Category: Home Improvement

The Benefits of Finishing Basement Renovations

Alivia Gilbert Home Improvement , , , , , , ,

Finishing Basement Lehi is a big job and can be expensive. It’s important to hire a professional contractor with experience in basement renovations.

Basement Renovations

You must install egress windows in the basement to meet local fire code requirements. These windows are crucial for ensuring that residents can escape in case of emergencies.

Your basement is an untapped resource that can be a valuable addition to your home. It is the perfect location for a spare bedroom, family room, game area, home theater, or even a dedicated work space. 

Whether you are considering selling your house in the near future or just want to improve its value, finishing the basement is a great way to add value to your home. It is a cost-effective solution that allows you to expand your living space without the expense and hassle of moving. In today’s crowded housing market, finished basements are an appealing feature to prospective buyers.

A well-executed basement renovation can increase your home’s resale value by up to 86%. However, it is important to note that the return on investment for this type of home improvement project will vary depending on the local real estate market. 

In addition to boosting your home’s resale price, a finished basement can also make your life more comfortable. It can provide you with a private escape from the noise and stress of the outside world, and it can also serve as a functional extension of your living space.

Unlike other home improvements, basement remodeling is less expensive and less risky than a major kitchen or bathroom remodel. It can also be done in a shorter period of time and doesn’t require the approval of an HOA or neighborhood association.

If you are thinking of making a major renovation, it is important to consult an experienced professional to get the best results. They can help you choose the right materials and finishes for your project. In addition, they can advise you on the proper zoning laws and requirements in your area and ensure that all necessary permits are obtained.

Increase the Value of Your Home

When finished properly, a basement can be used for anything from an entertainment room to a bedroom to an in-law suite. It can be a place to socialize, to play or to relax and it can add value to your home. However, it is important to understand that the return on investment will vary based on how you use your space and on how your local market responds.

In order to know whether your renovation will add value, it is best to consult a local real estate expert or real estate agent. They can walk you through the process and provide insight on how your project may be viewed by buyers. Additionally, it is a good idea to have a licensed appraiser complete a pre-renovation appraisal and a post-renovation appraisal. This will provide a clear picture of what the renovation costs and the estimated value addition.

Another key factor in determining value is the amount of square footage that is added to your home. The more square footage that is added, the higher the resale value will be. In some cases, adding an additional bathroom or a bedroom can make a substantial difference in the price of your property.

The quality of the work and materials is also critical. Using low-quality materials can negatively impact your resale value. It is essential to make sure all work is up to code and that all necessary permits are in place. Failure to do so can not only negatively affect your resale value but may even result in legal issues down the road.

It is also a good idea to consider energy efficiency and environmental concerns when finishing your basement. A poorly insulated basement can cost you a significant amount in heating and cooling costs. Having the proper insulation will help reduce this cost and ensure that your basement is comfortable all year round. Additionally, you should consider installing French drains and a battery back up for your sump pump to avoid moisture problems.

Finally, a finished basement will be more appealing to potential buyers if it is done professionally. A slap-dash finish that looks like a DIY weekend project can turn off many buyers. A professionally completed basement that matches the integrity of the rest of your home will send a positive message to potential buyers and help to increase the overall value of your home.

Increase the Value of Your Life

A finished basement can significantly increase the quality of your life. It adds more livable space and provides you with an ideal spot to entertain guests or spend time with family. It is also a great place to relax and unwind. You can turn your basement into a bedroom, kitchen, bathroom, gym, playroom, home theatre or anything else that you want. If you plan to sell your home in the future, a well-done basement renovation can make your house more attractive to potential buyers.

A basement finish can also improve your energy efficiency and appeal to eco-conscious buyers. By adding insulation, you can reduce heat loss and lower your utility bills. In addition, you can choose to include smart technology integration in your basement for added convenience and increased appeal.

When you are ready to sell your home, a finished basement can also help you get a higher return on your investment. Many real estate experts report that homeowners who invest in basement finishing projects can expect to recoup between 50-80% of the cost of the project when it comes time to sell their homes.

The local real estate market plays a significant role in determining how much value your basement renovation will add to your home. In some areas, basement renovations are a highly desirable feature that can boost resale prices significantly. However, in other areas, basements are not as desirable and may not add as much value to your home.

It is important to consult with a professional real estate agent to learn more about the real estate market in your area and how it may impact the value of your home’s basement. They can provide insights into the types of renovations that are popular in your neighborhood and provide advice on how to maximize your home’s potential.

