Category

Remodeling

Jan 31
0
custom home remodel in York County with stone fireplace

Custom Home Remodeling: Craft your Dream Home

By | Remodeling | No Comments

Your list of projects is growing, and the layout, cabinetry, and finishes in your kitchen seem to be aging faster than expected. Even the siding inherited from the previous owner isn’t quite your style. What once felt functional and manageable is now a source of frustration. Sure, you could move, but finding the perfect fit in today’s housing market is like searching for a needle in a haystack, plus you adore your neighbors. The idea of building a custom home sounds appealing, but the thought of starting from scratch is daunting.

Is Custom Home Remodeling Right for You?

Guess what? You don’t necessarily need to hunt for land and start anew. Many York County homeowners are choosing a different path – a major renovation that goes beyond a mere facelift. Picture this: a custom home remodel – taking all or many areas down to the studs, giving you the chance to create a home that truly reflects your style and needs. It’s like building your dream home without the headaches of starting from scratch.

In a region where real estate can be scarce, and mortgage rates have been increasing, homeowners are getting creative about achieving their forever homes. Custom home remodeling can be a smart and less disruptive solution, allowing you to stay right where you want to be but in a home that’s designed with your needs in mind. Let’s explore the exciting world of custom home remodeling together!

What is Custom Home Remodeling?

When considering a home remodel, you’re faced with choices: opt for a quick “facelift” or dive into a comprehensive “custom remodel.” But what sets these two options apart?

A home facelift is a swift makeover targeting specific areas to boost short-term property value. Typically undertaken in key spaces, facelifts don’t aim to overhaul the entire house. Often chosen by those on a budget or homeowners prepping for a sale, projects like a speedy kitchen or bathroom revamp—enhance the home’s appeal and, consequently, its market value.

Examples of facelift projects include installing new countertops, fixing sinks, and upgrading cabinetry. If your stay is short-term or financial constraints limit a complete renovation, a facelift is a practical choice. On the flip side, a custom remodel constitutes a holistic transformation of your entire home. Ideal for those planning a long-term residence or raising a family, this approach goes beyond surface changes.

A custom remodel isn’t just about immediate aesthetics; it’s a long-term solution. Tailored to harmonize with your existing home design and incorporate design trends and functionality that you choose, custom home remodeling addresses your needs. The process begins with understanding your vision for the outcome, determining your preferences, and executing a well-designed plan.

Unlike the quick facelift, a custom remodel unfolds progressively across various sections of the house. This thorough project may involve knocking down walls, constructing new ones, and calls for skilled professionals adept at diagnosing and handling potential issues. Examples include major kitchen overhauls, comprehensive floor reworks, and significant exterior remodeling.

Ready to talk about your custom home remodeling project in York, PA, or the surrounding area? Reach out to the award-winning team at Jeffrey L. Henry, Inc. We have over 35 years of experience building and remodeling homes in York County and have a solid reputation for operating with integrity.

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Jan 13
0
open concept custom kitchen in york county

When is the Perfect Time to Remodel Your Kitchen?

By | Kitchens, Remodeling | No Comments

Dreaming of turning your kitchen into the stunning space it is meant to be? Choosing the right timing to embark on a kitchen remodel can sometimes be challenging. Taking on a major home improvement project can be very exciting, but it can also feel like a big undertaking and cause stress! Many homeowners associate home improvement projects with spring and summer, but the truth is that kitchen renovations can thrive year-round. Since most work occurs indoors, you’re not bound by weather conditions or temperatures.

When is the perfect time to remodel your kitchen? The best answer for you is “when you’ve decided it’s time and you’re in the right frame of mind to start the wheels moving!”

A kitchen remodeling project has many moving parts, and you’ll want to remember that builders and kitchen contractors are likely to have other projects. If you have a timeline in mind for your kitchen remodel – maybe you want the project complete before the holidays or in time for a major family gathering – you’ll want to begin your planning well in advance.

Take the First Steps Toward Your Kitchen Transformation

Although you have the freedom to remodel your kitchen when it works best for everyone involved, it will still require some planning.

