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How to Make a Home Remodeling Project Fun for the Whole Family

July 17, 2017adminhome improvement, Home Improvement Tips, home remodelinghome improvement, home remodeling, remodeling tipsLeave a comment

Whether you’re building an outdoor deck or just replacing some old tiles in the bathroom, home remodeling projects can be a great way to bring the family together. All it takes is a little creativity and a willingness to let your kids get their hands dirty. Here are four ways to make your renovation a fun one.

Get Everyone Involved

Instead of banishing your kids from the remodeling site, invite them to participate with age-appropriate tasks and helper duties. For example, young children might be put in charge of clean-up activities like sweeping, wiping down surfaces and throwing away garbage in a garbage bin, like those from Kingston Skips. Older children might be allowed to assist with caulking, painting or weather-stripping. Teens can be taught the ways of the sander.

Go Shopping Together

Shopping for materials is half of the fun of a remodel, so bring the kids along when it’s time to hit the hardware store. Let them help with the list-checking and price-calculating, and make it a group effort to hunt down the right screwdriver or perfectly match the wallpaper samples. Not only will it be a unique family bonding experience, but it will also teach everyone a thing or two about being smart, thrifty and self-reliant.

Get Them Their Own Tools

It’s no secret that building things is good for child development. For example, the benefits of block play include everything from better spatial recognition to improved fine motor skills. If you aren’t quite ready to give your five-year-old a hammer and nails, however, consider investing in a child-friendly toolkit that will allow them to work side-by-side with mom and dad without the dangers of grown-up power tools.

Honor Their Contributions

This is especially important if you’re remodeling a communal space that will be used by the entire family. By allowing your children to choose the wall color or decide where the furniture goes, you’re sending the message that their thoughts, ideas and preferences are just as important as ones from their parents and siblings. It can be a big boost to their self-esteem as well as a fun way to engage their imagination. Better yet, they’ll be reminded of their pride every time that they use the remodeled room.

These are just a few ways to bring the family together with a home remodeling project. Everyone will reap the benefits of a bigger, better living space, but if you play your cards right, renovating your home can be just as fun and family-focused as occupying it.

Is Your House Unfit to Live in? Top Remodeling Tips to Make Your Home Safer

June 29, 2017adminHome Improvement Tips, home remodeling, Safetyhome improvement, home remodeling, SafetyLeave a comment

A dirty and disorganized house is more than just an eyesore: It can also be a legitimate health hazard to you and your kids. The good news is that it’s possible to beat back these perils if you’re willing to roll up your sleeves and take action, so here are just four ways to remodel and revamp your home into something a little more livable.

Tend To Your Chimney

Many people don’t even think about their chimneys unless they hear birds chirping in there, but animals are only one of the concerns that you should have about a disused fireplace and flue. If your chimney cap is falling apart, you might be exposing your roof to dangerous sparks. If your interior chimney walls haven’t been cleaned in a while, you could be breathing in hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) or volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

Raise Your Cupboards and Cabinets

According to Poison Control, 99 percent of child poisonings are unintentional. This means that kids are getting under the sink and into the medicine cabinet to ingest things that they shouldn’t be ingesting. One option is locking your cupboards from curious fingers, but if you already know that you’ll be terrible about remembering that kind of thing, consider raising your cupboards off the ground entirely. This will protect your pets from an accident poisoning, too.

Get Smart

Smart technology is controlled by wireless signals that send information from one device to another. It’s available in everything from baby monitors to home security alarms, and it can be a real help in making your home a safer place to live. You’ll no longer have to worry about locking your doors, turning off your appliances or shutting the dog gates. Your smartphone can do it all for you even if you’ve already left the premises.

Repair Your Roof

You’ve been meaning to fix those shingles for years, but little did you know that water damage is creeping into your entire attic space and compromising the structural integrity of the ceiling. It’s quite common for small roofing problems to become big disasters over time, so do yourself a favor and call some roofing contractors, like those at Select Exteriors, when you first notice that something is amiss. Your future self will thank you.

These are just a few ways to remodel your home with safety in mind. While you shouldn’t live in fear of things like dirty chimneys and unlocked cupboards, you shouldn’t brush them off, either. An important part of protecting your family is dealing with household issues even when they’re annoying.

How a Few Simple Renovations Can Increase Your Home’s Resale Value

June 24, 2017adminHome Improvement Tips, home remodeling, Tips to sell your homehome improvement, home renovation, real estate, renovationsLeave a comment

When you are preparing to list your home for sale, you will likely have a long list of things to do. By performing some simple renovations now, you can avoid requests for remedy later. These four home renovations are also likely to get all of your investment back through a higher sales price.

