The cost of property has increased in price dramatically over the past 10 years and buying a new property now will set you back way more than it would have 10 years ago.
This is why now more than ever we are seeing people starting to convert and extend their homes as opposed to buying a new one which adds new space and creates additional rooms within your home.
By converting your house, you are benefiting yourself in two ways:
Number one, you do not have to move out when you outgrow your existing house which can be stressful and very time consuming.
Number two, you are adding value to your home so, if you eventually do have to sell your home in the long run, you will get a great investment back on your property.
Attic or Loft Conversions
It is time to stop looking at your attic and loft space as just a storage area for your Christmas decorations and photo albums.
This space is a great opportunity to add value to your home. A survey of 110 estate agents found that converting your loft and attic space accounted for a 12.5% increase in the value of the property (source MPK Lofts).
One of the main rooms of choice for this conversion is an additional bedroom. This is mainly due to the somewhat awkward head space that you find within your attic.
However, the room is perfect for bedroom space offering extra room for a growing family or for visiting guests.
You can even double this up with an en suite bathroom which will add even more value to your home and great convenience for staying guests to have their own bathroom space.
Additions
If you do not want to move up in your house, you can always expand outwards.
Ideal rooms to extend within your home will be your kitchen to create that favorable big island centerpiece within your kitchen or add a dining room.
Whenever buying a home, one of the first rooms that you are interested in seeing is the kitchen.
Dubbed the ‘heart of the home’ it is one of the most favored rooms to extend within your house that is also one of the most extended rooms of the home.
Another great room to add to your home is a home-gym, dining room or extra reception room.
Remodeling your home
You do not need to necessarily extend your home in order to create more space.
When you move into a home, the layout and format of the space may not necessarily meet the requirements of what you need for a home.
For example, you may have a small room that is next to the kitchen that is not being utilized. You might want to organize the space and use it for food storage. Or you might want to utilize the space for a downstairs wet room or a utility room.
You can also help to create an illusion of more space within your house with the use of natural light. You can replace your windows from old, small traditional ones to big bay windows that let light flood into the home and create the illusion that the room is bigger. Coupled with the correct placement of mirrors, you can bounce light around the room and make it feel larger.
When you want a change in scenery, you don’t have to look for a new home builder. Modern home builders encourage you to give your current dwelling a mid-century-inspired makeover that simplifies the space and makes it more functional.
About Modern Home Design
Designed by Reworks Architecture
Modern homes are all about form and function. Modern home design refers to the time when the style was created in the 1920s to 1950s. The style uses clean lines, natural materials, acrylics and polished metals. Modern home builders construct this style of home with large windows, unadorned interiors, exposed beams, neutral colors and open spaces. The outdoor spaces also seamlessly transition inside.
Famous modern architects include:
Frank Lloyd Wright: Falling Water in Mill Run, Penn.
Frank Gehry: Guggenheim Museum in New York City
I.M. Pei: Glass pyramid entrance to the Le Grand Louvre museum in Paris, France
An Open Floor Plan
One of the quintessential aspects of a modern home is an open floor plan. For a home remodel, this may mean tearing down a non-load-bearing wall or a wall that doesn’t have essential elements in it, like plumbing or ductwork. Walls that homeowners commonly remove are the ones between a family room and living room, a kitchen and dining room, a hallway and den, or a kitchen and family room. The best walls to take down are those in the spaces that you’re willing to share.
Ideas for a Modern Kitchen
Cabinets: Reface or replace cabinets so they’re plain, smooth and flat. Forego the cabinet fixtures or use ones that are simple. Go with a neutral color. Feel free to use glass cabinet fronts or simply take the doors off the frames.
Kitchen islands: If you have the space, give yourself room to work and a place for friends to sit. Instead of having a range and cover, install a stainless steel cook top in the island and a matching free-standing range hood.
Layout: The look of a kitchen doesn’t mean anything if the layout doesn’t make your life simpler. Think about things like how easy it will be to get a heavy pot of water from the sink to the stove, where you want to store frequently used ingredients and if you want to eat in the kitchen.
