From Concept to Construction ™

Bathtub or Shower: Which Should You Choose?

June 6, 2019

Choosing between a shower and a bathtub can be hard especially if you are planning to have a bathroom renovation. Both options also have different styles and designs you can choose from. Regardless of your final choice, you should hire professional home remodeling addition services to do the bathroom installation job. A bathroom makeover is an exciting yet challenging task for a homeowner. Exciting, because you can finally give your current bathroom a fresher and updated look. Challenging, because of the cost implications and some steps you need to take while the renovation is ongoing. You can find affordable home additions companies for your home improvement needs. The question still remains: Should you choose a bathtub or a shower? It will be a matter of personal preference and needs. You may opt for home addition design services so you can have a better idea of which option can suit your bathroom needs. Bathtub: Pros and Cons On one hand, having a bathtub in your bathroom seems like a luxury. However, bathtubs are also a staple among many households around the world. Among its noted benefits include the following: It is a great way to relax after a busy day. Dipping your tired body in a tub filled with hot water can make you feel relaxed and calm after a day’s work. You can add essential oils to soothe your mind and body while inside the tub. It can be a fun way to bathe small children. Bathtubs can be ideal for families with small kids. They will surely love having a mini “pool” inside the bathroom where they can splash, play, and enjoy their bath time. It is available in different designs. There are freestanding bathtubs and also ones that are attached to the wall and floors. The former has different designs you can choose from and can be placed anywhere within the bathroom area. On the other hand, there are some instances wherein bathtubs may not be a good addition for a home remodel. It may not be suitable for the elderly and those with injuries. Unless there will be someone to assist them, then having a bathtub can still be a good idea. Otherwise, it can lead to further injuries such as accidental slipping. It needs a lot of space and water. If you have a small bathroom, then having a bathtub may be out of your option. It also needs a lot of water to fill it in, which may not be practical if you bathe in the bathtub every day. Shower: Pros and Cons And then there’s the shower. Depending on the design, it can make your bathroom look luxurious as well. It also has its pros and cons. First, are the benefits. It is water-efficient. You can instantly use the shower unlike when you use a bathtub where you need to wait to be filled so you can get in. There is no basically water wastage when you use the shower. Once you’re done bathing, simply turn the shower knob off. It is ideal for people on-the-go. People tend to get busy all the time, […]

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What You Need to Know About Retail Store Planning

May 24, 2019

The retail industry has since evolved as technology changes. However, its objectives remained the same over the years: to provide customers the best level of satisfaction in all aspects of it. This includes product quality, an engaging store (physical and digital), and excellent customer service. Despite the proliferation of online stores, physical retail stores are still one of the go-to places among shoppers. To attract customers, a retail store should easily catch customers’ attention the first time. Those who plan to build a retail store should contact professional retail store contractors to utilize your store area. Planning for a retail store layout In store layout planning, it is important to know your customer and their buying behavior. By knowing how they behave in a store, you can have an inkling of how you will create your store layout. Contact professional architects builders to make your store layout come into life. For starters, a retail store layout does not only pertain to a physical store. It may also pertain to a digital-based store. Regardless, it utilizes a given space to display the owners’ products. At the same time, retail store planning can help in influencing a customer’s mindset over the brand and its offered product or service. A retail store layout has two major components, namely: Store design This includes the store/floor plan where different store elements will be placed. A retail remodel is also important to create a fresher look for existing retail stores. This includes: Lighting Fixtures Furniture Racks Cabinets Signage Customer flow It refers to the customers’ behavior when they are walking around the store. It is important to know the customers’ movement pattern to help in creating an effective retail management strategy. Interestingly, retailers are able to detect this pattern through CCTV cameras, WI-FI usage, and floor sensors. Such technologies are provided by shopper analytics solutions providers for this specific purpose. Also, these technological advancements also aid in monitoring customer behavior based on their website interaction. Other factors that should be considered in retail store layout planning include: Window displays and physical entrance design Walkway length Retail store’s geographic location Building size Choice of paint color and building materials Using furniture and utilizing space so people can check out the store’s goods and take a seat It is best to choose retail store contractors that have been on the business for years. They will help you create an effective store layout and bring profit for your business. At the same time, it can establish a positive experience among customers. Types of retail store layouts There are different types of retail store layouts. Among popular store layouts include: Free-flow This kind of store layout helps retailers unleash their creative side in terms of store display. The main objective is to provide attraction in all angles where customers can check out one by one. It is common in boutique settings. Loop It is also referred to as the “racetrack” store layout. It “guides” customers through a pathway where they can see all the products as they navigate through the store. It usually has products displayed on walls, and the […]

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Renovate or Remodel: What’s The Difference?

