Looking to remodel your bathroom at home? Check out if any of the design trends below interest you! Bathroom Remodeling Trends Mediterranean-Inspired Design Classic Whites Media and Music Mix of Lighting Storage Check out the full article to see all the new bathroom remodeling trends you might consider in your home. Contact us today!

Anyone who has ever bought or sold a home knows that kitchens and bathrooms are the focal points of any home. Even a perfectly gorgeous, spacious home in a prime location, will often be passed over if the kitchen and bathrooms are too small, or simply outdated. Rather than merely tolerating your antiquated kitchen while dreaming of something more modern, consider Smith Thomas & Smith for your remodeling needs. A kitchen is more than just a room in a house where food is prepared. Ask any adult what they remember about growing up in their parents' home, and you're likely to receive responses from baking cookies with mom, to sharing events from each other's day around the dinner table. Often, memories are centered around food, be it a holiday meal, or simply an ordinary day like any other. Kitchens are created to be a warm, secure gathering place, and it's important...

Remodeling your home can happen in various project sizes, ranging from tiny to massive. If you want to undertake a large project, you should expect to deal with some disturbances throughout the process. However, when you are only interested in small to medium-sized projects, you can generally work with professionals to avoid labor hours during or around the time in which you are home from work. It is possible to schedule  handyman services  to upgrade your home, but only while you are working. Add Built-In Furniture A moderately sized project that you can undertake and enjoy a noticeable difference in your home is with built-in furniture. For instance, instead of trying to find bookcases and shelving units that work well in your living area, you can just opt for built-in furniture to get what you need. Another option is constructing a dine-in eating area, such as a wooden booth that you...

Regular and routine home repairs are sometimes difficult for busy homeowners. Exerting energy, which you don't have, on repairs that you don't have time to fix is exactly why  handyman services  exist. Have you ever wondered how a handyman service can benefit your home repair, improvement, or renovation? Do you lack the necessary time to fix, upgrade, or maintain things around your home? Then look no more. Then look no more! In this post, we'll cover 12 services that a handyman can assist you with around your home. 1. New Toilet: If your home needs a new toilet or you need one swapped out, a handyman service can help you. Installing a toilet is complicated if you are new to the process, but a handyman can make quick work of the entire affair. 2. Light Fixtures: Electrical issues are not something an unfamiliar person should mess with. If you have a light...

Life is busy for everyone. No one ever says they wish they had more things to do, but in that busy place is also a lot of joy. Many young people have a career that is flourishing, young children that they are proud of, and a home of their own. The only problem that rises from these circumstances is the fact that this life requires a lot of hours at work, a lot of energy to pour into children, and a long list of things to do on the house. Handyman services  are the perfect way to take some of the pressure off so you can continue to do it all well. You may feel like you're juggling all your responsibilities and something is about to fall. It can't be your career, because your family depends on that for your income. It certainly can't be your children. You never get that...

General remodeling projects deliver a better return on investment than you might think. Here are a few things you ought to know. Bathroom Remodels Bathroom remodels are the single most requested general remodeling job in the United States. About 78% of renovations made in the nation are actually bathroom remodels, believe it or not, and for good reason, too. Residential bathroom remodeling improvements -- big or small - yield a return on investment of about 63.6%. Kitchen Remodels Kitchen remodels are not to be underestimated -- they too deliver an ROI of 63.6%. What's great about these general remodeling projects is that changing the look of counters, sinks, plumbing, light fixtures, and appliances costs far less than major renovations, making investments in kitchen remodeling services incredibly affordable. Of course, that being said, while you should spend between 12% and 15% of the home's value for an updated bathroom, you should spend...

Summer is a great time of the year to enjoy outdoor recreational activities. So don't waste it by staying indoors fixing up the house. Hire  handyman services  and have fun doing one of the summer time activities below instead. Go Swimming With the days getting warmer, it's nice to get in the water for a swim. So drive out to the beach with your family, and get a little wet. Or if you prefer, spend the day frolicking in the swimming pool; it's a great way to relax while cooling off from the heat. Take a Hike Many people are intimidated by the thought of going hiking. That's because they incorrectly assume that hiking is a strenuous activity that requires lots of uphill climbing. And while that might be the case with some of the harder hiking trails, there are plenty of easy ones that are barely any harder than walking....

