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4 Home Renovation Projects You Can Tackle This Summer

September 12, 2013adminDIY Projects, home improvementDIY projects, home improvement, painting, remodeling tips, summerLeave a comment

Summer is the best time to tackle home renovation and DIY projects. Some DIY projects will focus on maximizing your space or updating current spaces, and some projects will add to your property value. Below is a list of great ideas for DIY projects that you can tackle before the end of the summer.

Increase Your Energy Efficiency

Summer is the perfect time to invest in projects that will improve your energy efficiency. You can do this in multiple ways:

Insulate – You can insulate your attic, basement, hot water pipes, and hot water heaters.

Replace Doors and Windows – If your doors and windows are old or not properly sealed they will allow in cold drafts or warm air that will decrease your energy efficiency.

Replace Appliances – Replacing your washer, dryer, refrigerator, and heating and cooling units with energy efficient models will create upfront costs, but will save you money in the long run. These are only a few of the energy efficient appliance swaps you can make for your home.

Create More Shade -When you plant trees or bushes, add awnings or heat resistant shades, blinds, curtains, or screens. You will stay cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.

Landscaping and Gardening

The spring and summer months are the best time to add more landscaping or redesign your current landscaping. If you have been wanting to expand your garden, or dig a new one, summer is the best time to do it. It is also a good time to plant new greenery or install the rock garden or rock pathway you have always wanted.

You could also add areas in your front and back yard where your family can spend more time outside enjoying a swimming pool, volleyball net, playhouse, or tree house.

Clean Exterior Elements

During the summer you can brighten the exterior of your home by pressure washing the sides, the patio, the porch, and the decks. If your home is brick, you can fix cracks by tuck-pointing and doing general maintenance.

Summer is also a good time to repaint and refinish the exterior of your home, to replace window siding and shutters, and add external elements like window boxes.

Repurpose Your Attic or Basement

If you have a basement or attic that you use as a storage space, the summer is a great time to repurpose the space. While you may still need to use the space, you can add organizational tools and accessories and which may help downsize your need for storage.

Once you have reorganized your space consider if there are any other ways you can repurpose the space. If you would like to create a play room for the kids, an art studio, an office space, a rec room, a home gym, or a guest bedroom, start by insulating the space and finishing the floors.

All of the home renovations above will show the pride you take in your home. If you select a DIY renovation or two to take on each summer you will have a well-maintained home that will keep its property value and look beautiful from the inside out.

The author, Russel Hartline, is a home renovator and freelance blogger with years of experience with home and DIY projects. He hopes to inspire readers to take on new projects and currently recommends buying bulkhead material from a professional for your projects.

If you need assistance with any of these projects and you live in the Westchester, New York area, give us a call! We’ll come out and provide you with a free in home estimate! Gary B.

Energize your home’s exterior with vibrant paint colors

August 31, 2013adminexterior painting, home improvementhome improvement, home trends, paint colors, paintingLeave a comment

Chances are you’ve thought about adding a splash of color to the exterior of your home, and you’re not the only one. Many people have the same idea, but they don’t act because they’re worried they will choose poorly. Selecting the wrong paint color for your home’s exterior isn’t only costly, it’s embarrassing as well.

“Many homeowners are afraid to add color to their home’s exterior because they don’t want to make a mistake,” says Sensational Color’s Kate Smith, Color Marketing Group (CMG), a career color trend forecaster. “Especially when people look at the style of their homes, they can become confused by what colors will enhance their exteriors.”

One common mistake homeowners make when seeking to add color to their home’s exterior is they fail to identify a full color palette. They set out to choose that perfect color for their home without thinking about how it will interact with the newly-installed window frames or new roof.

Smith says the selection of your main color should take into account the colors of fixed features related to your home, such as the brick, stone or stucco found on your foundation, porch or walkway. Selecting color options for the trim, shutters and the front door should only come after the main color has been selected.

“One of the hottest trends in the marketplace right now is to ‘shake up’ home exteriors with color,” says Smith.

“No homeowner should feel locked into blah or standard colors on their home’s exterior,” says Smith. “A shake or slate polymer roof can have an appealing blend of colors, such as browns and autumn tones. Low-maintenance vinyl window frames and grids come in pine green, chocolate and even brick red to add pizzazz to the home. And, homeowners can create a welcoming front entrance by painting a fiberglass door a striking accent color. Tie that all together with painted urethane trim pieces that add the ‘icing on the cake’ for the home and you can really make a home more appealing with coordinated colors.”

Ready to shake up your home’s exterior? Call us today and take advantage of our 10% discount on all exterior home painting! Limited time offer so act today!

