Bathroom Remodeling Tips

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Remodeling a bathroom can be a exciting project that can greatly improve the functionality and aesthetics of your home. Here are the general steps and considerations you should keep in mind when remodeling your bathroom:

  1. Planning and Design:
    • Determine your budget: Decide how much you’re willing to spend on the remodel.
    • Identify your needs and wants: Make a list of must-have features and nice-to-have additions.
    • Gather inspiration: Look for bathroom design ideas in magazines, websites, and social media platforms.
    • Create a design: Sketch out a layout and design that fits your preferences and the space available.
  2. Selecting Fixtures and Materials:
    • Choose fixtures: Decide on the type of sink, toilet, bathtub or shower, and other major fixtures.
    • Pick materials: Select tiles, flooring, countertops, and other materials that match your design and budget.
  3. Hiring Professionals:
    • Depending on the complexity of the remodel, you might need to hire professionals such as a contractor, plumber, electrician, and possibly an interior designer.
    • Obtain necessary permits if required by your local regulations.
  4. Demolition:
    • Clear out the old fixtures, tiles, and any existing structures that are being replaced.
  5. Structural Changes:
    • If you’re making major changes to the layout, this is the time to do so. This might include moving walls, plumbing, or electrical systems.
  6. Plumbing and Electrical Work:
    • Update or install new plumbing and electrical systems as needed.
  7. Installation:
    • Install new fixtures, cabinets, countertops, and other items according to your design plan.
  8. Finishing Touches:
    • Apply the chosen tiles, paint, and any decorative elements.
    • Install lighting fixtures, mirrors, and other accessories.
  9. Testing and Inspections:
    • Check that all plumbing and electrical systems are working properly.
    • If required by local regulations, schedule inspections to ensure everything is up to code.
  10. Finalizing and Cleaning:
    • Touch up any remaining details.
    • Give the bathroom a thorough cleaning before use.
  11. Enjoy Your New Bathroom:
    • Once everything is complete and you’re satisfied with the results, you can start using and enjoying your newly remodeled bathroom.

Remember that bathroom remodels can vary greatly in complexity and cost. It’s important to have a clear plan, stick to your budget, and be prepared for unexpected challenges that might arise during the process. If you’re not experienced with remodeling, it’s often a good idea to consult with professionals to ensure the best possible outcome.

A Guide to Remodeling Your Kitchen

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The heart of every home is its kitchen, a place where culinary creations and cherished memories come to life. A kitchen remodel is not just about updating the aesthetics; it’s about enhancing functionality, improving efficiency, and creating a space that reflects your personal style. Whether you’re an aspiring home chef or someone who simply loves the ambiance of a well-designed kitchen, remodeling this essential space can be a rewarding adventure.

1. Dreaming Up Your Vision

Before you embark on your kitchen remodeling journey, take some time to envision your dream kitchen. What style appeals to you? Is it modern, rustic, farmhouse, or minimalist? Consider the color scheme, the type of cabinetry, flooring, and appliances that align with your vision. Make a list of your must-haves and nice-to-haves; this will serve as a blueprint as you move forward.

2. Setting a Budget

Remodeling a kitchen can be an investment, so it’s important to set a budget that aligns with your vision and financial capabilities. Research the costs associated with various elements such as cabinets, countertops, flooring, and appliances. Remember to also allocate a portion of your budget for unexpected expenses that might arise during the renovation process.

3. Functional Layout Design

The layout of your kitchen plays a crucial role in its functionality. Consider the classic kitchen work triangle, which optimizes the flow between the stove, refrigerator, and sink. If your existing layout isn’t efficient, now is the time to explore different configurations that could enhance your cooking and prep experience.

4. Choosing Materials and Finishes

The materials and finishes you select can transform your kitchen’s appearance. From granite and quartz countertops to hardwood and tile flooring, the choices are vast. Keep in mind factors like durability, maintenance requirements, and how well your chosen materials align with your desired style. Mixing and matching textures and finishes can create a visually appealing and harmonious space.

5. Cabinetry and Storage Solutions

Cabinets are not only a prominent design element but also essential for storage. Choose cabinets that offer a balance of style and functionality. Consider features like soft-close mechanisms, pull-out drawers, and built-in organizers that maximize storage space and keep your kitchen clutter-free.

