Tag Archives: Home Addition

Interior Design in Custom Homes

You are already lucky enough to be designing your home in the layout and style you want. Once it’s built, you get to repeat that joy by seeing your interior design wants and needs fall into place.

Whether you choose to work with an interior designer and allow them to make the choices based on your set of requirements, or you take total control. The interior design of your home is totally in your hands when you are building a custom home.

Add Some Functionality to your House

It isn’t just about how the home looks, it’s about the functionality and use of the space. Ideally, you will hire an interior designer to ensure that the interior of your home is pulled together and presented as a completely usable space. This should be done at the beginning of the process, though, so that your interior designer can assist in guiding you through the actual architectural design of the home. They understand space and can help you apply that information practically to the layout and design of your custom home. They are trained to assist clients in choosing designs that fit their lifestyle, which in turn means they understand home layouts and how best to use a space.

You don’t just want the space to be aesthetically pleasing, you want it to be practical, too. This is your home, after all, and you want to feel comfortable. It isn’t just about the blinds, throw cushions and art pieces to tie it all together. Your home should serve you, and you have total control over just how your home serves you when you designed the custom home in the first place. It is equally as important to consider how interior design can enhance those decisions.

Build with Professionals

A good interior designer won’t come cheap, but it’s certainly cheaper than having to make changes down the line, once you realize you may have missed a trick or two when you designed your home. If you have a clear understanding of what you want and how you want it, then you’re not going to find yourself in that position. However, if you have a good idea of how you want things to run but you aren’t sure how to achieve it, then you should consider drafting in an interior designer from stage 1 of the process. If you do know what you want, introduce the interior designer at a later stage to achieve the aesthetics that you want. Or, if you want to reduce costs you could instead bring in the interior designer for the layout alone and take care of the rest yourself. Regardless of which option you choose, an interior designer is a must when it comes to creating your custom home.

If you plan a Home Addition Interior Design, do not hesitate to contact us for the price quote, or if you have any questions about Additions in general, Our professionals ready to help you anytime.

Top Benefits of Building A Home Addition

You might rue the fact that you don’t have a playroom, or a guest room, your kids are sharing rooms and your house is bursting at its seams. You have already made the best of what you have, but it isn’t enough. You can’t move right now, because quite simply you like the neighborhood you live in and the memories that you have made in this home.

It’s time to consider an addition- whether you choose to build out, build up, or dig down- it might be the best way to make sense of your home’s structure.

Consider the Benefits of Building Home Addition

More Space

The whole point of an addition is to increase the space of your home. Whether you are looking for additional storage space, or you want to expand your square footage by creating addition bedrooms, a bathroom, a larger kitchen, or a games room. Even a small addition can produce big results, and a home addition can provide you with the space you so desperately need.

Growing Numbers

Whether you have adult kids threatening to move back, little kids getting bigger, or elderly parents moving in- there are plenty of reasons you might need more space. You can create an additional bedroom, or a full suite with a bathroom and even a small kitchen.

Rent

If you are thinking about extra income, you could potentially create a full suite to rent.

Added Value

It’s hard to overlook, with the additional square footage that comes with building an addition so comes added value.

You’ll recoup those costs when the time comes to sell, but if you are thinking of building just add value to your home- check out what additions add the most value.

Cheaper Alternative

It’s fair to say that additions come at a cost, but so does moving. Pretty much any home addition is cheaper than moving. An addition can be an inconvenience, but so is moving- moving comes with packing, reorganizing, moving, unpacking, plus the many costs and the time it takes to find a home, and sell your own.

Added Luxury

You might not want a whole new room, you may want to expand your kitchen, or create a master bathroom that can house a large spa. You can use additions to create a luxurious space within your home.

Bring the Outdoors In

A sunroom can introduce natural light to your home, and it will cost less than a full room addition, while still boosting your square footage.

Alternatively, create a screened in porch space to allow you to enjoy the warmer weather without the threat of insects. It increases your home’s curb appeal, adds square footage, and increases the value of your home.

No matter what home addition you choose, the right one can transform your residence into your dream home. They’re less expensive than remodeling and moving. If you’re in need of more space or a change, don’t overlook the value of a home addition.

