Best Times of The Year to Renovate Certain Parts of The Home [Infographic]
Renovations...they can be fun or they can be cumbersome. When you choose the right time of year to do your renovations, however, you'll find that things go a lot smoother. Did you know home improvement seasonality can save (or cost) you lots of money? If you want to get the best bang for your buck, here are some things to think about when you're doing your next remodeling project:
January through Early March: Additions to your home
- The best month for house renovation projects that are going to add square footage to your home is actually February or early March when the ground is still frozen. This sounds counter-intuitive, but the frozen ground and dry air actually makes it easier for contractors to pour concrete.
- Builders tend to be less busy during the winter months, so you may score discounts. At a minimum, it'll be easier to schedule your project.
- Less chance for mixups or inaccurate orders when builders aren't overwhelmed with work
April through June: Outdoor projects like decks, patios, and paved walkways
If you've ever asked yourself, "When do people remodel their house?", it's often not during springtime unless they have a lot of extra cash to spend.
- Builders and craftsmen are busiest during spring, so they can charge a premium for their prices
- This is a great time to do the DIY projects you've put on the back burner
- Consider painting your home, building a deck, or cleaning out your garage while contractor fees are at their highest. When everything is cleaned up and prices come down, it'll be easier to afford a contractor for your renovation needs
July through September: Bathroom Remodeling
Since you'll be spending much of your time outdoors or away from home during the vacation months, it makes the most sense to renovate your bathroom during the end of summer. You can have someone check in on your place while you're away, but you'll avoid the unpleasantness of being without a bathroom or two, which would be a serious inconvenience if you were home during the remodel.
- Schedule your bathroom remodels while you'll be away
- Ask for references and referrals to be sure you hire a reputable contractor you can trust
- Make sure you understand all the paperwork before you leave
- Have a friend or neighbor check in on the progress once every day or two
- Hire a landscaper to take care of the lawn and make your curb aesthetics stunning so you can come back home to a beautiful lawn before you even see your new bathroom
October through December
The cheapest time of the year to remodel kitchen areas is usually the end of the year just before the holidays approach. Contractors' workflows slow down significantly, which means they may be more available than they would be in the spring or summer. Additionally, materials may be more affordable, as there's less demand.
- Schedule your kitchen remodel on a year when you won't be entertaining guests for the holidays.
- Allow plenty of leeway for delays in delivery, as inclement weather can push the dates back more than initially expected.
- Put supply and demand to work for you by working with contractors who aren't in their busy season when you want your biggest renovations done. It'll save you a lot of money and time in the long run, and you're more likely to have dedicated customer service if you have questions or concerns.
At RWC Windows, Doors & More, we help people remodel their homes the right way. Contact us for an initial consultation, and let our experienced pros guide you through the process!
How Do I Pay for Home Renovations? [INFOGRAPHIC]
Most homeowners always have a long wish list of various different projects they would love to undertake to improve their homes, including making renovations to the kitchen, bathroom, roof, building an addition, improving their HVAC system, and more. However, considering that most home renovations are quite expensive, money often comes in between many homeowner’s wishes and dreams. But the good news is that there are many ways to come up with the funds needed to finance home renovations.
Check out the ways to pay for home renovations:
Saving up and paying in cash
Paying for your home renovations in cash is arguably the easiest and best way to pay for home renovations. With cash, you won’t have to worry about payments or need to tie up your home’s equity with a loan. This is always the most financially sensible path to take, but it often limits the scope of home renovations that many homeowners can undertake. If you are short on cash, you can only undertake one small project at a time.
Home equity loans
A home equity loan is a great way to pay for home renovations if you don’t have the money to pay in cash. Home equity loans allow you take out a loan against the equity of your own house, and they generally offer low interest rates together with the ability to subtract those interest payments from your federal income taxes. However, you need to have a great credit score and at least 5% to 10% equity, or even 15% to 20%, to qualify for the loans. The biggest downside with home equity loans, however, is that because your home acts as the loan’s collateral, failure to make repayments can result in your home’s foreclosure.
Cash-out refinancing
This may be a good option for you if you have owned your home for several years, cleared its loan balance, and the home has increased in value. However, note that your monthly payments may go up even if your interest rate is lower because now you have a larger loan which includes the cash you take out for the renovation project. Additionally, you can opt for an FHA 203k loan which allows you to bind the costs of your renovations into your mortgage.
