Author Archives: Cari

About Cari

Cari Barron, owner and founder of Contractor Hotline, purchased a home in need of various repairs in 2002. The process to find a quality home remodeling contractor proved to be a complex challenge. The first-hand experience was the inspiration behind founding Contractor Hotline in 2006. Connect with her on Google+

Outdoor Living Spaces, Bringing the Inside Outside!

The weather in the Pacific Northwest is wildly unpredictable. A sunny day in February might be 70 degrees, while April could bring snow flurries. That said, the three months out of the year of near-perfect weather make the other nine months worth the wait. If you like to maximize your time outdoors once the weather is conducive, now is the time to make sure your outdoor living space is ready.

Depending on how much space you have available to work with, the opportunities for elevating your outdoor experience are endless. Is dining alfresco something you enjoy? Consider carving out some underutilized space for an outdoor dining area. Perhaps add a patio or convert an existing patio into an outdoor kitchen. An outdoor fire pit is a cozy place to gather with friends and family after sunset. These are just a few ways to expand your living space and add value to your home.

Patios

If you don’t already have a hard surface in which to transition your outdoor space into an alfresco oasis, perhaps you want to consider adding a patio. Patios add value to the home and can provide a variety of uses. They are the perfect location for a table and chairs, container gardening, or even a canvas for children’s chalk art. Some popular types of patios are stamped concrete and paver patios.

Stamped Concrete: This is a popular option because of the beautiful aesthetics and durability for your outdoor environment. It doesn’t take a lot of maintenance, such as required with a wood deck. Typically, the surface is sealed, which protects and gives the surface a “wet” look. Re-sealing is generally required every three to five years.

Paver Patios: Paver patios are an excellent choice if you’re looking for another long-term option. They are anti-slip, durable, and over time will withstand cracking and weather damage. It also comes with unlimited design options and virtually no maintenance costs. The only disadvantage is the potential weed-growth between the cracks, which isn’t anything a little natural, vinegar-based weed killer can’t solve.

Outdoor Kitchen

Do you love to cook and entertain? Enhance the alfresco dining experience even further by adding an outdoor kitchen, combining a love of cooking with the great outdoors. Adding a kitchen is a larger commitment and investment. Like a patio, it adds value to your home and entertaining options.

Outdoor kitchens are designed to withstand exposure, within reason. Typically, they are constructed with some type of overhead roof cover and open air on the sides. This design, along with a heat source allows for maximum use, nearly year-round. An outdoor kitchen will need to have a water and electrical supply, and possibly natural gas, if available, or propane. Construction and zoning rules are careful considerations for this type of project. Consulting with a certified home improvement contractor who specializes in outdoor upgrades will be helpful.

Sun Protection & Lighting

Keep in mind how your outdoor space will serve you, day and night. By day, you might want some protection from the sun. Just type in sun awnings or sun shades in your favorite browser. It’s amazing the variety of designs and options available. After dark, outdoor lighting plays a large part in the ambience and usefulness of your space. Experiment to find that perfect balance of not having to play hide and seek with your guests while maintaining a soothing glow on those warm summer nights. Don’t forget about pathways. Strategically placed solar stake lights are inexpensive and will help avoid anyone tripping on the journey to your outdoor mecca.

Fire Pits

Another source of light and warmth is an outdoor fire pit. Adding a fire pit to your patio or outdoor kitchen pulls everything, and everyone, together. Common options are gas and wood burning fire pits. Gas is clean and easy to light and doesn’t give off smoke. If you like chopping wood and enjoy a natural flame, then a traditional wood burning fire pit is for you. Be sure to check with your city’s zoning rules to see if wood burning fire pits are allowed in your area.

Each of these outdoor enhancements is a guaranteed way to sizzle up your summer, convince your guests into thinking they stepped onto the pages of Landscaper’s Digest, and get the kids away from being glued to their screens.

There are no bad ideas when it comes to renovating your outdoor space for entertaining. We invite you to get creative. Even the smallest of updates can elevate the outdoor experience for yourself, your family, and your guests. For larger projects such as a kitchen or patio installation, make sure you have a certified contractor who specializes in that specific type of outdoor renovation.

If you need assistance with any of these projects or upgrades, we can connect you with the appropriate service professionals for your specific needs. Just let us know how we can help by completing our online Work Request today!

