Tag: Hardwood Floor Installation - page 2

Kitchen Renovations: The kitchen is the main hub of the home.  Updates within the kitchen go a long way in increasing the value of the property and building your homes equity.  When you invest in the kitchen it is possible to recoup around sixty to one hundred and twenty percent of the investment that was put into the home improvement project.  The kitchen renovations should be kept within reason; don’t ever make the kitchen more impressive than the rest of the home or homes within the neighborhood.   Avoid the mistakes below:

1) Stop over Upgrading: Don’t invest sixty thousand dollars in a kitchen in a neighborhood that is full of first time home buyers with houses in the low hundred thousand.  The investment will not pay out in the end.  The style, size and quality of the kitchen remodel should remain similar to those in the neighborhood.

2) Paint is Important: Kitchens are easily freshened up with a coat of fresh paint.  Paint is relatively cheap and an update in color can really clean up the kitchen.  Make sure the color of the paint is a neutral color that can allow buyers to see themselves within the space.

3) Eco-Friendly Appliances: Energy efficiency is important in all home improvements but especially crucial when it comes to updating your kitchen appliances.  Appliances with energy star ratings are not only good for the environment but are also less expensive for potential buyers to operate.

4) Bathroom Upgrades:  A bathroom renovation is another terrific way to invest in your home.  Adding a bathroom or updating an existing bathroom is a home improvement many homeowners chose.  A new bathroom can recoup anywhere from eighty to one hundred thirty percent of the investment made.  Again, be careful that you don’t over upgrade.  Don’t invest in overly expensive faucets or tubs.  The renovation style should stay in line with that of the overall home while noting other bathroom additions in neighborhood homes

5) Reinvent a Room: Take a space within the home and reinvent it.  Finish a basement, upgrade an attic or improve the space above the garage to add additional square foot to your home.  Consider potential uses for the space before beginning the renovation process.  Rooms that are versatile are a great bonus to potential buyers.  Basements can be transformed into extra living space that can be used as a living room, playroom or apartment for rent.  Attic spaces are great additional spaces for craft rooms, play rooms and more.  Usually an attic space will be renovated to accentuate the higher ceilings.

These are just a few of the ways to make home improvements that will bring value to your home when you go to sell it later on down the road.

The Home Doctor, based in Livingston County including Brighton and Howell Michigan, offers a variety of home renovations to clients ranging from bathroom remodeling to age in place home modifications.  Contact http://glenmillerthehomedoctor.com/ today all of your home renovating needs.

Certain home improvements yield a higher value than others.  The first thing that comes to mind when going for renovations that increase the equity seems to always be kitchen remodels.  More important than a new kitchen is those basic home maintenance items such as a new roof, updated siding, fresh paint, basically any renovation that keeps maintenance low and appeal high.

Sometimes home improvements are needed instead of wanted.  As a handyman I have installed many new furnaces when homeowners dreamed of countertops of granite and showers that steam.  Often times as a contractor I need to remind homeowners that reliable furnaces and dry basements are far more important than updated kitchens and luxury bathrooms.

As a handyman I talk to a ton of real estate agents, architects and other contractors.  We all agree that buyers can’t get past a roof that leaks however can get over a kitchen that would seat more people with the addition of an island.  Homeowners are more likely to recoup their investment with the addition of new siding.  Replacing the siding recoups around ninety three percent of its cost, replacing the roof and windows return about eighty percent or more.

Home buyers often take basic home systems for granted.  When an offer is put in on a home it is expected that when the inspector checks the home out that the roof will not leak, the plumbing works, and heating and air conditioning systems are in order.  Basic home maintenance items will eat up a new homeowner’s budget quickly; in reality however they desire to use their financial resources to update the aesthetics of the home.  Maintenance items within the home can quickly eat away at a homeowners updating budget quicker than quick.

If 2016 is the year that you are thinking of finally get to the home improvements you have been putting off here are a few things to keep in mind.

• What are you going to get back on your investment? How does the value of your home relate to others within the area?  If you live in a neighborhood where your home is already going for top dollar it is going to be difficult to get money back on any of your home renovations.  Installing a ten thousand dollar garage addition to create a three car garage where two car garages are the norm may not be the best investment for your renovating dollars.
• If homes in the area have only one bathroom it may not make sense to increase the number of bathrooms in your home. A bathroom renovation can cost anywhere between nine and twelve thousand dollars.  Adding another bathroom to a neighborhood where one bath is the norm may not yield that expense in increased home equity.

