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Wednesday, August 22nd, 2018
Whether you’re doing a guest bedroom, bathroom or a kitchen remodel, it pays to be a good neighbor throughout. Featured in this photo is the upcoming Hooker Furniture Bedroom Beaumont King Upholstered Bed.
The remodel or renovation of a home can have a huge impact on any homeowner’s life. The stress could come from the anticipation of the project or it could be because your neighbors aren’t as cooperative as you wanted them to be. These are your neighbors and so it is, of course, crucial that you build a positive relationship with them. So what could you do to still be the perfect neighbor when you’re about to remodel?
Okay, remodeling a home entails loud noises, debris, and lots of mess. There could also be a time when the street becomes less spacious because the parking could be eaten up by the goings-on during the renovation.
Whether you’re planning to remodel the bathroom or the roof, this type of extensive project could literally change your lifestyle as well as your neighbors’. You might just think of the immediate impact to your family but there are, inevitably, effects to your neighbors, too.
Be kind and here are some ways that you can be nice to them during the construction phase –
Get Necessary Permits
It is a courtesy to your neighbors to get all the necessary papers for the remodel. This will ensure everyone in your neighborhood that you are abiding by the local building codes. This becomes doubly important when you have plans of selling your house someday.
Your neighbors will also be ascertained that your safety and theirs have been considered. Just make sure that you display the permit on the window where your neighbors can best see it. This is to deter any possible questions that they may have if this piece of paper is absent.
Inform the Neighbors
As a part of the neighborhood, it is your responsibility to inform the nearby homes of the upcoming remodeling project. You don’t have to knock from one door to the next, though. You can just write a letter detailing the part that’s going to be remodeled in your home, why you’re remodeling, and the timeline for this project.
You should also include your contact information. You could also thank them by sending some baked goods (yes, these are very effective in mitigating concerns). There are also communities that have their own regulations on whom to notify when you will remodel.
Notify two to three houses down.
Emphasize the Work Hours
One of the most important parts of your letter is that section where you write the work hours as well as the project timeline.
Will the workers do the construction tasks during the morning? Normally, the construction hours take about 12 hours each day so, ideally, it should be between 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM. The contractor must be informed of your preferred work hours so that they do not end up annoying your neighbors who are expecting that the noise would stop at a certain time.
Contain the Mess
Deck or roofing installations could create a huge mess. These projects involve demolishing parts of your home and some scraps building up in your yard. Some of this debris could get to your neighbor’s lawn – this is what you would not want to happen.
Tell your contractors to be respectful of the nearby properties. Check on your shortlisted contractors’ cleanup processes so that you get to choose the one that creates the least impact on other people’s homes.
Be Gentle and Considerate
Even when you prepared amply, there could be complaints from neighbors who will not be happy with the ongoing remodeling project. Instead of reacting straightaway, you could sit down with your neighbor and come up with a solution. Have your neighbor speak to the contractor who would be able to explain to them what’s going on and for how long.
Be sure to thank your neighbor for bearing with the inconveniences.
Tags: home remodeling, home renovation, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, reconstruction, remodeling, renovation
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | Comments Off on Remodeling Around Not-So-Sweet Neighbors? 5 To-Do’s During Renovation
Tuesday, September 12th, 2017
The Cynthia Rowley Brando Ottoman is nestled in this chiefly white living area.
Whether you’re building from scratch or are renovating a standing structure, the creation of a home can either be a painstaking or joyful task. The main difference lies in whether or not you know what you’re going to go through. This is now the right moment to know what you really want, who you are, and who the people are that you’re going to live with.
The building up of a new home is more than just defining the number of bedrooms or bathrooms. And just like any endeavor, you need to do ample research and planning in order to do things correctly. Without a doubt, you can never do this project on your own. You will need the help of a few professionals to make this task a more enjoyable and enriching one.
Plan and Set Goals
This project is all about setting goals and keeping them. Here is when you will compute the approximate cost and when you need to make plans A and B, even a plan C.
