Things to Consider Before a Remodel

Remodels take a tremendous amount of effort, for both the builders and the homeowners. As exciting as it is to plan your next renovation, it is important to consider a few logistical elements involved in the remodeling process to ensure things go smoothly for everyone involved. Here are a few things to consider before committing to your next remodel.  

1. Dust control and breathability – During a home remodel, jobsite dust, dirt, debris, organic matter, drywall, cement, silica, and sawdust can stir up and impact the livability during the project. Keep doors to other rooms closed and attach plastic sheets to shelving units to help prevent dust build up. Using a dust control system can also dramatically reduce the amount of airborne dust and keep the air clean. Discover more about our BuildClean Dust Control System that captures and removes up to 90 percent of dust that accumulates during a remodel.  

2. Consider the return on investment (ROI) – The idea of a home remodel can be both novel and exciting, but it’s important to consider the practicality of your investment. Not all upgrades are a good investment, nor do they all add value to your home in the long run. This includes fancy, upscale appliances or luxury installations. Learn more about renovations that increase ROI with our blog on Renovations That Add Value To Your Home.

3. Time of year – Another element to consider is the time of year for your planned remodel. Depending on the size and magnitude of the remodel, make sure you discuss the time frame of the project a skilled contractor who understands the parameters of permitting, material availability, and seasonal impacts of a project.  

4. Your geographical area – Think about your geographical area or the landscape around your home. When planning a remodel, it can be beneficial to consider the geography in case you want to add unique structures or materials to your house that accommodates threats from the outside elements. For example, are you living in a fire zone? Consider installing an ignition resistant roof. For more information about homes and wildfires, see our blog on Designing Homes to Survive Wildfires.

5. Have a plan for inconveniences – Depending on the type of remodel, you may run into a few unforeseen inconveniences. For example, during a kitchen renovation, you may lose the ability to use your everyday appliances. Consider temporary downgrades such as a mini-fridge, toaster oven, or maybe even an outdoor grill. For bathroom renovations, consider getting a gym membership so you have an alternative place to shower.  

2020 Checklist for the New Year

The New Year is a great time to reflect on how to maintain or improve on different areas of your life-- your home included! Keep your house in its best condition for years to come with this annual checklist.

1.  Walk Around the House -- You’re in your home every day, but how often do you take the time to really look at it? Taking the time to inspect the inside and outside of your home is a great way to start identifying what needs to be repaired or replaced.

2.  Check Roofing Material -- What is out of sight is out of mind. Because of this, roofs are often times overlooked. Grab a ladder and take a moment to skim over the top of your house. You’ll want to look for any broken, curling, or blistering shingles, worn vent pipes, or masses of moss and lichen.

3.  Get A Termite Inspection -- Termites are sneaky pests that can create serious damage before you even realize there is a problem. A key indicator that termites are living in your home is the presence of mud tubes. These mud tubes can often be found near the foundation of a house, near pipes, in the crawlspace or attic as well.

4.  Install New HVAC Units -- Replacing a new HVAC system can be expensive. However, with the proper care and maintenance, most can last you about 10 years. If you have an HVAC system that is older than 10 years, runs for longer periods of time, and makes an unusual amount of noise, it might be time to consider installing a new one.

5.  Garage Door Opener -- Garage doors are durable and can usually work for 10-15 years. In order to keep your garage performing at its best, be sure to lubricate any moving parts, replace damaged weather stripping, inspect the rollers, and test the garage door balance.

6.  Drain Hot Water Heater -- Over time and use, minerals and debris known as sediment will build at the bottom of your water heater. Without regular draining, the water heater may not work properly or stop functioning altogether.

7.  Check Caulking -- Making sure your caulking is working properly can prevent damage to your home like mildew caused by water leakage. Caulking can also help you save on your energy bill, ensuring that any unwanted air stays on the outside.

We are available to answer any questions you have about home improvement projects, renovations, or regular maintenance. We use an advanced Rotobrush technology to clear homes of allergens, dust, and more.  Let us know if you need help and be sure to use our checklist to maintain your home.

