Home Remodeling Tips

When planning a house remodel, it can be tempting to skip to the exciting stage of choosing new paint colors, fixtures, and fittings, but in order for any renovation to go smoothly, there are several things to think about before you even begin.

Do Your Research

Take the time to chat with friends, family, and neighbors about the renovation work they have done, and the challenges they have faced during the process. Having a wealth of information from homeowners who have been in your shoes can be invaluable in the planning process, and this information may alter your end plan. Check out our 17 Smarter Renovation and Home Improvement Tips to get started.

Know Your Limits

DIY renos are a great way to save money, have a sense of accomplishment, and involve the entire family, but they can turn disastrous if you don’t know what you’re doing. Know which tasks you can safely tackle, and which should be handled like the pros, like a potentially load-bearing wall, asbestos or lead paint. If you’re feeling unsure, here’s how to find a good contractor to help.

Ask for References

Cut Costs on Your House Remodel

“Most clients don’t want to hear those words,” says Paul Irwin, design director with Landis Construction, in the Washington, D.C., area, “but it really needs to be considered on major remodels. “In one case, for example, plans for a 1,300-square-foot addition revealed that the house’s existing foundation wasn’t up to code and would have to be replaced—a $30,000 proposition.

After crunching the numbers, the owners concluded that it would cost as much to update the house, a former summer cottage, as it would reproduce it new. “For a relatively small additional cost,” says the owner, “we get all the benefits of new construction while preserving the character and feel of our old house.”

Increase Efficiency, Not Size

If you can reorganize and equip your kitchen for maximum utility, you may not need to blow out the walls to gain square footage. Start by replacing space-hogging shelves with cabinet-height pullout drawers 8 inches wide, containing racks for canned goods and other items.

“You’re getting three or more horizontal planes where you might otherwise get only one,” says Louis Smith Jr., an architect with Meier Group, in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

You could easily shell out a few thousand to outfit cabinets with upgrades like dividers, pull-out pot trays, and lazy Susans, but you’ll save many times that amount by skipping the addition you thought you needed.

• Cost to expand kitchen by 200 square feet: $48,000 to $95,000
• Cost of super-efficient, custom-designed cabinets: $35,000
• Saved: Up to $60,000

Bring in Natural Light Without Adding Windows

Before cutting a big hole in the side of your house and rearranging the framing, consider less invasive—and less expensive—ways of capturing light.

To brighten up a windowless bath or hallway, for instance, you can install a “light tube,” which slips between roof rafters and funnels sunshine down into the living space.

• Cost to add a double-pane insulated window: $1,500
• Cost for a light tube: $500
• Saved: $1,000

Debuty Builders, Inc

As an Accredited Business Member of the Better Business Bureau (BBB) we carry an A+ rating which means that we have chosen to be accountable, and we continue to demonstrate good faith to our community through our business relationships and our operations. As an Energy Star Partner, Debuty Builders, Inc. is committed to responsible construction practices by installing sustainable and energy-efficient materials.

Remodeling Mistakes to Avoid

Are you renovating your home? Whether you do it yourself or hire a professional, make sure you do it right the first time. Home projects can take a big bite out of your budget and your time if they’re not done properly. Here are some of the most common home renovations mistakes to avoid:

Neglecting curb appeal

Landscaping is the first thing you, your guests or even potential buyers see when they arrive. And it can often set an expectation of what your home looks like inside. Sprucing up the yard, even on a budget, can have an instant and positive effect on how you and others view your home.

Overbuilding

Your finished home remodel should complement your neighborhood. Homes that are significantly different from neighboring homes can look awkward and may not offer the return on investment that you were anticipating.

Unrealistic expectations

Remodeling can be messy, noisy and inconvenient even in the best circumstances. Do some research before you begin work so you can better understand what to expect before, during and after your home renovation.

Spring or summer might seem like the perfect time for a major interior remodeling job, but consider the winter, when interior remodeling contractors are often not so busy.

As a result of having free time, contractors will be more inclined to negotiate. If you time your project right, you can really save on home renovation costs. Don’t forget to ask for at least 3 estimates, as well.

Working without a permit

If you have a contractor, he or she will likely get any necessary building permits. However, to make sure there are no issues later, you should check with your county or local municipal building department to determine whether a permit is needed for your specific project. Unpermitted projects are often torn down. If you ever sell your home, the resale value or the actual sale itself may be affected.

Underestimating the safety risks

Neglecting your own safety will not only impede your project, but it can also cause you serious physical harm. Always wear protective clothing such as work boots, safety goggles, hearing protection and gloves when working. Keep a first aid kit handy.

Make sure to consider these home renovation tips prior to renovating your home. There are many things to consider when renovating or adding on to your home, and these changes can often necessitate some adjustments to your homeowners insurance policy.

