Category: Glen Miller The Home Doctor - page 7

When people consider remodeling their homes they are often under the illusion it has to be a crazy, long drawn out project.  This is not the case especially when you hire a contractor.  Many of you are thinking that there is no way you can afford to hire a contractor for your home remodeling projects however this is not the case.  When you take into consideration the time and effort that doing it yourself takes, hiring a contractor seems incredibly reasonable. Especially when they do it yourself project ends up way behind schedule and you have to take days off work to finish it so that your family doesn’t make your move to the garage.

One of the quickest ways to give your home an upgrade is with new flooring.  Whether it is refinishing a dull hardwood floor or taking up old dingy carpet and installing a new hardwood floor.  With all the latest trends available in hardwood flooring it has become easier than ever to install and less expensive than ever before.  With wood upgrades you also cut down on a lot of allergens that are present, collecting in the carpet.  This is particularly important when you live in a house with pets.

Another fresh update that can be done takes place in the kitchen and bathroom with the cabinetry.  With some simple paint, refacing and/or new hardware you can completely change the look of your space. If your space allows for it, crown molding can be added which makes the cabinets look grander.  Cabinets are the focal point of your kitchen.  A little bit of paint and some update hardware can go a long way.

Another fairly simple, inexpensive kitchen renovation that can be done to update the look of your space is by adding to the back-splash.  A contractor can give you plenty of ideas on what materials will blend in well with your kitchen.  Popular options include tile, mosaics and glass.  This is a remodeling project that can easily be done in a small amount of time, with limited resources that makes a statement in your kitchen space.

If you are looking to really go to town in your home add a splash of color.  Adding color to the rooms within your home really spice it up.  With different colors different emotions are expressed and in turn can change a room from bland to striking.

Adding to the exterior of your home is another way to spruce it up.  A change in landscaping or the addition of a deck can change the way the way you use your space.  A yard that is uneven and constantly wet can turn into a fun zone with the removal of some shade trees, letting the sun in and a deck.  It completely takes a space that wasn’t being used and makes it able to be enjoyed.  Add a garden, a horse shoe pit or jungle gym to the yard; all of these additions bring life to your yard.

Home remodeling projects inside or out can enhance your home.  Hiring a contractor to handle minor or major renovations around your house will leave you without the mess so your able to sit back and enjoy the updates.

When it comes to home remodeling projects whether you are a do it yourself homeowner or a general contractor you should always consider what you are doing to help or hurt the progress of the renovation.  There are several major things that can stall a project adding weeks, maybe even months, to a simple remodeling project.  Below are some tips to help homeowners working with a contractor or doing renovations themselves to help keep the project on track budget and time wise.

The first tip is super important. Don’t postpone the decision making process.  For a remodel to go well you really need to have a plan and make decisions before the project takes off.  It is wise to give some forethought into complications that could arise and actions plans to compensate.  You might think that the complications to projects are what really delay the remodel but this in fact is wrong.  Most contractors will tell you the biggest project delays come from homeowners making the small decisions such as the color of the paint or what type of faucet to purchase. Every detail of the remodel, no matter how big or small works in conjunction with other aspects of the project.  It is a domino effect; each piece relies on the other.

Being indecisive and changing what you want at any point throughout the project will result in added costs and time.  Even a minor change can throw the scheduling off especially when more than one contractor’s schedule is involved in the project.  Time is spent communicating changes to everyone involved on the remodel as well as the increase to the budget for everyone’s time as well as new materials.  You can see how a decisive, clear, well thought out plan helps with entire remodeling project from a kitchen redesign to finishing a basement.

Sometimes there are situations in home remodeling where you can actually invest money to improve the house that will actually not add an equity value to the home.  For instance, if you live in a community filled with starter homes adding a gourmet kitchen to the house may be something you desire but come time to sell you will not recoup the value.  Also, make sure that you are renovating where it is important to the home. New cabinets and a fancy kitchen do nothing for your home value if paired with cracking foundations and old plumbing. Sometimes it is better to look into remodeling where you need to rather than where you want to.  Invest money into your home that will help you achieve the maximum return on investment and equity into your home.

