Home Renovation Mistakes to Avoid
As much as remodeling a house improves its functionality and space, many homeowners have been making plenty of costly home renovation mistakes. Which are these mistakes? Here they are as given by home remodeling architects: Setting unrealistic budgets We are sure that you have come across an unfinished remodel. Often this happens when the homeowners are under budget for the project, resulting in the project stalling once the money is exhausted. To avoid this, you should work with an experienced professional to help you come up with a more accurate budget. Regardless of how experienced the professional is, remember that it’s common for the cost of materials to go up. There is also the risk of the project not getting finished on time. To ensure that your project never stalls, set aside an extra 20% of your budget for any surprises that might come up later down the line. Sacrificing function for form As much as you want a beautiful remodel, you shouldn’t sacrifice function for form. This means that the new remodel should be functional, then beautiful to look at. To ensure this is the case, work with an experienced contractor to help you come up with the perfect design for your house. Being too trendy There is no one that doesn’t want a modern house, and there is nothing wrong with this. Some homeowners make a major mistake of significantly updating their new remodels that they look out of place. For example, they will install all the latest and trending materials. While the house will look trendy and new, you should note that trends are often short-lived, and it’s a matter of time before the house begins looking out of place. To be on the safe side, balance the look of the house design. The house should have a properly thought out design that looks good and has the potential to last for a long time. To have an easy time coming up with the right design, work with an experienced designer. Saving on materials As much as you don’t want to spend an arm and a leg on your remodel, it doesn’t mean you should buy cheap, low-quality materials that you will need to replace after a couple of years. The best way to go about it is to buy high-quality building materials that will last for years. While they might be expensive, you won’t have to replace them soon. Some good quality materials even last for decades. If you don’t have money for top-quality materials, it’s wise that you postpone your project and only start it when you have enough funds for quality materials. Having unrealistic expectations When many people think about remodeling their houses, they imagine that they will look perfect and flawless. Unfortunately, this isn’t the case as remodeling is often messy, noisy, and inconvenient as you may have to change your living conditions. To avoid surprises, do some research and know what to expect. You can also check with your builder and understand the process involved and what will be expected from your end. Working with any contractor Unless you have a simple […]
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What Are Some Good Tips To Consider When Remodeling A House?
Are you thinking about remodeling your house? There are plenty of tips to consider to get it right. What are some tips to consider when remodeling a house? Here they are as given by home remodeling architects: Know your why Why are you remodeling the house in the first place? This is important as it determines how you will go about the remodeling and the materials you will use. Most homeowners remodel their houses for two primary reasons: to improve the home’s look and to sell it. If you are remodeling for selling, you should pay attention to the parts of the house that add the most value. These are often the bathroom and kitchen area. You also should focus on turning the basement, attic, and other unusable areas into usable spaces. As a rule of thumb, when you are remodeling the house to sell, avoid high-end materials such as granite and marble as chances are you won’t recoup your investments. To be on the safe side, go with beautiful but cheaper materials. On the other hand, if you are remodeling the house to improve its looks to be comfortable and proud of your living situation, there is no limit to what you can do with it. As long as you are happy with the remodel, go with it. Have a budget The last thing you should do is start your remodeling project without a budget and say that you want to see the amount of money that the project will consume. This is wrong. Before you even begin your project, you should know the amount of money you should expect to spend on the various renovation costs such as labor, building materials, decorative finishes, building permits, and so on. If this is the first time you are doing it, get help from an experienced professional and come up with a budget. To avoid surprises later, have a 10% reserve of your budget for unexpected expenses that might arise later. Do your research Once you know about the materials you want and the amount of money to spend on each, begin your research. Right off the bat, get in touch with several experienced renovation contractors in your area and request estimates. This way, you get to compare the prices charged by the contractors. Of course, you should settle with the contractor providing the best service at the least cost. The other thing you should do is visit your local material stores and see what is available. Compare the prices from the different stores and settle on the one that makes the most sense to you. Work with experienced contractors. Your remodeling project will look as good as the contractors you hire, so ensure that you hire good contractors. As a rule of thumb, ensure that the contractors have at least three years of house remodeling experience. They also should be members of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) and be in good standing with the Better Business Bureau. There are plenty of ways to find the ideal contractor to work with. One way is doing a Google search […]
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What Should You Not Do When Remodeling?
