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mujeeburrehman · 3 years

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3 Colonial Kitchen Renovations Show Off Timeless Style & Sleek Upgrades

These classic Colonial kitchen renovations show interiors ready for modern-day life

(Above) The 1919 Colonial of Sweeten homeowners Amanda and Cory

The quaintness of Colonial-style homes is undeniable. Usually marked by two or three stories and brick or wood facades, these dwellings are traditionally found on the east coast. They are typically characterized by a simple almost minimalist shape. The floor plan keeps the kitchen and dining room on the first floor with bedrooms on the second. And while some have open-concept layouts, it is more common to see separation between rooms. They are also easy to remodel by adding on to the side or back.

Here, we look at three Colonial kitchen renovations by Sweeten—examples of their older interiors redone to bring in modern style and conveniences.

Sweeten matches home renovation projects with vetted general contractors, offering advice, support, and up to $50,000 in renovation financial protection—for free.

Bringing a Tudor Colonial into the next century

Built in 1912, Nilda and Brian’s Tudor Colonial in Westchester County, NY, desperately needed a remodel. The 4,400-square-foot home featured a kitchen that was last updated almost 60 years ago. It was time for a change. “The floor was three inches off-level,” says Nilda. “You could peek through the floor to the basement.”

The couple hired a Sweeten contractor for the remodel. To honor the historic style, they maintained some separation between the kitchen and the other living spaces. New cabinets, flooring, and lighting updated the look. They also opened up the back wall to install a patio door.

They kept a traditional feel by opting for Shaker cabinets in a modern gray color. The butler’s pantry also keeps the turn-of-the-century vibe but with a contemporary twist.

A Colonial Revival home gets rejuvenated

Fiske Terrace, Brooklyn, is a quiet enclave built at the turn of the 20th century. Interestingly, the Flatbush neighborhood is filled with Colonial Revival homes. So when Nydia and Jonathan bought their 3,240-square-foot home in 2012, they decided to renovate. But at the time, they put off the larger renovation of the outdated kitchen.

Eventually, they turned to Sweeten to find the right contractor for their old-home renovation. They wanted to take advantage of the natural light the house afforded. However, like in many other Colonial home renovations, the small windows blocked out the light. As a solution, they replaced them with white-framed ones. In addition, they updated the kitchen with gray-blue cabinets and brushed gold accents. These design choices make the aesthetic modern yet still warm and inviting. The bonus? The exposed brick from the chimney area brings even more character.

From challenged to Colonial charming

Dated salmon-colored Formica didn’t stop Amanda and Cory from buying their 1919 Colonial home. For a while, they actually found it charming. However, they knew eventually it needed to be renovated. They hired a Sweeten contractor to update the kitchen to accommodate their family’s needs.

On their list of goals was creating a better flow of traffic and light. A challenge of renovating Colonial homes is their notorious separation of rooms. The main entrance to the kitchen by way of the dining room was too narrow. As a result, it isolated the kitchen. But taking down the wall felt disrespectful to the house’s character, so instead, they simply widened and centered it.

Like a lot of Colonials, there was some asymmetry in the house. One example was the sheetrock box-beam in the kitchen. They assumed it encased something hard to move, so they left it. However, they fixed the problem by giving it a matching beam which created symmetry.

“Our new space makes us feel happy,” says Amanda. “It feels so harmonious with the rest of our beautiful old Colonial home.”

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Sweeten handpicks the best general contractors to match each project’s location, budget, scope, and style. Follow the blog, Sweeten Stories, for renovation ideas and inspiration and when you’re ready to renovate, start your renovation with Sweeten.

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source https://civilco.construction/3-colonial-kitchen-renovations-show-off-timeless-style-sleek-upgrades/ from Civilco Construction & Interior https://civilcoconstruction.blogspot.com/2021/09/3-colonial-kitchen-renovations-show-off.html

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mujeeburrehman · 3 years

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How to Plan the Lighting and Electrical Points for your Home

One of the many things you have to plan for when it comes to your home renovation is where to locate your lighting and electrical points. It’s not easy right off the bat, but we’ll guide you along and present some questions for you to think about as you do up your lighting and electrical plan along with your interior designer or contractor.

Plan waaay in advance

Plan early. It doesn’t have to be set in stone from the start, but you do want a proper idea of where the power points and switches go. A good interior designer or a contractor will do this with you in the early stages of your renovation.

Having a plan early will give allowances for switches and other power points when planning for built-ins. Knowing where everything goes allows the professionals to do the necessary carpentry work for any concealment if necessary. Get started on the lighting and electrical points once your interior design is more or less finalised and preferably before any work commences.

Design: Rezt n Relax Interior

For homeowners considering a smart home system, make sure you accommodate for that early on. If you are going for the basics e.g. smart light bulbs, you may not need to plan for that at this stage. However, if you are going for the full kit (video doorbell, digital lock, motion sensors, light switches, etc.), you will need to do some wiring work, which is better done at the renovation stage than after.

» You can read our review of the Schneider Electric’s Wiser Smart Home System here, and see the importance of planning early!

Do several walkthroughs

When planning the lighting and electrical points for your home, you will want to do several walkthroughs in your new place. If you can, get everyone in the household involved because each one of us has different needs.

Go room by room and think about how you’ll spend time in each space. Think about the positioning of your furniture and built-ins and have an idea of where they should go. Think about where the electronics and appliances will be located.

Once you have a rough gauge, mark them out on your floor plan. In the subsequent walkthrough with your interior designer or electrician, pay heed to their professional opinions, in the aspects of safety, practicality and outlook and then adjust accordingly.

Example of an electrical plan.

Image source: The Reiki Sanctuary

Understand the three types of lighting (ambient, task, accent) for each space

Consider a layered lighting approach when planning out the lighting points. Not every space will need all three types of lighting, but it’s good to have a variation as it adds to the depth and function of the space.

Example of a layered lighting plan.

Image source: Eat and Travel Later With Us

Ambient lights refer to a general type of lighting that will be able to light up the entire area evenly. Task lights are more focused and are targeted at areas where you need to handle tasks. Accent lights are for ambience, to uplift the mood, highlight certain features or boost the aesthetics of a room.

Design: Charlotte’s Carpentry

Here’s an example of how you can do up your lighting plan for the different areas of the home:

Kitchen / Dining

Ambient: Recessed lighting or flush mount lighting

Task: Concealed LED strip lights under cabinets (to light the prep counters and cooking zone), lights inside drawers and cabinets, pendant lights over the island and dining table

Accent: Toe-kick lights, wall sconces

Pro tip: When planning where your recessed lights should go, make sure the light source isn’t blocked when you open up a top cabinet door.

Living Room

Ambient: Recessed lights, flush mount or a large pendant light if you have enough height

Task: Adjustable floor lights or swinging wall lights for reading

Accent: Spotlights casting light at pictures, table lamps or track lights to highlight certain features

Design: UNO Interior

Bedroom

Ambient: Flush mount or pendant lighting near the centre of the room, track lights for the closet area

Task: Table lamps or wall-mounted lights by the bed, LED strips lights inside the wardrobe, vanity mirror with built-in lights

Accent: Concealed lighting under the base of your closet, table lamps with dimmer function

Design: Fifth Avenue Interior

Bathroom

Ambient: Recessed lights

Task: Wall sconces or pendants by the side of the mirror to prevent casting shadows over your face

Accent: LED strips along the mirror or under the vanity cabinet

Design: Azrul Yusoff Interior Studio

Home Office

Ambient: Flush mount ceiling lights and take into account natural lighting!

Task: Desk lamps that are adjustable or floor lamps

Accent: Monopoint lights for highlighting certain parts of the room

How many power outlets and switches and where to locate them?

The number of outlets you need in each room will depend on the number of electronics and appliances you have and how many are used at a time. Also consider any plugged-in lighting you may have and make sure you account for the existing outlets you are planning to keep.

You don’t need one outlet for every single electronic or appliance, only for those that are permanently plugged in. For everything else, think about the frequency of use and the number of electronics or appliances you are using at any one time.

How do you usually spend time in each room? Take into consideration your lifestyle habits before allocating the positioning of switches and outlets. And if they tend to stick out against your sleek interiors, you will also want to think about how to conceal them.

Here are some tips when planning out switches and electrical outlets:

Kitchen / Dining

Design: Starry Homestead

Appliances that are usually fixed in place: Hob, hood, ovens, refrigerator.

Countertop appliances: How many will be left out on the counters—those will require fixed outlets. These appliances are commonly left on counters: Kettle, steamer, air fryer, blender, rice cooker, toaster, coffee machine, pressure cooker, etc.

For appliances don’t have a permanent place on the counter, where are they usually used? You’ll want to locate a couple of outlets there to make sure cords aren’t running across the stove or across the floor.

Do you have a baking station? Include outlets for appliances like your stand mixer.

Most portable appliances don’t have very long cords, so you’ll want to make sure the outlets for them aren’t located too high.

Will you be using any appliances/electronics at the dining area e.g. hot pot, fan, etc? If so, you’ll want to include an outlet near the dining table.

Will you be working at your dining table? If so, include extra outlets for charging laptops and phones.

Group several outlets together to minimise visual clutter.

Where to hide outlets? Underneath top cabinets, within cabinets, the side of counters and cabinets, recessed outlets and blending in with the walls or backsplash.

Design: Next Door ID

Living Room

Design: Arche Interior

Electronics that will likely need a fixed outlet: TV, sound bar, fans, speakers, air purifier, dehumidifier, table and floor lamps, vacuum cleaners.

For those with large open spaces, think about going with a two-way switch so you can control the lights from more than a single location. This is useful to minimise foot traffic.

Do you need an outlet for charging devices by the sofa?

If your TV’s wall-mounted, consider an outlet that is located near to the middle of the wall. If your TV’s positioned atop a console stand, an outlet nearer to the floor will make more sense.

A built-in console is a great spot for hiding outlets for media units. Make sure you let your designer know in advance so that he or she can accommodate room for them.

Where will you be placing your floor or table lamps? This should be planned out early if you don’t want to see too many cords running across the room. Outlets for floor lamps should be located closer to the floor, while outlets for table lamps should be around side table height.

Will the switches of your wall lights be located in the same area as your other light switches? If not, consider how to place your wall light switches at a more discreet location.

Design: Key Concept

Bedroom / Bathroom

Design: Earth Interior Design

Electronics that will need outlets: Phone charger, TV, bedside lamps, hair dryer, curling iron, straightener, electronic shaver, electronic toothbrush, fan, air purifier, dehumidifier, garment steamer, etc.

Go with a bedside switch that can control the main lights of your bedroom, so you won’t need to get up from the bed to turn off the lights.

Plan for enough outlets by the bed for charging your devices. Bonus: include a USB outlet for charging phones.

