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Preparing For Renovations

Are you preparing for a new construction project? Have you hired a licensed contractor? Whether it’s a small or large construction, managing a project can feel like a full-time job, and you are on the right track if you’re looking to hire a licensed general contractor to take up the responsibility for every aspect of your new construction build, from the footers to the roof.

Hiring a licensed contractor can ease your mind knowing that they will ensure all aspects of the project are up to code.  Hiring a contractor that has a worker’s compensation policy and a liability insurance policy to protect themselves and you against any unforeseen mishaps that may occur on site.

Working close with a licensed contractor will also guarantee that you have access to high-quality materials for every aspect of the job, which they can get at a more favorable rate and save you quite a bit of pocket change. Now that you have that covered, there are a few more things you need to do when preparing for a home renovation that will make the whole experience stress-free and perhaps a bit enjoyable.

  • Ask the licensed contractor you are considering to work with to let you see one or two of their project sites to determine that they are indeed good at what they do and most importantly, they are in good standing with their existing clients.
  • Be realistic when it comes to the scope of work that will go into your new construction by having a realistic timeline, budget, cost of material and equipment, as well as labor. Prepare yourself for the unexpected.
  • Invest in quality items or materials that will serve you longer, especially when it comes to common room items such as appliances or high-quality flooring and cabinets. The items you purchase should withstand years of use and cost you nothing to in the way of maintenance.
  • Determine some tasks that you can do yourself during the construction period to not only save time and labor costs but also to make you part of your new construction project.
  • It’s also prudent to consult with a few contractors who can give you a different approach to some designs on your board and advise you what is feasible and financially sound to avoid being entirely disappointed in your new construction project when it’s all done, and you can’t do anything about it.

 

JFC Remodeling, out of Howell, Michigan, offers a variety of construction services for the home including: kitchen and bath remodeling, flooring renovations, and home remodeling.  You can find out more information at http://www.jfcremodeling.com or by reaching out to our home renovation specialists at 810.923.1123.

 

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Professional Kitchen Renovations Can Increase Your Home’s Value

A kitchen renovation is one of the smartest ways to add value to your home and you can achieve this by hiring a licensed contractor. Real estate experts agree that a well-designed and updated kitchen attracts buyers. Whether you are doing a complete kitchen remodeling or simply making a few updates, homeowners can improve the appeal of their home and increase the value with a professional kitchen renovation.

According to the industry, a homeowner can expect to recoup about 95% of the cost of a major kitchen remodel. This makes it one of the best remodeling choices for homeowners looking to increase their home value. A modern kitchen makes your home more valuable and more attractive to buyers when the time comes to sell.

The kitchen is the heart of a home. It is a place to gather as a family, visit with friends, and share meals. Because it is one of the most popular rooms in the house, kitchens tend to suffer a lot of wear and tear over time. Countertops, appliances, and flooring can get worn and damaged, decreasing the style and appeal of the room. Below are some common areas of interest that are addressed in remodeling.

  • Kitchen renovations may include knocking down walls to add space or redesigning the layout to improve functionality. Homeowners have the chance to design the room they have always wanted. Make the most of it by increasing storage space and improving traffic flow.
  • Consider upgrading your appliances to high-efficiency models. Not only can they save you money in energy costs, you may be eligible for tax rebates. Be sure that your electrical wiring and plumbing are properly installed by a licensed contractor to prevent damage and ensure that your appliances will work correctly.
  • Your existing cabinets can be re-surfaced, or you may decide to replace them entirely with new ones. A licensed contractor will help choose a countertop surface that will blend well with your cabinets. Stone, especially granite, used by a licensed contractor when doing your kitchen remodeling gives your kitchen an up-scale and classic look that will last the lifetime of your home.
  • Hardwoods and ceramic tiles are the most popular choices for kitchen flooring. Both materials are attractive to buyers and need very little maintenance to look good.
  • Lighting is extremely important in the kitchen. Ambient lighting will keep the room bright. Task lighting illuminates the food prep and cooking area. Under cabinet lighting can accentuate the beauty of your room.
  • A wall color that will accentuate your new cabinets, flooring, appliances, and countertops. Consider the addition of a colorful backsplash or accent wall to create a focal point in the room.

Kitchen remodeling is a large project and can take months to fully complete. Discuss a timeline and a specific budget for your project with a licensed contractor so you will know what to expect.  Not every homeowner is willing or able to complete a large-scale kitchen remodeling. Even minor improvements can change the entire look of your kitchen and make it more appealing to potential buyers. Whether you are selling your home or simply want to improve the room’s appearance, small projects like painting or replacing outdated appliances with a licensed contractor can make a big difference to the value of your home.

