Find a Remodeling Contractor

Kitchen Additions - Expanding Your Kitchen Space

noreply@blogger.com (ConstructionDeal.com) — Fri, 15 May 2009 16:29:00 +0000

They say the most important room in a house is the kitchen. It's where families gather to socialize while dinner is being made. It's where the host chats with the guests as hors d'oeuvres are being prepped. It's the new living room for most homes.

But the average age of U.S. homes is over 30 years old. And back before the 80's, the kitchen wasn't so "central" to American life. And many of those kitchens are small.

Very small.

Kitchens of a few hundred square feet are common everywhere. It wasn't until the late eighties and early nineties that kitchens (and homes) started to get much larger.

Are you stuck with a small kitchen? There are ways to help remodel a small kitchen to make it seem bigger, but you can only slap so much paint on a pig before you realize it's still going to be a pig. You might want to consider a kitchen addition project.

When most people think of a home addition, they think of adding a second story, a bedroom, or a another bathroom. But kitchen additions are growing in popularity. Homeowners want the extra room they see on the TV shows and in the magazines. They want more counter space, more storage space, more eating area, and more room to entertain. And more than one amateur chef out there would like more and larger state-of-the art appliances in their kitchens.

First Step - Kitchen Addition Design
So, if you're considering a kitchen expansion project, you'll need to first start by planning.

Write down the pros and cons of adding on to your existing kitchen. Write down your specific needs - why you need more space, what you want included in your kitchen renovation, what your budget will be, etc. The more you know, the more you can discuss with your kitchen addition contractor. Great planning means there will be fewer surprises and you'll be happy with the finished project.

Decide how you want to expand the kitchen. Most kitchens are located at the back of a house. This means you'll more than likely be expanding into your backyard or side yard. Do you have the room? What will be in your way? Do you know where your property stops and where your neighbor's begins?

Write out these things and talk to a home addition contractor so you know what can or can't be done.

Second Step - Your Kitchen Addition Project
If you're going to try to live in your home during the kitchen expansion process, be prepared for inconvenience. You should move all your appliances to another room to set up, like a dining room. You won't have a sink, but you'll have your fridge and microwave for meals.

Expect a mess. Opening up your kitchen and expanding it out into your yard will cause dust, debris, new materials and old waste to pile up in and around your house.

To save some money, you might consider doing a lot of the demolition yourself. Just don't knock down any supporting walls, especially if you're expanding out. You can remove drywall, old cabinets, countertops, flooring and any fixtures in the room. Save what you'll use in your new kitchen. You can request a dumpster be sent to your home to throw all the remodeling waste in.

Third Step - Enjoy Your Larger Kitchen!
After your kitchen contractor is done with adding on to your new kitchen, go over everything to make sure you're satisfied with the work. Take before and after pictures and test all the fixtures and appliances to make sure they work before you make that final payment.

If you want to start a kitchen addition project, make sure to get multiple quotes. Talk to more than one home addition company to ensure you're getting the best price. You can be skeptical on the lowest bid - sometimes they have to cut too many corners to complete the job at a certain cost. Don't accept any bid from a contractor that doesn't come to your house to see the scope of the project.

To find quality kitchen addition pros in your area, submit a request to ConstructionDeal.com. We'll get you 4 quotes in the same day. There's no cost and no obligation to hire anyone. It's a fast, free way to find kitchen addition specialists.

What are the Most Popular Paint Colors in 2009?

noreply@blogger.com (Mary) — Fri, 15 May 2009 16:23:00 +0000

It’s that time of year; fresh flowers, new dresses, and of course... spring cleaning!

For those of us who are willing to do a little more than just straighten the house or wash the windows, it's probably time to repaint some rooms to both brighten and freshen the house.

Repainting even just one room of the house can help change your perspective of space and flow especially when you cannot stand the bland, white bathroom or the bright red dining room.

The big question is which color?

Hot Trends in Home Interior Color
The good news about paint color trends is that they tend to survive the decade they were created, unlike say... Uggs with miniskirts or those bright Kanye West glasses your teenager sported last year.

So what is in now?

The safe bets this year are natural, earth-inspired tones.

Elegance and luxury have been abandoned when the economy tumbled and have been replaced with sensibility and cultural awareness.

Respect for nature and fundamental human values are reflected in these popular paint color choices.

The first color trend in color is natural and pure, inspired by the goal to use natural or green products in all aspects of our lives. Light and shadow define the color trend through all shades of gray with faint accents of green and blue to represent earth and sky as well as tones of beige.

The next major trend in paint color is avoiding themes of Italian villas or French country cottages or modern nihilism. People are staying home more, bonding with family, and enjoying the natural beauty of their homes and neighborhoods. Changes of seasons continues to motivate homeowners to want to bring their outdoors inside. The trend for those Earth-friendly colors is as strong as ever.

The hot colors are warm yellows, oranges and greens as well as rich browns, bronzes and coppers to express the same tones, but still taking them... just a bit farther. The increased saturation of colors pushes the envelope.

Interior designers are seeing home owners taking chances with darker greens, blues and oranges with lighter blues and browns reflecting a soothing yet textured, serene tone.

Looking for something brighter and bolder?

The last major trend is influenced by the individual in an international world, therefore drawing on vivid and dramatic shades to create an unexpected palette.

Bright red, mango orange, yellow, lime green and regal purple along with many shades of blue, and even black and pink make for some exciting choices. It requires a braver soul but these are not your bright royal blues, neon greens, or blue-ish reds that the thrill-seeking homeowner has gone after in the past.

The recommended shades by interior designers and home stagers for interior, public spaces come primarily from the natural palette with beige, pale gray-blues and olives, smoky blues (to make white fixtures pop), and solid grays (great for painting over bright shades) being the favorites.

For children or rooms you want to add your personality to, deeper greens, silver grays or pumpkin are encouraged.

These colors are not overwhelming, cover up flaws, and make rooms look purposeful, airy and large; even in rooms without much sunlight.

Ready to paint your rooms?
It can be a big task. Preparation is the key to any quality painting project. Play with your personal color palette and sample paint colors on the wall before you buy in bulk or make any decisions. Better safe than sorry.

Look for low or no VOC paints because they emit no smells or other harmful gases that cut into your indoor air quality while painting and drying.

Mix up all the colors into one big bucket for larger paint jobs. Just in case there's a color difference, mixed all together, everything will match.

Remove all the outlet covers, heat registers, and lighting fixtures. You can tape them up, but it's easier to remove and not have to worry about them. Move furniture to the middle of the room, cover everything, and tape off edges.

Sound like too much work? At ConstructionDeal.com, we'll match you to local painting contractors who can handle your projects. There's no cost and no obligation to hire any of our quality painting companies. Simply submit a project and get 4 quotes fast. It's that easy.

Find a Garage Builder

noreply@blogger.com (ConstructionDeal.com) — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 16:53:00 +0000

Get 4 quotes from garage builders - on ConstructionDeal.com. It's free. It's fast. And it's an easy way to find quality garage building contractors.