A budget is set forth before a project of any magnitude is taken on.  It is important to have the money to cover what is needed.  The best advice anyone can give when remodeling is to have a contingency fund set aside in case something does arise.  A contingency fund isn’t money to be used frivolously on material upgrades and such but instead there if something happens in the process that was not planned for.

When it comes to redoing your home one of the best rooms to renovate is the bathroom.  Before you jump into the latest in trendy bathroom tiles and fancy bathtubs there are some basics to cover that will allow your renovation to be the vision you imagined.  Any home modification can take on a life of its own however if you follow the checklist below you will stay on track and things will run smoothly.

The first thing to consider is coming up with a realistic budget.  Get quotes from different contractors and go to different home improvement stores to check out prices on the pieces that you are leaning towards.  If you want marble but can only afford lament then you might consider waiting on the remodel or allotting your funds differently.  You will want to take diligence when looking at the prices on tile, fixtures, countertops, mirrors, tubs and bathtubs.  These items can all add up really quickly so you want to keep a close eye on your budget.

The bathroom is a small room but don’t think that this means that the renovation will only take a few days.  Renovations can run into issues along the way, especially bathrooms.  Bathrooms are an area that things can pop up such as the wrong backer board was used originally and created a mold issue.  The floor is an area of concern as well when it comes to a bathroom. You will want to make sure the base is sturdy and free of imperfections.  Hidden problems will occur so make sure to budget for the extras.

When it comes to the bath area, the design and functionality is the most important factor for us as homeowners.   The bathroom should flow in design and function.  Function comes in the layout of the bathroom.  This is something that should be gone over with the contractor and the room designer.  They should know how you will use the space so that it provides function and flow for you and your family.  When it comes to choosing colors for paint, tile, the vanity and such this is mostly personal preference.   Neutral works best if you are planning to put the house up for sale as it is most pleasing to everyone.

I am all for it when it comes to most do-it-yourself projects however when it comes to bathroom renovations it is best to hire a contractor.  The job comes with complexities such as electrical, plumbing and tile work.  All of these are not easy tasks to master and the advantages of hiring a bathroom contractor can alleviate a lot of headaches.

Speaking of electrical, consider adding lighting to the bathroom space. If this was not something that you originally thought of consider it now.  Bathroom lighting is so important and can really add a lot of interest to a small space.   Without proper lighting especially in homes of aging people the bathroom can be dangerous.  Add natural lighting first if there isn’t any and from there add bright lighting, recessed lighting adds to the brightness without requiring anything but ceiling space.  If you have a small bathroom recessed lighting can help you open up the space.

One more thing to think about when remodeling the bathroom is your needs as you age.  If you are redoing a bathroom space it is the perfect time to add in some basic age in place modifications that will help you in the future as you age.  Basics can include levered faucets and pull knobs along with in place grab bars in the shower area.  A taller toilet can be installed to ease getting up and can easily go unnoticed unlike the over the toilet chairs that are often used.  Aging is something that will happen to all of us, preparing for it is not a bad thing and during the renovation process is the perfect time for this.

There are so many reasons to want to bring new life to your home and so many different ways to achieve it.  Homeowners must love their new remodel or home upgrade however; they should also remember that in the end it is also important to think about the long term.  This includes the quality of the improvement, the value it gives to the equity in the home’s value and if the upgrade is universal and will pleasing to many different buyers in the future.

Kitchen renovations give the best return on investment when you do decide to sell your home.  Simple kitchen upgrades are easy enough for home owners to do on their own while others should be left to a professional contractor.  Simply refinishing cabinets, replacing laminate counter tops, steel sinks, faucets and hardware can do a lot to update a kitchen with very little investment to a homeowner.  If looking for something more than this such as moving appliances and restructuring cabinets call in a professional kitchen remodeler.  It will save you money, time and sanity and frankly the money will be recouped in the end but the time and sanity those are things you can’t get back.

The exterior of your home is also an area that can bring a large return on your investment.  Not only will you improve the curb appeal of your home but also the homes’ equity.  New siding and trim is one of the only renovations that will not cause much turmoil to your families routine as well which is rare when thinking about home improvements.