A walkout basement is a basement that has windows and doors that allow you to access the outdoors. This type of basement is typically easier and more affordable to renovate than a traditional full basement. A walkout basement can be used for a variety of purposes, including an entertainment room, a home gym or an in-law suite. In addition, it can be used as an income-generating rental apartment with the proper rental permit. This is a great option for homeowners who have aging parents or relatives who need a private place to live.

Create Additional Living Space

Rather than move when your family outgrows your home, you can transform the basement into the space they need. Adding a playroom, a bedroom, or a family room with a pool table or home theater will provide the extra living space your growing children need to enjoy their hobbies without crowding the rest of the house. Investing in a basement remodel allows you to avoid the high costs of moving and stay in a home that you love.

With egress windows installed, you can turn your basement into the ultimate guest suite complete with a bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen. No longer will you have to cram guests in your kids’ bedrooms or on the couch, and out of town visitors will appreciate having a comfortable place to stay when visiting. Finished basements are also ideal for turning into a rental apartment if zoning laws permit. This will provide additional income that can help offset the cost of a renovation.

Incorporating exposed posts and beams is a great way to add natural appeal to your basement. This type of finishing will create a rustic style that is warm and inviting for guests while saving you money by eliminating the need to purchase or install expensive crown molding. Choosing a clear finish or stain to expose the wood can also make it easier to maintain the look by simply dusting it off as needed.

An unfinished basement can be dark and dingy, but finishing it can give you an area to entertain that is separate from the noise and mess of the main living spaces. Adding lighting, paint, and other finishes can enhance the look of this room for entertaining friends and family. Including a bar with a sink and refrigerator, plenty of storage for glassware and spirits, and seating provides the perfect spot to enjoy a beverage or snack while watching TV or engaging in conversation.

Having an additional bathroom in the basement is convenient for family members who live in the home, especially for guests. This will ensure everyone has a private place to shower and bathe without having to wait for the use of the upstairs bathrooms. When constructing this addition, you can opt for energy-efficient fixtures and appliances to cut down on utility bills as well as appeal to eco-conscious buyers in the future.

The Importance of Proper Roofing

Preston Marsh Home Improvement , , , , , ,

Roofing is one of the most complex components of a building’s structure. It protects a home’s interior from the elements and contributes to its aesthetic.

Understanding how a roof works can help you understand and maintain its problems. Roofing materials vary by region, and each has its challenges. Contact Erie Roofing Company now!

A building’s roof protects the interior from rain and sun, so a durable roofing material is essential. Various materials are available, each with its own pros and cons. A few factors to consider include your budget and the climate where you live. Choosing the right roofing materials will help ensure that your roof lasts for as long as possible and adds value to your home.

The cost of a new roof can be significant, so it’s important to consider your options carefully before making a decision. Some materials are more expensive than others, but they may also offer better protection or a more unique look. Other factors to consider include durability and installation costs. If you’re not sure which material to choose, talk to a roofing expert for advice.

There are a number of different roofing materials that you can use to cover your roof, from rolled roofing to slate and clay tiles. Rolled roofing is a cheap option that comes in large rolls of asphalt-impregnated and mineral-granule-topped material. It’s often used for low-slope residential roofs or for outbuildings like sheds. It doesn’t offer much in terms of aesthetics, however, and it doesn’t last as long as other roof materials.

Slate and clay tiles are a more luxurious roofing material that can add an attractive, rustic look to your home. These are a popular choice for homeowners who want to improve the curb appeal of their home. They’re also very durable, providing excellent resistance to fire and moisture. However, they’re also more expensive than shingle roofing and can be difficult to install.

There are synthetic roofing shingles that are designed to mimic the appearance of traditional slate and wood shakes. These shingles are made of recycled plastic and rubber, so they’re a more environmentally-friendly option than other types of shingles. They can also be manufactured to have the same impact and fire ratings as other more expensive roof materials. In addition to being more environmentally friendly, these shingles are less expensive than slate and clay tiles. However, they do not have the same aesthetic appeal as other roofing materials and can be susceptible to moss and mildew.

Design

The roof is a part of the structure that protects the building from rain, snow, sunlight, wind, and extremes of temperature. The roof can be flat, pitched, vaulted, domed, or in a variety of other shapes, as dictated by architectural, economic, and other factors.

Roofs may also be designed with a variety of slopes, including valleys (concave joints where two sloping roof planes meet) and hips (inclined lines that channel rainwater into gutters). A truss system, which is commonly seen in houses with cathedral or vaulted ceilings, is one example of a load-bearing roof structural design.