May 16, 2019

A home remodel needs some tedious planning. For one, you need to consider your budget for the project. In addition, you need to plan for other things that will be affected by the renovation. This includes: Relocating your furniture and appliances Waste disposal and safety plan Checking the water lines and electrical lines that can possibly be affected Temporary shelter for your family in case the entire house will be renovated Before implementing the remodeling project, you should consult a reliable home addition builder first. Home addition companies should offer affordable home additions and other services for their clients. The company should also have good feedback from previous customers. That way, you can ensure that the remodeling project will be in good hands. Home renovation vs. home remodeling Home renovation and home remodeling are often interchanged. After all, they sound as if they are pertaining to the same thing. For one thing, they both refer to making improvements in an existing home, apartment, or any property. However, they slightly vary on some factors. On one hand, renovation refers to the repair of a damaged property into a better state. However, it depends on the extent of the repair needed. If it only needs a minor repair, it’s considered a renovation. But if it needs a major overhaul which can totally change its original look, it’s already considered remodeling. Speaking of remodeling, it refers to changing or transforming the form of a certain thing. When you are planning to remodel – say, your kitchen – it means the look will totally change and will look different once the project is done. Distinguishing the difference between the two is crucial. You need to communicate with the builder about what you want to do to your property. When you say you want to renovate your home, it means making repairs but not necessarily changing it into a different and unrecognizable one. For your home remodeling requirements, you should find the best home remodeling architects near your area. Preparing your home for remodeling One of the things you need to consider when planning remodeling or renovation is the timing. Experts suggest implementing the home makeover during the summer season. Here are some things you need to do in preparation for the home renovation or remodel project: Ensure clear and constant communication with the contractor or home additions builder especially before and during the project. Create a detailed timeline. It should include the estimated date and time of the renovation project. Instruct children and other family members to keep away from the construction area. Relocate your furniture, appliances, and other home décor elsewhere away from the construction area. Plan on keeping dust and debris from flying throughout your home. Things to consider before remodeling your home The thought of renovating or remodeling your home can make you feel giddy. It can be an exciting milestone as a homeowner. However, make sure to follow these reminders before deciding to overhaul your home. Ask yourself what you really want. It’s easy to say that you want to renovate your bathroom. But what part of the bathroom? Do […]

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Renovating a Condo Unit? Read This First

May 6, 2019

Having your own living space is anyone’s dream. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a small condo unit or a house and lot. What is more important is they have a place they can call their own home. But designing your own home requires professional help, which is why home remodeling architects are here to help. Why you need to invest in home remodeling Finding an affordable home additions company is important if you are planning for a home remodel. However, it depends on your living space. For example, a standalone house may have a wider area than a condo unit. You can design it any way you want – including the backyard, front porch, and all. Meanwhile, designing a condo unit can be more challenging due to limited space. There may also be some building restrictions imposed by the landlord that you need to follow. On the bright side, it is possible to remodel your small condo unit in a shorter amount of time. Still, it will depend on your budget and the design you want. Nonetheless, home addition design is something worth investing for. After all, you want to come home to a nice-looking house after a hard day’s work. You also want to create an accommodating atmosphere for your house guests. Things to consider when planning for condo remodeling Here are some things you need to remember before proceeding to your condo remodeling project: Creating a plan It depends whether you plan to renovate a part of your condo unit or the entire condo unit itself. In this case, stick to your original plan. If you are only planning to remodel your living room, don’t include the kitchen and the bathroom. This will prevent overspending and additional stress on your part. Check your condo’s rules and policies. Before proceeding, make sure you know your condo building’s policies. This includes the do’s and don’ts on renovations. There may also be specific schedules for unit renovations, materials allowed to be used, logistics, and so on. Knowing the rules will save you the headache of not being allowed to do the project in the first place Considering your budget Again, it depends on your original plan. The last thing you want is to spend beyond your budget. Make sure to plan everything including the fixtures and labor costs. Check at least two home addition design contractors to compare prices. Reading the contract It can be boring to read, but knowing what is written in the contract can be crucial for the condo renovation. Double check the timeline, payment scheme, labor and material costs, and everything else involved in the said project. React once you have read and understood the contract. Make sure the contract complies with the building rules and policies. Proceeding with the condo remodeling Once everything’s okay between you and the contractor, you can now proceed with the project. Here are additional tips for a hassle-free condo remodeling project. Give enough lead time for the project. Never, ever rush especially for home improvement projects. Condo remodeling can be different from renovating a standalone house. Aside from knowing the building’s […]

