Posted by Greg Spears on Fri, Jun 01, 2012 @ 09:05 AM
We often get clients interested in a 3 season room. When we visit with the client we find out that what they really want is a 4 season room. What is the difference is the first question out.
A 3 season room can look like a part of the house, however it will not have conditioned air, heat or a/c. It may have the same windows that would be in a house, double hung, casement....and so on. The room could have insulation in the walls and ceiling to help in colder climates to extend the time that the room could be used, or to help keep it some heat out in the summer months. Sometimes the 3 season room can be built over an existing deck, with a carpet or flooring put over the decking.
A 4 season room is a room that will have full conditioned air. There should be special care taken to make sure the floor is insulated properly. The best way would be to put it on a slab or over a foundation, this does raise the investment though. This room will usually also have more windows than in the typical room. One other note is that in most municpalites once you have a conditioned air room, it then becomes taxable. can be built on top of an existing deck, however special care would need to be taken to insulate the
When done properly either room will look like it has always been on the house.
Posted by Greg Spears on Mon, Dec 12, 2011 @ 07:08 PM
This is a house room addition recently completed. We managed to get the sod in before the winter arrived. We added a 12' x 15' room keeping the walls and roof consitant with the rest of the house. The windows in the room do let in the natural light. The walls are insulated with closed cell insulation.
Posted by Greg Spears on Tue, Nov 29, 2011 @ 11:53 AM
With multi-generational households on the rise, per AARP . "In-Law" suite is becoming a popular for family members to be able to stay close, while still meeting the needs for the extended family. It can be a cost effective way vs. building a new structure. These are self contained living areas that typically have a general room, kitchen, bathroom and a bedroom. Done right they can keep the design integrity of the existing house.
Design can be tailored to fit the need. Is it a convienance, relocation of a job, or health? Typically they are added onto the house, in some cases you cases, they can be designed along with a garage addition so that there is indoor parking with protection from the elements. You should be able to recoup approximentely 50% of your cost on resale, however what is the value on having enjoying the space?
We would like to hear from you. We are a full service remodeling company servicing DeKalb, Kane, and Kendall counties. If you have a topic you would like our input on, please contact us. ing your extended family close by? That's your call.
Posted by Greg Spears on Thu, Nov 17, 2011 @ 02:49 PM
Do you wonder " how much will my .... project cost?", or "if I do this, will it help the resale value?".
According to the Remodeling 2011–12 Cost vs. Value Report (www.costvsvalue.com) there are some projects that have increased slightly on the ROI. Now, there are some projects that by doing you will gain more than just the $$.
For example, if your windows are blowing the curtains so you have to move to see the TV, by replacing these, you will also gain a comfort level in you r house. You may want to not do a full blown kitchen remodel. You may like your flooring and decide maybe to replace your countertops and appliances, add some lighting, and paint the walls.
I hear all the time, "a few years ago, it was a good value to do this project, now it is not worth doing." Depending on what the project is, there are a a lot of way to define value. Comfortability, energy effieciency, safety, are just a few. Contact us if can be of help with your project.
Posted by Greg Spears on Thu, Nov 03, 2011 @ 04:01 PM
Whether you are adding an addition or remodeling a room inside there is never a better time to increase you energy efficiency as well as your comfort. With building science technology always improving, there are more and more simple ways to do this.
- Window and door gaps between the frame and the wall.
- When the walls leak air your $$ are going out with it. Wire penetr ations through the top and
- bottom plates as well as behind your outlets.
- Your rim joist around the house should be sealed as well.
- Can lights- There are insulated housing units or a baffle can be made to go over them, make sure to keep enough clearance.
- Attic access hatches also leak.
Posted by Greg Spears on Mon, May 23, 2011 @ 07:41 AM
Calculating the value of a home improvement project is a complex business. In today’s housing market, the improvement in resale value of a home from a project may seem low, or difficult to gauge. One tool which can help is the Cost vs. Value Report from Remodeling magazine, available at www.costvsvalue.com . Here is one chart, of “midrange” projects in the Chicago metro area:
1. Return on Investment – Typical resale value vs. job cost – Chicago Metro Area, 2010 Data:
This information can be useful in decision-making, especially if you carefully consider the many variables and disclaimers identified in the source website. But there are many other measurements of value that are not reflected in pure resale price of a home. Here are seven more “value components” to be weighed when you considered home improvements:
2. Home Marketability – Aside from pure price, the appeal of a home to sell faster has value to almost every seller. If one aspect of a home, such as a dilapidated deck or a deteriorating entry door, is far below the quality of the rest of the home, fixing it may make the home move much sooner on the market.
3. Energy Efficiency – Direct short-term paybacks on energy efficient home improvements still don’t typically meet the cost of the improvements. But there is some payback, and that can be expected to increase with time if energy costs continue to rise. When you consider energy efficiency payback, be sure to consider summer cooling costs as well as winter heating. The summertime savings can be surprising, often exceeding heating cost savings even in moderate climates such as the Midwest. And, consider the value the added comfort has to you, even if you can’t put a hard dollar value to it. There are also some tax credits available for certain energy-efficient improvements.
4. Reduced Maintenance – Maintenance requirements such as painting add up over the years. If you try to keep the cost down by doing work yourselves, you should consider the value of your time, the potential consequences if you don’t know the proper way to perform the maintenance, and the risks involved in the maintenance. Example: Gutter leaf guards that work are expensive, but generally not as expensive as one fall from a roof or ladder while you’re cleaning gutters by hand.
5. Improved Function – This can reflect values such as improved traffic flow from remodeling a kitchen or bath; or protecting your home from damage by improving flashing or rain dispersal systems. These improvements will often also reflect value in other areas, such as home marketability, maintenance, and/or safety.
