which the construction is planned to take place in the summer of 2021.

The process is long, involved, collaborative, and often challenging, Rothermel said. There is never enough funding to do everything you want to do and hard decisions need to be made.

Related

Continued here:
Armstrong Hall's renovations receive mixed reviews from students - The Signal

NBA athlete Meyers Leonard is selling the Wilsonville mansion he and his wife, Elle, bought and remodeled. The asking price for the resort-like estate with a putting green, pool and indoor sports court: $3 million.

As The Oregonian/OregonLive reported May 1, the former Portland Trail Blazers drove a hard bargain to buy the residential property four years ago.

The luxury house at 24968 S.W. Quarryview Dr. on 4.81 gated acres in the pricey Portland suburb was listed at $2.975 million in May 2016. The asking price dropped to $2.75 million in June that year. The deal closed in October 2016 at $2.4 million, according to public records.

Leonard, who moved to the Miami Heat last summer in a four-team trade that brought Hassan Whiteside to the Blazers, referred recently to his time in Miami as a breath of fresh air.

In the interview with The Oregonian/OregonLive, he also said that he left part of his heart in Portland.

Also left behind: A monster mansion with plenty of places to play indoors and out.

Meyers Leonards Robinson High School, University of Illinois and Portland Trail Blazers jerseys are framed on the wall of the billiard room. Photo by NWVideoTours provided by Harnish PropertiesHarnish Properties

Other perks on the estate include a billiard room and a covered, outdoor living space with a built-in grill and fireplace. Nearby is a full tennis court.

The pool has a tiered waterfall and a curving slide on the deep end. The shallow end is fed by water spilling over from the Jacuzzi. Beyond it is the pool house.

It has everything you need if youre quarantined, says listing broker Justin Harnish of Harnish Properties, who describes the property as an entertainers and sportsmans dream home.

What will a new owner of the sprawling European-style house also find here? Privacy.

From the street, a long road leads to a circular driveway with a stone-pillared porte cochere to the garages or the stone entrance to the house with almost 8,000 square feet of living space.

Garrison Hullinger and Collin Kayser of Garrison Hullinger Interior Design (GHID), a full-service interior design firm based in Portland, were asked by the Leonards to remodel and update the 14-year-old house with a focus on re-selling it.

They approached us knowing that staying in Portland wasnt forever, which is the life of an athlete, says Hullinger. So it was important to make changes that had high impact, value for the money and reflected their style preferences.

Deftly, the design team developed the new look around existing natural stone flooring and architectural features, which would have been expensive to replace. A large area rug at the front entry covers an Old World-style mosaic inlay.

Traditional-style columns, soffits and other ornamental elements are also still there, but they have been painted white to blend with the walls, ceilings, window trim, molding and doors. Dark wood cabinets are also now white.

Beige and brown upholstery, drapery and rugs were changed out for lighter, fresher colors. Traditional chandeliers and bronze light fixtures were replaced with contemporary ones in silver tones.

The large open kitchen its 24 feet long and 18 feet wide went from having brown granite counters to white, marble-like quartz with softer edges. A new butlers pantry and beverage center added storage space while making access easier.

The biggest changes: The kitchen ceiling was reworked to remove the oval detail and rustic beams were installed. The master bathroom and closet were reconfigured to improve function and aesthetics.

Each of the four bedrooms has its own walk-in closet and bathroom, plus there is another full bathroom and two powder rooms.

Garrison Hullinger and Collin Kayser of GHID offer these tips to achieve a fresher look at home:

Lighten up the overall palette: Paint became our friend to create an immediate transformation from dark and beige to light and fresh, says Kayser, referring to the Leonards home.

Upgrade light fixtures: Heavy and oversized chandeliers in the entry, dining room and kitchen were replaced with lighter and more open chandeliers. Bronze tones made way for silver tones to add to the bright feel.

Splurge on new furnishings: Furnishings are an easy way to add function and personality to a space. By keeping the overall backdrop light and simple, it allowed for punches of interest, says Hullinger.

