Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

BUILDING PERMITS

PMT2017-00277 350 Linden Ave.; $2,285,000.00; Christophe and Corrie Carrigan; Harrington Stanko Construction; New two story single-family dwelling above basement with attached garage. Lower level includes rec rooms and a guest suite, on the north end, and a bedroom and flex room on the south end. the main level includes a central area, including the kitchen, dining, and gathering rooms. This is connected to the north wing (master suite) by the entry, and is connected to the south wing (guest studio) by the mudroom and laundry. The upper level above the north wing includes two additional bedroom suites. Scope also includes front and rear covered porches.

PMT2017-00490 888 15th St.; $29,909.00; Kevin Krizek and Sandra Crotteau; Ron Monahan Construction Co.; Addition and remodel: Main level remodel of kitchen/dining room, 385 square feet , and addition of a new rear entrance, 74 square feet, adjacent to the northern facade of single-family home #8212; Includes related MEP and installation of a replacement forced air furnace. Revised scope to include modifications consistent with setback variance ADR2017-00057 and modification to floor structure of addition.

PMT2017-00520 1301 Canyon Blvd.; $88,143.00; Lizard Vail; Financial Construction Services; Tenant interior of a financial institution to create three additional office spaces. Scope includes mechanical and electrical work.

PMT2017-00722 2930 Pearl St.; $5,335,938.00; Google Inc.; Swinerton Builders; First time tenant finish - Scope of work is for Level 2A and 2B for Google, work includes office space, rest rooms and offices (two buildings connected by a walkway) - under one permit for previous tenant finish, PMT2016-04184).

PMT2017-00799 1955 30Th St.; $155,380.00; Two Nine; Harmon Renovations; Alterations to the northern and southern courtyard amenity areas at Two-Nine North apartment complex, approved through ADR2016-00297. Scope includes partial renovation of (2) existing exterior tenant amenity courtyards in the existing Two-Nine North building. Scope includes associated MEP's, structural work, landscaping, architectural modifications, and exterior furnishings.

PMT2017-00841 5775 Flatiron Parkway; $197,993.00; Boulder Income; Retail Resources Inc.; Commercial, interior, non-structural scope. Remodeling rest rooms in common areas on the main and second floor. (2) bathrooms on the main floor and (2) bathrooms on the second floor. Associated MEP's covered within the scope of this permit.

PMT2017-00883 833 E. Laurel Ave.; $40,167.00; Von Rittberg; New, 900 square feet , conditioned, accessory structure to be located in SW corner of property. Accessory structure has a toilet and a sink. Associated MEP's covered within the scope of this permit. **Change to scope, 4/14/17 - Accessory structure will no longer be conditioned and plumbing fixtures are removed.**

PMT2017-00888 345 29th St.; $55,761.75; Jonathan Anderson; Addition - Homeowner as GC for addition of 495 square feet to an existing single-family residence. Addition and home are single story. Addition to include new laundry room, master bedroom with WIC, 3/4 bath, electric baseboard heat. Scope includes associated plumbing, mechanical and electrical.

PMT2017-00915 868 17th St.; $82,121.85; ALCN LLC; Anderson-Garcia Construction; Addition and remodel for a single-family detached dwelling. Remodel includes relocation of kitchen, addition of one bedroom and bathroom. Addition scope is for new stairway enclosure between main and upper levels.

PMT2017-01102 1695 Orchard Ave.; $62,000.00; Eric Remer; Integrity Pool Builders; Permit for the installation of a new in-ground pool and spa associated with a single-family detached dwelling. Pool and spa to have automatic safety covers. Fence required under permit PMT2017-01458.

PMT2017-01158 5920 Longbow Drive; $779,527.00; Valleylab Inc.; Murray and Stafford, Inc.; Interior tenant remodel for the first floor "Area C" of technical office/lab area for Medtronic. Scope includes full MEP's and addition of two sinks. Scope also includes landscape improvements as required.

PMT2017-01165 707 Maxwell Ave.; $33,457.05; William and Leslie Wibbeler; Addition of a master bedroom and bath, 297 square feet. See HIS2017-00055 for landmarks approval.

