What You Need to Know in Choosing a Roof System
Any structure, including residential homes and commercial buildings, would not complete without a roofing system. Not only it adds aesthetic value to the structure but it also provides protection against outdoor elements such as snow, rain, and sun. Looking for a roofing material may not be as exciting as choosing a home décor or furniture. However, it is important to understand why you need to know different roofing materials. If you are planning for a home remodeling addition, you should also consider the right type of roofing that will suit your home’s needs. For one thing, building a home addition is an important decision for every homeowner. It will make a lot of difference in your domestic living. Still, it will depend on the type of home improvement you are aiming for. Different types of roofing materials When it comes to home improvement, a lot of people tend to focus on choosing nice tiles, paint colors, and home décor. However, it is also important to choose the right roofing system for your home extension. For starters, there are different types of roofing materials you can choose from. It will depend on your budget, personal preference, and your home’s structure. A home addition builder and home remodeling architects can also help recommend a nice roof for your home addition. More than aesthetic appeal, it should last you many years and provide protection to you and your family in your home. Some popular roofing materials include the following. Slate This type of roof is made from stone which makes it durable, fire-proof, eco-friendly, and weather-resistant. It is also available in different shades that can suit your house exteriors. Plus, it can add a nice aesthetic appeal to your home. However, this should be installed by professionals. It is also expensive and requires reinforcement to support the slate’s weight. These can also be expensive as well. Clay/concrete Like slate, clay or concrete roofs are also durable, eco-friendly, and weather and fire-resistant. It also comes in different styles. However, it also has to be installed by professionals and should have underlying support to handle the weight of the roofing material. Metal It includes different materials such as aluminum, copper, and steel. Some come as sheeting and tiles. It is also durable, fireproof, and effective in shedding ice and snow. Make sure it has some kind of protection against corrosion as most metal roofs can be prone to rust. Wood Such wooden roofs are made from pine, redwood, cypress, and cedar. These are also visually appealing and ideal for those who are looking for sustainable materials. However, the main issue is it is fireproof and prone to decaying and rotting over time. What to consider in choosing a roofing system By now, you already have an idea of the different roof options to choose from. It will depend on several factors such as the following. Terminologies Before choosing a roofing material, you should be familiar with the roofing terminologies home addition companies use. For example, architects builders use “squares” in measuring the roofing area. Material The roofing material you choose depends on your budget, home […]
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Building a Backyard Treehouse for The Kids and the Kids-at-Heart
Treehouses are definitely part of our awesome childhood. Perhaps you even had one at home when you were younger. Back then, there was no mobile and video game which made kids nowadays homebodies. Having a treehouse back then was not a big deal. Unlike now, the generations before us loved to play with their peers, literally get dirty and all. But it seems like treehouses seem to be making a comeback. Some people even hire home remodeling architects to build the treehouse straight out of their childhood. Truly, treehouses can be appealing for kids of today and the kids-at-heart. Planning for a treehouse Treehouses can either be a simple decoration in your backyard or a useful retreat spot for anyone. Regardless, you need to plan carefully if you want your own backyard treehouse. For one thing, there will be a lot of things you will have to consider. You also have to look for a home additions builder with experience in building treehouses. Building a treehouse may not be as easy as you think. You would not want a disorganized treehouse straight from a forest, wouldn’t you? If you live with neighbors, you would still want your treehouse to look aesthetically pleasing. That is why you also need to have time for a home addition design. Like building any other structures, you also need to consider how you are going to design your treehouse. First, this will help you anticipate how your treehouse will look like upon completion. You can also plan for the materials to be used in building the treehouse. Most of all, planning should also help you save money and time and ensure cost-efficiency with all of your expected expenses. What to consider before building a treehouse Having a treehouse can make your home feel more comfortable and nostalgic. Even your guests will surely love your backyard treehouse. It can also be a major attraction that will be the envy of your neighbors. Most importantly, today’s kids will love playing in your family treehouse. It is also interesting to note that you can still build a treehouse even without a tree. You can hire a home additions builder to build panels as support to your treehouse. But as mentioned, you still need to consider some things before building a treehouse. Design and purpose First of all, you need to decide what you want your treehouse to look like. Do you want it to be a playhouse for your kids? Perhaps an additional room for your guests? The treehouse’s design should comply with its corresponding purpose. Support A treehouse would not be complete without a tree. If you have a large and sturdy tree in your backyard, then it can be a perfect opportunity to build your dream treehouse. The challenge here will be the building method you are going to apply. You also need to consider how you are going to join the building materials together and ensure its stability and security. Builder Unless you have carpentry skills, then you can build your own treehouse. Otherwise, you should hire professional home remodeling architects. Even if it is […]