Not only do you need a garage to improve your lifestyle, you need to have a garage built to improve the value of your home. Adding a garage to any home always has a great return on investment.

Submit a garage construction project and get 4 bids from local garage builders. You will save yourself time because garage contractors will call you. And you'll yourself money because you'll be able to choose from the best quotes.

Fast - gets bids from garage builders the same day (sometimes in a matter of minutes!)
Easy - just a few minutes to fill out the garage construction request
Free - no cost to use the ConstructionDeal.com service
No Obligation - you don't have to hire anyone from our network

Ready to find a garage builder?

Top 3 Reasons to Add a New Garage:

Safety for Cars and Family
Protection from Elements
Additional Storage

Get 4 Quotes from Remodeling Contractors

noreply@blogger.com (ConstructionDeal.com) — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 20:31:00 +0000

Find home improvement contractors at ConstructionDeal.com. It's a fast, free and easy way to get quotes from local remodelers.

Simply submit a request and get 4 quotes in the same day - sometimes in a matter of minutes. Renovations contractors will call you - which saves you time. And multiple quotes means you can pick the best price.

We'll match you to four general contractors and home renovation companies. There's no cost and there's no obligation to hire anyone.

Our top recent home remodeling projects:

Bathroom Renovation
Basement Finishing
Kitchen Flooring Installation
Room Addition
Attic Remodeling
Sunroom Installation
Outdoor Kitchen Construction

Whatever type of home improvement contractor you need, we can help. Our goal at ConstructionDeal.com is to help get your remodeling project done!

Reasons to Renovate:

Improve quality of life
Improve value of your home
Increase home equity

Let's get started!

Find a Home Improvement Contractor

noreply@blogger.com (ConstructionDeal.com) — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 00:40:00 +0000

When you need to find a contractor for any remodeling project, you usually have to search randomly through your yellow pages. Or ask a friend for a referral.

It's not easy to find the best contractor. More and more homeowners are going on the Internet to search for information. So, it made sense to offer an Online Contractor Referral Service.

Several years ago, we created ConstructionDeal.com to help you get your remodeling project done.

On our site, you can:

Post your remodeling project in minutes!

Receive bids from local Contractors

Meet with remodeling pros and make your decision

Save time by not calling contractors at random from an outdated phone book

Save money by getting multiple bids from remodelers and... go with the best bid!

You do all of this -- for free -- on Construction Deal

Do you need to hire a home improvement contractor?

Many homeowners need a contractor to fix, maintain, or improve many areas of their house: remodeling their basement, attic, roof, drywall, and individual rooms. A general contractor is knowledgeable about every aspect of the whole house and has an expertise for nearly every project.

The national average age of American houses is 36 years. As your home ages, it's important to maintain and improve your most valuable and largest investment. When you need a contractor, think of ConstructionDeal.com and submit your home improvement project with us!

Top Home Renovation Projects Submitted to us:

Kitchen Remodeling
Bathroom Renovations
Master Bedroom Remodel
Garage Improvement
Basement Finishing & Remodel
Attic Renovation

Furniture Restoration Services - Get 4 Quotes

noreply@blogger.com (ConstructionDeal.com) — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 19:21:00 +0000

Old furniture doesn't die. It just gets restored to its former glory. Why throw away a quality piece of furniture that has a classic look and was very well made?

You don't have to throw any furniture away. Old furniture and antique furniture can be restored or refinished and brought back to the way it used to look and feel.

From a small repair on the arm of a wooden rocking chair to a complete antique armoire restoration, a furniture repair service can handle it. Furniture pros will restore old beds, tables, chairs, sofas, desks, and more.

ConstructionDeal.com can help you find furniture restorers, furniture repair services, and furniture refinishing companies in you area.

Simply submit a request and get 4 quotes from furniture specialists - at No Cost. There's no obligation to hire anyone.

Ready to rescue your antique furniture?

Get started now.

Reasons for Antique Furniture Restoration:

Save money - why replace with previously refinished antique pieces and spend more?
Save the planet - instead of throwing your old furniture away, bring it back to laugh
Save the economy - hiring a local furniture contractor keeps quality artisans hard at work
Save a piece of art - rescuing antique or even just quality-made furniture keeps the art alive

An Ounce of Prevention: Household Water Damage

noreply@blogger.com (ConstructionDeal.com) — Fri, 02 Mar 2007 22:37:00 +0000

Here's a great tip from an article called Ten Things Your Plumber Won't Tell You on SmartMoney.com: "Water is the single most common cause of household damage, according to a nationwide analysis by Safeco Insurance, a Seattle-based homeowner's insurance company.

From 2002 to 2004, 30% of home water-damage claims resulted from appliance failure and another 62% from faulty plumbing systems. The biggest culprits: water heaters and washing machines. And repairs are costly. Safeco found that American households with water damage spent an average of $5,000 for each episode in that same period.

Some easy cautionary measures, however, can lessen the risk of water damage and dramatically reduce your reliance on plumbers. First, take stock. Make a checklist of your home's water-based appliances and equipment — water heaters, washing machines, sump pumps — and note any wear and tear, especially on appliance parts (washing machine hoses, for example). Water heaters have a life expectancy that is hard to predict, so check yours monthly for puddling and follow all maintenance guidelines to a T. There might not be an immediately visible problem, but tanks can rust on the inside, leading to a rupture."

If you would like to find a water heater professional to inspect your system, post your request on ConstructionDeal.com. We'll match you with a local water heater pro for free.

It saves you time from having to search through the yellow pages and saves you money by having multiple companies bidding on the project.

2007 Home Design Trends

noreply@blogger.com (ConstructionDeal.com) — Tue, 20 Feb 2007 19:40:00 +0000

From the Noblesville Ledger.com article by Bonnie Britton: "Whether it's redoing a kitchen that causes you to lose your appetite, or a bathroom where you never want to linger, 2007 might be the year to think about updates and check out the latest trends.

Home-furnishings retailer ShowPlace Direct has identified some of the top decorating and home-improvement trends for 2007, based on polls conducted with U.S. interior design firms and furniture manufacturers. On the hot list: hardwood floors -- especially bamboo -- still reign, blue decor and furniture to capture the still popular 'cottage look,' flat-screen TVs screened-in porches or sunrooms, and energy-efficient faucets.

Fancier faucets

Judd Lord, director of industrial design for Delta Faucet Co., based in Indianapolis, said faucet trends for 2007 will reflect Americans' need to relax and be more environmentally conscious.

In an e-mail interview, Lord said the 'homeowners want to bring the Zen-like feel of the spa into the home, and both the urban/loft and eco-chic trends play into this need.'

But there's still room for luxury and glamor.

'Many products, including faucets, lighting, etc., take on design cues from the glam heydays of the '20s, '30s and '40s.Warm glamorous finishes and textures such as polished nickel, polished chrome, pewter, glass and cut crystal come into play.'

Flat and framed out

Marian Salzman, recognized as one of the world's leading trendspotters and co-author of 'Next New: Trends for the Future,' said by telephone recently that 'flat-screen TVs are the new artwork.'

'They're here to stay.'