Taking a personal loan
If you don’t prefer putting your home up as collateral for a home equity loan, then taking a personal loan is a good option of financing for home renovations. Personal loans don’t offer the tax advantages that come with having a home equity loan or refinancing, but if you have a good credit and wouldn’t want to put your home up as collateral, it’s a good to consider. However, personal loans usually have higher interest rates than equity financing and mostly have a shorter repayment time frame.
Using Credit Cards
Credit cards can help you obtain funds for small renovations on your home, or for purchase of the materials required in the project. They allow you to make purchases when you don’t have cash up front, and you get rewarded with points by certain credit cards for every dollar spent. However, with this option you have to make sure that you can pay off your balances in full every month because the cards generally offer higher interest rates than many other types of financing.
Takeaways:
Some of the best ways to pay for your home renovations include:
- Paying with cash
- Cash-out refinancing
- Taking a home equity loan
- Taking a personal loan
- Using credit cards
- Considering an FHA 203K loan
These are just some of the many options available for home renovations financing that you can consider to make your dreams come true. When you’re ready to turn your dreams into reality and get started on remodeling your dream home today, consult the home remodeling experts at RWC Windows and Doors today!
The Best Home Remodeling Projects for Your Rental Property
Making a decent income with a rental property is an easy venture for many, simply because you don't have to put in a lot of effort to yield a consistent return from month to month. However, it is necessary to occasionally upgrade the properties and give them a little TLC to keep them attractive to potential tenants and avoid rental property depreciation.
As a landlord, keeping your costs to a minimum is how you actually make a profit, but this does not mean you can neglect your properties. The key is to find a balance between making upgrades and doing so in a cost-effective way. Check out this short list of the best remodeling projects for your rental property.
Replace the Entry Doors
The doors of a home are such a simple thing, but they are also one of the key things someone notices about a property. If the front or rear entry door to your rental is old with a shabby look and a lock system that's not that great, it speaks volumes about the whole property in the eyes of a renter. According to Expert Properties, a bad front door can actually make a home look cheap and unkempt. Thankfully, doors are a relatively inexpensive upgrade. Even if you go with the most basic design, it can work wonders if the existing door is damaged or unappealing.
Add Backsplashes Where Needed
How important is a backsplash? Actually, this is an important feature even in a rental property. Not only do prospective tenants appreciate a backsplash as a design and function feature in kitchens and bathrooms, this feature offers the dual purpose of being a form of protection to the walls in otherwise vulnerable places. A backsplash can be installed with simple tiles or formica. The average cost on the low end is only just over $500, so this is easily an affordable upgrade.
Upgrade to More Modern Windows
Ask any renter what they look for when considering a property before they sign a rental agreement and one of the things they will likely say is the windows. Windows can make a difference in a lot of important traits about the house, including:
- The outer and inner appearance of the home.
- The overall energy efficiency of the home.
- The overall security of the home.
Replacing the windows in the home can be a little more costly compared to some of the smaller remodeling projects, but replacing windows is also well worth the investment. You will see the value of the property rise, which also means you could potentially raise rental rates slightly because prospective tenants will be more willing to pay a little more for a place that has good windows.
Things to Remember About the Best Home Remodeling Projects for Rentals
- Replacing just the doors can make a huge difference in curb appeal.
- Backsplash additions in the kitchen and bathroom are attractive, easy, and cheap.
- Adding new windows is an upgrade that enhances property value and can garner you higher rent payments.
- Upgrades don't have to be expensive to make a difference.
Trust Professionals with Your Rental Property Upgrades
You may be able to set up a rental property and watch the funds roll in, but your attention to small details can make a big difference in how much your profit margin really is year after year in this kind of business. If you need help revamping your rental property as a landlord, reach out to us at RWC for help.
7 Home Renovation Mistakes & How to Avoid Them [Infographic]
When done correctly, remodeling projects can transform your home into a beautiful, usable space for your family. However, when home renovations are done wrong, disasters can be the result. Luckily, RWC can teach you everything to know before renovating a house. Use our tips to avoid common home renovation mistakes homeowners make when embarking on a home improvement project. By following our advice, your project will run smoothly and the result will be what you envisioned instead of just an expensive mistake. Scroll down to check out our home renovation infographic with the top 7 common mistakes made!
Planning Mistakes
- Choosing the cheapest contractor. Obtain quotes from three different contractors. Quotes should be given in writing and include specific information about products, sizes, permit fees, warranties and the change order process.
