How Can I add Value to My Home?
If you want to sell your house, remodeling it is one way to make it attractive to potential buyers. If this is your first time, you might be wondering about the areas you should remodel to increase the house’s value, right? Well, there are plenty of areas you can touch. These areas, as given by condo remodel experts, include: Fix the superficial defects Minor faults and deficiencies, while unlikely to be the deciding factor in a house sale, can give the appearance that the house has been neglected. Bigger issues (such as moisture) should not bother you because they will appear on a survey and come back to haunt you. Things to watch out for include: Peeling paint Dirty walls, particularly near door frames and light switches, and dripping taps. Squeaking floors, doors, or stairs Moldy sealant in the kitchen or bathroom. Limescale buildup on kitchen and bathroom fixtures Laminate flooring that was not correctly installed Damaged lightbulbs. Add a stone veneer Adding manufactured stone veneer is the most effective project for recouping your investment. The national average stone veneer job will most likely result in a 95.6% cost recovery. So, if you’re seeking cost-effective traditional ideas that will give you back your money, this remodeling project is the answer. Replace the garage door. Designing and arranging a garage may not appear significant in the grand scheme of your home. However, it is one of the best investments for generating a return. ‘The average job cost results in a 94.5% cost recoup. For the best outcome, take on the project sooner rather than later so you can reap the benefits for a longer period of time. This calls for you to go ahead and do the modifications at the time you live in the house rather than immediately before you sell it. This way, you get to enjoy a better garage door and, at the same time, increase the value of your house. Paint the exterior While it is crucial to colorize the interior of your home, the exterior is equally important; therefore, you should also have it striking. The beauty is that painting the exterior is a low-cost house improvement, so you don’t need a large budget. According to Consumer Reports, an outside paint job can boost the value of your property by 2-5%. Choosing the right exterior paint will give your home a clean look, attract a broader range of purchasers, and ultimately increase its value. When choosing the paint for your house, avoid going for extremely personalized paints. Instead, go for more neutral ones that will appeal to many people. Replace your outdated kitchen. Updating your kitchen is always a worthwhile investment. While it’s a pricey home repair project, it can increase the value of your property by 5.5% on average. Avoid being too personal with your kitchen when painting the house’s exterior—be neutral about it. While a kitchen remodel is bound to increase the value of your house, you should avoid being extreme with your material choices. This means that you should avoid costly materials as chances are that you won’t get your money back, and […]
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8 Signs It’s Time to Remodel Your Home
Getting into a home remodeling project is significant move, but it is well worth the cost once you have the home you want. Maybe you’re ready to start the process or unsure if now is the best time to hire home addition contractors and start. The truth is that a well-designed renovation can increase your home’s value while also changing how you live. To help you out, here are some things to look for when deciding whether it’s time to remodel your home: There are obvious signs of wear and tear Deterioration can cause structural difficulties, such as a leaking roof, decaying floorboards on a front porch, or the need for fireplace and foundation repointing. It’s also possible that your carpets have been worn and weathered for a decade or more or that tiles in your kitchen or bathroom have come loose. Property degradation issues should not be overlooked because they cannot only lead to more expensive problems in the future (such as a roof, foundation, or porch failure) but also likely affect your satisfaction with the property and ability to market it later. So, if your property has apparent signs of wear and tear, it’s time to remodel it. Your home feels old and out of date. Perhaps it’s the 30-year-old bright brass fixtures in the bathroom or the linoleum floor in the kitchen. Is your living room fireplace a holdover from the 1960s? Does having dark-stained cabinetry make your kitchen feel like a cave? If you believe your home needs to be updated, a remodel is most likely necessary. Whether it’s a whole kitchen makeover with airy white cabinets and brushed nickel fixtures or a living room renovation with a modern stone veneer fireplace remodel, new carpeting, and fresh paint in contemporary hues, you must do it. Remodeling your home for a more modern appearance can not only make you happier in your surroundings, but it will also help you maintain (or maybe increase) the value of your home. Remember to discuss it with your contractors so that you can install the correct units for your project. The space isn’t functioning as well as you would want Do you get upset whenever you cook because you don’t have enough counter space in the kitchen? Do you feel overwhelmed by clutter and insufficient storage space? If your home environment isn’t working correctly for everyday life, you might want to hire an architect to figure out why and what you can do about it. Perhaps you should open up your kitchen and install a bar for additional storage and a workplace. Perhaps you need one or two walk-in closets and a built-in entertainment center surrounding your living room fireplace. If your room does not fit your lifestyle, it may be time to renovate. You are not using the space you have Perhaps your guest bedroom has not seen a guest in ten years, or your dining room only sees a set table once a year for a holiday celebration. If you have a lot of unused space in your home, try making it more usable. Perhaps you can knock down […]