How to Sell Your Home for Maximum Profit

For those planning to sell their home in 2019, spring can be the opportune time to place it on the market. In addition to the right timing, selling a home in a reasonable amount of time for the best possible price requires some careful strategy.

Step 1 – Consult with a Real Estate Professional

The first and most important step is to consult with a real estate professional. They will walk you through the steps of what to expect and how to best prepare and show your home to maximize return. You only have one chance to make that all important first impression. Following are tips we have gleaned from the real estate professionals we know and trust.

Step 2 – Price it Right

The next step to a successful sale is to make certain you have priced your home accurately. This means you have had a Realtor help you price your home to sell taking into consideration the market, the condition of your home, and the current competition around you. Once you have done this, you need to turn your attention to the condition of your home. The biggest mistake people make in preparing their home for sale is that they put all their efforts into the interior. They spend countless hours prepping and painting the walls making certain that everything is perfect, forgetting one of the most important aspects – the first impression.

Step 3 – Curb Appeal

The minute they pull up to a home, most buyers know if this is a place where they see themselves living. If your home is lacking curb appeal, you will have a much harder time getting someone to come inside. If your lawn is over grown and your gardens look disheveled, a prospective buyer will often skip over your home. You must have the exterior of your home match the standard of the interior or you may never get them to come inside. Serious buyers are looking at numerous houses and your home must stand out from the crowd.

The easiest way to assess your home’s curb appeal is to stand across the street. What is the first thing you see? Can you even see your home? Clear yard debris, power wash driveways and sidewalks, and bring in color with fresh bark and flowers. Pay special attention to your front door. Does it need replacing or repainting? Remove all cobwebs and make certain the entry is clean and crisp. You can be certain, while the real estate agent is busy gathering the key, the prospective buyer will be sizing up the front entryway.

Step 4 – Clean and Stage

Once you have them inside you only have a few minutes to help them see your house as their next future home. If it is in your budget, hire a professional house cleaner and home stager. Remember, your home is in competition with many other homes. Don’t leave that tattered old sofa in your living room. Remove all excess clutter and family pictures. If you are in the process of packing, designate an area in the garage for neatly stacked boxes. Make sure the kitchen and all bathroom counters are clear of personal items. Specially placed items such as a decorative cook book or splashes of color can be added in their place. Set your dining room table for two to four places. Keep it simple with a charger, plate, bowl or decorative napkin, and wine glasses. Make all the beds, every day. Invest in fresh towels and silk plants or spa baskets for all bathrooms. Stores like Tuesday Morning are great places to find inexpensive towels and linens. You don’t have to spend a fortune to make your home look like a treasure.

Step 5 – Odor out!

If you have pets do everything possible to not have them in your home when it is for sale. Odors are the number one reason buyers won’t purchase a home. Musty, mildew, or pet smells will steer buyers clear of your home. If you have dogs in the home, make sure they are in crates. If possible, invest the money to have your dogs or cats boarded, or have them stay at a friend’s house.

Step 6 – Get an Inspection and Make Repairs

Last, but not least, if you know of things that are malfunctioning, get them fixed. Hire a home inspector to do a pre-sale inspection and take care of the things that are called to your attention before you open the house to the public. The inspection report, along with a list of those items that have been addressed, can be a beneficial tool to provide to a prospective buyer.

Taking the time to get your home ready to sell will save you time on the market and ultimately bring a higher return on your investment.

For Realtor, Home Inspector, or Mortgage Service recommendations, you may consider some of the professionals we have grown to know and trust. Visit the Links Page on our website for more information.

Just Finish it! Attic and Basement Finishing

Is your family outgrowing your home? Do you want more living space but selling and buying a larger house is out of the question? A good solution might be right under your nose, or roof that is.

In multi-level houses, the main floor tends to be the most utilized and gets the most attention. Typically, this is where the primary entrance, living room, and kitchen are located. While this might continue to be the family hub, there could be a gold mine of extra space potential in either an unfinished attic or basement. Before uprooting or considering a costly home addition, it might be worth taking a closer look at underutilized space you already have. Finishing an attic or basement could give your family some much needed extra space, add value to your house, and could be less expensive to accomplish than many other significant home improvement projects.

