Renovation Ideas Blog

How to Determine the Most Appropriate Flooring for Your Basement

  

 Email Article  

Tweet  

  

  

 delicious  

  

  

Modern homeowners understand the importance of making the most of every space around their home, as well as how important it is to save money on their energy usage every month.  When you finish your basement, it helps to create a better organized, warmer and fun environment.  Implementing new flooring and a couple of small finishing touches can help transform your basement into one of the rooms that everyone will want to enjoy.

Determining Whether It’s Time for an Upgrade in Flooring

If your basement has ever gotten wet from the rain, melting snow or flooding, it will end up getting condensation along the surface of the flooring.  You might want to think about re-insulating the flooring as your first step in the process.  Since your basement is below the surface, it is susceptible to any potential crevices or cracks within your flooring foundation.  You can purchase a dehumidifier to help address any issues with humidity, but you will need to determine what the issues are to fix the problem completely.

Once you have made your basement watertight, you need to determine how you want to use the space.  Will it be a home theater room? Game room? Man cave? Children’s playroom?  As soon as you have determined what it is that you want to use the space for, you will be able to determine the best type of flooring to accommodate your space.

Options for Flooring in Your Basement

Carpet tends to be one of the most common options for your basement flooring.  Not only is it easy to clean, but it is very resilient.  Berber carpeting is one of the best options for high traffic areas.  Some of the other forms of carpeting that need enhanced levels of padding are a nice addition to the room.  They will help to minimize the level of sound and keep the basement warm.

One of the most utilitarian options is that of vinyl flooring.  Some of these tiles will have an adhesive backing, which is perfect for those who are installing them in their home.  If you have flooring that is uneven, you may end up with imperfections along the way.  Make yourself aware of that beforehand to prevent any surprises down the line.

Porcelain and ceramic tiles are other great options, but they can get pretty costly.  Tile doesn’t wear out and you can install it easily in just about any shape room.  A number of different designs are available from which you can choose, so you will be able to create some amazing patterns.

Laminate flooring and engineered hardwood are excellent choices to create a classy look in your space.  It will help to add warmth and style to your existing space.  Laminate flooring is a type of floorboard that is designed to look identical to wood.  The pieces click together upon installation, while the engineered hardwood is a thinner wood that is affixed to plywood.  Engineered hardwood will require a sealant to attach it to the foundation. 

Finishing your floor with concrete is always another option.  Applying a thin layering of concrete with color in it can help create a visible hue atop your existing foundation.  If your current floor is in decent condition, you can always paint the concrete with a slip-free paint.  Expect to touch up the paint in a few years for those areas that see a lot of traffic. 

Basements tend to be one of those rooms that people don’t enjoy often enough.  All it takes is a few simple tips and tricks to modify the room into something that is going to bring plenty of enjoyment and save you loads of money.

Transform Your Basement into a Haven

  

 Email Article  

Tweet  

  

  

 delicious  

  

  

It seems as if more and more people are searching for a means to remodel their basements.  Many homeowners are far too worried about the value of their home to let a large amount of space sit without going to use.  You can consider the possibilities in transforming your basements into a study, game room, library and much more.  Consider positioning nice comfortable chairs around the room, bookshelves to hold all of your books and trophies.  Implement a desk to keep track of all your expenditures. 

Game Room for the Family to Enjoy

Perhaps a game room may be in order for your space downstairs.  When you have a game room in the basement, you will be able to corral the teenagers down there and away from the upstairs.  You can put in an air hockey table, pool table or a foosball table to help entice teens into the space.  Add in board games and darts to help create a space that any teen will love hanging out in for hours on end.  Try incorporating a game night for the whole family to enjoy. 

Play Place for the Children

Transforming the basement into a game room for the children is perfect for eliminating a number of toys from your upstairs.  You can add in a child-sized table for homework and arts and crafts time.  Try incorporating carton storage to help keep all of the toys organized and out of the way.  Shelving helps to store all of their special treasures and keep the floor clean.  Position a piece of corkboard for hanging their art projects on the wall.  Anyone who visits will be able to admire your child’s achievements.  For an added personal touch, you can let the children choose the colors for the basement, wall hangings and more.  After all, the space is meant to be for them.

Make the Space into a Man Cave

Repeatedly, people have heard the term ‘man cave’.  Why not transform your basement into the perfect getaway for that special man in your life?  Start by placing wood paneling around the area.  Recessed lighting helps to add the ambience needed for watching their favorite sports game on television.  A fully stocked bar will help to provide them with the refreshments they need while relaxing downstairs.  It is imperative that you have a television and refrigerator in this space.  If your man is a smoker, you can have a smoke eater installed to provide them the ability to enjoy a cigar while watching the game.

