To DIY Or Not To DIY

November 9, 2016 by Alison Windham ·

If you’ve been thinking about home renovations in College Station, TX, you may be considering taking on a remodeling project by yourself. DIY projects are a great way to use your skills and your spare time to give your home a new look while saving some money. At least, that’s the idea that many of us have when we envision a renovation project.

How do you know which projects are best suited for a DIY approach and which projects should be handled by a skilled local professional? The answer may be different depending on the scale of the project and the abilities of the homeowner. While do-it-yourself projects can be cost-efficient and very educational, they may not be the right choice for everyone. Here are some things to think about when you are considering home remodeling in Bryan, TX.

Do You Have The Time To DIY?

There’s no getting around it: home remodeling takes time. In fact, it’s almost guaranteed that a DIY project will take longer than you expect. By the time you purchase supplies, lay out a plan, perform the work and clean up the area, you may be surprised at just how long a typical remodeling project can take.

Remember that time is one of your most important resources. If you are working a full-time job, raising a family and keeping up with all of your obligations, you simply may not have the time necessary to complete a remodeling project. Of course, if you are willing to make some sacrifices, you may be able to use your nights and weekends to transform your home with a DIY remodeling project. Before you begin, make sure to carefully study your schedule to find out if you have enough time to tackle the project on your own.

Do You Have The Resources?

One of the primary reasons that people choose to take on a DIY renovation project is the prospect of significant financial savings. Hiring a contractor or handyman services in College Station requires an investment but this is also true of DIY projects.

Some projects may allow you to save a good bit of money if you complete the work yourself but this is not always the case. In some circumstances, you may actually be spending more to finish a project on your own. You should take the time to sit down and add up the total cost of a DIY project before you begin working. You can compare this figure with a quote from a local renovation professional to find out if you are saving a good deal of money. If you won’t be saving very much, it might be better to hire a professional.

Do You Have The Skills?

If you use tools and building equipment on a regular basis, then a home renovation DIY project may be a great choice for you. However, if you haven’t picked up hammer, a measuring tape or a stud finder in years, it might be time to brush up on your skills.

One of the major benefits of hiring a professional is the ability to let a trained expert handle the project. Of course, you may be able to figure out a home renovation project on your own but you can’t guarantee your own work if you don’t perform renovations as your profession. Another benefit of hiring a professional is their satisfaction guarantee. If they make a mistake, a reputable renovation service will correct it for no extra charge. You won’t have this option if you go it alone.

A DIY renovation project can be a rewarding and affordable way to improve your home. Make sure you take the time to carefully consider your options to determine if this is the right choice for your next project.

Filed Under: DIY ·

Most Popular Remodeling Trends of 2016

October 26, 2016 by Alison Windham ·

2016 isn’t over just yet but it has already been a big year for new design and remodeling trends. As the new generation of millenials reaches the age where many of them are buying homes, an explosion of new ideas have hit the market. From minor design elements to big ideas for kitchen appliances, this generation is changing our ideas of what is possible in the home.

Many homebuilders are already incorporating these features into new homes. However, not everyone has the budget or the desire to purchase a brand new house. If you’re in that group, then you’ll love these popular trends for home remodeling in College Station, TX. Incorporating just a few of these new trends is a low-cost way to transform the look and feel of your personal living space.

Restaurant Quality, Right At Home

It’s clear that the millennial generation is obsessed with food in a big way. The rise of the foodie movement and the exploding popularity of new culinary techniques and the farm-to-market trend shows that this generation is really concerned about the quality of their food. This trend is reflected in many homes by remodeling projects that focus on restaurant-quality appliances.

Restaurant-quality ovens and pizza ovens are some of the most popular items. If you’ve ever wished that you could cook up the perfect pizza at home, now is a great time to start kitchen remodeling in Bryan, TX.

Another popular remodeling project is the installation of a quartz-topped kitchen island. A kitchen island can turn an ordinary kitchen into a professional space and quartz is easier to maintain than granite or marble.

Bringing The Office Home

It’s true that the Internet and digital technology are moving into every corner of our lives. As a result, more and more homeowners are transitioning into a work-from-home lifestyle. High-speed WiFi makes telecommuting easier than ever before. This means that you can turn a spare bedroom, a study or that outdated media room into a high-tech home office.