- Not expecting the unexpected. Plan to spend 15 or 20 percent more than you think the project will cost. Doing so will allow your budget to absorb unforeseen expenses that always arise during home improvement projects.
- Lack of usable space. Make sure a kitchen or bath renovation has adequate storage and counter space.
- Failing to anticipate a mess. Renovations are chaotic and time-consuming, so expect a mess from the get-go.
- Home renovation timeline is not provided or is inaccurate. Some contractors may overestimate or underestimate their work schedule, causing delays or overcharging.
- Doing 'want to's' instead of 'have to's.' Know the difference between items you must do and items you would like to do.
Construction Mistakes
- Skimping on unseen elements. Moisture barriers, energy efficient windows and other items you may not see will have a big impact on your home's long-term safety and function.
- Failing to get permits. If you don't get a permit, you could incur a fine and your homeowner's insurance may not cover a claim if something happens.
- Neglecting the electric system. Walk through the project with an electrician to ensure outlets are in the right spaces and everything is up to code.
- Ignoring long-term needs. Think about how you might use your home several years in the future instead of in the present.
- Overbuilding for your neighborhood. Your home renovations shouldn't make your home cost substantially more than others in the neighborhood.
Design Mistakes
- Measuring wrong. Make sure measurements are exact to avoid problems with installation.
- Insisting on hardwood. Hardwood may not be the best option for your family. Single-board laminate may be the best choice if you have pets and kids.
- Sticking to trends. Trends are temporary, so look for options that will stand the test of time instead of a short-term fad.
- Buy extra flooring. Having extra materials will allow for mistakes that can happen during installation and accidents that occur down the road.
- Buying cheap materials. You get what you pay for. Consider that when purchasing renovation materials.
- Oversized fixtures. Pick fixtures and features to complement the size of the room.
- Straying from style. Stay true to your home's architectural style to ensure a seamless result.
- Using the wrong paint. Look beyond color and select the right type of paint for your project. Flat paint is best for ceilings while glossy paint works well on trim.
Avoiding these mistakes will help your home renovation project get done quickly, correctly and within your budget. Do your research and plan ahead of time in order to avoid costly errors you'll regret down the road.
NJ Home Remodeling
Unsure where to start? For the best outcome, hire home renovation contractors with decades of experience helping homeowners with kitchen and bath renovations. With nearly 60 years’ experience, RWC is the trusted expert for home improvements. We know all of the home renovation mistakes to avoid and can help you achieve your dream home. Visit our showroom in West Caldwell, NJ, call us at (973) 435-4230 or contact us using our online form for home remodeling quotes and to start planning your renovation today!
Quality Pre-Finishing For Your Next Home Renovation Project
Thanks to media depictions of carpentry and construction, many people visualize the associated professionals doing all of their work right at their home. In reality, this is not the best way to go about things. Instead, it’s better to do the forming and finishing in a wood shop, factory, or similar facility. RWC’s custom pre finishing workshop allows all jobs to be done properly and quickly without any inconveniences to homeowners.
Why It’s Better to Form Things in a Real Shop
Proper wood shops have many tools that homes do not. The most obvious of these is heavy carpentry machinery. Floor-mounted saws, grinders, sanders, and other such machines are very stable. This allows for precise settings to be entered and maintained. The size of the equipment also means that there is no need to use makeshift supports for the pieces being worked on. Professional-grade safety equipment also prevents injuries. All of these things combine to allow the creation of close to perfect end results.
What Makes it Better to Finish the Pieces in the Shop
The short answer is that the end result is far superior. This is because the environmental conditions and application methods can be carefully controlled inside of a purpose-built facility such as RWC’s pre-finishing shop.
In the field, the prevailing conditions vary at each location, and this causes instability in terms of application rates, drying times, and the amount of wood dust present from other work. During the winter or even during a rainy spell, it can be impossible to apply finishes in the field at all. The weather has to be at the right temperature and humidity level in order to have a finish cure properly. Shops like RWCs have the heating and humidity control needed to allow for perfect results all year long.
A finishing shop is also better for the environment when compared to doing the work on site. The shops have ventilation systems that include specialized filters. These filters help keep the VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) from stains and paints from polluting the air as they dry. Shops also have concrete floors that prevent any spilled material from seeping into the ground before clean-up.