Ideas for a Modern Bathroom
Glass shower enclosure: A clear glass shower enclosure will make the bathroom look bigger and give it a spa-like feel.
Designed by Reworks Architecture
Abundant lighting: A bathroom retreat shouldn’t feel like a cave. Use skylights, frosted windows, large mirrors, cove lighting coming out of cabinetry and shelves, and recessed lights.
Sinks: Consider free-standing sinks with the plumbing in the wall or in a sleek floating cabinet.
Toilets: There is no reason to have to look at a toilet tank. Modern bathrooms commonly just have a lid, seat and bowl; the tank is in the wall.
Modern Lighting Ideas
Modern homes love the sun. During a remodel, make it a point to maximize the natural light that comes into a space by enlarging windows, adding extra windows, installing a sliding door to the outside or adding a skylight. Then use lighting fixtures to functionally and artistically compliment nature.
Use pendant lights over dining tables or kitchen islands to add color or visual interest to a space. Large arching floor lamps double as art and task lighting over a couch, bed, desk, armchair or table are both modern and functional. Or, go more compact with a stylish arm lamp. Give the space a boost of light at night with recessed lights or track lights with a dimmer switch.
Modern Sustainable Living Elements
Modern home builders construct with the health of the environment in mind, and you can too. Here are some ways that you can update your home and help the planet:
Use sustainable, reclaimed or recyclable building materials.
Install products and appliances that save water and energy.
Shop for locally sourced products.
Tighten the building envelope of your home to save energy.
If appropriate, install solar technologies like rooftop solar panels or solar water heating systems.
Avoid products with volatile organic compounds (VOCs), lead, PVC and mercury.
While it was born in the early 1900s, modern home designs have staying power that will remain popular and have powerful curb appeal well past the 21st century.
Courtesy of George Hale, owner of H. Hudson Homes, a Portland new home builder that focuses on cutting-edge design and sustainability. When it comes to purchasing new modern homes, buyers can rely on H. Hudson Home’s wealth of expertise in construction and modern building practices.
Think Safety First Before You Tackle That DIY Project!
You might think that you could save money by just doing the work yourself if you are looking to remodel your home and, yes, you could save some money on things like supplies and man-hours involved with the job but what about the inherent risks and sacrifice’s that come with most home renovation projects?
First off, you need training. Demo and construction workers are trained well in what they do. They know the proper safety equipment needed, the dangers for specific jobs and are covered by insurance companies for any accidents that could happen on the job.
And accidents can happen.
Another Brick in the Wall
You might think knocking down a wall is as easy as grabbing a large mallet and swinging away like you’re Babe Ruth looking to knock another ball out of the park. And it can be that easy, as long as you’re fine with possibly hitting a live wire, damaging pipes that you didn’t know were in the wall, having the wall collapse on you and breathe in particles such as asbestos and lead dust. Most people don’t know what materials were used in building their house and breathing in either of those things can be harmful to your health.
Asbestos is not only deadly; it can cause lung cancer and mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer caused by asbestos exposure and affects the protective lining of your organs. It’s common knowledge that lead can have some horrible effects on your body. Breathing too much of that stuff in can cause organ failure and death.
Insulation is Fun!
What about insulation? Surely insulating a room such as the basement is safe and easy, right? I’ve handled plenty of insulation in my time (more than I ever wanted to…) and I’m also an asthmatic. Insulation is one of the more frustrating jobs I had to take on. Just handling it caused major skin irritation and itching. And yes, I was wearing a long sleeved shirt and gloves. The particles stick to your clothing and skin and scratching will just make the rashes appear faster. Breathing in those particles from insulation will also severely irritate your lungs and can cause nose bleeds, coughing and in some cases, cancer.
And this is just with new insulation. Just imagine all the fun stuff such as mildew and mold waiting for you when you have to remove the old insulation. Speaking of mold and mildew, adding new insulation isn’t as simple as just throwing it in the wall and sealing it up. Improper installation of insulation can lead to condensation, which can cause a build-up of mildew and mold.
