Home Remodeling vs. Renovation
Revamping the functionality and aesthetics of your home is a great way to enhance its resale value, as well as simply improve the overall quality of life available. This objective can be accomplished by initiating a remodeling or renovation project. Although the two activities are closely related, there are still a few aspects that set them apart.
What’s the Difference?
In simple terms, a Remodeling project focuses on altering the features of an area through additions and improvements. This can include the addition of a new shower or expansion of a particular room. Renovation, on the other hand, generally focuses on improving the nature of existing features without necessarily changing the appearance of the space involved.
Which is Better?
Choosing between renovation and remodeling will depend on your particular needs and objectives. Remodeling projects tend to be more expensive because of the activities involved but also feature greater results. Renovations, on the other hand, are a good option for homeowners looking to simply improve the functionality of their homes.
No matter which you choose, hiring a reliable contracting service is crucial to your chances of success. We offer a wide variety of quality remodeling and renovation solutions at affordable prices, so call us today! Exponential Construction, your preferred contractor.…
Benefits of a Bathroom Remodel
Bathroom remodels are arguably one of the most popular options for residential renovation projects. A poll conducted by Today’s Homeowner in 2022 targeting homeowners with remodeling experience found that 27% of those interviewed focused on a bathroom remodel, making it the most popular section of the house to update. When done correctly, upgrading this area can feature multiple benefits, some of which include:
Significant Return On Investment (ROI)
The kind of ROI you will enjoy with your Framingham MA Bathroom Remodeling project will depend on several aspects including the funds invested, the activities involved, and the quality of the results. Numerous studies have reported that full-scale bathroom remodels can bring about an ROI of approximately 60%. It should be noted that the ROI is generally enjoyed when a homeowner places their residence on the market, as this allows them to increase their asking price. Individuals who choose to rent out their property, however, can also enjoy a feasible return on their capital investment by raising the rent as a result of upgraded amenities. As mentioned earlier, the initial funds invested will influence the ROI enjoyed. Investing $2000 on a tile installation project, for example, will likely only bring a gain of a couple of hundred dollars. Full-scale bathroom remodels, however, might cost about $20,000 and feature a return of approximately $15,000. As such, it can be argued that the more you invest the higher the potential ROI involved.
Improved Functionality
In simple terms, functionality can be defined as the ability of a fixture to accommodate a particular purpose. Initiating a bathroom remodel enhances the practicality of this space, allowing for higher-quality experiences when utilized. In this case, functionality is measured according to the particular needs and requirements of a homeowner. Individuals living with senior citizens, for example, might want to install grab bars within the shower to offer a stable support system for these elderly individuals. Having your Framingham MA Bathroom Remodeling contractor install an instant hot water system can also be another effective solution for households with few bathrooms and busy mornings – as individuals will have a shorter waiting period after a person leaves the shower for the water to heat up again.
Better Standards of Living
Improving your overall shower or bath experience can be an effective way of improving your general standards of living by encouraging a more positive psyche. Apart from the hygiene-related benefits that can be enjoyed with the cleaning process, a comfortable bath or shower can also significantly influence a person’s mood for the better. According to multiple psychological studies, a good bath/shower can reduce the levels of stress and anxiety experienced by an individual as well as promote relaxation and improve the quality of sleep you enjoy. This can lead to a boost in your energy and productivity levels as well as enhance an individual’s confidence and self-esteem. An article published by the University of California (UCLA) also reported that showers can be an effective means of battling symptoms of depression, improving …
How Much Should You Spend on a Home Remodel?
One of the leading aspects any homeowner considers with a remodel is the potential costs involved. Different strategies will feature varying budgets. However, the question remains – how much should you spend when hiring Remodeling Contractors?
Breaking Down the Numbers
The particular budget you should set aside for your remodel will largely be based on the size of your house. Studies conducted by HomeAdvisor reported that houses in the 1000 sq foot range can require a budget of approximately $19,000, while anything between 3000 and 4000 sq feet could have a budget of up to $87,000. These numbers should only be taken as suggestions, however, as no budget is written in stone.
Going from Room to Room
If you’re looking to remodel specific areas of your house, the budget can be harder to ascertain, but size still plays a role. Bathrooms, for instance, could cost an average of $2000 on the low end, while the high end could go up to $15,000. Kitchens can be a bit more costly and will average between $4,000 and $30,000 depending on the size involved.
