More than ever, basements are being utilized for extra living spaces beyond storage or laundry rooms. They are even viewed as the main recreational area in many homes, with home theaters, offices, game rooms, workout rooms and “man caves” gaining extreme popularity. In order to fully enjoy your basement for leisurely purposes, it is important to cancel out any distracting sounds that may be coming from upstairs. First, you’ll want to identify strategies for soundproofing basement ceilings.

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Too often, when people look to remodel their homes, they think only of the inside of their house and neglect the outside. However, looking outdoors can be a great way to build a special space unlike any other. Here are three ways you can think outside the house and create your own unique deck construction.

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Buying and moving into a new house can be tremendously stressful. It can also be prohibitively expensive. Rather than abandoning your existing house in favor of a new one, you may be thinking about adding some custom home additions to improve your space. Here are four of the most impressive custom options.

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Home additions in your outdoor living space may add to your life a greater appreciation of nature. Plan what you would like to do to encourage use of your outdoor area, and then find the right people to guide you to success. Learn about the different sizes of projects, construction options, and the most important decision that you will make through the entire process.

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People buy new cars, new clothes, new smart devices, so why not purchase a home new? The easy answer is that they are in shorter supply than their older counterparts. Because of this, they can also be more expensive. But, that’s the worthy price of getting the opportunity to be the first to leave your mark on a new home. Here are a few reasons you should consider new home construction when looking for a home.

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Before you decide to create your new deck out of wood, why not consider a technological breakthrough for decks. New material is now available for your deck builder projects – composite decking. Created by mixing plastics with wood fibers, the resulting substance is eco-friendly, nearly maintenance free, and easy to use. Here are some facts to help you decide if wood or composite materials are right for your decking project.

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Does your home feel like it’s shrinking? If you’re looking for ways to expand your living space without buying a new home, an addition is a natural choice. However, many homeowners look past the idea of basement remodeling. Remodeling your basement is far more affordable than adding an entire addition. Here are some things to consider as you plan a basement renovation project.

Height of Your Basement

Before you get the ball rolling, check out your basement. Some unfinished basements aren’t tall enough to be considered living space. Ceilings that are only six-foot tall or shorter will be uncomfortable once you add ceiling material.

Insulation

If your basement is ready for remodeling, the first step is insulation and waterproofing. If your basement has a history of leaking or flooding, you need a professional to address these issues before you start covering them up with drywall or other finish materials. Vapor barrier and insulation are essential for keeping your basement dry, warm and protected from the elements.

Windows

Even the most luxurious basement remodeling project will feel a bit dark or cramped without natural light. Most basements have windows or half windows. If your basement doesn’t have any windows, ask a professional contractor if you have any options of adding windows. This will make a big difference when you start to decorate your basement and make it feel like a part of your home.

Finding the Right Contractor

Now that you’ve considered all the base layers of your basement remodeling project, it’s time to choose the right contractor. A professional home improvement company can take all the stress out of remodeling your basement and give you the expert results you need for a beautiful new addition to your living space. Whether you’re adding a few bedrooms, a bathroom or a new living room, your basement can be an affordable way to add space to your home without purchasing new property.

Warm, sunny weather invites you to be outside enjoying the breeze and chirping birds. Installing a deck and patio allows you to get more out of your backyard. The structures provide space for patio furniture to relax on while you spend time with family and friends. Adding a fire pit can enhance the space for use in cooler weather. Before installing a patio deck or fire pit, consider the following tips for best results.

Fire Pit

The first thing to decide is if you plan to have a fire pit installed or not. The place where you place the patio deck may move if you need space for smoke to escape into the air. Since a fire pit doesn’t require a chimney, they make perfect outdoor accessories. A fire pit is cheaper and easier to install than an indoor fireplace yet allows the family to enjoy the ambiance and closeness of gathering around a fire.

Other Structures

When deciding on where to place your deck and patio, consider what other structures are in your yard including how your house sits. Fire is a danger and you wouldn’t want it too close to a garden shed or the house. Smoke and ash can damage nearby structures if they are too close.

Patio Design

Designing the patio deck around the fire pit allows you to make the most of the fire pit year-round. Designs may have the fire pit in the center with benches around the pit. Some designs move the fire pit off to one side especially if surrounding buildings are too close. Consider placing a fence around the deck or fire pit to keep out children and pets.

A deck and patio with a fire pit extend the amount of time you can enjoy the outdoors. Using a contractor can help you get the most out of the space with a design that works best for your family.

Purchasing a home is likely one of the biggest investments most people will make in their lifetime. While it may seem like common sense for a buyer to simply purchase one that fits the needs and preferences of the buyer, that is not always feasible. Due to factors such as location, housing availability, or budget, the perfect living situation may not always be within reach. While your dream home may not be available immediately as is, home additions might be the answer to your dilemma.

Customization

Options may feel very limited when living in a home and making do with a space as is. Perhaps you wish there were an extra bedroom for guests, a functional office to get work done, a sunroom to relax at the end of a long day, or extra bathrooms for a larger family to help alleviate the stress of the morning rush. The odds of finding a home that has all these conveniences may be slim, but home additions can help create the space you need in an existing structure.

Cost Efficiency

Even though you may have the option to move out of your home to find a larger one, it may be more cost-efficient and less stressful to stay put and work with space you already have. When you factor in all the costs of selling a home and purchasing a new one, in addition to expenses for hauling all your belongings safely to a new location, the cost of adding to your existing property, by comparison, is likely much lower.

Adding Value to Your Home

Even though home additions can be more financially practical than relocating, they are still a significant investment which can make some homeowners hesitant to commit. To ease those worries, it may be reassuring to know that home improvement can increase the value of a property and in some cases turn a profit for the homeowner should they sell their home later down the road. Therefore, getting this project professionally done by a qualified contractor can be well worth it not only for your comfort but financially as well.

If you’re planning to remodel your bathroom, there are some essentials you’ll want to consider. While it’s nice to switch out the hardware on your cabinets or give the room a fresh coat of paint, there are some other things that will not just make it more comfortable to live with, but will add long-term value as well. The following are four essentials of bathroom remodeling.

1. A Quality Fan – The ventilation system in your bathroom makes a huge difference, though you might not notice at first. Consider the mold growth that could be the cause of improper ventilation. Not only is it unsightly, it’s harmful to live with. A new, high quality fan can also lessen noise in the bathroom, as newer models are quieter to run. As an added bonus, ask your installer about options that come with humidity sensors.
2. Extra Storage Space – While it can be fun to decorate the bathroom a little bit, too much can be overwhelming. When that happens, you just can’t relax when you need to. Rather than pulling in additional baskets and shelves to sit on countertops and in corners, utilize built-in storage options. Speak with your installer about tall cabinetry, drawers underneath the sink and other creative spaces for storing your items.
3. A Good Soaker – If your bathroom has space that allows for a good soaking tub, it’s always nice to have that option at the end of the day. If you can’t fit a larger bathtub into the room, a traditional size with higher walls would serve the same purpose.
4. Bright Lights – Many people spend their morning getting ready for the day in the bathroom. Without adequate lighting, they may not notice their makeup doesn’t look quite right or their shirt has lint on it. Bright lights enhance the room so you can look your best after spending time in there.

As you can see, a quality fan, extra storage space, a good soaker and bright lights can really make a difference when it comes to your bathroom remodeling project. Speak with a professional today to find out how to get started.