One of the smartest things you can do as a homeowner is to invest in your home with additions, remodels and upgrades. You will enjoy a home that is better suited for your current needs and you
can command a higher price when it’s time to sell.
Home remodeling can be extremely valuable, and we realize every situation is different. We help guide you through the decision-making process in terms of your lifestyle, what you desire, and the costs involved. We realize many factors go into your decision, such as:
how long you plan to be in the home.
whether or not you really love the location of your home.
any town permitting laws that may hinder the expansion you may want to make.
the lifespan of your appliances.
changes in your life or family since you originally moved into your home; for example, maybe you have been blessed with an addition to the family, or perhaps you want to add an in-law apartment.
your current financial situation.
We work with some clients who know and understand that their desired remodel may not be the best financial decision, but based on their personal situations, their goals, and their lifestyle, they decide to move forward anyway.
For example, installing an in-ground swimming pool in a house that is most likely going to be sold in less than five years may not be a great financial decision but some families may choose to enjoy it with their kids, friends, and family is worth the investment. They may take fewer vacations and enjoy their time at home more.
Regardless of your situation, you most likely have a budget you want to keep to. We help guide you in the design and materials selections throughout the entire remodeling process to help you stay within budget.
To help you make a cost-effective home remodel, we have come up with some remodeling ideas that typically are more cost effective and deliver greater resale value if and when you decide to sell.
Your Kitchen
The kitchen is often referred to as the heart of the home. People tend to congregate in the kitchen whether it’s just with your immediate family or a group you are entertaining. A relaxed, spacious kitchen will help give a warm ambiance to your home.
The National Kitchen & Bath Association states that cabinets and faucets are typically the first items in the kitchen to become outdated. While you can reface cabinets, typically the cost to reface them would allow you to get new cabinets. With new cabinets, you have the opportunity to change the layout of your kitchen. With a new layout, perhaps you will have room for a bump out or addition to add more living space.
With new cabinets, will come new countertops. Currently, homeowners are trending towards quartz because quartz tends to become dated as other options. There are some mid-range priced quartzes that look like marble but come with a much lower price tag than marble. Choosing a material that is more timeless (or that looks like a more timeless material), typically leads to a better ROI when the time comes to sell.
Granite tends to be a popular choice as well. With granite, there are different finishes that give different looks and feels, including:
Polished (the most common granite finish)—glossy and almost mirror-like.
Honed—a matte finish without any gloss or reflection qualities.
Leathered—takes the honed finish and adds texture with subtle dimples to provide a more sophisticated look.
Caressed—takes the leathered finish and adds gloss.
Brush hammered—provides a naturally weathered look with a slightly textured finish, which often lightens the color of the stone.
Flamed—a rougher surface with a natural and faded appearance; often muted in color.
When it comes to flooring, you want to make sure your flooring can stand up to spills, drops, and so on. If you have young children, pets, or plan to remain in your home for years, having non-slip floors is important for safety. Porcelain tile, hardwood, engineered hardwood, cork, and limestone are all great choices for kitchen flooring. Luxury vinyl tile is also a great option that can look like hard-wood, It generally has a cork underlayment that is naturally resistant to odor-causing mildew and mold. Luxury vinyl offers a softer, warmer, and a quieter floor.
For backsplashes, ceramic tile is usually the most affordable option and is available in many colors, sizes, and patterns. Glass tile is a little more expensive than ceramic tile, but it can add visual interest to your backsplash. Both glass and ceramic are easy to clean and maintain. A more expensive option is stone or marble, both of which requires more maintenance and regular sealing. With the appropriate sealing, wood can also be a great option for a kitchen backsplash. There are other options, from metallics to wallpaper to mirrors and more.
Additionally, something as simple as choosing a higher-end faucet can help add value and make your kitchen look more custom.
As you can see, there are many choices when it comes to remodeling or renovating your kitchen. We are eager to help you plan and price out your kitchen remodel, which can help increase the value of your home.
Finish Your Basement
Yes, a dark seemingly uninhabitable basement can be made to integrate with the rest of your home. Finishing your existing basement saves you from new foundation and exterior siding expenses that typically come with an addition.
Often, we can easily transform a basement into an extra bedroom, a bar room, exercise room, office, a home theater, or a recreation room. We can typically hide lally columns and make them part of the design for your basement remodel, as well.
We help guide all of our clients in terms of how to best layout your finished basement.
Additional Living Space
Perhaps you want to add an additional bedroom, a remarkable master suite, an in-law apartment, a recreational room, or some other form of additional living space.
We listen to your wishes and desires. Then, we look at how to best layout your addition. Furthermore, because of our experience in working with the municipalities throughout our area, we can guide you in the better direction for what you can and can’t do based on your town’s regulations.
If we need a survey, we have surveyors who can do the job. Our team of interior designers will make 2D plans and 3D renderings with different options for you to review. We will even help you with different colors and material finishes within the renderings. Once you are happy with the layout, we will then work with a structural engineer or architect if needed.
We take care of all the permits and insurances needed.
By thoroughly planning upfront, we are able to avoid more significant changes throughout the process. That being said, we are flexible and we can provide solutions should challenges arise.
If you are dreaming of additional living space for your home, you owe it to yourself to reach out to schedule a no-obligation consultation today, or call us for more information so we can get started on making your dreams a reality.
Work On The Landscape Design
While people overlook the landscaping of their homes, a good landscape design can contribute as much as five percent to the value of your home. Take a long critical look at your front yard. Does it have a curb appeal? If you’re not satisfied with what you see, chances are a buyer won’t be either. It doesn’t matter how beautiful the interior of a home is if it doesn’t look appealing on the outside—it’s a total turn-off. First impressions matter.
We can help figure out what landscape design is best for your front yard based on your style and the space you have. Laying out a line of colorful trees and plants in your front yard can be very attractive if you love nature and greenery.
Incorporate a curving pathway, throw in a nice bench, add a few lights in the right places, and you’ll have an environment many will fall in love with at first sight. Updating your landscape does not always mean you have to spend a lot. The most basic gardening job, if done right, is enough to make an excellent first impression.
Outdoor Living
While the kitchen is often a place people congregate, many of our clients also want an outdoor space in which to spend time with family and friends. From a firepit to a pool and hot tub to an outdoor kitchen and more, we have extensive experience with the amenities that can turn your backyard into a resort-like space. We can also add more simple areas in which you can enjoy time with your loved ones.
We will look at your floor plan and how to add outdoor living space that functions well, flows with a great layout, and is built efficiently to help save your hard-earned money.
Always Combine Beauty With Function
The trick to making the right improvements to add value to your home is to look for projects that offer a double impact. You should look to achieve a blend of aesthetic and functional upgrades, and if you do, you’re more likely to get it right. That being said, there are many questions, options, and decisions to be made throughout the remodeling process.
We are eager and grateful to have the opportunity to help make your dreams a reality at your current home.
To start the process, call us or click here to schedule your complimentary, no-obligation consultation.
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