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Tricks to Reduce the Cost of Your Home Remodeling Project
Whether you have a large or small budget, the expense of a home remodeling can easily spiral out of control. Thankfully, there are several things you can do to reduce the costs. These things include: Create and stick to a budget. Budget does not imply cheap, but when you spend money, it’s good to know the amount of money you have to set aside for the purchase. You should start with a budget in mind before making design decisions. By doing this, you can tell the prices of the different fixtures and supplies and get a sense of what will and won’t fit your budget. Home addition companies recommend that you have a spreadsheet and just enter everything you need for the project. As you can tell, this will require you to first research and find the prices of the different materials. You need to find the cost of the flooring, countertops, lighting, faucets, paint, cabinets, outlets and switch plate covers, tile, grout, appliances, and other things. The best way to research is to make phone calls to obtain quotations for goods and labor. When preparing the budget, include tax. From your budget, you can tell the areas that require a lot of money and those that don’t need much. You will also know the areas where you can make adjustments by selecting less expensive materials or opting to eliminate items. As much as you should stick to a budget, you should note that there are always unexpected occurrences. To avoid going beyond your budget, account for unforeseen expenses. A good way to do it is to set aside 10% of your budget. Pay in cash It may seem obvious, but paying for your project in cash will save you a large amount of money in interest than you would otherwise pay if you took out a loan or put things on a credit card that you couldn’t quickly pay off. If you’re remodeling to sell your house, it may make financial sense to take out a loan if you know you’ll get a return on your investment, and you will pay off the loan promptly. However, in general, paying with cash is the best option. If you currently don’t have enough money, start thinking about methods to cut your household budget to save money for your project. Don’t be in a hurry. Waiting for funds to renovate isn’t always a terrible thing, because time is your friend when planning for a renovation. It can be tempting to renovate your home all at once if you have the money, but it can be stressful to make a lot of excellent and cohesive design selections when you’re factoring in so many factors. If you rush through things, you will regret some of your decisions. The best way out is to start with one or two rooms and work through them before going on to other sections. Most people find it difficult to complete an assignment before moving on to the next. Prioritize the most time-consuming project and do it first; else, it could take years. You won’t have to live in a […]
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Why You Should Remodel Your Commercial Property
Are you thinking about undertaking commercial remodeling? You should go ahead and do it, as it comes with plenty of benefits. These benefits include: Increase property value One of the primary reasons businesses choose to remodel is to raise the value of their property. Your business property will be worth more when you modify it. This is especially true when individuals want to rent or buy your unit. Of course, for the best results, you should engage in projects that increase the value of your property with the highest margins. Enhanced visual appeal When trying to attract new consumers or keep existing ones happy, it’s critical to provide them with something visually appealing. When customers go up to your building or drive by and notice how nice it appears from the outside, they’ll be more likely to come inside and discover what else you have to offer. Nobody enjoys peeling wallpaper, damaged flooring, or fading wall paint. Renovating will assist you in making the ideal first impression on your clients and customers. You attract more customers and clients. Renovating or remodeling your home is a terrific approach to show your consumers or clients that you are doing well. By renovating your property, you have a competitive advantage in attracting more customers. And the beauty is that you don’t need to make significant changes to the property. Minor design adjustments can sometimes go a long way toward making your property more desirable. Changes to your property will also communicate your dedication to your clients and staff, demonstrating your concern for their comfort and increasing their faith in you. You increase productivity A well-designed area that meets your employees’ demands can boost their productivity. They will have greater space to work and move around, resulting in higher overall productivity. Employees