PMT2017-01166 1565 Moss Rock Place; $50,000.00; Caleb and Anna Stephenson; Rob Luckett Builders; Interior remodel to include kitchen, bathroom and window replacement, 390 square feet. *Note: "Interior Remodel" also includes new exterior siding (stucco), railings and columns.

PMT2017-01242 2015 Riverside Lane; $32,300.00; Jennifer and Douglas Rutherford; Mountain West Building Co.; Interior remodel of existing space within a single-family residence. Scope includes taking existing cathedral ceiling space on main and second levels and creating two new bedrooms and office space. Reconfiguration of existing walk-in closet for master bedroom. Window replacement of existing upper level windows in new office area, and creation of two new egress windows for new bedrooms.

PMT2017-01267 2800 Pearl St.; $419,062.00; Target Corporation; Engineered Structures, Inc.; Interior, non-structural remodel of Target's home innovation and grocery innovation areas, 2741 square feet. Scope to include floor, ceiling, and wall finishes. Associated MEP's not covered within the scope of this permit and will require separate permitting.

PMT2017-01268 1600 Commerce St.; $1,800,000.00; Ball Corporation; Tenant Remodel - Interior tenant remodel, 9297 square feet , of the NE corner on the third floor of the Fisher FT3 North building. Scope to include demolition of the existing furniture systems, relocating existing restrooms, adding a new restroom, and installing new rooftop HVAC equipment. Associated MEP's covered within the scope of this permit.

PMT2017-01339 2660 Canyon Blvd.; $110,000.00; Summit Hospitality; Remodel of guest lounge on the fifth floor of the Marriot Motel. Scope includes the demolition and relocation of some interior walls, rewiring, replacement of bathroom fixtures, replacement of a fan-coil unit, and installation of a new ADA ramp to the existing patio.

PMT2017-01343 2595 Canyon Blvd.; $24,039.00; Waterstreet Plaza ; Horizon Retail Construction; Tenant interior remodel for a professional office space to add interior walls and associated power, and to relocate registers and a couple of lighting fixtures.

PMT2017-01411 4909 Nautilus Court; $307,939.59; Westview Properties; CCM Construction Management Inc.; Unit 8 - Interior, non-structural, 3843 square feet tenant remodel. Associated electrical and mechanical included within the scope of this permit.

PMT2017-01414 1421 Pearl 200; $16,000.00; Crystal Building; Rhinotrax Construction Inc.; Tenant remodel for 1421 Pearl Suite 200. Scope to include new entry, demising walls, and mechanical distribution.

PMT2017-01660 1840 Lehigh St.; $12,673.13; Bryan Helstad; James W. Lyon Contracting; Interior remodel of an existing single-family residence. Scope to include remodel of master bath and study area on second/top level to reconfigure space, add WIC and laundry, and utility room on main level to convert to a bathroom. Includes removal of non-structural walls, removal of soaker tub, addition of new plumbing fixtures. Upper level remodel area approximately 150 square feet, main level remodel area approximately 75 square feet. Includes associated MEP.

PMT2017-01661 3790 Armer Ave.; $61,952.00; Scott and Amanda Sherpe; First time basement finish to create a family room, music room, play room, storage area, 3/4 bath, new bedroom, installation of a egress window, installation of a new beam and footing, and associated electrical and plumbing.

PMT2017-01663 2040 Hermosa Drive; $11,265.00; Chris Doran and Barbara Mcintyre; After-the-fact permit for a remodel to a single-family dwelling. Scope includes remodel of kitchen, replacement of two gas fireplace units, update of fixtures/finishes in four bathrooms, and updated lighting/electrical. One window on second story and one window on ground floor to be replaced in existing openings on front elevation.

PMT2017-01672 750 Quince Circle; $11,000.00; Janis Devoto; Liscom Construction; Bathroom remodel (60 square feet) located on upper level. Scope includes associated plumbing and electrical.

