5 Biggest Home Renovation Mistakes

So your mind is made up, and you are ready for a home renovation project. You have met several contractors, some referred, others you found, reviewed many estimates, even laughed at a few, and feel you have nailed it. Countless pictures have been shown to you, vision has been sold, and you have enough samples in product selection to open your own home improvement store. Are you as ready as you think? 

True, it took you weeks, maybe even months of researching to help make that final decision, and you feel that the contractor of your choice is going to bring your vision to light. This all may be true, but there are mistakes you do not want to make that tend to get overlooked. If you are looking for your upcoming home renovation to be headache free, these are 5 mistakes to avoid running to the medicine cabinet.

Thinking you have enough money

1.       Some home renovations can be a dollar for dollar experience, and you walk away with what exactly you wanted, and paid for. There are times when you may not be so lucky. One should always be prepared for an unexpected surprise. The bigger the project you are doing, the higher your chances are in unforeseen obstacles that may add to your already paid for renovation. You will be surprised what you encounter when you open walls, things like mold, termites, rotted beams, leaky pipes, are some to name a few. 

Ask your contractor to give you a small list of the unexpected for a home like yours. Not all homes have the same issues, there may even be a common occurrence with all the homes in your community since they were constructed at the same time, and more than likely by the same company. Your contractor may be aware of them if he has done work in your area. Thinking you have enough money may not be enough. Have an  emergency fund ready just in case. Your contractor is definitely not going to pay for it or he may be able to add a 10% contingency to be withheld in the event that something arises. If all goes well, the funds withheld are reimbursed back to you.

When size does not matter to you

2.       You have a small bathroom, and want to take it to the next level by replacing your standard tub with a swanky jacuzzi tub. Yes, they are beautiful. They are also space eaters, like that “must have” vanity at Home Depot that is 2 sizes bigger than your existing one. Yes, it can fit, and so does a golf ball down a P-trap. The size may not matter to you at the time, but it will, it always does.

Trend seeker

3.       Yes, that royal blue square shaped, see-through basin looks amazing on that black granite counter-top. Just because, it was mentioned as the top 5 sellers for 2013 does not mean it will be nominated for an Oscar next year. Fads disappear rather quickly, chasing the latest trend can have a short shelf life. When trend seeking, go with a style that does not have to be re-invented annually. Your contractor will love it, but debt seeking is not a trend.

Taking on too much

4.       Home renovations should never be a burden, always have a specific idea in mind, and do not make it complicated by adding on to it with a knee jerk decision. Give careful thought to a process, and what it means to alter them. Changing your kitchen cabinets is one thing, but then deciding on moving your plumbing, and placement of light fixtures can be an overwhelming experience. Taking on too much can leave you with regrets, and a financial obligation to a decision that could have stayed an easy and less costly one.

Blind eye to your home’s bones

5.       So you live in that wonderful cozy cape in the suburbs. The one that was passed down from your grandparents. Yes, an upgrade may likely be in the future. You do not want to ignore the home’s bones, discounting the outside style of the home and going with a modern Italian retro look in the inside can become a cast for a broken bone that will never heal. That white marble floor in your kitchen with the swanky, eat-in white leather nook may work elsewhere, just not in your home. This can also be a hindrance if you ever need to sell the property. Over the top personal customization only serves the owner, and will be an expensive transition back to normal.

Best Money Saved Is At Home

I don't know about you, but I have been taking a tally recently on the amount of time I spend dining out, and thinking more, and more if I am really getting my monies worth. Is it me or has the quality in food gone down? Perhaps it has been this way, and I have been very forgiving. Forgiving why? Why am I compromising? I guess for a long time, I have been giving a blind eye because I am too busy caught up in the moment. Whether it is the drinking scene, the vibe, being surrounded by people, I find that I have been feeding into a fix at my expense, and it needs improving.

