Education Center
Your Go-To Guide For Home Renovation Insights & Inspiration
Expert advice, cost breakdowns, and practical tips from the Harshaw team to help you make informed decisions about your home.
76 articles
Basement Wall Ideas: Finished and Unfinished Options That Work
Basement wall ideas for every budget: moisture first, insulation, drywall, wall panels, paneling, paint, and cheap covering ideas for unfinished walls.
How Much Does a Bathroom Remodel Cost in Kansas? What Drives the Price
What a bathroom remodel costs in Kansas depends on scope, size, plumbing moves, tile and hidden conditions. Here is what drives the price and how to budget.
Bathroom Vanity Guide: Sizes, Materials and What Drives Cost
Our bathroom vanity guide covers sizes from 24 to 72 inches, cabinet materials like plywood vs MDF, sinks, clearances and what drives vanity cost.
Best Kitchen Flooring Options: An Honest Comparison
Compare the best kitchen flooring options: LVP, tile, hardwood, laminate, stone, and sheet vinyl for water resistance, durability, comfort, and cost.
Do You Need a Building Permit for a Deck in Kansas?
Do you need a permit to build a deck in Kansas? It depends on your city or county. Here's what Ottawa, Franklin County, and Johnson County cities require.
How to Install Vinyl Plank Flooring: A Step-by-Step Guide
How to install vinyl plank flooring the right way: subfloor prep, underlayment, layout, expansion gaps, bathrooms, stairs, and mistakes that void warranties.
How to Plan a Bathroom Layout: Space Planning, Clearances and Mistakes to Avoid
A practical bathroom layout guide: step-by-step space planning, wet wall location, common layouts by room size, code clearances and mistakes to avoid.
Walk-In Shower vs. Tub-Shower Combo vs. Walk-In Tub: How to Choose
Walk-in shower vs tub-shower combo vs walk-in tub shower combo: who each fits, space, safety, cleaning and what drives cost, from a Kansas remodeler.
Types of Drywall Texture: A Remodeler's Guide to Every Finish
Types of drywall texture compared: smooth, orange peel, knockdown, skip trowel, popcorn and more, with how each is applied, patched and which looks modern.
Sherwin-Williams Emerald vs Cashmere vs Duration: Which Paint Where
Sherwin-Williams Emerald vs Cashmere vs Duration: which paint goes where, Emerald flat vs matte, the best paint for kitchen cabinets, and sheen by room.
Bathroom Remodel Timeline: How Long Does a Bathroom Remodel Take?
Bathroom remodel timeline, phase by phase: design, ordering, permits, demo, rough-in, tile, glass and punch list, plus what stretches the schedule.
Bathroom Countertop Materials: Pros, Cons and the Best Pick for Each Bath
Best bathroom countertop materials compared: quartz, granite, marble, solid surface, cultured marble, porcelain, laminate and more, with pros and cons.
Ceramic vs. Porcelain Tile for Showers and Bathroom Floors
Ceramic vs porcelain tile for a shower or bathroom floor: how they differ, where each works, slip resistance, install tips and what matters more than tile.
How to Remodel a Bathroom While Living in the House
Living through a bathroom renovation: temporary shower options, protecting your home from dust, kids and pets, daily cleanup and what to ask your contractor.
How Much Does a Kitchen Remodel Cost in Kansas? What Drives the Price
What a kitchen remodel costs in Kansas depends on scope, cabinets, layout changes and the age of your home. Here is what drives the price and how to budget.
Basement Finishing Cost in Kansas: What Drives the Price
What basement finishing costs in Kansas depends on moisture, scope, egress windows, bathrooms and HVAC. Here is what drives the price and how to budget.
Deck vs Patio: Which Is Right for Your Kansas Backyard?
Deck vs patio: how yard slope, door height, materials, Kansas weather, upkeep, cost drivers and permits decide which one fits your backyard best.
Bathroom Remodeling Trends Worth Keeping (and a Few to Skip)
Bathroom remodeling trends that will age well, from curbless showers to heated floors, plus the fads to think twice about, from a Kansas remodeler.
Put Down the Tape Measure: A Letter to the Homeowner Who Has Been "Almost Ready" for Three Years
A letter to the homeowner who has measured the kitchen a dozen times and still has not called. What the first phone call actually is, what it is not, and why waiting has a real cost.
Welcome Home (Again): Smart Renovations When Your Adult Child Moves Back In
When adult children move back home, thoughtful renovation is what makes the household work. Part 1 of our series introduces the boomerang reality and the renovation paths we will cover.
The Basement Solution: Creating a Private Suite for Your Returning Adult Child
Basement suite conversions are the most common renovation when adult children return home. Layout, egress code, moisture, and what a proper private suite actually includes.