PMT2017-01692 990 Mcintire St.; $67,590.00; Laskey Howard; Kelly E. Hood Inc.; Interior remodel of a single-family residence, along with electrical wiring updates and additional wall insulation. Scope includes remodel of approximately 140 square feet for kitchen (layout to remain the same, new appliances and sink), replacement of aluminum wiring throughout the home (requiring drywall removal), and new electrical service panel, insulating open 2 x 4 wall cavities to capacity (approximately 1,060 square feet of electrical updates and drywall removal/insulation).

PMT2017-01707 2085 Balsam Drive; $38,000.00; Thomas Haensch; Chanin Development Inc.; Permit for rooftop deck above master suite and extension of lower rear deck. Upper and lower decks to be connected by spiral stairway.

PMT2017-01713 3617 Paonia St.; $61,557.76; Markel Homes; Markel Homes Construction Co.; Basement finish of 1093 square feet for single-family dwelling under construction. To include the construction of two new bedroom, one full bath, a rec room including wet bar and utility/storage room.

PMT2017-01736 200 Kiowa Place; $16,615.88; Enid and Mark Ablowitz; BW Construction; Kitchen remodel for a single-family detached dwelling (295 square feet). Scope includes addition of bar sink.

See the original post here:
Boulder building permits, May 8, 2017 - Boulder Daily Camera

Home owners remodel their homes for many different reasons, with an eye toward their own enjoyment as well as the eventual resale value.

Some want to give new life to a house with an out-of-date floor plan. Baby boomers who want to stay in their homes as they age as well as younger home owners who are looking ahead want to enhance accessibility. And, many home owners want to add sustainable home features that also save money on utility bills.

As the home building and remodeling industry celebrates National Home Remodeling Month in May, one this is clear home owners are taking their wish lists to professional remodelers to make them happen.

Open up to new spaciousness

Open floor plans remain as popular as ever, and more and more home owners are choosing to take out an interior wall or two to make the space feel larger and more connected.

Remove a wall between the kitchen and a formal dining room and the newly opened space can breathe new life into the entire floor. Natural light enters from more directions and family members working in the kitchen or eating at the counter can interact with others watching television or doing homework. Entertaining takes on a new ease, as friends can gather and move about more freely in the space.

Design for aging in place

Enhancing your home to better accommodate aging in place can also be an upgrade in style, ease of use, and comfort for everyone.

A bathroom upgrade where luxury meets universal design might include a large walk-in shower with zero-threshold, a built-in teak bench or tile corner seat, and multiple shower heads, including a waist-high sprayer.

A new kitchen island may add an eye-catching look and adaptive conveniences with multi-level countertops of an easy to maintain, durable and attractive material such as engineered quartz, a deep drawer for dishes and another for the microwave, and a sink with hands-free faucet.

Remodeling your home can not only fulfill your familys dream of a more comfortable and stylish home, but depending on the upgrades you choose, you can also realize savings on utility costs, improve air quality for better health and strengthen the long-term value of your home.

Some of the top upgrades that can make a home more energy efficient include putting in high-efficiency windows and low-flow water fixtures, replacing appliances and water heaters with ENERGY STAR-rated models, increasing or upgrading the quality of insulation, and installing a high-efficiency HVAC system that is appropriately sized for the area that is to be heated or cooled.

This article is provided by the Home Builders Association of Northwest Indiana, a not-for-profit trade association of builders and associated industry professionals dedicated to promoting the American dream of home ownership. Phone (888) 812-9099 or visit hbanwi.com.

See the rest here:
Much to Celebrate About Home Remodeling - nwitimes.com

A new medical facility is under construction on Billings western edge on land long held by St. Vincent Healthcare.

The owners of Summit Oral Surgery are building a 6,800-square-foot facility on one acre at the northwest corner of Shiloh Road and King Avenue West, the first building in the proposed medical complex, said Brian Ludwig of Billings, Summits co-owner.

Ludwig and his partner, Rod Griffith, currently operate the practice in Lamplighter Square, which is now owned by Billings Clinic. They hope to relocate by the end of the year.

The $2 million project has been in the works for a few years, Ludwig said. It broke ground Thursday.

Were just growing out of the space, he said.

