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Renovate Responsibly: Reduce Your Environmental Impact When Transforming Your Home

March 20, 2023March 20, 2023Bruzzese Home Improvementshome remodelinghome renovationLeave a comment

Insulation, one of the ways to reduce your environmental impact when transforming your home.

If you choose to live somewhere, that likely means you are drawn by both the home and the area. In order to keep the area beautiful, you need to know how to renovate responsibly: reduce your environmental impact when transforming your home.

Insulate and seal your home the smart way

The first thing you need to do in order to reduce your environmental impact when transforming your home is to insulate and seal your home. This is because one of the biggest contributors to wasting energy in a home is bad insulation. If your home is not properly insulated it takes a lot more power to keep it warm during winter or cold during summer. This also forces your appliances to work harder. So, even if you have a very energy efficient appliance, its rating means little if it has to work overtime to keep your home climate controlled. At the same time, insulation is not all you need to worry about. If your window or door frames are not sealed properly, a draft forms and has much the same effects. The good news is that a caulking gun can solve this, and it’s one of the best DIY projects.

Pay attention to the sort of materials you are using

Another way to reduce your environmental impact when transforming your home is to be careful with your selection of materials. This is because some building materials can be extremely harmful for the environment. Some are actively toxic for the environment, such as certain types of wood treatment and, in older homes, lead and asbestos. Of course, our understanding of building materials is constantly evolving, so there are few in use today that are as bad. But, even ‘minor’ materials that go into your home renovation, such as paint, affects your environment. There are paints you can purchase which have minimal negative effects. And which are much healthier to have in your home anyway! If you are doing a renovation on an old home, it is also smart to replace some of the materials used if they are like lead and asbestos examples we brought up already.

Consider adding solar panels to your home

One of the most beneficial ways of renovating responsibly is to add solar panels to your home. The addition of solar panels lets you alleviate some of the pressure on your local electric grid by producing your own electricity. In fact, if you live in an area with good enough weather conditions, it’s perfectly possible for you to start producing enough electricity to sell it back to your city! This, in turn, would not just ensure that you are doing a good thing for the environment by using a renewable source of power, but also help you earn some money on the side!

Pick your renovation’s timing carefully

It may sound silly, but picking the right time of year for your renovation is a way to reduce your environmental impact when transforming your home. The reason for this is simple: when renovating, it is frequently necessary to expose the interior of your home to the elements. Whether you are replacing windows, working on a wall, or just leave the windows open to let your home air out. This, in turn, brings us back to what we discussed about insulation: increased power consumption and less effective climate control. So, renovating when it’s warm but not too hot, like during spring or early summer, is the best choice.

Do not just get rid of all your old belongings

Throwing away your old furniture, or even some of your materials, goes against trying to be environmentally conscious. You can place most of your furniture into storage and then donate it. And, since there are green storage options, as the experts on the subject from Movers Not Shakers NYC point out, you’d be behaving responsible there too! Even some of the building materials you are removing from your home, such as pieces of wood, can be recycled or repurposed.

Do something with your garden

If you have a yard, then you should definitely consider adding a garden to it during renovation. A garden is pretty much the dream of everyone looking to have a sustainable home. You can grow your own food organically, and liven up your home with greenery. No matter how minor the impact of a single garden is on oxygen production, we can make a positive impact! So, don’t just look to transform your outdoor space into a modern oasis, but put it to practical use!

Be responsible with the waste your renovation produces

While a lot of what you remove from your home can be recycled, not all of it can. And you need to be responsible with the disposal of such waste. Plastic, bricks and debris dust can seriously hurt whatever area you dump them in. So, at the very least, make sure to take them to a designated area for such waste. This way, you can both enhance your home and protect the environment from the consequences of your actions.