ATTICS

An attic is typically known to house all those things we no longer remember having or seldom access. Unpacked boxes from that move five years ago, holiday decorations, vintage toys, and spiders – all preserved under a thick layer of dust. This underutilized space could be transformed into an extra bedroom, an organized storage area, or home office or studio, all while increasing the value of your home.

Not all attics are suitable to upgrade to a living space. Consulting with an architect or remodeling contractor will help determine the best approach. Building codes will dictate allowable ceiling height and overall square footage minimums, accessibility requirements, and weight load. If your attic isn’t quite up to snuff to meet code, some modifications can make a difference. Adding a dormer for extra space and light or beefing up the floor joists to accommodate extra weight load are potential options.

After evaluating the attic’s potential uses, deciding on a budget for finishing the attic will help determine which direction to go next. For the most value and cost-effective loft remodel with a mid-range budget, turn the space into a combination living space and storage area. Other uses for an attic space include converting it into an additional bedroom, play area, or bonus room. Installing a skylight or dormer with a window will help make the space larger and brighter. Ensure it is properly insulated for maximum comfort and efficiency during all seasons.

BASEMENTS

Basements often get a bad reputation. Hollywood portrays them as the dark, cold area of a house better deemed as the background of a horror movie than a livable space. Don’t let yourself be fooled. Basements, just like the attic, are typically another underdeveloped part of a house. Often this underutilized area can be finished to create an additional cozy living space in your home.

Like any remodel, having a budget and plan of how to design the space is essential. Obtaining an appraisal for the value of your basement is helpful to decide a design theme and how extensive to take the renovation. Ideally, you want to keep your budget between five and ten percent of your overall home’s value.

Due to a basements typical open floor plan, most are conducive to adding or removing extra walls. Make sure there is at least a 7-foot ceiling clearance and adequate windows or exits (for bedrooms). Unlike an attic space, which is typically more cramped with angled ceilings, the area in a basement is more versatile and usually more substantial. It can be transformed into a variety of uses such as an extra living room, storage space, or spare bedroom. Consult with a designer or remodeling contractor to help determine the best use of the space, and to ensure it meets code or can be modified to meet code.

Transforming the basement into another living space such as a home office or extra bedroom are some of the most common remodeling ideas. These multi-functional rooms are perfect for a growing family or home-based business. Perhaps a separate entertainment area is more on your agenda. The possibilities are endless from a media or game room, to a man cave, art studio, or whatever your heart desires!

Attics and basements have nearly endless potential, depending on how you wish to transform them. Breathing new life into these typically underused spaces can be more cost-effective than an addition and add overall value to your existing home. Make sure you work with a reputable designer or remodeling contractor to ensure your upgrades comply with local building codes and best suit your needs and desires.

Let us help you find a home improvement professional that can help make all your attic and basement finishing dreams come true!

Sustainable Home Improvements

In today’s world “go green” encompasses a more impactful meaning than it did even a few short years ago. As society moves toward a more eco-friendly mindset, you might think about how a more sustainable home can help your pocketbook and decrease your carbon footprint. Creating an energy efficient home is an investment. It involves a lot of initial planning and upfront costs. In the long run it should decrease overall energy consumption, improve your home’s comfort, and increase value and desirability at resale. Another benefit, some energy efficient upgrades also qualify for tax credits and reimbursement programs.

If you plan on renovating your current residence or building a home from the ground up, this is an ideal time to optimize energy efficiency opportunities. There are multiple ways to make your home more sustainable. Some of the most popular are water heating, solar energy, lighting and daylighting, air-sealing and insulation, appliances and home electronics, sustainable building materials, and water conserving plants and landscape design.

Water Heating/Tankless Water Heaters

A tankless water heater uses 30 to 50 percent less energy than units with tanks. It can save the average family about $100 each year. It is smaller and more compact than a standard 40 to 50-gallon storage tank. Instead of continuously heating a large water tank, it works by only heating water on demand and allows a continuous supply of hot water (i.e. no more cold showers!)

Solar Panels

According to EnergyInformative.org the U.S solar market grew 76 percent in 2012. This is largely due to the sizeable return on investment savings. In most places, solar energy can save the average homeowner roughly $100 per month in heating and cooling costs. The federal tax credit (extended through 2019) can reduce your tax bill by 30 percent of the total installation cost. In addition, Washington has some of the best state solar incentives. Take advantage of incentives while they last. In addition to saving you money, it creates energy independence and reduces emissions. Solar energy is the cleanest energy source available.

