How one handles improving their home can say a lot about how they handle a lot of situations. An endeavor that focuses on creativity and attention to detail is what makes home improvement so popular. That can sound intimidating to a new improver, which is why they should read the list of tips below.

Granite
When renovating your kitchen, avoid tiled counters. Tiled countertops are less sanitary than granite or mock-stone countertops, because food and other contaminants can build up in the spaces between the tiles. Tile countertops can also crack or even shatter if a heavy dish is dropped onto them, unlike countertops made of more modern materials.

If you're improving the look and feel of your kitchen by installing a granite countertop, consider individual tiles instead of a single piece slab. Granite slabs of countertop length can cost up to $5000, and sometimes even more. Instead, install foot-long granite tiles. For the same amount of space, installing granite tiles will only cost you a few hundred dollars.

Replace counter tops in your bathroom and kitchen with new marble or granite tops. Over time, counters will wear down especially if they are made of laminate. Older homes can have outdated or vintage counters. By replacing the counters you will improve the eye appeal and home value without spending a great deal of cash.

FLOORING
When trying to fix up a house to flip it, pay attention to the kitchen. If has linoleum floors, replace them with tile. It makes the place look much better. You should examine the counters and look at replacing them. They don't have to be granite, but granite counter tops increase the value of the home and up your chances of selling it.

Invest in tile flooring. The floor is something that most people notice when they are in your home, so if you want to catch their attention, use tile. Granite, ceramic or slate tiles are both attractive and durable and come in a number of different styles and finishes. Another plus is that they are much easier to clean than carpet.

Before you get started on any project, you need to first understand what you're getting into. Going into a project without knowing everything will result in a half-finished set of cabinets and granite tiles without any grout in the seams. Go through the project first and work up a blueprint before you start on it. Home improvement really is a creative endeavor, but that does not mean it is only for professional or serious do-it-yourselfers. This creative endeavor can be enjoyed by anyone of any improvement skill level. These tips were constructed to help those of all levels find their way into home improvement.

For more home improvement ideas, check out the following articels:

• 5 Types of Sinks for your Bathroom Remodel
• Upgrading Your Bathroom Faucet

Written by George Samford
Tile bathrooms provide the most attractive, durable and cleanable surfaces available. They stand up to repeated soaking, easily wipe clean, and always stay fresh looking. While they take a bit of work to replace, tile surfaces are a great bet if you're planning to remodel.
Not every tile is appropriate for your home, however. Bathroom tile comes in a range of sizes, shapes and materials that all provide different benefits and downsides. Depending on the look you prefer and how you use your bathroom, you may want traditional glazed ceramic, stone tile or even terracotta. Here's what you should know.
Glazed Ceramic
Glazed ceramic tile is what most people think of when someone mentions tiling a bathroom. This tile is simple, attractive and cost effective. It survives impact relatively well and has a glossy surface that makes it easy to clean, though grout lines may pick up some dirt. Glazed ceramic tile can be slippery when wet, however, and tends to make a bathroom look very conventional. This type of tile offers the largest variety of colors and finishes.
Unglazed Ceramic
Unglazed ceramic tiles, including traditional red terracotta, provide an alternative to standard glazed tiles. This material has a rougher surface and more natural look than glazed materials. It is extremely durable and works very well in bathrooms with a rustic look. This material can absorb water readily, however, so it may be a good idea to glaze it for use in the bathroom. Like glazed tile, unglazed ceramic is relatively inexpensive.
Extruded Quarry Tile
The term "quarry tile" can be misleading. This material resembles the stone tile once mined in quarries, but is now produced using an extrusion technique and is made primarily of clay. Extruded quarry tile still looks a lot like stone, however, with a rough surface that makes it comfortable and practical for flooring. This material tends to be very porous, much like unglazed ceramic, and should be sealed before use in the shower or other very wet areas.
Stone
Real stone tile gives your home an elegant look and feel that ceramics can't provide. This material offers a luxurious natural look and comes in a wide variety of colors and types. Granite and travertine are two of the most popular options. These tiles are relatively porous and may require sealant. Some stone tiles are also easy to scratch. This luxurious choice comes with an appropriately luxurious price tag, so be sure to budget carefully before you commit to using it.
Glass
Often used in mid-20th century bathrooms, glass is making a comeback for vintage looks. It offers many of the same advantages as glazed ceramic, with a transparency that can be appealing in walls or showers. Glass tile is more costly than its ceramic cousins, however. This material often comes in pre-designed sheets with patterns or color gradations built in. It works well on its own or in combination with ceramic and stone tiles as an accent.
Engineered Stone
This relative newcomer looks much like stone but isn't as natural. Engineered stone tile is made up of tiny bits of stone in an epoxy-based matrix. This material is more predictable and water-resistant than natural stone, with a surface that's harder to damage. It doesn't look as natural, however. Some homeowners take advantage of this material's man-made look, choosing "stone" tiles in bright, glittery colors. Engineered stone is relatively costly, but lower in price than natural stone.
Did you find this information useful? Get more great information on things such as basement ceiling ideas by visiting a great web resource dedicated to teaching people how to finish a basement.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=George_Samford