Developing a Suitable Kitchen Design
Revamping your kitchen not only enhances the resale value but greatly improves the overall functionality of the house. When embarking on this venture, it’s crucial to develop a blueprint outlining the overall objectives of your design.
Some of the essential aspects you should consider when developing a design for your Newton MA Kitchen Remodeling project include:
Mitigating Foot Traffic
Your kitchen’s design should promote ease of movement by providing several pathways that can be used by different people. Ensuring that an individual doesn’t have to pass by the workstation when making their way through the kitchen can ensure cooking activities aren’t interrupted by people moving in and out of the room.
Energy-saving Features
Introducing features that will offer energy-saving enhancements can lower your overall utility bills and represents an eco-friendly solution. You can accomplish this objective by installing LED lights, incorporating low-flow kitchen faucets, and introducing smart sockets.
Practicality
Your final layout should exhibit levels of practicality in terms of design. Having the sink positioned just a few feet from the cooking area, for instance, can cause a lot of grief when people are trying to work in these areas at the same time since water and fire don’t mix. For more kitchen remodeling advice, call us today! Exponential Construction, your preferred contractor.…
Remodeling your Bathroom on a Budget
Remodeling your bathroom can have multiple benefits when approached with the right strategy. Many homeowners are hesitant about undertaking such a venture because of the potential expenses involved. Contrary to popular belief, however, taking up this project doesn’t have to be overly expensive. The expansive options available in this category mean there are several strategies you can implement when looking to work with a mitigated budget.
Some useful tips to keep costs when working on a Newton MA Bathroom Remodeling project include:
Prioritize your Objectives
Listing the objectives you have in mind with your remodel according to their importance is a good place to start when developing budgetary allocation. This ensures that you don’t end up spending all your money before addressing crucial areas of concern. Focusing on functional elements over aesthetic aspects is recommended by established contractors, as a working bathroom is more important than a beautiful one. Starting with aspects such as plumbing, bathtub surrounds and lighting is recommended before projects involving changing the appearance of the space involved.
Hiring an Inspector
In some cases, you might not be aware of the crucial areas that need to be addressed with your Newton MA Bathroom Remodeling project. Hiring a certified official to conduct an inspection of the area and make any relevant recommendations regarding sections that need to be addressed can give you an idea of where to start. Aspects such as rot and water damage might not be easy to recognize during their initial stages unless an expert eye is involved. In Massachusetts, home inspection services generally cost between $300 to $500 on average.
Mix and Match your Materials
Implementing materials with varying price ranges is another effective way of lowering overall expenses. Different grades, for example, can be used with a tiling installation project – with higher grades (3 – 4) used for bathroom surrounds and standard grades (1 – 2) used for areas further from the tub or shower. Glass tiles generally cost more than alternatives such as ceramic or porcelain, and as such can be implemented for a centerpiece project instead of covering an expansive area. This isn’t to say that you don’t deserve nice things, but moderation is key with their inclusion when working with a small budget.
DIY Projects
Approaching a remodeling venture as a DIY isn’t always advisable when looking to ensure quality results. However, when looking to lower costs, you can take up some of the simpler projects on your own to avoid excessive labor costs. The ventures you take up as a DIY should be simple activities that don’t require a lot of experience or expertise. Crucial sectors such as electrical and plumbing connections, for instance, should be left to professionals. Some remodeling activities you can approach as a DIY include painting the walls, changing light fixtures, and installing shelves on the walls. The projects chosen as a DIY should not feature significant repercussions in case of potential mistakes.
For high-quality bathroom remodeling solutions at affordable rates, call us today! …
Finding the Right Kitchen Sink
A sink’s functionality has a significant influence on the overall workflow of the kitchen. If you’re thinking about remodeling this space, enhancing your sink’s utility can be a great way to improve the overall efficiency available in this area.
Some of the elements you should consider when looking through sinks for your Kitchen Remodel include:
Material
The particular material you go for when choosing a sink will impact aspects such as longevity and durability. Stainless steel represents a good option for low-duty use and represents fair levels of durability. Natural stone offers a distinguished sense of elegance and features extensive levels of durability, but is a bit on the expensive side.