Lighting and Daylighting

This might seem like an obvious choice. Installing energy efficient windows in strategic locations can increase natural light in your home, reduce the need for artificial light, and decrease overall electricity consumption. Skylights have the same effect and are also aesthetically pleasing. Energy savings vary depending on how many windows or skylights are used and where they are placed.

Air Sealing and Insulation

Taking time to ensure your home is weatherized and air-tight will make your home more comfortable and reduce the amount of energy needed to heat and cool your home. Caulking and installing weather stripping can be an inexpensive DIY project. Caulking is best used for smaller cracks around window frames while weather stripping is more appropriate around door frames and windows that open.

Ensuring the attic and crawl space are properly insulated will help keep your home warm in winter and cool in the summer. Insulation works by conducting heat and maintaining warmth in the existing space. During warmer temperatures, insulation confines cooler air and deflects warm air from entering the home. Depending on how much you increase the R-Value, you may be eligible for rebates from your energy provider. To get the most benefit, be sure the insulation contractor you hire is an approved installer with your local utility service.

Appliances and Home Electronics

Electrical devices account for more than 30 percent of the average energy bill. Energy-efficient or solar powered appliances are designed to greatly reduce energy consumption. When choosing more energy efficient appliances look for the Energy Star labels. These products are designed to use an average of 30 percent less water and 20 percent less energy than their lesser efficient counterparts.

Sustainable Building Materials

When renovating your home for energy efficiency, building materials aren’t always something that initially come to mind. However, like the rest of the energy-saving products above, they can save you money and reduce environmental impact. Sustainable building materials are durable, reusable, and derived from natural sources or recyclable materials. Bamboo is one of the most eco-friendly building materials on Earth. It is a sustainable and attractive wood alternative for many home building applications. It is a fast growing, perennial grass that continues to grow without having to be replanted. It is also prevalent around the world, thus, easy to find. It is particularly durable, making it an excellent choice for flooring or cabinets.

Landscape Water Conservation

Who says you need a machine to save water? Take conservation efforts to your garden by using water-conserving plants. Replacing water thirsty lawns with drought tolerant vegetation saves time on upkeep and money on reducing water usage. Plants such as lavender, sea holly, and kangaroo paw, need little to no water to survive. If you prefer indoor plants, start collecting succulents which only require water once every couple of weeks, or less.

Overall, designing and developing a more sustainable, eco-friendly home takes careful planning and renovating. In the long run, you’ll have a more self-reliant house that naturally saves you money and has a more positive impact on the world.

Fireplace Reface

The fireplace is a natural focal point in your home. Left untouched it can make the entire room appear tired and dated.

These before and after photos from a fireplace renovation project in Snohomish, WA, is an example.

BEFORE

AFTER

However, replacing a fireplace is no small undertaking and can be messy and expensive. A more cost-effective and efficient approach may be to reface the fireplace. A reface focuses on upgrading the visible surface of the fireplace, without changing its functionality or how it heats the room. Think of it as giving your fireplace a facelift. If the fireplace is otherwise sound and in proper working condition, refacing may be a good alternative for you.

Before any renovations begin, and especially if you have an older fireplace, it’s recommended you hire a certified chimney sweep to thoroughly clean and inspect the fireplace and chimney. They should be checking for any safety concerns or recommended maintenance or repairs. Once you are confident the fireplace is in good, operable condition, let the fun begin!

The cost of refacing a fireplace can vary greatly depending on what materials you are using, how drastic you want the refacing to be, and how large the fireplace. There are several refacing materials to choose from. Depending on budget and what kind of design you are looking for a few options are concrete, tile, wood, or stone slabs, such as slate or granite. All of these and more are viable options for breathing new life into your old fireplace.

Concrete or Stucco

This material can be applied directly over the surface of an existing masonry fireplace and finished with a design appropriate texture. The dry mixes can be combined with water to create a clay consistency. It is applied by hand and finished with a trowel or any number of tools to create either a smooth or unique texture. This is a creative and inexpensive way to upgrade your fireplace, and you can do it yourself.