Going back on the budget, you need to be honest about what you can afford. Remember about your other plans for the future so don’t splurge all of your money now only to be left with just a beautiful house and nothing more in the end.
Include the land cost, taxes, and local fees, as well as the engineering and architectural fees. Consider also how much you will spend for landscaping and interior design.
Create a spreadsheet (e.g. Excel) in developing your budget. This will serve as your guide so that you won’t change your mind each time you see something better.
Create Your Winning Team
Again, you won’t be able to do this project successfully on your own. Create a team of experienced professionals – an architect (who can also be the builder), engineer, and other team members. Find also a reputable electrician, landscape artist, and an interior designer.
Featured here is the Harbor Springs Port Panel King Bed. Its rustic beauty is solidified by the equally traditional and rustic furnishings, flooring, and grayish-blue walls.
Declutter
This is one of the most important things to do after building the structure. Furnishings can contribute to a cluttered space especially when you have a lot of them. Leave or invest only in furniture pieces that you need. Group the furniture pieces according to their use or the rooms where they’re supposed to go in. Pretty soon, you’ll have an idea on what pieces should be thrown.
If you’re renovating, find out which of your stuff you no longer need. Give them away or sell them. Fill trash bags with items that have remained unnoticed for six months or more.
If, however, this is your new home, then check that the contractor has gotten rid of the rubbles or debris.
From a House to a Home
There is a huge difference between a house and a home. The former is just the structure where you live in while the latter is where you get your mental as well as emotional support. This is where you look forward to rush to after a long, arduous day at work.
The creation of a refuge means setting up a zero-stress zone. To do this, take a deep breath and roll your sleeves because you’re about to go to work.
Use the rooms. This is a no-brainer, right? Yet too many people forget this. They fill up their houses with the most expensive, glamorous stuff, only to end up being photographed but not lived in.
Make it a point to fill the house with the laughter of your loved ones. Enjoy your home. When you do this, you are building memories as you dwell in your home for many, many years more.
Tags: designing your home, home design, home design tips, home renovation, home renovation tips, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, renovating your home
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | Comments Off on The ABCs of Home Creation
Monday, August 8th, 2016
1586-75900B-MULTI6 Resort Fabric Covered Sideboard
As a home renovation client, you might feel that you have very little influence when it comes to the makeover project; yet you have more control that you might actually lead yourself to think. Keep in mind that the scope of the project and the materials to be used are all going to be up to you.
The secret to working on a renovation project and keeping it on schedule and on the right budget is to plan all the details before the ground even breaks. If you have not renovated or rebuilt a home in the past, then it’s time that you learn some tricks on how to complete the project.
Know Your Goal
Before you even meet up with a professional, you must know what you would want to accomplish. Would you like to renovate the entire kitchen or just a portion of it? Would you want an elegant upgrade, complete replacement of the furnishings, or would you just like to replace a long-loved backsplash?
A few homeowners know when it is time to renovate their current home yet most of them aren’t sure how to go about with the project. Most of them end up deciding to work with professionals who help in interior design advice and developing a plan.
Prepare the Construction Plans
One of the most crucial documents that you will use are construction plans. These building plans should have the approval of an agency to ascertain that the home meets safety and local codes. If you are not familiar with the building codes as well as construction methods, then you should think of hiring a professional to draft the plans for you.
Different states have different drafting rules. These can also depend on the type and size of the renovation project. Ask people from the local building department to explain the current rules in your area.
Every profession emphasizes different roles. Interior designers and architects are the ones that come up with concepts. They are also the ones that usually draw plans. General contractors are the ones that build the plans while landscape architects create plans and designs for the outdoors.
Know Your Options
Many experts provide a range of services from project management to the final construction. There are those who charge by the hour and those who compute per project. There are also architectural firms that provide design services.
After knowing which team to handle your design project, then you should make your choice regarding who to become your first member. Most hire a designer, architect, builder or a remodeler depending on their current priorities.
