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What to expect during a home remodeling project

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Many people have a hard time envisioning what it’s like to embark on a home remodel.

The reality is that it’s not like what you see on TV. It is sometimes tedious, but it is worth it all the time.

We recently came across an article on the subject titled “10 things you should expect during a home remodel” on the Dayton Daily News website.

All 10 tips are good, but we will spotlight the best for you.

First, things will get dusty in here. There will be grime, as the article puts it. It’s the nature of the business of taking things apart and putting them back together again. A good contractor will help you prepare for and deal with the dirt that accompanies every remodel.

Second, it might get another kind of dusty in here. Things can get frustrating, like the article notes. You might lose your cool, and even shed a few tears. But as long as you trust the process and keep the lines of communication open with your contractor, things will go as smoothly as possible.

Third, you’re gonna have to make up your mind. There will be many decisions, so get ready. The last thing a contractor wants to do is disappoint you, so honor each decision as it arrives, no matter how trivial it might seem at the time.

Finally, it will be worth it. The article calls it “exultation,” but we like to call it “satisfaction.” That’s the sheer joy that comes with the completion of a project. No more mess, no more fuss. Just life to live in your new space.

Speaking of rolling with the punches, a couple from Minneapolis encountered some sticker shock when it came time to remodel their kitchen in their 1940s home.

Much like how a shirt unravels at the tugging of a single thread, the couple found out that getting rid of their island dishwasher (yes, really) would be harder than they first imagined. Check out their story for a longer, fleshed out version of what can happen during the remodeling process.

Have a good week!

Easy ways to go green during a remodel

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Spring has sprung in the Valley, or at least as much as it can while the temperature begins its approach to the century mark.

While most of the Sonoran Desert stays different shades of brown during Spring, people who choose to remodel do have the option to go green.

A recent blog post on Remodeling Magazine’s website detailing several inexpensive green remodeling options caught our eye.

For starters, you can use renewable materials such as bamboo and cork to suit your flooring needs.

Companies like PaperStone take things a step further by using recycled paper and other materials in their sustainable countertops.

If you are looking to start on a smaller scale, you can look at energy efficient appliances and windows, or just use paints that are free of volatile organic compounds (VOC).

Elsewhere, if you need some inspiration for a kitchen remodel, check out these before-and-after photos from Boston Magazine.

The three projects include re-purposing space, increasing the cooking capacity, and adding some serious light to a dark space.

Have a good week!

Home remodeling continues to grow

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More homeowners are remodeling now than ever before, according to an article in the Ahwatukee Foothills News.

The article cites a report by the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University. According to the report, homeowners spent $361 billion on improvements or repairs in 2016!

Remodeling growth is expected to continue by two percent every year through 2025, the report says.

The spending is dominated by people 55 and over, who spend around $11,000 on individual projects, while people under 35 tend to spend just under $9,000 on individual projects.

Not surprisingly, most money is spent on necessary improvements and maintenance, according to the report. When people do splurge, it tends to be in the bathroom or in the kitchen, the report says.

If you are one of those people thinking about remodeling your bathroom, then it would pay to follow the advice of Consumer Affairs.

First, remodelers on a budget should avoid designs that result in rearranging plumbing and electrical wiring and tearing out walls.

Second, think about adding safety features like grab bars or shower benches to help you age in place. These features can add comfort and peace of mind without sacrificing style.

Lastly, upgrade your drain pipes to 2 inches from the standard 1 1/2 inches and cut down on those clogs.

Have a good week!