Size and Design
An appropriate size will depend on the volume of dishes involved after general meal times and your washing habits. You don’t need a big sink if regular meals usually involve one or two people. However, a household featuring an extended family will likely require a design that features suitable depth and wide dimensions.
Installation Requirements
Different sinks will feature varying installation requirements. Stainless steel is pretty malleable, for instance, making it easier to install compared to alternatives such as enameled cast iron or natural stone. We offer a wide range of sinks with our remodeling services, so call us today! Exponential Construction, your preferred contractor.…
Kitchen Remodel Permits
If you’ve never undertaken a kitchen remodel before, hiring a professional firm to handle the project enhances your chances of success. One of the elements many homeowners don’t take into consideration is the need for permits.
Some of the common situations where a permit is needed with a Kitchen Remodeling project include:
Structural Changes
If you’re conducting any major structural changes to the space you’ll likely need a building permit – especially when dealing with any load-bearing walls. If you’re taking down or adding any exterior walls, you’ll likely need to submit a blueprint of the intended plans.
Electrical Wiring
Any major alterations to the electrical wiring of a house will likely need a permit. This can include activities such as moving or adding lighting fixtures, installing additional outlets, or integrating a whole new network to replace an obsolete model. A certified electrician should be the only person who handles such tasks.
Plumbing
Significant changes to the kitchen plumbing such as adding a new sink or moving an existing one will require a permit. If you’re simply working on an existing network, however, you might not need such a license. An established contractor will be aware of any permit requirements beforehand, so call us today! Exponential Construction, your preferred contractor.…
Best Kitchen Appliances in 2022
There are multiple strategies you can use when it comes to enhancing functionality with a kitchen remodel. If you’re already satisfied with the aesthetics of the space, for example, you can focus on enhancing the utility of this area through the addition or replacement of appliances.
Some of the latest appliances you can incorporate with a Newton MA Kitchen Remodeling project include:
Induction Cooktops
These appliances use electricity to directly heat pots and pans through the implementation of magnetic induction. These cooktops are compatible with a variety of materials including cast iron and stainless steel. You can confirm compatibility by checking whether a magnet sticks to the bottom of the cookware in question.
InstaView Refrigerators
InstaView refrigerators allow individuals to study the contents inside without having to open the door. This is an LG-exclusive product and is made of a modern glass panel that turns transparent with two simple knocks – allowing a person to see inside. This might seem like a minimal feature but represents a great upgrade in the long term.
Fast Wash Cycle Dishwashers
A fast wash cycle dishwasher can be a useful timesaver. Some brands offer this feature with their dishwashers, with Asko and Miele featuring the fastest times at 20 and 24 minutes respectively. We offer a wide range of appliance packages with our services, so call us today! Exponential Construction, your preferred contractor.
Prepping for a Kitchen Remodel
Remodeling your kitchen can be quite hectic. Preparing for what’s to come is essential to ensuring the success of the venture. It’s crucial that you don’t rush through the process, but rather sit down and consider your objectives and how best to accomplish them.
Some of the important aspects you should consider when planning a Kitchen Remodel include:
Budgeting
The two ways to ensure you don’t run into financial difficulty during the project are by either saving up the money you need before getting started or finding a firm with a payment plan that suits your needs. Once you have developed a budget, it’s essential to stay the course in terms of its allocation.
Finding the Right Contractor
Hiring an expert ensures you don’t commit any amateur mistakes. There are thousands of options to choose from, but not every choice represents a suitable alternative. Taking the time to go through different service providers and comparing and contrasting offers ensures you find the perfect partner for your specific needs.
Permit Application
Depending on the activities taking place, you’re likely going to need some permits from your local building authority. Any ventures involving major electrical, plumbing, or construction will generally require a permit before you can commence. Established firms will handle requirements on your behalf, so call us today! Exponential Construction, your preferred contractor.…
Building a Deck on a Budget
One of the primary reasons that individuals are a bit hesitant about adding a deck to their home is the potential costs involved with such an endeavor. Several strategies can be implemented when looking to mitigate expenses related to the construction of these fixtures.