Make sure you know the dimensions of your bed and bedside table when locating your outlets. You don’t want to be caught in a situation where you’ll have to shift your nightstand just to charge your phone.

If you have a dressing table in the bedroom, have outlets for plugging in appliances that you are likely to use there like your hairdryer, straightener, etc.

Consider a dimmer switch for the bedroom so you can adjust the lighting in this space. Warm lights are great for unwinding but if you want to read before bed, a cooler light will be more suitable.

Will there be a TV in the bedroom? If so, make sure you account for that.

Design: Rezt n Relax Interior

Home Office

Design: Cozyspace

Electronics you will need outlets for: Desktop, fan, laptop, phone charger, adjustable desk, desk lamp, printer. How many desktops and laptops will be used in the same space?

Think about the length of your cords.

Outlets on the wall are useful if your desks are against the wall, but not so if you plan to position your desk in the middle of the room. Consider floor outlets or outlets built into your study table.

Image courtesy of Line8

Service Yard

Design: Ace Interior Design

Appliances and electronics that need an outlet: Washer, dryer, vacuum cleaners, iron, automated laundry rack.

Will you be using this space to iron your clothes?

What else have we missed in our lighting and electrical point guide? Let us know in the comments!

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source https://civilco.construction/how-to-plan-the-lighting-and-electrical-points-for-your-home/ from Civilco Construction & Interior https://civilcoconstruction.blogspot.com/2021/09/how-to-plan-lighting-and-electrical.html

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mujeeburrehman · 3 years

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We’re Moving: Part Two – The Inspired Room

If you missed part one of the post on our decision to move, you can catch up HERE! We are SO excited! It’s been an incredibly busy few weeks as we’ve been getting our house up for sale, but we are just so thrilled to begin this adventure by moving to a new home. I can’t wait to tell you more about it!

At the end of part one of my story, my husband and I were taking off on a quick road trip to an area north of us that I had wanted to visit for a long time.

Little did we know, we’d not only find our dream location there, but our dream home.

A dream house doesn’t only have one address.

The day we took our little road trip we weren’t looking for a dream house.

We weren’t looking for a home with new projects. We’ve had our fill of those (ha!).

We were simply opening our hearts to a new season of life. A season to embrace life to the fullest!

Yet, I do love houses. And finding a new home would be part of our adventure.

There are so many types of homes I could fall in love with.

I love a good fixer upper! I can dream up exactly what it would look like when it’s done, but I also love just making a house pretty for the season (without the need to spend years fixing things like sewers, haha).

I love the *idea* of a big rambling house and a beautiful property, but I know I’d be happy as can be living in a not-so-big house with just enough room for a cozy spot to sit by the fire and a small flower garden outside.

There are so many dream houses I could be happy in. Do you feel that way, too?

When I say we found a “dream home” or “dream location” you might imagine your own idea of what a perfect dream home would be in this season of your life. A shingled home in Nantucket? A cozy rustic cabin in the mountains? Maybe you dream big! Maybe your dream home is small. A dream home doesn’t have to be big or fancy. As I wrote in my first book Love the Home You Have, a dream house doesn’t have only one address.

As we began talking through more options of what was next for us, we dreamed up all kinds of possibilities. Should we buy land for a future family beach house? Should we sell our home and rent for awhile while we looked for a new place? What about buying a vacation home? What do we need for our “empty nester” adventures?

We decided we really didn’t want to take the time or energy to build a home (unless the right opportunity came along). We didn’t need a separate vacation house, we were empty nesters so we could live like we were on vacation every day!

We could be happy in many different styles and types of homes, but we wanted to be intentional in buying a home that would allow us to have all of the adventures we dreamed about, not just the home-related ones :).

After that day on the boardwalk and the conversations that followed with our family, it felt so good to finally have a few things we were more certain about. The general location we wanted to be, the lifestyle we dreamed of, our willingness to sell our home, the possibility of my parents moving as well. We felt at peace taking steps forward towards those goals, knowing we would eventually find the house meant for us!

I’m a dreamer, but I’m also a terrible decision maker when there are too many directions we could possibly go. I get easily paralyzed just trying to decide which option is best. But once we felt at peace about moving closer to the San Juans, we felt like the hardest decision was made. We were ready to move forward in that direction, trusting the next decision and house would also fall into place when the time was right. And it did!

A dream house is a home that is meant for you.

Our new home feels like it was meant for us in so many unique ways.

But I’m getting ahead of my story again! Let’s get back to road trip. We left for the day without any expectations of what we would find. We were just exploring the area and possibilities, not expecting to find “‘the house.” My husband and I decide we’d first stop at a house that was open. It was a large, fairly charming fixer upper with a lot of potential.

A garden snake crossed the front porch when I walked up to it, so I knew at that moment it wasn’t the house for me. Ha! Just kidding, but I really don’t like snakes. Besides the greeting from a snake, we actually did like quite a few things about the house. It wasn’t super old but it was quite dated. It would have been fun in some ways to get a larger home and one we could remodel over time. The possibilities seemed endless!

But over the coming days as we talked about the house, we realized that buying that type of property would also determine what we would be doing for fun over the next five or ten years. We would be managing all of the decisions, chaos, repairs and expenses involved in a big remodel and taking care of a large property! Would that be fun for us? It could be, yes! But also stressful and expensive. We would have very little time or funds for the adventures we wanted. Ultimately, we decided a fixer upper wasn’t the direction we wanted to go in, at least for now! Besides, I wanted to see at least some water from our home and that house didn’t have a view of anything but trees.

A dream house is a home that was planted in your heart.

There was a neighborhood near the open house, one where I virtually had stalked homes for years! We had never actually driven through it to look at homes in person (although we had been in the area many times). We had just saved a few listings over the years in the neighborhood and thought we might consider it someday, once we were empty nesters.

Since we were free birds now, I was excited to finally get to drive through the area and see it in person! As we drove into the neighborhood, I was wondering what my husband would think. He can be particular about neighborhoods, but we agreed on this one. It felt like a special destination. A place where we could feel very much at home.

There was actually a house for sale there, although it wasn’t open that day. We drove by to take a peek at the outside. It was adorable, but I had already looked at the info online and felt like the square footage was probably too small for what I had imagined we’d be looking for.

So we parked the car and walked around the neighborhood to get a better look at what was there.

While I had been *hoping* my husband would like the neighborhood, I really wasn’t expecting him to fall in love with it. But he did. After we explored a bit, he was the one who suggested we should call the realtor to see if we might be able to get in to see the house before we left. I was almost afraid to call. I was already in love with the neighborhood, but what if I fell in love with the house, too?

A huggable house

Years ago my husband and I started saying that we wanted to move to a “huggable house” someday when we became empty nesters. A huggable house was a term a realtor had used to describe a house we looked at many years ago. It was small, cozy and inviting. The kind of home that feels like you could hug it when you walk in. It’s not too big. Not too fancy, but still so charming. We lived in a couple of huggable-houses over the years and they were always our favorite.

As we walked in to the adorable house that day, my husband beamed. He turned to me with a twinkle in his eyes and said “it’s a huggable house.” I knew just what he was thinking. It was charming. Cozy. It felt like the home we’d been dreaming of for so long. We fell in love with it in three minutes flat.

We walked out talking about how much we loved so much about it. It was what we had always dreamed about having. But it just wasn’t what we thought we would be looking for at that moment. Besides, we weren’t even prepared to buy a house yet. The market was crazy. Our house wasn’t listed. You have to have all of your ducks in a row and we didn’t. We drove away thinking as wonderful as the house was, it wasn’t for us.

Yet, the house seemed to follow us home and continue to keep its doors open for us!

The dream house that was meant for us

The day after the open house I couldn’t stop thinking about it so I thought I might as well text the realtor to see if the house had gotten any offers. He said they had a cash offer in hand. A cash offer felt like a closed door for us, so I said something like “I’m sure the owners are thrilled with a cash offer.” He said to let him know if we’d like to look at any other homes! I wasn’t interested in other homes at that time, so I just thanked him and went on my way, trying to put that house out of my mind!

But a few days later, the realtor texted again. The cash offer still hadn’t been accepted.

Our family kept talking about the house.

Days later, the realtor texted again.

Their offer had expired. The door was still open!

The more our family talked about it, the more I became convinced this house really might be the one for us. We realized the area this house is in is even more perfect that we imagined for the type of fun adventures we (and my dad) had talked about. And I knew my mom would love working on this house with me and enjoy the neighborhood, she’s a homebody and house-lover like me. We discussed floor plans, the property, expectations and fun / practical ways to make the small space work for us. This house was so cute already, we could literally just move in, relax and enjoy it as long as we wanted to. Yet it would also be a fun one to put our own stamp on whenever inspiration struck!

We loved that the location was not only ideal for our adventures, but we would still be close enough to our kids (even closer to one daughter who lives near, and close enough to our son to hang out with him any time, and within a few hours driving distance of our daughter and son-in-law and other family near Portland!).

Plus we would be surrounded by a smaller community, which we felt would be good for all of us in this season of life. And we would still be conveniently located to everything else we needed!

On our budget and in the locations we want to live, we always know we will have to make some compromises when it comes to buying a home. Yet the list of “pros” about this house kept growing. After we talked to my parents about the house and its pros and cons, and if/how this little home might fit into their dreams, we drove by it again with our daughters and son-in-law. We realized the house felt right in nearly every way that mattered the most to us in this season.

It felt like it really could be the one for us. I was holding back my full excitement over it, as it still felt like a long shot, but I also still felt at peace. I had committed to moving forward in our dreams with open hands and an open heart. My husband and I decided to do something that both scared us and brought us even more peace. We’d never know what would’ve happened if we didn’t give it a try, right?

We started to come up with the plan for an offer. Just as we were wrestling over numbers and what do to, another text came in. They got another offer, so we’d have to hurry and get it in.

We finally got our own offer on paper.

Then we waited.

I got to call my dad on his birthday to tell him the happiest news.

Our offer was the one they chose.

His dream to have a place for adventures by the sea was coming true.

My mom’s dream to have a new home to love was coming true.

All of our dreams are coming true.

There were a few additional hurdles we had to jump through over the next few weeks, but each time we thought we were running into a roadblock, a window or new door would fling open! It has been so comforting to know the peace we felt throughout the process was because it really is the dream home that is meant for us.

Our new house won’t be a second home. It won’t be a summer home. It won’t be a summer vacation home, but we are going to live in it like we are on vacation EVERY DAY. Stay tuned for part three of this three part series where I will where I will finally get to introduce you to our HOME SWEET HOME.

Be sure to follow along on Instagram HERE for behind the scenes, and subscribe to my newsletter here to stay in the loop!