Renovations that Add Value to Your Home

1.  Invest in your home’s appeal. Looks matter, especially when it comes to your home. Besides sprucing up your home’s exterior and curb appeal, kitchen and bathroom remodels offer the greatest return on investment. Because these rooms are highly used areas, people generally desire high-quality, updated bathrooms and kitchens. If you want an impactful home resale value, consider revamping these two rooms.

2.  Install energy efficient features. Many energy conservation upgrades not only lower your utility bills but can also increase the value of your home. Consider energy upgrades such as adding solar panels, LED lighting, double-paned windows, insulation to attics, or replacing old appliances. Going green does well for the environment, attracts other energy-conscious buyers, and increases your home value.

3.  Increase your square footage. One of the most impactful renovations to increase your home’s value is adding square footage. You can do this by adding additional rooms or even a half bathroom. If this is too far out of your budget, consider building a patio or outdoor deck or finishing a basement. Sprucing up these areas help to create and expand your home’s living space.

4.  Replace your flooring. The flooring of your home should not be overlooked. Are your carpets stained or worn out? Does your wood flooring look dull or have scratches? Floors are one of the most used features of your home and can show the most signs of wear and tear. Consider swapping out carpets with hardwood floors, especially if you have carpet colors that are easily stained. Generally, hardwood floors are easier to clean and maintain and can prove to be a low-maintenance feature that can contribute to your home value.

5.  Be selective about luxury installations. Not all luxury installations will prove to be a good investment. But there are a few key luxury installations worth considering. With the rising use of virtual assistants and smart technology, it is no surprise that there is a growing demand for smart home technology. Consider adding smart thermostats or voice-assistant-controlled lighting fixtures. Adding a water filtration system, such as Reverse Osmosis (RO), can also add high appeal for potential buyers.  

Winter Checklist

Homes need a lot of attention and continued maintenance in order to stay long-lasting. Without proper care, negligence can lead to long-term damages and may risk decreasing the value of your home. Set your home up for success this winter and prepare for the changing seasons with this winter checklist.

1. Check your heating system. Heating systems have the potential to last years longer with proper care and maintenance. Before the weather starts cooling down, change your air filters. We also recommend getting your air ducts cleaned. Each time your heater is turned on, contaminants and particles are circulated in the air of your home, including dirt, dust mites, and pet hair. Our Rotobrush technology does an efficient job at thoroughly cleaning your air duct systems to reduce contaminants and protect your family’s health.

2. Add extra insulation by weatherproofing your doors and windows. Check your doors and windows for gaps that can cause the cold air to leak into your home. Consider weatherstripping or using caulk to seal them up to keep your home warm during the cool days.

3. Seal your home’s exterior. Protect and seal wood on the exterior of your home from the winter elements. This can be done with paint or caulk to prevent your wood from getting wet and potentially rotting. This also includes an outdoor deck or patio if you have one. Make sure to seal your deck. Check to see if it is protected by pouring water on it to see if it beads up over the wood. If the wood absorbs water, you should coat your wood with a fresh seal.

4. Keep your gutters clean. By now, dead leaves may be backing up your gutters from the fall season. Clear out your gutters from debris and leaves to prevent them from overflowing. Water that constantly runs down your home not only leaves behind unwanted streaks, but can also speed up the deterioration of your home.

5. Check and replace your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. It’s no surprise that people use their fireplaces more during the cold season. But before you light up your winter fires, make sure you are taking the necessary steps to ensure your family and home’s safety by checking your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Replace all old batteries to ensure they are working. Also consider having a yearly chimney inspection.

6. Don’t forget to bring outdoor furniture and appliances inside. Increase the longevity of these items by properly storing them away in a shed or garage to protect from rain and changes in temperature. This can include throw pillows, chairs, lawn mowers, grills, or anything else of value that is left outside.

7. Prevent your pipes from freezing and bursting. A safe practice is to insulate pipes near windows and keep the heat running in your home. If you live in colder areas, consider letting your pipes drip to keep the water flowing and prevent freezing. Additionally, you can disconnect your garden hose from outside faucets.

