Today’s Green Modular Homes are Affordable, Comfortable and Oh So Very Customizable

Posted on May 14, 2012 by David Leslie

If you think of a “mobile home” propped up on cinder blocks or “double-wide” when you hear the term green modular home, think again. Today’s green modular homes are homes that are cost effectively per-fabricated, generally to exacting standards and custom specifications. They are crafted using the latest building techniques and equipment in modern factories that can turn out a beautiful and energy efficient home in modular form ready for assembly at the site. And, these homes can look as unique as any home that was built on site.

Green modular homes are healthy, comfortable and affordable. They tend to be quite efficient not only in how they have been build but in the way they use space and work. These homes are often more highly engineered than homes build using traditional building methods and often use more “engineered” structural components saving you money, using less materials and producing less waste when it comes to building materials.

Perhaps best of all, these homes are generally less expensive than custom homes build on site because the methods of factory production are so much more efficient. Another advantage is that the modules are brought to the site and assembled quickly. The interior of your home is therefore not open to the elements for long periods of time during construction.

Generally with a modular home, you can start with the manufacturer’s standard floor plans and designs and customize them to your heart’s content. You can also have a modular home designed from scratch and per-fabricated prior to bringing it to the site for final assembly.

You can even use modular home components to put an addition onto your traditionally home.

What Type of Home Addition is Right For You?

Posted on November 8, 2011 by David Leslie

When home addition contractors ask what type of home addition you’d like to build, they don’t expect you to say, “A shed two-dormer pop top.” Instead, what they are really asking about is the functionality you want your new home addition to provide.

For example, the general contractor might want to know whether you really want to expand your entire kitchen, or whether you actually just need to add space for a mudroom or a sunny breakfast nook. Do you want to build an all-new great room, or just loosen up the space of an existing family room? Do you just want to turn a carport into a garage, or also turn the space over the new garage into a separate wing for teenagers, guests or in-laws?

The more you can tell your remodeling contractor about what you want the home addition to do, the better job the contractor can do in mapping out initial ideas that will meet your needs. For instance, if tell the contractor that you want to add two bedrooms and a bath to your house, he can then use his expertise to explore many different ways to give you this functionality and, from there, to narrow down to find the best type of home addition for you.

Depending on the space issues you want to address, second-story home additions – including attic conversions and “pop-tops” – can be very good solutions since they don’t require building a new foundation, which can otherwise take a good portion of the home remodeling budget. But if you want larger rooms than are possible with the configuration of conversion of pop-top that can be added to your home, or if you want more flexibility in the windows and floor plan, building a full second-story addition might be a better choice.

There are also cases where “while you’re at it” thinking can reward you with major extra living space without adding major extra cost. For example, if you have a two-story home and you’re thinking of doing a first-floor kitchen/family room addition, “while you’re at it” you might want to build the addition as a two-story structure and add a spacious new master suite over the newly expanded kitchen.

Today’s most experienced home addition contractors will tell you that the best home additions come from taking the time to get a clear focus on what kinds of spaces you’d like to add to your home, as well as the “feel” you’d like them to have in terms of windows, openness, and architectural interest. Then, from small bump-outs, porches, sunrooms, two-story additions or entire wings, the contractor can see that you get a design rewards you with the most functional and the most beautiful home addition for your needs, your lot, your existing home, and your budget.

Why Some Design Build Firms Love Architects

Posted on October 29, 2011 by David Leslie

In the remodeling industry, sometimes architects and design build firms just don’t get along. But other design build firms actually love working with architects, and here’s why.

Working with an architect who knows how plans actually get built is the best of all worlds. It can be in-house architects or outside architects – they just need to work with the home remodeling contractor enough to know his people and processes. Once that relationship is established, every aspect of the home remodeling project seems to deliver a great experience for homeowners and a great result.

Why is it important for architects to know what happens during construction? It means they understand first-hand how even small bits of information that are missing from plans can cause major confusion and delays. Who wants to have to stop everything while the lead carpenter, project manager or subcontractors try to figure things out? Architects with this experience tend to be more proactive in making their plans clear and complete. They enjoy more control over the final project, and the construction crew enjoys avoiding problems and staying on schedule.