A Big Dream Coming True For Us

We’re Moving: Part One

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source https://civilco.construction/were-moving-part-two-the-inspired-room/ from Civilco Construction & Interior https://civilcoconstruction.blogspot.com/2021/09/were-moving-part-two-inspired-room.html

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mujeeburrehman · 3 years

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7 Modern Bathroom Designs to Inspire Your Remodel

These 7 modern bathroom designs by Sweeten sleekly show off personal taste

(Above) Sweeten homeowner Lexi’s bathroom renovation

When you think of a modern classic bathroom, you probably conjure up images of white tiles accented with contemporary fixtures. It is a complementary mix of timeless design choices, like color scheme, cabinetry, and tile. To be considered truly modern classic, the space needs a clean aesthetic that can stand the test of time.

Here, a look at seven different modern bathroom designs from Sweeten renovations that show that modern classic bathrooms never go out of style.

Sweeten matches home renovation projects with vetted general contractors, offering advice, support, and up to $50,000 in renovation financial protection— for free.

A modern bathroom design riffs on black, white, and bold

While the boldness of the black paint may scream contemporary, what makes this bathroom classic too is the light fixture. Also complementary are the basketweave floor tile and ageless white subway tiles. The homeowner, Marissa, wanted a fresh design but didn’t want to make it too modern. So she decided to mix and match to come up with the perfect design to match her style.

Modern bathroom accents uplift a classic aesthetic

For Diane’s bathroom renovation, white subway tiles and a pedestal sink make up her classic look. She offset those items with a modern Toto faucet and a more contemporary medicine cabinet. The result is a simple, streamlined space that uses black tiles as accents to up the design quotient.

A modern (and blue!) bathroom meets traditional white

Saskia and Ben’s bathroom remodel was laser-focused on eliminating dated 70’s tiling. A more modern subway tile filled in with gray grout was their key to success. Other changes included installing a towel heating rack, a “must-have” on Ben’s list. The bath was completed with a navy color to contrast the traditional white medicine cabinet.

A clean—but not overly simple—aesthetic

Sisters Nicole and Missy turned to Sweeten to renovate their Arlington bathroom. Nicole originally thought she wanted a simple and clean white bathroom. However, as the project unfolded, she realized she wanted more personality in the design. The sliding barn shower door and white-washed oak vanity came in to complete this modern bathroom design.

Modern black touches on a clean canvas

This Manhattan couple went with a minimalist white color scheme for their Greenwich Village modern bathroom design. Their Sweeten contractor installed a modern-looking vanity characterized by linear silhouettes and a lack of hardware. A black matte faucet was installed on the wall, which boosts the contemporary factor.

Gray grout offsets modern gold touches

For Amy and Kevin’s bathroom renovation, they, like many other renovators, chose classic subway tile. However, they tweaked the look by using gray grout. (Gray is a great choice for modern design lovers as it is both classic and contemporary at the same time.) They also selected a large-format gray tile for the floor, which gives the space a modern vibe. To pull in a traditional aesthetic, the couple put in a 30-inch vanity in a natural wood tone.

A modern bathroom design mixes in classic fixtures

Leah and Brian worked with a Sweeten contractor to update their Chicago loft’s bathroom. They went with antique brass for the finishes—as seen in the pendant light, shower head, and faucet—to give it a classic look. To add in a modern vibe, they chose porcelain tile in a gloss finish for the walls. Matte finish tiles laid in a herringbone pattern on the shower floor complete the look.

—

Thinking of remodeling your bathroom? Sweeten’s renovation cost guides go cover costs by city and room type.

Sweeten handpicks the best general contractors to match each project’s location, budget, scope, and style. Follow the blog, Sweeten Stories, for renovation ideas and inspiration, and when you’re ready to renovate, start your renovation with Sweeten.

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source https://civilco.construction/7-modern-bathroom-designs-to-inspire-your-remodel-2/ from Civilco Construction & Interior https://civilcoconstruction.blogspot.com/2021/09/7-modern-bathroom-designs-to-inspire.html

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mujeeburrehman · 3 years

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The Ultimate Guide For Choosing The Perfect Bed Frame For Your Slumber Haven

Design: Diva’s Interior Design

The bed frame is a major and hence the most important piece of furniture in the bedroom. Therefore, it is typically the starting point for bedroom decoration. Furthermore, having a good night’s rest starts with a good bed frame since it provides support for the bed mattresses. In some cases, it doubles up as storage too. Unfortunately, most homeowners are not aware that there are as many as 9 different types of bed frames to choose from! So, read on to find out which type of bed frame is the right fit for your lifestyle and personality!

#1. Four poster bed for a dramatic room makeover

Design: Free Space Intent

The 4 poster bed, sometimes known as the canopy bed frame, has been slowly gaining popularity in recent years. Characterised by 4 posts at each corner of the bed frame, its ability to allow fabrics to be draped over the bed frame, makes the room feel more inviting and cozy. Hence, they work best in bedrooms with large vertical spaces and high ceilings. They are also recommended for bedrooms that are bathed in a lot of natural light. In addition, mosquito nets can be used instead of draped fabric to keep out the bugs.

Design: The Roomakers

Do you know? Canopy bed frames make use of fabric drapes to create a dramatic impact. As a result, the effort of maintaining the 4 poster bed is higher since dust tends to be trapped on top of the fabric canopy. In addition, the canopy bed tends to be heavier than other bed frame due to its size and construction.

#2. Sleigh bed for a classic style

Design: D’ Initial Concept

The sleigh bed features a high scrolled headboard and lower footboard. As the name suggests, the bed design resembles a sled drawn by reindeers. In order to give a modern touch and update this classic look, some sleigh bed frame designs no longer feature the curved head or the footboard. Sleigh beds come in a variety of styles, ranging from upholstered to solid wood designs and hence, they are suitable for bedrooms that feature classic and grand interior decorative elements like ceilings with elaborate ornate moulding.

Design: LemonFridge Studio

Do you know? A sleigh bed is not suitable for a compact sized bedroom since its scrolled headboard and/or footboard takes up unnecessary space.

#3. Platform bed for less visual clutter

Design: HYLA Architects

Platform beds are typically characterised by a lack of head and footboard, and the mattress sits on a low-lying profile, horizontal platform frame. Due to its simple and minimal design, it is commonly featured in Japanese “Zen” inspired or minimalist home interior designs.

Design: Charlotte’s Carpentry

Do you know? The platform bed frame design is most suitable for space challenged bedrooms since its minimalist, sleek design takes up less space and the simple profile creates less visual clutter.

#4. Storage bed to boost the bedroom space

Design: Free Space Intent

Storage beds are designed to conceal storage beneath the mattress. Most storage beds come with a hinged frame and are fitted with a hydraulic mechanism so that the entire mattress can be easily lifted to reveal the storage compartments. Storage beds are gaining popularity since they help to keep the bedroom neat and tidy. Furthermore, more homeowners decided to customise the storage bed frames to blend them with the overall interior design.

Design: Free Space Intent

Do you know? There are also storage beds that come with additional headboard storage, where storage is within easy reach, without having to lift the entire mattress.

#5. Murphy bed to free up space in a unique way

Design: D’ Initial Concept

Murphy beds are also known as wall, pull-down beds, or fold-up beds. It is specially designed to be hinged at one end so that it can be stored vertically against a wall and hidden in a closet or cabinet. The main advantage of using a Murphy bed is that it can be tucked away and free up space when it is not used.

Design: D’ Initial Concept

Do you know? Murphy beds are usually designed to be multi-functional. Hence, they are configured to pull dual or triple duty as storage shelves, or even converted into a sofa, after it has been folded up against the wall.

#6. Adjustable bed to cater to varying sleeping positions

Image: Tempur

For many years, adjustable beds have been synonymous with hospital beds and perceived as beds meant for the medically unfit. However, if you like reading or using devices or watching TV in bed, you can consider purchasing an adjustable bed, where it can convert into various levels of sitting positions.

Image: Tempur.com

Do you know? Adjustable beds provide certain health benefits, such as relieving chronic pain, as they are able to take the pressure off aching joints. In addition, adjustable beds can improve blood circulation once the upper back or lower body is lifted.

#7. Bunk bed for privacy between siblings

Design: The Orange Cube

Using a bunk bed is the most effective way to maximise the vertical space since it is made up of one-bed frame stacked on top of another. Bunk beds are popular alternatives to trundle beds, where the bed frame hides one mattress underneath the other, which can be pulled out in a drawer style. To address the space constraints, some bunk beds are designed as an L-shaped bunk bed, sometimes known as a corner bunk.

Design: Mr Shopper Studio

Do you know? The bunk bed is suitable for siblings sharing a room, since it is able to maintain the privacy and individuality of the occupants.

#8. Loft bed to get the most out of a compact bedroom

Design: Charlton Design

A loft bed is a bed frame that is specially designed to be raised on supports that are built high enough, to free up the floor area beneath the bed for other purposes. The space can be used as a play area, a study nook, or a chill-out corner with a mini double seater sofa. The freed-up space can also be used to set aside ample space for a closet or bookshelf.

Design: Rezt & Relax Interior

Do you know? A corner loft bed is made up of two loft beds, arranged in an L-shape. It is suitable for children who are sharing a room, since the entire space can be fully utilised. Thus, the loft beds are suitable for bedrooms with high ceiling.

#9. Day bed for a space-conscious bedroom

Image from: Island living

Daybeds have dual functions, as they can double up as a sofa for lounging and reclining in the bedrooms. In fact, they are a “crossbred” between a Chaise Longue and a bed. Day beds are great options for small spaces like studio apartments, where there is a need for the bed to multifunction as the sofa during the day.

Image from: Island living

Do you know? Daybeds are typically marketed as a more stylish alternative since they usually spot a grand design and upholstered in a luxurious fabric, which is associated with lounging.

Design: 19EightyThree

Design: Hock Hoon

a. Scale and balance matters A general rule of thumb for furnishing your bedroom, is to have a place for everything. Hence, it is not practical to have a huge canopy bed frame that dominates the bedroom, while leaving little for other necessities, such as wardrobe and bedside table.

Design: Diva’s Interior Design

b. Pick the right height The height of the bed frame matters, especially for the young, elderly or people with mobility issues. If a taller mattress is desired, then a lower bed frame profile will be needed to balance out comfortably. When necessary, you can also custom order the bed frame at the desired height.

Design: Urban Habitat Design

c. Choose the material and built wisely In general, solid hardwood or metal is the preferred material for a sturdy bed frame. Check the hardware and joinery system that is used to hold and keep the bed frame construction together. Keep a lookout for signs of warp and sags, since these are indications of a weak or flimsy low-quality bed frame. In addition, a well-built bed frame should not creak and make noises when it is used.