Prioritize Your Kitchen Objectives. Whether you’re envisioning a subtle upgrade or a complete overhaul, it’s always a good idea to research and understand what kitchen features and functionality you want to address with your kitchen remodel. Begin by identifying the aspects of your kitchen that require change and those that should remain. If you are considering a major kitchen renovation, you’ll want to consider the kitchen layout that best fits your home and family’s needs. Be sure to check out this blog post on choosing a kitchen layout and consider your design options and the “kitchen work triangle” when determining what will be most efficient for you.

Establish a Budget

Once you’ve prioritized what you would like to accomplish with your kitchen remodel, it’s time to set a budget. A kitchen remodel can be a more expensive home renovation project, especially if you’re considering a major overhaul, including flooring, cabinetry, countertops, and new appliances. Experts suggest a complete kitchen remodel can cost 15-20% of your home’s value.

Typically, you can expect your renovated kitchen to enhance your home’s worth. It comes as no surprise that purchasers are willing to invest more in premium materials and well-considered improvements.

According to a recent survey, 80% of prospective homebuyers included the kitchen among their top three priority spaces. Even if you never plan to sell and want to remodel the kitchen in your forever home, having a kitchen you love is a major life improvement!

Once you’ve established your kitchen remodeling budget, it might be a good idea to revisit your list of objectives. Go through your wish list and think about which items are must-haves and which you can sacrifice, if necessary. Thinking about this in advance will help you make smarter decisions with confidence later!

Collaborate with Trusted Kitchen Remodeling Experts

Once you’ve crystallized your kitchen renovation vision and established your remodeling budget, the next step is contacting experienced kitchen contractors.

When hiring a professional remodeler for your kitchen project (or any home improvement project), we recommend following these five steps from our Hiring a Builder (or remodeler) blog post.

  1. Seek recommendations from local sources and associations, ensuring the builder has local expertise.
  2. Set up a consultation and prepare questions to assess the builder’s experience, qualifications, materials, subcontractors, and project management.
  3. Request references from previous customers to gain insights into value, quality, and overall experiences, including recent and older projects.
  4. Visit past and ongoing projects to evaluate the quality and style of the builder’s work.
  5. Assess the builder’s communication style and accessibility to ensure a strong partnership throughout the project.

Armed with this knowledge, you’ll be ready to select the ideal kitchen contractor and set your kitchen renovation plan into motion. This crucial stage provides insights into the potential cost of your project and opens doors to innovative possibilities you may not have explored!

Plan Your York County Kitchen Remodel

Feeling like the time is right to plan your York County kitchen remodel? Reach out to us to discuss plans for your dream kitchen. The award-winning team at Jeffrey L. Henry, Inc. has over 35 years of experience in home building and home remodeling in and around York, PA.

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Aug 02
0
White custom kitchens

8 Reasons Why We Love White Kitchens

By | Kitchens, Remodeling | No Comments

A kitchen renovation is a popular way to transform your living space and boost home value. Consider a white kitchen if you are looking for a classic approach to the kitchen of your dreams. In this blog post, we’ll cover 8 reasons why we love white kitchens, although we could probably think of a few more! Unlike some kitchen trends, white kitchens tend to stand the test of time and will likely continue to do so for years to come.

Is a white kitchen right for you?

Whether you are building a new home or planning a kitchen remodel, here are some reasons we think white kitchens remain timeless.

  1. Classic and Versatile: White is a neutral color that complements almost any design style, from traditional to modern. It provides a clean and fresh look that doesn’t clash with other elements in the kitchen. As a result, white kitchens can adapt to changing trends and personal tastes over the years.
  2. Bright and Spacious: White reflects light, making spaces appear larger, brighter, and more inviting. White can help create a sense of openness and airiness in smaller kitchens or ones with limited natural light.
  3. Enduring Elegance: White kitchens exude a sense of elegance and sophistication. They give a timeless, high-end appeal that doesn’t feel outdated with the passing years.
  4. Resale Value: White kitchens are considered a safe choice for homebuyers. Since they are widely appealing, they can positively influence the resale value of a home, making it an attractive option for homeowners and real estate developers.
  5. Easy to Personalize: White acts as a blank canvas, allowing you to inject your personality and style through various decor elements, like colored accents, backsplashes, or trendy accessories and appliances. This versatility makes white kitchens adaptable to changing preferences.
  6. Clean Aesthetic: White kitchens convey a sense of cleanliness and hygiene. They create a pristine and organized atmosphere, which can be particularly appealing for those who enjoy a tidy space or want to maintain a minimalist vibe.
  7. Timeless Appeal in Photography: White kitchens photograph well, contributing to their popularity in interior design magazines, online platforms, and social media. As these platforms continue to influence design choices, the allure of white kitchens powers on.
  8. Designers’ Choice: Interior designers often recommend white kitchens to their clients because they provide a reliable foundation for various design schemes. This professional endorsement has further solidified white kitchens’ enduring popularity.

