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A Lifelong Investment: 4 Home Add-Ons that Are Worth it in the Long Run

Posted on Author Bruzzese Home ImprovementsCategories home addition, Home Improvement TipsTags , , Leave a comment on A Lifelong Investment: 4 Home Add-Ons that Are Worth it in the Long Run

One of the biggest advantages of owning your own home is watching your investment grow. As time passes, you may even decide to add some upgrades, modifications, or add-ons to make your home more comfortable. Fortunately, some of those changes will increase the value of your home while improving your lifestyle. Here are four examples.

Adding a Bathroom

It’s actually one of the home remodeling projects that will give you a high return on your investment, especially if you are thinking about including luxury features like walk-in shower areas, ornate tile work, or expansive windows to capture the natural light.

Not only will you be able to enjoy the benefits of a beautiful, new bathroom, but if you decide to sell your home, an additional bathroom will make it more attractive to buyers. And, you’ll be able to recoup a large percentage of what you spent with your increased asking price.

A New Master Suite

It only makes sense that adding a new master bedroom suite, complete with abundant closet space and a luxurious bathroom, will add even more to the value of your home than a new bathroom alone would. It all comes down to the details and the quality of the addition.

Finding the right contractor is essential to the success of any home improvement project. You’re not only making sure that all of the work is high-quality, but in the event that you ever decide to sell, any potential buyers will be taking a close look at any upgrades in the home.

Add a Deck

A new deck is another home improvement that can significantly add to the value of your home if it’s well-constructed and properly planned. It’s amazing how professional, experienced deck builders can take a look at the exterior of your home and design a deck that enhances its overall appearance, adding value both aesthetically and financially.

Building a Second Level

Turning a one-story home into a split-level or two-story home is one of the most expensive home improvement projects that you can undertake. But, it can also pay off the most if it’s done the right way. An extra level on your home will dramatically change its appearance, add a significant amount of living space, and substantially increase the home’s value.

These are only a few of the home add-ons that will pay off in the long run. The best thing about home additions is that you get to enjoy all of their benefits while you’re increasing the value of your home. And, that’s hard to put a price on.

3 Financial Reasons to Get a House with a Mother-in-Law Apartment

Posted on Author Bruzzese Home ImprovementsCategories Home Improvement Tips, Tips to sell your homeTags , , Leave a comment on 3 Financial Reasons to Get a House with a Mother-in-Law Apartment

If you are married, it is quite understandable that you value and cherish your family. This is to be expected and admired. It also contributes to a more lasting and fulfilling relationship. At the same time, there will come some practical considerations that you will need to take into account as the years go by. One of those will be how to take care of your mother-in-law. She might be alone and in need of some family to be close by, while still retaining much of her independence. At the same time, you might not want her living entirely on her own. With that in mind, here are three financial reasons why you will want to consider getting a house that has a mother-in-law apartment attached to it.

Avoid Long Term Care Costs

As people age, long term care costs can quickly grow almost out of control. In many cases, this is an unnecessary expense. If you are able to take care of your mother-in-law, there is no reason to not have her nearby. Even the expense associated with assisted living can drain the finances of even the most well-off of families. Do not let this happen to you. Having your mother-in-law in her own apartment attached to your own home makes financial sense. You will not have the added expense of long term care to worry about.

Rent The Space

You may not have someone living in the mother in law apartment. This is a great opportunity to rent the space.  You can rent it to a working professional or as a short term rental.  When you visit a furniture store, you’ll want to make sure that you have all the essentials as you would have at a hotel stay. Make it comfortable, decorate it. Having this supplemental income can help you pay your mortgage. The great part if you’ve paid your mortgage is it becomes residual income.

Equity

When you have a house with an unfinished basement your appraisal is going to be much different than if it has a finished mother in law apartment with a separate entrance. Having two kitchens, more bedrooms and bathrooms is going to make your equity and re-sale value skyrocket. It is worth renovation pricing to significantly increase the value of your home.

These three reasons alone highlight the usefulness of a mother-in-law apartment. If you are in the process of looking for a home and you see the need to take care of her looming on the horizon, this is a great option to consider. In the long run, it can also make a great amount of financial sense. That alone should cause you to give the idea some serious thought.

Full House: Should I Build up or Add On?

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Full House Should I Build up or Add On

Families change over time. Typically, they grow larger. As this happens, the needs of that family change. While a home may have been an adequate living space when the family was smaller, this may no longer be the case after you have several kids and your parents move in with you. Many people can’t afford to move into a bigger place. So, one of the only options for many families is to expand the living space they do have.