Design: 19EightyThree

d. Protect the floor from the bed frame legs Always protect the bedroom floor from the legs of the bed frame with glides or covers. Otherwise, the bed frame legs could snag your carpet or scratch the hardwood floor. The protective covers also prevent the bed frame from moving about.

Design: Control Space Design Studio

Complete this form and we will recommend you a list of reputable interior design firms that fit your renovation requirements. It’s free! Note: This form is not applicable for repair works request.

How many interior designers do you wish to get in touch with?*

3 – 55 – 8

My Property

My Property Type is*

HDBApartment/CondominiumLandedCommercial

The room type is*

Please selectStudio2 Rooms3 Rooms4 Rooms5 RoomsAbove 5 Rooms

Property Status*

NewResalePresently Staying

Key Collection Time*

Yes, Key is collectedNo, in 1 – 3 months timeNo, in 3 – 6 months timeNo, in 7 – 12 months timeHave not purchase the unit

Property Address*

Upload your Floor Plan

We recommend to attach your floor plan for a better estimate. File must less than 2MB.

Project Info

Area(s) you need to renovate*

Preferred design style*

No PreferenceAsianClassicContemporaryEclecticIndustrialMediterraneanMidcenturyMinimalismModernRetroRusticScandinavianTraditionalTransitionalTropicalVictorianVintage

My project priority is*

Please selectAesthetically Nice – I want good designCost effectiveness – I’m on a tight budget

My renovation budget is*

Please selectNot Fixed20,000 and Below20,001 – 30,00030,001 – 40,00040,001 – 60,00060,001 – 80,00080,001 – 100,000100,001 – 200,000200,001 & Above

Do you require renovation loan?*

Please selectYes, please call meNo. I don’t

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source https://civilco.construction/the-ultimate-guide-for-choosing-the-perfect-bed-frame-for-your-slumber-haven/ from Civilco Construction & Interior https://civilcoconstruction.blogspot.com/2021/09/the-ultimate-guide-for-choosing-perfect.html

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mujeeburrehman · 3 years

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A Crown Heights Duo Remodels Their Smallest Spaces

from Civilco Construction & Interior https://civilcoconstruction.blogspot.com/2021/09/a-crown-heights-duo-remodels-their.html

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mujeeburrehman · 3 years

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Remodeling Pre-War Homes in the Washington DC Area

When remodeling pre-war homes in Washington DC, pay attention to exteriors and potential challenges to layout changes

Remodeling pre-war homes in the Washington, D.C. area presents a rewarding challenge. It’s an opportunity to take a piece of the city’s history and both preserve and improve it. You can create a home with more mojo—a home with historic style and contemporary functionality.

Sweeten offers an outline on what to know before starting older home renovations in Washington, D.C. (plus, which rooms get the most bang for the buck!)

Sweeten matches home renovation projects with vetted general contractors, offering advice, support, and up to $50,000 in renovation financial protection—for free.

Where do you start when renovating an old house?

Start with your vision for the result. Consider all that you want and prioritize those features with your budget. Talk with a contractor as early in the process as possible. Go over the mandatory elements, such as electrical and plumbing, that will have to meet current code requirements. Older homes typically need complete upgrades of:

● Electrical: Older homes need more outlets, plain and simple. Adding plenty of USB outlets makes sense, too, as they allow you to dispense with the extra adapter. Many older homes still suffer from antiquated lighting, with just a solitary ceiling fixture, if that. Energy-efficient puck lights and sconces should be part of any renovation.

In addition, an updated home should have a 200-amp service, which you’ll learn about through an electrical audit. If you want photovoltaic panels and are allowed to install them, discuss whether the system should be part of your planning with your contractor.

Plumbing: Efficiency and style have taken over in plumbing, as shown by low-flow “waterfall” showerheads, wall-mounted toilets, and so on. As for the “guts,” of the plumbing system, you can choose a tankless water heater and never run out of hot water, or go with a heat-pump water heater for greater efficiency.

HVAC system: Improvements abound in HVAC systems, with heat pumps and mini-split systems increasingly popular, along with more effective air filtration systems and energy recovery ventilators becoming standard in many places.

Windows: Unlike electrical, plumbing, and HVAC, windows are both functional and aesthetic elements, and can vary hugely in cost. Some windows offer more user-friendly features such as opening farther, while others are focused on maximum performance with triple panes and advanced coatings.

Improved performance is laudable, but cost can balloon for small gains in performance. Your choice of windows is a judgment call, so go over this carefully with your general contractor. You should also do research on the window manufacturers and products so you can learn and ask questions. Windows are a major expense (and are not easily changed,) so take the time to get it right.

Commonly renovated elements in old homes

Woodwork: Other elements that often need help include woodwork, built-ins, and floors. Pre-war homes were often hand-crafted with excellent materials, as there were no reasonable alternatives. Time takes its toll, however, and your home’s woodwork may be showing its age. Unless you want a different look or the materials are badly degraded or damaged, it’s often the best and most cost-effective choice to overhaul the existing elements.

Architectural salvage pieces may have a place in your renovation, as well, and it can be enjoyable to go see what’s available. Your builder, architect, and interior designer will be invaluable in this endeavor.

Distressed plaster walls are also a common feature of pre-war homes. Considering the simple materials used, plaster walls are amazing and hold up well. They lend a feeling of solidity and just feel appropriate in an older or historic building. They do tend to crack more readily with settling than newer drywall construction.

Fortunately, this is a relatively easy fix—getting the right plaster pro on the job. Your contractor will make sure new and old blends perfectly, make repairs properly, and leave you feeling great about this subtle yet important element.

Kitchen upgrades in old homes

Because of the intensity of use as the hub of most homes, your kitchen deserves more focus and more of the budget. Not surprisingly, you’ll make more materials and features choices for the kitchen, as well. Do you really want a six-burner range, or should that money go elsewhere? One feature we strongly recommend is the best cabinets you can afford. Here, you have options.

“Off-the-rack” cabinets have improved tremendously in the last few years as manufacturers have stepped up to meet the demand for both style and functionality. By their nature, off-the-rack or in-stock cabinets will offer fewer choices, but that may be fine if you’re happy with the finishes and sizes offered.

Semi-custom and custom cabinets can provide nearly anything you want, such as finishes, specialized hardware, and sizes to fit any space. You can usually expect upgraded cabinets to show better fit and finish, but you might have to wait for them to be built. This shouldn’t be a problem, as you’ll have many renovation tasks to complete before cabinets go in.

Another upgrade that might fly under your radar is a heavier sink, either of stainless steel or synthetic material. This is a subjective thing, but heavier sinks just feel solid and have a better, quieter tone with water running on them.

Exterior elements have endured a lot

Outside, the humid climate in Washington, D.C. is no friend to structures. The mortar in historic brick buildings, for example, needs maintenance periodically. Old bricks were much softer than current bricks, and older lime mortars were more flexible than modern mortars. These older materials worked well together.

Today, however, modern mortar costs about half of the traditional lime mortar, so many repairs over the last couple of decades have used the newer, less pliable mortar, leading to bricks cracking and crumbling, instead of the mortar. Typically, you’ll find lime mortar in cream or black tones, while the modern mortar is gray. Check this out and talk with your contractor about how much work needs to be done.

Challenges for layout changes and additions

While these renovation decisions are happening, consider the layout of your home. Does it work for your family, or does it need help? The need for a more functional design may in fact be the driving force behind the entire renovation. Do you need more square footage or just a refinement of the layout? Whether or not you’re able—either physically or legally—to add more square feet is a major factor.

Row homes, for example, may be impossible to add on to. For other homes, setbacks and/or various associations may prohibit changing the home’s footprint, even if the lot has room. If your contractor has worked on other projects in your neighborhood, he or she may already know what’s possible. Nonetheless, it doesn’t hurt to double-check with your historic district.

Allowing for surprises

It’s inevitable to have a few surprises while remodeling pre-war homes. But budgeting for them and preparing mentally, plus going through the house thoroughly with your contractor, will minimize the chances of a major surprise. You’ll also have permits to pay for, and for this, you’ll want to coordinate with your contractor.

—

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source https://civilco.construction/remodeling-pre-war-homes-in-the-washington-dc-area/ from Civilco Construction & Interior https://civilcoconstruction.blogspot.com/2021/09/remodeling-pre-war-homes-in-washington.html

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mujeeburrehman · 3 years

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5 Ways To Update A Dated 3-room HDB Resale Flat

Got your hands on a 3-room HDB resale flat on the older side? Chances are, it’s dim, dingy and dated and in real need of a revamp. Here are a few ways to update the look, whether you’re contemplating a bright and airy Scandinavian design or a characterful industrial style.

1. White + Wood

Design: Key Concept Renovation cost: $40K Location: Aljunied Crescent

You can’t go wrong with a classic white and wood combination. It works to brighten up a dark home, without feeling too stark or sterile thanks to the wood tones.

If you don’t like having your bedroom door facing into the living room, conceal it within the design of your feature wall. This can help to create more visual continuity in your space, making a small area seem bigger. Bonus for privacy: Your guests won’t be stumbling into your bedroom “by accident”.

2. Open plan for entertaining

Design: Rezt & Relax Interior

Designed for entertaining, this modern industrial home packs a punch in clever design features including a 2-metre long dining table, an unconventional kitchen, and a bedroom that opens up into the rest of the communal spaces.

Set on a raised platform that hides plenty of extra storage space, the bedroom is located behind bi-fold glass doors that open up into the living room to create a large entertaining hub for when guests come over.

3. A blend of the old and the new

Design: subtlesato studio Location: Bedok

Interesting textures abound in this 3-room HDB resale flat for a bachelor. Old-school ventilation bricks, Peranakan flower tiles and terrazzo flooring are juxtaposed alongside sleek lines, dark hues and modern furnishings to create a blend of the nostalgic with the newfangled.

One of the main structural changes to this flat was to combine the two bedrooms into one entity, but with an internal window between the two spaces to divide them into a sleeping area and walk-in closet space.

4. Detailed transformation

Design: The Local Inn.terior Location: Commonwealth

The ‘before’ and ‘after’ images of this 3-room HDB resale illustrate just how much transformation this apartment went through. For a start, the foyer area was opened up into the living room with a multipurpose shoe bench that can be used on both zones.

Another big change was in the kitchen, where the space was expanded for more spaciousness and then set on a raised platform. One of the bedrooms was also extended so that it now has its own private balcony.

Foyer + Living room

Kitchen

Bedroom

‘Before’ images courtesy of designer Vincent Tan

5. Bohemian rhapsody

Design: Fuse Concept Renovation cost: $55K Location: Eunos Crescent

Home to a creative couple, this bohemian style 3-room flat feels just like a flea market, with a hodgepodge of textures, colours and detailing. In order for the furnishings and design elements to stand out, the foundation was kept simple with white walls and cement-like homogeneous floor tiles.

