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.
by admin | Dec 10, 2018 | Kitchen Remodeling, Remodeling
Hot Ideas for 2019 kitchen remodels. The new trends for kitchens in 2019 is nothing short of spectacular with an array of ideas to love and make your life easier. Designers have developed some creative ways to incorporate voice-activated technology with functionality and style. Homeowners are focused on reducing stress in the kitchen and promoting health. Here are High Quality Contracting Inc’s top picks for the 2019 Kitchen Trends:
Stress Relieving Color Pallets
Families are feeling the pressure from the news, social media, work, school and more. Reducing stress in any way possible is key to a healthy lifestyle. Many top designers are now looking to incorporate that idea of stress-reducing color pallets into the hub of the home. According to Shape Magazine’s article “Paint Colors that Relieve Stress and Help you Relax” by Rebecca Soskin, some of the top stress relieving colors are blues, aqua, light shades of grey and greens mixed with natural tones. These shades have been proven to help to change your feelings and calm your anxiety.
Clean Lines for an Uncluttered Look
Another way to keep the kitchen stress free is to offer a clean line to your design with ample kitchen storage and counter space. Because of this, designers are considering the importance of keeping it simple for the homeowner. Therefore reducing clutter, which can increase stress levels. Achieve a chaos-free workspace by using bottom cabinetry in islands, long clear countertops, and a variety of upper cabinets.
Relocate small appliances into space specific appliance cabinets. Reduce the amount of countertop decor by only keeping the essentials out such as a cutting board or fruit bowl. Put cooking books up on a shelf neatly away. Many homeowners have a one in one out rule for clutter reduction as well. Meaning, if you bring something into the kitchen ( new small appliance for example) you take something out ( perhaps that old fondue set from Aunt Helen.) Keeping the clutter down and the visual look of our kitchen clutter free can improve moods by reducing stress.
AJ Madison’s Column Refrigeration, Freezer, and Wine cooler
Column Refrigerators and Freezers
The luxury world of column refrigerators and freezers is making a big splash in 2019 for many reasons. Primarily, health-conscious homeowners are looking for ways to store more fresh foods in convenient and beautiful ways. A “Column” unit can be a refrigerator, freezer, or even a wine or beverage cooling unit. As a result, companies such as AJ Madison offer a variety of column units. High Quality Contracting contractors install these fabulous units. Consider a neatly, stylish cabinet system that offers the cooling and freezing abilities that you crave for all of those fresh smoothy mixes, lean meats, and fresh vegetables.
Voice-Activated Technology
Welcome to the world of Alexa, Google, and a variety of other voice-activated systems that can now connect with everything from a smart tv or iPad in the kitchen, to the lights, speaker system, smart oven, or smart refrigerator. However, modern kitchen technology is now ready to make your life much simpler assisting in everything from making of shopping lists, and dimming lights. There is little that smart technology cannot do.
Change In Counter Tops
Recent years the rage has been to install marble, granite and stainless steel countertops. Although this is not gone yet, new design trends are looking for ways to make life a little more comfortable. Contractors install countertops made of quartz and black stainless steel. As a result, countertops are easier to clean and maintain.
by admin | Dec 4, 2018 | Remodeling
Customizing a closet can help you declutter your home. Just because your closet doesn’t hold all of your stuff, does not mean it has to stay that way. An updated custom closet can make all the difference for any room. A closet remodel is a fast way to declutter your space and improve your life. It will add value, create a welcoming space that allows you to organize your day and your clothing, streamline your routine, and maximize your storage space. Here are some great custom closet remodeling ideas.
Consider increasing the closet space.
Many homes have hidden space or misused space in them. Consider having an expert help you reclaim this space by framing out a new closet with the increased square footage.
Customize it to your wardrobe
By designing the closet space to meet your needs. Do you have a lot of shoes? Build in shoe shelves. If you have a lot of jewelry, decide on a special jewelry drawer which holds your pieces. Custom designed shelving, drawers, baskets, belt racks, hidden hampers, or even a fold-out ironing board or hat spaces.
Streamline your routine
By customizing racks and rods. Design with a flow in mind giving each item a place and where it will make sense while dressing each day. Giving everything their specific space, pants, shirts, dresses, coats, belts, hats, and more. Line up the items as they make the most sense according to how you dress. Be sure to include a nice full-length mirror as well.
Welcoming colors and hardware
Features can create a space that is enjoyable to be in while getting ready. Consider the colors, dark or light wood, polished chrome or matte nickel features. Be mindful of the handles on drawers and nobs so that they are not the type that catches clothing easily. Decide on dividers for your drawers that make sense for your wardrobe. Spend the money for quality hangers that will not make your shirts pucker or your pants hold unwanted seams.
Brighten and increase the lighting
So that you can easily find items. If your closet is a nice sized walk in, you can opt for some wonder stylish fixtures.
