Author: Elaine Franklin

A beautiful, functional home can improve your life. It can increase your confidence and self-esteem and help you relax and feel healthy.

Choose a remodeling contractor carefully by talking to friends and relatives who have had work done and checking with local building inspectors or lumber yards for recommendations. Contact Home Remodeling Tacoma WA for professional assistance.

Open floor plans are a popular feature in new home construction. They create a spacious, inviting layout for living areas like kitchens, dining rooms and living rooms. These “great room” designs are especially effective in smaller homes that need to make the most of every square foot.

However, open floor plans can also be a challenge in older homes where walls and doors keep spaces separate and private. With creative remodeling, these homes can be reimagined as comfortable and appealing open concept layouts.

When spaces are open, it is easier to interact with family members in different parts of the house. This can make hosting parties and gatherings more convenient since guests can move freely throughout the home and talk without having to stay seated at a table in one room. Families can also work together on projects in the same room and supervise kids from a central point in the space.

The lack of walls also allows sunlight to travel more easily through the home. This can brighten up rooms and connect indoor spaces with outdoor ones. This can be particularly helpful for spaces that receive natural light, such as a reading nook or the kitchen.

Open floor plans also allow homeowners to use their furniture in many ways. They can arrange it to create separate interest areas, or they can group seating around a large rug to define a dining area. The addition of structural elements such as beams and vaulted ceilings can also help create visual separation. Using a variety of flooring materials can help distinguish the zones as well, and even changes in wall paint or lighting can be used to mark boundaries.

Lighting

Lighting is one of the most important elements when it comes to home remodeling. It can completely ruin the look of a room or make it pop. Lighting should be planned out before anything else is done with a room because it will impact everything from the colors to the furniture choices that are made. It is also a good idea to choose LED lights because they last longer and are more energy-efficient. Choosing the right lighting for a room will make it feel more open and bright. It will also make it much easier to do activities in that room.

Flooring

Home remodeling involves the entire house and can often be a long-term commitment. It can also be a very rewarding experience when it is done right and increases the value of the home or office. The key is to do the necessary research and planning before making any commitments. This includes finding a reputable contractor or designer who can assist with the project and establishing a budget that is realistic.

A big difference between renovation and remodeling is that a remodel will usually involve restructure of the property, while a renovation simply changes finishes or fixtures. For example, changing from laminate flooring to tile floors in a bathroom requires the installation of a new subfloor and possibly beams to support the weight of the tiles. This is a project that is typically undertaken by contractors, but if a homeowner wants to change the floor in their own home then they may do the work themselves.

It is important to investigate local zoning laws and permits at the beginning of any remodeling project. This will ensure that the project can be completed legally, and prevent any costly surprises down the road. It is also a good idea to set up barriers and gates to keep children and pets out of the area that is under construction, so they do not come into contact with materials that can be hazardous to their health.

One of the most popular reasons to remodel is to make a space more eco-friendly. This type of green remodeling, also known as environmental remodeling, can include insulation in the crawl space and attic, energy efficient appliances, and solar panels. These upgrades can reduce a buildings energy consumption and emissions, which in turn saves on electricity bills and cuts down on CO2 production.

Color

Color is a powerful element that can bring life to a space. Bold colors can make people feel alive and energized, while neutral colors can calm the eye and make it more comfortable. During home remodeling, it is important to consider the effect that color will have on your home.

When choosing a color for your remodel, you should look at swatches, design magazines and the colors of items that will be included in each room. It is also helpful to determine what mood you want each room to create. For example, you might want your living room to be neutral and comfortable, while your kitchen could be bold to promote family gatherings and celebrations.

During a home remodeling project, it is helpful to consult with a contractor before making a color selection. Your contractor will be able to advise you on the best colors to match your taste and create a design that fits your needs. If you are unsure about the color of your choice, you can always test it out on your wall before finalizing the decision.

It is also important to keep in mind that the colors you choose may need to be toned down or brightened depending on the type of lighting in your home. For example, if you are planning to add natural light through skylights or windows, the brightness of your colors will be affected.

The best way to ensure that you love the final product of your remodel is to work with an experienced designer. An experienced designer can help you explore a variety of options that will fit your style and personality. In addition, a professional designer will be able to show you a 3D visualization of your new design before any real work has begun. This will give you an idea of what your finished project will look like, helping to alleviate the stress of the remodeling process.

Design

Design is a key element in the remodeling process and can make or break the outcome of a project. It’s important to choose a trusted, experienced home remodel designer that you can work with. A quality designer will be able to create accurate designs and provide you with valuable information about the cost of your project. They will help you select materials that will be durable and attractive, and they can help you find ways to reduce costs through efficiency and value engineering.

One way to reduce the cost of a home remodeling project is to consider energy costs. For example, a new insulation in the crawl space, attic, and other areas of a property can improve heating and cooling costs by making it easier for HVAC systems to regulate the temperature. This can save homeowners and businesses money in the long run and also reduces the amount of fossil-fuel generated electricity that is used.

Another way to lower the cost of a home remodel is by selecting energy-efficient appliances, fixtures, and other materials. This will not only reduce the cost of utilities, but it can also lower the risk of potential health hazards and environmental problems that may occur in older buildings that use outdated equipment.

If you’re planning on doing a major renovation, like converting a garage into a bedroom or adding an addition onto your house, it’s a good idea to check local zoning regulations and permits before starting. You should also research whether you will need a contractor’s license and insurance, as well as how much it will cost to complete the renovation.

Some remodels are legally required to be designed by a professional architect or engineer, such as projects that involve changing load-bearing walls. However, even small home improvement projects often benefit from the expertise of a trained design team.