What Additions Add Value To A Home?
Two reasons homeowners hire home addition companies to remodel their homes are adding space and increasing house value. While this is the case, did you know that not all home additions increase the house value, so you spend a fortune, yet you don’t get a return on investment? Are you wondering what additions add value to a home? Here they are: Second story A storied building is much valuable than a bungalow. If your house has a strong foundation and can take another floor, go ahead and install it. As you are installing the second floor, remember that it should tie into the original style and theme of the house. Master suite The person that will buy the house will be sleeping in the master suite, right? So it goes that when you improve the master suite, you are bound to make your house more appealing and increase its value. One of the ways to make the master suite more attractive is to increase its size. You also should consider installing a bathtub and, if possible, increase the shower space. The beauty with this is that you don’t have to go out of your way to install high-end units—simple units are enough. If you aren’t sure about the right pieces to change, get the input of an experienced professional. Kitchen Every family spends a considerable amount of time in the kitchen, and no one wants to do it in a small, beat-up space—everyone wants an area they can be proud of. This means that working on your kitchen will go a long way towards giving your house more value; hence it gets out of the market fast. One thing you should do is to increase the size of the kitchen. This might require you to knock down some walls or build a kitchen addition. You should then add more modern appliances such as new kettles, new pans, new stove and so on. Kitchen additions and renovations can get expensive to the extent you fail to recoup your investment. To be on the safe side, keep an eye on the type and quality of remodeling materials you use. As a rule of thumb, avoid golden or any other materials, as you won’t make your money back. Unless necessary, avoid making major kitchen renovations such as installing new cabinets, windows, doors, floor, or cooking space. Excellent projects you can participate in include: refinishing the cabinets, adding an island, increasing storage space, installing a new backsplash, and upgrading the faucets. Bathroom Like the kitchen, no homeowner wants a beat-up bathroom, so you can’t go wrong with a bathroom addition project. Like the kitchen, you should increase the size of your bathroom then install the necessary fixtures. After adding more space, another thing you can do to your bathroom to increase its value include: adding storage space, installing new sinks, upgrading the lighting, putting in vanity or mirror, and so on. Unused space Do you have an unused space in the house, such as the basement or attic? You can make use of it, which will increase the room space and increase the value […]
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Building an Outdoor Fireplace: A Great Home Addition In Time for the Winter Season
It’s that time of the year again. Time to decorate the house with Christmas décor, sport that “ugly sweater”, cook for the family, and spend the holidays with loved ones. However, the much-awaited Holiday season might take a different turn this year due to the ongoing pandemic. Nonetheless, there should be no reason not to celebrate Christmas even if it means spending it at home. Cozy up, cuddle with a loved one, and gather everyone in front of the warm fireplace. Or if you have a budget and extra outdoor space at home, why not create your own outdoor fireplace? Hire a trusted home additions builder for your home improvement needs, including adding an outdoor fireplace. Getting started Having an outdoor fireplace is a good idea especially if you live in a cold climate area. An outdoor fireplace is a great place to chill (pun intended) with friends and family on a cold evening. There are DIY outdoor fireplace kits you can buy in home improvement centers near you. Or hire outdoor remodeling personnel for building a home addition such as an outdoor fireplace. But before building an outdoor fireplace, you should consider a lot of things. For one, you need to check any local ordinances that can affect your outdoor fireplace project. Determine what kind of permits will you need and the amount of money you need to shell out. What to consider before building an outdoor fireplace Aside from the paperwork, you should also look for a trusted home addition builder. Also, you should check out the following. Will the outdoor home addition design affect your home insurance? It is a good idea to check with your home insurance agent if building an outdoor fireplace will affect your premium payments. Knowing these can help you save money and get rid of unnecessary stress and frustration. Where should you build your outdoor fireplace? If you have a large backyard space, you should not have a problem building that outdoor fireplace. However, you should also consider your home’s safety and ensure a safe distance from your house, shed, or garage. Also, check for any overhanging branches or any vegetation that could be prone