It is important to understand that not all renovations are created equally.  Handymen that tell you anything other than that are lying.  Yes, you may want an in-ground pool but be sure that you know you may not get your money back out of the investment; be sure it is worth it for you.  If the value you will receive from the renovation is greater than the amount you will be able to recoup go for it!

The Home Doctor, based in Livingston County including Brighton and Howell Michigan, offers a variety of home renovations to clients ranging from bathroom remodeling to age in place home modifications.  Contact http://glenmillerthehomedoctor.com/ today all of your home renovating needs.

It is official; winter has ended and spring is here.  Homeowners often find the spring a perfect time to begin the home improvements they have planned over the previous months.  Below you will find the top spring home improvement projects to add to the resale value of your home.

• Repair Roofing and Update Gutters: The structure of your home only functions properly when it is cared for.  Roofing repairs should be done twice a year.  Shingles replaced, flashing caulked and gutters put back in place.   When the gutters around our home are not correctly placed the rain water can leak into the cement foundation and erode the soil surrounding the foundation causing major issues.  Your homes main structure comes from the foundation and trusses.  Proper care of these main components revolves around professional roof and gutter maintenance.
• Put A Deck On: Homeowners looking to socialize, dine and enjoy the sunshine should consider adding on a deck.  A deck can come in any size.  Consider building a deck with pre-treated wood to ensure that it survives the harsh weather winter will bring.
• Update Your Home’s Exterior: Inspect the exterior of your home.  Does your current exterior look like it has barely survived the winter?  Spring is the perfect time to update the siding on your home.  Vinyl siding comes in a wide variety of good looking, energy efficient, high performance varieties.  Look into exterior options that best meet the need of your homes climate.
• Heat and Air Conditioning Inspections: Homeowners should have their heating and cooling systems inspected yearly.  Before it gets hot it is crucial to make sure the air conditioning system is running properly and that vents are properly clean. If possible install a dehumidifier that runs along with the air conditioning system.  This will prevent mold build up from occurring within the walls of your home.
• Roof Repair: Heavy snow fall in the North is tough on a home’s single roofing.  To ensure that damage to your roof is kept to a minimum inspect the roof for any moisture seepage.  Check in the cracks, creases, loose roofing tiles and such on the roof.  Any curling, peeling or shingle disintegration should be repaired to avoid considerable structural damage to the roofing.
• Kitchen Upgrades: The number one home improvements that consumers should take to increase the value of their homes come from the kitchen.  You don’t have to do a full kitchen makeover to increase the value of your home; consider new cabinets, updated hardware and add an island.  This will help make the kitchen the gathering place you have always wanted.
• Increase Curb Appeal: The first thing that people see is the exterior of your home.  The outside should accurately represent the inside in order to attract the attention of future buyers.  This can be done by updating the landscaping, adding an entry gate, updated roofing, adding on a patio and more.  When you enjoy the outside of your home as much as the inside you have succeeded!

Home improvements that increase the value of your home are always the first to consider.  Whenever you can improve the environment for your enjoyment in a way that will also add to the equity of the home it is a win-win.

The Home Doctor, based in Livingston County including Brighton and Howell Michigan, offers a variety of home renovations to clients ranging from bathroom remodeling to age in place home modifications.  Contact http://glenmillerthehomedoctor.com/ today all of your home renovating needs.

Doing a bathroom remodel yourself may save you money but at what additional cost?  The cost of course is skill, convenience and every bit of your sanity.  Extensive bathroom remodels should be left up to an experienced contractor.  Hire a remodeling contractor that has experience doing the job right the first time.  A licensed, insured contractor has acquired the skills necessary to ensure the job meets your specifications within an allotted period of time that is contracted between the two of you.

When hiring a contractor it is important that they understand what you are envisioning.  Homeowners come up with a gazillion ideas on remodeling their homes; the problem comes when trying to articulate what you expect out of the completed project.  When you can show your contractor pictures out of magazines or ideas found online it opens the lines of communication.

Your contractor should be able to take ideas from your design concepts to create a visual representation of exactly what you are looking for.  This should be the first step in any home improvement project.  Going into remodeling without a definitive concept in mind is never a good idea for you or the contractor.

