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Removing asbestos during a remodel

We bought our house knowing it needed a fair bit of work, but we could never have guessed how complicated the job would get in the end. It turns out not only do we have asbestos in the walls, but also, at some point, the previous owners had some asbestos insulation put in the roof. There are a lot more precautions that we need to make as result but, I'll feel a lot better knowing we aren't cooking and eating our meals near asbestos. Our remodeling contractor has been great and has stepped us through the whole process. Join us on our remodeling journey!

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Removing asbestos during a remodel

Kitchen Renovations: Countertop Materials to Consider

by Joanne Sullivan

Renovations can be quite expensive especially if the project is extensive. However, you may find that you cannot avoid embarking on renovations, as your kitchen may have become a significant eyesore. If you would like to upgrade it economically, you should consider focusing on one aspect of your kitchen. A good place to start would be your countertops. With the heavy usage they endure, these are one of the first elements of your kitchen that start to deteriorate. Nonetheless, with the assortment of materials available, some individuals may find it difficult to make a decision. Below is a couple of the countertop materials that you could consider for your kitchen renovation.

Laminate countertops

If cost is your primary concern, then laminate would be an ideal material to use for your countertops. Moreover, laminate countertops are also easy to maintain, as they are waterproof. They can also serve you for a significant duration, as long as you take proper care of them. Laminate countertops are manufactured by the process of heating sealing resins onto fiberboard to create a firm surface.

A picture is then stuck on the top surface of the laminate for aesthetic appeal. You can then choose from a myriad of laminate designs to suit your kitchen design theme. The main drawback of laminate countertops is that they are not fire resistant. Thus, placing any hot items on their surface will cause blistering, scorching and burning.

Timber countertops

If you are looking for a traditional design, you could consider timber countertops. These countertops provide a classic appeal, therefore, you can be assured they will not go out of style. The most popular type of timber countertops is those manufactured with a butcher-block design. It should be noted that timber countertops require hardwearing lumber so that the countertops can endure constant high impact. Some of the timber species that are used to create these countertops include mahogany, walnut and cherry.

Other than their innate strength, another advantage of timber countertops is that they are easy to repair. If chips form on the countertops, you could have them sanded down to maintain a smooth surface.

Nevertheless, timber countertops do come with one drawback which is they are not fire resistant. They will become singed if hot pans are placed on them. Secondly, timber countertops can be quite labour intensive when it comes to their maintenance. They will require routine oiling to ensure that they remain attractive.

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