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Have a Balcony in Your Home: More than Just for Aesthetic Value
Having an outdoor balcony is one way to enjoy the outdoors without stepping away from home. It is also a great place where you can relax and enjoy the sunrise while sipping your morning coffee. Apartments in major cities have their own balconies as well. You should contact a professional home addition builder to add an outdoor balcony. Why it is a good idea to have a balcony Outdoor balconies are associated with castles and Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. It is where Rapunzel let down her hair so the evil witch can go up and down the castle. It is also where you can get sentimental and feel the cold air touching your skin. You can see the beauty of your neighborhood through your balcony. But having an outdoor balcony is more than adding drama to your real estate property. For one, it can improve the overall value of your property. Plus, it adds aesthetic appeal to your home and makes it look inviting. If you want to build a balcony, you should contact a home additions builder near you. You can also do so much to your outdoor balcony. For one, you can turn it into a zen spot where you can relax while doing yoga or reading a book. You can also add potted plants and other greens on your balcony area. Or if you are a gym junkie, you can install a stationary bike or treadmill in your balcony. You can also set up your balcony into a mini-dining or coffee table spot for your family and guests. Building a home addition by adding an outdoor balcony is a good idea for improved home value. What to consider when building a balcony Building a balcony requires professional planning. There are also affordable home additions that will help achieve your home improvement goals. But, you should also consider the following before building an outdoor balcony in your home. Access point First of all, you need to have an access point to go to the balcony. It can be a doorway from your bedroom that will lead to the balcony area. Size Homeowners should also consider the size of the balcony. For one thing, it should be suitable for the size of the adjoining room. The balcony size will also depend on the overall size of your home and your proximity to the neighbors. You can consult professional architects builders for the right balcony size. Style The balustrade style you choose will make a lot of difference to your balcony area. Some choose a glass balustrade material to match their modern-looking homes. Some homeowners prefer materials like metal or wood to exude a classic, Juliet-style balcony. Building permits You should also consider whether you need a permit to build a balcony. For one, it is important to have one to keep your home’s structural integrity. Likewise, this is also to ensure everyone’s safety when using the balcony. Tips on designing a balcony Aside from building a balcony, you also need to consider how you will style it. Of course, it will depend on your preference, lifestyle, and your surroundings. […]
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Essential Tips on Creating a Pet-Friendly Home
As pet lovers, it is only natural to have at least one pet living with you or with your family at home. When we say pets, it doesn’t only pertain to dogs and cats. It can also pertain to other animals such as birds, pot-bellied pigs, rabbits, hamsters, fish, snakes, or any kind of animals (as long as domesticated) you can think of. If you currently have pets or if you are planning to have pets at home, you should consider their living condition. If you love your pets, you will make sure that they are living as comfortable as possible. You might also want to consider hiring a home addition builder to create a special living space for your beloved pets. Planning for a better life for your pets Our pets deserve the most comfortable life that they can experience. For one thing, our pets live shorter than us. That is why it will surely be devastating to lose them after many years of good memories. Even if they can be rowdy at times (especially in households with multiple pets), it is exactly what makes them endearing. Some animals can be naturally curious, they tend to sniff things around them. Some may be too active that they might cause potential accidents that may hurt them later on. That is why we should not only consider the overall living comfort of our pets but also keep them safe at all times. In such cases, you might want to consider planning for a pet-friendly home remodel project. You should hire a home additions builder that has experience in creating pet-friendly home additions. There are a lot of home addition ideas that your beloved pets will surely love. Just make sure to do your research and consider your budget as well. Home addition ideas for your pets As mentioned, you should not only consider your pet’s comfort level but also their safety. It is also a nice thing to invest in the following pet-friendly home additions. Most of these home addition ideas are not that that expensive. Here are some pet-friendly home addition designs you can build for your beloved pets. Pet house Your pets will surely love having their own place they can call home. When you say home, it’s not just a simple rug or a spot in the house where they can lay on. Why not build a pet house for your beloved furry companion in your backyard and feel like royalty? Protective gate Some doors have flaps below where your pets can go through when they want to go outside and vice versa. However, it may not guarantee safety on your pets especially if they are too big to fit in the flap. Instead, you may want to consider having a sturdier gate, especially for your very persistent pets. Pet window Animals also deserve to see the beautiful world around them. However, most windows at home are too high for your pets. You may want to have a ground window built by a home addition builder. If you have a fence at home, you may also have it […]
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Getting Ready for a Home Renovation This Coming Holiday Season