Debuty Builders

As an Accredited Business Member of the Better Business Bureau (BBB) we carry an A+ rating which means that we have chosen to be accountable, and we continue to demonstrate good faith to our community through our business relationships and our operations. As an Energy Star Partner, Debuty Builders, Inc. is committed to responsible construction practices by installing sustainable and energy-efficient materials.

Tips for New Home Construction

You’re going to build your dream home and you’ve thought it all through – or have you? You know exactly what you need and want to have in your home, but have you thought about what you don’t want and what you don’t need? Have you thought the whole thing through? You have given much thought and consideration to what will work for you, but have you taken the time to think about what won’t work?

Poor planning and budgets that are too small can lead way to some inconvenient and disastrous mistakes. When you plan on building a new home, you must look at the home from many angles. You must consider your current and future lifestyles. You need to take family planning into consideration – Will your family be expanding? Or will your children be leaving the nest?  Do you entertain often and host overnight guests regularly? Take your time and do your research both online and in person. Be sure to take the time to meet with professionals in the industry. Poor design choices can make your home not only uncomfortable but downright unhealthy. Debuty Builders is here to help you through the process!

Placement of the Kitchen

The kitchen should be placed, preferably, near a garage or back entrance, as well as near the dining and living areas. The kitchen tends to get a lot of traffic and it would therefore be best to divert the foot traffic from constantly traipsing through the main living areas.

Placement of the Laundry Room

We have seen laundry rooms in the basement, and off the mud room far away from all the bedrooms. Neither was ideal. Placement of the laundry room, or washer and dryer, should be relatively close to the bedrooms. 

Placement of the Bedroom

The bedroom needs to be as far away from the noise and traffic as possible. The master bedroom should not be near or above the garage if members of your family are likely to be coming and going while you are asleep or resting. It would be advisable to keep the master bedroom away from the central living areas as well. If your home is to be on one level, the master bedroom should ideally be at the far end of the house, the end furthest away from the garage. The master bedroom, ideally, should not share a wall with the central living area.

Placement of the Garage

It is preferable to the garage on the main level, near a mud room and kitchen. 

Debuty Builders, Inc

As an Accredited Business Member of the Better Business Bureau (BBB) we carry an A+ rating which means that we have chosen to be accountable, and we continue to demonstrate good faith to our community through our business relationships and our operations. As an Energy Star Partner, Debuty Builders, Inc. is committed to responsible construction practices by installing sustainable and energy-efficient materials.

Mistakes to Avoid When Building a New Home

You’re going to build your dream home and you’ve thought it all through – or have you? You know exactly what you need and want to have in your home, but have you thought about what you don’t want and what you don’t need? Have you thought the whole thing through? You have given much thought and consideration to what will work for you, but have you taken the time to think about what won’t work?

Poor planning and budgets that are too small can lead way to some inconvenient and disastrous mistakes. When you plan on building a new home, you must look at the home from many angles. You must consider your current and future lifestyles. You need to take family planning into consideration – Will your family be expanding? Or will your children be leaving the nest?  Do you entertain often and host overnight guests regularly? Take your time and do your research both online and in person. Be sure to take the time to meet with professionals in the industry. Poor design choices can make your home not only uncomfortable but downright unhealthy. Debuty Builders is here to help you through the process!

Poor overall planning

When designing your own home you should take your lifestyle and habits into consideration. How long do you plan on staying in this home? Will you need to accommodate safety features for new or young children? Or might you need to think of your needs later in life as you reach retirement age and beyond? Think ahead, long term, to see where you will be and what you will need from your home.

Poor Space Planning

Unless you have plans to build a very large home, space planning and design are crucial. Ample storage is necessary, but pay attention to where you place your storage space. Does the master bedroom really need an oversized walk-in closet when the space could potentially be added to your bedroom or master bath? Pay attention to where you place your closets. There should be one in each bedroom and in the main hallway. But too many and the storage space takes away from the living space. Do you want a closet in the foyer? If you live in a cooler climate where coats are worn at least half of the year, this would be wise, especially if you entertain in your home and the front entrance is the main point of entry. If you have no use for a coat closet, don’t build one. Do you plan on adding a mudroom? If so there should be a closet there or space enough to add cubbies or some other similar storage area. If you clearly need more space, consider buying a larger home.

Pay Attention to HVAC System

Poor planning here can lead to issues with moisture and terrible mold growth. This can lend itself to great health concerns. Furthermore, careful attention should be given to the size of your units. Models that are too small will be underperforming and won’t cool and heat your home efficiently. You’ll come to regret this when your home is too cool in the wintertime and not cool enough during the hot summer months. Conversely, those that are too large will utilize too much energy.