When ideas are not set in stone before the job begins a project that should take a few weeks’ turns into a few months.  The fixtures start to change, the color of paint no longer goes well with the tile and cabinet colors and before you know it aspects of the project that were not in the original contract which starts the demise of any time line that was established to begin with.

As new items start to be requested contractors have to halt where they are at in the project to reevaluate and order the homeowners new requests.  When this occurs too often throughout the remodeling process it can really turn into a project that is outside the realm of time the contractor has established for your renovation.  This in turn increases the amount of money the contractor deserves to be compensated, increases in material costs and restocking fees and more.

Professional home remodeling contractor that have established a solid reputation and work history within the industry make for an ease that doesn’t come from contractors who are new to the construction industry.  The best way to find an individual to contract for the home improvement projects around your home is via referral, word of mouth and online reputation.  It is hard for good contractors and their work to go unnoticed in the home remodeling industry.

The Home Doctor, based in Livingston County including Brighton and Howell Michigan, offers a variety of home renovations to clients ranging from bathroom remodeling to age in place home modifications.  Contact http://glenmillerthehomedoctor.com/ today all of your home renovating needs.

Why do people choose to remodel?  When you are looking into home improvements for your home do you do so based solely on your own desires or do you renovate because of popular trends that hit the market? For those of you that improve your home based on trends that are popular this article is written directly for you.  In 2016 these are sure to be the most popular trends in the home improvement industry.

• Replacing the entry door of your home: The curb appeal of your home is of utmost importance when it comes to home improvement projects.  One of the most lucrative projects that homeowners can undergo is replacing the homes entry door.  This is in fact one of the most valuable renovations that homeowners do as it recovers the value of the project over one hundred percent.

The average expense of an entry door replacement is anywhere between four to eight hundred and fifty dollars.  The total cost and added value does not necessarily increase the equity of the value a great deal, like full kitchen and bathroom remodels, however the return on investment of an entry door replacement is one that cannot be outdone by any other home improvement project.

• Remodeling the homes bathrooms: Unlike an entry door replacement which is relatively inexpensive a bathroom renovation costs a good chunk of money and time to execute.  Remodeling a bathroom continues to remain the most popular option in home remodeling throughout the United States. It is the one area in the home that is used by everyone that enters your home and therefore needs to be comfortable and welcoming.

For homeowners it is the room that is entered the most.  It is one of the two most popular rooms within the home and really helps to sell your home.  If your home is identical within a subdivision it has been proven the home with the updated bathroom or kitchen will sell faster and for more money than an equivalent home for sale in which the living room or bedrooms have been updated.  The improvements within a bathroom will increase the asking price you can seek for your home upwards of sixty percent of the overall cost of the bathroom remodel including materials and labor.

• Garage Door Additions or Remodels: When looking for projects that offer a high return on investment consider the replacement of your homes garage door.  The total overall value s not much but you are almost guaranteed to recoup the expense of the renovation.  If you replace your garage door for around one thousand dollars you can expect the sale price of your home to increase by at least the same amount.

Trendy home improvement projects aren’t always the most popular options when it comes to renovations.  Many times homeowners are interested in projects to increase the value of their home in terms of their overall use and enjoyment of the space.  No matter your reason for updating and improving your home be sure to keep trends and renovations in mind that will be popular to the masses.  It is more difficult to sell a home that has been overly customized verse one that has a number of neutral improvements.

The Home Doctor, based in Livingston County including Brighton and Howell Michigan, offers a variety of home renovations to clients ranging from bathroom remodeling to age in place home modifications.  Contact http://glenmillerthehomedoctor.com/ today all of your home renovating needs.

The baby boomer generation is one of the largest segments that create the population today.  In fact it is estimated that everyday ten thousand baby boomers turn sixty five.  This is a huge shift that is being seen in America.  Although the senior population is growing it does not mean that the nursing home population is growing as well.  In fact over eighty three percent of baby boomers are preparing to age in place instead of moving into an assisted living facility. The older population is looking to age gracefully while continuing to live independently within their homes.

If you are part of this population or are helping to care for someone who is aging and hoping to live at home as they age it is important to start making small changes to keep their homes safe, comfortable, functional and easy for them to use.

