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Many homeowners dream of renovating and remodeling their homes. However, it’s common to get stuck in the process of deciding which projects to invest in first. The best course is to prioritize projects that offer cost efficiency and high returns on investment (ROI), but you should also consider form and function as well as your personal comfort. Home renovations and improvement can be greatly rewarding as the benefits go beyond mere aesthetics. In this ebook, we’ll take a look at the top three home improvement projects that offer great value for money while meeting most homeowners’ aesthetic and functional requirements.
PART 1: KITCHEN REMODELING
If you are among those who consider the kitchen to bethe heart of the home, then kitchen remodeling should definitely be at the top of your list when thinking about home renovation. If your kitchen is rather old and dated, and doesn’t make you feel like cooking, take it as a sign that you badly need to remodel your kitchen. After all, according to HGTV, kitchen remodels can help you recoup up to 100 percent of your investment, as long as you spend on the right aspects and improvements. GETTING STARTED WITH KITCHEN REMODELING For every home remodeling project, you need to plan carefully to make sure that you invest in the right things. Here’s a list of what to focus on when it comes to kitchen remodeling.
• Budget. To avoid going overboard and spending on unnecessary
upgrades, first set a budget, and then add another 10 percent for unexpected expenses. Plan according to the budget that you set; as tempting as it may be, do not exceed your budget, but do be realistic as well. It’s best to work with a designer or home improvement professional to see to it that the budget you plan for is feasible.
• Layout. Floor space and layout planning is a crucial factor in kitchen
remodeling. The layout must be practical. It should let you move around with ease and have items within easy reach. Be mindful of the storage and cabinetry design too.
PART 1: KITCHEN REMODELING
• Function over form. Avoid buying unnecessary items. Before adding
something to your shopping list, ask yourself, Do I need this? Will I use it often? Whenever possible, do buy the best quality items allowed by your budget; there are often some indispensable features found only in highquality kitchen gadgets and appliances.
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Aside from a kitchen remodel, you can also opt to update your bathroom if you want both comfort and value. Tune in for the next post as we discuss more about bathroom remodeling.
PART 2: BATHROOM REMODELING
Bathroom remodeling is one of the most popular home improvement projects that homeowners invest in - for a number of good reasons. It offers a wide range of benefits, from personal comfort to utility efficiency and increased home value. But, if you’re still wondering why you should consider having it done, just take the time to think about this: aside from your bedroom, can you think of other rooms in your home that you are bound to spend time in within the day? Isn’t the bathroom at the top of that list?
WHY REMODEL YOUR BATHROOM? There are many reasons to remodel your bathroom, including the following:
• Improved safety. If you have kids and seniors around, you want a
bathroom that can address their safety needs. Renovating your bathroom gives you the chance to add safety features, such as handrails, a walk-in tub, non-slip flooring and better lighting, among other things.
• Enhanced comfort. After a tiring day, you likely spend time showering or
taking a leisurely bath before retiring. A neat, organized and cozy bathroom can help you relax and unwind on a daily basis.
• Storage and organization. Tired of your cluttered bathroom? By
remodeling your bathroom, you can rearrange items and add or organize storage better.
PART 2: BATHROOM REMODELING
Increased energy and utility efficiency. Modern bathroom and lighting
fixtures allow for less energy and utility (water) consumption.
Maximum value. HGTV estimates that bathroom additions offer between
80 and 130 percent ROI while Remodeling magazine’s Cost vs. Value Report estimates that at least 50 percent of the cost of a bathroom remodel will be recouped.
WHAT ASPECTS SHOULD YOU FOCUS ON IN A BATHROOM REMODELING PROJECT? If your home only has one bathroom and there’s still a space that you can utilize, it’s ideal to add another bathroom. For existing bathrooms, you should first focus on the items that you use most: the bathtub, shower, sink, faucets and toilet. Water pressure should be adequate, and lighting should be enough to brighten up the entire bathroom. Next up are the cabinetry and storage to make sure that the bathroom doesn’t look cluttered.
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Kitchen and bathroom remodels can both improve your home’s interior, but how about the exterior? We’ll take a look at the benefits of adding a deck or porch in the next post.
PART 3: DECKS & PORCHES
If you are hoping to expand your outdoor space, improve your exterior and add to the overall value of your home, then adding a deck or porch is something that you should definitely consider. While both offer irresistible benefits, there are subtle differences between these two outdoor living options. Read on to learn more about them to help you decide which you’d want for your home.
DECK OR PORCH: WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE? Obviously, decks and porches are similar in the sense that they are both outdoor structures designed to serve as an additional living space where you can entertain guests or relax by yourself. But they also differ in several ways. Porches are typically covered, so they are great when you want to be protected from the weather. They provide adequate shelter from the sun and light-to-moderate rain. Bigger porches may also be screened, making them feel like an extension of the home. Decks, on the other hand, are open spaces which can be constructed level with the first floor of the home or elevated. They don’t have roofs and often have wood or composite flooring. Unlike porches, decks don’t necessarily have to be adjacent to the home.
DECK OR PORCH? CHOOSING BETWEEN THE TWO If you find yourself having a hard time choosing between these two outdoor additions, consider the following:
PART 3: DECKS & PORCHES
• How much are you willing to spend? Decks are typically more expensive
to build than porches.
• Do you need more space? If your home is feeling cramped, you can
build a covered and screened porch for additional space. In warm weather, you could transfer your living or entertainment room to the porch.
• Do you just want to enjoy the outdoors? If you prefer to be exposed
to the sun and the breeze, then an open deck could be a better option.
• Do you want an outdoor structure that’s two-level or more? If so, then a deck is definitely the clear choice for you.
• How about safety? If you have smaller children or pets, a screened or enclosed porch will be safer.
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Now that you have an idea of which home improvement projects can give you the best bang for your buck and help improve the appearance, comfort and value of your home, the next step is to plan carefully and thoroughly. The best way to do this is to work with a reliable home improvement contractor who can provide you with professional recommendations and services.
Nuss Construction 119 Church Road Marlton, NJ 08053 (856) 988-9982 www.nussconstruction.com