Another benefit of pairing home remodeling contractors and custom home builders with “construction savvy” architects is their awareness of how their designs relate to the cost of construction. Sometimes, for instance, architects will add something extra to a design that’s an innovative use of materials or a novel way to shape a space. Even the smallest flourish, however, can often add a lot of extra labor (and thus extra cost) to construction. Architects who are more in touch with construction, however, can anticipate how design work will affect the cost of the project and, if the impact isn’t worth the extra cost, they can rework the design to achieve the desired impact in a less labor-intensive way.

Design build firms especially love architects who specialize in the types of projects they do. While architects can in theory do any type of project, it’s always best to match them with projects with which they have the most experience. That way, if you’re remodeling a single-family home, you want to use an architect who is already up to speed on building code and the types of problems that need to be solved in working with certain types of homes and lots. It’s the same with commercial space – it’s best to use an architect who specializes in commercial design.

So if design build firms don’t have “harmony” working with architects, it might be that they’re just working with architects who aren’t the right fit for their firm. But find that right fit and it seems to be a win all around – for the home remodeling contractor, clients, architect, and for the finished remodel.

Kitchen Remodeling You Can Love “Forever”

Posted on October 20, 2011 by David Leslie

One of the most interesting trends that kitchen remodeling contractors are reporting is this one: couples who are now in their 40s and 50s are designing kitchens today so that the decisions they make about counters, cabinets, pulls, lighting, flooring and layouts will continue to accommodate them when they’re in their 70s and 80s. Now that’s looking ahead! But even if you don’t necessarily plan on staying put in your current home forever – or even for decades — the reasons driving this “look ahead” trend are solid and well worth considering as part of your own upcoming kitchen remodeling project.

For starters, the features and designs that make a kitchen friendly to people who may have disabilities or mobility issues actually make the kitchen friendlier to the whole family today. Counters of variable heights that might one day accommodate a cook in a wheelchair, for instance, are also perfect for adults of different heights and for inviting children to help in the kitchen. Activities like kneading bread and chopping are also easier with counter heights of 30” rather than the standard 36”.

Eliminating tight spaces will make the kitchen easier to navigate as you age. It also gives the room a calm, open feel today and will be welcoming to a visitor who must use a walker or, thanks to a “weekend warrior” injury, you end up on crutches for a while.

Lighting is another look-ahead factor to keep in mind as you play today’s kitchen remodeling project. The more natural light you can bring into the kitchen, the better. Aging eyes need far more light to see well, so a bright kitchen will make it easier to see measurements, read cookbooks and check labels. Plus, from day one, enjoy the very special sense of well-being created by your cheery, sunshine-filled kitchen. In addition to windows, glass blocks and skylights are good ways to maximize daylight in the kitchen. Beyond natural light, you’ll want your kitchen remodel to also include a variety of artificial lighting: ambient sources for general lighting and brighter, more focused lighting for tasks. Dimmer switches are perfect for turning up illumination while you’re cooking and the kids are doing homework, and then creating cozy mood lighting to accompany dinner or a late-night chat.

With thoughtful design, today’s kitchen remodeling can even find elegant ways to incorporate the hard-working safety features that make such a difference in helping us avoid accidents and injuries as we age. Today, for example, the sturdy bar across the front of a sink holds kitchen towels. Down the road, it will also be valuable as a grab bar that can help us reach down and pick up something that has fallen to the floor without losing our balance – and without worrying that we can get up. Contrast is another key to safety. As eyesight dims with age, our eyes have to work harder and harder to see where the floor ends and cabinets, doorways or even stairs begin. By looking ahead now, you can use colors and textures to create strong contrasts – and extremely handsome designs as well!

Remember that today’s kitchen remodeling contractors have access to an amazing array of fixtures, finishes, products and materials. So a kitchen that’s designed for “forever” can still look stylishly young today.

A New Trend in Bathroom Remodeling

Posted on October 17, 2011 by David Leslie

When you call in a bathroom remodeling contractor, you want more than just a new bathroom. You want a bathroom that looks new, too. Achieving that means doing more than just having new cabinets and fixtures. It means choosing cabinets and fixtures that have today’s clean, calm, and elegant yet unfussy style. In bathroom remodeling, this can also mean looking for fresh ways to “lift” traditionally heavy elements like bathtubs, showers, and vanities up off the floor to create a greater sense of open space and flow.

So, given the fact that you still want to take baths and showers and wash your hands, how do you go about clearing away the sense of heaviness to update your bathroom not just with new elements, but to make those elements work together with today’s new sense of lightness and breathing room? You can achieve this new look in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas to give you today’s freshest look – and treat yourself to a calm, spa-like environment right in your own new bathroom.

