Renovations And Repair

The way your home looks on the exterior is just as important as the way it looks on the inside. The outside of the house is the first thing everyone is going to see when pulling up to the driveway. If your house does not make a good first impression, then potential buyers may not even want to come inside to see the rest. This is why curb appeal is so important when selling a home. These are the four easiest ways to improve your home’s exterior without spending a lot of money.

Paint the Front Door

You want your house to stand out from the rest of the houses on the block. A quick way to do this is by painting the front door. While it is important to choose a bold color that makes the door pop from the street, you still need to make sure this color matches the rest of the house. Since the front doors are not very big, it should not take more than one or two cans of paint to get the job done. You will be amazed at how much better your home looks with a painted front door.

Clean it Up

Simply cleaning the exterior surfaces of your home can make a huge difference. Cleaning the siding, windows, decks, and driveway will give new life to the appearance of your home and beautify your neighborhood. A power washing service can be useful for this if you don’t have the expertise and equipment to get the job done. It is surprisingly affordable to hire a service for great results. 

Change Your Exterior Lighting

Almost every house has some form of exterior lighting to make getting in the front door easier at night. While you may just see this as a functional piece, you can easily add value to your home by changing this light fixture. A stylish fixture will really stand out during the day when it is not being used, which is exactly what you want when trying to boost the curb appeal of your home.

Add Flower Boxes

Plants are always an inexpensive way to improve your home’s exterior. If you do not have the time or space to commit to a large flowerbed, then you need to think about adding a few flower boxes outside. The boxes add a fun decorative piece to your home just by themselves. Once you add beautiful seasonal flowers with bright colors, it will really help your home stand out. The great thing about flower boxes is that you can put them almost anywhere. You also have the ability to regularly change out the flowers to make sure your home matches every season.

Seal the Driveway

Few things make a worse first impression than driving up to a house with a cracked driveway. Unfortunately, all driveways are bound to start cracking at some point thanks to the pressure they are put under on a daily basis. You can quickly solve this issue by taking a day to reseal the driveway. Make sure to remove any weeds or grass from the cracks before starting the resealing process.

Having an outdoor space means a place where you can enjoy the favorable summer weather. You can hold various family events such as barbecues, parties, and reunions. However, it doesn’t mean you can only relish the outdoors during summer or spring. You can make some adjustments that allow you to enjoy your outdoor space throughout the year.

You can implement a few changes to your outdoor space to improve functionality and style. Also, it is more than just improving your home’s aesthetic appeal. An improved outdoor space such as a patio can help increase your home’s value when you look to sell.

There are various ways you can improve your outdoor unit for a unique and consistent perennial experience. Here are some tips to help you get started and make the most out of your exterior space.

Choose Your Project

Take a close look at your home and determine what you need. Consider what can fit perfectly into your outdoor space and how you can make the necessary adjustments. Take time to evaluate your current area and if it’s enough to handle the improvements.

This way, you can determine the projects to prioritize and plan on how to tackle them. Consider the tasks that you can handle and which ones require a professional. Thus, you can plan on the features to add and how much it will cost you. You can prepare the best time to handle the projects, such as on weekends or in your free time.

Keep it Clean

It’s hard to enjoy your outdoor space when it is cluttered or dirty. Be sure to keep up with landscaping and tend to outdoor plants. Regularly clean your outdoor furniture and keep it covered during harsh weather. Hire a power washing service to clean your concrete surfaces, fences, and, decks. A clean and tidy outdoor living area is much more enjoyable. 

Warm it Up

What’s an outdoor space without a fireplace or a heat source? Adding heat sources to your area allows you to spend more time outdoors and be comfortable in your seating setup. You can include a fireplace for warmth and for roasting marshmallows as you bond with family and friends.

There are various options available for heating your outdoor space. Apart from the fireplace, you can consider a firepit for your barbeque or a more portable outdoor heater. Determine how you intend to use your area and go for a heat source that meets your needs.

Lights

It would also help to add lights to brighten the area and the mood. Some high-voltage lights may also help keep the area warm on cold days. You can opt for solar-powered or LED lights depending on how bright you want your space. Consult with a licensed electrician before installing any wiring or lighting.

Furniture

It will make more sense to include furniture for comfort and to ensure you enjoy the outdoor experience. Therefore, it is advisable to opt for weather-resistant furniture that’s not only durable but also adds an aesthetic appeal to your curb. Determine the available space to pick out the right furniture size and design to compliment your exterior.

