Transforming A Small Space with Tile

 Professionals in the industry reveal a secret; when updating a small space use tile to create texture and dimension. Tile can add color either bold or a hint. Tile comes in tons of color options and patterns. Using tile can refresh a small area without having a full renovation.

1. Bring attention to a wall niche

Adding tile to a decorative wall is a perfect focal point. Tiling the area will highlight the architectural feature while adding definition and drama. A great idea is to add a ribbed glass tile that will reflect light back.

2. Add flair to a fireplace

The fireplace is already a focal point in a room, and adding tile to the surround really makes it pop. A tile can add interest and depth to the fireplace and can also mask an outdated surround.

3. Define a space within a space

Designers say tile can accent a space just like a rug can. M.S. Vicas Interiors used a geometric patterned tile on the floor of a nice wine vault. The tiled floor of this glass-framed wine “cellar” provides a structural footprint for the walls. A striking geometric pattern from the Gem collection by Kelly Wearstler is an arresting counterpoint to the warm wood floors of the rest of the room, letting the wine walk-in shine.

4. Think outside the shower

When you think of tile in the bathroom, you think of the floor or the shower surround. Tile helps keep water from damaging the space. Many designers are currently doing floor-to-ceiling tile accent walls in bathrooms. It gives the space impact and personality. This can also be done in the kitchen. If you have a wall in the kitchen that does not have any cabinets, tile the wall from floor to ceiling giving it a roomier look to the kitchen.

There are many colors, shapes, and patterns of tile. Remember to think outside the box, and think of using tiles in places that you might not think about when it comes to tile.

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Two Important Factors a Home Inspector Notices In a Bathroom

 A homebuyer always looks at the style and upgrades of a bathroom when touring a listing. A home inspector looks for two things, safety and water. A home inspector always has the worst scenario in mind and the bathroom tends to be where one would occur. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention did a study that showed in 2008 emergency department doctors treated 234,094 non-fatal injuries that occurred in the bathroom.

“There are so many ways to be injured: slipping on wet tiles, scalding water that is too hot, and electrical shock from improper wiring are all common occurences,” Welmoed Sisson, a certified home inspector says.

The water coming from the faucets in a bathroom should never go over 120 degrees out of the sink and 106 degrees in the bathtub. Other issues that will be noted are cracked tiles with sharp edges, loose toilets, poor clearance, loose grab bars, small shower doors and non-tempered shower door glass. Another potential hazard can be the electrical outlets. A home inspector will make sure there are GFCis located in the bathrooms. A ground fault circuit interrupter will protect against electrical shocks.

Water can cause a damp environment which is not a good sign in a bathroom. This can cause thousands of dollars in repairs. A home inspector will look for gaps between tiles and missing caulk around bathroom fixtures. They will also look underneath the sink to make sure the drain is plumbed correctly.

“Many people assume that a bathroom is waterproof-it’s not. It’s water-resistant. Water is persistent and will find any available opening to flow into. Any tiny gap in caulking or grout can lead to massive amounts of hidden damage to the framing inside the walls,” she says.

Another thing is to make sure the base of the toilet is secure and there is no softening of the floor. The softening of the floor can indicate water damage. They also want to make sure the toilet does not shimmy.

“It should not move at all. Any movement could indicate a weakening of the seal at the floor, which can lead to leaks,” Sisson states.

Remember if you are looking for a new home, make sure to not just look at the aesthetics in the bathrooms, but the caulk and grout condition as well. Home inspectors warn that buyers get distracted by things such as trendy light fixtures and upgrades.

“They should get up close to the walls and floors, looking for signs of poor maintenance,” Simmons suggests.

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