Tips on Getting Your Home Ready This Summer
As of now, we have to stay at home and keep ourselves protected from the ongoing virus. Getting stuck at home can be boring later on. However, this is actually the time to be productive and plan for a major spring cleaning session. It is also a good time to plan for a home remodeling addition. However, you might have to wait for a while until the impact of COVID-19 already subsides. Once everything goes back to normal, you can contact a home additions builder for your home addition design project. Getting started Summer is already here. Supposedly, this is the time where there are a lot of beachgoers. This is also the time where travelers will be flying in a foreign country for some much-deserved vacation. However, now is not the right time to go traveling elsewhere. In the meantime, we have to stay at home to avoid the spread of the virus. It can be boring at home, much more a nightmare, especially for social butterflies. Then again, it doesn’t mean you cannot be productive while you’re stuck at home. Winter season is done, and so this is the time to prepare your home for summer. A home addition builder can help you with your home improvement needs. But for now, you can start from small steps without breaking your budget. Simple ways to prepare your home for summer Here are some ways you can do to prepare your house this coming summer season. These simple tips will help you save money and time in the long run. Have your air-conditioning unit checked. The last thing you would want to happen is your air-conditioning unit breaking down in the middle of the summer heat. That is why it is best to have your air-conditioning unit serviced as early as spring. You should check the following in your air conditioning unit: Filter – make sure it is not clogged and dirty. Change heating and air filters once every two to four months. Cooling capacity – check its fuses or circuit breakers if it doesn’t start or cool for more than a minute. Repair or buy a new one – if it is an older model like a 10-year old type of AC, you might want to buy a new one instead of repairing it. There are energy-efficient AC units that you can consider. Window-type or split-type? It depends on the space you have at home. Check your home exteriors and roof. It is also a must to check your roofing and home exteriors. Check for cracks or missing shingles. Check the caulk around the pipes for any cracks. Consider painting your roof white due to its energy-saving benefits. If you have a masonry chimney, check whether there are vegetation growing or fallen brick pieces. Check your attic. Make sure to wear long sleeves and dust mask to protect from insulation. Your attic may already have critters who made the attic their home during the cold winter. In such cases, you should clean out animal droppings that have accumulated there. Find the hole where these critters have supposedly entered through […]
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Flat Roofing System: Is this the Best Choice?
A house or any kind of building is not complete without a roof. It protects the structure against rain, snow, and the sun’s heat. Without a roof, people and furniture inside the structure will be exposed to harsh outdoor elements. However, you need to know the different types of roof options that will suit your roofing needs. Aside from roofs, you might also consider planning for a home addition. For your home addition needs, you should contact a home additions builder. You would need a home addition design depending on your home improvement needs. Some would choose to convert their garage, basement, or attic into an additional living space. All about flat roofs Most of us are familiar with the sloped roofs commonly found in many homes around the world. However, there are also those so-called “flat roofs”. For one thing, flat roofs are not entirely flat. Rather, flat roofs have only slight tilts primarily to drain rainwater although not as effectively as sloped roofs. There are also different types of flat roofs. Each type of roof system varies according to price and warranty. Some can even last for more than 25 years as long as it is installed properly and well-maintained. EPDM Ethylene propylene diene monomer, also known as a rubber membrane, is specially designed to tolerate sun exposure. It can be glued, fastened, or added with stone during installing as a flat roof material. On the one hand, it is light, easy to install, easy to repair in case of leaks, and tear-resistant. However, this flat roofing material can be more prone to punctures and tend to absorb heat more. It can also be expensive especially the light-colored variant. Built-up Roofing (BUR) This one is another common type of flat roof. It is composed of several layers including the insulation board, asphalt or tar, and gravel. BUR provides protection against water and outside elements. It is also low-maintenance, low-cost, and easy to remove during repairs. On the downside, installing BUR can be labor-intensive as it has several materials and layers. You might also have to remove the entire roof if you have to look for any leakages. BUR may also not be as flexible in cold weather, hence prone to damages. Modified Bitumen It was developed around the early 1960s as an alternative to Built-up roofing. It is made to be flexible with a top coating containing minerals. It comes in rolled sheet forms and installed by heating the roofing’s backside while unrolling it. Generally, it is easier to install than BUR, durable, recyclable, and low-maintenance. On the downside, modified bitumen should be installed by skilled personnel as it requires an open flame during installation. It might not also be as aesthetically appealing as BUR. Flat roof systems: Pros and cons If you are planning for a condo remodeling or any home addition project, make sure to hire professional home remodeling architects. In some home addition projects, you will need to choose a roofing system. One of the most popular roofing options is a flat roof system. However, a flat roof system has its own pros and cons. […]
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What You Need to Know in Choosing a Roof System