JFC Remodeling, out of Howell, Michigan, offers a variety of construction services for the home including: kitchen and bath remodeling, flooring renovations, and home remodeling.  You can find out more information at http://www.jfcremodeling.com or by reaching out to our home renovation specialists at 810.923.1123.

JFC Remodeling, out of Howell, Michigan, offers a variety of construction services for the home including: kitchen and bath remodeling, flooring renovations, and home remodeling.  You can find out more information at http://www.jfcremodeling.com or by reaching out to our home renovation specialists at 810.923.1123.

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Kitchen Remodeling: Find Top 5 Kitchen Designs That Last the Test of Time

When homeowners are considering renovations, it is always important that they consider three things:

  • Will the renovation fit our families current and future needs?
  • Is this design on the renovation universal? Will it appease future buyers if we consider selling the home?
  • Does this renovation offer a good ROI? Can this renovation stand the test of time or is this trend one that will be outdated quickly?

Kitchen remodeling can be quite the venture both in time and resources.  It is crucial that when meeting with a contractor regarding your new kitchen design that you have a meeting of the minds regarding different elements that are incorporated.  For a kitchen design to work over time it must be function while combing trendy elements with elements that have proven to “age” well.  True professionals will be able to blend elements that allow you to have the kitchen of your dreams today that will easily integrate updates and trends that come and go within the next ten to twenty years.

Elements That Withstand the Test of Time in Kitchen Design

Invest in Natural Elements

When planning your new kitchen consider adding in natural elements such as marble, hardwoods, brick, and stone.  These are all components that make a design timeless and add to the aesthetic value of a space.  These elements can be seen in kitchens and homes from the 70’s that can be used in current renovations without hassle in uniting them in the overall design.

Natural Lighting

Consciences contractors will always take into consideration the placement of the kitchen within the home to maximize the amount of natural light within the space.  Kitchens that are bright and well light always appear cleaner and more inviting.  Natural lighting can be combined with light fixtures within the kitchen to accentuate the space to give the allusion of openness.  An open kitchen concept is one that has been and will remain popular throughout time.

Indoor Plants

In order to create a timeless design within your kitchen it is important to blend two elements: simplicity and function.  Indoor plants have always been popular amongst homeowners.  One way to incorporate this into the kitchen space in the form of an herb garden.  This is a practical, functional way to bring greenery into the kitchen without it looking out of place.

The key element when it comes to any renovation in your home is ease of use.  Simplicity is always in style.  Homeowners want a space to be functional, stylish, and comfortable.  The best feeling ever as a homeowner is to have guests walk into your home and feel content being there.  This is what contractors aim to do in all of the renovations that they have the privilege of being a part of.

JFC Remodeling, out of Howell, Michigan, offers a variety of construction services for the home including: kitchen and bath remodeling, flooring renovations, and home remodeling.  You can find out more information at http://www.jfcremodeling.com or by reaching out to our home renovation specialists at 810.923.1123.

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2018 Trends In Kitchens and Bathrooms

It appears that more and more homeowners are shifting the design perspective to hiring contractors that can handle the design and building all in one.  Many problems can arise when homeowners have to communicate with two different professional parties, designers and contractors, so it is a special era of home construction when one contractor does it all.

Designers often blame contractors when problems occur while contractors return the blame to designers when the job goes sideways.  It is a better situation for homeowners to get the best contractor and designer for the job from the same spot.

2018 Trends in Kitchen Design and Remodeling

Decades ago, the kitchen was hidden in the back of the house. It was a place where meals were prepared and dirty dishes were washed. Fast forward to 2018 and the kitchen has a much different role. Today, the kitchen is the focal point of the home, the place that brings everyone together at the start of the day or after a long day way.  Now instead, the kitchen is paraded in all its beauty and warmth at the very center of the house.

Kitchens have changed a lot over the decades and planning for your kitchen remodel is very important. Technology advances and changing social dynamics have contributed greatly to the rise of the modern kitchen. There is a far bigger focus on open concept homes that revolve around the kitchen so everyone can be together. As with any modern design trend, clean and simple styles have become favorites for homeowners with natural light becoming an essential aspect of the overall look and function of the kitchen space.