While kitchen trends may come and go, the timelessness of white kitchens lies in their adaptability, aesthetic appeal, and ability to complement a wide range of design styles, making them a classic choice for homeowners remodeling in York County and around the world!

Are you thinking about a kitchen remodel in the York, PA, area? If you are searching for a remodeler in York County with integrity, the award-winning team at Jeffrey L. Henry Inc. has been building and remodeling homes in the area for over 35 years with a focus on meeting the customer’s needs. Reach out today!

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May 24
0
Basement Home Theatre

7 Ideas for Your Basement Remodel

By | Remodeling | No Comments

A basement remodel is more than just a way to boost your home’s value. It’s also an ideal way to add living space for work, play, entertainment, and more. If you are considering investing in a basement remodel, here’s some inspiration.

1. Mancave

The ever-popular “man cave” can be designed with a theme in mind – whether it’s auto racing, football, hunting, music, arcade games, technology, or a sports bar. A mancave might include comfortable couches, a mounted television, a pool table, and a mini or full bar, depending on your available space.

2. Play Area for the Kids

Create a safe play area for the kids once your remodel is complete. Basements provide additional space for toys and playing without cluttering the main floor of your home. Plus, a basement play area offers plenty of year-round space to run around and burn off excess energy even when the kids can’t get outside time due to the weather. Consider shelving or other storage options for all those toys and games and keep your other areas clutter-free.

3. Home Gym

A personal workout space is a great way to stay motivated. Home gyms are an on-trend choice for all or a portion of many basement remodels. With a workout space in your basement, you can customize it for your specific needs and interests, skip the commute and monthly payment to the gym, plus there’s no waiting for equipment, it’s private and open 24/7!

4. Entertainment & Home Theater Area

An entertainment and home theater area is a popular choice to consider when remodeling your basement. An entertainment room with a home theater is great for gatherings and parties. Watching movies as a family is super convenient, with a home theater readily available in your remodeled basement. Also include a popcorn machine, as well as board and video games in your entertainment room & home theater area.

5. Bar/Cocktail Lounge

If you enjoy entertaining, a basement bar or lounge is popular for basement remodels. If you don’t have a lot of space to work with, you can always feature a bar cart to showcase your collection of spirits or opt for a full-sized custom wet bar with taps and a wine fridge if you have the space to accommodate it. If your budget and space allow, why not go all in on a wine cellar? Decorate your basement bar in your own style or model it after your favorite lounge and provide plenty of seating for friends or family to get comfortable. Have kids? Dedicate an area for a kid’s table or include some gaming options to make it family friendly. A bar in your basement provides the ultimate space for entertaining and hosting get-togethers.

6. Guest Area or Guest Suite

Maybe you have frequent out-of-town visitors but don’t have enough space for guest rooms. All or part of a basement remodel can be dedicated to a guest area, guest suite, or even an entirely separate living space for parents or other family members. Having a private and dedicated space helps visitors feel comfortable and welcome. Depending on your basement’s setup, your guest suite can also include a full bathroom and kitchenette. Of course, you’ll need to be aware of local building codes and make sure your guests have a proper emergency escape route.

7. Dedicated Home Office

For those who work from home, creating a dedicated home office in your basement can allow you to expand your workspace. So often, we see homeowners who have their office space crammed in a corner of a bedroom or maybe they’ve just taken over the dining room table. A dedicated basement office can include doors for privacy – resulting in more productivity – and it frees up space in the rest of your home.

Contact Jeffrey L. Henry, Inc. For Your York County Basement Remodel

If you decide to move forward with a basement renovation project, working with a local home remodeler is the next step. Whether your objective is a place to host guests, hang out & unwind or get down to work, a basement remodel is an excellent investment and significantly expands your useable living space.

Planning a basement remodel in York County, PA? We’d love to hear about the basement of your dreams! The award-winning team at Jeffrey L. Henry, Inc. has over 35 years of experience in home building and home remodeling. We are fully committed to providing the best possible experience for our homeowners in York, PA.

