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Sustainable Construction: Building a Better Future for the Earth

Guest Post by: Sam Marquit As a commercial contractor, I’ve worked with all kinds of businesses that want to change their facilities to operate with sustainable energy. It’s inspiring to work for individuals who feel so strongly about the fut…

Home Remodeling Budget Tips

The prospect of a home remodeling project is exciting for most home owners. Remodeling upgrades breathe new life into your home as well as improving the functionality and efficiency of your spaces. Remodeling can even save home owners money in the long run. It is not uncommon for costs to get out of control if the home owner isn’t mindful of their remodeling budget. Unexpected issues with materials or contractors might arise mid-project or you may decide to go for that last-minute upgrade to enhance the space. Keeping your budget on track is crucial if you are watching costs. These tips will help home owners devise a solid remodeling budget and help keep it under control.

Be realistic. Home owners often want the moon and the stars when they decide to remodel their home. No expense seems too much or fixture too extravagant. The first step in setting your budget is to be realistic. Most home owners can’t afford the gold-plated chandelier and likely neither can you. Take a look at your savings and be honest about what you can afford.

Do your research. The cost of upgrades may surprise you if this is your first remodeling project. Don’t estimate the cost of materials when establishing your budget. The likelihood is that you will be way off, and your budget will be ruined. Get on the Internet or drive to your local hardware store to learn about your options, including their cost. Price out your materials in order to secure the best deals.

Hire a professional. Weekend warriors tend to think they can do it all themselves; however, larger projects can quickly get out of hand. Consider the scope of the project as well as the technical details of it before you decide to do it yourself. While a professional contractor will add to your overall budget, they will likely save you time and could save you money in the long run.

Give yourself some padding. Unless you are one of the lucky few, your remodeling budget will go over due to incidentals and the unexpected issues. It doesn’t mean you are a bad home owner. Things just happen! Prepare for this during your initial budget planning by adding a 10 percent cushion to your budget. This will protect you from being caught off guard by unexpected costs and will keep your project moving forward.

Your remodeling budget can quickly get out of control if you haven’t set firm restrictions during the planning phase of your home remodeling project. Contact Case Design/Remodeling in Halifax Nova Scotia at 902-454-2273 today to discuss your remodeling project.

Home Remodeling Trends for 2012

Home remodel trends can breathe life into your outdated space. Here are some home remodeling trends that will take off in 2012.

Create a chef’s dream kitchen – The kitchen is the heart of any home. It is where your family congregates for meals and where friends meet and mingle over cocktails. An outdated or inefficient kitchen will leave you avoiding the space and not using its full potential. A kitchen makeover will improve the functionality of your space and can save you money in the long run with energy savings. Modifying the kitchen layout, installing energy efficient appliances and fixtures, and adding better lighting are just a few ways to enhance your space.

Open up your floor plan – Older Halifax, Nova Scotia-area homes often have boxed off rooms creating a lot of small spaces. Open up your floor plan by tearing down non-load bearing walls. This will create larger, more functional rooms for entertaining as well as day-to-day living.

Go green – The average homeowner cares about the environmental footprint they leave on a daily basis. Incorporate your sustainable practices into your Halifax, Nova Scotia home. Install energy efficient appliances and double-paned windows and use eco-friendly materials when choosing items like flooring, cabinets, and paint.

Create a spa retreat – Treat yourself to a spa day every day with a bathroom makeover. Soaker tubs and Jacuzzis provide you with needed relaxation. Installing soft lighting will enhance the mood, and new countertops will make you feel like you are living in luxury.

Focus on the floors – Remodel trends across the country are focusing on floors. Take out old carpet and replace with hardwood flooring or other bare flooring materials. This will improve the look of your home and help curb allergies as dander and dust often become trapped in carpet.

Expand outdoors – Take advantage of the outdoors in warm weather with the addition of a deck or patio to your home. These outdoor spaces are a great way to entertain guests and enjoy nature.

Updating your home by following remodel trends is a great way to improve the functionality and efficiency of your space. It also works to improve the market value of your home. Contact Case Design/Remodeling in Halifax, Nova Scotia at 902-454-2273 today to discuss implementing some of these trends in your house.