A precursor to the bold hues in the kitchen is the flashy pink neon sign just outside the entrance. Inside the cooking space, an orange Smeg fridge pops against dark green walls with dangling light bulbs lending extra interest. See-through sliding doors close off the private areas, with sheer curtains for privacy and an airy feel.

Complete this form and we will recommend you a list of reputable interior design firms that fit your renovation requirements. It’s free! Note: This form is not applicable for repair works request.

How many interior designers do you wish to get in touch with?*

3 – 55 – 8

My Property

My Property Type is*

HDBApartment/CondominiumLandedCommercial

The room type is*

Please selectStudio2 Rooms3 Rooms4 Rooms5 RoomsAbove 5 Rooms

Property Status*

NewResalePresently Staying

Key Collection Time*

Yes, Key is collectedNo, in 1 – 3 months timeNo, in 3 – 6 months timeNo, in 7 – 12 months timeHave not purchase the unit

Property Address*

Upload your Floor Plan

We recommend to attach your floor plan for a better estimate. File must less than 2MB.

Project Info

Area(s) you need to renovate*

Preferred design style*

No PreferenceAsianClassicContemporaryEclecticIndustrialMediterraneanMidcenturyMinimalismModernRetroRusticScandinavianTraditionalTransitionalTropicalVictorianVintage

My project priority is*

Please selectAesthetically Nice – I want good designCost effectiveness – I’m on a tight budget

My renovation budget is*

Please selectNot Fixed20,000 and Below20,001 – 30,00030,001 – 40,00040,001 – 60,00060,001 – 80,00080,001 – 100,000100,001 – 200,000200,001 & Above

Do you require renovation loan?*

Please selectYes, please call meNo. I don’t

Other information?

My Contact Details

My name is*

First

Last

My Email is*

You can call me at*

How Did You Get To Know Us?*

Please selectGoogleFacebookInstagramYahooEvents/RoadshowFriendsNewsletterRenoNation MagazineThe Straits TimesSME MagazineBingMSN Search

Agreement*

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

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source https://civilco.construction/5-ways-to-update-a-dated-3-room-hdb-resale-flat/ from Civilco Construction & Interior https://civilcoconstruction.blogspot.com/2021/08/5-ways-to-update-dated-3-room-hdb.html

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mujeeburrehman · 3 years

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7 Modern Bathroom Designs to Inspire Your Remodel

These 7 modern bathroom designs by Sweeten sleekly show off personal taste

(Above) Sweeten homeowner Lexi’s bathroom renovation

Here, a look at seven different modern bathroom designs from Sweeten renovations that show that modern classic bathrooms never go out of style.

Sweeten matches home renovation projects with vetted general contractors, offering advice, support, and up to $50,000 in renovation financial protection— for free.

A bold but still classically beautiful bathroom

Modern accents, classic style

Modern blue meets traditional white

A clean—but not overly simple—aesthetic

Classic white with modern black touches

This Manhattan couple went with a minimalist white color scheme for their Greenwich Village bathroom update. Their Sweeten contractor installed a modern-looking vanity characterized by linear silhouettes and a lack of hardware. A black matte faucet was installed on the wall, which boosts the contemporary factor.

Gray-accented subway tile

Contemporary design with classic fixtures

—

Thinking of remodeling your bathroom? Check out Sweeten’s renovation cost guides.

Sweeten handpicks the best general contractors to match each project’s location, budget, scope, and style. Follow the blog, Sweeten Stories, for renovation ideas and inspiration, and when you’re ready to renovate, start your renovation with Sweeten.

Source link

source https://civilco.construction/7-modern-bathroom-designs-to-inspire-your-remodel/ from Civilco Construction & Interior https://civilcoconstruction.blogspot.com/2021/08/7-modern-bathroom-designs-to-inspire.html

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mujeeburrehman · 3 years

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8 Common Renovation Mistakes Homeowners Make That Affect Their WiFi Router Performance

Image from PC Mag

Experience poor WiFi signal when enjoying your daily dose of Spotify or Netflix? Flaky internet connection while working from home, or doing home based learning with your children? Guilty of finding a convenient, dark corner to chunk away the plain-looking WiFi router, so that it will not clash with the meticulously designed home interiors?

Read on to find out you can do to rectify your wonky WiFi signal and fix the 6 common mistakes that homeowners make when setting up their WiFi router.

Image from Igyaan

#1. Not planning where the WiFi router should be placed

Did you neglect to plan where the WiFi router should be placed during the home renovation? When it comes to home interior design, most homeowners overlooked the fact that the WiFi router needs to be part of the renovation design, so that it will be able to function optimally. In actuality, the placement of the WiFi router is the most important factor, since a poor location will significantly affect the strength of the signal negatively.

Design:ButGet Studio

What should you do? Watch out for common home appliances such as TV, cordless phones, washing machines and dryer and move the WiFi router as far away from them as possible. To ensure that there is an even coverage of the WiFi signal in every corner of your house, you should place your WiFi router at the center of your abode. Boost the WiFi signal further by placing it above the floor level and make sure that it should never be left on the floor.

Do you know? As the router is a sensitive piece of equipment, it is should be placed in areas where its signals will not be affected. As a general guideline, routers should be placed away from any metal objects, electrical appliances and not be physically obstructed by walls. This is because metal disrupts WiFi signal and electrical appliances emit electromagnetic waves which will interfere the WiFi signal too.

Design: Swiss Interior Design

#2. Not placing the WiFi router outside of the Distributor Box (DB)

Distributor box (DB) is commonly used as the networking HQ where the WiFi router is placed since that is where the data points are located. However, the DB is usually located at an isolated end of the property and as a result, WiFi dead spots are created due to the unfavourable location.

Design:I-Chapter

What should you do?

Plan for the WiFi router to be placed at the center of your home. Or consider setting up an additional Access Point (AP) solution to create a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) to improve the connectivity. An AP works by connecting to a wired router, switch or hub via an Ethernet cable to project a WiFi signal.

Do you know? The new BTO and Condominium units are equipped with a network switch and the OpenNet port and these are located in the DB.

Design: Fifth Avenue Interior

#3. Not adding more Access Points (AP)

Adding more Access Points helps to reduce or eliminate the dead zones where there is no WiFi connectivity.

Design: Archive Design

Decide on where the WiFi router and AP will be placed, prior planning the layout of the high-speed Ethernet cables.

Do you know? APs are used to extend the wireless coverage of an existing network. A high-speed Ethernet cable from a WiFi router is needed to connect to an AP. This converts the wired signal into a wireless signal.

Design: The Interior Lab

#4. Not coming up with the location plan before deciding on the carpentry built-ins

If not planned properly, the carpentry built-ins will obstruct the installation of the WiFi router and AP. In addition, never hide the WiFi router away within cabinetry as it interferes with the signals.

Design: Fifth Avenue Interior

What should you do?

Share and mark the locations where the WiFi router and APs should be placed on the floor plan with your interior design professionals. In this way, the interior design professionals can propose the design and location of the carpentry to minimise the obstructions.

Do you know? Additional power points and wall sockets should also be installed in the same locations, since they house the electrical devices, WiFi router and AP.

Design: The Local INN.Terior

#5. Not considering an open concept design

No walls mean minimal physical obstructions to deflect and affect the WiFi signals.

Design: LOME Interior

Consider applying open concept design for the study rooms, where devices such as computer accessories and peripherals are required to be constantly connected to the WiFi router.

Do you know? The cost of hacking wall may vary between S$500 and S$1000, depending on the dimension and thickness of the wall.

Design: Authors • Interior & Styling

#6. Not installing network extenders for an odd-shaped home

Image from Geekabit

WiFi network extenders usually offer a better WiFi performance. This is because they provide a more consistent, reliable, speedy WiFi to almost every corner of your home by communicating directly with the WiFi router. In this way, WiFi network extenders significantly shorten the distance between the receiving devices and the WiFi signal.

Design: DSOD Interior

What should you do? Get a reliable WiFi extender from this list to boost your network.

Do you know? The other WiFi boosters include repeaters, which are actually 1st generation WiFi signal extenders, which re-broadcast the WiFi signal received. However, the latency, or WiFi network response time, is increased when repeaters are used. The other WiFi booster is the wireless range extenders, that sit between the WiFi router and the location where better wireless coverage is needed. Similar to a wireless repeater, they grab the signal from the WiFi router and re-broadcasts it. However, the signal is rebroadcast on a different wireless channel from the WiFi router.

Design: Key Concept

#7. Not using wireless mesh routers for a double or triple storey property

Image from Linksys

A traditional WiFi router setup usually is made of single receiver, and a couple of WiFi boosters when the wireless signal is poor. However, the mesh WiFi routers, or known as whole home WiFi systems, are made of several satellite modules, or nodes. These modules are meant to be placed around the home interiors for a full WiFi coverage. In this way, mesh WiFi routers are able to deliver strong and the most consistent WiFi signal in the entire house. Unlike the traditional WiFi router setup, the mesh WiFi routers are part of a single wireless network that shares the same Service Set Identifier (SSID), which is also the name for a WiFi network.

Design: Weiken.Com

What should you do? If your ageing traditional WiFi router is due for a tech refresh, you should consider checking out the following best WiFi mesh network systems!

Do you know? Mesh WiFi routers are recommended for large homes, homes with double or triple floors or odd-shaped home with WiFi dead zones. Such a multi-node system is typically easy to set up and also, being wireless also makes it easy for homeowners to decide where to place these routers.

Design: Aesthete Interior Design

#8. Not knowing the following WiFi router best practices:

A. Not ensuring that the WiFi router is always updated with the latest firmware

Firmware updates are important because critical patches for security holes as usually packaged together with the update. Once the WiFi router has been updated, the performance, stability and security of the WiFi router are enhanced. In this way, the WiFi router has a faster response and is safer to use too.

Design: Ascend Designs

What should you do? Launch a web browser on your computer or mobile device and login to your router. Look out for the option “Firmware/Router Update” and click install. Wait for the firmware to be updated and reboot the WiFi router once the installation is completed.

Do you know? Keeping the WiFi router updated is important since once it is infected with a malware, it will eat up the bandwidth, slows down the devices connected to the router. The malware might also proliferates across the network and infects the other devices connected to the router.

Design: Fineline Design

B. Not rebooting the WiFi router

The WiFi router is similar to your computer and hence, a daily reboot helps to clear its memory. In addition, always check for the latest firmware updates and make sure that the security patches are applied. In addition, do note that the firmware updates and patches are only applied after the WiFi router has been rebooted.

Design: Neu Konceptz

What should you do? You must reboot the WiFi router immediately after the updates and patches have been installed.

Do you know? Make sure to turn off the WiFi router after the end of each day.

