Home Improvement

Making a decision between constructing a new building versus renovating it can be very challenging. Luckily, there are some key things that can assist you to make the right decision. Here is a comprehensive overview of the things you need to consider when choosing between ground up construction and renovation.

Consider the Costs

You need to weigh up the costs. The cost of renovation is generally lower than that of a new construction. However, if you are planning to make a major renovation that involves a lot of structural changes, then it is cheaper to begin construction from scratch. A new single-story building will cost you around $250,000. A two story one will cost around $300,000. The cost of renovation also tends to blow out due to unforeseen problems that might arise. One of the benefits of building from scratch is that you can request the builder for a fixed price contract.

Age of the Building

Another important thing you need to consider is the age of the building. Most buildings stay for 30 years before any major repairs, so you might consider renovations during this period. If your building is older than 50 years, then a renovation will not prolong its life considerably. In this case, you might want to construct a new house.

Location

The location of the building will determine whether you need to construct a new building or do major renovations. If you live in a place where land is scarce or highly sought after, it may be wise to knock down the building and construct a new one. However, before you begin the construction process, talk to builders like group up construction for some advice. Also, check with your local council to see if there are any regulations and local planning laws.

Structural Integrity of the Existing Building

Determine the current structural status of the building. Check the maintenance logs to see if it is the first time it is being updated. If it has been renovated, then check the lifespan of the original structure. Make sure you get all the records of the building, including past upgrades. Knowing its history will help you check how long it will be able to serve should it be renovated. You will also know how much money you will spend should you choose to strike it down and build a new one.

Intended Use

Unlike what many people think, renovations are not necessarily done to give the building a new look. Some renovations are done to ensure complete transformation of the building both in the outside and inside. It is vital you conduct comprehensive research to know the intended use of the building before making drastic changes on the building. You also need to determine how the intended purpose will change the requirements of the renovation project.

Even though there is not simple way to choose between renovating a building or constructing a new one, you need to thoroughly examine your needs and compare the costs of each …

Sooner or later everyone faces the responsibility of caring for an elderly loved one. Most people want to stay in their own home or live with a relative rather than move into a care facility. As long as their health allows it, this should not be a problem. It simply requires a few steps to ensure their comfort and safety.

Safety

Safety should be your top priority when preparing any space for an elderly loved one. As people age they can lose their balance more easily, and falls of any type become more dangerous. Have safety rails put in along all stairs and in the bathroom around the tub and shower areas. Remove all throw rugs as these can easily be tripped over. Switch out traditional door knobs for levers that are simpler to use when one is dealing with arthritis.

Comfort

Comfort is as important as safety when it comes to the elderly. Make sure the bed is low enough to get in and out of without help as well as all chairs and sofas. Keep pillows and throws readily available. Make sure the heating system is functioning properly along with the AC which will keep one cool and reduce allergens in the air. The AC repair Hampton VA offers such as Art Newsome, INC. can routinely check and repair these systems for you.

Privacy

Keep in mind that an elderly person is still a human being with feelings. Their privacy is as important to them as yours is to you. No one wants to feel like they are being hovered over. If your loved one is still in their own home, have a system such as Life Alert installed. If they are moving into your home, make sure they have a quiet room away from the family where they can escape for some time alone.

Once their home is safe and comfortable, they shouldn’t have any problem staying there for as long as their health allows. The above steps also work wonderfully when preparing your own home for an elderly family member to move in. Once completed, you’ll relax knowing they are well cared for, and they’ll feel better knowing they can enjoy their freedom for as long as possible.…

If you’ve just installed striking new double hung, picture, or casement windows courtesy of Renewal by Andersen windows, you’re halfway to getting the windows of your dreams. The next step, of course, involves installing the best window treatments money can buy in order to dress and show off your beautiful new home improvements. However, for the budget-conscious, figuring out the best way to dress your windows can be intimidating. Luckily, there’s no reason to worry any longer. You can find the perfect treatment for windows of any shape or style simply by paying attention to a few key details. If you’re stumped for the perfect window treatments, here are a few starter ideas to get you ready.

Let the Window Dictate the Style

The first thing to do when thinking about how to treat your windows is to fully assess what you’re working with. What is distinct about your window? What are some of its best features and benefits? What kind of mood do you want it to capture for the whole room? Figuring out the answers to these questions should help you figure out what the best next move is. If you’re looking to create a cozy, somewhat somber atmosphere, you might want to think about hanging dramatic, heavy drapes. If you’re looking to create a lighter, more casual scene, installing blinds or shutters could be just what you’re looking for.

Don’t Shy Away From Color

Many homeowners would prefer for the windows in their homes to speak for themselves, without a lot of fuss or fancy dressing. However, when it comes to truly show-stopping picture windows and arched bay windows that let in the light, supplementing that effect with the right color can make all the difference between drab and fab. For rooms with a ton of natural light, muting the effect with a deep salmon or coral-hued drape could bring the energy down to more mellow level. If you want to bring more light into a room, consider a bright yellow or orange colored gauze.

Use Light

Your windows exist, first and foremost, to bring light into a room. But not all light is created equal. Even if you can’t get enough natural sunlight flowing through the room at all hours of the day, that doesn’t mean you should try your best to direct the light in a way that’s aesthetically pleasing and sophisticated, by way of the right panels, outside blinds, or sectioned drapes. For best results, use panels and treatments that can be easily changed through the day to maximize daylight and minimize shadow.

Create Shadow

Speaking of shadow, there are many ways to use darkness to your advantage. If you’re trying to create a warm, moody atmosphere, using sectioned drapes can bring the rest of the room into focus, especially in spaces where there’s a lot of artwork and high ceilings. Even though windows let in the light, that’s no reason to be afraid of the possibility of shadow and shading in some …