Tips on Getting Your Home Ready This Summer
As of now, we have to stay at home and keep ourselves protected from the ongoing virus. Getting stuck at home can be boring later on. However, this is actually the time to be productive and plan for a major spring cleaning session. It is also a good time to plan for a home remodeling addition. However, you might have to wait for a while until the impact of COVID-19 already subsides. Once everything goes back to normal, you can contact a home additions builder for your home addition design project. Getting started Summer is already here. Supposedly, this is the time where there are a lot of beachgoers. This is also the time where travelers will be flying in a foreign country for some much-deserved vacation. However, now is not the right time to go traveling elsewhere. In the meantime, we have to stay at home to avoid the spread of the virus. It can be boring at home, much more a nightmare, especially for social butterflies. Then again, it doesn’t mean you cannot be productive while you’re stuck at home. Winter season is done, and so this is the time to prepare your home for summer. A home addition builder can help you with your home improvement needs. But for now, you can start from small steps without breaking your budget. Simple ways to prepare your home for summer Here are some ways you can do to prepare your house this coming summer season. These simple tips will help you save money and time in the long run. Have your air-conditioning unit checked. The last thing you would want to happen is your air-conditioning unit breaking down in the middle of the summer heat. That is why it is best to have your air-conditioning unit serviced as early as spring. You should check the following in your air conditioning unit: Filter – make sure it is not clogged and dirty. Change heating and air filters once every two to four months. Cooling capacity – check its fuses or circuit breakers if it doesn’t start or cool for more than a minute. Repair or buy a new one – if it is an older model like a 10-year old type of AC, you might want to buy a new one instead of repairing it. There are energy-efficient AC units that you can consider. Window-type or split-type? It depends on the space you have at home. Check your home exteriors and roof. It is also a must to check your roofing and home exteriors. Check for cracks or missing shingles. Check the caulk around the pipes for any cracks. Consider painting your roof white due to its energy-saving benefits. If you have a masonry chimney, check whether there are vegetation growing or fallen brick pieces. Check your attic. Make sure to wear long sleeves and dust mask to protect from insulation. Your attic may already have critters who made the attic their home during the cold winter. In such cases, you should clean out animal droppings that have accumulated there. Find the hole where these critters have supposedly entered through […]
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Essential Tips on Creating a Pet-Friendly Home
As pet lovers, it is only natural to have at least one pet living with you or with your family at home. When we say pets, it doesn’t only pertain to dogs and cats. It can also pertain to other animals such as birds, pot-bellied pigs, rabbits, hamsters, fish, snakes, or any kind of animals (as long as domesticated) you can think of. If you currently have pets or if you are planning to have pets at home, you should consider their living condition. If you love your pets, you will make sure that they are living as comfortable as possible. You might also want to consider hiring a home addition builder to create a special living space for your beloved pets. Planning for a better life for your pets Our pets deserve the most comfortable life that they can experience. For one thing, our pets live shorter than us. That is why it will surely be devastating to lose them after many years of good memories. Even if they can be rowdy at times (especially in households with multiple pets), it is exactly what makes them endearing. Some animals can be naturally curious, they tend to sniff things around them. Some may be too active that they might cause potential accidents that may hurt them later on. That is why we should not only consider the overall living comfort of our pets but also keep them safe at all times. In such cases, you might want to consider planning for a pet-friendly home remodel project. You should hire a home additions builder that has experience in creating pet-friendly home additions. There are a lot of home addition ideas that your beloved pets will surely love. Just make sure to do your research and consider your budget as well. Home addition ideas for your pets As mentioned, you should not only consider your pet’s comfort level but also their safety. It is also a nice thing to invest in the following pet-friendly home additions. Most of these home addition ideas are not that that expensive. Here are some pet-friendly home addition designs you can build for your beloved pets. Pet house Your pets will surely love having their own place they can call home. When you say home, it’s not just a simple rug or a spot in the house where they can lay on. Why not build a pet house for your beloved furry companion in your backyard and feel like royalty? Protective gate Some doors have flaps below where your pets can go through when they want to go outside and vice versa. However, it may not guarantee safety on your pets especially if they are too big to fit in the flap. Instead, you may want to consider having a sturdier gate, especially for your very persistent pets. Pet window Animals also deserve to see the beautiful world around them. However, most windows at home are too high for your pets. You may want to have a ground window built by a home addition builder. If you have a fence at home, you may also have it […]
