West Side Remodeling

At some point, deciding whether or not to make certain home improvements always comes down to two questions:

1. Can we afford it?
2. What benefit will these home improvements provide?

If you can afford to make the home improvements, the second question can be answered with the following thoughts. Many home remodeling projects will increase the property’s market value, depending on the nature of the project. However, no matter how much you are spending on your home improvements, you may not necessarily recoup the full financial cost of the project when you sell the home. Nonetheless, the resale value does go up.

Certain home improvements may only provide aesthetic changes that transform the appearance of the home without making any noticeable improvement in the market value of the property. Nonetheless, aesthetic improvements often increase the comfort of the home for those individuals living there.

Certain improvements such as installing an updated HVAC system, new windows, or insulation can increase the energy efficiency and comfort of your home. These updates can create financial savings as your energy bills are lowered.

New siding, building a deck, or installing new windows and exterior doors can enhance the curb appeal of the home, not only for prospective buyers but also for the individuals currently living in the home. Modernizing the exterior of a home helps to keep the structure on a level footing with similar properties, while also improving its resale value.

It’s important to consider hiring a reputable contractor when making home improvements. Contractors are aware of local codes and ordinances, saving you from having to research whether or not you need a permit for certain remodeling projects. Moreover, with a highly regarded contractor on the job, the worthiness of your home’s structure is never in question.

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One of the benefits of replacing all of the windows for your home is that this task provides an immediate facelift for the exterior of the building. Your home should look younger with this modification to its façade, and you should realize energy savings on both your heating and cooling bills if you purchase energy-efficient models bearing the ENERGY STAR label.

Since windows come in a variety of different styles, it’s important to have a clear idea of your options before making your purchase. Certain types of windows have been designed to offer enhanced functionality depending on their placement. While you should install the same manufacturer throughout the home for a blended appearance on the exterior of the home, you can easily select a different style of window in order to meet specific needs based upon its installation location.

The Different Types of Replacement Windows

Single hung windows provide good ventilation and slide up from the bottom toward the top of the frame. They do not take up any additional interior/exterior space.

Double hung windows feature exceptional ventilation capacity as well as superior lighting capability. Both the top and bottom panes are moveable.

Picture windows are large, offering a full view of the area outside of the home. They typically include a combination of two double hung windows on the sides and a large stationary window pane in the center.

Bay windows feature superior lighting capability and provide a clear view of the outside world. They usually include several windows at a variety of angles with a stationary window in the center of the design.

Casement windows crank open at the side framing for ventilation purposes and are useful in places that are difficult to reach.

Awning windows, typically installed above doors or walls-of-windows, open out slightly for ventilation purposes.

Slider windows deliver superior ventilation capability and provide a wide-open view of the outside world.

If you are searching for an easy way to give your home a facelift, why not consider upgrading the hardware for all of your doors – inside and outside? While you are at it, you may also want to think about upgrading your home’s security and have a few deadbolts installed on your exterior doors.

Over the years, the hardware for your doors takes a beating, losing its once brilliant shine. Swapping out old, discolored, scratched, or worn hardware instantly transforms your home, giving it a brighter, newer appearance. When you replace the door knobs, you should also replace the hinges and door stop.

Match the Finish of the Hardware for Your Doors

In most cases, when you replace the hardware for your interior doors, you are going to want to coordinate your selections so that the finish remains consistent throughout your home. Some of the finish choices available for door hardware include polished brass, antiqued brass, satin nickel, pewter, bronze, distressed oil rubbed bronze, chrome, satin chrome, satin steel, stainless steel, and black finishes.

Some of your choices that you make for your hardware are going to depend on the room that the door opens into or out of, limiting your options as far as door knobs or levers. In any case, you should remain consistent with your choice of finish for the best results.

Hardware for Exterior Doors

The hardware for your exterior doors should have a similar finish if you are concerned about aesthetics. Getting deadbolts installed on the exterior doors will add a second layer of protection to your home. It may even lower the cost of your homeowner’s insurance.

