What You Need to Know Before Renovating Your Attic
There may come a time that you will need additional living space for your growing family. Your child may already be growing up and want to have their own bedroom. Or perhaps you want to have a small office area where you can work at peace. You might consider a home addition design to accommodate an extra living space in your home. Some may opt to call home addition companies to build a separate building that will serve as a small bedroom, playroom, or office area. But you may not realize that the space you are looking for may be literally right above you all this time – the attic. Your attic may have been a dusty storage area ever since, but it can be the additional space you are looking for. Getting started Instead of hiring home additions builder companies and spending additional money to build a new living space outside your house, you can consider remodeling your attic instead. Not only it can save space within your property, but you can also customize your attic according to your needs. Taking on an attic renovation project can be fun. You can even involve your whole family for this home improvement project. Better yet, you can hire home remodeling architects and make the most out of your attic space. Before you know it, you already have a fresh-looking attic area that you, your family, and even your guests will love. What to consider before renovating your attic Before proceeding to your attic renovation project, there are many things you have to consider first. Whether you will use the attic as an office, playroom, or bedroom area, there may be some certain restrictions you need to know. Among these include the following. Check the local building code. Before doing any renovation in your property, it is important that it complies with your local building code. Also, check whether you will need a permit to renovate your attic. Usually, permits may be necessary if you will add ventilation or wiring in your attic area, or if the entire attic area will be changed. Among common building code qualifications in most states may include: There should be at least 7 feet height between the floor and the attic ceiling. If your attic has less than 7 feet in height, you can hire a home addition builder to adjust the ceiling height. The attic room should have at least 70 square feet of available space. The attic should also be at least 7 feet wide and can be accessed via permanent stairs. If the attic is accessible via a ladder or pull-down stairs, you may have to build a full staircase. It should also have a window that can be opened for exit in case of emergencies. Check for ventilation and heating requirements. Your attic may not have ample ventilation and heating, for now, so you should add one during the renovation project. Architects builders can help you and check whether the attic can accommodate a cooling and heating system. This is also to ensure that the attic will be conducive enough to be […]
Read moreCommon Home Renovating Mistakes You Need to Avoid
Home renovation can be an expensive affair depending on how complicated the project will be. Finding home remodeling architects can also take time especially if you don’t have connections to rely on. More so, a home renovation project can also take some to finish and would need some personal adjustments along the way. But despite all of the hassles and hard work, seeing the end results will all be worth it. Unless you are knowledgeable and experienced in this field, you can hire home additions builders with your home renovation project. For one thing, a home remodel should be handled only by professionals especially if it’s a major home improvement project. However, the entire project won’t start without you. You, the homeowner, and the contractors should collaborate to ensure that everything goes well as smoothly as possible. Home renovation mistakes are also common, but you can choose not to commit them. Common home renovation mistakes Here are some of the most common home renovation mistakes you should avoid: Focusing only on the aesthetic value One major reason for a home improvement project is to give your home or a part of your home a fresher look. This is regardless whether you are planning to change the floor tiles, add a kitchen countertop, or update your living room furniture. However, this should not only be your goal. Instead, you should also check whether there is a need for repair works. Otherwise, you may end up tearing up your newly-renovated area because you did not repair or replace a leaky pipe underneath. It is also a good idea to plan a home improvement project to upgrade into high-quality materials instead of simply adding to a room’s aesthetic appeal. Choosing a cheap contractor Looking for an affordable home additions contractors can help you save money. However, you should be careful in choosing a home addition builder. For one thing, a cheaper contractor does not always mean high-quality workmanship. Some contractors may offer cheaper quotes – at the expense of the materials used and the overall work quality. A reliable and trustworthy contractor should provide a detailed quote containing the materials that will be used. Likewise, it should indicate the estimated lead time, installation costs, waste management plan, and other important aspects of the home improvement project. Underestimating your budget Setting a budget is important when planning for a major home renovation project. In budgeting, you should also consider setting aside for contingencies. Home addition companies and other home improvement experts recommend adding at least 15 percent of your budget for emergency expenses. Doing too much at once Some homeowners want to accomplish tasks all at once. Apparently, they want to utilize the time and resources they have at that time. However, it can cause stress to the homeowner. That is why it is important to focus only on one project at a time, and then move on to the other one when the first one is already done. Should you go DIY or hire a professional? On one hand, you can choose to DIY your home improvement project, albeit with certain conditions. You […]
Read moreBathtub or Shower: Which Should You Choose?
