Home Remodeling Benefits
Adding a bedroom or bathroom to your home can significantly enhance its value. It can also improve its overall functionality.
Both remodeling and renovating can be considered home improvements, but a remodel is more involved than a renovation. A remodel is when you change a room or the entire house. Contact Your Home Exterior Solutions for professional help.
A home remodel is a great way to increase the resale value of your property. This is because potential buyers are often willing to pay more for homes that have been updated with the latest features and amenities. Additionally, remodeling can also make your home more attractive to potential buyers and help you sell it more quickly.
However, homeowners should carefully consider which projects are worth pursuing in terms of cost recovery at sale time. Certain improvements, such as wood deck additions, kitchen and bathroom upgrades, and window replacements have consistently shown the greatest ROI regardless of location or market conditions. Homeowners should also carefully evaluate the tastes of prospective buyers to avoid over-improving a property with high-end features such as crown molding and granite countertops that may not appeal to many people.
The difference between remodeling and renovating can also impact resale value. Remodeling involves changing a structure’s size and layout, whereas renovation is the process of updating existing fixtures and finishes without altering the function of a room. In general, remodeling is more expensive than renovating because it involves major changes to a house’s structure, which can involve significant construction costs.
Another important factor to consider is the effect that a renovation will have on the overall utility of your home. A home remodel can include new energy-efficient appliances, windows and doors, lighting, and heating and cooling systems that can lower utility bills. These types of upgrades will save you money in the long run and can boost your resale value by making your home more eco-friendly.
Aside from the financial benefits of home remodels, they can also provide a sense of well-being. An older house can be a stressful place to live, especially when you’re constantly dealing with repairs and maintenance issues. A home remodel can add functionality to your living space, so you can spend more time relaxing in a comfortable environment.
The best part about home improvement is that it will save you money in the long run. It’s better to fix your roof before a small leak becomes a major problem, for instance, or update your windows for energy efficiency.
Added Living Space
Home remodeling allows you to personalize your living space and create a more comfortable environment that is tailored to your individual needs. By updating the kitchen, bathroom or finishing the basement, you can create a family entertainment area, an art studio or a home office that will make your house feel like your dream home. You will also be able to save on energy costs and repair expenses when you remodel your house.
Adding an extra bedroom, a new master suite or a sunroom will increase your living space and add value to your home. These are major projects that can dramatically change the structure and layout of a home, and they require significant planning, design work, permits and construction. However, there are many smaller projects that can have a big impact on the value of your home as well. Wood decks, window replacements and kitchen or bathroom remodels all have a high return on investment and can quickly boost your home’s resale value.
The two terms “remodel” and “renovate” are often used interchangeably, but they mean different things to housing professionals. Remodeling involves changing a space’s structure and function, while renovating focuses on cosmetic upgrades. While both can improve your home’s functionality and aesthetic, it is important to understand the difference before starting a project.
If you are considering making changes to your home, it is crucial that you take into account the costs and time commitment involved before beginning any work. Creating a budget before you start the project will help eliminate any unexpected surprises that could put a strain on your finances. It is also important to choose a qualified and professional contractor to ensure the best possible results from your project.
Home remodeling can be a fun and exciting way to update your living space. It will allow you to customize your home to fit your specific needs and style while still providing the benefits of living in a neighborhood that you love. You will be able to stay close to your friends and neighbors, and your kids will not have to leave their school or move away from their neighborhood friends.
Increased Comfort
Depending on the size of your home and the scope of the project, home remodeling can also improve the comfort level of living there. For example, installing a new heating or air conditioning system can help keep your home comfortable throughout the year, and replacing old windows with energy efficient ones will save money on utility bills. You can also increase comfort by replacing hard tile floors with soft carpeted ones, which will reduce knee and ankle pain caused by standing or walking on the hard surface for extended periods of time.
Another common reason homeowners choose to remodel their homes is to accommodate changing family lifestyles. For example, adding an extra bathroom or bedroom can make a house more suitable for a growing family or larger household. This can reduce the need to move to a new home, which can be expensive and stressful.
Home improvement projects can also enhance the overall comfort of a home by making it more accessible for elderly or disabled residents. For instance, remodeling a kitchen or bathroom can include installing easier-to-use appliances and fixtures, such as those with levers instead of knobs. Adding a wheelchair ramp or widening doorways can also make it easier for people with limited mobility to navigate the home.
A home remodeling project can also increase the functionality of a home by adding more storage spaces or improving the flow of traffic. For instance, converting an old study into a family room can allow members of the household to spend more time together and entertain guests. Adding more storage space can help keep the house organized and less cluttered, which can alleviate stress and anxiety.