Points to Consider

• Change the hardware on pocket doors if you have any at the same time so that the new look is consistent throughout your home.
• Remember to purchase push-button locks for rooms that demand privacy (bathroom, powder room, and bedrooms) or keyed-lock door knobs for those rooms that you want to secure (dens and offices).
• Choose the finish based upon the home’s existing décor.

The modern bathroom is a place for more than just simple cleansing. It is a retreat for relaxation, meditation, and a total rebalancing of the human mind and body. Incorporating a lavish soaking tub into your full-size bathroom delivers an added touch of luxury to the home that most people appreciate.

Designed to deliver a restful bathing experience filled with tranquility and a sense of rejuvenation, lavish soaking tubs are gaining in popularity. Not only is one of these styles quieter than its counterpart, the jetted tub, but it is typically more attractive in appearance.

There’s nothing quite like sinking into a lavish soaking tub to infuse a bit of luxurious living into your life. For those homeowners who are considering a bathroom renovation, it’s important to consider your options for a lavish soaking tub prior to actually buying one.

Current styles of soaking tubs include:

• Massaging (immersion in a tub featuring thousands of tiny bubbles that caress the body)
• Japanese soaking tub (round or square in design)
• Pedestal soaking tub
• Apron soaking tub
• Drop-in soaking tub
• Chromotherapy (LED lighting system illuminates your bathing water in a kaleidoscope of colors)
• Aromatherapy (features specialized dispensing system for dispersal of fragrant botanicals)
• Freestanding soaking tub (with or without claw feet)
• Corner soaking tub

Practical Considerations When Choosing a Lavish Soaking Tub

In many cases, the bathroom must undergo renovation in order to accommodate your new bathtub. The plumbing may need modification in order to meet the needs of out-of-the-ordinary drain, faucet, and handle configurations featured on larger-than-normal bathtubs as well as on those that are freestanding. Additionally, electrical work might be in order to meet the needs of an LED lighting system or specialized dispensing system.

Aside from specific changes that must be made to accommodate the size, shape, or functionality of a lavish soaking tub, you may want to consider changing the existing lighting fixtures in the bathroom, moving sinks and/or toilets to accommodate a larger tub, and so on.

When it comes to upgrading the kitchen sink, a few different options exist that can accommodate your lifestyle or complement the room’s décor. In most cases, you should consider the kitchen’s décor and size before selecting your new sink style.

Consider the Size of Your Kitchen When Choosing a Large, Small, or Multi-Basin Sink

While you may prefer a double sink to a single one, the size of your kitchen is going to play into your decision-making process. A small sink is not going to look right in a large kitchen, and a large or multi-basin sink is going to overpower a small one. Even if your kitchen is supersized, you should avoid installing a second sink unless you are actually going to need it.

Trendy Undermount Kitchen Sinks

Gaining in popularity, the undermount style of sink maintains the clean lines of your countertop and keeps the focus clearly on its appearance. Undermount sinks also enable easy countertop clean up since you can simply sweep crumbs and debris from the countertop into the sink.

Tile-In Sinks

Combining the benefit of the undermount sink that enables easy cleanup of debris and scraps with the attractiveness of having tile installed to the edge of the sink, this style of kitchen sink is gaining popularity. It keeps the focus on the countertop and not on the sink.

Prep/Entertainment Sinks

The perfect second sink for large kitchens, the prep style provides a convenient location for a helper to rinse produce or handle small tasks. It is perfect for people who love to entertain or large families.

Farmhouse Style

Offering a touch of nostalgia, the farmhouse style typically features an apron front with an undermount installation. This style is more expensive to install as it usually requires custom cabinetry. It’s important to realize that under-the-sink storage is greatly reduced when upgrading the kitchen sink to this style. This is a perfect style for large or vintage kitchens.