If you plan a Home Addition, do not hesitate to contact us for the price quote, or if you have any questions about Additions in general, Our professionals ready to help you anytime.

Exterior Home Refacing and Renovation

There is a lot of talk about curb appeal in real estate, and people go to great lengths to add curb appeal with porches, and well maintained gardens, forgetting about the home itself. Sure, paint the front door and the garage, but what about the exterior of the home?

When we talk about renovations we’re focused on updating the home’s interior. The exterior is just as important, after all, guests and potential buyers see it before anything within the home.

Curb appeal is all about making a good first impression, so think about what impression your home makes as someone pulls up to it for the first time. They step out of their car and survey your home… what do they see? It’s what you did before you bought the home, so it’s fair to say that it’s what everyone else does as they arrive.

Giving your home a facelift is an investment that is worth making. You are not only increasing the value of your home, but you are improving your curb appeal. Yes, it’s possible to make a massive difference by changing or painting the front door. It doesn’t sound daunting at all, but many people don’t realize that refacing their home’s exterior is easier than a kitchen renovation.

There are many options when it comes to refacing your home’s exterior.

Natural Veneer

Natural stone is an excellent choice, but it can be weighty so you may have a need for additional structural supports. It’s also one of the most expensive options.

Artificial Veneer

If you want the look of natural stone without the weight and cost, consider artificial stone instead. There are fewer tools involved in the installation process so this reduces the labor costs.

Manufactured Veneer

There are available in textures such as rubble stone and limestone, and come in a variety of colors. They are pre-sealed to achieve a water-proof exterior and scratch resistant. There is no need to treat them once the refacing is complete. It’s also an inexpensive option.

Brick Veneer

It looks like brick, but it isn’t. You can choose various styles to create just the look you want to achieve. Many companies will also create a custom brick veneer for you if you can’t find the one that fits your style. This is particularly handy if you are building an addition and you need its exterior to match the rest of your home.

Stucco

Stucco is a mix of cement, sand, and lime and it’s another inexpensive option for refacing. It can be applied directly to the exterior provided it is secure enough to handle the thick layer. The benefit of stucco is that it’s inexpensive, and can be painted over if you want to freshen up your home later, without needing to reface again.

If you plan Exterior Home Refacing , do not hesitate to contact us for the price quote, or if you have any questions about Home Additions in general, Our professionals ready to help you anytime.

6 Benefits of Working with a Custom Home Builder

Choosing to build your own home is everybody’s dream. The control of choosing everything in your home and walking into a brand-new space that no one else has lived in and meets your every need and want.

Working with a custom home builder might be slightly pricier than choosing a production builder, but there are so many benefits to consider.

Firstly, there’s a difference between the two, with production builders producing more than one home at the same time, and in a limited number of designs. You can choose from their menu, or you can work with a custom home builder than works with you to create an entirely unique space for you
There is no need to worry about the layout and features not suiting your needs, because you are the master of this creation. You have the flexibility and freedom to create a living space that fits your lifestyle and your preferences.
Not only are you in control of every step of the build, but you get to choose your own lot in the area that you want to settle in.
Get creative with your living space and build for your current life and your future, too. Having complete control means you can decide where bedrooms will be located, what size the kitchen should be, as well as whether you want secret spaces, or other special features. Production homes don’t allow any wiggle room for custom modifications.
Because you’re making all the decisions you are in full control of the budget, so if you want to invest more in the kitchen area- you can. Your space is going to be unique to you, because you are designing it, so there’s no need to worry that it won’t suit you once you move in. You will have designed it to accommodate your needs and tastes. It will reflect your values, personality, and needs.You won’t ever need to worry about being let down by the finished product’s aesthetic or functionality.
Not only will you have full control over the home design, you can also achieve the landscape features that fit with your home and your unique taste. Forget a generic cookie cutter design. If you want windows located so that you can capture a particular view, that can happen. You don’t have that same level of control over production built homes, or pre-existing homes.

You can be as involved as you want in the process, and opt to work with a specific contractor and architect that will ensure your dream becomes a reality and falls within your budget. Yes, a renovation contractor will cost more, but in the long run, you won’t be disappointed. You will be creating a home that you and your family can grow in, and thrive. You don’t have to be building a large mansion style home to opt for a custom home builder, you just have to be someone who wants the best for their family.

