Find Home Improvement, Remodeling and Renovation Tips on our Blog

How to Maintain the Structural Integrity of Your Home

October 8, 2019September 20, 2019Bruzzese Home ImprovementsHome Maintenance, home improvementhome improvement, home maintenanceLeave a comment

Maintaining the structural integrity of your home is vital to ensuring that it does not experience any major damage during your years of ownership. You want your property to last a lifetime, and knowing how to prepare for the proper maintenance will ensure that you avoid all types of damage in the future.

Roof Inspections

Your roof is one of the most often overlooked sections of your home. Many homeowners are not aware of what a major structural component the roof is, taking it for granted until it started to show unavoidable signs of damage. If you live in an area that is particularly prone to rain and wind damage, it is especially vital for you to schedule roof inspections as often as possible. A capable professional will be able to help you assess issues with your roof before they have the chance to grow out of control.

Basement Inspections

Inspecting the basement can be as vital as taking a look at the roof. If you do not have a basement, you can still work with a foundations expert who will take a look at the integrity of your home. The basement is also often overlooked as a section that can develop serious signs of damage. Because of how prone basements are to flooding, water and insect damage, it is not uncommon for many structural issues on the property to occur in there. Having the basement and general foundations of the property inspected can mean saving thousands on repairs and potential issues in the future.

Soil Stabilization

Soil stabilization procedures can also be invaluable in maintaining the structural integrity of your property. Because of the way soil naturally tends to shift and expand or shrink over the years, many homes may experience structural damage as a result of soil changes around them. Fortunately, the appropriate soil stabilization options and amendments can help homeowners improve the stability of their property. Without the appropriate stabilization techniques, your home may start to slide on its foundations, tipping over and becoming uneven or outright breaking at key sections. Because of how slow the process is, homeowners may have ample opportunity to schedule a consultation as necessary.

Though the specifics of your property may vary depending on how long you have lived in it and what its structural integrity is already like, it is vital for you to keep up with inspections to ensure that damage always stays minimal. Plan ahead for a yearly look at your home’s major components to avoid all types of issues in the future.

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.

More Than Meets the Eye: 4 Non-Visual Ways to Upgrade Your Home

September 26, 2019September 20, 2019Bruzzese Home ImprovementsHome Improvement Tips, Home Maintenancehome improvement, home maintenanceLeave a comment

When we are looking to sell our home we usually look at the way the value will be increased if we undertake a visually stunning upgrade to our home. Increasing the value of a home can also be done by undertaking a few projects that are not easily visible to the naked eye. Curb appeal is one option when you are looking to increase the value of your home but completing some projects that lower utility bills can add huge amounts to the assessed cost of a property.

Go Tankless

When you are looking to increase the value of your property you will usually find yourself faced with a number of possible upgrades, including the ability to provide on-demand hot water. A hot water plumber will be able to install and maintain a tankless water heater that can lower your water and power usage by a large amount. A tankless hot water heater is installed close to a bathroom or kitchen and provides a simple solution to almost instant hot water to limit losses associated with a traditional large tank supplying hot water.

Insulate Crawl Spaces and Attics

More than ever before, the ability to save money and lower power bills have become a major selling point for all potential buyers. Although it is not a part of your property that will be seen, insulated crawl space and attic will improve the resale value with ease. Limiting the amount of heat and power loss through the crawl space and attic means you can lower bills and keep your property as comfortable as possible when it comes to heating and cooling utility bills.

Weatherproofing Windows and Doors

The weatherproofing of a property is something that is difficult to see but the ability to explain to a potential buyer they will have few utility bills in the future will only add to resale value. The sealing of gaps and cracks in windows and doors may not be the most aesthetically pleasing project to undertake but it can bring excellent results and lower utility bills.

Consider Air Conditioning Upgrades

One of the most expensive and important aspects of your home is the air conditioning unit which could be a project adding value to your property. The latest green option for the majority of the U.S. Homes is to undertake the installation of a whole-house fan that lowers costs and provides an important way of upgrading a property for resale.

Home upgrades aren’t always centered on new paint colors and cabinets. The non-visual aspects of home maintenance are equally important. Consider the above four ways to upgrade your home and add extra value.