Rosalind Pope of Rosalind Pope Interior Designs in Indianapolis says the nicest thing that has happened for decorators and designers are flat-screen televisions.

'You don't have that huge armoire anymore. You don't have to worry about the depth. You can put it on a slender console which looks smart, or you can hang it on the wall.'

Totally out? 'Conspicuous consumption, heavily branded ostentatious items, unnecessary gadgets,' Salzman said.

Hail the hardwood

Still the champion: hardwood floors. Everyone wants them, home design experts say. And now the floors themselves are evolving.

Distressed flooring is gaining in popularity, says Anita Howard of the National Wood Flooring Association.

'Borders and medallions, anything that is going to customize the floor... hand-scraping, a process that you use to make new wood look antique (is big).

'One of the big trends is reclaimed wood. You take it out of old barns, factories, warehouses and make flooring out of old wood.'

Exotic woods, whatever isn't grown domestically, such as Brazilian cherry, are also going to be big in 2007.

As for tile, it's still holding its own.

Kelly Cheslyn, vice president of Architectural Brick & Tile in Indianapolis, says 'We're still holding strong in our market with glass and metals. Porcelain has absolutely taken over the ceramic market.'

Big sizes in tiles are also a trend for 2007. 'Or, the smaller the better,' she says. 'Twelve-by-12 tiles are definitely in.'

Sunrooms let light shine

Gathering and entertaining outside is still growing, experts say. Leading the way are outdoor kitchens and screened in porches, says Case Design/Remodeling, the country's largest full-service company.

Screened-in [sunrooms] will be as big as ever in 2007. The design of these rooms includes simple square floor plans with screens, to more elaborate add-ons with vaulted ceilings, all-weather glass windows, wallpaper and heat and air conditioning. Not changing: The decor. Rattan is still No. 1.

Blues have designs on you

Home-design consumers are going to have the 'blues' in 2007.

Josette Buisson, artistic director for Pittsburgh Paints, says the latest color trends 'represent the classic confluence of nature's elements and global influence and how their beauty connects and inspires our individual style.'

Pope says crisp blues and whites are back, 'not just robin's-egg but the fresh French blue.' This includes not just paint, but furniture and accessories, too."

'You are seeing more white walls, but color is still good.'

If people had to repaint every time a color trend came along, 'the paint would never dry.'"

Okay, just to let you know, Construction Deal.com is here to help! If you need to find a local remodeling company to help you update and modernize your home - you can use our free service to find quality professionals. Simply tell us about your remodeling project and then sit back and wait for them to contact you (no more searching at random through your yellow pages!)

Top 10 Reasons to use ConstructionDeal.com

noreply@blogger.com (ConstructionDeal.com) — Mon, 12 Feb 2007 17:40:00 +0000

Top 10 Reasons to use ConstructionDeal.com to find your next Contractor!

1. ConstructionDeal.com is a free service: we do all the work to match you with a quality service professional. Unlike other online services, you will only have 4 contractors call you!

2. You're under no obligation to use any of the qualified contractors in our nationwide network.

3. It's a simple Two-Step Process - tell us about your project, then sit back and wait for companies to call you!

4. If it's inside or outside your home, we've got you covered! We have professionals available in over 300 categories, from architects and new home builders to plasma television installers and pest control pros.

5. The company is nationwide, but we'll find a contractor near you - usually within 24 to 48 hours.

6. We've got outstanding customer service - we'll call you after you post your project to verify your information and answer any questions you may have. If you have any problems with your project, we'll work with you to get it solved.

7. ConstructionDeal.com can help provide you with tips on financing for your remodeling project! We are a one-stop shop to help you complete your project.

8. Our online resources save you time. Looking up contractors on your own, you can spend hours sifting through the phone book. You'll call and leave messages or have to explain your project over and over again. At ConstructionDeal.com, our contractors call you!

9. Using ConstructionDeal.com will save you money, too. Instead of talking to only one service pro, several companies will bid on your project. Having multiple bids means you'll get to choose the best price and the best company for you!

10. Our site is chock full of great resources to keep you informed! Check our our home improvement blog - tons of useful information that will help you get your project done.

Energy Savings: Programmable Thermostats

noreply@blogger.com (ConstructionDeal.com) — Tue, 06 Feb 2007 21:47:00 +0000

Here's some money and energy savings advice from Toolbase Services: "Programmable thermostats save energy by permitting occupants to set temperatures according to whether the house is occupied. These thermostats can automatically store and repeat settings daily with allowance for manual override. By eliminating manual setback, which is easy to forget, they allow the setting of more comfortable temperatures in the morning before occupants wake. Temperature setback can be adjusted for both heating and cooling seasons.

Programmable thermostats can be set to adjust the temperature setting according to a user's schedule. These thermostats typically have a digital interface that allows more precise temperature control and a wider range of options or features.

Programmable thermostats typically offer a number of programming options:

Daily programming that allows one schedule to be used each day.

Weekday/Weekend (5/2) programming that allows adjustment of timing for setbacks with different settings for weekdays and weekends, and with 5/1/1 programming that permits separate schedules for Saturday and Sunday.

Full seven-day programming that permits a different setback schedule for each day of the week.

Other special features depend on manufacturer and model and may include the following:

Vacation Override, which allows temporary override of the programmed settings.

Keyboard Lock, which prevents unauthorized changes to the preprogrammed settings.

Low Battery Indicator indicates whether the battery used to hold the programmed schedule is low.

An Energy Monitor that can keep track of how many hours the HVAC system has run for any selected time period.

An Auto Season Changeover that automatically provides heat or cooling at the onset of the heating and cooling season.

A Filter Change Indicator that goes on after a pre-set time period to remind when it is time to clean or replace the filter.

Different types of heating/cooling systems may require different types of programmable thermostats. For example, heat pumps require programmable thermostats that minimize the use of less efficient auxiliary electric resistance heating. Only a few companies manufacture line-voltage setback thermostats that directly control 120 volt or 240 volt line-voltage circuits connected to electric baseboard electric heaters. When purchasing a programmable thermostat, it is necessary to insure the thermostat is compatible with the HVAC system."

If you need to find a quality HVAC company to install a programmable thermostat, you can use our network at Construction Deal. You can post your request for free to find a company to come and install a new thermostat in your home.

Building a Deck

noreply@blogger.com (ConstructionDeal.com) — Tue, 30 Jan 2007 18:02:00 +0000

It used to be that when people were remodeling or decorating, they made every attempt to bring the outdoors inside. Large windows, natural woods and stone, Earth-tone colors throughout. But more and more, people want to take their indoors outside. Expanding their living space is the order of the day for American homeowners.

There are a number of ways to create an outdoor living space, but the most popular by far has been the addition of a wood deck on the back or the side of a home. Having a deck is like adding a completely new living area to your home - you can build a basic deck or create an elaborate outdoor kitchen and dining area.

Plan, Plan, Plan - this is the key to any deck building project. Here are some helpful tips to make sure you get the right deck for your home and to make sure it lasts a long time.