Women Need Their Own Space Too

For many women, they want their own havens to head out to and enjoy time away from it all.  You can make the room into a Hollywood type movie theater setting complete with a projector, popcorn cart and wet bar to make some fancy drinks and feel like a movie star. 

You can turn the basement into a large room for family gatherings.  Spread out a dinner feast that everyone will be able to enjoy without having to crowd around the table upstairs.  Your dining room upstairs can be used for cocktail hour.  The party can then proceed downstairs for the dinner feast seated around tables large enough to accommodate everyone.  Regardless of what the décor is downstairs, a bar will help bring the feeling of outside into the comfort of your own home. 

It doesn’t matter what type of style you plan to use in your basement remodel, you will want to follow a few simple standards in the remodeling process.  Ensure your basement is free from condensation or water issues before you begin laying any new flooring down.  When you purchase a couch, make sure to get one that is convertible for guests who stay the night.  If you can spring it, install a bathroom downstairs for guests to use.  You can transform a space that was not used very much into something that everyone is going to enjoy using as a family.

Setting-Up a Home Library

  

 Email Article  

Tweet  

  

  

 delicious  

  

  

If you are able to have the space set aside for a home library, you are going to love how it will benefit your family for years to come.  While providing a quiet place to read is one of the most valuable tools that you can give to your family, having a place of solitude where you can enjoy a good book or just get away from commotion of the rest of the family is equally as valuable. There are a couple of things that you need to consider when setting up your home library to ensure that you are going to get the most out of it.

Create a Peaceful Environment for Your Library

You need to determine the optimal placement for your home library that will allow you to be able to work effectively and with an intense amount of focus.  Make sure that you have comfortable seating and that you have the right amount of lighting.  Having the proper amount of lighting will help prevent you from straining your eyes.  You also need seating and counter space that will allow you to spread out your items.  For decorating this room, you could go more formal or more casual; it just depends on your taste.  A room painted in light colors, along with either comfy chair-and-a-half or chaise lounge keep it feeling homey and relaxed.  Leather chairs and sofas, adorned with classic nailhead detailing, along with a large cherry desk, harken back to the styling of a library in an old English manor.

Consider the Amount of Storage You Are Going to Need

Your home library is not just about the amount of lighting and seating that you have available.  You also need to make sure that you have enough space to store items that you want to access in this room.  You can implement recessed shelving or decorative bookshelves to help keep your area organized.  If you take the time to plan everything out ahead of time, you are sure to have one of the best libraries around, and you will want to do all your reading there.

Remodel the Exterior of your Home

  

 Email Article  

Tweet  

  

  

 delicious  

  

  

When you make the decision to remodel the exterior of your home, you immediately have the opportunity to increase the value of your home.  A house that has a nice curb appeal will not only give you pride of ownership, it will help make it a more desirable property when you decide to eventually sell.  It doesn’t matter if you aren't planning to put your home up for sale for years, because it is always nice to arrive at a beautifully maintained home at the end of each day.

                                                                          Completed

Some exterior remodeling trends include:

• Siding – If your home has wooden siding, you may want to consider upgrading to something more modern.  Fiber-cement siding has been designed to last up to 50 years and the capabilities for insulation are far more superior to that of wood.  You will also not have to worry about any insect infestations when you do away with wood siding.
• Landscaping –  Consider trimming or cutting back on the trees and bushes surrounding your home.  Overgrowth can hide your home, and it can also do damage by attaching to siding (climbing vines) or allowing bugs a way up and in.  Trimming professionally helps to give it the curb appeal and bring your home new life. 
• Windows – Installing energy efficient windows around your home is going to save you a lot of money in the long run on your heating costs.  Not to mention how nice they are going to look from the outside of your home. 
• Entry Doors – Many homeowners are amazed by how much a new entry door can do for their home.  The front door is one of the first things that people notice before they enter your home, so why not make that first impression a lasting one?  You can also provide some new insulation to your home, through the implementation of a new entry door.  So it can be an aesthetic improvement, and it just makes good sense.

Transforming Your Bathroom by Remodeling Your Sink

  

 Email Article  

Tweet  

  

  

 delicious  

  

  

Plenty of style options are available for sinks, regardless of what type of bathroom you currently have. From square to round, pedastal to vanity, below or above counter, you can find a sink that will accommodate all of your design needs and fit perfectly into your space. Investigate all the options for transforming your bathroom by simply changing your sink.