Any structure, including residential homes and commercial buildings, would not complete without a roofing system. Not only it adds aesthetic value to the structure but it also provides protection against outdoor elements such as snow, rain, and sun. Looking for a roofing material may not be as exciting as choosing a home décor or furniture. However, it is important to understand why you need to know different roofing materials. If you are planning for a home remodeling addition, you should also consider the right type of roofing that will suit your home’s needs. For one thing, building a home addition is an important decision for every homeowner. It will make a lot of difference in your domestic living. Still, it will depend on the type of home improvement you are aiming for. Different types of roofing materials When it comes to home improvement, a lot of people tend to focus on choosing nice tiles, paint colors, and home décor. However, it is also important to choose the right roofing system for your home extension. For starters, there are different types of roofing materials you can choose from. It will depend on your budget, personal preference, and your home’s structure. A home addition builder and home remodeling architects can also help recommend a nice roof for your home addition. More than aesthetic appeal, it should last you many years and provide protection to you and your family in your home. Some popular roofing materials include the following. Slate This type of roof is made from stone which makes it durable, fire-proof, eco-friendly, and weather-resistant. It is also available in different shades that can suit your house exteriors. Plus, it can add a nice aesthetic appeal to your home. However, this should be installed by professionals. It is also expensive and requires reinforcement to support the slate’s weight. These can also be expensive as well. Clay/concrete Like slate, clay or concrete roofs are also durable, eco-friendly, and weather and fire-resistant. It also comes in different styles. However, it also has to be installed by professionals and should have underlying support to handle the weight of the roofing material. Metal It includes different materials such as aluminum, copper, and steel. Some come as sheeting and tiles. It is also durable, fireproof, and effective in shedding ice and snow. Make sure it has some kind of protection against corrosion as most metal roofs can be prone to rust. Wood Such wooden roofs are made from pine, redwood, cypress, and cedar. These are also visually appealing and ideal for those who are looking for sustainable materials. However, the main issue is it is fireproof and prone to decaying and rotting over time. What to consider in choosing a roofing system By now, you already have an idea of the different roof options to choose from. It will depend on several factors such as the following. Terminologies Before choosing a roofing material, you should be familiar with the roofing terminologies home addition companies use. For example, architects builders use “squares” in measuring the roofing area. Material The roofing material you choose depends on your budget, home […]
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Planning a Bathroom Makeover? Here are Some Upcoming Bathroom Trends This 2020
We are almost at the end of the first quarter and about to usher in the second quarter of the year. What have you accomplished in terms of home improvement, so far? It’s not too late to start renovating your home, one day at a time. Maybe you can start as simple as changing your bedroom carpet or rearranging your living room furniture. Or perhaps consider planning for a home addition design. In such a case, you should hire a professional home addition builder. There are a lot of additions or renovations you can do for your home. For example, you can plan a living room extension or bedroom addition. Or perhaps upgrade your bathroom in time for 2020! Bathroom trends this 2020 Just when you think your bathroom seems fine, you can be wrong. You can do more for your bathroom but you might be too busy focusing on other parts of your home. That is why it might be high time for a bathroom makeover. Before that, you need to look for experienced home remodeling architects to help you with your home improvement project. Before that, you need to know the latest bathroom trends for the year 2020. Perhaps this is the right time to have a bathroom makeover. Out with the old and in with the new! You will definitely love these following bathroom renovation ideas you can try soon. Bath fixtures with brass or gold finishes Brass and gold are back especially for bathroom fixtures this year. From toilets, sinks, showers, and other bathroom fixtures, you can enjoy a classic and luxurious bathing experience every time. Industrial-themed bathrooms Not everyone may find this bathroom design appealing. However, this bathroom design is definitely back in style for this year. It’s tough and edgy, yet modern and classy appeal will be the norm in many households. If you are aiming for an urban and modern-looking home, you should consider this bathroom design on your next home improvement project. Woody accents The cool grey theme is out, and warm woody accents and tones are becoming popular once again! Various wood shades can match different bathroom themes – they’re basically versatile. This is also one home addition design you would want to consider. Open showers and huge bathtubs Open showers are still in this year, as well as huge luxurious bathtubs. Add ambient lighting, asymmetrical mirrors, and “floating” vanity cabinets and you will have a bathroom that you can be proud to let your guests use. Get that wallpaper back Just when you think wallpapers are only for bedrooms, you are wrong. Wallpapers with bold and intricate patterns will surely make your bathroom look more interesting. To avoid peeling and moisture issues, you can install wallpaper in the powder area. Bathroom trends you should not look back… for now For your home improvement needs, you should call reliable home addition companies. On the other hand, you might want to avoid these following bathroom designs for now. Anything pink – rose gold or anything with pink hues, stay away for now. Tiles with hexagonal shapes – you can opt for simple-looking […]