All in all, your budget, in the long run, will be determined by your particular needs. We offer quality, affordable home remodeling services in the Newton area, so call us today! Exponential Construction, your preferred contractor.
Finding the Right Bathroom Remodeling Contractor
According to a study published by Global Market Insights, the US bathroom remodeling market was projected to experience a 4% growth between 2021 and 2027. This room is arguably one of the most popular sections of the house when it comes to remodeling projects, and offers a great return on investment when conducted appropriately. It should be noted, however, that this venture involves a wide scope of elements and can seem quite chaotic without professional guidance.
Hiring an established Newton MA Bathroom Remodeling contractor is crucial when looking to enhance your chances of success. A survey conducted by the research website Statista reported that 85% of the respondents interviewed stated that they sought professional help with their bathroom remodeling endeavors. Finding the right service provider is crucial to the potential results enjoyed. There are numerous options available in the market so finding a suitable solution might not be as easy as one might expect.
Some strategies you can implement when seeking a reliable bathroom remodeling contractor include:
Consider Multiple Options
You should never rush through the process when looking through the remodeling services available in the market. According to IBIS World, the remodeling industry features over 800, 000 employees. This is a good reflection of the large number of options available in the renovation industry. Going through every option available in your region can take too long to accomplish, with many professionals recommending starting with 5 or 6 before whittling it down to a final 3. You can then set up interviews with the remaining candidates before making a final decision.
Identify Experienced Alternatives
Hiring a contractor with specific experience in the bathroom remodeling market is another effective means of finding the best possible candidate. General contractors will take up different types of remodeling projects including bathroom renovations. However, firms that specialize in bathroom remodels as an individual market are likely to have a workforce with higher levels of expertise when it comes to this part of the house. Contractors should have a workforce with established designations such as Certified Bath Designer (CBD) that is awarded by the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA), or Certified Kitchen and Bath Remodelers (CKBR) awarded by the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI). Such designations prove that the firm has gone the extra mile in enhancing its expertise in the Newton MA Bathroom Remodeling industry.
Browse through Past Reviews
After identifying your 3 final candidates, you should make a point of investigating public opinion in the consumer market. Any potential candidate should have an established presence in the industry and have been around for at least 3 years. With that in mind, they should have arguably worked with multiple clients in the past who would have left a review regarding their experience. Many companies tend to publish client testimonials on their website, but it’s safe to say that these publications will feature a level of bias toward the company. Some reliable independent review sites you can use when seeking honest client reviews …
How to Start a Home Remodel
Remodeling your home is a great way to enhance the aesthetics and functionality of your home. However, things can be a bit confusing if you have no prior experience with such a venture. If you’re not too sure of how to go about your Home Remodeling Newton MA project, some places you can start include:
Highlight your Priorities
It’s crucial to highlight the objectives you would like to accomplish at the end of the project. You can start with general goals such as improving the appearance of certain rooms, and then get down to the nitty-gritty with more detailed aspects such as enhancing the natural light available and improving the foot traffic around communal areas.
Hire a Reliable Contractor
Hiring an established contractor represents your best chance of success. You might be tempted to approach the venture as a DIY project, but multiple aspects could go wrong when taking this approach, especially if you have no level of expertise with the workmanship involved. Contractors are also insured and bonded, offering a financial safety net.
Permit Application
The activities involved with your project will determine the particular permits you need. In most cases, complete overhauls will require building, electrical, and plumbing permits. Failure to get these licenses might require you to demolish any work done. For quality home remodeling services in Newton, call us today! Exponential Construction, your preferred contractor.…
What to Consider with a Sink Installation
Kitchens are one of the most popular areas to start with when undertaking a remodeling project. In an article published in the Washington Post, Skylar Olsen, the Chief Economist for Zillow states that even the smallest kitchen remodel endeavors can have a great return on investment (ROI). The Architectural Digest notes that upgrading your kitchen can have up to a 67% ROI, while a complete kitchen remodel can feature an ROI of up to 75%.
