4 Home Improvements With the Best Return on Investment

When you have lived in a particular home for many years, you may feel the need to make some changes to it, add new features, or replace existing ones. The best home improvements are ones that enhance the functionality, practicality, aesthetics, and value of your home. Every homeowner will have very specific requirements when it comes to how they use various areas of their home. 

It’s why you need to plan your home remodeling or renovation project well. You can also consult with experts who can provide their input and use your ideas to ensure that you get the kind of features and installations you need. 

Opt for the Best Home Improvements 

In addition to all the reasons mentioned above, the upgrades to make in your home should also be appealing to potential buyers. Keeping all these aspects in mind, here is a look at some excellent home improvement projects you can embark upon:

  • Kitchen and Bathroom Upgrades– These are by far the renovations that will significantly increase the value of your home in a number of ways. Well-appointed and spruced-up kitchen and bathroom areas are a pleasure to use. They look great and are easy to maintain as well. In addition, if you plan to sell your home at some point, prospective home buyers will definitely be interested in how new the kitchen and bathroom features are.
  • New Home Appliances/Smart Appliances– Today, most homes have various home appliances, which add convenience to our lives. So when you are considering some upgrades, invest in smart and energy-efficient home appliances. You will find that they are efficient, help reduce your utility bills and increase your home’s resale value. 
  • Energy-Efficient Windows and Doors– The right kind of insulation is important to maintain the overall energy-efficiency of your HVAC system. However, that isn’t all. If you have older windows and doors, they can affect the unit’s cooling and heating function and stress the air conditioning system.

Consider upgrading to double or triple-paned windows and doors for patios, decks, and balconies as well. These installations will provide the right amount of insulation to the indoor areas and help you keep a handle on your energy bills.  These are just some of the best home improvements that you can opt for when you are planning a renovation or remodel project. Stone Draft Homes offers the best custom home renovation services and can help with all the upgrades you need.

7 Home Upgrades Home Buyers Will Love

blue siding house

As a homeowner, you want your home to be functional, practical, easy to maintain and aesthetically appealing. Remodel projects are a good way to achieve these objectives, while adding value to your home. A well-appointed house with upgraded features will attract home buyers and add to the resale value of the property. It’s why you must put some thought into the types of home improvements that will make the home more comfortable and increase its market value.

Well-Planned Home Renovations

When it comes to residential upgrades, there are certain areas to focus on, such as:

Interior Upgrades

Custom kitchen cabinets improve the aesthetics of your home.
  1. Custom kitchen cabinets are a simple and cost-effective way to uplift the look of your home. Plan the storage in a way that will be convenient and utilitarian.
  2. The laundry room is one space in a home that tends to be ignored during home improvement projects. However, this hardworking space can become more comfortable and efficient to use if you renovate it well. Consider the placement of your washing machine and dryer and install smart storage to make the space more usable.
  3. When it comes to storage in a home, more of it is always welcome. Renovating your closets and pantry areas is a good way to increase the resale value of your home.

Some other upgrades to consider are buying new modern home appliances or installing hardwood flooring.

Exterior Upgrades

  1. If you have an older or underused patio or porch, upgrade it by replacing the flooring or adding a railing etc. If there are any wooden features there, get them polished or painted to uplift their appearance
  2. The outdoor living spaces are a value addition to your home and sprucing these spaces can significantly up the value of your property as well. Install a wooden deck, an arbor or pergola and grow vines on it
  3. Security lighting can enhance the appeal, safety, and aesthetic of your yard.
  4. Installing garage storage like wall and floor cabinets, shelves or even a loft if space permits can add to your home’s value

Regardless of the types of remodel projects you opt for, it’s necessary that you plan them well. Hire a skilled and experienced contractor who would be able to work on your ideas and provide their inputs. For more information, feel free to contact us and discuss your requirements with our knowledgeable team.

Why Storage is the Most Important Aspect of a Functional Kitchen

Your kitchen is a busy space and has a large number of elements in it. The room has appliances, utensils, groceries, cutlery, food preparation areas, dishwashing areas, and some kitchens even have breakfast areas. Organization is an important aspect of maintaining a safe and functioning kitchen.