The bathroom is another area that can also increase the value of your home.  Some major renovations in a bathroom are flooring, ceramic tiling, new fixtures and faucets and an upgrade in cabinets and vanities.  Major renovations that include the layout of the space should be really considered as that often adds expense that is not recouped in the end.

Another major exterior investment that helps increase the curb appeal as well as the home’s value is a deck or patio area installation.  A deck home addition adds an extra functional space for entertaining and play.  A deck can be made as cozy as the interior of your home with the latest inventions for outdoor entertaining such as screens to alleviate the presence of bugs or outdoor heaters that keep the chill at bay.

All home additions are worth the expense, stress and time spent if it is something that will improve the quality of your life and enhance the space in which you live.  Some also will help increase the value of your home as well while others are strictly done for the benefit of the homeowner while they are living within the space.  Basement renovations are hard to recoup.  You will see an increase in your home value but it may not be nearly what you spent on the renovations itself.  Doing too many renovations of this nature within your home can leave you upside down when it comes time to sell the home if you have renovated on the equity of your home.  Consider this before jumping head first into any major room renovation.

Ages in place remodeling needs are increasing as seniors are demanding to stay independent and in their own homes longer than ever before. With advances in home remodeling, contractors are able to upgrade homes to fit the special needs of the aging population thus making living alone possible. Success in remodeling for aging in place depends on several things including choosing improvements that work with the homes original structure and a certified contractor to complete the remodeling process.

The first step in senior home improvements should start at the homes entrances and exits. Handicap ramps and increased doorway width are an important place to begin. A wheelchair accessible entrance is beneficial for those confined to wheelchairs, walkers and the use of a cane. Stairs are an incredible burden when it comes to the aging body and a handicap ramp, installed properly whether aluminum or wood will ease the burden of accessing the home.

The next room within the home that needs to be looked at is the bathroom. Over fifty percent of accidents happen in the bathroom mostly from falls. A bathroom is easily modified with proper installation from a certified contractor. Installing grab bars by the toilet and within the shower are a must for home improvements for seniors. The use of special fixtures and door pulls are especially helpful when it comes to the lack in strength in aging hands. You can also increase the height of the toilet to help ease getting on and off as well.

The kitchen is another area prone to senior accidents. When remodeling a kitchen for aging in place fixtures are important as well as accessibility. Keeping items within reach to avoid seniors climbing is important. One way that this can be accomplished is using sliding platforms within cupboards. This allows items to be stacked lower. Keep all appliances and everyday items within reach, increase the lighting within the space and simplify.

In the bedroom space it is important to have abundant lighting that is easy to get to. A light should be within arms reach from the bed so that when waking in the middle of the night to use the restroom they are not maneuvering about in the dark. Organize closet space so that clothing is within reach without having to over stretch or climb. This will be a reoccurring theme, lighting, ease of reach and maneuverability.

Include seniors in the changes around their home. This will make them less resentful of the age in place remodeling and make adjusting to the lifestyle of one that is aging less difficult. Help by removing throw rugs and increase lighting throughout the home. Increase fire safety by providing fire alarms with increased volume and flashing lights along with fire extinguishers throughout the home. Remove obstacles and create areas within the home where things can be stored.

When remodeling for aging in place creating a safe, usable space that still feels like home is the most important aspect of the entire project. Find a contractor that listens and offers several different design ideas that fit with creating a safe space to grow old in.

