The Ultimate Guide To A Full-Home Makeover: Tips And Tricks

We partnered with a home improvement company. for this post. The opinions in the post are honest. All reviews and opinions expressed in this post are based on our personal views. We are excited because we know you will love it.

After a couple of decades or more, most houses start showing serious signs of wear and tear and while some issues may be purely aesthetic such as peeling paint, others can be more problematic like broken tiles, leaking roofs or a pest problem. 

A home renovation, makeover or remodel is undertaken taking into consideration multiple factors and while some homeowners may gut the house down to the brick, most will want to build on the existing structure and improve it and update it for style, utility and other practical concerns. Here are some tips and tricks to avoid common mishaps while undertaking a home remodel and to get the maximum impact from your budget. 

Know Your Priorities 

When you are undertaking a full-home makeover, many smaller details can fall by the wayside. Make certain areas and tasks the priority so the maximum part of your budget is spent there as usually no one can complete a build or renovation exactly within budget as oftentimes hidden or extra unforeseen costs can increase the amount allocated. 

If you are renovating your home to later use or market it as an investment property, then focusing on high traffic areas such as the bathrooms, living room and kitchen may be sensible as most people count the kitchen as the heart of the house and a lot of house sales are made due to the modernity and elegance of the latter. 

Clear The Space

Personal belongings especially prized items and valuables should be removed from the property and stored elsewhere such as in bank lockers or warehouses so that the renovation does not result in any damage. Laying down plastic and making routes through the house for contractors and builders can ensure the whole project runs smoothly. As most renovations require walls to be repainted, cover up light sockets and take down wall art and hangings. Ensuring security is essential especially if the house is being renovated in one go and you and your family are staying elsewhere for the time being. 

Have a biometric or card entry system for security, sharing it only with the main contractor who you trust. Install CCTV camera to know who is entering your property at all times. Reviewing the insurance your contractor has can prevent issues in case any of the builders working on your house has an accident. 

Value To Real Estate 

Before deciding on the design additions you want to invest in, make sure you have a consultation with a realtor or a real estate market researcher to learn about the prevalent industry trends that are substantially increasing the value of property this year. Swimming pools and outdoor hot tubs are a prime example of a design addition that can increase the value of a home by a very wide margin. 

Owning a smart home is also very high-value so technological investments should feature in your renovation. As there is no end to the home devices and systems that are available in the market, choose according to your lifestyle and utility. Some homeowners prioritize security, some want day to day conveniences such as automated lighting, and energy conservation. 

A Step By Step Plan 

Work out a step by step plan with your contractor so there is no duplication in the tasks and they are done in the correct order such as replacing wiring or repairing water damage before repainting the walls. Always take care of the practical and safety concerns before deciding on the more aesthetic ones such as what color the curtains should be. For mold or pests, professional eliminators will need to be hired to prevent the problem from arising again. 

DIY Only Works So Far

Unless you are a professional contractor or builder yourself, DIY repairs and projects will only get you so far. In many cases homeowners in order to cut manpower costs, undertake DIY projects such as painting, fixing electrical connections or even pest control with home-based ingredients. As far as possible, engage professionals for home renovation tasks such as a painter or plumber and finishing touches like painting a mural on a wall or stitching curtains can be left for DIY prowess so the interior design is personalized and unique. 

Materials For Beauty & Longevity 

Getting your hands on the right materials is imperative and like all sensible homeowners, always try to reduce carbon footprint during this process. Choose recycled or reclaimed materials in the renovation and avoid importing speciality materials that are not produced or available locally. Wherever possible repair and recycle materials already present in the house. Carrara marble for example is incomparable in its beauty for flooring and bathrooms but it usually requires an expensive importing process that is not very sustainable. Moving forward, more and more homeowners want their houses to be green with an environmentally friendly form and function. 

Keep Communication Strong 

Throughout the renovation, keep lines of communication open with the contractor and team through video calls so you are aware of even small details if you cannot be present all the time on the property. Steady communication will also weather inevitable complications and improvisations and help you make better choices using the contractor’s expertise. 

Safety First 

A build or renovation site is oftentimes a hot bed of potential hazards so ensure the builders have their own personal protective gear and have made zones during the renovation to prevent accidents like electrocution by exposed wires. Debris and dust can be dangerous to some people so masks are essential and if the crew is going to work nights, they need professional lighting to prevent any accidents. On your end you can post a list of emergency numbers in a prominent location for builders and keep tools like torches always available. A well-stocked first aid kit is also a must for a homeowner to provide on a build site. 