A lot of homeowners prefer doing their home improvement projects during the summer season. For one, the fair-weather enables homeowners to accomplish the home improvement without delays due to the weather. Also, it is a great time to build a home addition design whether inside or outside of the house. But did you know that the winter season is also a good time to hire a home additions builder for home addition or renovation project? However, it depends on the type of renovation you are planning and the availability of the contractors. There are many other reasons why it is a good idea to plan for a home addition design project this coming winter season. Why plan for a winter home renovation? As mentioned, there are various benefits of planning for a home renovation. Here are some of these said perks. Less competition Winter is more likely to be an off-season time for renovations. So if you hire a home contractor at this time, there is a chance that you will be accommodated because they have fewer clients at that time. Possibility of discounts Since it’s off-season, you might also avail some discounts for home renovation projects. While some contractors may not offer discounts, home improvement stores may do offer instead. Thus, it is a good idea to purchase materials you will need for your home addition project. Good timing Renovations during the holiday season won’t affect your domestic life. For one thing, a lot of homeowners would be traveling out of town. Hence, it would be fine to do renovations at this time since your home can be easily vacated during a renovation project. Home renovation and addition ideas in time for the winter season First of all, you need to determine what kind of renovation or home addition you really need. Do the kitchen or bathroom tiles need some updating already? Do you have an unused shed or garage area that you want to convert as an additional room? The next step is to set a budget for your home improvement project. Doing a home improvement project can be possible regardless of the season. However, it depends on the type of renovation you want. That said, interior home renovation can be done during the winter season. You can plan for affordable home additions if you want to, say, convert your old, dusty attic or basement area into a liveable space. Other home renovations you can do during the winter season include the following. Change your old light fixtures with brighter ones that will make your rooms even brighter and illuminated Consider replacing your carpeting at home, or hire a professional carpet cleaner to get rid of allergy-causing dirt and debris stuck within its fibers Pay attention to your laundry area, too. Make sure to keep your laundry area more organized by adding a storage area or hooks. Replace leaky pipes or defective cabinets and cupboards in your kitchen or bathroom areas, as well as old appliances with energy-efficient ones. The truth about home remodeling The 2019 Remodeling Impact Report revealed that around 35 percent of homeowners in the […]
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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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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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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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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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Fireplace Remodeling Project
Looking at your fireplace area gives you the feeling that you need to call your home remodeling architects. It’s like giving you a message that it needs a refashioning, but you just don’t know where to start. Especially this winter season, fireplaces are the best source of heat within the household. It is also where you mostly spend time with your cup of tea or coffee while relaxing. If you happen to have a big space by your fireplace it is also where you gather around with family or friends and share some good laughs, chats and sometimes fun games. There are also other homeowners who also add an outdoor fireplace either by the patio or at the poolside area. With a lot of fireplace designs coming out its flexibility is can already give you the assurance that there is no “right” place for it for as long as it can serve its purpose. Now, with the need of your fireside to be remodeled, you have to find inspiration from the following ideas that will guide you on how you can give a new look to your common-looking fireplace. SOME FIREPLACE DESIGN IDEAS – Use An Attention Seeking Mantle. Every plain-looking fireplaces need an element that can draw the crowd’s attention. An antique or vintage-looking wooden mantle can set a warm tone within the area and can transform your living room into a focal point. By doing that it will not only be your furnaces that will be a head-turner but the fireplace most especially. – Try A Stylish Hearth Screen. You may not notice it at first, but a fireplace screen can really add a statement to the area where it is standing. It creates a scenario where it is being protective of the people that will be gathering close to the hearth while at the same time shows how attractive it become. – The Contrasting Color Approach. Painting the surrounding area of your fireplace can compliment the fireside and furniture around it. Like if your fireplace is black, you can paint the walls with the shades of gray while everything else in the room is wearing blue and white tones. – Surround It With Artworks And Paintings. If you’re a lover of the arts and everything else about this craft, then placing some abstract paintings over your fireplace can instantly draw attention. Anyone who enters the room can have their attention fixated on the attractive colors and design of the artwork itself. Prices of an artwork vary so you really have to be a wise spender if you wanted to keep your makeover on the less costly side. – Make Use Of Rustic Wood. Using reclaimed wood can transform any place or furniture into a vintage piece that tells so much story. And if you use it to remodel your fireplace it will definitely bring out a different character and drama. Keep the entire room in style and your fireplace can already take care of itself. GIVE IT A DIFFERENT CHARACTER – Stick To Black And White. Modern homes never set aside the B&W color scheme and […]
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