Finally, doing finishing work outside of a house or residential property is better for the property itself. There’s no need to worry about spills or overspray damaging nearby elements like floors, counters, or landscaping. While overspray sometimes happens in shops, it isn’t a problem to them since they’re made with industrial conditions in mind.
Other Benefits of Using a Shop for Forming and Finishing
The other benefits of pre-forming and pre-finishing are easier for customers to see at a glance. There will be no mess in your house caused by the cutting and sanding of forming your cabinet doors, trim, molding, and other wooden elements. There’ll also be no smell from the primer, paint, stain, or other finishing materials. These factors eliminate the problems that accompany doing this work inside your house.
Speed is another big benefit. When the work is done in the proper environment, with the proper tools and supports, the process goes far quicker.
Durability is a benefit that becomes apparent later but is very important. When everything is made exactly right, the chance of problems like cracking surfaces, peeling paint, and fading stain becomes minimal.
Timing
Even if pre-finishing is done inside of a shop, it’s still best to get it done before the coldest part of winter hits. Projects involving exterior elements of a house, such as windows and doors, are often done only during good weather. Since it’s best to get these things installed as soon as they’re done, avoiding the winter is a good idea.
If you need work done on your house, make sure to give RWC a call. We offer windows and doors that have been properly pre-finished, as well performing the final installation. Call us (973-227-7123) or visit us online today.
Home Sweet Home: Renovations and Your Home’s Value
If you're a homeowner, you've probably thought about renovating your home at one time or another. You may want to restore your home for structural or aesthetic reasons. As the owner of your home, you naturally want your home to look nice and to not be falling apart! Improving the quality of your home seems like a good investment, but is it?
Contrary to popular belief, some renovations can decrease the value of your home. For instance, moderately renovating your kitchen (on a reasonable budget) is a good idea and can improve the worth of your home. But, according to U.S. News, dropping tens of thousands of dollars on completely restyling your kitchen so that it looks more like the ones you see on your favorite gourmet cooking TV show can make your house less appealing to future potential buyers. They may not be as crazy about having a fancy kitchen as you may be, so they won't want to pay for it.
The same goes for bathrooms and even specialized rooms (like a sunroom or an indoor movie theater). Renovating traditional rooms so that they're high-class or high-tech, adding in nontraditional rooms, or even installing that hot tub you've always wanted may seem like upright investments, since they add appeal, which adds to the overall worth of your home. But, this is not the case.
Again, future potential buyers are most likely working on a budget or are just not interested in paying extra for things you might like, but they might not need, or for all that extra space you created. These factors and possibilities make your house less appealing and therefore of lesser value.
These issues are why renovating your home can be a huge waste of your time and money. Your time and money are just as valuable as your home, right? At first, restoring your home may seem worth the cost and commitment but as stated above. Most of the time it's not worth it since you'll only be decreasing the value of your home when you want to be increasing it.
If you're going to renovate any aspect of your house, renovate responsibly. Keeping up with the Joneses is not worth your home losing any of its value. Renovate your kitchen or your bathroom on a tight budget—it's possible under only $1,000! Also, don't knock down rooms you need, like a patio or a garage, for things you don't need, like a swimming pool.
To see if renovating your kitchen or bath will improve the value of your home, please visit RWC Kitchen & Bath for further details.
RWC Windows, Doors, Kitchens and Baths is a family-owned and operated business specializing in home improvement services. Everything from your windows to your doors and your kitchen to your bath, RWC is here to help. Our certified installers offer excellent assistance and high-quality services. Combined with our three-year "Headache Free" Service Warranty, RWC promises you a smooth and stress-free home improvement experience. For more information about our services, please visit RWC Services.
RWC has been relieving home improvement stress since 1959. Call us today or visit us on the web for your free consultation!
Renovate and Have a Good Time
As you look around your home, you start to see opportunities to get the ball rolling on a renovation project. There are improvements you could make that would create more functional living space or add an extra room onto your home's layout. Before you pick up a sledgehammer, take a step back and ask yourself why you should renovate in the first place.
Why Renovate?
Home renovations take you on a costly, time-consuming journey that winds its way around to a new home presentation. You lose a wall here and gain counter space there. Your house is dusty and dirty for what feels like forever. You will ask yourself more than once if the renovation is indeed a good idea. Before you start working on a renovation project, ask yourself a few more questions.
- Do you have the funds to cover a home renovation?
- Are you going to do the work yourself or hire a contractor?