St. Vincent has held on to a 113-acre site at the corner for years. The hospital has already developed water, sewer and other services in the area. St. Vincent plans to develop additional medical offices and facilities there.

Summit Oral will add a third surgeon, Jesse Gray, and additional employees at the new location, Ludwig said. The new address will be 625 Henry Chapple Dr.

See original here:
First medical office under construction at St. Vincent land on Billings West End - Billings Gazette

http://www.muskokaregion.com/

Springtime inspiration in upgrading your Muskoka space http://www.muskokaregion.com/ Finally, Spearn emphasizes that people should be aware they do need a building permit. Whether you're transforming an open deck or building a new addition, a sunroom is considered a living area so there are bylaw restrictions (how close you can be to ...

See the rest here:
Springtime inspiration in upgrading your Muskoka space - http://www.muskokaregion.com/

By Pam George, contributing writer Published 11:17 a.m. ET May 5, 2017 | Updated 20 hours ago

Plantation Lakes(Photo: For information, visit khov.com.)

Picture the perfect summer day near the Delaware coast. After a morning on your communitys 18-hole golf course and an afternoon reading by the pool, you watch the sunset from your patio. Maybe some neighbors will stop by for drinks, or youll meet them for cocktails at the clubhouse. The next day, you can start all over again. This is life at Plantation Lakes, K. Hovnanian Homes community of single-family homes in Millsboro.

Plantation Lakes(Photo: For information, visit khov.com.)

Just 16 miles from the coast, Plantation Lakes has only a few lots available on the Arthur Hills championship golf course. The next two buyers of any homesite in this attractive community will receive 30 percent off all structural options, such as a screen porch and extensions. Thats not all. They will also receive 50 percent off K. Hovnanians Design Gallery options. (The maximum is a $10,000 savings on $20,000 worth of options.)

K. Hovnanian has six versatile floor plans, including plans that offer one-story living which is desirable near the beach and two-story plans. The designs offer up to five bedrooms and three-and-a-half baths.

To enjoy new construction this summer, consider one of K. Hovnanians quick move-in homes, which offer in-demand options.

Two of these homes are available immediately. The Maine II design on homesite 763, located on Glenwood Drive, has a classic farmhouse-style exterior with a welcoming front porch and an open floor plan. The two-story home has four bedrooms, including a first-floor owners suite, and two-and-half baths. The gourmet kitchen, filled with upgrades, opens to an extended family room and a dining area with a cathedral ceiling. This home, which has a two-car garage with carriage house-style doors, was $385,123. Its now $319,900.

Plantation Lakes(Photo: For information, visit khov.com.)

Located on homesite 723 on Lumberton Road, the San Sebastian is a one-story design with three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths. The thoughtful layout separates two guest bedrooms from the owners suite. Both are steps from the powder room and a full bathroom. They each have a walk-in closet.

The owners suite, meanwhile, features a spa bathroom that opens into a huge walk-in closet. (You can shower and dress without disturbing your partner.)

The gourmet kitchen opens to the great room, which has a dining area and fireplace. Relax in the sunroom or on the low-maintenance screened porch. The design offers garage space for three vehicles - theres room for kayaks, paddleboards or scooters

Originally priced at $475,192, this home is now $379,900.

The Jasmine design on homesite 859 on Shelby Court will be ready in June. This appealing one-story design has turned gables and a front porch with columns that has enough room for rocking chairs and plants. There are three bedrooms, including the owners suite with a luxury en suite bathroom. The laundry room is ideally located between the bedroom and the two-car garage, so you can drop off your bathing suit before you head inside.

Another version of the Maine II will be ready in early fall on homesite 315, which resides on Belmont Boulevard. This home is currently the model, and it comes fully furnished right down to the custom window treatments, which is appealing for those who want a second home without all the fuss that comes from outfitting the rooms from scratch.

This deign includes a covered front porch topped by a covered balcony for double the style. There are four bedrooms and two-and-a-half bathrooms. Like the other designs, this residence has an upgraded kitchen that flows into the family room, which has a fireplace. The screened porch is large enough for effortless entertaining. This model has a two-car garage and a finished lower-level recreation room, which boasts a den and a full bath. (All the homes in Plantation Lakes have full basements, which is not always the case along the coast.) Originally priced at $575,433, its now $459,900.

