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Guest Post: What Remodeling Tips Are Hot This Summer

By on August 12, 2020   /   Accessible design, Aging in place, Awards, Bathroom, Blog, Cabinets, cleaning, Customer Service, Finding A Remodeler, Flooring, Hiring A Remodeler, Kitchen, Licensed Contractors, Outdoor, Planning, Remodel, Roofing, Shop, Showers, Storage, Universal design   /   Leave a comment

Summer is here, and while you probably took care of most of your cleaning tasks in the Spring, it is now time for you to further enhance your property. Specifically, we are talking about remodeling. While these projects appear intimidating on the surface, when done correctly, they can significantly boost the value of your home.

Consider this: According to HomeLight’s report on the 2020 real estate landscape, upgrading to stainless-steel appliances can yield a 141% return on investment, adding a home office yields an 87% return, and privacy fencing often has an ROI of 78%. Considering those figures, you should not be afraid to take on remodeling projects.

Based on the HomeLight findings, kitchen remodels, painting, and landscaping and gardening are the three most popular home improvement projects that property owners are tackling this summer. Although these projects can seem overwhelming, you can use the information below to make them more manageable.

Choosing the right home renovation professionals

Home remodeling projects should not be attempted by one person. They require a team of experts such as a general contractor (the manger that oversees all the remodeling work), specialty tradesman (painters, plumbers, roofers, etc.), a handyman (generalists that can take on a variety of high-level tasks), and an interior designer (the professional who ensures that the remodel fits into your desired aesthetics).

In addition to those experts, if you have a large remodeling project (e.g. gutting sections of your home, making significant structural changes), you should consider speaking with a professional remodeler. They create an overarching vision for your remodel and ensure that all the moving parts piece together when complete. 

Developing a home remodel strategy

Given the fact that every home is different, when you begin your remodeling projects, it is important to begin your remodeling projects with a plan and consider what buyers are looking for. For example, if you want to make your home feel more spacious and welcoming, an open floor plan is worth exploring. 

Even just removing a non-load-bearing wall (i.e. a wall that does not support the weight of the floor or roof above) can modernize your space.

Homebuyers are also looking for neutral color palates in their home. Faux wood laminate flooring, matte black cabinet fixtures, and neutral linen curtains are all great décor options. If you have a larger budget, we suggest installing hardwood floors as 54% of homebuyers are willing to pay a premium when it is already installed.

In addition to your living room, you should explore upgrading your kitchen. Adding stone or quartz countertops, white subway tiles, stainless steel appliances, and brushed stainless steel or matte black hardware are a few of the most effective ways to improve your space.

You can also complement extensive upgrades by replacing cabinet knobs with handles, installing LED rope lights under your cabinets, and purchasing a sink made of stainless steel or enamel.

Finally, don’t forget to invest in landscaping as it can deliver up to a 10% boost to your home’s value. For example, adding shrubs, trees, and hedges to boost privacy are a worthwhile project if your home is near a busy street or in a planned community where you are not allowed to add a fence.

This post was provided by our friends at HomeLight.

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Remodeling looking to bounce back from pandemic

By on June 30, 2020   /   Accessible design, Aging in place, Awards, Bathroom, Blog, Cabinets, cleaning, Customer Service, Design, DIY, Finding A Remodeler, Flooring, Going green, Hiring A Remodeler, Holidays, Homemade, Kitchen, Licensed Contractors, Outdoor, Planning, Remodel, Roofing, Secret Compartments, Shop, Showers, Storage, Universal design   /   Leave a comment

Hello, from my kitchen table!

If you are like me, you have probably converted a part of your home into a temporary workspace. And now that “temporary” has become “possibly indefinite,” chances are you have given thought to what a permanent home workspace could look like.

Welcome to the remodeling thought process in 2020!

Since everyone is spending more time at home, all those little projects you’ve noticed over the years seem to grow in size and stature. It is that line of thought that is supposed to help the remodeling industry get back on track as soon as September, according to a Banker & Tradesman article.

Additionally, some projects that weren’t as popular before the pandemic are getting new life in this post-COVID world, according to this Morgan County Herald article.

For example, fencing in a yard or an addition to include office or gym space are a couple of projects in demand.

There are a couple of mainstays, of course. Bathroom and kitchen remodels are remaining a constant even during the pandemic.

If you are looking for inspiration on the former, check out this slide show from House Beautiful.

No matter what route you decide to go during these unusual times, it’s always a good reminder to shop around for quotes and not marry yourself to the lowest bid, as this homeowner found out from our friends at Markup & Profit.

Have a great week!

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Guest Post: 5 Easy Projects to Whet Your Remodeling Appetite

By on May 26, 2020   /   Accessible design, Aging in place, Awards, Bathroom, Blog, Cabinets, Customer Service, Design, DIY, Finding A Remodeler, Flooring, Hiring A Remodeler, Kitchen, Licensed Contractors, Outdoor, Planning, Remodel, Shop, Showers, Storage, Universal design   /   Leave a comment

Don’t want to take on a huge renovation project? Here are 5 easy things you can do to give your home a new look.

If your living space is in need of a refresher but you don’t want to take on a daunting remodeling project, there are still things you can do to give your home a new look. Some simple yet transformative projects don’t take a lot of time or effort at all, but rather a few tools and dedicated minds.

No matter what you do to remodel your home, make sure you do so with proper precautions. You wouldn’t want to break anything due to a mistake that could have been prevented. Even if you have some type of home warranty coverage, small mistakes can lead to costly or recurring reparations.

Paint

Painting is a classic and simple way to give any room a new look. Whether you paint just an accent wall or the whole room, a new wall color can transform any room. Depending on the color you use, a fresh color can make a room look bigger, taller, or slimmer. Lighter colors can also make your room look fresh and bright, while statement colors can create a mood.

To paint a room, you’ll need some basic supplies first. You’ll want to make sure you have:

  • Paintbrushes and rollers
  • Tarps or something to cover the floor
  • Painter’s tape
  • Paint tray
  • Ladder and or step stool
  • Paint and paint primer

With these supplies and a few hours of work, you can make any room feel new.

Use stick-on backsplash, tiles, and wallpaper

Installing new flooring, backsplashes, and wall accents is time consuming and difficult to do if you aren’t experienced with remodeling or don’t have the correct tools. Luckily, there are options for those who want to change the look of a room without going through the daunting process of renovations.

Stick-on wallpapers can not only be used on a full wall, but also can be used to create a stunning backsplash in your kitchen or beautiful tile flooring. Some wallpapers have creative designs on them while others have panel or tile-like designs.

Use organizers

Organization can do wonders for any home. Whether your house is cluttered or not, picking up storage containers, dividers, and other organizational tools can free up space you didn’t even know you had. There are truly no limits to things you can organize. Your closet, pantry, drawers, spices, garage, and more can be organized, making things easily accessible.

Besides knowing where everything is, the extra space created by organizing allows you to utilize the space in other ways. Check out some of the best ways to organize your home.

Replace drawer knobs

Replacing drawer knobs is another great way to modernize any room. With a quick trip to your local hardware or general store, you’ll be able to choose from a variety of handles. Replacing drawer knobs is a simple task that produces powerful results. Tools-wise, you’ll most likely only need a screwdriver. Don’t underestimate what a simple change can do!

Get a new faucet

Just like replacing drawer knobs, replacing faucets can have the same effect on a room. If your kitchen faucet is outdated, an upgrade to a modern faucet is an easy task. To replace a faucet, make sure you turn your water source off before beginning any other work. You’ll also want to make sure you have simple tools such as a wrench, pliers, and tape measure.

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