to catching fire. What will you need to build an outdoor fireplace? As mentioned, there are DIY outdoor fireplace building kits you can assemble by yourself. Or you can also hire home addition companies to help you build a customized outdoor fireplace according to your budget and preference. Printed plans are also available to guide you on the fireplace construction. The materials will also depend on the type of outdoor fireplace you are planning to build. What type of outdoor fireplace do you want? Outdoor fireplaces come in different designs and styles. It can also be powered by gas or wood. For the former, you should consider hiring a contractor as they need to install gas lines in the fireplace system. There are poolside fireplaces, outdoor kitchens with a built-in fireplace, an outdoor deck with a fireplace, and so on. Why you should have your own outdoor fireplace When it comes to home improvement projects, it’s […]
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Planning to Build an Outdoor Deck? Here’s What You Need to Know
Being inside the house all the time can be boring eventually. At some point, we would miss the beauty of the outdoors. But because of the pandemic, there are certain travel restrictions in most countries. It can be frustrating not to go to different places anytime we want to, unlike before. But this doesn’t mean we have to be cooped up inside our rooms until the pandemic goes away for good. There are ways that we can still enjoy the beautiful outdoors without stepping out of your residential property. One way is by building an outdoor deck in your home. Building an outdoor deck area can be one of the best decisions you could make. So if you are planning to build one soon, make sure to hire the best home addition companies out there. Why you should have an outdoor deck A lot of people often consider renovating their bedrooms or expanding their bathroom or kitchen areas. However, it is also a good idea to hire a professional home additions builder to build your outdoor deck. Also, you need to determine whether you want a deck and not a patio (which are two different things). There are several reasons why you should consider building an outdoor deck. It can add value to your home especially if you are planning to put it in the real estate market. Not to mention adding aesthetic appeal to your current home. It is up to you to think about the home addition design you want and has it given to live by professional architects builders. You can use your outdoor deck for several purposes. This is where you can relax in the mornings or late afternoons and enjoy the outdoors. It can also serve as a receiving or hangout area for your guests and host barbecue parties. You can also use the deck area to grow and tend to your plants. It will also be a good resting spot if you have a pool or spa in your backyard. That said, deck areas are both aesthetic and functional. You can add potted plants, bring out some furniture, and even hang hanging lights. You can also design the deck area any way you want depending on how you want it to look. What to consider before building an outdoor deck There are also several things you need to consider before building a deck in your home. For one, you need to hire a home remodeling addition professional to make your dream deck come to life. Here are other things you should consider as well. Budget Well, of course, you need to have a budget to build an outdoor deck. When coming up with a deck building project, you should factor in the following: Deck design and size Features (ex. seating, railings, powerboxes, etc.) Material costs (ex. lumber, metal or steel, bricks, etc.) Labor cost (if you are going to hire a home addition builder) Location The size of your deck area will depend on the location you have. You would also want your deck to be steps away from your house. More importantly, it […]
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What to Consider in Choosing a Roofing Material
Roofs are meant to last for many years. That is why you should choose the right residential or commercial roofing system that is worth the money. There are also several things to consider in choosing a roofing material such as style, durability, and functionality. These are crucial especially if you are planning on building a home addition. Factors in choosing a roofing system Choosing a roof system is no easy task. As mentioned, there are several things you need to consider before buying a roof for your home. This is so important when you are planning a home remodeling addition project. That being said, here are some important things to remember when looking for a roofing system. Your home/building’s style The roof style you choose depends on your house or building’s architectural style. For example, tile roofing can suit more for historic-style structures. On the other hand, asphalt shingles may look good in various styles of houses. Meanwhile, metal and built-up roods may suit better for commercial buildings. Application This is important regardless of whether it is intended for replacement or as part of a home addition design. On the one hand, installing a new roof is easier as you won’t be restricted from existing roof materials, underlying