Tag: Bathroom Remodeling - page 4

Home Improvements and Their Return On Investment

Every update done to your home has a return on investment at resale that should be considered before tackling it.  Below you will find the average ROI you can expect when contracting popular home renovations.

  • Minor Bathroom Updates Average ROI 102% – Renovations to a bathroom that do not include redoing electrical or plumbing range around eleven thousand dollars. This includes replacing the tub, tile surround, flooring, toilet, sink, vanity and fixtures.   If the tub is going to be too difficult to replace consider updating the tub by re-glazing the surface.  Fresh glaze allows a tub to appear brand new.  A fresh coat of paint and updated shower curtain or doors really add to the any bathroom renovation.
  • Updated, Simplified Landscaping Average ROI 100% – Hiring a landscape designer really pays off when it comes to landscaping. For the most part it is safe plan three quarters of your budget for materials and one quarter on the design and installation.  Check around your neighborhood to determine what is appealing to the exterior of homes that are similar to yours.  A bit of color can really enhance the landscape.  For a grand impact choose one color and vary the heights of the landscape plants.   Don’t allow the landscape to become overgrown.  Keep it charming and simple.  Walkways and water features are other attractive features that add interest and visual appeal.
  • Minor Kitchen Renovations Average ROI 98.5% -Most kitchens can be completely renovated without changing the floor plan of the space. To maximize your renovation dollars re-face cabinets and drawers, change out the sink and fixtures, cabinet hardware, flooring and countertops.  Additional lighting will add substantially to the kitchen.   The overall value of your home before the minor renovation will also determine the materials you should use.  For homes over three hundred thousand dollars can be updated with higher valued materials like granite, glass and stone.  Consider your flooring choice as well depending once again on the value of the home.
  • Exterior Improvements Average ROI 95.5% – The curb appeal of your home really sells itself. Updates to the siding can really change the appearance of your home while helping to lower maintenance.  Wood siding requires real maintenance whereas vinyl siding only really requires a spring power washing every other year.  Another renovation that contractors suggest when updating your home’s exterior is the addition of a new entry door.  Fresh paint to exterior columns can really freshen up the space as well.  Add some seating and lighting to really add to the return on investment of your exterior renovation.

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.

Handyman Renovations Under $500

There are so many things that can be done to increase the appeal of a home without breaking the bank.  Below are seven of the best home improvements that local handymen can be hired out for less than five hundred dollars.

The first improvement that is always suggested by contractors has to do with increasing the curb appeal of your home.  For less than five hundred dollars homeowners can hire a handyman for the day to do just that.  Increasing curb appeal is going to involve different tasks for every home however the following improvements should be considered when seeking to increase your homes curb appeal:

  • Exterior Pressure Washing
  • Wash Exterior Windows and Screens
  • Repair Broken Concrete Sidewalks and Steps
  • Update The Mailbox
  • Edge The Lawn
  • Trim Bushes
  • Pull Weeds
  • Freshen Up Mulch

Another inexpensive home improvement that makes a big difference comes with the entryway of your home.  For less than five hundred dollars you can replace the front door, add some color to the entry, update light fixtures and add an entry door rug.  Contractors all say that the little enhancements to the home’s exterior appearance do a lot to add to the attraction of your property.  A well kept exterior translates into a home that is taken care of.

If you have five hundred dollars for home renovations another huge renovation that can be done that does a lot to increase the homes overall presences is repairing and painting the interior walls.  Handymen are often called in to freshen up interior paint.  A fresh coat on the walls and trim can really transform a room.  Don’t forget the ceiling!

Just like a new necklace can transform an old outfit lighting can change up a room.  A little pizzazz can be added throughout your home my switching up the style of lighting fixtures that are installed.  For less than five hundred dollars you should be able to budget for lighting upgrades and fresh light bulbs to almost every room in your home.  Larger fixtures such as ones you would find in a kitchen or foyer will take up the majority of the budget.  For these pieces consider looking for ideas outside the normal.  Online sites offer a great deal of large scaled budget lighting options that can be fairly inexpensive to reproduce.

No matter what home renovation that you choose there is a lot that can be done by hiring a professional handyman for the day.  For less than five hundred dollars it is possible to hire a local handyman once a year to add a different perspective to a space that needs some wow factor added.

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 The Most Out Of Your Renovation Dollars

Interest rates are seeing record lows making it affordable for more homeowners to obtain a home equity loan.  Finally contractors are finding themselves taking on expansive home addition projects for clients.  Below you will find a few items to think about as you tackle any sized home improvement project.

The real estate market is ever changing.  It is important to remember that every investment that you make to your home has a different return on investment.  Some renovations are done purely for your own satisfaction and it is important before you invest thousands of dollars that will never be recouped that you fully wrap yourself around that idea.

