Condo Makeover Magic: Valuable Hacks for Your Next Renovation
According to the research, condo renovations can return 60-80% of their cost, depending on scale and quality. Kitchen remodels account for 32% of all condominium renovations, followed by bathrooms (27%) and flooring (18%). Unless you’ve recently moved into a modern, new-build condominium outfitted with all the newest amenities, chances are your condo could stand an update. When you are renovating, the challenge is to strike a balance between appearance and function while adhering to HOA and building code requirements. Thankfully thoughtful planning allows you to avoid costly mistakes and make the home you’ve always wanted. If you are looking to undertake a condo remodel project, here are tips you can use to your advantage: Go with eco-friendly finishes Carbon-negative concrete eliminates CO2 from the atmosphere while it is being produced. If you install this concrete on your counters, it’s as if your countertops are saving the earth while also looking amazing. Reclaimed wood flooring is having a big moment. Each plank has a unique history, such as being part of an old barn or a century-old warehouse. Character markings and aged patinas provide instant charm that new materials cannot match. Low-VOC paints have advanced so far that you’d never think they’re a healthy choice. For a great time, go with rich, vibrant hues that will not irritate your eyes or cause headaches. Think about tech Voice-activated fixtures are transforming how we navigate our homes. Consider this: you’re cooking supper with greasy hands, and you can turn on the faucet or adjust the lights just by asking. You can make this possible. Smart thermostats can reduce your energy bill by up to 23%. They learn your schedule and preferences, ensuring that your home is always at the ideal temperature when you arrive. Dynamic-tint windows vary their opacity based on the outside brightness. No more squinting at your laptop screen or scrambling to close the blinds when the afternoon sun shines. Infuse colors and textures. Say goodbye to all-white items. Moody jewel tones such as deep emerald and rich sapphire make interiors feel warm and elegant rather than cold and boring. Pattern drenching applies the same pattern to walls, ceilings, and even upholstery. When done correctly, it offers an immersive, cocoon-like experience that is highly relaxing. Mixed metals give depth and visual appeal to a space, making it feel accumulated over time rather than purchased all at once. For a great look, consider warm brass cabinet hardware alongside stainless steel appliances and copper light fittings. Make maximum use of your space. When it comes to condo renovation ideas, storage is often the deciding factor between cramped and roomy. Even the smallest condos may feel surprisingly spacious with the right attitude. Vertical storage is your best friend in small spaces. Consider floor-to-ceiling built-in wall units that can accommodate everything from your TV to your book collection while providing architectural interest. These are more than just storage solutions; they are design statements that will make your walls work harder. Murphy beds have come a long way from their ungainly origins. Today’s versions integrate effortlessly into walls or custom cabinetry, transforming bedrooms into offices or […]
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Reno Like a Boss: Tips That Actually Work
Remodeling your house can be exciting, but it can also be stressful if you do not have a plan in place. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of recommendations to help you complete your home improvement project fast. From setting reasonable expectations to selecting the ideal home addition contractors, these pointers will help ensure that your project runs smoothly from start to finish. Have a plan First and foremost, rather than winging it, ensure that you have a renovation strategy in place that includes money, research, timetables, and a plan of attack. This is one of the most essential steps since creating the proper foundation might mean the difference between the success of your restoration (and your ability to tolerate the process). While dividing your project into smaller segments, such as room by room or area by area, may appear more doable, you’re better off viewing it from a broader perspective. There are various reasons for this, the main one being that your renovation will almost certainly be more visually appealing. This will help you stick to a consistent theme throughout the home, with products and color palettes that have a cohesive look. This will make your renovation look more professional and well-thought-out. Try before making the purchase. Choosing your color pallet, particularly when it comes to paints, may appear as simple as selecting your favorite shade of off-white from the hardware store. It is crucial to realize, however, that what you see on the shelf may not appear the same at home. Test your selections ahead of time to avoid having to redo your hard work. The lighting in a room can influence how colors appear. Before making a purchase, consider incorporating both natural and artificial lighting in the room. Test samples in various lighting settings to ensure you are satisfied with how the colors appear. Ordering samples for your room is a fantastic idea because it provides the most realistic picture of how it will look. Know the finishes to go with from the very start. Door handles, towel racks, and window coverings may seem like the finishing touches on your renovation, but they should not be. Instead, consider them during the planning stage. This is