It is important to note that there is a difference between remodeling and renovating. While renovations can be cosmetic and don’t alter a space’s primary function, a full remodel changes the structure of a home and can result in a greater return on investment. The type of project you choose will depend on your personal needs and budget, as well as the current real estate market conditions in your area.
Enhanced Appearance
The right home renovation projects can add a new, refreshed look to your living space. This can include things like wall-to-wall carpeting, modern finishes, or updated lighting fixtures. A remodeling project can also include more extensive work, such as rerouting electrical lines or reworking plumbing systems.
Remodeling differs from renovating in that it alters a space’s structure or function, while renovating typically focuses on cosmetic changes without changing a room’s purpose. However, both options can improve a home’s appearance and provide numerous benefits.
By choosing the right home improvement project, you can enjoy a more comfortable lifestyle while adding value and increasing your home’s resale potential when it comes time to sell. Consider your needs, budget, and desired outcomes when deciding which option is best for you.
Different Types of Flooring
Flooring Fairfield NJ affects the way you experience your home. It can improve acoustics in the family room or provide soft comfort underfoot in a bedroom.
Kids’ rooms require durable materials that are easy to clean up and soft underfoot. Carpet tiles, LVT or tile work well. Add area rugs for added traction and style.
Hardwood floors are a beautiful choice for any home. They work well with almost any design style and can last for generations if properly maintained. Solid hardwood can be more expensive than other flooring options, but it adds to the value of your home.
There are several species of wood that can be used as flooring, including oak, maple and hickory. Each of these wood types has its own unique color and grain pattern. Oak is one of the most popular choices because it can handle high traffic areas and hides scratches well. It also works well with most paint colors and can be sanded down to be re-stained if needed. Maple is a good choice for those who like the look of oak but want a more durable wood. Maple is harder than oak and can resist dents better than many other types of wood.
Hickory is a very durable wood with an interesting color and grain pattern. It is a bit more costly than other hardwood options, but it is also water-resistant and can be resanded down and re-stained if necessary. Other species of wood that can be used as flooring include walnut and ash. These woods are not as dense as oak and hickory, so they may be more susceptible to dents and scratches.
Another disadvantage of solid hardwood is that it can be sensitive to moisture. It can expand and contract depending on the temperature and humidity, so it is important to maintain a steady climate in your home if you are going to have hardwood. It is also not recommended for below grade installation, as it can allow water to seep through the floor and cause damage.
Another disadvantage of hardwood is that it can be prone to photosensitivity, meaning that it can change color when exposed to sunlight. It is best to choose a light colored hardwood if you are worried about this problem, or consider another type of flooring that is resistant to sun exposure, such as tile with a wood look.
Laminate
Laminate is a durable and cost-effective flooring option. It’s also easy to maintain, as sweeping or vacuuming is typically all you need to keep it looking fresh. With a scratch-resistant wear layer, laminate is ideal for homes with children and pets.
The core of a laminate plank is made from high density fiberboard that’s treated for moisture resistance. It’s then covered with a layer of decorative paper. This layer is printed with a design—typically a realistic reproduction of wood, stone or marble but it can include non-traditional patterns such as leaves or grass, artwork or even paint splatters.
A clear protective layer is then fused to the top of the plank, preventing water damage and adding durability to the flooring. Laminate is available in a variety of color options to suit the interior design of any room. The printed decor layer can also be manipulated to create the look of wood grain, knotting or other details.
There are some disadvantages to consider when choosing laminate, however. Laminate doesn’t feel as natural as real wood and is not as suited to areas that may experience a lot of moisture. Chemical sensitivity is also an issue, as many abrasive cleaners can damage the laminate surface over time. Laminate is also vulnerable to high temperatures, which can cause the planks to pull apart or warp.
When choosing laminate, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of the material against your budget and desired aesthetic. If you’re interested in the durability and consistency of a laminate floor, make sure you check out our selection of Pergo and Mohawk floors. These two brands are known for their quality, GreenGuard certified laminates. These are available in a variety of styles and colors, including light, neutral and grey finishes that will compliment any room. It’s also important to consider your space and how you use it when selecting a new flooring style. For example, a lighter color can make a small room seem larger while a darker color can create a cozy, intimate atmosphere. The color you choose can also impact how your furniture fits into the space, so it’s a good idea to take measurements before shopping for laminate.
Tile
Tile flooring is a broad term that can refer to any tough, sturdy floor material cut into tiles and glued together with grout. Usually, tile is made from stone or porcelain (glazed ceramic) and comes in many different colors and patterns that can help create a unique design aesthetic for your home. Unlike carpet or hardwood, tiles are generally low-maintenance and can be simply wiped down with a cloth or swept to keep them looking like new.
