by admin | May 27, 2020 | Additions, basement remodeling, Energy Efficiency, Garage Construction, Remodeling
In this unique time of social distancing, working from home has become part of the new norm. We find ourselves in Zoom meetings, typing away on our home keyboards, and making office calls while making breakfast for the kids. It is the way of the world now and very possibly a new way to do business for the future. We find ourselves unprepared for disruptions, unable to stay focused, and drifting off to do household choirs instead of that next spreadsheet that our boss needs. These are real problems that the American workforce is now facing. Building a home office can help you tackle these distraction issues and help you stay organized in ways you never thought possible. We put together some great home office tips that are functional, stylish, and game-changers for your future as a stay-at-home employee or boss.
1) Consider the space. Do you have an extra bedroom? Or do you have unutilized space that can convert into a home office? A good-sized home office space should be a minimum of at least 100 sq ft or a small bedroom size. For those who do not have any spare space, consider adding an addition to your home or converting a garage into an office space. Speak to your accountant about possible tax write off.
Wherever space is, make sure that you are considering traffic flow and your ability to withstand distractions. Do not put yourself into a closet with smushed seating. This will be your area to work for many hours each week. Your home office should take priority over the rarely used guest room or a toy area for the kids.
2) Consider Lighting. You will want good lighting in your home office. A small table lamp will not be enough light for long hours of work. Does the area have any natural lighting from a window? If not, can you have a window installed? Do you have good quality ceiling lights? Planning for the light in your home office is essential to help avoid headaches and eye strain. If your room does not have the lighting you need, consider contacting a professional to improve the situation.
3) Connectivity– Unless you are working strictly from paper, a home office will need to have the ability to connect to the Wi-Fi internet and possibly fax machine and or phone. Be sure that the space you have decided on has a good connection and several outlets. Your internet service provider can help you to install the proper equipment and set up your devices. We searched the web for recommended equipment and found that PC Magazine’s article, https://www.pcmag.com/news/working-from-home-101-must-have-devices-for-your-home-office-setup“, is full of great options for your home office.
4) Focus on room layout. Now that you know where your office will be and have determined your lighting and connectivity needs, it is time to plan the room layout. You will want to have space for shelving to hold any manuals or books that you need to reference, a place for a desk, and a comfortable chair, as well as where you want to place office equipment such as a printer, fax machine, phone, etc. It is a good idea to design this on paper first to avoid holes in the walls and back strain from moving the furniture too much.
5) Furnishings- Time to move into the home office with some solid, sensible furnishings. Choose a chair that is both comfortable and supportive to help avoid back and neck strain. Find a desk that works not only at the height you will need but will provide storage for pens, papers, files, and other staples. Computer, mouse pad, speakers, shelves, and a few personal items such as a plant or photos will complete the space.
Remember, this will be the hub where you will be working for many hours to come. Do not deceive yourself into thinking that the corner of the kitchen under a cabinet will be the best place for you to do your work unless you work great among the chaos, dirty dishes, and chocolate chip cookies left out. You deserve to make your home office the best possible working area.
by admin | Sep 19, 2019 | Additions, basement remodeling, Bathroom, Energy Efficiency, Home Theaters, Kitchen Remodeling, Remodeling, Windows and Doors
The holiday season is fast approaching. Halloween is right around the corner and then boom– Time to Celebrate! Family, friends, and festive meals are everywhere. Is your home ready?
Before you string up the lights and start baking that cranberry orange bread, maybe it is time to remodel. This seasons remodeling can take your home to new levels in entertainment, functionality, and peace of mind.
Consider our holiday remodeling tips to prepare your home for the busy season ahead!
Home Renovations to Consider
Before inviting everyone over for the holidays, you first need to decide where to start with your remodeling. We have put together the key areas of every home.
The Kitchen
The center of every holiday is food, and so we begin with kitchen remodeling. There are areas that you should consider when remodeling your kitchen, such as:
- Flooring -For effortless cleanup and durability consider hardwood flooring or tiles.
- Install new counters – Granite, tile, quartz, and butcher block countertops update the focal point in your kitchen.
- Upgrade appliances- New Smart Appliances can help assist you in your holiday meal planning.
- Install new cabinets- Replace cabinets with organizational cabinets that allow for a space for everything.
- Install new lighting- Nothing worse than working in a dimly lit kitchen. Adding new upgraded energy-efficient lighting can help.
Bathroom Remodels
The next space that is often used is the bathroom. Impress your guests with an updated area.
- Update old sinks and tubs
- Consider a stand-in shower with high-quality tiles.
- Replace outdated flooring and add new tile flooring.