Location, Location, Location - where your home is located is important. The amount of sun, wind, rain, snow, and humidity in your area will affect the design of the deck, the materials you use, and the accessories you put around it
Traffic Signals - how much use will the deck receive? Are kids and large pets involved? Is the deck the only route to the backyard? Plan to be able to handle the right amount of traffic on your deck
Material Issue - the type of treated wood or composite materials is a major decision. It needs to be a material that you're happy with aesthetically and that will withstand your weather and moisture patterns
Visualize It - draw out some sample designs of what you'd like your deck to look like. Go outside and spray paint lines on the grass of where you'd like your deck to be. Get a visual of what it will look like so that you won't be surprised that it's "too big" or "too small" while they're building. Change orders (meaning that you want to change the size or design during production) will cost you more money. Will your pool, shed, garage, air conditioner, or other items in your yard affect your plans?
Accessorize It - plan on what you want to be a part of your deck - a hot tub, a fire pit, bench seating, storage under the benches, a bar, a kitchen counter (with plumbing?), a built-in picnic or dining table, etc. Will you want to add awnings or overhead beams for sun protection?
Size Matters - consider the over size of your deck. Will is be able to grow with your family or needs? Will it be too big and overtake your yard? Also, a large deck will mean a larger budget. If you visualize it first, you'll be able to see if you have enough room to walk around once your furniture is in place
Budget - consider what you're willing to spend to add a deck. Add ten to twenty percent to that for surprises and contact your deck building company

If you're ready to add a new deck to your backyard, don't wait until Spring or Summer -- start planning now to get it ready for the season. If you need to find a deck builder in your area, post your project with ConstructionDeal.com. It's a free way to find multiple contractors who will contact you - that save you time. Multiple bids will save you money.

RELATED POSTS:
Home Additions - Renovate, Don't Relocate!
Composite vs. Wood Decks
Outdoor Kitchen Designs

Top 6 Tips in Landscaping Design

noreply@blogger.com (ConstructionDeal.com) — Fri, 26 Jan 2007 19:38:00 +0000

Remodeling your home also includes more than just a new master bath or a second floor home addition. Remodeling your landscaping is just an integral part of your home, and your home's value, as the bricks and mortar.

Here are some tips to make sure you do the right thing for your home exterior, your curb appeal, and your property value.

Off Season Color - Sure, your plants and flowers bloom in the Spring and last through the Summer. But keep in mind that there are a host of plants available that can add color and vibrancy to your home in the Fall and Winter months, as well. Talk to your local nursery or a landscape designer about making sure you have plenty of green, and other colors, throughout the entire year!

Protect Your Hills - if your landscaping terrain has a lot of hills and slopes, make sure you plant strong, deep-rooted plants, trees, or bushes that will help protect the hill (and your home!) from soil erosion and land or mudslides.

Uphill Battles - speaking of hills, don't try to make your landscaping work outside of your region. You may love palm trees, but they don't do so well in New England. Some goes for a home in a harsh, warm, dry climate and trying to keep your Kentucky bluegrass as a healthy lawn.

Don't Plan to Fail - when you fail to plan. A landscape needs a design. You can't just go to a nursery and buy a handful of plants and then just plant them wherever you think they look nice. You need to have a plan:

Create zones around your house where you'll have landscaping
Determine the types of plants you'll want in those areas
Consider height, color, and seasonality of all the plants to make sure they'll work together in each zone
Create a mockup, in your yard, of where everything will go with cardboard stand-ins and spray-painted lines around your zones so that you'll be able to visualize what it will look like when complete

Outside the Box - you don't have to have grass in your yard, you can have rocks. You don't have to have hedges, you can have exotic plants. You don't need to have rose bushes, you can have a fountain. Mix it up and put your own personality into your landscaping. Be prepared that some elements might not work, but the trial and error could give you a truly unique look for your home.

Water It - don't forget irrigation design for your landscaping. You might think that you'll remember to run the hose and sprinkler out every other morning, but chance are you won't. Consider adding a timed sprinkler system in with your overall design to make sure your plants and grass get the water, at levels they need to flourish.

Sound like too much work for you? You might try a Landscape Designer - they can help you from start (planning!) to finish with your project or they can help consult on your design to make sure you have the right staging, plant types, and more. If you'd like to find a landscape architect or company in your area, post your request on Construction Deal's website. It's a fast, free, and very easy way to find local pros.

RELATED POSTS:
Curb Appeal - Improving Your Homes Look
Fiberglass Exterior Doors
Landscape Design

Remodeling the Garage

noreply@blogger.com (ConstructionDeal.com) — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 18:16:00 +0000

For most of last, the surprising remodeling trend involved the least likely room in the house. It was the garage. And it was just an organization of the usual garage clutter. Storage was definitely involved, but many were turning their garage into a room so neat and clean... you would consider living there.

While you may not be interested in turning your garage into a museum for your priceless car collection, there is a wide variety of garage remodeling projects to consider to get more out of the space.

The first step is usually garage organization. The garage is normally a big storage space. People are hiring garage remodeling companies to help manage the clutter. Garage designers have a wide list of products that help manage, store, and organize all the items in the garage. Items and racks can be installed in ceilings and on walls to get things up off the floor. Gorgeous cabinets, with locking wheels, can be added to store tools and hardware.

The next step is usually to finish the garage. Not all garages have drywall on the walls and ceilings. Adding insulation, light fixtures, and electrical outlets is key to making the garage a livable work area. Extending heating and cooling ducts or adding portable HVAC equipment is also an option.

After the room has been finished, the floor is also high on the list. Gone are the days of the boring, old, gray concrete floor. Epoxy floors, stained concrete, decorative overlays are being added. A few are choosing interlocking mats that go from wall-to-wall or in certain areas to help alleviate the discomfort of walking and working on the hard floor. For those who are really brave, they're even adding a thin, durable, stain-resistant carpeting for extra comfort.

Finally, the garage makeover usually includes toys and accessories. Homeowners might consider installing a car lift rack - it allows the car to be lifted up for storage while another car is driven in and parked underneath. For some, just having a garage door opener is a huge step up. Some don't even want their cars back in their garage; they're using their entire room for a workshop. They're installing drills, work benches, lathes, and a host of other tools to make their ultimate workshop and getaway.

If the garage that came with your home is a one or two car garage, or there simply isn't enough room, you could consider extending or adding on to your current structure. A garage addition contractor could inspect the building and the surrounding area to see if it's a possibility for you.

To locate several garage remodeling companies in your area, post your request on Construction Deal. The site has a whole network of remodeling companies and you can find someone for free. Even if you don't go with us, you should make sure you receive as many bids as possible on the project - that way you'll make sure you won't spend too much! Good luck!

RELATED ARTICLES:
Home Additions: Renovate, Don't Relocate!
Remodeling Trends: Is Now the Time to Remodel?
Construction and Remodeling Tips

Get 4 Quotes from Garage Addition Builders

noreply@blogger.com (ConstructionDeal.com) — Thu, 11 Jan 2007 01:29:00 +0000

Many people want to add an extra bedroom or finish their basement to create the ultimate Man Cave. But what most people without enough storage will admit they need - if they don't have one - is a garage.