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Home Remodel: Tips On How To Remodel Your Small Kitchen

April 28, 2019

When you have a small kitchen, you are always looking for ways to improve its look and functionality. According to home remodel contractors, kitchens are usually very expensive to remodel on a square foot basis. The cool thing is that when you have a small kitchen, you have an easy time remodeling it. You also spend less doing it. To help you out, here are some of the tips that you should consider when giving your kitchen a makeover. Find areas to scale down Many homeowners rush to getting new appliances, but this doesn’t have to be the case. Before you do anything, you should look at your kitchen and identify whether there are any areas in which you can scale down. For example, if you have big double sinks or farmhouse sinks, they are most likely taking up a lot of your space. In such a scenario, you should remove one of the sinks and install a smaller one. You need to think about the people that are living in the house. If you are living alone or only with your partner, what is the point of having a large dishwasher or fridge? You should look out for items that you don’t regularly use such as canned goods or appliances and get rid of them. Consider your priorities We have different priorities when it comes to our kitchens. Some people give priority to the look of the surfaces while others are more concerned with the storage spaces. You should put your effort on the appliances and features that are of interest to you. If you like a lot of storage space, you should have a lot of cabinets in place. On the other hand, if the look of the surfaces is important, you should go with high-quality countertop surfaces. Work at making the kitchen look bigger When you have a small kitchen, your aim should be to make it look as big as possible. The cool thing is that there are many ways in which you can do it. One of the ways is using large floor tiles. You also should consider using lighter colors. You should use lighter colors on the floor, surfaces, and on any other surfaces of your interest. Conclusion These are some of the things you should consider when you are looking to renovate your small kitchen. For you to have an easy time doing it, work with a reputable home addition builder DC.

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Situations When You Should Hire A Home Remodel Professional

April 14, 2019

When you are considering remodeling your house, you can do the work by yourself or hire a home remodel professional. While you save money when you do the job by yourself, it’s always wise that you hire a professional to help you out: When to hire a remodeling expert There are many situations when you should hire the expert. Some of these situations include: When you don’t have the motivation: Let no one lie to you that the home remodeling project is easy—it’s usually cumbersome, and you need a lot of motivation to pick up the sledgehammer or any other working tool. If you feel that you don’t have the motivation to do the hard work, it’s time to hire an expert to help you out. You don’t mind strangers in your house: Many homeowners opt to remodel their houses as they don’t want to lose control of their homes. If you don’t mind having handymen in your home for a few days, you should go ahead and hire the professionals. You don’t have the necessary skills: A home remodeling project doesn’t only require you to buy a sledgehammer and knock down a wall—you need the skills needed to bring down a wall and erect a new one. When you don’t have the time: In addition to the project requiring you to have the necessary skills, you also need to have enough time to do it. If you are a career person and busy, you should hire a professional who will handle the project while you go on with your work. Tip to consider when remodeling your house The first tip is to ensure that you hire a professional to help you with the work. Before you enter into a contract with the home addition builder ensure that he/she is certified and experienced enough to handle the project at hand. If you are reconstructing the house for resale, you should avoid spending more than you can recoup. For you to tell whether the project is worth it, you should hire an expert home evaluator who will help you with the evaluation. When you are doing the remodeling, you should avoid replacing all of the appliances. The best way out is to repair them. Conclusion This is what you need to know about home remodeling and when you should hire home addition companies DC. For you to get the most from the additions companies, ensure that you work with the most experienced ones.

