Before you leap into your next HGTV-inspired remodel, you may want to take a look at the value it will add to your home. Our Baltimore County design build company found this Cost vs. Value pdf by Hanley Wood (see below) helpful in evaluating home remodels and renovations. Whether you are looking at midrange projects or upscale renovations, the pamphlet gives an overview of what you can expect in terms of the value added to the house and the costs recouped for yourself and your family. Read … [Read more...]
Hiring a Remodeling Contractors vs an Architect
When you think about building the home of your dreams, you want to have a team you can trust and are confident can achieve that goal. At the same time, there are many other considerations to make, such as the scope of the project, what you want to achieve in the end result, and most especially, how much it will cost. If you have a custom project in mind, it is always best to have your plans laid out in front of you first. Who do you turn to handle that for you? Some people may choose to have an … [Read more...]
Should I Remodel or Move?
Many people often ask whether it is better to remodel their homes or move. The answer depends on your personal goals. One of the biggest reasons why someone would want to remodel their home is so that they can repurpose areas, update the fixtures and units, and improve the overall look and feel of their living space One of the things that prevents people from taking the plunge is the fact that remodeling can be expensive. That is why some consider moving to find the home of their dreams … [Read more...]
Winter Energy Savings Tips
With winter here and a possible heavy snow storm headed our way, we worry about staying warm and doing that without raising the monthly bills. By using some of these insightful tips, you and your family can live on your budget and stay warm at the same time. Open curtains and blinds during the day to let the natural heat from the sunlight warm up the rooms. Make sure all windows are shut and locked. Remember to check the seals around all windows and doors to make sure that no air is … [Read more...]
Getting Your Home Ready for the Winter
Do you come out of the winter season with heater troubles, pipe issues, and other problems at home? You may be able to avoid most of these problems by making preparations before cold weather conditions set in. Check out our “winterizing checklist,” where we cover some easy preparations you can make to be winter-ready! Working Heating System Make sure your heater is ready to keep interior spaces comfortable warm. Set the thermostat to 80 degrees just for heat testing. You should be able to hear … [Read more...]
How To Install Retrofit Recessed Lighting
Are you planning to install retrofit recessed lighting in your home, garage, or other residential space? You probably already know that retrofit recessed lighting installations prevent as much as 10% of your heating from escaping through the ceiling, so there’s no question that retrofit recessed lighting can save you money on monthly energy bills. Now, it’s a matter of finding the right style that suits your needs. Our custom home builders in Baltimore County have helped many homeowners in … [Read more...]
Enhance your Garage Curb Appeal
“Curb appeal” is another word for (the ever important) first impression. Curb appeal is an important factor in determining a property’s value when buying or selling a home. If you plan on selling your home soon or in the future, it is a good investment to improve the curb appeal of your property, so you can request a higher price. There are many factors that devise a good curb appeal, including: Architectural design Landscape design Color schemes Maintenance and upkeep With … [Read more...]
Insulating Your Attic
Why invest in insulation? Well, it’s like a wooly hat for your house. Most people don’t know that 32% of their house’s heat escapes through the roof of their house. This is not appreciated by anyone because heating in the winter and cooling in the summer can become a major expense in your household. However, keeping your home at an ideal temperature year round does not have to take a hefty toll on your wallet. You can reduce your heating bill by 20% by insulating the ducts and attic of your … [Read more...]
The Best Mobile Apps for Home Improvement
Have a summer project in mind? Great! Do you need a little help with some ideas along the way? Here are 5 apps that will help you get your creativity motivated along the way: 1. HOUZZ Houzz is considered the “Wikipedia of Interior and Exterior Design” with its large online database of home design. This app is a social network for architecture, interior design, and home improvement. (Android, iOS) 2. Homestyler This is an app that lets you visualize interior design ideas. You can … [Read more...]
Popular Home Trends of 2015
Spring is almost here, now is the perfect time to update your home. We all know that the modern home is always changing. Take a look at 6 popular home trends of 2015. 1. Energy – Efficiency Home owners are becoming more interested in the energy and cost-saving home options. Take advantage of these federal and state incentives by visiting Energy.gov. These savings can be as simple as adding more LED lights to your home or even energy star appliances. 2. Spacious Floor Plan It is becoming … [Read more...]