A lot of homes in America were built without an attached garage or a detached garage. Those without would love to park their cars out of the weather. Or have a garage workshop. Even having room for more storage would be great.

And a new garage would add tremendous value to their home.

Are you looking to add a garage? We can help.

At ConstructionDeal.com, we can match you to qualified garage addition contractors. At no cost. Absolutely free, with no obligation. All you do is submit a garage addition project and you'll get 4 estimates from garage addition companies in your area.

It's that easy. It's a fast and free way to find garage addition services. Add value to your home and improve your quality of life with a new garage.

Our contractors can build a detached garage or attach a garage on your home where you have the room.

Also, if you need to find a garage door installer or garage door repair pro, we can help, too! We have a network of local garage door companies that can install a new door, repair the door, install a garage door opener or even repair your old garage door opener. And you can find those services at absolutely no cost.

Are you ready?

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Remodeling Trends: the Home Office

noreply@blogger.com (ConstructionDeal.com) — Wed, 10 Jan 2007 21:00:00 +0000

Mark Nash, author of the book "1,001 Tips for Buying and Selling a Home," interviewed hundreds of real estate professionals about upcoming trends in home remodeling. In this Washington Post article, Nash states that many of the results were surprising. In discussing 'The Hot and the Not', he found that many agents said that adding a Home Office was a big trend for 2007.

Today, technological advances and flexible schedules have made it easier for people to work from home. Many want more productivity by spending less time commuting or to access work-related projects at any hour of the day or night. It means having all the right tools - computer, high speed Internet capability, storage, and office furniture - to get the job done as if the person were in their regular office.

The article even suggests that some families are choosing to add two home offices - one for each household adult - to make sure there is enough room for both wage earners.

Adding a home office can not only be a great tool for you, it can be an attractive selling point when it comes time to move on.

"'More people want a home office today than anything else I've seen this year,' one agent said. 'They want to work from home.'"

The author found that many real estate professionals are suggesting that homeowners who want to sell their homes should turn their smallest bedroom into a home office for their open house. Homeowners are smart enough to know that the home office can be turned back into a bedroom but it might be a good idea to install computers, put in a desk or two, and give them a picture of how it could look as an office.

Whether you're looking to sell your house, or you have need of such a space, what will do you need to create the perfect Home Office?

A Desk or Workstation - high end office furniture that fits well with the size of the room and has a decent comfort factor

High Speed Cable, Fiber Optics, or perhaps even a T1 line installed - instant connectivity is a valuable selling tool

Storage Room - people love to have plenty of storage in nearly every room and the home office is no exception. Storage room means being able to organize files but also books and manuals

Good Lighting - a single, harsh, overhead light is not going to cut it in a home office. Install quality task lighting for the desk or work station and accent lights around the room (either recessed lighting or lamps)

Office Accessories - adding printers, shredders, phones and phone lines, copiers, computers, and even a small stereo system can complete the home office. Artwork is a final consideration, if you have room for it - it might be better to use any available space for a dry erase board

If you need any help with setting up a home office, ConstructionDeal.com may be able to help! Whether you need an Electrician to help with lighting installations, a Home Tech installer to add DSL, T1 and home office phone lines, or a Remodeling Contractor to help with the entire project - we can match you to quality local professionals... for free!

technorati tags: home office, adding home office, remodeling contractor, electrician, home technology, dsl installation, home office installation, wifi installation, installing phones, high tech installations, home office remodeling, home office renovation, basement renovation, spare bedroom renovation, spare bedroom remodeling, home improvement, increasing home value

Remodeling a Small Bathroom

noreply@blogger.com (ConstructionDeal.com) — Tue, 02 Jan 2007 22:37:00 +0000

While many new homes have these massive master baths with spa tubs, double sinks, and the latest in modern showers, most of us have to deal with the fact the bathroom is a fairly small room.

When knocking out walls is not an option for your bathroom remodeling project, there are a number of things you can do to add new life to a small bath.

Pedestal Sinks - if storage space isn't a huge issue, consider switching to a small pedestal sink. The lack of a large cabinet under the sink can really open up a smaller room.

Keep Plumbing in Place - if you're remodeling your small bathroom, there's probably not much room to move a toilet or tub to another spot anyway. But if you can keep from moving any of your plumbing fixtures, you'll really save money on the remodeling. It's very expensive to relocate these items, so you should be able to save money over the larger bath remodeling projects.

Smokin' Mirrors - adding a large mirror, or even two mirrors on opposite walls, can make the small bath space feel larger.

A Wall Hung Toilet - to really make space in a small area, you can install a wall-hung toilet. It does require some plumbing relocation, but if you're really trying to save space and open the room, it's a great option. And, because the pipes go into the wall and not down onto the floor, it makes it much easier to clean the bathroom floor.

Enclosed Showers - very few take baths anymore and it might be the perfect upgrade to remove the tub/shower and replace it with an enclosed glass shower. The glass on the doors will also help open up a small space.

Add Luxuries - because the room is small, it doesn't mean you have to go without. You can still add state-of-the-art technology for additional comfort. Massaging shower heads, towel warmers, radiant heat flooring, and natural stone counters and shower walls are all great options. It would even be possible to add an LCD TV into the wall or a stereo system with in-wall speakers.

Skylights - consider adding a skylight to bring in a ton of natural light and really pop the small room wide open.

There are a lot of other small tips that can help bring your small, outdated bathroom to life. Go with lighter colors or wallpaper to make the room feel bigger. Avoid excessive window treatments that will cut back on light. And make sure to keep the small bath clutter-free. Too many small things sitting around or hanging on the wall will close the room in on you. Finally, if you can't expand the bathroom out, consider expanding it up - by raising the ceiling, you can really make the small space seem much bigger.

If you need to find a bathroom remodeling expert to help with your remodeling project, consider using us. At Construction Deal, you can post your project request for free, choose how many remodeling companies will call you, and then sit back and wait for them to bid on the project. It's fast, free, and easy. And you'll certainly save lots of time and money.

Interior Design: Most Popular Paint Colors

noreply@blogger.com (ConstructionDeal.com) — Thu, 21 Dec 2006 19:37:00 +0000

What is the most popular paint color today? Believe it or not -- it's still white! Don't get me wrong... it's makes perfect sense. White goes with everything. It's such a reflective color that it can really spread light around the room. And it can make a room seem larger than it is. Of course, many people can be so tired of white because they've spent any number of years stuck in a white apartment. Too much white tends to have a very uncomfortable feel to it - almost like a sterile hospital room.

White paint can be perfect for a room with lots of color in it. A darker shade of wood on the mantle, decorative and dark furniture, and colorful large paintings can really "pop" on a white wall.

But more and more, people are choosing alternative colors for their living rooms, bedroom, dining rooms, and kitchens. Of course, when some consider their paint options, they can go overboard with it. While it may have seemed like a good idea at the time, a bright fuchsia or pink wall color in the kitchen can get quite old after a while. And it certainly won't help at resale time.