Must-have items for a home office include sleek, large desks with plenty of space for multiple monitors and accessories. You won’t need to worry about large bookshelves and you won’t have to fight for space. Wireless connections mean that you don’t need to worry about tripping over cords and cables and even a small room can become a professional home office with only a few changes.

Low Maintenance

These days, people are very interested in appliances, fixtures and furniture that perform well with minimal maintenance. The millennial generation isn’t lazy, they’re just too busy with other things to worry about upkeep and maintenance.

Stainless steel fits into this category perfectly. Stainless steel kitchen appliances are easy to clean and are very durable. Pergolas with aluminum construction and stainless steel hardware can turn an ordinary backyard into a modern spot for entertaining and relaxing.

If these ideas sound good to you, then it’s time for home renovation in College Station, TX. It’s a surprisingly affordable way to totally transform your entire living space.

Filed Under: Blog, Remodeling ·

5 Ways Installing New Windows Can Transform Your Home

October 12, 2016 by Alison Windham ·

Windows are one of the most important elements of your home but they are also one of the most overlooked. We certainly appreciate having natural light in our homes but we seldom stop to think about the importance of properly installed windows. Having the right kind of windows can not only improve the look of every room in your house, it can also make your home more efficient.

If you’re thinking about starting home renovation in College Station, TX, then your remodeling project should definitely include your home windows. While you might think that the windows in your home are fine the way they are, you should consider how great of a change new windows can make. Here are five ways that new windows can totally transform the look and feel of your home.

#1. Light Filtration

If your house is several years old, you might not be getting adequate light filtration from your windows. Light filtration is key to getting the right quality of natural, pure sunlight in your home. The right kind of windows can filter out harmful UV ways while allowing plenty of natural light to pass through. The result is clean light that fills your home with atmosphere and ambience.

You can opt for tinted windows if you prefer less light to pass through or go for full transparency for optimal lighting. This option can even save you money on utility bills, as you won’t need to use electric light in your house during the day.

#2. Energy Efficiency and Utility Costs

Improperly installed windows could be costing you extra each month on your utility bills. When windows aren’t installed correctly, they could be bypassing the insulation in your house. This means that they can let cool air escape in the summer and release warmth during the winter. As a result, your HVAC will have to work overtime to make up the difference in keeping your house comfortable.

New windows properly installed by home remodelers in College Station, TX can correct this issue, saving you money in the process.

#3. New Look, New Atmosphere

When it comes to creating the right atmosphere in your home, it’s all about the details. Many people may think that they need to buy brand new furniture, fixtures and appliances in order to get the interior look that they want. While these changes can have a great result, sometimes installing new windows is what’s really needed.

The subtle touch of new windows with the right window shades, blinds or drapes can be the finishing touch on a remodeled room. Don’t forget about the small details when renovating your home.

#4. Improved Property Value

If you want to sell your home at some point in the future, improving your property value is a smart move. When people tour your home looking to make a purchase, they can be put off by small details that are out of place. Remember, when someone sees something that they don’t like about a property, they calculate the cost of changing it once they move in. Installing new windows now can make a sale much easier in the future.

#5. Complete A Theme

Choosing the right theme and décor for your home can be difficult but it’s always worth it. In many cases, the highlights and details will be the final step that ties together your home so that it finally looks perfect. The addition of carefully selected windows with the right color and texture of drapes and blinds can be the finishing touch on your personal theme.

If you’re considering home remodeling in Bryan, TX, then the options are endless. Consider installing new windows for a brand new look that is all your own.

Filed Under: Blog, Windows ·

How Remodeling Your Kitchen Can Improve Your Whole House

September 28, 2016 by Alison Windham ·

When you’re looking for a place to live, the kitchen is one of the most important considerations in your decision. The kitchen is one of the most important rooms in any household. It is often the one room where a family can gather on a regular basis. Besides being the place where food is prepared, a kitchen is also a place to greet your loved ones, share a snack or even help with homework.

It could be said that the kitchen is the heart of any home. Making just a few changes to your kitchen can really improve your the rest of your house. If you’ve thought about remodeling your kitchen or if it has a few elements that you’d like to improve, it’s a good time to start thinking about home renovation in College Station, TX.

Here’s why you should make the remodeling choices you’ve been considering.

More Comfort, More Happiness

As one of the most frequently used rooms in your home, your kitchen needs to be comfortable. A cramped or poorly designed kitchen can quickly take the joy out of cooking or make relaxing conversations impossible. Anyone who has tried to cook a delicious meal in a small kitchen with dated appliances understands how frustrating this can be.