will benefit from working in an appealing setting where they feel comfortable, safe, and productive while striving to meet their daily objectives. It will also assist you in attracting new personnel. Instead of introducing new employees to a weary and aging workplace, you welcome them to one that is efficient, lively, and pleasant and watch employee retention rise. You conserve energy Isn’t it true that energy bills account for a sizable portion of your property expenses? Remodeling your commercial property might provide numerous chances to implement energy-efficient solutions. Some simple ways to save energy include installing energy-efficient HVAC models, replacing old windows, enhancing insulation, and installing energy-saving lighting. Along with saving money on electricity, an eco-friendly approach to workplace maintenance can appeal to many environmentally conscious clients in the long run. As you can tell, this means more money in your pocket. Steps to follow when remodeling your commercial property To get the best results, you must follow the proper remodeling steps. Here they are: Start with determining the objective of your remodeling. Commercial building restoration can range from a simple facelift to major structural upgrades that result in LEED certification. Setting specific goals for your remodeling helps you concentrate and focus your spending on the most critical aspects of the project. After the redesign, You should ensure that the property can […]
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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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Tips To Consider When Renovating Your House
If you want to fix your house but are unsure where to start, you’re not alone. Many people start planning a home improvement project without knowing what to expect. When things go wrong during renovations, they only realize they should have had a plan. If you don’t plan, renovating your home can disappoint you. This is because, unlike when you build a new house, you aren’t starting from scratch. There can be costs and problems that come up out of the blue that makes the process harder. So, before you start down the winding road of home improvement, here are several things given by home addition contractors that you need to know to have a great project: Start with the kitchen. People often want to know in what order they should make home improvements. It’s best to start with the kitchen because these renovations add value to your home. If your kitchen is old and worn out, updating it will let you enjoy it more at home. You should also remodel the kitchen first because it will create the most dust and debris you don’t want to get on freshly painted walls or new finishes. Putting plastic over doorways or passageways is a good way to keep demolition mess from spreading. Remember that a big kitchen remodels usually takes several months, so you’ll need to set up a temporary kitchen in your dining room, family room, or a nearby room. Spend time in the space. Even if it seems obvious, you should wait to decide on things like paint colors, carpet, and light fixtures until you’ve spent some time in the space you’re fixing up. For example, if you want to replace an old carpet, there are many options. Dense or loose fibers? Or no pattern at all? What shade of gray should you go for? The answers depend on choosing paint colors and other parts of the renovation. Even if you choose paint colors before remodeling, you still need to see them on the walls. As you spend more time in the house, you might change your mind about the house colors. Also, newly painted walls and new carpet can show that the lights you already have don’t give off as much light as you thought, and you are forced to change them. Before you paint or replace the carpet in the room you’re remodeling, take a few minutes to think about how everything fits together. This will save you from having to go back to the drawing board and spend a lot of money on it. Don’t hire the first contractor. It pays to talk to multiple contractors and look at their bids. Many people make the mistake of hiring the first contractor that they come across, but this isn’t the right way to go about it. Instead, you should talk to three or more contractors and compare their bids. You might be tempted to hire the cheapest but don’t go this route, as chances are the contractor isn’t experienced enough and will most likely botch your project. At the same time, you shouldn’t hire an expensive one […]
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Tips to Having a Great Time Renovating Your House
As much as you are improving the look of your house, house renovation can be one of the most stressful parts of owning a home. Over the years, you’ve probably heard many horror stories about home buyers caught off guard by unexpected costs, lousy work, and delays. In the worst cases, the contractor would disappear with the money, leaving the homeowners high and dry. Choosing the right contractor is a hard job by itself, but once you’ve made your choice, getting the contract right is another way to help avoid problems in the future. Whether doing a condo remodel or any other remodeling project, here are tips to ensure you have a great time handling the project. Avoid upfront payments It goes without saying that if you pay upfront, contractors or designers who aren’t honest could run away with your money. If the work turns out to be bad, getting your money back