Home renovations are a large part of owning a home. At some point a home improvement project is in every homeowner’s future. When considering upgrades to your home it is important to remember that not all renovations are created equally. Remodeling should help to increase your home’s resale value. However, others do just the opposite.
If you see yourself in the home for a period of time, of course, feel free to make use of the space how you see fit. The problem arises when homeowner’s know they are going to be selling in the next five years or so and don’t take into consideration the return on investment. If you are concerned with the resale value of your home here are a few renovations to avoid.
When buyers purchase a three bedroom home they want to see that the home has three bedrooms. Turning the space into anything else makes the bedroom seem short a bedroom. If you decide to covert a bedroom into another space, for instance, a craft room, make sure when trying to sell the home you convert it back to a bedroom. Buyers need to see what is being described and the number of bedrooms your home offers is a major selling feature.
Installing a hot tub is also seen as a big turn off to buyers. Although a relaxing renovation for you, new owners have a preconceived notion related to hot tubs making used hot tubs undesirable. If you do plan on having a hot tub consider making it accessible as a non-permanent feature. Don’t build the hot tub into the deck but rather create a space that is the hot tubs alone so that when and if you sell your home it can easily be removed and taken with you.
Another fad that was popular for a while but is seen as a put off now is colored trim and textured walls. Yes, paint is an easy fix for the most part that is for walls but trim is another story. Trim is a lot of work to paint. The same is true for texture on walls and ceilings for that matter. It takes a lot of prep and laborious work to remove the texture and this can be a major drawback to sellers.
When it comes to children’s bedrooms, themed bedrooms are also major turn offs for future buyers. All money spent on a child’s bedroom that is anything above and beyond a classic, simple bedroom is wasted money. That mural, no one else wants it. Built in beds, bookshelves and dressers are not for everyone so don’t do these renovations thinking you will re coup the expense.
Landscaping renovations is another place homeowners can over do it. Landscaping is expensive and is seen as high-maintenance to buyers who aren’t yard work savvy. Keep the landscape simple and appealing. Going over board will not be a good return on investment when it comes to the sale of your home.
The motto in home renovations is keep it classic, simple and appeal to the masses. This is especially true when you are considering selling the home in the next five years. If you know you are staying in your home forever and you don’t care how it appeals to others because you aren’t going anywhere, than live it up! Add in the built in hot tub with full bar on to the deck and litter the yard with beautiful flowering plants! Heck it is your home – enjoy it!
If you interested in home safety modifications, handicap construction and general home remodeling and renovations check http://www.glenmillerthehomedoctor.com today where you will find useful information and solutions on a variety of home remodeling projects.

When we bought our home we did not consider the space within the home as much as we did the space outside the home. The landscape was to die for. When we look out on one side of the home there is a heavenly forest; thick with ever tree known to the Northern states and to the other was a beautiful flowing river that leads to 5 different sporting lakes. It really did not matter at the time what the inside looked like as we were purchasing the land. I am sure this has happened to many people just like us.
Now some years later, I am not saying as it ages me a great deal, the landscape is still wonderful but the desire to make the inside of the home ours has come. Instead of moving to a home that is to die with substandard views we have decided to look into home renovations.
Remodeling your home saves you money in the long run. It also saves you the hassles of moving. The structure of the home can be kept intact in most home remodels. Even if the entire layout is to be rearranged and rooms or additions added on to the general walls of the home are there.
With the space we were renovating the first issue we wanted to address is that there was not a bathroom on the first floor. With our aging bodies this was just not a feasible option to go without any longer. So the bathroom addition began on the first floor. For us this turned out to be fairly easy. We had a huge coat closet that backed to a walk in pantry. The space was “easily” turned into a full size first floor bathroom.
The next move was to include a master suite on the first floor. The first floor consisted of a dining room that to us was wasted space. We do a lot of family dinners but the weather is beautiful for most of the year allowing us to access the large screened in porch for this. The dining room along with a first floor guest room was turned into a master suite and bathroom combination that we were ecstatic to have!
With the addition of our first floor master suite we had taken away a bedroom that needed to be replaced. This was easy as the space above our garage was a perfect option for a lofty guest bedroom allowing us to turn our previous master suite into a sitting room/library. The bedroom renovations made the home feel incredibly room as we were now occupying a space in a manner we had never imagined before. The attic above the garage was wasted all those years.
One of my favorite renovations in the home has been the kitchen. We had become accustomed to a small kitchen. This was alleviated by blowing out a two outside walls in the kitchen and moving them out. With this it allowed us to accommodate the beautiful river view into the remodel. The kitchen now has large window and allow natural light and nature to be with us. We added counter top seating and overall space to entertain. The kitchen renovation really opened up the home and allowed the reason we loved the outside space to become a part of the interior.
The renovations were not always easy. As many people know being in a state of chaos is a lot. We did manage to stay sane and find respite staying with friends during parts of the renovation where walls were coming down and it was just generally too much to bare. We did manage a long two week vacation as well during the remodel which helped bring back into focus the big picture. Be sure to have little escapes planned as you embark on the home renovation project. I guarantee it will bring peace back to your life and marriage.
If you interested in home safety modifications, handicap construction and general home remodeling and renovations check http://www.glenmillerthehomedoctor.com today where you will find useful information and solutions on a variety of home remodeling projects.
If you interested in home safety modifications, handicap construction and general home remodeling and renovations check http://www.glenmillerthehomedoctor.com today where you will find useful information and solutions on a variety of home remodeling projects.