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Building a Backyard Treehouse for The Kids and the Kids-at-Heart
Treehouses are definitely part of our awesome childhood. Perhaps you even had one at home when you were younger. Back then, there was no mobile and video game which made kids nowadays homebodies. Having a treehouse back then was not a big deal. Unlike now, the generations before us loved to play with their peers, literally get dirty and all. But it seems like treehouses seem to be making a comeback. Some people even hire home remodeling architects to build the treehouse straight out of their childhood. Truly, treehouses can be appealing for kids of today and the kids-at-heart. Planning for a treehouse Treehouses can either be a simple decoration in your backyard or a useful retreat spot for anyone. Regardless, you need to plan carefully if you want your own backyard treehouse. For one thing, there will be a lot of things you will have to consider. You also have to look for a home additions builder with experience in building treehouses. Building a treehouse may not be as easy as you think. You would not want a disorganized treehouse straight from a forest, wouldn’t you? If you live with neighbors, you would still want your treehouse to look aesthetically pleasing. That is why you also need to have time for a home addition design. Like building any other structures, you also need to consider how you are going to design your treehouse. First, this will help you anticipate how your treehouse will look like upon completion. You can also plan for the materials to be used in building the treehouse. Most of all, planning should also help you save money and time and ensure cost-efficiency with all of your expected expenses. What to consider before building a treehouse Having a treehouse can make your home feel more comfortable and nostalgic. Even your guests will surely love your backyard treehouse. It can also be a major attraction that will be the envy of your neighbors. Most importantly, today’s kids will love playing in your family treehouse. It is also interesting to note that you can still build a treehouse even without a tree. You can hire a home additions builder to build panels as support to your treehouse. But as mentioned, you still need to consider some things before building a treehouse. Design and purpose First of all, you need to decide what you want your treehouse to look like. Do you want it to be a playhouse for your kids? Perhaps an additional room for your guests? The treehouse’s design should comply with its corresponding purpose. Support A treehouse would not be complete without a tree. If you have a large and sturdy tree in your backyard, then it can be a perfect opportunity to build your dream treehouse. The challenge here will be the building method you are going to apply. You also need to consider how you are going to join the building materials together and ensure its stability and security. Builder Unless you have carpentry skills, then you can build your own treehouse. Otherwise, you should hire professional home remodeling architects. Even if it is […]
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Have a Balcony in Your Home: More than Just for Aesthetic Value
Having an outdoor balcony is one way to enjoy the outdoors without stepping away from home. It is also a great place where you can relax and enjoy the sunrise while sipping your morning coffee. Apartments in major cities have their own balconies as well. You should contact a professional home addition builder to add an outdoor balcony. Why it is a good idea to have a balcony Outdoor balconies are associated with castles and Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. It is where Rapunzel let down her hair so the evil witch can go up and down the castle. It is also where you can get sentimental and feel the cold air touching your skin. You can see the beauty of your neighborhood through your balcony. But having an outdoor balcony is more than adding drama to your real estate property. For one, it can improve the overall value of your property. Plus, it adds aesthetic appeal to your home and makes it look inviting. If you want to build a balcony, you should contact a home additions builder near you. You can also do so much to your outdoor balcony. For one, you can turn it into a zen spot where you can relax while doing yoga or reading a book. You can also add potted plants and other greens on your balcony area. Or if you are a gym junkie, you can install a stationary bike or treadmill in your balcony. You can also set up your balcony into a mini-dining or coffee table spot for your family and guests. Building a home addition by adding an outdoor balcony is a good idea for improved home value. What to consider when building a balcony Building a balcony requires professional planning. There are also affordable home additions that will help achieve your home improvement goals. But, you should also consider the following before building an outdoor balcony in your home. Access point First of all, you need to have an access point to go to the balcony. It can be a doorway from your bedroom that will lead to the balcony area. Size Homeowners should also consider the size of the balcony. For one thing, it should be suitable for the size of the adjoining room. The balcony size will also depend on the overall size of your home and your proximity to the neighbors. You can consult professional architects builders for the right balcony size. Style The balustrade style you choose will make a lot of difference to your balcony area. Some choose a glass balustrade material to match their modern-looking homes. Some homeowners prefer materials like metal or wood to exude a classic, Juliet-style balcony. Building permits You should also consider whether you need a permit to build a balcony. For one, it is important to have one to keep your home’s structural integrity. Likewise, this is also to ensure everyone’s safety when using the balcony. Tips on designing a balcony Aside from building a balcony, you also need to consider how you will style it. Of course, it will depend on your preference, lifestyle, and your surroundings. […]
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Carport vs. Garages: Which Should You Build for Your Home?