- Install new cabinets or more cabinets if you do not have enough storage space.
Entertainment Upgrades
After a good meal, the guests can enjoy the quality time together in a great new entertainment area.
- Add a built-in movie theater room.
- Create a gaming room with a billiards table.
- Build in a custom bar with seating for everyone.
- Install surround sound for music and sporting events like Thanksgiving football.
- Perhaps if you have a hunting sportsman in the family, a trophy room would be nice.
- Don’t forget a play area for the kids. Include a gaming system, surround sound, and comfortable seating.
Entryway Upgrades
When guests first enter your home, the first thing they see is the entryway. Make that space, both useful and welcoming with some of these great ideas:
- Add a mudroom with space for coats, umbrellas, hats, and boots.
- Upgrade your front door to a stylish energy-efficient door.
- Upgrade entry windows with energy-efficient windows.
- Add new floorings such as tile or hardwood.
- Create built-in shelving or custom closet space
- Decorate with holiday decor.
The holidays do not have to be hectic. With a few great remodeling projects, your home can be both inviting and functional. For your holiday updates, contact High Quality Contracting today at 414-405-7542.
by admin | Dec 10, 2018 | basement remodeling, Remodeling
Are you looking for excellent basement remodeling ideas? If your basement could use a makeover and you are not sure where to start, we have compiled some impressive designs. Convert a gloomy storage space into a terrific family space. There is no limit to the ideas we can come up with to help your renovation to be it’s absolute best. First thing is first, what do you want to do with this space? Here are a few ideas:
Are you the entertaining type that enjoys having friends and family over to visit? Do you have family that lives out of town or possibly the country and would love to give them a comfy place to stay when visiting? Consider a guest suite in your basement. Add new flooring, walls, lighting, door and paint with some bright or neutral colors to keep a welcoming look. The addition will create value to the home and give an overnight guest a private place to stay.
Adding a bathroom is always a good idea, especially if you currently only have one bathroom in the house. The basement is a great space for an additional bathroom as usually the access to pipes and the septic system is nearby. Enclose walls, add some warm and inviting tiles, vanity, and toilet. This would also be an excellent space to add those luxury bathroom features such as a hot tub, or a large walk-in shower with “rain like” shower fixtures.
Gaming Area
If your family and friends are into games, be it pool or video games, a gaming area in the basement is the perfect use for space. Framed in walls that are freshly painted to a neutral color, padded or even heated flooring, updated ceiling with bright light fixtures can turn the drab to fab. Add the pool table, fuse ball table, video gaming system, and more to the area to finish the look. Now your family is ready for long winters, and rainy days or even hot evenings in the summer when you don’t want to be outside.
Work Out Area
Why spend money on a gym membership only to fight the traffic and the crowds once you get there. Work out in the privacy of your own home. A vast array of ideas exists for home gyms. For instance, a weight space to a dance/yoga area, the sky is the limit. Don’t forget to add in a first-rate sound system to get you motivated as well as heated flooring for your toes to stay warm if aerobics or yoga is your thing.
Family Room
Creating a family room for movies, cuddles and good times is always an excellent use for a basement space. Make the room special by adding some fun luxuries into the room. Consider a small refrigerator for drinks, built-in shelving for books, or padded cushy carpeting for tiny toes. The goal of this space is a getaway for the family. Provides some extras that the rest of the house does not. Maybe a large theater wall with a giant screen and surround sound?
Bar
If you are the type that wants to entertain your friends for some adult fun, consider a home bar in your basement. Consider granite or wood countertops, beautiful wood exterior, and shelving with lights galore. Custom bars can be made to fit just about any size area from big to small and have an unlimited number of ideas to install. Tv, sink area, lights and more can be installed. Also don’t forget to upgrade the floor with custom tiles laid out in a pattern to finish off the look, making your home bar a place for fun for years to come.
Creative basement remodeling ideas can change the fuction and look of your basement. Even better, combine two or three ideas and make the space amazing. Whatever your decision, when it is time to remodel your basement, contact High Quality Contracting Inc. We are the experts in basement remodels.
In this unique time of social distancing, working from home has become part of the new norm. We find ourselves in Zoom meetings, typing away on our home keyboards, and making office calls while making breakfast for the kids. It is the way of the world now and very possibly a new way to do business for the future. We find ourselves unprepared for disruptions, unable to stay focused, and drifting off to do household choirs instead of that next spreadsheet that our boss needs. These are real problems that the American workforce is now facing. Building a home office can help you tackle these distraction issues and help you stay organized in ways you never thought possible. We put together some great home office tips that are functional, stylish, and game-changers for your future as a stay-at-home employee or boss. 