Refinish or Replace Your Counter Tops

One of the most important parts of your home is the kitchen. When prospective buyers enter your home during a showing or open house, they are likely to make a beeline for the kitchen. Refinishing or replacing your counter tops will make a big improvement in how the kitchen looks. Granite is a top-of-the-line material. Some other good choices include concrete and Corian. You might also consider refinishing or replacing the fronts of your cabinets if they are old and worn, dented or dinged. If the cabinets themselves are in good condition, a replacement of the knobs and drawer pulls provides an affordable facelift.

Install a Wood-burning Stove

A wood-burning stove is a delightful addition to the living spaces of your home. If you have a family room, adding a wood-burning stove creates a cozy space that is just right for cool autumn and winter weather. Wood-burning stoves in Woodinville, or in other areas, can also be at home in a four-season room or a den. A wood-burning stove adds value to your home because it gives the new owners an affordable and efficient method of heating. Wood-burning stoves are also safe in case of a power outage. Today’s wood-burning stoves offer ideal levels of safety and efficiency. If you have a log cabin or rustic styled home, it will fit right in with your architecture and decor.

Give the Walls a Fresh Coat of Paint

Giving the interior and exterior walls of your home a fresh coat or two of paint is a quick and affordable way to increase the structure’s resale value. A quality paint job can hide many minor imperfections that would capture the attention of prospective home buyers. Choose a neutral yet attractive color for the outside of your home. Make sure that you conform to any homeowner’s association or historical society rules governing exterior colors for homes in your neighborhood. While many real estate agents recommend going all neutral for interior wall colors when selling a home, you could add a little bit of visual interest by painting the wainscoting or trim in a brighter color. You could also turn to less frequently used neutrals such as buttery yellow for the kitchen or a warm gray for a child’s bedroom.

Replace Worn-out Carpeting with New Floor Coverings

Another way to make a big impact on your home’s resale value is to remove the old, stained, worn-out carpeting and replace it with new floor coverings. If your home has hardwood floors underneath carpeting, arrange for the floors to be professionally finished. Hardwood flooring that is in good condition could add thousands of dollars to your home’s selling price. Consider replacing old carpeting with laminate or engineered wood flooring. Cork and bamboo flooring are environmentally friendly options. Ceramic tile flooring is an ideal solution for front hallways, entryways and guest bathrooms. Many homeowners do enjoy the comfort and warmth of a plush carpet in the bedrooms and family room of the home.

Each of these simple home renovations only takes a few days to complete. You could schedule the renovations for a time that is convenient to you. Be sure to schedule any updates and repairs so they are complete before you want to list your home for sale. Account for potential project delays to give yourself some wiggle room when selling.

Renovation ROI: 4 Home Additions That Are a Tremendous Bang for Your Buck

June 22, 2017adminhome addition, home improvement, home remodelingaddition, home improvement, home remodeling, home renovation, home trends, remodeling tipsLeave a comment

Many homeowners set aside money every year to reinvest back into their property. Your home will most likely be one of the biggest purchases you ever make, and you want to be sure that every remodeling project you carry out is going to increase its value. Here is a quick look at four popular home additions that often have an excellent return on investment.

Turn Your Attic into a Bedroom

The National Association of Realtors says that an attic conversion has an average ROI of around 61 percent. Adding an extra bedroom is one of the easiest ways to boost the value of your property without actually changing the structure of your home. When you are converting your attic, you should make sure that it is both accessible and comfortable.

Add an Outdoor Living Space

Those who live in a relatively moderate climate might be able to substantially increase the value of their home by adding an outdoor living space. Unlike many indoor renovations, creating an outdoor living space can often be completed by the homeowner. You will only need to call in a professional contractor if you want to install underground gas, water, or electrical lines.

Install a Utility Carport

A utility carport will maximize your outdoor space without breaking the bank. In addition to the covered area, a utility carport from places like Coast to Coast Carports Inc. also includes a small indoor area for storage. These structures can be installed within just a few days, and they are the perfect option for those who have boats, motorcycles, extra cars, or ATVs. You can even run power to the storage area to turn it into a workshop.

Remodel the Basement

While converting a basement into a bedroom can have an excellent ROI, you might also want to think about turning it into a family room, entertainment room, or bar. Many real estate agents and buyers love to see unique additions that will make a home stand out from all other nearby pieces of property. Updating the lighting, adding some neutral carpet, and painting the walls can be carried out in just a few hours, and those upgrades will drastically increase your home’s living space.