Beyond the Spare Bedroom: Home Additions and ADUs for Multigenerational Living
When the basement is not enough, home additions and ADUs give returning adult children real space. How to choose between them, and what zoning actually allows on your property.
Designing for Privacy: Renovation Strategies That Protect Everyone's Space and Sanity
Privacy, not square footage, is what determines whether multigenerational living works. Soundproofing, separate entrances, zoning, and the details that let everyone live their own life.
The Hidden Renovation Wins: Bathrooms, Kitchenettes, and the Smaller Changes That Matter Most
Bathroom additions, kitchenettes, storage, and smart layout changes. The smaller renovations that quietly transform daily life in a multigenerational household.
The House That Raised You (and Can Still Take Care of You): A Series on Aging in Place
Renovation over relocation. Part 1 introduces aging-in-place remodeling and why keeping people in the homes they love is increasingly the right answer for Kansas families.
The Ground Floor Solution: Bringing the Primary Suite Downstairs
The single most impactful aging-in-place renovation is a ground-floor primary suite. Additions vs conversions, what to include, and the design details that actually matter.
The Bathroom That Grows With You: Accessible Design That Actually Looks Beautiful
Zero-threshold showers, comfort-height fixtures, non-slip flooring, and grab bars that look like architecture. Accessible bathroom design that stays beautiful and prevents falls.
Beyond the Bathroom: Kitchens, Hallways, and Making the Whole House Work
Beyond the bathroom, aging in place depends on the kitchen, hallways, lighting, and entryways. The daily-living renovations that protect independence across the whole house.
Design for Everyone, at Every Age: The Universal Design Principle
Universal design is the philosophy that ties aging-in-place renovations together. Why designing for everyone at every age produces better homes and stronger resale value.
Should You Move or Improve?
The Complete Guide to Renovating vs. Relocating in Ottawa, KS. Compare the real costs of moving to a bigger home versus renovating the one you have.
The Hidden Cost of Waiting to Remodel
Why delaying your home renovation will cost you more in Ottawa, KS. Construction costs are up 40-50% since 2019, and they're not coming back down.
Making Your Bathroom More Functional With a Remodel
Your bathroom is one of the most important rooms in your home. Here's how the right updates can turn it into a space that works beautifully for you and your family.
Making Your Basement More Functional With a Remodel
For many families, the basement is one of the most underused spaces in the home. Here's how a basement remodel can completely change the way you use your home.
Why Harshaw Home Renovators Is a Great Fit for Your Project
When you're planning a remodel, it's about partnering with a team that gets you, listens, respects your vision, and treats your home like their own.
Making Your Kitchen More Functional With a Remodel
The kitchen isn't just where you cook. It's where family conversations happen, homework gets done, and everyone gathers. Here's how a remodel can make it work better.
Master Bathroom Remodel | Heated Floors & Double Vanity
The master bathroom renovation for a retired couple transformed a dated, builder-grade space into a spa-like oasis with an oversized shower, radiant heated floors, and a custom double vanity.
How to Build a Deck: Deck-Building 101
This guide will walk you through the entire process of building a sturdy, stylish deck, from planning and materials selection to final touches.
How Much Do Heated Bathroom Floors Cost?
This guide unpacks everything you need to know about heated bathroom floors, from the average costs to installation options and key benefits.
Best Bathroom Storage Solutions to Maximize Your Space
In this post, you'll uncover nine innovative bathroom storage solutions that will help you maximize your space, whether it's big or small.
What's the Best Time to Remodel Your Bathroom?
In this post, we'll explore the optimal seasons for bathroom renovations, considering local climate and contractor availability.
9 Hidden Costs Of Bathroom Remodeling: What You Need To Know
This guide will help you uncover and navigate the hidden costs of bathroom remodeling that can turn your dream bathroom project into a financial headache.
Frameless Shower Door vs. Framed Shower Door: Which One Is Right for Your Bathroom?
We'll guide you through the key differences between framed and frameless shower doors, breaking down everything from cost factors to maintenance needs.
How to Design A Bathroom: A Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Your Dream Space
In this step-by-step guide, we'll break down everything you need to know about designing a bathroom that balances practicality and luxury.
Low-Maintenance Bathroom Design Tips: How to Create a Stylish and Easy-to-Clean Space
In this guide, we'll dive into practical, stylish tips that transform any bathroom into an easy-to-clean haven.
Granite vs Quartz Countertops: Which Is Best for Your Bathroom and Kitchen?
Discover the key differences between granite and quartz countertops and find out which material is best suited for your kitchen and bathroom renovations.
How to Prepare for a Bathroom Remodel to Ensure a Smooth Process
We'll show you how to plan and prepare for your bathroom remodel, from organizing a timeline to setting up temporary solutions.
