Interior House Remodeling Can Add Value to Your Home
There comes a time in everyone’s life when they decide their home is in need of a refresh. Perhaps the kitchen is looking dated, or the dining room is just too cluttered with antiques and tchotchkes.
Understanding the difference between a remodel and a renovation can help you plan your interior house remodeling project more effectively.
Kitchens
The kitchen is a focal point in many homes, serving as the space where families gather to dine and celebrate. Kitchen remodeling can improve the functionality of living spaces by reconfiguring rooms, optimizing storage and introducing new appliances.
During the planning phase, homeowners can find inspiration for their dream kitchen by searching online blogs and magazines or visiting home design showrooms. A general contractor, or GC, can also provide guidance in this stage of the process by offering suggestions and potentially providing plan sketches as part of their bids.
Once the kitchen renovation project is scheduled and permits have been acquired, the demolition phase begins. The goal is to rip out everything that’s old and interior house remodeling outdated including walls, cabinets, flooring and fixtures. Some property owners handle this step themselves, while others opt to hire a skilled team.
After the demolition, framing and plumbing changes may be required depending on the kitchen layout change. For example, a kitchen remodel that moves a sink location might require replacing galvanized pipes with PEX.
After the new plumbing is connected and the cabinets installed, finishing touches can be applied to the kitchen. Adding a decorative backsplash or changing out lighting fixtures can help tie the room together. This is also the time to add new appliances like the refrigerator, stove and dishwasher.
Bathrooms
Bathrooms come in all shapes and sizes from tiny powder rooms to master suites, but one thing they have in common is that they often need upgrades. A complete bathroom renovation is a large undertaking and can be expensive, but it can also add significant value to your home.
It is important to hire professionals like contractors, plumbers and electricians who specialize in bathroom remodeling. They can help you save money down the line by avoiding costly mistakes. They can also help you obtain multiple quotes and check references to find the best team for your project.
If you are replacing the shower or tub, make sure that your contractor is using a quality, waterproof product. Low-cost solutions such as a fiberglass shell over an existing bathtub or tile are prone to water leaks that can lead to extensive damage and expensive repairs.
In addition to replacing fixtures, you may need to relocate or extend plumbing or electrical lines. Be sure to mark the location of existing pipes and wiring before beginning demolition. This will ensure that you don’t accidentally cut or damage them, which could be very costly.
If you have molding that matches the rest of your house, consider reusing it commercial hotel furniture customized in the new bathroom to keep costs down. If you need to install new trim, be sure to get a sample piece from the lumberyard or have a custom profile made so that it will match perfectly.
Living Rooms
Living rooms and family rooms are often the most versatile spaces in a home. They can be transformed from formal parlors for entertaining guests to cozy movie-night-in zones for the family. In either case, these rooms often showcase personal design details that reflect the personalities of families and their lifestyles.
A living room remodel can be as simple as a mantel refresh or as complex as removing walls to create an open floor plan. Regardless of the scope, you’ll want to set aside a budget and timeline for the project. As you’re gathering ideas and pricing, consider the impact your renovation will have on your home’s resale value. For example, adding hardwood floors will increase resale value and provide long-term comfort for the family while new windows can offer a return on investment in energy savings.
Once the major layout is complete, add in a few finishing touches to make the space feel like new again. The use of color is a key element in interior house remodeling, and choosing a paint shade that complements the existing furniture can bring a fresh new look to the whole room. Changing the size and positioning of a mirror or rug can also change the way a room feels and how it’s perceived by visitors. Finally, incorporating fresh plants is a great way to invigorate the space and create a comfortable feel.
Bedrooms
Bedrooms are the perfect opportunity to get creative with paint, fabrics and window treatments. However, as a space devoted to sleep it is vital to have an environment that promotes rest and relaxation. That means removing distractions and focusing on design that will make it easy for occupants to fall asleep.
There are a number of different factors that go into creating the right atmosphere for sleep, such as temperature, color, lighting and furniture layout. A bedroom remodel can be as simple or complex as you want to make it, but planning will help ensure that your project stays on budget and timeline.
Unlike kitchens and bathrooms, bedrooms typically require much less complicated, invasive renovation work. While the room may need new flooring, walls and ceilings in some cases, the majority of work can be completed with items that are more low-cost and DIY-friendly. In addition, unlike a kitchen or bathroom remodel, it is rare for a bedroom to require any plumbing pipe installation or expensive appliances.
