Increasing Your Kitchen Remodel’s Cost-to-Value Ratio

December 30, 2012 By D.R. Hartman Construction Leave a Comment
contemporary kitchen

According to Remodeling Magazine, the size and scope of your kitchen remodel can make a major difference—not only in initial cost but in the amount of cost that you’re likely to recoup in terms of added value. While a major kitchen remodel may be cost-prohibitive with an average cost of nearly $57,500, a minor kitchen remodel may be feasible at about a third of the cost. As if that’s not enough motivation to think smaller, when you compare Remodeling Magazine’s often-cited Cost vs. Value Report for 2010-2011 to their 2011-2012 report, you’ll see another reason why the trend toward … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Kitchen, Remodeling

Tips for Bathroom Renovations

December 28, 2012 By D.R. Hartman Construction Leave a Comment
remodeled bathroom sink area

The decision to remodel a bathroom is one not often regretted by homeowners, and there are many reasons for this. First, bathrooms (most of which contain a simple shower, a boring porcelain sink, and a plain toilet, all on top of white or off white vinyl flooring) are often quite neglected in terms of design, and as such, this room may seem out of place with the rest of your home. Additionally, by renovating your bathroom, you help to create an oasis of privacy; the bathroom is the most private room of the house, after all. Follow the tips below to help make your bathroom renovation experience … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Bathroom, Remodeling

Bedroom Renovation and Remodeling Tips

November 19, 2012 By D.R. Hartman Construction Leave a Comment
mom with happy baby

If you’re like most people, then the bedroom is the area of your home in which you spend the greatest portion of your day. You dress there, you read there, you relax there in front of the television, and, of course, you sleep there. With all the hours that you spend in your bedroom, if the space is dreary, cluttered, or bland, it’s definitely worth considering a renovation. If you’re interested in remodeling your bedroom, consider the tips below. The tips cover all types of renovations, meaning some might be out of your budget, but most can be adapted in some way to suit your financial … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Remodeling

Remodeling for Accessibility

November 5, 2012 By D.R. Hartman Construction Leave a Comment
wide open residential construction

Whether a member of your household has become disabled, you’re planning to invite an aging loved one to live with you, or you’re simply planning ahead for the rigors of aging, your home will probably need some modifications in order to provide as much freedom as possible. Trends in Accessibility Of course, one option for someone with disabilities or mobility difficulties due to aging is to move into an assisted living facility or nursing home. Not only is that option unsavory to many, but it’s also quite expensive and unnecessary, thanks to the potential made by accessibility … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Bathroom, Kitchen, Remodeling

Cabinet Trends for Today’s Kitchen Remodels

October 23, 2012 By D.R. Hartman Construction Leave a Comment
kitchen remodeling for contemporary look

Why are kitchen upgrades such popular home renovation options? The main reasons kitchen remodels are so popular, particularly in a sluggish economy, are both financially fueled. The trend toward people cooking and eating at home is, in large part, due to the lower cost. The more time you plan to spend in a room, the more renovating it makes sense. Especially when homeowners are highly likely to get back a high percentage of what they put into such projects. Year after year, kitchen renovations are some of the best performing projects on Remodeling Magazine’s often-cited Cost vs. Value … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Kitchen, Remodeling

Remodeling Priorities Most Homeowners Ignore

October 15, 2012 By D.R. Hartman Construction Leave a Comment
worker with hammer and nails

Let’s face it: The best part of a home remodeling project is when you can sit back, look around, and see the results of your investment. Okay, that might come in a close second to hearing the “oohs and ahs” of friends and family as they survey your updated digs. Many homeowners end up opting for aesthetic renovations over less obvious but necessary fixes their homes need. If you focus on a surface-level facelift instead of correcting potentially hazardous issues, you may end up having to watch a sledge hammer break up that new wall you just repainted or the expensive flooring you had … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Basements, Green Building, Remodeling

Recession-Fuelled Remodeling Trends

October 8, 2012 By D.R. Hartman Construction Leave a Comment
remodeling dining room

A major aspect of the recession-laden economy is the sluggish housing market. That factor has meant a boom for home remodels, since many homeowners realize that doing so can be more economical than trading up. In addition to an increase in renovations in general, certain types of additions or changes reflect our difficult economic times. Additions of In-Law Quarters While these attached apartments have traditionally been referred to as mother-in-law quarters, they’re being inhabited by extended family of all types. Some families are building these to make room for aging Baby Boomers who … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Home Addition, Remodeling

4 Reasons for DIY Home Renovations

August 13, 2012 By D.R. Hartman Construction 1 Comment
do it yourself home improvement

How do you determine whether to do a job yourself or to contract it out to a professional? Examining these 4 reasons people opt for DIY instead of hiring pros can help you evaluate whether the DIY route is really best for you. … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Remodeling

3 Remodeling Mistakes To Avoid

June 11, 2012 By D.R. Hartman Construction Leave a Comment
woodworker building project

Many homeowners can probably understand Tom Hanks’s maniacal laugh in this clip from the 1980s comedy Money Pit. While Murphy’s Law certainly seems to have an unrealistic heyday with these poor homeowners, sometimes real-life remodeling projects can come pretty close. If you want your next home renovation to end with “happily ever after” rather than insanity or tears, you need to take steps to make sure you avoid these commonly made mistakes. … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Remodeling

Resale-Savvy Home Renovations

June 4, 2012 By D.R. Hartman Construction Leave a Comment
modern staircase

In addition to mourning the passing of the housing boom that peaked in 2005, many would-be house sellers are decrying the low returns their pricey renovations no longer promise on the sales block. If resale value is of any concern to you at all, though, you will want to carefully choose the types of remodels and updates that you plan. Major Curb Appeal Evidently, that first impression is more important to prospective buyers than almost anything else. Maybe it’s psychological, or maybe it’s about the image they want to portray to the world, but chances are, if your house doesn’t look … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Basements, Garage, Home Addition, Kitchen, Remodeling
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