Get energy efficient appliance replacements

The final way to reduce your environmental impact when transforming your home is to pick out energy efficient appliance replacements. Now, when you are shopping for appliances during a home renovation, your two main concerns are likely looks and cost. And while they look good, we will be upfront about this: high quality appliances with high levels of efficiency are often costly. But, the upfront cost of such appliances makes you forget something important. Energy efficient appliances use less power, which, in turn, means that your electricity bills will be lower. You may be paying more right then and there. But that doesn’t mean you won’t financially benefit from your decision in the long term!

For a beautiful home and beautiful nature both

With our guide on how to renovate responsibly: reduce your environmental impact when transforming your home, you’ll be able to both get yourself a beautiful place to live and preserve the beauty of nature in your area. So, try to follow as much of our advice as you can during your renovation project!

Renovation Tips for a Baby-Friendly Home

January 20, 2022March 23, 2024Bruzzese Home Improvementshome improvement, home remodelinghome improvement, home renovationLeave a comment

Home renovation is usually exciting, fun, and a bit stressful. You would pour your heart into the task since this is your place of comfort. Now imagine doing that for your little one! The fun and joy would multiply manifold. Every move will revolve around what is best for your baby. The renovation should result in a baby-friendly environment while conforming to the merits of grace and beauty. It would require some prior planning, and you will achieve both goals in no time! So, get to work if you are parents-to-be, as your hands will be full later with your little bundle of joy. Here are some tips that would help you along.

Declutter Your House:

You will need to do some serious decluttering of the house before moving things for the baby, as they occupy a lot of space. Otherwise, the mess caused would further drain your already sleep-deprived mind. Empty some kitchen drawers and bathroom cabinets for baby products. Also, specify some shelves in your bedroom for things of daily use.

Try removing some furniture for some open space as well, as babies keep on bumping into random things once they start crawling. They will surely keep you on your toes. So, consider emptying some space for a while. However, you do not need to sell everything. Affordable housing is already a concern, especially in cities like Williston, North Dakota, where apartment rents are skyrocketing in the US. Purchasing new furniture again can be out of your budget too. In that case, you can keep your furniture in a storage facility and search for Williston ND storage units options until you decide what to do with it. Just make sure you select a storage unit as near to your home as possible.

2. Prepare a Nursery:

It is nice to have a separate space for the baby. Though the baby sleeps with parents in the initial months, you shouldn’t delay prepping for the nursery. It would be a space solely dedicated to the baby items you can stash there. Be prepared to receive loads of gifts that you will have to accommodate somewhere. A nursery can serve the purpose of organizing the baby’s wardrobe and toys. Moreover, painting the walls, shifting the furniture, and hanging the curtains are fun activities for first-time parents. Enjoy them beforehand as it would get noisy for the infant afterward.

3. Shift to Non-Carpeted Flooring:

When renovating your house, give special attention to the hygiene of the floor, as babies are in contact with it most of the time. When it comes to carpets, their cleanliness is somewhat of a problem. Carpeted floors have a high tendency to trap dust, and you cannot mop them with an anti-bacterial solution like non-carpeted floors. Then there is always the chance of mold growth on carpets. They can be very hazardous, considering the underdeveloped immunity of the infants. Molds are not always visible, and their spores can be accumulating without ringing the alarm bells. Your baby might inhale them, and you wouldn’t even know. It can result in respiratory disorders. You can always hire experts, but it might get costly for you. So, while renovating the floor of your house, try to remove the wall-to-wall carpeting if you have one.

4. Remediate the Potential Hazards Within an Infant’s Reach:

There are many potential hazards an infant can get into if not addressed. For example, make sure to cover your fireplace. Install heat-resistant fire gates for protection. Babies can seriously burn themselves if they accidentally get near the unguarded fireplace. Moreover, the electrical switches on the lower walls are a favorite place for toddlers to poke their fingers in its holes. Or worse, they might also love plucking the wires in the switch. It is a dangerous electrical hazard, and the babies can get an electric shock. Try to remove the electrical switches in the lower area of the walls and install them a little higher. Also, install strong magnets in the lower cabinets of the kitchen. Toddlers can, otherwise, lock themselves inside. Make sure to mount your television on the wall and remove the TV trolley. You can make your house childproof by remediating these and many other hazards during the renovation.