Your Crack is Showing
Plumbing is a common DIY task that many people attempt. Just buy some pipes, replace the old ones and BAM! Well… it’s not as easy as it sounds and making a mistake can lead to loud noises, bursting pipes or something even worse!
Choosing the proper pipes for the job is extremely important. You will want the best quality pipes for the money and they need to be the proper pipes for the job you are looking for. It’s not as easy as going down to Home Depot and picking a pipe that looks the same or is the right size. You not only need the right pipes for the job, you need the right tools as well. Having a plumber do the job is your best bet with this since they will have years of experience and will know what they are doing.
Another thing to consider is pipe routing. Once the walls are down and you have a look at the plumbing system, it can be quite confusing to the untrained eye. I’ve seen some plumbers take a look at some pipes at a couple job sites and say “What’s going on here…?” And finally, think of the added costs you might have to deal with if you finish the plumbing yourself, turn on the water and all of a sudden, it seems as if Moses himself unleashed the Red Sea inside of your house. Water damage is not cheap to fix. You’ll have to replace everything that was damaged and then pay for the work again.
The Joys of Electrical Work
Oh, electricity. I’ve had a few fun experiences dealing with wiring. Before I get to that though, I should mention that working with electrical wiring without a permit is illegal, so I wouldn’t consider it a DIY job. Especially since if you do decide to do it yourself, you won’t be covered by your insurance company.
Electrical wiring was probably (I swear I won’t make any lame puns) the most dangerous part of the job for me. At one site during my old job, our manager asked me to cut some wires after I got back from lunch. Being the logical, safety-minded person that I am (ahem), I asked if the power was cut from those wires, which earned me a good tongue-lashing from said manager who told me in not-so-nice terms “Of course it is. You think I’m an idiot?”
In retrospect, I should have checked the wires myself. The very first wire I cut through exploded (ok, maybe a little dramatic but it seemed that way to me), melted the blades to my wire cutters and hurt pretty badly. That experience could have ended very badly for me. Thankfully I only walked away shaken and a bit annoyed.
One last thing to remember with electrical wiring is that if the job is poorly done, it can lead to electrical fires or can get someone electrocuted.
Don’t Break Your Back with Roof Repair
Out of all the DIY jobs, I think roofing is probably the most popular. A lot of people just end up with professionals cleaning up the mess.
My piece of advice is to just leave it to the professionals. Save yourself the time and money. First off, you won’t save money buying the materials yourself. And even if you find “cheap” materials, they are probably just that: cheap. You’ll end up having to get the job done all over again sooner than you expected.
You also need to consider safety when attempting to do roofing yourself. You’re going to have to lug your tools up on the roof and there is the danger of dropping one or having all your tools go sliding off and damage a vehicle, your house or even a person.
And roofing isn’t just some easy job you can knock out real fast. If you don’t know what you’re doing, or just have a vague idea, you could end up with an incomplete roof, with a damaged roof, or just giving up in frustration and having to spend even more money having professionals come down and redo everything.
Safety First!
At the end of the day, it all comes down to safety and saving money. You have to weigh the risks of DIY jobs and realize that you are playing the lottery here. On one hand, you might save money, BUT you could end up with low end materials, you could cause damage to your house that will be very expensive and you could seriously hurt or even kill yourself or someone else.
It’s always best to be on the side of caution.
Author Bio
Christian Sculthorp is a contributing writer for Ottawa General Contractors, a full-service home renovation company based in Ottawa, Canada.
Whatever your reason for remodeling, it’s smart to get a home remodeling designer involved early on. Generally, remodeling becomes necessary at the transitional moments in life—with the addition of new or boomerang family members; when shifting to retirement and the hobby time it entails; or when transitioning to working from home, for instance. Additionally, some families remodel to improve energy efficiency, to age in place comfortably, or to add comfortable indoor and outdoor entertaining space. In all of these circumstances, and others as well, a home remodeling designer is an incredible asset and one we recommend incorporating in the remodeling process ASAP.