Keep your home happy and well maintained this winter with the proper care it deserves. For more information on how you can keep your home long lasting and in good shape, get in touch with our team at Caldwell Construction. We provide construction solutions to ensure you and your family have a home that is long lasting and timeless.

November Checklist

The heat is finally winding down and fall is slowly transitioning into winter. But before you jump into the holiday festivities, it is important to take the time to address your home’s needs and safety. Before you get too cozy, make sure you go through this checklist to prep your home for the winter.

1. Check your safety devices – Increase your family’s protection by checking your home’s safety devices. Check smoke detectors regularly and replace your detectors’ batteries. Establish a fire evacuation route that you and your family are familiar with in case of emergencies.

2. Air Duct cleaning – Before you turn on your heater, don’t forget to get your air ducts cleaned. Allergens and contaminants can circulate the air through your air ducts if they are not properly cleaned. Learn more about our air duct cleaning services and Rotobrush technology.

3. DIY fall décor – Consider DIY crafts and projects this year. Doing it yourself lets you control your budget and can even help you save cash for gifts in December.

4. Clean the kitchen – Holiday parties are approaching! Consider deep cleaning your kitchen to accommodate all the food prep and family gatherings to come.

5. Get your windows fixed – Loose windows may not be a pressing issue now, but it’s better to get them fixed before the cold weather or rain really settles in this winter.

6. Maintain your garden – Now is the time to clean up old and unwanted growth. Clean up plant debris and weeds and rake your lawn leaves.

7. Refresh your patio – Just because summer is over doesn’t mean you can’t spend time outdoors! Consider adding some light fixtures, fall decorations, and setting up a seating area where your friends and family can gather during the holidays.

8. Clean gutters – Keep your gutters clean from leaves and twigs to help prevent clogging. Getting rid of your gutter debris can prevent blocked gutters and water damage to your home.

9. Check on your fireplaces – Have your fireplace serviced before you light it this season. Keep your family safe and get your chimney inspected and cleaned to prevent chimney fires.

Comparing Kitchen Countertops

Remodeling a kitchen is an exciting process. But it can also be overwhelming to figure out what layout, design, and materials you want to use in your new kitchen, especially when considering kitchen countertops. Countertops are a significant part of a kitchen remodel. From style to functionality, discover the pros and cons of different countertop materials below.

1.   Ceramic tile – Ceramic tile is an inexpensive countertop material that can provide a lot of design options. The downside of having tile is that the grout in between each tile piece must be cleaned. Ceramic tiles can also be easily broken, which requires occasional repair and replacement.

2.   Concrete – Concrete countertops are versatile. It can be colored, textured, polished, or shaped to your preference. The downside of concrete is that these countertops are extremely heavy and require special bracing. Most often, custom craftsmen are required to install concrete countertops.

3.   Granite – As a natural stone, granite is one of the most popular options for a kitchen countertop. Granite can come in slabs or tiles. Each piece of granite is unique, so no granite countertop will be exactly the same as another one. In order to keep granite in good condition and prevent stains, it must be sealed periodically.

4.   Marble – This natural stone is another popular choice for kitchen countertops. Because of its natural features, each marble countertop is unique. Because it is a natural stone, marble can be very expensive. Additionally, because it is a soft stone, it can also be easily scratched and stained unless sealed regularly.

5.   Quartz – Quartz countertops are derived from natural quartz and combined with pulverized rock, glass, or metallic flecks for variety. It also has antibacterial agents and are highly durable, making them much harder to scratch. Unfortunately, quartz is very heavy, expensive, and needs to be installed by experienced installers.

6.   Soapstone – Soapstone is commonly found in different tones of whites and greys. It has a warm look, resists stains well, and is easy to clean. On the other hand, it can easily be scratched and needs to be oiled periodically.

7.   Stainless steel – This material is becoming a more popular choice in the home. The pros of having steel as your kitchen counter is that it is generally germ-resistant and sanitary. Cons include steep pricing and the necessity of finding specialty workmanship to fabricate it.

For more information regarding kitchen countertops and remodeling, contact our team at Caldwell Construction for a consultation or general questions about our work.