Plantation Lakes(Photo: For information, visit khov.com.)

Whether you build from the ground up or select a quick move-in home, youll enjoy all the amenities that Plantation Lakes has to offer. In addition to the golf course, the community has a pool with an area dedicated to laps. Theres a water element for children. Amenities also include an outdoor sports court, a playground, and a 4,000-square-foot clubhouse with a fitness center. Walking trails gently meander through the landscaped common areas. You can enjoy it all and low homeowners association fees.

Between the clubhouse, the pool and the golf course, there is plenty to do here. But you wont want to miss the award-winning beaches, state parks, cutting-edge restaurants, outlet shops and cultural attractions, including Historic Lewes.

Act now to save on new construction options or to secure one of the quick move-in homes. The time is right to own a home near the beach.

For information, visit khov.com.

COMMUNITY PROFILE Name: Plantation Lakes Builder: K. Hovnanian Homes Price: Low $200s Style: A variety of homes, from ranches to colonial residences Amenities: Golf, clubhouse, pool, outdoor sports court, playground, tennis court, walking trails Address: 27540 Belmont Blvd., Millsboro, DE Phone: (855) 683-6407 Hours: Monday, 2 p.m.-6 p.m.; Tuesday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Website: khov.com/plantationlakes

Read or Share this story: http://delonline.us/2pdLaXc

See original here:
When it's time to relax - The News Journal

Window World of Central NJ is a local franchise of Window World Inc. renowned as the largest replacement window company in the United States of America. Window World of Central NJ is owned by Rich Blankenship & Phaedra Corcoran and is headquartered in 889B State Hwy 12 Frenchtown, NJ 08825, serving the local customers around Central NJ with high efficiency Replacement windows, Patio doors, Double Hung Windows and more, all with a focus on quality and energy efficiency and at a great affordable price meeting every individuals pocket book.

We offer the highest quality and energy efficient replacement windows and doors backed with exceptional lifetime warranty. Our vinyl replacement windows and doors have been certified with Good Housekeeping Seal and Energy Star Seal.

At Window World of Central NJ, we are dedicated to provide the highest quality workmanship for your home improvement needs. With superior services and the highest level of satisfaction to home owners, the company employs factory trained professional window installers who are devoted to the strictest standards in the industry and provides pleasant experience while working with your home remodeling. We understand that purchasing new windows for your home is a huge investment, and our replacement window specialists are here to help you make the right decision for your home. Regardless of your homes style or personal dcor, we have a customizable window option perfect for your home!

Please contact the experienced window replacement professionals at Window World of Central NJ! Let us help you with our FREE In-Home Demonstration to customize the order of energy efficient replacement windows and doors to your personal preferences.

We serve all of Hunterdon County, Trenton, Phillipsburg, Princeton, Somerset County, Franklin Park, Ewing, Flemington, Bridgewater, Hillsborough, Mercer County with high efficiency Replacement windows and doors, Vinyl Siding, Garden Windows, Double Hung Windows, Patio Doors and more, all with a focus on quality and energy efficiency.

For customer feedback and testimonials click here.

Window World replacement windows beautify & modernize homes, while lowering your energy costs through our energy efficiency technology & heat saving design. Economically designed to minimize effective heat loss, Window World Low-E replacement windows are made of the highest quality insulated plastic and vinyl.

See the article here:
Replacement Windows Frenchtown - Window World Central NJ

A Cornish windscreen fitting company has reiterated their generous offer for anyone who finds themselves having to repair a window they smashed to save an animal, following an incident in St Ives last month.

Cornwall Windscreens, a mobile service which operates all across the duchy, is offering cost price replacement glass to anyone in the "unlikely position" of having to pay for window repairs because they rescued an overheating animal from a car.

They also promise to double to price for any owner who has to pay for the damage, with profits going to animal charities.

