fbpx ...

Positives facts of building a 2 bedroom granny flat

A granny flat is the special residential setting that many homeowners build to accommodate elderly people who are in their later age and cannot make living on their own. Putting them in a nursing home for strangers to take care of them is not your only option. A granny flat is an accessory suite that belongs to the primary dwelling and can be found with attached or detached design. So, a granny flat comes in to aid old-age family members who can live happily in 2 bedroom space that are complete with kitchen, bathroom and pleasant living area.

2 bedroom granny flat
2 bedroom granny flat

This concept has found a significant place in today’s homeowner’s essential to-do-list when it comes to building an extra personalized space for accommodation of their loved ones. The thought of constructing the granny flat setting also crosses the mind of urban citizens because of its ability to enhance the value of property and give you an opportunity to earn additional income.

Of course, there are pros and cons of building such an accessory to your existing property. Your final decision of whether or not to go for the extra space depends on what you make of it.

Positives

Here are some of the pro factors:

Great emotional support

Can you think of the pain your parents may have to go when they get retired from their job? Or worse, when they lose their partner? In time of emotional trauma and misery, the elderly members of your family need support and shelter and warm touch of their loved ones. To make them feel less lonely and loveless, you can allow them to stay in a 2 bedroom granny flat built close to your existing house and make them feel loved, cared and secure.

2 bedroom granny-flat
2 bedroom granny flat

Relationship gets stronger

As you are able to provide much needed emotional support and good care for your parents, you can earn better opportunities to stay close and connected to the elderly family members. You know them better, so only you can give them much comfort and warmth they deserve. By spending more time with them, you can make them feel special, safe and healthy. Thus, your relationship with them remains active and stronger.

Affordable alternative

Can you compare the arrangement of 2 bedroom granny flat built close your house to an independent second house built separately for your parents? Without a doubt, having a granny flat is much more affordable than any other option you have thought. Sending your parents to a retirement home will also not be an appropriate decision since it will cost you more, and your parents may not feel easy and comfortable in an alien environment.

Your second reliable income source

You can switch the users of your flat from time to time. Though the main purpose of building a granny flat is to accommodate certain family members, you can change the rules of the setting in the future. You can rent it out to teenagers who need some space for recreation or music studio and generate regular income stream. Plus, investors are always looking for additional functional space that can be of special use.

Moving on up: What to Consider with a Second Story Addition

Wouldn’t it be cool to just easily add another story to your house like you can do with Legos? Well, removing and re-attaching the roof isn’t that easy, but it isn’t much of a drag either. Adding an entire story addition to your home provides your family with a lot of spare space and amazing views, but there are some requirements you need to meet first.

expand-your-house

Structural Requirements

Unlike your old roof system, an entire second story with overcrowded rooms will weigh much more. You cannot just start building it; otherwise your home will collapse. You will need professional engineers to calculate how much weight the foundation and walls can carry and how to strengthen them. A second story will require structural support, which consists of adding steel connections and plywood in main walls and foundation. You cannot neglect this, especially if your home is older and if you live in the area of high seismic risks.

Whole-House Look

Your home probably has one design that prevails throughout the exterior and interior. Adding a second story can disturb the completeness of the design if not done right. There are a lot of décor details to be considered, but the Hudson Homes experts suggest planning a design of a second story as it was always intended or present in your home. Don’t deviate from the house’s design. Rather, mimic the colours, finishes, mechanical and structural work and your home will look complete. A good design of the second

construction

story will only enhance your curb appeal and the home’s functionality.

Mechanical Work

This aspect of adding a story could seem tedious. The furnace, water heater and electrical panels are adjusted to the initial square footage, but now you have to expand all the systems. HVAC systems can easily be replaced or new zones can be added, depending on their type. Electrical panels are upgradable, and can be upgraded to 200 amps, and hot water can be delivered in many ways. You can install tankless heaters that have circulating pumps, opt for regular tank systems or separate on-demand systems for your new master bathroom. Another option is to upgrade your home to energy-efficient systems and install ductless or geothermal heat pumps and solar-assisted hot water.