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Getting Ready for a Home Renovation This Coming Holiday Season
A lot of homeowners prefer doing their home improvement projects during the summer season. For one, the fair-weather enables homeowners to accomplish the home improvement without delays due to the weather. Also, it is a great time to build a home addition design whether inside or outside of the house. But did you know that the winter season is also a good time to hire a home additions builder for home addition or renovation project? However, it depends on the type of renovation you are planning and the availability of the contractors. There are many other reasons why it is a good idea to plan for a home addition design project this coming winter season. Why plan for a winter home renovation? As mentioned, there are various benefits of planning for a home renovation. Here are some of these said perks. Less competition Winter is more likely to be an off-season time for renovations. So if you hire a home contractor at this time, there is a chance that you will be accommodated because they have fewer clients at that time. Possibility of discounts Since it’s off-season, you might also avail some discounts for home renovation projects. While some contractors may not offer discounts, home improvement stores may do offer instead. Thus, it is a good idea to purchase materials you will need for your home addition project. Good timing Renovations during the holiday season won’t affect your domestic life. For one thing, a lot of homeowners would be traveling out of town. Hence, it would be fine to do renovations at this time since your home can be easily vacated during a renovation project. Home renovation and addition ideas in time for the winter season First of all, you need to determine what kind of renovation or home addition you really need. Do the kitchen or bathroom tiles need some updating already? Do you have an unused shed or garage area that you want to convert as an additional room? The next step is to set a budget for your home improvement project. Doing a home improvement project can be possible regardless of the season. However, it depends on the type of renovation you want. That said, interior home renovation can be done during the winter season. You can plan for affordable home additions if you want to, say, convert your old, dusty attic or basement area into a liveable space. Other home renovations you can do during the winter season include the following. Change your old light fixtures with brighter ones that will make your rooms even brighter and illuminated Consider replacing your carpeting at home, or hire a professional carpet cleaner to get rid of allergy-causing dirt and debris stuck within its fibers Pay attention to your laundry area, too. Make sure to keep your laundry area more organized by adding a storage area or hooks. Replace leaky pipes or defective cabinets and cupboards in your kitchen or bathroom areas, as well as old appliances with energy-efficient ones. The truth about home remodeling The 2019 Remodeling Impact Report revealed that around 35 percent of homeowners in the […]
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Make Your Home Kid-Friendly With These Essential Home Addition Tips
Having kids at home can be chaotic and fun at the same time. Little children tend to be more adventurous and curious to check out things that catch their eyes. Sometimes, their curiosity can be their parents’ worst nightmare. A nightmare – in a way that they have to constantly keep their children in check and not doing something that can endanger their lives. But just because you have kids at home doesn’t mean your house has to be messy and chaotic. You can still keep your coffee table, upholstered sofa, and other home décor to make your house look more inviting. It’s a matter of making your home kid-proof without sacrificing your personal taste in home improvement. Keeping your home kid-safe Safety is of utmost importance especially for households with small children. This is essentially important if you are planning to hire a home addition builder for a home remodeling project or building a home addition for your growing family. Fortunately, you can make your home a safe haven for your little children without compromising your home’s aesthetic value. If you have children at