Leveling Up: What to Consider Before Building a Second-Storey Addition
As your family grows, the bigger the home space you may need. It can be two things: either move into a larger house or contact home remodeling architects for a home addition project. If you are considering the latter, you would also have to consider whether to have a horizontal or vertical home addition design. Each option has its own pros and cons, and will also depend on your property size and your family’s lifestyle. If you choose to build-out A lot of homeowners consider whether to build up or build-out. The former pertains to building a second-story to their existing house. The latter, on the other hand, refers to building a home addition within your property. It can be an additional room in your backyard, extending your kitchen area, or converting your garage into a family room. In building out, home addition companies will use a backhoe to dig up the area where the addition will take place. A foundation will be set, add roofing, and then proceed in linking the existing property with the upcoming one. In some cases, the home addition can be a separate area within the property and won’t necessarily have to be connected to the existing home structure. On one hand, there can be at least a minimal disruption to your home living and to your current living space. As mentioned, you can either expand and link a new living space into the current residential structure, or build a separate living area within your property. On the contrary, you may also need to comply with local zoning standards. At the same time, you should have enough yard space to accommodate a bump-out or a separate home addition design. If you choose to build-up Meanwhile, building up means adding an additional floor above your existing home. You can add second-story living space above your current garage, living room, or porch areas. You can also opt to build additional rooms in the second-story area, or a small attic area to add height to your house. Again, it will depend on your lifestyle and your current family and living space needs. In building up, home remodeling architects won’t have to take away your existing yard space. However, home contractors would have to enhance your house’s current foundation to make sure it can support the additional weight due to the construction of the second-story area. On one hand, you won’t have to worry about complying with local zoning standards and considering limitations on the floor-area-ratio. However, you should also consider height limitations in your area. You should also add space for a staircase leading up to the second floor. Also, the building contractor may have to tear down part of your walls or ceiling for electrical, heating, and plumbing requirements. Second-story construction options As mentioned, there are different options you can choose from in building a second-story above your existing house. Before choosing your preferred option, make sure that the addition project complies with the local building regulations. It is also important to hire professional home remodeling addition contractors to complete the said addition project. Replace the roofing […]
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What You Need to Know Before Considering a Home Addition
Owning a property is a huge responsibility. For one, you have to ensure that your property is in overall good condition. This includes fixing issues such as broken tiles, chipped wall paint, or a leaky faucet. Likewise, you should also ensure that your yard is well-maintained. But while your family grows, so is your need for a bigger living space. On one hand, you may consider buying or rent a larger house. Or you can hire a home addition builder to help you build an extension of your home. You can choose from a wide variety of home addition design that will suit your needs for additional living space. Why home additions are made Affordable home additions are available to cater to homeowners’ needs for extra living space without leaving their property. It is an option to extend your house without the need to relocate and move into a new home. House additions can range from affordable and low-cost additions to more expensive ones. Whichever your addition option is, what is important is that it should meet or even exceed your expectations for comfortable living space within your home. Popular home addition options Among popular home additions you can choose from includes the following. Traditional home addition This refers to a structure that can house multiple rooms and is usually built beside the main house. When built by a professional home additions builder, it can look like it is part of the main house itself. A traditional home addition can house multiple rooms such as a small bedroom, a bathroom, or a kitchen area. While building one can be expensive, it can increase its total property value when you plan to sell it one day. Since you’re technically building a small house, you will also need to hire architect builders and get necessary permits for the construction project. Sunroom Unlike traditional home additions, sunrooms are usually made from materials that are pre-fabricated and then assembled in your property. It is not usually meant to serve as a permanent living space but rather a relaxation area or an extension of the living room. Building a sunroom may not be as complicated, unlike traditional home extensions. Garage makeover Garage conversions can usually turn into an additional bedroom, living room or kitchen depending on your addition needs. Since the roof and the structure is already there, you would usually have to work on other elements such as flooring, walls, plumbing and other building requirements. Room addition Also known as a bump out, it is a type of home addition built on the side of an existing house. It is usually meant to be a single room, such as a bathroom, kitchen, or a small bedroom. The main objective is to alleviate the cramped space of an existing house by adding a bump out and accommodate a small room there. Things to consider before building a home addition As mentioned, home addition is a good option to add living space in your home. If you don’t want to sell your house and move into a bigger house, then it is a good idea to […]
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What to Consider Before Remodeling Your Basement
Buying a house should be considered carefully. For one thing, it depends on your long-term goals. If you are planning to live in your area for many years, then it may be a good idea to buy or build a house instead of renting out. Sometimes, you may want to renovate a part of the house after years of living in it. For example, you would want to consider adding a home addition design to accommodate your growing family. You should contact a professional home addition builder for your home improvement requirements. If you want to have a home addition, make sure that there is enough space to build one within your property. But sometimes, there are some untouched parts of your house that are just waiting to be renovated – say, your basement. Getting started A lot of homes have basements but are not often utilized. Basements are also negatively perceived in movies as dark and scary places and one of the usual settings for horror movies. That is why a lot of homeowners tend to stay away from the basement and opt to use it as storage areas instead. On the contrary, basements can actually one of the best rooms in a house. Moreover, having a basement at home can be a deal-breaker especially for those who are considering home improvement projects in the future. When that time comes, make sure to deal only with experienced and reputable home addition companies near you. Before renovating a basement, make sure to inspect every corner of it. For one, it is important that the basement has a stable foundation, flooring, and walls. More than planning a basement design and hiring the best home remodeling architects, safety and staying on budget are just as important as well. Things to consider before remodeling On one hand, you can find space outside the house and build an additional living space there. On the other hand, you can find an additional living space inside your house. Do you have a basement? If so, why not convert it into an additional cozy living space? But before proceeding with the basement remodeling project, it is important to call a home remodeling addition contractor first. They can help determine the basement’s overall condition before the renovation project proceeds. Among things to consider first include the following. Signs of moisture Make sure that the basement has no significant amount of moisture in it. For the presence of moisture, you can use water-lock paint and special caulk to seal any cracks that are present. A building home addition company can help solve this problem. Height Some basements often have low ceiling especially if it is not originally intended as a living space. Some may have visible wiring and piping that can be a challenge for basement remodeling. In such cases, adding footings below the current ones may be necessary. Relocating the wiring and piping systems may also be needed as well. Walls and flooring If the basement is bare, meaning it has no walls and flooring, it is important to install these for a basement renovation project. Walls control […]
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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 […]
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Common 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 […]
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Bathtub 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, […]
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What 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 […]
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Renovate 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 […]
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Renovating 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 […]
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Home 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.
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