Adding on is a great way to expand your home and add value, but it’s not always an easy decision. Adding onto your home can give you the extra space you need to make your life more easier and enjoyable!
More space
Let’s take a look at some of the benefits you can expect to experience when you add space to your home.
The most obvious benefit is that adding a room, or even just a small addition, will give you more living space. If you’ve got an existing home with no additions, it might feel cramped in some areas and as if it doesn’t have enough room for all your stuff. Adding another bedroom or even just finishing the basement could make all the difference in giving your family more breathing room and making them happier with their home.
Better functionality
Here are just a few examples of how you can use the extra space an addition provides:
By adding an extra story to your house, you’ll be able to add a laundry room or home office.
If you have kids who need their own space, why not turn the attic into a playroom?
Perhaps you want to create your dream master suite. If this is the case, consider adding an addition to your room so that the possibilities are endless of what you can create in this space.
Is there no place in your house where guests can hang their coats and bags? An addition could provide ample space for a mudroom or guest room where visitors can leave their belongings safely before entering into other parts of the house.
Adding on also gives you the opportunity to add other amenities like an outdoor kitchen or swimming pool if desired.
This allows for more flexibility in planning parties and cookouts with friends and family members who live far away from one another but still want to see each other often without having to travel too far away from their regular lives at home!
Is everyone fighting over bathroom time in the morning? Adding another bathroom would also be a great use of an addition.
Better organization
A major benefit of adding on to your home is that it allows for better organization, more storage, and better use of space. You may want to expand the square footage of your living space, or create a space.The extra square footage will allow you to organize your belongings in a way that makes sense for the way you live. You can create separate rooms for different activities, such as a playroom, office, or guest room.
Save time, effort, and money instead of moving
Moving is expensive, time-consuming, stressful and a hassle for the whole family. If you’re moving into a new home and have children in elementary school or younger, it’s likely that they will have to change schools as well. Uplifting your whole life and family like that is less than appeasing.
With an addition built onto your house, however, you can stay put and avoid all of these hassles. You won’t need to worry about finding a new place to live or changing schools (unless you want to). Your children won’t have to adjust their schedules dramatically either—especially if they already know their way around the neighborhood!
Improve your home’s value
If you’re a homeowner, you know that one of the best ways to increase the value of your home is by adding an addition. An addition can increase the size of your home, making it more functional and allowing for additional living space. It can also improve the functionality of your current living space by adding rooms that are needed or desired—such as an office, playroom, or guest room—and creating more privacy from the outside world. More square footage can bring more money in your pocket
The benefits of adding on are considerable.
Here are some of the main benefits you can expect to get from adding on:
More space. Adding on provides you with additional square footage, which is always good for your family and household. Not only does it mean more storage, but also more room for entertaining guests and making memories. Plus, when you add a new room or two onto your home, there will be fewer arguments over who gets what space in the house!
Better functionality. If you’re looking to increase the functionality of your kitchen or dining room—or just want an extra bedroom—an addition will do just that! You’ll be able to optimize these spaces so they’re exactly how you want them by adding things like windows and doors (and even enclosed porches), as well as appliances such as microwaves or dishwashers if needed.
Improved organization/storage space/cleaning efficiency/etc… This one goes hand-in-hand with better functionality because having enough storage space in general makes everything much easier for everyone involved! Whether that means being able to store toys away from beds at nighttime or simply providing enough countertop space so nobody has any excuse not to clean up after themselves…
Conclusion
Thinking about adding on to your home? Contact Refine Construction! Adding on to your home is an excellent way to increase the value of your home and make it more functional. It also provides you with more space that can be used for any number of reasons, whether it be adding a second bathroom or expanding your master bedroom. Adding on can save money in many ways, including when it comes time for moving or renovating.
During the winter months, it can be tempting to spend your days curled up on the sofa, tucked under a blanket, watching your favorite TV programs. However, the winter can actually be the perfect time for you to get on with some of your most pressing home renovation projects.
With that in mind, in this blog post, we are going to take a look at some of the best home renovation projects to do during the winter. So, let’s take a look…
Freshen up your bathroom and upgrade your plumbing fixtures
You do not need to break the bank in order to renovate your bathroom. Most bathrooms are small in size, so making small changes can actually make a big overall difference.
Why should you upgrade your bathroom?
Before we take a look at some of the different ideas and suggestions for your home, let’s take a look at some of the key benefits associated with upgrading your bathroom:
Create a more eco-friendly space – We all need to do our bit for the planet. Not only can we create a more eco-friendly home but we can reduce our utility bills in the process. Therefore, upgrading your bathroom makes a lot of sense from an eco-perspective. From saving water to using LED light bulbs, there are a number of different ways that you can go about this.