The other day I was at a popular spot, and ordered a cream of chicken that was served in a Crate and Barrel soup bowl. You know the one I am taking about, it is the one that is 3 times larger than the 1/2 cup of soup that is poured into it. It was actually comical, even the waitress gave me a smirk as she served me. We made eye contact as we both stared at the bowl with an outrageous basil leave in the center, there was a knowing without words. I am a big wine drinker, so yes, wine was a must. My $10 dollar glass of red was served in a huge goblet with the obvious cheap fill that I have now started to become observant to. Granted, the place is a chic eatery in the city, but come on.....In the end, who is the joke on?

The experience has not been the first, and I have been taking a genuine effort in being a critic than the customer. Meaning the times I have gone out to eat I have been on guard, watching the picture repeat itself over, and over. I have a thing about complaints at a restaurant. Unless I plan on not eating anything, I usually just settle for what is served or ask to have the platter removed off the bill....if I only touched it a couple of times. I have come to the conclusion that it is time to make time at home. It is sad when you have to make a run for a Big Mac after dinner.

By no means am I boycotting the dining out scene. I love it! There are many great places that serve with a smile, and deliver to perfection. Unfortunately, those places are either too far, and out of the way or just too expensive for a Tuesday night out. For me, I am just tired of wasting hard earned funds on a meal that I am only taking bites from. I might as well just walk into a restaurant and hand over a $20 dollar bill, and just leave. I know for me, the choice to eat out has always been impulsive. I do it, just because. Well, just because does not serve anymore. It is time to be sensible. The kitchen is the heart of the home. If your kitchen is missing a beat, then work to make it tick again. What is keeping you out of your space? Look at what draws you out of your house, and bring it in. Is it a certain style, design, or paint color. This you can fix. It can be as easy as a new dining room set.

I should be ashamed of myself because I have a wine rack of bottles that are just sitting there while I am wasting my money on less than a 1/2 a glass at a swanky wine bar, and I happen to be a good cook when I do. This experience cannot be mine alone, and I am sure that others agree, as well as can relate. So, if you are like me, make an effort to take the time out for a home cooked meal. You wind up enjoying it more, than signing a bill for mediocre. If wine is your thing, and I know I am not alone with this addiction...buy a bottle or open the ones you have in your rack. Do not wait for the company to arrive to open that expensive bottle of wine. Just go for it. Treat yourself to it. If you are like me, you are spending the same amount of money on a few $10 dollar glasses of wine anyway. What is the point in waiting? Pay yourself first!

The more you push yourself for a good dining experience at home, the less time, and money will be spent having a bad one somewhere else. Home improvement begins in the kitchen and starts with you. Give yourself a night out at home. Turn off the lights, and get those candles ready. Sometimes we are paying for an experience that we can replicate in our own homes. Plan a fun night, whether it is pasta night or open a cook book, and be creative. Just because, you cannot cook, it does not mean you do not know how to read. Trust me, you can do it. You may even surprise yourself with a hidden talent, 2nd servings, and with some monthly savings in the end.

10 Home Improvement Projects Under $450

Not all home improvement projects are expensive, some are a wish list, while others are a priority. Regardless of their level of importance, if ignored, some home improvement projects can become annoying, and even expensive. Even though you may discount its value, there are consequences when we put some of the items off for a rainy day, which turns to months, then years. Not all home improvement projects are glamorous, but do require the same attention at some point.

Here are some of our picks for home improvement projects under $450:

Junk Removal: Did you know that under/between ($280-$450) you can have a 1/2 truck haul your undesirables? Spring is here, and if you are looking to de-clutter your space, you can clear out what you have been wanting to get rid of in hours.

Painting Service: Did you know that under/between ($350-$450) you can have your small bathroom painted? According to Consumer Reports, the average homeowner gives little to no attention to their bathrooms, when it comes to painting. Our prices includes the paint.

Gutter Cleaning: Did you know that for ($150) you can have your downspouts flushed out? When is the last time your gutters have been inspected?

Handyman Service: Did you know that for as low as ($75) you can have a 0 to 32" TV mounted?