Home  painting  projects are among some of the easiest and most rewarding jobs a homeowner can do. Not only does a fresh coat of paint renew and refresh, it brings a sense of pride to all who contributed. So if you're ready to start your next painting project, but aren't quite sure where to begin, then this post is for you. Here are 4 easy tips to get you started on your next painting project. 1. Choose a scheme before you begin, not just a paint color. Use mood to help pick the right feel and look for your new room. Paint ceilings a light color to enhance a room's size, and do the opposite to add coziness. Use this same idea for wall colors. 2. Pick your highlighted aspects prior to beginning. Do this so that accents are in the spotlight, while things that you want to hide remain as an afterthought....

No matter how long you have been a homeowner, you probably know when something just doesn’t feel right in your home. Next time you suspect that any of these problems could be occurring, consider  home repair  ASAP. These are the problems that lead to additional expenses later down the road. Don’t wait to find out! 1. Your Toilet Won’t Stop Running You might not realize it, but that running toilet is more than just a noise nuisance. It could actually lead to a huge water bill that you are responsible for. Fix that running toilet ASAP! Treat it the same way you would treat a leak. Each bit of water wasted is costing you money. 2. You see ants, mice, termites or other pests. The fact that you are seeing signs of pests is indicative of a major problem. For every pest that you see, there are dozens that you do...

Although it is beneficial for homeowners to know a bit about maintenance and repairs for their home, it is by no means necessary to have a positive experience as a homeowner or to get them done. Hiring specialized professionals is an option, but you can also use  handyman services  to take care of minor fixes or new additions, especially in regard to plumbing. Repairing or Replacing Faucets Faucet manuals might come with pretty clear instructions on installation, but you may not feel confident enough to remove the faucet you currently have and replace it with a new one. Instead of stressing out over an installation, just hire a handyman to take care of the faucet installation. If you like the faucet you have and it is broken, a handyman can help with this as well. Installing Shower Grab Bars You cannot really go wrong with making your shower a safer place...

It is understandable why homeowners may want to invest in remodeling their home over taking care of home repairs and performing routine maintenance because the latter is not as exciting. However, there are substantial benefits to investing in  home repair  before remodeling. Avoid Spending More Money due to Procrastination When you decide to wait on repairs and spend thousands of dollars on a renovation, you may not have the funds to take care of the maintenance and repairs that need to be done. In this case, you could have existing problems becoming worse or potential issues becoming issues. Prioritizing preventive maintenance is the smartest financial choice as a homeowner. Fewer Complications when it is Time to Remodel Once it comes time to remodel, when you focus on home repair, you will not have to worry about additional expenses getting tacked on the initial quote for remodeling. Without surprise costs, you will...

When you decide to rent out a home, the home does not have to be perfect. Ideally, you should provide your tenants with properly working appliances and a functioning home, but there is no reason to think that you need to invest thousands of dollars into major renovations to rent a home successfully. Using  handyman services  should normally be enough to get what you need done to your rental home before you start marketing the property and scheduling open houses. Take Care of Expected Maintenance In most situations, the maintenance required should not be anything substantial, especially if you take the time to screen your applicants thoroughly. If you recently purchased the property, you should know exactly what needs to be done to the property beforehand, which will help you determine whether handyman services are sufficient enough to get the rental property in renting shape. Handle Minor Repairs While the list...

You may be tempted to save money on your home renovation by painting your home exterior yourself instead of hiring painters. However, painting the exterior of your home is not as simple as painting a room in your house. Learn what to expect if you hire professional  painting & papering  experts and if you consider doing this yourself. What to expect: DIY If you opt to paint your house yourself, you'll need to purchase or rent equipment that lets you get up to the second story of the house. You'll also want to invest in painting equipment that makes the job easier. Needless to say, your equipment purchases can add up pretty quickly, and you may be spending a lot of money on things that you won't need again.  If your home has a lot of exterior decoration, such as trims or mouldings, it makes the job more complex. In this case,...

