Has Your Home Lost Its Way

When you have been living in a house for a long time you may find that you become a little bit tired of your surroundings. This could be just because you have been there a long time or it may be that you have been through a lot in your life and the walls just remind you of bad times you want to forget or good times that are in your past that you need to move on from. Whatever the reason, and if you have the money, why not just remodel your home?

Decorate

The simplest way of doing this is probably to decorate. You could start by repainting all the walls different colours and getting all your woodwork to match. Maybe you could replace some or all of your furniture with more modern alternatives or maybe swapping some rooms around might work. By this I mean turning a living room into a bedroom or vice versa or maybe putting your kitchen in your dining room to give yourself a lot more space.

Revamp

You could take the decorating to whole other level by knocking walls through to make two or maybe three small rooms into one massive room. This works well with kitchens as they are traditionally quite small in the and often attached to dining rooms that seldom get used.

Extend

A more dramatic way of making over your house is to build house extensions. This could come in the shape of a sun room or you might want to stretch the whole side of your house, top and bottom floors, all the way out to the end of your property line. This is a more expensive option but it will give you house a whole new feel that will make it seem like a new house. Sun Rooms are particularly good for this as they let in a great deal of light that can make any home feel bigger and brighter.

Don't Become an "If Only"

You can usually tell that a home remodeling project - especially a larger one - went well if the homeowner does not include an "if only" in their conversations about the end result. Unfortunately, too many homeowners do end up uttering those words. It's not that anything went really wrong with their project, it just didn't turn out quite as they envisaged.

A lot of the time in this situation the problem was not with the work that was done but what the homeowner failed to speak up about. Here are a few examples that you should keep in mind as you plan your home remodeling project and maybe learn from the mistakes of those that have gone before you.

If Only I Had Asked For More Outlets

This seems like a rather insignificant detail at first - which is probably why so many homeowners forget all about it - but having the right number of electrical outlets in the right places can make a huge difference to the function of any space.

For example, the homeowner steps into their beautifully remodeled kitchen only to realize that they can't put their appliances where they wanted to because the outlets are too far away. Or they cannot use their hairdryer in front of that great new mirror because they forgot to ask the electrician to add a socket there. Your contractors are not mind readers and will only do the work you ask them too. Make sure that you discuss even the smallest of details - like an extra outlet - with your contractors before the work begins.

If Only I Had Been More Specific

The clearer you can be with your contractors during a remodel the better. He knows that you want tiling done in the bathroom, but what about the color of the grout? Do you want the handles and drawer pulls that come standard with your kitchen cabinets or do you want to pick out something different? Again, think about these little details before the project begins to avoid disappointment and/or additional expense.

If Only I'd Been Around More

Work may suffer if the "boss" is not around and without good, ongoing communication between contractor and client little problems that could have been solved with one phone call can snowball into serious issues. It should not have to be your contractor's responsibly to try to catch up with you for two days to answer a simple question that is holding up the whole project. Make a habit of checking in with your remodeling construction crew at least once a day, just to make sure that everyone is still on the same page.

How Much Can Vinyl Siding Cost?

Vinyl siding is an exterior walling manufactured from polyvinyl chloride or PVC resin. It is the cheapest to install when compared to other siding options like fiber cement, wood or aluminum sidings. Labor and maintenance cost is very minimal and affordable. The material is highly durable and some vinyl sidings are energy-efficient having energy star label. These are some reasons why many homeowners are opting for this highly in demand type of siding.

If you have made up your mind that this is what you want, the next step is to know how much it will cost. This will depend on various factors and whether you want it professionally installed.

How much will your vinyl siding project cost? There are different classes of vinyl sidings. Its cost depends on whether it is low-grade, mid grade or premium grade. Low grade cost ranges from US$0.45 and up, mid grade vinyl costs about US$1.60 per square foot and premium grade costs about US$ 1.90 without the extra pieces. For a typical job, installation will cost about US$ 1.60 per square foo.

Total siding cost also depends on the thickness, from .035 to .055 inches for the average grade siding while the premium thickness is from .040 to .048 inches. Additional cost will come from any trim packages, channels, corner board details, shutters, crown moldings, soft fits and existing siding removal. The removal budget can probably amount between $1000 to $3000 depending on the size.

Don't forget also that any choice of certain special order color will be having a higher price of US$ 2-4 more than the standard colors. Insulated type of vinyl siding and those with UV protection will also mean extra costs of additional 20%. Another matter is when you want a thicker siding, it will cost you more. When it comes to installation cost, the contractor will charge between US$ 2 to US$ 7 per linear foot.

Should You Go With the Lowest Bidder?

Lowest price is an alluring way to choose a home remodeling contractor. When comparing estimates, make sure that you are comparing apples-to-apples. There are many features and characteristics that can be different among the myriad of products available. The price quoted for the project should include all aspects of the job:

- The products with defined styles, products and accessories
- Any special circumstances with either the products and/or the installation
- The warranty for both the products and the installation

A good proposal will be thorough, complete and clearly written thereby minimizing possible later misunderstandings. Make sure you know the products that are being used and that they will be installed in accordance with the manufacturers installation specifications.

