Tips to Consider When Renovating Your Home
Is this the first time you are doing a home renovation? Here are tips that you should follow to have an easy time. Start with the kitchen. Homeowners renovating their homes for the first time frequently inquire about the best order in which to renovate their homes. The best way to go about it is to start with the kitchen because a well-done kitchen adds value to your home. According to the National Association of the Remodeling Industry’s 2022 remodeling impact report, Realtors believe that homeowners can recoup 75% of the cost of a complete kitchen makeover if they sell their home, Furthermore, if you have an outdated kitchen, renovating the worn-out room will allow you to appreciate the place more. Renovations also tend to make the space more comfortable. Besides improving the kitchen’s aesthetics, you should also consider its size. If it’s too small, talk to your home addition contractors and devise ways of increasing the size. You should start with the kitchen makeover because it generates the most dust and debris, and you don’t want to land on fresh paint or finish projects. Isolating any demolition mess with plastic over entrances or pass-throughs is always a good idea. Because a major kitchen renovation can take several months to complete, consider setting up a temporary substitute kitchen to use in the meantime. You can set it up in your home’s dining room, family room, or adjacent area. This way, you continue with your cooking and, at the same time go on with the remodeling. Interview several contractors You should interview and compare bids from multiple contractors. This is because you find the most qualified and work with them. Assume you want your water heater removed from upstairs and replaced with a new one in the garage. The first plumber you call may quote you thousands of dollars to reroute hot water lines through your living room tray ceiling. It’s also possible that the second plumber will find it too much labor for his timetable, and they won’t turn up. Plumber three may intend to complete the task in a single day and charge a lower fee with no water line rerouting required. When you interview several contractors before deciding, you get to interact with them and make the right decision. The best way is to ask for referrals from friends and relatives. You should then contact these contractors and, after interviewing them, decide on the ones that are a right fit for your project. Have a realistic time flame. Your renovation will take longer than planned, so plan and make allowances to avoid irritation. You might have the impression that replacing a tub will be simple, but this isn’t always the case. While removing the old tub may take a few hours, finding a new tub and vanity you adore may take many weeks. It could be another two weeks before they arrive. As a result, expecting to use your new hall bath within a week can evolve into a six-week delay. You should be realistic about the renovation process and schedule, and choose your new fixtures before removing the old […]
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Tricks to Reducing Wastage When Renovating
While remodeling a house can be extremely fulfilling as it makes the house livable and improves its appeal giving you an easy time selling it, there is always the issue of wastage. There is no shortage of waste materials at a renovation site, from shattered drywall and excess boxes to decrepit appliances and leftover materials. The unfortunate thing is that you spend money on these items, so every time you let them lie to waste, you waste them. Can you do a condo remodel or any other renovation project without wasting a lot? Well, the good news is that it’s possible. To help you out, here are tips you should follow: Sell the excess As much as you might try to be as economical as possible, it isn’t easy to accurately anticipate what you will require for a project ahead of time. Thankfully, you can ensure that any extra is not wasted by finding another purpose for it in the community. You can resell or give away unwanted items on Facebook using the Marketplace option, or by posting in specific groups such as Buy Nothing or Take My Shit. The NextDoor app also has a section for free and for sale items where you can post the items left behind after a renovation. You can also try local community groups that might be interested in purchasing your stuff. Consider the organizations near you and what they might require, then call out to inquire before delivering the goods. For example, a club that assists low-income neighbors with house repairs may require extra bathroom tiles, whereas a children’s support group may want excess paint and decals for classroom decorating or crafts. Buy what you want Nobody wants to get home, start a project, and then find they must return to the store for more paint, tiles, or whatever. However, overbuying a product, such as paint, is far more prevalent than underbuying, and only some are used. Though it may be tempting to shop in bulk to take advantage of lower prices and save on future excursions to the store, only buy what you need. A great way to ensure you don’t buy more than you need is to take your time and analyze the items you need. A great way to do it is to get quotes from different companies and buy only what is necessary. Work with an expert Homeowners might need help understanding their alternatives for decreasing remodeling waste on larger projects. A lot of times with construction, I think people feel a little bit like it’s outside of their control in specific ways because there aren’t many obvious resources for where to find that information. But feel free to ask your contractors if they agree with you on decreasing waste and how they intend to do so. Working with a skilled professional with a plan is crucial to achieving zero waste or coming close. Regarding construction materials, work with experienced pros to help you do all kinds of cool things with leftover materials, such as repurposing countertop remnants in a powder room or a home bar. Use secondhand products or […]
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5 House Remodeling Traps to Avoid