If your appliances, pots and pans, and kitchen gadgets are all over the place, you won’t be able to cook efficiently. The best way to keep the space organized is to invest in kitchen storage. Discuss the storage options with your contractor during a kitchen remodel. Most professionals will recommend smart solutions that can help you keep the space organized.

What Are the Benefits of an Organized Kitchen?

Storage is never enough when it comes to kitchens and bathrooms.

An organized kitchen serves several benefits and can improve your overall cooking experience considerably. Here’s a look at some reasons why organization is important:

  • Free Movement – When you’re working on preparing a meal, the last thing you want to do is move around different obstacles. No one likes a crowded countertop and messy kitchen floor. A well-organized space allows people to move around freely so they can focus on the task.
  • More Functional – An organized space is more functional. You know exactly where everything is, so there’s no need to hunt for knives, graters, spoons, ingredients, etc. Everything is properly labeled and in a specific place.
  • Better Flow – If you know where everything is, the cooking experience isn’t slow or stressful. You can find everything quickly and get the job done without too many issues.

Work with your contractor to come up with the best storage solutions for your kitchen. They will help you choose the right fixtures and installations to create a comfortable space.

Types of Storage

There are different kinds of storage solutions you can add to your kitchen. Here’s a look at the most commonly used fixtures:

  • Cabinets – Cabinets are used to store everything from groceries to dinnerware. They take advantage of the vertical space available in all kitchens, so you have more room for essential items.
  • Drawers – Draws are quick to access from the food preparation area. They’re ideal for knives, spoons, ladles, spatulas, and other such essentials.
  • Shelves – Shelves are often used to store large pots, pans, mixers, and even small appliances like microwaves.

Contact a reliable contractor to add kitchen storage solutions to your home. They will look at your current home pictures, images you have for inspiration, and ask you some questions about your requirements before recommending solutions.

How to Customize Your Kitchen Island

The kitchen island is often the centerpiece of a kitchen. It grabs attention and can dictate the kitchen’s entire appearance. A good layout will ensure the room is comfortable and easy to work in. You need to make sure the island is of the right size, height, and installed in a good location. If you’re going through a kitchen remodel, consider the island carefully and consult with a trained professional for advice.

How to Choose the Right Size for Your Island

Different homes have different kitchen layouts. Some have a single countertop and an island, and others have a U-shaped kitchen. The island may be the centerpiece of this space, but it still needs to fit perfectly with the rest of the area. Here’s a look at some tips to choose the right kitchen island:

  • Size – The island should be at least 4 feet long and around 2 feet deep. That will provide you with a comfortable working surface so you can prepare meals, eat breakfast, and socialize with family over it.
  • Size of the Kitchen – The kitchen should be at least 8 feet deep and around 12 feet long to fit an island. It is a good idea to skip the installation entirely if your kitchen isn’t big enough.
  • Island With a Range – If you have a cooking range embedded in the island counter, make sure there are at least 18 inches of spare space on both sides of the fixture. That will give you enough room to work and ensure your hands are away from oil splatter.

Keep these factors in mind when installing a kitchen island. If the fixture is too big or too small, you won’t be able to work efficiently around it.

Design Considerations

When you plan a kitchen island, there are several factors to consider. The island should have room for storage, trash, sink, and seating. Most people place bar stools near the kitchen island so they can interact with others while cooking food. Make sure the island is the right height for any disabled people in the house as well. People in wheelchairs may not be able to reach the island comfortably, which can limit their independence. An experienced contractor will take all of your considerations into account before recommending a solution that works. You can contact them directly to request a quote. They will also offer honest, unbiased advice on different kinds of countertops, kitchen layouts, and designs.

Interior Design Trends For Home Remodel

If you have decided to relocate or remodel your existing house, determining which décor trends to incorporate can become challenging. While it’s exciting to pick out different pieces and coordinate various color schemes, you need to make sound decisions.

