Tag: Design-Build

Right Level of Upgrades for Your Neighborhood Chester County Contractor
House Renovation

The Right Level of Upgrades for Your Neighborhood

May 29, 20240

Deciding on the Right Level of Upgrades for Your Neighborhood

When renovating your home, it’s important to strike a balance between creating a space you love and making smart financial investments. One key factor to consider is the level of upgrades you choose, relative to other homes in your neighborhood. Over-improving can make it harder to recoup your costs when it’s time to sell, while under-improving may leave you feeling dissatisfied with your space. Here’s how to decide on the right level of upgrades for your specific neighborhood and situation.

Right Level of Upgrades for Your Neighborhood Chester County ContractorAssess Your Goals

Before making any renovation decisions, clarify your goals for the project. Are you primarily focused on creating your forever home, or do you plan to sell within the next few years? If you’re staying put for the long haul, you may have more flexibility to personalize your space and splurge on upgrades that bring you joy, even if they don’t have the highest resale value. On the other hand, if you’re renovating with an eye toward selling soon, it’s crucial to consider what potential buyers in your area are looking for and what they’re willing to pay.

Research Your Neighborhood

To gauge the right level of upgrades for your home, do some research on your neighborhood’s real estate market. Look at recent sale prices of homes similar to yours, and pay attention to how renovated spaces compare to original ones. If homes with high-end finishes and extensive remodels are selling for significantly more than those with more modest updates, it could be a sign that upscale renovations are valued in your area.

When driving around your neighborhood take note. Are most houses well-maintained with updated exteriors, or are many in need of obvious repairs? Do you see a lot of on-trend design features, or do most homes have a more traditional look? Understanding the standards of your specific neighborhood will help you make informed decisions about your own upgrades.

Consider Your Home’s Age and Value

The age and current value of your home should also factor into your renovation choices. In general, older homes may require more extensive upgrades to meet modern standards of functionality and aesthetics. However, if your home is one of the oldest or least valuable in the neighborhood, it may not make sense to invest in top-of-the-line finishes, as you’re less likely to see a strong return on investment.

On the flip side, if you own a newer, higher-end home in an established neighborhood, you may need to choose more upscale renovations to match the quality buyers expect in your price range. A good rule of thumb is to aim for upgrades that align with or slightly exceed the average level in your neighborhood without going overboard.

Prioritize High-Impact Upgrades

When deciding where to allocate your renovation budget, focus on upgrades that have the biggest impact on your home’s functionality, aesthetics, and resale value. Kitchens and bathrooms are always a smart place to invest, as these spaces are highly valued by homeowners and buyers alike. Upgrading essentials like flooring, countertops, cabinets, and appliances can go a long way in giving your home a fresh, modern feel.

Other high-impact upgrades to consider include:

  • Boosting curb appeal with updated landscaping, exterior paint, or a new front door
  • Creating an open floor plan by removing walls between main living spaces
  • Adding square footage through a home addition or finished basement
  • Improving energy efficiency with new windows, insulation, or HVAC systems
  • Installing smart home technology for convenience and security

Work with a Professional

Navigating the complex world of home renovations can be challenging, especially when trying to decide on the right level of upgrades for your neighborhood. Consulting with a professional contractor or designer can provide valuable guidance and help you make informed decisions.

A skilled contractor will have a deep understanding of local real estate trends, as well as the costs and returns associated with various upgrades. They can assess your home’s current condition, discuss your goals and budget, and recommend renovations that will enhance your space while being appropriate for your neighborhood.

Ultimately, the key to a successful renovation is striking a balance between creating a home you love and making wise financial choices. By doing your research, prioritizing high-impact upgrades, and working with trusted professionals, you can find the sweet spot for your neighborhood and enjoy a beautifully updated space that meets your needs and budget.

