Turning A Spare Bedroom Into Something Useful

Do you have a spare room that is not suitable for a bedroom? You’d be amazed by the endless possibilities that could come from transforming a bonus room. Turn it into something useful! Here are a few ideas to start with.

Storage Room

Typically, homeowners who decide to downsize their homes own more furniture, clothes, etc. Whether they are of a sentimental nature or being saved for a future use, it is hard to completely purge yourself of a whole house full of goods. Storage units became a viable option for people in this predicament, but those tack on an additional monthly fee. Transforming your spare room into a storage room to house all your overflow can be a solution to help keep costs down.

Using bins, baskets, and shelves you can manage to organize all your possessions in a thoughtful way and you will likely find yourself able to keep minimizing when the stuff is more present in your day to day.

Private Office

If you value your moments of silence or getting away from all of the activity that runs throughout the house, then remodel your bonus room into a private reading room or office. Give yourself a secluded area with sensitive lighting and soundproof walls to keep you undisturbed and focused.

Install a private library and invest in office furniture like a corner desk or a few modular seats to make the room more comfortable and accommodating.

Game or Sports Room

If you have children, giving them room to run free is always a good idea. As we all know, kids can be messy. Giving them a play or game room can keep that mess away and unseen. You’d be surprised how many kids value having space to play that doesn’t require much clean-up afterward.

If a few arcade games or a big flat screen tv to watch sports is more your speed, then a sports room could be of service. Adding a dry bar and a lazy boy recliner to the center of it all would make it the perfect private sports arena.

Fitness Room

Not interested in paying for a gym membership? Then invest in the necessary equipment and turn your bonus room into an at-home fitness center! Work up a sweat and get pumped up from the comfort of your home instead of having to share the equipment in a public setting.

A huge plus to installing a gym in your home is never having to wait your turn or constantly having to change the settings/add weights to your equipment. Many people avoid going to the gym because of intimidation or packed capacities. Working out from home is safe and much more relaxing.

Vanity Room or Walk-In Closet

A vanity room or “glam room” is a pivot we are seeing as a new trend in homes in 2021. Using appropriate lighting and mirrors, you can easily set up a place to pamper and maintain self care. Vanity rooms can be remodeled any way but typically carry over a more classic and chic look.

Move your clothes in, start hanging up shelves, and give yourself a grand walk-in closet. This is typically useful for those who choose not to part with their favorite clothing items or married couples who need the extra space. Turning your bonus room into a walk-in closet could be an excellent opportunity for an ROI and can accommodate more than one person.

At-home Theater

Depending on the size of the room, one of our favorite ideas is an at-home theater. Add surround sound, a projector with screen, and the seating arrangements of your choice!

This allows for flexibility in your own showtimes, as well as a place to gather with friends and family. The nature of a space like this would provide a more intimate and cozy atmosphere for your next movie night.

Do you have an idea of what to do with a spare room? Drop us a comment and share it with us!

October 4, 2021 0

The Different Types Of Construction

There are many different types of construction that the building industry has to offer. From wood to steel, there is a type of building construction for every need. Depending on the location, environment, or risks such as high flood risks or wildfires, you’ll need to carefully go over the types of construction that your building could benefit from.

Below, we review the five types of construction, as categorized by The International Building Code (IBC). These categories establish a basic level of safety for both occupants and property.

Type I: Fire Resistant

Type I is fire-resistive, offering the highest level of fire protection. This type of construction uses high-quality fireproof materials, such as poured concrete and insulated steel framing.

Type I-A building construction is often found in high-rise buildings and can withstand fire for up to 3 hours. Type I-B building construction is commonly found in mid-rise buildings and can combat fire for 2 hours.

Type II: Noncombustible

Type II construction uses noncombustible materials with 1-hour fire resistance. This type of construction is often found in new buildings and remodeled commercial structures.

Type II-A consists of protected noncombustible materials that can withstand fire for up to one hour. Type II-B is unprotected noncombustible construction, often found in commercial buildings.

Type III: Ordinary

Type III construction consists of walls constructed with fireproof materials such as brick, masonry, or concrete. Interior structures and the roof can be wood-framed.

Type III-A is protected combustible, also known as ordinary construction with brick or block walls and wood roof and floor. This offers 2-hour protection from fires for exterior walls and 1-hour protection for the structural frame, floor, and roof. Type III-B is unprotected combustible. The walls still offer 2-hour protection from fire, but there is no fire resistance for the structural frame, floor, and roof.