Stairs

Second story addition has one more tedious, but solvable problem – the stairs. New staircase means reducing the space in one of the rooms, which can greatly affect their use and functionality. However, there are the lucky situations such as extending the existing staircase from the basement. If you are of no such luck, you will need some creative thinking. Consider the use and function of all the rooms and consult with an experienced architect. There is no doubt that you can find the perfect solution without disturbing the traffic flow in your home.

spiral stairs

Insulation

This remodeling will probably require removal of the old siding and sheathing from the exterior. Do not despair; use this opportunity to renew your home’s insulation. Some older houses usually don’t have any insulation in their walls, so installing some on both the main story and the new one is a good investment. If your home does have insulation, you can use this occasion to upgrade it to more sustainable one. Keep in mind that the energy consumption will increase along with the increased size of your home, so put in some more effort and money into natural insulation or cladding systems.

Roofing

Without exception, this upgrade of your home requires the removal of the entire roof. Even though you cannot just attach it like it’s a Lego block, a good contractor will make things almost as easy. Many experts recommend adding a second story during the winter when the rains are scarce, but in case of any weather inconveniences, they will make sure your home is protected. You might not even have to vacate your home during the project.

This project is a big investment and it takes time, so make sure not to bite off more than you can chew. Precise plans and trustworthy contractors are a must for a quality base, while the design will be a piece of cake.

Home Garage: Design Considerations

garage

Many people love to imagine how their dream home will look someday. The problem is that by “home” they usually mean “living room”, “kitchen” or “bedroom”. Surely enough, the garage is rarely a place where you bring your friends to, but after some time of navigating your car through a narrow space, not having enough room to put your stuff, you will realize that not giving the garage’s design the same attention you gave to the rest of the house was a big mistake. Let us make sure this never happens by looking at some of the things you can consider while designing the garage.

Put the Things into Perspective

Today, the vast majority of families own 1-2 cars. You have to bear in mind, though, that these numbers are not set in stone, and that you may, at some point, need room for a bike, or even a company vehicle. That does not mean that you will have to build some monstrous garage and satisfy all these needs at once. As for now, you want to make it practical, with enough room to move freely when you are inside, as well as some functional storage units, but you should always leave enough space for possible expansions.

Set up the Perfect Height

While designing a garage, people usually make plans how they can use the available floor space, but fail to notice the importance of the third dimension, which can easily turn out to be a big mistake. You might, for example, start attending truck and machinery auctions and find a vehicle or a piece of equipment which you cannot possibly fit into your garage due to its excessive height. Or you may notice that the storage space is running dangerously low and decide to make a hanging bike rack or install another shelf above the existing ones. If you make your garage just a little bit higher from the get-go, all of these things will be possible.

Choose the Right Doors and Windows                                                                                                                                  

garage doorsPutting the looks aside, the main thing you should consider before spending any money on doors and windows is the question of the available space. Among different types of garage doors, the canopy ones may be the simplest and the most common solution, but they do need the largest clearance, too. If you are short on space, you should probably opt for sectional or even roller doors. As for the windows, they should allow a lot of natural light and be placed high enough so they are immune to the prying eyes. For increased safety, window bars are always a welcomed addition.

Try Building the Attic

It may occur that, in spite all of your efforts and upgrades, your garage is still not able to fulfill its storage duties. In that case, you should probably opt for building the attic. Not only will you finally be able to move all the seasonal items out of sight, but you’ll also get a very appealing visual upgrade. Why would you have an ordinary garage, when you can turn it into something much livelier, and, if you want to, almost barn-like?

Make the Most out of the Interior

If you want to make room for more than one vehicle, you should avoid placing robust furniture pieces in your garage as much as possible. In addition to this, you can make few inbuilt garage interiorclosets while you are still building the garage, as they will prove to be much less of an obstacle than the regular pieces, and you will also get a safer place to store some of your more expensive tools.

Although it is far from being the most important part of your house, the garage has its own share or perks, and the more effort you put into its design, the list of amenities it has to offer will grow. Take some time to see what upgrades you can have, try using the vertical space as much as possible and your garage will become much more than a place where you just park your car.