Pedastal Sinks Are Ideal for Saving Space

Pedestal sinks can be the most graceful fixture in a bathroom, and they are the perfect solution for saving space.  This is why a number of people turn to these sinks for their bathroom needs.   The only downfall is they do not provide adequate space for storing a wealth of items.  This type of sink is ideal if you already have a storage closet for bathroom supplies.  However if you do not have a closet but still want to use this sink, there are some other methods for incorporating storage into your bathroom, such as a table next to your sink or a shelf near your sink.  Depending on the look you want, metal or wood side tables and glass or wood shelving will work perfectly to create storage for various necessities.

Console Sinks Save Space and Look Stylish

You can help give your sink either a vintage or modernistic twist by using a console sink.   Console sinks could provide you with the space you need underneath for storing a small amount of items, while offering a bit of counter space surrounding the basin.  Use of a console sink could provide you with the best of both options –they are small enough to not take too much room, but still and still offer a place for supplies.

Vanity Sinks

Vanity sinks help provide you with an abundance of room for storing your bathroom items, but they require a larger space to accommodate them.  Bathroom vanities are quickly becoming one of the hottest categories in home renovation, allowing homeowners to refresh the look of their room without investing a lot of money.   

If you want to upgrade your bathroom with a modern feel, go with a vanity that is chic, contemporary and will breathe new life into your bathroom décor.   If you’re interested in creating a more traditional and elegant look for your bath, an antique-inspired vanity can transform your space from ordinary to ornate.  

Mounted Sink

If you decide to use a simple white sink alongside small mosaic tiles, you will have a bathroom that is anything but boring.   Mosaics help to provide an interesting backdrop surrounding a sink mounted on the wall.   Sapphire squares, blue triangles and hexagons of topaz blue help to create a stunning pattern.  Use of a circular mirror can help to help mimic the shape you have chosen in your sink.  Since you can place your wall-mounted sink wherever you desire, they tend to work perfectly for anyone.

Square Sinks, Raised Above the Counter

Sinks have transformed from the traditional circular and oval basins of years ago.  For those who have a contemporary bathroom, a square sink may be the key to what you seek.  Sinks that are square and raised above the counter help to elevate your vanity not only on a contemporary level, but also on a physical one.  When you have a raised sink, you are likely to not have to bend or stretch as much as you would with other varieties of sinks.  This can offer you a far greater level of comfort.  Square sinks can also fit nicely into the theme of square mirrors and tiles, giving the bathroom a little bit of a quirky feel.

Custom Countertops

Custom countertops offer the ability to transform an ordinary sink into a focal point that is both artistic and gorgeous.  By creating a custom border that surrounds your sink, you can add your own flair and style, while providing a place for some of your bathroom necessities.

Make it a Duo with a Pair of Sinks

Adding in a pair of sinks with the warmth of a wood vanity or chest will help to create symmetry in your space.  Large mirrors with white paint and accessories help to create a light, airy feeling.   Or for the look of a spa, you could opt for more earthy colors and above-counter vessel sinks, as seen in the photo on the left.  

If you wish to use two sinks in your bathroom, but are limited in amount of space, you can opt for smaller-scale sinks to help accommodate your space.

A Cost-Conscious Approach

If you are unsure what type of sink you want, there is always the possibility to implement style and flair by incorporating simple decorative pieces into your space.  For example, you can add a skirt around your sink to help bring color, style and texture to one simplistic piece.  They are inexpensive and can easily be changed; there won’t be a need to worry about stretching your budget farther than it can go right now. 

Take the time to look at all of the possibilities and see what intrigues you.  One of the main goals is to create a look that is stylish, while still providing you with the functionality and lifestyle choices you desire.  Since there are a number of options on the market today, it should be relatively easy to find the perfect design for your home.  

Bring Personality to Your Child’s Room

  

 Email Article  

Tweet  

  

  

 delicious  

  

  

There are so many design opportunities to choose from when you are preparing to design your child's bedroom.  You could decide to make the room subdued and soft, to help promote a sense of calmness, or you can implement bold, loud colors and patterns into the space to help unleash a bit of your child’s wild imagination.  It all comes down to choice.

Incorporating a theme into the room can add a sense of style and flair; their room can become a magical and whimsical wonderland, enabling them to retreat there when they need some alone time.  And unlike all of the other areas of your home, you don’t have to worry about your child’s room decor complimenting with all of the design choices inside of your living space.  There are no rules that need apply when it comes to these rooms and the design of the rest of your home.

One example could be that your daughter may want a haven filled with elegance, softness, and frills to help bring about her interpretation of all things girly. 

When creating a room of this nature, try using crystal chandeliers, silver sheer curtains, warm cream colors as trim, pale pastels for accessory colors, and that touch of gold to add a perfect finish to the room.  You can tie the look of the room together by using the bedding as the focal point.

