Kitchen Remodels That Are Worth It
Remodeling a kitchen is one of the best ways to make your kitchen more appealing and increase its functionality. Are you wondering which are some of the best kitchen remodels worth it? here they are as given by commercial remodeling experts: Add an island Putting in an island isn’t easy, but if you plan to stay in your house for a while, it’s worth it. This hard-working feature adds value and has been on many buyers’ most-wanted lists for a long time, so if you are looking to sell your house down the line, adding a kitchen island can be a great way to increase the value of your home. When you add the island, you immediately have more prep space, storage, and seating space. Adding an island is a great idea, but you should avoid doing it if your kitchen is too small, as you will make it too clumped. As a rule of thumb, only put one up if you have at least 36 inches of space around it on all sides. 42 to 48 inches is even better. Stick to simple, neutral cabinetry. Cabinets usually last 20 to 25 years. For this to happen, stick to styles that will last this long. When choosing the colors, choose warmer neutral colors as they are more pleasing and safe. Pick the correct grade of the cabinet. There are four levels of quality for cabinets: custom, semi-custom, stock, and ready-to-assemble. You should work with your remodeling professional and design custom cabinets for your new kitchen. The beauty of custom or semi-custom cabinets is that you have many sizes to choose from. You also have many cabinet design and finish options. If you can’t afford to buy all new cabinets, you can save time and money by giving them a fresh coat of paint. Change the hardware Changing the hardware is another easy way to give old cabinets a new look. There are a lot of different prices for cabinet knobs and handles, but you don’t have to spend a lot to make a big difference. You can find many cheap options. Plus, you don’t have to worry about going too trendy because it’s easy to change back if it goes out of style. To have an easy time, work with an experienced contractor who will guide you on the proper hardware to go for. Go for marble countertops (or a cheaper look-alike) Creamy Calacatta and Carrara are still very popular with homeowners who like their appearance. The downside is that they need more care and cost more. If you love natural stone countertops, marble countertops are an excellent choice. To protect them from staining, seal them before installing them, then at least once a year after that. You also should be cautious when preparing your meals and avoid spills. In the event of an accident, move with haste and remove the spillage before it soaks into the inner layers. If you can’t afford marble, some options cost less. Quartz is an example of an engineered stone that looks a lot like marble and is stain-resistant and antimicrobial. Quartz doesn’t absorb […]
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Tricks To Modernize Your Home
If you have had your house for a long time, it’s most likely outdated. If you love to give your home a modern, refreshed look, you can do several things with your commercial remodeling professional to give it a look you are after. Some of the things you can do include: Update the furniture When was the last time you replaced the furniture in your home? Since the house is old, it has been a long. One excellent way to give the house a modern look is to update the furniture. There are no right or wrong pieces of furniture to install, as different houses look best in different units. Regardless of your choices, you need to avoid trendy pieces as it’s a matter of time before they get out of fashion and you have the urge to replace them. When getting new pieces, pay more attention to their functionality. As a rule of thumb, you need to ensure that the new furniture serves the purpose and meets your needs. You should always get high-quality pieces that not only look good but also will last for a long time. Again, there is no telling which ones are the best—you should work with your interior designer and find the ones that look the best for your home. You can furnish the house by yourself but for the perfect look, and work with an experienced interior designer. Repaint the house Paint gives any house a new breath of life. And the good thing is that it’s not expensive. While painting is an effective way to give your house a modern look, you shouldn’t go haphazardly at it—you need to be strategic in how you go about it. One of the tricks to use is to always go for neutral colors such as white, grey, and beige. These colors are timeless and give any house the clean, crisp look you are after. To make your house visually appealing, use a few bold accent colors. Some of the best places to use these accent colors include walls, furniture, and accessories. When it comes to the finish, go with a glossy finish that has been shown to give a modern touch to most homes. For a subtle look, avoid a matte finish that gives the house a more subdued, sophisticated look. Like when furnishing your house, you can do the work yourself or hire a professional to help you out. Incorporate smart home technology Including technology in your home will significantly make your home appear more modern. And the cool thing is that there are plenty of smart home appliances that you can include in your house. Some of the options you can go with include: Smart thermostats allow you to remotely control the temperature in your home using your phone or voice commands. There are many types of thermostats you can go with, and it’s up to you to research and find the one that is most ideal for your home. Smart lighting: These allow you to control your lights remotely. The lighting systems allow you to schedule the lights on and off. Using the systems, you can […]
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Condo Remodeling Tips