Off-Peak Season Renovation 

Many homeowners prefer to renovate their houses during an off-peak season so they can get a more committed contractor and cut their costs in manpower. However, this is a mistake for areas with extreme weather changes which can halt work and actually stretch out the project for longer. 

The Art of Roofing: Choosing The Right Style and Color For Your Home

We partnered with a roofing company. for this post. The opinions in the post are honest. All reviews and opinions expressed in this post are based on our personal views. We are excited because we know you will love it.

The roof represents a major decision if you are building or remodelling your home since it greatly impact how your home looks so the style and color scheme needs to be just right and it should match with the overarching style and theme of the house. The right roof can take your home from mediocre to exceptional and there is no doubt that it can add value to the real estate in many ways especially if you have taken other factors like durability and climate-appropriateness into account. 

Color For Beauty 

As a homeowner you may think color only matters for the aesthetics of a home but it makes a difference even in the temperature retention. Darker roofs absorb more heat and light as basic science teaches us and lighter roofs refract a greater portion of it. Research has shown that black colored roofs can be as much as 30 degrees warmer than lighter colored roofs. 

On the other hand, if your area receives a great deal of rain or snow, darker colored roofs will melt the latter and former a lot faster enabling your home’s heating system to work better. Of course for a temperate climate, you really have the option to choose whichever color you like, although bear in mind that neutral colors like beige or grey do not really have the effect described above. 

Let Roofing Materials Decide 

Certain roofing materials look the best they can within a certain color range. Metal roofing such as shingles and seam sheets look best with black, white or grey although theoretically they can be painted in any color. Do an experimental coloring on a shingle or on a piece of board so you can see the effect before committing to a single color. Don’t forget you can also add transitional colors and employ various shades and even contrasting shades on your roof especially for a house with multiple levels or sloping roofs. 

Blend With The Surroundings 

The house’s exterior paint, outdoor furniture and the general color scheme needs to match or contrast with the color and the style of the roofing material. Take a cue from the rest of the exterior scheme and choose the color of the roof accordingly. If you have utilized a lot of color in the exterior you may want to tone down the roof with colors like grey and vice versa if you have a more neutral scheme for the rest of the house. Many houses look more luxurious because they have a bright colored roof such as blue or green that uplifts the otherwise neutral surroundings. 

The general architectural style is a great indicator of what the color of your roof should be. For example for a farmhouse style home, it would be extremely unlikely that the roof would be black or grey. The reverse applies to more contemporary modern homes that want darker, industrial colors for a futuristic appeal. Consult your expert contractor to discern that the color of your roof does not deviate from the color scheme that belongs to the rest of the architecture. 

When In Doubt, Classic Neutral Is Your Friend 

Grey, brown, slate grey and charcoal color shades have stood the test of time when it comes to roofing colors so if you cannot decide at all, know that a classic color scheme will not let you down. These colors work well for a more basic design as well as for more elaborate custom homes with gables, domes or fences. A grey roof for example looks great for both a modern home and a colonial masterpiece so you simply cannot go wrong. 

Wooden & Natural 

Wooden roofing slates are becoming a modern classic so consult a Lemont roofer whether they can work for your kind of roof. Rustic style cottages and homes are very much on-trend with many homeowners undertaking extensive remodels to emulate that outdoorsy vibe. Even if you are not using wooden shingles you can paint your existing tiles to resemble wood or even go for a green roof so your home looks more naturally appealing. Green roofs produce beautiful flowers and useful vegetables and also reduce the carbon footprint of a home build or remodel. Weathered wood or hickory wood are popular choices for wooden shingles and also for tiles resembling wood. 

The Style With The Most Benefits 

Roofs are meant to be both practical and aesthetic. Depending on the area you live, choose a roof that has the most to offer. In rainy areas certain roof styles such as sloping and gabled roofs allow water to run off and drain effectively. Certain other types of roof may even allow for rainwater to be harvested in order to be used later. 

Certain flat roof styles allow solar panelling which is environmentally friendly, reduces thermal energy dependence and improves existing insulation. In the modern world, no homeowner can make the mistake of investing in a roofing material entirely for aesthetic reasons. Certain styles are more difficult to build than others so consult a professional about a roofing style that matches the rest of your exterior. Certain homeowners choose a home and roofing style that blends in with their neighbourhood especially if they live in a very old one that has historic references. 

Do Not Overlook Cost 

Budget may be the less glamorous aspect of having a beautiful roof and home but undoubtedly a vital one. Look into what a professional contractor will cost you who has experience in the style of roof that inspires you and always factor in hidden costs such as transportation costs for builders and materials. If you are on a tight budget you may need to decide certain aspects are more important than others and give them precedence. Having a written contract with your builder regarding the budget and timeline can prevent unpleasantness or legal trouble later on. The choice of roofing material itself is a huge determinant of the cost that will be incurred when building a roof. 