With advice from design experts, here are the top trends in kitchen design we expect to see in 2018:

  • Kitchen Cabinet Colors: White, Gray, and Dark Paint Colors are Elegant and Beautiful
  • Streamlined Designs, Materials, and Textures
  • Effective Storage Solutions and Additional Cabinetry
  • Kitchen Appliances: New Styles and Preferences
  • Hardwood Flooring is Popular as well as Ceramic Tiling
  • Single Level Multi-Purpose Kitchen Islands for Storage Solutions
  • Pet – Friendly Kitchen Spaces

Top Trends in Bathroom Designs and Renovations for 2018

For most people, the bathroom has become a personal sanctuary. It is not just a place to wash off the grit. It is your personal spa, where you relieve the stress of the day and relax. So, when you are renovating your bathroom, you are not just creating a practical bathing space; you are creating a place when you can get away and be yourself. Every aspect and component has to come together towards this goal while also meeting the practical needs of bathing.

If you are building a new home or planning a renovation, the following list of the hottest upcoming bathroom design trends in 2018 should get your creativity going.

  • The Bathroom Needs to Be Efficient and Comfortable
  • Toilets are More High Tech Including Seat Warmers, Automatic Lids, Slow Close Features, Adjustable Dryers and More
  • Brass and Gold Tone Fixtures are Making a Comeback
  • Lighting Style Including Light Bars and Wall Scones
  • Under-floor Heating Systems and Under the Counter Appliances
  • Unique Bathroom Flooring Such As: Hexagon, Arabesque, Diamond, Moroccan Fish Scales, and Chevron Patterns in New Colors and Textures.
  • Bold Accent Walls & Floors Including Ceramic and Porcelain Graphic Tiles

Conclusion

One common thread has been evident in all home design trends for 2018; homeowners are looking for ways to break from the mold and be unique in their styling. In the bathroom and kitchen designs, they are relying on technology, tiles, and bold accents to make the home more interesting.

JFC Remodeling, out of Howell, Michigan, offers a variety of construction services for the home including: kitchen and bath remodeling, flooring renovations, and home remodeling.  You can find out more information at http://www.jfcremodeling.com or by reaching out to our home renovation specialists at 810.923.1123.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Hiring a Licensed Contractor for Home Renovations

When it comes to renovations around your home it is important to hire a licensed contractor to perform the work that is needed.  The benefits of working with a professional that is not only licensed, but also insured and qualified are plentiful.  Your home is the biggest investment that you will ever make in your lifetime.  It is important that you are careful when hiring someone as you want to be sure you are careful not to employ an individual who will cut corners.

Everyone likes to save money, especially when it comes to services performed around their homes.  When it comes to renovations and home remodeling you will get what you pay for.  Many times it is not worth haggling with a contractor as they set their prices based on the number of hours they believe the project will take and the materials used.  Haggling may lead to lower quality materials being used.  This is not what you want when it comes to saving a few bucks here and there on your homes renovation project.

Depending on where you live the rules for obtaining a builders license differ slightly.  This is done for the benefit of the consumer.  Some states, such as California, have frequent earthquakes thus building codes are updated to include extra elements of safety when building a home.

In order to get a license, a building contractor must prove that they are qualified to perform the work and may also be asked to undergo testing, fingerprinting, background checks and bonding requirements.  Some states only require specialty contractors such as plumbers and electricians to be licensed however if you are looking for quality craftsmanship in your home improvement projects it is best to look into hiring a licensed contractor even if it is not required by your state.  Working with a licensed builder often gives homeowners extra peace of mind.

Below are just a few of the many benefits you can expect when working with a licensed general contractor for renovation projects around the home.

  • A licensed general contractor will control, synchronize, and oversee a complete renovation. This involves scheduling with multiple subcontractors within different trades to work together on your remodeling project.  This is especially important for home remodeling that involves moving electrical outlets or plumbing.
  • A contractor saves both time and money. Many homeowners mention that at the end of a renovation they have spent just as much on materials alone than they would have spent on hiring a contractor to perform the work in the first place.
  • Contractors have connections and often have a great pull for the urgency of your renovation. It is much easier to get one of their own to help them with a deadline because next time they might be the one needing the favor.
  • A licensed contractor will pull all of the necessary permits and call on inspections when needed. This keeps the project moving along.
  • When working with a licensed contractor, financing becomes a bit easier to obtain from lending institutions. There is an aura of completion when individuals hire a professional.
  • Not only is it important that the contractor that you work with on projects within your home is licensed it is crucial that they are also insured. This holds their company liable for any damage that is done to your home while they are performing repairs, as well as the liability if someone gets injured while working on your home.

For most homeowners hiring an experienced, licensed and insured general contractor will help to ensure a headache free renovation on their home.