Improve built-ins: Many homes have built-in cabinets for older, larger TVs. Here, GHID designed new bookcases and added a mantel to the large, stone fireplace to give the space more character and provide separation from other parts of the home and block noise from traveling up and down stairs.

Adding elements like a distressed beam mantel helps tie together spaces like the living room and kitchen that were also updated, says Hullinger.

Small fixes, big impact: The team installed a large area rug at the front entry to cover a dramatic mosaic inlay. This allowed us to keep the existing floor in place and save a significant amount on the remodel, says Hullinger.

The existing countertops had large mitered bullnose edges that felt old and dated. By installing new counters with a softened square, or 3cm eased edge, spaces feel more contemporary and approachable.

Enhance the kitchen: The original cabinets have a whole new look thanks to paint and small modifications. Rustic beams were added to the simplified ceiling.

Rethink unused spaces: Many older homes have floor plans that dont support the way a new owner lives. Here, the craft room adjacent to the master suite was used to expand the walk-in closet, which now looks like a boutique. Drawers, shelves and other elements organize wardrobes, shoes and accessories.

Add a spa feel to bathrooms: The master bathroom layout was reconfigured and new materials were installed for the couple to enjoy the space while making it functional for future owners. There are separate vanities, more purposeful cabinet storage and an enclosed shower with new fixtures set at appropriate heights.

Modernized the office: The design team removed carpet from the home office and installed oak flooring. The stained wood was painted white and the marble stone fireplace surround was changed.

It was important to create a more personalized space that was light and uplifting," says Kayser. "But by keeping the existing millwork, we were able to keep costs down.

Design for the future: Counters and other elements were elevated to accommodate the 7 1 basketball player. However, because the owners knew this wasnt their forever home, we made logical decisions about countertop heights that would work for them and feel appropriate for any future owners, says Kayser.

The designers say this is key for any homeowner who is remodeling with the knowledge they wont be in the home longterm. You have to think about how your decisions will be perceived and the value it can bring to someone else, adds Hullinger.

Janet Eastman | 503-294-4072

jeastman@oregonian.com | @janeteastman

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The rest is here:
Meyers and Elle Leonards remodeled Wilsonville mansion is for sale at $3 million (see before and after photo - oregonlive.com

Are you sure you want to die?

ngel Hernndez stared at his wife through clear glasses. His face was pallid, haggard, his lip quivering.

Mara Jos Carrasco, 61, and eight years his junior, drooped in a squeaky red armchair. Her body was limp, her face sunken, and her mouth sagged into a scowl. But Carrasco wasnt angry; she was nervous, uneasy even. Uneasy and in pain. She had endured multiple sclerosis for 30 years, and it was ravaging her body.

Would you like it if we do it tomorrow? Hernndez said, glancing into the camera recording it all.

Yes.

OK, he sighed. Well, I suppose theres nothing more to be said.

No, she responded. The sooner, the better.

Silence followed the recording. Part of Hernndez couldnt quite believe what was happening. This was something he had suppressed, considered, accepted and then suppressed again. Back and forth, a wearisome rally in his head, for three decades.

Hernndez knew that what he was about to do probably meant prison. He knew that his face would appear in every one of his countrys newspapers. He would become a momentary lament over breakfast or a boozy debate at a bar. And while some would support him, some would rather see him burn in hell.

There was a time when Hernndez tried to show Carrasco that life was worth living. But as years passed, he began to question everything he had thought was kindness, everything he thought was generous.

Was he trying to keep her alive for her sake? Or for his? Was he selfish?

Carrasco had her own fears, not of death but of what her husband would face after her suicide. Prison? Would he become a pariah? They had never had children because they did not want someone between them. They were for each other. But soon she would be gone, and he would be alone.

That afternoon, on April 2, 2019, as Hernndez peered into his wifes sunken eyes in the couples cramped living room on the outskirts of Madrid, he was still torn. Everything was about to end, and everything was about to begin. He would end her suffering, but he would also open up an abysmal absence.