A free-standing tub. Bathroom remodeling today often means rethinking those built-in Jacuzzi tubs. Today, these big, blocky elements can look clumsy and dated. Instead, like many bathroom remodeling contractors, we have more and more clients asking for elegant free-standing tubs. These can be sculpted and ultra modern, or contemporary takes on the classic claw-footed tub. What makes the look especially fresh is having the tub “float” by placing it on an angle with space on all sides rather than flat against the bathroom wall.

A large, open shower. Again, many of the bathrooms we’re remodeling have a dated look because the showers are too small and blocky. Even having a glass door and a glass wall look old-fashioned today. What updates the look is going larger and with a much more open feel. Some of the extra space can often come from removing the large built-in tub as described above. Showers also include amenities like a built-in bench with walls of seamless glass (none of those outdated brass or chrome edges from the ‘80s and ‘90s!). Another trend is doing away with shower doors by constructing the enclosure to contain the water.

Cabinets and vanities that float. Today’s freshest looks for bathroom remodeling include cabinets that have legs instead of having doors go all the way to the floor. Vanities themselves sometimes have no legs at all – they are constructed as ledges without floor supports. Open shelving adds to the open feel. Vessel sinks remain popular because they also lift up the look of the bathroom instead of weighing it down.

Tile that goes to the ceiling. Instead of tile that stops at the backsplash level or goes just to the height of the shower enclosure, bring everything up to the ceiling. This reduces visual breaks in the design which creates a feeling of unity and serenity. It also lifts the eye to create the feeling of expansive space even in smaller bathrooms.

Natural light. Look for ways to keep your privacy, but bring the outside in. If you have an upper-story bathroom, windows can be designed to maximize light and beautiful views while window treatments control the light and privacy. Solar tubes are additional ways to fill bathrooms with spirit-lifting natural daylight, and skylights can offer the luxury of gazing up at the moon while you soak in a tub by candlelight.

What’s the ROI on Exterior Remodeling?

Posted on October 12, 2011 by David Leslie

Thinking about exterior remodeling? Contractors always look at both the up-front cost of the remodeling and the pay back over time. Here’s how to make the same types of calculations to see what type of ROI you could expect to get back on your investment in remodeling.

What you’ll pay depends on the scope of the exterior remodeling you have in mind, from simply replacing and updating what you have to rethinking the entire look and configuration of your home. Good contractors are always happy to help you explore options – including options you might not even know are possible within your budget. And, once you’ve picked specific products, finishes and materials, they can give you a very specific cost. But that’s just the starting point. You also want to see how that investment will repay you.

For starters, we always think in terms of the “daily dividend” – the everyday enjoyment you get from a home that has sparkling new curb appeal and that works perfectly for your family and lifestyle. That has a value, but of course it’s hard to quantify in dollars and cents. Still, it’s a major part of the pay-back on exterior remodeling.

You can quantify other types of ROI, however.

For starters, installing new windows and energy-efficient siding can immediately begin paying you back in terms of lower heating and cooling bills. They can cut the time and expense of maintenance, too. Choose an experienced exterior remodeling contractor who can share data on average energy savings associated with all types of projects, materials and building techniques. It’s worthwhile to use those figures to run calculations and see what those savings could be this year … and each year thereafter.

Next, consider how much today’s exterior remodeling can add to tomorrow’s resale value on home. It can be substantial. In fact, four exterior remodeling projects top the list of Remodeling Magazine’s Cost vs. Value Report. Here’s the estimated resale value:

Remodeling your front door: 102.1%
Remodeling your garage/garage door: 83.9%
Installing fiber-cement siding: 80%
Remodeling/installing a wood deck: 72.8%

So, don’t just look at the up front cost of exterior remodeling – think about energy savings, lower maintenance, enhanced curb appeal, better functionality and eventual resale value. When you tally up the value and the savings, you might be surprised at how you see that up front cost in a whole new light!

Home Remodeling for the “Sandwich” Generation

Posted on October 12, 2011 by David Leslie

Recent statistics show that the number of multi-generational homes in the US has risen to a 50-year high. For many home remodeling contractors, this isn’t a surprise – it’s a trend they’ve been seeing for several years.