But light shades of brown, blue, and yellow are still very popular. The faux painting trend has started to fade, as has the fad of multiple colors on an interior wall. But yellows are very popular in kitchens and bathrooms. Multiple shades of blue are favored in master bedrooms and boys' bedrooms. Pink and purple are favored in girls' bedrooms but they're trending more toward multiple and brighter colors as well. For the past five years or so, red was very popular in living, dining rooms and even kitchens.

When deciding on the interior paint color, the room itself is very important in the choice. Consider the size of the room as well as the available light. A small room will feel that much smaller with a dark color. Same with a room that has little natural light - a dark color could make the room smaller and feel more oppressive. On the other side, a very large room with a white or cream or light yellow could be perceived to be too large or undefined and unstructured.
Painting Trends:

Contrasting can be a great painting option. If you want a dark color in a particular room, you can paint the walls in the dark shade and to really highlight the color, you could paint the trim and ceiling a white, off-white, or comparable light version of the dark color.

Darker browns have been replaced by burgundies and browns with a healthy dose of scarlet tinting.

Pinks are not as popular now and are being replaced by light peach or salmon colors.

Eggplant purples are hot now, but the shade must really work for the room or it can look very cheap and gaudy.

Mustard yellow was previously popular, but the color has shifted to more of an amber or a brighter gold shade.

The yellow-ish light green color has gone darker in shade, heading toward an olive and even a muted grass-colored green. These greends look great with a blue-tinted pure white color on the trim, baseboards, and crown moulding.

Keep in mind that paint color trends are rarely stable, long-lasting things. The hot color of 2003 is now dated and wornout by now. Paint color is a very personal choice. And the colors of paint are easily dictated by the style of the house, the size of the room, the color choices in homes throughout the neighborhood, and more.

Whatever paint colors you have in mind - don't buy your paint on your first trip! Take the largest sample sizes you can find home to your room. View that color in the light. If possible, get a small sample of the paint -- paint the room wall to see how it looks when it dries. And if you have a large room, make sure you mix all the paint together into larger buckets to make sure the paint is well mixed in case there are color variations.

If you don't want to paint the rooms in your home on your own, consider Construction Deal. We have a network of interior painters who can give your interiors the professional look that you're after. It's free to find a quality painting company - just post your request and we'll have the painters contact you!

RELATED POSTS:

Choosing an Interior Paint

Design Ideas: Paintable Wall Applications

When is the Best Time to Remodel?

noreply@blogger.com (ConstructionDeal.com) — Fri, 15 Dec 2006 21:10:00 +0000

Construction is a seasonal industry. Because so much work is done outside, from installing a new roof to adding brick pavers to a backyard patio, the majority of remodeling and building companies always have more work lined up from the Spring through the Summer.

Also, the Fall holidays and Winter weather don't have many homeowners thinking about adding their new swimming pool. I mean, who thinks about buying a new swim suit in the middle of February?!

So, it's obvious that the perfect time to talk a local remodeling contractor is during the Fall and Winter months - usually from October through March. Waiting until March, however, could still mean some delays.

Because most remodeling companies do not have as many jobs on their schedule, it can mean that you will have their undivided attention. Most renovation contractors are working on several jobs at one time -- you may hire a company to remodel your basement and they'll work on your house for two weeks straight. But they will disappear for two weeks while they wait for subcontract work on your room. During that wait, they'll be working on someone else's house. It can really add to the length of time that your house will be under construction.

So, if you'd like to make sure that a remodeling company is focusing on you and your home improvement project, the best time to have the work done is during the "off season." You may even get a better price on labor because there is not as much demand for their services! Don't be afraid to haggle to keep those costs down.

If you've got your plans in mind, or down on paper, and you're ready to remodel -- good news! We can help! ConstructionDeal.com will match you to a local renovation company to help you get your project done.

RELATED POSTS:
Home Improvement Financing
Is Now the Time to Remodel?
Construction & Remodeling Tips
Remodeling Contract Tips

Home Improvement Ideas - Sunroom Additions

noreply@blogger.com (ConstructionDeal.com) — Thu, 14 Dec 2006 19:28:00 +0000

A sunroom could be a great way to extend your house without actually building on a whole new room - - which can be very expensive. The sunroom alternative could give you additional living space at a fraction of the cost.

Sunrooms started as a way to keep sunlight and bugs off a back patio or porch. With modern technology, they've become large comfortable rooms with thermal windows, insulation, and contemporary roofs and floors.

Why not just add a complete additional family room? Cost and purpose is the short answer. Adding to your foundation, putting up studs, drywall, a few windows and doors, and a matching roof to your home can be a considerable cost. Also, you may not need the amount of space for what you need in the room. The purpose of a sunroom can be to simply enclose patio furniture. You could also want to enclose your hot tub and you certainly don't need a home addition for that. Sunrooms can be used as a conversation room or family room, as an exercise room, or as a dining space.

What are the advantages of a sunroom? A sunroom can give you the best of both worlds - you can be practically outdoors, with open screened-in windows all around, but you'll be protected from the weather and sunlight. And it's a great way to be outside without having to be bugged by pesky flies and mosquitoes. A sunroom can also let you stay outside longer by giving you access to the back patio and still offering insulation qualities of a standard room in your house. Not only is it less expensive than a home addition project, a sunroom can be installed in much less time and without throwing you out of the house during construction.

What kind of sunroom can I have? The variety of sunroom options is limitless. You can get any size of room you need. You can have a custom built room or you can purchase a kit. Some you can install yourself and other require an installation expert. You can get your choice of the type of windows and doors, and even skylights, that you would like. You can get a flat roof or a cathedral ceiling installed. Depending on your climate, you can choose the R-value of your windows to make sure you don't get too hot or too cold during any season. Ceiling fans are a great option to add, as well.

A sunroom can be a great addition to any house, especially if you have severe seasonal changes or even problems with pesky bugs. And, it can be a great way to improve your home value. It can be an excellent investment. Make sure you get a good sunroom with the longest and strongest warranty available - don't trust any company that will not stand behind it's product.

If you need to find a local sunroom company, you can post your project with ConstructionDeal.com. Let our network of sunroom companies bid on your request instead of trying to call them on your own. You can choose how many sunroom companies you would like to contact you. And, make sure yo uget multiple bids - the more bids you have and more options you can review means that you'll be able to save money.

technorati tags: sunroom, sunroom options, sunroom installers, sunroom cost, sunroom installation, sunroom companies, installing a sunroom, find sunrooms, sun room companies, sun room installers, home addition, home addition contractors, home improvement, increasing home value

Planning to Improve Your Home Value?

noreply@blogger.com (ConstructionDeal.com) — Wed, 06 Dec 2006 23:03:00 +0000

So, your current home is not quite your dream home? You know you'll be moving in a few years? I bet you're putting together a list of projects you want to complete in the long term to make sure your home is ready to sell, if and when you plan on moving.

Let's face it - the average American moves every five to ten years. So, anything and everything that you can do to your home to improve the look and functionality could potentially mean a greater return on investment when you sell.