But personal concerns had to cede to higher objectives. After all, Hernndez and Carrasco had planned it this way. For months, they had given press interviews and shot videos showing Carrascos day-to-day life. Videos that were designed to show Mara Jos's suffering, Hernndez lawyer would later tell the press.

The reality was this: The next day, Hernndez would wake up and help his wife die. And then, he would have to be alone.

::

Hernndez came from a poor family in Madrids Alcala de Henares suburb his father was a factory worker, his mother a homemaker. He was rebellious and had spent the years in prison during Francisco Francos dictatorship. The charge was terrorism, though the action was breaking windows at a bank. He denies it. I wasnt even there, he said.

Carrasco had been born into a family of lawyers. She was from the bourgeoisie, Hernndez said. She found her own path. She dropped out of university and went to live in an artists commune in New York. She spoke languages, read literature and loved to paint and play the piano.

When Carrasco and Hernndez met at a theater workshop in the 80s, both were attracted to each others differences: Carrasco liked that he was tough and streetwise, Hernndez liked that she was whimsical and erudite. They watched avant-garde films, read great works and traveled.

Hernndez remembers they would talk late into the night about anything and everything. We had solidarity, which went beyond infatuation and sex, he said.

They married in 1988, and soon, Hernndez noticed things that he didnt want to see. Small things at first: the missed note on the piano, the errant brushstroke on one of her paintings, and a squiggle too many in her signature. In a matter of months, she was losing her footing on her way to the kitchen or seeing double while watching TV.

It was as confusing as it was terrifying. This was back in the 80s in Spain, and we had no idea what was going on, Hernndez said.

Neither did the doctors. Carrasco went from test to test, hospital to hospital. She was desperate. He was desperate. All my hair fell out from the stress, he said.

Then in 1989, the diagnosis: multiple sclerosis, a disabling disease of the brain and spinal cord that causes the bodys immune system to attack its nerve fibers.

There is no cure, and Carrasco knew it would only get worse. She grew embarrassed; she stopped seeing friends, she stopped going out. She had to quit work as a court clerk. The outside world, which had once so enchanted her, began to taunt her with its possibilities.

One day, in 1996, Hernndez returned late from his job as a technician at the Spanish parliament, where he recorded debates and hearings. It was around midnight, and Hernndez called out to his wife when he entered the apartment. She would normally wait up for me, he said. But this time there was no reply. He shouted again. Nothing.

He scrambled to the room and found her encircled by empty prescription bottles, unconscious but still breathing. As he dragged her from the bed, her limp body thudded to the floor.

The emergency services wouldnt arrive fast enough, he thought. He had to act. I dragged her to the bathroom and shoved my fingers down her throat, he said. She vomited a mush of pills.

When Carrasco awoke, Hernndez told her that though he could not stop her from taking her life, he would do everything to prove that she had a reason to keep on living.

In the following years, he reduced his hours at work. He cooked, cleaned and shopped. He read to her before she went to sleep, and he bought hundreds of films they watched together. Every Saturday, they would travel to villages outside Madrid to lunch and enjoy nature.

They traveled further afield too. We liked to go to the Netherlands, he said. We would go to the coffee shops because marijuana helped ease Mara Jos's pain.

As her health deteriorated in the 2000s, Hernndez started remodeling the apartment. He installed handrails on the walls so Carrasco could drag herself to the kitchen and refitted the bathroom to make it easier for her to wash up. Did she have a phenomenal life? No, she didnt. But did she have enough to keep on going? I think so....

::

By 2010, Hernndez had to take early retirement. He was struggling. He woke Carrasco up, he washed her, changed her diaper, applied her creams. His own health began deteriorating. He had developed an excruciating hernia, which he aggravated the more he cared for her. He also doubted his motives.

Death can be instantaneous, one unknowing step or traffic accident away. But this this was different. Death lurked it was a chronic weight on his everyday thoughts. He could hear its presence in his wifes groans, in the squeak of her wheelchair, in the rattle of her pills.