Maid Service: Did you know that for under/between ($90 - $200) you can have general cleaning done in your home? Don't you have enough to do? Give yourself a break for that up and coming party.

Pest Control: Did you know that for under/between ($160 - $330) you can have your home exterminated for ants/roaches? Not a service we are proud to have done, but one you do not want to ignore.

Plumbing Service: Did you know that for ($275) you can have your sink/vanity replaced, and installed? Tired of that dated cabinet that you have had for years?

Appliance Service: Did you know that for ($150) you can have that dated, caked on mess of a microwave mounted under your cabinet replaced, and installed?

Electrical Service: Did you know that for ($250) you can have your new ceiling fan replaced? How much dust is on those blades?

Doors: Did you know that for ($125) you can have an interior door replaced? Have to change the frame, sand or paint? The cost still falls under ($450).

One of the frustrating aspects of home improvement is finding the right contractor. Is he licensed, bonded, and insured? At Click and Improve our providers are hand picked, and all references checked. We even enforce Our Policy upon our providers to ensure that delivery of service is paramount.

10 Home Improvements To Consider

The sun is out and natures first green is our gold. Thank God, Spring is finally here. We are feeling it with the warmer days. Our energy levels are up, and now we find ourselves making weekend trips to the local Home Depot or Lowe's department stores. Some of us are looking for ideas, while others have a plan. Any home improvement big or small will have an impact.Whether you are looking to sell your property in the coming months or tired of being the worst house on the block, any improvement is better than none at all. Some home improvement can be value added, while others are personal preference to the way you want to live.

If you are looking for some direction and want a quick reference to what to start with, check out these 10 home improvements to help jump start your mental juices and get you to start on something:

Front entry doors: The average homeowner treats their entry door like a guest bedroom, little attention to detail and style. It is a huge curb appeal factor not to be ignored. Aside from energy efficiency and weather tolerance, a new quality door will immediately make a statement at entry.

Siding: Whether you are replacing it or debating on getting it installed, siding will add a punch to the look of your home. Not only does siding add a layer of insulation, and protection, but it will enhance the appearance of your home, and is considered capital improvement. Siding adds value.

Decks: Warmer days, means a lot of time out doors. What better way to enjoy it, than to extend your living space. Big or small, family entertainment can be enjoyed inside and out.

Windows: Replacement windows = energy savers, plus tax credits.

Kitchen: Improving your kitchen does not have to be a major investment, but it will make you smile more while making your morning coffee. Refacing cabinets and changing hardware is a start. Changing the backsplash can be the answer to an immediate change.

Basement: Living space taken to another level. Always take inventory of wasted, under utilized rooms in the house. If waterproofing is not a major job to tackle, framing, sheetrock, subfloors are very quick to install. A finished basement does not have to be major investment, but will add to the value of yours.

Attic: Hidden space for an office, extra bedroom, additional storage. Walking on beams? They do make easy to install sub-floors in squares, you pass them in the aisles all the time.

Bathroom: Can be a 30 minute makeover with replacing fixtures and hardware, to reglazing (not 30 minutes) your tub and tiles for that overnight transformation. Even a vanity can be painted a cool color.

Addition: If you find yourself outliving your space, large family or expecting one, research the cost in adding an addition before looking into a new home. You may find that an alternative is over your roof.

Landscaping: Some of us do not have a green thumb, keep grass short and it will never look sloppy. Landscaping is an art form, so it does require a level of attention. Consider evergreen shrubs as a carefree option.

Granted, some improvements can be a bit costly. Please gather your estimates, and make comparisons. The lowest is not always the best, and the highest does not always mean quality. Take it upon yourself to purchase all the supplies, and look for installation services only. This will make a big difference in your budget planning.

