Tag: Construction

Top Trends in Home Improvement & Remodeling

You can’t say we have returned to the times when housing was booming, but with 1,226,000 homes built in the last year, we’re not far from it. With Americans projected to collectively offload over $300 billion in home improvements over the next year the housing industry is currently looking pretty good.

So what are homeowners getting into this year as far as home improvements go? Here are a few favorite trends that tipped to being routinely installed this year.

Smart home technology is the latest in home improvement industry trends. The projection is that 33% of houses will get connected with at least one smart device, if they haven’t done so, with home security topping the list. The rise of voice activated technology is also leading the charge to make smarter homes more desirable.

Big homes are on the down swing as more people are choosing less square feet for their living space, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This new trend means a home modeler contractor needs to get more creative with their floor plans while still fitting in lots of storage space and energy efficient appliances.  New construction homes of 2017 are smaller than those seen in the past.

Matte finishes are taking over from the more sparkly finishes such as chrome and sparkly granite. Black stainless steel is now the favorite finish of choice. Matte is big in the kitchen, but it’s also filtering down to smaller appliances and other areas of the house such as bathroom faucets.

Even toilets are getting the treatment these days. Why settle for the standard porcelain throne you have to clean yourself when you can get one of the newer models that clean themselves. Toto’s Neorest 750H toilet has “Actilight cleansing technology” which treats the bowl with a mist before each use with the aim of preventing sticking waste. There’s also a built-in UV light that supposedly accelerates decomposition of inorganic substances.

There’s a lot to get excited about in home improvement this year, so if your goal is to live cleaner and better, then this is the year to start your remodeling plans.

Learn more about Aspen Construction and the variety of home construction upgrades they provide including: new construction, home additions, bathroom remodeling, kitchen renovations, and finished basements at www.aspencoinc.com.  To contact one of our home construction specialists call 517.404.2176 today.

Dreaming of New Construction

It’s not enough to have a house these days. Homeowners must be able to turn a house into a home that reflects them.  Your home speaks of who you are. In your home there are two major areas that stand out, areas people remember more than others they are the kitchen and bathroom.

When you are thinking about your new construction home it is important to not only think about the design of the home but also the design in these two spaces in particular.  More than any other rooms in your home, your kitchen and bathroom areas need to offer be spaces that define you and your family.

Let’s begin with the kitchen.  Why is the kitchen so important?  Every home has a central spot where people gather for most it is the kitchen.  With the kitchen being one of the most frequented spaces in the house it is important that it gets special attention in the construction of your new home.

It is one of the busiest places in the house and often full of people and activity.  It doesn’t only serve to function as an area to prep, cook, and eat food.  It actually services as an additional family room.  Many families find that they spend most of their time hanging out in the kitchen.  It is a central area for conversation and meeting up with one another between tasks.   It is important that this space is easy to use and maintain.  Continuous use of a kitchen space often makes it appear bland.  Permanent stains on cabinets and flooring date the space.  Therefore it is crucial to use materials in the space that are easily cleaned and simple to update as needed.

Next up is the bathroom.  Why is the bathroom so important in new construction?

You can’t prepare for your day or relax after a long day without going into the bathroom. Imagine yourself soaking in the hot tub or taking a bath after a long day. This is only possible because you have a bathroom.

The bathroom is also used constantly with water touching every part. This makes it a habitat for mold, spirogyra or even bacteria which can affect the paint, silicone or tiles.

Although you can clean it up with bleach, in some cases, it is better to remodel the bathroom.

Have an idea of what to do. You need an architect or designer to help you. They have the skill and expertise to counsel you that you are doing the right thing.

I always advise my clients to let the plumbing stay in place. If you move it, you might spend more than what you may ever imagine which can run into thousands of dollars. You can change your toilet seat instead of replacing the position. If you don’t want tile, there are wood panels you can use.

If there are parts of your bathroom you want to keep hidden, use a mirror in an attractive frame.

Creating your dream house doesn’t have to be stressful especially if you’re modelling your kitchen or bathroom. just know what you want and follow these steps.

Learn more about Aspen Construction and the variety of home construction upgrades they provide including: new construction, home additions, bathroom remodeling, kitchen renovations, and finished basements at www.aspencoinc.com.  To contact one of our home construction specialists call 517.404.2176 today.

 

 

 

 

Should I Renovate My Current Home or Buy New Construction

Ask any contractor that specializes in home construction what the most common question is that they are asked and I guarantee is will center around buying new construction or renovating a current space.  The problem with this question is that both options make sense depending on several factors.

