What to Consider Before Building a Backyard Shed
Storage is one of the most important rooms in any home. Unfortunately, a lot of homeowners tend to overlook the importance of having a decent storage area in the house. Often, homeowners use the garage as their storage area. But garages are supposed to be used to park the family car, not to store paint cans and old and broken furniture. There are many ways to have an additional storage area in your home. You can use your garage (as long as it is organized), or build a shed in your backyard. This can be considered a home addition. In such a case, you should contact the best home addition builder in your area. Getting started A shed is a great way to add storage space for your home. Instead of putting all of your painting and gardening stuff in the garage or elsewhere exposed to the outdoor elements, you can store them all in the shed. But take note that building a shed may not be as easy as you think. For one thing, you might need to hire a professional home additions builder to help build your shed. Or you can build your own if you want. But the decision depends on how big the shed is, or what type of building materials to be used. Your shed need not look like a dilapidated shack but something like a small structure that will add aesthetic to your home. Building a shed will require several factors. For one, you might need the help of professional home addition companies to build a backyard shed. You also need to consider your storage needs, your household’s lifestyle, and your property’s landscape. What to consider before building a backyard shed Thinking about building a backyard shed as additional storage space? Here are some factors you have to consider before building one. Budget Before starting a home remodel or any home addition design, make sure you have the budget to build a shed. If you want to build one, make it the best shed you will ever have. Aside from building materials, you also have to include the labor and other utilities such as electricity, heating, or insulation system in your expenses. Amount of shed space There are two kinds of spaces you need to consider: the amount of space you need to build the shed, and the amount of space you need inside the shed. Is the shed simply for storage purposes? Or are you going to include a workstation inside (ex. for your carpentry or crafts hobby). Also, you need to determine how big the shed you want to build and make sure you have enough space in your yard. Design The next consideration is the shed design. Do you want a rustic design or a modern-looking one? You can check out some shed designs here for inspiration. Take note that your building materials depend on the shed design that you want to build. How to build a shed Building a shed can take time depending on the home addition design and the size you want. Here are the steps to remember […]
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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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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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Make Your Home Kid-Friendly With These Essential Home Addition Tips
Having kids at home can be chaotic and fun at the same time. Little children tend to be more adventurous and curious to check out things that catch their eyes. Sometimes, their curiosity can be their parents’ worst nightmare. A nightmare – in a way that they have to constantly keep their children in check and not doing something that can endanger their lives. But just because you have kids at home doesn’t mean your house has to be messy and chaotic. You can still keep your coffee table, upholstered sofa, and other home décor to make your house look more inviting. It’s a matter of making your home kid-proof without sacrificing your personal taste in home improvement. Keeping your home kid-safe Safety is of utmost importance especially for households with small children. This is essentially important if you are planning to hire a home addition builder for a home remodeling project or building a home addition for your growing family. Fortunately, you can make your home a safe haven for your little children without compromising your home’s aesthetic value. If you have children at home, you can expect your house to be messy most of the time. It can be exasperating to clean up after them. Kids will be kids after all, and remember, you were also a kid once in your life. Cleaning up the mess is easier rather than getting into accidents that should have been avoided in the first place. Kid-safe home addition and renovation ideas Some parents assign a play area for their small children to avoid messing up the other rooms. Meanwhile, there are some parents who seem to be cool with the kiddie chaos inside the house. But as mentioned, your kids’ safety should be on top of everything else. This is particularly important if you are planning for a home remodel project. Aside from that, here are some kid-proof home improvement tips you should consider to ensure safety within the house. Choosing the right floor system Hardwood floors can be prone to scratches due to heavy foot traffic and other activities. If you have one at home, you can consider adding an area rug or carpet to protect your wood floors. Make sure that the rug or carpet is non-slip and made from kid-friendly material. For a home addition, you should consider using vinyl flooring as part of your home addition design. Choosing the right furniture If you have had enough of fortress-building in your living room, you should opt for fixed-cushion sofas instead. Avoid any furniture with sharp corners and instead opt for rounded sofas and other furniture instead. These will lessen the occurrence of injuries due to bumps and rough play. Encouraging cleanliness at home The best time to train a child to be independent is as early as now. Of course, these tasks should be age-appropriate. You can add a storage cabinet that they can easily reach and where they can store their toys. As part of a home addition plan, you can build a bathroom or kitchen countertop made from quartz or any durable material. Make sure that […]
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What to Consider in Building an Elderly-Friendly Home Addition