Even before the recession, contractors saw an increasing number of families remodeling to accommodate multiple generations within one house. The rise in college grads returning home to live with Mom and Dad had contractors working on an increasing number of home remodeling projects aimed at creating suites so adult children could enjoy some independence while “getting on their feet.”

Contractors also found themselves doing more and more home remodeling to create extra space to accommodate families who were caring for elderly parents. Remodeling to create an extra bedroom and bathroom, or even multi-room suites, is often a more compassionate (and far more affordable) solution than putting Grandma or Grandpa into assisted living facilities that can cost thousands of dollars a month.

Today, the multigenerational home remodeling trend continues because moving in together makes good sense in our “post-recession” economy when different generations may need to pull together to meet new challenges.

No matter why families come together, there can be enormous rewards to multigenerational living. Still, if a home is too small or not laid out in the right away, having multiple generations can lead to a less than harmonious environment. Instead of letting lack of space literally blow the roof a home, it is well worth investing in remodeling so that the house can be adapted to the new multigenerational lifestyle with the right blend of private and “together” spaces and features that make the home perfect for young and old alike.

Here are three home remodeling tips that seem to make a big difference when multiple generations live together:

Bathrooms: The more bathrooms, the fewer frustrations. Ideally, bathrooms would be “in suite,” associated with each bedroom. When bathrooms are shared, good storage space is critical in creating comfort and minimizing arguments over mess and clutter.

Sitting rooms: Even small bedrooms can be remodeled to include a separate sitting area. This creates a valuable retreat where family members can enjoy a little private time away from the rest of the busy, noisy household.

Gathering rooms: It’s important to create gathering rooms – kitchens, dining rooms and family rooms – that are spacious enough to welcome the whole family. Within a great room, for example, it’s a good idea to design different areas so that the kids can enjoy jumping up and down with their video games without being right on top of Gran who’s trying to finish the crossword. The kitchen should have space for the kids to do homework or enjoy a snack while the adults are sharing cooking duties.

Secrets of Low-Maintenance Exterior Remodeling

Posted on July 12, 2011 by David Leslie

Exterior remodeling is a great way to cut home maintenance time, cost and effort. In fact, a good exterior remodeling strategy can not only improve the value of your home, it can help prevent expensive repairs – and even help protect your home from fires. Here are a few secrets to keep in mind:

Low-Maintenance Siding
Painting or staining wooden siding is a chore. Plus, wooden siding raises fire concerns. Consider remodeling with brick and stone siding. Stucco is also fire-resistant and can last the lifetime of your home. Fiber cement siding looks like wood but resists insects and can last 50 years. Vinyl siding can last 40 years with an occasional hosing. Also consider adding insulation under the siding or using insulated siding as this will help reduce your energy bills.

A New Slant on Roofing
Wood shingles look good but are high-maintenance and not fire-resistant. Composite shingles are fire-resistant (rated A, B, or C, with A being the most fire-resistant). Metal is fire resistant and increasingly popular. It can last least 50 years or more. Tile and slate are beautiful, durable and low-maintenance. If you live in areas where the sun shines most of the time and it is warm, you may want to consider a light colored roof as they reflect light and heat and keep your home cooler and reduces the need to turn on the air conditioning.

Windows
New windows make a big difference to a home’s exterior. Remodeling with wood windows looks good, and the new stained wood windows don’t need much work to keep them in good shape. Fiberglass, vinyl, and composite frames tend to be somewhat lower-maintenance. And, with good-quality installation and caulking, windows bought today can last 20-25 years! Don’t forget that windows come in a wide variety of energy saving and easy to clean configurations. With proper installation and a well-insulated window, if you live in a hot or cold climate you can reduce your energy use greatly.

Decks
Wooden decks can become hazards if you live in an area where wildfires occur, and fire-retardant treatments won’t prevent wood from actually burning. Composites offer varying degrees of fire-resistance and give you a wood look without the fire hazard or the annual sanding, staining and sealing. Capped composites like Trex and Timbertech resist fading and stains and clean with just soap and water. PVC (like Azek) is another alternative for exterior remodeling that reduces maintenance!