Creating Unique Interiors

Keep in mind that it’s your house, after all, and will be the place to entertain guests, host parties, and most importantly, live. It’s essential to go for the perfect aesthetic and see to it that you don’t opt for outdated or stale design trends.

One of the best aspects when it comes to home remodeling is that you have a diverse range of options to choose from. However, it’s crucial to determine where creativity counts and in which areas to push the boundaries. You can come up with amazing and unique designs only when you incorporate these aspects correctly.

Some Trends to Follow

Here are a few interior design trends for your home remodel:

cozy small area
Textures, shapes, and colors converge into one unique design and style.
  • Style Fusion – While you may have heard of food fusion, like pairing Mexican with Italian, you can go the same route when you opt for home remodel. You don’t have to necessarily stick to one theme or cultural variant. The mix of Asian styles with Scandinavian is slowly becoming an increasingly popular design trend.
  • Emphasize On Neutral Backgrounds – Although you shouldn’t dismiss color entirely from your custom home design, using it sparingly will give it that “pop”. Grey is becoming an increasingly popular option over beige or off white. However, it’s also important to have bold and bright colors, but in terms of accent pieces or wall art.
  • Wall Textures – Besides neutral palettes, the addition of texture on walls is another growing trend. You can opt for a range of materials, including fabric, wood composite products, and wall panels that mimic a range of looks. They are a perfect addition if you want to create something that adds depth and dimension.
  • Addition Of Metal – Metal is one of the more popular design options in 2020. When you decide to add them on walls as a form of art, use them as accents of furniture pieces, or even coating, metal is one of those materials that creates a strong presence.

While following the latest trends is always great, proper planning and execution are far more critical. You need to contact reputable and well-established professionals for jobs like these. They have the skill and knowledge to create unique designs for your house. Besides, they will also focus on critical aspects like functionality, aesthetics, and practicality while remodeling your home. The professionals will also take your specific requirements and your budget into consideration while designing your property.

Two Essential Upgrades to a More Modern, Efficient, and Enjoyable Kitchen

The kitchen is one of the most integral parts of a house. This space sees a considerable amount of traffic throughout the day, especially when you have guests over for dinner. But you won’t dread cooking in that space if you are prepared. The best way is to make sure your kitchen is well organized and all set to be your family’s favorite meeting spot. Here are a few essential kitchen upgrades:

Add Storage

A kitchen that’s well-planned and organized makes it much easier to plan meals, unpack and store groceries, and prepare meals. Combining these things with organized drawers, cabinets, and excellent storage will definitely save you a great deal of time. Regardless of the size of your house, it’s still likely that your drawers and cabinets are full. So, ensure that every single space in your kitchen is clutter-free and well-organized. Opt for a modern kitchen design that offers you additional space like 2-tier corner shelves and expandable kitchen shelves.

Upgrade Old Appliances to Smart Appliances

The constant improvement in kitchen technology has slowly changed the way we approach cooking, store groceries, and interact within our homes. However, cooking isn’t the only thing that benefits from incorporating smart appliances. Smart ovens, sinks, refrigerators, and microwaves will effectively monitor energy usage and prevent wastage.

Enough storage is vital in every kitchen.

You can save a great deal on energy expenses by investing in smart appliances. When you opt for a complete kitchen remodel, the system will also alert you about potential issues in the kitchen. Here are a few benefits:

  • Smart devices provide homeowners with useful notifications.
  • Energy-efficient appliances like these help cut costs.
  • Cooking is made easy.
  • You won’t have to worry about anything when you’re on vacation.
  • Most of these modern kitchen designs are Wi-Fi enabled.

When you decide to incorporate these essential kitchen upgrades, it’s crucial to hire the services of well-established and licensed professionals. They have the expertise and knowledge to carry out such tasks with ease.

Besides, they will also provide you with their input on the various design and material options. They will take your budget and all your specific requirements into consideration and come up with suitable solutions. The company you hire will also utilize the best material and installation techniques to carry out the job. This ensures that you have the ideal kitchen that suits your lifestyle. When you contact professionals, they will see to it that the solutions fit your budget perfectly.