No matter how much we are dedicated to our beauty regimen, our skin will eventually wrinkle. Our brains will fail us at times. Our hair will turn gray, and we will not be as agile as we were in our younger days. Whether we like it or not, we will all reach the inevitable road of aging. At this point, seniors will have special needs in all aspects of their lives. This may include making necessary changes in their domestic life. For example, a home addition design that is suitable for the elderly may be necessary to ensure convenience and safety in their daily lives. If you have an elderly person living with you, you may want to consider a home remodel. As mentioned, the elderly will have special needs supposedly to make their daily life easier and safer. Aside from convenience and safety, building a home addition for the elderly should encourage self-reliance and mobility despite their physical limitations. Getting started First of all, you should hire a home additions builder with experience in building a senior-friendly home addition or renovations. For one thing, home additions or renovations should focus on making the house as safe and comfortable for your elderly folks as possible. However, home additions or renovations should still encourage them to be independent despite their limitations. Meanwhile, the elderly should also be aware of these changes and adjustments. Some may not accept these changes at first as they might think it will limit them in doing things unlike before. However, they should understand that such adjustments will be for their own benefit. These changes are necessary as these are also more practical and safe according to their capabilities. As for planning for a senior-friendly home renovation or addition, the best time to do that is as early as now. It is a good idea to plan ahead and to make the house more elderly-friendly while you are still able. Start from the entryways The entryway is the first thing your guests will see, and the last thing you will walk through before you enter the house. Entryways should also be safe for the elderly no matter the time of the day and the weather outside. Here are some tips for a senior-friendly walkway/entryway. Consider a no-step walkway, which can benefit especially for those who use a wheelchair or cane to walk. A ramp will also help seniors to easily get in and out of the house. A no-threshold entryway is also important to avoid tripping and causing unnecessary injuries. You can also add a non-slip flooring or mat. Make sure to repave pathways with visible cracks and potholes for added safety. Railings are also important especially if your house has stairs. Take note of the rail diameter for easier grip and support. Add stair lighting if necessary. Making your home safer for the elderly The next thing to be considered is making the house interiors safe including the bathroom, bedroom, kitchen, and the living room. You can hire home remodeling architects to make your home elderly-friendly. We use the bathroom every day, so it is just […]
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Go Green: How to Make a Home Addition More Environment-Friendly
When it comes to extending your residential space, a home addition can be a good option unlike purchasing a new home. For one thing, you can be able to customize a home addition according to your housing needs. A good home addition design can provide you with the right living space that won’t supposedly break your budget. You should hire a professional home additions builder if you want to expand your current living space. More and more people nowadays are getting aware of the negative effects of climate change. From scorching summers to the unusually freezing winters, it has created a negative impact on the world we are living in. One of the major causes of climate change is the improper and irresponsible use of our natural resources. While we are benefiting from various technological advances, our environment is suffering. However, it might not be too late to do something for the environment. One way that you can help is by building an eco-friendly home addition design. Building a green home addition It can be exciting to start a home addition project. For one, you can customize the house extension according to your residential needs. Whether you want a sunroom or an additional bedroom, it is important to plan carefully in building a home addition. Better yet, you can make your home addition an eco-friendly one. Speaking of which, it can be exciting and even fulfilling to build an environment-friendly home addition. From the building materials down to the fixtures, it is possible to create an eco-friendly home addition. In fact, the concept of green buildings is getting more and more popular these days. Having a green home can provide several benefits not only for the environment but also for the homeowner. For example, a green home can help in reducing energy consumption, hence provide a lot of savings for the household. Green homes are also more affordable to maintain and promote a high quality of the living environment. What to consider in building a green home addition When you say green home additions, it means considering “green” items to be used. This includes the roof, foundation, down to the furniture and fixture. However, there are also some things to consider before hiring a home additions builder to build a green addition. Consider your budget. For one thing, using “green” materials doesn’t mean your budget has to suffer. In fact, green building materials may be on par with the usual building materials in terms of cost. On the upside, structures made from green materials can promise faster build times, hence lower labor costs. Consider your ventilation. If you want to achieve a green home, install a house fan instead of an air conditioning system. The former is a great option for those living in warmer climates. Also, home remodeling architects also recommend installing windows in strategic areas of the house to let natural light in, hence lessening the use of artificial lights. Consider your lighting systems. Use LED or compact fluorescent light bulbs instead of incandescent. The latter not only produces additional heat but also consumes more energy than the […]
