Secondly, your home itself increases in value. Property values are pretty competitive in Virginia, and a new home improvement could put your home ahead of the pack. There are many different ways to remodel your home, from the small fixes to full-blown additions.

The kitchen is always a good place to start. New counters and cabinets could add a big value to your home. If your appliances are more than five or six years old when you list your home, it is probably a wise idea to invest in new ones. The payoff could be quite surprising.

A well-done bathroom is also a house selling home improvement. Imagine the look on their faces when they see shiny new tile work in stylish mosaic patterns. Adding cabinet space in a mostly empty bathroom can really impress a buyer. A new shower or mirrors and lights can really brighten up your space.

Outdoor improvements add a lot of curb appeal. New siding and gutters, or windows, are all useful improvements to the exterior of your home. If your roof is starting to show its age, the replacement might be a little expensive, but it will put a buyer’s mind at ease.

A dank and gloomy basement turns off many people who are used to living in the most civilized places. Finishing a basement isn’t even that expensive when compared to some of the other major renovations. The basement is also one of the most versatile places to improve.

Then again, if money and space aren’t an issue, remolding the master bedroom is good for the owner of the home. Adding a bathroom, complete with over-sized jetted tub of course or extra storage space is something that you can personally enjoy everyday.

Whether the sky is the limit or you are just doing a little work, a home improvement in Virginia can literally pay for itself. The feeling you get after completing the work is well worth the effort you need to put in. In addition, the added equity or higher listing prices are just a nice bonus.

Remodeling the basement in your Virginia home can be exciting and rewarding in numerous ways. It is a natural choice when choosing a project, because of the relative ease of getting good results for the money.

It is always the smart plan to pick a reputable contractor for your home improvement jobs, if you are not handy yourself. Choosing the right one takes a little effort on your part. Checking credentials, contacting previous clients, etc, is all necessary to prevent a situation that leaves you with no money and an unfinished project.

Most Virginia basements are originally built unfinished intended to be used for storage space and utility appliances like the furnace and laundry. There is so much more that can be done with that space with a little home improvement. All you need is a clear plan and a lot of imagination.

Some contractors can actually show you what a project will look like before they even begin. With the latest virtual modeling programs, the contractor can literally walk you through the finished basement, showing you how it will look in advance.

If you think about it, your basement is a healthy chunk of your square footage that is just going to waste. It is probably full of things that aren’t really necessary, or too embarrassing to be seen by guests. You can change all that with the right remodel.

The basement can become a real living space, likely with more than one room, beautiful floor coverings, and stylish decorations. You may find that the basement becomes your favorite place in the house, especially in those hot Virginia summers.

Economical concerns are natural when facing a remodel of the size of finishing a basement. The good news is that it is much cheaper per square foot that almost any other remodels. You also stand to gain quite a bit in added property value. The home improvements you make to the basement can almost pay for themselves when done right.

The market shows us again and again that a finished basement in Virginia improves the resale value by as much as 30% in some cases. In addition, there are few if any permits that need to be pulled from the local authority, because no real architectural changes are being made.

]]> http://www.paragonremodeling.com/blog/2010/07/30/expand-your-living-space-down-with-a-virginia-basement/feed/ http://www.paragonremodeling.com/blog/2010/07/28/prepping-your-virginia-deck-for-new-stain/ http://www.paragonremodeling.com/blog/2010/07/28/prepping-your-virginia-deck-for-new-stain/#comments Thu, 29 Jul 2010 00:08:07 +0000 SKayhill http://www.paragonremodeling.com/blog/?p=383

Step your Virginia deck up to the next level by sprucing up and rekindling luster in the surface. You can add color and protection to the aged material by adding a new layer of semi-transparent stain to your deck.

Before you can apply any new coats of semi-transparent stain, you’ll need to prep the entire deck otherwise the stain won’t take to the wood. Start by sweeping your deck of any loose debris, dirt, sand etc. Next, use a pressure washer to hammer away any of the grains or bits that are stuck to the duck or dwelling within in the cracks.