Turn your bathroom into a luxurious, peaceful oasis – Bathrooms are often viewed as practical spaces. People get dressed, brush their teeth, and go to the toilet. However, why not think of your bathroom as more of a spa-type environment? Look for ways to create a space that is opulent, relaxing, and luxurious. When you do this, it means you have the perfect place in your home to relax and unwind after a challenging day at work. You can take a long soak in the bath, ease your muscles, and truly enjoy the time you spend in the bathroom, rather than only viewing it as a practical environment.
Save money in the future – Aside from the benefits that we have discussed so far, another reason why bathroom renovations are so appealing is that they give you the ability to save a considerable amount of money. There are a number of ways you can dot his. Firstly, by embracing more eco-friendly approaches, you can save the amount of money that you spend on electricity and water every month. Not only this, but bathroom upgrades and improvements tend to have a significant impact on the value of your property.
Enhance your property’s value – Expanding on the list point in further detail, according to research, you can expect a 102% return at resale after a minor bathroom remodel. Therefore, this is one of the best renovation projects to undertake if you are looking to increase the value of your home.
Being mindful of mold and mildew during the winter
Throughout the cold winter months, you have the perfect recipe for mildew and mold buildup due to the combination of closed-off windows and hot steamy showers. So, it makes sense to start off with a deep clean in the bathroom, and then you should re-grout around the tile.
You don’t have to spend a lot to upgrade your bathroom
Inexpensive, small updates include painting an accent wall or replacing hardware, such as the sink faucet. You may want to install LED light strips around a mirror or inside of cabinet doors to improve lighting. You can easily improve bathroom storage by adding pull-out drawers inside cabinets or installing new shelving.
Finally, the effectiveness of simply changing out shower curtains or towels to create an updated look should not be underestimated.
Upgrading old plumbing fixtures during the winter
You can also update your old plumbing fixtures throughout the winter period. This brings the benefit of enhancing the functionality of your home while giving immediate visual appeal. Winter is an excellent time to do this, so long as the temperatures have not gone too far below freezing.
New plumbing fixtures are going to utilize water more efficiently in comparison to older fixtures, so not only will you get the aesthetic enhancement but this project is going to lower your impact on the environment and save you some money in the process.
Another bonus of doing this during the winter months is that this season tends to be pretty slow for plumbers, and so you should not run into too much trouble when it comes to booking professionals on the dates that you want to get the job done.
Replace doors and windows
Another home improvement project that can help boost the curb appeal, efficiency, and resale value of your property is door and window replacement. This is a big project that can get complicated easily, so it always makes sense to work with reputable and experienced door and window replacement businesses.
Reasons why you should replace your windows and doors
There are a number of different reasons why this is a renovation project that you should consider for your home over the coming winter months, including the following:
Noise reduction – The first benefit that you can expect to reap by having new windows and doors installed is noise reduction. Whether you live on a busy street or you’re close to a local train station, excess noise can be frustrating and can prevent you from leading a peaceful and restful life. Luckily, you can opt to have high-performance windows installed that will reduce the amount of noise that gets into your home.
Improve the energy efficiency of your home – One of the main reasons why people get new windows and doors installed is so they can enhance the energy efficiency of their property. By choosing modern windows and doors, you can ensure that your home stays warm during the winter months, as less energy will escape from these points within your home. Of course, there are many different factors that will impact how efficient windows are, so you need to work with an experienced and reputable company. Factors such as the type of glass used, the frame materials, and the gaps between the glass can all have an impact.
Enjoy more home comfort – The first two points that we have mentioned come together to create a home that is much more comfortable for you and your family. After all, your home should provide an environment whereby you feel comfortable and at ease, and that is exactly what new windows and doors can offer.
Enhance home security and safety – It is sad that we have to go to extensive measures to protect what is rightfully ours, but unfortunately, this is the day and age that we live in at the moment. With new windows and doors, you can make the most of modern materials and the latest safety features so that you can reduce the chance of any sort of security breach happening on your premises.
Boost the value of your property – As is the case with a new bathroom, you can expect new windows and doors to increase the value of your property as well. The increase is going to depend on the windows and doors you have in place at the moment and the upgrade you will make.
Are you worried about replacing your windows and doors during the winter?
If the idea of replacing your doors and windows during the cold weather makes you fear how high your heating bill is going to climb, don’t worry! Most contractors are going to replace one door or window at a time, so heat loss will be minimized. Plus, once the doors and windows are installed, you will be able to save a considerable amount of money on your heating bill because you can increase energy performance considerably.
Upgrade lighting in your home
Last but not least, the third project that we recommend during the winter months is to upgrade the lighting in your property. During the winter months, you are going to rely on your lighting more than you do during the summer months when the sun stays around for much longer.
This means that attention can be drawn to dim areas of your home or harsh lighting. So, why not make the most of this by changing or upgrading your lighting?