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Home Additions: Ways To Add Space To Your Home

April 6, 2019

If you don’t like the current size of your house, did you know that there are many ways in which you can add space to it? Here are some of these ways as given by home additions contractors: Add an outward space This applies when you have a large compound where you can add the extra space. The cool thing with adding space this way is that you create an entirely new space that is unhindered by existing structures. Also, unlike in other projects that require you to vacate your house to pave way for the contractor, you don’t need to do it when handling this project. This saves you a lot of money that you would have spent in a hotel. While the project is great, its main flaw is that it’s usually expensive. The project is also cumbersome and you can’t comfortably handle it by yourself—you have to hire a contractor to help you out. Add space upwards If your property is small, adding more space upwards makes the most sense. Depending on the foundation, most homes will allow you to add more space on top of the house. The cool thing with adding space using this method is that you can add as many floors as you want upwards—you only need to ensure that the foundation and the materials that you use allow it. If you are looking to sell the house later on, this option is usually great as it has been shown to greatly increase the value of the house. Just like when adding space outwards, this option is usually expensive; therefore, you should always be ready to part with a substantial amount of money. You also have to vacate the house to give room for the home additions contractors to do their work. Converting the basement If you don’t want to go through the trouble of adding an entirely new room, you can use space that is already there. One of the ways of using the space is by converting the basement. The cool thing about converting the basement is that it’s usually better built. The only challenge with this space is the moisture; however, you can work with your remodeling contractor and fix it. Conclusion These are some of the ways in which you can add space to your home. For you to have an easy time doing it, work with a reputable home addition design DC company.

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Every Bathroom Should Have These

March 30, 2019

For those who are having their own condo for the first and those who’ve been living in one for many years now condo remodeling is one the main projects, you’ve wanted to achieve. Maybe others have been doing a makeover to their nook whenever necessary or just to add a little spice into their private haven. The Bathroom Does Spark Joy Because the bathroom is the most intimate room in every home, sometimes it is also the least glamorous and stylish. There are homes that use a common bathroom where guests use it too. Moreover, if your new pad has a common bathroom, which you have to share with everyone, make sure that it is stocked with the important bathroom necessities that can be accessible to anyone. The Essentials Your Loo Should Have (It’s A Must) SHOWER CURTAIN AND LINER. If you happen to have an unattractive tub or shower – which you should do something about – use a dark plain or a colorful curtain that is also easy to move during instances where you have to hide or cover that space. But if your shower is something you can be proud of, a sheer curtain is enough to allow some illumination into the shower area. TOOTHBRUSH HOLDER. You can always make use of cute glasses or mugs as your toothbrush holder or better yet, shop for a more chic holder that is attractive enough to add a little glam to your toilet. If you are using an electric toothbrush look for a holder that is big enough to handle its bulkiness. TRASH CAN. This very important toilet item can be simple or trendy. When some bathroom uses an open trash can, it’s better to have the one that flips its cover to conceal all the unpleasant bathroom waste. DURABLE BATH MAT. For safety reasons, choose the non-slip bathroom mats that are sturdy but lavish.  This will benefit your unattractive toilet floor, or you can get a bigger mat or small mat size to be able to cover a bigger portion of your bathroom flooring. CLEANING SUPPLIES There are so many effective cleaning tools in the market, you just have to choose the ones that you need, the one that is convenient, and the ones that are easy to keep. INNOVATIVE STORAGE ITEMS. You can find these in bath stores, but you can also use mini bookshelves, bedside tables, baskets, and stock boxes for keeping all your essentials organized. Just make sure they will not occupy too much of your bathroom space. HOOKS. You can use over-the-door hooks or wall hooks depending on your creativity and availability of wall space. BATH TOWELS. You are free to choose the color and designs of your bath towels. But if you wanted a towel that matches everything, the white bath towels are your perfect choice.  Just make sure that you choose an absorbing one. LONG-LASTING FRAGRANT SOAP. Your bath soap is different from the hand soap should be placed near your bathroom sink for everybody’s use. ILLUMINATION.  Having a great lighting system in your bathroom should be one of the things that […]

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The Importance Of Having A Foyer