Do you have a condo you are looking to remodel? Here are valuable tips you should follow as given by condo remodel experts to achieve perfect results: Follow the rules Condos should always follow the condo regulations in your area, so before you start the project, always check with your local administration and find out whether there are rules and regulations you should follow. Some associations will limit you on the designs you can build your house, while others will give you free reign on the designs but will limit you on the times you can work on your project. To avoid being on the wrong side, always find out about the rules and adhere to them. Maximize your space Condos are usually smaller than regular houses, so when you remodel them, always think about your space and work on making the most of it. And the good thing is that there are plenty of ways to maximize the space. Some of these ways include: Use built-in storage: You should install shelves and cabinets to help reduce clutter and make your space more organized. Take advantage of vertical space: Here, you need to use the walls by installing hooks, shelves, or hanging racks. Use multi-functional décor: From the name, this is décor that you can use for more than one purpose. For example, you can have a coffee table with some storage space that you can use as a medicine cabinet. When painting the house, always use neutral colors that will make the house feel bigger and more open. Don’t use the colors only on the walls; use them on the ceilings and floors. Finally, be creative with the lighting and use it to give the illusion of more space. Use uplights and downlights to highlight specific features in the house and draw the eye upward. Go for an open floor plan. An open floor plan has been shown to make a small space feel larger than it is, so you should always go that route. Work with your architect and devise a plan that combines your living, dining, and kitchen area into one large space. To achieve this, you might need to remove the non-load-bearing walls. If you can’t remove the walls, consider installing sliding or pocket doors that save space and give your home an open feel. You can also use glass partitions or room dividers to separate the house’s different areas and allow as much light as possible. Invest in storage As mentioned, condos often have limited storage space, so making the most of what you have is important. Consider installing built-in storage, such as shelves and cabinets. You can also invest in furniture with built-in storage, such as a bed with drawers underneath. Use natural light A well-lit house always looks bigger and spacious, so you should work on allowing as much natural light as possible. This calls for you to install large windows that allow maximum light. When it comes to curtains or blinds, install light ones that will allow maximum light in. Get creative with flooring. The floor you install should not only be […]
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How Can I Reduce The Cost Of Building An Extension?
As much as a home extension increases the size of your house, making it more functional, it can get expensive. When your pockets are bottomless, the cost of constructing an extension isn’t an issue, but when you are on a budget, you have to watch every coin. Are you wondering how to reduce the cost of building a home addition? Here are valuable tricks you can use as given by home addition contractors: Consider a smaller extension It goes without saying that when you build a smaller extension, you require fewer materials and less labor, which saves you money. While you save money when you build a smaller extension, you should ensure that your new extension meets your family’s needs and provides you with the space you desire. To ensure that you get an extension that is the right size for your needs, work with an experienced planner who will help you get the maximum value for every meter you build. Go with simple extensions. The same way you should avoid larger extensions than you need is the same way you should stay away from complex ones. To save money, avoid clever angles, curved walls, or cantilevered structures, as they will cost more to construct. They also might require expert skills that you might not have. Hire an affordable contractor The contractor you hire can go a long way toward determining the cost and quality of the extension you build. One major mistake that people make is to hire the first contractor they come across. This is wrong. The best way to do it is to contact a few contractors and compare their quotes. As you compare the quotes, pay close attention to what the quotes cover. An ideal quote should have the technical plans, architectural plans, schedule of works, structural designs, and so on. It also doesn’t hurt for the quote to have a list of all the items you need for the project and their pricing. Go through the quotes with a fine comb, then decide the one that makes the most sense. You can even save more money by hiring a design and build contractor. This professional can handle both the design and construction of your extension. Such a contractor will save you money, as they will design the extension with cost-saving measures in mind. Stay away from premium materials. There are many materials you can use for an extension; some are cheaper than others. As much as you would want to install premium materials that look good and last for a long time, you should avoid them when you are on a budget, as they tend to be expensive. Instead, you should go for cheaper alternatives that do the same job. For example, you can use wood instead of brick or concrete in your extensions. Do some of the work yourself. You can save some money by doing some of the work yourself. For example, you can do the work yourself instead of hiring a contractor to do the painting. As much as you save money doing this, you should note that you can easily end […]
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Is It Cheaper To Go Out Or Up For Addition?