Choosing between a shower and a bathtub can be hard especially if you are planning to have a bathroom renovation. Both options also have different styles and designs you can choose from. Regardless of your final choice, you should hire professional home remodeling addition services to do the bathroom installation job. A bathroom makeover is an exciting yet challenging task for a homeowner. Exciting, because you can finally give your current bathroom a fresher and updated look. Challenging, because of the cost implications and some steps you need to take while the renovation is ongoing. You can find affordable home additions companies for your home improvement needs. The question still remains: Should you choose a bathtub or a shower? It will be a matter of personal preference and needs. You may opt for home addition design services so you can have a better idea of which option can suit your bathroom needs. Bathtub: Pros and Cons On one hand, having a bathtub in your bathroom seems like a luxury. However, bathtubs are also a staple among many households around the world. Among its noted benefits include the following: It is a great way to relax after a busy day. Dipping your tired body in a tub filled with hot water can make you feel relaxed and calm after a day’s work. You can add essential oils to soothe your mind and body while inside the tub. It can be a fun way to bathe small children. Bathtubs can be ideal for families with small kids. They will surely love having a mini “pool” inside the bathroom where they can splash, play, and enjoy their bath time. It is available in different designs. There are freestanding bathtubs and also ones that are attached to the wall and floors. The former has different designs you can choose from and can be placed anywhere within the bathroom area. On the other hand, there are some instances wherein bathtubs may not be a good addition for a home remodel. It may not be suitable for the elderly and those with injuries. Unless there will be someone to assist them, then having a bathtub can still be a good idea. Otherwise, it can lead to further injuries such as accidental slipping. It needs a lot of space and water. If you have a small bathroom, then having a bathtub may be out of your option. It also needs a lot of water to fill it in, which may not be practical if you bathe in the bathtub every day. Shower: Pros and Cons And then there’s the shower. Depending on the design, it can make your bathroom look luxurious as well. It also has its pros and cons. First, are the benefits. It is water-efficient. You can instantly use the shower unlike when you use a bathtub where you need to wait to be filled so you can get in. There is no basically water wastage when you use the shower. Once you’re done bathing, simply turn the shower knob off. It is ideal for people on-the-go. People tend to get busy all the time, […]
Read moreWhat You Need to Know About Retail Store Planning
The retail industry has since evolved as technology changes. However, its objectives remained the same over the years: to provide customers the best level of satisfaction in all aspects of it. This includes product quality, an engaging store (physical and digital), and excellent customer service. Despite the proliferation of online stores, physical retail stores are still one of the go-to places among shoppers. To attract customers, a retail store should easily catch customers’ attention the first time. Those who plan to build a retail store should contact professional retail store contractors to utilize your store area. Planning for a retail store layout In store layout planning, it is important to know your customer and their buying behavior. By knowing how they behave in a store, you can have an inkling of how you will create your store layout. Contact professional architects builders to make your store layout come into life. For starters, a retail store layout does not only pertain to a physical store. It may also pertain to a digital-based store. Regardless, it utilizes a given space to display the owners’ products. At the same time, retail store planning can help in influencing a customer’s mindset over the brand and its offered product or service. A retail store layout has two major components, namely: Store design This includes the store/floor plan where different store elements will be placed. A retail remodel is also important to create a fresher look for existing retail stores. This includes: Lighting Fixtures Furniture Racks Cabinets Signage Customer flow It refers to the customers’ behavior when they are walking around the store. It is important to know the customers’ movement pattern to help in creating an effective retail management strategy. Interestingly, retailers are able to detect this pattern through CCTV cameras, WI-FI usage, and floor sensors. Such technologies are provided by shopper analytics solutions providers for this specific purpose. Also, these technological advancements also aid in monitoring customer behavior based on their website interaction. Other factors that should be considered in retail store layout planning include: Window displays and physical entrance design Walkway length Retail store’s geographic location Building size Choice of paint color and building materials Using furniture and utilizing space so people can check out the store’s goods and take a seat It is best to choose retail store contractors that have been on the business for years. They will help you create an effective store layout and bring profit for your business. At the same time, it can establish a positive experience among customers. Types of retail store layouts There are different types of retail store layouts. Among popular store layouts include: Free-flow This kind of store layout helps retailers unleash their creative side in terms of store display. The main objective is to provide attraction in all angles where customers can check out one by one. It is common in boutique settings. Loop It is also referred to as the “racetrack” store layout. It “guides” customers through a pathway where they can see all the products as they navigate through the store. It usually has products displayed on walls, and the […]
Read moreRenovate or Remodel: What’s The Difference?