Design: The Scientist

C. Not changing the WiFi router default password settings

Most of the WiFi routers are shipped with a default password and it is very easy to guess. Some do not even come with a password so that you can gain direct access to the WiFi router’s settings when you are using it the first time. When the default password is not changed, anyone can easily hack into the WiFi router, steal its bandwidth or even lock you out by changing its settings.

Design: The Interior Lab

What should you do? You must replace the default password with a strong password during the initial setup. A strong password should have a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, symbols and numbers. Avoid the common passwords listed here. The password should be at least 8 characters long and never use personal information in the password.

Do you know? Default router passwords can be found in the WiFi router manuals. In this way, if you encounter issues setting up the router, you can simply refer to the manual for the default password. A WiFi router password is not the same as the WiFi password. The former password is used to access the router’s settings while the latter password is used to access the WiFi network.

Design: Space Factor

D. Using a weak password for the WiFi network

When your WiFi password is weak, such hackers will exploit the weakness and steal your WiFi bandwidth. When this happens, the smaller bandwidth will mean slower WiFi performance.

Design: LOME Interior

What should you do? You must use difficult to guess and complicated password to secure your WiFi and remember to change the password on a regular basis.

Do you know? Many hackers rely on open source password crackers to crack weak passwords easily. Some simply uses brute force by cycling through the known words, personal info, alphabet, numbers in all different combinations until the password is found.

Design: NIJ Design Concept

Complete this form and we will recommend you a list of reputable interior design firms that fit your renovation requirements. It’s free! Note: This form is not applicable for repair works request.

How many interior designers do you wish to get in touch with?*

3 – 55 – 8

My Property

My Property Type is*

HDBApartment/CondominiumPrivate HouseCommercial

The room type is*

Please selectStudio2 Rooms3 Rooms4 Rooms5 RoomsAbove 5 Rooms

Property Status*

NewResalePresently Staying

Key Collection Time*

Yes, Key is collectedNo, in 1 – 3 months timeNo, in 3 – 6 months timeNo, in 7 – 12 months timeHave not purchase the unit

Property Address*

Upload your Floor Plan

We recommend to attach your floor plan for a better estimate. File must less than 2MB.

Project Info

Area(s) you need to renovate*

Preferred design style*

No PreferenceAsianClassicContemporaryEclecticIndustrialMediterraneanMidcenturyMinimalismModernRetroRusticScandinavianTraditionalTransitionalTropicalVictorianVintage

My project priority is*

Please selectAesthetically Nice – I want good designCost effectiveness – I’m on a tight budget

My renovation budget is*

Please selectNot Fixed20,000 and Below20,001 – 30,00030,001 – 40,00040,001 – 60,00060,001 – 80,00080,001 – 100,000100,001 – 200,000200,001 & Above

Do you require renovation loan?*

Please selectYes, please call meNo. I don’t

Other information?

My Contact Details

My name is*

First

Last

My Email is*

You can call me at*

How Did You Get To Know Us?*

Please selectGoogleFacebookInstagramYahooEvents/RoadshowFriendsNewsletterRenoNation MagazineThe Straits TimesSME MagazineBingMSN Search

Agreement*

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

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source https://civilco.construction/8-common-renovation-mistakes-homeowners-make-that-affect-their-wifi-router-performance/ from Civilco Construction & Interior https://civilcoconstruction.blogspot.com/2021/08/8-common-renovation-mistakes-homeowners.html

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mujeeburrehman · 3 years

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Chicago Remodeling Costs: Kitchen, Bath, Whole-Home

Sweeten’s guide to Chicago remodeling costs in 2021, including kitchen, bath, and whole-home (plus outdoor budgets and permit tips!)

(Above) Remodel by Sweeten general contractor Christina. Photo: Chicago Home Photos

The budgeting step can be nerve-wracking for first-time Chicago renovators. You’ve finally moved on from daydreaming to starting a remodel of your home. Start by gathering some basic details: know what you can actually afford, and plan to add a small reserve on top of that. The materials you want to use also factor in, as well as how much work will be done. Plus, everything that isn’t visible—the infrastructure—will impact your costs. This can be a lot to keep track of, especially if this is your first time renovating.

Fortunately, Sweeten has done some of the legwork in this guide to Chicago remodeling costs. This guide focuses on some of the major remodeling categories: whole house remodels, kitchen, bath, additions—as well as permits. You can use these details to create an accurate budget for a Chicago-area renovation.

Sweeten matches home renovation projects with vetted general contractors, offering advice, support, and up to $50,000 in renovation financial protection—for free.

Here’s a breakdown of typical starting costs (including labor and materials) gathered from Sweeten contractors and the 2021 Cost vs. Value Report:

Full-home renovation: From $100 per square foot (psf)

Budget bath remodel: $15,000—$20,000 (based on 35 sq ft)

Mid-grade bath remodel: $21,000 (based on 35 sq ft)

High-end bath remodel: $28,500 (based on 35 sq ft)

Budget kitchen remodel: $22,000 (based on a 100 sq ft)

Mid-grade kitchen remodel: $30,000 (based on 100 sq ft)

High-end kitchen remodel: $37,500 (based on 100 sq ft)

Basement remodel: $40,000—$75,000

Keep in mind that every professional contractor will want to have a detailed conversation with you. They will also inspect your home before developing an estimate specific to your needs and wants.

Pro tip: Do not wait. The pandemic has caused a backlog in the supply of materials in many sectors. For homeowners interested in renovating, it’s smart to schedule and sign with a contractor to lock in your material prices. You’ll also want to book a start date on the contractor’s schedule. If you do wait, prices will only continue to go up and your material order starts at the back of a long queue.

Chicago remodeling costs per square foot

Gut renovation vs. non-gut renovation

Gutting a home pretty much means starting from scratch. You’ll take everything down to the studs or framework, and/or you’ll knock down walls. Because it’s more intricate, a gut job starts at the higher end of the $100 to $200 psf range. By contrast, a remodel of the space within existing walls will be at the lower end. For example, remodeling a 700-square-foot, one-bedroom condo may range from $50,000 to $70,000, while a gut reno likely will exceed $100,000. This work usually involves running new plumbing pipes and wiring, moving doorways, and possibly installing new flooring.

Costs for a full home gut renovation start at $100 per square foot. Take note: this scope of work is extensive! Expect demo, framing, insulation and drywall, wiring, plumbing, heating/cooling systems, millwork, paint, flooring, tile, light fixtures, electronics, and all finishes. (This excludes appliances, which can significantly increase costs, depending on how high-end they are.) According to Chicago-based Sweeten contractor Ryan, “A whole-house renovation—say, 3,000 square feet—would cost $200,000, at the low end, and start at $400,000 at the high end. It all depends on the materials chosen.”

Wet rooms—connected to a water supply, such as bathrooms or kitchens—typically start at $250 psf. In the city, bathrooms in condos or co-ops can be as small as 30 square feet. However, in freestanding homes, they are typically larger than 5’ x 8’. High-end renovations that are fully custom with luxury materials can cost upwards of $700 per square foot. Architectural design and drawings, demolition, construction, materials, fixtures, lighting, and finishes are included in the fee.

Contractors may build in overage fees to their estimates. This allows for the unexpected—which definitely can happen—to be covered. Overages are usually 10-15% of the project cost. (Sweeten recommends that the renovator reserve at least 10-15% above the bid as well). Don’t let the numbers shock you, though: the beauty of using a general contractor is that it’s one-stop shopping. Working with a contractor covers pretty much all the trades required for the job. This spares you the work of hiring individual tradesmen to complete the various aspects of your project.

Chicago-based Sweeten contractor Brad recommends being realistic about how much you can spend. “You can’t buy a $100,000 ring on a $5,000 budget. Nail down your contractor first; they know pricing. And add 15 percent for unexpected conditions.”

Average cost of a kitchen remodel in Chicago

Budget kitchen renovation costs

A typical starting point is $22,000 based on a 100-square-foot kitchen. According to the 2021 Cost vs. Value Report, the average is $31,004 for 200 square feet. This translates to stock cabinets, hardware, and countertops, plus swapping outdated appliances with newer and more energy-efficient models.

Mid-grade kitchen renovation costs

Sweeten has found that a 100-square-foot space at this finish level can start at $30,000. For a kitchen at 200 square feet, expect to pay an average of $81,820, according to the Cost vs. Value Report. This includes custom lighting, updating 30 linear feet of semi-custom wood cabinets, new countertops, a 3′ x 5′ island, double-tub stainless steel sink with single-lever faucet, garbage disposal, built-in dishwasher, energy-efficient range, vented hood, built-in microwave, dishwasher, and new flooring.

High-end kitchen costs

Based on what Sweeten has seen, expect starting costs to be $37,500 for a 100-square-foot room at this finish level. According to the Cost vs. Value Report, a kitchen at 200 square feet starts at $160,000. Expect top-flight custom cabinets with interior detailing like partitioned drawers, pullout shelves, pop up and down storage, stone, quartz, or porcelain countertops, stone or imported tile backsplash. Also included are custom lights, under-cabinet lighting, hardwood, stone or porcelain flooring, and typical high-end appliances.

Sweeten contractor Ryan has seen kitchens cost $50,000 for a gut remodel, and at the high end, closer to $100,000. “Those figures,” he says, “can vary greatly, as some cabinetry alone might cost $80,000.”

Average bathroom remodel costs in Chicago

Budget bathroom costs

A starting point can be $15,000—$20,000 for a 35-square-foot-space with budget-friendly finishes from big box stores like Walmart, Home Depot, Menards, and Lowe’s. As this is a wet space, plumbing, electrical insulation, and exhausts, as well as correcting misaligned walls and floors will be part of the job.

Mid-grade bathroom

For a 35-square-foot space, a remodel will start at $21,000. According to 2021 Cost vs. Value Report, $27,570 is the average cost for this type of project. This includes a recessed medicine cabinet, standard toilet, solid-surface vanity counter, and a porcelain tub.

High-end bathroom

The typical cost at this finish level starts at $28,500 for 35-square-feet. The 2021 Cost vs. Value Report cites an average of $82,838 for a high-end renovation, based on a bathroom over 200 square feet. Features at this level include new ductwork, radiant heated floors, custom cabinetry, separate shower, freestanding tub, and custom lighting.

Costs for a master suite addition

Mid-grade master suite addition costs

Estimated costs are around $452 psf or $177,273 for a 24′ x 16′ space, including double vanity, freestanding tub, separate shower, walk-in closet, dressing area, according to 2021 Cost vs. Value Report. Whether it’s a ground-level addition, a basement remodel, or a second-floor addition, accessing rough-ins for plumbing will vary and affect pricing.

High-end master suite addition costs

For a 32′ x 20′ master suite with a separate sitting area and large master bath over a crawl space, costs are around $553 psf or $359,232, according to 2021 Cost vs. Value Report. This kind of project includes custom shelving, built-in storage, as well as a walk-in closet and dressing area with windows.