Drop-In Sinks

The least expensive option when you decide to replace the kitchen sink is the drop-in style. It fits into an opening that has been cut out of the existing countertop. This is the most common choice for tile or laminated countertops.

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Need help finding the right kitchen sink? Call the best remodeling contractor in Agoura: Westside Remodeling. Call us at 805.499.4121 or visit us online at http://www.westsideremodeling.com.

The design of your kitchen often sets the tone for the entire home. Kitchen cabinetry is a large focus of this room. Any remodeling that takes place in the kitchen typically involves redoing the style of the cabinets. Trending themes for kitchen cabinetry includes the environmentally friendly style and the minimalistic approach.

Environmentally Friendly Kitchen Cabinetry

Going green has been a buzz phrase for a number of years now. Doing so with kitchen cabinetry is a bit difficult, primarily for two reasons. Unfortunately, new products haven’t been around long enough to stand the test of time, so there aren’t a lot of proven options available. Additionally, the kitchen takes a beating and finishes that do not include formaldehyde don’t hold up well.

Trending styles for homeowners searching for environmentally friendly include bamboo and repurposed lumber. Using cabinetry crafted from sustainable wood is becoming more popular. One example is a product manufactured from different species of Eucalyptus. Using cabinetry with water-based finishes is another green option.

Minimalistic Kitchen Cabinetry

Going simple with kitchen cabinetry has become popular since it provides a clean look. Homeowners are choosing fresh and simple with flat-paneled cabinetry offering clean lines. With a minimalistic design in cabinetry, it becomes easy to switch your kitchen’s décor or rearrange the room without the need to also replace the cabinets.

The current trend in kitchens is to move away from engraved, complicated designs that are difficult to match with varying themes of décor, appliances, sinks, and lighting. Simplistic cabinet designs lend themselves well to a variety of upgraded themes and equipment.

Simplistic color schemes are also in vogue currently. Basic whites, off-whites, grays, and browns are in, everything else is out. Natural woods offer the opportunity to showcase the natural beauty of the wood rather than investing in ornate carvings and designs.

Today’s homeowners are searching for kitchen cabinets that are going to survive the test of time without the need to replace them each time the appliances are upgraded or the room’s décor is changed. Durability and simple lines have become increasingly popular for those reasons.

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Need help finding the right kitchen cabinetry? Call the best remodeling contractor in Thousand Oaks: Westside Remodeling. Call us at 805.499.4121 or visit us online at http://www.westsideremodeling.com.

If you are searching for new space within your home, an unused closet can be the perfect spot to look. While the area may be small, a few clever changes can produce a functional conversion that enables you to create a new living area. Think outside of the box instead of bemoaning the fact that you don’t have enough room to make all of the changes that you want. If you want more living space, embrace the task of creating functional closet conversions. Here are a few ideas.

Computer Niche

An unused closet can be transformed into a cozy computer niche that offers more functionality than simply storing unneeded items. A wide closet has enough space to house a narrow computer table to hold your electronics. You can also arrange to have a remodeling contractor install electrical outlets, surge protection, lighting, and narrow shelving.

Beauty Salon

A bedroom closet is the perfect place to create your own mini beauty salon. Ask the remodeling contractor to install a vanity top that abuts with the wall to hold all of your essentials. Have the remodeling contractor install an electrical outlet or two for your curling iron, hairdryer, and so on. Narrow shelving and lighting should also be considered for the best functionality in this closet transformation.

Mini-Bar or Wine Closet

Turn a rarely used pantry or closet in the recreation/gaming room into a mini-bar or wine closet. Have the walls painted or wallpapered to set the mood. In addition to having shelving installed, you might want to consider a wet or dry sink depending on the location of the space that you are using and the accessibility to plumbing.

Craft or Hobby Niche

Whether you redesign a closet for the kids or you create new space for yourself, turning an unused closet into a small craft or hobby corner can make it easier to reclaim interests that you or family members have. Depending on the hobby, you may want to have specialized lighting installed along with electrical outlets, storage shelving, along with a flush mount table top.

