Dreaming of upgrading your backyard space? You wouldn’t be alone. Recent data from realtors around the country shows that homeowners who added outdoor kitchens to their properties saw an increase of between 100% and 200% on their investments. Real estate professionals say even a simple addition, like an outdoor gas firepit, can yield a 67% return.*
We’ve seen a surge of investments in home improvements over the last few years that is expected to continue in the future. We’ve seen people reimagine and rework their spaces during the covid era as they spent more time at home. And, as the housing market has provided its own challenges, more and more homeowners are opting to find a way to improve the space they have. For some, that may mean putting on an addition to find more square footage. For others, who don’t want to lose functionality of their existing kitchens, or need to move out, or live in a construction zone, tapping into already existing square footage in their basement can be a goldmine.
We’ve taken lots of photos to document the process of this Total Basement Renovation project over the last year. You may have even seen some videos on our social media! Here is the ultimate recap, from start to finish.
You might have noticed all the little tedious items on your home to-do list pile up. Somehow “I’ll get to it tomorrow” has turned into months, possibly years. Maybe it’s due to financial or time constraints. Whether it’s a squeaky door, loose floorboard, or peeling paint, you figure you’ll get to it someday, right? Well, let’s turn “someday” into today. Grab a notepad and pen, take a tour around your home, and let’s get started. Why? Because small deferred home maintenance can quickly turn into something big and expensive.
I have dogs. I’ve always had dogs. Right now, I just have one. There was a period of my adult life when my family had three dogs, two cats, and a pony. Admittedly, the pony did not live with us inside the house. Nevertheless, its hair was a regular factor to be dealt with. Over my husband’s adamant protests, for years I persisted in bringing from the barn horse sheets and blankets and saddle pads to launder in our clothes washer.
The trauma of watching TV news about seasonal storms can send me mentally packing straight back to Hurricane Sandy in October of 2012. The sinking feeling returns, that I experienced watching what looked like Niagara Falls cascading down our long, downward sloping driveway, heading straight to the basement-level garage.
I won’t soon forget the day my teenage son was taking a shower in one of the three bathrooms of our 70’s built high ranch house when he suddenly started shouting and cussing, using language he’d been advised not to use.
When I tell people about my profession as an interior designer, I often get responses like “oh my gosh, that’s SO cool. I would love to do that!” Well, I’ll tell you first hand, this industry is not all that it seems. It’s not really like “reality” TV shows or the numerous channels dedicated to decorating and remodeling. One of the very first important lessons I learned on the job after college was “You always need to manage client expectations.” Now, more than ever, that sentence rings true.
Water is one of the most essential things we need to survive. It’s no wonder so many of us gravitate towards water in one way or another. Water views, lakeside living, scenic ponds, water features, backyard pools. Having water incorporated at your home can help drive resale value and benefit your quality of life. This post is dedicated to all things water! Here are some inspiring ways to add more water to your outdoor space, or make your existing space more enjoyable!
When remodeling your home, there are two places where you really start to see a bigger return on your investment – the kitchen and the master bathroom/suite. Sometimes your bathroom may just require an update of new fixtures, fresh tile and paint.
Fall weather is growing cooler and the summer season has come to an end. Now is the ideal time to prepare your home for the ever-changing New England weather.
The beautiful foliage is one of the benefits of living in the Northeast, but it can also be a hindrance for homeowners. Take the time to have gutters and leaders cleaned out regularly this season. A clog in your gutters can cause water to back up with nowhere to go causing an unnecessary leak into your home.