4 Ways to Brighten up Your Kitchen

September 24, 2019September 11, 2019Bruzzese Home ImprovementsKitchen Remodeling, home improvementkitchen remodeling, kitchensLeave a comment

If you’re tired of seeing the same old kitchen, it’s likely you’ve been considering ways to change it. There may be many options running through your mind when it comes to updating. Here are a few options so that you can start with a budget in mind and consider some of the upgrades listed below.

Put in Recessed Lighting

Recessed lighting has been increasing in popularity over the last decade. It provides a unique solution to lighting issues when it comes to low ceilings or the need for directed light. If you want to physically brighten up your kitchen, you should consider installing some recessed lights. There are many different options to choose from. With the advancements in the recessed lighting industry, you can actually install these lights right in the drywall without having to attach them to a rafter for support.

Backlight Your Countertops

Instead of installing lights overhead, try backlighting your countertops. Slablite is one of the more popular options that are available for a variety of translucent countertop materials, including quartz, glass, and onyx. This lighting is custom installed to fit around fixtures in your countertops, such as sinks. The best part is these systems run on very little power and last for up to 20 years.

Under Cabinet Lighting

One of the areas that you may notice you have a problem seeing is underneath your cabinets. When working with food, having as much light as possible is very helpful. Installing under cabinet lighting is a great option to allow more brightness into your kitchen. Because these lights are installed up underneath your cabinets, you don’t have to worry about them blinding you when you’re trying to prep your meals.

Install a Lighter Backsplash

Apart from installing additional lighting in your kitchen, you should think about the reflective qualities of what’s in your kitchen. Your backsplash is where you’re going to be standing for most of the food prep that you’re doing in the kitchen. Take a look at how you can improve your backsplash light reflection. Opt for a lighter color backsplash that will reflect the lighting that is present in your kitchen. This will make a world of difference in the lighting for your food prep.

Brightening up your kitchen doesn’t have to be overly difficult to do. Start by assessing what you have existing in your kitchen. Then, utilize some of the tactics explained above to add additional light to your kitchen.

Guest Post By:

Anica Oaks.
Freelance writer and web enthusiast

4 Reasons to Upgrade the HVAC System in an Older Home

September 19, 2019September 11, 2019Bruzzese Home ImprovementsEnergy Efficiency, home improvementenergy efficient, home improvement, hvacLeave a comment

The average HVAC system lasts about 10 to 20 years. Therefore, if you have a home that is 20 years or older, it may be time to consider a new HVAC system. Besides upgrading your HVAC system because “it’s time,” there are a number of other smart reasons to give your old home a new heating and cooling solution. Below are 4 reasons to upgrade your HVAC system in your older home.

Save Money on Electric Bills

In many cases, your HVAC system will be the largest contributor to your electric bill. As HVAC systems get older, they become less efficient. When you upgrade your HVAC system, you will have a heating and cooling solution that will work faster and lower your electric bill. In the long run, your HVAC system will essentially pay for itself.

Increase the Value of Your Home

As your home gets older, you will want to make upgrades in order to maintain or increase the value of your home. Since older homes don’t have modern HVAC systems, you can really increase the value of your home with a late model heating and cooling system. In fact, a newer HVAC system can help make your home much more attractive if you ever decide to sell.

Prevent Large Repair Bills

As HVAC systems get older, they will require more frequent maintenance and more costly repairs down the road. In fact, HVAC services can run into the hundreds or even thousands of dollars if the older HVAC system requires a major repair. By replacing the entire system, you won’t have to worry about frequent maintenance and repair bills.

Reduce Downtime on Your HVAC System

Every once in a while, an HVAC system will simply breakdown. That means that your older home may have to go hours or even days before the system can be repaired. This could be a great hardship if your HVAC system goes down during the middle of the summer or the dead of winter. By upgrading your HVAC system, you will greatly reduce the chance that your HVAC system will break down when you need it most.

Upgrading your HVAC system can be one of the best investments that you can make on your older home. In addition to saving money every month on your electric bill, upgrading your HVAC system can also increase the value of your home, reduce your maintenance bills, lower your repair bills and decrease the amount of downtime on your HVAC system. Consult with a number of HVAC professionals before deciding on which system you want in your home.