Transportation is important so we are able to get from one place to another. There are many ways to get to your destination: ride a public vehicle such as a train, taxi, or bus. Some have their own cars, while others prefer a healthier lifestyle by riding a bicycle on their way to work or elsewhere. Regardless of the type of vehicle you own, you need to park it somewhere safe and protected within your property. If you have a car, you need to protect it against all sorts of weather. At the same time, you need a spot within your home where you can easily park and keep it safe from intruders. In such cases, you need to hire a home addition builder to build a safe haven for your personal or family vehicle. Carport or garage? Aren’t they the same? Not really. On one hand, both provide security against intruders and keep your vehicle protected against outdoor elements. If you have just bought your own vehicle and need a nice spot where you can park it, you should hire a home additions builder to build a roof for your vehicle. Both carport and a garage can be located at the side of your house or in a separate area within your property. However, both differ in structure and building costs. Regardless of whether which type of “vehicle housing” you prefer, you should look for a company that offers affordable home additions. Before deciding what type of housing you build for your car, you need to consider several factors first. This includes your allotted budget, property size, materials and design to be used, and whether you want it connected to your house or built in a separate location nearby. Carport: Pros and Cons Your first option is building a carport. For starters, a carport refers to a covered area that features a couple of posts that support a roof that serves as a shield against outdoor elements. Carports are often open on one or both sides. This means carports can be built on one side of the house or located in a separate area within your property. For one thing, a carport is easier, faster, and cheaper to build. Home addition companies will only need a few materials such as roof panels (preferably polycarbonate or aluminum), posts that will serve as a support to the roof system, and building tools to create a carport. Unlike garages, carports are faster to build depending on their design. In fact, a carport can be done as early as within the day. It may also take a few days or weeks to build a carport depending on your preferred roofing, walls on the sides, and concrete floors. There may also be fewer building restrictions since the usual carports are mostly open-spaced. That said, it can be easier to come and go as you please since it has no doors to open the parking spot. Unfortunately, this same reason makes it somewhat unreliable in terms of protection against outdoor elements and even stray animals. Garages: Pros and Cons Meanwhile, a garage is also a […]
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Essential Tips on Creating a Pet-Friendly Home
As pet lovers, it is only natural to have at least one pet living with you or with your family at home. When we say pets, it doesn’t only pertain to dogs and cats. It can also pertain to other animals such as birds, pot-bellied pigs, rabbits, hamsters, fish, snakes, or any kind of animals (as long as domesticated) you can think of. If you currently have pets or if you are planning to have pets at home, you should consider their living condition. If you love your pets, you will make sure that they are living as comfortable as possible. You might also want to consider hiring a home addition builder to create a special living space for your beloved pets. Planning for a better life for your pets Our pets deserve the most comfortable life that they can experience. For one thing, our pets live shorter than us. That is why it will surely be devastating to lose them after many years of good memories. Even if they can be rowdy at times (especially in households with multiple pets), it is exactly what makes them endearing. Some animals can be naturally curious, they tend to sniff things around them. Some may be too active that they might cause potential accidents that may hurt them later on. That is why we should not only consider the overall living comfort of our pets but also keep them safe at all times. In such cases, you might want to consider planning for a pet-friendly home remodel project. You should hire a home additions builder that has experience in creating pet-friendly home additions. There are a lot of home addition ideas that your beloved pets will surely love. Just make sure to do your research and consider your budget as well. Home addition ideas for your pets As mentioned, you should not only consider your pet’s comfort level but also their safety. It is also a nice thing to invest in the following pet-friendly home additions. Most of these home addition ideas are not that that expensive. Here are some pet-friendly home addition designs you can build for your beloved pets. Pet house Your pets will surely love having their own place they can call home. When you say home, it’s not just a simple rug or a spot in the house where they can lay on. Why not build a pet house for your beloved furry companion in your backyard and feel like royalty? Protective gate Some doors have flaps below where your pets can go through when they want to go outside and vice versa. However, it may not guarantee safety on your pets especially if they are too big to fit in the flap. Instead, you may want to consider having a sturdier gate, especially for your very persistent pets. Pet window Animals also deserve to see the beautiful world around them. However, most windows at home are too high for your pets. You may want to have a ground window built by a home addition builder. If you have a fence at home, you may also have it […]
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Home Remodeling Essential for Your Senior Years