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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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To Build Up or Build Out? That is the Question
Moving on is an inevitable part of life. However, it may not always be the case in terms of considering relocation. While there may are some reasons why people prefer to move to another location, there are others who choose to stay. For instance, some homeowners consider hiring a home addition builder to renovate your current house. A home remodelling addition is a good choice if you are not considering relocation but want to expand your living space. In planning a home addition project, a homeowner should hire professional and established home addition companies. Why consider a home addition? As your family grows, so is the need for additional living space. In such cases, it’s either you will choose to find and relocate into a new and more spacious house, or plan for a home addition. Relocating can be a good choice. However, it may not be practical especially if it means being far from your current workplace (or school, if you have children). Meanwhile, hiring home remodeling architects for your home addition project can be a better choice between the two. Here are other reasons why you should consider building a home addition. It avoids the anxiety of relocating and adjusting to a new neighborhood and your new neighbors. There is no need to hire mover companies to help you haul your stuff into your new home. You don’t have to look for a real estate agent or scour through buy and sell websites to find a new home. A good home addition design can increase your home’s value especially if you plan to sell it in the future. One report revealed that a home addition can yield an ROI of as much as 63 percent, depending on the specific home addition project. It is a good excuse to improve and even fix needed repairs in your home. Build out or build up? There are two major types of a home addition: either you build up or build-out. Your choice will depend on your property size, type of home addition you need, and zoning laws in your local area among a few. Also, you need to consider the pros and cons of building out or building up for your home addition option. Build up When you say building up, it does not only literally means building an additional floor level in your existing home. It may also refer to adding dormer spaces or renovating your existing attic area that will serve as an additional liveable room. This option is basically a more practical choice for properties with limited lot size but has the need to expand their current home. Build out On the other hand, building out means another room on the ground floor or creating a separate building within your property. This is more applicable for homeowners with additional space to accommodate a home addition such as a bump-out or a separate tiny house. On the contrary, you can expect to lose a significant amount of yard space if you choose to build out. Deciding factors whether to build in or build out There are several factors that […]
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Should You Hire an Architect for a Home Addition?
Perhaps you have been dreaming about a renovation to your existing home for quite some time now. This is not only about changing the tiles or adding a tub in your bathroom. It is more about planning for a home remodeling addition project. Planning for one can be an exciting time for your household, much more if it is already taking place and slowly transforming your home into your dream home. Whether you want to add an additional room, expand your kitchen, or build a second floor in your existing home, careful planning is needed. All of these are considered major home renovations that will most likely need the help of professional home remodeling architects. Speaking of architects, a lot of homeowners usually have second thoughts about whether to hire one. For one thing, hiring architects builders can be expensive and a lot of people think hiring one is only for the wealthy. In reality, planning and building a home addition may need professional help. Having said that, hiring a professional architects builder can be well worth the cost. What does an architect really do? Being an architect involves more than drawing house interiors and landscapes. Rather, it requires professional skills in meeting the expectations of their respective clients. Here are some things you can expect that an architect can do for you. Comes up with visual layouts. Among major skills architects should possess are drawing skills. A professional architect should be able to provide a visual representation of what you would like to happen for your home addition project. Provides advice on visual elements An architect can add a creative touch to your expected home addition project. Perhaps a secret room or a walk-in closet can be possible depending on the give floor area size. He or she can also give advice for the right finishes and fixtures that will suit the home addition needs. Hires a contractor An experienced architect most likely has contacts with various contractors who have proven to be reliable in the construction industry. Your architect may be able to recommend the best ones to work with you on the home addition project. Manages the entire building project The architect is mainly responsible for managing the entire home addition design project. He or she will also ensure that the time frame is on the right track. The architect is also responsible for managing the contractors and other people involved in the said project. Why you should hire an architect for your home addition project Given the above list, you already have an idea of what an architect does in a building project. In case you are not convinced yet, here are the reasons why it is a good idea to hire an architect for your upcoming home addition project. Architects are able to see the bigger picture. Architects underwent years of training to acquire the skills needed to plan for a house’s layout and the required fixtures and finishing. He or she is able to see what should be included to maximize the floor area space of a structure. They are responsible for handling needed […]
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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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