Roof Renovation 101: Essential Tips For A Successful Roofing Project

We partnered with a roofing company. for this post. The opinions in the post are honest. All reviews and opinions expressed in this post are based on our personal views. We are excited because we know you will love it.

A roof is one of the most essential aspects of your home to get right as it is a part of the exterior appeal and a solid roofing solution protects your home from water leaks, water damage, mold and a multitude of other issues. If your roof seems to have lived its natural life and is in need of a serious remodel, here are some tips to have a successful roofing project. 

The Best Contractor You Can Find 

Much rests on the shoulders of a roofing contractor when a roof installation or remodel is concerned. Consult the yellow pages and online forums in your area to find the best contractor you can afford and discuss your roofing options with him/her. Different roofing materials are more practical or indeed aesthetic for different climatic conditions and it is always better to prioritize practicality and durability of the roofing material before considering how aesthetically pleasing it is. 

A good contractor should be skilled, properly licensed, experienced and an expert in the roofing style you want to emulate. Good communication skills and an amiable personality are always a plus so they can discuss options with you and give you honest feedback about pricing and resilience of materials. For the roof you want someone you can trust who has the skill to execute your vision. 

To make matters run smoothly, ensure you get the cost breakdown in writing as all remodel projects have a set budget. Worker costs, material costs, extraneous charges and so forth may all add up in the cost and you do not want any surprise costs surfacing after your roofing project has concluded. 

Are You Insured?

Accidents during roofing projects are rare but not unheard of. Make sure your contractor has proper employer’s liability insurance for his/her employees in case there is any mishap. Damage to materials should also ideally be covered in this so you do not incur extra costs when you are remodelling your roof with better, more expensive roofing materials. Hiring an experienced contractor is ideal since their sub-contractors will also similarly be experienced and therefore less prone to dangerous mistakes. 

The All-Important Roofing Material 

When you are renovating your roof, the roofing material you are installing makes all the difference as far as visual appeal and longevity. Learn from the mistakes you or a previous owner may have made regarding the roofing material and choose better materials as countless innovations have been made even in cost-effective materials like rubber shingles. The main roofing types are listed below and they all work in varying circumstances such as budget, climate, type of house and aesthetic appeal. 

• Asphalt is probably the most popular roofing material due to its longevity and low cost. It is widely preferred in residential properties also partly since it is easy to install. Asphalt shingles can be plain or 3-dimensional depending on how much a homeowner wants to spend on a roof remodel but they work well in most climates and are a fool-proof choice for someone who may not have all the knowledge about roofing options. Asphalt roofs can be good to go for up to 30 years or more but in extreme weather conditions when their granules start eroding, they do require a replacement. 

• Sustainable solar tiles are the newest eco-friendly roofing option that looks very high-tech and futuristic and also works to lessen your electric bills. While the cost is relatively steep, the roof repays the investment in future energy bills and most homeowners that opt for solar tiles are looking at the long-term benefits of such an installation. If you are remodelling your home to reduce your carbon footprint and go green then there is nothing better than solar tiles although for obvious reasons they do come with a maintenance cost and less resilience to the elements. 

• Slate is a more natural and aesthetic choice although since it is a type of stone it does have quite a bit of weight which can weaken the structure if the latter was not built to support it. Only choose slate for your roof remodel if you have reinforcing pillars or other structural elements to offset the weight of the tiles. 

• For many new-age architectural styles, metal roofing is incredibly trendy whether it is the installation of metal shingles or full metal sheets. Copper shingles are a pricey but stunning option for homeowners that prefer metal roofing materials as metal can last even longer than 5 decades with minimal maintenance costs. 

• Clay and terracotta tiles are an age old favourite due to their familiar, vintage look and also because they last a long time and cost relatively less to install. Clay tiles come in a multitude of colors and can be painted to match any exterior color scheme. Clay works great for humid or coastal areas or where there is a lot of rain as they absorb moisture well and limit the chances of water damage in the home. If a shingle breaks, it costs little to replace it in the same style. Just make sure no one is climbing on the roof a lot as they can be fragile! 

• Concrete roofing is right up there with metal roofing in terms of longevity and durability and just about any roofer will recommend it. Concrete roofs are widely preferred for commercial buildings but they are becoming popular for more home remodels as well. 

While there are many more roofing options available, you need to balance many factors in order to arrive at the right material choice for your home. Be sure to educate yourself about local regulations and laws regarding permitted roofing materials or consult your contractor if in doubt so you do not face legal problems as you complete your remodel. Being very sure of the exterior look you are trying to achieve in your roof remodel and adequate research about the best materials for each climate will lead to a great outcome. 