Are you looking to remodel your house? Home remodeling architects report that many homeowners make plenty of mistakes that turn their projects into money pits. Do you want to be one of these homeowners? To dodge the magazine of bullets, here are some of the common home renovating traps you should avoid: Failing to do enough research When you are excited about giving your house a new look, it’s easy to go straight to the renovation stages, but you should try as much as possible to fight this. The right thing to do is to take your time and thoroughly inspect the house. During the inspection, you will identify hidden dangers, structural botches, and other house defects that might be a surprise when you start the renovation work. If you are buying a new house, be ultra-cautious and work with a certified professional who will help you identify even the most minute issues that might be there. As a rule of thumb, stay away from a house requiring expensive structural work, as you will spend more money than you should. When buying a house for renovation, take your time and find a house that simply needs a decorative makeover and a little updating of the kitchen and bathrooms. Not a complete overhaul. Underestimating the cost of renovations Most homeowners underestimate the cost of renovating their homes, which results in their projects stalling and leads to unnecessary stress. The right thing to do is always to take time to understand your project and all the costs involved fully. Consult an experienced builder who will visit your home and help you approximate a ballpark price for the project. You should note that the budget isn’t set in stone, so always have an extra amount set aside for emergencies. Experts recommend you set aside at least 20% of your budget. Replacing instead of repairing When your property is old, it’s easy to want to replace everything. As much as this will give the property a new, exciting look, it will be expensive. To save money, consider repairing instead of replacing. For example, overhaul the doors and windows instead of installing new doors. Using extremely cheap materials As much as you want to save as much money as possible, you shouldn’t be too cheap. Cheap is always nasty expensive in the long run, so it’s wise to avoid materials that are too cheap. While you should avoid cheap materials, it doesn’t mean you should buy only expensive items, as expensive doesn’t always translate to quality. There are plenty of moderately priced, but quality items in the market, and these are the ones you should go for. To avoid buying the wrong materials, don’t buy online. Remember that it’s hard to tell the quality of the product (even if it has plenty of raving reviews) from online pictures—you need to see the materials in person. You should be cautious of where you buy your materials from. As a rule of thumb, avoid buying from high-end stores as they are often too expensive. Overcapitalizing your renovation Overcapitalizing your renovation involves adding high-end finishes to your low-value […]
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Planning to Sell Your Home? Do These Improvements to Increase Home Value
Home improvement – such a big word, but a must for every home. Especially if you are planning to sell your house soon. Home improvement should not necessarily be something extravagant or expensive. It can be as simple as rearranging furniture or adding a fresh coat of paint on the interior and exterior walls. But before starting a home improvement project, you should consider a lot of things. Do you need a simple home improvement or home addition? If it is the latter, make sure to hire a reputable home additions builder for your home addition needs. Getting started Are you ready to put your house on sale? For one thing, preparing your home for sale can be an overwhelming task. You need to know specific home improvement tasks that can increase your house’s value. Then again, home improvement should not only enhance your house’s look but also improve the home buyer’s quality of living. Before selling your home, determine what kind of improvement your home needs. Take note that not all home improvement projects can increase your house’s value. For example, repainting chipped walls or replacing broken tiles won’t increase your home’s value. After all, it is necessary to do repairs before you sell anything. On the other hand, some home improvements can increase home value. This includes installing a solar panel, a home remodel (ex. kitchen or bathroom remodeling), or an outdoor remodeling project (ex. adding a patio area or converting your garage into an additional living space). Nonetheless, a home improvement project should not only be for aesthetic purposes. It should also help in improving the homeowner’s quality of life. Not to mention it will also help sell the property faster with a higher value. Easy home improvement tasks before selling your home Want to sell your home faster? You can hire home remodeling architects for a home remodeling or addition project. Or you can do these easy home improvement tips before putting your house in the real estate market. Paint your home. A nice, fresh coat of paint is a cheap but effective way to improve the overall look of your home. Popular paint colors you can use in your interior and exterior walls include beige, gray, pale yellow, light blue, among a few. Avoid trendy wallpaper as it may go out of style soon quickly, or any paint colors that could turn off potential home buyers. Improve your bathroom. A lot of people are very particular when it comes to bathrooms. That is why you should consider making improvements in your bathroom area before putting it up for sale. It could be as simple as updating the tiles, re-caulking the shower or tub area, replacing broken shower heads, or replacing the countertop. There is no need to create a luxury bathroom (with the Jacuzzi and all), those are unnecessary and expensive. Make your home energy-efficient. This includes adding insulation, installing solar panels, and replacing appliances with energy-efficient ones. Not only can these reduce your electric bills but also increase your house’s resale value. A home addition, renovation, or remodel? These terms are often used interchangeably […]