Imagine the difference it would make for your kitchen to have plenty of room to move, cook and chat. Installing a new kitchen island and larger counter tops can make cooking a breeze. New cabinets and state-of-the-art appliances will have everything that you need to cook world-class meals right at hand.

The more comfortable you are in your kitchen, the happier you, your family and your guests will be.

Reduce Your Stress

There is nothing more stress-inducing than trying to cook a meal or put away the groceries in a kitchen with old appliances and limited cabinet space. Trying to light a stove that doesn’t work or trying to use a microwave that barely powers on can make your kitchen a storm of stress.

Home remodeling in College Station can cut your stress in half. A brand new refrigerator with double doors and sliding storage compartments can give you plenty of room for all of your groceries. A new stove with infrared elements will never need lighting and cook your food more efficiently. Update cabinets can store all of your dry goods neatly so you never have to hunt for that missing ingredient.

When you reduce your stress in the kitchen, you can enjoy meals and family time more easily, making everyone in your house feel better.

Increased Property Value

There’s a reason that a well-designed kitchen can improve the value of an entire house. This room is crucial to the happiness of the homeowners and property developers know that many home buyers will insist on a great kitchen.

If the kitchen in your home is in need of some work, you’ll be glad to know that a remodeled kitchen can improve your property value. When people are shopping for a new home, the kitchen is one of the first places that they’ll look.

Home remodeling in Bryan, TX can make one of the most important rooms in your house into a stress-free, exciting place to be.

Filed Under: Kitchen Remodeling ·

4 Reasons to Remodel Your Bathroom

September 16, 2016 by Alison Windham ·

If you’re getting tired of living with the same bathroom that you’ve had for years, you might be thinking about remodeling. A remodeling project is a great way to breathe new life into a room that hasn’t been updated recently. If you could choose one room in your home to remodel first, the bathroom might be your best choice.

Home remodeling in College Station, TX can turn your bathroom into a room that you’re proud of. Let’s face it, it’s one of the most used rooms in your home and you want it to look great for your family as well as your guests. Changing just this one room can make your entire house more comfortable. Here are the top four reasons that you should consider remodeling your bathroom.

#1 – Extra Space

Of all the rooms in your house, the bathrooms always seem to attract the most clutter. Finding storage space for towels, laundry, cosmetics and cleaning supplies can be challenging in a small space, especially in a shared bathroom.

Adding extra cabinets or replacing bulky fixtures can really free up some space in your bathroom. Installing a new shower or bathtub can make a huge difference in terms of comfort and cleanliness. After all, it’s the one room we spend time in every day so it’s important to make sure that it looks great, functions well and provides space for all your essential items.

#2 – A Better Design

Some bathrooms are not very visually exciting. If you live in an older house, dated fixtures and color schemes can make you feel like part of your house is from another decade. If you find yourself cringing every time a guest needs to use your bathroom, it’s time to make a change.

Jutting countertops with sharp angles can be replaced with modern, sleek fixtures that allow easier movement while creating a uniform look. Even the cleanest bathroom tile can look faded after years of use. Making the switch to wood flooring can give your bathroom an elegant appearance.

It only takes a few changes to give your bathroom an updated, functional design.

#3 – Lower Utility Costs

You may not realize it but your outdated bathroom could actually be costing you money. Older toilets, shower fixtures and faucets use water inefficiently, driving up the cost of your water bill. You can actually experience a more enjoyable and more cost-efficient shower by replacing old fixtures with newer versions.

The same applies to toilets and faucets. Old faucets can leak, wasting gallons of water. Newer models of toilets can provide the same performance with much less water usage compared to older models. Home renovation in College Station, TX can make your bathroom a more enjoyable place to be while also taking a slice out of your utility bills.

#4 – More Relaxation

Some of us are so busy that the only time we get to ourselves is when showering or bathing. All other things aside, this alone is a good reason to consider remodeling your bathroom. Adding a new shower with stone floors and sliding glass doors is an investment in your relaxation.

Soaking in the bath is one of the most relaxing things you can do in your home. That experience can be even better with a deeper tub or a Jacuzzi. A bathroom remodeling project can give you so many ways to relax and enjoy your private time at home.

Home remodel professionals in Bryan, TX can help you find the perfect solution for your updated bathroom.

Filed Under: Bathroom Remodel, Blog ·