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Feb 07
0
luxury bathroom - a popular remodeling trend for 2023

Six Remodeling Trends for 2023

By | Remodeling | No Comments

Maybe you’ve noticed for a while that your home might be teetering on the edge of what people call “dated.” Or perhaps you passed that milestone a while back. We get it. Time flies, and before you know it, decades have whizzed right by. In this blog post, we’ll review some popular remodeling trends for 2023 that may provide some inspiration.

There are many benefits if you’ve been thinking about a home remodeling project this year. Remodeling projects can increase your home’s value, modernize critical areas, increase energy efficiency, ensure your home functions in alignment with your family’s needs, and improve your lifestyle by adding convenience – and even luxury.

Here are six remodeling trends for 2023 (and beyond) that can help improve form, function, and lifestyle!

remodeled master bath in york pennsylvania

1. Luxury/Spa Bathrooms

Our physical environment plays a significant role in our mental, physical, and emotional health. We have a lot of stress daily, and people want their homes to be an escape. Luxury baths have been an emerging remodeling trend for several years, and this is one of the areas where homeowners continue to focus. Combining the calming features of spa baths, large modern showers, and heated floors with other luxury features into a bathroom with built-in cabinets and shelving that provide both comfort and beauty provide an oasis for unwinding and optimal functionality.

Luxurious bathtubs, walk-in showers with multiple showerheads, beautiful shelves and cabinetry, built-in mirror lighting and charging stations, radiant flooring, heated towel racks, bidets, and mood lighting are just a few popular bathroom remodeling trends you might consider.

bedroom with window wall - a remodeling trend for 2023

2. Window Walls

Large window walls or glass walls are making a memorable comeback. Sleek and modern floor-to-ceiling windows (the kind that offers more view and less window) can be a focal point in any room, provide gorgeous natural light, and make a space feel more open.

large kitchen islands are a popular remodeling trend

3. Large Kitchen Islands With Storage

Kitchen islands have always been on trend. However, large kitchen islands designed to be multifunctional with additional storage remain one of the most popular homeowner remodeling “wish list” items.

If you have children who do their homework in the kitchen or plenty of kitchen appliances, gadgets, and devices you would like out of sight, a kitchen island built with storage in mind is a win-win.

Multifunctional kitchen islands can include everything from Lazy Susan storage solutions to different-sized drawers to hide away all of the extra “stuff” that doesn’t have a home, causing clutter and taking up precious counter space. Large kitchen islands with built-in storage also make an excellent selling point if and when your home goes on the market.

multifunctional rooms are a popular remodeling trend for 2023

4. Multifunctional Rooms

Regardless of your home’s size, a multifunctional room allows you to “do more” without the hassle. And who doesn’t need more flexibility in their lives these days? Multifunctional rooms can seemingly add to your home’s square footage by providing extra kitchen prep space, a quiet place for school or remote work setup, a playroom, a home gym, or even convert into a spare bedroom when you have overnight guests.

If you’re thinking about an addition or remodeling project and your current space is limited, a multipurpose room that can do “double duty” can help you make the most out of the space you have!

drop zones are one of favorite remodeling trends for 2023

5. Drop Zones/Mudrooms with Storage

Mudrooms and drop zones are another home remodeling trend that has been coming back over the past decade or so. Not only are they great for storing outdoor gear like shoes, jackets, umbrellas, backpacks, dog leashes, and more, but they can also incorporate storage solutions.

If you’d love to rid the clutter from an entryway, hallway, etc., a mudroom/drop zone area is the ideal designated space for storing everyone’s daily go-to items. A drop zone can be as simple as transforming a small space with a bench, a hook, a basket for each family member, and a shoe rack or something more extensive, like a custom cubby for each person with built-in storage, shelves for phone charging, and more. Simple or elaborate, a drop zone or mudroom can help get you on the path to a more organized home!

custom built in storage is a popular remodeling trend for 2023

6. Built-In Storage

Let’s face it. Many of us end up having a lot of “stuff.” Some of it is necessary, and some might be sentimental, but keeping our belongings safe and organized is big business and likely a trend that isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.

