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Interior Decorating

Saturday May 12, 2012

Basements can be the hardest part of a house to decorate. They tend to be dark, gloomy and sometimes damp. Too often they become dumping ground for old furniture and other things you don't want seen on the upper floors. But with the right light, colors and attention to detail a basement can become just as beautiful as any other room in the house. Whether it functions as a rec room, an office, a bedroom or an entire apartment, make sure you put the appropriate thought into your basement and make it a space people will actually want to spend time in! Here are some tips on how to decorate a basement.

Photo RTR Media / Income Property

Tuesday May 8, 2012

Do you live in a basement? I don't anymore, but I used to. Where I live it's a pretty safe bet that at some point you're going to live in a basement. Whether it's your first apartment, or you're trying to save money (rental prices are crazy where I live!) basements can be great homes for single people, couples just starting out, or larger families who can't afford other alternatives. Despite their reputation of being dark and gloomy I firmly believe you can make them light, bright and perfectly comfortable. Check out these examples from the HGTV show Income Property to see what I mean. As far as I'm concerned, they're a lot nicer than some of the above-ground apartments I've seen!

Photo RTR Media / Income Property

Saturday May 5, 2012

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Interior Decorating 101

Maybe youre tired of getting drenched as you dash to your car on stormy days. Or you dream about having more space for storage, a workshop, a home gym, a kids play area, or even an office. If youre thinking about a garage addition, its a decent investment. Remodeling magazines latest Cost vs. Value Report found that a home owner who invests the national average of $48,806 in a midrange, two-car garage addition can expect to recoup about 64% of the cost at resale.

Before you can decide whether to go ahead with a garage project, youll need to make a few decisions.

Zoning and code restrictions

The first step is to determine whether its physically feasible to fit a garage on your lot. At your local planning department, find out how close you can build to the edges of your property. Also ask about any special restrictions that apply to garages; some communities require deeper setbacks on sides with doors, for example.

Local rules might also govern driveway design, wall or roof height, and the total amount or percentage of your lot you can cover with impervious surface (roofs and pavement). Local architects and builders usually keep on top of these requirements, as do lumberyards that sell packages that contain garage plans and materials.

Attached or freestanding?

One big decision is whether to attach the garage to your house or build it as a separate structure. An attached garage usually costs less, and it wins on convenience. You stay dry, save footsteps, and its easier to use part of the space as a pantry, mudroom, laundry area, or other extension of your house. If youre concerned about security, an attached garage lets you tap an opener and drive right in without setting foot outside.

But a detached garage also offers advantages, especially if you add a breezeway connector to shelter against the weather. A separate structure keeps exhaust fumes and the dust and noise of a workshop out of your house.

Size requirements

The humble garage in Palo Alto, Calif., where Bill Hewlett and Dave Packard helped launch the electronics industry, is just 12 feet wide and 18 feet long. It was fine for a 1917 Ford Model T. But cars today are much bigger, so garages are, too. For a single car, figure on at least 14 feet by 20 feet. You can build a two-car garage as small as 20 feet by 24 feet, but youll be happier with an extra 6 or 8 feet in length and width.

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How To Add A Garage | Garage Addition Ideas |Garage Addition How To

three car garage to suit the traditional style of the home. A living space was also include above the garage.

Hi, love the garage doors. I'm also doing a garage door and then a matching barn door. Can you tell me who build the garage doors and maybe even barn door? Very much appreciated. Thanks!

typically cost to add to existing garage

Hello, I was wondering what the dimensions of this garage are....Also, the dimensions of the living space above?

$175,000 to $275,000. I hope that is helpful.

The garage is 28' wide x 26' deep x 22' high (roof peak to the ground).

What is the overall dimensions of this garage

The garage is 725 sq. ft and the living space above is 600 square ft.

Yes! It is vinyl fencing. You have ample of options to choose from. Right from colors to designs that suits your preference. One good advantage of vinyl fence over wooden fence is almost maintenance free and durable.

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Garage Additions To Homes Design Ideas, Pictures, Remodel, and Decor

A tile floor is a great addition to areas of your home that gets a lot of traffic. Tile floors are durable and easy to clean. Follow these steps to install a tile floor in your home.

Floor tiles should be centered in the room for the best visual appearance. Keep this in mind when you lay out the floor tile. Make sure you have prepared the subfloor properly before you begin laying tile. Before beginning, remove tiles from the different boxes and randomly mix them to ensure that minor color differences dont form an unwanted pattern in your new floor.

Some ceramic tiles have spacers built into the tile itself.

Some adhesives emit toxic and flammable fumes. Provide good ventilation, especially in confined locations such as shower stalls. Always refer to the product label for safety precautions. Also exercise caution when using tile-cutting tools.

For best results, periodically lift a tile to make sure the mortar is sticking well. If not, apply additional thinset on the back side with a trowel. If numerous tiles are not getting good adhesion, use a trowel with larger notches.