It’s ok if you don’t have a pressure washing, just use a sturdy deck brush or harsh scrubber to get into the cuts and grooves of the wood. If you find particularly deep grooves, take the time to sand this area down to create a level work surface, otherwise you end up with voids in the wood when you apply the stain.

Stick to using the right tool based on the size of your deck. You’ll need to use the right tool if you want to get the stain applied in an even manner. If space permits, go with a roller. This will get the deck stain on in the most even coat. As you get out to the edge you can drop the roller and pickup your brush to get the edges.

Avoid overlapping the lines on the deck with your roller, otherwise you end up with uneven rollers by crossing your path. Aim for keeping your application lines as straight as possible. This way you can track where you’ve already been.

As you’re using the brush, do not change directions during the application of the stain. You should take your time to consider the entire project right down to brush strokes. You’ll need to keep track of where you start and where you finish. You really don’t want to stain yourself into a place where you can’t get out.

Before applying the stain, after the prep phase, shake your can thoroughly so that any separation is fixed and any settling is restored. Just keep in mind that you want to secure the lid before shaking.

As you work on the Virginia deck, keep a rag handy to take care of drips and other spills. If the drips sit too long, the stain will seep into the wood and create dark spots in your application. Adding a second coat? Finish your first coat completely before starting another at the beginning of this process.

]]> http://www.paragonremodeling.com/blog/2010/07/28/prepping-your-virginia-deck-for-new-stain/feed/ http://www.paragonremodeling.com/blog/2010/07/27/customizing-your-virginia-deck-add-a-little-fire-and-flare/ http://www.paragonremodeling.com/blog/2010/07/27/customizing-your-virginia-deck-add-a-little-fire-and-flare/#comments Tue, 27 Jul 2010 16:56:19 +0000 SKayhill http://www.paragonremodeling.com/blog/?p=379

The backyard can be a haven for a lot of families, as it offers a way to section yourself off from the world while still enjoying nature and getting a bit of fresh air. Our backyard affords a lot of privacy that many of us crave with the ability to be completely customized, and that’s apparent in how we build and customize the Virginia deck.

Of course I talk about it like it’s a specific style of deck, but it’s really not. It’s more of a way of life. The old fashioned deck was a big square block of lumber with some steps leading down into the yard. It offered very little in versatility or adaptability and it certainly wasn’t the poster-child for “outdoor fun”.

Virginia residents are discovering a better way to live in the outdoors of their backyard, and the deck is playing a huge part in that. Here are just a few design ideas and tips to customize your new deck build to make it unique and yours.

Custom Firepit: If you haven’t built your deck out complete, consider leaving room in the center for a recessed firepit. You can built the firepit out in the ground with stones that rise above the level of your deck (or brick, pavers, etc – whatever you prefer). You can create a row of benches around the firepit or leave the seating open. Plan ahead properly and you can design your firepit to double as an outdoor grill with a built in screen. Not only can it serve as a place for fireside pow-wow’s but you can throw some steaks on or have a corn roast anytime of the year.

Raised Gardens: Elevated garden beds built out in boxes don’t have to be limited to your yard. These same boxes can be placed along the rails of your deck or at strategic places for sunlight and rainfail. It’s very convenient to have your own nursery and vegetable garden just outside the patio door. Imagine the ease of stepping outside for some tomato, carrot or broccoli the next time you’re prepping dinner.

The Water Feature: Your deck doesn’t have to be the primary feature in your background. Thanks to the proximity to the house, you have easy access to the plumbing. Consider installing a decorative waterfall system that crashed down a rock formation on your deck. You can separate your deck with a “natural” stream that flows through several step systems into a pond or moat around the deck. If you feel adventurous, spring for fish that can populate the water around your Virginia deck.