Because they can be glazed to resist stains and mildew, tile floors are also often easier to clean than most other materials. Tile is a popular choice for bathrooms, but can be used throughout a room to add durability and an upscale look to a space. Tile is a great choice for high-traffic areas as it can easily withstand heavy furniture and other wear and tear, and is durable enough to last for many years.
As a bonus, tile is environmentally friendly. Unlike natural wood, synthetic carpet, and animal rugs, it does not release any Volatile Organic Compounds into the air. This can be a significant advantage for homeowners who are concerned about the quality of indoor air, or for those with seasonal allergies or asthma.
The disadvantage of tile is that it can be expensive to install and requires a professional installation, which can increase the overall cost of your project. However, as with any flooring type, it is important to weigh the pros and cons against your specific needs and preferences to find the right fit for your home.
When installing tile, it is important to ensure that the subfloor is smooth, level and free of obstructing fixtures and baseboards. A thin-set mortar is then sanded to give it a smooth, even finish, and the installer can then begin to lay out tiles with spacers to verify their design, size and location. Once the tiles are installed, a grout sealer should be applied to protect against moisture and staining. Unless you are a skilled DIY, we recommend hiring a professional until you feel confident in your abilities to tackle the job yourself.
Natural Stone
Natural stone is a time-tested flooring option that adds a timeless elegance to any home. It also increases your property value. Unlike man-made tile, natural stone is cut directly from blocks of rock formed by Mother Earth over millions of years. This process results in an array of patterns, colors, and textures.
Marble, travertine, limestone, slate, and granite are popular choices for natural stone flooring. Each type has its own unique characteristics, but all are durable and offer a wide range of design possibilities. The color and texture of each natural stone is influenced by the minerals and sediments found in its formation. This results in an array of unique patterns and shades that can be used to create a truly custom look.
Another advantage of natural stone is that it does not absorb moisture, which prevents the growth of mold and mildew. This makes it a good choice for areas of the house that are prone to spills or humidity.
Like all floor materials, however, natural stone can be damaged. Some types of natural stone are more susceptible to damage than others, but they can all scratch, etch, stain and chip. If not properly cared for, natural stone floors can require periodic refinishing.
To maintain the beauty of your natural stone floors, be sure to sweep regularly and vacuum often to remove dust and dirt particles. To help reduce the amount of grit that is tracked into your home, use a non-treated dust mop. You should also use a neutral cleaner, preferably soapless, to avoid damaging your stone floor.
While all natural stones offer beauty and durability, each has its own disadvantages as well. Travertine is soft and porous, granite is difficult to resurface, slate can be easily scratched, and marble can crack.
Another important consideration when choosing natural stone is the cost. Natural stone is more expensive than other flooring options, and laying it out can be quite labor-intensive. This is especially true if the existing concrete needs to be prepared before the installation of the new tile. The more work that is required to prepare the concrete, including removing old paint or carpet, dealing with cracked and damaged areas, and treating expansion joints, the higher the cost of the project.
Steps in Flooring Installation
Installing new floors can be a big job, and it’s important to properly prepare your home for the installation. This includes emptying out the room and covering any items that you want to remain undamaged or protected from dust and dirt.
Start your first row with the sunny side of the plank facing the wall and match tongues to grooves, tapping for a tight fit. Place 1/4-inch spacers between each plank to allow for natural expansion and contraction.
Lay Out the Planks
Once the underlayment is down, it’s time to start laying the planks. Be sure to give your flooring materials plenty of time to acclimate to the room before you begin. It’s also a good idea to do a “dry run” of the flooring by putting down a row and adjusting your guidelines as needed before beginning the actual work.
Begin with the first full row, putting the groove side of the plank against the wall and using spacers as recommended by the manufacturer to maintain a gap between the edge of the flooring and the walls. A hammer and nails or a pneumatic face nailer should be used to install the planks.
The next few rows should be laid by overlapping the previous row and pressing the tongues of each board against the grooves of those below them. A drawbar tool can help with this if the gaps are tight enough to require it.
Remember to always leave a gap around the edges of the room for expansion and contraction with temperature changes. This gap should be equal to or greater than the thickness of the planks themselves. Spacers can be used to ensure this even gap is maintained throughout the installation.
If the room is located off a hallway, consider running your planks parallel to the hall so the transition between the rooms looks uniform and seamless. You should also take into account the direction of any other flooring in the house when deciding on the final direction of your vinyl planks.
After the last few rows have been installed, you’ll need to cut the end of each plank to ensure it meets with the adjoining walls and flooring. Be sure to measure carefully and mark where you need to cut on the ends of the planks before making your cuts.
Now’s a great time to reattach any baseboards and trim that may have been removed for your flooring project. Using a pneumatic brad nailer is usually preferred to manual hammering, as it helps prevent damage to moldings and other trim.
