Archive for the ‘Remodels’ Category

Green Remodeling – Good For The Environment And Your Wallet

Green remodeling is a distinct trend gaining momentum in the home remodeling industry. When homeowners decide to undertake home improvement projects, green and eco-friendly considerations make sense for two reasons. The energy conservation aspects are good for your wallet and going green is good for the environment.

Creative Green Remodeling Ideas

There are so many creative ways to apply green home improvement ideas. For example, if you enjoy a climate like we do here in Southern California that promotes the integration of an indoor and outdoor lifestyle, consider the following creative application of an outdoor shower.

Outdoor ShowerThis concept, courtesy of Jeremy Levine Design, provides an enclosed open-air shower off of the indoor bathroom.  The outdoor shower offers a serene exposure to the open air while protecting your personal privacy.

The green friendly design recycles the shower water into a grey water garden outside. An aesthetic and pleasing lifestyle design that is smart for the environment as well!

 

 

Creative Commons License photo credit: Jeremy Levine Design

The possibilities for green remodeling concepts are wide-open, but most homeowners choose to start with the basics first. Here are five of the more common green remodeling improvements that you might consider for your next remodeling project. (more…)

Home Remodels – Planning First

Home remodels, any way you slice it, somehow always end up bigger jobs than you anticipate. Most homeowners are not well prepared when they take on a home remodel project. Unfortunately, the lack of preparation can lead to higher costs, poor quality results and unnecessary added stress and anxiety.

Make sure you do your home remodel planning first

Proper planning helps you avoid the rush. Most homeowners underestimate the number of decisions they need to make before they even get the construction underway. When you don’t give yourself sufficient time to plan up front, you’ll tend to make hasty decisions that you’ll either want to change later. Or worse, in your hurry to get moving, you’ll overlook an important consideration that can cost you much more after you’ve started to build.

A rule of thumb to remember; Anything you have to re-do a second time to get it right will always cost more than doing it right the first time.

Whether working with a designer or consulting with your contractor for ideas and advice, the variety of decisions you’ll need to work through will add up quickly. You’ll do better if you give yourself the proper time to cover the planning phase up front, and go in with a positive attitude. Enjoy the planning steps and make it fun.

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