Don’t Forget The Lighting: Sometimes it’s nice to step outside in the evening hours, especially after sundown, and enjoy some time in the cool night air. The darkness can be a little oppressive but dim lighting can help make your deck a comfortable environment regardless of the later hour. There are a number of styles you can turn to that mount on the posts of decks, or attach to rails like a sconce. Likewise, you can find underglow lighting that will create a very soft ambiance from within the deck itself, bathing the entire area in indirect light. Save on energy costs by using solar lighting, where the energy is stores throughout the day from the sun and fuels the lights all through the evening hours.

These are just a few tips to add spice to your casual deck in Virginia. A remodel doesn’t have to be drab and dull. Get creative, have fun, and make your house a home.

Back in the day we looked laughingly on modern conveniences, like something out of a remake of 1984. Those “homes of the future” were just a string of tricks and toys that we never figured we would own but here we are, using technology in our everyday lives.

When you think about window treatments, they’re an essential part of the remodel because without them your new window replacements would leave you naked inside of a fish bowl. Everyone could see in. Not only are window treatments functional but they serve other purposes like shading your carpet and furniture from the light to avoid sunfade.

For homeowners that have grown tired of the tangled mess of blind cords, bent blinds, dirty drapes and more they should check out the how blinds are being reinvented – electronic, programmable blinds. Running on simple tracks, they are controlled with a simple switch flip or via remote to add incomparable convenience for the homeowner.

No longer would homeowners have to open and close their blinds by hand. The electronic blinds can run on everything from battery power to solar power, including a plug in for nearby outlets. If you need fast convenience, the remote control access can make it easy to stifle the sunlight.

Despite the fact that blinds come in so many shapes and sizes, they can still be customized and upgraded to handle the new electronic designs. It doesn’t matter what style blinds you’re sporting, everything can be made to work so that you’ve got the newest style for your window treatments.

The shutters on the outside of your home don’t have to be left out in the cold. They can be modified and enhanced with electronics so that they can be closed quickly in the event of inclement weather. This is a great option for any homeowner in an area that gets severe or heavily gusting winds.

Don’t let this seem like a pointless investment in your home. For anyone who has mobility issues, electronic blinds or other window treatments can add convenience to the home for a task that might be extremely difficult for some people. Of course, if you’re just looking to automate one more thing after your new window replacements in Virginia, then who can blame you for wanting to get a little techie.

Most people realize from go that they need a Virginia general contractor when they’re looking at the scope of work that needs to be done. Mainly because there’s a lot to keep track of on the large jobs and having a Virginia contractor on hand to manage everything can simplify the entire project.

So what kind of factors do you need to look at when you’re trying to settle on a Virginia general contractor? What can you use to help you figure out if you’ve located the right one? With all the choices, it’s hard to settle on just one contractor especially if several of them make excellent bids. That’s why it helps to focus on the actual skills of the Virginia general contractor.

Despite the fact that there are a lot of Virginia general contractors out there, not all of them handle the same types of work and they all have varying skill specialties to one degree or another even if they are general contractors. Some of them still work in specialty areas similar to a standard Virginia contractor.

Regardless of the title it’s still a matter of experience and the kind of work you need done. As a homeowner, you’re going to want the most skilled Virginia contractor working on your home at the fairest price. There are a few different things you can look at to help settle on the skill level you need and lead you toward a decision on who to hire.

Start a dialogue with the Virginia contractor and find out what kind of references they can offer you regarding any of the work they’ve done with previous clients. While discussing the work, ask about their license and ask to see the insurance certificate that covers their work.

If a contractor doesn’t carry the appropriate license then that’s enough to stop that dialogue and move on to the next contractor. You don’t need an unlicensed Virginia contractor mucking up your home. For those that do supply their license, check the BBB and on Google for company reviews and past issues.

When the Virginia general contractors supply their portfolio, try to get the information on the locations where the work was performed if it can be released. Take the time to visit those locations and speak with all the past clients you have access to. This is a big investment for you, so checking on past work can help you avoid problematic Virginia contractors.

Of course, make sure the bids you get come to you in written form. It’s hard to make a decision later from memory alone. If you have the written bids next to each other with all the other info you gathered then you can make a more informed decision on which Virginia contractor to hire.