Home remodeling is an expensive venture, and the last thing you want, as a homeowner, is to make costly mistakes that require you to redo the project. The cool thing is that you can avoid making these mistakes by avoiding doing the wrong things. What should you not do when remodeling? Well, there are plenty of things you shouldn’t do, with the common ones being: Hire the first contractor you come across Most homeowners will search for architects builders online, visit their site and if they like it, they contact the contractor and start working with them. This is wrong. Remember that how well the contractor ranks on Google or is well designed, doesn’t reflect the contractors ability. What you should do instead is to get in touch with several contractors and vet them. During the vetting, ask them as many questions as possible such as their experience, how many remodeling projects they have done, and any other pressing issue. During the vetting, gauge the contractor’s personality. If you have a large project, chances are you will spend a long time with them, and the last thing you want is to be stuck with a technician with an awful personality for months. Failing to do your research Besides taking time to vet the contractor you want to work with, you should also research what your project entails. You should know the materials you need, the labor that will be involved, and any other necessary details. Doing research helps you understand the project better to know what goes on in every stage of the project and what you should expect. Have a rigid budget As much as you have researched and know what your project entails, you shouldn’t go into the project with a strict budget. This is because a gamut of unforeseen issues arise once you start your project. For example, you will start a project and realize that you have to open up walls due to electrical, plumbing, or structural surprises. As you can tell, this slows the project’s progress, and it costs more. The situation is worse when you are remodeling an older house where you are more likely to have mold, leaking pipes, deteriorating wood, and plenty of other issues. To avoid surprises or even bringing your project to a stop, have some extra money to cater for miscellaneous expenses that might come up later on. Expect the project to take the planned time. Like your budget, you shouldn’t expect your project to take the projected time. Again, this is because many things are bound to come up later on. To avoid frustrations, give your project up to an extra week. If you are planning to have an occasion in your house, don’t have the event on the exact day you expect the project to complete as chances are the contractors won’t complete the project then. Beginning the project without the necessary permits Most local authorities require you to get remodeling permits before you begin your project, and you should get them. Some people try to cut corners and proceed with their project without getting the permits, […]
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4 Outstanding Room Addition Ideas For Small Homes
Imagine this. You have a small house, your family is growing fast, and you don’t have money to move, so you feel trapped and out of options. Are you doomed to live in this little cramped house your entire life? Absolutely not, as you can hire a home addition builder and put these room addition ideas for small homes to work: Create a storage space Did you know you can give your house the perception of space by simply getting rid of the things lying around? If you have no use for these things, you can throw them away, but if you still need them, you should create a storage space for them. Some of the best places to create the space area around your front and back door, garage wall, and back porch room. When designing the extra space, pay close attention to whom will be using it and how they will use it. If you are creating the space for your kids to drop their belongings instead of scattering them around the living room, have easy to reach cubbies and hooks. As you create this additional space, give it its own texture and look so that it feels like it belongs. Create a home office with additional functionalities Due to COVID-19, over 42% of the U.S. labor force is working remotely. If you are also working remotely, you need to be comfortable and a great place to start is by having a home office. Unfortunately, since you have a small house, you can’t style the office like other people—you need to be creative. As you are designing the office, work on maximizing functionality. For example, design the office to have custom built-ins and floating shelves. For the keyboard and printer, build sliding trays to tuck them out of sight when you aren’t working. You also should furnish the space to serve as storage. For example, you can place an upholstered storage bench under your window or corner reading chair. Avoid filing the shelf space with unnecessary items. Instead, place your best books and decorative items there. For the office supplies, store them in the designated wall organizers. You should note that when working with small spaces, illusion is of major importance. To create the illusion of a higher ceiling, hang the curtains at ceiling height instead of directly above the window frame. Work on drawing the eye up with decorative wall sconces. To complete the look, anchor the room with a colorful area rug. Remove a wall to add a dining area. Who said you should have a large house to have a dining room? If you have always wanted to have a dining room but have been limited by space, you can extend your kitchen’s usable space by knocking down the wall or adding on with a bump-out. Doing this not only makes your house feel bigger, but it also brings in a strong return on investments when it comes to selling, as over 86% of homeowners prefer houses with partially or completely connected kitchen and dining areas. Even if you have got the dining room you […]
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Renovate or Remodel: What’s The Difference?