Custom built-in storage solutions are a request we often hear from homeowners. Anything that helps us make the most of our space is always good. Built-in cabinets, benches, bookshelves, customized cubbies, and hideaway storage in the kitchen island all help us keep things looking beautiful visually while at the same time maximizing the spaces we have to work with.

Planning a remodeling project in York, PA? The Jeffrey L. Henry, Inc. team is committed to quality craftsmanship and personalized customer attention. We’re an award-winning custom remodeler in York County, PA, and we’d love to hear about your next project! Contact us!

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Mar 30
0
custo built in bookcase

7 Remodeling Projects and Trends for 2022

By | Remodeling, Uncategorized | No Comments

After the 2019 global pandemic, millions of homeowners began to spend more time at home, providing plenty of opportunities to redecorate and remodel. As spring and some warmer weather arrive, new remodeling projects are also starting to take off.

Floor-Length Windows and Doors

One of the biggest remodeling trends includes floor-length windows and doors. Increasing the natural lighting you have throughout your home can help improve your mood and your home’s overall value while providing you with a brand-new sunlight-centric environment!

Adding Color Again

Minimalism has been trending for some time, especially as we advance with technology and automation in our homes. However, the minimalistic vibe can quickly become drab, especially if you’ve kept things monotone. A simple yet popular remodeling trend in 2022 is adding color to spaces again. Adding a splash of a vibrant, bold color can provide an instant boost and an uplifting aesthetic.

Home Office Upgrades

One of the most significant transformations that resulted from COVID-19 was the transition to home offices and remote work. With so many people working from home indefinitely, a home office space facelift is a great way to infuse your workday with some inspiration!  And according to Zillow Research, homes with remote-friendly features and environments are associated with higher premiums.

An upgraded home office may include:

  • Soundproofing
  • A Zoom-friendly background
  • High-speed broadband access
  • Eliminating clutter and excess furniture
  • A fresh coat of paint to help spruce up the space.

Expansive Outdoor Areas

Getting outside and spending time in nature is healthy physically, and highly beneficial for mental and emotional health. Unfortunately, being quarantined or transitioning to remote work can be difficult and stressful for those who enjoy getting out in nature or socializing regularly. Expanding the space you have outdoors with new landscaping, an outdoor kitchen, a hobby zone (who doesn’t love a she shed?), or an entertainment area can help to improve your mental health while getting the most out of the outdoor area you have available.

Zillow Research also notes that outdoor retreat spaces at home, once considered a luxury, are now wish list items for buyers that can command higher prices.

Functional Spaces

Creating functional spaces is another top remodeling trend that is not likely to go anywhere anytime soon. Declutter your current space(s), eliminate unnecessary furniture and begin brainstorming ways to create a functional space in your room. From built-in bookshelves to closet storage and foldable tables or workstations, functional spaces can help you make the most out of your home.

Luxury Bathroom Designs

Creating luxury spas and bathrooms is another recent remodeling trend that is not slowing down. There’s been a significant shift toward selecting luxury features for bathrooms. Rather than sticking to simplistic fixtures, more people are investing in bidets, sleek fixtures, spa-like atmospheres, and luxury finishes like detailed tile and stunning marble or perhaps more low maintenance quartz or granite countertops.

Eco-Friendly Features

According to Zillow Research, home features that promote sustainability or energy-efficiency have gained popularity in the last several years and are also attributed to homes selling faster. Want to make your home eco-friendlier? This post on What Elements Go into a New Energy Efficient Home? offers some great ideas. You might also consider an electric vehicle charging station, upgrade to a smart thermostat, double-pane windows, energy-efficient appliances, etc.

Whether you’re looking to spend more time outdoors, want to add some vibrancy into your home, or carve out more functional space, there are plenty of remodeling projects that will really pay off!

If you are not the DIY type and you’re looking for professional help with your upcoming remodeling project in York County, PA, we’d love to hear from you!

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Dec 17
0
Custom bathroom york pa

7 Popular Bathroom Trends

By | Bathrooms, Remodeling | 3 Comments

Whether you’ve decided your bathroom needs an upgrade or you’re planning out your custom dream home master bath, we’ve got a few suggestions to get your creative juices flowing. Since bathroom remodels are one of the higher return projects you can do to your home if you ever plan to sell, it makes sense. And according to one real estate survey, homeowners feel more “joy” in their homes after a bathroom remodel or refresh, so it’s a win-win!