home, you can expect your house to be messy most of the time. It can be exasperating to clean up after them. Kids will be kids after all, and remember, you were also a kid once in your life. Cleaning up the mess is easier rather than getting into accidents that should have been avoided in the first place. Kid-safe home addition and renovation ideas Some parents assign a play area for their small children to avoid messing up the other rooms. Meanwhile, there are some parents who seem to be cool with the kiddie chaos inside the house. But as mentioned, your kids’ safety should be on top of everything else. This is particularly important if you are planning for a home remodel project. Aside from that, here are some kid-proof home improvement tips you should consider to ensure safety within the house. Choosing the right floor system Hardwood floors can be prone to scratches due to heavy foot traffic and other activities. If you have one at home, you can consider adding an area rug or carpet to protect your wood floors. Make sure that the rug or carpet is non-slip and made from kid-friendly material. For a home addition, you should consider using vinyl flooring as part of your home addition design. Choosing the right furniture If you have had enough of fortress-building in your living room, you should opt for fixed-cushion sofas instead. Avoid any furniture with sharp corners and instead opt for rounded sofas and other furniture instead. These will lessen the occurrence of injuries due to bumps and rough play. Encouraging cleanliness at home The best time to train a child to be independent is as early as now. Of course, these tasks should be age-appropriate. You can add a storage cabinet that they can easily reach and where they can store their toys. As part of a home addition plan, you can build a bathroom or kitchen countertop made from quartz or any durable material. Make sure that […]
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So You Want to Expand Your Kitchen? Learn More Here
Perhaps the kitchen is the heart of many homeowners’ homes. It is where a lot of activities happen and come to life. It is where your mama makes delicious home-cooked meals for the family. It is also most likely where you and your family bond over breakfast and dinner before calling it a day. The kitchen is indeed a great spot to create good memories that will last a lifetime. As your family grows, so is the likelihood of needing home improvements in some parts of your house including the kitchen. If you need someone to help with your home improvement needs, you might want to hire a trusted home addition builder near you. For one thing, you would have to consider several things when planning a kitchen improvement. Getting started First of all, you need to have a reason why you want to improve your kitchen area. Is the design already outdated? Does it need to be extended to accommodate your growing family? Or because you are planning to sell your house in the near future that is why you are considering to hire an architects builder for your home improvement project? For one thing, any home improvement project may turn out to cost you some cash. However, there are affordable home additions options available depending on the home addition companies you approach. The cost will also depend on the extent of the home improvement you need. If a wall needs to be torn down to give way to a room expansion, prepare to shell out additional cash for it. Nonetheless, home improvement can be an expensive project. However, it can bring about a lot of benefits for homeowners. For one, home improvement can add value to a home especially if you plan on selling it soon. It can also be an important property investment to keep it updated and free from any signs of damage. What to consider when planning for a kitchen extension Here are some things you need to consider when planning for kitchen improvement. Space First of all, you need to determine whether there is available extra space to accommodate a kitchen extension. It might be a waste of money to have only a small extension. A too-large kitchen extension might be too expensive and may not be suitable for the size of your home. Location Make sure to check the house where you want your hired home remodeling architects to build your kitchen extension. Usually, it can be located at the side or near the backyard. However, be careful not to consume too much backyard space so you can still accommodate even a small garden. Manpower It is also important to find a reliable architects builders for your kitchen improvement project. These building professionals can also provide essential tips to help enhance the look of your extended kitchen. Other factors to consider in kitchen extensions Aside from the abovementioned factors, here are other tips to remember when planning for a kitchen makeover. Decide whether to buy new appliances. If you want to have a kitchen enhancement, you might also consider buying new appliances as […]
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Prefabricated Home Additions vs. Building From Scratch: Which Is Better?