will be harder. To stay safe, pay as little as possible upfront, and ensure you have a good payment structure that works in your favor. A great way to do it is to make payments in parts, like 10% when the floors are done, 40% when the kitchen is done, and so on. You should only pay for the work once it’s done. You should avoid paying more than 20% to start work. If you have to pay more than that, ask your contractor why they need such a hefty payment upfront. It will be better if you add a schedule to these milestones so that the contractor has to meet both the schedule and the standards. Ensure all defects are fixed beforehand. Even when working with the most experienced contractors, problems might arise. You might assume that the contractor will fix all problems before handing over, but some contracts need to be clarified. Some contracts say a problem can be fixed within a certain amount of time (up to 30 days after the job is done), while others may not even mention the problem. Pay attention to the fact that some contracts put all responsibility on a subcontractor. For example, if there is a problem with the electrical work, the contract might say that you have to talk to the electrician on your own. Always ensure that defects are fully dealt with and spelled out in the contract to your satisfaction. Don’t forget that the last payment should not be due the contractor has fixed until all the problems. Have written proof. Don’t count on verbal promises or confirmations because you can’t prove them later. Whatever your contractor agrees to or changes, it must be in writing. You can do this through email, text messages, or written documents. When things are written down, they are not only binding but also less likely to be misunderstood. Ask about warranties What happens if your cabinets start to bend after only a year? Or if the tiles are already beginning to lose their color? Some materials may come with a warranty that lasts a lifetime, while others may not have any warranty at all. Whether buying materials or working […]
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Tricks That Will Make A Small Room Feel Larger
Do you have a room you feel cramped in every time you step in? Any homeowner would want to bring down the walls and build a new one. While you can do this if you have the space for it, home addition companies observe that you don’t always have to go this route, as there are several tricks you can use to make the house look larger and less cramped. Which are these tricks? Here they are: Get rid of clutter Nothing makes a small room look dirty and congested as plenty of trash is lying around. To make the room look clean and more organized, you should get rid of all the trash, properly arrange everything, and place it out of sight. To maximize space, clear the floor as much as possible. It’s even better to get rid of large rugs to make the floor appear larger. For the walls, it’s okay to have a picture here and there, but you shouldn’t cover them with a lot of art. Remember that one large paint or tapestry is much better than a group of smaller paintings as they make the walls look dirty. To make the room appear to have more space, go for low-profile furniture pieces. For example, if you are having a smaller bedroom, go for a low-profile bed and bedside table. Make use of mirrors Mirrors are an age-old trick. The cool thing with mirrors is they not only reflect light but also reflect images of the space, which makes the space look larger than it is. To get the most from mirrors, choose a focal point and angle the mirrors towards it. A great way to go about it is to place the mirror near a window reflecting the world outside. You can also place mirrors on the walls and glass tabletops, making the room more open. You can install mirrors on the floor if your home design allows it. You should note that it can sometimes get out of control, especially when you improperly install the mirrors or install them so that they make the house look cluttered. Make use of lighting. Like mirrors, lights can significantly make a room look larger when properly used. If you have access to natural light, install large windows that will bring in as much natural light as possible. It also doesn’t hurt to install sheer window curtains or even pull back the curtains as much as possible, so you allow as much light in as possible. If you don’t have access to natural light, you can add some creative lighting effects using light fixtures. Paint the room white White paint has a reflective quality that opens up a room, making it feel airy and light. To make the house appear larger, paint it white. For maximum benefits, paint the walls and ceiling the same shade of white. Painting a house isn’t hard, so if you have the time, you can do it yourself, but let an experienced professional help you out for the best output. Make use of vertical elements. Vertical elements such as wood paneling help emphasize […]
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House Remodelng DIY Tips