One of the first recommendations that age in place contractors give to the aging population is to avoid a home that requires you to access areas via stairways.  Stairs are difficult to maneuver as we age.  Our knees don’t bend well and balance is at premium.  For some this may mean relocating while for other it may mean adjusting the current space.  Some homes have bedrooms only on a second floor.  If this is the case it may mean turning a formal dining space into a master sweet and adjusting the current space a bit.  For others it may mean that the addition of a handicap ramp.  Stairs leading into and out of the home can be tricky for seniors to navigate as well.  It is in the best interest of individuals looking to stay in their homes to have an access that is handicap modified.  Adding a handicap ramp eases access of wheelchairs, walkers and canes.

It is important that homes where seniors are aging in place are as maintenance free as possible.  This doesn’t mean that the home will not have some maintenance but it is possible to lessen the responsibilities of the individuals as they grow older.  Vinyl siding, metal roofing and composite decking are three easy exterior modification to homes where seniors wish to age in place.  Choose landscape materials that come back each year on their own as well as varieties that do not require yearly trimming.  Install automatic sprinklers as well.  These are all great options for keeping the curb appeal while allowing independence and aging in place.

It is also important that you look into the rooms within the home.  Remove all throw rugs, baskets sitting on the floor, cords in areas that individuals will be walking and easy the simple things like light switches and cabinet door pulls.  In the bathroom many choose to do age in place remodeling such as installing entry free showers with a built in seat.  Grab bars are also an important feature.  Lighting should be bright throughout the home as well.  Install rocker switches at all the entry and exits of a room to avoid having to walk into a room in the dark.

Creating a safe, comfortable space for the senior in your life is fairly simple.  Always hire contractors that are certified in handicap remodeling and age in place remodeling.  They will be the best guide to analyzing the current space and offering suggestions on what areas could use some improvement to create a space that is as safe as possible.

The Home Doctor, based in Livingston County including Brighton and Howell Michigan, offers a variety of home renovations to clients ranging from bathroom remodeling to age in place home modifications.  Contact http://glenmillerthehomedoctor.com/ today all of your home renovating needs.

It is incredibly difficult to grasp that our parents are not as young as they once were although they remain as stubborn.  For the most part aging individuals will want to stay in their homes.  If they can fix their own meals, bathe on their own and continue to dress themselves and don’t need personal one on one care you can ensure that they will want to age in place.  With this in mind it is important that as many hazards as exist within the home are alleviated to avoid accidents that can occur.

The number one concern in age in place renovations is to prevent falls.  Do an assessment on the home and begin to look for areas that look like they present further risks of falling.  This means that all throw rugs and clutter need to be removed from the home.  Areas within the home that should be double and triple checked include stairways, showers and kitchens.  As well as making sure there are no throw rugs or clutter present be sure to increase the lighting in these main areas.  A well lit area goes a long way in preventing falls throughout the home.

The bathroom is the most dangerous area with the home for all of us not just the elderly.  The bathroom is the location in which most slip and falls occur.  If you are going to completely gut and renovate any one room in your parents home while they choose to age in place it should be the bathroom.  A bathroom overhaul should include the addition of a barrier free shower with a zero entry.  Grab bars and seats should be installed within the shower.  Grab bars should also be placed near the toilet.  Another highly recommended addition is a toilet that is elevated higher than a normal household toilet.  A bathroom that is ideal for seniors aging in place should also include slip resistant flooring and levered handles on all cabinet drawers and doors.

The cost of a new bathroom can be upwards of six thousand dollars or more depending on the exact renovations that are done as well as the labor fee that is charged by the age in place renovation specialist you choose to hire.  It is advisable to look into hiring a contractor that specializes in age in place renovations or ADA remodeling.  General contractors don’t necessarily know or understand the needs of clients with limited mobility or balance concerns.

The Home Doctor, based in Livingston County including Brighton and Howell Michigan, offers a variety of home renovations to clients ranging from bathroom remodeling to age in place home modifications.  Contact http://glenmillerthehomedoctor.com/ today all of your home renovating needs.

Where are you going to live as you age?  This is a question many baby boomers are facing right now.  When given a choice between living at home or moving into an assisted living situation most seniors would choose to stay at home.  The difficult part is left to their providers.  How can we create a space within their home where they are free to live independently while continuing to be safe?

Bodies change throughout the aging process.  The needs your parents have at seventy are different than what they will be at eighty.  This makes remodeling for the needs of aging parents a bit trickier than most home remodeling projects.