Loft Conversion: Things to Consider

loft remodel

A loft conversion is one of the most affordable and profitable ways to add some extra space and style to your home. Usually there is no need for planning permission, which is yet another perk of this endeavor. Every house which has an attic suitable for conversion on disposal can benefit from this extension, with just some essential space planning. The interesting roof shape will give the new rooms more character and make them totally different than the rest of the rooms in your house. Read on, to find out what you should consider once you decide for loft conversion.

Assessing the Potential

The first thing you should do is to assess the potential of your attic. The space between the joists and rafters should be 2m at least. It is important that once you finish with the flooring and insulation of the roof, you have around 1,9 or 2m of headroom left. If, due to roof height, shape or the roof truss design, that isn’t possible, there are some design solutions to make it work. For instance, just by increasing the volume of the roof, you’ll have more usable space.

The Possible Conversions

loft lightingDepending on the design you choose for, you’ll have to make some changes. Those changes can vary from simply adding roof lights to increasing the volume of the roof. You can install dormer windows into the pitched roof plane. It is also possible to replace the whole roof with a new structure, if needed. Mansard roofs (four sided roofs) can add more available space. It is possible to achieve similar effect if you lower the ceiling in the storey below.

Insulation Issues

This is a logical issue to consider, when you are already replacing the tiles, slates and the other coverings. It should be done with breathable roofing membrane, which is both air-permeable and waterproof. That way, you’ll have proper ventilation and a ‘warm roof’. Some other space efficient options are foil-backed rigid foam and thin multi-foil insulation materials. You shouldn’t worry about the pricing, it is possible to find affordable offers and even get free loft insulation deals.

Soundproofing

If you’ve decided to use the loft as a living space, be aware that there will be a lot of noise transfer, through air and impact. Airborne sound transfer can be reduced by using under skirting boards and floorboards and by taping insulation materials. As for the noise transferred by impact, it can be toned down with high-density cement-impregnated chipboard, while acoustic mineral wool can be used for filling the voids between the floor joists. You should also check other hacks you can employ to reduce inside and outside noise.

Design and Position of Staircases

loft stairsThis decision is crucial in the process of loft conversion. What kind of stairs you’ll have and where you’ll position them will dictate how much of the floor below is lost in order to gain access to the loft doors. Your options concerning where the stairs will land are limited by the height of the headroom. In that particular area, it has to be at least 1,9m. One of the most space efficient staircases shapes is the spiral one. If you are not a fan of them, then opt for some other steep and narrow shape.

Additional Considerations

Besides all the things said, you should have in mind the lighting, and include all three types (ambient, accent and task), depending on the space requirements. Some of the crucial issues are concerning the heating and ventilation. If you’ve done the insulation job well, you’ll have just a little work here. Upgrading the boiler (if you’ve added the bathroom) and including extra ventilation in the bathroom and background ventilation should be enough.

With some work and time, you’ll be able to turn your attic into an additional storage room, guest space or even a home office. That will, not only make your life easier, and your home more pleasant space to live in, but it will also turn it into a more appealing property for potential buyers, should you decide to sell one day.

3 Tips To Convert Your Attic Into Living Space

Attic Conversions Offer A Great Return On Investment!

attic living space

Moving up – vacating your current, smallish home for a larger, roomier abode – was the American way before the Great Recession. Now that the economy is humming again, at least some of the people who stayed put during those lean years will be looking to move into larger, nicer homes this summer. High demand and low inventory, however, may leave many with nowhere to go. Some will rediscover a time-honored space-gaining technique: attic conversion.

As home improvements go, converting an attic into usable living space has a high return on investment – about 84 percent at the time of resale, according to Remodeling Magazine’s Cost vs. Value Report. That’s if you use your unfinished attic to create a 15-by-15-foot bedroom and a modest 5-by-7-foot bathroom with shower. Create a larger, more luxurious and more elaborate space and the ROI could be even greater. If your family is bursting at the seams, the value of added space will be measured in comfort, convenience and peace of mind, rather than resale dollars.