Type IV: Heavy Timber

Type IV construction is also known as mill construction, as it utilizes a large amount of lumber for structural frames and interior elements. Exterior walls consist of noncombustible materials with a 2-hour fire rating, while structural framing, roof, and the floor have a 1-hour fire rating.

Type V: Wood-Framed

Type V construction is made wholly or mainly of wood. This type of construction is common in many modern homes, with the walls and roof being made of combustible materials.

Type V-A is a protected wood frame with a 1-hour fire rating, and Type V-B is an unprotected wood frame that does not offer fire resistance.

Want to start a project with us? Get to know some of our skilled professionals and ask about our construction types that you might be interested in by clicking below!

September 27, 2021 0

Prep Your Yard for Winter

Prepping your yard for the winter is encouraged regardless of your kind of climate. In the fall, it’s known that the lawn responds better to treatments. Grass typically grows more robust thanks to nutrients being fed and stored in the winter. Think of this like hibernation. When the woodland creatures stock up on food, it’s to help them last through the colder season as it becomes more challenging for them to survive. These tactics are going to help you better take care of your lawn.

Pack Up Last Summer

Worse than seeing those back-to-school commercials is putting away patio furniture. Saying goodbye to summer is always a hard thing to do, but packing it up can maximize safety protocols. Outdoor furniture, regardless of it being able to handle environmental conditions, should be washed down and tucked away in a garage, shed, or any kind of storage unit. Lawn chairs and tables can rust over time; putting them away pushes back buying a new set and saving you more money for the following summer break.

Winterize

Fall fertilizing, also known as winterizing, is necessary to help your garden and yard work maintain their beauty throughout the wintertime. Almost like packing leftovers in the freezer, winterizing helps the grass remain fresh and vibrant when spring comes and melts away the snow. Use the appropriate fall fertilizer to avoid any new growth damage in the grass depending on your typical climate weather and the time mark for when seasons change.

Pave The Way

Get it done! Repair pavements such as the driveway, walkway, and that crack in the front step you’ve meant to take care of all year. When the snow starts to fall, any damage that is not catered to can worsen over time. Unsafe conditions can lead to damage repairs, which means more money on home maintenance.

Trimming

Trimming your branches is highly advised before winter reaches. The icy snow can be hefty on the brittle branches, causing them to snap at any moment. They also carry very sharp icicles, which can be dangerous when loved ones play in the backyard creating snow angels. Best to cut them down now before any unlikely harm comes knocking at your door.

Protect The Plant Babies

Preparing your yard for the winter might seem like a chore. If you are someone who cares deeply for their garden and array of plants, you won’t be so happy when those critters come nibbling on them for a snack. Tree guards or other forms of plant screenings could help best when up against nature’s animals. But in the long run, when the ice and snow start melting away, left behind is the same untouched, beautiful, plush grass you’ve maintained the rest of the three seasons.

September 20, 2021 0

Protect Your Home From Flooding

An unexpected flood can be devastating and damaging to your home. Hurricane Ida has shown us how under-prepared Connecticut truly is. To better protect yourself and your home, here’s our advice on how to keep safe in case of a flood emergency.

Flood Insurance

Repairing your home after a flood can cost up to $25,000 for just an inch of water. A few houses were reported to have water up to your knees after the last hurricane. It is essential to be prepared with flood insurance, especially in a high flood-risk area. Not that flood damage isn’t already included in a regular home insurance plan, but flood insurance should be purchased separately. Only some insurance companies, by name, can better protect you from the destruction caused by a flood.

Invest in a Sump Pump, Flood Sensors, and an Automatic Shut-Off Valve

Invest in protective measures to minimize the damage. A sump pump will pump water out of the basement. Flood sensors will alert you immediately to any water where it shouldn’t be or a cracked pipe, allowing you to respond quickly. An automatic shut-off valve will shut off the main water supply when activated.

Build a Barrier Around Your House

If permitted by your local building codes, consider a floodwall or levee around your home. A temporary solution that can be a tremendous last-minute line of defense is piling a wall of sandbags, 1-foot tall, around your home.

Keep Important Items Safe

If living in a flood-risk area, elevate expensive appliances like your water heater, washer/dryer, and electrical panel off the ground. This includes any electrical appliances that can short circuit in the basement, such as a laundry unit or a second kitchen. You should also keep all your private documents like your passport or birth certificate in a waterproof lockbox on a shelf higher up.