 

Why Design Build Delivers the Ideal Kitchen Remodel Bel Air Maryland Contractor
Kitchen Remodel

Why Design-Build Delivers the Ideal Kitchen Remodel

October 16, 20230

Why Design-Build Delivers the Ideal Kitchen Remodel

It’s finally time to overhaul that outdated kitchen and create a gorgeous, efficient space for cooking and gathering. But the prospect of a major renovation can be downright scary – picking designers, contractors, products and finishes while trying to avoid cost overruns and delays. The solution? Go with a design-build firm to streamline the entire process.

Design-build provides a single point of contact and closely aligned team dedicated to bringing your dream kitchen to life. Here’s an in-depth look at why design-build is the smart choice for your upcoming kitchen remodel.

Why Design Build Delivers the Ideal Kitchen Remodel Bel Air Maryland Contractor
Unified Process for Cohesive Results

With traditional remodeling projects, you must find and coordinate an architect, general contractor, subcontractors and suppliers separately. This fragmented approach often leads to miscommunication and scheduling issues as the baton gets passed from one party to the next. Who is ultimately accountable?

Design-build firms have cohesive teams with the designer and builder working hand-in-hand from concept to completion. There is no inefficient back and forth. Just clear collaboration toward a shared goal – a stunning kitchen tailored to your specific needs and preferences. You simply work with a designated project manager to make it all happen seamlessly.

Budgets Set in Stone for No Nasty Shocks

Nothing derails a remodeling project faster than an exploding budget. Traditional projects often go over budget because the architect designs without input on pricing from the builder and subcontractors. By the time the contractor provides their estimate, it’s back to the drawing board to redesign aspects that are over budget.

Design-build firms are meticulous about establishing clear project costs upfront based on your budget. The designer and builder work together to suggest layouts, features and materials that make the most of your available dollars. There are no budgetary surprises down the road that leave you unable to afford that marble backsplash or commercial stove.

Scheduling Bliss for Uninterrupted Kitchen Function

Let’s face it, living through a major kitchen renovation is no fun. From demolition dust to weeks without a functional cooktop, traditional remodels can disrupt your household’s normalcy for months on end. But design-build firms have processes to minimize the headaches.

Design-build projects can typically be completed much faster thanks to close coordination at each step. There is also better staging of work in phases. For example, your sink may stay operational while cabinetry gets updated on the other side of the kitchen. You may even have access to a temporary cooking area during parts of the remodel.

Laser Focus on Kitchen Design for Optimal Results

General contractors handle all types of remodeling projects from bathrooms to basements. But with design-build, you work with experts who focus exclusively on kitchen design. These niche specialists will ask the right questions upfront about how your family uses the space. Key details make all the difference – like the number of typical cooks and if kids do homework at the kitchen table.

You’ll get a highly functional floorplan tailored to your unique prep, cooking, clean-up and dining needs. The designers understand optimal lighting, storage, work triangles and traffic flow. And the builders are adept at installing the latest kitchen innovations you’ve been dreaming about like induction cooktops, under-cabinet lighting and concealed waste receptacles.

Tips for a Smooth and Seamless Kitchen Remodel

Follow these tips when working with a design-build firm to ensure your kitchen remodel goes as smoothly as possible:

Provide plenty of detail about your current kitchen during initial consultations – what works, what doesn’t, and what your ideal kitchen looks like.
Have a clear decision maker or hierarchy for product selections to prevent delays if there are differing opinions between family members.
Set a deadline for making all design selections like cabinetry, countertops and backsplashes to keep the project timeline on track.
Declutter your kitchen and dining areas several weeks before work begins so the demolition and installation crews can access all spaces.
Photograph your kitchen prior to demolition from multiple angles to better appreciate the transformation later.
Ask your project manager for recommendations about where to set up a temporary cooking area with key appliances, prep space and storage during the remodel.
Frequently check in on the progress and address any concerns immediately to prevent small issues from ballooning into bigger problems.
Schedule a walk-through of the finished kitchen with your project manager to identify any punch list items that need correction before final payment.
With design-build guiding your kitchen remodel, you can look forward to an efficient process, expert results and a gorgeous new heart of your home tailored to exactly how your family lives.