3 Reasons to Do a Second Floor Addition

Ripping the roof from your house may sound drastic, but creating a second floor to your home has its benefits.

If you have a growing family, but you love your neighborhood and hate the thought of moving- think about building up. Not only will that second story pay you back when you do eventually sell, but you can stay in the area that you love in a home that you’ve grown accustomed to and made memories in.
Selling up and moving on to a larger home is a much more expensive task than building up. There are moving costs, property transfer taxes, cancelling utilities, hookup fees, and a whole hole of other costs. Though, adding a second story to your home is a pricey proposition, it’s also a genius move.
Your addition choice will depend on what additional living space you and your family need, as well as what your home can support. For homes on small lots, building up might be the only option. For larger lots, you may be able to build out and build up.

A second-floor addition is complex and there is more inconvenience and higher costs involved. However, you may want to consider a modular or prefab second story addition, this will reduce your costs and limit your inconvenience.

Consider this before building a second floor

Adding a second floor means removing the roof of your home, you are essentially building an entire home on top of your existing home. There is no way around the fact that your family will need to relocate during renovation. However, in the case of a modular additions this will be for a shorter period of time.

There are other risks associated with second-story additions, with weather risks and foundational considerations. Builders must ensure that the drywall ceiling isn’t damaged when the second floor is being added. You should also speak to the local building inspector to find out about codes and zoning regulations. The inspector will also be able to tell you if your home can support the second-floor addition. Or, what you need to do to ensure it can.

When you choose to work with professionals, though, while the risks remain you know you are in good hands. Importantly, though, are the benefits that must be considered.

Creating additional space to your home allows you to design your home in any way you want to. You have an entire floor to play with, whether you choose to move the bedrooms upstairs and reinvent your first-floor space. Or, if you are looking to create guest rooms and home office space.

A simple room addition might be cheaper, and it might even be easier: but the simple fact is that is not a possibility for everyone. Additionally, a single room doesn’t create the massive amount of space that adding a second floor does- with a second-story you are doubling your space.

If you plan a Second Floor Addition, do not hesitate to contact us for the price quote, or if you have any questions about Second Floor Additions or Additions in general, Our professionals ready to help you anytime.

Garage Additions- Extra Storage or Living Space

Converting your garage into another area of your home is always tempting, as it’s just sitting there perfect for you to use. If you have an unused garage, or a garage with no second storey rooms above it, consider a garage addition that would provide your home with an extra room or two to live in. While converting a garage to living space seems counter intuitive due to the loss of parking area, it is a good idea in the eventuality you don’t use the garage for parking, or simply want to divide a large garage in half. Similarly, a vacant attic above the garage is a waste of space that could be put to good use.

Converting your Garage into a Living Space

Conversion of the garage is a relatively easy process as the walls, foundation and electrical sockets are all in place already. All that is required is making it liveable, and to integrate it seamlessly into the rest of the house. Unlike conversion, a garage addition will require building overtop of the garage, and most likely reinforcing the walls so that they can support the weight of the addition.

If your home has a free-standing garage, this option still exists! A set of stairs and a room above the garage can be turned into a separate living area for guests or for members of the family that enjoy their privacy. While both of these rooms will require significant heating adjustments for the house overall, they are much easier to build than a second storey addition or room addition, as they only build overtop of already existing structures. This is also the most cost- efficient way of gaining an extra bedroom, when compared to the other possible house additions.

When thinking about above garage additions consider the requirements for insulation, as rooms above garages tend to be much colder than other areas of the house, plumbing requirements, electrical work which will need to be done, as well as the overall theme of your home’s décor. A garage addition must blend in smoothly with the rest of your home, as if it stands out glaringly that it was built after the rest of the house, it might end up looking too different, and strange as a result.

Also always consider the use your new room will be put to; a living space will need extra heating, while storage space can be more bare bones. Remember to consult with an engineer as well as a professional firm or contractor before you begin any work on your addition.