5. Get Your Pets Their Personal Space:

A baby sleeps away most of the day after the initial months. It is necessary for their growth and development. Your pets, like dogs, can easily get attached to the infants. Though adorable in its way, the constant noise and barking can interfere with your baby’s sleep. To avoid that, build your pets their own space, where they can spend some time of the day and enjoy the company of your baby for a specified time.

Wrap-up:

Babies need every bit of your attention, especially in the initial days. As first-time parents, you would also be struggling with this massive turn of your life. After your child is born, it would be difficult for you to find time to renovate the house. Apart from that, you would be sleep-deprived and drained of energy. The noise and dust can be unsettling for your baby as well. Your baby will start crawling in no time, and you will have to remain very alert if necessary renovations are missing. So, try to cross this task off your checklist before it becomes a headache for you later. You wouldn’t be disappointed!

Apartment renovation tips to make small space look bigger

January 27, 2021January 5, 2024Bruzzese Home Improvementshome improvement, Home Improvement Tipshome remodeling, home renovation, remodeling tipsLeave a comment

cozy green living room with lots of wall art

So, you plan on remodeling your home to make it appear larger than it currently is. Many people find it difficult to imagine how they can do that without making large structural changes in their home. However, there are a few apartment renovation tips to make a small space look bigger without investing too much money into elaborate changes of your living space. Read on to find out how to do this easily.

Room flow is one of the most effective apartment renovation tips to make small space look bigger

Essentially, you need to think about your living space in terms of occupied and free space. Although this can be challenging if the rooms in your apartment are rather small, it is far from impossible to find an adequate solution for your furniture placement. This is important because the way you walk in, out, and through the rooms significantly influences the overall impression you get from spending time in the given space.

You will feel better about your interior design if you enable your space to breathe, so to speak. One way to achieve this is to simply declutter your living space from unnecessary things that you had gotten so used to you do not even take notice of its cluttering effect.

For example, once you get rid of such belongings, you might be able to achieve a smooth room flow by buying a smaller and more ‘space-friendly’ dresser that does not take up as much space as an old, clunky wardrobe might.

Avoid swerving to make small space look bigger

If possible, always place furniture and large appliances away from doorways. This works towards maintaining an unobstructed movement through the rooms. Likewise, be sure to place furniture against the walls – even armchairs, chairs, and smaller tables such as bedside and glass tables.

Define boundaries in your living space

Smaller spaces can be visually broken up with the help of rugs, carpets, or flooring to create an illusion of two independent and distinct wholes. So, with clever rug placement, you can clearly designate where one part of the room is supposed to be. This also helps create a clear boundary of occupied and free room space, that is, a clear room flow.

Create a Path

As with creating boundaries, creating a clear path from one doorway to the other allows the eye to scan the room as an ordered, chunked space. Accordingly, make sure to get rid of roadblocks from the path that ruin the balance of room flow.

a bright room with white armchairs table sofa — **Always try to have the passage through the room unobstructed with unnecessary things.**

Create smaller, focused, and usable areas

At first sight, dividing your room into smaller visual compartments might sound contradictory since your goal is to make the small space appear larger. However, if you are using the room for two or three particular purposes, it makes sense to focus the items that you use to do the activity into a single corner or part of the room.

So, if you are using a single room as an office, leisure room, and a dining room, then it makes sense to place larger pieces of furniture such as your desk at the opposite side of the sofa and TV. If the room flow allows it, then you can place a small table and chairs next to a wall in the middle of the room. This clever sectioning of different activities keeps your living space focused, the room flow clear and thus, makes the entire room appear larger.

a study room with a filing cabinet and a sofa — **There are ways to make the room multifunctional and uncluttered at the same time.**

If you are doing major remodeling, we suggest you consult a reputable moving team on how to achieve the best effects with smart furniture placement. We recommend hiring a moving company such as Ample Moving NJ, since they have ample experience with placing furniture and appliances into all kinds of apartment types and sizes.