Whereas other renovations not only recoup their value when your home sells they add substantial value to the homes equity.  To make sure that the renovation makes sense consider the cost to value ratio verse buying a new home.  Of course other factors will go into this such as the location of the home, home available on the market and such but overall does it make sense to put money into your current home?

There are a number of ways to increase the space within your home.  Not all home additions are viewed the same when it comes to the real estate market.  For instance, many buyers view a sunroom as a liability.  You may however consider a sunroom the ideal way to bring the outdoors inside.  Consider this when investing in the renovation.  If you will not be able to recoup your investment in the long run how much are you willing to spend to get what you want so that you can enjoy the space while you own the house?

Finishing a basement however is seen by most buyers as a viable use of space.  If you are finishing a basement to offer additional bedrooms and living areas make sure that they function as such.  If the current basement lacks natural light it is important to plan the renovation to include additional natural lighting and windows.  The space should function just like an addition onto any other part of your home.  You are not adding additional square footage to the home per se however you are adding to the functional space of the home.

A major benefit of creating an addition out of spaces that already exist in your home like with attic and basement renovation is that although you aren’t adding square footage to the house you also aren’t eating up valuable landscape space.  It is amazing how an addition to an existing home can really transform the space.  With the constant noise, presence of crew and other distractions it can be hard to remember why you chose to renovate.  Keep in mind that all home improvement projects have a bright light at the end of the dark tunnel; the enjoyment that you will find in having additional functional space without the hassle of selling a house, buying a new one and moving your household.

Aspen Construction is an innovative building leader specializing in home additions, new construction, bathroom and kitchen remodeling.  For all of your home improvement needs including electrical services contact us today at http://www.aspencoinc.com/.

Considerations To Make When You Choose Renovating Over Moving

Many homeowners consider moving for one reason or another but the lack of money or motivation to pack everything up stops them.  Logically the next thought is to renovate their current home with a home addition.  That’s a whole lot easier than moving, right?

The truth is that there are pros and cons to both options.  Renovating your home has a different set of issues to consider.  Homeowners will need to consider whether they will proceed with the renovations on their own or if they will hire a professional contractor.  Remodeling projects also need to be budgeted for as the expenses can quickly get out of hand.  Homeowners should also consider the time and mess that comes along with a home addition.  It may be that in the end the idea of moving isn’t so bad after all.

In all seriousness however, most homeowners will choose adding on to their homes over moving nine out of ten times.  There are a number of reasons that staying in your home is a top choice over moving.  The most common reason for this is the location of the current home.  For most of us change is uncomfortable.  We become comfortable with the neighborhood and the routine of life all which would be disrupted substantially if we chose to move.

To begin any home renovation or room addition project homeowners should start by scheduling a meeting with an expert in home construction.  Be sure that the contractor that you choose is bonded, licensed and insured.  It is also a good idea to choose a home contractor that has built a solid reputation within your community for new construction projects and room additions.

After you have a general idea of what to expect the project to cost it is time to sit down and realistically figure if the addition is something you can afford.  Will you be able to pay cash for the renovation or will you need to look into financing options.  The cost of the renovation will mainly be dependent on the size of the space to be added along with the purpose of the space.  Certain rooms like bedrooms and home offices are cheaper than renovations where there are a great deal of additional material expenses like bathrooms, kitchens and living rooms.

One way to safely decrease the expense involved in adding on to your home is by utilizing the homes existing floor plan.  Another option is to utilize an existing space for the additional room such as a basement or attic.  Understand that with any change comes some inconvenience.  Whether you move or choose to add on to an additional home get ready to be flexible and focus on the light at the end of the tunnel.

Aspen Construction is an innovative building leader specializing in home additions, new construction, bathroom and kitchen remodeling.  For all of your home improvement needs including electrical services contact us today at http://www.aspencoinc.com/.

Getting the Best Return On Investment In Home Improvements

To help homeowners make better choices when it comes to home improvements it is important that they understand the value of the renovation.  Not all remodeling done around the home has the same return on investment.  It is not always worth sinking large amounts of money into upgrades when you are not thinking about staying in the space for any extended amount of time.

When it comes to the bigger winners in renovations the best investments are in kitchen renovations, finished basements and renovated attics.  Any one of these improvement can account for ten to fifteen percent of the total value of your home.  Bathroom renovations are slightly lower at around five to ten percent.  The return of investment may not matter much to you if there is a space in your home that you absolutely can’t live within.  If you aren’t comfortable in your living room then it won’t matter how much value is added or not added to the home with the new appreciation you will have for the space.

Homeowners love their kitchens.  On average kitchen renovations cost around thirty thousand dollars which includes upgrades in flooring, updated appliances, lighting, new cabinets, fresh countertops and the professional resources to make it happen.  The thirty thousand dollar budget for kitchen remodeling does not include a full alteration of the floor plan.