Sometimes it made Hernndez feel guilty. He often thought he was selfish. Was he obligating Carrasco to stay alive?

He supposed that she had these debates too. He knew she was caught between her love for him and her own suffering. Yes, she had tried to kill herself, but they had spent regular times together, good times, when deaths grip had loosened. In those moments, she must have known what she meant to him. Maybe thats why she held on? For him.

The couple had talked about euthanasia over the years, but it was still illegal in Spain, and, as such, seemed a comforting impossibility to Hernndez. But in 2015, when Carrasco asked him to acquire some sodium pentobarbital, to have just in case, he knew that even the law might not be enough to deter his wifes desires.

In the following years, Carrascos condition worsened. She was on high doses of morphine and fentanyl, and often the withdrawals from these drugs were worse than the problems caused by the disease itself, Hernndez said.

In late 2018, Carrasco lost the use of her hands. Propped up in her wheelchair, she appeared bound by an invisible straitjacket. She could barely see, barely hear; sometimes, she couldnt swallow or talk.

It was around this time that the couple gave an interview to El Pais, in which Carrasco told the broadsheet that she was ready to die. Hernndez said he would be willing to help her if necessary. Spains governing party had presented a bill to decriminalize euthanasia, and polls showed an overwhelming majority of Spaniards favored legalizing la muerte digna.

But, just as assisted suicide seemed possible, it wasnt. Several months later, the bill was blocked by Spains conservative parties and then held up by the ruling partys inability to form a majority government. It was then early 2019, and Hernndez knew he would have to take matters into his own hands so the couple could make a point.

The plan was to record her daily suffering and show the world what it was to live with the burden of this disease. Then they would record the assisted suicide, and the moments before and after. Hernndez would show his face despite the risk of prosecution.

It was only with the last of those points that there was an issue. Carrasco did not want to end her suffering only to propagate his. She worried about me until the end, he said.

But Hernndez was resolute. He had been to prison before, he told her, and during the dictatorship, no less. What was more, he said, he didnt believe in God, or heaven; he believed in life, and that it be lived with dignity. Nothing would prepare him for the void she would leave, but he could no longer watch her suffer, he could no longer justify what he came to believe was just his greed.

On April 3, 2019, Hernndez woke up Carrasco as he always did. He showered her, dried her, changed her diaper and took her back to the bed. Around 9:30 he turned on the camcorder.

Mara Jos, the moment has arrived, Hernndez said, his voice shaky. Carrasco smiled. He handed her a glass of water with a straw, to see if she could swallow.

What do you think? he asked.

Yes, I can do it, she gurgled.

Are you sure you want to do this? Hernandez asked again.

Yes.

OK.

Hernandez handed her another cup, this time with sodium pentobarbital. Carrasco swallowed. She grimaced.

Give me your hand, Hernndez murmured. I want to feel your suffering slip away. Dont worry; you will be asleep soon.

In the hours after Carrasco died, Hernndez handed himself in to the police and admitted he had aided his wifes death. He was released on bail the next day.

After Hernndez shared videos of his wife to the press, he became one of 2019s biggest news stories, splashed across broadsheets and tabloids, as he had predicted. I only did it to help our cause, he said. This year, Spain is consumed by the COVID-19 pandemic, but he still faces domestic abuse charges.

Yet, for as much as his life has changed outside his house, inside, nothing has. The living room is still full of books and paintings, many painted by her. The armchair where she used to sit lies empty. He can barely look at it now.

I will change the house only when euthanasia is decriminalized, he said. Thats when my grief will end.

Until then, he says, he will live uneasily with her absence. Alone.

Bremner is a special correspondent.

See the article here:
Condemnation, sympathy after man helps wife kill herself - Los Angeles Times

Dublin, May 14, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "COVID-19 Economic Impact Report: Cabinets" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The US cabinets industry is facing a number of challenges as it deals with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. How has the macroeconomic environment changed and what does it mean for the cabinets industry going forward?