4 Often Overlooked Home Repairs That Can Save a Lot of Money

September 14, 2019September 5, 2019Bruzzese Home ImprovementsUncategorized, Home Improvement Tips, Home Maintenancehome improvement, home repairsLeave a comment

Owning a home is a huge responsibility. For one, a mortgage will probably be one of the biggest loans you ever take out. To protect that investment for your family, you need to reinvest into your home from time to time. This means performing regular maintenance on different home systems and performing repairs as needed. Below are four overlooked home projects that can end up saving you a lot of money in the long term.

Replace Old Windows

If a home has older windows, you should consider giving them an upgrade. Older windows tend to have significant gaps around edges. These gaps allow air to pass through. This allows heat to escape your home in the winter and heat to creep in during the summer. If you want to spend less money on your heating and cooling bills, upgrading to newer more energy efficient designs for windows is a must.

Pump Your Septic Tank

Your septic tank should be pumped of its contents every two to three years. Stick to two years if you want to be more cautious. If your septic tank isn’t pumped before it’s filled, its contents will back up into your home and your toilets will cease functioning. That’s a nightmare you don’t want to live through. Septic tank pumping services are well worth the price.

Install Insulation

One home project that can save you a lot of money in the long run is installing insulation. If your attic does not have enough insulation or the insulation you do have is old and damaged, consider installing new insulation.

That insulation will help your home retain heat during the winter so your heating bills are lower. It will also prevent damage to your home as well. Insulation stops heat from rising to the roof. If that heat doesn’t reach the roof, it can’t melt snow on top of your roof. That snow melt could cause a lot of moisture damage to your roof and even lead to mold breeding in your attic.

Repaint Your Walls

Lastly, another repair that could save you a lot of money is giving your home’s walls a new coat of paint. Doing so can actually increase your home’s selling price if you ever wish to put it on the market. Old paint can chip, fade and become ugly. Repainting also allows you rethink your rooms’ interior design so you can choose more pleasing and trendy color combinations.

Overall, a home is a big investment. Put some work into maintaining it and repairing problems as they develop. If you do so, you’ll save money by avoiding expensive problems in the future. You’ll also be able to protect your home’s value over time.

4 Kitchen Design Details that Will Make the Biggest Difference to an Old Home

September 10, 2019September 2, 2019Bruzzese Home ImprovementsKitchen Remodeling, kitchen renovationshome improvement, home remodeling, home trends, kitchen remodeling, kitchensLeave a comment

The kitchen is often the ideal room to focus on during a home renovation. The need for both a functional space and a social environment means that there are no shortage of ways to upgrade a kitchen. By focusing on the right details, kitchen renovations, both large and small, are far more likely to provide property owners with a more comfortable and stylish decor.

Updated Appliances

Older-model appliances can make cooking a much less enjoyable experience. A new stove, microwave or refrigerator can be an important part of any upgrade or renovation effort. Even smaller appliances can be a welcome addition to the environment which can help to ensure that a small budget is less likely to become a limiting factor.

New Cabinets

Cabinets are often the dominant feature of a kitchen’s decor. New cabinetry may seem like a sizable expense, but such an upgrade can go a long way towards breathing new life into a space that has begun to feel stale or take on a more dated look. Homeowners who lack the funds needed to replace their cabinets may still have options. Replacing cabinet pulls and hardware can be a more frugal option, but one that can still make quite a difference.

Replacing Old Countertops

Older counters that clash with an updated decor or design scheme can be a real eyesore. Installations that have been in place for years or even decades most likely show signs of wear. More dramatic countertop surfaces or replacing existing installations that have been damaged or that may be showing signs of discoloration can help to improve the overall atmosphere of the kitchen.

Installing New Floors

New floors are another option worth considering. Replacing existing tile or linoleum flooring can go a long way towards providing an older kitchen with an updated and more modern look. While a complete replacement can be expensive, such efforts can also be scaled back in order to fit a smaller budget. Tile places that stock a large inventory of flooring materials can make it easy to replace individual tiles or small areas of an existing floor that have been damaged over the years.

Planning a Successful Renovation

There are plenty of tips that can help to ensure a successful kitchen upgrade or home renovation project. Paying attention to the details when planning an upcoming project is one bit of advice that homeowners would do well to take seriously. Even seemingly minor issues and inconsequential details could end up playing an important role in ensuring a more successful renovation.