Being a DIY enthusiast saves you money and you get to improve your skill level. While this is the case, you have to be cautious and avoid making costly mistakes. To help you out, here are valuable DIY tips you should consider: Think through everything Since they are experts and have handled the project a couple of times, home remodeling architects think through every project before they start it. In fact, they always first make drawings of the projects so that they can see how it will look once complete. Unfortunately, DIY enthusiasts often don’t think through their projects. A classic example is when you add a peninsula in your kitchen. While the kitchen will look better and you have additional space, it narrows the kitchen space to the extent that you can’t remove the fridge. To do it you have to lift the fridge entirely up and over the extension. To avoid making such a mistake, always take your time and always think ahead of the project. It’s always recommended you measure once, measure twice, and one final time before you start your project. Always think through every possible scenario before you change the layout of every room. It will even be better if you can hire a professional and have them help you with the measuring and determining the final look of your space. Don’t go with the cheapest option Since you are looking to save money, it’s easy to get caught wanting to only use cheap materials or install cheap appliances. As much as this will save you some money, it often ends up being too expensive and you should avoid doing it. For example, if your kitchen is in a dilapidated state and you would want to replace the parts, go with the highest quality ones. They might be expensive but they will be worth it. While this is the case, it doesn’t mean you should spend all your money on appliances and materials. The right way to go about it is to take your time and research. Visit a couple of stores and see what is available. Of course, you should buy from a reputable store selling high quality materials at a small price. Use the right tools The tools you use significantly influence the results you get and how well you complete your project. So, as a rule of thumb, use high quality tools that you will have an easier time using and will give you the results you are after. Seek specialty advice from experts Even if you are a DIY expert, you will have areas where you will need the services of experts. For example, if you need to make electrical connections, you will need the services of electricians. To get the most from your project you should only work with experienced contractors that know what they are doing. The same way you shouldn’t blindly buy the remodeling materials you shouldn’t hire any contractor you come across. The right way to go about it is to take your time and hire an experienced contractor. Many people go online and hire the first […]
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4 Areas To Focus On When Remodeling Your Retail Store
If your retail store is old and worn out, you should consider renovating it to attract customers. While it’s important to remodel your store, remember that you shouldn’t go at it haphazardly—you should highly consider your customer’s desires and sensibilities. Work with your retail store contractors and pay close attention to the customer experience. For the best outcome, pay close attention to these areas when renovating: The store entrance This is where your customers will be getting in, so it needs to be attractive to look at. Remember that your customers will make the buying decision based on how they feel when they are in your store. Since the entrance serves as a transition from the outside world into the retail environment, it should have an inviting look. As a rule of thumb, use cool colors that make the customers feel comfortable. If you regularly have a large line of customers, it would be wise to have a few chairs to sit on as they wait for you to serve the others. The walls and ceilings You might have the impression that your customers don’t care much about how your store walls and ceilings look, but this isn’t the case. As we mentioned above, your customers make the buying decision based on how they feel when they are inside your premises. As a rule of thumb, you should work with your contractors and create an inviting vibe. In most cases, you don’t need to do much, as applying a fresh coat of paint is enough to transform your space, but if your store is old and the walls have holes, you have a lot of work. Besides painting the walls, you can also apply wallpaper, graphics, or even graffiti, depending on the nature of your business. For the best outcome, consider the walls and ceilings as blank canvasses that can help capture your customers’’ attention. Remember that you don’t need to make dramatic changes or incur dramatically expensive to make a dramatic impact. Lighting fixtures Lighting can significantly change the look and mood of your store. For example, you can give it a sleek, soft, modern, natural, industrial, or even loud mood depending on the lights you use. There are all types of lighting fixtures ideal for different applications that you can use. If you aren’t sure about the right ones to go for, get the input of a professional. As you are installing the lights, pay close attention to the energy needs. You don’t want to install lights that consume too much of your energy, making them unsustainable. As you create the mood and theme of the retail store, you need to ensure that you also save some money so go for energy-efficient lighting fixtures. Flooring Floors often get damaged, and the situation worsens when your store is old. A damaged floor is an eye sore and often a sign of an unkempt space, so you must keep your floor in top shape. If there are holes, you should seal them. For that perfect look, install flooring material that is attractive to look at and durable. Luckily, there are […]
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