Challenges With Commercial Remodeling

Commercial remodeling projects can be far more complicated than single-family redesigning and renovating. Due to the complexities, property owners can find it tough to manage these on their own.

Common Challenges That Crop-Up in Commercial Remodeling Projects

Most seasoned contractors will tell you that it’s rare for a commercial renovation project to run exactly as planned from start to finish. Many sudden deviances can occur, such as:

  • The budget can go awry as sudden requirements can crop up from time to time.
  • The deadlines may not be met, and there could be delays in materials delivered or construction schedules.
  • Commercial renovations have various moving parts, and even if one aspect fails, the project can become derailed.

These settings cannot afford a lengthy downtime, as it can affect business. It means every task needs to be completed as planned and scheduled. In some cases, upgrades are needed on properties where daily activities continue to be conducted, even when the renovation work is on.

Why Hire Professionals for Commercial Remodeling Management?

Commercial remodeling projects hide countless challenges that require expertise.

Material and product deliveries need to be done on time, and the construction schedules must be on track. The budget is another aspect to keep in mind with these projects. Since there are so many different things to plan during a commercial renovation, you must engage professionals for the job.

When you hire a reputable commercial construction company, they will ensure the entire project moves forward without a glitch. They will appoint a dedicated project manager who will be the single point of contact you can deal with. This individual will maintain communication with you at every stage of the project and keep you updated about the progress.

It’s impossible to overstate how crucial project management is. Most clients do not know what is involved in the process and how to go about it. We are a highly experienced commercial remodeling company and we work with our clients to meet their needs and provide high quality, affordable services.

​Project management skills are vital for proper communication between the different stakeholders involved in the process. We handle all these things skillfully so that the project runs smoothly and with the least disruption and downtime on your premises. If you have any specific requests, queries, or doubts, you can discuss these with the project manager, who will address them appropriately. This professional and thorough approach helps to ensure that your project is completed on time and within budget.

Bathroom Design Trends To Watch For

Home renovation trends ebb and flow. Something that was trendy just last year, my not be so today. If you are planning on a bathroom renovation project, you can research the latest trends. Make sure that the features and materials you choose complement the aesthetic of your home. After all, you do not want this space to stand out like a sore thumb on your property. You want to be sure to plan the bathroom area well and choose wisely.

Latest Bathroom Design Trends

Here are some popular bathroom design trends this year:

Trends may change, so it is important to make a good decision when upgrading your bathroom.
  • Many people are now opting for a minimalist bathroom design. This style involves using simple accessories and fittings and leaving spaces blank, rather than cluttering them. You can create focal points in the bathroom with the addition of some colored/unique/exotic fixtures and fittings.
  • Console-style vanities are also becoming increasingly popular. They are functional, without taking up too much floor space, and you can still store all your daily essentials in them.
  • The focus now is on creating comfortable, airy, and well-illuminated bathrooms. Depending on the ceiling height, you can install modern, discreet lighting fixtures and wall sconces, but make sure that the lighting fixtures are away from any direct water contact.
  • Standalone tubs and sinks continue to be a favorite, and they have a modern appeal with a vintage touch. If you have enough floor space in your bathroom, consider installing this luxurious feature in it. The installation is slightly more expensive than standard installation, but worth every penny that you spend on the bathroom renovation.

Opt For High-Grade Bathroom Renovation Services

No matter what types of bathroom installations you opt for, always focus on quality, practicality, style, and durability. Skilled professionals will guide you through the bathroom renovations process. Since these spaces see daily use and are exposed to water, steam, moisture, and dirt, it’s crucial to use high-quality materials and installation techniques. Hiring proven and experienced operators is the best way to ensure you get the best solutions and services. They will help create resilient, durable, trendy, easy-to-maintain bathroom features. Our skilled and creative designers will work closely with you to get a better understanding of your requirements and preferences so that your bathroom is exactly as you envisioned it to be. This kind of customized and personalized approach matters if you want a space that reflects your preferences and overall styling requirements.

