As a homeowner, you probably have a project or two on your mind and been thinking about it for some time before you actually get started with the job.  Sometimes, it is just an idea mulling around in the back of your head and you can’t pull all the concepts and designs together.  Or it could be that you saw the perfect design, colors and look at your friend’s home or a model home that you toured.  Whatever may be the case, it’s extremely helpful to put your ideas on paper.

You could create an “Idea Folder” by taking photos or tearing pictures from magazines.  The pictures can be ideas of small parts of a job and many pictures of different ideas will help create your new look.  For example, one picture could be the color of a cabinet or paint for the walls.  Another picture may include a sink, a chandelier or floor tile design.

You will live in YOUR Dream Home by creating all the aspects of importance to you.  You’ll want to review your Idea Folder again and again, showing certain aspects to your Designer or Contractor.  Each little piece will pull together the entire look for you.  Some of your Dreams may seem unlikely; however, you really don’t know until you discuss them with your Contractor. It is best to uncover all your thoughts and ideas at the beginning of a project.  This helps keep the job running smoothly, without delays as well as saves you money from having to backtrack and redo a job in order to accommodate your changes.

However, let’s say that you suddenly came up with a new idea or were finally brave enough to speak up about something you’ve been dreaming about, but just didn’t think was feasible.  By all means, do bring it up!  The Contractor will let you know if and how it can be completed and will tell you if it will create a delay.

Remember that practically all Remodeling jobs do have delays of some sort and since it is your home, you do have the right to have the finished product you’ve been dreaming about.  I tell my clients that my main goal is for them to have the finished product that they will be happy with and all else fits around this.  So, go for it and ask for what you truly want.

There are almost as many exterior projects as interior that can beautify your home, from the typical sprinkler systems and landscaping to the more common decks, patios and arbors and today’s growing trend of outdoor Kitchens and pools,  spas and outdoor showers.  I am addressing some of the most common ones which will enhance your design and living space.  The specialty items like pools, spas and outdoor Kitchens are left for another time.

It is most important to take care of repair items as they occur, whether inside or outside.  I regularly see homes needing repair in addition to the desired updates they request.  Water is one of the major causes of exterior damage.  Once water comes in contact with exposed wood, the need for replacing or repairing it is necessary.  If neglected too long, the damage becomes extensive, creating a greater hazard to the homeowner.

One of my clients living in a high-end home has large custom wood windows.  He unknowingly allowed the raised sprinkler head to water the wooden sashes, causing the wood to rot.  By the time he called me in for repairs, the wood had rotted the window beyond repair, as well as the window frame.  The wood rot was so extensive that water was entering the home through the rotten windows and started to warp the interior wood floors.  The replacement windows and repairs total thousands of dollars and could have been avoided with better care of his property.

Water and sun cause problems around gutters and eaves, doors and frames.  If maintained regularly, the gutters should be cleaned out and the eaves painted and doors stained or painted.  If not, then replacement of rotten wood and scraping of chipped wood will cost more to the homeowner.  Wooden privacy fences should also be maintained with regular inspection of the posts and boards and a protective sealant applied.  Not only will your home look beautiful, it will cost you less in the long run.

When I visit my clients’ homes, I often notice whether or not the home is updated and regularly maintained.  I usually see one or the other.  For those who have not maintained their homes and want to start, the task will be overwhelming, daunting and costly.  For those who continually update and maintain their homes, the next step is the one area they have in mind to remodel.  This becomes easier for the homeowner who understands the process, as well as the remodeler who will recommend suggestions and ideas.

Along with the Kitchen, the Master Bathroom is one of the most important rooms in your home.  It is also one of the larger investments in up-dating your home and an important concern in relation to Return on Investment (ROI) when it comes time to sell your home.

Buyers of homes want an updated Master Bathroom and they expect to see a comfortable and usable updated room when touring perspective homes to purchase.  Without the updated Master Bathroom, buyers may immediately dismiss the home without giving it second thought to its potential.  For homeowners who plan to remain in their homes for some time, say more than three-five years, the investment in the Master Bathroom becomes one of personal enjoyment.  Should you remain more than 10 years, the room may need further improvements prior to selling.

Since home values vary a great deal, the needs of an updated Master Bathroom will be determined by the location, value and selling price of the home.  Master Bathroom remodels could range from $15,000 and up for minor changes, meaning a new shower with replacement of tile, shower door enclosure, bathroom flooring, vanity tops, new plumbing fixtures and paint.  Major remodels could range from $40,000-60,000 and up.  The size of the room, the products chosen and the detail of the work all play a part in determining the investment a homeowner will make in updating their Master Bathroom.  Often, homeowners want to know if they’ll get their money out of the remodel.  Of course, the longer they stay in the home, the more they enjoy their new investment.  And minor changes can make a big impact on the resale of a home without greatly affecting the budget.  The bottom line in ROI is to discuss the value of your home with a realtor who will let you know what your home will sell for in today’s market and help you determine how much to invest in your Master Bathroom.