There are various reasons to partner with a design expert when remodeling your house plans. To be clear, we’re referring to a home designer here, not interior decorators. While decorators are exceptional partners for putting the final personal touches on a remodeling project, they cannot provide the construction expertise of home plan design experts. If you can, it’s smart to work with your house plan’s original designer. This architect will have invaluable experience regarding what alterations have worked with this specific plan in the past. Partnering with the original designer can help you sidestep many of the potential headaches of remodeling.
Here are a few of the many benefits you’ll see from hiring a design expert for remodeling house plans.
1. Avoid Structural and Code Headaches. Remodeling designers understand how to read blueprints and how to determine if a certain design will work structurally. Most remodeling designers also have years of experience working in one locale so they know how to meet local municipal and state construction codes. This kind of know-how can save you money in the long run as you’ll avoid fines as well as the need to redo construction that fails to meet code standards.
2. Scale Up for Future Growth. From storage solutions to repurposing space, remodeling designers understand how to create plans that can grow with your family. For instance, a house plan design expert might recommend an open kitchen/dining/family room area, which will allow you versatility in using the space according to current family needs.
3. Maximize Remodeling Budget. Home remodeling designers have industry connections that can save homeowners money. Your designer could have budget-saving partnerships with material manufacturers, contractors, and more. Plus, with a professional designer looking over your remodeling process, there’s a better chance your overall home value will increase.
4. Save Time. Let’s face it: Nobody has extra time these days. Researching just one material—let’s say countertops—can take weeks. There are dozens of details to consider. A home remodeling designer can free up your schedule by taking care of time-consuming research for you. Plus, designers’ specialized knowledge of modern materials and approaches can open your eyes to design potentials you never imagined.
5. Achieve a Balanced Design. There’s nothing more frustrating than finishing a long remodeling project only to feel there’s something off with the final result. Interior remodeling experts have years of experience in balancing all design considerations—functionality, colors, patterns, symmetry, and much more. They can also match your home’s existing architectural style for seamless transition between remodeled areas and original spaces.
Before contacting your remodeling designer, it’s wise to gather as much information as possible about your intended remodel. List other partners, such as trusted contractors you wish to partner with. Gather sketches, blueprints, pictures, and other inspirational materials to show your designer what you’re looking for. Name your top goals in remodeling. This kind of preparation will accelerate progress once you do get in touch with your designer.
Post courtesy of Houseplans.co, the online home of Alan Mascord Design Associates house plan collection, where visitors can find more than 700 beautiful home plans in a variety of styles, from Craftsman to Contemporary.
Are you ready to start your home remodeling project? Contact us now so we can help you plan and then implement your design ideas! ~Gary B.
In today’s economic climate, it makes sense to look for every opportunity to cut corners on spending especially when it comes to a large home remodel project. Whether you’re simply taking out a wall or remodeling the entire house, safety is one area that should not be compromised. If you’re considering taking on such a project, read the following safety tips first.
Perspective
As you plan your remodeling project, view the demolition portion of it to be a project in itself. Don’t think of it as something quick that you do just to get it out of the way in order to move on to the ‘official’ project. Demolition work, like anything else, takes time and planning to do it correctly and safely.
So, make sure that you schedule enough time for the demolition set up, the demolition itself, and the demolition clean up. Have the debris bin set up ahead of time as you’ll need somewhere to put the material once you’ve removed it!
Gas, Power and Water
Before you begin the remodeling project, make sure you know what’s behind the walls and under the floors. You don’t want to cut into any gas, power, or water lines, even if they’ve been shut off. Gas and water can still be trapped inside, so proceed with caution, and have a safety plan in place to contend with any unforeseen circumstances.
Of course, that brings up one of the most obvious tip: Make sure that all water and gas valves, as well as the electricity, are completely shut off. Check them more than once since it’s always possible that the valve wasn’t completely shut off the first time. This is critical to the safety of the project.