Exterior Aesthetics: What to Consider

August 21, 2013adminexterior painting, home improvement, home remodelinghome improvement, painting, remodeling tipsLeave a comment

Although aesthetic appearance isn’t the only thing that you should be thinking about when remodeling your home, it’s still very important. Homeowners should have a house they can be proud of and that includes having an aesthetically pleasing exterior. That can mean different things to different people. After all, appearance always comes down to personal taste. Still, there is definitely a lot to consider when you are deciding on the outward appearance of your home. Here are some things you should keep in mind.

Your Neighborhood

While there are certainly some homeowners who want a house that sticks out and is unique among the other houses in the neighborhood, sometimes it’s best to consider the appearance of the other houses on the block. It’s okay to be unique and go with something that makes your neighborhood look a little more eclectic, but you probably shouldn’t go too extreme. If you’re repainting or re-siding your house, consider a neutral color that fits the other homes on your street in a tasteful way. Of course, “neutral” doesn’t have to mean “boring.” You can have an off-white or earth tone paint job while providing a few touches of your preferred accent color. Just remember not to go overboard with it; accent colors are meant for visual appeal.

Your Choice of Paint

Painting is probably the most cost effective way to change the outward appearance of a house. There are a few things you should consider. Do you want your house to be one solid color, or do you want different colors around your door and window frames? Do you want to create a focal point that is a different color than the rest of your house, or would you prefer something more nondescript? Painting the exterior of your home is a big job and not as easy as you might think. Consider hiring a professional painting contractor who has experience in house painting.

A Choice of Building Materials

A factor that determines your home’s aesthetic appearance even more than paint is the building materials you plan to use when remodeling. If you want a modern-looking home that would fit in well in any suburban neighborhood, you should opt for siding. Wood siding is about as basic as siding can get and it can be repainted, but it can also be damaged by storms and accidents fairly easily. Vinyl siding has become a very popular option for its durability, ease of installation, and clean, aesthetic look. Aluminum siding also has similar properties.

If you want your home to have a more unique look, opt for materials such as stone, adobe brick, or stucco. These materials have a textural surface and can provide a more old-fashioned look to your home. They tend to give homes a more expensive look making them popular with those who really want their homes to stand out in the best way. Be sure to hire a professional for the job. Adding stucco or stone to the exterior of your home requires someone with experience and the proper equipment to complete the job.

In the end, aesthetic appearance is a matter of personal taste. Your happiness is the ultimate appraisal and only you know what can make you and your family happy.

This article was contributed by Chase Roberts, home & garden expert with a large imagination for dreaming up the most unique of home remodels, inside and out. If you are looking for affordable new and surplus steel and piping for your own unique home remodel, Chase recommends visiting www.texasironandmetal.com/steel-supply-houston.

For the month of September, Bruzzese Home Improvements is offering 10% off all interior and exterior painting projects. Call today to take advantage of this great savings! – Gary B.

A Quick Guide to Home Exterior Makeovers

March 28, 2013Amy Elliotthome improvement, Home Improvement Tips, Tips to sell your homeaddition, DIY projects, home improvement, painting, remodeling tipsLeave a comment

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

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!

Give your kitchen a fresh face

November 28, 2012adminhome improvement, interior painting, Kitchen Remodelinghome improvement, kitchen remodeling, kitchens, paintingLeave a comment

As the season changes, many of us will get the itch to tackle any number of home improvement projects before winter. For some, a complete remodel is in the works. For others, just a few quick fixes are needed to make the home a more enjoyable space during the long winter months or in preparation for holiday entertaining.

With the kitchen at the heart of the home, it’s an obvious place to take time for a few updates this season. Here are a few ideas to help give your kitchen a fresh look without spoiling the budget.

Overhaul cabinetry without breaking the bank

Although replacing kitchen cabinetry may seem to be a major project, it usually makes the biggest impact. With unlimited options to choose from and varying price points, it’s easy to become overwhelmed and discouraged. Even if your budget is small, don’t give up on the idea of updating your kitchen cabinetry because there are plenty of affordable solutions. Contact us for a free consultation for idea’s to update your kitchen no matter what your budget is. We are currently offering 10% off labor costs (new customers only) through December 25, 2012 so now is a great time to take advantage of this great discount!

Add some personality and shine

Hardware and faucets are touched every day, and wear and tear are inevitable. Just switching out these pieces can make a dramatic difference by adding a fresh shine, some personality and even greater functionality to the space. If your cabinetry hardware seems a bit dated, opt for one of many modern options for an instant, low-cost update. Replace the kitchen faucet with a sleek, better-functioning style to elevate the kitchen design, but also introduce a newer water-saving solution.