Wood Facing

Wood is a natural material that is versatile enough to upgrade any area of a home, the fireplace included. Wood planks or panels work well for this type application. Options are limitless in size, texture, and color. If applied over masonry, you’ll first need to install wood batts so there is something to attach the wood panels. Before proceeding be sure to check with your local building authority. Fire code limits how any combustible material, including wood, is installed around a fireplace. If you aren’t sure how to proceed, this application might be best left to a professional.

Tile

Tile is a traditional and often used material for fireplace refacing. The multiple choices for color and design make it easy to match your home design. Price varies and can be quite affordable or expensive, depending on your taste and choice. Tile and stone slabs can be applied directly to most smooth surfaces, such as drywall. Uneven surfaces like masonry must first be prepared, usually by smoothing the surface with a coat of mortar.

These are just a few ideas to get the creative juices flowing for your fireplace refacing project. Have fun exploring your options and choose a design that will complement your home’s style and your budget. Do your fireplace a favor and give it a much needed “spa day.”

Smarter Than Alexa

“Alexa, let me know when someone is breaking into my home,” said no one ever. Let’s assume her response would be honest, as in, she can’t. As technology evolves to make our lives easier, smart homes are the newest addition to technological convenience. Although digital assistants, like Amazon’s Alexa or Apple’s Siri, can recite the weather or play your favorite song, they cannot stop an intruder from entering your home. Luckily, smart home security systems can. There are several smart home security options to choose from. Make sure to do some research before you put your house on lockdown.

Smart Locks

Pretty self-explanatory, these are replacement locks for exterior doors that can be controlled by your smartphone. It is an easy way to manage your locks from afar and to never lock yourself out of your house again – unless you lose your phone.

A smart lock can range from $100 to $300, depending on how advanced the options. Most smart locks include an easy-to-use app in which to lock and unlock it remotely. The most advanced smart locks offer features like voice activation; auto-locking, that locks after its been unlocked for a specific amount of time; and geofencing, which automatically locks after your smartphone leaves a preset perimeter around your home. In some cases, installation might be complicated. Hiring a locksmith knowledgeable in new technology will help get your locks installed quickly and correctly.

According to PCMag.com the top choice for a smart lock is the August Smart Lock Pro + Connect. It costs under $300.00 and is easy to install. Its features include geofencing, voice activation, and IFTTT support.

Smart Home Security

If you want to upgrade more than just your locks, a smart home security system is an option. Although it’s more expensive than the alternative smart lock, it offers a more comprehensive security system to keep intruders out and your family and belongings safe.

Options depend on what you are looking for and how advanced you want your security to get. There are self-monitoring systems with 24/7 surveillance by professionals who will notify the police or fire department if suspicious activity occurs.

A smart home security system uses Wi-Fi to connect to your home and can be monitored by an app. Most programs usually include window and door sensors or a motion detector that communicates to a wireless hub. More comprehensive programs include door locks, garage door openers, smoke detectors, surveillance cameras, lights, and more. The app will allow you to access, control, and customize all the features the security system offers, and will also notify you if any of the options are triggered.

If you want eyes on the outside of your home, an outside camera can provide 24-hour surveillance accessible from your phone. According to PCMag.com, one of the top choices for a smart security system is the ADT Pulse. It offers the best app and web services with fast and knowledgeable service reps and comprehensive security options. However, it is on the spendy side and requires a three-year contract with a termination penalty.

Overall, regardless of your budget, there are several options to improve your home’s security intelligence. From a simple, smart lock installation to a comprehensive smart home security system with 24-hour surveillance, as technology advances there are more and more options with “smarter” solutions to help keep you and your home safe and secure.

That’s What She Shed

Move over men, the female revolution has arrived. For every Man Cave, there should now be a She Shed. A She Shed, or Babe Cave, is the female equivalent of a Man Cave, and is a tranquil space to relax and rejuvenate from the many responsibilities women have.

Like the Man Cave, the She Shed should reflect what is most important to you, but in an environment separate from the chaos of everyday life. This can include an area for hobbies such as yoga, a personal library, horticulture, crafting, or even a place to escape for a much-needed nap.

This is another fun home improvement project because it allows you to use your imagination and design a space specifically for you. She Sheds are typically a separate space from the house in another small building, similar to a tiny-house or storage shed. However, a home or room renovation can incorporate a She Shed into your existing living space and re-utilize rooms you already have.