New York Construction Company Delivers Excellence

If you have been following some of the news articles written in the past about Click and Improve, you may have stumbled upon cross references made of the parent company, New York Construction Company. If you live in New York City, Manhattan, Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, Staten Island, Westchester, Nassau (coming soon), or Suffolk, you're in luck to have a quality construction company at your finger tips. They are an A+ rated construction company with BBB, based in Whitestone and Glen Cove, NY specializing in various home remodeling services.

www.mynycc.com

So, when you are debating on replacing a roof, changing your windows, upgrading your kitchen and bathroom or maybe it is time to convert that shabby basement to an extended living space, you're fortunate to have a trusted contractor like New York Construction Company to deliver the excellence you deserve. Co-Founders of Click and Improve, Avi Zikry, and Alex Ushyarov as seen in The Daily News carry out the same philosophy of delivery in first class service.

“Reliability, is what we bring to homeowners” said Zikry, 28."Our customers are assigned a service team to heed to their call, made up of license sales representatives, a project manager/foreman, and crew, access to our system so that they can review the status of their work and timeline, send internal notes, and direct contact with our customer service desk during business hours".

In an industry where customers are sometimes left in the dark, not knowing what the next steps are, having an issue, but not getting their calls returned, paying for a service that was delivered at half stance, New York Construction Company focuses on quality work and prides itself in open communication at all times. "Homeowners want a contractor they can trust" said Ushyarov, 28."It is so easy to do the right thing, and it blows my mind when I read about what other contractors do to homeowners. It is a shame, because the bad  experience hurts all of us."

There is truth to Ushyarov's statement. An article was written almost a year ago highlighting the following:

The New York City Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) yesterday announced that during a two-month period in which more than 380 inspections were conducted, one in five home improvement contractors were caught operating without a license.  According to the DCA, 755 inspections have been conducted throughout the City in the last year with nearly 400 violations issued, 134 vehicles seized and more than 60 licenses revoked or suspended.  The majority of the nearly 600 complaints received by DCA about home improvement contractors in the past year involved contractors failing to follow through on the terms of their contracts with homeowners.  Home improvement contractors are consistently one of DCA's highest complaint categories. "I am sure this number has grown since then" said Zikry. "This is very alarming, but there are a number of us that have the customer's best interest at heart, and this is what will keep you in business."

New York Construction Company has just launched its re-designed website, indicative of a positive direction. They have also started to become a little more engaging on the social media front and can now be found on Twitter and on Facebook. So, if you are in need of any assistance, give them a call and see for yourself. I highly doubt you will be disappointed. They did create Click and Improve with a customer first approach and as the saying goes...it starts from the top.

Four Common Bathroom Remodeling Mistakes

Make The Right Choices

As you take inventory of your dated medicine cabinet, unattractive shower doors or cracked tiles, it may be true that you are due for a change. Before making any decisions, be mindful on the bigger picture. In any home remodel, you have to be clear on the result that you are looking for. What objectives do you have? Determine your lifestyle routine before you choose any kind of layout and design. The reason why you should take this into consideration prior to making a decision is because your choices will determine the types of materials, fixtures and style you will need. Without being careful, this can be costly. Through your thought process, you will identify what works, and does not. (Marble flooring, whether big or small for example, is amazing but may not be ideal for a family with toddlers.)



Style vs Practical

Since the average bathroom renovation should last 12-15 years, you want a look and feel that will last with it. One regret you do not want to have is the feeling of dated vs new all over again because of the extreme choice you made in perhaps following the latest trend from one of your favorite magazines. Be aware of the must have trendy colors and shape in tiles or over-customization. Too unique, too different can go out faster than it was installed. Having a 40 inch built in flat screen TV in the bathroom may work for you, but may be an eye sore for the next owner. A triangular shaped clear glass basin may look great in an urban apartment, but may not be ideal for your small cape in the suburbs.



Not Hiring A Pro

Swear by DIY and thinking it is the most cost effective direction? Buyer beware! Bathroom renovations require expertise. Changing a p-trap can be easy, but running in-wall plumbing is not. Converting a dated tub to spa like “shower only” enclosure with frosted wall to wall glass doors can be a daunting task. Doing anything your self can cost you double if something goes wrong. Know your limits. Hire a licensed professional who is skilled in exactly what you want done, understands what you are looking to achieve, and is highly sensitive to your budget limitations. Don’t allow the big-box super retail outlets to be the end all in your purchasing power and guidance seeking. You do not always get the experience you are looking for in aisle 13. Do your homework.