Use wall art, lighting, and paint to enlarge the space

Another way to additionally section parts of the room is to add decoration to signal the imaginary lines of separation. Wall art and focused lighting in one part of the room can let the visitor observe the space as a distinct area, which mentally contributes to the feeling of spaciousness. The same goes for paint – you can play around with bright and neutral paint colors to achieve an effect of depth contrasted with light.

During your apartment renovation, applying wall art, lighting, and paint to make a small space look bigger should make the process as affordable as possible since you do not have to invest in buying new, sleek furniture to replace your old furniture.

Appropriate wall paint and lighting is crucial

Most interior designers vouch that professional interior painting is a must when it comes to creating a clean, tidy, and spacious surrounding. Another benefit of investing in good wall paint is the fact that it can bring an entirely fresh and new feel into the room. There are two common ways you can refresh your small space and make it appear larger.

Firstly, white, off-white, or any other neutral nuance of white optically makes the room feel open, large, and fresh. Also, it is the best color to make the room feel less cramped, since it does not clash with other colors, especially when accompanied with good lighting with white, quality light bulbs.

a white room with grey carpet and plants — **Neutrals are good for creating an easy, bright vibe.**

In fact, the importance of lighting when it comes to making small spaces visually larger cannot be stressed enough. Remember that nice lighting goes a long way, no matter the size of the room.

Another way to achieve an interesting effect is to add depth to your all neutral walls. Painting one wall inside the room into a bold, well-pigmented color is among old apartment renovation tips to make small space look bigger.

Choose Your Residential Contractor With Care

November 12, 2020January 22, 2024Bruzzese Home Improvementsinfographic, Home Improvement Tipshome improvement, home remodeling, home renovation, infographicLeave a comment

Hiring a contractor for your home remodel can be an intimidating and nerve-racking task. How do you know if you are hiring the right professional for the job? What questions do you ask to make sure you’re dealing with a legitimate contractor, and not a scam artist who will take your money and leave your property a mess?

Most contractors are legitimate, reliable, and skilled professionals who produce high-quality work and coordinate activities efficiently to complete projects on time and within budget. However, like any industry, home contracting has its share of bad players — and it is up to you, the homeowner, to identify them before you agree on the project rather than after the fact, when it’s too late.

The accompanying infographic, Red Flags Before Hiring a Home Contractor, offers tips for anyone thinking about a renovation or remodeling project. The infographic tells you what to look for when interviewing a contractor, and describes the warning signs that the person you’re talking to is not the one to hire. A 10-minute time-out to digest this information could end up saving you thousands of dollars and preventing months of stress and anger.

Graphic created by CraftJack, a provider of remodeling contractor leads.

Top home renovations that add great value to your home

April 13, 2020April 7, 2020Bruzzese Home Improvementshome remodeling, infographichome renovation, infographicLeave a comment

Whether you’re planning on listing your home this month or staying in it for many years to come, there are many benefits to adding value to your home. One of the best ways to invest back into your property is through home renovations that have a high return-on-investment (ROI). In this article, we’ll review the three remodeling projects with the best ROIs and why you should get moving on home upgrades this year.

Kitchen Remodeling

When it comes to adding long-term value to your home, the kitchen remodel is king. On average, kitchen remodels have around an 80.5% ROI. Beyond recouping most of what you invest in the project, you can also expect your remodeled kitchen to give your home’s curb appeal a strong boost. After all, many prospective homebuyers are looking to move into homes with upgraded, ready-to-use kitchens.

If you want to maximize both your value and ROI, you should start with the essentials. New countertops and cabinets are the cornerstone of any successful (and value-boosting) remodel. To keep your overhead low, cut out “luxury” upgrades in favor of practical ones. For example, installing vinyl flooring in the kitchen is generally far less expensive than putting in tile, and is nearly just as durable and visually appealing.