6. Lighting Matters

The right lighting can set the mood and enhance the functionality of your kitchen. Incorporate a combination of ambient, task, and accent lighting to create a well-lit and inviting space. Pendant lights over the island, under-cabinet lighting, and a statement chandelier can all contribute to the overall ambiance.

7. Selecting Appliances

Modern kitchen appliances not only make cooking more convenient but also add a touch of luxury to the space. Choose appliances that align with your cooking habits and lifestyle. Stainless steel appliances are a timeless choice, while newer options include smart appliances that can be controlled remotely.

8. Bringing in Personal Touches

Infuse your personality into the design through personalized details. Consider open shelving to display your favorite kitchenware or add a chalkboard wall for jotting down recipes or grocery lists. A dedicated nook for a cozy breakfast corner or a built-in wine rack could also be charming additions.

9. Hiring Professionals

While DIY enthusiasm is commendable, a kitchen remodel often requires the expertise of professionals. From architects and interior designers to contractors and electricians, assembling the right team will ensure a smooth and successful project.

10. Patience and Flexibility

Remodeling a kitchen can be a time-consuming process, so it’s important to practice patience and remain flexible. Delays and unexpected challenges can arise, but keeping your eye on the end result will help you navigate any bumps along the way.

A kitchen remodel is a journey that involves careful planning, creative decision-making, and a willingness to embrace change. The end result, however, is more than just a renovated kitchen – it’s a space that holds the promise of countless culinary adventures, family gatherings, and cherished memories. So, roll up your sleeves, dive into the world of kitchen design, and create a space that truly reflects your culinary aspirations and personal style. Your dream kitchen awaits!

Things to Consider When Buying a Home with a Pool

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Buying a home with a backyard pool can be exciting, but it also comes with a set of considerations to ensure that you’re making a well-informed decision. Here are several important factors to keep in mind:

  1. Cost and Budget: Owning a home with a pool involves significant costs beyond the purchase price, such as maintenance, repairs, insurance, and increased utility bills. Make sure you have a clear understanding of the ongoing expenses and factor them into your budget.
  2. Maintenance: Pools require regular maintenance to keep the water clean, safe, and balanced. This includes cleaning debris, maintaining proper chemical levels, and potentially hiring a pool service. Consider if you’re willing to commit the time and effort required for maintenance.
  3. Safety: Pools present safety risks, especially if you have children or pets. Ensure that the pool area is equipped with appropriate safety features like fences, gates, and pool covers to prevent accidents.
  4. Insurance: Pools can impact your homeowner’s insurance premiums. Check with your insurance provider to understand how having a pool may affect your policy and whether you need additional liability coverage.
  5. Resale Value: While a pool can add value to a home, it might also limit your potential buyer pool, as some buyers may be hesitant due to maintenance costs or safety concerns. Consider the potential impact on resale value.
  6. Local Regulations: Check local zoning laws, permits, and regulations related to pool installation and operation. Some areas have specific requirements for pool safety measures and setbacks from property lines.
  7. Climate: Consider the climate in your area. Pools are more practical and enjoyable in warmer climates where they can be used for a larger portion of the year.
  8. Pool Type and Condition: Assess the type of pool (inground or above-ground) and its condition. A well-maintained pool will save you from immediate repair costs. If there are issues, get a professional inspection to understand the extent of any required repairs.
  9. Landscaping and Space: Evaluate how the pool fits within the overall landscaping and outdoor space of the property. Will there be enough room for other activities and amenities, or will the pool dominate the backyard?
  10. Amenities: Consider the amenities around the pool, such as decks, patio areas, seating, and shade structures. These can greatly enhance the usability and enjoyment of the pool area.
  11. Neighborhood and Resale: Think about whether a pool is common in the neighborhood. Having a pool that aligns with the local norms could positively impact resale value. On the other hand, an overly luxurious pool in a more modest neighborhood might not provide a good return on investment.
  12. Personal Use: Determine how you plan to use the pool. If you envision frequent use for recreation, exercise, or relaxation, it might justify the associated costs better.
  13. Pool Age and Upgrades: If the pool is older, consider whether it might need updates or renovations in the near future. Upgrades like energy-efficient equipment or modern design elements can improve the pool’s value.
  14. Professional Inspection: Have the pool professionally inspected before finalizing the purchase. This can uncover hidden issues that might impact your decision.