Giving The Contractor The Keys To Car

The pros may be reliable, resourceful and easy to dump all the decision making on, but this is your house, your apartment. Just because, you are dealing with a licensed professional, it does not mean that you sign your deed off to him. Only you know what you like and what you can afford. Read the fine print. The homeowner knows their lifestyle, so it is very important to be involved in every aspect of any renovation. How you want to live, is just as important. Be sure the result is yours and at a cost only you are comfortable with. If you are advised to go with a certain brand name, ask why. Have to move your plumbing? Be comfortable with the responses enough that you can explain the “whys” to someone else with confidence. I am not dictating to micro manage a flow, just understand it.

Brooklyn Mom Gets Her Dream Kitchen

It is always an experience when you sit with a customer who wishes to renovate their home. Ms. Ramirez has lived in her house for over 30 years. For her, just being able to own a home was a dream come true. Ms. Ramirez recalls when she closed on her house in 1983 and paying shy under $20,000.00 for it. The house needed some work back then, the typical stuff like new windows, doors, painting both interior and exterior, a new bathroom, kitchen and basement.

Ms. Ramirez knew that Rome was not built in a day and that eventually she would manage to get things done over time. A lot of work was done by family and friends over the years "because that is what you do when money was tight", she says. Being a mother of 5 and making sure that each of them graduated from college was her 2nd dream come true. Her 3rd dream was to have a dream kitchen. Over the years she did some renovation work to her kitchen, but swore when she retired that she would treat herself at no expense to what she wanted and wanted to design it her way.

 

She was very much a foreman on her own job. Most customers usually wait and see, allowing the experts to do their thing. Ms. Ramirez wanted to be part of the experience, she even was prepared with her own ideas from her lap top.
 

 

Had her own samples.

 

Down to the backsplash.
 

 

We often joked asking her "what would you like us to do today?" Once she selected the design it was time.

She was not around for this (opposite side of kitchen).

 

She got her dream (old door to be replaced with a new one, still on back-order):

 

And:
 

 

And:

 

And:

Dust Mites, Not To Be Ignored

Believe it or not, dust mites are everywhere. We hear about them, get disgusted by them, and swear they have not made a home in ours. The question is, have they? So, what are these nasty crawlers?  They are microscopic, eight-legged, non-parasitic insect/creatures. Are you ready to get grossed out? Dust mites feed on human skin, bacteria, animal dander, pollen, fungi, to name a few. They thrive in high humidity (70 % and over). Have a tremendously dusty section in the house? Like under the sofa or bed? Have pets? They live mostly on dead human and pet skin. Beware…. 

The growing concern about dust mites is the allergic reaction many have to them, and do not even know it. General symptoms people on average have are allergies, not limited to respiratory issues (asthma), sneezing, itchy eyes, and eczema all associated with dust mites. Are you ready to get grossed out, again? The allergen associated with dust mites are their feces and surrounding body, which make up dust among other things, and because they are microscopic they become airborne almost immediately after the dust has been moved around during activities, like cleaning.

We shed about 1/5 ounce of dead skin each week. Did you know that?  An average man or woman sheds about 600,000 particles of skin per hour, which is approximately 1.5 pounds (680 grams) per year. Using this figure, by the age of 70, a person will have lost 105 pounds (47.6 kilograms) of skin which is equivalent to two-thirds of their entire body weight, and because we spend one-third of our lives sleeping, dust mites are found on bedding and your mattress. Grossed out even more?

Things to do about it:

• Vacuum, vacuum, vacuum your carpets, even hardwood floors to get rid of dust mites. Consider vacuums with HEPA filters, they remove 99% of particles in the air.

• Have a cluttered house? An over cluttered space will increase in the collection of dust, which increase your chances with dust mites. Do the one year test. Have not used it, looked at it, toss.