Here are 7 bathroom trends that can make a big difference:

Double Vanities

Double vanities are certainly not a new trend but are considered a must-have in most master bathrooms. We’ve also heard from many couples shopping for their next home that not having a double vanity is a deal-breaker!

Custom bathroom featuring double vanities

Freestanding Tubs

Freestanding tubs are a more recent trend, and though they used to be more of a specialty item, they’ve become much more affordable. They do require a bit more space than a more traditional built-in tub, but they can really add style. And since freestanding tubs are available in so many different shapes and sizes today, you can find the right aesthetic – whether it’s vintage, contemporary, or something in between!

bathroom featuring freestanding tub

Mirrors

Sure, every bathroom needs a mirror, but have you ever considered how common it is to have standard straight-line mirrors in bathrooms? A statement mirror can easily and affordably dress up, adding personality to a bathroom.

bathroom with glass shower door and statement mirror

Walk-In Showers

Not only do walk-in showers feel spa-level luxurious, but they also deliver many advantages, including accessibility and ease of cleaning (tile as compared to porcelain). Larger walk-in showers can also accommodate a variety of cool shower heads, jets, built-in seating, etc.

walk in tile shower

Shower Enclosure Variations

If you choose that route, you can still opt for a shower curtain, but today, there are a wide variety of shower enclosures to choose from. Glass is a very popular choice. It’s clean and simple and doesn’t detract from the shower stall tile or design.

bathroom with glass shower enclosure, tile shower and soaking tub

Tiles & Textures

While tile is a fairly standard bathroom feature, there are many opportunities to add texture, dimension & richness to a bathroom’s design by incorporating differently shaped or raised tiles or various textures like natural stone, wood, glass, etc…

Bathroom with stacked stone wall, double vanity and soaking tub

Floating Vanities

Growing in popularity, floating vanities are no longer synonymous with contemporary design. They can help expand the space available in your bathroom, make cleaning easier, and allow your flooring or tilework to be the star of the show.

Bathroom with stacked stone, floating vanity and pendant lights

What’s your must-have bathroom feature or trend? Let us know in the comments.

Are you thinking about a bathroom remodel in the York, PA area? The Jeffrey L. Henry, Inc. team would love to help bring your vision to life! Reach out today to discuss your next remodeling project. Elevate your bathroom to new heights of style and functionality with a contemporary transformation, including your favorite bathroom trends. With a wealth of expertise, our team has extensive experience revitalizing primary bathrooms, guest baths, and powder rooms across York County.

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May 06
0

Plan Your Summer 2020 Outdoor Space!

By | Remodeling, Uncategorized | No Comments

It’s May and many of us remain under stay-at-home orders. Maybe you’ve maxed out on Netflix or organizing closets. If you’re looking for something new to occupy time, here’s a thought! It’s spring and you can never go wrong with outdoor spaces.

Spending Time Outdoors is Therapeutic

It’s scientifically proven. Spending time outdoors is good for energy levels, your immune system, it boosts creativity, provides an essential source of Vitamin D, is good for positive mental health, and lots more. Best of all, spending time outside is free!

Before sheltering in place, maybe you already had plans to create or update your outdoor space. Sure, you could learn a new language or catch up on another entire season of reality tv, but considering how beneficial outdoor time can be, we think planning an outdoor retreat is time well spent!

Plan Your Outdoor Paradise Incrementally as Time & Budget Allow

In addition to the multitude of benefits we know spending time outdoors provides, here’s another plus to dreaming up your own piece of paradise – you can do it incrementally. It doesn’t have to be like gutting a bathroom and finding yourself pretty much locked into finishing the job. As you plan your backyard escape, you can start small and implement in stages. Check out this article from HGTV on how to logically plan out your outdoor space.

Popular Options for Your Outdoor Living Space

Decking – Decking can be simple or more expansive and multi-tiered. In any case, decks are an excellent way to transition from inside to outside since they typically connect to the outside of the home. Whether you choose wood or composite decking, a deck can add aesthetic appeal to your home. When you add outdoor seating, decks are also a great way to extend your living space. Some experts say that decking can increase a home’s value and provide a better return on investment than adding a bathroom. Keep in mind that higher quality decking materials generally result in a more maintenance-free, longer-lasting deck, which will have more appeal for future buyers.