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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 […]
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Planning for a Staircase Overhaul? Here’s What You Need to Know
The staircase is one of the most important parts of a building, whether residential or commercial. Unless you have your own elevator at home, you cannot go to one floor to another. Or opt to use a ladder instead, which is not a practical solution for home use. Staircases not only are useful but can also add an interesting touch to your home. That said, it can also be a good idea to renovate your old staircase, or add some aesthetic touch to your existing one. You can come up with a home addition design for your staircase and hire a professional home addition builder. Why you need to renovate your staircase Staircases are one of the most overly-used parts of the house. They are there not only to transport you from one floor to another. It can also add an interesting appeal to your home. Because of frequent use, your home’s stairs will eventually have signs of wear and tear. That means any signs of wear and tear can make your staircase a safety hazard, especially if you have children. Aside from safety reasons, here are other instances that should convince you to hire home remodeling architects for staircase renovation. For one, an outdated staircase can decrease home value. A lot of home sellers often take their staircases for granted. Not only should it be safe for the entire household but also look nice and appealing to potential home buyers. No one would like to buy a house with stairs that creak as they step on it. As mentioned, a staircase can also add a refreshing look to your home. You can be creative with your staircase. You can also have your staircase customized by a home remodeling addition professional. You can even add an extra room or storage area under the staircase. What to consider before renovating the staircase A staircase renovation is an important investment for your home. But before hiring a home remodel professional, you need to plan for it. You need to consider the following first before starting a staircase renovation. Space Before looking into different staircase designs, make sure you have enough space to accommodate the design you want. You don’t want to end up spending on huge banisters that won’t fit in your limited space. Budget Of course, you need to have a budget to fund your staircase renovation project. You need to factor in the materials needed and rates of home addition companies (for comparing purposes). Safety The most important thing is to ensure that the staircase is safe for everyone in your household. You also need to choose balustrades and handrails that are sturdy and can last for many years. Of course, one that looks good in your home, too. Design There are different kinds of staircases: L-shaped, curved, bifurcated, and straight. All of these staircase designs will add appeal to your home. However, you need to consider the space you have in your home before deciding on the staircase type. Staircase renovation ideas There might be some questions before starting a staircase renovation project. From the material to be used, […]
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Home Additions for Added Property Value: Which Ones to Pursue and Ones to Avoid?
Much has happened because of the pandemic. For one, a lot of businesses have been affected and some even have to close. While some businesses are able to bounce back and survive the impact of the ongoing pandemic, some industries are still struggling until now. One of these is the real estate industry. Being mostly at home, a lot of homeowners took the quarantine period to do something valuable. Say, planning for a home addition design for your outdated kitchen or bathroom. For your home improvement needs, better hire home remodeling architects. Home improvement in the middle of a pandemic As mentioned, the real estate industry has been affected a lot by the pandemic. Buying property may not be a priority for now. However, there are some homeowners who are considering selling their homes now. One reason is because of financial problems – some may have lost their jobs and have no means to pay for a mortgage. Unfortunately, this is the reality of many homeowners now. It will be a lucky occurrence if they are able to sell their homes during these uncertain times. But for those who are more fortunate, now is the time for a home improvement project – no matter how minor or major it is. Then again, it also depends on your long-term goals. If you are planning to live in your home for many years, it is good to invest in your home. It is also a good idea to hire a professional home additions builder to help you with your home improvement project. However, home improvement projects can also be tempting. For example, you might be considering to add a small pool or build a treehouse in your backyard. But the question is: Are they necessary? Is hiring an outdoor remodeling expert worth it? More importantly, will these add value to your home? Home improvement projects to avoid this pandemic As luxurious as it may seem, there are a lot of home improvement projects that won’t add value to your real estate property. More so, if you are planning to move to another place after a couple of years. So, which of these popular home improvement projects you should avoid? Jacuzzis/Sauna baths It may sound relaxing to have your own Jacuzzi in your bathroom. For one thing, building a Jacuzzi or sauna bath can cost you high electric bills aside from frequent maintenance costs. In-ground swimming pool Depending on the type and size of the pool you are aiming for, it can cost as much as tens of thousands of dollars. While having a pool seems like a dream come true for many homeowners, it might make your house challenging to sell. For one, families with small children may not want to buy a house with a large pool due to safety reasons. High-end kitchens Too much home addition design not only is expensive but also unnecessary. Just like when you buy expensive tiles, countertops, and appliances. Trends come and go, and so will these appliances, tiles, and other home décor. Your high-end refrigerator might already be outdated when you decide to sell […]
