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In celebration of Earth Day, there are many things you can do with your design or remodel to make your home more earth friendly.

1. Use renewable resources. Bamboo is a fast growing tree that can give your home a warm look and feel, without relying on its hard wood counterparts that can take double or triple the time for growth and output.

2. Conserve water. There are many ways to conserve water, both inside and outside of your home. Landscaping can be altered to provide xeriscaping, or earth friendly plants native to the Colorado area. Also consider installing water conserving irrigation systems that allow you to control water when we receive rain or move through cold spells. Inside, install water efficient appliances and water heaters.

3. Think efficiency, not size. The days of the expanding home is gone. Instead, people today want efficiency in their lives. If you’re not familiar with the term universal design, you soon will be. Universal design makes every area in your home efficient today, and usable as your lifestyle changes from year to year.

4. Conserve energy. While its still important to turn off lights when you’re not in a room, there are many things you can do to conserve energy. Change out old light bulbs. Upgrade your dryer to increase energy efficiency. Increase the insulation to make your house warmer.

5. Using new forms of energy. How about using wind for your home’s energy source? Or using solar to build up supplies of energy? While many forms of new renewable energy may seem expensive now, they will become a standard way to heat our homes in the near future.

If you’ve been thinking of remodeling for a while, but afraid to get started because of the horror stories of breaking the budget, maybe now is the time. Instead of forgoing your remodeling project, there are simple ways you can stay on track with your dollars, and still get the dream kitchen or bath you’ve been wanting.  

1. Focus on efficiency, not size.
Just like spending a little extra here and there adds up to big money over time, saving a little here and there also provides you with a great way to save costs. A good remodeling contractor can help you make the most of every dollar you spend. Instead of bumping out a wall, maybe it’s possible to invest in more efficient cabinet space. Be willing to talk about different options, and flexible to get what you want at the most reasonable cost.

2. Be flexible in choices.
Had your eye on granite countertops? Maybe you can achieve the same look at a lower cost with a different countertop material. Have your ideas ready for how you want your completed project to look, yet leave your options open. A good remodeling contractor will be able to bring several ideas to the table, and help you choose the right ideas for you.

3. Look at the total cost.
Choosing appliances with a higher efficiency rating may cost you more upfront, yet save you more over the coming years. Make your decisions based on how they will affect your remodeling budget today, and your energy costs over the coming years.

4. Ask for resources.
What websites or stores would your remodeling contractor recommend? Are there any bargain places he or she can suggest? If your remodeling contractor knows you are flexible and looking for ways to cut costs, they can make a lot of suggestions along the way. Good feedback will let him know he’s on the right track, and meeting your requirements.

5. Limit your recessed lighting.
Recessed lighting may be your first choice, but wall or ceiling mounted lighting may give you better coverage, reducing the amount of light fixtures needing to be installed.

6. Do it yourself projects.
Will your contractor let you share in some of the work? Pick up a paintbrush and paint it yourself. Or sweep up the sawdust at the end of the day. A little bit of cost savings in one area may mean you can splurge on a really desired addition down the road.

7. Stay with the same floorplan.
Instead of moving the kitchen sink or refrigerator to a new location, stick with the floorplan you have. Work within your current area to make it more efficient without having to relocate plumbing and wiring.

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Across Denver, more people are spending time remodeling their homes, and getting exactly what they want by replacing rather than moving. If you’re in a great neighborhood, with great schools, and close to everything, why not?

But if you’ve been thinking about remodeling, there is something new coming up that may affect who you hire to help you with your remodel.

Starting in April, any project that begins on a home that may contain lead paint (basically any home built before 1978) will have to follow new government guidelines. A contractor will have to be certified, and understand the process needed to mitigate the threat of lead paint dust.

Which means your neighborhood handyman may not be the best person for the job. Instead, choosing a remodeler that has experience in both remodeling and handling emergency services can provide you with the best options, and the best services to get everything completed in a timely manner.

Because any project being quoted or started from here on out will be affected by these rules, it’s important to keep these three things in mind.

1. Get quotes from more than one remodeling firm. Ask about any large discrepancies, and make sure they’ve quoted you for these new rules.

2. Get references. For any large job like remodeling, a contractor should have several references to give you.

3. Be comfortable with your selection. Ask questions. If a company has been in business for a while, and is a reputable company, they will be patient and answer all your questions. This is a large project, and the more comfortable you are in the beginning, the greater the success of the overall project.

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It’s easy to get sucked in by a few impressive ideas. If you’ve ever attended a Parade of Homes, or watched one of the home improvement shows, there are many things that may catch your eye as a possible addition to your own home.

How do you know what’s the right renovation to take on? How do you know what adds value to your home – and what doesn’t?

While it is important to add and redesign things to suit your own taste, keep in mind that certain additions can actually reduce the overall value of your home.

1. A swimming pool.
In some areas that have year round warm weather, a swimming pool is a must have. But in Colorado, a pool can reduce your homes value substantially. The obvious reason is the limited swimming season we have here in Denver – 4 to 5 months at best, even when heated. People with small children or pets also have an immediate negative reaction due to the safety factors of having a pool in the yard. Insurance and liability can also add substantial cost to the home’s maintenance.

2. The hot tub.
Like the swimming pool, a hot tub brings on all kinds of fears in a potential homeowner. Upkeep, maintenance, safety, and increased insurance rates can all cause people to think twice about purchasing a home.

3. Trendy finishes and appliances.
You may love the color red, and use it throughout the kitchen on both the cabinets and appliances. But finding a buyer that has the same taste will be very hard to do. We all remember the gold appliances and the shag carpet of the 70’s. To walk in and see that day equates to a major remodel – something a new buyer may have little desire to do. Work with your designer to put in quality items like stainless steel appliances, and granite countertops. Things that equate with value, and will stay up-to-date for many years.

