Home Improvement Blog

How to Prepare For The Perfect Garage Addition

August 7, 20140

A garage addition can add plenty of space for storage and parking.

Your garage was designed as a place to park your vehicles and to serve as storage for your outdoor items. However, sometimes you don’t have enough space or maybe you don’t have a garage at all. In these situations a garage addition is one of the best home additions you can consider. Before you talk to your contractor about garage remodeling ideas, learn how you can prepare for this project.

Do You Have the Space?

Zoning restrictions can make or break your idea for a garage addition. Most municipalities have regulations that dictate how close to the lot line you can build, as well as other factors in this type of project. Make sure you talk to your home additions contractor about any potential problems and whether you need to obtain permits or if they will. It is important to get the facts before you set your heart on this project.

Detached or Attached?

There are many benefits to each type of garage. When you consider all of the garage remodeling ideas, this is one you should pay close attention to. Sometimes your decision is made for you based on zoning regulations. In other situations, you must weigh the pros and cons to help you choose. An attached garage is often less expensive because there is one less wall to build, but a detached garage can give you greater flexibility and keeps exhaust fumes and power tool noise away from your home.

What Is the Right Size?

The size of your garage addition may also be dictated by zoning restrictions. However, if you have enough space, you will need to consider your needs to help determine the right size. For instance, if you have two large vehicles, a two-and-a-half car garage is your minimum. However, if you only have one small car and don’t have a lot of extras to store, a one car garage can work well. Also consider other features you want. For some, a tool bench is one of the necessary garage remodeling ideas.

Don’t Forget Access

Many homeowners don’t think about access and traffic flow when thinking about garage remodeling ideas. However, if you don’t already have a driveway or you choose a different location for your garage addition, you may also need to install a driveway, which can add to your budget. Make sure your chosen contractor keeps these factors in mind when creating your estimate.

A garage addition is a great option if you don’t already have one or your current garage isn’t meeting your needs. However, when you are working on garage remodeling ideas, it is important to consider these factors as you make your plans. The right home additions contractor will guide you through the process so you can have the garage you’ve always wanted.

If you are thinking about adding a garage to your property, contact us. Our Connecticut contractors have the skills needed to help you build the perfect garage.

The Advantages of Home Remodeling Versus Moving

August 5, 20140

Home remodeling projects often cost less than selling your home.

Not everyone loves their home just as much as the day they bought it. Perhaps you feel as if you have outgrown your home or maybe you no longer like the style or the layout. For some people, an outdated feel is enough to make them consider shopping for a new house. However, in today’s economy, trying to sell a home can be a long, difficult process. Weighing the benefits of home improvement and remodeling over selling your home can help you make the most informed decision for your benefit.

Stay Where You Are

One of the most difficult aspects of moving, especially if you have children, is leaving your old neighborhood behind. You may love your neighbors, your school district and the location and your kids likely have friends close by. Moving away means a new environment and new friends. However, when you choose home remodeling instead, you gain the benefit of rejuvenating your home without leaving anything behind.

Increase Your Home’s Value

The value of your home is important if you ever wish to sell. A home remodel can help you increase that value, giving you many benefits. Not only will it be easier to sell your home in the future for more money, you will also gain more equity in your home. This can be useful if you ever need to take out a home equity loan to pay off debt or fund another venture.

Update Older Features

If it’s the older features in your home that have you daydreaming of a new home, home improvement and remodeling can be the ideal option. A home remodelingcompany can help you choose which rooms in your home need updating. The bathroom and kitchen are two of the most frequent rooms to be remodeled in older homes. Adding new features improves the functionality of your home, making it easier to stay where you are.

An Inexpensive Option

While it isn’t always the case, a home remodel can often cost less than buying a new home. Home improvement and remodeling seem to cost a lot, but if you consider all the fees and other costs you encounter during a move, the difference is often staggering. For instance, when you move, you have closing costs, realtor fees, storage costs for your non-essentials, a moving truck and more. With home remodeling, you only have to pay for the materials and the work performed, keeping your costs much lower.

The next time you feel like it might be time to move, consider the benefits of home improvement and remodeling before you make your final decision. If you don’t have to relocate for a job, home remodeling can often be a better option for everyone. A home remodel helps you stay where you are while transforming your home into one you can enjoy living in again. It is also a less expensive choice that offers a greater return on your investment.

If you are thinking of remodeling instead of moving, contact us. Our Connecticut home remodelers can help you improve your home.

The Heat Is On! An Outdoor Kitchen Addition Adds Style and Value To Your Home

July 31, 20140

An outdoor kitchen addition can create a beautiful functional kitchen you can use to entertain.

When it comes to cooking, most people think of using the typical kitchen to create their favorite dishes. However, if you are considering home remodeling ideas, an outdoor kitchen addition can be a great option. Kitchen remodeling contractors can offer a number of ideas that add both style and value to your home and make it easier for you to entertain your guests.

More than a Grill

Many people love to grill outside during the warmer months of the year. For some people, this is all they have that could be considered an outdoor kitchen. However, when you are talking about a true outdoor kitchen, there’s so much more to it than just a grill. An outdoor kitchen addition can consist of a number of appliances you are used to seeing inside the home, such as a stove top, an oven and a refrigerator, as well as preparation areas so you can create anything you could make in your typical kitchen. There is even storage space for your pots, pans and utensils.

Put up Walls

Your kitchen remodeling contractors may recommend putting up walls around your outdoor kitchen. However, these walls are different than those you would otherwise find in your home. These walls can be shorter or may only cover three sides of the area, creating the illusion of a separate space from the rest of your backyard. Most people would find it unappealing to place an outdoor kitchen in the middle of the yard with no separation. Creating a special place for this new feature is the preferred method for this home remodeling project.