Make the switch to LED lighting
An obvious place to start is by making the switch to LED lighting. This is a great way of making your property brighter while also reducing your energy bills in the process. What makes LED lights so effective is that you can achieve the same level of brightness as incandescent bulbs while using much less energy in the process.
Make a plan when upgrading the lighting in your home
One critical piece of advice that we have for you when it comes to the lighting in your home is to make a plan. Whether you are redecorating a room or starting from scratch, a lighting plan will ensure that you tackle all of the essentials and create a space that really works for you.
You should think about the sort of activities that are going to take place in every room, for example, working, relaxing, and eating, as well as the architectural boundaries that need to be considered and the key elements of the room that you want to highlight. Think about the output, scale, style, and even color temperature of the lights before you rush off and make any design decisions. Early planning will ensure there are fewer rushed last-minute decisions and headaches.
When it comes to putting your plant together, you will want to take the layered approach to light. Use different sources of light across various levels to generate ambiance and interest within a room. Utilize lighting so you can make the most of the shape and size of the room. For instance, light clusters make big rooms seem cozier, low-hung pendants create a feeling of height, and uplighting makes a room feel bigger.
Remember that less can be more
You should always keep the material finishes, color schemes, and theme consistent throughout your property, especially when it comes to lighting.
If there are too many different styles in a sordid array throughout the property, it can end up being very confusing on the eye, causing uneasiness.
Lighter, neutral tones are going to open up a space, making it appear bigger. You can add pops of color to create interest via the likes of lampshades. For a more luxurious and cozy feel, consider darker hues. The key here is to keep everything consistent and simple.
Think about adding lighting to light the way during the night
As you know, during the winter months, we spend a lot of time in darkness, as the nights last for a very long period of time. Midnight bathroom breaks are made worse when you either have to feel across the walls to get to the bathroom or you have to turn on harsh lighting that makes you feel like you have gone blind when you first hit the switch.
This is why one of our favorite winter renovation projects is to make the most of directional floor-level lighting for the bathroom, staircases, and hallways. This will act as a guide while creating subtle warmth at the same time.
Final words on the three best home renovation projects to take on during the winter
So there you have it: three of the best home renovation projects that you should take on during the winter period!
Of course, if you do not consider yourself a DIY pro, it always makes sense to team up with a renovations team who can help you to make your winter projects a reality.
The construction industry is booming right now. The demand for new homes, business developments, and infrastructure projects has never been higher. Therefore, it is a fantastic time to start or expand your construction project. There are many great reasons why the time is right now to get started on your next big project!
Why Is Time Important in Construction Projects?
Time is one of the most important factors to consider when beginning a construction project. Time equals money in this industry, so losing days or weeks because of delays with your schedule could have profound implications for both your business and personal life. These delays can cost you vital dollars and take away from other plans that you have in place.
If you are considering starting a construction project, it is essential to look at the big picture. The time you take in beginning projects now will help ensure that things go smoothly throughout your schedule. In addition, you need to be able to keep up with other business owners and potential employees and suppliers if they become available later down the line.
Therefore, you must take the time to get started on your new construction project as soon as possible and not wait until things calm down or become less hectic in your life. You need to be able to always keep up with everything, even when unforeseen circumstances arise. It will make sure that you are ready when time is not on your side.
How Would You Schedule a Construction Project?
To schedule a construction project, you need to have a strong understanding of what and when you need to accomplish. So, first, create an accurate list of the required tasks. From there, allocating time for each job will allow managers to plan the overall timeline better and the expected completion date for their projects.
Once you set your tasks, the next step is to prioritize which ones you need to do first. Doing this can help managers determine whether there’s enough time for all of them or if you will need to be cut some from their list.
Lastly, it would help to consider how long each task might take and add a buffer period if things don’t go as planned. It will allow you to determine how much time you need for each portion of the project and whether there’s enough time to do everything.
How Do You Deliver a Construction Project on Time?
Time is always a factor of consideration when you are building something. Whether it’s how much time will be required to build the house or whether you can finish your project within the set deadline, all these factors contribute largely towards making sure that everything goes as planned without any hiccups along the way.
To deliver a construction project on time, you need to ensure that the construction site is free of any major distractions. It means taking care of things like weather, supply delays and labour shortages right at the beginning because these are all factors that can affect your project’s schedule in one way or another.
It would help streamline everything on-site for maximum efficiency, from having suitable safety protocols and allocating work schedules accordingly. You also need to make sure that your construction site is free of any cumbersome paperwork or red tape because this will only slow down progress on-site by causing unnecessary delays with approvals and inspections. You can avoid these scenarios altogether if everything is in line from the get-go.
How Do You Write a Construction Timeline?
First, you need to define your project. Next, you need to include the desired completion date and why that is important. Next, you will define your significant milestones. These are vital steps in completing the project and should coincide with dates that affect other projects or workflows.