This report looks at how the expected impact of the pandemic on the current macroeconomic environment in the US compares to other major events since 2000, including the bursting of technology bubble and 9/11 terrorist attack, and the 2007-2009 Great Recession. It also provides a historical view of industry sales since 2000, a look at how the industry is being currently impacted, and estimates for sales through 2024.

Product types include kitchen, bathroom, and those installed in other parts of a structure (e.g., store fixture and laundry and mudroom cabinets).

Cabinet markets include new residential, residential remodeling, new commercial, commercial remodeling, and nonconstruction (such as transportation and recreational vehicles).

Materials used in the construction of cabinets include lumber, engineered wood, metal, plastic, glass, and other materials.

Construction methods of cabinets include stock, semicustom, and custom.

Key Topics Covered:

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/xipo8z

Research and Markets also offers Custom Research services providing focused, comprehensive and tailored research.

Read more here:
COVID-19 Economic Impact Report on the United States Cabinets Industry - GlobeNewswire

Bathroom remodel cost

Bathroom contractor pricing varies widely depending on the type and complexity of the bathroom remodeling project. Budgets are also impacted by complications, changing orders and increases in project scope, so homeowners need to completely understand pricing before any work begins.

Bathroom remodelers work on specific project deadlines, but their work speed is impacted by several factors.

Bathroom remodelers have different levels of expertise. General contractors and specialty contractors provide homeowners with different levels of service. When comparing brands like Bath Fitter vs. Re-Bath, its important to understand if they can do the type of remodel you need.

Most bathroom remodeling services can create any style of new bathroom, but some specialize in certain distinct styles. For example, some contractors might focus on modern designs, while others are experts on historical restorations.

Most states require licensing for bath remodeling general contractors, subcontractors, designers and other specialists. Avoid hiring unlicensed contractors.

Bathroom remodelers carry commercial or contractor insurance to cover any accidents and problems that may occur during the remodeling project.

To avoid any mistakes or misunderstandings, stay in communication with your bathroom remodeling contractor throughout the duration of the remodeling project.

Read the rest here:
Best Bathroom Remodeling Contractors | ConsumerAffairs

Renovations of any kind are a daunting process. But when it comes to the batha space that needs to be both hyper-functional and serene, practical and, ideally, a little bit luxethe stakes somehow seem higher. There are a million decisions to be made along the way, from mirror to groutand the price tag can be surprising. What to know before you begin? Take our advice:

When youre functioning as the general contractoror even working with a general contractoryou have to spell out every part of the plan, and never assume everyone is up to speed, say the mother-daughter team behind Matriarchy Build inHow to Avoid Rookie Remodeling Mistakes. Someone we know had a contractor demo the wrong bath, they add.

Think of renovations like surgery: to avoid getting the wrong knee replaced, make surethen make sure again, then again, then one final timethat the proper knee (or bathroom) is marked and agreed upon.

Think you can remodel your bathroom head to toe for a couple thousand dollars? We hate to tell you: the average cost of a bathroom remodel was $11,364 in 2016, according to the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA). A basic, low-grade renovation with less expensive materials or smaller swaps could run from $1,500 to $5,000, while a top-of-the-line, tip-to-toe renovation could run up to $23,000.

NKBA estimates that, broken down, most of this cost comes from fixtures and plumbing (about 29 percent), followed by counters and surfaces (21 percent), labor (20 percent), and cabinetry and hardware (16 percent). Keep in mind: they advise that, all told, your bathroom project should cost no more than 5 to 10 percent of your homes value.

You may be tempted to upgrade your bathroom with a dramatic freestanding bath. But it might not be the most practical choice going forward, particularly if youre petite, hate cleaning, have an old rickety house, like to take long baths, or take more showers than baths. Read more about the merits of built-in baths (and showers) versus freestanding options in10 Things Nobody Tells You About Clawfoot Bathtubs, as well as inRemodeling 101: Romance in the Bath: Built-In vs. Freestanding Bathtubs.