Before planning out your remodel, talk to a local expert and get some real-world numbers attached to your ideas. This will help you plan within your budget. A home improvement expert will also be able to recommend small upgrades and improvements that improve your home’s value without a major upfront investment. For example, replacing indoor lighting—both in the kitchen and beyond—can be transformative for any space.

Bathroom Upgrades

Once you’ve finished work in your kitchen, you should turn your attention to the master bathroom. Prospective buyers love a remodeled master bathroom that pairs functionality with form. To get the most out of your remodel, start with the shower. Retiling the shower, adding new fixtures, and installing new shower glass can really transform this essential bathroom element. To limit your upfront costs, try to avoid moving too many things around: by keeping the shower, bathtub, and vanities where they are, you’ll avoid high plumbing and electrical installation costs.

Just as in the kitchen, good flooring choices are essential here. If your current bathroom features dated and faded linoleum, it’s time to upgrade to a waterproof flooring option like tile or vinyl. Thinking about replacing the toilet? Choose a dual-flush or low-flush model for years of water conservation and savings to come.

Rethinking your backyard

Now that you’ve finished work on your kitchen and bathroom inside, it’s time to head into the backyard. When it comes to remodeling this space, you should focus on effective upgrades and additions that don’t break the bank. In other words, instead of adding a pool or a spa, install a gas-lit fire pit or outdoor kitchen. One of the highest-ROI backyard projects is new deck installation. If a deck fits the aesthetics of your community and neighborhood, it might not be a bad idea to invest in one.

No matter what upgrades you’re planning on making to your home, never go it alone. Talk to a local home renovation contractor or expert in your area. They’ll have ideas for your home and tips for how to get the most out of your next remodeling project. Also, be sure to take a look at this new infographic sent to us by the team at Superior Stone & Cabinet in Phoenix, Arizona. It has a breakdown of exactly which elements of your kitchen, bathroom, and backyard you should invest in to maximize your ROI.

Top home renovations that add great value to your home

How to Renovate Your Historic Home to Prevent Large Repairs in the Future

February 12, 2020February 2, 2020Bruzzese Home Improvementshome remodeling, Home Improvement Tipshome improvement, home renovationLeave a comment

Historic homes provide their owners with an atmosphere that is difficult to replicate because they carry warmth and character from decades of design and usage. Yet, wear and tear and natural deterioration over time causes damage that can result in large, expensive repairs if not properly dealt with before cosmetic upgrades. Whether you’re renovating to make your historic home more modern or to restore it to its former glory, you need to focus on underlying damage today to prevent high-cost, disruptive emergency repairs later. Focus on these three areas before you even think about cosmetic changes:

Structure

Many historic homes have structural problems that homeowners fail to address before cosmetic renovations. They update or restore the interiors of rooms while ignoring the underlying decay. Primary building materials, especially wood, concrete, plaster, mortar, brick and stone, can seem fine on the surface. Inspect the building and address any weaknesses, such as cracks and crumbling. Areas that commonly experience hidden deterioration include support beams, foundation walls, stairs, window frames, fireplaces, chimneys and the roof. It’s important to renovate with house settling in mind as well so that the structure experiences less damage in the future as it continues to settle. Also, hire a pest control specialist to eliminate and prevent insects, such as termites and wood-boring beetles, to protect older materials that are still in good shape and any new replacement materials.

Wires

Wild animals chew through wires, which can eventually cause sparks and fires. Your home might also have wiring that’s so old that it poses a fire hazard because of cracks in outer wire casing or surge damage. Additionally, historic homes don’t typically have the wires and cables necessary to meet modern electrical, communications and smart technology requirements unless previous owners made upgrades. You might literally melt wires by plugging modern devices into an outlet that doesn’t have up-to-date electrical wires. Some old homes also don’t have ground safety systems to deal with surges. Focus on making certain that your historic home is wired to handle all of these areas, including heavy power draws, lightning strikes, device energy leaks at outlets, high speed internet and smart appliances.