Debuty Builders, Inc

s an Accredited Business Member of the Better Business Bureau (BBB) we carry an A+ rating which means that we have chosen to be accountable, and we continue to demonstrate good faith to our community through our business relationships and our operations. As an Energy Star Partner, Debuty Builders, Inc. is committed to responsible construction practices by installing sustainable and energy-efficient materials.

Storm Restoration Maryville Tennessee

When Quality Matters, Choose Debuty Builders, Inc.

As an Accredited Business Member of the Better Business Bureau (BBB) we carry an A+ rating which means that we have chosen to be accountable, and we continue to demonstrate good faith to our community through our business relationships and our operations. As an Energy Star Partner, Debuty Builders, Inc. is committed to responsible construction practices by installing sustainable and energy-efficient materials.

Wind Damage

This type of event can range from a typical thunderstorm with high winds to a tornado event or even a hurricane. 

Response

This may involve boarding windows and doors or tarping the roof to prevent leaks and additional damage. 

Property

Debuty Builders, Inc. is a full-service restoration firm so we are capable of a full spectrum of construction services.

Hail Damage

This is due to the nature of hail. It oftentimes encompasses a large geographic area and damages thousands of homes and commercial properties. Due to the extensive amount of damage that occurs during a hail event, roof repair and replacement represents the majority of our insurance restoration projects most years. As a result, we have extensive experience and expertise in this type of property claim.

Replacement Hail Damage

It can also affect many other exteriors and even interior items of the home. This can range from air conditioning units to interior damage caused by subsequent leaks. Our construction expertise helps to identify the extent of the damage. It is important to note that we offer a total restoration solution in this situation.

Insurance Consultant

We work for insurance proceeds and your deductible. You do not need to be concerned that the insurance company did not provide enough funds as this is our responsibility. At Debuty Builders, Inc. we have extensive experience in roof replacement on both residential and commercial properties. In the past five years, we have completed hundreds of these projects. Debuty Builders, Inc. is experienced with virtually every roofing material and application.

Siding Company in Maryville Tennessee

When Quality Matters, Choose Debuty Builders, Inc.

As an Accredited Business Member of the Better Business Bureau (BBB) we carry an A+ rating which means that we have chosen to be accountable, and we continue to demonstrate good faith to our community through our business relationships and our operations. As an Energy Star Partner, Debuty Builders, Inc. is committed to responsible construction practices by installing sustainable and energy-efficient materials.

Siding Options

We offer only the best in siding services for your property. Whether you are looking for wood, vinyl, or cement, look no further than Debuty Builders, Inc. for your siding needs. With Debuty Builders, Inc. you will get the satisfaction of protecting your building or home with weather-proof modern siding from Royal Crest or James Hardie. As a responsible property owner, you need siding to complete not just the aesthetics of your home or building, but to give you that final layer of protection against the elements.

James Hardie Design

HARDIESHINGLE SIDING

A timeless design element, whether used to enhance a home’s architectural features or as siding for a whole house.

HARDIEPLANK LAP SIDING

HardiePlank lap siding is the most popular brand of siding in America, protecting and beautifying more homes.

HARDIEPANEL VERTICAL SIDING

HardiePanel vertical siding gives a crisp, clean design making it a smart choice for a contemporary home.

Royal Crest Design

HORIZONTAL SIDING

Horizontal siding is a perfect fit for designing a modern-looking home.

SHAKE & SHINGLES

Modern wood or rubber shake shingles are uniform in size and installed with a perfect fit giving a timeless look.

VERTICAL SIDING

Roofing Company in Maryville Tennessee

When Quality Matters, Choose Debuty Builders, Inc

As an Accredited Business Member of the Better Business Bureau (BBB) we carry an A+ rating which means that we have chosen to be accountable, and we continue to demonstrate good faith to our community through our business relationships and our operations. We are an Energy Star Partner, Debuty Builders, Inc. is committed to responsible construction practices by installing sustainable and energy-efficient materials.

As an Energy Star Partner, and over 20 years of experience, Debuty Builders, Inc. is committed to responsible construction practices.

Roofing

Dimension Shingles

Dimensional shingles are offered with a 30-year, 40-year, and Lifetime (50-year) manufacturers warranty, with a 110-130 mph wind resistance and their design contains more than one layer of tabs laminated on top of each other to provide a dimensional effect while allowing for higher protection against wind and hail storms.

Roofing Your Home

Debuty Builders, Inc. installs, replaces, maintains, and repairs a variety of roofing systems ranging from asphalt shingles, wood shakes, slates, metal, and built-up (flat) roofing. Asphalt shingles are the most cost-effective, easiest to install and/or repair, and can require little to no maintenance when installed properly. They come in a wide variety of styles and colors and are carried by hundreds of distributors across North America to ensure their availability year-round.