It’s springtime in Washington, DC and people are busy preparing their existing homes for warm weather entertaining or searching for a new place to call their own. So, what are the top projects on your  handyman services'  list? Do you want to build a deck or install a fence? Maybe installing outdoor lighting or repainting the house inside and out is on your agenda. Either way, it’s generally best to start with projects that will save you money in the long run. Projects that often make the top of our handyman services’ springtime list involve roof and gutter repair. After all, everyone wants to prevent water damage to their Washington, DC, or Maryland homes.  Good things to check for at this time are ice damming damage left over from the winter, pinhole leaks and tired looking shingles that may have overstayed their welcome. Spring is also a great time to consider...

Your roof is one of the most important features of your home. It protects the rest of your house, so the highest quality is imperative. This is not a time to skimp. It's also not a good idea to delay if your roof is on its last legs. Stalling may cause wind and water damage that could result in other issues with your home. Since roofing is a difficult  home repair  task that most people don't tackle themselves, make sure you ask your contractor these questions before entering into an agreement with him. Do you have liability insurance? If something happens to your property while they are working on your roof, the contractor's insurance would cover the cost of fixing whatever damage occurs. Ask to see the insurance certificate. If questionable, contact the insurance company to confirm. Do you have workman's comp? Roofing is a dangerous job and you want to...

Homes have many things that can either last a long time, or can breakdown only years after purchase or installation. Sometimes with good reason, sometimes because of faulty manufacturing. Alongside the misery of having to replace a roof or a furnace, is the fact that the expense can run you into the tens of thousands of dollars. So how long can you expect the basics in your home to last? Let a knowledgeable and trusted  general contractor  tell you. Roofs : As mentioned in the introduction, roofs are expensive if you need it all replaced. Metal and stone roofs (like copper, slate, and tile) can last 50+ years; wood about 30 years; and asphalt/shingle 25 or so years. It's also important to consider climate when figuring longevity. AC Units : Outdoor cooling units have the worst experience working all day in the heat and sun, especially if they are left to do...

A home improvement project is a great way to tidy up your Bethesda, MD house for the spring season. Keep your home in the best looking condition possible with our home improvement services for the surrounding Bethesda, MD area.    A home improvement project is perfect for any homeowner who would like to have any general repairs done or handyman services completed at their house.  One of our home improvement customers had this to say... "Thanks, beautiful job well done – and a pleasure to work with all of you at Smith, Thomas and Smith." Home Improvement Customer - Bethesda, MD Our main objective is to meet and go beyond expectation for our home improvement customers. If your Bethesda, MD home needs any home improvement service, please feel free to  contact us !   Offering high quality home improvement services to the Bethesda, MD area!  

In any one house, on any given day, problems exist.  Home repair  and DIY jobs aren't an unfamiliar activity for homeowners who love to get things done without spending money they don't have. In this post, we'll explore the many problems associated with those oft used (though least thought about) objects in our homes: Doors.  So from fixing scratches and dents, to adjusting mobility and swing, here are 5 DIY repairs for common door problems. 1. Hard to open doors are a headache.  But fixing them is easy. First, check to see if the door is rubbing on the frame. If that's not the problem, adjust the hinges. Try to find the problem by sliding a thin sheet of paper between the door and the jamb, and look for spots that rubbed. It may need shaved down. 2. A rattling frame can rattle the nerves.  As the strike plate sees years...

With 2015 just beginning, many people are looking at the new year as a way to start fresh. To begin again. To change the things they have been neglecting about their home into something modern and clean.  If you're interested in keeping up with what is hot and modern in 2015, here's just a few things our  handyman services  can help you achieve, thanks to trusted online real estate database and design gurus  Zillow . Fixture Revamp Gold fixtures are taking over in 2015, says Zillow. With its surprisingly clean and fresh style, in spite of being totally retro, gold fixtures are poised to take your home by storm. Good news for those who no longer feel stuck using silver and stainless steel. Cowhide Design Is it a bit too "country"? Not really say designers at Zillow. The new cowhide design isn't supposed to take a room over and make it Southwestern....

Although, a complete home remodel is a dream many homeowners posses, the price tag that accompanies such a large job isn't always a feasible option. Luckily, bigger isn't necessarily better when it comes to updating your home. Whether its sprucing up your master bathroom or increasing the storage in your kitchen, enlisting a  handyman service  can help you achieve your remodeling goals while still maintaining a reasonable budget. Affordable Pricing Unlike a contractor, a handyman often focuses on smaller home improvements, which allows them to charge a more reasonable price for their services. For instance, if you're looking to modernize your bathroom with updated tile and new fixtures, hiring a handyman instead of a contractor can help you avoid overpaying. While employing a contractor for larger remodeling jobs is best, hiring a handyman for smaller renovations is a smart financial decision. Easy Scheduling Scheduling an appointment with a handyman is often...