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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Home Remodeling: Living Room Expansion
When it comes to space, we will do everything it takes in order to make use of it. But there are some people who love to have a huge space in their houses. And if you own a small house, you can decide between expanding your space or make it look spacious. There are a lot of home remodeling architects that can help you in expanding your space. And if you only want to do some illusion, there are also interior designers for you to call to help you with what to do. Our home is the only place where we get to relax and do whatever it is that we want. And we want to make sure that we are comfortable in our home. Here is a list of how to expand your living room: Use wood If you want to be closer to nature, wood is the best material to be used in your living room. It has this natural feeling that makes your room look and feels spacious no matter what size your living room is. Most especially if you make use of wood as your flooring. One type of wood that is commonly used in Asian houses is the Bamboo. This kind of wood is naturally long and durable. If you stash them together as a wall, floor, or even as a ceiling, it will always make your room look spacious. Glass Another way to embrace nature is to have a view of it. Adding glass windows can make your living room look spacious. It is nice to look beyond the four walls. And a hint of nature will make us feel as if we are looking at a painting. Even though it is just a crystal clean glass window from our living room. Mirrors Mirrors also have the ability to create an illusion of our small space living room. The bigger the mirror, the bigger the illusion it will give. And it will trick your mind as if you have a huge space in your small living room. Add a Patio It is ideal to add a patio if you have glass windows. This will make your living room look even more spacious because you have extended it outside your home. There are also different designs of patios for you to think about to match the way your indoor living room. Colors There are certain color combinations that will make your living room look spacious or tight. Most of the light colors have the ability to expand the look of your room. And if you want to have a few dark colors, you should choose the right combination in order for it to blend according to the way you want it to be. Rugs Rug placements and sizes also matter. There is a lot of purpose of rugs. One of it is to divide the space in a certain room, and the other is to keep the furniture in its place and so much more. Which is why choosing the kind of rug must match with the shape of the room and how you want your […]
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Home Space Expanding Benefits
Our home is the best place to relax, we get to do whatever it is that we can do to make us feel comfortable. After a long day at work, we don’t want to do anything except to sit down and relax in our own space. But what if you are living in a tight space kind of a home? Expand your walls so that you will be able to breathe properly and this is for you to move freely. This can be a fun project for you to set. Adding another space for you and your family to live in and create new memories. In order for it to go well, hiring home remodeling architects can make everything easier for you. They will help you in measuring the right measurements for the right amount of space that you need. Here are the reasons why having an additional space to your home can give you good benefits. More space to move The more space that you have, the more movements you can do. What can you do with a small space, right? It is also healthy for you as a person because you get to move around and perspire. And perspiration is good for the body as we already know. It releases the unwanted toxins from our body in order for us to be healthy. More space to exercise Having enough space for you to move means you can also do different kinds of exercises. You can do yoga, pilates, and even dance. All these activities can be done in an area where you can move freely in an open space. It is also a fun and exciting activity for you and your family to do together as well. It is also one of the many ways you can keep yourself and your family live a healthy lifestyle. Safe for kids to play around Kids are known to have high energy. They get to run as fast as they can and play as much as they want. With the benefit of a big space in our home, they will be able to move their entire body and enhance their motor skills. You will no longer have to worry about any kinds of bumps or accidents because you have an entire floor area or space for them to run around. It is also nice to have a specific area for your kids to play with their friends. Gathers the family together A spacious home can make every member of our family comfortable. Bonding in a certain area in our house can strengthen the relationship with our family. There are different things that you can do together as a family if you have enough space to move. Comfortable to live in If you want to live comfortably, having a spacious area can help you organize the things that you own. You get to have different kinds of pieces of furniture and other accessories that you want to add to your home. Another thing about the spacious space living is that it can help calm your mind down. Having a spacious home can […]
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Home Additions Options
When many people are considering making home additions, their main concern is adding more space to their houses. If you are one of these people, you should have peace of mind as there are many ways in which you can add space to your house. Some of these ways include: Making outward additions This is where you add another room out of the existing one. While the project is great and it will give you the look that you are looking for, you should note that it tends to be expensive and takes a lot of time to complete. Also, unless you have great masonry skills, you can’t pull off the project. Despite these setbacks, it comes with a number of benefits. One of the benefits is that it allows you to create an entirely new space that is unhindered by existing structures. Since you don’t tamper much with the already existing house, you don’t have to vacate for the construction to go on. If you are planning of selling the house, later on, you are on the lucky side as this addition has been shown to greatly increase the value of the house thus you sell the house with maximum returns. Building the house upward This is another option that you can use. You should go with this option when the available property is small. All you need to do is work with your home remodeling architects who will guide you on the best plan for your project. In addition to making your additions possible when you have a small property, adding space to your property upwards means that you can add as many rooms as you want—as you aren’t restricted. Home architects also observe that this greatly increases the value of your home thus you sell it at a high price. Just like when building your house outwards, the project is costly, and you can’t do it by yourself especially if you don’t have the masonry skills. Since there is the risk of the house coming down during construction, it’s recommended that you vacate during the renovation period. Conclusion These are some of the ways in which you can make additions to your home. For you to have an easy time making the additions, you should work with reputable architects’ builders who will not only help you in the construction but also guide you in choosing the right plan for your project.
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