One study revealed that more around 76 percent of individuals age 65 and above own the house they are living in. Out of the respondents, about 88 percent of them are planning to have a home renovation after a few years. This study only shows that elderly people are also interested in real estate property ownership and home improvement. For one thing, comfortable home is important for elderly people. This means considering their mobility and ensuring their safety when they are in their own homes. A home remodeling addition may be necessary to accommodate the elderly person’s domestic needs. In building a home addition, one must hire a professional home addition builder to ensure quality and satisfying finish. But it doesn’t mean you have to delay planning for a home addition design just because you are not yet 60 and above. In fact, now is the best time to plan for a home renovation while you are still able. We all need to prepare for our retirement, and that includes making our home a senior-friendly one when that time comes. Planning a senior-friendly home renovation As mentioned, now is the right time to plan an elderly-friendly home. On the contrary, it is not a good idea to delay a home renovation or addition project when you are already old and unable to do tasks like before. Also, you can have more time to pay attention to details if you plan a home addition or renovation while you are still at the peak of your health. Planning for an elderly-friendly home remodeling or renovation may seem overwhelming. However, home remodeling architects assure everyone that it doesn’t have to be expensive. It’s mostly just replacing or adding certain items to ensure the elderly person’s convenience and safety. Nonetheless, it is important to prepare for a home renovation or addition especially in terms of budget. It depends on what type of remodeling you want, but it is better to be financially prepared nonetheless. You should not wait until you reach retirement to hire a home addition builder because you might be qualified for a loan if you are going to rely on your monthly pension. Elderly-friendly home renovations Here are some of the most popular home renovations that can help home living easier, more convenient, and safer especially for the elderly. Elevator/chair lift This is important especially if your house has a second or third floor. There are chair lifts that can be attached to the stairs, and costs at least $3,000, excluding installation fees. Kitchen/bathroom countertops and cabinets It is also a good idea to adjust the countertop lower than regular countertops. This is to make kitchen tasks easier for the elderlies. Make sure there is also enough space in the kitchen and bathroom to walk and navigate around. Flooring Elderly people are prone to accidents that is why safety is crucial. In the case of flooring, it is safer to use linoleum, vinyl, cork, or bamboo. Such floor options may cost at least $3 per square foot depending on the type of flooring. Grab bars This is important in bathrooms to […]
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My House’s Walls Need Some Repainting. Now What?
Every home needs a refreshing change from time to time. It can be boring to stare at the same wall color every day for many years. Your child has already grown into a teenager and may already be bugging you to revamp his/her room for the longest time. There are many options you can do to improve your home depending on your budget. On one hand, you can plan for a home addition design as part of your major home improvement project. There are affordable home additions that you can consider if budget is your concern. Building a home addition can either be creating an entirely new living space within your property. Or using your existing space at home in building a new room for your family. Revamp your home with paint If you are in the mood to revamping your home without having to tear down walls and buying building materials, you may want to consider repainting instead. It is cheaper and easy to do. However, there are some things to consider before proceeding with the home improvement project. Nonetheless, painting is a cheap, practical, and quick alternative to improving your home. As mentioned, it can be boring staring at the same wall and ceiling color for so many years. At some point, you should update your home in any way you can. One way to do so is by applying a fresh coat of paint on every wall of your home. What to consider in choosing wall paint In case you don’t know, there are different types of paint that you can choose from. Each paint type has its pros and cons so make sure to choose the right type according to your painting needs. Whether you are planning for a home remodeling addition or simply update your wall color, you should know what kind of paint to choose. Water-based One popular type of paint is water-based. In fact, a lot of builders and homeowners choose water-based paint mostly due to its easy use. Water-based paints do not need pre-treatment; meaning, you can go ahead and paint your walls immediately. It also doesn’t promote mildew growth, has low VOC levels, dries quickly, resists cracking, doesn’t easily fade, and can be applied on different surfaces. It is also easier to clean up. Oil-based This is another type of paint being used by builders and homeowners. Like water-based paints, it can also be used on different surfaces. It has a nice glossy and durable finish. It is also the better type of paint to use in high-moisture areas such as the kitchen and bathroom. However, oil paint may emit overwhelming fumes that can be potentially risky to health. It also requires solvents to wash away oil-based paint on the walls or the brush used to paint it. Matte This is a popular paint method that provides a classic appeal to any room. It has no sheen and instead provides a feeling of a velvety surface. It can also help hide any imperfections in ceilings and walls and makes you appreciate the wall color more. Gloss/semi-gloss This type of paint finishing […]
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