4 Home Addition Tips for the Perfect Addition
A home addition project adds space to your home and increases the house’s value. For you to properly add the new addition, there are a number of things you should do. Here are these things: Hire an experienced contractor The contractor you hire can make or break your project, so you should be ultra-cautious of the one you hire. As a rule of thumb, ensure that the home addition builder you hire is experienced and knows what they are doing. Instead of hiring the first person in the search results, take your time to meet several contractors in your area and interview them. During the interview, compare their quotes based on the project details, presentation, price, and communication skills. Anyone can say that they are experienced in home additions, so don’t simply take their word for it—ask for the references and contact them to understand the contractor better and how they work. Stick with the existing aesthetic A perfect home addition is one where the new addition blends seamlessly with the older house. If done properly, you shouldn’t be able to tell where the new structure ends and where the old one begins. Of course, you can’t achieve this if you don’t have a plan—you need to know what you are doing from your choice of material, design, and even color selection. For that perfect look, ensure that your addition matches your home’s current aesthetics and your contractor understands the importance of having a streamlined result. Don’t make too many compromises. Cutting corners might seem like an excellent way to cut costs, but this isn’t always the case. This is because you often end up hating the new addition as it often limits your square footage or affects the quality of your finish, appliances, and fixtures. To take pride in your addition, follow all the necessary home addition steps. You also should work with an experienced contractor who will help you explore all the creative solutions that might give your house a seamless look you are after. Set the right budget Plenty of people have had to halt their home addition projects in the middle when they run out of money. To avoid this, take your time and budget carefully before beginning your project. Go through everything carefully with your contractor and ensure that you haven’t overlooked any aspect of the process. It will even be better if you can go over the project’s demands with two or more experienced contractors to ensure that you have covered all ground before you kick off the project. When coming up with a budget, don’t set aside exact money that will exactly cover the project. It’s always wise to allocate 15-20% for unexpected expenses during the renovation. As the plumbers are connecting the new pipes, they might discover that the interior of the sewer is cracked, and you have to fix it. The extra amount you had allocated will cater for this. If you complete the project without touching the extra amount, you can always spend it on landscaping and furniture. As much as the furniture looks good, it might not be ideal […]
Read more
How to Make Your Home Safe and Secure
Apart from aesthetic and functionality, safety should also be among homeowners’ priorities when it comes to maintaining their real estate property. We cannot be certain of the present times, so it won’t hurt to be extra careful these days. Not only with our health (due to the threat of COVID-19) but also your and your family’s safety at home. If you are also planning to build a home addition, you should also include safety and security measures. Of course, you should also contact the best home addition companies if you want to add a new room to your current home. Home remodeling architects can also help you plan a home addition design that will ensure your household’s safety and make it aesthetic and functional as well. Keeping your home safe and secured Safety is one of the most important things that a lot of homeowners tend to forget in a home improvement project. If you look around, there are some houses in several neighborhoods that don’t have a fence or some kind of protective gate in front of their properties. As mentioned, times are uncertain nowadays. Some things might happen unexpectedly that can compromise you and your loved ones’ safety. Not to mention you might not realize that your home’s safety is already compromised because of an open window and other household habits and things that can potentially attract burglars. And then Christmas is already coming which means we need to secure our real estate properties. Burglaries and other similar things also don’t only happen at night. It can even happen in broad daylight. That is why you should always keep your home well-guarded and secured no matter the time of the day. Tips on securing your home Like how you plan a home remodeling addition, you should also consider how you will keep your home safe and secured. Here are important tips to keep your home safe and secured. Pay attention to your lighting. Not only can it highlight your beautiful home especially at night but also deter burglars from intruding on your property. Because burglars wouldn’t want the limelight (literally and figuratively) and