Driveways
If you’re thinking about exterior remodeling, it’s an ideal time to rethink your driveway. Traditional asphalt driveways typically only last 10 years. Concrete can last up to 50 years — don’t make the surface too smooth or it will be slippery when wet. If you live in an area where the ground settles or heaves, or are in an area that gets earthquakes, A paving stone driveway is much less likely to crack and doesn’t have to be sealed, though there will be weeds. Grass has become an eco-friendly choice — other than mowing, it’s good to go! New on the exterior remodeling scene are water-permeable solutions such as FilterPave, a glittery surface made from recycled beer bottles that lets through even more water than grass does!

The best way to create your own unique low-maintenance home is to work with an experienced exterior remodeling contractor who can suggest low-maintenance solutions for the specific chores you hate and the expenses you dread.

Ideas from a Professional Bathroom Remodeler

Posted on July 12, 2011 by David Leslie

What would a professional bathroom remodeler do with your bathroom? If they are good they will have years of experience as a bathroom remodeler and be able to suggest creative ways to use new and traditional products, layout and design to achieve the look and functionality you want. Here are just a few ideas:

Get a great look that’s also a great value. Hand-painted porcelain tiles, for example, are a beautiful choice for a bathroom. Remodelers love to work with them, but they may take up too much of your total budget, especially if you’re remodeling a large bathroom. Often, however, there are very fine alternatives that can satisfy your design concept by giving you the same look and coloring of high-end materials. You can also design the bathroom to use the more expensive materials as an accent so that you still get the “wow” factor.
Splurge a little. It’s true that you might not necessarily need “extras” like a steam shower or a towel warming drawer, but you may find that these luxuries create a pampering, spa-like environment that you enjoy day after day.
Design for how you really live. Quiet, luxurious soaking tubs seem to be replacing the noisier Jacuzzis as the first choice for today’s bath lovers. But while soaking tubs tend to be smaller than Jacuzzis, they still take up considerable floor space. The question to ask yourself before you reflexively install a tub when remodeling is will you use it. For many people – including many older couples – the answer is “no.” If that’s the case, why install both a tub and a shower? Instead, you might consider saving the space (and money) you’d spend on a tub – or using that same budget to enjoy a larger, more luxurious shower with seats, a no barrier design and extra room for storage. If you are remodeling with resale as a high priority, you may wish to include a tub in your plans even if you don’t plan on using it yourself. However, you might not have the tub in your bathroom.
Think universal design. No matter how young and fit you are, a bathroom designed for safety and effortless access will be a smart investment. If you’re older, features such as walk-in tubs can let you enjoy baths without worrying about climbing in and out of a traditional tub. Curbless showers are another good feature. A good bathroom remodeler can integrate grab bars, good lighting, non-slippery floors, and other universal design features beautifully into any style of bathroom so that you can enjoy your home longer while still being safer from slips and falls.

There are many more ideas a professional bathroom remodeler can share with you if you select the right one.

What a Builder’s Reputation Reveals

Posted on July 10, 2011 by David Leslie

You know that reputation matters. But did you know a builder’s reputation can predict what type of experience you can expect, down to specifics such as how permits will be pulled or how the builder will deal with any unforeseen problems that arise. Let me give you some examples:

Client reputation. With testimonials, client satisfaction ratings, and references, look closely at what’s being said. For example, if many comments cite the builder’s creativity and quality workmanship, you can expect the same on your project. On the other hand, comments that refer to how helpful the builder was in fixing problems might reveal a management style that allows problems to arise in the first place.
Industry reputation. What professional memberships and awards have the builder received? Industry “peer to peer” recognition like Remodeling magazine’s “Big 50” award signal that you can expect a very smooth, professional experience. If the builder has Energy Star certification or the Building Performance Institute’s Building Analyst Certification, you can expect a high level of technical expertise during your project.
Business/community reputation. How long has the builder been in your community? The longer they’ve been around, the more the builder knows about the building trends, materials, and options that work best for your specific area and type of home. Plus, having community roots reveals a respect for the “long term” that makes it likely that the builder will have the right business insurance, will get proper permits and inspections, and will use quality materials and workmanship.
Online reputation. ALWAYS Google a prospective builder! An online search can pull up ratings and reviews from clients that aren’t included in testimonials and references. If you do find issues, ask the prospective builder about these problems before you sign a contract. The honesty with which your builder responds to this also shows what you can expect should problems arise during your project.