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Need help finding use for old closets? Call the best remodeling contractor in Westlake Village: Westside Remodeling. Call us at 805.499.4121 or visit us online at http://www.westsideremodeling.com.

One of the easiest ways to give your home a facelift is to bring in a professional for an interior painting makeover. A fresh coat of paint can recreate your space, adding new life to each room. Since the color of the paint is going to set the tone of the room, make your choice carefully.

Bring home samples of the paint colors that you are considering to help you envision what each room will look like. Collect samples in varying shades of the same color to give you a better idea of whether or not your first choice is actually your best selection.

If you are going to continue using the existing carpet, furniture, and draperies for any of the rooms, be sure to bring a small sample of their coloring for comparison whenever possible.

Use the background color of any prints featured in your furniture, drapery, or carpeting to match your paint. This strategy creates a more harmonious look for the room.

Step away from the traditional selection of white and off white for the molding and choose a lighter shade of the paint color that you select for the walls.

Choosing Flat, Matte, Eggshell, Satin, Semi-Glossy, or Glossy Finish

If the room, hallway, or foyer walls have minor indentations or cracks in them, then you may want to consider a flat or matte finish. This type of finish hides imperfections more easily. However, it does not always hold up to washing, so you may want to consider flat enamel paint for walls in a high traffic area.

Paint with an eggshell finish offers the slightest hint of gloss, so it cleans up better than a flat or matte finish. It is also recommended for walls in a high traffic area

Paint with a satin, semi-glossy, or glossy finish holds up well to washing, so it is suitable for trim and doors, as well as any room that does not have a great deal of illumination, since it reflects light more readily than a flat or matte finish.

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Are you considering a painting makeover? Call the best remodeling contractor in Agoura: Westside Remodeling. Call us at 805.499.4121 or visit us online at http://www.westsideremodeling.com.

Green remodeling isn’t a new idea, and it certainly isn’t a passing fad. Anyone who is interested in their health and global warming can benefit from the green remodeling tips presented here.

Contrary to popular thought, utilizing green technology in your home or commercial building isn’t that expensive, although the cost may be slightly higher than conventional methods of remodeling. However, it does require a conscious effort on your part to implement green strategies for remodeling that are better for your health as well as for the environment.

Start by installing energy-efficient windows and skylights to illuminate your home naturally, while preventing the exterior air from affecting your interior temperature. For nighttime lighting, have energy-efficient lighting fixtures installed, including dimmer switches and motion sensors that turn off the lights for you when you leave the room.

Install energy-saving heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) components, reducing the emission of pollutants into the atmosphere. This strategy also saves you money on your utility bill.

Consider a tankless hot water heater or a system that recirculates to cut back on water consumption. Recycling grey water may not yet be approved in your location, so be sure to check local ordinances first.

VOCs (volatile organic compounds) are one of the top pollutants found in a home. They include a long list of chemicals, many of which are toxic in high quantities, produce respiratory problems, and pollute the atmosphere. Avoiding VOCs is easily accomplished by using:

• Formaldehyde-free insulation
• Paints, stains, and finishes that are free of VOCs
• Hardwood cabinetry, molding, and furniture (Hardwoods include cherry, mahogany, oak, and maple, just to name a few.)
• Carpets made from recycled fibers, vegetable-based dyes, and fabrics

Use engineered lumber to construct an addition. Engineered lumber is manufactured from smaller pieces of wood that are put together to save trees. They are strong and typically plumb and square, making them easy to use.

If you remodel your home or office building, remember to stay green by recycling discarded wiring, paneling, and so on. Green remodeling is a great way to save money, stay healthy, and protect the environment around you.

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Need help with environmentally friendly remodeling? Call the best remodeling contractor in Thousand Oaks: Westside Remodeling. Call us at 805.499.4121 or visit us online at http://www.westsideremodeling.com.