Every home will need a home improvement project done at one point. Whether it is handyman services, general repairs, painting, or wallpapering, Smith, Thomas & Smith, Inc. proudly offers home improvement  services to the Chevy Chase area.   Home improvement is the perfect option for a homeowner looking to keep their house in great condition.  One recent customer had this to say about our home improvement services... " Had small repairs done around the house. Most reliable service in NW area. " Home Improvement Customer - Chevy Chase We strive to meet our customer's goals and needs on every home improvement project. If your house needs home improvement services, feel free to  contact us today!   Offering high quality home improvement services to the Chevy Chase area!  

It's no secret, winter is finally here. By now, many of you have already committed yourself to a long winter's nap, readying yourself for the spring thaw that will begin to peak through in a few short months.  So while you can't do anything to stop the colder air from descending upon you, what you can do is keep yourself warm and cozy inside your home with just a few simple home improvements. Here are 7 home tweaks you can employ brought to your by your local, trusted  general contractor . - Trust in caulk and sealant:  Seal up cracks and holes around your home with some weather-approved sealant. It will keep cold air out, warm air in, and stop any insects or pests from invading your space. - Help insulate with area rugs:  A few extra area rugs will insulate an area and provide some extra comfort for your home....

Whether you are trying to mark a few items off of your honey-do list or planning a home renovation, a general contractor should be your first phone call. Even if you are handy with a hammer and a nail, a professional can provide many benefits for repairs and updates around your home. Here are three benefits of hiring  handyman services  instead of attempting to do the work yourself. Save Money You might think that doing the work yourself is the best way to save money. However, a professional will do the work correctly the first time. If you attempt to do it yourself, you might have to redo it and purchase additional materials. In some cases, you might cause more damage while attempting a repair or installing an appliance. Your contractor might even identify smaller repairs that need to be done so they do not lead to major repairs or renovations....

Ever heard of radiant heating? It's one of the best ways to heat your home that has been flying under the radar for years, and comes with tons of great benefits.  It is virtually undetected, because it makes no noise; no water filling radiators clunking and clanging; no air kicking on like jet engines; no dust being shot up from the bowels of your basement. Just simple, even heat throughout your entire home. It is also highly-efficient and incredibly comfortable. Here are some tips from your local  general contractor  in Maryland on the great benefits of installing a radiant heat system in your home. Even Heat is the Best Heat It's a simple fact of thermal dynamics: when there is a heat source in any location, the greatest amount of heat being emitted is located nearest to it. Which is the sad summation of most HVAC and furnace systems in homes across...

For a professional business like ours, one that offers  home repair , remodeling, and renovations, it's difficult for us to advise that you dive into repair projects that might get you into trouble later. Larger, more complicated tasks do require licensed and bonded technicians with years of experience, but there are many things that we feel every homeowner should know how to do. Here are 5 home repair projects that you can easily do on a Saturday afternoon. 1. Repair Drywall Cracks What you'll need:  Spackle, putty knife, sandpaper, paint, and brush or roller. The job:  Scoop out Spackle and spread over hole or crack. Leave excess. Let dry. Sand with sandpaper until smooth and flush with wall. Paint over with matching wall paint. 2. Remove Plastic Laminate Stains What you'll need:  Baking soda, water, paper towels. The job:  Mix baking soda and water to make a paste. Apply to stain....

Every year, many homeowners grab the fall bull by the horns, and tackle all of their  home repairs  in one fell swoop. They work hard so that, come winter, any project they may have neglected doesn't turn into an expensive tragedy. Any why not? Many of the projects are simple and not incredibly time-consuming, but are super beneficial to every aspect of their home. Ready to take part in fall home repair? Here are 3 to get your started. Lawn Maintenance The issue:  Fall is called fall for one specific reason: leaves! Which are either beautiful or a nuisance depending on where they reside (attached to the tree or not).  How to handle:  Sure, you can rake them and bag them. A process that is time-consuming and back-breaking. But why not mulch them? Many mowers have a mulching selection (or mulching blades can be installed), a feature that can make the...