Last Minute Repairs: 4 Home Improvements that are Better to Make in the Summer

September 3, 2019September 3, 2019Bruzzese Home Improvementshome improvement, Summer Tipshome improvement, home maintenance, summerLeave a comment

The summer season is almost over. Procrastination has probably gotten the best of you, but you still have time to catch up with a few last-minute repairs. Weather-wise, summer is the perfect time for both outdoor and indoor home projects. You might want to focus on a few home improvements before winter knocks again. Warmer and more reliable weather with kids at home means you can manage tasks easily, especially if they include painting and staying out. Let’s take a look at four remodels to work on before summer ends.

Roof Repair

Experts recommend bi-annual roof inspections and maintenance. Summer is the ideal season to call in a contractor specializing in residential roofing. Have them inspect for damages and loose shingles on the roof. You might also want to repair simple patches, loose gutters, painting dull roof fittings, and fixing broken pieces on the roof. You could also combine the repairs with roof and gutter cleaning to ensure that you are set for the next year. If the damages are too severe, consider replacing the entire roof.

Upgrade Your Window Treatments

The right window treatments can help you cool or warm your house depending on the season. There’s a wide range of window treatments ranging from black curtains to motorized roller shades. The right window treatments should allow enough sunlight to your house for lighting purposes, which helps you conserve energy. They should also cut down dangerous UV light to keep your home cool. Pick pieces that will improve the general look and feel of your home.

Power Wash Your Home

The dry days are almost over. You endured the hot afternoons and dusty days. Your home is also a victim of the harsh weather. You might want to give it a power wash to bring back the sparkling effect and improve curb appeal. Consider hiring professional cleaners to help with the driveway, siding, and deck. You could also allow them to deep clean your home’s interior.

Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat

The summer seasons tags along with some expensive energy bills mostly from heating and cooling systems. You could upgrade your thermostat into a programmable unit that automatically turns itself off when temperatures are cool and save some energy costs.

Take advantage of the time and conducive environment to make these four major home improvements. You don’t want a leaking roof in the middle of a rainy night during the coming seasons.

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

August 28, 2019December 20, 2023Bruzzese Home Improvementshome addition, Home Improvement Tipsaddition, home addition, home improvementLeave a comment

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

Adding a Bathroom

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

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

A New Master Suite

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

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

Add a Deck

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

Building a Second Level

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

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

Flip it Right: How to Fix up a Residence for a Quick Resell

August 20, 2019August 6, 2023Bruzzese Home ImprovementsTips to sell your home, Home Improvement Tipshome improvement, home sellers, real estateLeave a comment

You finally decided to sell your home and want to do it quickly. The problem is, your house needs a little TLC before you can put it on the market. Should you try to sell it as is, or you should you find a way to fix it on the fly to make as much money as possible? Obviously, you want to list your home at the highest price possible but with so many homes already on the market, which repairs should you focus on for quick resell? Here are the easiest ways to fix and flip your home.

Hire a General Contractor

Unless you’re handy around the house, you need to hire a general contractor or handyman. Schedule time where you can walk through home and decide which repairs are most important. The idea is to repair things that stand out to potential buyers as red flags. For example, defective plumbing or leaking ceilings usually send buyers running in the opposite direction.

Review Repair Costs

Get quotes for all the repairs you’re thinking about and ask about the timeline from start to finish. If you’re not able to afford all of the repairs at one time, you can choose the most important ones first and go on from there. The key here is to pick ones that bring you the most value.

Consider a Loan

If you really want to sell your house quickly but just can’t afford the repairs, you should consider fix and flip loans. This type of loan is specifically geared towards people who want to sell their homes quickly. This is probably the most important thing you can do to get your house sold quickly. Even homes needing repair look 100 times better when they are organized and free of clutter. If you aren’t sure what to get rid of, you might want to consider hiring a professional organizer.

Boost Your Curb Appeal

The outside of your home is probably more important than the inside. Potential buyers won’t even set foot inside if the exterior is in total disarray. Make a point to cut the lawn, plant shrubbery and power wash your house, sidewalks and patios.

Selling your home quickly may not be easy, but it is possible. Address issues that lower face value of your home first. Prioritize what you think is most important and if needed, enlist the help of a house flipper to help you navigate your way to closing.

Blog