Choosing your own remodeling adventure

Winter is here, which means the holidays are upon us.

“Winter” in the Southwest is comfortable for having guests over, so remember to make a mental list of ways your home could improve for entertaining or for comfort.

Some people struggle to commit to remodeling because they can’t settle on the reason to do it. Should you remodel for yourself? Should you remodel for resale? The answer depends on your timeline, as this helpful article explains.

If you see yourself moving in five or so years, think about remodeling for resale. That means going over a list of things buyers like with an expert, such as a designer or real estate agent, and coming up with a cost-efficient plan.

If you don’t see yourself moving for 10 years or so, if ever, then personalize away! Make that home the living space of your dreams. Remember, the best return on investment is happiness!

Speaking of winter remodeling, here is an article on the best projects to do over the winter.

Obviously, Arizona doesn’t see nearly as much of a slow down in remodeling during the winter as other regions, so keep that in mind while reading the article. It lists installing hardwood floors, and kitchen or bathroom remodels as a few options.

Finally, if you are more concerned with trends, we have you covered!

Here’s an article from the Midwest, my neck of the woods, about a study from our friends at Houzz. Houzz says baby boomers, those age 55 and older, are remodeling to comfortably age in place. They also account for the biggest remodeling spenders, the article says.

Have a great week!

Guest Post: How You Can Get The Best Roof Upgrade

Our basic necessities include shelter, food, water, and clothing. Because of weather conditions like the heat of the sun, lashing rainstorms, and natural calamities, we like to stay in a sturdy and durable shelter. In order to make our homes a safe haven, we should always check and maintain the primary recipient of all the weather surges: the roof.

A Rooftop upgrade is the best renovation you can do on your house. The best roof can secure the best results in protecting the inside of your house. Although some people will put off improving or replacing their roof, they will eventually suffer far more serious consequences down the road. Thinking ahead can save a lot of trouble.

If you are open to possibilities, roof repair companies can give you a free estimate for the job that should be done in repairing your roof or putting up a new one. They will check for damage and other things that should be put into action. They will cater to their client’s budget as well.

When do you know it’s time to replace or upgrade your roof? 

A new roof can be a bit pricey but we must also consider the safety of the people living inside the house. A new roof can guarantee your safety and peace of mind through all kinds of inclement weather.

  1. Leakage – Water dripping from the roof can be inconvenient at best, or, in the worst case scenario, cause accidents and someone gets hurt.
  2. Rust – If the roof has only rust, a full replacement won’t be needed, but rust can actually lead to further damage, such as sudden deformation.
  3. Frailness – A lot of roof damage can be easily seen by the naked eye but sometimes, repairs are put off either due to time or expense until repairs become necessary.

Roofing types are also a factor for good, remodeled homes. Yes, it can add to the aesthetic beauty of your house but style should be the second consideration to the type of roof that best suits your needs. A good roofing strategy can certainly give you a roof upgrade, but at the same time, gives you peace of mind in emergencies.

Roof repair companies benefits

  1. Insurance – For customers who want to have a secure home for their families, companies issue insurance to make sure that you are in good hands.
  2. Customer Priority – Having a good roof can be a matter of life and death and if you are on the priority list, there will be nothing to worry about, since roof repair will be only one phone call.
  3. Guaranteed Honest Employees – Besides giving ourselves a good roof to live with, we should also ensure that the people working on our roof can be trusted with everything, including the number of materials needed for the completion of the job.

In times like these, people need to prioritize safety for their family. They say, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Why wait for peace of mind for your family if you can actually do something right away? Always remember, a good roof equals safe and happy family.

 

About the author: Central Homes Roofing works with residential and commercial clients to provide high quality roofing services across central Florida. 

Guest Post: Kitchen Cabinet Details That Will Make You Say Wow

The kitchen is often considered the center of the home. You entertain guests in the living room or family room. But the kitchen is where your family gathers. This is where meals are prepared and usually eaten. Around the table, your family shares the events of the day. If there is an issue, this is where it is all figured out.

When friends come for events or holidays, they often make their way to the kitchen to visit or help out. This is why the look and feel of your kitchen are so important. Having a nice kitchen adds to your enjoyment of the home, but there are other considerations when it comes to the kitchen.

Raising your property value

Financial expert, Dave Ramsey reports that 80% of home buyers list the kitchen as one of the main considerations. If you plan on living in your home, you will enjoy the modern look and ease of use of a new kitchen. If you choose to sell your home, small but significant changes dictate the selling price. Buyers are usually open to spending money on a home that will not require them needing to update the kitchen.

Where to begin

Every project needs a starting point. When it comes to a kitchen remodel, you must consider the following:

  • Your budget
  • Your priorities
  • Your contracting company

Of course, you will have to determine a budget. When remodeling a kitchen, little things can cost a lot. You must keep your budget realistic. Remember, if you have the lion’s share of the room finished, you can add to the room later. But, you do not want to be halfway through the project and find the money is gone.

This brings us to your priorities. There are some items that usually must be updated to make your kitchen look chic and modern. They include:

  • The cabinets
    • The cabinets are usually the first thing that catches our eye. They form the backdrop and setting of the room. Everything else is designed around the cabinets. Whether for yourself or for a future buyer, beautiful white shaker cabinets are perfect. They bring light to the room. They are clean and crisp and they accent everything else in the room.
  • You will probably want to hire a contractor to do at least some of the work on the kitchen. Even if you can so some of the work yourself, installing cabinets can be tricky to line up and secure. Be selective with your contractor and be selective with the products you are buying. Look up the brand and be sure you are purchasing quality. Quality merchandise last longer and performs better. They keep their look and attract home buyers or home visitors.

By following these basic rules, you will have a wonderful kitchen that will serve you for many years.

  • The appliances
    • The appliances can date a room faster than any other item. Not only will the appliances ruin the look of your new kitchen, they may limit your options. If you want a grill or stovetop on the island, that will stand out. Immediately upon seeing it, the buyer will look to the stove. If you want an updated hood over the stove, which comes in many metallic finishes, the appliances should match.
    • The counter tops should be replaced to unless you already have granite or quality wood countertops installed. Granite lasts a long time and does not go out of style. Be mindful of the colors. White cabinets are perfect for any kitchen. Bring out your colors with your kitchen accessories. Be sure to look at open front cabinets for a long cabinet or around a window. You can use dividers to slide in plates or stack them. Coffee cup hooks are great too. There is room for small items to bring the wow factor like an area where you grow small potted herbs.
    • The floor will need to be replaced if it is dated or if it is worn. Again, if you are living there or selling, natural finishes are beautiful and easy to install. Consider a wood, cork, concrete, or bamboo for the natural finish you are seeking.

About the author: Wendy Dessler is an Outreach Manager on behalf of Best Online Cabinets.