As you near cabinets, doorways, walls and other flooring stops, trim tiles as needed for installation.

Use a tile cutter for small, straight cuts.

Use a tile saw (rentable) if necessary for cutting numerous or thick tiles.

For making curved cuts, you can use tile nippers. If the tile is too thick for nippers, try the following method:

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Install Floor Tile - Lowe's

Attic remodeling can give you an extra bedroom, office, playroom or living space, if you have the roof space for attic renovations. Attic conversion can be a great way to create one or more rooms. Attic conversions can be lower cost, as you don't have the expense of a roof, exterior walls or foundation that would be incurred with a traditional addition or second storey.

Before you start, however, you need to determine if your attic is suitable for converting and create a plan for your attic remodeling ideas. Make sure the flooring or joists are strong enough for you to stand on for your inspection.

Ceiling First, check the ceiling height. Can you stand up, or do you bump into the ceiling? Building codes require ceilings to be a particular height (typically 7 feet 6 inches over at least half of the available floor space). You need to be able to stand up straight without crouching in the room. If the height is a little low, you may be able to raise the roof or build a dormer as part of your attic remodeling, but this will add cost to the project of course. The distance from the roof ridge to the floor joists needs to be at least nine feet, or you probably won't meet building code requirements unless you add a dormer.

When planning your attic remodeling, you also need to consider the gable slopes, as this will determine what you can place in the room and where you can put it. A dormer could help, however, as already pointed out, this would add cost to the project.

Traditional stick-framed roofs are made of rafters that run from the ridge to the walls. This style of framing provides the most open space in attic conversions. Truss roofs, which feature in newer homes, limit your options to use the attic. Trusses cannot be cut.

If the ceiling height is too low and there are trusses, you may only be able to use the attic for storage, rather than a room.

Stains on the ceilings beneath the attic usually indicate a roof leak. You will need to fix this early in your attic remodeling.

Floor The attic floor is the ceiling of the room underneath. Ceiling joists need to be strong enough for you to move around the attic and to hold furniture. You need to check whether they are strong enough to hold the weight of numerous people, furniture and stored items. Frames can be reinforced with extra joists, if necessary. They can then be covered with flooring - be sure the material you use will support your weight and any furniture you plan to place in the attic.

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Attic Remodeling, Attic Remodeling Ideas, Attic Conversions

Remodeling an unfinished attic or attic conversion can provide much-needed storage or living space, but the project usually requires extensive changes, such as reinforcing the attic joists to bear weight, and adding insulation, plumbing, heating, air conditioning, stairs and other features as needed in a particular home.Typical costs: Creating 400 square feet of storage space in the attic atop an 1,800-square-foot home by adding flooring, lighting and insulation, as well as reinforcing the attic floor joists cost about $3,000, according to RealtyTimes.com. On average, converting an attic into storage space runs $2,000 -$5,000, depending on the existing state of the attic, the challenges faced and the amenities desired. A basic pull-down staircase is around $100 -$300 (aluminum costs more than wood), but a high-quality pull-down stair with an energy-efficient insulated cover can run $750 -$1,000. Installing a pull-down staircase is similar to installing a pre-hung door and installation costs anywhere from $75 -$300 or more depending on location and the complexity of the project. A simple conversion of an attic into one large open living space, such as a playroom or workroom, still requires reinforcing the floor joists as well as adding insulation, ventilation, electrical wiring, plumbing, finished floors, finished ceilings, finished walls and meeting building codes for items such as an additional fire exit through a window or other opening. This can average $10,000 -$25,000 or more, depending on the existing attic space, the challenges faced and the amenities desired. Converting unfinished attic space into a 15x15-foot bedroom and a 5x7-foot bath with shower as well as a 15-foot dormer (for head room), four new windows, closet space, insulation, finished ceilings and walls, electrical wiring and lighting to code and adding a rail and baluster to an existing stairwell costs an average of $41,389-$60,135, according to Hanley Wood.However, some estimates for extensive work converting attic space into an upscale living area are as high as $80,000 -$90,000 or more. Related articles: Home Addition, Basement Remodeling, Garage Conversion What should be included: Check with your local planning department, even if you're just adding flooring in the attic for additional storage space. Adding living space in an attic always requires a permit to be sure the remodeled room meets all code standards such as sufficient ventilation and a second fire exit (a window will do). For example, the city of Madison, Wisconsin posts its attic conversion process online. The US Department of Energy provides attic insulation tips. Better Homes & Gardens provides guidelines for deciding if an attic is worth remodeling, as well as an illustration of how an attic became a master suite. Additional costs: Shopping for attic remodeling:

Article updated November 2007

i have made a room but not very happy with it

built a stair case to a part of the attic on a split level home. Framed and put up drywall to finish a 300sqft area. Did the framing myself hired someone to do the drywall, electrical and hardwood flooring. Lots of storage. Still trying to figure out how to decorate -where can i look for attic bedroom ideas? Got an estimate from http://www.remodelormove.com cost estimating for about $10,000 so i think i got a good deal. I think my house probably appreciated $20k due to finishing my attic so all in all a good investment - better than a CD.