In terms of a home expansion project, you have two choices. You can either build up or add on horizontally. Here the advantages and disadvantages of each choice.

Benefits of Building Up

One choice is to expand your house by building up. This of course means adding an extra level to either the main structure of your home to the garage to create extra living space. The main benefit here is you won’t lose any of your yard when completing this kind of expansion. You may also be able to avoid zoning restrictions that could be in place on the square footage of the floor of your home.

Disadvantages of Building Up

However, despite the benefits, there are distinct disadvantages to building up. Building a new stable floor can be difficult. Even if you find a good deal on timber for sale, you will likely require a contractor. Building a new staircase can take up a lot of room in the lower level you may not want to sacrifice. Building over your garage can also produce the danger of carbon monoxide poisoning if a car runs in the garage for long enough even with the garage door open.

Benefits of Adding On

Your second choice is to add on to your home by building out horizontally. This method may be preferable because it causes the least disruptions to your existing home. You won’t, for example, have to alter the existing foundation. Instead, you just lay more foundation. You’ll also have much more freedom to do what you want with a completely new addition.

Disadvantages of Adding On

Of course there are also possible disadvantages to expanding your home horizontally as well. You will of course lose some of your yard that you may have wanted to preserve. There may also be zoning limitations that introduce a legal element to expanding your house in this way.

Families grow and so do their needs. If your home doesn’t have enough space, certainly consider an expansion project. Put a lot of consideration into whether it would be best to expand horizontally or vertically. Each choice has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Adding Onto Your Home? How to Avoid These 4 Obstacles

Posted on Author Bruzzese Home ImprovementsCategories Architecture, home addition, home improvementTags , Leave a comment on Adding Onto Your Home? How to Avoid These 4 Obstacles

 

If you are thinking about remodeling your home, then there are some common problems that you may run into. While these obstacles may add to the cost of the remodeling project, they do not have to put your plans on hold if you know how to overcome them effectively. Here are some common obstacles and ways to overcome them.

Stop Water Damage

One of the most common obstacles in adding an addition to your home is water damage to the existing structure. Unfortunately, water can cause mold and mildew problems. It can also make people living in the home sick because of bacteria problems. The first step is to discover where the water is getting into the home. Then, work with construction management services professional to take corrective measures to stop the water from getting in before replacing any damaged parts.

Prevent Lead from Entering the Environment

When adding a new addition to your home, then workers may discover lead. The most common place to discover lead is in the plumbing as lead pipes used to be commonplace while lead compound was often used to join galvanized pipes at a later time. If this is the problem, then you can either replace the pipes with new pipes that containing no lead. Others choose to get a filtration system that will remove the lead from the water. Regardless of the chosen solution, make sure that the lead is contained in some way whether than spread throughout the environment.

Avert Electrical Problems

Many home addition projects start with the discovery that the home’s electrical system is no longer up to code. In most cases, you will need to hire a licensed electrician to bring your home up to code. The good news is that many projects can be completed by running new wires where old ones currently are or replacing old outlets with new ones. If the electrician suggests that you need to tear out a wall, then ask if new wiring can be placed on the outside of the wall and covered with baseboard if you are on a tight budget. While electrical problems can be expensive, it is far better to be safe than have a home fire. After all, about 2,500 people are killed in home fires annually in the United States.

Lost Materials

If your home addition project involves matching materials to those there already, then you may find it hard to find the same materials. Today’s manufacturers do not make the same materials that they used to make. You may have some luck shopping online for these materials as someone may be trying to sell the exact materials that you need. You may also want to head to a home thrift store to see if someone has donated old materials. Finally, you may have to get creative in your designing making new and old materials look like they belong together.

Use these solutions and your own ingenuity to solve home remodeling problems. While you may have to think outside the box, the result is often fantastic. Remember that home remodeling is often very stressful, so work with a professional to solve any problems that arise.

5 Things to Know before Converting Your Garage to a Living Space

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5 Things to Know before Converting Your Garage to a Living Space

If you have decided to add new living space to your home by converting your garage into an additional living space, you’re in for a treat! This is a popular trend in home renovation. However, before you begin making any changes, make sure you read these five things to be fully prepared for your project.

Budget

Know exactly how much you are able to spend for your transformation project. Keep in mind that unexpected expenses will probably occur, and you should budget for them accordingly. Also, don’t forget to budget the cost of furniture for your new living space! You will be disappointed to learn you don’t have any money left over for these items.