Don’t underestimate the power of paint

With color trends constantly changing, and the focus on color in the home becoming more prominent, a fresh coat of paint can change the look and feel of a space almost instantly. With the changing season, opt for colors that add warmth and comfort or choose a bright color to combat the gray of winter. Paint can also help cover up unsightly wall marks and stains and provide the backdrop for new decor and furnishings for a whole new look. To ensure your new look has staying power, make sure to purchase a quality paint specially formulated for the kitchen.

Lighten up in the kitchen

Kitchen lighting is easy to overlook. If there are outdated lighting fixtures in your kitchen, or simply not enough light, consider adding new whimsical pendant lights or splurge on a stunning chandelier to create a focal point. Simply adding lighting under the wall cabinets and dimmer switches can introduce a new ambiance to the space. A visit to your local home center or lighting showroom will give you plenty of ideas.

Do you have any idea’s to add to give your kitchen a face lift? We’d love to hear them!

*10% off all labor costs now through December 25, 2012. (new customers only)

Four steps to a more beautiful bathroom

November 20, 2012adminBathroom Remodeling, home improvementbathroom remodeling, DIY projects, home improvement, painting2 Comments

The bathroom is one of the most frequented areas in your home, making your choice of bathroom decor pretty important. Don’t forget about this key area when considering your next home improvement project. With a few tips, you can take your bathroom from so-so to spectacular in no time at all.

Rejuvenate with paint
The quickest way to beautify your bathroom – or any area in your home – is with a fresh coat of paint. Color has a huge influence on the mood of your space, and you can instantly brighten, calm or energize your space with a few strokes of a paint brush. Don’t stop at the walls, either. Use paint to bring new life to cabinets and vanities, and don’t forget to touch up the trim and molding.

Storage organization
Storing all of your toiletries, accessories and styling tools can be a challenge, but finding ways to avoid clutter is important when decorating a small room. Organization is key to a great-looking bathroom, so incorporate storage options that can add style while saving space. Rather than a traditional towel bar, try staggered wall hooks or a standing coat rack. Keep items like extra hand towels, toilet paper and cleaning supplies easily available in woven wicker baskets, and arrange counter toiletries in unused serving trays beneath the vanity or on floating shelves. Pieces of furniture found in other rooms in your home are also great for maximizing bathroom storage: end tables, shelves and dressers can be the perfect solutions to a small space.

Functional fashion
Just because your bathroom is small doesn’t mean you need to sacrifice fashion for function. You can instantly bring style to the space by hanging an embroidered or textured fabric shower curtain in front of a neutral or clear shower liner. Coordinating absorbent floor mats next to the bathtub and sink will prevent water damage while bringing flair to the room. And you’ll use one nearly every time you are in the room, so invest in plush towels in a variety of colors and sizes for a luxurious, coordinated look. Finally, add stylish accessories such as soap dispensers, toothbrush holders and tissue box covers to give your room a sophisticated look without taking up precious counter space.

Making scents
Once you’ve given the room a new look, appeal to the other senses and give your space a fresh, clean atmosphere. Bathrooms aren’t always associated with the most agreeable odors, so an especially aromatic room will be a pleasant surprise for visitors. Whether fresh linen, clean lemon, or soothing lavender, a scent will instantly influence the atmosphere of your bathroom. And with nearly limitless options including scented candles, plug-in fresheners, potpourri and oil diffusers, you’ll be sure to find something that works with your decor.

With a few stylish but space-saving tips, you can easily give your bathroom a whole new look, and create a space that you’ll love.

Need some extra help sprucing up your bathroom? We specialize in bathroom renovations & remodels. Give us a call at 914-576-2572 or shoot us an email to bruzzesehomeimprovements@gmail.com.

How to Work With a Color Consultant

July 9, 2012adminhome improvement, interior paintingcolor schemes, home improvement, paintingLeave a comment

Turn to a color pro to brighten your home’s outlook in the way that suits you best

Eclectic Kitchen design by Other Metros Interior Designer Roost Interior Design

If you were building a new home or remodeling an old one, you’d probably rely on a bevy of professionals to get the job done right, from architects and contractors to interior designers and artisans. But would you think to hire a color consultant? Read more…

Source: Houzz.com, Lisa Frederick

Split Your Colors with Two-Toned Walls

July 5, 2012adminhome improvement, interior paintingdining rooms, home improvement, home trends, paintingLeave a comment

There’s no need to choose between two paint colors — use both to add dimension and interest to your walls

Dark shades can add drama to a space, but sometimes they’re overwhelming on a full wall. Choose a two-toned look and to balance a dark and light color for a sophisticated and fresh look.

