Bathroom Remodel Advice

My parents are redoing their master bathroom, and we’re trying to figure out what to go with on a few things:

1. Color – They have decided to go with tan and earth tone colors for the tile and counter tops.  The granite is a mix of tan colors.  What looks better – off-white or white for the toilet, sink, and bathtub?  The white looks very clean and sterile, but the “biscuit” color matches the tan somewhat elegantly.  Some primitive examples: white, biscuit.
2. Bathtub – Drop-in or alcove style? Water jets, air jets, or a standard soaker tub?  The drop-in cast iron is more rugged, but with tile on the walls, there is more cleaning.  Water jets and air jets are nice, but what about cleaning (especially if you have hard water)?  Anyone have experience with these?  The soaker tub is also nice and easier to clean, but lacks the Jacuzzi feel.  The alcove tub is easier to clean, but is it durable?  Will it be more susceptible to hard water stains and/or cracking?
3. Bathtub walls – If you don’t go with the alcove, would you go with tiles or granite walls? Tiles look nice, but are more effort to clean and maintain.  Granite also looks nice and is easier to clean.

Does anyone out there have experience with anything mentioned about?  Anything you want to share, pros and cons?  Thank you.

July 31st, 2009  Projects   Tags: advice, bathroom, granite, remodel, tub, more...

Credit Reports and Unsolicited Inquiries

Recently, I had reason to request a credit report. For those unaware, you are entitled to one free credit report per year through the web site AnnualCreditReport.com, a service created by the three nationwide consumer credit reporting companies: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion.

It’s a good idea to read your report and make note of accounts you no longer use or accounts you aren’t familiar with. You should contact the creditors of the account you no longer use, as an excess of potential debt can lower your credit score.

Don’t be fooled by web sites offering “free credit reports”. Unless it is the site listed above that is endorsed by the credit bureaus, there is a chance you will get charged through fine-line items (ie, “By accepting this credit report, you are agreeing to subscribe to our credit monitoring service free for 30 days. If you do not cancel before that time, you will be charged $x per month.)

One more thing about credit… Are you sick of receiving credit card solicitations in the mail? You can opt-out unsolicited credit checks by calling 1-888-5OPT-OUT (1-888-567-8688) and providing the automated message with some information about yourself (but don’t take my word for it – do a Google search to confirm this is legit for yourself).

January 21st, 2006  Online Services - General   Tags: advice, credit report, money, Online Services - General, more...