There are two main places where seniors have problems that need to be addressed before any others, the entrance and exits of the home and the bathroom spaces.  Most homes have stairs that are used to enter into and exit out of a home.  This can be extremely difficult on aging backs and knees.  When your parent decides they would like to stay in their home you need to consider having a handicap ramp installed on all the exits and entrances.

Create an entrance and exit without a lip.  The ramp should be wide enough to accommodate walkers and wheelchairs.  It should offer enough support for those needing stability from a handrail to maneuver.  Designing a ramp that functions with the home without sticking out is an art.  There are many contractors specializing in age in place remodeling and handicap ramp design and installation.  Work with someone who specializes in the needs of seniors.  They have the experience and knowledge to know what works and what doesn’t with every type of need.

A bathroom contractor that specializes in ADA accessibility is what you are looking for when designing a bathroom to be safe for the needs of aging bodies.  Their needs change often as they grow old and the last thing you want to do is remodel every time their needs change.  This is why it is crucial to work with a contractor that specializes in age in place and ADA accommodations.  They know and understand the changes that a person will go through and will be able to address those concerns in their design.

Safe bathrooms require more than an additional light, taller toilet and a few grab bars.  There are details that need to be addressed in the design.  Specialists will look at all areas of the space from seating in the shower to the storage of incontinence pads.  An age in place specialist has unique methods to create a space that looks as elegant as any modern bathroom renovation with the needed benefits required to keep seniors safe and able to live independently.

The Home Doctor, based in Livingston County including Brighton and Howell Michigan, offers a variety of home renovations to clients ranging from bathroom remodeling to age in place home modifications.  Contact http://glenmillerthehomedoctor.com/ today all of your home renovating needs.

Making any home improvement is exciting.  When you fix, replace or freshen-up the spaces in your home it takes the space from dull and lived in to clean and new.  If you take on a home renovation without the right tools or incorrect information, this exhilarating time into a stressful situation for everyone involved.  In the article below you will find a variety of tips that can help turn all of your household projects into successful ones.

When you are first considering a home improvement project be sure to think about where to start.  Not every renovation needs to be taken on at one time.  Instead start with one room at a time.  Plan ahead so that you can keep your eyes open for deals.  If a kitchen contractor or flooring specialist is running a summer special then it may be time to make adjustments to your time line. Take advantage of low prices on both materials and labor when you can.  Don’t however start on one project and jump to another mid renovation just because you are looking to get a deal.  The disturbance of two home renovations at one time is a lot for your family to handle.

When you are looking to do any home improvement project that involves electricity, plumbing or your homes structure you will need to secure permits.  Many times renovations requiring a permit are better managed using a licensed contractor.  Hiring a professional often ends up saving homeowners money and time in the end.  The discount contractors receive on materials as well as the ability to do the work right the first time adds up to savings on the homeowners end.

When you are taking on something simple like a fresh coat of paint try to schedule the update over a long weekend.  This will give you additional time encase everything does not goes as planned.  If you are looking to paint rooms as quickly as possible try and stick to painting during the day when you are able to use the natural light.  Artificial light gives off shadows and can cause you to miss areas.  When painting a ceiling work from the outside in.  Start around the edges and finish in the center.  Walls should be painted from top to bottom.  If you are going to hire a painter ask to see examples of their work in person especially when looking to hire them to paint more than one room.  Technique is crucial when it comes to painting to prevent an uneven paint job.

When tackling complete room renovations such as bathroom or kitchen remodels plan your renovation out from start to finish. This is important whether you are working with a contractor or attempting it on your own.  Having a plan in place of when specific progress points are helps to prevent delays common in home improvement projects.

Another tip when remodeling is to take the clutter out of the process.  Simplify the space and don’t go overboard with too many patterns, colors or materials.  Stick with a theme and work on complimenting it in a manner that improves the space.

There is a lot to think about when it comes to sprucing up your home.  Working on one room at a time will allow you to wrap your head completely around one project.  This focus will help prevent time delays as well as improve each renovation.  When you can devote time, energy and finances on one space it allows you to take into consideration each and every detail so that the space is truly something unique and useful to your home and family.

The Home Doctor, based in Livingston County including Brighton and Howell Michigan, offers a variety of home renovations to clients ranging from bathroom remodeling to age in place home modifications.  Contact http://glenmillerthehomedoctor.com/ today all of your home renovating needs.