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Cost of Attic Remodeling - Estimates and Prices Paid - CostHelper.com

Before embarking on an Attic Conversion or Attic Remodeling project, you first need to consider existing Attic Framing, Insulation and Access

In many cases an attic can be a great space for creating more living space in your home. However, your attic must first be assessed by a licensed contractor or building inspector to determine if it is structurally strong enough to support an attic renovation or conversion project.

The attic is also a great place for storing and forgetting about your old and unused possessions. Whether or not you use your attic for storage or are considering it for additional living space, an attic is an extremely important area of your home that should regularly be inspected. At least twice a year you should inspect your attic for water damage and insulation problems. One of the best ways to determine if you need a new roof is to look for water stains on the attic ceiling.

Included in the articles and videos below are helpful attic conversion, attic remodeling and attic renovation tips.

In addition, we also provide a wealth of information on attic insulation, attic ventilation, and attic ladder and door installations.

For help on Attic Conversion and Attic Renovation Projects, see HomeAdditionPlus.com's Attic Conversion Bid sheet. The Attic Conversion Bid sheet will help to ensure that you hire the right contractor so that your attic conversion project is built correctly, on time and budget.

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Attic Conversion | Attic Remodeling | Attic Renovation Tips

Elegant Bath

An attic can be the perfect space for an extra bath. Multiple skylights and white walls brighten this elegant attic bath and make it feel bigger. Faux wood-panel wainscoting was used as an inexpensive alternative to tile. A partial wall built at one end of the tub provides privacy for the toilet area, and an antique dresser placed between two pedestal sinks provides storage and warmth to the room.

Give your attic space the same attention to detail as the main rooms of the house. This large attic was converted into a stylish home office with a cozy sitting area. Large columns and white trim work give the space a clean look and dark brown sisal flooring helps to muffle sound. The space is also fitted with a small bathroom and French doors that open onto a deck.

Increase sunlight and living space with the addition of attic dormers. Here, a trio of small gabled dormers across the front of the attic help to create a sunny and spacious living area. Old-fashion, door-style window shutters add charm to the bedroom suite. Honey-color stained, wide-plank pine floors give it a warm glow.

No space is wasted as built-ins fill the niches of this attic bedroom. Ample storage and a comfy window seat are the perfect fit in the dormer. Cheerful yellow walls, stripes, and checkered fabrics reinforce the country feel seen throughout the rest of the home.

Make an attic living space more convenient with a bathroom. Slate countertops, limestone flooring and shower walls, skylights, and plenty of storage make this attic bath handsome and handy.

Adding square footage helped make this attic livable and lovable. The bedroom has an angled ceiling with varied heights -- 6 feet at the exterior walls to 11 feet at its peak -- making it still feel cozy. It also boasts elements of Craftsman style: fir plank flooring, solid Brazilian cherry doors, reproduction light fixtures, and built-in dressers, bench and cabinets. The bed nestles into a dormer making it feel like a hideaway.

Angled ceilings, deep window casings, black wainscoting and a vintage-look tub give this attic bathroom an old-fashioned appearance but don't let that fool you. It has much-appreciated modern amenities such as recessed light fixtures, air conditioning, separate shower with a glass enclosure and two showerheads, and two pedestal sinks.

Tall arched windows fill this reformed attic with light while a vaulted ceiling and built-in storage units maximize space. A soothing palette of neutrals is seen throughout the master suite and exposed chimney brick adds a punch of color and texture.

Reconfiguring an attic dormer helped make room for this luxurious walk-in shower with built-in bench and small fan window. White subway tiles encase the walls and ceiling of the shower, reflecting light from the windows. A glass door allows sunlight to pass through to the rest of the bath.

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Attic Remodeling - Better Homes and Gardens

SimplyAdditions.com Provides Three Main Tools For Project Research

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It wasn't long before we published other popular remodeling plans online such as basement remodeling projects, loft conversions, and we also created many home plans for you to look at and consider as well.

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Not many sites can say that their articles win awards, but Simply Additions can! Whether you are planning on hiring & managing contractors for your own home addition project, a remodeling project, or building a new house, you will find the best possible advice right here on our site. SimplyAdditions.com has received many awards for Excellence in Consumer Education from The Better Business Bureau, a Citation for Excellence from the State Attorney General and a Congratulatory Letter for our commitment to providing the best online advice from The Department of Consumer Protections. It's safe to say that you are in very good and capable hands, when you use our site for every stage of your project.

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Home Additions & Home Improvement by SimplyAdditions.com