see what they are about to do. Make sure to invest in a high-quality night-time lighting system installed outside your home. You can also install motion sensor security lights as well as adding a gravel driveway to catch attention. Make sure not to forget locking windows and doors. This is surely the easiest thing to do, but so often almost always forgotten. That is why you should keep your windows and doors locked all the time, even when you are at home. You can also invest in coded locks if there is one available. Don’t post on social media. People cannot help but be constantly connected to social media, posting things about their everyday lives. However, doing so can potentially compromise your, your family, and your home’s safety. Best not to mention any out-of-town plans on your social media accounts. Not even posting that you are having coffee in a downtown coffee shop as of this moment. Decide how high your hedges/fences will be. This […]
Read more
Essential Tips on Decorating Your Home Using Mirrors
Imagine life without mirrors. You cannot see yourself if that dress fits you perfectly. Or whether you are doing your makeup right. However, mirrors are not only important in checking how you look. It can also brighten up and make your room look attractive in general. So if you are planning to renovate your home, you might want to consider using mirrors to maximize your living space. When planning for a home addition design, you should also hire the best home remodeling architects in your area. Mirror designs There are different types of mirrors you can buy and use for your home. As mentioned, mirrors not only are for beauty purposes but also decorative purposes. When used correctly, it can provide balance or contrast to any room. You can utilize mirrors in your bedroom, living room, bathroom, or in any other parts of your home. Some of the most popular mirror designs you can use for your condo remodeling or home addition project include the following. Tiled mirrors This type of mirror looks better in a bathroom or a vanity room. It can truly catch one’s attention, especially with ambient lighting, and placed in a room with a high ceiling. Closets with built-in mirrors This also works best in a walk-in closet, a master’s bedroom, or even your home office. It can add a classy and timeless appeal to any room. Home remodeling architects can provide advice on the best furniture and fixtures that will suit your home. Mirrored walls This one is another popular home addition design that makes a room look interesting. You might encounter this type of mirrors in a hotel or salon lobby. Nonetheless, it also looks good in a living room and adds aesthetic appeal to the area. Huge mirrors This works in bedrooms, walk-in closets, and the living room. It can make the room look bigger, brighter, and livelier. What to consider in using mirrors to design a room Before buying a mirror for your home, you need to consider the following first. Placement For one, it should be placed across a visually appealing area. Say, you can place it near a window, a beautiful staircase, or a nice chandelier or lighting. Ideally, hanging it at eye-level can make a difference to the room. However, displaying it higher or lower eye-level can also work depending on the room. Size Mirrors can make a room look bigger. That is why you can explore using large mirrors if you want to add the illusion of space in a room. Of course, it will make the room look nicer as well. Style/design Mirrors have various designs, modern and classic designs alike. It will all depend on the frame design and the theme you want to achieve in your room or home. Mirrored furniture Now, there are also mirrored furniture that has been popular for some time now. While it looks sophisticated and attractive in a room, you also have to consider where you are going to put it. Ideally, you should not put it in an area with so many things going on that can deflect attention […]
Read more
Useful Tips to Make Your Home Allergy-Proof During a Home Improvement Project
Every homeowner wants their home to feel comfortable and welcoming at all times. More so, homeowners want their houses to look aesthetically appealing as well. Some hire home addition companies to renovate and improve their homes. Building a home addition requires extensive planning as it can cost you some cash as well. However, homeowners should not only consider their house’s aesthetics. Rather, you should also think about its safety in general. By safety, it can also mean that your home should also be allergy-proof. For one thing, allergies can wreak havoc to you or your loved one and affect one’s quality of life. Getting started Studies show that at least 20 percent of Americans suffer from some kind of allergy. Being allergic to something that can affect one’s quality of life. Common allergic symptoms include sneezing, runny nose, and rashes among a few. In the worst cases, allergy sufferers may experience shortness of breath and even death. Allergic triggers usually come from your surroundings, and yes, even at home. That is why you should determine what triggers your allergies. Whether it’s because of dust, pollen, or pet