A home remodel needs some tedious planning. For one, you need to consider your budget for the project. In addition, you need to plan for other things that will be affected by the renovation. This includes: Relocating your furniture and appliances Waste disposal and safety plan Checking the water lines and electrical lines that can possibly be affected Temporary shelter for your family in case the entire house will be renovated Before implementing the remodeling project, you should consult a reliable home addition builder first. Home addition companies should offer affordable home additions and other services for their clients. The company should also have good feedback from previous customers. That way, you can ensure that the remodeling project will be in good hands. Home renovation vs. home remodeling Home renovation and home remodeling are often interchanged. After all, they sound as if they are pertaining to the same thing. For one thing, they both refer to making improvements in an existing home, apartment, or any property. However, they slightly vary on some factors. On one hand, renovation refers to the repair of a damaged property into a better state. However, it depends on the extent of the repair needed. If it only needs a minor repair, it’s considered a renovation. But if it needs a major overhaul which can totally change its original look, it’s already considered remodeling. Speaking of remodeling, it refers to changing or transforming the form of a certain thing. When you are planning to remodel – say, your kitchen – it means the look will totally change and will look different once the project is done. Distinguishing the difference between the two is crucial. You need to communicate with the builder about what you want to do to your property. When you say you want to renovate your home, it means making repairs but not necessarily changing it into a different and unrecognizable one. For your home remodeling requirements, you should find the best home remodeling architects near your area. Preparing your home for remodeling One of the things you need to consider when planning remodeling or renovation is the timing. Experts suggest implementing the home makeover during the summer season. Here are some things you need to do in preparation for the home renovation or remodel project: Ensure clear and constant communication with the contractor or home additions builder especially before and during the project. Create a detailed timeline. It should include the estimated date and time of the renovation project. Instruct children and other family members to keep away from the construction area. Relocate your furniture, appliances, and other home décor elsewhere away from the construction area. Plan on keeping dust and debris from flying throughout your home. Things to consider before remodeling your home The thought of renovating or remodeling your home can make you feel giddy. It can be an exciting milestone as a homeowner. However, make sure to follow these reminders before deciding to overhaul your home. Ask yourself what you really want. It’s easy to say that you want to renovate your bathroom. But what part of the bathroom? Do […]
Read moreRenovating a Condo Unit? Read This First
Having your own living space is anyone’s dream. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a small condo unit or a house and lot. What is more important is they have a place they can call their own home. But designing your own home requires professional help, which is why home remodeling architects are here to help. Why you need to invest in home remodeling Finding an affordable home additions company is important if you are planning for a home remodel. However, it depends on your living space. For example, a standalone house may have a wider area than a condo unit. You can design it any way you want – including the backyard, front porch, and all. Meanwhile, designing a condo unit can be more challenging due to limited space. There may also be some building restrictions imposed by the landlord that you need to follow. On the bright side, it is possible to remodel your small condo unit in a shorter amount of time. Still, it will depend on your budget and the design you want. Nonetheless, home addition design is something worth investing for. After all, you want to come home to a nice-looking house after a hard day’s work. You also want to create an accommodating atmosphere for your house guests. Things to consider when planning for condo remodeling Here are some things you need to remember before proceeding to your condo remodeling project: Creating a plan It depends whether you plan to renovate a part of your condo unit or the entire condo unit itself. In this case, stick to your original plan. If you are only planning to remodel your living room, don’t include the kitchen and the bathroom. This will prevent overspending and additional stress on your part. Check your condo’s rules and policies. Before proceeding, make sure you know your condo building’s policies. This includes the do’s and don’ts on renovations. There may also be specific schedules for unit renovations, materials allowed to be used, logistics, and so on. Knowing the rules will save you the headache of not being allowed to do the project in the first place Considering your budget Again, it depends on your original plan. The last thing you want is to spend beyond your budget. Make sure to plan everything including the