The company has been offering this service for years and has enjoyed positive feedback, but they got in contact with Cornwall Live after we posted a video of a man smashing the window of a parked car to rescue a dog that he felt was 'dying' in the heat.

Read more: Watch as shark circles boat near busy Cornish town

Clive Oxley, who runs a property maintenance business in St Ives, was buying lunch in the town when a friend said he saw a dog locked in a 4x4 in a nearby car park.

Clive Oxley recorded this footage as he saved the springer spaniel.

Clive rushed to the car park behind the launderette and called police who told him not to do anything unless the dog was distressed. But, seeing the pooch on lying on its back with its legs in the air and its tongue hanging out, Clive felt it was struggling to breathe and he had to do something.

He smashed the car window and rescued the springer spaniel, filming the immediate aftermath on his mobile phone.

Read more: Shocking video shows fox being ripped apart by dogs in Chacewater

He then gave the springer spaniel some water before its owner returned. "You couldn't even touch the roof of the car, it was flipping boiling," he told Cornwall Live.

"The woman came back and started screaming at me. She said she'd just been to Pizza Express. By the time she got there the police were there too.

Cornwall Windscreens hope their offer will urge more people to make efforts to save a life.

Natasha Tozer-Martin, of Cornwall Windscreens, heard about Clive's actions and praised them.

The company, which she runs with her husband, brought in the aforementioned service years ago when they noticed the problem happening more and more.

She said: "There is a distinct increase of dogs being left in cars to suffer. People are becoming more aware that this is not right, but regardless there are still cases of criminal damage - all because people have saved the lives of animals, in most cases.

Read more: Cornwall decides today - but will people bother to turn out and vote?

"Every year we offer this service for anyone who finds themselves in this trouble and people have been very grateful. We're only a husband and wife team, if national companies started doing this it would be great - a lot more lives could be saved."

She added that dog bans and the price of kennels have contributed to this problem, but believes people need to be more educated about how their animal can become dehydrated.

A spokesman for Devon and Cornwall Police said people have the right to break a car window if they believe a dog is in distress.

A statement read: "With warm weather, we always see a rise in the number of reports of dogs being left in cars. The temperature can rise very quickly inside a car during the summer months, dogs do not have the ability to cool themselves down and therefore can suffer from heatstroke, which can be fatal.

Read more: This is the law around leaving dogs in car and rescuing them

"Police have the right to break the window of a car to free the animal if they believe that a dog is in distress. If a member of public sees a dog in a car in a warm day please call the police immediately and we will advise from there."

It has also been advised that anyone considering breaking in should take a picture of the dog and the car. If someone is with you, get them to bring up the weather for your area on their phone so you can screen shot the temp, then break the car window.

Cornwall Live's poll asking "Should you smash a car window to rescue a dog on a hot day" received 1.4k votes and the following results: Yes (96%), no (3%) and don't know (1%).

Click here to read more news from around Cornwall

Originally posted here:
Windscreen fitting company in Cornwall has special offer for anyone who smashes window to save pet - Cornwall Live

In its 2016/2017 U.S. Industry Statistical Review and Forecast, the American Architectural Manufacturers Associationreported total housing starts continued their growth curve in 2016 with strong gains particularly in the single-family segment, up by 10 percent. The report provides information on window, door and skylight market trends and product relationships. Historic data for 2006 through 2014 and forecast data for 2017 through 2019 also are included. Forecasts are based on projections of construction activity as of March 2017.

According to the report, the overall new housing market is expected to continue at a strong level of growth through 2019. Single-family starts are expected to continue to take the lead in 2017 and experience another 10 percent increase. While the West and Midwest regions of the United States have experienced stronger growth in the last year, the South and Northeast are expected to be more dynamic over the next two years.

The demand for prime windows improved by 3.1 percent in 2016, driven by continued strong new housing demand. The demand for windows in new housing increased by just under 5 percent in 2016, with increases of 7 and 8 percent forecasted for the next two years as the housing recovery continues. Meanwhile, remodeling and replacement window demand increased modestly again, by just under 2 percent in 2016, with growth in this segment also likely to be somewhat improved in 2017 against the backdrop of strengthening existing home sales.