Protection
Here’s an area where it’s important not to skimp. Spend a little extra when buying safety gear. For example, it seems obvious, but getting the right pair of boots can go a long way in protecting your feet from falling debris, unseen floor hazards, like construction nails and glass, and the traction on the boots will keep you from slipping and falling. If you do get hurt because you failed to properly consider safety, there’s really no recourse, and the job simply stops. It’s not as if a do-it-yourselfer in Missouri who injures himself can call up a personal injury attorney in Kansas City!
Also, invest in a good quality air respirator to ward off potential exposure to lead paint, black mold, and asbestos, among other airborne hazards. The dangers of exposure to airborne contaminants cannot be overstated.
Asbestos
In the case of asbestos, no threshold of exposure has been established as being safe. What this means is that, anyone who is exposed to any amount of airborne asbestos particles for any length of time is susceptible to developing potentially deadly diseases and conditions.
Exposure to asbestos increases the likelihood of developing diseases and severe health conditions, such as mesothelioma (a rare form of cancer), lung cancer, and asbestosis. In most cases, lung cancer and asbestosis don’t appear for 15 years or more after exposure to asbestos, and mesothelioma often isn’t developed until 30 years or longer after asbestos exposure. So, as you can see, the negative health effects continue to progress well after direct exposure to the asbestos has ended.
Black Mold
Black mold, which is called toxic mold because of the damage it causes to living things, is a parasitic substance that can be found in buildings just about everywhere. When the mycotoxin, or poison, that is released by this mold is released into the air, it adversely affects the health of anyone who comes in contact with it, either through touch or inhalation.
The mold spores become lodged in the respiratory system, causing asthmatic symptoms, flu-like symptoms, and nasal drip, among other things. Aspergillus, which is a common type of black mold, can form a fungal ball that will live in the lungs and release potentially fatal carcinogens.
The risk of damage to the nervous system is also widely known. In fact, the mycotoxin of black mold is so damaging that it has even been considered for use as an agent in chemical warfare.
When planning a do-it-yourself remodel, preparation and safety should be at the top of your checklist. That way, you’re sure to come out of it intact and live to enjoy the results of your hard work for years to come.
When in doubt, play it safe and hire a professional home remodeling contractor. We are experienced in remodeling safety and prepared to handle any problems that may arise! ~ Gary B.
Did you know that the return on investment for a bathroom renovation in average rates up to ninety percent? This implies that if you make smart investments in getting your bathroom remodeled, you are sure to enjoy the benefits of the value returned when it’s time to your home.
You can find advice from online companies to learn about the estimated prices quoted for bathroom makeovers. You can then proceed to make comparisons of the cost estimates and choose the services of that contractor who is willing to give maximum output within your budget. Whether you are entertaining ideas for a small or large bathroom renovation, you are provided with enough resources and visuals to exactly comprehend what your bathroom will look like after the renovation. It should be noted that most of these sites follow the guidance of professional interior designers and home improvement experts to present the latest ideas for bathroom renovations.
Bathroom Décor Requires Assistance from Professionals
Suggestions for Remodeling a Small Bathroom:
If you are looking for some new ideas for remodeling your small bathroom, take the help of the internet which is filled with sites that offer free and paid services in suggesting strategies for bathroom remodeling. There are certain sites that provide information in consultation with professional designers. You can find advice with design for bathroom cabinets, tiles, sinks and other accessories for any small bathroom.
Shower for Bathroom:
Installing a new shower stall can instantly transform your bathroom. You can opt for a customized shower exclusively designed for your bathroom or go for a less expensive pre-fabricated model that comes along with new doors. If your bathroom is large in size and you are large on budget, getting a ‘walk-in’ shower for yourself is a great addition.
As far as the materials are concerned, you can shift choices from stone to ceramic to glass for your bathroom. And for visual representation of the materials you can visit websites that offer photos for the various material-based countertops.
Ideas for Bathroom Countertops:
It’s exciting and fun to select a new countertop for your bathroom during renovation. You will need to work with your contractor on custom fitting of the countertop with a focus on the location and material, depending on the humidity levels.
There are many online companies that provide photographs for selecting the countertop that you think will look perfect for your bathroom. You can go through the galleries of these sites and choose from the wide range of materials and patterns available for your bathroom décor.