Why Kitchen Islands Are So Popular

Every kitchen has the potential for great functionality, smart storage, and display, but some areas are compact, and there may not be space for these aspects. One of the best ways to solve this problem is to get a kitchen island installed. If you are considering a kitchen renovation and want to improve the functionality and appeal of your kitchen, a new kitchen island will do the trick. If you aren’t very sure about whether this is a good feature for your custom kitchen, read on:
Advantages of a Kitchen Island

There are many advantages to getting a kitchen island installed, such as:

Kitchen islands are elegant and versatile.
  • It adds storage areas in addition to the existing cabinetry.
  • It’s a perfect spot for supervising kids doing homework while you rustle up a meal.
  • The surface can also be used for enjoying informal meals. All you have to do is place bar stools at one end.
  • You can use this surface as a food prep area so that the counter space near the stove doesn’t get cluttered and messy when you are cooking.

Aspects to Keep In Mind When Designing Kitchen Islands

While this feature will surely add dimension, functionality, and beauty to your kitchen, it’s crucial to plan it well. Some aspects to keep in mind include:

  • Make sure you plan an island of the right size. Too large, and it will overwhelm the space and be more of an obstruction rather than a functional installation.
  • Focus on the design of the kitchen island and make sure it complements the cabinets and other elements in that space.
  • Choose the right countertop material, which will be resilient and long-lasting.
  • Select materials that are low-maintenance and easy to clean.
  • Plan the storage and display areas in this structure correctly.
  • Decide whether you are going to have a sink or any cooking source and plan the plumbing accordingly.
  • You can check what the latest kitchen island design trends are, but always keep your kitchen’s styling in mind, or the new feature will stand out like a sore thumb.

One of the simplest ways to get everything right and have the kitchen island of your dreams is to hire skilled, creative professionals for the custom kitchen renovation work. They will provide design options, plans, and make sure there is plenty of storage space. Also, they will guide your material choices, and you will have a stunning kitchen island within no time at all.

Fall Can Be The Best Time To Renovate Your Home

Some people believe that spring and summer are the perfect months to embark upon home improvement projects, but if you have been contemplating on getting your home renovated, fall is actually the perfect time to do so.

Top Reasons Why Renovation in the Fall Is Good

While it’s true that the skies may be clearer during the spring or summer season, there are many aspects that make fall a good time to tackle those renovation projects you intended to all year. Here is some information that can help for your house renovation:

  • The weather is much nicer in fall and it can be harrowing to deal with these tasks in the blistering heat of summer.
  • You will also save money, as you won’t have to keep the air conditioner running continually to keep your home cool while the work is in progress.
  • Contractors are able to complete the work unhindered because schools are back in session and there are fewer people in the house.
  • This also then means that contractors are able to complete projects faster in fall than in the summer months.
  • This is also a time when there is slowdown in the home improvement space and contractors tend to reduce their rates, which means more money in your pocket.
  • You will find that construction supplies and lumber are significantly cheaper during fall.
  • Many home improvement stores run sales and offers on many products and materials during off-season. You can buy the items you need at reduced prices and save money.
  • Custom home contractors are happy to handle interior renovation projects during the fall compared to outdoor remodels and renovations, and that improves their productivity.

During winter, upgrades to your home’s exterior are extremely hard. Take advantage to upgrade your home’s interior during the fall.

Tips for House Renovation Projects

Here are some tips to follow:

  • Chalk-out your budget, as it is easy to go overboard and spend more than you intended.
  • Decide which spaces to renovate and plan them well.
  • Create a detailed plan about the features you want to renovate and install.
  • Select designs and styles that will sync with the overall aesthetic of your home.
  • Focus on creating functional and practical interiors that also look great.
  • Hire a reputable and experienced custom homes contractor for your home renovation project.
  • Make sure they understand your needs and have the resources and skills to customize solutions, provide quality construction, while staying within budget.

With the holidays fast-approaching, take the opportunity to get your house renovation done and the upgrades you have wanted now. It will give you beautiful spaces to entertain family and friends once the colder weather sets in.