- Do you have a temporary residence to stay in during the renovation process?
- Is the renovation a need for home functioning or is it something you want?
Upon answering these questions, take into consideration whether or not you will be placing your home on the market for sale within the next few months. Basic home renovations add value to your home. Focus improvement efforts on older features in your home. Areas such as an outdated kitchen and small bathroom will bring the largest increase in the overall value of your home after the renovations are complete. Small-scale improvements, such as installing a modern front door, can have a positive impact on the value of your home as well.
Renovations can also work to provide you with a lower premium on your homeowners insurance policy. The improvements you make to your home will become additional items your insurance company will need to insure. You may have the opportunity to increase your policy deductible, which could result in a payment reduction.
When to Renovate
Some months of the year are more desirable for home renovations than other times of the year. The spring and summer months provide you with the opportunity to venture outside while the work continues inside. Likewise, the rainy fall months or the frigid winter months may prevent work crews from reaching your home. Portions of your home may face exposure to the outside elements which can hinder the renovation progress as well.
Another ideal renovation time is during the summer when the hours of available daylight are longer. Having more extended daylight hours means contractors and renovation work crews can extend their work day. They can work into the early evening hours with plenty of light exposure. It helps to reduce the overall timetable for completion of your project.
You also want to avoid scheduling a project during a contractor’s offseason or periods of inactivity from the renovation business. Many contractors have specific time periods that they work while others work year-round without having a particular slow season. Knowing when you have the largest contractor pool available to select from impacts the time frame and expense level of your renovation project.
Determine a Budget
Home renovations are costly, and there are always additional expenses that are necessary during the renovation process. Before starting on a renovation, make sure you have enough funds available to cover the necessary renovation and any smaller, unexpected expenses that occur along the way. Detail your plans for a dream renovation project and then estimate how much every item on your wishlist will cost. Add in incidental costs such as hiring a contractor or needing additional materials.
Look over the detailed financial renovation plan to see what dollar amount you are facing. You may need to scale back your renovation plans to make the project more affordable for your budget limits. Larger projects can be spread across a few months or more to reduce the overall cost of the renovation.
Select a Contractor
All improvement projects start with the declaration that you will do all of the work yourself. Then reality sets in and you start thinking it’s time to hire a contractor. Start by receiving estimates from a minimum of three local contractors. Inquire about references from recent jobs they have done. Research each contractor online to see what other customers have to say about their services. When you make a hiring decision, obtain copies of their contractor license and work permits for your files.
RWC Windows, Doors, and More stands ready to provide customers with all of their home renovation needs. Their top-quality customer service approach avoids the use of sales commission and pressure purchase tactics and allows them to focus on the customer first, which explains why they have been in business for such a long time.
RWC has been relieving home improvement stress since 1959. Call us today or visit us on the web for your free consultation!
7 Ways to Renovate Your Small Kitchen or Bathroom and Create Storage Space
Are you starting to feel like your kitchen or bathroom is too small for your family’s needs? Did your other half tell you that if you bring home one more gadget for these rooms that you’re sleeping on the couch? Your first response to feeling this way may be that it’s time to move, but things might not be that serious just yet. There are plenty of ways that you can renovate your small kitchen or bathroom that will help you to create some serious storage space.
Lazy Susan
The lazy susan is a pretty ingenious idea. It goes into your cabinet and creates a rotating platform for all your things that were in that space. No longer do you have to dig to the back of the cabinet to find what you are looking for, as you can find it with an easy twist of your wrist. This renovation idea may be as simple as putting in a lazy susan or getting new cabinetry that incorporates the lazy susan design in them.
Turn Cabinets into Storage Masters
Lazy susans are not the only way to turn your cabinets into storage masters. There are other ways that you can maximize the space in your kitchen with new cabinets. For instance, there are some cabinets that can incorporate drawers into them. Then, you can pull them out to utilize every inch of the drawer - no more wasted space in the back.
Pot Racks
Pots and pans can take up a lot of space in your cabinets, so try to be creative with their storage. A pot rack on the wall or hanging from the ceiling can be a perfect way to maximize your kitchen storage space. Your pots and pans will be nicely organized in a neat fashion, and all that space can be used for all your other kitchen gadgets and doodads.
Add an Island
It may be time to pull out the big guns, and go about adding an island to your kitchen. This may require a more extensive renovation of your kitchen depending on your space or you may even be able to find a cart that can work as an island. Having a custom island built can be the perfect way to go because you’ll be sure that it works just right in your space, and can be built to include the extra storage space that you crave.