Every homeowner has a preference in how they want their home and space to function and flow. This is true in every room in a home especially the kitchen and bathroom spaces. Every year you will notice that there are trends and fads that are incorporated into remodels and new construction that update spaces and give a fresh look and feel to the space. It also dates your home without trying.
I don’t consider a kitchen and bathroom space having the look and feel of a certain time or era as a bad thing. To be honest this is what makes a home unique. Yes, there are times when it looks plain out dated but can easily be updated adding a few minor tweaks to the space and an entire overhaul or room renovation is not needed.
A home I recently went into was very much reminiscent of an older eighties style kitchen. The yellow coloring, oak cabinets, laminate counters and linoleum flooring. Dead give a ways to a space that had seen its hay day. The couple grappled with many decisions. The cabinets were in great shape, the function of the kitchen layout was perfect and everything was still in incredible shape. The space needed minor updates however not every aspect of this eighties kitchen needed to be removed.
The solution was to add in some changes from trends that are up and coming this year. Trends in cabinetry are on two opposite spectrums wither bright white or dark finishes. The couple really liked the idea of a dark finish especially since the linoleum countertop was lighter and was not going to be replaced. We decided to go with a cherry/black finish and add a super glossy glaze. This is an incredibly up to date look for cabinetry. We replaced the eighties gold handles with some super sleek dark satin stainless steel cabinet hardware and installed a new touch activated faucet.
Another element that we added to update the cabinetry is to remove the center of the cabinet door and replace it with glass. Using glass elements in kitchens adds a modern element and really makes the space updated. The cabinets that had their small middle sections replaced with glass were then filled with pieces that were used often and pretty enough that they needed to be visible. We also added glass elements in the form of vases filled with stones. This couple collected rocks from their adventures and they were currently stored away. This gave the couple a place to display their finds while bringing in an element of nature.
The flooring is where the couple decided to spend their renovation funds. The linoleum flooring dated the space in an unbelievable way, the material, the pattern and the colors all reminiscent of the eighties. For this couple ceramic flooring was the look and feel they were interested in. They choose a rustic slate tile in twelve by twelve squares. The larger tiles looked great in their space as the dining room and kitchen were blended into one space as many eighties kitchens were designed.
These few upgrades really brought this couples eighties kitchen into the twenty first century. The space did not need a complete renovation as the space functioned perfectly with the current layout. Thankfully this space had good bones to begin with making this update a whole lot simpler.
The Home Doctor is an expert in a variety of home renovations including kitchen and bathroom remodeling. For more information on home renovations or for a local general contractor you can find information at http://www.glenmillerthehomedoctor.com/.
Kitchen flooring, Kitchen remodeling, kitchen renovations, bathroom remodeling, bathroom renovations, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, kitchen updates, kitchen upgrades, kitchen renovation ideas

Eventually everybody comes to a point in life where they need to rely on care from someone else.  Most of the time it is a parent needing end of life care. Depending on each situation the choice to bring them home to live with you or to live in an assisted living facility is a personal one.  Both situations involve a change for your loved one and you and both require a great deal of planning.

If the choice is to bring them into your home it is important to make sure you are equipped with independent living products and solutions throughout your home.  Note that these products are no longer clinical in style and have been made to enhance ones home while not necessarily needing to be permanently installed.  These products help to allow seniors to maintain an independent and safe lifestyle while retaining the homes appearance and allowing the senior to feel like less of a burden to you.