Even if you have quite a bit of experience as a DIY enthusiast, most of these major additions should be left to the professionals. Not only will a reputable contractor be insured, but they will also guarantee that your project adheres to all local and state regulations. If those contractors make a mistake, then you won’t have to worry about stiff fines and fees.

Remodeling? Top Design Tips to Convert Your Home into an Elegant Manor

June 21, 2017adminHome Improvement Tips, home remodeling, Interior Designdesign, home remodeling, interior design, remodeling tipsLeave a comment

There are a number of ways to add elegance to your home. Focusing on a few key visual features can completely transform the ambiance of your home without major remodeling or spending a fortune on new furniture. With a good idea of the look you’re after, you can start shopping and find some great, affordable products that you incorporate into your home with basic handyman skills. Depending on where you feel you need the upgrade most, one or two projects can give your home that classic, affluent look. Here are some ideas to start with.

Reinvent Your Style

Ditch the boring, generic fixtures and find some upscale alternatives. A thrift shop can do as well as a department store. Look for fancy lighting fixtures, wall sconces, frosted glass, large mirrors, and ornate wood molding. Think about finishes like brass or mahogany. A few nice paintings or sculptures should be placed where they’ll catch the eye. Your home doesn’t have to be a mansion if it can look like one on the inside.

Upgrade Your Fireplace

A classic fireplace is one of the most elegant touches you can provide. If you have a fireplace in your home, make it a statement. You can buy pre-fabricated mantels or kits in a variety of materials and styles. If you don’t have the funds for marble or ornate hardwoods, you can buy cast stone mantels that look nearly as good. With modern ventilation systems, you don’t even necessarily need a chimney.

Remodel Your Stairs

For multi-story homes, a staircase can become the focal point of the interior. There are a wide range of parts like ornamental newel posts or balusters in both wood and metal. You can even transform the stair itself into a new style, such as a curved or floating stairwell. Of course, this should be done with the help of a professional, such as those at Tarosa Stairs, who can help you find the design that is right for your home.

Add Fabrics

The look and color of the fabrics you use can also create a more elegant appearance in any room. You can start with some new carpet or a distinctive area rug. Drapes, tapestries, canopies, furniture covers, and more are easily added or replaced. Imagine walking into your living room or bedroom and seeing floor-to-ceiling satins, silks, fine linens, or custom weaves.

Do some browsing to find some stunning ideas for that new molding or stairwell that adds elegance to your home. Ultimately, it’s your opinion that matters most.

A Fixer Upper: 5 Tips for Your First Home Renovation

June 7, 2017adminDIY Projects, Home Improvement Tips, home remodelinghome improvement, home renovation, renovationsLeave a comment

You just bought your first home, and it needs a little work. One thing you should accept from the get-go is that it is going to take some time to complete this project. This does not mean it is impossible to speed up the process, and the following five tips will help you do just that.

Get Permits
One of the most important things to do is to apply for the right permits. You can hire a contractor to help you or go to the county or city office to see what permits you need.

Major Issues
You have deal with the issues that make it hard for you to live in the home. Check if your electrical system needs to be taken care of or check if the plumbing needs to be dealt with. It might even be a good idea to live in your home for a month to see what is absolutely necessary before making cosmetic upgrades.

Damage Repairs
Any damage the house has sustained should be dealt with. This could be flood damage or fire damage, both of which threaten the stability of your home. It would be wise to talk to a professional restoration service such as NiteOwl Restoration, or someone similar that you trust and recognize in your area, because these issues usually cannot be fixed without expert help.

DIY Work
Fixer uppers are bound to have major issues, but they may also be riddled with small ones, which means you can do some things before you start on major issues. Dealing with smaller problems on your own like painting or sprucing up the curb should speed up the process a bit.

Write a List
It might seem silly, but this is also a good time to write up a list of issues you want addressed. Cross out the issues you can deal with on your own, and leave the rest. Be honest with yourself regarding the things you can live with like the tile in your kitchen should you notice it gives your home a vintage touch. Prioritize this list, and tackle each issue slowly because doing too much at once puts you at risk of not finishing anything if money gets tight for some reason.

These are just some tips that could help renovate a fixer upper a little quicker. This does not mean you should expect perfection, but it should move things along smoothly.

3 Factors To Consider Before Your Home Renovation Consultation

May 23, 2017adminhome improvement, Home Improvement Tips, home remodelinghome improvement, home remodeling, home renovation, remodeling tipsLeave a comment

Renovating the home is a way to change the appearance of any aspect without completely starting over. There are several reasons as to why you might want to renovate the home, such as increasing the comfort level for family members or adding more space so that children have room to spread out. You can do some of the work on your own to save some money, but there are a few things that you might want to leave to a professional construction company, such as electrical renovations or improvements with plumbing. Before you meet with any contractor or talk about a renovation project, there are some factors that you want to consider.