One of the primary sectors that a majority of extensive kitchen remodeling projects focus on is the sink. This feature represents a crucial piece of the puzzle when it comes to a functional kitchen and no cooking area is complete without one. As simple as it sounds, there are multiple options to consider when having a Framingham MA Kitchen Remodeling contractor focus on this area. Some of the things to keep in mind with a sink installation include:
Functionality
The primary purpose of the sink should play a big role in your final decision. There are hundreds if not thousands of options to choose from when it comes to sink designs, but not every option will suit a variety of needs. Elements such as the size of your household and your domestic eating habits can determine the best kind of sink for your kitchen. If you don’t prepare meals regularly, for example, and generally just need a sink for washing hands and rinsing a small number of plates then a small-sized sink wouldn’t represent a problem. However, if you reside in a large household that prepares home meals on a daily basis, then a farmhouse sink will be better suited to your needs, as the depth will be needed to handle a large number of dishes. Many modern homes have a dishwasher nowadays, however, which has seen bigger sinks go out of style in most urban neighborhoods.
Positioning
The placement of your sink will also play a major role in the effectiveness of this fixture. As with the aspect of size, there’s no one solution when it comes to the proper placement of your sink. Two of the major aspects to consider when looking for the best place to position this fixture is practicality and available space. In terms of practicality, your sink should be positioned just below or next to the dishwasher to make it easier to store the dirty dishes after clearing them into the basin. Contractors also recommend placing the sink a fair distance from the oven and stove as fire and water elements don’t mix. The fixture should also be placed away from sockets or any live wires to avoid electrical mishaps. Some designers recommend placing the sink in a corner to allow for more space, ensuring individuals don’t interrupt any traffic ways when working on this station.
Materials
The kind of material implemented with your sink installation project can have a significant influence on aspects such as the overall budget and stylistic direction. It can also determine aspects such as …
Kitchen Countertops and Cabinet Remodels
Kitchen remodels can involve numerous activities. If you’re looking for an effective means of mitigating your budget while transforming the overall appearance, focusing on the countertops and cabinets is a great place to start.
Some helpful pointers you can implement when revamping counters and cabinets with your Newton MA Kitchen Remodeling project include:
Refurbishment vs. Replacement
An effective way of keeping the costs down is revamping these fixtures instead of replacing them with new ones. If your counter and cabinets aren’t damaged and you’re simply going for a new look, a fresh coat of paint or sanding down stained areas can have the same results as an entirely new set.
Minimal Replacements
If you’re looking for a more significant change you can replace your cabinet doors and countertop surfaces. This can significantly alter the aesthetics available and still represent a cheaper option. Replacing wooden doors with sliding glass options, for example, will make it look like you’ve installed new cabinets. The same can be said for countertop surfaces.
Integrating Additions
You can choose to add extra cabinets to your kitchen or extend the reach of your existing countertop. Not only does this revamp the room’s appearance, but also enhances storage solutions and available workspace. We offer a wide variety of cabinet and countertop solutions, so call us today! Exponential Construction, your preferred contractor.…
Preparing for a Kitchen Remodel
According to a survey conducted by the research website Statista, 45% of a group of homeowners polled in 2022 stated that they had planned on remodeling their kitchen for a long time but did not have the funds. Global Market Insights have also projected kitchens to experience the highest rise, forecasting a 5% growth that will lead through to 2027. The popularity of kitchen remodels is arguably due to the multiple benefits that can be enjoyed from the venture, as well as the potential increase in the overall valuation of a homeowner’s residence.
If you have never undertaken a Newton MA Kitchen Remodeling project before, things can get quite confusing if you’re not sure about where to start. Adequate preparation for this venture is key to the potential success that can be enjoyed from the venture. Some crucial aspects of properly preparing for a kitchen remodel include:
Developing a Priority List
Kitchen remodels can arguably be one of the more expensive projects undertaken with a residential renovation venture. Transforming this space by completely overhauling the entire area can cost tens of thousands of dollars, and as such individuals have to identify activities that are most needed – rather than trying to provide a blanket solution where everything is torn down and the homeowner starts from scratch. Prioritizing the issues that hold the most importance is crucial to the potential success enjoyed with a remodel. Established contractors recommend focusing on functionality before working on activities that will enhance aesthetics. Aspects such as plumbing and electrical wiring should be addressed before activities such as replacing cabinet doors and tile installations.