6 Tips for Kitchen Additions

1.Expand Your Living Area

When there is no possibility of building up, a rear or side home addition is an option to consider for the expansion of your home. While a rear home and kitchen addition is often not sight out due to the fact that the addition will cut into your yard, it is still a popular option for home owners who are constrained by their home’s limitations. In the city, a rear or side home addition is often times impossible due to limited lot size. However, if you have room to spare in your yard, a rear home addition will create the extra room you desire, whether it is a Kitchen addition or a family room. There are important factors to consider when deciding on a home addition of any kind, and particularly a rear or side home expansion. These factors are:

2.Your willingness to sacrifice yard area

A back yard is hard to come by in most city homes. Downtown core buildings often have very little space to expand on, and zoning limitations might prevent you from building outward as far as you’d like. However, if you would rather your house stay a bungalow due to mobility issues and the want to avoid stairs, a rear or side home addition is certainly the way to go.

3.You project budget

As home additions are considered expensive renovations, it is often times more feasible to consider the cheaper option, or simply addition outward and not up. A rear or side home addition is far less costly than building upwards in almost all cases. Kitchen additions are a great way to expand your home.

4.Zoning regulations

The local government will be the ultimate judge as to whether your home addition is possible. Generally, the rules are fairly straightforward as to how far away from a fence, railing or other home you are allowed to build. Sometimes the natural aspects of the lot your home is located on might also restrict building; such as if your home is partially on park property, or by a ravine.

5.You existing home structure

Whether or not your home will be able to add a second story without serious structural support is a question best left up to an engineer. The additional costs of fortification and renewal of your home’s existing walls will deter many people. In these cases, a rear or side home addition that wouldn’t compromise the structural integrity of your home is a better option.

6.The scale of the project

A larger project, such as a complete home renovation or a second storey addition will necessitate your vacating your home for a prolonged period of time. If you wish to avoid this, and instead be present during construction, a smaller scale project such as rear home addition will be a better idea.

A rear or side kitchen addition can be used to expand already existing space, add a new room to your home or create extra storage space. Rear home additions can also be used to create a windowed patio enclosure in the backyard. If you need a little bit of extra space but are unwilling to expand upwards of sideways, a home addition in the rear or the side is another option to consider instead of changing homes.

Ideas and Benefits of Home Additions

Plan a Home Addition? Here are Some Ideas and Benefits in Toronto

Whether you are building up or building out, there is plenty to consider when planning a home addition in Toronto.

In the planning stages, you’ll want to draft in the professionals. Once you know what type of space you want, what style and function you want it to take then you’ll need a professional design drawn and a team to implement the addition itself.

The type of addition you choose will be dependent on what type of space you are after.

Benefits of a Home Addition

Gives you more living space.
Extra room for family members and guests.
Home additions increase the value of your house.
It is cheaper than moving.
Gives your house a new look.

Sun Room

If you love the outdoors then adding a screened in porch, or perhaps a three-season room, is the addition for you. These are relatively inexpensive additions that allow you to enjoy the outdoors, without dealing with pests. These rooms can cost as little as $5,000. It isn’t the choice to make if you are looking to add resale value to your home.

Garage Conversion

Ideal for regions experiencing moderate weather- park your car outside and convert its former home into a living room, master suite, or the ultimate guest paradise. The basics are already in place with walls, foundation and electricity done. This change costs around $7,500, which will be dependent on your wants and needs in the space.

Going Up

If you’re not in a position to build out, then it might be time to build up. If you need more living space, but you live on a small lot this is the choice for you. It is a major expense, though. However, it adds square footage to your home and increases value.

It can cost anywhere from $100 per square foot, right up to $500. It requires a building permit and an exhaustive check of regulations and codes before your project can begin. There is also a danger in putting your home out of character with the rest of the neighbourhood, which could make resale a difficult proposition.

Dormer

A creative solution that enhances your home’s curb appeal, and it’s cost effective. It provides your home with natural light and creates additional space. It is cost effective; however, it is an expensive proposition, and costs start at around $20,000.

Second Bathroom

Everyone knows one bathroom is not enough, so creating an additional one is an excellent investment choice. A bathroom addition will set you back around $30,000, but it increases your home’s chance of selling when the day comes.

The Bonus Room

If you are lucky enough to have an unfinished basement, you can create an amazing space. Whether you want a family room, media room, a guest suite, or games room- an extra room is golden. You aren’t building from scratch, so there’s less to be done. It can cost as little as $5,000 depending on what your plans are.

Any of these additions will add resale value to your home, as well as enhancing your living space now.