Create an Outdoor Room – Don’t have a lot of space to work with? Try using fencing, bushes, latticework, weathered barn wood or doors, etc. to create “walls” for an outdoor room. You can even protect your room from the elements by adding an awning. Need some inspiration on creating your very own outdoor room? Check this out.

Patios and Porches – Patios and porches come in all shapes and sizes and can extend your home’s living area. Patios are versatile enough to be stand-alone features wherever you choose. Patios can serve as ideal entertaining spaces or quiet, more secluded areas depending on your intentions for the space. Design with pavers, stone, concrete, or other building materials that complement the style and colors of your home, and you are set with a relatively low-maintenance, easy-to-clean outdoor space for relaxing or entertaining.

Whatever you plan to do with your outdoor space, one of the best parts is decorating and making it uniquely your own. Add finishing touches like planters, outdoor area rugs, furniture, water features, fountains, drapes, stone, mulch, lighting, swings, hammocks, etc. There are tons of options for any amount of space and budget! Invest a little time and money into making an outdoor area that is fabulous and customized to your needs! You won’t regret it.

Ready to start planning your next custom build, remodel, or amazing outdoor space? Reach out to us via phone or email, we’d love to hear from you!

Some of our favorite outdoor spaces!
Nov 15
0

Tips for a Stress-Free Building or Remodeling Project

By | Home Building, Remodeling | No Comments

Do you cringe at the idea of starting a new home build or remodeling project? Sure, there is some level of anxiety to be expected with moving forward on any kind of major project. However, there are steps you can take to ensure that your next experience with a professional builder or remodeler is as stress-free as possible! Heck, we’d even go so far as to say it should be gratifying!

Embarking on a major building or remodeling project will require some patience, but with good planning and the right builder you should be able to reduce worry and enjoy the overall process.

Ready for a stress-free building or remodeling project? Keep these tips in mind!

  1. Choose a Builder or Remodeler You Trust. You know yourself and what kind of working relationship will help you feel comfortable through what could be a long-term project. In addition to trust, you’ll need to understand your builder’s communication style, know who your primary point of contact will be and be able to work well together to put a solid plan in place. Large projects can be disruptive. Make sure you hire someone that will be accessible to you, help you fully understand costs and timelines, and someone you’ll be able to speak honestly with about concerns that come up. If you’d like to learn more about choosing the right builder, we recommend you do these five things. Having the right contractor in place is a MAJOR key to de-stressing your project!
  2. Select Your Design. You might have wonderful visions in your head, but solidifying a design will help you plan for important next steps like creating a realistic budget, timeline, etc. Your builder will be able to help you determine what it possible, make recommendations on how to maximize your investment, and provide a proposal for your project.
  3. Have a Plan. Your plan should be comprehensive and will have many moving parts, so take your time in creating a one that makes sense for your individual needs. Your plan should include:
    1. Timeline – How long is your project expected to take? Will you stay in your home (if remodeling) and what arrangements need to be made? If you’ll be living in your home make sure you work out the details with your builder as to family schedules, pets in the home, etc.
    2. Budget – Make sure you have the financial resources available when you need them. Work out a schedule with your builder as to how/when your payments will be made. Payments are typically tied to major stages of completion and a percentage before work is started. Be wary of anyone asking for a very large sum or the total cost upfront!
    3. Understand your Contract – Your builder should detail the project scope and include information about budget, payments, responsibilities, change order procedures, warranties, etc.
    4. Keep Proper Files & Documentation – Organize your documents so that you have easy access to everything if/when you need to refer back to it. Consider keeping your proposal, contract, all correspondence, invoices, orders, payments, etc. together in a binder or project folder.
  4. Be Able to Step Aside. With a respectable builder, a good design and plan in place, you should be able to breathe freely and enjoy the process from a distance. Keep your perspective and understand that things “will come up.” Weather, materials shortages or other unexpected events are inevitable. Stay focused on a positive end result, keep lines of communication open with your builder and prioritize time for yourself or the family to get away and enjoy some favorite activities.

A smooth building or remodeling process requires patience, planning and a partner that you have confidence in!

At Jeffrey L. Henry Inc. one of our primary objectives is building relationships with our clients and making the project experience a positive one. We’ve been making custom home and remodeling project dreams come true since 1987. Learn more about what makes Jeffrey L. Henry Inc. special!