In terms of color and accessories, remember to keep proportion in mind, taking into account the room size and layout.  As you try to determine how to accessorize the room, you should be sure not to flood the space with enormous pieces.  They may dwarf the the room, making it feel jammed with furniture.  Sometimes built-in units can be the answer to this conundrum, as they don’t crowd a room but still offer plenty of storage space.

One Room, Two Beds

You don’t necessarily need to have twins to have a bedroom with two beds.  If room size allows, a current trend for single children is to have two beds inside of their bedroom.  Matching bed sets are perfect for adding color and contrast into a room, and can accommodate the sleepover of a best friend easily. 

Floral patterns and plaid fabrics are perfect for little girls.  They are lively, fun and chic, and play well against each other.  You can have one bed made with one side of the comforter revealed, while the other bed can be made with the contrasting color or pattern.  This brings color and quirkiness into one simplified space.  Not only can this be aesthetically appealing, but it also helps provide the sense of uniqueness into the room. 

Again take color and accessories into account with room size and layout.  You will want to tie the look together, but also be sure to have pieces that are functional.  And don’t think that because it’s functional, you won’t be able to find pieces that fit all of your needs.  There are many stylish designs, which are also practical and can help to complete the look of a room. 

Your little one deserves a bedroom that says something about who they are and what they like, while also being versatile.  This is exactly what we can offer you.

Ideas for the Bonus Rooms

  

 Email Article  

Tweet  

  

  

 delicious  

  

  

Most people tend to use their bonus rooms as their leftover rooms.  If they have anything that does not seem to fit into the rest of their home, they will dump it into that leftover room.  Why not take the extra space and turn it into a place that the whole family will be able to spend time together?   A great bonus room is when you are able to enjoy it with the whole family, and have it bring functionality to your home. 

Game Room

Depending on the size of your room, you could place a pool table or ping-pong table in there and add some tables and chairs around the periphery for people to be able to sit, watch the game, and relax.  You can add a bar and another touch of personalization; you could paint the walls with chalkboard paint and allow your guests to draw on the walls and keep score of the games.  And of course, should you need the extra storage space, you could always incorporate some built-in storage units to keep the room tidy. 

Media Room

Another room that can bring the whole family together, a media room can be enjoyed by all.  If the room can accommodate, the use of large sofas can provide plenty of seating to watch a blockbuster movie or a big sporting event together.  For rooms with windows, blackout shades can help to keep the room dark, enabling a true movie experience.  You can even contract a technology company that specializes in installing movie theater equipment and fixtures (movie screens, movie projectors, specialty sound-systems) if you choose to get that elaborate.  These additions can make what you watch in this room a true viewing experience.

Playroom

This would be the ideal option to keep young children entertained and have all of their toys in one location.  By incorporating built-in storage units, you can keep the room tidy and clutter-free.  You could give them their own seating and tables to offer the perfect place for them to do crafts, play with clay and color, or read a book.  You designate a corner for a train table or a spot for building blocks.  A pretend kitchen or a palace for pretend royalty can be included in another corner.  Any sort of whimsical play can be encouraged in this room, and lifetime memories can be had here.

Redesigning the Look of Your Kitchen

  

 Email Article  

Tweet  

  

  

 delicious  

  

  

Many people want to remodel their kitchen space because of an approaching event.  They often fail to realize that it takes a significant amount of time to complete the entire project.  Planning the remodel, from start to finish, can be quite tedious; you will want to ensure you are prepared.  Understanding the stages and having a realistic approach about the whole process will help make it less stressful.  Prior to your kitchen remodel, follow these steps to ensure the project is a success:

• Before you are able to begin any remodeling project, you will need to ensure you have a designer in place.  Take the time to research whom you are going to choose to design your dream kitchen.  Be sure you sign the contract with a professional who you know you can trust to get the job done correctly.  You want someone who understands your needs and wants, as well as willingness to work within your budget.
• Be ready for it to take time.  Redesigning your entire kitchen will take a few months, as it all begins with your initial meeting with the designer so he or she can become familiar with your entire project.  It is at this point when you will determine your budget, which is integral to the overall decision-making process.  Expect to spend a couplehours with the designer going over everything, from all the measurements to an overall feel for the concept of your new kitchen.  If you have any questions, make sure to ask the designer at this point.