What Kitchen Remodelers Know About Kitchens

Posted on July 8, 2011 by David Leslie

Kitchens can be tricky to remodel. As one of the most used rooms in a home, there are countless factors that can make or break your perfect kitchen. Thankfully, there is hope. Discussing your project with an experienced kitchen remodeler can you think about things you might not otherwise consider. Here are a few examples:

Kitchen remodelers know the value of space planning. For example, in designing a dream kitchen, “remodeler experience” often prompts us to suggest keeping the actual cooking area compact to eliminate long walks from the fridge to the sink. We also emphasize planning up front for how you’ll actually use your space so that things work for the kitchen remodel ergonomically and practically as well as from a design point of view.

Separate “stations” can add ease and functionality. One of the jobs of a kitchen remodeler is to create a kitchen that makes life easier for their clients. A “station” can help. For example, a beverage center is great for parties and for getting drinks poured for dinner without being underfoot as the cook finishes up meal preparation. A breakfast station can make mornings easier by locating cabinets for cereals and bowls right above counter space designed to hold an elegant coffeemaker and retro-style toaster.

Lighting is so important — from natural light flowing in through windows and skylights, to layered lighting plans that combine under-counter and task lighting with ambient lighting on dimmer switches to go bright for meal prep or dim for dining and parties.

Explore new countertop options. All kitchen remodelers know that granite is a popular choice. But before you decide, you might want to consider the colors and designability of solid surfaces like Corian, as well as eco-friendly choices like concrete or “wow factor” materials such as thick glass countertops complete with LED lighting systems that can change the color and brightness of the counters.

What’s the ROI on Choosing “the Right” Construction Company?

Posted on July 6, 2011 by David Leslie

There are many different approaches for how to choose the right construction company. Some things you can look out for are professionalism, good client-construction company chemistry, and having a pleasant experience. But some people might say that these are more or less “feel good” benefits and that it’s a better deal to just go with the lowest offer from a reputable construction company. The reasoning behind this is that as long as the company is reputable, you’ll get a good job no matter what.

The fact is, “reputable” doesn’t mean a construction company necessarily has the right manpower, skills, or experience to deliver your specific type of job on time, on budget, and to your expectations.

Let me give you a quick example: A construction company recently won a bid for a restaurant space. They hadn’t ever done a restaurant and there quite a few things had to be resized, reordered and redone. They finally got things right, but it forced the restaurant owners to delay their opening for several months – and pay rent even though they weren’t yet open. Cash flow isn’t just a “feel good” benefit. With a better-fit construction company, the restaurant owner could have started seeing money come in months earlier if he’d chosen a better-fit construction company.

You see these same kinds of experience shortfalls in home remodeling. For instance, a construction company that is very experienced at doing kitchen and bathroom remodels doesn’t necessarily have the expertise to do a great job on a “pop top” addition project.

Once you determine that a construction company is reputable (professional, financially stable, etc.), make sure they have done projects similar to the one you’re considering. That way, when you talk with former clients, you can make apples-to-apples comparisons between what these clients experienced and the ROI you’re likely to see on your own project.

Remember, ROI isn’t just about that initial bid. It’s about finding a company who can deliver all the “feel good” advantages of professionalism and quality craftsmanship plus the dollars-and-cents rewards of delivering a great job on time and on budget.

How Much Money Can a General Contractor Save You?

Posted on July 4, 2011 by David Leslie

Yes, hiring a general contractor to manage your remodeling saves you time and effort. But it also adds an “extra” expense to your project. Or does it? In our experience, having a good general contractor can actually save you a significant amount of money. How much? Well, let’s take all the time savings out of the equation and just do the math on dollar savings.

A general contractor is your single point of contact. Can you negotiate with carpenters, roofers, electricians, plumbers, flooring installers, cabinet suppliers, and appliance stores to get favorable prices? Since you don’t have the relationships or buying power of a good general contractor, you might expect to pay more for each subcontractor – maybe 10%-25% more. Right there, that typically covers the “extra” cost of the general contractor. Plus, if you don’t like the way something is installed, you could end up having to pay for the rework.
A general contractor pulls permits and builds “to code.” If you pull permits yourself, you are responsible for seeing that a project can pass inspection. Building permits and code violations generate revenue, so count on inspections! Some areas, Denver for instance, have strict building codes for everything from zoning and HVAC, to plumbing, truss layout, structural factors, and electrical loads. Fines can range upwards of hundreds of dollars with additional fees assessed daily until the problem is re-inspected. If a permit expires before a project is inspected, that’s a violation. If a violation isn’t caught during construction, it can hurt you when you go to sell your home and either have to fix the violations or sell “as is” and risk a citation and court appearance. Do the math on fines and home resale and it’s clear that working with a general contractor can save you a fortune.
A general contractor keeps your remodeling project on schedule. Talk about “extra” costs! Running behind schedule can cost you plenty. In fact, many price quotes are valid only for a certain time – and delays can mean having to renegotiate with trades people. Plus, remodeling is like dominoes: if one team is late, the entire schedule can be derailed and you end up paying (extra staff, weekend or holiday work) to get the necessary work done so the project can move on to the next step and the next team of sub contractors.