because they frequently have a dramatic impact on the end work, and they may include components that require prior consideration. Window coverings, for instance, may have unique criteria. Discussing your needs early ensures that power is placed where it is needed when considering motorized or automated window-covering solutions. There is also the option to recess your window coverings or install them behind a bulkhead for a contemporary look. Think where the garbage will go. You will generate a large amount of rubbish before, during, and after your renovation. You’ll be getting rid of items, dismantling them, and disposing of the packing materials from all your new fixtures, finishes, and décor. And you are the one in charge of getting rid of it. Construction and demolition waste cannot be placed in your regular container, so make a waste strategy ahead of time. Hiring a skip bin is an excellent alternative for renovation rubbish […]
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Tips For Home Remodeling on a Budget
When your home reaches a certain age, it’s normal to desire to remodel to make it appear new again. The impulse to remodel may also stem from the fact that your family has grown and needs more space. Other homeowners modify their homes just because they want to. Whatever the cause, renovating is something that most homeowners will wish to perform at some point, with the assistance of home addition contractors. A remodel will undoubtedly cost you a lot of money, especially since labor and materials seem to rise yearly. However, you can complete your remodeling on a budget while still increasing the value of your property. To help you out, here are some recommendations for remodeling your home on a budget. Do what your money allows. If you’ve decided to conduct extensive renovation work on your house, be aware that it will cost a small fortune. If you have the money, then go ahead and do it. Start your job, and remember to adequately dispose of the waste your renovation will generate. If you don’t have the budget for that renovation work, scale it back and undertake simply what your existing funds will allow. Instead of ripping down walls, repaint them and alter the space. If you don’t want to retile your bathroom tiles, you can paint them. To improve the appearance of your bathroom, replace the outdated showerheads and faucets with fancy-looking stainless steel ones. New door handles can transform your kitchen cupboards. Do you believe your dining room is beginning to appear dreary? Install new light fixtures to transform the area. Install a few light pendants just over your dining table, and you’ll notice how much more elegant the entire region becomes with these relatively modest additions. Suppose you’re considering replacing your windows, but your budget doesn’t allow it. In that case, you can always go for new window coverings such as shades, drapes, or curtains, which improve the aesthetics of your old windows and instantly make any room look nicer. Involve a little DIY Imagine you’re planning a complete kitchen makeover and want to stay within your budget. If you want to save money on the job, consider taking on some components of the remodel that do not require advanced building skills and experience. An entire kitchen redesign may necessitate the removal of old cabinets and cupboards, as well as tiling. These jobs require minimal skill and experience. If you have the time, stamina, and patience, you can do everything yourself instead of employing laborers. You save money on your remodeling bill while still getting plenty of exercise. Reorganize your kitchen layout. A complete kitchen remodel can be very pricey. Instead of demolishing your kitchen, consider innovative storage options to enhance the space without breaking the bank. Consider placing pull-out organizers in existing cabinets, adding a lazy Susan to corner cabinets, or implementing vertical separators for storing baking sheets and chopping boards. These relatively simple additions may make a massive difference in your kitchen. Don’t follow the builder’s aesthetic advice. This is a large one. When you’re new to renovating, you’re likely to feel overwhelmed by […]
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Tips to Having a Great Time Remodeling a House
You’re probably extremely excited if a home remodel is on the horizon. Everyone loves a new home design, but first, you must be cautious about how you go about it. Some house renovations can take weeks or months to complete, depending on how extensive they are, and in rooms such as the kitchen or bathroom, this schedule may appear unrealistic. Thankfully, with a little preparation and foresight on your part, you’ll come up with ways to ensure that you have a great time in your remodeling. According to home addition companies, all you need is mental fortitude and put these tips into place to ensure you have a good experience. Place your orders as early as possible. Every remodel will run into unexpected bottlenecks that might cause the project to be delayed. One option for minimizing delays is to order your parts ahead of time. Make sure you’re prepared for the project by having all your parts selected and ordered before starting your project. Either having a lead time as to when they’ll arrive or already having them on site makes a world of difference, as you don’t need to worry about the supplies delaying too much. If you’re rebuilding a kitchen or bathroom and want to upgrade your vanity, hardware, cabinets, and worktops, choosing the fixtures ahead of time will spare you a few hassles during demolition. This way, you won’t be left with a mess in your home