fixtures and labor costs. Check at least two home addition design contractors to compare prices. Reading the contract It can be boring to read, but knowing what is written in the contract can be crucial for the condo renovation. Double check the timeline, payment scheme, labor and material costs, and everything else involved in the said project. React once you have read and understood the contract. Make sure the contract complies with the building rules and policies. Proceeding with the condo remodeling Once everything’s okay between you and the contractor, you can now proceed with the project. Here are additional tips for a hassle-free condo remodeling project. Give enough lead time for the project. Never, ever rush especially for home improvement projects. Condo remodeling can be different from renovating a standalone house. Aside from knowing the building’s […]
Read moreHome Remodel: Tips On How To Remodel Your Small Kitchen
When you have a small kitchen, you are always looking for ways to improve its look and functionality. According to home remodel contractors, kitchens are usually very expensive to remodel on a square foot basis. The cool thing is that when you have a small kitchen, you have an easy time remodeling it. You also spend less doing it. To help you out, here are some of the tips that you should consider when giving your kitchen a makeover. Find areas to scale down Many homeowners rush to getting new appliances, but this doesn’t have to be the case. Before you do anything, you should look at your kitchen and identify whether there are any areas in which you can scale down. For example, if you have big double sinks or farmhouse sinks, they are most likely taking up a lot of your space. In such a scenario, you should remove one of the sinks and install a smaller one. You need to think about the people that are living in the house. If you are living alone or only with your partner, what is the point of having a large dishwasher or fridge? You should look out for items that you don’t regularly use such as canned goods or appliances and get rid of them. Consider your priorities We have different priorities when it comes to our kitchens. Some people give priority to the look of the surfaces while others are more concerned with the storage spaces. You should put your effort on the appliances and features that are of interest to you. If you like a lot of storage space, you should have a lot of cabinets in place. On the other hand, if the look of the surfaces is important, you should go with high-quality countertop surfaces. Work at making the kitchen look bigger When you have a small kitchen, your aim should be to make it look as big as possible. The cool thing is that there are many ways in which you can do it. One of the ways is using large floor tiles. You also should consider using lighter colors. You should use lighter colors on the floor, surfaces, and on any other surfaces of your interest. Conclusion These are some of the things you should consider when you are looking to renovate your small kitchen. For you to have an easy time doing it, work with a reputable home addition builder DC.
Read moreSituations When You Should Hire A Home Remodel Professional
When you are considering remodeling your house, you can do the work by yourself or hire a home remodel professional. While you save money when you do the job by yourself, it’s always wise that you hire a professional to help you out: When to hire a remodeling expert There are many situations when you should hire the expert. Some of these situations include: When you don’t have the motivation: Let no one lie to you that the home remodeling project is easy—it’s usually cumbersome, and you need a lot of motivation to pick up the sledgehammer or any other working tool. If you feel that you don’t have the motivation to do the hard work, it’s time to hire an expert to help you out. You don’t mind strangers in your house: Many homeowners opt to remodel their houses as they don’t want to lose control of their homes. If you don’t mind having handymen in your home for a few days, you should go ahead and hire the professionals. You don’t have the necessary skills: A home remodeling project doesn’t only require you to buy a sledgehammer and knock down a wall—you need the skills needed to bring down a wall and erect a new one. When you don’t have the time: In addition to the project requiring you to have the necessary skills, you also need to have enough time to do it. If you are a career person and busy, you should hire a professional who will handle the project while you go on with your work. Tip to consider when remodeling your house The first tip is to ensure that you hire a professional to help you with the work. Before you enter into a contract with the home addition builder ensure that he/she is certified and experienced enough to handle the project at hand. If you are reconstructing the house for resale, you should avoid spending more than you can recoup. For you to tell whether the project is worth it, you should hire an expert home evaluator who will help you with the evaluation. When you are doing the remodeling, you should avoid replacing all of the appliances. The best way out is to repair them. Conclusion This is what you need to know about home remodeling and when you should hire home addition companies DC. For you to get the most from the additions companies, ensure that you work with the most experienced ones.
