Try this today: Whether you are thinking of listing your home or not, give this blogpost a thought.
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Plant more trees.
Save the environment and improve your home’s curb appeal. Especially if you plant these trees.
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Stainless Steel Appliances
Stainless steel appliances have been a popular feature for many years now and it’s a trend that’s here to stay. Looking to design a kitchen that is both functional and visually pleasing? Stainless steel appliances accomplish both. Create a modern kitchen design with appliances that will last a lifetime through investing in stainless steel. Plus, stainless steel will make your kitchen appear newer, cleaner, and modern. The results are a higher valuation and bringing you the most for your investment.
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Wooden Floors
Hardwood floors, both real and laminate, will bring you better value than carpeted floor. Wooden floors are healthier, and unlike carpeted floors they have a smooth and solid surface which is easier to clean and attracts less dust and micro bacteria. Wood floors also mean less allergens, helping to create a healthier, happier, and better value home. Worried about noise control or cold surfaces? Add an area rug to soften a room without sacrificing each square-foot to carpet. After all, you can always put a carpet down on wood, you can’t do it other way round. Though we often recommend that composite or look like floor can’t beat the real hardwood floor, we understand you don’t always have the budget. When designing or renovating your home, go with the best form of hardwood floor that you can to increase its value and aesthetic appeal.
Try this today: Call us and we will help you correctly estimate cost of your home improvements
All of us want our home to look the best, be in the best condition and have the most efficient spaces. Yet, most of us don’t have the cash needed for it.
If you are one of those people wondering where to find the money and how to make the financial decisions that make sense in the long run, check out this post.
Try this today: Go around your home and make a list of improvements needed. And start taking care of them one weekend at a time
When it comes to minor home repairs, do sweat the small stuff. Leakages, broken tiles, broken window, rust patch, non-working lights, the list could be long. Most of these don’t take more than 15-30 minutes.
You have spent your hard-earned money in buying this home. Take care of it. Enjoy your living space at its best, always. As an added advantage, save $$ on bigger repairs.
Cover picture by Glenn Carstens-Peters.
Try this today: Check out FBN Construction’s list of partners to see a list of architects that we trust.
When it comes to changing the layout of your home, whether you’re altering the flow of existing space or through an addition, an architect on your team will be able to help you every step of the way.
An architect has a unique set of skills for designing homes that are both functional and beautiful, and has the experience to know when things might go wrong. Plus, most architects will offer a free consultation service to discuss your hopes for your renovation design and budget without even committing to hiring them.
Though you probably don’t need an architect for single room renovations or small-scale projects, when it comes to larger projects you and your home will benefit from hiring an architect. Factoring an architect into your budget today will pay off in both the design of your home and the efficiency with which it is built.
Photo by Daniel McCullough
Try this today: Check out Decks.com for all things deck-related — and don’t forget to clean and weatherproof your deck before winter sets in to help it last for years to come!
With labor day just behind us, neighbors filled their yards while cleaning outdoor grills and setting up for backyard BBQs. When renovating your home, think about what your outdoor space needs to make it the perfect spot in any weather.
Whether you enjoy splashing around in the pool, sipping cocktails in the shade, or having large get-togethers on the deck, an outdoor-improvement project can get you more use and value for your home. As an added bonus, an outdoor job will keep most of the mess and noise of your renovation outside of your home.
Don’t forget that your outdoor spaces don’t have to be reserved for only warm, sunny days. With thoughtful placement of patio heaters and adding a retractable roof to your porch to protect from rain, you can keep enjoying the comfort of your backyard as temperatures begin to drop.
Try this today: Download Hover or Magicplan from your phone’s app store and turn photos of your home into detailed measurable models in just minutes
What takes your home from good to great are the little details that will have your guests gasping, “I wish I thought of that!” From recessed wall sockets to eye-level laundry machines, these small changes to your design plans will give your home a unique usefulness that sets it apart.
Kids, family members, and online inspiration boards like Houzz.com can be great sources of ideas and inspiration for these kinds of detailed designs that bring your home a notch above the norm. And don’t forget that inspiration can be found anywhere — from friends’ houses to vacation resorts, keep track of what kind of spaces make you wish that they were part of your home.
Considering the details of your space also helps avoid any hiccups along the way. Double and triple measuring rooms and furniture can help prevent buying furniture that won’t fit through doorways or can’t be brought up your staircase. Detail-oriented thinking can help you boost both the efficiency and creativity of your renovation process!
Try this today: Use a planning app, like HomeZada, to help keep your renovation budget and timeline up-to-date and always accessible.
Though it might feel like your renovation project is bound to take months to complete, planning ahead for what part of your project happens when can help make sure that you get the best quality service.
Like all industries, home improvement services go through a cycle of supply and demand during the year. Hoping to get your deck redone for summer? Make sure to contact a contractor in the winter or spring to guarantee that you won’t be waitlisted behind other clients. Remember that the busiest contracting season is April to June, so any work that you hope to do then should be planned well in advance.
Also consider when you spend the most time indoors and when you may be travelling for vacation — planning your renovation for when your family is away can help you avoid living through the noise, dust, and occasional chaos of indoor renovations.
Photo by Gian Prosdocimo
Try this today: Planning to renovate a home in Boston? Check out the city’s comprehensive guide to building permits before you begin.
Getting city or county permits for your renovations may seem like a huge hassle to add to your renovation to-do list, but acquiring the proper permits now will save yourself from setbacks down the road. Finding the correct permits for you remodel means that you can be sure that your homeowners insurance will continue to protect you after your remodel and that your home will be valued properly when you decide to sell.
Think about the time and money that you put into getting permits for your addition or renovation as a guaranteed investment into the security of your home’s value in the future. Make sure to ask potential contractors about their knowledge on permits in your area before you hire to ensure that they can help you navigate the permit system where you live.
Cover photo by Nik MacMillan
Try this today: Start a spreadsheet of all the removable items to keep track of them while renovating a space
Home renovation projects can be fun, exciting, and very messy. To avoid damaging furniture and decor that you hope to use after your renovation, make sure to clean up the space that is being renovated well before you begin.
Cover any floors and furniture that can’t be moved with drop cloths and pack up any removable and fragile items to be kept in storage. As well, make sure to consider any items from your home that you may need during your renovation and keep them in an easily accessible place. For items being put in storage, don’t forget to label bags and boxes so that setting up your space once the remodel is over is as quick and easy as possible.
Finally, think about keeping any valuables in a secure place. Chances are that many people will be in and out of your home during your renovation process. Securing your valuables will help ease your mind during your entire home improvement project.
Try this today: Get inspiration from a site like Pinterest or Houzz to discover different accent pieces that catch your eye.
Give your space an immediate “wow!” factor by adding an intriguing piece that both you and and your guests will love. Consider introducing a pop of color, funky art piece, or unusual furniture while designing your rooms to create an instant eye-catching statement.
Don’t be afraid to be creative when choosing what your accent piece will be. Whether you integrate a curious painting by your favorite artist or add a dramatic flair with vintage furniture, this in your chance to personalize your home.
Accent pieces don’t only have to be reserved for adding artistry to your home — thoughtful decorating can also integrate “wow!” factor into the functionality of each room. A beautiful chandelier in the dining room can bathe your space in a warm glow as it dazzles guests and an oversized sofa can be perfect for adding both comfort and style to your living room.
These pops of creativity can also be a great way for children to contribute their imagination to the decorating scheme of their own bedrooms. From brightly colored walls to bold-patterned bedding, different accent pieces can add a fun personal touch to any space.