You can go as far as adding an outdoor kitchen for those get-togethers or barbecue meals. Consider if the area adds room for gaming activities and whether you have space to include the amenities.

ATR081224

When the time comes for a remodel there are many decisions from the paint color on the ceiling to the walls and all the way down to the flooring choices. When flooring is an aspect of the remodel, there are many considerations to be made before choosing a flooring style to be installed. Wear and tear are factors that must be considered, as well as the looks and feel of the flooring. With so many options it can become frustrating and many will just settle on the first flooring that seems to make sense. However, don’t rush into a decision, rather take the time to do the research that is needed to have a successful remodel. This article will go over many options of flooring that can be installed as a do-it-yourself remodeling project.

Vinyl Flooring

Vinyl flooring is well known for its lower cost and durability. The flooring can stand up to rough and tough abuse, while still retaining its good looks. A great option for use in the bathroom or kitchen, the flooring comes in many different color options.

Carpeting

Carpeting is still a popular choice for many homeowners. It provides comfort and warmth to your home. With today’s modern fibers and carpet cleaning techniques, wall-to-wall carpet is easy to install and maintain. Consult with a carpet cleaning service to learn more.

Hardwood Flooring

Solid hardwood has been used by many as a top choice for many years. A very versatile and extremely durable product. The classic looks and charm of hardwood are the main reasons it is used in so many remodeling projects. Water can damage hardwood, so proper maintenance is a must.

Bamboo Flooring

Bamboo is one of the newer materials to take the market by storm in recent years. The environmentally friendly option, being made of grass, is a good alternative for the environmentally-minded consumer. The bamboo is elegant and has a natural look and feel.

Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring is a great option for those who don’t want to put the effort of maintenance into the floor. With a lower price tag than real wood, laminate flooring still does mimic the looks of real wood very well. laminate resists all types of wear and tear at the highest levels.

Linoleum Flooring

Linoleum is a very eco-friendly type of flooring product. Being very similar to bamboo, linoleum comes from nature and provides a very versatile and sturdy texture. Linoleum is available in many colors.

Ceramic Tile Flooring

Ceramic tile is world-renowned for its ability to combat water. The product is very waterproof. The product is also used in showers and countertops because of the longevity that can be reached, and because of its water-repelling properties.

Marble flooring

Marble is considered a very high-end choice in flooring. Although marble is gorgeous, dropping something heavy on the floor can cause it to crack, causing repair issues.

Bathroom remodels can be daunting, but they’re also incredibly rewarding. The right remodel can transform your home and give you a space that feels fresh, new, and functional. But with all that pressure on your shoulders, it’s easy to forget some of the most important details. Here are five pro tips for bathroom remodeling to get the most out of your time and money.

Be Consistent with Your Theme

Consistency is the key to a beautiful bathroom remodel. When choosing materials and colors, think about how they all work together. To keep it simple, stick to one theme throughout the entire room. Whether you prefer classic or modern, ensure that each element of your bathroom follows that look. It will help make your space feel cohesive and make people feel comfortable!

Choose Appropriate Flooring

Bathrooms are wet and moist, making them a breeding ground for mildew and bacteria. This means that you need to use flooring that’s easy to clean and resistant to mold. Tile is probably the best choice for most bathrooms, though wood floors can be used if appropriately sealed. Vinyl or linoleum are good options, though they require more maintenance than tile or wood floors.

Lighting Matters

Good lighting is essential in any bathroom. It helps you see better while shaving, brushing your teeth, or putting on makeup. If you have an older-style bathroom with fluorescent lighting or overhead lights, consider adding recessed lighting or track lighting so that you have plenty of light. You’ll also want to add task lighting wherever there’s a mirror or countertop so that everyone can see what they’re doing in the mirror or working on in the sink area.

Plumbing Installation

Proper installation is critical, especially if you are relocating primary fixtures. Installing toilets, tubs, sinks, and water heaters can be tricky. If you are not 100% sure you can do it yourself, hire a professional plumber to avoid disaster in the future. It will be worth the investment. Go to https://bardplumbing.com/ to learn more. 

Keep Maintenance In Mind

When renovating your bathroom, it’s easy to get caught up in how beautiful and luxurious it’ll be at the moment. However, what’s just as important is how well-maintained it will be, especially considering how often a bathroom gets used by its occupants. Consider what kind of maintenance your new design will require, and ensure you have access to those resources.