Check Your Cars

Double check to make sure you won’t need your garage to store your cars. If you plan on getting an additional vehicle in the future, you may want to delay your renovation. Also, if you are comfortable keeping your vehicles outside of your garage, you still may want to consider investing in covers for your cars to protect them from the elements.

Know Your Purpose

Make sure you know the exact purpose of your new living space. Are you interested in using it as a place to quietly relax? Do you intend to use it for parties or social gatherings? Will you be using it as an additional bedroom? The choice is up to you. However, knowing exactly what you want to get out of the new living space will give you the focus you need to complete your project successfully, whether that be managing the garage door or adding amenities like air conditioning or more electrical fixtures.

Checking Permits

Remember, transforming your garage into an additional living space is a type of renovation project. This means you may need to obtain permits for some of the work. Double check with your local officials to learn if you will need to get any paperwork done before you begin. If you don’t, you may be forced to pay a fine or undo your entire transformation!

Can It Be Undone?

Keep in mind that the future owners of your home may want to use the garage for more traditional purposes. This means you should consider how easy it will be to undo your renovations. There also may come a time when you need to use the garage for other purposes. Having a plan to transform the garage back into a great storage area for cars and other big items is something you should consider.

Transforming your garage into an additional living space is a great idea. After you have considered the above points, get started on that transformation!

Lonely Loft? What to Do with the Attic You’ve Never Used

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Lonely Loft? What to Do with the Attic You've Never Used

As you walk around your house, one of the spaces that might seem a bit lonely is the attic. It’s often an area that is used for storage, especially if you don’t have a lot of closet space in the home. There are a few remodeling ideas that you might want to consider so that you’ll have some kind of living space for the family instead of a wasted room.

Design an Extra Bedroom

If you plan on expanding your family in the future or if you want to invite parents or other family members to move in when they are older, then consider transforming the attic into a bedroom. Wire mesh—think of the type that you would have it you were to use SKS overscreens—can be added before dry-walling and painting so that there is a bit more insulation as well as support for the walls. Add a bed, dresser, television and other comforts that your guests would have at their own home so that it’s a relaxing environment.

Play With the Kids

Transform the attic into a playroom for the kids. With bright paint, fun wall stickers and decorations and a hardwood floor that’s fun for playing on, your attic can be a mecca for children to enjoy. Carpeting is an idea for young children, but if you have hardwood or at least laminate that looks like wood, then children can ride a tricycle or play with cars and other toys that have wheels on them easier than they could if there’s carpet in the room.

Relax the Day Away

Since the attic is often a quiet space away from the rest of the home, turn it into a reading area. Install plush carpet and oak walls that make space look like a library. Put bookcases along one wall and a comfortable couch or chair along another wall so that you can read a book in peace when you want some time to yourself. You could also create a space where children can do their homework without worrying about the noises from the rest of the home.

Take a Soothing Bath

There’s nothing like having an extra bathroom in the home, which is a design option for the attic. You’re going to need to make sure the plumbing is installed correctly before decorating so that you have a tub, shower or combination. This bathroom can be one where you escape from the stress of everyday life or just an extra bathroom for when it seems like a line is forming at the other one in the home.

There are numerous ideas for your attic space. Think about what you could use in the home, and get to work designing a space that can be enjoyed by the family. It might take some work since it’s at a higher level than the rest of the home, but the effort will be worth the investment.

Renovation ROI: 4 Home Additions That Are a Tremendous Bang for Your Buck

Posted on Author adminCategories home addition, home improvement, home remodelingTags , , , , , Leave a comment on Renovation ROI: 4 Home Additions That Are a Tremendous Bang for Your Buck

Basement converted to a gym_White Plains

Many homeowners set aside money every year to reinvest back into their property. Your home will most likely be one of the biggest purchases you ever make, and you want to be sure that every remodeling project you carry out is going to increase its value. Here is a quick look at four popular home additions that often have an excellent return on investment.

Turn Your Attic into a Bedroom

The National Association of Realtors says that an attic conversion has an average ROI of around 61 percent. Adding an extra bedroom is one of the easiest ways to boost the value of your property without actually changing the structure of your home. When you are converting your attic, you should make sure that it is both accessible and comfortable.

Add an Outdoor Living Space

Those who live in a relatively moderate climate might be able to substantially increase the value of their home by adding an outdoor living space. Unlike many indoor renovations, creating an outdoor living space can often be completed by the homeowner. You will only need to call in a professional contractor if you want to install underground gas, water, or electrical lines.