Read moreHome Additions: Ways To Add Space To Your Home
If you don’t like the current size of your house, did you know that there are many ways in which you can add space to it? Here are some of these ways as given by home additions contractors: Add an outward space This applies when you have a large compound where you can add the extra space. The cool thing with adding space this way is that you create an entirely new space that is unhindered by existing structures. Also, unlike in other projects that require you to vacate your house to pave way for the contractor, you don’t need to do it when handling this project. This saves you a lot of money that you would have spent in a hotel. While the project is great, its main flaw is that it’s usually expensive. The project is also cumbersome and you can’t comfortably handle it by yourself—you have to hire a contractor to help you out. Add space upwards If your property is small, adding more space upwards makes the most sense. Depending on the foundation, most homes will allow you to add more space on top of the house. The cool thing with adding space using this method is that you can add as many floors as you want upwards—you only need to ensure that the foundation and the materials that you use allow it. If you are looking to sell the house later on, this option is usually great as it has been shown to greatly increase the value of the house. Just like when adding space outwards, this option is usually expensive; therefore, you should always be ready to part with a substantial amount of money. You also have to vacate the house to give room for the home additions contractors to do their work. Converting the basement If you don’t want to go through the trouble of adding an entirely new room, you can use space that is already there. One of the ways of using the space is by converting the basement. The cool thing about converting the basement is that it’s usually better built. The only challenge with this space is the moisture; however, you can work with your remodeling contractor and fix it. Conclusion These are some of the ways in which you can add space to your home. For you to have an easy time doing it, work with a reputable home addition design DC company.
Read moreEvery Bathroom Should Have These
For those who are having their own condo for the first and those who’ve been living in one for many years now condo remodeling is one the main projects, you’ve wanted to achieve. Maybe others have been doing a makeover to their nook whenever necessary or just to add a little spice into their private haven. The Bathroom Does Spark Joy Because the bathroom is the most intimate room in every home, sometimes it is also the least glamorous and stylish. There are homes that use a common bathroom where guests use it too. Moreover, if your new pad has a common bathroom, which you have to share with everyone, make sure that it is stocked with the important bathroom necessities that can be accessible to anyone. The Essentials Your Loo Should Have (It’s A Must) SHOWER CURTAIN AND LINER. If you happen to have an unattractive tub or shower – which you should do something about – use a dark plain or a colorful curtain that is also easy to move during instances where you have to hide or cover that space. But if your shower is something you can be proud of, a sheer curtain is enough to allow some illumination into the shower area. TOOTHBRUSH HOLDER. You can always make use of cute glasses or mugs as your toothbrush holder or better yet, shop for a more chic holder that is attractive enough to add a little glam to your toilet. If you are using an electric toothbrush look for a holder that is big enough to handle its bulkiness. TRASH CAN. This very important toilet item can be simple or trendy. When some bathroom uses an open trash can, it’s better to have the one that flips its cover to conceal all the unpleasant bathroom waste. DURABLE BATH MAT. For safety reasons, choose the non-slip bathroom mats that are sturdy but lavish. This will benefit your unattractive toilet floor, or you can get a bigger mat or small mat size to be able to cover a bigger portion of your bathroom flooring. CLEANING SUPPLIES There are so many effective cleaning tools in the market, you just have to choose the ones that you need, the one that is convenient, and the ones that are easy to keep. INNOVATIVE STORAGE ITEMS. You can find these in bath stores, but you can also use mini bookshelves, bedside tables, baskets, and stock boxes for keeping all your essentials organized. Just make sure they will not occupy too much of your bathroom space. HOOKS. You can use over-the-door hooks or wall hooks depending on your creativity and availability of wall space. BATH TOWELS. You are free to choose the color and designs of your bath towels. But if you wanted a towel that matches everything, the white bath towels are your perfect choice. Just make sure that you choose an absorbing one. LONG-LASTING FRAGRANT SOAP. Your bath soap is different from the hand soap should be placed near your bathroom sink for everybody’s use. ILLUMINATION. Having a great lighting system in your bathroom should be one of the things that […]
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