Learn more about licensed and insured general contractor Glen Miller the Home Doctor and the variety of home improvement services he offers clients including: home maintenance plans, handyman services, kitchen remodels, bathroom renovations, handicap ramp installations, age in place modifications, basements transformations, and hardwood flooring installation and refinishing at www.glenmillerthehomedoctor.com.  To contact Glen Miller the Home Doctor call 734.255.9793 for a free estimate.

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Your Ultimate Planning Guide: Home Addition and Remodeling

According to HomeAdvisor, the ever vocal and factual resource offering free pieces of advice, tools, and resources for home improvement, an average American homeowner will eventually have to choose between finding a lovely home or just making existing one. And, granted that adding a few more rooms of buildings is far much cheaper than buying a whole house, it might as well be ideal to go for home addition contractors. You will spend as little as $20,044, which as a great deal economically.

As much as home addition and remodeling is a sensible option, it’s important to consider one of the best, affordable new construction companies.  With such a company, you will be confident that your project will end well, maybe beyond your expectations. Moreover, you are allowed to choose per your style and through completion.

Types of Additions

A home addition has many and different meanings out there, and that’s why you have to decide the best suitable one. Sure, you can tack on an extra room to your current apartment. You can create a new room without necessarily expanding the size of the entire structure. Each option comes with its merits and drawbacks, aside from their individual prices.

The various types of home additions

Being a cost-friendly way of getting your dream home, home additions are gaining acceptance amongst many homeowners. Unsurprisingly, the many forms of this undertaking bolster the way home addition is growing. Naturally, the most popular additions to an average house include:

  • Ground level additions
  • Second-floor additions
  • Detached additions

Additional room

Whether your sole reason for home addition is getting an extra family room, a new bedroom or just a room, try finding a New Construction Homes form for just that. And, what’s glamorous about it is, you can either build up or build out. It is a great investment and construction project as it involves coming up with a building structure.

Per square foot, the cost can range from $80 to $200, according to HomeAdvisor and that calls for the involving a reliable contractor. So, consider how you can use the ground floor so as to befit your efforts to build out. However, if you are to work on getting an additional room without altering the footprint of your home, better try building up.

Sunroom

If the conventional home addition ideas don’t appeal to you, give this budget-friendly alternative a shot. An average room can cost as little as $16,000, although a prefabricated one can be a little cheaper.

Detached addition

Under this option, one can expect them to vary, both in style and price with simple, ready-made ones costing from $15,000 up. With the addition of other aspects like electricity, heat and other features of a full guesthouse, the price expectedly rises.

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

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What You Must Know Before Finishing a Basement

Straight and clear, finished basements add valuable space to any home.  They grant homeowners a chance to make the best use of an already-existing little room, like that dark, lifeless space instead of moving out. They are a great addition too.  That is why more and more people are looking to try this investment out.

In 2016 alone, Google showed that over 95,000 people searched on information regarding the cost of finishing a basement, the different ideas, style, and techniques.  It basically means that more people are actually venturing into the world of remodeling and renovating, eager to make the best use of that seemingly useless space. If you are one of them, better go through the following expert tips.

Keep it dry

Before starting the renovations, it’s important to check for the presence of any water issues. It is all about ensuring that space is dry with no moisture. Don’t forget to check the cracks and embark on fixing them.

Get any mandatory permits

Assuming that the surface is now dry and your plan is to start the finishing on the basement, first make sure that you are allowed by the authorities to do the renovations. It is important majorly because all the plumbing and electrical work will be inspected later.

Consider a suitable fastener

Normally, basement walls aren’t reliable when one attaches them a frame. Since they are mainly made of cement, stones, blocks or bricks, a nail as an anchor would not be a good idea either. A powder-actuated fastener or a shotgun fastener will certainly do the job.

A vapor barrier

Even when you have done your tests and ensured that the surface is dry, find a vapor barrier to keep the area dry throughout the renovations. Place it on the floor and wait for two days before commencing work.

Create an offset space

To be sure that moisture can’t be an issue at all, create a slight offset using furry strips. The strips will also level a curved wall and help design a flat wall for the frame.

Keep the area warm

Spray foam insulation is the best candidate here mainly because it controls the temperature inside while acting as another layer to keep the surface dry. Basically, it’s all about choosing an insulation that also acts as a barrier.

Invest on drop ceiling

Much like your finishing will need a stable ceiling, a drop or suspended ceiling is proving to be great during electrical and plumbing works. That’s why you must use removable tiles.