As with any home renovation project, achieving an attic conversion requires you to balance numerous factors, from budget and objective to space and architectural limitations. Some of your most-desired features – such as ample natural light or a full bathroom – may seem out of reach. They don’t have to be, though, if you rely on some time-tested techniques to maximize the space.

  • Lighting the natural way

Typically, attics aren’t built with a lot of windows, and adding them may be difficult if the ceiling is sloped. Yet natural light is a highly prized feature in virtually any room, especially if you’re converting your attic into a bedroom, family room or other public area. Traditional solutions include adding dormers, which can be costly and time-consuming. What’s more, windows and dormers can eat up wall space, which is often at a premium in attics.

attic conversion

Skylights or roof windows can be a better option in an attic space. They require less time and cost to install than dormers and can easily live on slanted ceilings. Choose Energy Star-qualified no-leak, solar-powered fresh-air skylights, add solar-powered blinds, and you can achieve a light-filled attic room that is both beautiful and energy efficient. The cost of the products, including installation, are eligible for a 30-percent federal tax credit.

Roof windows, which are less expensive than dormers, are another cost-effective attic conversion option. Roof windows offer maximum ventilation plus the added advantage of meeting building code requirements as points of emergency escape and egress.

  • Heating and cooling 

Attics are often the hottest or coldest room in the house, depending on the time of year and the quality of your home’s insulation. Creating a comfortable atmosphere in a converted attic requires expert planning.

You may need to increase insulation. Because insulation has such a significant impact on a home’s overall comfort and energy efficiency, it makes sense to invest in the best you can afford. Spray foam is often a good option for converted attics because it can go easily between existing joists and create a tight air barrier without losing the inches of space required for thick fiberglass batt insulation.

You’ll also need to consider how you will heat and cool the space. A heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system expert can help you determine the best approach.

Skylights and roof windows can also play an important role in your heating and cooling conversion plan due to the chimney effect they utilize to exhaust rising hot air from an attic space while providing abundant daylight and fresh air.

  • Add a bathroom

Adding a bathroom anywhere in a home is usually a good investment. Bathroom additions return about 60 percent of your investment at the time of resale, according to the Cost vs. Value Report. Creating an attic bathroom can be simple – if pipes are already present – or challenging if no plumbing exists in the space.

One alternative to traditional plumbing is up-flush, which allows you to install sinks, toilets, showers and even bath tubs without engaging in major construction to accommodate traditional plumbing pipes. Up-flush plumbing cost less than traditional plumbing methods and is easier to fit into tight spaces – like the odd nooks that often occur in attics.

With planning and the right materials, it’s possible to convert an attic into a living space that makes your home even more livable for your family while you’re staying in place. Plus, it will enhance your home’s value down the road when you’re ready to move up.

Contact us today for a free in home consultation on how we can help you transform your attic into an additional bedroom, family room, home office or whatever you choose!

How To Create New Usable Space In Your Home

The cost of property has increased in price dramatically over the past 10 years and buying a new property now will set you back way more than it would have 10 years ago.

This is why now more than ever we are seeing people starting to convert and extend their homes as opposed to buying a new one which adds new space and creates additional rooms within your home.

By converting your house, you are benefiting yourself in two ways:

  • Number one, you do not have to move out when you outgrow your existing house which can be stressful and very time consuming.
  • Number two, you are adding value to your home so, if you eventually do have to sell your home in the long run, you will get a great investment back on your property.

Attic or Loft Conversions

atticIt is time to stop looking at your attic and loft space as just a storage area for your Christmas decorations and photo albums.

This space is a great opportunity to add value to your home. A survey of 110 estate agents found that converting your loft and attic space accounted for a 12.5% increase in the value of the property (source MPK Lofts).

One of the main rooms of choice for this conversion is an additional bedroom. This is mainly due to the somewhat awkward head space that you find within your attic.

However, the room is perfect for bedroom space offering extra room for a growing family or for visiting guests.

You can even double this up with an en suite bathroom which will add even more value to your home and great convenience for staying guests to have their own bathroom space.

Additions

If you do not want to move up in your house, you can always expand outwards.Basement converted to a gym, White Plains, NY

Ideal rooms to extend within your home will be your kitchen to create that favorable big island centerpiece within your kitchen or add a dining room.