If you desire a change in the layout you will add to the expense of the renovation.  Added expenses come in to play within the kitchen when homeowners change the footprint as plumbing, electrical and more needs to be considered.

There are many ways that homeowners can afford to hire a professional contractor while saving money.  It is crucial that any improvements are high quality.  It is possible to pinch pennies on mid-grade materials or find high grade materials in unique places to save within your allotted remodeling budget.  Quality, professional craftsmanship outweighs shoddy do it yourself renovations with high quality materials.

Be frugal in other areas rather than skimping on craftsmanship.  Professional contractors can help homeowners as well.  Consider the following recommendations:

  • Shop when you see items on clearance. Flooring and tiles can be mixed and matched to create a unique flair while saving homeowners money.  A professional contractor will know how to install it in a manner that really enhances the space.
  • In a kitchen remodel save money by replacing the cabinet doors instead of opting to buy new cabinets.

 

Home Renovations That Bring Added Value To Your Home

I am often asked how different home improvement can change the value of your home.  The answer to this question will differ from contractor to contractor.  There are a number of renovations that increase the equity of your home however not all of them are as cost effective as others.  Home improvements are not all created equally when it comes to the return of investment.  Below you will find my top choices for homeowners to minimize the expense while increasing the value in your home.

Brighten Up Your Space: There are a number of ways that a home can be lightened up.  Instead of being faced with life in a dull dark home bring light colors to the walls and bring in more natural light to the space.  Neutral colors of lighter shades of paint should be implemented throughout the home along with an increase in lighting with dimmers.  Colors can be brought to a room in the form of accessories.  The pop of color, along with the lighter paint color can really brighten up the spaces within the home.

Real Wood Flooring: If you have some money to spend on your home invest in wood flooring.  When buyers come into a home that has quality flooring that has been well cared for they instantly swoon.  Wood flooring adds value, warmth and so much character to a space.  Don’t skimp on engineered or laminate flooring that looks like wood flooring they affect is never the same.  Go for the real deal.  Find mixed and match pieces of wood flooring through liquidation sales, salvage yards and such to get the best deal possible.  You can stain the floor and dress it up however you want to make it your space.

Enhance the Bath:  Little changes in the bathroom can make a big difference.  Don’t go overboard as that is when the bathroom renovation expenses soar.  Instead opt for a few new fixtures, some lighting changes, fresh paint and new shower caulk and grout. A trendy new mirror and some nice architectural changes really add a lot to the style of the bathroom.  These minimal updates can really impact the perception of the bathroom space without costing homeowners an arm and a leg.

When doing renovations to your home it is important that the work is done by a professional specializing in that area of home improvement.  The quality of the work that is done is just as important if not more important than any other aspect of the remodel.

Aspen Construction is an innovative building leader specializing in home additions, new construction, bathroom and kitchen remodeling.  For all of your home improvement needs including electrical services contact us today at http://www.aspencoinc.com/.

2016 Popular Trends In Home Improvements Continued

In our last installment on popular home remodeling trends we discussed several renovating options that are popular for 2016.  These renovations all tend to hold their value and work to increase the overall equity in the home.  Front entry home improvements, replacing garage doors and bathroom renovations work to retain and increase the value in the home.  Other renovations such as kitchen, deck, siding, attics and more will be discussed in this article as other options in remodeling that help boost today’s value of your home.

Kitchen Remodeling:  Minor or major kitchen renovations sell homes.   If you want to increase the chance that your home sells invest in the kitchen.  Buyers are looking to envision themselves in the kitchen when they look at homes to purchase.  The kitchen is the one space within a home that can truly make or break the sale of your home.  Minor kitchen renovations, costing around twenty thousand dollars often are able to recoup eighty three percent during resale.

Updates to the kitchen that work to hold their value the best include: Counter top replacement, cabinetry updates, flooring upgrades, lighting and storage.

Deck Additions: Homeowners are looking to enjoy the nice weather when they can.  A deck is one renovation that can allow homeowners to do just that from the comfort of their own home.  A wooden deck, depending on the size and complexity in design can cost anywhere from a few thousand dollars upwards to six thousand dollars with the average falling around four thousand.  Homeowners are apt to recoup about eighty percent of the total cost of adding a deck to the home plus the pleasure you will naturally receive from enjoying the nice weather.

Replacement Siding:  There are a variety of siding options including brink, wood, stone and vinyl.  Vinyl siding is the most popular and least expensive replacement option in siding.  A fresh exterior increases the aesthetics of the homes curb appeal which will enhance the spaces charm and make it more desirable for buyers.

Attic Spaces: Converting an attic space into a bedroom, retreat or space for storage works as a great way to increase the function of your home while adding extra space and value.  Adding a bedroom to a home can return close to seventy five percent of your investment when you do decide to sell your home.  An attic bedroom space is ideal for a return college student or elderly parent.  The storage space that a finished attic space offers to homeowners is invaluable.