Are you long dreaming to have your own house? Who doesn’t want to have a place they can call their own home, right? On one hand, some would prefer renting to be near their place of work or because they are not able to afford a house yet. On the other hand, some would avail mortgage loans for a property of their choice. Meanwhile, some homeowners do not want to relocate and consider building a home addition instead. In building a home addition, a lot of people would still choose affordable home additions that will save them extra money afterward. But before that, it is a good idea to know your home addition options. Pre-fab or build from scratch? For one thing, buying a brand-new house can cost you a lot of money. But for some reason, many home buyers are still able to afford it. Some may have saved enough money for a downpayment. Meanwhile, some are able to avail of a mortgage loan in order to buy a real estate property or home addition. On the other hand, there are others who choose a pre-fabricated home addition instead of building entirely from scratch. By availing a pre-fabricated or modular home addition, it is said to be cheaper and requires less time to assemble. But if you want a customized home addition design, building from scratch is a good option for you. Both options come with a price, although pre-fab houses are cheaper than hiring a home addition builder and construct from scratch. However, it will still depend on how big your home addition, bump-out, or attic renovation will be. Nonetheless, you should consider your home building options carefully. Pre-fab home addition: Pros and cons Also known as “building systems”, prefabricated homes are getting popular these days. For one thing, these are more affordable and easier to build and assemble. The cost per square foot depends on the total size, location, and other amenities included in the package. As the name suggests, pre-fab homes are constructed prior to shipment and then assembled in a specific site within a few days. There are also different types of prefab homes you can choose from. Each of these pre-fab homes has different construction methods and also vary in costs. They also have different designs and built that will suit every homeowner’s needs and preferences. As mentioned, pre-fabricated homes are more affordable than building a new one. They are also easier and faster to build – some even take only a day to complete. Plus, pre-fab homes can be disassembled and rebuilt in another location depending on the need. On the downside, pre-fab homes may be limited in terms of customization. If you want a customized house, pre-fab homes may not be a good option for you. It is also recommended that you are near a pre-fab home factory so that you won’t much on transporting the materials to your property. You may encounter zoning issues along the way, so it is best to update yourself with the latest zoning standards in your area. Building from scratch: Pros and Cons Meanwhile, there are […]
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To Build Up or Build Out? That is the Question
Moving on is an inevitable part of life. However, it may not always be the case in terms of considering relocation. While there may are some reasons why people prefer to move to another location, there are others who choose to stay. For instance, some homeowners consider hiring a home addition builder to renovate your current house. A home remodelling addition is a good choice if you are not considering relocation but want to expand your living space. In planning a home addition project, a homeowner should hire professional and established home addition companies. Why consider a home addition? As your family grows, so is the need for additional living space. In such cases, it’s either you will choose to find and relocate into a new and more spacious house, or plan for a home addition. Relocating can be a good choice. However, it may not be practical especially if it means being far from your current workplace (or school, if you have children). Meanwhile, hiring home remodeling architects for your home addition project can be a better choice between the two. Here are other reasons why you should consider building a home addition. It avoids the anxiety of relocating and adjusting to a new neighborhood and your new neighbors. There is no need to hire mover companies to help you haul your stuff into your new home. You don’t have to look for a real estate agent or scour through buy and sell websites to find a new home. A good home addition design can increase your home’s value especially if you plan to sell it in the future. One report revealed that a home addition can yield an ROI of as much as 63 percent, depending on the specific home addition project. It is a good excuse to improve and even fix needed repairs in your home. Build out or build up? There are two major types of a home addition: either you build up or build-out. Your choice will depend on your property size, type of home addition you need, and zoning laws in your local area among a few. Also, you need to consider the pros and cons of building out or building up for your home addition option. Build up When you say building up, it does not only literally means building an additional floor level in your existing home. It may also refer to adding dormer spaces or renovating your existing attic area that will serve as an additional liveable room. This option is basically a more practical choice for properties with limited lot size but has the need to expand their current home. Build out On the other hand, building out means another room on the ground floor or creating a separate building within your property. This is more applicable for homeowners with additional space to accommodate a home addition such as a bump-out or a separate tiny house. On the contrary, you can expect to lose a significant amount of yard space if you choose to build out. Deciding factors whether to build in or build out There are several factors that […]
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What You Need to Know About a Dormer Addition