Install a Utility Carport

A utility carport will maximize your outdoor space without breaking the bank. In addition to the covered area, a utility carport from places like Coast to Coast Carports Inc. also includes a small indoor area for storage. These structures can be installed within just a few days, and they are the perfect option for those who have boats, motorcycles, extra cars, or ATVs. You can even run power to the storage area to turn it into a workshop.

Remodel the Basement

While converting a basement into a bedroom can have an excellent ROI, you might also want to think about turning it into a family room, entertainment room, or bar. Many real estate agents and buyers love to see unique additions that will make a home stand out from all other nearby pieces of property. Updating the lighting, adding some neutral carpet, and painting the walls can be carried out in just a few hours, and those upgrades will drastically increase your home’s living space.

Even if you have quite a bit of experience as a DIY enthusiast, most of these major additions should be left to the professionals. Not only will a reputable contractor be insured, but they will also guarantee that your project adheres to all local and state regulations. If those contractors make a mistake, then you won’t have to worry about stiff fines and fees.

The Benefits of Porch roofs and Garden Rooms

Posted on Author adminCategories Decks & Patios, home improvement, Home Improvement TipsTags , , , Leave a comment on The Benefits of Porch roofs and Garden Rooms

porch roof

As summer approaches and the days become brighter and warmer you,  will want to spend more time outside enjoying the sun. Unfortunately,  the weather can be unpredictable and what was a sunny day can turn into a rather wet one. This is were garden rooms and porches come in handy. These structures will allow you to enjoy the sun without getting wet from any sudden and unexpected showers. We have looked into their benefits to help you choose which is the right choice for you.

Garden rooms are an alternative to conservatories and are generally used as a place to relax and socialize with friends and family. They tend to add more light into your home, natural light can add warmth to your home and improve your mood. Conservatories tend to get hot on sunny days, whereas garden rooms are kept cool with their insulated roofs, which also eliminates any condensation problems. These roofs also keep the garden room warm in winter so it can be enjoyed all year round. Garden room roofs are available in various shapes and sizes allowing you to create a unique room to suit your garden.

Porch roofs can be made with or without walls. They are available as an open structure that is supported by pillars or columns or as an enclosed structure. The open porch roofs allow you to enjoy the fresh air, whilst being covered for protection against the sun or light showers. These roofs are great to shelter garden furniture or plants that prefer the shade. Open porch roofs are ideal for entertaining guests in the summer, they offer cover away from light showers without having to go inside.

Porches can also be made as a small covered entrance to your home, usually used to house small plants and as a place to store shoes.

As you can see, both of these options have their benefits.  Garden rooms are more enclosed and are an excellent addition to your home, whilst porch roofs are more open and provide a sheltered area in your garden. Whichever option you choose, it is sure to improve your home and provide a space for you to enjoy the sun. These structures will also add value toapc-mouldings-logo your home by creating a unique feature.

At APC Mouldings, we supply various styles and shapes of porch and garden room roofs to help you create a style that is suited to you and your home. These structures are a great way of enjoying the summer. For more information please visit our friendly team who will be more than happy to offer advice and help you choose the right option for you.

Written by Amy Reed a SEO specialist on behalf of APC Architectural Mouldings.

Author Bio:

My name is Amy, I live in the north east of England. I am a copywriter for APC Mouldings who provide architectural mouldings to help people improve their homes. As a homeowner, I am constantly looking for new ideas for my home.

How To Choose Architects For Your House Extensions?

Posted on Author adminCategories Architecture, home addition, Home Improvement TipsTags , , Leave a comment on How To Choose Architects For Your House Extensions?

Are you planning for house extensions? If so, you have ample tasks to perform among which the key action will be to hire a competent and worthy architect. For a layman, the task of assessing the worthiness of an architect will never be an easy task. Hence, you need to approach this task, being wise and considerate. This article will discuss the key points of consideration in this regard.

House Extensions
House Extensions

Does the architect hold the necessary qualification to operate in the similar capacity?

The first and foremost point is to check whether the architect holds the necessary qualification to operate in the similar capacity. This is a high-end profession and hence, a professional in this regard should have the necessary qualifications. Approaching to a qualified professional for house extensions will ensure that you will be getting the most delightful outcome in the end.