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Starting a DIY Furniture Making Project: What You Need to Know
It can be boring at home due to the ongoing lockdown, quarantine, or whatever it is called in your place. But instead of bumming all day, you can use this time to be productive at home. Some may already be productive since they are working remotely. Otherwise, you can improve your home little by little during this time. Hiring a home additions builder may not be the best decision for now. However, you can plan for a home remodeling addition or condo remodeling (if you live in a condo unit). A home addition can be a simple tile replacement or a major one like building a living extension in your home. DIY furniture, anyone? It’s nice to imagine living in your dream home. With your own backyard pool, a landscaped garden, and majestic walk-in closet. You’ll feel like a celebrity having these amenities. There are home addition companies that can help transform your house into your dream home. Then again, it may not be the right time to hire home remodeling architects while there’s a lockdown/quarantine ongoing. For now, you can focus on other things that you can improve at home. Say, change your current bed and pillow sheets or add a carpet to your bedroom. Or why not make your own furniture? Making your own furniture may seem intimidating. However, you don’t have to be a professional carpenter or craftsman to make your own furniture. More so, it’s not complicated to maintain your home and keep it in style. DIY furniture ideas Want to make your own furniture? It can actually be not that as hard as you think. You can use your old furniture and recreate it into a creative and useful one. You can use an old bench and turn it into an extra space to place your home décor. You can just repaint it if there is no damage to the bench. It won’t spend a lot of your time refurbishing the old bench, table, or chair. Not only is it a resourceful way to reuse old furniture but can look good in your home, too. Why not add an indoor swing? You and your kids will surely love this DIY swing right in the comfort of your own home. You can make a hanging chair made from canvas, leather, or any other durable fabric available. With some knots, drills, and couple of stitches, you can create your DIY indoor swing. Make sure there are no vases and other fragile items nearby or else it might be knocked down accidentally. If you have an old drawer, you can revamp it into a kitchen island. You can repaint, repair, and modify some parts if you want. For example, you can add a slab of wood on top so it can be a countertop as well. Plus, this DIY kitchen island can be your extra storage space and a kitchen attraction, too. Old road signs can be converted into stylish stool seatings at home. Secure the metal signs on wooden stools, bend it if necessary, and you will now have eye-catching trendy seats at home. Tips in crafting […]
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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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Home Remodeling Essential for Your Senior Years
One study revealed that more around 76 percent of individuals age 65 and above own the house they are living in. Out of the respondents, about 88 percent of them are planning to have a home renovation after a few years. This study only shows that elderly people are also interested in real estate property ownership and home improvement. For one thing, comfortable home is important for elderly people. This means considering their mobility and ensuring their safety when they are in their own homes. A home remodeling addition may be necessary to accommodate the elderly person’s domestic needs. In building a home addition, one must hire a professional home addition builder to ensure quality and satisfying finish. But it doesn’t mean you have to delay planning for a home addition design just because you are not yet 60 and above. In fact, now is the best time to plan for a home renovation while you are still able. We all need to prepare for our retirement, and that includes making our home a senior-friendly one when that time comes. Planning a senior-friendly home renovation As mentioned, now is the right time to plan an elderly-friendly home. On the contrary, it is not a good idea to delay a home renovation or addition project when you are already old and unable to do tasks like before. Also, you can have more time to pay attention to details if you plan a home addition or renovation while you are still at the peak of your health. Planning for an elderly-friendly home remodeling or renovation may seem overwhelming. However, home remodeling architects assure everyone that it doesn’t have to be expensive. It’s mostly just replacing or adding certain items to ensure the elderly person’s convenience and safety. Nonetheless, it is important to prepare for a home renovation or addition especially in terms of budget. It depends on what type of remodeling you want, but it is better to be financially prepared nonetheless. You should not wait until you reach retirement to hire a home addition builder because you might be qualified for a loan if you are going to rely on your monthly pension. Elderly-friendly home renovations Here are some of the most popular home renovations that can help home living easier, more convenient, and safer especially for the elderly. Elevator/chair lift This is important especially if your house has a second or third floor. There are chair lifts that can be attached to the stairs, and costs at least $3,000, excluding installation fees. Kitchen/bathroom countertops and cabinets It is also a good idea to adjust the countertop lower than regular countertops. This is to make kitchen tasks easier for the elderlies. Make sure there is also enough space in the kitchen and bathroom to walk and navigate around. Flooring Elderly people are prone to accidents that is why safety is crucial. In the case of flooring, it is safer to use linoleum, vinyl, cork, or bamboo. Such floor options may cost at least $3 per square foot depending on the type of flooring. Grab bars This is important in bathrooms to […]
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