Home remodeling projects that are popular and trendy and add to the overall function of your home help to increase the appeal buyers may have to purchase your home.  This can only work in your favor if you ever find yourself selling during a buyer’s market.

Aspen Construction is an innovative building leader specializing in home additions, new construction, bathroom and kitchen remodeling.  For all of your home improvement needs including electrical services contact us today at http://www.aspencoinc.com/.

2016 Popular Trends In Home Improvements

Home remodeling is done either because of personal interested or because of popular trends.  There are pros and cons for doing both that we will focus on.  When homeowners choose to remodel based on trends that are popular in the home improvement industry it may improve the chances the homeowner has at recouping the cost that was put into the remodel.  The focus today will be on popular housing trends in 2016 and how to work in your personal interests and recoup the money you put in.

Front Entry Home Improvements: The addition of a new entry door along with some updates in paint, fresh rugs and a bit of fresh greenery can really boost the charm of your home and the overall appeal of the home’s exterior.

Home entryway updates can cost an average of five hundred to a thousand dollars.  A new front entry door can cost around six hundred and twenty five dollars with paint and rugs running another fifty dollars.  Entry landscaping makes up the rest of this update making one heck of a return on your investment when the time comes to sell.

Bathroom Renovation and Remodeling: Although a bathroom renovation may require more time and money than other home improvement projects it is will also draw in the most attention from buyers.  Bathroom remodeling is also known as one of the best return on investments within the home improvement industry.

If you aren’t looking to do a complete overhaul on a bathroom which can cost upwards of twenty five thousand dollars consider simple updates that easily recoup their value.  Replace sinks, cabinets and countertops along with fixtures to create an update remodel.  Consider a fresh coat of paint and some updated linens for a complete bathroom makeover.

Garage Replacement Door and Remodel: This is a renovation that is not often considered when homeowners think about upgrading the exterior of their homes.   Replacing a garage door and updating the space adds to the total value of your home.  At resale you are apt to collect at least eighty seven percent of what you put into out of a garage renovation.  A new garage door can turn an old outdated exterior into a modern marvel.

Don’t just repaint the garage door replace it.  A garage door replacement ranges from around seven to eight hundred dollars all which is usually recouped within the sale of the home.

For more renovations that are popular in 2016 continue reading our next blog installment.

Aspen Construction is an innovative building leader specializing in home additions, new construction, bathroom and kitchen remodeling.  For all of your home improvement needs including electrical services contact us today at http://www.aspencoinc.com/.

Projects That Add Value to Your Home

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.

What Makes Sense For You New Construction or Home Renovations

Should you renovate the current space you are living in or go out and purchase a new construction home that has everything you could want?  This question doesn’t have a one size fits all answer for all homeowners.  One of the most important issues that plagues many homeowners the issue of location.  Do you love the neighborhood you are in?  What are the other homes like?  Can you create the home of your dream within the neighborhood or do you risk pricing your home out of the area? Also consider if it makes economic sense to renovate over buying new.

Four Questions To Ask Yourself Before Committing to Renovations or New Construction

Can the desired updates occur within the current home?

Home renovations using the homes original footprint can cost up to fifty percent less than renovations that require a change in the structure of the home.  If you are looking to convert or add on a garage check out the neighborhood.  Are you sure that this will be viewed as an improvement within the space or a detriment? Sometimes an addition to an older home makes better sense economically as renovating an older space within the home means that you will need correct problems that currently exist.

Will you and your family be able to live through a major home renovation?

Home remodeling can wreak havoc on the normalcy that your family is familiar with.  Can you live through the construction of your space?  There will be lots of noise, a variety of contractors and disruptions.  If you are redoing your kitchen; how long can you live without a sink?  These are important considerations before renovating an existing home.

Are the renovations that you hope to perform legal?

Check with the local H.O.A. and municipality to determine if the renovations you are looking to perform are legal.  Are their requirements on how many stories a home can have?  Do you need to be a certain number of feet from the property line?  Do new renovations trigger requirements on existing elements in the home?  Usually this occurs within the homes electrical systems.

Does the renovation make sense for the home’s value?

This is a major issue for many homeowners.  Will you over value your home for the area you are in with the renovation you are looking to perform.  Adding a custo9m kitchen in a neighborhood filled with starter homes really doesn’t make a lot of sense.  The customization of a home’s kitchen can cost upwards of a hundred thousand dollars.  This is not necessarily beneficial in a place where the most expensive home sells for a hundred and fifty thousand.

Aspen Construction is an innovative building leader specializing in home additions, new construction, bathroom and kitchen remodeling.  For all of your home improvement needs including electrical services contact us today at http://www.aspencoinc.com/.