Add Storage Furniture
Both your kitchen and your bathroom can benefit from adding storage furniture. Put in storage towers or storage ladders to add some interesting design details along with extra places to put all of your things. Think about adding some little wicker baskets to the space. These can be great for guest rooms to hold towels or other items. Don’t forget the walls. Hanging storage, such as new cabinets or just a couple of small shelves can increase where you can store items.
Bathroom Sink Revamp
Your bathroom sink setup may be taking up more space than it needs to in your bathroom. There are some new designs available that can help you to get the most space out of your small bathroom. For instance, they have amazing wall mounted sink pedestals that even come with their own built-in storage space for a small hand towel or other items while leaving the floor clear for other storage. There are also some sinks that are thin and long rather than square to help you maximize your bathroom space.
Hidden Storage
There may even be ways to tap hidden storage spaces in your bathroom that you didn’t consider. One way to do this is by installing a full-length mirror that doubles as a storage space. This is multi-functional and works for just about any family. There are also more hidden spaces in your home that go a little deeper. Depending on how your home was designed, there may be spaces on your wall where you can add some extra storage. This requires the help of a professional, but can be a dramatic way of expanding your storage space. It may not be located in your bathroom, but extra space is extra space.
You may be feeling as though some of these projects are a little too complicated for you to handle, or maybe you’d just like an expert opinion on your small spaces. That is where RWC can come into the picture. We listen to what you need and want in your space, examine your current setup, and help you come up with a project that will make your space better.
Our installers are factory trained, and we are able to do just about everything in-house for you. From remodels to new additions, we’ve got your back. Check out our services today to get you started on the path to a home you adore.
RWC has been relieving home improvement stress since 1959. Call us today or visit us on the web for your free consultation!
Thank you and feel free to contact me with any questions!
Don't Sell Your Home: Examine Ideas for a New Jersey Spring Remodel
Winter is just about over, and after being cooped up in your home for so long all you can think of is how it’s no longer working for you and your family. Rather than go through the hassle of putting your house on the market, look at the potential it still has for your family along with how you can put that potential to use for you. Spring is the right time to start thinking about ways you can improve your home. Most people think about spring cleaning and putting their homes on the market, but what better way to skip that headache by improving the flow and organization of your home with a few remodeling projects?
Your Kitchen
Kitchens are usually areas that can get pretty cluttered throughout the year. A spring remodel is the perfect way to kick off the good weather. You can incorporate lots of new and innovative storage ideas in the kitchen with cabinets and an island that are sure to make your spring cleaning a lot easier. Spring is a good time to get started with renovations because summer party season isn’t in full swing yet, and you might be able to get in with your contractor before he starts getting really busy for the season.
Your Bedroom
Keeping in the same mind as spring cleaning, your bedroom is another area that can often benefit from some remodeling. You can improve your closets or en suite master bath to take better advantage of the space that you have available to you. Installing built-in storage is a good way to get better use out of these rooms, and a different design flow may work wonders for how your home will better suit your needs.
Your Bathroom
No en suite bathroom? No problem. You can still enjoy a fresh bathroom space for spring with a bathroom remodeling project. Big shower stalls with rainfall showerheads are a popular trend that people are putting into their homes to achieve spa-like luxury. Creating a relaxing environment in your bathroom is sure to make you want to stay in your home, and these remodels often add great value to your home’s market price.
Your Doors and Windows
Spring is a great time to think about installing new doors and windows. Older doors and windows may not only be uncomfortable to have in your home because of the drafts that can come from them, but they can also cost you money on your electric bill. Your heating and cooling costs will thank you for taking the time to put in more energy-efficient doors and windows. Doing this in spring will make it more pleasant for the installers, and puts you in a good position with your upcoming summer cooling bill.
Your Mudroom
This can be the perfect time of year to update your mudroom or other entry space in your home. This is the area that is first seen when someone enters into your home, and can often be rather messy. Look at ways you can redesign the space to make it work better for you. Expanding the space or putting in storage options can be a good way to better use this area. Doing this in spring is a great idea because this is the time of year when it really gets put to use, and you may be more open to ideas of how to transform it.