Residential skylights closed the year at 960 thousand units, a growth rate of 4 percent over 2015 volume. New construction skylight activity was up 10 percent, while remodeling and replacement skylight activity was up 2 percent versus 2015.

Find more information in theAAMA Publication Store.

Go here to see the original:
New Housing Market Expected to Grow through 2019 - Window and Door

Remodeling is a great way to update an outdated room, transform an unused space or just give your home a facelift. A remodel can also add value when youre getting ready to put your home on the market.

No matter how careful you are with your remodel budget, though, unexpected costs can sneak up on you. Discover what things to look out for and how to avoid them altogether or reduce costs when they occur.

One of the biggest hidden costs of a remodel resultsfrom homeowners changing their minds about what they want or becoming impatient.

If your contractor has already subcontracted out some work to others, like cabinet makers or custom furniture designers, you have to pay them whether you actually use what theyve made or not.

To avoid these costs, do your research well in advance of hiring your contractor. If youre worried about the progress of the project, ask questions. Behind-the-scenes work takes time and money, so dont assume the job isnt getting done and then change your mind just because you dont see progress.

Anytime youre moving a wall for an open floor plan, adding new walls or making a change to the structure of your home, you have to account for structural changes.

Tearing down a wall might reveal water damage, mold, pests that need to be exterminated or asbestos that needs to be removed. Adding new walls may mean running new electrical wires, installing outlets, adding plumbing or hiding HVAC ducts.

Some of these hidden costs are unavoidable, such as asbestos removal or pest extermination. The best way to prepare is to allow an extra 10-15% in your budget for these types of expenses. To prepare for costs related to wiring, plumbing and HVAC, discuss your planned uses of the remodeled rooms so your contractor can work these in ahead of time.

Building codes exist to ensure your home is safe, but codes change all the time. The older your home is, the more likely youll run into things that are not up to code.

Contractors are obligated to bring the building up to code or could be in danger of losing their contracting license. Plus, living in a home thats not up to code could put you and your family at risk.

This is another example of an issue that cant really be avoided, but you can prepare by doing diligent research before the remodel. Consider the age of your home and any updates in energy efficiency that might affect your house meeting building codes.

Also, think about recent events in your area, like natural disasters or increases in commercial buildings close to your neighborhood, which might introduce new codes. Discuss possible code issues with your contractor at the first meeting.

Although the extra electricity used by all the power tools during your remodel may be negligible, its worth mentioning that your utility bills may be a little higher until the remodel is complete. If youve already run into other unexpected expenses, that extra cost on your electric bill could be the straw that breaks the camels back. Just be aware that power tools, compressors and other equipment might add a few bucks toyour remodel.

You dont want your fur babies getting underfoot during your remodel.

Veterinarian Karen Halligan warns that any animals or the contractor could get hurt, or accidents could cause material damage, adding even more money to the final tally.

Halligan suggests that boarding pets for some or all of the remodel may be the best option.

You can prepare for this by being upfront with your contractor. Let the team know that you have pets, ask for estimated timelines and examine your boarding options before the remodel starts. If you have friends or relatives who are willing to take your pets for a while, take advantage of the favor.

If your remodel involves the kitchen, remodel safely and expect to make alternative dining plans. You may not have access to gas or power for some appliances, or the kitchen area may be off-limits altogether. If either is the case, you may find yourself dining out more than usual.

To keep it to a minimum, you can ask the contractor to create a temporary kitchen area. If thats not feasible, you can set up your own makeshift eatery, with a microwave or other countertop kitchen appliances, in another room of the house. Or, if the weather permits, cook outside on the barbecue. If all else fails, consider no-cook meals and snacks until your kitchen is back in commission.

Remodeling is stressful enough without added expenses, but being prepared can help ease your anxiety. Keep open lines of communication with your contractor, and expect a few bumps along the way. Try getting creative to finance those unexpected remodeling costs.

Do you have tips to save from going over budget during a remodel? Share them in our comment section!

Want to impress your friends and family with the knowledge we'll drop on ya? If so, subscribe now for tips on home, money, and life delivered straight to your inbox.