• Use a wet microfiber cloth when cleaning surfaces. Microfiber cloths rule in dust pick up, and when wet prevent circulation when dust is disrupted.

• Wash your bedding on the regular. Remember we shed dead skin while we sleep. These crawlers find solace on pillowcases, bed sheets, blankets, and your favorite down comforters. The rule, wash in hot water and dry it the same. High intensity heat if done weekly will remove dust mites.

• Steam clean your mattress as often as possible. Dust mites do not stand a chance in surviving.

• Lower the humidity to 50. Studies have shown that air-conditioned homes have 10 times fewer dust mites.

•  Looking for a new living room set? You may want to reconsider overstuffed furniture. Sure, they are undoubtedly stunning and comfortable. Give it a few weeks in the house or apartment and do the old fashion slam with the hand on one of the cushions. Need I say more?

Before and After....You Decide

As contractors, we really take pride in what we do. You walk into a house and you see the endless possibilities and nothing speaks louder than before and after. It comes down to pride and trust. Pride in the craft that the contractor is expected to deliver and trust from the customer in believing it can be done.

Taking this bathroom above as an example. The homeowner wasn't sure what to expect, even after showing the various tiles, fixtures and drawings. It is hard to get a visual, because we get so use to our own space. Needless to say she was very pleased with the result.

Before

After (work in progress)....but you see the after is coming along.

Bathroom Makeovers Can Be For Anyone

Hate your bathroom tub and surrounding tiles? How often do you dream of having the look and feel of a fully renovated bathroom? You are not alone. Bathrooms fall second on the wish list after kitchens in any home improvement project and if you have a 2nd bathroom it falls even lower on the list. With the uncertainty of the current economy, any remodeling is a luxury for many folks. Renovations in any capacity can be costly and you have to be financially prepared to take on the project.

According to National Kitchen and Bathroom Association the national average is $16,000.00 for a standard mid-size bathroom renovation. If you just laughed out loud, you have options. You do not have to invest a fortune. There are ways to minimize and cut costs in bathroom remodeling project by gathering estimates from various remodeling companies. The normal is at least 3, but you can add to that number for good measure. If you are a DIY kind of person, there are installations, such as plumbing fixtures and toilets that can skim a few hundred off the total cost.

The Consumers Report breaks down the following in the allocation of cost by percentages in remodeling a bathroom (see where you can save):

Labor: 20 percent
Cabinetry and hardware: 16 percent
Fixtures: 15 percent
Faucets and plumbing: 14 percent
Countertop: 7 percent
Floor: 9 percent
Doors and windows: 4 percent
Walls and ceiling: 5 percent
Lighting and ventilation: 5 percent
Design fees: 4 percent
Other: 1 percent

You can also slice the cost in half by reglazing your bathroom tub and tiles. Reglazing is not for everyone, but if money “is an object” you can have the same effect for a lot less. So why would you consider this route? Well for starters:

1. Bathtub, tiles, surrounding walls do not have to be removed.
2. Your flooring and plumbing are not impacted.
3. Reglazing can be an alternative to bathtub replacement. Reglazing is done on the spot, saving you time and mess.
4. The transformation is immediate; converting a dated bathtub to newly finished one that is easy to clean.
5. Immediate use typically after 24 hours.
6. Cost is 75% less.

There are many ways to spruce on a dime. We can all have the same result by taking a different approach. Less can be best too.

The Mamas Expo Cleans House

So, the alarm clock rings for the 3rd time and your husband is still in bed sleeping or at least pretending to be. It is 5:30 in the morning and you are wishing it was Saturday. Unfortunately, it is not. The dog is by your side waiting patiently for you to get up, and out of bed because he knows mommy is the only one that will let him out. You by-pass the bathroom mirror without looking at it knowing quite well the face you have on.
With one eye open, you stare down at your sink, and wonder for a second were the ring around the basin came from.