Be Prepared

Be better prepared the next time a hurricane comes flying in. Work out a flood plan beforehand, so you know what you need to do and what essential items are to be fully stocked in case of an emergency. Your emergency kit should include first-aid, medicine, flashlights, and batteries, and sometimes non-perishables.

Conclusion

Some people may not know that they live in flood-risk areas, so you should always make suitable investments to protect your home. Have more questions or need expert assistance building these safeguards into your home?

September 13, 2021 1

Look For Credentials When Hiring

If you’re planning a home remodel and want to hire a professional, then you’ve likely heard some horror stories.

No one wants to be taken advantage of – whether it’s your time, money, and especially not your home. When researching contractors in the area, make sure you look at their credentials just as much as their portfolio online. A pretty picture is nothing without a few testimonials.

Remodeling professionals have the training, experience, skills, and solid references. Homeowners can hire the best remodeler for the job by checking credentials and choosing the most qualified candidate.

Ask about these credentials when hiring a professional remodeler:

Insurance and Licensing

All professional home remodelers should be insured and able to display a certificate proving possession of insurance. While not all states require remodelers to be licensed, the ones that do, contractors are mandated to share proof of licensure. Up-to-date insurance and licensing demonstrate that the remodeling firm is in good standing.

Education

The most skilled professional remodelers not only have experience on the job but education. There are many ways contractors continue their education and numerous certifications, designations one can hold. Find a professional who continues to invest in professional development to keep their remodeling and business skills sharp and better serves their customers.

References and Reviews

Happy homeowners enjoy sharing their good experiences and appreciation of their newly upgraded space. Take a look at reviews online, or ask friends and neighbors for their referrals.

Business Skills

Experienced remodelers know how to manage their business, which provides stability and security for their customers. These professionals will provide a written contract for a home remodeling project, a scheduled timeline, and guarantees and warranties for their work.

Another vital sign of honest business practices from a remodeler is outlining a clear payment schedule and not requiring large amounts of cash upfront. Professional remodelers should also have a good reputation with the Better Business Bureau and a good credit report, indicating stable business operations.

Association Membership

Many successful remodelers are members of trade associations like the National Association of Home Builders because it offers business resources and continuing education. Membership also provides opportunities for professional growth and expanding knowledge of the remodeling industry.

Conduct thorough research when hiring a professional home remodeler so that you hire someone with good credentials. Verifying intelligent business practices and remodeling experts will better ensure that your home remodel will be completed successfully and safely. Remember, it’s always better to be safe than sorry rather than trusting someone’s word.

August 30, 2021 0

Aging-in-Place: Accessible Housing Tips

According to a 2018 AARP report, 76% of Americans ages 50 and older say they prefer to remain in their current residence and 77% would like to live in their community as long as possible. In order to make this wish a reality, homes must be designed with age-in-place features to help older homeowners stay comfortable and independent in their own homes for as long as possible.

Here are some of the top features to include for aging in place:

Overall Design

Your home should be designed in a way that even as you get older, you’ll still be able to navigate the entirety of the house, or at least the areas you use most often.

The simplest way to do this would be to choose a one-level house with an open concept. If you do have a house with more than one floor, try moving everything to the main floor. That way it is much more accommodating to get to your everyday needs as you grow in age. If you’re looking to move, keeping an eye out for a first-floor master bedroom, kitchen, and bathroom should be top priority.

If you regularly need to access the second floor of your home, we recommend a motorized stairlift. Some homeowners are even installing elevators in their homes.

Build wide doorways (36”) and halls to accommodate wheelchairs or other walking aids. The home should have a level walking surface. This means no areas that you have to step into and no tripping hazards like thick throw rugs.

Doorknobs should be replaced with easier-to-grasp levers, and lighting should be ample to accommodate failing vision.

Smart home features are also great for aging homeowners! Any process that can be automated or controlled by the push of a button will save a mobility-challenged homeowner from straining or possibly injuring themselves.

Bedroom

Your bed and bedroom furniture should be low and easy to access. Install handrails near the bed. In the closet, install lighting and pull-down rods.

Bathroom

Bathrooms can be dangerous for elderly homeowners. Avoid step-in tubs and opt for a shower instead. Install a shower seat and handrails in the shower and near the toilet.

Kitchen

Make sure everything in the kitchen is within reach. Low storage options are preferred rather than storing items in high cabinets. Install chair-height countertops and appliances and touchless faucets. Choose appliances with buttons on the front so you will not have to struggle to reach towards the back.

Outdoor

As you get older, it may become difficult to maintain your outdoor space. Choose low-maintenance plants and install a sprinkler system. It also wouldn’t hurt to ask any younger kids in the neighborhood to help out. They’re great in company, and affordable.