Work Alone Or Hire Help

One of the first things that you want to do is decide whether you want to do the work on your own or let someone else tackle the task. You can save a lot of money if you do everything yourself, but you have to keep in mind that you might spend more in the long run if you mess something up or don’t get something installed the right way. If you’ve done any kind of the work before that you want to do to the home, then you can probably do the basics or even some of the detailed aspects, but major work should be done by a professional. You also need to think about the budget that you have to work with as this will play a part in exactly what you can do in the home and the details that you can add.

Consulting With Professionals

It might be best to talk to a dedicated construction administration to get a few ideas on what you could do in the home and what might need to wait until you have a bit more to invest. A benefit of working with a consultant is that you’ll have someone on your side who understands the latest concepts, trends and methods of renovating. The consultant can work with other people who are able to work with different aspects of the project, such as electricians and painters, in order to get the job done as quickly as possible. You’ll be working with someone who has experience in the area of construction and will have more info, where you might not know everything in the field. The person will understand all of the building codes and the other standards that you need to abide by in order to renovate.

The Right Timing

Completing a renovation project needs to be done at the right time. If your family can’t be inconvenienced with a bedroom that is being painted or that has new floor being installed or a kitchen that has drywall being replaced or new cabinets being installed, then you might want to wait until everyone is on the same page. A contractor will be able to have the job done in a shorter amount of time because there are more people to work at once, and the people who are working have done the jobs so many times that they know the easiest ways to complete a project. However, it will still involve being out of a room for at least a few hours each day until the renovation is complete. If the bathroom is being renovated, you need to be ready to make sacrifices by using someone else’s bathroom or have a second bathroom ready in the home.

A renovation in the house can be challenging, but it can be one of the most rewarding things as you will have a new look in the home. Think about the reasons why you want to renovate and the budget you have to work with. Take pictures of the home before and after to see the benefits of what you’ve done.

Why To Consider Wheel-Chair Accessibility When Remodeling Your Home

May 21, 2017adminHome Improvement Tips, home remodelinghome improvement, home remodeling, remodeling tipsLeave a comment

Whether you’re on the verge of retirement or still enjoying your youth, you might find yourself suddenly facing a wheelchair scenario in your home. An unexpected health emergency can happen at any time and leave you or a loved one temporarily or permanently unable to walk. A visiting family member or friend might also suddenly need to use a wheelchair. Given these possibilities, it’s important to make certain that your home is wheelchair accessible.

Here are three areas that you should definitely update during your next remodel:

Home Entry And Exit

A short incline ramp leading to your front or back door can make it much easier for you or a loved one to access and exit your home as needed. A ramp can also make it easier for emergency services personnel to wheel you or a loved one out of your home on a wheeled stretcher during a major health crisis. To prevent wheel slide-offs and make walking easier for someone transitioning from a wheelchair after an acute health event, make certain that the ramp is outfitted with rails and thin, non-slip permanent mats or runners.

Mobility In The Kitchen

When someone must use a wheelchair, they often experience problems with moving around a kitchen and accessing storage and appliances that are at counter and upper wall level. To make your kitchen wheelchair-friendly, open up the space so that all foot traffic areas are wide enough for a wheelchair. Additionally, install cabinets and storage that offer features that allow you to make future wheelchair adjustments. For example, you might install an island that has a hidden folding tabletop that when unfolded allows someone in a wheelchair to use it as a work space.

Bathroom Ease Of Use

Many homes have small bathrooms with cabinet-style sinks and full bathtubs that are almost impossible to use with a wheelchair. Create more wheelchair space by moving a bathroom to a larger room, taking out a wall or installing a low pedestal sink. It’s wise to contact bathroom upgrade specialists like the team at Four Seasons Home Products to help you design a wheelchair-accessible bathroom. They can recommend and install a seat-style low-threshold shower or walk-in tub to make it easier for someone in a wheelchair to access and use a shower.

There are many other ways that you can make your home more wheelchair accessible. These areas are typically the ones that initially cause the most problems when someone must transition to interacting with a wheelchair.

Dealing with Damage: Tips to Restore Your Property After a Fire

May 19, 2017adminHome Improvement Tips, home remodelinghome improvement, home remodeling, home repairsLeave a comment

After a fire sweeps through your home, you might think that there is no way that you can restore the home back to what it looked like. While it won’t be exactly the same, there are tips to getting your property back to a condition where you can live in the home once again. Use the time to design the home the way that you want it to look and to create a space that you can relax in.