For example, you may want to complete the foundation work before temperatures get too cold. You will also need an estimated budget and how much time each step requires. Finally, identify any dependencies that might affect your schedule or budget.
How Do You Improve Time Management in Construction Projects
Time management is one of the essential parts of any project, and you can quickly improve it if you know what to look out for.
Time management can be complex for many construction projects, but fortunately, there are some simple changes that you can implement to achieve better results. The key is using a project management system and ensuring everyone on the team understands how it works.
Learn the time frames for every task in the system so you know the timing of different activities. Your team should also see this information to help remind you if something is coming due soon. Make sure everyone knows when you need to do something to help manage their time better.
You should set up deadlines ahead of time with your teammates, don’t leave it until the last minute, or you’ll miss out on crucial information that could hold things back.
What Causes Construction Project Delays?
Delays in construction projects can be due to various factors, including poor project management, poor scheduling, and lack of access to necessary resources. In addition, in the current economy, construction projects need a skilled team familiar with all issues associated with completing a project on time and within budget constraints to avoid costly delays.
The Crazy State of Real Estate Right Now in the US
The economy is on fire. The US has never seen better days in terms of economic growth, employment rates and consumer spending. The construction industry hasn’t recovered fully yet, but it’s coming back with a vengeance. Construction companies are hiring again, which means there will be plenty of work for you when the time comes to add your crew to your construction project.
The crazy state of real estate right now in the US means that homeowners are very motivated to sell, and they’re ready to make a deal with you on your new construction project. So you can negotiate hard, get an excellent price for your labor, and there’s no better time than today to start up again!
Why Right Now Is a Good Time for People To Do Construction?
The main reason right now is a good time for people to do construction is that there are many jobs available in the market. But, in addition, it’s also a good time for people looking to get into this industry as well since they have more space and freedom with their schedules.
The other reason right now is a good time for people to do construction is that the industry is in a state of growth. It means that people can expect to earn more money in this field than they would in other jobs, and not only right away but also over time.
Right now is a good time for people to do construction because of an influx of new technology into this job market, making it easier for people to do their work. Another reason why right now is a good time for construction is because of the increase in smart homes and green housing, which means that there are more materials than ever before available for this job market.
Bidding Competitions Is Fierce Than Ever
Competition is a significant reason why it is an excellent time for your construction project. Companies want to win the money, and they are willing to go the extra mile to get that contract from you!
If you don’t have a strong team of professionals behind, then there’s no way for you to win the bid. In addition, it is more difficult if your project isn’t in line with what they are looking for or if it does not adhere to the project’s scope. If you want to combat this problem, then you must strengthen your team. It would help if you had the right people at all levels, from efficient project managers who can handle demanding clients to construction workers who know their job inside out.
It would help if you also had a solid marketing strategy for bidding projects online. The competition is intense on these platforms, and if you want to increase your chances of getting noticed, you must work on your marketing techniques.
You Will Save a Lot of Money in the Construction Industry
You need to make sure you can take advantage of this opportunity. The longer you wait, the more money it will cost you in the long term. Starting your construction project right away will allow you to save a lot of money.
You Will Be Ahead of Competition
It’s no secret that when business is good, the competition heats up. And when the construction industry goes through a boom cycle like it’s currently experiencing in many parts of North America, contractors are constantly vying for new business and trying to win bids from general contractors who have their pick of qualified subcontractors.
The time has never been better to start your own small or mid-sized construction company. Never has the industry been so hungry for new companies to come along and break the mold. So now is the time you should seriously consider starting your business. It’s not an easy process by any means, but it can pay off in a big way if you think that there are hundreds of billions of dollars worth of construction projects waiting to be started and completed over the next five years alone.
You Will Be Closer to Your Customers Now
Starting your construction project now will be a great way to get closer to your customers. You can help them with what they want and how you are going to provide it for them. With this, you have an open communication line which is one of the best ways to build a strong relationship between both parties involved in the business.
Having a good rapport will also be a great way to have a strong business foundation. It will also allow you to understand how the client thinks and what they want from their construction project.
It Is a Reasonably Priced Asset
A construction project can be a significant investment for your company. It can cost as much as $500 million over 30 years. You must always consider that there may never be a better time than now!
Construction Software Are Easy To Use
Construction software is more accessible than ever before. That’s great news for construction companies because it means that they can finally get access to the same type of technology that has made other industries so productive and innovative over the past decade. It also represents a significant shift in how you manage projects on-site – imagine what would happen if you were able to take an app that was in use by major companies like BMW, Nike or Coca-Cola and put it to use on your construction site.
You Will Add Extra Value to Your Construction Estimates
Beginning your construction project now will give you the most excellent chance of success by adding extra value to your construction estimates. It is because the construction industry has an ever-changing environment. By starting just before the busy season, you will do more, and it will be cheaper than doing your construction project during a heavy workload.