Ultimately, buying a home with a backyard pool is a decision that should be based on your lifestyle, preferences, and willingness to take on the responsibilities that come with pool ownership. It’s essential to thoroughly research and consider these factors to make an informed choice.

5 Reasons to Live in Your Home Before Renovating

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Moving into a new home is an exciting experience! You’re filled with anticipation and excitement to finally create a space that truly reflects you and your family.  

Whether this is your first time becoming a homeowner or you’ve owned in the past, it’s natural to want to start making changes right away. However, we recommend that you live in your new home for at least a few months before renovating. 

Here are five reasons why you should wait before making any renovations to your new home. 

You’ve Had Enough Stress Already – Moving can be an incredibly stressful time. From packing up all your belongings to signing the paperwork and unpacking everything in your new home – it can take quite a toll on you both mentally and physically. That’s why you should give yourself some time to settle in before starting any major renovations. It will give you the opportunity to get used to living in the new home without feeling overwhelmed or stressed out by the renovation process.  

You Need Time To Plan – Renovations don’t happen overnight, and they require careful planning and thought so that everything goes smoothly from start to finish. If you jump right into renovating after moving into the new home, you may not have had enough time to consider all of your options or think through every detail of the project. Giving yourself extra time will ensure that you make well-thought-out decisions that lead to successful renovations that last for years.  

Moving Has Strained Your Budget – Moving can be expensive, especially if you need professional movers or if you’re relocating across state lines. So, taking some extra time after moving into your new place will help reduce financial stress while also giving yourself more flexibility when it comes time to plan out how much money needs to be allocated towards the renovation projects.  

Living In The Home Can Change Your Mind – Living in the house for 6–12 months gives you plenty of opportunities to get creative with ideas about what could potentially be done with each room in order to make it fit better with your lifestyle and tastes. Often times this leads homeowners to discover new ways they could use certain spaces or decide against doing certain types of renovations altogether because their ideas changed after living in the house for some time. 

Re-Evaluate Your Renovation Choices – Many people end up making rash decisions when it comes time to choosing materials or deciding which rooms need renovating first–only later regretting their choices because they didn’t give enough consideration during the planning phase. Allowing yourself some extra time can help prevent costly mistakes like this from happening by giving you ample opportunity to research different materials and decide which rooms need tackling first before committing anything on paper (or on budget).  

Enjoy Your New Home First – When moving into a new house, taking some extra time before beginning a renovation project is always recommended—especially if it’s been less than 6 months since moving day! While it might be tempting to jump right into transforming each room as quickly as possible, waiting until after you settle in will give you ample time for planning, save money on unnecessary expenses due to poor decision making, provide insight on how best to utilize specific rooms based on lifestyle habits, plus offer plenty of chances re-evaluate any potential choices made along the way.

All these reasons will ensure that every renovation decision made is one that won’t soon be regretted!

Budgeting For Home Project Ideas

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Is there a word that sucks the fun out of a household project faster than the word “budget?” If there is, I haven’t heard it. The only way to make the budgeting process less painful is to plan ahead! Keep these four tips from the National Kitchen & Bath Association in mind if you have a home renovation project – large or small – in the works any time soon.

↪️ Avoid making structural changes to your property. Cosmetic updates are usually more cost-efficient than things like moving walls or systems.

↪️ If you place an order for materials or products, try not to change your mind! You don’t want to pay hefty cancellation fees or wind up stuck with 60 boxes of hardwood floors you don’t want.

↪️ Be super specific when you do comparison shopping. Make sure you’re comparing similar types of appliances or fixtures.

↪️ If you can do a showroom visit in person, always go! It’s better to see your materials in person than online to guide your decision.

What’s the next home project you’re planning on doing – large or small?

Staging Your Backyard to Sell

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Staging a property before going on the market benefits everyone – it helps home buyers imagine the potential to make a home their own, and it helps increase the ROI (return on investment) for home sellers. A backyard can be a huge draw for home buyers, even more so when they can picture having the neighbors over for cookouts, entertaining friends around the fire pit, or lounging by the pool.