Garage

This is an easy and inexpensive way to create a She Shed without an extensive renovation. Borrow an unused corner and frame in a small space. Finish with drywall, paint, lighting, and ventilation.

Patio

If your house includes a large patio, renovating it into a She Shed is a simple way to incorporate your own personality and touches into an existing space. The renovations would be limited with minimal costs, and it also provides ample space for entertaining.

Separate Space

If you don’t have an existing space to incorporate a she Shed consider adding an out building in a portion of your backyard. If you currently have a storage shed, you can clean it out and utilize that space. This is the most convenient way to create a She Shed, and it will give you the motivation to cross off shed cleaning from the to-do list. The renovations are easy because the base walls are there, so the primary goal is designing the inside. If you don’t have an existing shed you can buy an easy-to-build kit or purchase one at a home improvement store, such as Home Depot.

After establishing a space for your She Shed the design possibilities are endless. It’s up to you to define the purpose for your She Shed and how to incorporate it into your life. Basic design ideas are a fresh coat of paint, fill the space with unique pieces or antiques that reflect your personality, incorporate some greenery, make an inviting entryway, add appropriate lighting, and include an area for entertaining if that is an important element.

These are just a few ideas to help you get started in creating your unique oasis. For many this is a fun and relatively easy DIY project. If that’s not your cup of tea, we can help you find a certified contractor to assist.

Man Cave Essentials

Ahh, the iconic man cave. An escape from screaming children bouncing from one wall to the other, household chores, yard work, and any other “manly” responsibilities one might have.

A home improvement project to build a man cave is an opportunity where the man and the man alone, has free-range for design and creativity. An article from Men’s Health Magazine stated, studies from a 2010 survey done at the University of Southern California of couples in their 30s and 40s found that men’s cortisol levels significantly dropped when they had more solo leisure time in their own homes. Want your man less stressed? Start planning.

If you are in the market to remodel an existing room or transform space in a garage or basement to create the perfect shrine of testosterone and a little piece of heaven for the man in your house then below are a few tips and steps to get you started. A man cave renovation can be as simple or as complicated as you want, it all comes down to space, design, and budget.

Choosing a space

Unless you have an abundance of extra rooms in your home this can be a tough decision. A den or office space is an ideal room to transform into a man cave, but usually, space is limited. Make detailed plans that align with what you deem the most important part of the room. For example, a bar, or entertainment center would be an excellent place to start. If you plan on installing additional plumbing or alternative water sources, make sure to hire a contractor to ensure your renovations are installed correctly.

Budget

Other than choosing a space, this is an essential part of prepping a man cave, because you could quickly go broke. Create a list of essential items you want for the room. For example, one of the most envy-inducing elements of a man cave is a big screen, HDTV. A budget will help you limit your desires from an unrealistic fantasy to only the necessary ones.

Layout

Designing a layout is a crucial part of any home improvement project, including a man cave. Center your design around a critical object, like an entertainment center or a bar. Make sure the most important element (to you) is the focus of attention. Complete the room’s look with plenty of comfy and relaxing furniture. A bar might be an essential piece of a man cave. You can either hire a contractor or extend your budget by building your own. Construct a bar using 2X4’s for the frame and standard plywood for the base–available at Lowe’s or Home Depot. Use granite, tile, or similar material for the countertop, and paint or tile to dress up the front.

Developing a space, sticking to a budget, and figuring out the perfect design are just the basics of creating the ideal man oasis to escape into, but putting your personal touches to your man cave will make it your own. If you’re doing any major home improvement projects, it may be best to hire a certified contractor to help with the renovations. Let us help you find the perfect one today!

Upside to Downsizing

Downsizing can be challenging, especially when it comes to reducing the amount of ‘stuff’ one has. After living in a home for an extended period, possessions tend to pile up. However, making the effort to clear the clutter and reduce your possessions to those ‘must-haves’ can be very liberating. Plus, there are many financial and physical benefits of moving towards a smaller home, including a smaller mortgage or rent, lower property taxes and insurance, and reduced utility costs. Intangible advantages include a “less is more” mentality and reduced home maintenance and upkeep.

According to the census bureau, in 2016 the median size of a completed single-family house was 2,422 square feet. This size is smaller than the all-time high square footage from the 2015 census, which was 2,687 square feet. As a society, we are moving toward less square footage year by year.