Whenever buying a home, one of the first rooms that you are interested in seeing is the kitchen.

Dubbed the ‘heart of the home’ it is one of the most favored rooms to extend within your house that is also one of the most extended rooms of the home.

Another great room to add to your home is a home-gym, dining room or extra reception room.

Remodeling your home

You do not need to necessarily extend your home in order to create more space.

When you move into a home, the layout and format of the space may not necessarily meet the requirements of what you need for a home.

For example, you may have a small room that is next to the kitchen that is not being utilized.  You might want to organize the space and use it for food storage.   Or you might want to utilize the space for a downstairs wet room or a utility room.

You can also help to create an illusion of more space within your house with the use of natural light. You can replace your windows from old, small traditional ones to big bay windows that let light flood into the home and create the illusion that the room is bigger. Coupled with the correct placement of mirrors, you can bounce light around the room and make it feel larger.

Upgrade your home’s exterior and achieve the look you’ve always wanted

Home Improvement Projects to Transform Your Home

home improvement projectsIf you enjoy spending the cold winter months planning your next spring home improvement project, your creative juices are already flowing. But instead of focusing on the same small home improvement projects again this year, have you considered something bigger? Have you considered a project that redefines your home and showcases your individuality? The one that will make your home stand out in your neighborhood?

Consider these projects that will change your home for the better:

* Reinvent your home’s exterior. If you’re looking to make a drastic improvement to your home’s exterior, no change gets more notice than installing new exterior cladding. Vinyl siding is the most popular siding on the market because of its beautiful appearance, potential energy efficiency, performance and durability. It is also more environmentally friendly than other siding products. Today’s vinyl siding requires less maintenance than ever before and is available in numerous style options including vertical, horizontal, beaded, soffit, shakes, scallops and trim.

* Create a great outdoor space. Spending months indoors to avoid cold temperatures will make anyone crave some outdoor recreation. If you have a big budget and Outdoor Patio: Pergolayou’re looking to make a dramatic addition to your home, consider adding a pool, a new deck, or a custom pergola. If space is a concern or you’re interested in a smaller project, outfitting your outdoor space with flower boxes or new plants is a great option. You can also build a fire pit and outfit it with comfortable chairs for a cozy gathering place for family and friends.

* Add style and save money. If you’re making decisions about your home with your partner, one of you may be more interested in the product’s performance while the other is more focused on style. Replacing your home’s old or broken windows with premium vinyl windows is an excellent way to satisfy both interests.

* Incorporate the right accessories. The right accent, no matter how small, can have a big impact on your home’s overall appearance. You can replace your mailbox or update your address numbers to provide a more modern feel. Revitalize your green space by planting new flowers or adding decorative landscaping. You can also opt to replace the wood mulch that surrounds your landscaping with decorative stones for natural appeal. And, if you’re interested in a bigger project, consider replacing your shutters or your front door. Choose a color that contrasts with your siding and you’ll have your very own outdoor accent wall.

The right project for your home is one that you’re passionate about and one that stimulates your creativity. In many cases these projects will also add value to your home.

Creating a Woman-Cave

Woman-CaveThe “man-cave” is the space in a home where the man of the house can go to relax. The area usually includes features like a flat screen TV, a video game console, and a bar or mini fridge stocked with a variety of beverages and snacks.

Women need a place to feel at ease as well. So why not create a woman-cave in your home? Purchasing a few items to change the ambiance in your home space can immediately make you feel like you’re taking a mini vacation. Here are a few tips for transforming a room in your house into a woman-cave you’ll love spending time in.

Make an At-Home Spa

Few things are more soothing than a quality spa treatment. If you love to be pampered with massages, facials, and manicures, reserve an area in your home for a spa day in your woman-cave. Purchase a small fountain with smooth stones so you can hear the tranquil sound of the water running over the rocks. A humidifier or room diffuser is a smart buy as well since you can fill these devices with essential oils like bergamot and lavender that will make the room smell inviting. Fill a basin with warm water, sea salt, and olive oil to soak your feet and hands in; the mixture softens your cuticles and makes your manicure and pedicure look more professional. Play some relaxing music in your woman-cave to create a tranquil atmosphere while you pamper yourself. You can even make some spa-inspired treats for yourself like a bowl of fresh fruit dressed with citrus and honey or a carafe of cucumber water.