DEEP CLEAN Deep cleaning and decluttering to make your backyard look spacious and comfortable!

REFRESH LANDSCAPING Landscaping is everything when it comes to creating a polished and inviting outdoor space. Greenery and a few flower beds will liven up any yard or patio.

FURNISH THE SPACE Be intentional about how you furnish your outdoor space. Break large outdoor spaces into cozy vignettes like you would in an indoor living room – Adirondacks around the fire pit, a comfy couch with throw pillows, and a cozy lounge chairs for sunning by the pool.

Not sure where to start? Give us a call, we’re here to help! Chris 480-754-9077 & Cheryl 480-754-9477

Ready to Sell this Spring?

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Are you looking to sell your home this Spring? If you answered yes, then here are things you can get started on:

✅ Declutter living areas. Less is more when it comes to getting your house ready to show. Do a clean sweep of counters, windowsills, tables, and all other visible areas, and then tackle behind closed doors: closets, drawers, and cupboards—since virtually nothing is off-limits for curious buyers.

✅ Depersonalize your space. What is the next step on your checklist for selling a house? Sellers should remove distractions so the buyers can visualize themselves and their families living in the property.

✅ Touch up any scuff marks. Even if you’re not doing a full-on repainting project, pay special attention to scrubbing and touching up baseboards, walls, and doors to make the house sparkle and look cared for.

✅ Fix any loose handles. It’s a small thing, but you’d be surprised by the negative effect a loose handle or missing lightbulb can have on a buyer.

✅ Clean, clean, clean. Once you’re done cleaning your house, clean some more. Even if you’re not worried about what buyers will think of your home’s scent, you want your property to look spotless.

✅ Find a great real estate agent. Your real estate agent should be someone you feel comfortable working with and trust to sell your house for top dollar. Give us a call, we’re here to help! Chris 480-754-9077 & Cheryl 480-754-9477

Preparing for Holiday Guests

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Are you planning for holiday visitors? Think about what you’d expect to find at a five-star hotel and use that as inspiration for the perfect guest room oasis.

  • Add extra plush accents, like quilted shams, a chunky knit throw blanket, or even a fur or sequined one for a touch of glam.
  • Stock the bathroom with essentials like extra toothbrushes and toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, soap, shower gel, body lotion, and a festive scented candle.
  • Be sure there is ample storage — especially if your guests have winter gear like coats or boots.
  • You don’t have to deck all of the halls, but a little seasonal greenery goes a long way toward adding holiday cheer.
  • Make sure there are plenty of clean, fresh towels on hand. And — a warm, comfy guest bathrobe to add that extra touch of hotel luxe!

Are you hosting holiday guests this year, or are you traveling?

Create a Welcoming Entryway

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First impressions are everything and an organized entryway can impact the entire experience a buyer has when they tour your house. Even if you’re not on the market and simply want to present your home well to guests, here’s how to create a foyer or entryway that says “Welcome Home!”

ADD AN INVITING AROMA The way your home smells is just as – if not more – important than how it looks because it is one of the first things your buyer will notice.

KEEP THE FLOOR CLEAR Create the illusion of more space by keeping the floors free of boots, shoes, backpacks, and other clutter. A clear path can help make the entryway appear cleaner and larger.

MAKE IT PLUSH Rugs instantly add a layer of coziness and placing a rug will make the space feel inviting and welcoming.

Preparing for Cooler Months

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Here are a few of our favorite fall home decor tips:

???? Light some autumn-scented candles – we love the Brown Sugar Chestnut from Chesapeake Bay Candle Co.

???? Layer up your chairs and couches with cozy throws.

???? Swap your linen and cotton summer bedding for flannel sheets and a down blanket.

???? Bring on the fall florals. Swap the summer blooms for mums and line your mantel heirloom pumpkins and rich autumn-hued flowers.

???? Take the sweaters out of storage! If you have to swap your winter and summer clothes, it’s time to take out the sweaters and warmer wear. Even if you don’t need it *quite* yet, you’ll be glad you did as soon as those chilly mornings arrive.​