A smaller, more compact home is much easier to manage because of the limited space available. Therefore, it’s essential every area of the house is utilized. Creating flexible spaces that can accommodate versatile furniture is useful and necessary. For example, transform an open area to a space with better storage capacity. Or, convert an existing space into a multi-purpose room, like combining the laundry and mudroom.

If you are looking to significantly downsize a tiny house might be an excellent option to consider. Tiny houses are becoming more popular for both functionality and affordability. Think of a tiny-house as a better version of a motorhome. It can be hitched up to a trailer and travel anywhere. Some tiny houses are entirely self-sufficient and include rain catchers and solar panels; others need water and energy hook-ups.

The cost to build or purchase a tiny house is significantly less than a traditional home. The price can range from $20,000 to $50,000, which is a substantially lower mortgage. A tiny house is also super energy efficient. Say good bye to those high energy bills. Whether it uses solar power or needs to be hooked up to a power source, the energy needs of a tiny house are much less than that of a traditional home.

Perfect for the environmentalist a tiny house is so small it can be made of recycled or repurposed materials and molded into a design that you can get creative with. If you are thinking of downsizing into a tiny home, there are a few questions to ask yourself. Are you prepared to rid yourself of most of your belongings? Why do you want to downsize? Does everyone in your family want to make a move?

Downsizing into a tiny house is a dramatic move that’s not for everyone. If you plan to design a house from scratch, you might be best served consulting with a professional contractor who specializes in tiny home design and construction.

We’re moving toward an age where “less is more,” and downsizing is a perfect way to declutter your life. Whether it’s transitioning to a smaller place or moving toward a tiny home, living in a smaller space is practical, more affordable, and overall easier to maintain.

Bedroom Make-Overs for Maximum Results

A bedroom remodel or make-over can be a minor home improvement project with maximum results

You know those people who wake up looking refreshed and rejuvenated for the day? Waking up refreshed has a lot to do with your bedroom environment. With a bit of thoughtful planning, a bedroom space can have a positive effect on your mood and disposition.

Remodeling a bedroom can be a minor home improvement project with potentially maximum results. Even small alterations such as a fresh coat of paint or adding a functional piece of furniture can transform your bedroom into a peaceful sanctuary. Below are five ways to turn your bedroom from a functional room used only for sleep to a tranquil refuge of rejuvenation.

Splash Some Neutrals

This might seem like an obvious idea, but a fresh coat of paint can help take your walls from a dull white to the soothing hues of a day spa. However, don’t stray from a neutral color scheme like soft grey, or very light yellow. The soft neutral palette of pale blues and greys are also useful and eye-pleasing, and an elegant mixture of taupes, creams, and whites is equally tranquil. If you want a splash of color an accent wall can add dimension and creativity without being overwhelming.

Add a Seating Area

This might seem silly if you don’t spend a lot of time in your bedroom. However, adding a chaise lounge or accent chairs with a small table can open up a room and add a place for quiet solitude.

Invest in High-Quality Bedding

Emulate sleeping in a luxury hotel every night by investing in some quality bedding. Look for 100 percent natural fiber sheets such as cotton or linen. The softness of your sheets and pillowcases are healthy for your skin, and you will feel like you are on vacation every night. A fluffy comforter or duvet cover with soft patterns or neutral colors will complete the look.

Embrace Minimalism

This might be further on the list, but it is the most important. Clutter is a prerequisite for stress, so the less clutter you have laying around, the more relaxed your room will feel. Also, try and rid yourself of unnecessary belongings, or create a well-organized storage area.

Invest in a Headboard

To complete the look of a more minimalistic, calming atmosphere, a headboard can be the focal point of a room. If you like to read in bed a neutral-colored, upholstered headboard is a cozy backdrop to lean against. A wood headboard may be a good choice for a more rustic atmosphere. Get creative, have fun, and choose something that meets your needs and compliments your décor.

When remodeling, the most thought goes into the public areas of a house, and the bedroom is often overlooked. Considering we spend a third of our lives sleeping, it’s almost ironic we don’t focus more on the tranquility of a bedroom. To experience ultimate tranquility in your bedroom don’t overlook neutral colors, functional accent furniture, a prominent bed-frame, or minimalism.

If you would like to be connected with a designer who specializes in room make-overs, we can help! Submit a work request today and see how your space can be transformed into a peaceful sanctuary.