Have you decided your master bathroom is in need of a new style? Want to bring home the experience of a luxurious spa environment? Here are five stunning ways to create an at-home spa with some creative  bathroom remodeling : Drop-In Bath Tub  - If you enjoy soaks in the hot tub or natural springs, why not bring the spa effect home? Drop-in bath tubs like the  Nagano  and others take up little space, but are a luxurious addition with their appearance and home therapy use. Create walk-up stepping stairs or just add directly into the floor. Installation will need some design consideration depending on the layout of your home. Stand Alone Sink  - Taking the vintage and regal look of older mansions, stand alone sinks are making a comeback in popularity. Their beautiful ceramic bodies come in many shapes and styles, and can have an especially definitive look by customizing...

Part of being a homeowner involves having certain repairs performed from time to time. Not all repairs require the services of a professional, as you can save some money by allowing us to perform some of them for you. Here are a few tasks our  handyman service  can easily take care of for you. Leaky Faucets Most of the time, leaky faucets are caused by worn washers that can be replaced rather quickly. To remove a washer, we’ll shut off the water supply to your faucet so we can then go to work fixing the problem. We’ll ensure everything is put back together properly, and will then check to see that your leak has been taken care of. Unclogging a Toilet When a plunger fails to unclog a toilet, the problem may require the use of a snake or auger. This takes some skill in order to do correctly, which is...

If you are looking for some extra help around your home this fall, then perhaps  handyman services  are what you are looking for. Many homeowners are busy with kids and work, so the last thing on their mind is getting up on a ladder and cleaning out gutters, or checking roof shingles for tears or curling. Handyman services are designed to make life easier. Here's how: Gutter and Downspouts As mentioned, fall is the best time to inspect and clean gutters and downspouts. Because of the large amount of water your gutters route away from your home throughout the year, gutter systems need cleaned of debris annually, and fall is the best time to perform this. Windows Defender Windows and doors also need winter maintenance. This includes sealing gaps and cracks, installing weather-stripping, and checking around doors for drafts. The amount of savings associated with properly sealed windows and doors is...

As you are reading this, there are no doubts that outside your window at this very moment are signs of autumn slowly creeping in. Which, as  general contractors , we think means is a sign to get outside and cross some "maintenance musts" off of your list before it's too cold. Here are 5 autumnal maintenance musts you should perform before it gets too cold. 1. Look for Peeling Paint:  After a long summer, the outside of your home takes a beating. The extended, hot days can really do a number on your exterior paint. Walk around your property and look for signs that your home needs a touch-up, and take care of it. Doing so now can save you lots of money down the road. 2. Examine Gutters and Downspouts:  Make sure that any area in which water requires adequate and clear flow is clean of debris and clutter. Then, as the...

Once summer has come to an end, you may be looking forward to the holidays and getting back into the groove with working or buckling down for school. Regardless of what plans you have, it’s important to focus on any  home repair  work you may need to do. Taking care of any necessary repairs for your home before fall and winter arrives can ensure that your home will be in great shape all year long. Deck Refinishing If your home has an attached deck, it likely sees a lot of action during the summer due to parties or relaxing outdoors with your family. It can be a disaster if your deck were to collapse due to weakened support beams or other parts that needed repairs. Doing a full inspection of your deck can help give you an idea of whether it needs to be refinished by a professional. Replacing Your HVAC...

It can be easy to put off minor repairs because you don’t have the time or money to fix them. It won’t be long before these minor repairs become bigger ones you’ll likely dread facing. You may be wondering; could  handyman services  be what you need? Here are a number of benefits you can enjoy from hiring a professional, even if you are quite handy yourself. Saves Time This is probably the biggest reason to consider hiring a handyman. Tackling home improvement jobs can take up a great deal of your time, which is probably why you haven’t done them already. Hire a professional to help so that you can spend more time doing the things you’d rather be doing. Work is done Right When you hire us to perform repairs, you can rest assured knowing your job will be done right. This can be especially good news if you are...