The extent of experience that the provider holds

Remember, the best services can come from the experts hand only. With that said, you should always consider the extent of the experience that the provider holds. An experienced architect will have the expertise and solution to address your needs. Most importantly, an experienced architect can give you worthy suggestions that will enable you to complete the house extensions flawlessly with the perfection, without getting into troubles and hassles. An experienced architect will know the tricks and tips to complete the extension projects, within competitive expenses.

Does the architect accomplish similar projects like yours previously?

You should check whether previously, the architect has accomplished projects, similar to yours or not. This will ensure that the architect will have the expertise to deliver up to your expectations. In this regard, it will be a wise decision to approach the experienced architect that have executed innumerable projects for House Extensions. In his/her avid experience, he/she must have accomplished the type of the extension plan that you might hold. This will ensure that the architect can meet your expectations. You can even ask the architect to furnish portfolio of the works that he/she have already executed in the past.

House Extensions
House Extensions

What about the service fees payable to the architect?

When you are looking for an architect for house extensions, you should consider the service fees payable to the professional as well. Depending on the experience and reputation, the fees payable to the architect can go to a sky-high extent. Hence, before you hire a professional architect, you should check the fees payable to him/her. You should discuss with the professional in this regard and collaborate with the architect who charges reasonable service fees. However, don’t overemphasize the aspect of the payable service fees. You should look for architect that hold reputation in the market, yet, charges competitive professional fees. Fortunately, the best architect always adopt fair pricing strategies.

What about the reputation of the architect?

The Reputation of a professional grows only after he/she had served the customers consistently for a significant span of time. Hence, you should always approach the reputed professional. A reputed professional will know the tricks and tips to meet your expectations. Moreover, by availing the services of these professionals, you will certainly experience the best grade services. In this regard, it will be wise to refer to the reviews on the services of the architect that will enable you to make a realistic assessment of the worthiness of the professional. A reputed and reliable architect will always feature positive reviews and hence, you can definitely afford to rely on such professional.

Selecting an architect, considering the points stated above will fetch you the most competent expert to take care of your plan for house extensions.

 

 

 

 

 

5 Factors to Consider When Planning Home additions

Posted on Author adminCategories Architecture, home addition, Home Improvement TipsTags , , Leave a comment on 5 Factors to Consider When Planning Home additions

Home additions, when done right, can be pleasing and functional additions. Many opt for home additions to add more value to their home or just get more space for the family. However, just like any other project in the world, it is wise to count the cost before diving into it. Many have started home additions without planning it out completely and they have failed or ended up with horrible result.

Home Extensions Service
Home additions

So to help you out with your next endeavor, here are certain important things that you need to consider before implementing a home extension project:

1. Get the Objective Clear

Before starting with home additions, ensure that you are clear about what you are going to do and why you will be doing it. Often, home additions are not needed and the home can become more spacious with just a little bit of planning of interior décor. If home additions are absolutely necessary, then just think about for whom you are doing it and what design would be most appropriate for them. For example, if the home extension is for kids then add more fun and zing to the design, whereas for the elderly a more cozy and relaxed design that is accident proof is needed.

2. Finalize on The Design

While considering the design, you will also need to think about the availability of space that you want to extend. Is it wise to extend sideways or does an upward extension makes more sense? Along with this, you will also need to consider the budget and see if the home extension design and plan fits well within your budget or not. There are other such important factors that come into picture such as should the home extension design match with the existing design of the home or can more sunlight come into the home extension. Considering these factors will help you get the best design for your home additions plans.

3. Planning Permission & Building Regulations

Check with your local building department to make sure your home extension meets set building regulations. If it meets the material requirements and other regulations, then go ahead and apply for your building permit. Be sure to include the costs of acquiring one in your budget before even planning it.

Home Extensions
Home additions

4. Inconvenience to Neighbors as Well as Yourself

While planning your home extension project, make sure to create a timeline of the different phases in the project. This will help you see if the project overlaps any holidays or family events and if any inconvenience will be caused to you or not. Sometimes, the home extension project may need you to move out for some time. So, think about the moving out arrangements for your family.

Additionally, the home extension may cause inconvenience to your neighbor so think about them as well. If you need any permission from your neighbor’s get them well in advance or inform them of the home additions project so that they are prepared for it.

5. Do I Need an Architect or Builder?

The complexity of your home additions design will help you determine if you need an architect or a builder or not. If the design demands for anyone of both of them then search for the right one that you can rely on for high quality work as well as to do things within your budget. Ask around for recommendations and your family and friends can help you with this.

Consider these factors well in advance in planning stage of your home additions project. Doing so will ensure that you accomplish the project smoothly without any hindrance or problems!

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