dander, allergies should be taken seriously and should start within your home. If you are planning for a home improvement project, you might have to consider the materials and procedures that can trigger your allergies. For example, the dust that can accumulate while the construction is ongoing can cause allergies. Make sure to let your home additions builder know that you or a family member suffer from allergies as well. First, know what you are allergic to A home remodeling addition is more than finding professional home addition companies. It requires careful planning, finding the best and quality materials, and considering possible adjustments needed to do Undergoing a home remodel project can possibly trigger your allergies. It can be due to dust that would fly around the construction area or the paint used for your walls. Also, you also have to consult an allergist to determine what causes your allergies in the first place. Here are other tips that can help to get started with the renovation without the constant sneezing and all. Make sure that your house is well-ventilated before starting the renovation project. Use dehumidifiers to lessen moisture that can cause the formation of mold especially in the bathroom and kitchen. Choose air-conditioning systems and vacuum cleaners with HEPA filters. Close your windows if it is windy and during hours when the pollen count is high (usually around 10 am to 3 pm). Decide whether to have carpeting as it is also a major allergy trigger. Also, make sure to clean your home regularly to lessen the accumulation of allergens. Clean the clutter The next step is cleaning up the clutter in your home, as it can also lessen dust and other allergens that can trigger allergies. Vacuum your home regularly of dust, pollen, and pet dander (especially if you have pets). Throw or give away unused newspapers, magazines, and other stuff that can be huge breeding grounds for dust mites. Clean areas where you usually spend time more such as […]
Read more
Being an Indoor Plant Parent: A Basic Guide to First-Time House Plant Owners
There are two types of people in this world: those who are natural green thumbs, and those who aren’t. For one thing, taking care of a plant is pretty much like taking care of a precious child. To keep your baby healthy and strong, you need to give the right nutrition, care, and love. The same goes for the plants in your home. You can create your own backyard garden or house your plants in a greenhouse. If you are considering the latter, you can plan for a home addition design for your plants. You can build one by yourself, or hire a home additions builder to help you with your gardening project. How about having indoor plants? A lot of people would love to have their own backyard gardens where they can plant fruits, vegetables, or even lovely flowers. However, not everyone has a backyard, to begin with. These are mostly those who are living in condos and apartments. But for gardening enthusiasts, there is good news! You can consider having indoor plants instead. If you are planning for a condo remodeling soon, you might want to include indoor plants in your renovation plan. Like outdoor plants, indoor plants also need proper care so it will stay alive. Indoor plants aren’t simple home decors unless they are made of plastic. Actually, indoor plants need special kinds of care as compared to the usual outdoor plants. Indoor plants are also prone to wilting and browning if not given enough sunshine and water. What to consider before buying indoor plants There are a lot of indoor plants you can choose from. This includes succulents, ferns, and cactuses among a few. You can add indoor plants if you are planning on building a home addition project. The thing is that taking care of indoor plants is not as easy as it seems. You should also consider the following before buying indoor plants for your home. What type of indoor plant should you buy? First of all, you need to think about what kind of indoor plant will suit your home. Experts say that it is better to buy indoor plants, preferably from a family-owned garden nursery, especially if it’s your first time. On the other hand, a large home and gardening stores are also great places to buy indoor plants for your home remodeling addition project. However, most of these gardening tools are mostly not beginner-friendly. So, if you are a first-timer, you can opt to go to a local plant nursery instead. Where will you put the indoor plant? Make sure to choose a plant that is suitable for an indoor environment. Some plants need to be put in a spot with ample sunlight. Others have to be watered religiously according to schedule. If you want to try taking care of an indoor plant, you can start with a cactus or succulent. If you like being hands-on to your plants, you can try buying ferns or orchids instead. How will I know if the indoor plant is in trouble? Here are some signs that your indoor plant needs urgent help. Rotted […]
Read more
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 […]
Read more
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 […]
Read more
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 […]
Read more