March 20, 2019

The job of every home addition design experts and contractors is to transform any visually unpleasant or unpleasing space or room into an area worth coming home again too. And their job also includes the foyer. PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR FOYER The foyer area of your home is like a butler that introduces the house to your guests and is the first one who welcomes them. It is basically the first part of a home that you will see the moment you set your foot inside. It is also the are that can make a big impression to your guests. So if your foyer is not that attractive, then your guests will be expecting the same with the rest of the house. THE FOYER CONNECTS THE HOUSE TO YOUR GUESTS Over time, the foyer becomes similar to a hallway, entryway, or an entrance hall. So in a nutshell, the foyer is where your guests are being entertained first. Whether it’s a house or an apartment, foyers are usually spacious with plenty of room for additional furniture or accessories. This means that you’ll have to be making some tough decisions and choices when it comes to decorating this portion of your nook. You have to be certain about the main function of your foyer will be, think about your lifestyle, and think about the style you wanted for the foyer area. GIVE YOUR FOYER A NEW LIFE Storage The foyer needs storage considering the items that need to be stored like hats, coats, shoes, bags, accessories, and a lot more. With a proper storage system, you can keep all the items kept in a well-organized manner. Décor Options You can decorate your foyer with either a carpet or an area rug, wall art or a side table, and other decorative accessories of different shapes and sizes. This includes vases and lighting designs. It’s much better to put an attractive carpet or a rug that will automatically get your guests attention as they enter your house. Tables A round table or a console table will add glam to your foyer. You can have them placed either against the wall or in a corner of the area. Put a vase, scented candles or other aromatic and scented pieces that your guests will find attractive and pleasing. Walls Never take the walls for granted. You can hang either frames, artwork or some DIY wall décor pieces that you can easily find in the store or online. Lighting Of course, the most important of all home decors – lights. A chandelier will look perfect on high ceilings as well as pendant lights. While sconces can be easily mounted or attached on the foyer walls to add illumination and style altogether. Mirrors Using a large mirror can really showcase a foyer. By placing it on the wall, it will reflect either the living area or any room that is adjacent to its view. The mirror has always been a glamorous piece of accessory that can turn any foyer into an amazing indoor focal point. Seats A bench or any stylish living room chair can be a […]

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Choosing The Right Vanity Mirror Size

March 10, 2019

During the final touches of any home addition design, many would agree that the most overlooked items are the mirror or the bathroom vanity mirror. Technically, the moment you look at it, you tend to see a reflection of everything else around you before you even see the actual mirror itself. Though treated that way sometimes, a great looking mirror is one of the most important components in any room, most especially in the bathroom. When it comes to its style, size, and shape, you will never run out of choices and here are some tips that you can use to be able to take home the best mirror perfect for your vanity area. How To Choose A Vanity Mirror Sizing Your Mirror There are two things that you should look into when choosing the size of your ideal mirror: Proportion and Function. To achieve a balanced look in your bathroom, visualize the size of your mirror based on your vanity space. Ideally, your vanity mirror should not be bigger or wider than the space itself. The easiest and safest way to pick one is by choosing a mirror that is almost as wide as the space you wanted it to be placed. Some opt for a custom-sized mirror because you won’t find a pre-made vanity mirror that will exactly fit the width of your bathroom vanity area. The perfect functional vanity mirror should only reach at least 30 centimeters over and under your eye line or whoever will be using the bathroom.  Hence, the more height you apply, the better, because it can provide a wider viewing angle and space. Single vs. Multiple Bathroom Sinks If you have a bigger bathroom designed to cater more people, you have to have a wider and spacious vanity area, even more, if you have multiple sinks. This leaves you with the option of either using multiple mirrors or just a single vanity mirror that is wide enough to service the entire room. You can have multiple skinny and tall mirror if you wanted to give the bathroom a bit of an upright view. With this, you have to consider the height, especially if you have a high ceiling. Although, you still have the option of using one large vanity mirror you’re okay seeing more of your bathroom’s opposite walls. Also, you are free to use multiple mirrors even when you only have one sink. In fact, when you place a mirror at the center of the sink and then add another mirror symmetrical to your center mirror, it actually balances the look of the room even more. Consider A Bathroom Appeal Sconces Having sconces in between a vanity area is one of the reasons why smaller mirrors are being chosen and installed. Technically, you can install vanity lights anywhere within your bathroom nook, but having them beside the mirror provides more light for the face which is more functional and convenient. Wall-to-Wall Mirrors If you prefer to use a more stylish approach in sizing your vanity mirror, ignore the size of the vanity and instead use mirrors as wall accents. This will […]

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