Add More Mirrors

Whether replacing or remodeling, adding mirrors is always a good idea. They make your space look bigger and brighter, creating the illusion of more storage space by reflecting light and helping bounce it around the room. Mirrors also make small rooms seem larger because they reflect light from all angles.

Wrapping Up

With tips in mind, your bathroom remodel can be a better experience. This can represent a significant step in transforming your bathroom into a place that truly fits your needs and improves your quality of life. And if you thought your bathroom was too small, or unwelcoming, it can prove otherwise when you follow the right advice. The payoff will be worth it.

Remodeling your home has many benefits. It can boost the value and help you get more out of your home. However, there are many mistakes that you can make during the remodeling process. You will need to avoid the following.

1.) Setting an Unrealistic Budget

Before you get anything done, you need to set a budget. Be realistic about what you can afford to do to your home. It is important to note that if you cannot afford to get something done now, you can always get it done in the future. Plan to spend at least 20 percent more than your budget. Unexpected costs may come up.

2.) Choosing the Lowest Bid

You are on a tight budget. However, that does not necessarily mean that you should choose the lowest bidder. The price often reflects the type of work that the contractor does. They may also keep the costs hidden until the project is done. They may also use low-quality materials to keep the costs low.

To ensure that you get a quality contractor, you will need to ask for references. You can also read online reviews.

3.) Solely Focusing on the Appearance

You are likely renovating your home because you want it to look better. However, the appearance of your home is not the only thing that you will have to consider. There are safety and structural issues that you will have to take into consideration. You may need to update your electricity and appliances so that your home is safer.

4.)Choosing the Wrong Materials

It’s important to choose building materials that are appropriate for your climate and lifestyle. For instance, tile flooring might not be the best choice if you live in a region where the weather is cold much of the time. Some materials may be hazardous without you even realizing it. Carpet cleaning services recommend that you install non-toxic carpeting to ensure your family stays healthy. 

5.) Not Having Realistic Expectations

You have your dream home in mind. However, you have to be realistic. Things may not go the way that you expect. It may also take a lot longer than you intend. Furthermore, it may not be possible for your home to get the exact renovations that you want. That is why you need to have realistic expectations.

Your contractor may recommend renovations that will be a better fit for your home. Be open to trying something that you did not think about before.

6.) Not Asking Your Contractors Any Questions

Remodeling is not always a straightforward process. That is why it is a good idea for you to ask questions throughout the process. Many problems can be avoided with proper communication. Your contractors should also be able to update you throughout the entire process.

ATR081324

 After a while, you might be thinking about renovating your home. It’s important that you think about remodeling the exterior of your home, not just the interior.

The problem is that you might not know exactly what you need to do or target when remodeling the exterior of your home. These are just a few steps you should take when making a renovation plan.

Exterior Plan

First, you have to think about what you’re going to do with the exterior of your home. For those having a newer home, you might just be looking to repaint all around the exterior.

For those who have an older home, you might be making more extensive changes. These changes could be changing out your roof, windows, siding, and more. You would do this when you want to make your home safer or you’re just looking to raise the value of your home before you end up putting it on the market.

Budget

Next, you need to think about how much money you’re willing to spend. You can easily spend thousands of dollars when you’re purchasing all types of material for your home.

Having paid contractors coming out will also cost you a lot of money, which is why you should be searching around and finding the rates for labor in your area. You should also contact building supply stores to figure out how much money is it going to cost you for all of the supplies.

Contractors

Speaking of contractors, you need to find reputable people to work on your home. The wrong contractors can end up losing you thousands of dollars and a lot of your time, things you can’t afford for them to happen.

You’ll want to look around for reviews before hiring a contractor. Positive reviews should have details like how much time it took them, the quality of their work, how nice they were, and more.

Order

You’re also going to want to think about the order of how you’re going to remodel the exterior of your home. This is important as some types of remodeling can best secure your home from any damage, while some types of exterior changes might be for more cosmetic reasons.

For example, you might want to replace your roof first when looking to replace the exterior of your home. This is because your roof can end up taking a lot of damage from rain, hail, snow, and more all from past storms.

Future Maintenance

You will want to consider the cost and time involved when choosing materials for your renovations. Think about the time and cost involved in cleaning siding, rooves, and windows, and be sure that you have the budget going forward. Get an estimate from a pressure washing company.  Also, consider how often you will need to re-paint or make small repairs. You might want to make a larger investment now to avoid small costs that will add up in the future.

ATR021523