How to Finance Your Bathroom Remodel: Loans, Payment Plans, and More
We'll dive into all the ways you can finance your bathroom remodel, from loans and payment plans to savvy money-saving tips.
5 Types of Bathroom Color Schemes to Elevate Your Space
In this post, you'll uncover beautiful color schemes designed to transform any bathroom.
10 Affordable Ways To Add Luxury To Your Bathroom
In this post, you'll discover 10 easy, affordable ways to bring a touch of luxury to your bathroom.
DIY vs. Professional Bathroom Remodeling: Which is Best?
We'll dive deep into the benefits and drawbacks of DIY vs. professional bathroom remodeling, helping you make the best decision for your project.
13 Bathroom Renovation Mistakes to Avoid
We'll walk you through 13 common bathroom renovation mistakes and how to avoid them.
Who Should You Hire to Redo a Bathroom?
We'll break down exactly who you should hire for your bathroom remodel, helping you avoid costly mistakes.
How to Choose the Right Bathroom Lighting: A Comprehensive Guide
You'll discover everything you need to know to select the perfect lighting for your bathroom remodel.
20 Design Ideas for Renovating Your Primary Bathroom in Gardner, KS
You'll discover a variety of design ideas to inspire your bathroom renovation project, from eco-friendly materials to luxurious spa-like features.
10 Unmistakable Signs It's Time to Remodel Your Bathroom
This guide will help you spot the clear signs that it's time to give your bathroom a much-needed makeover.
Shower Installation Costs in Ottawa, KS: What You Need to Know
This post will guide you through the ins and outs of shower installation costs, from basic refresh to luxurious transformation.
5 Things You Should Know Before Your Bathroom Renovation
This post is designed to guide you through 5 essential considerations for a bathroom renovation, ensuring you're well-prepared before the first tile is laid.
What to Expect When Undertaking a Bath Remodel in Ottawa, KS
This post will guide you through the essentials of a bath remodel in Ottawa, KS, from the initial planning stages to the final touches.
Bathroom Remodeling in Ottawa: Traditional vs. Modern Designs
This post will guide you through the intricate dance of modern and traditional bathroom remodeling designs specifically tailored for Ottawa residents.
Adding Value to Your Home: Renovations That Make a Difference
We will explore various renovation ideas that can add value to your home, from kitchen updates to bathroom remodels.
Bathroom Renovations: From Design to Completion
A comprehensive guide on bathroom renovations, taking you through the entire process of transforming your bathroom from design to completion.
Tips for Stress-Free Home Renovations
Home renovations can be exciting yet daunting. Here are tips and strategies to ensure a stress-free home renovation experience.
Curb Appeal Matters: Enhancing Your Home's Exterior
A comprehensive guide exploring strategies and ideas to elevate the curb appeal of your home.
Transforming Your Basement: Ideas for Basement Renovations
Explore a variety of ideas and inspirations for transforming your basement into a functional and inviting area.
Renovating Historic Homes: Preserving Charm and Character
Explore the art of renovating historic homes, discussing key considerations, challenges, and best practices.
Bathroom Renovation Ideas to Enhance Your Home's Value
Explore various creative and innovative ideas that can enhance your home's value through bathroom renovations.
Creating an Outdoor Oasis: Renovating Your Patio or Deck
The ultimate guide on creating an outdoor oasis by renovating your patio or deck.
Top Kitchen Trends: A Guide for Your Home Renovation
A comprehensive guide on the top kitchen trends for your home renovation, from smart technology to sustainable materials.
The Benefits of Installing an Onyx Shower System
Explore the various advantages of installing an Onyx Shower system and how it can enhance your daily routine.
What is a Better Choice for my Bathroom Floor, Tile or LVT?
We compare the benefits and drawbacks of tile and luxury vinyl tile (LVT) to help you choose the perfect bathroom flooring.
The Purpose of Building Code and Permits for Your Renovation
Understand why building codes and permits are necessary and how they benefit you as a homeowner.
What Are the Different Kinds of Interior Trim and How Much Do They Cost?
Explore the different kinds of interior trim and their costs to make informed decisions for your home.
Top 3 Reasons Why Homeowners Hate Renovation Contractors and How to Avoid Bad Ones
Explore the top three things homeowners hate about renovation contractors and tips on how to avoid hiring a bad one.
The 8 Best Remodelers Near Ottawa Kansas
Looking for the best home remodelers in the Franklin County, Kansas area? Here's a guide to the top-rated contractors.
What Does HHR do to Protect My Home?
Learn how Harshaw Home Renovators treats your home differently than other contractors during renovation projects.
What happens when something goes wrong on a project?
Every strategy is bound to have an unforeseen problem or two. Here's how Harshaw Home Renovators handles unexpected issues.
In-Depth Resources
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