Some strategies Deck Builders recommend when looking to implement this project on a budget include:
Integrate Recycled Material
Implementing materials such as reclaimed wood and recycled alloys is a great way to keep material costs down while integrating an eco-friendly approach. These alternatives are easily sourced as there are available in abundance, which also makes them impressively affordable compared to other alternatives in the market.
Building During the Off-Season
Planning your project for late fall or early winter is a great way to get the best deals in the market. Demand for decking services tends to have decreased at this point, and many contractors will offer a variety of attractive financial packages with their provisions to drum up clientele.
Hiring an Established Professional
Undertaking a DIY approach doesn’t always lead to lower expenses, and could result in just the opposite. Undertaking a DIY with no expertise or experience makes setbacks and mistakes more likely, which could have an adverse impact in the long term. Hiring a professional enhances your chances of success, so call us today! Exponential Construction, your preferred contractor.…
Applying for a Deck Building Permit
Most states require homeowners to apply for a deck-building permit before they can commence their venture. Failure to do so can lead to hefty fines and a demolition notice. If you don’t have a professional Porch Builder handling the process on your behalf, familiarizing yourself with the application process can enhance your chances of success.
How to Apply?
Individuals are required to submit a scaled drawing of their deck indicating all aspects of the design to ensure they are up to code with the region’s regulations. They will also require a copy of the deck’s position in relation to the property line to ensure the extension meets the spatial needs of this particular project.
The permit is generally acquired from the local building authority of a municipality. The application can be delivered physically to the headquarters, and most offices also offer a virtual option that negates the need for a journey to their offices. You will also be required to fill out an application form with several questions about your endeavor.
How Long Does it Take?
If everything goes smoothly and your permit is approved upon first submission, the process can take between two weeks to a month. Urban and suburban areas tend to feature longer waiting times because of the larger populace in such places. Hiring a decking contractor can greatly ease this process, call us today! Exponential Construction, your preferred contractor.…
Deck Building Guidelines
Most states have a set of regulations that homeowners are expected to comply with for their deck to be considered legal and above board. Although some of these rules differ from state to state, a few common guidelines Deck Builders need to focus on include:
Applying for a Permit
A majority of states around the country require homeowners to apply for a building permit before they can commence their decking project. Only after the provision of this permit is work allowed to legally take place. These permits are generally retrieved from the local building authorities and can take between two to four weeks depending on the region.
Installing Suitable Railing
All decks that are 30 inches or above the ground must have a railing installed with your extension. This safety precaution is non-negotiable and is a necessity in all states. In most cases, the railing should be at least 36 inches from the bottom of the decking surface to the top of the railing.
Free Areas of Egress
Another common deck-building regulation found in all states is the need to ensure that the extension doesn’t block any potential areas of egress with its introduction. This can include basement windows and trapdoors leading to the outside. Hiring a professional ensures that you comply with all decking regulations, so call us today! Exponential Construction, your preferred contractor.…
Best Ways to Shade your Deck
A deck is a great enhancement to any home, and with the right upgrades can represent an excellent exterior hosting space for friends and family. One of the primary elements to consider when working on a decking project is the implementation of a shading solution for this area.
Some effective shading solutions recommended by Needham MA Deck Builders include:
Retractable Roofs
Installing a tarp roof that can fold out or in at the homeowner’s convenience is one of the more popular solutions available in this category. This alternative is highly cost-effective as the main expense will revolve around the retractable system which generally consists of a flexible inswinging mechanical arm controlled via remote access.
Pergolas
Pergolas are a great shading solution for homeowners looking to enhance the curb appeal of their homes as well as improve functionality. There are numerous designs available in the market, and a suitable option will depend on aspects such as available space and the intended purpose of your deck.
Sun Sails
Sun sails are another highly affordable solution for individuals looking to integrate some shade with their decking design. These sails are easily erected and can increase aesthetics when done with a bit of panache. Hiring an established contractor to handle the installation can achieve this objective, so call us today! Exponential Construction, your preferred contractor.…