Interview a few people then ask for references. Take the time to drive to their past projects. Follow these basic guidelines when hiring an interior designer.
FFDM American Cherry Collection
Set the Right Budget
Not everyone may stay on budget, in fact, only about a third is able to work on a renovation project within their initial budget. Another third exceeded their budgets while only about 3% were able to achieve a project that’s below their budget. The worst group was those who had no budget to begin with. Those who went over their budgets reasoned that they chose more elegant materials and finishes.
Kitchen renovations can cost anywhere from $50,700 or more depending on the square feet that need to be worked on. Master bathroom renovation could include furniture and appliance replacement. Asking for an estimate should give you ample leeway in terms of budget. Rather than do the project yourself and risk possible mishaps, it’s way better to ask a team of professionals to complete the project for you.
Tags: home renovation, home renovation projects, home renovations, interior design project, interior renovations, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, renovation, renovation and remodeling, renovation budget, renovation guidelines, renovation project, renovation tips, tips
Posted in Design Contractor, Interior Design 101, The Interior Designer | No Comments »
Tuesday, March 22nd, 2016
Hooker Furniture Living Room Preston Ridge Sofa Table
Most homeowners find it easy to become complacent when at home. They can just let the days drift by without making the necessary home improvements. If done correctly, home improvement can literally allow you to reach your home’s potential. It can also up the value of the property. It’s now 2016; it’s up to you to decide which home improvement projects you’ll take on this year.
Garden Maintenance
The world’s climate is ever-changing so be sure to choose plants that are drought-tolerant. Gardening is an important part of adding curb appeal. Smart planting offers a natural aesthetic that is beautiful and difficult to surpass.
Why make do with mere bare fences when you can build trellis or a green wall. This kind of fence even allows nature to flourish. A plain brick wall would do well to have something like this. It will then look more interesting and robust. Choose the right species to plant there.
The great news is that plants can also insulate your home’s walls, providing them with the best thermal comfort.
Build Eaves
Are you aware of these parts of your roof? Environmental principles can be easily utilized in your home by saying no to air conditioning during the summer and building eaves instead. These are designed to let in the winter sun while blocking the blistering heat of the summer sun. These can make your home a lot more comfortable all months of the year. They can also reduce your electric bills.
Plan your eaves this year – it’s about time.
Utilize Roof Space
Have you considered working home instead of traveling to and from work? Then embrace the blessings of having a home office by utilizing your home’s unused attic space. This often dark room can actually be transformed to a brightly-lit, functional workspace. Improving that part of your home will not just add value to your property by the creation of usable space but also reduce commute time.
Roof space can also become a guest room project or a teen space. Adding skylight windows and timber flooring, painting the walls white, and putting furniture and accessories will surely make this room an awesome place to spend time in.
The Backyard Sanctuary
You can also turn unused space in your garden to a getaway. This should be the perfect spot if you are in need of a little quiet time.
Use articulated timber, light and plant life to create a peaceful feeling within that new part of your home. Your objective is to set up destinations right within your backyard. These should be inviting enough so that people will look forward to spend more time there.
Get Rid of Excess Stuff
If you clutter that has been eating a huge part of your home, then it’s time to throw ‘em away. Those that you can still use should be placed in storage. Any stuff that you haven’t used for more than a year should be considered junk. You can sell them online or donate them.
Let go of accessories that no longer work with the theme that you currently have.
Expand
Have you ever thought of setting up a roof garden? This can be a unique space in your home that can reduce the urban feel of your dwelling. This can be a simple grassed area lined with low-lying plants. Take advantage of any unutilized space and turn it into something that supports vegetation.
Any small plot of land outside of your home would also do.
Lastly, choose among the rooms in your home and find out which will be your 2016 home improvement project. Then be sure to finish this project and enjoy the fruits of your labor.
Tags: 2016 interiors, 2016 trends, home renovation, home renovation projects, home renovation tips, interior renovations, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
Posted in 2016 Trends, Interior Design 101, Remodeling | No Comments »
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