Conclusion:
Whatever idea you consummate for your bathroom, you will need expert advice and proper guidance while getting your bathroom renovated. And with the help of the internet and the overflowing number of online companies ready to guide you with the planning, estimation and design of your bathroom, you will not have much to worry about.
Summary: Cruise the internet to find ideas for your bathroom renovation then speak with your home improvement contractor to help you implement your dream design!
Ready to update your bathroom? Give us a call at 914-576-2572 to schedule your free in home design consultation! We specialize is bathroom makeovers! -Gary B.
You may have a rough idea of the appliances that you want. When you meet with the kitchen designer he will ask what oven and fridge you are going to choose. This is important for them because they need to know exactly how wide the fridge space needs to be, do you want a freestanding or dish drawer dishwasher? What type of oven do you have in mind? I have learned that it’s so much easier to have the dimensions of the appliances on hand as this will save you time and make things flow smoother. Plus there can be a lot of decision making when it comes to taps, sinks and cupboard colours so it makes sense to get appliances like the fridge, oven and dishwasher first.
Know your budget
Before you start designing your kitchen and choosing various accessories, it is important to know exactly how much you would like to spend. This can be a complicated process especially if you don’t have a ballpark cost for the renovation. It is recommended that you get a quote for any renovation or building work before setting a budget for other aspects of the project. I definitely underestimated the costs of building work and also flooring. Grab a pen and paper and make a list of everything you need, how you plan on funding the project, and how much you can afford to set aside for emergency work.
Choose durable materials that are easy to maintain
Many people dream about the kitchens they see in magazines and the white marble filled spaces. While they look absolutely amazing, your kitchen will probably be a 15 year investment, so it’s important to choose materials that are durable. While marble can look fantastic, it is also extremely porous, meaning it can absorb stains and needs regular maintenance. Stainless steel is another great looking material that takes a lot of maintaining. Choosing the materials all comes down to personal preference, so just choose materials that meet the needs of you and your family.
Seek inspiration
Many people do not know what they want until they see it; this is why it’s important to seek inspiration from as many sources as possible. This will give you fresh ideas about the various styles and designs of kitchens. Interior design magazines usually feature photographs of unconventional kitchen styles and explain exactly how they created them. The internet is probably your greatest resource; there are a vast amount of interior design blogs that can provide you with fresh ideas.
Analyze your existing kitchen
Analyzing your existing kitchen will give you the best idea of what you want from your new kitchen. Take a walk around your kitchen with a pen and paper; make a note of the areas that you dislike and the areas that could be improved. Maybe your kitchen is lacking in workspace? Make a list of five things you like and dislike about your existing kitchen; this will give you a much better idea of what is needed to create your dream kitchen.
Hire the best professionals
Even though your budget may dictate who you can hire, choosing the right professionals is one of the most important aspects of remodeling a kitchen. Ask your family and friends for a recommendation, chances are that whoever they recommend will be of a decent standard. Or you could ask another professional to recommend someone, with their reputation on the line; they will only recommend the best person for the job.
Author byline:
This is an article by David at Leekes, a home improvement company that specialize in Fitted Kitchens and kitchen remodeling.
Ready to start your kitchen remodeling project? Give us a call for a free in home estimate! We specialize in kitchen renovations. – Gary B.
Making a few key changes in your home will help smooth the transition from marriage to divorce. Your mini home makeover doesn’t have to break the bank, though. This time around, do it your way by adjusting the lighting, changing out the bedding and ousting his scent. There will be a huge payoff of style and serenity.
See the Light
Seeing the light is easy if you opt for a new set of window treatments. Get rid of those dark, heavy curtains he wanted so he could sleep in darkness and lighten it up in there by adding some flowy, sheer window treatments to truly see the light. If you like it dark too, hang some sophisticated wooden blinds that can be lifted during the daytime.
Place LED candles throughout the house to soften the lighting while giving your home a warm glow.
Sleep in Sweetness
Take the same level of personalization to your master bedroom, an area you definitely want to revamp. Redoing the master bedroom not only ensures you get rid of threadbare, worn-out sheets but it takes the worn-out memories with them.