Go here to read the rest:
Unexpected Costs That Can Break Your Remodel Budget - Zing! Blog by Quicken Loans (blog)

By Jason Robie

One of my favorite (albeit stressful) processes in building my house was laying out the floor plan. Anybody reading this with an ounce of sense is saying "You should have had a designer help you, dummy." and I couldn't agree more. But alas, I'm stubborn and independent and wanted to do it myself. Thankfully it came out great (and I had a lot of help).

I spent hours with a computer program laying out the cabinets, moving the abutting bathroom wall, shrinking and expanding the bedroom on the other side of the bathroom, etc., all in an effort to fit everything in and make the space accommodating and functional.

The more fun part was working on the deck of the main floor of the house before any of the walls went up. My friends and I measured out and marked with masking tape, the different sections of the kitchen in order to better visualize the space. Of course without walls this is a bit misleading, but it helped solidify my ideas about space and flow.

Besides the actual layout and "flow" of your kitchen, there are a few other considerations that are important when you are designing (or RE-designing) a kitchen. Let's look at a few of those today and perhaps I can save you from missing an important detail that you discover once the sheetrock goes up.

First and foremost, you need to familiarize yourself with the local zoning and building code rules and laws. I encourage you to employ the services of an electrician and/or plumber for this and just have them walk through the space with you to highlight any blatant errors in your design.

Simple things like spacing between outlets, ventilation specifications for the oven hood fan and even the routing of water pipes can all create a huge headache if they are not planned for until "after the fact." Nobody expects you to know all of these rules, so hire an expert for a few hours and be sure you are "coloring within the lines."

One of the more tedious parts of my layout planning was the spacing for the areas between the cabinets. My goal, which was later eliminated, was to have an island in the middle of the kitchen for eating and food preparation. I even considered having that island house the sink and dishwasher. After hours of figuring and re-figuring, moving walls and adjusting the shower location in the bathroom, we got it squared away.

Little details like the opening of the dishwasher, the swing direction of the refrigerator door and even the distance a drawer could slide open all factor in to where the walls will go and how much room you have to move around.

After re-designing your kitchen, it would be horrible to realize that there can only be one person in there at a time because the space it too confined. Beyond just using masking tape on the floors, I recommend borrowing a few big boxes from a local store and using those to mark the placement of the counters and other appliances. This visual representation will help you get a more accurate feel for the space and your ability to move around.

Although I'm not much of a designer when it comes to colors, fabrics and textures, it is important to give some thought to the finish of your fixtures and appliances. I bought my entire kitchen (cabinets, appliances, countertops, etc.) from a friend who was remodeling her kitchen. In this case, I didn't have much choice. But if you are considering a whole new look for your kitchen, be sure all of those parts and pieces will work well together.

"Often times folks will replace one or two items in a kitchen with a finish they have fallen in love with, only to discover it clashes with the remaining appliances," Badger Realty agent Nubian Duncan said. "I encourage people to take a faucet handle or other item from the pieces that are staying when they go shopping. This helps solidify everything will work together at least until the other items can be replaced."

Sink mounting is another decision you'll have to make along this journey. Once again, there are other factors that will determine (or limit) your choices. If you are replacing the entire countertop, the sky's the limit. But if you are just replacing fixtures and the sink itself, it might make sense to have an expert give you a few options.

Under-counter sinks are great and make cleanup easy and smooth. But they are not really an option if your counters were not originally designed that way. You'll also want to be careful about measuring your sink and cutting the associated hole in the countertop. Remember, you can always cut the hole bigger, but you can't cut the hole smaller. Ask me how I know.

Kitchens are a focal point of any home whether you are selling or just remodeling to enjoy it more yourself. As with most things, planning is key and taking the time up front will reduce the number of headaches in the future. Do a little planning for your kitchen and call in the pros when the time is right. You'll be glad you did and you won't have to be annoyed every time you open the dishwasher and pinch your fingers on the opposing cabinets.

Read the original here:
Jason Robie: Cool kitchen creations - Conway Daily Sun