• The next part of the process is: surprise, more waiting.  After the designer takes measurements, the design firm will construct a draft layout of your current kitchen.  Don’t be worried if this process takes a few weeks before you see anything.  Most of the time, firms will have a number of projects going on at the same time, which means they operate on a rotating schedule.  This can lead to a significant delay in getting your draft completed.
• Once your designs are complete, you will review everything with the designer.  Since you have already determined what your budget is going to be, now is all about getting the most value for your money.  Choose which items you want to splurge on in your home.  From countertops to appliances, the possibilities are endless.
• Over the next few weeks, the design team will work to finalize the plans based upon your meetings with the design consultant.  The next meeting with your designer will be to, once again, review the updated designs, discuss all of the specifics, and determine the aesthetics.  Choosing cabinet finishes, countertop material, cabinet styles and accessories is imperative at this meeting.  During this phase, the designer will be completing all of the potential drawings to help bring the new kitchen design into perspective.  Even though it may seem like the process is taking longer than anticipated, it will ensure everyone is on the same page and everything is going according to plan.
• It is at this point when you will finally hire a contractor who will bring your whole design concept into existence.  Once everything is explained to the contractor and they review your plans, you will be given a detailed estimate of the labor costs.  Provide as much information as you can to the contractor, as this will help them give you the most accurate price quote and get the job done correctly.

The most difficult part of all of this is trying to remain patient throughout the entire process.  In the end though, you will hopefully love your new kitchen and all of the hard work that went into making your vision a reality. 

Once you have a schedule in place for the completion of the project, it will help put everything into perspective for you.  Even though it may take some time to get everything done, the result will be well worth the effort you put into it.  Regardless of whether you are looking for something traditional, contemporary or modern, you will end up with the kitchen that you have been dreaming and waiting for all along.

Customize the Look of Your Kitchen with Backsplashes

  

 Email Article  

Tweet  

  

  

 delicious  

  

  

Backsplashes are not just used to serve a practical purpose in your kitchen anymore.  Beyond being able to catch the dirt and water and prevent it from touching your walls behind the stove and sink, they will also make a stunning design statement in your kitchen.  Over the years, the trends that surround backsplashes have changed dramatically.

Countless backsplash options are available, but tile is considered one of the favorites for many homeowners. Bear in mind that changes in tile are continually modifying the way in which homeowners are decorating their spaces.  

Glass tiles are still one of the more popular options.  For those who want smaller tiles in their backsplash, irregular shapes are ever growing in popularity.  When it comes to a contemporary kitchen, these tiles will help to open the space up and create a minimal amount of interruption and grout lines.                                                 The tiles will help to add to the existing style of your kitchen.  If the kitchen needs a backsplash that is more restrained, a glass sheet that is painted a color of your choosing may be the perfect solution.  Glass shops can customize the look of your tile, but you want to ensure you choose carefully for those completing your work.

One of the other hot trends in backsplashes today is an expanded height.  Instead of the traditional four-inch backsplashes that are composed of the same materials                                                                                         used for the countertops, many homeowners are opting for a backsplash that is close to 10-inches in height.  The rest of the wall will be adorned with a paint coloring of your choosing.  Just about any kitchen will look amazing with this type of backsplash and paint combination. 

Regardless of whether you choose to use stone or glass tiles in your kitchen, the design trends are focused on creating a background that consists of texture and color,                                                                         rather than the mosaic designs that were used over the previous years.  Not only will you have a backsplash that is elegant and dynamic, but it will also be appealing and functional for quite some time.

Super Storm Sandy

  

 Email Article  

Tweet  

  

  

 delicious  

  

  

It's been over 100 days since Sandy.  In her wake, the entire coast of NJ affected by the hurricane pulled together as if we were one small, tight community.  Our company was deluged with requests for assistance, and we worked together with our neighbors and future customers, assisting them in whatever way we could.  From reconstruction information, to insurance claim questions, to requests about FEMA, to house-raising pricing, we gave our best effort to anyone affected by the storm who contacted us.  And if there was information we could not give immediately, we did our best to research and follow-up in a timely fashion, with accurate answers.

In that same spirit, attorney Joseph A. Porelli has been assisting many businesses and homeowners affected by the storm.  Mr. Porelli’s office has been offering free insurance claim seminars, with topics ranging from the difference between homeowners insurance versus flood insurance, to how to report and handle property damage loss, to what you should do if your claim was denied, deemed inadequate, or if new damages due to the storm appear.  Information about these seminars can be found on his website: http://www.thepropertydamageblog.com/p/free-sandy-seminars.html. 

We used this website as one of our sources of information, and we’re hoping you will find answers to some of the questions you may have.  As always, if there’s any help you need, with regard to picking up the pieces left behind by any ‘Super Storm’, please call for a free estimate as soon as possible.  We’re here for you.