6. Safety – Protecting you or your loved ones from risk of catastrophic accident is priceless. Fixing defects in things such as stairs and railings, outdoor decks, lighting, gas-fired appliances, or electrical system shortcomings buys peace of mind as well as resale value.
7. Health – A different category than safety from accidents, this addresses areas such as air and water quality. Some aspects of your home, such as natural lighting, can have a profound impact on mental and emotional health as well. Some clients find that renovations to make their home simpler, easier to clean and less cluttered can help relieve the stress of over-complicated modern living.
8. Personal Satisfaction – Another category that is almost impossible to put a dollar value to, but which often has tremendous importance in your life. Will you see more of your grandchildren if you remodel the basement family room and bathroom to provide them a comfortable place to hang out? What is it worth to you to fix that doorknob that annoys you every time you us it?
Each of these eight components is a unique, tangible measurement of “return on investment” from a home improvement project. The wise homeowner will consider all of them in planning any project. A “Complete Value Plan” can gain value in every one of these areas, compounding to a total return on investment far beyond what you may have imagined possible.
By Thorn Jarvis
Posted by Greg Spears on Fri, May 13, 2011 @ 09:26 AM
It is usually less expensive to add on to your existing house than to move into another home. Additions do have a decent cost-value as a percentage, but do not expect to recoup all the investment on a resale. Do you like your neighborhood? If you have children and you move would they have to start at new school?
While bumping out your house for an addition can add square footage to your floor plan, on the flip side, it takes away square footage from your yard. Usually these can be completed with minimal disturbance to the inside, depending on what your new space is going to be used for.
Another practical option is to add on a partial or full second story. You can add one or more rooms above your existing space without having to take space out of your yard. This will take space in the first floor plan to install the new stairs. Adding on a second story, it exposes your home exposes your home to the elements if not conducted in an efficient matter.
Finishing your basement is another way, since there is already stairs to the basement. Egress windows are easily installed. You may be limited to some options depending on how the mechanicals were installed when the home was built.
Posted by Greg Spears on Wed, May 04, 2011 @ 10:14 AM
It’s that time of year again. That’s right, spring, a time for fresh ideas, new beginnings, and home remodeling. The season also marks the time when homeowners across the country seek out contractors who can turn their dream homes into reality through the process of remodeling. To commemorate May as National Home Improvement Month, the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) offers homeowners a few words of advice for planning their remodels. Homeowners are advised not to wait until summer to start thinking about making changes to their homes. Finding the right design, choosing a professional contractor, and securing the necessary financing for a home improvement project can sometimes take months, so NARI suggests that homeowners who want to start a project by summer start planning now. With more homeowners spending more time at home, demand for home improvements have increased, leaving quality contractors booked far in advance. NARI recommends the following steps to help kick-start the process:
• Think your project through from start to finish. Careful planning of your home improvement projects will enable you to update your home, increase the value of your investment and customize your living space-all for a lot less than the cost of a new home.
• Look over your property carefully. What repairs are needed? What improvements would you like to make? Think ahead and determine your future needs. Professional remodeling contractors can help you in your planning by outlining options and discussing the improvements you can make within your budget.
•
Be sure to review your homeowner's insurance policy and make adjustments for the added value of the work being done. Most homeowners can handle routine maintenance projects and cosmetic touchups, but it’s recommended they consult with qualified professionals for larger remodeling jobs and major changes to the home’s structure.
Consumers may wish to search www.RemodelToday.com to find a qualified professional who is a member of NARI. Consumers can also call the NARI National hotline at 800-611-NARI and request a free copy of NARI’s brochure, “How to Select a Remodeling Professional,” or visit www.RemodelToday.com and click on the homeowner’s guide for more information. About NARI: The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) is the only trade association dedicated solely to the remodeling industry. Visit NARI’s website at www.RemodelToday.com, or contact the national headquarters office at 800-611-NARI.
Posted by Deanne Spears on Wed, Jan 26, 2011 @ 09:54 AM
On a practical side, a finished basement can add valuable living space to your home. Adding square footage to your home pays off, too, when it’s time to sell.
But let's be real: With the Superbowl right around the corner, the testosterone is flowing like a tidal wave. Though there are many ways you can utilize your basement space, one of the hottest trends right now is to create a “Man Cave”.
Wikipedia defines a Man Cave as “A man cave is a male sanctuary, such as a specially equipped garage, spare bedroom, media room, den, or basement. There are entire websites and even online stores dedicated to man cave ideas.
So what goes into a typical Man Cave? Some of the top items are:
- Flat screen TV
- Recliner
- Stereo
- Refrigerator
- DVD player
- Computer
- Bar
1. Think out your space. You’ll want finished walls to keep your space cozy. Think about your layout in terms of functionality. Determine where the drywall (or paneling) will go, think if you want half-walls to break up the space, acoustic ceilings for sound control, etc.
2. You’ll probably want a computer with internet in your space. Set some space aside for your workstation. But lose the wires. Make sure you can tap into the wireless router you’re using in the rest of the house.
3. You’re going to want a big screen tv and music in your man cave. If you’re adding drywall, make sure you allow for the wiring you’ll need before the drywall goes up. It will save you time, money, and hassle.
4. What’s a man cave without snacks? You probably don’t need a kitchen, but a fridge or drink cooler is a should-have.
5. A “men’s room”. If you basement is plumbed, this is a no-brainer. Who wants to run upstairs during the big game?
6. Customize it to your individual preferences. Make sure the design, color, and theme reflect your personality. Love golf? Add some green outdoor carpeting. Sports? Display your trophies. Music? Posters and memorabilia. You get the idea….
What would you include in your Man Cave? You won't be able to finish in time for this year's SuperBowl, but like they say, there's always next year.