One of the most important rooms to make safe is the bathroom area.  Many homes have multiple bathrooms.  The bathroom that the senior in the household will be using most often should be the one that is equipped with essential safety measures.  To make sure the bathroom renovations are up to par for independent adult living make sure that getting in and out of the tub and up off the toilet is as easy as possible.  This may mean that grab bars need to be installed and that padding and anti-slip materials are added to slick ceramic tile and linoleum floors.  Preventing the fall from happening in the first place is a whole lot easier than caring for the patient after the fall.

If your home is one in which a threshold is crossed to enter or if the home has small steps that help vary the levels consider the installation of a threshold ramp is an affordable option that can be made to blend with the existing décor of the home.  It does not have to be permanent and can be easily installed.  These are good to have no matter if a walker or wheelchair is needed.  Week knees and legs are better equipped to handle small threshold ramps better than steps and more likely than not a walker or mobility equipment of sorts will be needed at some point.  If your home has stairs the best option is to make everything that the senior needs accessible to him/her on the main floor where they will be spending most of their time. Otherwise be prepared to install a chair lift to ease access to the rest of the home.

The bedroom is another room that requires the senior to be independent in movement and needs to be extra safe.  Sensors are a must for seniors in the bedroom area.  Lights that are activated with movement or clapping are needed so that the minute the elderly loved one is awake they can have access to light without leaving the bed.  Depending on the level of care needed there are a multitude of products available to assist seniors in getting around with little to no help and that help maintain the aspect of privacy that is so desired.

Each room in the house has certain challenges that will need to be overcome when it comes to handicap construction otherwise known as age in place accommodations.  When it comes to caring for a loved one and ensure their independence and safety as they live out the last years of their lives no obstacle is one that a solution can’t be found.

Every year our home finds a way to be updated, accidentally or planned, it happens. This year it is planned thankfully. The kitchen did not catch on fire from a faulty built in microwave, the pipes did not explode in the laundry room, and the kids did not spill every unknown substance on the living room floor, nothing. This year we planned to take on turning the master bathroom into a sanctuary. We also needed to take into consideration that we were getting older and with that coming physical challenges, such as a knee reconstruction, would make it difficult to use the tub/shower for much longer.
The first thing we did was to consider that even though a tub was out of the question we needed a space that promoted relaxation while showering. The last thing that was going to happen is a cramped, tight one person shower surround. Instead we constructed a barrier free entry shower that is large enough for a party with built in bench seating. The days of bending in every direction known to man to shave my legs in the shower were going to be a thing of the past. We also decided it was in our best interest to install grab bars and to make one of the multiple shower heads a hand held removable one. All of these details will allow us to age in this home and be comfortable.
The next thing I considered is that I wanted a minimal effort bathroom in regards to keeping it clean. For this reason I choose to have quartz countertops installed throughout the space. The sink station and vanity area are all quartz. The material requires minimal effort to maintain and looks great wet or dry which was perfect for the space.
A detail I wanted to make sure we did not overkill was the latest in bathroom trends. I did not want to be living in this space in ten years with an outdated master bathroom. I knew I disliked walking into a home and knowing exactly when the house was built based upon the trendy tile, colors on the wall or appliances. It is with that in mind that we went as neutral in the tile, countertop and wall color. We added color in with the use of trendy colors in the accent pieces throughout the space. A vase here, some hand towels and baskets make the space trendy without making it permanent.
As I mentioned before this is the home we are continually put time and money into as we intend to grow old here. With that in mind many of the home renovations that we decide to take on require us to consider that we are aging. The kids are getting older and moving on. We need to be able to access the space freely. This requires some fore thought and planning. When it comes to age in place remodeling we have several sources to look towards to make sure the upgrades we are making in the home meet with the National Association of Home Builders Certified Age in Place Specialist Designs. It is possible to maintain a home that is safe for our aging bodies without turning the house into a sterile hospital environment.
With every remodel, accidental or planned, from here on out we will be turning to the experts in age in place remodeling to ensure that we aren’t wasting time, money or effort in our home renovations.