Ask any new home buyer what the worst task is when moving into a new home, and they will tell you repainting the walls and ceilings. The prep work alone takes hours: taping the trim, putting plastic on the floor and furniture, moving the furniture out of the room, rolling up carpets, and more.  You don’t just need Virginia painters for color changes, sometimes there is repair work, smoke damage, spackle, or even drywall.  While this is a terrible task, hiring a Virginia paint company can help spare your patience and your knees.

Hiring a Virginia paint company is not always the first thought to cross your mind when you realize you need to paint.  Usually it is deciding what color you want to make the walls.  But as you start to plan what colors to use, and what type of paint, and what fixtures, settings and supplies to use, you start to wonder if you are even capable of doing it yourself in the first place.    It is worth the money for   Virginia painters just to save yourself the time and effort required.  And if you hire someone they will help you all along the way.   

While you may not be the best at matching paint, furniture and colors, a Virginia paint company can help with that.  Sometimes the colors on one of those little pieces of paper they give you seem virtually same.  Which one matches yoru colors?  Your paint company will tell you.  They will know if you need a primer, or if it is better to use a different kind of paint for indoors than outdoors.

They can even make sure to get enough paint at once that they will achieve a uniform mix, rather than going back and trying to match up mixed paint later.  Virginia painters have vast experience painting rooms in a variety of colors, while you may not have done so in years!

The prep work is also an area that an experienced hand can help with.  How many wall tracks have you ruined because a drop spilled on your wood frame, or you accidently swiped an outlet while hurrying to get done?  A Virginia paint company can use this experience to properly prepare all surfaces.

If they need to move that antique china cabinet or chest out of the room, they can take care of it while you watch television in another room.  They can ensure fixtures are taken off properly so that no one electrocutes themselves or damages delicate trim.  It is much easier to paint correctly and uniformly the first time, rather than go back and try to fix it later.  Your Virginia painters will ensure that it is done correctly, the first time.

Let your Virginia paint company do the hard work while you think about easier things like redecorating the room afterward.  They may even have some tips for décor!  You can even recommend them to a friend to get yourself out of painting their house too after seeing the beautiful work done in yours.  Use  Virginia painters and save yourself the headaches of doing it yourself.

Whatever your reasoning for an addition in Virginia, contractors are waiting for your ideas so that they can increase your space.  Additions have become so popular that there are television shows and websites dedicated to the many projects you can undertake.

There are so many different types of Home additions in Virginia that you may be at a loss as to which one to start with.  One of the most common additions is a new bedroom for an expanding family.  While the Brady’s may have shared a room, perhaps your family is more personal, demanding that they finally get their own room.  While you could simply rededicate your den or office, adding and addition not only allows you to be creative with your design, but add so the value of your home.  Extend that hallway one more room, and branch an extra bedroom and perhaps a second office off of it.

By giving children their own room, you begin to teach them about stewardship of their space, preparing them for eventually having a home of their own.  You begin to teach creative use of space, and marvel at the many things they come up with.  Or perhaps your parents or stepparents are moving in.  By expanding your space you give them a peaceful room to live in like they always had in their home.  Whatever the cause, an addition in Virginia gives you the space you need for your family.

Perhaps you have developed a new hobby, and home additions in Virginia can give you the space to practice.  If your new drum set is disturbing everyone’s studying, a new room at the other side of the house gives you a place to bang and gets your drums out of the garage.  Or maybe you’ve taken up painting, and this new room gives you a place to put your easel and hang your masterpieces.

Or maybe you just like to read, and need a room to hold your precious tomes as a new library.

Whatever the case, an addition in Virginia is the answer.  A simple web search can give you the answer to what others have done with their space, and give you some options to accommodate your new hobby.

Consider your yard for your home additions in Virginia and think how the space could be extended from outside of your home to inside.  Maybe you want to grow some vegetables and want a greenhouse, or maybe you have grown tired of cleaning snow off your car in the winter and want a garage.  These can both be accommodated.

Garages have become so much more than car storage, holding tools, work benches and a miniature workshop.  You could even put an apartment above the garage to house your college student or create a man cave.  Whatever the case your new addition in Virginia could turn that useless spot where grass won’t grow into a functional room.

Home additions in Virginia allow you the flexibility and space to enhance your life.  Your addition in Virginia could give you a new lease on life, and help you turn your old house into a modern home.

It’s pointless to worry about trying Virginia bathroom remodeling on a budget. That just makes you depressed when you can’t gut your bathroom all at once and simply redo it. But who says you really need to do that in the first place? Consider some simpler updates to your bathroom.

You’ve got a lot of choices here from simple tile updates to lighting and cabinetry work. Even the hardware around your bathroom like faucets and towel racks can make a big difference in the way you see your bathroom.

Whatever you decide to do just remember that your work in the bathroom is going to affect your daily routine. Since you’re involved in that room daily you don’t want to shut it down or make it to difficult for you or your family to function on a daily basis until the work is done. Little projects help avoid interruptions.

Tile is one of the small projects that you can do easily. If you can’t afford to put tile down across the whole bathroom, then don’t. Try some smaller spaces to accent various areas of your bathroom. Tile will add a lot of value as part of your bathroom renovation.

Now, before you try stripping the cabinets out of your bathroom and putting in new bathroom cabinets take a moment to think about just resurfacing the cabinet faces and putting a new top on it. If the cabinets are sound and the design ok, why get rid of them?

Another favorite option for people completing a bathroom renovation is new lighting or adjustment of existing lighting. Recessed lights, dimmers, lighting behind glass – it can all create a mood that adds a lot of depth to your bathroom.

Modernize your bathroom with some new fixtures as well. Try upgrading your faucet to a new brass model or something that gleams brightly in the lighting. If you’re not up for flashy bathroom faucet replacement then consider an electronic faucet with an auto-sensor so that you can go touch-free while washing your hands.

Last but not least there’s the easiest update that fits within the budget of every homeowner. Virginia bathroom renovation was never easier than painting your walls and bringing in some new color and depth. For the cost of a dinner for two at Olive Garden with wine and desert you can give your bathroom a completely fresh coat of paint. It’s the simple things that we love, and nothings more simple than little bathroom renovations.

Virginia roofing has made a lot of improvements over the years in its own industry, in the way homes have come together over the years. From archaic mud to modern shingles, our own homes are marvels of modern science and architecture. Despite that modern design, we’ll all need to replaced and maintain our roof at some point.

One common material that we see used most often in the modern roof is the asphalt shingle. It may seem like that material belongs on the roads but there’s a reason it’s used there as well as on your roof. It’s long lasting, durable and weather resistant.

Those shingles create overlapping layers of protection that help curtail the efforts of the weather and storms to invade your home. They’re extremely effective at keeping the rain out and your home dry.

We all know that there’s nothing more cumbersome and expensive than a leaky roof. That’s why its important to choose quality materials for your roof replacement and use a roofing contractor that knows the business. Asphalt is a good option despite the fact that it’s not the prettiest option though there is some ability to customize your shingles.

The durability of the asphalt shingle makes it difficult to damage the tiles, as their highly resistant to adverse conditions and they’re extremely low maintenance. Less work and money for you. Often a roof with asphalt shingles will come with a long term warranty as a selling point simply because the contractors know it will last.

Another benefit to the oil base asphalt is that they’re very water resistant and thanks to their weight there is little chance for extensive uplift that causes tearing in other shingles. If you’re worried about mold, you can also find shingles in this variety that are resistant to a lot of molds and algae.

Because of the nature of the shingle used, asphalt roofing is the most cost effective option short of draping a tarp over your house when it rains. They’re easy to take care of and the breeze at which their installed will save you money off the roofing contractor bill. When you consider the price difference between asphalt shingles and other roofing material like ceramics or wood roofing tiles it’s easy to know which to choose.

And the final bonus of course is the amount you’ll save in maintenance costs over time. Your Virginia roofing will stay sound for years to come, allowing you to turn that money to more “green” updates in your home.