Metal Roofing

It can be used for most styles and slopes of roofs. It does not deteriorate with exposure to the elements. The most common metal is steel in thicknesses ranging from 24 gauge to 29 gauge. Metal products are typically offered with a 30-year to lifetime limited warranty. Warranties can vary due to panel/shingle type, paint choice, and manufacturer.

Slate Roofing

Created by mother nature over hundreds of millions of years, slate roofing offers a unique combination of all-natural materials, extremely long service life, and unparalleled beauty. With an amazing array of natural colors, countless combinations of length/width/thickness, and a variety of installation styles, a slate roof can be customized to complement almost any architectural style

Debuty Builders Inc Maryville, Tennessee

When Quality Matters, Choose Debuty Builders, Inc

As an Accredited Business Member of the Better Business Bureau (BBB) we carry an A+ rating which means that we have chosen to be accountable, and we continue to demonstrate good faith to our community through our business relationships and our operations. We are an Energy Star Partner, Debuty Builders, Inc. is committed to responsible construction practices by installing sustainable and energy-efficient materials.

As an Energy Star Partner, and over 20 years of experience, Debuty Builders, Inc. is committed to responsible construction practices.

New Construction

We all know that structurally sound homes stand the test of time. We are well-suited to perform all aspects of your new construction project.

• Digital project planning and resourcing
• In-House digital consulting
• Permanent and contract recruitment
• Developers and technical architects

Remodel Your Home

We offer residential remodeling services whose focus is to customize our customers’ homes to fit their lifestyle and personal taste. We will guide you from an initial meeting to final building completion with a seamless process that allows for enhanced communication, organization, and budget control. Remodeling your home is a long-term investment.

Home Additions

Whether it’s adding square footage by finishing off a basement, adding additional rooms or a second story to your home, Debuty Builders, Inc. has the expertise and knowledge to fulfill your dreams. We will be with you every step of the way.

Kitchen and Baths

We are Maryville’s newest kitchen and bath studio, offering a wide variety of quality cabinetry at unbeatable prices! Our goal is to make buying cabinets easy and affordable for individual homeowners as well as other builders and remodelers alike.

• Great Service & Selection
• Design Help
• Better Value
• Accessories3

Over 100 Cabinet Styles

We offer a fantastic selection of quality, on-trend cabinet styles that can be customized to meet specific needs, and a price range to fit any budget! Now we proudly carry 11 beautiful cabinet lines and offer over 100 different door styles, including several custom lines which offer endless style & finish options. From Traditional to Modern, Rustic to Urban, Transitional to timeless Classic, we have something for everyone!

Knoxville Tennessee Home Remodel Tips

Home renovation (also called home remodeling) is the process of improving a broken, damaged, or outdated structure residential structure to make it more
aesthetically pleasing or more functional.

Advancements in technology have had a significant impact on possible home renovation ideas. Particularly when it comes to renovation ideas within the planning stage.

Be Mindful of Colors

Different paint color combinations will give your home different vibes. Be sure to consciously choose a palette that matches your desired aesthetic. For a more dramatic feel, use a large contrast of colors in your home renovation. For a more minimalist and organized feel, try an all-white palette that looks clean and beautiful. For an inviting and alive living space feel, use bright and vibrant colors that make you feel joyful. Accent walls are a great way to add depth and dimension to a room, as well as color.

Create a Focal Point with Lighting

By adding lighting fixtures such as low hanging pendant lights or spot lights, you create an interesting focal point of the room. If you’re adding lights above a countertop or table, be sure that the material you use in your home remodel has a high impact so you can get a true visual treat.

Use Open Shelving

As you work through your home renovation, one of our favorite ideas is to include open shelves, to add an extra visual layer to your home. You only need a couple of shelves to display your antiques, tchotchkes etcetera. You can choose to either keep them completely open, or cover them with glass doors. You can also decorate shelves with baskets, books or any other home accessory.

Experiment with Shapes

Plot twist: you don’t need to stick to the traditional rectangular shapes of furniture! Swap out the regular rectangular couches for a spacious L-shape couch. Try out curved countertops and tables for increased work areas. In doing this, though, it is important to make sure that these design ideas don’t reduce any space, and that they allow for easy traffic throughout your home.

In a small space like a bathroom, every detail matters: The right wall color, tilework or lighting can transform a dull, dated bathroom into a bright, stylish retreat.

Debuty Builders, Inc

As an Accredited Business Member of the Better Business Bureau (BBB) we carry an A+ rating which means that we have chosen to be accountable, and we continue to demonstrate good faith to our community through our business relationships and our operations. As an Energy Star Partner, Debuty Builders, Inc. is committed to responsible construction practices by installing sustainable and energy-efficient materials.