All new construction and re-roofing projects should thoroughly pursue the relocation of plumbing vents so that roof surfaces facing south or within 90 degrees of south are kept clear of obstructions.

Installation

A roof is an important part of a building that acts as a barrier to the weather. Choosing the right type of roofing will help to preserve the structure and keep the inhabitants comfortable during rainy weather. It is important to take proper safety measures when working on a roof, as it can be dangerous to work up high with sharp tools. It is recommended to have another adult working with you, and it is also essential to wear the appropriate safety gear including a harness and a hard hat. It is also a good idea to cover any plants or shrubs with tarps to protect them from falling debris.

Maintenance

A roof is the most significant barrier between the exterior elements and interior spaces, and it must remain in excellent condition to protect occupants from weather conditions and the potential for water leaks. Preventive maintenance can prevent the need for costly repairs and extend the life of a roof, keeping facilities safe and comfortable.

A regular schedule of inspections and repairs can help to keep a roof in good condition. These routine tasks can include removing debris, such as leaves and branches, and cleaning the surface to remove algae, mold, mildew and moss. Removing these growths promptly can prevent them from damaging or discoloring the shingles. Other maintenance items include trimming trees so that they don’t hang over or touch the roof, and inspecting and repairing caulking around chimneys, skylights, vent pipes and other penetrations to prevent leaks.

During an inspection, it’s also important to look for signs of roof damage such as cracking or deterioration. These problems will only get worse over time, and if they aren’t addressed early on, can cost thousands of dollars to repair.

It’s important to perform a thorough inspection at least once each season to detect problems before they become serious. During this time, a professional roofing company can make repairs and recommendations to prolong the life of the roof. If the facility staff is uncomfortable performing this task themselves, a professional roof maintenance service can be contracted to perform these tasks for them.

Blinds – A Window Treatment With Versatility

Cohen Ferguson Home Improvement , , , , , , ,

Blinds are an easy way to manage incoming light, and they add an architectural look to any room. Blinds are available in a range of styles, from classic Venetian blinds with horizontal slats to contemporary wood or metal shades.

To protect against the danger of accidental strangulation, consider childproofing your blinds with break-apart tassels and cleats that neatly stow cords out of reach. Visit https://www.customblindsandshadesky.com/ to learn more.

Blinds

Light control is a major consideration when selecting window treatments, as it’s essential to strike the right balance between illumination and privacy. Blinds offer a variety of options to control the amount of sunlight that enters your home, from light filtering to room darkening. Blinds can also reduce glare and UV rays that can damage furniture and flooring.

Blinds are available in a wide range of styles, from wood to aluminum and beyond. For example, light filtering panel track blinds are a great choice for large windows because they allow natural light to flow in while maintaining privacy with translucent and opaque horizontal slats that are tilted to your liking. Other window treatment options with light control include day and night blinds, cellular shades, woven woods, Roman shades, and sheers.

Room darkening and blackout blinds are also available for those who want more opacity than light filtering shades, but less than blackout curtains or drapes. Some shade styles, such as cellular shades, come with an optional room-darkening liner that can be sewn directly into the fabric or, for greater flexibility, added as an independent liner.

Sheer blinds, on the other hand, provide a more diffused glow of sunlight that creates a soft, romantic feel in your living space. They’re a modern take on net curtains that help reduce glare and UV rays while maintaining privacy.

Choosing the best type of light control for your home requires a thorough understanding of your needs and a little bit of know-how. A Stoneside design consultant can walk you through the process of selecting the perfect window treatments for your home and budget.

We can help you navigate the many options, from the color, fabric, and design features to the opacity and control options for maximum comfort and functionality. Contact us today to schedule a free in-home or virtual consultation, and get started on the journey toward your ideal home. The result will be beautiful, functional window treatments that bring you years of comfort and enjoyment. We look forward to working with you!

Privacy

The best window blinds offer privacy while also adding to a room’s decor. Blinds come in a wide range of materials, styles and colors to complement any style. Wood blinds, for example, look beautiful and can enhance a natural home décor. However, they can be costly and are susceptible to warping in some climates. In contrast, aluminum slat blinds provide light-blocking coverage at a lower price point and can stand up well to moisture.

Whether you choose slat or vertical blinds, you can control privacy by tilting their slats open or closed. You can also opt for blinds that are completely opaque, such as Hunter Douglas’ Silhouette shades.