The first and most important factor is to determine if renovations are even an option.  Is your home structurally sound?  If the home was properly built and has been maintained you can almost guarantee that the primary structure of the home is solid.  Thus meaning renovation would not only be possible but a solid option for homeowners that are overall pleased with their current home.

Contractors will inspect the homes foundation, outer walls, roofing, and support beams to ensure that your home can handle the renovation or addition you are proposing.  More often than not if your home is in a desirable location and you are overall happy renovating will be a better choice than new construction.  It allvieates the need to move and let’s face it hiring a professional contractor to knock a few walls down is less expensive and less time consuming than moving an entire household.

There are many things about a home that start to bother us over time and lead us to believe we would be better off starting from scratch by building a new construction home.  The reality is that most often your wish list involves on a few minor changes, repairs, and upgrades that a professional can easily and inexpensively provide.

In certain situations new construction is the only way to go.  If the home that you are currently in has a weak or failing structure that is in need of repair remodeling may not be cost effective.  If the home is in a location that you don’t love it may be better to find a piece of property and start from scratch.

If the renovations that you are looking to accomplish involve a great deal of electrical or plumbing needing to be changed, new construction might be a cheaper option.  In order to make a decision on whether you should look into building new construction or renovate your current home it is crucial that you take a look at all the pieces in the puzzle.  There is not a one size fits all answer.  While one family may decide that a new fresh space is exactly what they want while others may adore the idea of the convient option of upgrading the space they are in.

Learn more about Aspen Construction and the variety of home construction upgrades they provide including: new construction, home additions, bathroom remodeling, kitchen renovations, and finished basements at www.aspencoinc.com.  To contact one of our home construction specialists call 517.404.2176 today.

Work With The Best In Your New Construction Venture

There are some rather interesting challenges that come with building a new home.  New construction is a popular alternative when looking into customizing a home.  Many homeowners choose to renovate their current homes to bring them up to par with the latest trends while others are ready to embark on the journey of construction a new home from the ground up.

When looking into building a new home the first step you need to do is find a construction company to work with that specializes in new construction.  Locating a company that has industry experience, can take on a job of your magnitude, and have it completed in a timely fashion can be a process in itself.  As soon as you start to contemplate building a new home it is important to start getting feelers out to find a new construction company to work with.

The entire new construction process will require a great amount of effort and attention to detail.  This is why it is crucial, for the success of your home that you work with an experienced new construction contractor.  A team that is one hundred percent focused on delivering the very best result and is committed to the project’s success is essential.

A solid plan with the ability to adjust combined with experienced and proven results is exactly what every new construction client should expect out of their contractor.  Contractors that work in conjunction with you and not for you are the best at understanding exactly what you want and need out of your new home.  Working in this manner will allow you to receive the best results at the best value from quality contractors that are invested in the end result.

Happy clients equate to a growing construction company.  The best of the best in new construction will continue to deliver quality results that make home owners happy.  A true professional will focus on the entire experience rather than just one aspect of the whole.  Professionalism will be the norm with the contractor’s employees and referrals.  It will be important for the team as a whole to surpass customer’s expectations.   The difference between working with the best verse all the rest is the push to take your new home to the next level.

Delivering an overall experience in new construction is a gift that not all contractors possess.  It is imperative to go with your instincts when hiring a professional to work within the joint effort of creating your new home.  You will feel it inside of you when you have met a contractor that’s expectations mesh with your own.

Learn more about Aspen Construction and the variety of home construction upgrades they provide including: new construction, home additions, bathroom remodeling, kitchen renovations, and finished basements at www.aspencoinc.com.  To contact one of our home construction specialists call 517.404.2176 today.

Specializing In New Home Construction

The real estate market right now is ever changing.  Homes are hitting the market and buyers are scooping them up as fast as they are being listed.  Knowing this is making many buyers become more and more interested in new construction.  When looking into building a house it is important to work with a contractor that specializes in new home construction.  In order to do this you may have to search a bit.  Although you can rest assured that your home will be the highest quality and value on the market.

Having the right approach to hiring a top rated contractor can help. Contractors focused on new construction are committed to bringing quality craftsmanship to every build.  The success of your new home and the overall experience is the best advertising a contractor can receive.  For this and many other reasons there is incentive for contractors to bring their A game to your homes construction.

A contractor specializing in new construction is up on current and future trends within the housing market.  They offer you a multitude of updated features and project details that will reflect this.  The importance of technology within new construction can never be understated.  It is crucial to the resale value of your home that important trends such as environmentally friendly lights, appliances and technology upgrades are incorporated into the homes design.