Scrubbing And Washing
As soon as the dust and smoke settle, you want to begin washing the soot from the walls and the floors. You also want to begin washing the items in the home that can be saved. A pressure washer is ideal for using on the outside of the home and on the inside once everything is removed. A steam cleaner can also help in getting the soot from cracks and other small areas.

Linens And Clothing
The clothes that can be washed should be stored in a bag or box until you can get them laundered. Items that are damaged beyond repair can be tossed into a trash can or even a dumpster as the smell of smoke can linger. Even if items like linens or towels don’t seem to be damaged because they were in a different part of the home, you still need to wash them as the smell from the fire can settle into them.

Disinfecting
Once everything is cleaned, you need to use a disinfectant on everything to get a fresh scent in the home once again. A professional restoration company like Icon Property or someone similar in your area can help with eliminating the smells that are present by using fans and air fresheners. The company often has items that can get deep into the structure of the home to remove odors.

New Flooring And Walls
Avoid replacing the carpets, paint and other large components of the home until it’s completely clean and the smell is gone from the home. Once everything is stripped to its base, you can begin adding new flooring and paint. This is when you can get the floor that you want, such as a hardwood look in the home with linoleum or new colors on the walls.

A fire can be devastating. It can take away everything that you own, but if you are prepared, then you can save some of the items that are in the home. Once the property is safe to enter once again, you can begin the process of restoring what you can and getting the house back into a condition to sell or live in with your family.

House Remodeling Tips

May 18, 2017adminhome improvement, Home Improvement Tips, home remodelingDIY projects, home improvement, home remodelingLeave a comment

You bought a new house and it requires some adaptations in order to meet your needs? Or your old house simply needs some refreshment? Regardless of which situation you are in, home remodeling can be overwhelming, especially if you haven’t planned everything well and chosen your battles carefully. When selecting renovation projects, you have to consider usability, investment and potential return of investment (e.g. the project should either save you money in the future, or should increase the value of your home should you decide to sell). Sounds pretty complicated, right? We’ll help you with these clever remodeling tips.

Find good workforce

If you manage to find quality workers, you have already done the most important part of the job. Experienced remodelers will be able to give you advice on the most prudent projects, best materials and do their job efficiently at a fair cost. Consult the web, but also ask your friends and family for word-of-mouth recommendations. When you choose them, make sure you communicate all of your ideas and write a detailed contract.

Make extra space

Almost all remodeling projects have one clear goal: to add more space to the property. That can be done by tearing down the wall between the kitchen and the living room. If you want to go beyond that and make an extra room (family room, guest room, bathroom…) you can either go up or down. One of the greatest intricacies you can face here is enabling easy access to the space, so if you’re upgrading your attic, you’ll need more than step ladder.

Do the kitchen remodeling first

This is a project that meets both ROI demands: if you do it with energy-saving on your mind, you can cut your bills in the future, and regardless of the size of your project, you will still be able to increase the value of your property. Namely, even a minor kitchen remodeling can recoup about 80% of the invested money, says research done by Remodeling magazine. Some small-scale projects you can pull off are repainting the cabinets, replacing the handles and pulls, painting, replacing the ordinary light bulbs with energy-efficient ones, getting a new countertop and adding a backsplash.

Do other projects that increase ROI

It’s an unwritten rule that the projects that add to the total price of your house, also increase its functionality and improve its aesthetics, so even if you’re not selling, you’ll benefit from these renovations:

Basement remodeling
Entry door replacement
Attic insulation
Window replacement
Bathroom remodel

Increase the curb appeal

Finally, the house’s exterior also plays a major role in the overall picture. Here are some things you can do to improve the appearance of your outdoor space:

Pool restoration: There is nothing cooler than owning a pool in your backyard, but if it isn’t updated for decades, it is about time to do it. The best thing about this project is that you don’t need much to do it: a bucket of swimming pool paint can instantly revive it. You can go beyond that and build a deck around the pool, make a mulch or rock border and plant small bushes and perennials, etc.
Wooden deck addition: Adding a wooden deck is one of those projects that can add value to your property, but it can also present a beautiful place to spend time with your family, read a good book or simply enjoy the fresh air.
Fixing the driveway: A cracked driveway is not a very appealing sight. Solve this by applying a driveway sealer.
Painting the exterior: painting a worn out façade will instantly transform your house and make it look newer.

House renovation is indubitably a major project. It can require a lot of time, money and patience, but take it one step at the time, and you will make it.

Guest Post By:

Amelia Atkins

“Amelia is an author on the site Smooth Decorator and now a fresh architecture student. Love for architecture and design runs in her family ever since she can remember.”