Are you ready to reinvest in your home? – Home and Design

We have spent a lot of time in our homes over the past year and you are probably looking around thinking it might be time to update, renovate, or remodel them. But which one?
Renovate or remodel? Let’s define the two. So when you start considering companies, you are all on the same page.

A RENOVATION uses the available space and improves functionality. This includes updating materials, floors, lights, cabinets, etc.

A REMODEL contains structural changes or additions. This would include completing a basement level with a second exit means, changing a roof line, enlarging window openings, and adding additional rooms.

Regardless of whether you have decided on a conversion or a renovation, here are five tips that should help you with your planning and design before you even start.

  1. Space efficiency – Use what you have.

Add shelves for storage on the back of the doors for extra space in the pantry, a spice rack, a shoe rack in a closet, or cork boards to hide all those school flyers and coupons.

Place under the stairs is unused space and is often forgotten. This room can serve as hidden storage space, as a place for cubes or lockers in a hallway entrance, as a playhouse or even as a cozy corner for a small office.

Stairwell walls Climb up to the top of the stairs and this is an unexpected blank chalkboard for displays or a gallery of family pictures.

Add a shelf 12 to 18 inches below the ceiling covering the perimeter of the room to display collectibles, books, or other items that you don’t need to access easily.

  1. Add character without adding any cost

Using recycled items will reduce the landfill and you can find some real gems. There are companies and old warehouses that take donated items and additional materials from contractors and homeowners and make them available to the public.

Check out:

Restore – new and carefully used furniture and building materials from which Habitat for Humanity benefits.

Great reuse is located in Brooklyn and, according to their website, offers “everything from panel doors to high-quality refrigerators, shutters to reclaimed wood, kitchen cabinet sets and salvaged floors. We look after everyone from contractors and interior designers to tenants who want to creatively maximize their living space. The net income from our reuse centers supports local environmental initiatives. “

Claim everything back in East Northport focuses on salvaged wood from old barns built before 1920, and they use these recycled materials to create custom-made vintage furniture. Also consider them for your floors, installations and antique accessories.

  1. You do the dirty work

It’s not glamorous, but you can save some money by doing the demo and cleaning up yourself. But when you do this, remember: safety comes first.

  • Know where gas, electricity and water are and how to turn them off.
  • Know what structural wall are. Just remove the sheetrock and leave the bolts and support structures to the professionals.
  1. On a budget but include a pillow

Have a 10-15 percent pillow for extras.

  • When you switch materials: laminate to granite, vinyl flooring to real wood.
  • For the “unexpected”: Contractor finds mold, new cabling required, old plumbing installations.
  • Upgrades you didn’t consider soft closures on kitchen drawers and cabinet doors.
  1. Where do you finally start

If you are not sure whether you want a remodel or a renovation, take advantage of this free design support at Home Depot or Lowe’s. They are trained and know their products well. They will sit with you and plan your remodeling or renovation, offer financing and guarantees. They plan the project that works for you and don’t forget about free shipping.

And the internet is your friend for ideas. Check out Houzz and Pinterest for ideas and create your own Inspiration board. It could be a wish list, but wouldn’t it be nice if, with a little planning and willingness, you could actually make those wishes come true and have the home of your dreams.

Paul & Roseanne Frank own Home Renovation Consultants, a consultancy service for homeowners and their renovation projects. You can contact them for a free consultation. HomeRenoConsultants.com

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