Basement renovation costs in Chicago

A starting budget for a basement is around $100 psf. At the low end, the cost averages $40,000 and includes a bathroom with a shower. Flooring options can vary significantly, including laminate, vinyl, engineered wood, porcelain tile, or stained concrete. At the high end, a project for $75,000 may include a 5′ x 8′-foot bathroom with a shower, a wet bar, and flooring in an overall space measuring 20′ x 30′.

Costs for a basement renovation can be affected by multiple factors. Consider the existing condition of the space, if plumbing pipes need to be installed or moved, if new water service is required and if bracing needs to be done to eliminate structural supports in the middle of a space. Also take into consideration ceiling height, since Chicago basements are typically 8 feet or less, and as low as 6’7″. If you want to raise the ceiling, that requires digging out and underpinning the foundation. In addition, it’s necessary to assure the space is waterproof. A perimeter drain tile system is installed (repaired or extended). Connecting it to a sump pump also is important to consider, and this cost can start at around $2,500.

Chicago remodeling costs for permits

The permit process for renovating varies from Chicago to its suburbs, with each of the village’s or town’s governing bodies determining requirements and fees. In Chicago, permits are obtained through the Building Department. The issue in common is safety and compliance with building codes.

In Winnetka, remodeling permits cost $30 per $1,000 of construction; new construction is $1.30 per square foot of new gross area. There also are permit fees for plumbing, electrical service ($9,800 for 200 amp service; $21,000 for 400 amp service), furnace, and AC as well as roofing and pools. In Hinsdale, the permit fee for remodeling is calculated on two percent of the value of construction. In addition, expect to pay permit fees for demolition ($3,000).

In Chicago, applications for building permits must include architectural drawings and names of all licensed contractors—plumbers, electricians, HVAC contractors (usually supplied by the general contractor). There is no one size fits all. But expect to pay between $1,500 and $2,000 minimally for a whole house remodel, major kitchen, and/or bath. The larger the project, the more the fee, ranging to as high as $10,000.

There’s also an Easy Permit Program for small projects that do not require architectural drawings (usually available the same day). There are nominal costs (a few hundred dollars for plumbing and electrical permits), which usually are pulled by those contractors.

Find expert Chicago general contractors near you

Post your project on Sweeten and we’ll match you with multiple vetted general contractors to provide estimates for your renovation, then help you evaluate the estimates. Sweeten also checks in with you until the project is completed. When you brainstorm with your general contractor to develop an accurate budget, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying the dream space you’ve always craved.

—

Have a good handle on HOA (Homeowners Association) fees before you purchase your condo, co-op, or detached house.

Source link

source https://civilco.construction/chicago-remodeling-costs-kitchen-bath-whole-home/ from Civilco Construction & Interior https://civilcoconstruction.blogspot.com/2021/08/chicago-remodeling-costs-kitchen-bath.html

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mujeeburrehman · 3 years

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[Cleaning Tips] 5 Major Taboos And Maintenance Methods Of Induction Cooker

More and more people love to use induction cooker, but sometimes they are accidentally spilling the soup or sauce on the cooker surface and fail to clean it immediately. After a period of time, there are dirt spots and burning spots, we may find it difficult to clean. We will teach you effective ways to clean the induction cooker and the maintenance of it.

Interior Design: Key Concept

Ways of Cleaning an Induction Cooker

When cooking with an induction cooker, it is recommended to simply clean it when there is residual temperature after each cooking to prevent food residues from staying on the glass surface and becoming a difficult-to-clean spot over time.

If there is stubborn dirt on the stove, there is a chance that the bottom of the pot scratched the glass surface of the induction cooker, causing dirt to accumulate, or the food will stay between the pot and the induction cooker and caused scorching. The following methods can be used for cleaning:

Use hot water and add white vinegar, soak the dirty area, and place a towel soaked in white vinegar on the dirty area for one hour. Allow the white vinegar to penetrate, prepare a scraper with a flat blade, and then scrape away the dirt. Keep the angle between the blade and the glass surface at about 30 degrees to remove most of the dirt.

In addition, there are some induction cookers cleaning detergents in the market, just like white vinegar, which also has the effect of softening stubborn dirt. You can also wait for a period of time to let it penetrate, then use a soft cloth or a specialized glass scraper to remove the dirt. Remember to pay attention to whether the cleaning detergents are suitable for your induction cooker and follow the instructions on the detergent to avoid any malpractice and result in damaging your induction cooker.

Interior Design: Lemonfridge Studio

Precautions for Maintenance Work of Induction Cooker

The induction cooker has a high input power. Like air conditioners and refrigerators, a separate and individual socket is required.

The induction cooker has air inlets and outlets. When using the induction cooker, do not block the periphery and bottom, and keep the area well ventilated to prevent the heating panel of the induction cooker from overheating

Some induction cookers are equipped with fans to help the dissipation of heat. After cooking with the induction cooker, do not turn off the power immediately. Allow time for the bottom of the stove to dissipate heat and the heating panel to cool down.

Utilizes pots and pans with lids during cooking to reduce the power used, which can also preserve the moisture of food as well as saving electricity.

Clean the surface of the induction cooker frequently, to prevent dirt from accumulation, which will affect the function of the induction cooker and shorten its lifespan.

5 Major Taboos When Using Induction Cooker

If you want the induction cooker to have a longer lifespan, in addition to the above five maintenance precautions, there are five more taboos to pay attention to. The induction cooker is likely to be damaged if any one of the five taboos is committed.

Never use tin foil to cook on the induction cooker since the tin foil will melt and causing the induction cooker to melt as well.

Do not place any food or utensils that are over 5kg on the induction cooker as it is the maximum loading capacity of the induction cooker.

Do not put a hot lid on the induction cooker when cooking as the two will attract each other due to magnetization and may damage the induction cooker.

When choosing pots and pans for the induction cooker, do not choose pots with uneven or rough bottoms. Scratching the cooker surface will make cleaning more difficult and affect the function of the induction cooker.

In addition to selecting suitable pots and pans, do not frequently drag pots or gold-layered objects on the surface of the induction cooker when cooking. The glass surface will wear out and cause degradation.

The content and pictures of this article are provided and uploaded by the author. It does not represent the opinion of the company. If there are any copyright issues, please contact HKDecoman.

HKDecoman, now going global as Deco-Man, is a Hong Kong-based renovation platform which provides professional consultancy services and pioneers in the development of A.I. homeowner-engineer matching. We aim at educating the public about the art of home renovation and have our eyes on transforming the traditional renovation industry, bringing standardisation, transparency, convenience and automation to the business.

Complete this form and we will recommend you a list of reputable interior design firms that fit your renovation requirements. It’s free! Note: This form is not applicable for repair works request.

How many interior designers do you wish to get in touch with?*

3 – 55 – 8

My Property

My Property Type is*

HDBApartment/CondominiumPrivate HouseCommercial

The room type is*

Please selectStudio2 Rooms3 Rooms4 Rooms5 RoomsAbove 5 Rooms

Property Status*

NewResalePresently Staying

Key Collection Time*

Yes, Key is collectedNo, in 1 – 3 months timeNo, in 3 – 6 months timeNo, in 7 – 12 months timeHave not purchase the unit

Property Address*

Upload your Floor Plan

We recommend to attach your floor plan for a better estimate. File must less than 2MB.

Project Info

Area(s) you need to renovate*

Preferred design style*

No PreferenceAsianClassicContemporaryEclecticIndustrialMediterraneanMidcenturyMinimalismModernRetroRusticScandinavianTraditionalTransitionalTropicalVictorianVintage

My project priority is*

Please selectAesthetically Nice – I want good designCost effectiveness – I’m on a tight budget

My renovation budget is*

Please selectNot Fixed20,000 and Below20,001 – 30,00030,001 – 40,00040,001 – 60,00060,001 – 80,00080,001 – 100,000100,001 – 200,000200,001 & Above

Do you require renovation loan?*

Please selectYes, please call meNo. I don’t

Other information?

My Contact Details

My name is*

First

Last

My Email is*

You can call me at*

How Did You Get To Know Us?*

Please selectGoogleFacebookInstagramYahooEvents/RoadshowFriendsNewsletterRenoNation MagazineThe Straits TimesSME MagazineBingMSN Search

Agreement*

Comments

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source https://civilco.construction/cleaning-tips-5-major-taboos-and-maintenance-methods-of-induction-cooker/ from Civilco Construction & Interior https://civilcoconstruction.blogspot.com/2021/08/cleaning-tips-5-major-taboos-and.html

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mujeeburrehman · 3 years

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In This East Village Renovation, A DIY Jumble Gets Fixed

from Civilco Construction & Interior https://civilcoconstruction.blogspot.com/2021/08/in-this-east-village-renovation-diy.html

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mujeeburrehman · 3 years

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We’re Moving: Part One – The Inspired Room

Hey friends! I finally have that home and life update for you today with more details following my post about a big dream coming true for us (catch up here if you missed that post). This will be part one of the story (it’s almost a book, ha!), so grab a cup of coffee or tea and get cozy!

If you just want to get to the news right away, here it is! We are MOVING! We are selling our house and are in the process of buying a new home. I can hardly believe it, but it’s such a whirlwind but fun story! Read on for the backstory (and know that I will continue to share updates as things continue to unfold!).

I can’t believe been sharing our family, life, and our home stories on the blog since 2007, longer than most of the home influencers on the internet, ha! Fourteen years as of a month ago. It’s not always been easy to know how to live a private life but also share one’s life on the internet with grace, integrity, and consistency.

To share the blessings, the twists and turns, the unknowns and even hard times in front of hundreds of thousands of people you don’t really know feels quite vulnerable at times. But my blog readers have been following along since the beginning. I loved sharing our story with you! We are heading into a new season of life and with it will come a new and exciting change for our family!

The past year has been a roller coaster of emotions, not only because of 2020 but just knowing our kids were going to be heading out again. Our empty nester life would begin for real this year (my husband and I were empty nesters for just a few months two years ago before the pandemic changed that!).

After years of praying for clarity in our future “empty nester life” and searching for the right next path, many pieces of that puzzle began falling into place just in this past year and many only in the past two months. Some of the final pieces fell into place just this week! Honestly, it’s felt like a series of miracles and dreams coming true. We are so thrilled that we can now see our destination and we are almost there.

We are quite family oriented, as you have probably gathered. We have been quite accustomed to living near our kids and all of them and their pets moving in and out over this past year. We loved every minute of the unexpected and extended time with our family. We would’ve kept them all here forever had it been what was best for them!