Any homeowner looking to increase the size of their house is confused about whether they should build their home out or up. If you are in such a situation, you should know that if you are looking to save money, you are always better off going up. Besides saving you money when you build up, home addition contractors observe that you don’t need to worry about zoning restrictions as you aren’t expanding your house’s footprint. Building your house up also means you don’t have to give up any of your yard for the new foundation. This means that you retain your yard while adding more space to your home. Best practices when building your house up You need to consider several tips to get the most from your addition. These tips include: Work with an experienced professional As much as it’s cheaper to build up, adding another floor isn’t an easy project. For one, you must remove the roof and then rebuild it completely. You also need to have extensive architectural and structural plans. For your project to be safe, you should work with an experienced professional who knows what they are doing. The professional should inspect your current house and determine whether it needs additional beams and whether the foundation needs footings poured to carry the extra weight. When hiring the contractor, hire an experienced one that has handled similar projects before. You don’t want to hire a novice who ends up botching the project you spent a fortune on. Move out of the house. Unlike adding the extra house outwards, adding the house upwards means you have to get out of the house. For once, it will be safer for you as you will have to remove the roof, and you can’t live in a roofless house, can you? The contractor will also use machines to add the extra floor, which might be unsafe for you. As you plan for the new addition, consider the hotel budget, as you will stay in the hotel for some time until the house is safe for you. While at it, also consider the storage costs. Your furniture and appliances will get damaged if you leave them inside the house, so you will need to remove them and store them in a safe place you will most likely pay for. Always plan for this as you are planning for the addition. The last thing you want is to find out that you don’t have hotel or storage money and are forced to stall your project in the middle. Have a solid budget Yes, building up is cheaper, but you still need to spend money on the project. To ensure that you see your project to completion, you should have a solid budget. When coming up with the budget, consider the cost of adding a staircase, hiring engineers, paying for building permits, installing a new heating and cooling system, repairing the house, removing and storing personal items, and many other costs. Many homeowners are excited to start their projects, but you shouldn’t. Take time and have a sitting with an experienced contractor. […]
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3 Things To Avoid When Renovating
Are you thinking about renovating your kitchen, bathroom, or entire house? Here are mistakes to avoid making: Being in a hurry Most people will have the urge to renovate their homes when they have a big event coming. This can be a birthday party, family gathering, and so on. As you can tell, they are usually on a time crunch to get things done before the big day. While this is good as they have a time when they should have the project done, it often leads to them being in a hurry, increasing their chances of making plenty of mistakes that end up being too expensive. For example, if the event means some people will sleep over, you might have to have an extra bedroom. This means that you have to hire home addition companies to do this. As you can tell, this isn’t a small project, as you have to knock some walls down or even put others up. You don’t do an excellent job in a hurry on such a project. To have a great experience, you shouldn’t be in a hurry when renovating a house. When you are remodeling due to a coming event, don’t start a week before the event, as chances are that you will be in a hurry and you will mess up. Instead, start a few months before the event. Experts recommend that you start at least three months before the event. This way, you have enough time to find the right contractors and fix issues that might arise, among many other things. Hire the cheapest contractor Many people renovating their houses want to do it at the lowest cost possible. So, they will go with the cheapest options available. This ranges from the contractor they hire to the materials they use. While having a budget is good, you shouldn’t be too cheap as it often backfires. For example, in most cases, the cheap contractor you hire is most likely inexperienced, and they will most likely botch your project. When it comes to cheap building materials, they might be poor quality, and they not only look ugly but also don’t last as long. To stay safe, get quality materials that will give you a great experience. The materials will be a little expensive, but they will be worth it. The same applies to contractors. Don’t hire the cheapest. Take time to find quality ones that know what they are doing. Like the materials, they will be a little expensive, but you have peace of mind that you won’t need to go back to repeat the work they have already done. Don’t work without a plan. It’s tempting to start the renovations as soon as you get the money, but this isn’t a wise move as you tend to make mistakes that can be difficult to reverse. The right thing to do is plan how you will renovate. Before you begin the project, sit down with an experienced professional and ask them to help you develop a plan for the project. Through the planning, you will know when the project will begin, how […]
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What Should You Consider When Renovating A Condo?
Do you have an old condo and wondering what you should consider when renovating it? Well, there are plenty of things to consider, with the common ones being: The rules Every location has rules, and you must play by them to avoid being on the wrong side. Before you embark on your condo remodel project, you should check the policies of your condo board. This is because the board may or may not have policies that might affect the materials you can use when you can do the renovations, the designs you can go with, the elevator you can use, and many other details. Sometimes, the board might require you to have a permit or approval to undertake the renovations. The last thing you want to do is to start your project, then you are halted in the middle. As much as you would want to complete your project fast, you should note that complying with these policies often takes time, so you should give yourself enough time so you aren’t in a hurry to complete the project when you see the deadline fast approaching. Discuss the projected timelines with an experienced board member, contractor, or designer to understand what to expect. The reasons for doing the renovations Why are you renovating the condo in the first place? You need to think about this. This is because the reasons for doing it will determine the materials you use and the designs to go for. For example, if you are redesigning to add value to sell the condominium or increase the rental costs, you shouldn’t use extremely premium products as chances are you won’t recoup your investment. You also should be cautious of your design, as sometimes you can put people off with it. To stay on the safe side, use a neutral design that gives the new owners room for customization. On the other hand, if you are doing it for your enjoyment and to make the condo more comfortable, you can use any materials you want. For the designs, you can go all out and personalize it as much as possible. After all, you are the one who will be living in the house, isn’t it? Your limits When you are coming up with a renovation project, it’s easy to be carried away by your imagination. To ensure that you don’t spend time thinking about impossible things, you should know your limits before you even devise a plan. For example, if your condo has old angled walls or intrusive columns, you should know what you can do with them. To stay on the safe side, work with experienced professionals who will guide you through. Lighting You need your condominium to be properly lit up. Of course, you can have large windows to bring in natural light, but you still need to consider lighting for the night. Most condos have cement ceilings, so you can’t drill into them to install the lighting fixtures. To have an easy time installing the lights, install dropped ceiling panels. Where to stay If you are currently living in the condominium you are looking to […]
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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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What Renovations Increase Condo Value The Most?