Financial Assistance

Aging-in-place modifications can be expensive, but there is financial assistance available. Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurances may cover some modifications. You can also check with your local state Aging or Housing agency for assistance.

Conclusion

Aging in place is certainly possible with careful planning and the proper home modifications. If you have more questions and would like to speak with a remodeling expert, please reach out.

August 16, 2021 0

The Multipurpose Garage

Many people are underutilizing their garage to just park their car and store their rarely-used or seasonal items. Garages have the potential to be a wonderful add-on to your living space when organized and used creatively.

When done right, repurposing your garage can add a fantastic bonus room to your house! Here are some great ideas to get you started.

Why the Garage?

There are several reasons that garages are a great space for a multipurpose room. They are usually large, making them suitable for a variety of different uses. Opening the door can provide you with great ventilation for messy projects, or cases where you are dealing with dangerous fumes. Garages can also allow you to be noisy without disturbing the rest of your household. Best of all, if you already own a home with a garage, you don’t need to build a costly addition to expand your home. Your garage is a spacious bonus room just waiting to happen!

How to Prep Your Garage as a Multipurpose Space

If you’re going to use your garage for something other than just storing your vehicle, you’ll want to make sure to add these features:

Make sure it is well-insulated and install a heating and cooling system, so that it can remain a comfortable temperature year-around.
Install good lighting, and have it equipped with plenty of electrical outlets.
Consider more comfortable flooring for your feet, as most garages are made of concrete.
If you want the convenience of a sink while getting your hands dirty on a project or prepping some snacks, have appropriate plumbing installed.

You will also want to make sure to optimize storage space with creative storage solutions. It is important to find ways to minimize clutter to make the most use of your garage space for other purposes.

Multipurpose Garage Ideas

Now that your garage is prepped, here are some fun ways to use your new living space:

A Workshop or Art Studio – Your garage is a great place to get messy! Outfit your garage with workbenches to do your art, crafting, or construction projects.
A Home Office – With work-from-home situations becoming more common nowadays, you might be struggling to find a suitable workspace in your home. Have you considered a home office in your garage?
A Home Gym – A garage is a great place to get sweaty, especially when the weather is nice and you can open up the door to get some refreshing air.
An Entertainment Room – You can create the ultimate entertainment space in your garage. Consider a game room, arcade, or even a home movie theater!
A Lounge or Guest Room – With the proper insulation, lighting, electrical, and flooring, you can even repurpose your garage to be basically another room in your house – perfect for lounging or hosting guests.
A Kid’s Playplace – Tired of seeing your kids’ toys strewn all over the house? Turn your garage into the ultimate playroom for your kids.

There are so many creative ways to make the most of your garage space. What does your dream garage look like?

August 9, 2021 0

Must-haves in the Kitchen and Bathroom

Homeowners of the future are not what they used to be!

In a recent study by NAHB, it was found that homebuyer preferences for kitchen and bath features can vary significantly because generations have different needs from one another.

The study, What Home Buyers Really Want, 2021 Edition, compared what millennials, Gen X, and Boomers find most desirable in the kitchen and bathroom. Keep reading to learn what each generation wants!

Kitchens

The study reviewed different kitchen features, with respondents deeming what was essential in a new home. Millennials and Gen X’s scores were often close, but Boomers have a much different view of what is desirable in the kitchen.

A double island is essential to 53% of Millennials and 55% of Gen X, but only 27% of Boomers. On that same note, 63% of Millennials and 64% of Gen X would prefer a central island with an oven rage, but just 37% of Boomers wanted this.

More than 50% of Millennials (with Gen X not far behind), also value a steam oven, trash compactor, and wine cooler in the kitchen, while Boomers don’t seem to have strong desire for any of the these features.

Bathrooms

The results for the bathroom yielded similar results, with Millennials and Gen X on the same page, and Boomers looking for other features.

A skylight is one of the most desirable features in the bathroom overall, with 60% of Millennials and Gen X stating it is essential, and 35% of Boomers agreeing. Millennials and Gen X also desire ‘His & Her’ baths, with only 28% of Boomers on board with separate bathrooms.

Other features looked at in the bathroom were bidets and dual toilets, both of which hovered around 50% for Millennials and Gen X, but between 20-25% for Boomers.

Do any of these features make your ‘must-have’ list for the kitchen or bathroom? Let us know in the comments!