As you make your way down the hallway, you are stepping over crumbs on the rug, moving clothes and toys to the side while taking slow sleepy steps down the stairs. The banister is sticky from God only knows what, but it does not matter. It does not matter because you know what you are about to walk into. You turn on the kitchen light, only wishing to turn it off because it looks like a diner after a stampede of teens on spring break (yours). The sink is piled again, and there are left over snacks on the counter, stool, and kitchen table. There is spilled orange juice in the fridge and floor (now you know where the stickiness on the banister came from).

As you sit quietly; trying desperately to have a moment with your coffee, you hear the kids waking up and moving upstairs. It is only Tuesday. So when this mother received an email to test our cleaning service, there was no thinking about it.

Though this story is not exactly one of Leni Calas's, Founder of The Mamas Expo. It is a story of many mothers that make it happen daily. They carry the world on their shoulders and somehow make it work, make it look easy, even when it is not. Leni is the creator of Queens Mamas, which is a website that brings local brands and families together, as well as posting news and local events for her readers. The site is a terrific resource for parents wanting to also connect with other parents. This effort spun off a demand for the same in Brooklyn, Long Island and she is gaining momentum, moving full speed ahead. On May 5th Leni Calas will be presenting her fourth expo at New York Hall of Science bringing brands and families together in person.

We have been fortunate to have participated in them, and we have to say they have been a blast. To see the work that is managed daily on a website come to life for one day is an incredible experience. We were grateful that The Mamas Expo granted us an opportunity to participate almost 2 years ago. Leni Calas knows all to well what it takes to for start-up companies to gain footing and with her team embraced Click and Improve. At the time, it was our first expo, and we did not know what to expect. To be side by side with brand names in an open forum was inconceivable for us being a start-up company, a true newbie. The team at The Mamas Expo made it look easy. They sat, coached, read us the rules and sent us on our way. What a reflection in great parenting, even for companies. This event is indicative of a positive movement, backed by empowered mothers with a strong voice and purpose. There is no question who Mama is!

When: Sunday May 5^th2013 from 10 am – 5 pm

Where: New York Hall of Science -  47-01 111th Street Queens, NY 11368

Ticket Price: To Save on Tickets - Purchase your tickets in advance before May 4, 20123 online at www.themamasexpo.com to save a minimum of 15% off the Mamas Expo Access Ticket. Ticket includes all-day admission to New York Hall of Science, access to the Mama’s Expo and events, access to New York’s largest Science Playground, plus one round of Rocket Park Mini Golf.

Mama’s Expo Advance Access Ticket:

$17 Adult (18+)

$13 Child (2-17), Student (w/ID), Senior (62+)/ Under 2 Free

(15% off Adult regular price / 19% off Child Regular Price)

Tickets will be available for purchase at the door for full price.

Includes General Admission for one, Access to the Mama’s Expo, 1 ticket to Science Playground and 1 any-time voucher for Mini-Golf (valid for 1 round of Rocket Park Mini-Golf. Expires June 5, 2013)

A limited number of Mama’s Expo VIP Tickets are available for online advance purchase only. VIP tickets are $30 per person* and include all components of the Advance Access Ticket PLUS an exclusive Gift Bag including sample products and savings. To purchase VIP tickets, please visit www.themamasexpo.com

*Pay one price for adults, children, students, seniors.

Mama’s Expo VIP Ticket, $40. Includes all Advance Access Ticket components PLUS exclusive Gift Bag. Must be purchased in advance to guarantee your gift bag.

Slow Drain....Plumber Maybe or Not

Do you have a slow drain issue in your bathroom or kitchen sink? Even after using the handy plunger? If you are like most, we hope that time will remedy the problem and miraculously drain away. Unfortunately, this problem left unattended can create a bigger issue over time and become an expensive job to repair. Before you reach the phone to call the super, plumber, take a run to the local store for Drano or some other toxic substance; try an environmentally friendly route first. You may already have what you need in your cabinet to combat this small problem. All you need is washcloth/rag, water, vinegar and baking soda. Are you ready for battle? You just might win this one if you caught the slow drain issue on time. So this is what you need to do:

STEP 1.Take a box of baking soda and pour ½ of it down the drain. Make sure not to combine this with any other chemical. You also want to do this dry. Do not water down the sink. Apply it as is down the drain in its powder form.