There Is Better Technology
With more information than ever before at your fingertips, you can be confident that the time is right now for your construction project. With so much technological advancement in every industry, there are endless options available to meet any need or want when planning and executing a new build or renovation project. From budgeting software to virtual walkthroughs of your design, you’ll be able to utilize the latest tools and resources that will help relieve some of the stress associated with such a large undertaking.
You Will Be Able To Collaborate
Starting your construction project right now will allow you to be part of the construction revolution. Collaboration is critical for this revolution, and you will need to know how it works to take advantage of all that’s possible with Construction Project Management Software (CPMS). Therefore, you must be able to collaborate with your team, suppliers, and even customers for the best possible results.
Conclusion
The time is now for your construction project because of the low-interest rates, availability of credit and multiple funding options. With so many financing options available from different lenders, it doesn’t have to be a challenge completing your renovation or fixer-upper home improvement projects anymore!
To celebrate and acknowledge the history of our cities, it’s important to preserve the architectural structures and historic buildings. Historical buildings may be representative of a particular event or time period. These buildings are important to preserve because they tell stories, and carry a timeless value.
Preserving heritage buildings can also support the economy, bringing projects to contractors, builders, and architects. These buildings visually represent the community and the tales of our ancestry. Historical buildings can help to attract tourism and to also attract investment.
Older buildings are often made of top-quality materials, with a longer life expectancy than newer buildings. However, historical buildings age, and so they must receive special care.
What is historical building restoration?
To protect American history and culture, the National Historic Preservation Act was established in 1966. The act outlines the preservation and use of historic buildings, to protect the national heritage of the USA. The act covers historic districts, structures, buildings, and archeological sites.
Historic restoration refers to a preservation technique that aims to restore a building back to how it was in a certain era. The method relies on using historical photographs and blueprints, to gain an understanding of the original building. Construction workers use the original techniques and building methods to return the building to its former state. There are also other ways to save a historical building including:
1 . Preserving the building
Preserving the building means protecting the building’s history and taking care of the original materials. When you preserve a historical building the goal is to limit what the building can be used for in the future, ensuring that the architecture remains the same. Preserving historical buildings properly means that these buildings are unlikely to need extensive restoration work, (due to neglect).
2. Reuse and adaptation
In some cases, a historical building project might involve adaptation, to give the building a new use. Under these circumstances, the building is saved because its original purpose is modified. Many historical features are kept, and some are modified as part of the new project and purpose.
What type of care do historical buildings need?
Historical buildings require ongoing maintenance work, to limit deterioration.
Historical buildings may need several different types of restoration work or repairs, depending on the materials and structures. A few of the materials that need special care include:
Stained glass windows
Stained glass windows represent both art and history. The artistic representations in stained glass windows often include clues that tell us how the building was formerly used.
Windows are sensitive to changing temperatures, and to weather conditions. Due to this stained glass windows often require specialist maintenance. Metal and glass can easily transfer heat, leaving a build-up of condensation on the inside of the windows. Water can cause several kinds of deterioration, whether it’s corrosion of metal or mold growth.
When stained glass is deteriorating due to the environment, the first step is to identify which issues affect the building, and take steps to remedy these. Potential issues could be building maintenance issues, or heating issues.
Decorative Tiles
You often find decorative tiles in the floors, roofing, and walls of old buildings. These tiles are particularly vulnerable to deterioration, and so they must receive special care. Decorative tiles may experience many different types of damage, for instance, these tiles may lose their layer of glaze. When tiles lose their glaze, they risk abrasion. You’ll also find that tiles may rise at the corners, and buckle. Often referred to as ‘tenting’, this process is caused by excess moisture and ground movement. Tiles can be restored and repaired by a combination of specialist cleaning procedures, and a process of regrouting.
What to consider when restoring historical buildings
When you are restoring historical building structures, there are several considerations that you should make. Many elements will affect the success of your project, including.
1 . Minimal changes
In terms of conservation, it’s important to carry out minimal changes, to preserve the natural architecture. It’s vital not to remove the historic fabric, (unless entirely necessary). Getting rid of the original features can negatively affect the historical significance and charisma. Under some circumstances, it may be necessary to make changes, for example, any old structures or materials that are now damaging the building. A great deal of research should be performed when approaching any historical restoration project.
2. Choosing the right materials
A great deal of expertise is needed to choose the appropriate materials for a restoration construction project. The process starts with plenty of investigation. The material must be either the same as the existing fabric or at least suitably compatible. To protect and care for the building, it’s important to consider durability. Certain materials may contribute to further deterioration, which is why expert knowledge is required.