Working with a professional contractor from purchasing the land, designing the home, picking materials all the way to the finished home is important.  Doing so will allow you a customized solution to your housing needs.  Professional contractors help bring your goals to reality.  The process of building a home along with professionals can not only allow your home to be built in a timely manner but also allows for a seamless process from start to finish.

Contractors building new construction homes are focused creating a home that has value to the owner and to the real estate market on a whole.  Hiring a professional allows the dream to become a reality.  Building a home has been synonymous with terms such as overwhelming, expensive, stressful, and more.  This does not have to be the experience that you have.  By hiring a contractor that specializes in building new homes you can rest assured that your project will be given the utmost attention.  Details that can be lost in remodeling and room renovations are found in new construction.

Learn more about Aspen Construction and the variety of home construction upgrades they provide including: new construction, home additions, bathroom remodeling, kitchen renovations, and finished basements at www.aspencoinc.com.  To contact one of our home construction specialists call 517.404.2176 today.

Perfect Home Renovations To Do During Fall

Fall is the perfect time of year to complete home improvement projects.  It is not too hot or too cold to be working either on the interior or exterior of your home.  If you are looking to improve your home or to make the home more energy efficient for the winter; fall is the perfect season to work around your home.

Fall home improvements are popular not only because of the perfect weather to complete tem in but also the timing is ideal with the holiday’s right around the corner.  Consider improvements to your kitchen.  This is the gathering spot for many occasions from Thanksgiving dinner to Christmas brunch.  With all the cooking and entertaining that will take place kitchen renovations including a double oven and additional seating will sure to be crowd pleasers.  Minor kitchen updates like new cabinet hardware are also a great way to update the space.

Another home update that is ideal to accomplish in the fall is replacing older windows with new energy efficient ones.  Old windows tend to be the biggest source of lost heat within the home.  Cold air easily enters and hot air escapes through the cracks in the window frames.  If new windows are outside your budget consider caulking window sill and adding plastic overlay to window in the areas with the greatest heat loss present.  This simple renovation to your home can save you hundreds of dollars in utility costs.

Fall is the perfect time to evaluate the insulation and ventilation in your attic.  Too little or too much ventilation can be problematic when it comes your homes attic.  The addition of insulation to your home can be done in a variety of ways.  The two most common are for insulation to be blown in or to use rolled insulation.  This is a simple home renovation that can really make a different during the cold winter months.

Another repair or renovation that is wise in the fall is roof repairs or the installation of a new roof.  Roofers are often less busy then they are in the summer months during the fall season.  Now is the perfect time to have a new roof installed.  You can negotiated a better price on labor as well as roofing materials.  Fall is when they start to move last year’s stock so many contractors will offer specials on fall roofing projects.  Just remember that you have to live with your roofing choice for the next fifteen to twenty years.

Fall is also the best time of year for exterior painting.  Summer weather has a negative effect on the paint.  The hot temperatures and direct sunlight all expose the paint to elements that don’t allow for it to properly adhere.  The fall temperatures make is ideal to add a fresh coat of paint on to the exterior of your home.

Home improvements can be done throughout the year.  The fall weather is ideal for many different renovations that are difficult to do in summer temperatures. Space out renovations in a manner that allows you to take advantage of the seasonal temperature benefits.

Jason Foldenauer Construction, out of Howell and Brighton Michigan, offers a variety of home renovations to clients ranging from kitchen and bathroom remodeling to home additions and storage sheds.  Contact http://www.jfcremodeling.com today for your entire home renovating needs.

Planning Before Starting Home Improvements

There are so many variables to take into account when beginning any remodeling project within your home.  Whether you are going it on your own or hiring a contractor there are some things that will help your remodel or hurt it.  Read on to discover the do’s and don’ts with your next home improvement projects.

Be decisive with your decisions from the start. There will be a million decisions to make when remodeling a room in your home.  The best thing to do is to make every decision before you begin any home improvement project no matter how large or small the renovation is.

Hiring a general contractor can help with this process.  They are able to lay out a plan and keep you on a schedule.  Small things like ordering a faucet can derail the schedule of a kitchen or bathroom remodel.  When your faucet is late being delivered then the plumber needs to be rescheduled.  Then if the plumber later installs the faucet only to find that the medicine cabinet door hits the faucet you have a new issue.   It is simple to see how one mishap can lead to a lengthy and unexpected delay in any remodeling process.