or everyday areas that aren’t used for longer than necessary. Cannot decide between different finishes or fixtures? Consult experts who will help with project selection. You only need to ensure that the professionals you hire are experienced and know what they are doing. Consider reconfiguring your space. The flow of a home may not always match your lifestyle; for example, you may require your kitchen to overlook a garden to watch children or pets playing outside, while you may need to relocate the bedroom to the back of a property to reduce outside noise. If you intend to change the property’s layout, now is the time. It is significantly easier to relocate living rooms or bedrooms than kitchens and toilets, which may require extensive plumbing work. If you remove a wall to create an open-plan space, consult a structural engineer to ensure it is not load-bearing. You also should think about your electrical system; you may need to work to bring it up to code, or you could use the chance to install additional sockets or light switches. Aim to keep the air as fresh as possible. During demolition, expect a lot of dust in the air due to sanding and other operations. To avoid ruining your property too much, take precautionary measures to keep dust particles from entering your ducts and returning to the air. If you’re working in a bedroom with a return duct, tape it off—though it’s not ideal for permanent use—when the demo is happening or sheetrock is being sanded, anything that creates a lot of dust should be blocked off. Although your contractor will take precautions to keep the remainder of your home dust-free, this […]
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Living in a House You Are Remodeling? Valuable Tips to Consider
Are you thinking about having a home remodel project? Many people often leave their homes until the home addition contractors are done with the project. But what if you want to continue staying in the house? Which tips should you follow to increase your comfort levels and, at the same time, ensure that the contractors complete the project fast and within the given time frame? Here are these tips: Order your fixtures ahead of time Most remodel projects run into unexpected issues that will cause the project to be delayed. You don’t want this to happen to your project, do you? One way to ensure this doesn’t happen is to order your parts ahead of time. Make sure you’re prepared for the project by having all your parts selected and ordered prior to the start of your project. Either having a lead time as to when they’ll arrive or already having them on site makes a world of difference. If you’re remodeling a kitchen or bathroom and want to upgrade your vanity, hardware, cabinets, and worktops, choosing the fixtures ahead of time will spare you a few hassles during the demolition process. This way, you won’t be left with a mess in your home or everyday areas that aren’t in use for any longer than necessary. Cannot decide between different finishes or fixtures? Get in touch with an experienced interior designer who will help you make the right selection. Think about where you will be preparing the meals. The most inconvenient aspect of home remodeling is the extended downtime in the kitchen. Aside from the bathroom, the kitchen is one of the most often-used rooms in the house. It’s the heartbeat of every home, but during a renovation, those comfortable home-cooked meals are unlikely to be available. However, this does not imply you cannot enjoy home-cooked meals. With a kitchen redesign underway, you can still cook at home; you just need to make a few changes. One trick you can use is to set up a mock kitchen in another room. Prepare a coffee machine, an electric griddle, and a plastic table to set up elsewhere in your home. You will also need to transfer your refrigerator using an extension cord. Of course, eating out is always an option, but you don’t have to, especially if your budget doesn’t allow. To save some money, fire up the grill. Cooking will become more interesting throughout a kitchen redesign. Plan food for barbecues, romantic nights, or family gatherings, or invite yourself to a friend’s place for dinner. Remember to stockpile the paper plates, glasses, and utensils until your kitchen returns to normal. Consider a staycation. It’s no secret that remodeling entails destruction, which means there will be a lot of noise and a disorganized mess. Those who work from home or seek relaxation after a long day at work should approach the project with the assumption that there will be no peace and quiet until the project is completed. Also, you won’t have a clean and tidy residence for the duration of the project. Be prepared for a mess during the project. […]
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5 Best Practices When Remodeling Your Home