Recess lighting

For basements, recess lighting is proving to be possibly the best option. It’s easy to install and doesn’t take up a huge space.

At the baseboards, add some heat

The latest trend entails installing heating vents at floor level so that the floor remains warm too.

With all these tips in mind, it’s now safe to get down to business. Find a good company that specializes in new construction, renovations, and remodeling to aide you in making the best space possible.

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

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New construction homes

Buying new construction homes is a bit different from buying a previously-owned home. For one, because there is no previous homeowner, you don’t have to deal with a seller’s emotional tie to the property, which typically influences the negotiating process. Whether you’re designing and building a custom home or buying a home that’s built on spec in a new subdivision, you’ll only have to work with the builder.

Many homebuyers think that purchasing a brand-new home is smarter than purchasing a “used” home. A new home’s maintenance costs should be minimal; its construction materials, systems and appliances should be up-to-code and energy efficient; the floor plan and amenities should meet the needs of modern buyers; and the home should be move-in ready. A new construction home also has an emotional appeal for buyers who like the idea of living in a home that’s completely clean and potentially perfect.

When shopping for a new home, visions of gorgeous kitchens, sumptuous master baths and closet space galore may dance in your head, but you can’t forget the important step called financing. In many respects, financing a new home is much like getting a mortgage to purchase a resale home, but there’s an important difference. When buying resale, you shop around for rates and terms from banks, mortgage companies, brokers and online lenders. You can do the same when buying a new home, but there’s often an additional resource. Your builder may offer attractive financing packages, either directly through its own mortgage subsidiary or via an affiliate.

Things to consider while buying new construction homes:

When you are planning on buying a new construction home there are plenty of things that you might consider and few of them are listed below.

  • Weigh the advantages and disadvantages:

Living in a newly constructed home no doubt is incredible and nothing can beat that feeling of joy but before you start decorating and painting your house and fill it with all the glitter just check if it matches your lifestyle. Is it located in the center of the city or far from everyplace you have to be at on regular basis?

  • Research the neighborhood:

When buying a new Construction home always meet with an agent who knows the area well and is very well aware of the neighborhood, it is a matter of lifetime after all. Ask your agent to walk you down the area for you to get an idea of the place also drive around the neighborhood and check out the amenities and the quality of the homes.

  • Get an inspection and a home warranty:

Never forget a thorough inspection of the house you are going to purchase and if possible keep inspecting it during the construction phase also asking for a warranty is great, it’s like protecting yourself. Ask for a builder’s warranty for a period of time following move-in

  • Close the deal:

You are committing 30 years of your life to the process of homeownership. Learn as much as possible about the mortgage process by reading everything you can find.

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

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Inexpensive Home Renovations That Make A Big Impact

There are quite a few home improvement ideas that can be done that keep your home current and fresh.  Contractors are seeing an increase in simple home renovation over large scaled renovations.  It can be costly to re-do a kitchen or a bathroom when a fresh coat of paint, some new shelves, and eco friendly appliances can update the same space at a quarter of the cost.  In this article you will learn ways to update the look and feel of your home with minor home improvements that won’t break the bank.

  • Fresh Paint: A new color freshly painted on the walls can transform any room.  It brings an instant sparkle to the space and changes the feel of the space.  Homes are lived in; walls get scuffed and marked up.  It is amazing what a new coat of paint can do to erase the years of life your walls are showing.  Try a bright, crisp color on the walls.  Pick a color that enhances the existing décor to create a new look with little effort or time.
  • Schedule Cleaning: This isn’t necessarily a renovation but it is definitely a home improvement.  Most people get overwhelmed when it comes to deep cleaning.  By creating a cleaning schedule you can maintain the environment without wasting weekend after weekend cleaning.  Create a schedule and stick with it.  Your home will stay company ready without the headaches and stress of piled up chores.   Have your family participate in a ten minute pick up at the end of each and every night.  This will prevent clutter from being allowed to accumulate.
  • Built-In Furniture: Contractors are seeing a lot of built in furniture features with new construction and the trend is crossing over into home renovations.  Creating built-in pieces of furniture allows you to have more space throughout the home.  Built-ins within the kitchen allow room for appliances and storage within the same space freeing up space elsewhere.
  • Eco-Friendly Appliances: As you start to replace failing, older appliances replace them with eco-friendly, energy efficient appliances.  This will save you money monthly.  The same concept can be used on other objects throughout the home as well including light bulbs, batteries, fans and the numerous small appliances that you use every day that use a lot of energy.

Meet with a local contractor today to see what recommendations they have to bring your home up to date and keep it looking fresh.

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