Try not to change your mind.  It is inevitable that something is going to happen and you are going to want to change your mind.  The most important thing to remember is that each time this occurs it will result in your order needing to be changed.  This might not seem like a big deal however it usually adds to the cost of your project, increases time spent on the project and can lead to major schedule changes.  Make sure of your choices before placing orders or settling on design renovations.

Don’t buy materials on your own. Many people believe that purchasing materials on their own is the most affordable way to proceed through a remodel. Many people think that builders are just going to mark up the prices on their materials which is true.  However, the fact is that the most affordable way to proceed through a remodel. Many people think that builders are just going to mark up the prices on their materials which is true.  However, the fact is that builders get a decent discount on building supplies that many pass on to their customers.  Even with their markup the materials still tend to cost less than they would at a home improvement store.

Don’t wait to make necessary upgrades.  There are times when you want to make cosmetic upgrades to your home but it is not always the right time.  Adding fancy cabinets to a home with a saggy foundation or leaky roof is just not smart.  Before making any upgrades or renovations to the home make sure the house is sound structurally.  Adding central air to a home with little insulation is another renovation that just doesn’t make sense. Make sure all necessary updates are made to the home before choosing cosmetic renovations.

Updating your home is always an adventure.  You can keep the surprises to a minimum by following the tips above.

Jason Foldenauer Construction, out of Howell and Brighton Michigan, offers a variety of home renovations to clients ranging from kitchen and bathroom remodeling to home additions and storage sheds.  Contact http://www.jfcremodeling.com today for your entire home renovating needs.

Upgrades Around The Home That Pay You Back

Purchasing a home is an adventure.  Maintaining and increasing your homes property value is of utmost importance to all homeowners. In order to do this there are a few simple things to keep in mind. One of the most important elements in owning a home is maintaining the property.  This entails keeping the home as clean as possible as well as keeping the home in working condition with no pest infestations, fresh paint, and updated water as well as electrical systems.  A home that is kept up on will sell time and time again over a home that is not kept up on and is under cared for.

Real estate is starting to pick up again.  If you are trying to sell your home you will want an edge up on the competition.  When it comes to homes you will want to ensure that your home is in physically better shape than all the others.  There should be absolutely no visible problems in the home.  Your homes curb appeal should be top notch.  All visible siding, roofing, windows and exterior improvements are areas where you should spend money.

Home improvements should pay you back upon the sale of your home.  When you put money into your home you should expect that in the end you will get an equal return on your investment.  Make sure that every improvement that is made within your homes interior or exterior will net an equal return on your investment as well as keeping with the cohesiveness of the existing neighborhood.

Many homeowners ask about upgrades including room additions, expansions, renovations as well as updating bathrooms and kitchens.  The answer to any of these is a resounding yes!  If you as a homeowner want it then they should do it.  The trick is to be careful about overdoing it.  Any upgrade can be done, but doing it within the standards of the community that you live in it is important to keeping your home’s value consistent with those around it.

Kitchen and bathroom renovations are super important when it comes to any home upgrade. Getting your money out of the remodel is the trick.  When it comes to kitchen upgrades and bathroom renovations be sure to update your home to make it more high-end.  This will encourage buyers when it comes to buyers purchasing your home.  The problem is over-improving your home.  Don’t add a designer, high-end kitchen, in a home that is within an average first time home owners budget.  As a seller you will not recoup your money.

In an average subdivision with first time home buyers a better source of spending money on renovations is with the addition of a second bath or half bath.  Using materials that are of good quality and adding an extra bathroom can turn an ordinary three bedroom home with one bath into an extravagant three bedroom home with a separate bath for the kids and one for the adults.  Any dull house or small apartment can be improved upon with the addition of a half or full bathroom.

New homeowners are looking for upgrades that keep homes updated while maintaining their fair market value in an overall friendly community.  This is ideal for most homeowners looking to purchase a new home.

Jason Foldenauer Construction, out of Howell and Brighton Michigan, offers a variety of home renovations to clients ranging from kitchen and bathroom remodeling to home additions and storage sheds.  Contact http://www.jfcremodeling.com today for your entire home renovating needs.

Home Improvements That Actually Decrease The Value Of Your Home

When it comes to remodeling and adding on to your home it is important that your upgrades enhance the value of your home.  Many home improvement projects such as kitchen and bathroom remodels, finished basements and flooring renovations all add equity to your home’s value.  There are projects that homeowners decide upon because of the value added to their family that add no equity to the home and in fact decrease the homes desirability to many future buyers.  Home improvements that can actually harm your home’s value should only be considered if the value they add to your family’s enjoyment outweighs the harm.