You can find a variety of blinds at home furnishings stores, hardware and home centers and paint and tile stores. These outlets often provide swatches and samples for a small refundable fee, which allows you to test different styles in your own home. Alternatively, some retailers and decorators offer a free in-home consultation to measure windows and install new window coverings.

When choosing the right blinds, you need to consider the direction your windows face as well as the surrounding landscape and view. For instance, if you live on a busy street or near public areas, you may require more privacy than homes that sit farther back from the road or face secluded gardens and parks. Additionally, the time of day and amount of sunlight entering your home will affect your privacy needs as well.

Blinds are “hard” window treatments that are composed of slats or vanes that tumble down a blind when it is lowered, or they can be pulled across a window to stack lengthwise. Blinds are available in a variety of materials, including wood, faux-wood, bamboo and metal. Some are designed to remain closed for privacy and light control, while others, like the slats on a Venetian blind, can be tilted open or closed or turned for more visibility.

Shades, on the other hand, are “soft” window coverings that encase the entire window and can be opened or closed by pulling or tugging on a cord. Some are designed to be lowered for privacy at the top and raised to let in sunlight at the bottom. Others, such as Hunter Douglas’ Luminette Privacy Sheers, have soft fabric vanes hung between two sheers that allow light in while obscuring sightlines.

Energy Efficiency

Window blinds that allow natural sunlight to flood into your home during the day can help you cut down on energy costs by reducing your reliance on your heating and cooling system. That’s because windows account for nearly 50% of heat gain or loss in your home depending on the season, and light-colored blinds — like slatted aluminum or vinyl — work to reflect the sun’s rays away from your interior.

When they’re closed, however, these types of blinds act to insulate your home by keeping out the winter chill and absorbing the summer heat so that it doesn’t enter your home. Combined with an air-tight seal, these window treatments can reduce your heating and cooling costs by up to 25 percent.

Other window treatment options also offer significant energy efficiency. For example, cellular shades (also called honeycomb shades) trap air in their distinct pockets to prevent heat from escaping your home during the winter and incoming heat from entering your home during the summer. They’re available in a wide range of fabrics and styles, allowing you to choose the look that suits your aesthetic.

Moreover, some cellular shade fabrics feature R-values that surpass the insulating capabilities of most curtains. In addition, these types of blinds are customizable and can be fitted to fit snugly against your trim, ensuring that they provide the highest possible level of insulation.

Blinds can also be adapted for automation, enabling you to set schedules that can be seasonally optimized to reduce your heating and cooling costs while still maintaining a comfortable home temperature. This is especially useful on sunny winter afternoons when opening your blinds allows the sun to fill your home with heat, delaying your need to crank up your furnace.

When you’re shopping for window blinds that combine privacy and energy efficiency, safety should always be your top priority. That’s because many window blinds — particularly those with cords — are a hazard for children and pets who may get tangled in them. To avoid this potential danger, many of today’s energy efficient blinds are available in cordless models that eliminate the risk of strangulation and keep your family and pets safe.

Aesthetics

Blinds are a window treatment with a versatile aesthetic, capable of complementing different styles of interior design. They can be crafted from a range of materials and colors, which gives homeowners the flexibility to choose their preferred aesthetic. They can also be customized to accentuate architectural features and enhance the overall style of the room.

For example, cellular shades feature a sleek and modern aesthetic that fits seamlessly with contemporary decor. They also come in a variety of opacities, from sheer to blackout, catering to various room needs and ensuring that each room enjoys optimal light control.

Another popular window treatment option is vertical blinds, which can enhance the visual appeal of any space by bringing texture and dimension to the home. These window treatments are available in a wide range of color and finish options, from classic neutrals to bold hues and metallic finishes. They can be paired with a number of other window coverings, including curtains, drapes, and valances.

Horizontal blinds are a stylish and versatile window treatment that can complement any style of decor. They are also easy to maintain, requiring only a wipe down with a damp cloth to keep them looking neat and tidy. Additionally, they provide privacy and light control while allowing homeowners to curate their views.

With their versatility, horizontal blinds are a popular choice for both traditional and contemporary homes. They can be crafted from a variety of materials, including wood, metal, and plastic, and are easily customizable to suit individual tastes. They are also affordable, making them a great choice for many families. However, it’s essential to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when installing these window coverings in order to ensure that they are fitted correctly and offer maximum functionality. This is especially important in rooms with high ceilings and large windows, where incorrect measurements can result in gaps or overhanging edges. To avoid these issues, consult a professional or refer to our guide to measuring for a perfect fit.