A home addition requires careful consideration. For one thing, you would have to find a professional home addition builder who will help create your home addition. An addition also comes with a budget, so make sure to find home addition companies who will help fulfill your home addition objectives. The basics of home addition There are many types of home additions, of which the popular ones include the following: Conventional home addition Bump-out/room addition Sunroom Garage conversion Attic or basement conversion In-law additions Two-story extensions Kitchen extensions Family room addition Choosing the right type of home addition depends on your home improvement needs. It also depends on your property size. A home addition is also a good option if the homeowner wants to expand his current home instead of relocating into a new home. If you are planning to have a home addition, it is best to hire a reliable home remodel services near you. Types of dormers Another popular home addition is a dormer. It is usually considered an attic area with a window and installed in an existing sloping roof. Dormers can be built on the upper wall of the house or attached to the roof. Attaching a dormer in your existing house can add ceiling space and create eye-catching appeal to your roof area at the same time. Dormers come in different types and also vary in price. You can consult a home additions builder for the best dormer type that will suit your home best. Among the common dormer types include the following. Gable dormer This one of the most common dormer types installed by many homeowners nowadays. It refers to the small peaked roofing that is as if protruding from the house’s existing roof. According to experts, gable dormers may cost between $3,000 to more than $11,000 depending on the design and size. Shed dormer Meanwhile, a shed dormer looks way different from a gable dormer yet offers the same level of functionality as the latter. Unlike a gable dormer, a shed dormer doesn’t have peaked roofing. Instead, it is installed slightly lower than the existing roof and has flat roofing. Shed dormers may range between $5,000 to more than $11,000 depending on the size and design. Hip dormer Hip dormers may resemble gable dormers. However, the difference is that the former has three panels instead of two that is common in the latter. Somehow, it is a cross between a gable and a shed dormer. Nevertheless, it looks elegant in any existing home. Pedimented dormer This type of dormers is said to be inspired by Roman and Greek architecture. It has triangular shape on the window top with molding on each window side that resembles columns. Arched eyebrow dormer As the name suggests, it looks like eyes on your roof from afar. It is said to have originated by the British centuries ago and incorporated them into their cottage structures. Aside from letting natural light come into the attic area, it does add interest and curiosity among onlookers. Benefits of having a dormer Having a dormer is not simply to add aesthetic value, although […]
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What You Need to Know Before Considering a Home Addition
Owning a property is a huge responsibility. For one, you have to ensure that your property is in overall good condition. This includes fixing issues such as broken tiles, chipped wall paint, or a leaky faucet. Likewise, you should also ensure that your yard is well-maintained. But while your family grows, so is your need for a bigger living space. On one hand, you may consider buying or rent a larger house. Or you can hire a home addition builder to help you build an extension of your home. You can choose from a wide variety of home addition design that will suit your needs for additional living space. Why home additions are made Affordable home additions are available to cater to homeowners’ needs for extra living space without leaving their property. It is an option to extend your house without the need to relocate and move into a new home. House additions can range from affordable and low-cost additions to more expensive ones. Whichever your addition option is, what is important is that it should meet or even exceed your expectations for comfortable living space within your home. Popular home addition options Among popular home additions you can choose from includes the following. Traditional home addition This refers to a structure that can house multiple rooms and is usually built beside the main house. When built by a professional home additions builder, it can look like it is part of the main house itself. A traditional home addition can house multiple rooms such as a small bedroom, a bathroom, or a kitchen area. While building one can be expensive, it can increase its total property value when you plan to sell it one day. Since you’re technically building a small house, you will also need to hire architect builders and get necessary permits for the construction project. Sunroom Unlike traditional home additions, sunrooms are usually made from materials that are pre-fabricated and then assembled in your property. It is not usually meant to serve as a permanent living space but rather a relaxation area or an extension of the living room. Building a sunroom may not be as complicated, unlike traditional home extensions. Garage makeover Garage conversions can usually turn into an additional bedroom, living room or kitchen depending on your addition needs. Since the roof and the structure is already there, you would usually have to work on other elements such as flooring, walls, plumbing and other building requirements. Room addition Also known as a bump out, it is a type of home addition built on the side of an existing house. It is usually meant to be a single room, such as a bathroom, kitchen, or a small bedroom. The main objective is to alleviate the cramped space of an existing house by adding a bump out and accommodate a small room there. Things to consider before building a home addition As mentioned, home addition is a good option to add living space in your home. If you don’t want to sell your house and move into a bigger house, then it is a good idea to […]
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Situations When You Should Hire A Home Remodel Professional
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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