One great example of this is the addition of a pool.  An in-ground pool does not increase the value of your home in most parts of the country.  In fact this is an expensive renovation that should be avoided at all costs.  In-ground pools limit the marketability of your home.  The maintenance required is expensive, the upkeep constant and many people don’t want this hassle.  Carefully think about the installation of a pool as well as the costs associated with landscaping, safety fencing and maintenance.  Most often the expenses, along with the fact that the pool does not increase a home’s equity is enough to deter from the installation of an in-ground pool.

Another renovation to consider before it is too late is taking your home’s garage and changing it into something it is not.  Small garages or homes with no garages at all is a negative to future home buyers.  When looking for a new home buyers are looking for two car garages.  If you are thinking of home renovations consider the addition of a garage that is a wiser investment than taking an existent garage and transforming it into another room.

When consider additions to your home or any renovation for that matter make sure whatever is being discussed flows with the homes floor plan and also opens it up.  Small rooms, tiny bathrooms and distorted floor plans leave many buyers searching for something more.

When complete room renovations in older homes consider increasing the budget to allow you to update the plumbing and electrical systems.  This is especially true in older homes.  Completing a room remodel without updating the electrical systems is like purchasing a new door for an old oven.  Buyers are looking for homes that have been renovated on more than just the surface.

Neutral renovations throughout the home are desired.  Even when bold colors and funky ceramic tiles are all the rage stick with a neutral pallet on all upgrades that cannot be easily changed.  Add the funk in with the room’s accessories.  This will offer you a greater return on investment when your home is up for sale.  You can pack away bold accessories and replace them with an inexpensive neutral pallet that appeals to the majority.  An example of this is in the bathroom.  Paint, cabinets and fixtures should all be neutral while you accessories with bold shower curtains, towels and baskets.

Jason Foldenauer Construction, out of Howell and Brighton Michigan, offers a variety of home renovations to clients ranging from kitchen and bathroom remodeling to home additions and storage sheds.  Contact http://www.jfcremodeling.com today all of your home renovating needs.

 

Increasing The Value Of Your Home

When it comes to home improvement and remodeling projects there are certain projects that actually improve the value of your home.  Below you will find home renovations that will bring you at least a ten percent return on your investment if executed correctly.

A Kitchen Update

When purchasing a house people immediately seek out the kitchen area to see if it is a space they could see their family.  When remodeling your kitchen think about what you want that would also be desirable to the homes next owners.  Solid counter tops, high-quality flooring, upgraded appliances and new kitchen cabinets are all desirable. It is also important that the space opens into the home which makes the space seem inviting and full of entertaining possibilities.

Bathroom Renovations

Bathroom upgrades are important whether they are master baths, half baths or second bathrooms.  When remodeling your bathroom add space to the shower.  Large stand up showers increase the home’s value.  Also consider adding in double sinks and an extra area for a commode. Another great feature is within the hot water heater and adding an on demand system so that hot water to the space is abundant and plentiful.

A Master Suite

Buyers love an area that they can call their own away from the main home and the hustle bustle of kids.  A master suite is a bedroom, lounge and spa area that creates a space that is away from the rest of the world that is a home in its own.

Upgraded Natural Materials

This integrates into the entire home.  Natural countertops and flooring are things that all new home buyers are looking for.  When thinking in terms of flooring renovations look into ceramic or hardwood instead of carpet and linoleum.   Counter tops out of granite, marble and even colored concrete are what buyers are interested in as well.

Curb Appeal

Your homes outside appearance is the most important factor in your homes appeal to the rest of the world.  It is the first impression that anyone has that visits your home.  Spend time on landscaping and lawn care as well as the home’s exterior features such as roofing and siding. When it comes to curb appeal and landscaping remember that mature trees increase the value of your home $1,000 per tree.  To keep your older trees looking top notch hire tree trimmers to regularly trim dead branches and keeping them looking their best.

Solid, Energy Efficient Windows

When updating your home add light via windows.  Natural light is the greatest selling point for homes.  Energy efficient windows and door walls add appeal to your home.  Home improvements that bring in natural light to rooms throughout the home are ideal.

Look into hiring a contractor to ease the hassles involved with your next home improvement project whether it is a kitchen remodel, bathroom renovation, master suite, counter top upgrade or new windows.  Contractors work efficiently and bring harmony to your space without the disruption brought on by handling larger renovations alone.

Jason Foldenauer Construction, out of Howell and Brighton Michigan, offers a variety of home renovations to clients ranging from kitchen and bathroom remodeling to home additions and storage sheds.  Contact http://www.jfcremodeling.com today all of your home renovating needs.