Modern Dining Room design by Dc Metro Interior Designer Laura Manning Bendik

Color is one of the easiest things to compromise in the home. It’s hard to choose the right paint color for your walls with so many options out there. If you’ve narrowed it down to two hues, there’s no need to choose — two-toned walls can add dimension to a space and help you compromise on color choice. Read more…

Source: Houzz.com

Easy Kitchen Paint Color Designs You Can Copy

April 14, 2012adminKitchen Remodelinghome improvement, home trends, kitchens, paint colors, painting, remodeling tipsLeave a comment

What’s the Kitchen’s Look?

The addition of the Eddie Bauer line has given Valspar’s collection a new dimension. Now, you can choose ready-made kitchen paint color schemes that look like a mountain cabin, a bungalow, a farmhouse, and more.

Here, the relentlessly sunny look of Eddie Bauer’s Daffodil is punctuated–and kept in check–with the darker Pine Needle kitchen island.

Restrained Farmhouse Yellow Kitchen — Valspar/Eddie Bauer Kitchen Paint Color Idea: Farmhouse Yellow Copyright Valspar

Kitchen Paint Tips and Tricks

Don’t stress about kitchen paint colors. Cabinetry covers at least 50% of most kitchen wall-space, leaving the other 50% to be used for backsplashes, trim, and other non-paint areas. That leaves a smaller area than you might think that needs paint. Click here to continue reading…

By Lee Wallender, About.com Guide

Interior design trends

April 14, 2012adminhome improvementcolor schemes, decorating, home decor, home improvement, painting, springLeave a comment

Easy seasonal changes refresh and revive your home:

Spring’s new growth and warm sunshine provide inspiration for renewal in our lives. It’s a time to pack away the sweaters and boots for lighter layers and brimmed hats. Homeowners should embrace this same mindset – one where you pack away the heavy textures and colors of winter in favor of breezy fabrics and fun decor that inspire a fresh feeling in your house.

Break out of the winter gloom by making some simple changes to your home with bright, fresh decor. Here are the top trends in interior decorating that capture the optimistic feeling of springtime, without having to spend a lot of time or money.

1. Color your world happy
To uplift your mood and give your home a new personality, color should be the first thing you address. Paint is an easy and affordable way to dramatically change a living space. Spring’s hot color palette includes rich hues of blue and turquoise, vibrant pink and orange tones, and soft greens and neutrals. Visit your local Lowe’s for inspiration from the paint color studio that allows do-it-yourselfers to identify the “hot” paint colors of the season and even pick up samples of each hue to try at home.

Feeling adventurous? Dabble in some vibrant shades inspired by the flora and fauna in your region. Love the bright red of blooming tulips? How about the rich blue of the sky at the noon hour? Try picking one thing and paint it that bold color – a single wall, a door, or even a piece of furniture. Watch as the entire room suddenly comes to life.

2. Mix in light and fresh decor
Making small changes to your home’s decor is a great way to refresh the interior, and you don’t have to spend a ton of money. Window treatments are a great place to start – replace dense fabrics with airy options that beg to blow in the warm breeze.

Next, store away existing rugs and replace with ones that feature bright colors or botanical designs. Dark accent pillows can be replaced with fluffy, colorful options that add life to dated couches and chairs. Seasonal decor changes are simple and can be swapped out year after year.

3. Bring the feeling of “green” indoors
The buds and blooms of spring are a big reason it’s such an inspirational season, and houseplants are a great tool for awakening that sense of nature and bringing the outdoors inside. Houseplants make any room look more luxurious, and they are natural air cleaners, awakening the senses of spring’s fresh air. Good, low-maintenance indoor houseplants include the peace lily, spider plant and snake plant.

Interior decor can also reflect the natural feeling that indoor plants provide. Coordinate pieces that feature nature’s elements, such as a leaf motif on a lamp shade or a beach scene on a piece of wall art. These elements, while subtle, will work together to provide a seamless update to any drab decor.

4. Cut the clutter
Of course any home refresh is not complete without some cleaning. Don’t let spring cleaning overwhelm you – start small and go through any clutter, sorting into piles to use, store, give away and throw away. A good dusting goes a long way too, so be sure to hit all the surfaces with a damp cloth. Shine up mirrors, which will reflect that beautiful spring sunshine to brighten and enlarge the feeling of the room.

To stay on top of your organization and home management, create a MyLowe’s profile at www.lowes.com/mylowes. While there, you can create a virtual version of your home for easy project planning. You can add items you need or save ideas that inspire you to your profile for easy reference, making it simple to keep track of your to-do list. Millions of people are currently using the program to make home project management simple.

Changing your home to reflect the seasons is easy with a few basic steps and a little creativity. Remember to embrace the feeling of spring, and the inspiration will come naturally.

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