Stock Your Bar

Put a small refrigerator in your woman-cave just like your guy has in the man-cave. Fill it with your cupcakesfavorite healthy treats like yogurt or trail mix, or with indulgences that you only eat during your time in the woman-cave. These can include treats like your favorite flavor of cupcakes or a box of gourmet chocolates. Don’t forget to put a few small bottles of water, fruit juice, champagne, or the ingredients for your favorite cocktail in the mini fridge as well. These treats make you look forward to your time in your special space with even more excitement.

Create a Library

If you love reading, make your woman-cave into a library. Purchase a small bookshelf and fill it with books from your favorite authors. Decorate the walls with posters of the books or movies you like best. Play music in the background as you read or put a television in the woman-cave so you can watch the romantic comedies you love that no one in the house wants to see but you. Purchase a comfy chair or a plush rug for the woman-cave as well so you can watch classic films and cuddle up with that book you’ve been meaning to read. A few scented candles in the woman-cave provide soft lighting and fragrance that will make your home library even more appealing.

Make Room for Friends

While men tend to retreat to their man-caves when they want to get away from it all, a woman’s idea of relaxing often involves getting together with a few close friends. Make your woman-cave inviting for your girlfriends by purchasing a sofa that will comfortably seat three or four guests and a television large enough to make you feel like you’re at the movies watching the latest blockbuster starring the actors you and your friends love to swoon over.

Make the space your own by adding an accent wall in your favorite color to add a finishing touch to the woman-cave. Soft pastels make the room appear larger, while an eye-catching hue like turquoise or lime green emit a feeling of calm or creative energy that will make you look forward to the hours you spend in your special space.

This article was contributed by Chase Roberts, home & garden connoisseur, personal decorator, and all-around handyman. If you are a Texas resident looking to do some home improvements of your own, Chase recommends Houston Overhead Door, offering a garage door service in Houston.

Do you have a woman-cave in your home?

A Quick Guide to Home Exterior Makeovers

What Can You Do To Makeover Your Home’s Exterior?

A Quick Guide to Home Exterior Makeovers
image credit: Mr. T in DC http://www.flickr.com/photos/mr_t_in_dc/

When it comes to home makeovers and improvements, many people tend to focus on the inside of the home. But the often neglected exterior deserves an equal amount of attention and can give your home’s shell an instant facelift. With so many exterior makeover options at your fingertips, you’ll be hard pressed to know where to start.  Here’s a guide to get you going.

Why Focus on the Exterior?

A home exterior makeover gives the outside of your home an instant boost by increasing its’ curb appeal and attractiveness amongst your neighbors and passers-by. How your home looks from the outside is of paramount importance for home-sellers, as this forms the vital first impressions of your abode. So, what can you do to freshen up the look of your dwelling?

Lick of paint

There’s nothing like a lick of paint to liven and freshen up the exterior of your home. So, whether its window frames, your front door or brickwork that could do with painting, there are lots of exterior paint color choices to choose from. As well as the house itself, it’s important not to neglect other exterior features such as gates and fences which, for both aesthetic purposes and for maintenance, might need a new coat. Painting your home exterior is probably one of the easiest ways to freshen it up.

Replacement Windows

There's nothing like a lick of paint to liven and freshen up the exterior of your home
image credit: DanieVDM http://www.flickr.com/photos/dvdmerwe/

It’s amazing how much difference new windows can make to the look of a house so, if yours are looking past their sell by date, now could be the time to think about replacing them. It’s important to keep an eye on windows to check for rotting or any other issues that might cause you to seek replacement. As well as making your house look better, new windows can slash your fuel bills by keeping precious heat in the house.

Front Door

Your front door is the entrance to your home so it should give off the right kind of impression you want to create for your residence. Pay special attention to how it looks; invest in a new door or a lick of paint for an instant makeover. Make the most of the spaces around the sides of the front door to really set it off. Add plant pots, train a climbing shrub over the door, or add distinctive wall lights. Even just placing a tasteful doormat outside your front door can boost its appeal.