Customizing a closet can make a big difference in how your room functions. Let us help you design the perfect space for your wardrobe. Contact us today for your free custom quote.
by admin | Nov 26, 2018 | Remodeling
Winter is the perfect time for home remodeling. Yes, winter is the time to cuddle up with a cup of hot coffee, a warm blanket, and the television. With the cold and the longer nights, most people do not want to face any home remodeling projects. However, winter is the perfect time to have one. There are a number of great reasons why getting those home remodeling projects handled in the winter can be beneficial.
Find Better Inventory-
Since fewer people are doing home projects in the winter, the stock for products such as cabinet selections, flooring options, and fixtures is at its highest point. You can find more selections and get better pricing because most manufacturers are holding sales for the winter months to clear out older stock or to introduce new items.
Warm Weather Fun-
Completing a remodeling project in the cold bad weather means that this spring and summer when the weather is great, you won’t be stuck dealing with a contractor in your home or spending your time without specific areas of your home available to you. Instead, you will spend that time enjoying the space you created and the weather while your neighbor is waiting for his remodeling job to get started and fighting to get the right fixtures at the hardware store when they are all out of stock.
Avoid Seasonal Spring Increases-
Most contractors and manufacturers increase prices in the spring before the busy season begins. Everything goes up from wood to countertops. The new inventory is out and last years inventory is gone.
Contractor Availability-
It’s human nature, to take full advantage of the warmer days by planning and completing our home projects. The sun, the longer days and warm weather just get people going. We get that. However, the is also the time when most contractors are seasonally busy. Spring is the time when we are in full swing and finding time to schedule customers into early spring project completion fills quickly. Consider getting ahead of the game and finish your project during a less busy time of year to be assured that your project is done in time for the hot summer days.
Financing Availability-
Just like the contractors, the financing companies also have a busy season for those Home Equity loans they offer. Springtime is the busiest with backlogs of paperwork. According to SmartMoney.com , homeowners should choose carefully between a Home Equity Loan or a Home Equity Line of credit depending on the project or projects that are intended to be done. Also, rates change often. In the winter, many lending institutions offer both options at a variety of “deals” and you can shop around a bit easier.
Make use of those cold winter months because winter is the perfect time for home remodeling. Get a jump on your home remodeling projects before the busy season. With a little planning, building a deck or adding a porch can take place in the winter as well. No, you can not build during a snowstorm, but, there are a lot of days that we can get out and complete a project well ahead of schedule. Also, consider those indoor projects like kitchens, baths, and basements. Getting those completed so that you can enjoy the summer months having friends over to enjoy those things makes sense. Give High Quality Contracting, Inc. a call for your winter remodeling project!
by admin | Nov 11, 2018 | Additions, Bathroom, Energy Efficiency, Kitchen Remodeling, Remodeling, Siding, Windows and Doors
We all want home renovations with high ROI. If you are trying to decide which home projects you should do first, or if you are considering listing your home soon, you may be interested to know which home renovations give you the best bang for your buck. You may be considering updating appliances, carpeting, and paint to be the place to spend the money, but, don’t be so quick. According to a recent article in US News and annual reports in Remodeling Magazine, you may be better off spending your money in other areas instead.
Here are six great projects to consider that offer the best return on your investment.
Kitchen Remodel
It is true that the hub of any home is the kitchen. A kitchen remodel can recoup anywhere from 65- 80% and add value to your home quickly. It is a crucial selling point for most buyers as well. When remodeling your kitchen, consider upgraded modern countertops, cabinets, flooring, and lighting. You do not necessarily need to make a complete overhaul of the kitchen, however, consider at least a few of these options to get that updated look. If the kitchen is closed off from the rest of the house, look at opening up a wall to allow for an open concept. This may mean the difference between a quick sale or one that sits on the market for months.
Bathroom Remodel
Another prime area for investment is the bathroom. Remodeling a current bathroom will recoup a higher return than adding a bathroom. However, according to Remodeling Magazine and the National Association of Realtors, if you only have one bathroom and multiple people are sharing it, an additional bathroom may mean the difference between a sale or not.
When considering upgrading your current bathroom, updated tiles, tubs, sinks and cabinetry is vital. Increase lighting and space where possible. If adding a bathroom, the placement of where this bathroom is can be significant. Many people enjoy having an en-suite to the master bedroom. Your High Quality Contracting, Inc. remodeling expert can help design the perfect bathroom for you.
More Square Footage
According to the National Association of Realtors, a home renovations with high ROI include increasing your square footage. A homeowner can expect to recoup upwards of 69% for refinishing a basement, attic, or other space in a home. By increasing the livable space in a home, you can assure that you will dramatically improve your home’s value.
Research the going rate per square foot for living space in your area to get an estimate for the value of the increase.