composition, and so on. However, a home addition builder may recommend a roofing material so it blends better with the current roofing system. Long-term plan Are you planning to stay for the next 20 years? Or you are planning to move to another state soon? In the case of the latter, it might be better to install a roofing material that is less expensive and has a shorter lifespan. Otherwise, you should choose a roof that should last you a long time. Building codes and other regulations Different states may have different building codes and regulations that need to be followed. For example, some areas are prone to tornadoes or fires that do not allow installing roof shingles. Some communities may also require building restrictions including roofing materials. Types of roofing systems By now, you already have an idea of things to consider when looking for roofing material. The next question is knowing the different types of roofing materials. Here are some of the most popular ones used in many residential and commercial buildings. Asphalt shingles This one is popular in the US as it can endure all sorts of outdoor elements. They are generally affordable and can last for about 20 or so years. Use impact-resistant asphalt shingles if you are located in a hail-prone place. Metal Meanwhile, metal roofs can last for more than 50 years and are great for resisting rain, snow, and extreme winds. Metal roofs are also lightweight and can work with other existing roof materials. However, metal roofs can be noisy during strong rains and hail. This material can also be prone to rust and corrosion. Slate This one is said to last more than a hundred years and is resistant against harsh outdoor elements. It is recommended to be used in wet climates. On the contrary, it is heavy, expensive, and can be prone to […]
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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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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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So You Want to Expand Your Kitchen? Learn More Here
Perhaps the kitchen is the heart of many homeowners’ homes. It is where a lot of activities happen and come to life. It is where your mama makes delicious home-cooked meals for the family. It is also most likely where you and your family bond over breakfast and dinner before calling it a day. The kitchen is indeed a great spot to create good memories that will last a lifetime. As your family grows, so is the likelihood of needing home improvements in some parts of your house including the kitchen. If you need someone to help with your home improvement needs, you might want to hire a trusted home addition builder near you. For one thing, you would have to consider several things when planning a kitchen improvement. Getting started First of all, you need to have a reason why you want to improve your kitchen area. Is the design already outdated? Does it need to be extended to accommodate your growing family? Or because you are planning to sell your house in the near future that is why you are considering to hire an architects builder for your home improvement project? For one thing, any home improvement project may turn out to cost you some cash. However, there are affordable home additions options available depending on the home addition companies you approach. The cost will also depend on the extent of the home improvement you need. If a wall needs to be torn down to give way to a room expansion, prepare to shell out additional cash for it. Nonetheless, home improvement can be an expensive project. However, it can bring about a lot of benefits for homeowners. For one, home improvement can add value to a home especially if you plan on selling it soon. It can also be an important property investment to keep it updated and free from any signs of damage. What to consider when planning for a kitchen extension Here are some things you need to consider when planning for kitchen improvement. Space First of all, you need to determine whether there is available extra space to accommodate a kitchen extension. It might be a waste of money to have only a small extension. A too-large kitchen extension might be too expensive and may not be suitable for the size of your home. Location Make sure to check the house where you want your hired home remodeling architects to build your kitchen extension. Usually, it can be located at the side or near the backyard. However, be careful not to consume too much backyard space so you can still accommodate even a small garden. Manpower It is also important to find a reliable architects builders for your kitchen improvement project. These building professionals can also provide essential tips to help enhance the look of your extended kitchen. Other factors to consider in kitchen extensions Aside from the abovementioned factors, here are other tips to remember when planning for a kitchen makeover. Decide whether to buy new appliances. If you want to have a kitchen enhancement, you might also consider buying new appliances as […]
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Prefabricated Home Additions vs. Building From Scratch: Which Is Better?