STEP 2. Next you want to take a ½ cup of vinegar and pour right after the baking soda. Be sure to have the washcloth or rag immediately ready to plug the hole in the sink. This needs to be done because the combination of the 2 substances will immediately cause an over flow of fizz, a chemical reaction similar to the eruption of a can of soda being opened after shaking it. You want the fizz to remain in the drain, not out.

STEP 3.Wait 30 minutes and boil some water, at least a ½ gallon.

STEP 4.Unplug the hole and slowly pour the boiling water down the drain. This method has been proven to be effective in pushing everything through the plumbing system. Letting the mixture sit longer will not remedy the problem any better. Vinegar is an ethanoic acid, and the baking soda acts as a base (sodium bicarbonate). When these two are combined, they will cause a fizzing reaction while forming carbon dioxide and a solution of the salt, sodium acetate.

Sometimes doing this experiment twice can be just as effective for good measure, but if it does not work and you still encounter a slow drain, make that call. Unless you are a true DIY kind of person, some repairs should be left to the experts. Be mindful of your limitations. Not doing it right the first time can be another expense you do not want to incur.

Half Bathroom? No Problem....

Still have that 2nd half bathroom that you use everyday and hate because it looks like a prop from the set of The Brady Bunch? We have them, we have seen them. Most people do not know what to do with them partly due to size. Like everything else in life, if you want to be inspired, you need a vision and small half bathrooms do not give much to wonder about. Most half bathrooms you will find are the size of a small coat closet. We treat them like one. 

The basic anatomy of a small half bathroom: toilet, small sink, vanity mirror/medicine cabinet and lighting. It is basic, cut and dry. So why do we have a hard time working with this? Well, it is not about the room itself, but about the actual fixtures themselves and how you pair them all together. When working with a small bathroom, size does matter. Believe it or not, you have room to play within a small room, and the trick is to go small. Using the above illustration as an example we can go step by step.

• Sink - replace the dated vanity and sink combo with a crisp and clean white pedestal sink. For starters, it takes up less room, and it immediately gives the illusion of open space. The average cost is higher in comparison to traditional sinks. Elegance has a price. A vanity tends to eat space and always becomes a hidden storage unit. Want the proof? Open yours and take an inventory of everything in there. Then ask yourself....When was the last time you used half of what you stored? 

• Faucet - go small, there are many styles to choose from. 

• Walls - small bathroom walls should not have a busy print or even stripes. If you are looking for a cleaner open look, choose light, paint colors. Not sure on color? Go to any top brand paint site like Benjamin Moore and check out their color chart. Darker colors make rooms smaller. If you want large in a small space...go light and bright. The color white works miracles. 

• Toilet - consider replacing your old toilet with a compact elongated model. These toilets are not only space savers, but newer models are fabricated to save water. 

• Vanity mirror/medicine cabinet - bulky medicine cabinets devour space on your walls. If you truly can do without, a wall to wall mirror can immediately give an illusion of a larger space. 

• Lighting - wall sconces, like the one in this illustration come in many styles. Consider a clear glass enclosure rather a frosted one and be mindful of the hardware. Brushed nickel looks stunning, be concise with the theme and keep all the same. A copper or bronze wall sconce will clash with a brushed nickel faucet. Also consider a dimmer so that you can regulate the amount of light in a natural light challenged room. 

• Over the Toilet Cabinet/Storage - if you can part with this, just remove it for starters and see the immediate space you will have before doing anything in your bathroom. You can get the same results with decorative shelving. Rule of thumb, corner shelves take less room when you have limited wall space. Less is best on walls. If you can store your personals elsewhere, consider it.

With little time and patience, you too can have this: