Home Renovations Shop the Room!

7 Things to Consider When Planning a Home Renovation

There are numerous advantages to renovating a home. A home’s resale value can be significantly boosted by renovations.  Home restorations projects could also improve a home’s aesthetics and functionality.

According to St. Joseph’s Roofing, a team of roofing contractors in Fairfax VA, “Renovation and repair projects, whether completed by a professional or by the homeowner, require careful planning to ensure success as it may prevent you from wasting time and money.” Here are some important things to think about before beginning your next home improvement project:

1. Your Goals

Why are you renovating, and what do you hope to accomplish? It is important to set goals to ensure success. Among the possible goals you could set are:

  • Boosting your home’s market value (this is for home sellers)
  • Making space for a new room
  • Enhancing your home’s visual appeal
  • Creating a play area outside for children.

Your projects, and budget can all be better organized if you create a clear goals for the renovation.

2. Your Finance

Determine how much funds you have available for the project, before you start thinking about designs and materials. The amount of time and effort you will devote to your project, as well as the supplies available to you, will depend a lot on the size of your renovation budget. Set aside some emergency funds when planning your home renovation budget in case unexpected costs arise.

3. What Home Improvements Would I Need?

Depending on your goals, you may choose which changes are essential. If you want to sell your home for profit, some creative solutions like a home office, a home gym, and maybe even a homeschooling room for kids, could be implemented. 

Many homeowners today are looking for ways to make their houses more than just livable spaces; they want to create peaceful havens. Perhaps this is why outdoor rooms, meditation gardens, and multi-purpose relaxation zones are becoming so popular. Creating a clear picture of the changes you want would make your project a lot easier.

4. The Available Space

Now that you have a good idea of the renovations you want to make to your home, you also need to think about the space you have to work with. Consider whether or not you have enough space in your home for the addition of new quarters, such as a master suite or a home office. Are there spaces that can be repurposed? Prioritize the top rooms and spaces worth renovating in your home. A professional in home improvement can help you determine if your current living quarters are large enough to house your intended renovations.

5. Design Style

Choosing a design style for your home makeover is a crucial step in the process, and it can also be a lot of fun. Would you like to give your home a more traditional feel, or bring in some modern touches? If you want your home renovations to look cohesive, you should consider the architectural style of your home when making design decisions. 

Don’t ruin your Southwest-style house by grafting Victorian trim onto the roof. Having an exact vision of how you want the property to look is crucial for a cohesive renovation.

6. DIY or Hire a professional?

If you lack the skills to supervise a home renovation, you already know that you must interview building contractors and seek professional assistance. However, if you have the skills to oversee this project yourself, you may think twice about hiring another professional to oversee this project. Consider that sometimes, even if you have the necessary skills, you may lack the necessary energy, resources, and time. It takes time to plan a home remodeling project.

7. Return on Investment

If you are renovating your home intending to sell it, then you should not put as much emphasis on making it perfect for your current needs. It’s better to put your money into renovations with high potential returns. Before beginning a renovation project, it is important to take stock of the current housing market and the state of your neighbors’ homes. For instance, if the average home price in your area is $700,000 buyers will base their offers on the prices of comparable homes in the area. So you have to make your home worth this value.

Kitchen, bathroom, and basement remodeling, for example, typically yield better returns than other types of home improvement projects. Consider your best options for renovating—both inside and outside—as you design the space of your dreams.

Read more
How To Shop the Room!

How To Choose The Right HVAC Contractor

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning might not be something that we think about on the daily, but they are certainly an important part of our lives.  With how cold it is right now in my area, I shudder to think of how it would be without heating (ha, get it?  Shudder?  Alright, I’ll stop).  Something in my HVAC system breaking is a scenario that I truly dread

Honestly, it’s even worse when it’s hot outside and something stops working right.  After all, when you’re cold, you can always put more layers on.  When you’re hot, though, there’s only so much that you can take off.  Even sitting at home with the thinnest of fabrics with a fan blowing on you might not be enough to stave that dreaded sweat. Not to mention that it can be quite dangerous, too.  As you’ll find on this page, heat exhaustion is nothing to snub.  While it’s not talked about a whole lot here in the United States, that doesn’t mean it doesn’t hurt people every year.  If your AC isn’t working when it gets super-hot outside (like, over a hundred degrees Fahrenheit hot), it can have some dire consequences.

How Can We Tell if Repairs are Needed?

Obviously, there are going to be certain circumstances in which it’s a lot easier to figure out whether or not something in your HVAC system needs fixed or not.  If it’s just not turning on (and refuses to for several hours), that’s a pretty good indicator that you might want to call a repair service or contractor.  That’s just one example, and I won’t linger on these clear signs much more.

It’s the hidden things that cause a lot more trouble.  Maybe it’s a slight rattle every time that the unit turns on, maybe it’s the quiet drip-drip-drip of water or moisture build-up…there are a vast variety of malfunctions that could occur due to even the tiniest of abnormalities inside the unit or system as a whole.  If you suspect something is up, you could look for an Affordable Comfort Heating & Air Conditioning contractor in your area to help determine what’s going on.

Air Conditioning Troubles

There are a few issues to keep an eye out for when it comes to the “AC” part of “HVAC.”  For one thing, if you notice that your unit is blowing out warm air instead of cool air when you turn it on, that’s a problem.  While it’s usually less serious if eventually that warm shifts into cool, if it remains hot air for an extended period of time…well, you’ll probably want to get on the phone soon.

Another thing to watch for is how fast or slow it turns on when you adjust your thermostat.  Honestly, this surprised me – for most of my life, I always thought that the heat or air just kicked in kind of slowly.  That’s not how it’s supposed to be, though, and if you’re noticing it takes several minutes for the AC to activate even when you’ve turned the thermostat way down…you’ve likely got a big issue on your hands.

Ventilation Issues

Out of all the parts of an HVAC unit, I think it’s easiest to overlook this one.  Ventilation may not seem like a huge deal at first, and I can understand that point of view.  I didn’t really think much of it either, until I started to notice that the air flow in both my AC and my heater was just not very strong at all.  I wanted to know what was going on.

As it happens, if there’s not a lot of air coming out of your unit either way, it’s probably got something to do with the ventilation.  You can read a bit more on that here, if you’d like more of the particulars.  Basically, though, it means you’ll probably need to either do some cleaning yourself or hire someone else to do it for you.

What happens if we don’t keep the ventilation in our HVACs clear and working properly?  It can get dangerous in some cases, especially for anyone with pre-existing health conditions such as asthma (or other things that effect the lungs).  While it might not seem like a huge deal on

paper, it’s usually a good idea to get regular inspections on these parts to ensure that your home’s air quality remains safe.

Other Red Flags

Of course, there are a few other signals to be on the lookout for – and please, keep in mind that this list is not all-encompassing.  If you’re ever concerned about malfunctions, just call someone.  Even if it turns out to be nothing, that initial consultation never hurts.  One of the big ones, as I referenced briefly above, is water leakage.

Now, this can happen almost anywhere on an HVAC unit, so try to take a peek at the different parts fairly often to make sure you’re not seeing any condensation or moisture.  While the little droplets might not be a huge deal, anything more than that could hint at a refrigerant leak.  That’s a pretty serious issue, so it’s best to get it handled as soon as possible.

HVAC units are one of the best modern inventions in my opinion.  They save us from both the heat and the cold.  At the end of the day, though, they do require maintenance – so, make sure you do that!

Read more
Home Renovations Shop the Room!

Garage Doors in Virginia Beach VA: A Comprehensive Guide

Are you looking for a reliable garage door service in Virginia Beach, VA? If so, you’re in the right place. At garage door Virginia Beach VA, we specialize in providing quality service and repair of all types of residential and commercial garage doors. Our experienced specialists can diagnose any issue quickly and provide an accurate estimate of the cost of repair or installation. We strive to deliver our customers with the most efficient solutions possible while delivering superior customer service.

Garage door Virginia Beach VA is the premier choice for homeowners looking to upgrade their existing garage doors. It offers various options, from traditional wood and steel models to contemporary glass and aluminum designs. Whether you need a basic style or something more modern, Garage door Virginia Beach VA has it all.

Their experienced technicians provide personalized service that ensures your installation is completed correctly and safely. They also have an extensive selection of accessories available to match your needs, such as decorative hardware, weatherstripping, and remote control systems. Plus, their expert technicians can repair any broken springs or cables onsite with quick turnaround times. With top-notch customer service and competitive pricing, garage door Virginia Beach VA is the perfect partner for all your garage door needs.

Types of Garage Doors

When shopping for a new garage door in Virginia Beach VA, it is essential to understand the available types. There are several options to choose from, each with its advantages and disadvantages. The two main types are manual and automatic doors. Manual garage doors require no electricity and use either a spring or a pulley system to open and close, while automated ones come with an electric motor that raises and closes the door when triggered by a remote control or wall switch.

In addition to these two main types, there are three additional styles worth considering: swing-up, swing-out, and roll-up. Swing-up models open up by releasing the hinges at the bottom of the door, which allows it to swing outward. Swing-outs also open outward but instead of releasing hinges, they use torsion springs above the door’s frame.

Photos By: Unsplash

Garage Door Options

If you’re looking for the right garage door to give your Virginia Beach VA, a home that extra bit of curb appeal and security, you’ve come to the right place. Garage doors come in various styles, sizes, and materials that can be tailored to suit any budget or aesthetic taste. From classic carriage house designs and contemporary steel-backed panels to traditional raised panel designs, there are options for every homeowner.

At a minimum, all garage doors should provide adequate protection from weather elements and fundamental security features such as multiple locking points along the edge of the door. For added insulation, look for insulated models with double-paned windows that offer improved energy efficiency and soundproofing capabilities. Consider adding convenience features such as remote openers or automated systems that allow you to open and close your door without leaving your car.

Benefits of Professional Installation

The importance of professional installation for a garage door in Virginia Beach, VA cannot be overstated. Having your new garage door professionally installed can provide you with several significant benefits. Firstly, it ensures that your new garage door is properly installed and operating correctly from day one. Professional installation also helps ensure the safety of all who use your garage – those coming and going through the garage and those inside it.

In addition to ensuring safe operation, having your new garage door Virginia Beach VA professionally installed can save you time and hassle in the long run by helping to avoid potential malfunctions or breakdowns due to improper installation or faulty parts. A professional team will also make all necessary adjustments so that everything functions as expected and any problems are quickly identified and addressed before they become major issues down the line.

Maintenance Tips

Maintaining a garage door in Virginia Beach, VA is essential for the longevity and safety of your home. Doing regular maintenance on your door will help keep it running smoothly and prevent damage that could be costly to repair. Here are some tips to keep your garage door in working order:

First, inspect the rollers and tracks regularly. Make sure no loose screws or bolts can cause the metal parts to move out of alignment. Also, check for rusted or worn down components, as this can lead to further damage if not replaced promptly. It may be necessary to lubricate any moving parts with oil or silicone spray lubricant from time to time.

Additionally, examine the weatherstripping along the edges of the door for signs of wear and tear, such as cracks or frayed areas.

Reasons to Choose Us

When selecting a garage door contractor in Virginia Beach, VA, you can rely on us. We are a family-owned and run business with decades of experience in the industry. Our team of experts offers pride in offering quality installation services that meet the highest standards. We understand your home’s importance to you, and our goal is to ensure that your garage door looks great and functions properly for years to come.

Our team has an excellent reputation for providing prompt service at competitive prices. We ensure that all materials used meet safety codes and regulations in your area. In addition, we only use top-of-the-line parts, so you can rest assured that your new garage door will be reliable and long-lasting. Our experienced technicians also provide preventative maintenance services to help maintain your garage door running smoothly.

Cost Considerations

When upgrading or replacing your garage door, the cost of materials and labor must be considered. For homeowners in Virginia Beach, VA, a few key factors will determine the overall cost of a new garage door installation. First, you must consider what type of material you want your new garage door made from. Steel is usually the most affordable option, but wood can add an elegant touch to any home exterior. Additionally, prices may vary depending on whether you choose a basic model or something more elaborate with multiple bells and whistles, such as windows or insulation.

The size and complexity of the project can also affect cost; for example, more oversized doors require either additional materials or extra labor costs due to their greater weight and complexity in installation.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the team at Garage Door Virginia Beach VA is the best choice for all of your garage door needs. They are experienced and certified, giving you the peace of mind that your job will be done right. Their personalized customer service makes them stand out from the competition, as they prioritize their client’s satisfaction above all else. From installation to repair and maintenance, every job is just a little small for this team of experts.

Read more