New Windows
Remodeling Magazine states that you should not invest in the top of the line for a window upgrade if you are planning to sell. Instead, invest in a midgrade product that is energy efficient. It increases the possibility for a faster sale, as well as brightens the room. You can expect to recoup upwards of 74% on vinyl replacement windows.
Added Insulation
2017 Cost Vs. Value Report in Remodeling Magazine reports that the number one ROI investment into your home was professionally installed attic insulation. Because of the substantial improvements in insulation products becoming more energy efficient and lasting longer, this upgrade makes sense if you are planning to stay or leave. Not only do you lower heating and cooling costs, but, you ROI is roughly around 108%.
Updated Home Siding
This one is just common sense, one home renovations with high ROI is home siding. Updating your home siding can improve many aspects of your home as well as enhance the chances of a sale. Realtors insist on creating curb appeal when selling your home, first impressions count. So what is the ROI for the siding change? That depends on the product you choose as well as making sure it is professionally installed. The foam-back provides at least three times the R-Value as the hollow-backed siding. This reduces the overall heating and cooling budget for the home. The price is higher than the hollow-backed siding, but, it pays off in resale value and energy costs. Choose from a wide array of colors and textures to meet the structure of your home. If you are a little unsure as to what products would best fit your home and budget, one of our siding experts can help you decide by explaining the options.
There are many other projects that you can do around your home that have a good ROI; however, these are our top 6 for this year. If you are considering selling your property, give us a call and set up a free consultation. High Quality Contracting Inc. can assist you in deciding which projects might best help you increase your resale value.
by admin | Oct 28, 2018 | Additions, Home Gym, Remodeling
Pump up with a new home gym. Gym memberships keep going up in price, and you do not get a lot for the money these days. With crowded gyms, breaking equipment and working around their hours of service, sometimes what you end up doing is paying for something you don’t use. So, why not put that money where you will use it? A Home Gym will not only make your home value increase but will help keep you and your entire family in shape while you stay within the comforts of your home. No traffic, no crowded showers and shower shoes, just a great space and a great work out.
So how do you get started creating a perfect Home Gym?
We have compiled some great ideas and tips for making your extra space into a time saving, money saving, health improvement area.
Determine Your Space:
Determining how much space you’re going to need is key to creating the best possible work out space. What type of equipment do you plan to have: a treadmill, work-out bench, dance bar? Each area you plan to use requires a different amount of space. Your High Quality Contracting Inc agent can help you plan this out. We are experts in using lost space and putting a room’s square footage to the best use.
Air Flow:
Remember, working out bodies sweat. Your home gym needs proper ventilation. If you are using an upstairs space, windows are an option. If you are using a basement area, consider some ceiling fans.
Flooring:
Rubber flooring seems to be the range for home gyms, but that leaves the gym area a little less than appealing. Consider carpeting laid over rubber flooring. Another consideration, if this is a dance/yoga area, installing a heated flooring system will make it warm and cozy.
Lots of Lighting:
Building energy for a workout requires good lighting. Take advantage of natural light if possible with large beautiful windows or skylights. If this is not possible, be sure to install bright, cool white overhead lighting. There are many great products on the market in a variety of designs.
Colors Make a Difference:
Wall colors matter. Consider either painting the walls with bright or even fluorescent paint colors or with bright natural tones. Avoid using dark greys, blacks and deep blues on the walls. The dark colors will reduce your energy levels and make it more difficult to get yourself going during a workout.
Motivational Décor:
Don’t leave the walls empty with no décor. Putting up motivational posters, photos, and framed pieces can help to keep you inspired. Add large beautiful mirrors to the walls. Put some live, large, indoor plants in the corners to help with the air and the atmosphere. All-of-these things help make the space welcoming and motivational. Don’t forget to install either a water dispenser or cooler to the area to stay hydrated.
Equipment Decisions:
Choosing your equipment can be daunting. But, we have tips for that as well. First, consider your space. Do you have enough room for that treadmill or that weight bench? Second, what are your fitness goals? Do you want to build muscle, lose weight, build stamina or tone your body? Different types of equipment can help you achieve different goals. Finally, the budget. Review your budget and look for seasonal sales that are heading your way. Don’t forget the small stuff like Yoga mats, free weights, or exercise bands.
Sound System:
Although a sound system is not required for a good work out, it can sure help with motivation and focus. Decide if you would like a surround sound system installed with good speakers, or if a simple radio will do. Why not opt for the big system and enjoy the music? If you have the system installed, be sure that the installer hides the wires where possible.
We hope these tips help you to create the Home Gym of your dreams. Don’t wait until January to get going! You can get a free estimate by contacting your High Quality Contracting Agent today. Start the year with the gym already set and get yourself back into shape! Stop wasting cash and time at local gyms when you can have it all at home!