Start Small and Grow

For some people, an outdoor kitchen addition is an expense they can’t handle all at once. Many kitchen remodeling contractors are able to work on your new outdoor kitchen in small pieces so you can install the necessary elements and add to them as your budget allows. As you consider your home remodeling needs, think about whether you can afford the entire outdoor kitchen at once or if it is best to break it up into several smaller projects.

Proper Installation

Some homeowners think they can create their own outdoor kitchen. After all, how difficult can it be to add a few appliances and cabinets to your deck? Unfortunately, it can be quite difficult, especially when you consider the need to run plumbing, electrical wiring and gas lines from inside your home to your outdoor kitchen. These parts of the project require experienced kitchen remodeling contractors.

Home remodeling for your kitchen doesn’t always refer to your traditional kitchen. For some people, an outdoor kitchen addition can be a great way to add style, functionality and value to your home. These kitchens offer much more than a simple grill and offer the chance to cook outside instead of restricting yourself to the inside, especially when the weather is nice.

If you are considering an outdoor kitchen addition for your home, contact us. Our experienced Connecticut contractors can create a fun space for outdoor cooking.

Together We Stand, Divided We Groom: His-And-Hers Spaces Are Trending In Bathroom Remodeling

July 29, 20140

His and hers bathrooms are one of the most popular bathroom remodeling ideas today.

Men and women handle their grooming tasks in different ways. In general, men require little room and time for their grooming needs, while women have a lot of products to use and store and often require more time. This can often lead to arguments about using the bathroom. These bathroom remodeling ideas can help you complete a master bathroom remodel that helps you both get your grooming tasks done without invading each other’s space and time.

Add Dual Sinks

Dual sinks are a great option when you are trying to get ready at the same time in the morning or for a night out on the town. Many grooming tasks require running water to perform, such as shaving, brushing teeth and sometimes even fixing your hair. Having more than one sink in your bathroom is a great way to avoid the common problem of fighting over access to the sink. When completing a master bathroom remodel, this is one of the first things many couples ask for.

A Larger Bathroom Space

If you currently have a small bathroom, you may wish to enlarge it so you can both spend time in the bathroom without getting in each other’s way. When it comes to bathroom remodeling ideas, couples are opting for much larger master bathrooms than ever before. With more space, you can accommodate a larger shower or tub, as well as dual sinks and any other features you feel would be the right choice for your bathroom needs.

More Storage

Even though many women need far more grooming products than men, both parties often want more storage space in the bathroom. No one wants to see cluttered countertops when they go into this room of the home. With bathroom remodeling, you can add more storage space so no one has to go without the products they need.

Is This a Good Investment?

If you are thinking of completing a master bathroom remodel to create the ideal his and hers space, you may wonder if it is the best use of your remodeling budget. Bathroom remodeling can be a costly venture. However, many homeowners must consider the return on their investment. In many cases, a kitchen remodel can offer the best return for the cost of the project. However, more couples are looking for his and hers bathrooms when they shop for a home, which means this option can still provide the balance between cost and value you expect from your remodeling projects.

While couples have shared the master bathroom for many years, opting for a master bathroom remodel can create his and hers space to make sharing this room much easier. Talking to your contractor about bathroom remodeling ideas to create this shared space will help you make the right decisions to maximize your return on your investment.

If you are considering a his and hers master bathroom remodel, contact us. We can help you make the right decisions to create the ideal shared space.

Why Vinyl Siding Has Become So Popular For America’s Homes

July 24, 20140

Vinyl siding is a durable option that can enhance the beauty of your home.

The materials homes are made of have changed dramatically over the years. If you look at a home that was built 100 years ago versus one that was built last month or last year, one of the biggest differences you will notice is the vinyl siding. Vinyl siding installation has become one of the most popular options for today’s homes. Before you hire a vinyl siding contractor to help you side your home, it can be helpful to learn about the benefits.

Durable

One of the biggest reasons homeowners turn to a vinyl siding contractor to meet their needs is the material’s durability. Vinyl siding holds up to the elements, as well as the regular wear and tear your home encounters. For instance, if your child accidentally throws a baseball against your house, it isn’t as likely to leave behind damage like it can with other materials. Vinyl siding installation also often comes with a lifetime warranty, giving you even greater peace of mind.

Sustainable

In today’s world, more people are choosing environmentally-friendly options, particularly in their building materials. For the most part, vinyl is a green material, allowing homeowners to feel more confident in their choice. In addition, this type of siding can be insulated, which cuts back on energy costs, helping the environment.

Affordable

Another factor that attracts homeowners to vinyl siding installation is its cost. When compared to other siding options, vinyl siding is one of the most affordable choices. Because of the reduced costs, even individuals who aren’t building a new home often choose vinyl for siding replacement.

Low Maintenance

Owning a home comes with great responsibility. There are many maintenance tasks that need to be handled to ensure your home stays in great shape. When homeowners opt for vinyl siding, they are choosing a low-maintenance option. This siding doesn’t need to be painted and only requires washing every once in a while. You also don’t have to worry about rotting or insect infestations.

Safety

In addition to being a low-cost option with low maintenance, this type of siding actually makes your home safer. Vinyl siding complies with the regulations set forth by the National Fire Protection Association, helping to protect your home from fire hazards. This siding offers insulating protection for electrical and data transmission cables.

When you are thinking about which type of siding to choose for your home, vinyl siding contractors will help you realize all the advantages of this material. Vinyl offers a large number of benefits, including affordability, low maintenance, safety, durability and sustainability, giving you a beautiful home. Vinyl siding installation is ideal for both siding replacement and new construction.

If you are thinking about vinyl siding for your home, contact us. Our vinyl siding contractors can install your beautiful new siding so you can enjoy all the benefits.