If you plan to remain in your home, you can decide on simple and quick fixes or complete remodels.

Make the Biggest Impact for your money!

This can be accomplished easily and quickly by changing out minor areas in the bathroom.  Today’s updated look has changed from the brassy gold and chrome plumbing fixtures, cabinet pulls, doorknobs and light fixtures to oil-rubbed Bronze and brushed nickel.  These items can be changed in a day and will make a big improvement for most homeowners.  Often, it becomes the start of more improvements.  Once one change is made, it opens up “the can of worms” for other changes.  Those items that “kind of” bothered you will become more troublesome.  Before you make changes, keep in mind that the entire look and feel should blend together and nothing should stand out as bothersome or too updated.  Once you start thinking about making changes, it is best to review the entire area and determine what you want to do and start your plans from there.

What is REALLY Important to YOU?

Keep in mind that a Bathroom is a very personal room and should accommodate your needs and those of family and visitors.  I’ve been asked what others do with their Bathrooms … should they convert a large Jacuzzi tub to a shower?  Can they sell their home without a tub in the Master Bath?  Should a half wall or pony wall be removed or installed?  Questions arise around shower door units, whether they should be Frameless or Semi-frameless, with clear or obscure glass.   Should a whirlpool tub have air or a heater?  And the answer is…it depends.  It depends on what you want and what is important to you.  If you plan to sell your home within two years and you are concerned that your home may not sell without a tub in the Master Bathroom, then keep the tub and rework the shower size as much as possible.  If you plan to stay in your home and the larger shower is more important to you than an unused tub, then remove the tub and enjoy your newly expanded shower.  If you have never liked your tub and would love to relax in a heated tub with air bubbles, then this is the solution for you. A discussion with a Designer will help you uncover your desires, and a plan can be created to best suit your needs.

YOUR Ideal Kitchen should fit your personal needs, the style and design of the home and your budget.

Since the Kitchen has become the major hub of most homes, with family and friends gathering around the cook, a major emphasis is placed on the Kitchen.

Kitchens and Master Bathrooms are usually the most updated rooms in the house, and the focal point for buyers.  They require the most attention as well as the greatest financial and time investment.  Kitchens and Master Bathrooms also require the most expensive individual items, from plumbing fixtures to appliances and cabinets.

As with the Master Bathroom, it is important to keep the investment of your Kitchen remodel within the value of your home.  It would not be wise to invest $75,000 in a Kitchen remodel for a $150,000 house.  Minor Remodels for average-sized Kitchens could range from $5,000-7,000 for replacing countertops with granite and installing a backsplash.  Complete remodels without replacing cabinets could range from $15,000-20,000 and exceed $100,000 for large elaborate Kitchens.  Home values vary a great deal and the needs of an updated Kitchen will be determined by the location, value and selling price of the home.  The size of the room, the products chosen and the detail of the work all play a part in determining the investment a homeowner will make in updating their home.  Often, homeowners want to know if they’ll get their money out of the remodel.  Of course, the longer they stay in the home, the more they enjoy their new investment.  And minor changes can make a big impact on the resale of a home without greatly affecting the budget.  The bottom line in ROI is to discuss the value of your home with a realtor who will let you know what your home will sell for in today’s market and help you determine how much to invest in your Kitchen.

As you look over your Kitchen, determining what you want to do, keep in mind what works for you and what may need a little sprucing up or a major overhaul.  Just because the cabinets look old may not mean they need to be ripped out and replaced.  They may need some attention, like painting, changing out doors or refacing the cabinets.  When I meet with my clients and we review their Kitchen, I’ll ask what they like about the room and what really needs to be changed.  At this time, we are talking and sharing ideas and options.  Of course, an Idea Folder should be filled with pictures and ideas of how you want your ideal Kitchen to be.  Ask yourself some questions and dream about what you want.  We may or may not be able to fulfill those desires; however, it is well worth the discussion.  One of my clients desperately wanted an opening in the wall between the Kitchen and Living Room so she could see into the Living Room.  She felt isolated working in the Kitchen when the rest of the family was in the Living Room.  We cut out the opening in the wall between the two rooms and this was the best part of the remodel for her.  In every remodel, the best fit is what works for the homeowner.

YOUR Focal Point will depend on the Kitchen and what is important to you.

It may be the new furniture-style cabinets or the commercial looking vent hood or the decorative backsplash.  If we are completely renovating the Kitchen, we may be creating an entirely new look and rearranging your Kitchen.  Make a list of what you like and don’t like about the room.  If you had your ideal Kitchen, list what would you include in it.  When you visit your friends’ Kitchens, become aware of the features in the room.  At this time, it is not necessary to have all the answers.  You really want to present your wish list and lay all the items on the table.  A discussion with your family, friends or Designer will help to pull the new look together.