Are you thinking about undertaking a remodeling project? Here are valuable tips given by condo remodel experts that will ensure that you have fun and, at the same time, do a good job and produce a project that you love: Install enough lighting You don’t want to feel like you’re constantly in the limelight in your house, this means that your house should not be too bright. At the same time, this doesn’t mean that less is more when it comes to lighting. You should have just enough lighting. You should thoroughly check the electrical designs before beginning your job. Sconces, overhead lighting, chandeliers, and even the location of lamp outlets can help set a cheerful tone before your restoration begins. And, if you’re concerned that your lights will be too bright, use dimmers. You should consider layering different types of lights to give your home the perfect look. As a rule of thumb, you should have: Ambient lighting: Ambient lighting provides diffused brightness to the entire room, making your home feel cozier. You achieve this using ceiling lights or chandeliers. Task lighting: Task lighting directs light to a specified region to assist you in doing an activity, such as cooking or dining. In the kitchen, you can achieve task lighting with an island chandelier or pendant lights hung over a table or island. You can occasionally use wall lights like sconces to add task lighting over a specific work area, like a sink. Decorative lighting: Allow your flair to shine by incorporating ornamental lighting into your renovation. This lighting style produces visual focal points and spotlights in any part of your house that you want to highlight, such as wall art, architectural features, plants, and more. For perfect house lighting, you should incorporate all of these lights. Of course, you should work with experts who will give you the perfect outcome. Think about storage Storage is another aspect of house improvements that you should pay attention to. Storage is vital as it adds functionality to a home. When it comes to storage, you should think about the problems and solutions in your existing setup before your project begins. Work with your cabinet maker to create personalized solutions that meet your wants and lifestyle if your budget allows. This will help you maximize every square inch of available space. Items such as a sheet pan cabinet in the kitchen, pull-out dog-bowl drawers in the mudroom, and parking locations for all of your appliances throughout the house will help you establish an ordered area. Consider your long-term needs. When remodeling a room to make it more functional for your requirements, you need to evaluate whether the alterations must be permanent. If you’d prefer a home office to the guest room your third room serves, swap the bed with a desk. Rather than building a permanent built-in desk and bookshelves for the transition, preserve the framework of your room so that you—or someone else—can simply replace it later when family needs change. Whether you use the space for a craft room, a home gym, or an office, a room designed specifically for […]
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Tricks to Reduce the Cost of Your Home Remodeling Project
Whether you have a large or small budget, the expense of a home remodeling can easily spiral out of control. Thankfully, there are several things you can do to reduce the costs. These things include: Create and stick to a budget. Budget does not imply cheap, but when you spend money, it’s good to know the amount of money you have to set aside for the purchase. You should start with a budget in mind before making design decisions. By doing this, you can tell the prices of the different fixtures and supplies and get a sense of what will and won’t fit your budget. Home addition companies recommend that you have a spreadsheet and just enter everything you need for the project. As you can tell, this will require you to first research and find the prices of the different materials. You need to find the cost of the flooring, countertops, lighting, faucets, paint, cabinets, outlets and switch plate covers, tile, grout, appliances, and other things. The best way to research is to make phone calls to obtain quotations for goods and labor. When preparing the budget, include tax. From your budget, you can tell the areas that require a lot of money and those that don’t need much. You will also know the areas where you can make adjustments by selecting less expensive materials or opting to eliminate items. As much as you should stick to a budget, you should note that there are always unexpected occurrences. To avoid going beyond your budget, account for unforeseen expenses. A good way to do it is to set aside 10% of your budget. Pay in cash It may seem obvious, but paying for your project in cash will save you a large amount of money in interest than you would otherwise pay if you took out a loan or put things on a credit card that you couldn’t quickly pay off. If you’re remodeling to sell your house, it may make financial sense to take out a loan if you know you’ll get a return on your investment, and you will pay off the loan promptly. However, in general, paying with cash is the best option. If you currently don’t have enough money, start thinking about methods to cut your household budget to save money for your project. Don’t be in a hurry. Waiting for funds to renovate isn’t always a terrible thing, because time is your friend when planning for a renovation. It can be tempting to renovate your home all at once if you have the money, but it can be stressful to make a lot of excellent and cohesive design selections when you’re factoring in so many factors. If you rush through things, you will regret some of your decisions. The best way out is to start with one or two rooms and work through them before going on to other sections. Most people find it difficult to complete an assignment before moving on to the next. Prioritize the most time-consuming project and do it first; else, it could take years. You won’t have to live in a […]
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4 Tricks to Modernizing Your Home