Bottom line, the “extra” cost of a good general contractor can be offset by the contractor’s ability to negotiate more favorable rates from subcontractors. From there, you can see additional savings in terms of avoided costs (like fines) and unexpected costs (like having to pay for rework). Plus, hiring a reputable, experienced general contractor repays you with a smoother design/build experience, a solid-quality remodeling project, and far less frustration, worry and unexpected expense.

What a Basement Remodeler Should Do Before Remodeling Your Basement

Posted on July 2, 2011 by David Leslie

A basement remodeler can work magic in turning an ugly or unfinished space into a beautiful new living area for your family. But before the actual remodeling begins down in the basement, remodelers need to come up with a plan for dealing with the unique challenges that below-grade spaces present.

For starters, many basements are damp and can even flood. Even if the space is already finished, you’ll want to let your basement remodeler do some preliminary work to prevent water seeping in and get rid of any musty smell that exists. And remember, mold and mildew can cause allergic reactions and respiratory problems, so removing them is top a priority. Your basement remodeler can tackle this challenge with a variety of tactics, from using wall sealants inside to regarding and redirecting downspouts outside.

Next, basement floors can be unpleasantly cool in winter. So, one way a basement remodeler can make the space cozier is to install a heating mat beneath the basement flooring. The result is soft, silent heat that typically costs no more to operate than several light bulbs and can typically use less energy than a comparable forced air system. The benefit is that the basement floor and the living space itself both stay invitingly warm.

Lifting and lighting the space. The way your basement remodeler designs the space is key to how the new room or rooms will “live.” That’s because basements often present challenges like low ceilings, ductwork, and small windows. So, before beginning the actual construction, your basement remodeler can incorporate design, space planning and lighting techniques to create the illusion of a much brighter, airier space.

Let your basement remodeler come up with good solutions for dealing with dampness, cold floors, structural issues and lighting before starting the actual design process. That way, your new basement living space will be end up beautiful – and wonderfully livable!

A Home Addition Contractor’s Perspective on Cost v. Value

Posted on June 30, 2011 by David Leslie

Home addition contractors talk with many clients who ask them what type of addition will give them the biggest payback. To provide the answer, they need to ask a question of their own: “What type of payback do you mean – resale or lifestyle?”

If you’re thinking in terms of resale value, sources in the home addition contractor business say some types of home additions do seem to recoup more of the initial investment than others. For example, Remodeling magazine’s latest Cost v. Value Report documents that – on average – a two-story addition seems to offer the biggest payback at resale. Master suite additions and family room additions are virtually tied in second place, followed by bathroom additions and then sun room additions.

Remember, however, that local housing prices and the demographics are the most important factors in determining which type of addition will make the most sense purely in terms of resale. In certain areas, for example, home addition contractors see variation literally neighborhood to neighborhood. In pockets of the community popular with older couples who are downsizing, a master suite addition might bring a higher resale ROI than a two-story addition. The sooner you may be putting your home on the market, the more weight you’ll want to give to the resale value of your addition.

Still, how many of us are thinking purely about resale when we consider a home addition? Contractors get calls mostly for other reasons, such as a growing family needing more living space, bedrooms or bathrooms.

If you’re thinking in terms of lifestyle value, the home addition that will give you the greatest ROI is the one that solves the real issues triggering your need for more space. For example, two families might say they need more space. But for one family, the need is actually for more private space, while the other family needs more space for being together and entertaining. So, for one family the highest-ROI solution that a home addition contractor can recommend is a master suite, while the highest-ROI addition for the other home is a spacious new family room.

Both resale and lifestyle should be considered when planning a home addition. Contractors will tell you, however, that the best ROI comes from an addition that is built to meet today’s needs while keeping your home attractive to the likeliest type of family to buy your home down the road.

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