Boiler

Lastly, historic homes often have boiler systems with radiators instead of forced air HVAC systems. An older boiler can experience a fault that leads to failure. Not only does a failure mean that you might lose heat in the middle of winter, but a rare boiler or attached system explosion might happen as well. It’s important to hire a professional to inspect and repair the one or more boilers installed in your home prior to cosmetic renovations to prevent heating emergencies and catastrophic incidents. A professional can check pipes and seals and flush out lines. They can also show you how to properly care for the system. In addition, they can make certain that everything is running as efficiently as possible.

If you’re concerned about upfront costs, take a moment to consider how much more you might have to pay out during an emergency: Once you’ve renovated a room, you lose money if a technician has to rip out flooring or walls to perform repairs in one of these areas. By focusing on these three areas now rather than later, you can move forward with cosmetic updates without worry. Think about these renovations as investments that save you money and time in the long run.

4 Inspections to Make Before Beginning a Home Improvement Project

December 28, 2019December 11, 2019Bruzzese Home Improvementshome improvementhome improvement, home remodeling, home renovationLeave a comment

While the right home improvement project can create a more attractive space or add value to a property, a botched upgrade project could be nothing but trouble. Careful planning is essential for ensuring a successful project. From overlooking the need for a permit, to making sure their budget is able to handle the expense, there are plenty of things that need to be inspected before work can begin.

Building Codes and Permits

Failing to procure the necessary permit or undertaking an improvement project that may be in violation of building codes can lead to all sorts of trouble. Having to deal with fines or to alter the parameters of a project are complications that property owners would be wise to avoid. Inspecting and assessing all pertinent legal issues regarding their project is one of the most important steps for planning a home improvement or upgrade.

Electrical Wiring

A new room or an upgrade to an existing area can place considerable strain on a home’s electrical wiring. Failing to inspect the state of the wiring beforehand can lead to problems like blown fuses, shorts and even an increased risk of an electrical fire. For homeowners who lack the tools and expertise needed to effectively assess the state of their wiring, hiring a professional can often be the best way to deal with the situation.

HVAC Systems

Adding a new room can also require HVAC upgrades in order to ensure adequate heating, cooling and airflow. Simply extending the ducts and vents into a new area of the home may not be sufficient as the added interior volume may be too much for existing appliances to handle. When it comes to equipment inspection or HVAC repair, property owners would do well to consult with a professional regarding the state of their equipment.

Budgeting and Finance

Even modest upgrade projects can quickly get out of hand, especially when property owners fail to keep an eye on their bottom line. Inspecting the household budget when planning a project is always a wise move to make. Property owners who have a firm grasp on their financial situation are less likely to get themselves into trouble.

Upgrades and renovations can allow property owners the chance to create the home of their dreams. Proper planning is essential for ensuring that the most costly missteps are able to be avoided. Inspecting the state of the home, assessing the resources available and double-checking the financial situation are all essential components for ensuring a smooth and successful project.

Plan Ahead: 4 Ways to Prepare for a Long-Term Home Renovation

October 3, 2019June 24, 2020Bruzzese Home Improvementshome remodeling, home improvementhome improvement, home remodeling, home renovationLeave a comment

A long-term home renovation project can be both daunting yet overwhelming. It’s the thought of having a new look for your home that excites but the decisions and plans awaiting you could push you into panic mode. Remodeling projects entail many details that need to be straight before the D-day. To help reduce the stress and avoid making mistakes, consider planning ahead. Here’s how:

Determine Your Budget

A long-term home renovation is definitely going to use up a relatively huge amount of money. You might want to set an estimated budget with your contractors to see just how much you should inject in the project. Determining a budget long before it commences ensures that you streamline your sources of money to avoid delaying completion or taking more time than what was expected. Include certain amounts for emergencies and unexpected costs.