Identifying a Suitable Contractor
The next step involves finding a qualified contractor to oversee the project. Although DIY approaches have become quite popular in recent years – especially with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic that forced individuals to find tasks to keep themselves busy while quarantined in their homes, hiring a professional is always advisable when working on major projects. Whereas simple activities such as painting and fixing rusty hinges can be done on your own, larger objectives involving sensitive areas such as plumbing and electrics can be dangerous to tackle without the proper expertise and experience. It can also lead to significant losses as the wrong move in such areas can lead to massive damage and skyrocketing costs. Generally speaking, leaving anything that requires a permit to accomplish should be left to a certified professional with a credible history and valid insurance. There are numerous options available in the market, so it’s crucial not to rush your decision when looking to find the perfect candidate for your particular needs.
Permit Application
Another crucial aspect to consider is the legality of your activities. Depending on the approach adopted with your remodeling project, you might need to apply for several permits to ensure everything is done above board and the changes can be legally accounted for. Having your Newton MA Kitchen Remodeling contractors undertake this responsibility on your behalf is an effective …
How to Live in your House during a Kitchen Remodel
Remodeling your kitchen has numerous benefits and is a great way to enhance the resale value of your home. However, before you can enjoy any of these advantages, you’ll need to survive the initial process.
Some useful tactics you can implement when looking to live through a Kitchen Remodel project include:
Segregate the Area
If you’re living with toddlers, it’s essential to effectively segregate the kitchen from the rest of the house to ensure they don’t access it when you’re not looking. Major remodeling projects can involve a potentially hazardous environment including tools, slippery surfaces, and dangerous chemicals that can be dangerous to unknowing children.
Plan for Alternative Meal Preparations
Major overhauls will mean you won’t be able to access the kitchen for a few weeks, even when the work isn’t ongoing as the area will likely be uninhabitable. You can focus on cold meals and takeout during this period, or simply go out to eat if you make a point of including this solution in your budget.
Schedule Work to Commence from Mid-morning
Remodels consisting of construction projects can be quite noisy and hard to get used to. Having the workforce start their work in the mid-morning allows you to start the day in relative peace before the chaos commences. We offer flexible kitchen remodeling services for all your needs, so call us today! Exponential Construction, your preferred contractor.…
Enhancing the Safety Levels of Your Kitchen
If you’re thinking about implementing a home remodeling project, one of the first things to consider is the best rooms to start with. One of the more popular options is the kitchen, as transforming this space can greatly improve the functionality of one’s home. In a report published by the National Kitchen and Bathroom Association (NKBA), over 10 million kitchens in the US undergo renovation each year. Different objectives can be involved with such a project, with one of the major targets including safety levels in this section.
Some effective ways you can enhance safety levels with a Wellesley MA Kitchen Remodel include:
Installing a Fire Extinguisher
Considering the nature of the environment, accidental fires represent one of the greater risks that can be experienced in a kitchen. These fires are generally generated from three sources, namely, oil/grease fires, electrical fires, and flammable items next to an open heat source. Although the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) only requires commercial kitchens to have fire extinguishers, placing one in your residence is also highly recommendable. Two of the primary alternatives that can be installed in a residential kitchen when it comes to fire extinguishers are dry powder and CO2 canisters. Dry powder extinguishers have a blue label on the canisters while CO2 alternatives have a black label. Most individuals prefer CO2 extinguishers as the aftermath is less messy.
Improving Lighting
Lighting also plays a major role in maintaining the safety levels of your kitchen. The activities that take place in this part of the house can be potentially dangerous when conducted in areas of poor visibility. It’s essential to ensure that one can see every section of their workspace. Working with open fires, knives, and other sharp objects requires a sufficient range of vision to avoid accidents. Two types of lighting that can be integrated into a kitchen setup include ambient and task lighting. Ambient fixtures can be referred to as general lighting and are generally used to create a balanced level of light across the entire room. Task lighting, on the other hand, removes any shadows that might encroach on workspaces. It enhances the level of illumination enjoyed in workspaces allowing you to safely prepare meals.
Installing Monitoring Systems
The adage that prevention is better than cure is accurate when it comes to the integration of monitoring systems. Some dangers aren’t easily recognizable in some cases or require immediate attention to be effectively addressed. The two primary sensors that are installed in kitchens are smoke and CO2 detectors. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the smoke alarm implemented with a Wellesley MA Kitchen Remodel should be placed at least 10 feet from the cooking area. This minimizes false alarms that can result from cooking activities. The appliance should be mounted high up on the walls or the ceiling. CO2 alarms should also be placed between 5 to 20 feet away from open flames to avoid false alarms.
If you’re looking to not only enhance the appearance of your …