3. Vacant buildings
When a historic building is vacant there is a much larger risk of decay or damages. It’s advisable to keep historical buildings occupied, to prevent further neglect, and prepare for the restoration process. When taking on a vacant building, you’ll need to gain advice on the maintenance work that needs to be performed. It’s important to complete urgent repairs first, to ensure that the existing maintenance issues do not get worse.
4. The right restoration company
When you are planning a restoration construction project, it’s important to choose the right company to perform the work. Such an advanced set of knowledge and skills are required to undertake this kind of project. You’ll need a company who can restore the building to reflect all its original cultural heritage.
Historic buildings require special care to be resorted to their former condition after neglect. Refine has the skills, knowledge, and patience to carry out this unique work.
Refine Construction was founded back in 2004, since then we have built a strong reputation in the community, producing high-quality work across a variety of different building projects. If you would like to discuss your restoration construction project, feel free to get in touch.
It’s that long term task you’ve been considering for a while; the home remodeling project. But where do you begin? Home remodeling might appear like a daunting task, especially as there are so many items to consider during the construction of your renovation. If you’re thinking about having a home remodel, consider these five things to ensure you’re planning your home remodeling in the best possible way.
1.Fix The Fundamentals First
It might be tempting to invest in shiny new upgrades to add value to your home. But if you know that your house has some glaring structural flaws, take the time to get the fundamentals fixed before starting something new. For instance, if you’ve got some out of date electrics, take the time to get them upgraded so they can better support your future new rooms. Likewise with old boilers, poor plumbing or new heating requirements. Making sure your existing structure can support the new parts is the best way to make your home renovation work for you.
2.Work Out What Works (And What Doesn’t)
Look at your existing rooms and consider what works, and what you want to get replaced. Are there any rooms that don’t offer good sources of natural light? Can you repurpose that room as a home office and add a bigger bedroom somewhere else? Focusing on what you currently have before expanding will ensure your remodeling is fit for purpose and still a functioning family home.
3.Consider How It Looks From The Outside
Your anticipated new home interior might seem like a dream, but what will it look like from the pavement? Making sure the construction of your property stays as beautiful on the outside as the inside will be essential if you’re looking to sell in the future. Remember, the first thing people see is the outside, so that should be an essential part of your home remodeling project. Having an end goal of both the interior and exterior will ensure that both views of the house are perfect.
4.Be Realistic With Your Budget
You might be a visionary in terms of what you want your home to look like. But does your budget match your brainstorm? It is better to think smaller with your renovations and instead buy higher quality materials that last longer and enhance the value of your home. Setting out a realistic budget from the outset will ensure that you’re not suddenly out of pocket midway through your new construction.
5.Plan With A Professional
DIY projects can turn into nightmares if you’re not qualified to carry out construction and home remodeling. Reputable companies like Refine Construction Inc can help you turn your remodeling ideas into a reality. We take on board all the intricate details of your plans and ensure everything is incorporated into the final product. Save money in the long run by hiring professionals who will execute your home renovations to your exact requirements.
Give us a call today on (617) 304-1462 or fill out our handy contact form so we can help refine your remodeling dreams and make them a reality today.
When you are getting ready to build a new home, you start by looking for the very best construction companies you can find to do the job. Residential construction is a big job. You need to ensure that you are dealing with a company that is compliant with government regulations, works efficiently, and gets your home built to the right timeframe. You can’t just bring on board any residential construction company. You need the right one that will ensure that your budget is met, your deadlines are adhered to as strictly as possible, and they won’t cut any corners in their work. In short, you need to find the most professional residential construction company possible.
If you’re a novice when it comes to building your own home, there’s every chance that you won’t know what to look for in a residential construction company. Don’t panic, though. Below, we’ve got a list of seven things that you should look for in a residential construction company.
1. Excellent References
Firstly, you need to do some extensive research. When you’re looking for a residential construction company, you want to choose one that has had excellent references from people they have built for in the past. Testimonials and reviews from past clients are going to help you to shape your opinion over whether a company is trustworthy. If you’re booking a holiday, you check out TripAdvisor and other such websites. Well, you must do the very same when it comes to booking a residential construction company. You should choose a company that can offer you the opportunity to talk to their references. Hearing from their past customers directly is often enough to reassure you that you are making the right choice.
2. Solid Qualifications
Would you hire a roofer who had never studied roofing? Nope. You wouldn’t because it would be dangerous. All builders in a residential construction company should be fully qualified and appropriately insured. You should never pay a company that isn’t compliant, and a builder without the right certifications is not safe to use. You want to verify every single credential before work commences. You should consider the years of experience that the residential construction company has before you choose them to work for you. This is your luxury home of the future – ensuring the right people are working on it is essential!
3. Open & Communicative
As someone choosing to have their home built from scratch, you want to be able to talk to the residential construction company at any time that suits you. So, if you have questions and queries, you should be comfortable enough with your choice to ask them as you need to. Home builders have to be able to communicate well with you, from the conception of the home to the final design. Any changes or issues should be brought up, and if you have any concerns, you should be able to voice those, too.