Everyone talks about renovating the kitchen and bathrooms in a house to improve value. But let me help you look as some of the smaller, less interesting but still very important tasks that you need to clear up first. These are the small tasks that a local handyman or contractor could help you with, if you can't do them all yourself, to improve the overall value on your home -- without spending very much!

Lose the Popcorn Ceiling - have you got those acoustic ceiling tiles or popcorn ceilings in most of the rooms in your house? Get them out. They've been an eyesore since the mid-eighties. Nearly everyone hates them and wants them gone. If you get rid of them and replace them with smooth drywall ceilings (possibly with some crown molding up there), you'll win favor with potential buyers.

Air Conditioners in the Windows? Central heating and air conditioning is the way to go. Yes, it's very expensive to have it installed, but it will serve you well while you'll live in the house and serve you well when you go to sell the house. A very wise investment. In most states, it's practically expected and when it's not there, it can be a deal breaker.

Lose the Linoleum - If you've got dated vinyl, plastic, or linoleum floors or counters, you should think about replacing and upgrading when and where you can. There are even modern equivalents to the linoleum products that look and feel much better than the old stuff installed in your house from the 60's. New technology has improved most of the man-made tile and sheet products to make them look like natural stones and ceramic tiles.

Run for the Border - Remove all the wallpaper and borders that have tattooed your walls since 1984. Even faux paint is starting to fall out of favor. Go with quality paint in conservative colors that match the tone and style of the room and house. Paint is classic and much harder to go out of style (the colors may not be but paint is always "in.") If you need to find a painting company, we can help...

Peel the Paneling - Remove or paint over all the dark faux wood paneling in the house. It's been out for a long time but most people have been looking at it for so long, they've tuned it out. Fresh and airy and light is what people want from their home. Not dark and muted, which is what paneling provides.

Improve your home and you'll eventually improve your bottom line. The housing market is slow right now but it doesn't mean that it will be this way in a few years when you're ready to move on.

Keep ConstructionDeal.com in your bookmarks and remember us when you need to find a quality home improvement expert. It's free and faster than looking up remodeling companies at random from your local phone book.

Green Construction: Sustainability

noreply@blogger.com (ConstructionDeal.com) — Wed, 22 Nov 2006 20:47:00 +0000

What is sustainability? Just another trendy word in the remodeling and construction biz? Not at all. In fact, sustainability is our future (literally) and it's very important that not only construction professionals but homeowners are aware of it.

According to the folks over at Thinksulation, sustainability is "about designing and building for the long term while conserving the environment. And industry professionals are choosing building products more conscientiously than ever before.

They're choosing building materials such as fiber glass insulation that minimize the impact on the environment.

Fiber glass insulation is a proven performer when it comes to saving energy. We all know a building that is thermally efficient reduces the amount of energy used. But this also means less fossil fuel is burned to produce that energy, resulting in a reduction of polluting gases released into the atmosphere and less need for new power plants."

According to Smart Homeowner's Market Focus only 14 percent of new home buyers say that their contractors told them about green building options or energy-efficient upgrades and products.

Make sure you discuss all your options when you talk with your remodeling contractor. Talk about energy savings and energy efficiency. Discuss products you can use in your remodeling project that will not only save you money in the long run, but will also have limited affects on the environment.

At ConstructionDeal.com, you can find all types of home contractors to help you save money and save the planet. It's a fast, free and easy way to find local professionals.

technorati tags: remodeling, renovation, sustainability, green construction, green building,environmental construction, environmental remodeling, remodeling contractor, energy star,energy savings, energy efficient construction, energy efficient remodeling

Reasons to Renovate

noreply@blogger.com (ConstructionDeal.com) — Tue, 21 Nov 2006 18:45:00 +0000

Homeowners are so much more demanding than they were generations ago. Many people want and expect the best when it comes to their house. After all, the home is where most people spend most of their life and... it is most generally their largest investment.

If you're considering a partial or complete home renovation, here are some factors to consider other than just getting what you want. Remodeling your home is not always a completely selfish act of indulgence. And, these reasons might help you convince your significant other that it's time to invest back into your home :)

Home Remodeling can:

- Increase Market Value of the house; Increase Home Equity: a home that has improvements in all the right places can be worth more. By having the house evaluated and appraised after renovation, it could be worth more than previously stated and could bump up your overall equity as well.

- Improve Comfort: along with cosmetic changes from a remodel, changes are usually made to a home to add, increase or make more efficient the insulation, heating & cooling, UV protection, ventilation, and more. The behind the scenes work on a house can make it more comfortable.

- Add Space: redesigning a kitchen, attic, basement, or adding on to those rooms can give you more room and more storage in your home.

- Improve Safety: old wiring, faulty connections, outdated products, and more will usually be replaced in remodeled rooms making the entire house safer than before. New items, such as fire sprinklers or at least fire alarms can be added. Even home security technology can be added during your renovation to make the house safe.

- Add Convenience: whenever a room is remodeled, new features and products can replace or be introduced to make the room easier to use. Lighting can be automated, new appliances can be installed, home theater speakers can be hidden, and electronic thermostats can be set up. All making it easier to use and to save you time.

- Save Energy Costs: a remodeling project can bring in new products and materials that will save you money in the long run. Simply updating to an Energy Star refrigerator, dishwasher, and installing halogen dimmable lighting can cut your energy bills in half for your kitchen renovation.

- Ease Maintenance Requirements: with today's new state-of-the-art materials (that didn't exist when your home was built) you could get a new floor, a new countertop, or new siding installation that could mean maintenance-free living. Some of the new replacement windows are easier to clean. Composite materials have been introduced in a lot of home applications and they don't need to be painted, sealed, or replaced for a very long time. Although, you'll still need to clean. Cleaning never goes away.

There are a host of other reasons to remodel your house - improved security, aesthetic appeal, having a healthier environment - but what matters is that you know you'll be taking care of your house, your family, and your investment by improving and remodeling when and where you can.

If you need to find a local home remodeler, contact ConstructionDeal.com and we'll help you find a perfect match. It's a fast, free, and easy way to find a reliable renovation contractor!

Remodeling your Basement

noreply@blogger.com (ConstructionDeal.com) — Sat, 18 Nov 2006 00:57:00 +0000

It's been a while, but you have been promising to renovate your basement and now is the time. When most people are buying their house, they tour the basement and talk about grand plans to add this or create that with the space. But after the laundry room is set up, many abandon the idea. Now, you can remodel the basement and give yourself the extra room you need to expand without breaking the bank. A basement remodel is usually a third the cost of a remodeling job on first floors and above.

A basement can mean more than just an extra bedroom or a playroom for the kids. It could be an art studio, a home office, a sewing room, a home theater, or… if you plan it right, you might be able to add a few of these options.

Before you call a contractor to help with the remodeling phase, sit down and plan out how you want to use the space. Think about what you need versus what you want. Consider that you may be losing some of your current storage space with this renovation. Go over your budget, too. It will affect your plan. Adding a bathroom to a basement can be very expensive, so working it out in the planning and budgeting phase means a lot.