August 2, 2021 0

Tips for Designing a Multi-Generational Home

Multi-generational living can be challenging. You want everyone to have their privacy and space, all under one roof. If you are currently living with multiple generations in your home, or anticipate this situation in the future, here are some tips to design a living space that works for everyone.

Design Your Home with Accessibility in Mind

With multiple generations under one roof, you’ll want to make sure the living space is accessible to the oldest of the household’s members.

Make sure you have spaces wide enough to accommodate wheelchairs. Build bedroom suites on the ground floor, so people with mobility challenges won’t need to navigate stairs. If you have a large budget, you can even consider motorized countertops or cabinets that can adjust height to accommodate everyone’s needs.

Design your bathroom with safety in mind. Choose step-in showers, rather than a bathtub that an elderly person will struggle to climb into. Install handrails or seats in the showers.

Lastly, make sure there is ample lighting in the house for older members who may have trouble seeing. Adjustable lighting is a great option to make everyone happy.

Design Private Spaces and Communal Spaces

There will be times where you’ll want to spend time with your family members, and times where you’ll want some privacy. This can be difficult to achieve in a multigenerational home, but there are solutions. You can build a separate suite in the basement, or even elsewhere on your property like a guest cottage. You can also consider separate entrances into the home, so every generation feels like they have a space of their own.

You’ll want some communal and accessible open-concept spaces, but you’ll also want some separate rooms for privacy. Pocket doors are a great solution to accomplish something in-between open and private. With a lot of people in the house, you’ll also definitely want to make sure your rooms are well-soundproofed.

Maximize Your Indoor and Outdoor Space

With a full house, it’s essential to maximize every inch of your home. Design plenty of creative storage solutions. Lots of people means lots of stuff!

Even if you don’t have extra family members living with you NOW, you can design for your FUTURE needs if you anticipate you will one day have extra members in your household. Design your spare rooms to meet standard bedroom requirements so that they can be used as bedrooms later, even if you’re currently using them as an office or exercise room.

If you have the yard space, designing a spacious, comfortable outdoor courtyard or deck where the whole family can come together for bonding time while having their private spaces indoors is a great way to achieve balance between alone time and social time.

Conclusion:

Living in a multigenerational home can be a challenge, but creating a harmonious living environment starts with the design of your house. It is important to design a space that is physically accessible to every member of the household, and that accommodates both togetherness and privacy.

Need help coming up with a design that fits your multi-generational needs? Get in touch today.

July 19, 2021 0

Top Locations for a Laundry Room

The laundry room may not be the most glamorous space in a home, but it’s a room that most homeowners want.

A laundry room appears at the top of the list of NAHB’s 2021 most essential home features. While most people are happy to have dedicated space to do laundry at home, being able to pick the perfect location for a laundry room is even better.

If you are building or remodeling your home and have the option of where to place your laundry room, we recommend considering the following:

Basement

Often, laundry rooms are found in the basement. This can be a great option for those who prefer a laundry room that is out of the way. You may also find you have more space to dedicate to a laundry room on the lower level of your home, which may be preferred if you have children or pets, or want to create space for sorting, ironing, and folding within the laundry room.

However, some people dislike going up and down the basement stairs for every load of laundry. This is especially true if the basement is unfinished, and the only reason you go downstairs is for laundry.

Main Level

A laundry room on the main level of the home is another great option. This location is more convenient for those who do not want to go up and downstairs. It also often offers easier access if you are coming inside from the backyard, and want to drop off dirtied clothing without dragging them through the rest of the home.

There are some downsides to this type of placement as well. If located on the first level, the laundry room is located in close proximity to your main living areas: the kitchen, living room, and dining room. If not tucked away, the laundry room can be noisy or become an eyesore.

Some people have a dedicated mudroom on the main level where they place their washer and dryer. This is an ideal location, as it is convenient to where you spend your time on the main level, yet far enough away that it is not a distraction.

Top Level

If you have more than one floor, you can also opt to place a laundry room on the top level of the home, which is generally where the majority of the bedrooms are. This location is extremely convenient for dropping off dirty items and putting away clean clothes, as you only have to walk a short distance to each room.

On the downside, a laundry room on the top level means you have to go upstairs every time you need to sort or switch out clothing. As most people spend the majority of their time on the main level, this can become cumbersome. In addition, you likely won’t want to start a load at night or early morning, as the noise may interfere with someone’s sleep.

Any space can become functional for laundry with some planning and organization. Finding a location that is out of the way yet convenient to get to is ideal for a laundry room.

July 12, 2021 0