Research and Purchase Some Materials and Supplies

You already know what renovations your budget will allow you to make. You also have an idea of what’s needed for the project. Consider purchasing some items bit by bit, depending on the offers and discounts you might come across. For instance, materials used for safe way scaffolding, paintbrushes, and protective wear. Consult your contractor on these supplies to avoid buying unnecessary items.

Look for Professionals for Your Workforce

The quality of your home renovation project and its completion mainly depends on your budget allocations and the quality of workmanship. Set up interviews before the project starts to find the best experts in the industry. Let them know what is expected of them, discuss the terms and conditions, and alert them in advance of the timelines of the project. This should help you plan the renovation project on a timely basis and reduce the probability of being disappointed. Seek the guidance of a project manager to capture the best contractors.

Clear the Work-space

Renovations entail breaking down old structures, use of fumes dusting, cement work, and other rough activities. Consider clearing appliances, furnishing, and other materials from the work-space. You could transfer them to a storage area in the meantime before you are done with the remodeling. Eradicate harmful objects and chemicals and close the work-space to prevent children and pets from trespassing to the work-space. Don’t wait till the D-day to arrange the work-space as it pushes the project timelines forward.

Organizing and planning your renovation project ahead of time puts you in a better position to have a less stressful time.

Live In or Move Out: The Remodeling Dilemma

March 1, 2019August 3, 2022Bruzzese Home Improvementshome remodeling, Home Improvement Tipshome improvement, home remodeling, home renovationLeave a comment

There comes a time in every person’s life when they decide that it’s high time for a home renovation. Whether you got bored with the same old furniture, tiles, and floors, or you are experiencing problems such as leaking roofs and the lack of square footage for your growing family, sooner or later, you will have to hire contractors to get to work. While this is an exciting time and the time of change, there is also one dilemma that is on every homeowner’s mind – should you live in or move out? Moving out while remodeling may bring additional costs during this already expensive period. But staying put might result in more problems than you and your family can handle. Here’s how to solve this dilemma once and for all and decide what to do when repairing or replacing the items inside your home.

Live In or Move Out The Remodeling Dilemma (2) — Live in or move out while remodeling? The answer is a complex one.

Look at the size of the project when deciding whether to live in or move out

Without a doubt, the first thing to consider when deciding whether to live in through the remodeling madness or to move out is the amount of work that needs to be done. It’s the sheer size of the project that will help you make the best decision. For example, if the work needs to be done on one half of your home or more, the answer is simple. Functioning in such a constricted space won’t be a feasible option for you and your family. On the other hand, if the workers will be focused on one to two rooms, there is no need for you to spend any extra money on movers. Sure, there are plenty of affordable movers out there, and you can find them everywhere. From databases such as Verified Movers to their own websites, moving quotes come in a vast price range. But, be frugal, and spend your money only on the necessities. And movers are not a necessity if all you are doing is repainting your home.

How long will it take for the project to be finished?

The truth is that there is not a simple answer to the dilemma of moving out or staying in during remodeling. But, one thing you have to take into account is for how long the workers will invade your premises. Let’s say your goal is to give your kitchen a makeover and replace the tiles, as well as the cabinets and countertops. While you are at it, you have decided to change your bathroom tiles, as well. The answer depends on the size of these rooms and on the estimate your contractor gave you. If they estimated that the work can be done in a matter of days, which is oftentimes the case with small kitchens and bathrooms, then there is no point in you moving out. Perhaps you can use your neighbor’s bathroom (assuming you are on good terms, of course) for those two or three days and you can always order in. But, if the workers will be busy with these rooms for a whole week or more, it will be next to impossible for you to stay put. That’s a situation where you have no other option but to move out.

Live In or Move Out The Remodeling Dilemma (4) — In order to get a fabulous kitchen, you might have to sacrifice a lot.