4. Additions.
Everyone loves more space. But what does it do to the overall look of your home? A comfortable sun room can be a welcome addition on the inside, but create an eyesore from the outside. Think proportions great layouts. The room should flow well on the inside, and look great on the outside.

Check out the top ten remodeling projects to add value to your home.

Planning a home improvement project in 2010? Once you’ve narrowed your search down to a few choices in contractors, take a look at the contracts. Contracts can tell you a lot about a company and their work ethic. Here are 7 things you should focus on and make sure you understand before the work starts.

1. Create a contract for the entire scope of work to be completed. List out everything that will be completed during the project, including type and quality of materials to be used, equipment that will be brought in, and plans for the entire area, including foundation, framing and extra work. Disputes often arise when the contractor and homeowner don’t agree on the course of action; the more it’s spelled out, the less likelihood for disputes.

2. Understand the timeline and project schedule. Things often arise that delay projects or make them fall behind schedule. But have realistic expectations set upfront, especially if you need the project completed by a certain date.

3. Schedule of payments. Different companies collect in different ways. Understand how the payment process works, and make sure you agree with jobs completed before paying and moving to the next level.

4. Building plans and permits. The contractor should guarantee that he will get all required permits, and submit and building plans to stay in compliance with city codes. He should also schedule any required inspections, and make sure items are corrected to meet the inspectors guidelines.

5. Verify required licensing and insurance. Find out how the contractor will cover you in different circumstances. Your contractor should have proof of required insurance, including general liability and worker’s compensation for his or her employees.

6. The unexpected. What if you need to cancel the contract? What if a conflict arises between you and the contractor? Make sure you read all statements in the contract, and understand how each situation is dealt with.

7. The details. Will the workers clean up each day? Will they keep their equipment on your property? Will they pay for damage for bringing heavy equipment onto your property? Who is responsible for debris removal? Will the workers be able to use bathrooms onsite, or do you require portable toilets? Contractors with years of experience usually have these stipulations in place, and can speak directly to any comments or questions you have. Just ask – their goal is to make you happy with the finished results.

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So you’re thinking of remodeling? Is it possible to get a remodeling estimate as you start planning to know how much to budget for?

Remodeling estimates are difficult because every job is personal in nature, and can change based on a variety of things.

Your personal style
Your requirements
Your current home’s layout
Your flexibility on design details
Problems incurred along the way

While it’s hard to provide exact estimates upfront without getting into the project itself, it is possible to get a ballpark figure. By speaking with a reputable remodeling contractor, you should be able to gain a pretty good idea of what your remodel should cost, and he should be able to give you an idea of where cost estimates will most likely change.

No matter how big or small your project requirements are, start by getting bids from several reputable companies. This will allow you to compare different ways of estimating, and compare costs and services. From there, narrow down your decision to 2 or 3 contractors that you feel would work well. Ask for referrals, and do a little research on them. Find out how long they’ve been in the business, and what others have to say about their work. Finding someone who has proven themselves in the past is the best indication of providing you with the results you are looking for.

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Here are 7 home repair improvement projects that will add to the comfort of your home.

1. Little things can have a big impact. Consider restructuring your entryway, or making it easier to move in the kitchen by moving an island.

2. Turn little problems into something new. If your bathroom is old and full of mildew, it might be time to find the source of the water problem, and redesign your bathroom into a functional, beautiful space.

3. Incorporate universal design into the most used areas of your home. Simple things like walk in bathtubs and flexible counter space will allow you to stay comfortably in your home after surgery, or for aging in place.

4. Give your basement an uplift, and give yourself more usable space. Create flex rooms that you can change out for the different needs of your growing, and changing family.

5. Redo problem areas. If your basement floods at least once a year, incorporate corrections to the flooding problem into your redesign. There are fixes for virtually every problem; you just have to work with the right contractor to find the source of the problem.

6. Be flexible with design and the details. We all have likes and dislikes. But instead of going into a redesign with specific ideas, be more flexible. Ask your contractor for tips on saving costs in certain areas to get exactly what you want in others.

7. Some improvements are necessary because of innate problems with your homes structure. A good contractor will also be able to advise you of problems that may be covered under warranties, or through homeowners insurance.

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How do you choose a remodeling contractor that’s right for you? Here are some tips on making sure you make the right decision for you.

The lowest price isn’t always the right choice.
Just because a bid comes in at a lower price than others doesn’t mean it’s the best choice for you. Make sure you are comparing apples to apples. What is truly covered? Where are extra fees charged? What are guarantees? Make sure you get to the bottom line when making your final comparisons. Don’t be afraid to ask questions.

Read more

If a remodeling or restoration project is in your future, take the time to find the right person for the job. Here are 10 questions you can ask your potential contractor to make sure you are getting the quality and service you demand for your home in Denver, Colorado.

1. How many years of remodeling and restoration experience do you have?

2. How many remodeling and restoration jobs do you do each year? What are the different projects? Read more

For many people, as they move from one phase of their lives to another, they choose buying a new home that fits more with their routine. Yet for others, moving isn’t the right option – they would much rather stay in the home and the community they are familiar with.

Aging doesn’t mean its time to move. Instead, consider home remodeling with seniors in mind.

In many areas, living space isn’t on one level. The bedrooms and baths are up a flight of stairs; the laundry and recreation areas are down another flight.

While there’s little you can do to eliminate the stairs in these situations, there are some remodeling techniques that can make you home more livable.

Front Walkway
As a home ages, the cement walkways and stairs can begin to wear and crumble. Consider replacing it with new walkways, and incorporate curves and ramps instead of stairs. Re-grade the front porch to make it more accessible.

Read more

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