Cut the Planks
To begin laying your new flooring, trim any baseboards and shoe molding that will touch the flooring. Then, clear a workspace that will be large enough for you to work with the planks. Ideally, you will remove any door thresholds that make contact with the floor as well. It’s a good idea to take this opportunity to caulk around any baseboards and shoe moldings you’ve removed as well.
To cut your flooring, you’ll need a utility knife and a sharp carpenter’s square to mark the cutting line. To make a straight cut, position the plank on a flat work surface that you don’t mind cutting into and then position your square on the cutting line. Mark the cutting line using the square and then run the knife blade along the marked edge to score the plank. The plank will then snap apart at the scored edge, allowing you to make the straight cut.
If the planks you’re installing aren’t a full length, begin your first row by securing it end-to-end with a tapping block and hammer. This will create a staggered seam that allows the flooring to expand and contract with temperature changes.
Some installation instructions call for the tongue portion of a plank to be cut away before it can be installed. If this is the case for your flooring, you can cut it using a circular saw, table saw, or jigsaw. Once the plank is ripped to the desired width, it can be installed by sliding its groove into the tongue of the previous row.
Be sure to leave a 1/2-inch gap between the planks and the walls. Also, it’s a good idea to stagger the end joints of each row so they don’t line up. It’s also a good idea to cover these gaps with the base trim that you’ll be installing after the floors are installed. This will ensure the integrity of the gap and will keep it clean from dirt and dust. Finally, be sure to use a level and a tapping block to make sure that the floor is perfectly flush with the wall as you finish your work.
Install the Underlayment
Installing the underlayment is a crucial step to flooring installation. It protects the laminate floors from moisture, helps with sound control and provides an extra layer of cushioning for the floor. Underlayment is available at most home improvement stores and comes in rolls. Some underlayment even has a plastic vapor barrier that can help prevent moisture buildup on the concrete subfloor.
Roll out the underlayment and trim it to size with a utility knife. Install the first row and use spacers to maintain a gap of about 1/4 inch between the edge of the underlayment and the wall (Image 1).
A good rule of thumb is to lay the first row perpendicular to the floor joists, says Patriot Timber. This will help reduce the amount of stress placed on the floor’s edges and help with a better-looking finish. After the first row, it’s important to make sure all the pieces of underlayment are properly trimmed and taped to one another. It is recommended that all seams be taped with underlayment tape, which is available at most home improvement stores. Duct tape is a good alternative, though it may not be as strong and durable as underlayment tape.
The underlayment should be laid out along the direction you plan to lay your laminate. If you’re installing a laminate floor in a room that is prone to moisture, your flooring manufacturer may recommend that you also install a vapor barrier on the concrete subfloor in addition to the underlayment.
If you’re installing the underlayment yourself, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installation. Depending on the underlayment, you may need to use a special tool to remove old adhesive residue from the concrete subfloor before installing the new underlayment.
Once the underlayment is installed, start clicking the laminate floors together. Match tongues with grooves and tap the boards with a tapping block to help secure them in place. It’s best to work on small sections of flooring at a time, so as not to stress the joints. After each section is finished, apply a waterproof sealant to the entire perimeter of the room.
Install the Floors
Before the actual flooring is installed, it’s a good idea to lay down a layer of plastic sheeting on the floor to create a moisture barrier. This is particularly important if you’re working with an older home as it may contain asbestos. The sheeting can also prevent dust from blowing onto furniture, artwork or other items that you don’t want to get dirty during the installation process.
It’s also a good idea to clear the room of any breakable objects and furniture well before the day of installation. This includes things like china, books and small decor items that might get in the way of the installers. It’s a smart idea to remove any glass frames and paintings from the walls as well, since these can easily get knocked down during the installation process.
Once the flooring is ready to be laid, it’s a good idea to use a straightedge and/or T-square to mark long cutting lines for rip cuts running the length of flooring planks. This will help ensure that the floors are installed evenly across the entire room. It’s a good idea to place spacers between the edge of the laminate and the wall to maintain an expansion gap for natural expansion and contraction in the floor due to temperature changes.
It’s a good idea to stagger the seams between each row of laminate wood flooring so that it doesn’t look “chunky.” For example, you should try to leave a space of 12 inches between the end of one row and the beginning of the next row of flooring. This will help prevent the edges of the floors from separating and keep them looking attractive for a longer period of time.
It’s also a good idea to verify that the new flooring will be appropriate for your home and meets all performance and traffic requirements. This will save you time and money down the road. You should also take this opportunity to make sure that your doors are able to open and close with ease after the new floors are installed. This is because many types of flooring result in a rise in floor height that will require door adjustment.
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