Remodeling the basement might be the time to experiment. Many homes conform to the houses architecture on the main floors, be in traditional or country or modern. However, the basement is usually considered very separate from the rest of the house. It could be your chance to make a classical Art Deco escape or to try out some new wall textures or faux painting ideas. Try whatever you want in your new basement - even if it doesn't work out, you can always change it and not as many people will see it while you re-work it.

Once your new basement plans are in place, you can post your basement renovation project on the Construction Deal website. It's a free resource for you to find a quality basement remodeling company in your area. It beats choosing contractors at random from the yellow pages.

technorati tags: basement remodeling, basement renovation, renovate my basement, home improvement, basement contractor, basement remodelers, home remodelers, remodeling trends, trends in remodeling, renovators, constructiondeal, construction deal, contractor referral, find a contractor, basement home office, basement home theater

Curb Appeal - Improving Your Home's Look

noreply@blogger.com (ConstructionDeal.com) — Fri, 10 Nov 2006 17:36:00 +0000

Perhaps you're looking to sell your home or maybe you want to spice up the exterior of your house exterior. They say that "looks aren't everything" but then they also say that "you never get a second chance at a first impression." How the outside of your home looks truly does matter. But because it's your home, you've grown comfortable with how it looks and may not realize that it needs some help.

When family comes for the holidays, potential buyers for the first day of Open House, or friends come over for the big game, the first thing they see when they get out of their car is the front of your house. How much curb appeal does your home have?

Here are a few tips to give your home a facelift and make it the envy of the neighborhood:

House Exterior

Is your home painted? A fresh coat of paint will do wonders for the look of your home. You might even think about a new color. Does everyone on your street have white paint on their house? Consider a khaki color with white trim. I've seen a lot of houses from the 80's and 90's that were painted a flat gray -- it might be time to try a pale yellow, a tan, or switch to an ivory color to be different from all the other suburban homes.

Is it covered in vinyl siding or stucco or brick? Stale, old siding or cracking stucco can really bring down the value of your home. Nothing says 1960's Split Level like a house covered in multicolored bricks. Consider having a siding contractor come out to give you an estimate and bringing your home into the 21st century.

Shutters? If you home has large windows on the front of the house with nothing else around them, it can make the house look flat and boring. A set of shutters, in a darker/contrasting color from the house paint can make your house jump up and demand your attention. If you've got shutters, a nice new coat of paint can do amazing things.

Landscaping

The landscaping around your house means more than planting a few flowers or bushes under the windows of your home. Sometimes it means removing what's already there. Overgrowth of bushes, trees, and plants can hide your home's architecture and curb appeal. Cutting back or even removing large chunks of landscaping can open it up and breathe new life into your aging house.

Try to get landscaping that is native to your area to make sure you don't need to water or care for everything more than you normally would. People sometimes install plants, trees, and grass that doesn't belong in their state. Then, they're forced to spend more time, water, and money to maintain it. Many give up and it ends up looking worse than before they started.

Consult a lanscape architect or landscaping company to plan out your yard to really draw attention to the home's best points and pull away from areas the house is not as strong in.

New Roof

It's a drastic measure, but if you're home is in need of a new roof (you've got leaks, missing shingles, sagging roofline, etc.) it can really add to the look of your home. The great thing is that there are a host of new roofing products and materials out there that can really liven up your house. Even if you go with traditional asphalt shingles again, there are dozens of styles, textures, and colors to choose from.

Driveway, Walkways & Sidewalks

Resurfacing or replacing your asphalt or concrete surfaces can be the final touch in updating your home's curb appeal. If you're interested in going beyond just a new coat of concrete or black asphalt, consider adding a unique look to your home. Going with brick or concrete pavers, acid stained concrete, or other decorative concrete will really make your neighbors jealous and improve your home value. Click here for some info on some acid staining options.

Accessories

A new front door can really do wonders for your curb appeal. Make sure that the door fits the architecture of your house. I've seen many people try to squeeze a set of double doors onto a 2 bedroom ranch and it just makes the house look even smaller than it is. If you can't afford a new door, consider painting your door to add some spice to the front of your house.

Don't forget about updating the porch light, street light, mailbox, and house numbers. Try to get a matching style for your house architecture and also make sure that all the accessories match each other (if not an exact match, then at least the same material or color.)

If you've got fencing on either side of your home exterior, you might think about updating the wood or chain link fences or maybe adding a decorative gate.

Making adjustments to the front exterior of your home is the first, best step to improving the curb appeal as well as the value of your biggest investment. If you need to find any type of home improvement guru to help with your renovations, contact Construction Deal - - we're your resource to find a quality professional and it's free to use for all homeowners!

Home Improvement Ideas - Attic Renovation

noreply@blogger.com (ConstructionDeal.com) — Thu, 09 Nov 2006 19:44:00 +0000

With the housing market down, it's going to mean that more people will be staying put in their current home. One reason many like to move to a new home is that they need more space. If you're staying in your house, you may be able to renovate your attic to give you some much needed room.

Most people hate the thought of even going up into their attics for anything. But the structure of your house may allow for a complete room, or maybe even a master suite and an additional bathroom. Some have even been able to add two complete bedrooms or a bedroom and home office up there.

If you're using your attic for store things, you may be hesitating about turning it into another living space because you'll lose the storage space. Keep in mind that most roofs slope downward and you may be able to create cabinets along the lower parts of the sloping roof. It could also give you a great excuse to throw away old junk and organize the area.

A home remodeling contractor can inspect your attic to see what your options are and to help you plan out what can be done in your attic. Not every home is built to have a living space in the attic. You'll have to consider many factors:

Framing: if there are too many frames criss-crossing the space, it cannot be remodeled. You need to make sure your roof will still be supported. Some homes were not built with a usable attic living space in mind.

Space: is there enough headroom and adequate roof space to make a room? Some attics have enough space to just walk down the center. Raising the roof is a possibility, but should only be undertaken if you need new roofing materials and can handle the expenses of the work, the new materials, and debris removal.

Support: can your attic joists support the additional weight of the room and people using it? It could cause problems in rooms below if the attic becomes habitable. It might be necessary to talk with a structural engineer.

Access: do you need to make stairs? If so, do you have room on the floor below for a staircase? You will need a floorplan that allows more access than just a square hole in the ceiling.

Heating & Cooling: will you be able to add air ducts to the room? Will you be able to keep the same level of insulation? Adding an attic room removes some of the rest of your home's barrier agains the elements. Find out if a skylight or two are an option for natural lighting and heating.

An attic renovation could give you a new master suite, rooms for the kids, a library or den as a retreat. There are dozens of reasons to talk to a professional about your options in your own home. Construction Deal has a network of remodeling contractors waiting to give you an estimate. Post your request for free on our main site.

Good luck with the attic renovation!

technorati tags: home improvement, home remodeling, attic renovation, home renovation,home addtion, attic remodeling, attic stairs, adding master suite, adding bedrooms, adding second floor, remodeling contractor, structural engineer, renovation contractor, find a contractor, contractor referral, attic contractor, attic company, general contractor