Can You Build It Up To Code?

January 11, 2017 by Alison Windham ·

Can You Build It Up To Code? Imagine a friend can’t complete a renovation project so they give you a bunch of leftover 2x4s. You decide you can build that deck you’ve always wanted. You know you’ll need some bigger pieces of wood for posts but a deck seems like an easy enough thing to make. You’ve seen pictures of them, right? It should be ok.

You look at a couple of articles online, you learn not to walk on a couple of the iffier areas and it’s an ok deck. Then you want to sell your house. An inspector comes. He finds that your deck is not up to code. The whole thing needs to come down. Where did you go wrong?

Using unused wood from another project is fine. It’s environmentally friendly. Going into a DIY job unaware of ordinances and city codes is not ok. In some cases, you need to get a building permit.

What if you don’t get a permit when you need one?

Let’s say a young couple just watched a remodeling show on TV and feel inspired. They take down a wall with an electrical outlet in it without checking to see if it’s a load-bearing wall. Lucky them, it’s not. Still, they have that outlet. So, they buy a couple of little plastic things they saw someone on TV use (they can’t name the plastic things because they don’t know what they are) and use them to cover the ends of the wires. Then they just shove all of that nasty ugly wiring under the new floor they’re putting in.

Well, they didn’t cap the ends off properly and there is an electrical fire. They have insurance, but the insurance won’t pay because they did remodeling work without a permit. Maybe the fire wasn’t their fault. But the lack of a permit is enough for the denial of coverage.

Permits aren’t a scam

While permits are annoying to homeowners that want to do their own work, they do create a paper trail of blame. If something that could cause a lot of damage is done, they want to know who did it. Say you have a builder that gets a permit and does work on your kitchen and it is inspected and up to code. Now you know it’s done right and your insurance will pay if there were to be some sort of accidental grease fire.

Having work done up to code by a professional is good for the value of your home, your safety, and for insurance reasons.

Trouble finishing a remodel up to code

There are projects you can do yourself. You can even take on big projects and get the permits yourself. If you ever get in too deep, it’s never too late to call in a little help. In fact, if you already have your kitchen torn up, that’s less work for your builder.

Located in the Bryan-College Station area, Windham Construction can help you with more than kitchen and bath remodels. If you have an unfinished remodel or if you’re afraid your remodel isn’t going to be up to code, give us a call and we can help you out. We are a full-service home company. We help from building to painting to handyman jobs.

Filed Under: DIY, Remodeling ·

Should You Hire A Renovation Professional Or DIY?

December 13, 2016 by Alison Windham ·

If you are planning to renovate your home, you may be unsure of the best way to accomplish this process. For example, should you tackle the project by yourself to save money or hire a professional for home renovation in College Station, TX? The answer may depend on what you want to accomplish and how much time you have to spend.

Knowing how to take on a home remodeling project is crucial if you want to have a successful outcome. Before you make a decision, think carefully about what you want to change in your home and when you want it to be completed. Check out the following tips to find out what the best course of action is for you and your home renovation project.

DIY Projects

Many people may be able to perform a few small touch-ups around their home to make it look brand new. In many cases, these can be considered DIY projects because they require no special training, licensing or experience.

For example, many homes can benefit from a fresh coat of paint inside and out. You may want to simply repaint one room, such as your kitchen, or you may want to apply an entirely new color scheme to your entire home. If you have a few spare weekends or evenings, you can probably tackle this home improvement project on your own. All the supplies that you will need, from paint to brushes and ladders, can be found at your local home improvement store for a reasonable price.

Likewise, some small amounts of landscaping can be accomplished with a DIY strategy as well. For example, planting trees, bushes and flowers is easy and simple to accomplish in your free time.

However, if you are aiming for a more ambitious project, it might be time to call a professional for home remodeling in College Station, TX.

Professional Projects

If you want to undergo a more serious home renovation, it’s best to call an experienced local professional. For example, if you need new appliances or fixtures, it’s best to rely on a trusted renovation expert.

Also, if you are going to be replacing major items such as carpets, flooring, ceiling tiles or insulation, make sure to call a licensed professional to stay safe and make sure that all of your improvements are up to building codes.

Installing a sunroom or screened porch is a job for a professional, as an amateur attempt might result in an unsafe structure. Also, attempting big projects on your own can take up more time and money than you might expend if you had called a professional in the first place.

To put it simply, if you are unsure of how to accomplish a remodeling project or how to get the supplies you need, it’s best to make a call to a local remodeling expert.

If you need to find out how to tackle your next project for home renovation in College Station, TX, your local professional remodeling company can help you find the answers.

Filed Under: DIY, Remodeling ·

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 ·