If you have an old house, you might think you have to bring it down and build a modern one, but this isn’t the case. According to home remodeling architects, you don’t have to build a new modern house as you can always make a few touches to your old house and give it a modern look. Which are some of these things that you can do? Here they are: Make your home more open and airy It goes without saying that most modern houses adopt the open floor plan that makes the house appear spacious and airier. How can you make your old house more spacious without knocking down the walls? You can get rid of the bigger, bulkier pieces of furniture in your house and replace them with smaller units. It’s common for some people to be attached to some pieces. For example, you might be attached to your wall cabinet. If this is your current situation, consider painting the piece of furniture a color that matches the house’s color. You can also paint it a warm off-white color that helps it disappear into the room. If you have no bulky piece you can get rid of, use mirrors to create the illusion of space. Strategically place mirrors on opposite windows to reflect light into the room, making it appear more open. Of course, you want to use high-quality mirrors with quality frames. Add new lighting to your home. Sometimes giving your home a modern look is as simple as adding new lighting. If your current house is small and dark, you can give it a new look by simply installing new lights. Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to go about it. One of these ways is installing table lamps and floor lamps. You can also strategically place a few tall floor lamps in the house’s dark corners and watch how the house comes to life. Layer the lighting with lamps on the side tables to create a cozy and welcoming vibe. If your budget allows it and you are feeling adventurous, replace all your old ceiling fixtures with new and modern masterpieces. Add an outdoor space. The outdoor space transforms the look of the house and provides you with more space to use. You are lucky to have a large compound to play around with, but if you don’t have one, you will need to work with a designer and find strategic areas you can use to your advantage. After putting up the extra space, make it as comfortable as possible by adding rugs, comfortable outdoor chairs, throw cushions, and other comfort-heightening accessories. If you want to give your outdoor space a fancy appeal, put down brick pavers or flagstones, then layer them with outdoor rugs, chairs, and other items. You can also go all the way out and make the area an excellent outdoor escape by installing a large pergola, draping the sides of the area with privacy curtains, adding some music, or even installing an outdoor heater. For the best outcome, work with an experienced professional who knows what they are doing. Add/replace the […]
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House Remodelng DIY Tips
Being a DIY enthusiast saves you money and you get to improve your skill level. While this is the case, you have to be cautious and avoid making costly mistakes. To help you out, here are valuable DIY tips you should consider: Think through everything Since they are experts and have handled the project a couple of times, home remodeling architects think through every project before they start it. In fact, they always first make drawings of the projects so that they can see how it will look once complete. Unfortunately, DIY enthusiasts often don’t think through their projects. A classic example is when you add a peninsula in your kitchen. While the kitchen will look better and you have additional space, it narrows the kitchen space to the extent that you can’t remove the fridge. To do it you have to lift the fridge entirely up and over the extension. To avoid making such a mistake, always take your time and always think ahead of the project. It’s always recommended you measure once, measure twice, and one final time before you start your project. Always think through every possible scenario before you change the layout of every room. It will even be better if you can hire a professional and have them help you with the measuring and determining the final look of your space. Don’t go with the cheapest option Since you are looking to save money, it’s easy to get caught wanting to only use cheap materials or install cheap appliances. As much as this will save you some money, it often ends up being too expensive and you should avoid doing it. For example, if your kitchen is in a dilapidated state and you would want to replace the parts, go with the highest quality ones. They might be expensive but they will be worth it. While this is the case, it doesn’t mean you should spend all your money on appliances and materials. The right way to go about it is to take your time and research. Visit a couple of stores and see what is available. Of course, you should buy from a reputable store selling high quality materials at a small price. Use the right tools The tools you use significantly influence the results you get and how well you complete your project. So, as a rule of thumb, use high quality tools that you will have an easier time using and will give you the results you are after. Seek specialty advice from experts Even if you are a DIY expert, you will have areas where you will need the services of experts. For example, if you need to make electrical connections, you will need the services of electricians. To get the most from your project you should only work with experienced contractors that know what they are doing. The same way you shouldn’t blindly buy the remodeling materials you shouldn’t hire any contractor you come across. The right way to go about it is to take your time and hire an experienced contractor. Many people go online and hire the first […]
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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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