Dont think you can install a few lights and call it a day: because bathrooms are sometimes small and/or dark and filled with mirrors (which complicates how light bounces around), lighting requires careful thought and placement. The simplest way to light a bath is a single diffuse light in the center of the ceiling. Have a bathroom thats already pretty bright? A pair of wall sconces should be sufficient. Thinking about ceiling-inset downlights? Place with care: avoid installing directly over light-colored countertops (since those will reflect the lights), and place close to the wall over a vanity to maximize light when looking in the mirror. And if you spend a lot of time applying makeup, consider vertical fluorescent light fixtures on either side of the mirror. For more pro tips, seeRemodeling 101: How to Install Flattering Lighting in the Bathroom.

You dont want to get to the end of a renovation and realize youve forgotten to consider the outlets. Think of these outlet errors: you have to plug your hairdryer in across the room, and cant see yourself in the mirror from there. Or, youd like to keep your electric toothbrush charging at all times, but neglected to install an outlet in the medicine cabinet. Or, you share your bathroom with your spouse, but only installed an outlet on one side of the vanity. To avoid these mistakes, readRemodeling 101: Where to Locate Electrical Outlets, Bath Edition.

Forget the endless stacks of tile samples your contractor will show you: you need only remember a few key varieties. The types of tile that are particularly hardy, long-wearing, and timeless in the bathin shower stalls, on floors, and on wallsare porcelain, glass, natural stone, cement, and, of course, subway tile (a type of ceramic tile so popular were counting it in its own category). The options become a lot simpler once you whittle down to these time-tested options; then choose a color and a shape and go from there.

(Need help sourcing subway tile? See7 Favorite Architect-Approved Sources for Subway Tile. And read more about timeless tile options inRemodeling 101: A Guide to the Only 7 Types of Tile You Need to Know.)

Grout may be an afterthought in the scheme of your whole remodel: its a small, andas Meredith points out in Remodeling 101: How to Choose the Right Tile Groutunsexy element of the bath. But, she adds, its hugely important: It seals out dirt and water, compensates for small size differences between individual tiles, and firms up the structural integrity of an installation.

How to choose the right grout for your bath? Answer this series of questions: Do you want the grout to stand out, or blend into the tile? Is the grout in a high splash zone, or a fairly dry place? (If itll be getting wet a lot, as in a shower stall, opt for synthetic grout; go for cementitious grout everywhere else). Will dirty grout drive you crazy? (If so, avoid white.)

See more considerations inRemodeling 101: How to Choose the Right Tile Grout; then learn how to keep it looking new inEverything You Always Wanted to Know About Grout and Caulk (but Were Afraid to Ask).

Toilets are not one size fits all: if you have a small space, consider a petite toilet (see 10 Easy Pieces: Compact Toilets). Or, opt for a traditional or modern floor-standing toilet, water-conserving toilet, or wall-mounted toilet.

So much of creating a bathroom that feels both serene and well-functioning comes down to good storage. Be sure to look for storage opportunitieseven small, simple oneswhen drawing up your plans, to make them feel integrated and not added-on. For example, architect Malcolm Davis says: I like to place a couple of tall shallow cabinets hidden in a stud bay. You dont need deep shelf storage; a shallow shelf can store a lot. I like to put a recess in the shower and I try and integrate towel bars to feel built in. Read more about his tips inExpert Advice: 10 Essential Tips for Designing the Bathroom, and see 10 Things Nobody Tells You About Bathroom Storage over on The Organized Home.

Maybe youve moved into a new house and cant stand the tile in the bathroom, but dont have the budget to replace it completely. Or maybe youre renting andcant remodel (if you want your security deposit back, that is). The good news is you might not have to demo everything and start fresh. If its the tile you want to upgrade, consider tile refinishing, like blogger Athena Calderone did inBefore/After: A Perfectionists $1,000 Bathroom Overhaul in Brooklyn. Or swap out a few basic fixtures (lights, faucets) for a big impact, as inExpert Advice: 10 Tips for Transforming a Rental Bath.

More inside intel on remodeling projects and materials, large and small:

Continued here:
10 Things Nobody Tells You About Renovating Your Bathroom