Review the warranty information carefully. Ask for explanations of price variations between contractors and, above all, do not automatically choose the lowest bidder. You may find after close examination, higher prices may be justified to suit your needs and the overall objectives of your home improvement project.

Maintenance Requirements and Long-Term Care for a Home Remodel

Maintenance, such as painting, cleaning, manufacturer required maintenance, routine repairs, and even future replacement can become burdensome - particularly with poor product choices.  The associated costs can exceed the original installed cost of the products, sometimes maintenance requirements (and costs) will vary based on products, the manufacturing processes and even the installations. For example, wood windows will require regular painting, typically every three to five years. Steel windows also may require regular painting, typically every five to seven years. As temperatures fluctuate vinyl window frames expand and contract very differently than glass panes which can result in stresses that can affect long term performance. Painting costs can be eliminated by the use of fiberglass, vinyl and some clad wood windows. However, the performance of fiberglass window frames over a wide range of temperature fluctuations is far superior to other materials. And lastly, the installation of the products: with almost any of the materials you choose installation in accordance with the manufacturers specifications is an important consideration - not only for long term performance but peace of mind warranty validation.

Further on the windows example, they may require some preventive and corrective maintenance to keep them in good operating condition and weather-tight. Each manufacturer has suggested or required maintenance that needs to be performed to maintain warranty validation. This should not be ignored as it can significantly add to the life cycle cost of the products you select.

Wood entry doors can warp in time and will also require regular painting (three to five year intervals). Maintenance requirements of fiberglass doors are considerably lower and have the same performance features of fiberglass windows.

Fiber-cement siding is known for long lasting beauty and minimal maintenance requirements. It is resistant to mold and, because of inherent stability, paint adheres very well over time. Its' fire resistance is legendary. Vinyl siding on the other hand requires regular power washing particularly if mold persists and it has practically no fire resistance (toxic fumes when heated).

This kind of home remodeling analysis should be performed (in greater detail) on every major component of your home remodeling project.

Finding Your Remodeling Budget

5 Tips for Choosing a Remodeling Budget

1. Know your current bills. It is very important that you know what you spend each month prior to adding a remodeling bill. If you are not already certain of what amount of your income you spend each month you should come up with a budget and figure out exactly how much more money you can afford to spend each month. This amount is how much you have to put towards a home remodel.

2. Determine what you want done. If you don’t know what you want to accomplish with this remodel you will have trouble determining how much you are going to need to spend. A lot of times doing a full home remodel is not feasible all at once. It is important that you are able to break it down to exactly what you want done, and the level of importance in completing the different aspects of the project. You may want new windows before new flooring for example.

3. Hire a professional. Often times you can set a budget but still have no idea what it will cost to actually complete what you want done. This is where a professional comes into play. There are several companies in the south sound area of Seattle, Renewal Remodels & Additions is one of the best. By hiring a company such as this one you will be able to get an estimate of not only what the project will cost but also how long it will take.

4. Be honest about your budget. Once you have chosen and hired a company to help you with the remodel you need to be honest about your budget. If the contractor thinks you have $20,000 for your bathroom remodel and you can really only afford $10,000, this is going to be a problem.

5. Be realistic! Once your budget has been planned and you have looked into different companies to hire it is crucial to take a step back and say “can we really afford this right now?”. If the answer is no, put off the remodel until you can save up some money and have a larger budget to make your dream remodel possible.

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Remodel or Move?

There are various choices you can make when you deal with investments in the real estate industry. In the midst of the overwhelming possibilities, make sure that you are always making options that are geared towards profitability and the productiveness of your ventures. For instance, if you are torn between a salient decision of buying a new house or remodeling your old one, carefully assess the two alternatives and consider the pros and cons that you are bound to encounter in the process. This always helps as to whether your investment is truly in the right track.

A sound venture is something that is carefully and comprehensively studied and assessed based on all aspects of their prospective options. For instance, if you are going to buy a house or renovate your old residence, then you need to consider some of the basic resources you have specifically funds and budget. Do you have sufficient money to spend on your home project? If you are seriously considering purchasing a new house, you need to secure a home equity loan in order to finance your venture. Getting a mortgage is not a simple task to start with. A hefty amount is primarily needed to comply with the different payment obligations incurred in the process of closing your transaction. Closing costs include the fees for the provision of the title insurance and the credit report for your qualification and approval of the loan. You also need to pay for the home appraisal, real estate commission and that of the seller's cost.

Remodeling your house on the other hand only needs a smaller amount of money especially if you intend to do cosmetic and minimal renovations around the house. If you deem it necessary to make some major structural upgrade, then you need to exert more effort, time and money as well. Make sure that your home project is in line with the zoning requirement, have proper building permits to avoid code violations and the like. Heeding the rules and regulations of the homeowners association especially if your renovation is potentially affecting your other neighbors is also very important before your jumpstart your ventures.