Are you long dreaming to have your own house? Who doesn’t want to have a place they can call their own home, right? On one hand, some would prefer renting to be near their place of work or because they are not able to afford a house yet. On the other hand, some would avail mortgage loans for a property of their choice. Meanwhile, some homeowners do not want to relocate and consider building a home addition instead. In building a home addition, a lot of people would still choose affordable home additions that will save them extra money afterward. But before that, it is a good idea to know your home addition options. Pre-fab or build from scratch? For one thing, buying a brand-new house can cost you a lot of money. But for some reason, many home buyers are still able to afford it. Some may have saved enough money for a downpayment. Meanwhile, some are able to avail of a mortgage loan in order to buy a real estate property or home addition. On the other hand, there are others who choose a pre-fabricated home addition instead of building entirely from scratch. By availing a pre-fabricated or modular home addition, it is said to be cheaper and requires less time to assemble. But if you want a customized home addition design, building from scratch is a good option for you. Both options come with a price, although pre-fab houses are cheaper than hiring a home addition builder and construct from scratch. However, it will still depend on how big your home addition, bump-out, or attic renovation will be. Nonetheless, you should consider your home building options carefully. Pre-fab home addition: Pros and cons Also known as “building systems”, prefabricated homes are getting popular these days. For one thing, these are more affordable and easier to build and assemble. The cost per square foot depends on the total size, location, and other amenities included in the package. As the name suggests, pre-fab homes are constructed prior to shipment and then assembled in a specific site within a few days. There are also different types of prefab homes you can choose from. Each of these pre-fab homes has different construction methods and also vary in costs. They also have different designs and built that will suit every homeowner’s needs and preferences. As mentioned, pre-fabricated homes are more affordable than building a new one. They are also easier and faster to build – some even take only a day to complete. Plus, pre-fab homes can be disassembled and rebuilt in another location depending on the need. On the downside, pre-fab homes may be limited in terms of customization. If you want a customized house, pre-fab homes may not be a good option for you. It is also recommended that you are near a pre-fab home factory so that you won’t much on transporting the materials to your property. You may encounter zoning issues along the way, so it is best to update yourself with the latest zoning standards in your area. Building from scratch: Pros and Cons Meanwhile, there are […]
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When Is the Best Time for a Home Addition?
There is something about having your own house that makes you feel proud and accomplished. It is as if you are doing what the younger millennials call “adulting” the right way. Buying a house is not cheap either – you either have to get a housing loan or pay for it in full cash. Owning a house is one thing, planning for a home remodel is another thing. A home addition design may be necessary depending on your home living needs. You would also have to contact a professional home addition builder to achieve your home improvement objectives. Likewise, it requires careful planning and you need to invest time and money in a home addition project. When to start a home addition project As the popular adage goes, “there is always the best time for everything”. The same applies in a home addition. It can be exciting to plan for a home addition project. But the question is, do you really need one right now? There are some important factors you can consider whether it is the right time to have a home addition. Here are some things you need to think about first before giving a professional home additions builder a call. Season In many countries, summer is the best season to do outdoor remodeling. For one thing, it is better to do any home improvement if the sun is up with no threats of project delays due to rain or any bad weather. Material costs On the downside, prices of raw materials may shoot up in peak seasons especially during summer. Having said that, it may be a good idea to plan your home addition project ahead of time. In other words, you may consider purchasing building materials in advance before summer arrives. Contractor’s availability You should also include your contractor’s availability in your home addition plans. Like building materials, the contractor’s availability may also be compromised if they are busy juggling other building projects. That said, it is important to determine which times of the year are their busiest seasons. Planning for a home addition You may get inspired by home addition ideas you see on the internet or glossy magazines. But there are times that it may not be applicable to your own home for some reason. However, you can consider these questions if you are planning for a home addition. What kind of home addition do you need? There are different kinds of home addition that will suit every homeowner’s needs. It is like creating an entirely new home for your growing family. How much will it cost? For one thing, a home addition can be expensive depending on how big the additional room will be. It will also depend on the materials that will be used and labor costs, among a few. Are there building and zoning restrictions to consider? In most places, you may have to find out any restrictions when it comes to building another structure in your property. This includes restriction in a structure’s height and materials to be used, among a few. Do you even need a home addition? As […]
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