Conservatory

If you want to add long-term value to your home as well as increase the amount of living space you’ve got, then you could consider adding a conservatory to the exterior of your home – if suitable space allows for it. There are many different styles and types of conservatories so it’s worth doing some homework beforehand and getting a few quotes to give you different options to mull over.

Attention in the Detail

A home exterior makeover project needn’t necessarily cost a lot of money to achieve.  Simply tidying up the outside areas, sweeping the path, picking up any litter, mowing the lawn, and weeding and pruning can make huge differences to how the outside of your home looks. Paying attention to detail gives your home a cared-for feel about it. But, you might want to add a bit of originality and flair to your exterior to make it stand out from all of your neighbors. You could consider adding a garden statue, a classic sun-dial, water feature, quirky ornaments of unusual shapes or a distinctive birdbath.

Guest Post By:

Article written by A. Elliott; a writer with an interest in interior design and home improvement, she occasionally writes for Stormclad Home Improvements.

If you need help with your home makeover, please give us a call at 914-576-2572 or contact us for a free in home consultation!

A Sunroom Addition Lets You Bring the Outdoors In

Sunroom-DesignsThere’s little doubt that we love our homes, but there are times when virtually everyone feels a bit boxed in. Perhaps we’ve outgrown our home, or maybe it just feels a bit dark and claustrophobic.

For whatever reason, there are times when it would just feel good to bring extra light and airiness to our homes. Although the popularity of sunrooms has waxed and waned over the years, most people think of a sunroom as an aluminum structure that lets all of the heat out in the winter and turns into an oven in the summer.

New Materials for Better Sunrooms
Well, times have changed, and so have the materials used to build sunrooms. These days, homeowners are increasingly choosing sunrooms that use vinyl-wood composite for the framing and high-quality windows from the floor to the ceiling. The result? Well, there aren’t any unsightly screws or fasteners on the walls or around the windows; instead, lovely trim and moldings provide the finishing touches. Plus, the energy efficiency is unbeatable.

A typical aluminum-framed sunroom is between 10 percent below EPA requirements for habitable structures. In contrast, a special wood-composite sunroom average 25 percent better than EPA codes. This means that, for example, if you live in a state like Texas, your sunroom is usable year-round and won’t cause your energy bills to soar. Plus, the cost of building a sunroom out of these new materials is about that of an aluminum sunroom—and decidedly less than an all-out remodel.

Conservatories: A Step Beyond
If you think you’d enjoy the comfort and relaxation of a sunroom, conservatories put your home into a class all by itself. Sometimes called a solarium, a conservatory often becomes the most used room in a home. Mahogany conservatories are gorgeous, and typically are available in a variety of roof styles, including Windsor, Georgian, and Victorian.

Dressing Up Your Patio


Many homeowners have nice patios but simply don’t use them. Often, it’s just too darned hot to have the sun beating down on you. If that’s the case, then it’s easy to dress up your patio with a patio enclosure, a patio cover, or an arbor. Enclosing or covering your patio gives you that much more living space and enables you to truly enjoy your backyard.

Finding the Right Company


Whether you want a sunroom, a solarium, or a patio enclosure, it’s important to find a company you can rely on. Make sure that all materials and labor are backed by a 100 percent lifetime transferable warranty, which will be attractive to buyers if you ever sell your home.

Moreover, the company you choose should provide you with a buyer’s guide, a contractor’s evaluation sheet, and design options before you buy. The best companies even offer a 3D architectural rendering so that you will know what your room will look like. 
 Contact us today so we can talk about how we can transform YOUR home with a beautiful sunroom, solarium or patio enclosure addition!

A sunroom or conservatory is a wonderful way to breathe new life into your home. So let the sun shine in!

Copyright © 2024 | Bruzzese Home Improvements | All Right Reserved | Web Design & Development by QualityMust

Seraphinite AcceleratorOptimized by Seraphinite Accelerator
Turns on site high speed to be attractive for people and search engines.