Things to Consider During Your 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.”

Do Your Own Demo

Knocking down your home down may not be as costly as rebuilding, you can still shave dollars by doing some of the demolition yourself—as long as you proceed with care.

“If a homeowner wants to demo a deck, well, I am sure they can handle that,” says Michael Winn, owner of Winn Design, in Virginia. “But when it comes to interior spaces, I would dissuade them from doing it unless they have done it before.”

The reason: A reckless wrecker might unwittingly take out a load-bearing wall or, worse still, plunge a reciprocating saw into live wiring or pressurized plumbing.

• Cost to demo a 200-square-foot deck yourself: $450 (Dumpster rental and parking permit)
• Cost for a pro: $1,000
• Saved: $550

Consider Long-Term Costs, Not Just Short-Term Gains

If your addition calls for clapboard siding, for instance, you can save more in the long run by ponying up now for the preprimed and prepainted variety. It costs an extra 10 to 20 cents per foot, but “you’ll wind up paying for half as many paint jobs down the road,” says Paul Eldrenkamp, owner of Byggmeister, a design-build remodeling firm in Newton, Massachusetts.

The reason? Factory finishes are applied on dry wood under controlled conditions—no rain, no harsh sun. “I used prefinished claps on my house about ten years ago and the only flaw in the finish is the occasional mildew spot, easily washed off,” Eldrenkamp says. “The paint looks as if it’ll be good for another ten years, easily.”

• Cost of unfinished siding for a 10-by-40-foot addition, plus two paint jobs: $5,000
• Cost for pre-finished claps and one coat of paint at installation: $3,750
• Saved: $1,250

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.

Remodel or Build Your Home

“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.”

Hit the Recycling Center

Do-it-yourselfers can reap big savings with recycled or lightly used fixtures and building materials. Habitat for Humanity operates about 400 ReStores nationwide, which offer salvaged materials at half off home-center prices.

One caveat: Many contractors won’t work with salvaged items, or homeowner-supplied materials in general, because they don’t want to assume the liability if something goes wrong.

That said, if you’re doing your own work, you can find anything from prehung doors to acrylic skylights to partial bundles of insulation. (To find a ReStore near you, visit habitat.org.)

• Price of 4-by-5-foot insulated window in a home center: $600
• Price at ReStore: $300
• Saved: $300

Donate your Trash

Before you begin a remodeling job, invite the local Habitat for Humanity chapter to remove materials and fixtures for later resale. “About 85 percent of a house is reusable,” says B.J. Perkins, Habitat’s ReUse program manager, in Austin, Texas. “We can do a total takedown, or do a cherry-pick job and take the cabinets, the tub, the sink, and so on.”

You save space in the landfill, collect a charitable tax credit for the donation, and help a good cause. Visit Habitat to find an affiliate near you.

• Cost to trash a suite of bathroom fixtures: $50 to $75
• Cost to donate: Nothing, plus you get a tax deduction
• Saved: Space in the landfill (and a little bit of your soul)

Debuty Builders, Inc

As an Accredited Business Member of the Better Business Bureau (BBB) we carry an A+ rating. This means that we have chosen to be accountable. We continue to demonstrate good faith in 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.

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.

2022 Design Trends

Many design trends making a splash this year are inspired by decades past such as the 40s and 90s. Coupled with a modern approach, you can expect 2022’s homes to be zen and functional. Neutral shades predominate, but bold accents are making appearances. Irradesant hues and metallics – like mother of pearl and bronze – are often featured as well. The outdoors are being invited inside through widened door frames and accordion windows. Merging towards minimalism, cords are being hidden and TVs are being disguised within decor as portrait frames.

Black, White, and Beige

This year’s neutrals have a tiny splash of color in them. Trendy blacks have a touch of olive, and whites have a dash of brown. Past greys and other off-white hues make last year’s kitchens decidedly easier to adapt. This subtle tonal switch instantly brings warmth to a room making guests feel more welcome.

Wood

Scruffy wood has largely been rejected in this year’s design trends. In its place, natural, soft-toned woods have become popular, but they, too, aren’t as simple as they might seem. The trendiest exotics are treated to a barely-there white stain before being finished with a matte sheen. Birch-inspired wood is the exception and is being achieved with the help of distressed, unvarnished surfaces. In contrast, bold wooden wall treatments give art mid-century modern-inspired furniture an element of warmth.

Kitchen Features

Kitchen islands with subtly-shaded bodies are back, so you can haul out your paintbrush. Backsplashes are equally key in this year’s design trends. They’re wider than they’ve ever been, covering entire walls in metallic tiles and verticle patterns. Adding a bold backsplash to your kitchen is one home renovation that can greatly change the dynamic of your room without greatly hitting your bank account.

Open Bathrooms

This year’s bathrooms are inspired by Mediterranean environments. If your tub doesn’t make a statement, it’s time for an upgrade because it will form a key part of an expanded bathroom, which should be spacious and inviting. Homeowners are breaking into their hallways and closets to expand their bathroom footprints. They’re even creating an outdoor space for their destination bathtubs. Add an atrium roof and a garden to your interior bathroom to create a balance between indoors and out. For extra luxury, drying stations are being used instead of walk-in closets.

Not So Open Floor Plans

Open floor plans have been a part of design trends for years, but methods of handling them are constantly in flux. Post covid, building trends seem to reflect more private areas and nooks within a floor plan. Wooden slat room dividers are making an appearance as yet another way to artificially demarcate living spaces without removing the illusion of spaciousness.

Stone

While some stylish homes have been adding more wooden accents, others opt for a cool stone finish. Marble and granite are back on trend, with vintage rattan achieving a contrast. Add original terrazzo or soapstone and you’ll achieve a decidedly light and confident style.

Living Vintage

Painted wood furniture achieves an authentic look that can be enhanced by Mediterranean ceiling beams. Scruffy jute rugs add an unexpected, but thrilling, contrast. Foliage-dominated arrangements are adding a laid-back atmosphere. However, traditional fresh-cut florals are offering charm to design and are being seen more frequently.

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