4. High Quality Results
When you are doing your research, you should look for a construction company that ticks all the boxes. Looking at their finished results portfolio is a must. You have to go beyond your budget and look at the builders that have it all. The affordable residential construction companies may be affordable, but are they any good? Whatever the vision for your home may be, you need to keep that in mind and choose the company that offers you high-quality results.
5. A Professional Demeanor
You may have heard of rogue traders before. Usually, these scammers are the very worst in the industry and are unprofessional and rude. Any residential construction company that you use should be professional and honest in their work. You must find a residential construction company with the same values that you hold. Doing thorough research about the residential construction company in question is vital, as it’s where you’ll learn how professional they are.
6. Excellent Design Skills
You’re building a house, so it stands to reason that you would want a reasonable level of aptitude in design from the residential construction company. Your builder of choice should be able to design what you want for your new house. This is a huge luxury, and you want to get this right down to the plug sockets on the walls and taps on the sink. Work with a residential construction company that respects your vision and is happy to work with you.
7. Reliability
Lastly, you really want a residential construction company that will be there after the build is complete. There are – unfortunately – some builders out there who won’t fix issues with their work if there are any once the build is complete. You want a construction company who stands by the work they do and will answer your queries and support you afterward.
Finding the right residential construction company isn’t always simple, but with the seven tips above, you should find it much easier to manage!
The big question which comes into the one’s mind when you decide to self built your house is the budget. Often the budget goes out of hand even if you have set aside the right amount for it. There are lot of hidden costs to which one is ignorant. However, when you think your budget is just right, you get to the end of a stage and find out you were off. This is the reason why people hesitate to self built the house or to take up home improvement and renovation projects. But there are few tips that will help one to strictly stick to the budget.
Try to get an accurate costing at your end and leave some margin even if you think that you have overestimated. This will give you a greater contingency that the standard 15-20% you will add on any way while actually taking up the project.
Get an accurate estimate from your surveyor and his expertise in the field of costing acts a benchmark of your future spending on the projects construction cost.
When you are self managing the construction work you run into a risk of paying to subcontractor on hourly rates. You should manage and tidy the site yourself rather than asking subcontractors men to do it.
Always go in for bulk buying. When you bulk buy your construction requirements you are bound to get it on discount. Moreover the chances of wastage in bulk buying also get reduced. Every time you part buy sand , gravel and mud etc you get it in small vehicles and you pay for the cartage every time. Whereas buying a full truck cartage is less and quantity is more.
Before making the decision to buy the construction material or any other material to be used while erecting the house get multiple quotes. Though loyalty to your regular supplier is a nice idea but not a prudent decision. Better go for the rates from other supplier and you may land up on lower rates than quoted for by your loyal supplier. But there should be no the quality of supplies though they may be cheaper.
You can rope in your family and friends to help with non skilled work such as moving the materials round the site and tidying up jobs. This will not only save cost but also speed up the construction job.
For fine finish carpentry jobs it is better to take the help of the expert than to do it yourself unless you are expert in that job.
Sell off or recycle any surplus justify after construction. Also trade the waste materials from demolition work.
It is better and cheaper sometime to buy and then sell some material used in erection of house. Plants, portacabins and portaloos can be bought before starting construction and then sold after the job is finished.
At one time or the other majority of home owners will face with the problems when remodeling your home. No matter whether you are desire to add space to your rooms, upgrade the furniture and interiors, or add to the functionality to your home. Before getting started with renovating or remodeling process there are several factors which require your sincere consideration. Though the project of remodeling looks very simple and easy and you are sure that it will be over you must look to the following factors before you start with project.
Don’t consider that you know everything about the project:
Every home improvement and renovation project is not DIY project. Before you begin with the job you must first decide how to proceed with the project at home, determine the skills and knowledge you have about the same. Generally it is seen that many projects will involve more expertise that others. Never take the job lightly as this will lead to wasteful expenditure and add to your difficulties. A through homework before beginning the project is very much necessary otherwise it will land you into the mess.
Don’t hesitate to say no to involve your family and friends if they have no experience:
Being low on budget many a time homeowners think of involving or hiring family members and friends to do the job. Involving family members and friends who have no experience to the job will lead to a difficult situation in form of injury to them and damage to furniture. One can engage friends and family members to do job of moving articles from one place to other in home and to cleaning the place. It is better to ask about the experience before involving someone to the project. Be prepared to face increase in budget estimates:
Any amount of home work onto how much your labour, material and miscellaneous will cost make you sure about the budget of the project. There is always a room of budget getting over when the actual project is undertaken. You may not know what will be the condition of electrical fittings, water and plumbing pipes before hand until when the job is actually undertaken. There may be damage to electrical wiring, rusting damage to pipes. It is better to create a margin in the budget so that one no problem is faced in future.