If you have a condominium you are looking to sell, you might be wondering which are the best renovations to do to increase the value of the property as much as possible, right? Well, according to condo remodel contractors, there are plenty of options you can go with, which include: Install new appliances You are looking to remodel your condo because it’s old, and this is a disadvantage on your part as your old property is most likely competing with plenty of modern new builds. One way to give your property a new look and increase its value is to install new appliances. When you do this, you make the space look more attractive to potential buyers. The new appliances also give the buyers peace of mind, as they know they won’t need to install new units once in the house. When choosing the appliances, go with stainless steel appliances, as they tend to be durable and look good for a long time. Ensure that the devices you install match the house design and style for a uniform look. Replace your floor A good quality floor isn’t cheap, but when done right, it can increase the value of your condo by 80-100%. Well-installed floors give the space a luxurious, upgraded, new feel that is extremely attractive to buyers. While there are plenty of flooring options, one of the best to go with is the hardwood floor which looks good and gives the house a warm feel. Touch up the bathrooms In most cases, condo bathrooms are smaller than those in a regular house, which can work against you. You need to work on your bathroom to make your home more attractive. Of course, you can do plenty of things to your bathrooms, such as installing new countertops, a new floor, showers, toilets, sinks, light fixtures, cabinets, and others – it all depends on your budget. If you have a small budget, undertake minor touches such as paintwork or tile installation, but if your budget allows it, go full-blown and convert your bathroom into the most attractive one in the area. Increase the storage space Due to their limited footprint, most condos have smaller storage solutions, and like the smaller bathrooms, the restricted storage areas can work against you. To make more buyers interested in your property, you must increase storage space. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to go about it. One of the ways you can do this is to install dividers and organizers. Is the condo short of closets? Build additional elbow room. You should analyze the entire house, and if there are areas that can use more space, go ahead and install it if the house design allows it. Remodel the kitchen Giving the kitchen a new look significantly gives your property a fresh breath of life, and the cool thing is that there are plenty of areas you can work with. Sinks, countertops, faucets, and lighting can change and transform your house. Who should work on your project? Regardless of the areas you feel will improve the look and value of your house, ensure that the […]
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Home Addition Tips and Tricks
Are you looking to add a room to your house? Here are valuable tips you should pay attention to as given by home addition companies: Go with the easy one No, we are not saying that you should go the easy route, which means you will likely botch your project. We say that you should work with what is easy to finish. For example, if you are simply interested in an additional bedroom, don’t build one from scratch, as this will take time and be expensive. The cheapest and right thing to do is finish the basement, garage, or even the attic and turn it into a bedroom. If you have all of these spaces and can’t decide on the one that is easier and cheaper to turn into a usable room, get the input of a professional. Always have a plan Even if you are turning your garage into a livable space, always have a plan of how things will work and how the room will look once complete. If you have handled a similar project before, this will be a piece of cake but if you aren’t confident in your skills, work with an expert that knows what they are doing. If you are building a new house from scratch, take time to take the measurements and ensure that the addition will fit your property lines. It’s also wise to check with the local government and confirm how closely the codes in your city allow you to build next to your neighbor’s property. When installing a new addition from scratch, ensure that the new building won’t interfere with the utility lines or pipes. Also, ensure that the structural changes you are looking to make will fit into the framing and foundation of your building. Permits are necessary if you are building a new house, so always get them before you begin your project. Always think about value. As much as you are looking for extra space, always think about the value that the space brings to the table. This calls for you to be strategic about how you go about it. For example, if you simply want an extra bedroom for your guests, don’t add the extra space. Think about how you can add the extra space and still add value to your property. An excellent way to do it is to add an extra bedroom with an in-built bathroom. This way, you make the bedroom more comfortable as it has its bathroom and significantly increase the property’s valuproperty’sxtra bedroom means more space for the prospective buyer. Work with trusted professionals. Regardless of how minor your project is, always involve the services of professionals. And not just professionals—experts that know what they are doing. Many people looking for contractors for their projects go online and hire the first technician they find. This is wrong as it often leads to homeowners hiring the wrong contractor. The best way to do this is to contact at least five promising technicians and then schedule an interview with them. It’s only after you have determined that the technicians are qualified and will […]
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