Go wild with colors and patterns you’ve always wanted to incorporate that he would have absolutely hated. Take a few tips from RealSimple.com by picking an overall color scheme and mixing a deep solid-colored wall with a bedspread, pillows and accents done up in florals and striped patterns that include the same hues. Take the details right down to your lampshade.
Replacing the furniture is not necessarily a must unless it comes to the bed or mattress you two shared.
Oust His Favorite (Fill in the Blank)
Anything that oozes with the aura or the odor of your ex should go out the door. His favorite armchair, coffee table and even paintings or artwork are fair game. This especially applies to artwork the two of you purchased together that holds strong memories. Take the blank wall as a cue to have your favorite photos enlarged and framed or choose other works that bring you peace when you gaze at them.
Divorce causes major change in your life, and matching it with changes in your home can more readily help you break free of the past and move forward.
Flickr photo: Jhayne
Guest Post By:
Jennifer Vausse
Jen is an interior designer and pet lover. She dreams of starting her own pet-friendly, green design journal someday. In the meantime, she feels lucky to do what she loves.
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.
One way to add aesthetic appeal to your home is to replace an existing garage door with a glass garage door. If your garage door is outdated, then you have the option to add a row of glass or to install a new garage door. A modern and stylish glass garage door offers many benefits beyond aesthetic appeal.
Curb Appeal
Glass is a beautiful detail that is a great way to increase the curb appeal of your home. You can find a variety of styles that incorporate glass into a garage door. The style of garage door can also match your house windows. This is a great way to create an appealing look for your home.
Natural Light
Glass garage doors are a great way for your garage to be illuminated with natural light. This allows the garage to be used during the day without having to turn on interior lights or open the door. Light that comes through the glass means work can be done during warm and cold weather. The use of glass in garage doors is also a great way to illuminate an area that is typically dark and gloomy.
Construction
Most types of glass garage doors are made with a metal frame. A metal frame is more rigid and will be much stronger than wood or even a full-glass door. Typical glass garage doors are sectional or can be a roll-up design. Sectional doors open like a standard garage door on a track. Roll-up garage doors will not use the same type of track. Most doors will have an aluminum alloy frame with panels of glass. Glass panels come in a variety of shapes and styles.
Appearance
The glass used in a glass garage door comes in many types. You can choose to have clear glass or use glass that has a frosted appearance. One option is to use sand blasted glass. This type of glass appears both translucent and frosted. Glass doors are also an option is you want to replace an old faded and pale looking door. You can choose to add glass garage doors to an attached garage, detached garage, or outbuilding. Replacing an existing garage door that is beginning to show signs of rust will revitalize the look of your garage to neighbors. Your neighbors may even think about replacing their old and outdated garage doors.
Built to Last
The materials that are used in the construction of glass garage doors are strong and durable. They need very little maintenance to keep them looking new and aesthetically pleasing. You will need to clean the glass with regular glass cleaner to remove any dirt or handprints. However, rust and other issues that are common with standard garage doors are typically not a concern.
Additional Information
Installing glass garage doors allow you to have a sleek and contemporary look if you want to make an investment that will increase the value of your home. You can find these doors in many styles and types at a local home improvement store or at a specialty hardware store. Another benefit is that they are not overly pricey compared to high-end garage doors. A glass garage door is a great option if you plan on a remodel or update to the exterior of your home.
Glass Breakage
One thing to remember about glass garage doors is there is a chance that the glass on the door can break. This is typically not an issue as the aluminum alloy frame helps keep the glass from breaking or cracking.
Glass garage doors can make your home have a sense of modern style while also letting in natural light. They can be made to withstand various amounts of impact and be made to let in however much light the owner wants. They are also long lasting and an attractive element to any house or business.
After installing glass garage doors, guest writer Steven Morris began an ambitious window tinting project in his Houston, Texas home, with assistance from Sun Tech Glass Tinting.
It is time to stop looking at your attic and loft space as just a storage area for your Christmas decorations and photo albums.