Never assume that project will be over as per your estimate:
Similarly to the budget time is also important aspect which should not be underestimated. Many a time home improvement job finishes in two or three day but involvement of many a number of professionals can’t be ignored. To gauge how much time will project take place depends on your experience and knowledge, involvement of tools and implements in it. So time factor should be given due importance.
No overlooking of local administration building rules and regulations:
Many homeowners consider that what addition and alterations they do in their building is free from local building codes. Depending area where you live you has to follow the local building codes. Especially digging in front of your home, digging road and public area, you must consider to all the local codes.
Don’t hesitate to hire Professional:
In the event if you choose not to do all the remodeling job yourself and hire a professional to do it, then don’t hesitate. Hiring a professional sounds better option in case you lack knowledge to do the job. A professional is capable of handling all structural repair problems arising at any stage of renovation. Moreover one cannot do fine finish carpentry job himself so needs a professional help to do it .
Go for full safety of your home and project:
Using a cheaper option to remodel you house many a times leads to safety aspect of self and your house. Hospitals and emergency rooms are filled with peoples suffering severe accidents while executing the job and ignoring safety measures. Hiring professionals to do jobs like electrical repairs, erecting scaffoldings, ladders etc is a better option.
Don’t start remodeling project before arranging all essential components:
Before the hammering the first nail or pulling down bathroom or kitchen walls, ensure that you have all the necessary components and consumables in your hands. Waiting is better option for all the things before starting project than waiting for consumables after doing demolition of old structure.
Never assume that your dream project isn’t possible. Many home owners consider that they cannot undertake remodeling, renovation job due to constraints of budget, time and resources. Think why you don’t intend to renovate the house, think about the future needs and requirements. It is better if you are not in a position to undertake the venture yourself to take the help of the professional to execute it. They can help you to make your dream a reality in stages and that to in a affordable cost and time. Think your home as your huge investment and take time to do thorough research how to make it a unique renovation project.
If you want to create an artificial lawn then rooftop terraces and loft apartments are the ideal places. Decor your balconies and terraces with fake turf because even a small outdoor area can benefit from this treatment.
Green up your courtyard
Fake grass can be can be an instant pick-me-up for small-space gardens at your home and courtyards. This will prevent the need for noisy mowing and maintenance. This is ideal for lock-up-and-go homes.
Under Trees
A significant advantage of fake grass is, that you can have a picture perfect lawn beneath shady trees. Now no more patchy areas due to lack of sun.
Use in between pavers
I am sure you always wanted that perfectly groomed edgings around your pavers. Try artificial grass for it. Here is a DIY:
1. Lay a flat concrete screed.
2. Let it to dry thoroughly.
3. Add your pavers.
4. Allow the cement securing them to dry.
5. Cut the fake turf to size.
6. Now glue it down around the outer edges and between the pavers.
Which is stressing; The mere thought of adding a bathroom or that Monday-morning mirror fighting ? If it feels worse, you’re not alone at all. Remodeling can be overwhelming sometimes.
A remodel project doesn’t have to be so all-consuming. With some stress-sparing strategies, it’s totally doable. Use below given tips, and make a remodel project an enjoyable experience not stressful.
Assure that your contractor is not overwhelmed
Home owners usually choose summer for a major remodel job because they know freezing temps won’t create any trouble. But that also means remodeling contractors are super bogged and stressed to the max during the summers. This is obviously not a good combination for a remodel project to come in on time and on budget. Because, summer season is so hot that sometimes there are just certain times of the day people can work.
So scheduling your home improvement renovation project during less hectic time would be a great idea. You would be very surprised to know, how much can get done in an off-season. You could save on costs also — a great stress reliever.
Find the quirks that can drive you nuts
We get it all. With all the coins you’re currently spinning, browsing online contractor reviews is way more appealing than interviewing or questioning references. But don’t forget that this person is going to be inside your home. For days or maybe weeks! But what if your contractor’s working style is way different than yours? And what if crew drives you nuts? So better talk about added stress.
There are chances that you are not going to work well with your residential renovation contractor. So its better to ask contractors for references and talk the former customers about contractor’s timeliness, personality, and working style. It is important.
Set benchmark deadlines to stay on schedule
Staying on schedule is the best thing your contractor can do. Your contractor should create benchmarks deadlines at the beginning and stick to them. You’re going to be the one, who will keep an eye on that.
Typical benchmarks include milestones like demolition, electrical, inspections, framing, and the like. You can share a calendar with your contractor and check in as benchmarks creep up. Do not bother if benchmark is missed. One missed benchmark still permits contractors to make up time.
Control the money flow
The more motivated your contractors are, the less bothered you will be. Paying in small payments as work is done can discourage a strong finish and result in poor work.