New Additions
Spring is an excellent time to look into adding a new addition to your home. Add some additional outdoor living space by creating a screened in back porch that can be used all year long. Please the outdoor chef with an outdoor kitchen that is perfect for hosting parties. Put in a fire pit that works great on cool spring and autumn evenings. Create another bedroom to let your growing kids spread out. Add that extra space for an office or entertainment room to help your family fit better in your current space. There are a lot of different ideas out there for your new home addition, and this space can really be anything that will help your family be happy in your current home.
Spring is a time of new beginnings, but it doesn’t have to be the time to say goodbye to your home. You can implement some of these spring home renovation ideas to remodel your home and make it better fit your needs. Then, rather than spending your summer trying to find a new home and selling your old one, you can enjoy your new space. Not only will you have a new space (or spaces) that you adore and make you want to enjoy your home, but you’ll potentially be building in more value for your home when the time is right to put it on the market.
Not sure what springs remodels will be right for your New Jersey home? Talk with the professionals who can walk you through the process.
Why You Might Want to Reconsider that Kitchen and Bathroom DIY Project
Most home renovation projects start out pretty much the same way. First the happy homeowners have grand ideas of what the new space will look like and then they start to work on creating the bathroom or kitchen of their dreams. Too often, not enough forethought is put into the project and that can cause some problems down the line. Another reason homeowners run into problems with their home remodeling project is that they incorrectly assumed they would be able to complete the job themselves without consulting a professional contractor, planner, or construction specialist. Trying to tackle a huge home renovation project without the assistance of a skilled professional can often lead to disastrous results like the ones below.
Decorating Disasters
Decorating disasters are all too common with home remodels. Sometimes the disaster is a result of two people having differing opinions on how to decorate the new space with the result being a ghastly compromise. Other times it is a question of an inability to cleanly combine the old décor with the new result being a hodgepodge of designs that are mismatched. Rather than taking a shot in the dark and hating the final results, a better option is to consult a professional designer to help with the process so the new design can seamlessly transition into the existing décor of the home.
Fizzing out on phases
Most homeowners who decide to undertake a remodeling job don’t have unlimited funds. So, in order to fit an entire remodel into a budget, it gets done in phases. The big problem with this course of action is that too often there is a huge span of time between the beginning of the first phase and the end of the last phase. The end result could be the décor and fixtures in each phase are decades apart in style. No one wants to have a kitchen that was remodeled in the ‘70s, and a current dining room. If an entire remodel job can’t be done at the same time, be sure to choose timeless design features that will work with any décor and any new trends that come around.
Lack of storage space
The kitchen and bathroom are both areas in the home where an abundance of storage space is a must. Nothing will make a homeowner unhappier with their new space than not having enough room for everything when the project is complete. Kitchen remodel plans should include ample storage space for cooking utensils such as pots and pans as well items such as cookie sheets and baking pans. Also, it is essential to make sure there is plenty of room to store perishable food items such as canned and boxed foods. Storage space for the bathroom should include room for everyday toiletry items such as toothpaste, soap, and hair products. If the home does not have a dedicated closet for towels, there needs to be space for those in the bathroom as well. A professional design consultant can help homeowners determine how much space they will need to allow for enough storage.
Unfinished work
One of the biggest problems homeowners run into with a DIY remodel of the kitchen or bathroom is that they run out of money before the job is done. Everyday homeowners generally aren’t realistic about how much a project is going to cost and they tend to not factor in allowances for mistakes that need to be fixed. The result ends up being a renovation that cannot be finished. A professional contractor will be able to make a more accurate assessment of the work that needs to be done as well as budget more accurately. Another trick professionals tend to practice is padding the budget a bit to allow for unexpected expenses or fixes that need to be made. Homeowners generally don’t take this precaution, which can cause them to go over-budget. Unfinished renovations of bathrooms and kitchens are inconvenient and frustrating. Having to live in an unfinished house can take its toll on the people who have to live through it. Further, having unfinished walls or other structures can waste energy, which adds to the cost of the renovation and the overall household expenses. Therefore, it is in the best interests of the homeowners to forgo doing a bathroom or kitchen rehab on their own and leave the work to the professionals instead.
Taking on huge bathroom and kitchen remodels can be time-consuming and complicated. Unless a homeowner is a skilled professional or an extremely proficient DIY-er, large renovation projects to bathrooms and kitchens are better left to the professionals. Even though the initial output of money may be more than a homeowner might want to spend, there will be less money wasted on mistakes that could have been avoided and therefore more money saved in the long run.