Think about the health and safety hazards

It goes without saying that your health comes first, even before your finances. You can never let it suffer just because you need to save a few extra dollars. Money can always be earned but, sometimes, health cannot be restored. And the truth is that there is nothing worse than living in a construction zone. Don’t mind the constant yelling, drilling, and altogether noise that comes with remodeling. But take into account all the power tools that will be lying around, sometimes unattended. Add dust everywhere and you quickly get a scenario that presents a major safety hazard. Such conditions are dangerous for grown-ups, but they are ten times as dangerous for kids. So, if you have a child, it goes without saying that you should move out if the scope of the project is so big that it entails the aforementioned conditions.

How can you stay in and keep your sanity?

Some people are all for staying in your home during remodeling. That way, you get to keep close tabs on the construction workers and to personally make sure everything goes according to the plan. Once again, unless it is dangerous and otherwise impossible for you to stay in, you could attempt to live through the mess that comes with remodeling. And you should do that by creating your own personal oasis in one part of your home. Have your contractor create a seal off zone, a chunk of your home that will be off-limits to the workers. This will be your place to retreat once the whole undertaking becomes too overwhelming. Not only will you be able to calm down in this area, but you will also have a fully functional place.

Live In or Move Out The Remodeling Dilemma (3) — Having a zone where you can retreat, no matter how small, will be helpful.

Have an exit strategy

If, on the other hand, you belong to those who prefer to get away from all the mess that comes with remodeling, you have your options open. For starters, you can stay in with friends and family, and save the money you would have to spend on rent or hotels. Of course, you should choose this option only if you know you won’t be intruding. Otherwise, there is no point in saving money while losing precious friendships and hindering family relations. Moreover, you can stay at an extended-stay residence hotel or seek out other long or short-term housing solutions. Again, everything depends on how long the remodeling will last.

When dealing with the live in or move out dilemma, the most important thing is your sanity. Do you think you will be able to mentally handle all the disruptions? Or will you crumble down under the pressure and chaos? Be wise when choosing, as your happiness, as well as the success of the project, depend on it.

Ancient Abodes: 4 Renovation Tips to Give Your Old Home a Modern Exterior Look

February 8, 2018January 30, 2018Bruzzese Home Improvementshome improvement, Home Maintenance, home remodelinghome improvement, home remodeling, home renovationLeave a comment

Many homes lack modern curb appeal. This can leave you feeling unhappy with your home and, perhaps, even self-conscious about how others see it when they drive or walk by it. Here are some solutions to give your home a more modern exterior appearance:

Upgrade Your Driveway

Your driveway can make the exterior of your home appear dated. It can drag down the rest of your home. You have some options when it comes to improving the appearance of your driveway. You can seal the cracks that may be causing more damage to your driveway. This is a short term solution. You will eventually have to completely replace or have your driveway repaired. A new driveway will increase the curb appeal of your home. It will also be more functional for long term use.

Change out the Windows

Older windows don’t tend to be as energy-efficient as newer windows. The windows in your home may still be of the single-pane variety. This type of window allows for a lot of air and noise exchange. With new windows, you can also change the overall appearance of your house. This is because there are lots of different styles and sizes available compared to when your home was probably first built. Although you may choose to swap out the windows for one of equal size, you can also increase or decrease their size.

Consider a New Paint Color

Historic homes tend to have their own unique color palates that don’t really complement today’s styles. You can modernize the exterior of your home by selecting a new color scheme. The style of your home should set the tone for your color choices. To help, consider colors that will complement the age of the home. Many modern colors tend to be more neutral. If you want your home to stand out, select colors that will go with the theme of your home. Use bright colors as accents as opposed to the base color.

Revitalize Your Entry

Many homes of the past had grand entries. If this applies to your house, it may just need a little updating. Older homes didn’t always have a door right at the front of the house. Sometimes, it was hidden off to the side. Today, however, having a defined entry point is an important part when it comes to curb appeal.

If you have a front porch near the entryway, consider changing out the handrails. Use materials that will last the test of time—you don’t want anything that will rust too quickly or break too easily.

If updating your older home is a priority, consider putting the above tips into action. Always keep in mind, however, your family’s personality and try to incorporate it as best as possible as you go about making changes.