Owning (or even renting) your own home means that you likely know some basic  home repair  tricks. Every homeowner knows a few things about keeping their home running. Plus, simple home repair tricks can save you a lot of money in the long run, because calling a professional for every little thing can really add up. So if you're looking for a few quick, simple projects that won't cost and arm and a leg to do, these tips are for you. #1. What's that noise?  Got a squeak, a creak, or a sharp metal-to-metal grind in a door or drawer? Then simply spray some WD-40 on the source. It'll lubricate and stop that annoying noise. Plus, it'll fix sliding doors that stick, remove decals in the bathtub, and so much more. #2. Peeled wallpaper.  If you have wallpaper that is coming up, all you need is some wallpaper paste and a...

For just about any job around the house, you can rely on the  services of a handyman . A handyman, a certified "jack-of"all-trades" can be hired to work for you in completing tasks around the house that you either need help with or simply can not perform yourself. But do you know what to look for when seeking the services of a handyman? Here are some tips to help you along. How to know when you need a handyman.  If a job that you are trying to complete is simply out of your range of skills, a handyman is just what you need. However, not every handyman can perform every job. Some large jobs are best left to contractors. So ask before hand. The benefits of hiring a handyman.  Let's say that you are working very hard on multiple projects around your home. You need a faucet installed, your gutters are...

Keeping your home in tip-top shape is no small order. There is a host of things that can go wrong in your home at any given time. So being prepared to fix a problem when it happens should be every homeowners priority (or at least until the professionals show up). Here are 10 basic tools for  home repair  that every homeowner should have. 1. A hammer.  Really, everything begins with this tool. You'd be surprised how often you need this tool if you didn't have it. It's simply indispensable. 2. Combination pliers.  Second only to a hammer, pliers come in handy in just about every application (tightening bolts, removing screws, cutting wire). They are versatile and useful. 3. Vise grips.  Need something held in place while you work on the other end, vise grips are your tool. All you have to do is adjust the screw end and vise grips can...

Keeping up with  home repair  may seem difficult while you are renting your home, but we've got some ways to make that task a bit easier. Preparation Before you leave your home, establish or confirm your trust in a contractor to care for your home when you are away. While the property manager may likely have the most contact with your renters, your contractor can ensure you have timely and cost-efficient repairs, when needed. One task you can do with a contractor before leaving is walk through your home to ensure the structure and appliances are in their top condition when you depart. The most common fix to have within the first year of having renters in your home is the garbage disposal or dishwasher. These appliances can be pricey to fix or replace, so checking all parts are functioning is worth the time. You may also consider extending the manufacturers...

If you are thinking about selling your home, you know there are things you'll need to do to fix it up to attract potential buyers. But one of the easiest, most affordable things you can do to help you sell your house is a simple coat of fresh paint. Doing all of that  painting & papering  yourself is time-consuming and messy, though, and that's why you need an affordable, professional team for the job.  When potential buyers view your home, they want to be able to imagine their own furnishings in the space. They want to be able to visualize their couch against that wall, their dining room table in this room, and their favorite painting in the entryway. It's harder for a buyer to do that if they are distracted by the paint color. While you might love your "spiced plum" kitchen, they can't get past the purple and it...

Dollar signs come to mind when something breaks down.  You're not in the mood to spend more money; at the same time, the problem isn't going to get better.  What are you going to do about the situation?  Are you going to repair or replace? To determine if you are going to fix or nix you must know your appliance or product.  Determine how long you owned the appliance or product.  Look at the instructions manual to see if the problem can be fixed.  The instructions manual don't have the solutions to all problems, so call a professional to get an estimate and research prices on the appliance or product.  Be sure to call more than one as they offer varying offers on estimates.  Compare the prices of the professionals to the current price of the appliance or product.  Attach the length of time you owned the product and the warranty...

Regardless of the scale of the project that you're tackling in your home,  handyman services  can be a great way to ensure that the remodeling goes well. In order for you to have the most positive experience getting handyman services in your home, it's important that you look into what kinds of questions that you should ask. By knowing what to look for before signing an agreement with a handyman, you'll know that you're getting a great deal and that the services match what you need done in your home.  Licensing and Certification: While it may be cheapest to go with any local handyman with low prices, they may not be capable of delivering the results that are important to you. What this means is that you should request to see proof of both licensing and certification so that you can get the peace of mind that the work meets your expectations....