Transforming Your Outdoor Space: Innovative Deck Remodelling Ideas

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The outdoor spaces of a house have a lot to offer in terms of comfort and entertainment if they are utilized properly. Outdoor spaces need to be designed with care keeping in mind the interests of the homeowner such as whether they like to read, garden, have BBQs or meditate. The deck is a comfortable outdoors space adjacent to the main door or main living area and contributes significantly to any house’s exterior appeal and value. Here are some innovative deck remodelling ideas to make your exterior design stand out and be more functional. 

Dinner Outdoors

Meals are a lot of fun when they are undertaken outdoors so style your area to be like a mini dining room. Add plushy chairs, cushions, maybe a rug or two, and a simple wooden table and chairs with a bar cart for the wine enthusiast in your group. Personalize the space with wind chimes, wall hangings and candlesticks and candelabras. 

You can opt for a rustic farm table style or go for a sophisticated and chic offering with gold or rose gold accents in the furniture and décor items. Keep some basic cutlery, snacks and fruit outside so you can enjoy the space at any time of the day when you need a break from work. It’ll be a perfect work and reading nook as well! 

Banquettes are all the rage in exterior décor nowadays and they are simply a more comfortable and laid-back version of the dining table concept mentioned above. Choose a soft couch paired with a large wide table to accommodate family and friends for Sunday brunch or a weekday dinner hang out. Be sure to add some aesthetic foliage and planters for a more natural look. If your deck overlooks a beautiful garden then the added foliage will create a seamless connection with the greenery there. 

A Modern Canopy

Canopies are thought to be old-fashioned and maybe even a little ancient but they are a stylish choice for the side of a pool or a deck overlooking a large garden and they can be paired with an outdoor couch or bed for optimal comfort. They work well for warmer areas where some shade from the sun is needed without anything too heavy or covered blocking the sun’s ray completely. A canopy on your deck provides an opportunity to get a good full body tan on your day off! 

Make sure to style the space with baskets, low tables to hold snacks and even wicker chairs for guests with some rugs to make the deck feel comfy. If you are a fan of the minimalist style then leaving the area around the daybed relatively bare can work well too. Be sure to have some comfortable fabric slippers under the bed so you can keep the deck as clean as possible. 

The Use of Tile

Tile is a shiny and aesthetic way to instantly lift a dark deck area and make it look inviting and fun. Beautiful tiles especially penny mosaic tiles can be very budget-friendly and still look stunning, not to mention the ease of installation they come with. Throw in some lanterns, candles, outdoor furniture and flower pots and you have a gorgeous sitting area to enjoy with your family and furry friends. An added advantage is that tile is easy to clean, it can be mopped and washed which comes in handy since children and pets can bring muddy feet from the yard onto the deck. 

A Fire Pit For Chilly Nights 

Most people can appreciate a good BBQ night with friends and family and having a deck that allows you to do that will soon become a much-used space in your home. Have a fire pit ideally with a tile floor so it is easier to keep clean and pair it with an outdoor grill that gets the job done. A deck remodeler will advise you to opt for more neutral colors for the surrounding décor so that the fire pit stands out and is the main focal point that attracts the viewer’s eye. 

Outdoor Bath

With the tiny house revolution of the last few years, more and more people are keen to have an outdoor shower or bath. Even in large houses, there is a tendency for homeowners to have at least a sauna or steam room to relax and shed the stress of the work day. Invest in a gorgeous copper shower head or tub or even a white ceramic one and build a small semi-enclosure. If you live in a scenic location, try to incorporate that into the design as best as you can so you can enjoy the most wonderful baths in the summer season. 

Seasonal Plantation 

Your house’s deck needs to emphasize the best parts of the location you live in. Get some seasonal plants and indigenous flowers and plant varieties to spruce up the area. Do a mix of vines, hanging flower pots and planters for a lovely garden effect. If you live in a very warm and sunny area, then succulents and types of cacti may be what you want to include and for colder regions, seasonal winter flowers may just be the ticket. 

An Extension of The House 

Interior designers nowadays do gravitate towards the style of the outdoor area of a house simply being a kind of extension of the inside. The idea is that when you open the doors to your deck, it follows your existing interior design so the same color palette, furniture and décor elements are found outside. 

If you are building your home or remodelling it, consider having walk-in windows installed so one can walk into the outdoor space from the living room with ease for some fresh air and still find the same décor scheme followed there. In order for the deck to be as comfortable as your living room, you need to place rugs, cushions, seating options and a myriad of homely touches from lamps to candles.