Choosing the Right Paint Colors for Your Remodel

When you're planning a home remodeling project, you should have a color scheme in mind for every room, but choosing the actual paint shade usually comes at the end of the home renovation process.  Because looking at all the choices in the paint store can be overwhelming, here are some considerations to keep in mind:

1. Hold off on choosing a precise shade until you have rugs and furniture selected. That way you can be sure to create a unified look. Take samples of your carpet, upholstery, and tile to the paint store with you.

2. Glossier finishes reflect light and are easy to clean, making them a good choice for trim or kitchen and bathroom walls that need to be cleaned more frequently. A matte finish is better at hiding flaws in the walls and creates a softer look by absorbing more light.

3. What kind of mood do you want to create with your room? If you want a cozy feeling, darker colors might be the way to go since they can make the room feel smaller. If you want the room to feel larger and more expansive, lighter colors on the walls will help.

4. A very bright color on walls can feel overwhelming and frenetic. Sometimes it's best to pick the most neutral version of your desired color and use the brighter shades for accents.

5. Most people prefer white or off-white for trim around windows and doors to draw attention to them, but you don't have to follow suit. A lighter shade of your wall color can be lovely while still drawing the eye. Dark trim and light walls can be striking but sometimes hard to pull off well.

6. Don't choose a paint color right away; take those samples home with you and think about them. Although paint is relatively easy to change, repainting a room can be an annoyance. Be sure you're happy with the paint before you begin.

Tips for a Successful Remodel

ORGANIZE! To make the job easier and ensure your percentage of good ideas is as high as possible, you need a strategy to organize your information. Use a three-ring binder or expandable file folder. You must keep copies of all contracts, change orders, invoices, receipts, and permits. These will be invaluable if you have disputes with your contractors and when tax time comes around. Other sections to consider are ideas from magazines, quotes, contractor contact info, and so forth.

Don't be afraid to play designer. Many "amateur" home designers come up with great ideas, and since you are living in your home day after day, you can have better ideas than the "pros." So get out a pencil, make 100 copies of your current floor plan, and sketch out all the alternatives. It doesn't matter how great or bad they are, experiment with alternatives. At this point it's free, so enjoy!

But don't get too wild and crazy. You are almost always better to stick with a traditional size and shape in a home, both for resale value and cost for your remodel. Having a kitchen on the second floor may strike you as a clever and unique solution, but if it means moving the gas, electrical wiring, and plumbing up to the second floor, this change will add significantly to the project costs.

Figure out what, if anything, you want to do yourself. Have he home remodeling contractors itemize their quotes to determine which phases of your project you might be able to do yourself and which ones you want to hire someone to do. Tasks you might consider doing include project management, demolition, rough electrical wiring, installation of cabinets, fixtures, and appliances, and finish work. Tasks you should probably leave to the pros include foundation work, framing, installing sheetrock, and installing breaker boxes and connecting your home to the electrical service.

Which Part of Your Home Should You Remodel?

As time passes, every homeowner begins to get tired of some aspect of their house. "The kitchen's too small" or "The bathroom is not a place for a relaxing bath" are some of the most common complaints. Every home could always be better; more attractive and functional. How does one achieve the results they desire? Which room or rooms should be given priority for remodeling?  Most real estate agents and builders will recommend that remodeling a kitchen and bathroom will maximize any increase in the home's value, especially if selling the home is a potential reality within the next five years or so. Even if the homeowner is not planning to sell, it still makes perfect sense to improve the home just for their own enjoyment.

With all the new and exciting kitchen and bathroom upgrades available on the market such as whirlpool tubs, imported tile, efficient green light fixtures, and so on, it's not surprising that people are itching to spruce up their own abodes. Currently the trend for upgrading and remodeling a home has been with a strong focus on efficiency and the use of "green" materials.  As more builders recognize individual's concerns regarding the environment and future generations, options for remodeling any part of the home are opening up. What once was viewed as impractical or expensive is now acceptable due to individual lifestyle changes being made by homeowners in order to be more efficient and cost effective.

Many of the more common place "green" items available for bathroom remodels are dual flush toilets, LED lighting, and recycled tiles. Pedestal sinks have been making a comeback as well, as more homeowners are trying to achieve a more classic feel. Many such fixtures can be reclaimed from older home sites that have been demolished or remodeled themselves.

Having a Full-Service Design and Remodel Under One Roof Solves Problems Before They Start!

While this may seem like the more expensive route, it can actually be the most predictable and cost-effective. “A lot of designers don’t know how to listen to homeowners,” says Gary Marrokal, owner of Marrokal Design and Remodeling. A full-service design remodeling company helps homeowners understand exactly what they are getting—from start to finish—which avoids common industry problems that often occur when an architect drafts the design plans and then a builder is brought in later.

Frequently, when homeowners turn to architects, the plans are over-built and too costly to be developed. When you use a full-service design-and-remodel company, the budget for the design and construction are taken into consideration.

“It’s like if you and I go to the store and we don’t know the budget and I load up a bag with expensive steaks, chips, soda, and a lot of other items without realizing the real cost of the food. Then when we get to the counter, we’re way over budget. The bag gets blown out because we can’t afford it,” says Marrokal.

“In a full-service company, you will understand your design and how it’s going to be when it’s complete,” he says.