A few pieces of our own puzzle had to do with decisions our kids would make this year: Courtney moved to an apartment in Bellingham this year (1.5 hours north of Seattle). Kylee and her husband just bought a house in Portland (3 hours south of Seattle). Our son Luke made the decision to move to a house with friends while he finishes his last two years of college (he just moved out last week!).

All of our kids chose to move in slightly different directions on the map. It might not have been our “ideal” scenario, if a perfect one ever existed like us all living next door to each other, ha! But our kids are building their own lives as they should! We’re so proud of them! And we’re all in the Pacific Northwest! I know many times kids end up in other parts of the country or world, so we’re happy being close enough to drive to all of them.

Waiting and watching for each of them get settled in their decisions and homes helped us to feel free to begin visualizing our own direction.

We had several things we wanted to find clarity on over the past few years. One was regarding if or how long we wanted to stay in our current home. We moved here six years ago so our son could go to high school near his siblings who lived in Seattle. We never had committed to staying past those four years of high school, but we were open to whatever the future would hold.

Over the years I felt pretty certain I didn’t want to move. Many times I said we were staying here and I meant it. HA! We have loved living in this house and I don’t like moving :). We had so many plans for this place so we also wanted to continue to work on it! But even though we love living here, I started to feel in my heart that more change was coming.

At first when our kids made their decisions on where they would live, it made sense to us to stay here. We didn’t really have anywhere else we wanted or needed to go. But just as we started to settle into that idea of another few years here, things started to shift. We soon realized there would be a change for us, too!

Life is full of surprises, isn’t it?

One weekend several weeks ago, our kids along with my parents and niece and nephew walked along a beautiful boardwalk in Bellingham (near where my daughter Courtney lives). My parents began talking about how wonderful would be for them to move up here closer to us and the water and all of the adventures they would have.

As we were driving home (and after some conversations in the coming days), I began to feel a stirring in my soul that maybe there was something more for us than just staying where we were. Following our day on that boardwalk, I talked to my dad more on the phone. I heard his heart and some of his dreams. I knew my mom had dreams. My husband and I had dreams for our next home and our empty nester life, too.

Our dreams all seemed to come together in a way that all made sense to us in this very moment in time. For the first time in a long time, my husband and I were free to make some new decisions and dream new dreams.

You don’t always know which experiences of your life are shaping the next part of your story, or which moments will become a significant turning point. Once you are able to start reflecting back on those moments, you can see where you need to go, or find that you are on the right path.

That’s how I started to feel. It became clear that so many parts of our history and the dreams we’ve had were preparing us for this very season.

When I was a kid we had a sailboat and spent a lot of time traveling around the San Juan Islands. Being up here in Washington around the water brought back those memories for us. Once we had kids of our own, my parents bought a beach house on the Oregon Coast near Cannon Beach. It was where our family gathered every summer and holiday. You might remember me showing it on the blog! You can take a tour of it here.

We loved that house and Cannon Beach, but they sold it after our family moved to Washington years ago.When my dad shared a dream he had to recreate something like the experience we had with our beach house, but up here near the San Juan Islands, that’s when the lightbulb went off in my head.

As my husband and I started to think about that vision, as well as reflect on our own dreams and what we wanted to do next, we realized we could live like we were on vacation every day :). Why not? Every day is so precious, life should be an adventure with the people you love!

But tempted as I am to rush decisions at times, I find the most at peace when I learn to let go and just trust. So that’s what I did. I just let go and let the story unfold. Through those experiences on the boardwalk that day and in the conversations and circumstances that followed, it began to make sense to us for many reasons that we could best create a life of adventure for all of us by moving closer to the San Juans.

I didn’t know what that would look like, exactly, but even without knowing all of the answers or even the timeline, I felt so much peace in it!

This move wouldn’t be about finding the perfect dream house, it was first and foremost about seizing the adventure of life by the sea. But as a homebody, it had always been hard for me picture a path forward without the house. With the market as wild as it is, it all seemed a little crazy. Would we just sell our house without anywhere to go? I prayed like crazy that we would make the right decision about selling our home, that we would find the right place at the right time, and that I wouldn’t get in the way of whatever was meant to be.

There is a beautiful area not too far North of where we live now that I’ve felt drawn to go explore, for years I couldn’t get it out of my head. I felt inspired that it was finally time to go take a look! We’d actually been in the area many times before, but had never looked at it as a potential place to live. It seemed like it might be the perfect destination for us to begin this new season of life, but we wanted to see it for ourselves.

So my husband and I hopped in the car that next weekend and went a little road trip! Little did we know that day we’d not only find the perfect location for the life we dreamed about, but the home of our dreams was there waiting for us, too.

Stay tuned for PART TWO of our new home story!

Be sure to follow along on Instagram HERE for behind the scenes, and subscribe to my newsletter here to stay in the loop!

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source https://civilco.construction/were-moving-part-one-the-inspired-room/ from Civilco Construction & Interior https://civilcoconstruction.blogspot.com/2021/08/were-moving-part-one-inspired-room.html

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mujeeburrehman · 3 years

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Gut Renovation Costs 101: How To Calculate Your Budget

Demolition, amount of work, a home’s condition, and alternate living arrangements all affect gut renovation costs

Gutting a home requires a different level of owner commitment than a smaller renovation project. Here, Sweeten provides some guidance on points to consider when planning a major project like this.

Sweeten matches home renovation projects with vetted general contractors, offering advice, support, and up to $50,000 in renovation financial protection—for free.

What is a gut renovation?

Gut renovating a home is more than an extensive remodel. It means taking the walls down to the studs, removing existing interior doors and trim, cabinets, sinks, and exposing the structure of the home. It often includes replacing windows and exterior doors, the roof, and replacing most or all plumbing and electrical. Gutting also involves removing materials before you remodel.

Calculating gut renovation costs

Sweeten provides city-specific renovation cost guides, but keep in mind that material costs and timelines have shifted. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, prices for materials and labor have jumped, drastically in some cases and in some locales. Subsequently, it’s a good idea to add 20% to the materials budget and talk with your contractor about timing, materials, and budget.

Pro tip: Do not wait. The pandemic has caused a backlog in the supply of materials in many sectors. For homeowners interested in renovating, it’s smart to schedule and sign with a contractor to lock in your material prices. You’ll also want to book a start date on the contractor’s schedule. If you do wait, prices will probably continue to go up and your material order will be at the back of a long queue.

The project scope: Must-haves & Nice-to-haves

When making a gut renovation budget, it’s important to create a list of “must-haves.” These are elements that are definitely required for the project. Afterward, make a second wishlist of “nice-to-haves.” This includes all of the changes you’d like to see but may be willing to forgo as you consider your budget.

It’s also crucial to be realistic about the condition of your home, as gut renovation costs can vary considerably by the condition of the structure. Updating the mechanical systems like the electrical panel and old plumbing can range from straightforward in a dated foursquare to challenging in a home located in a historic district.

What are the existing conditions of the home?

Ask your contractor about worst-case scenarios given your home’s age and history. Consider the budget contingency that will give you peace of mind when your project kicks off. Your contractor can’t price out every possible surprise, but you should feel confident that you have a partner who will help you problem-solve when challenges come up.

Homeowners undertaking serious gut remodels should build in an extra cash reserve for issues that come up along the way. This definitely includes issues that come up once the walls are broken into! In this case, add more than 15% into your budget for a gut remodel.

The most expensive rooms to gut renovate

Bathrooms contain the most plumbing and fixtures per square foot. Because of this, they tend to be the most expensive spaces in the house per square foot. Kitchens are next-most expensive, followed by the other living spaces.

Should you leave or stay during a renovation?

Yet another important factor: deciding where you’ll live during the project. Nearly anything is possible, so you probably can remain in the house during the project. However, staying elsewhere is preferable for most people because you’ll almost certainly have to deal with surprises. You might see a need for structural reinforcement, or you’ll come across mold or asbestos, and decide then that you should reside elsewhere for a while. Also, if you do choose to stay during the project, you’ll need to make sure that you’re legally allowed to do so, too. Your city’s building department is the place to inquire.

Just remember that if you decide to stay in the home during the project to save money, you’ll still incur costs, and they could be substantial. Financial costs include delaying the project because you (or your things) are in the way. Non-financial costs could include a strain on daily family routines such as finding alternatives for when a kitchen or shower is being renovated. All those can result in financial costs, too.

Your contractor will guide you through the cost for permits and regulations associated with your project, such as placing dumpsters. If your home is in a homeowner’s association, they will also have requirements you’ll need to meet.

Demolition & Gut renovation costs

The demolition part of gutting a home is mostly labor and disposal costs, so it’s not really that expensive. However, removing plumbing pipes and drains and so on takes time. Outsourcing the demo or doing it as a DIY project doesn’t really save much money. For safety and hazard concerns, Sweeten recommends leaving demolition to the professionals.

Note: that moving walls is not included in these costs. Moving load-bearing walls requires consulting with a structural engineer, and that could be $500—$1,000. Whenever you change walls around, you’ll need to build temporary support walls, so there’s another cost to add!

Also, you may discover hazards like asbestos, lead paint, and mold. If you do, a pro will evaluate how extensive the problem is. These hazards are not DIY-friendly. In some places, you’re not legally permitted to deal with these dangerous materials, especially asbestos, which can only be handled by a professional.

The general contractor and subcontractors

Managing an extensive construction project like a gut renovation is challenging. As such, you’ll benefit greatly from working with an experienced general contractor. A general contractor (GC) usually has steady and long-standing connections to many subcontractors, so communication often goes smoothly. They will orchestrate and schedule architects, engineers, plumbers, electricians, and other skilled labor.

Architects and gut renovations

Architects specialize in bringing ideas to fruition, and they must communicate with homeowners at a high level. An architect must have a crystal-clear vision of how to transform the current home into the space you dream of. Getting the input of the architect as early in the process as possible will be invaluable in helping you mentally walk through the steps in advance. Fortunately, Many Sweeten design-build firms have in-house architectural services. Also, some Sweeten contractors can refer an architect if the project needs one.

Starting a gut renovation

Gut renovating a home is a major project. Having an understanding of the process with the guidance of the right general contractor and team sets you on a path for a smoother renovation. And a step closer to your dream home.

—

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source https://civilco.construction/gut-renovation-costs-101-how-to-calculate-your-budget/ from Civilco Construction & Interior https://civilcoconstruction.blogspot.com/2021/08/gut-renovation-costs-101-how-to.html

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mujeeburrehman · 3 years

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Kovan Wellspring And Hougang Citrine

One of the best performers in the Aug 2021 BTO launch were the Hougang BTOs, more precisely Kovan Wellspring, which sits right next to Kovan MRT. Hougang Citrine, the other Hougang BTO that was launched, isn’t packed with as many amenities nearby, but it does have 5-room units to choose from. We look at both sites in our analysis and see the best units to go for.

At a glance

Hougang CitrineKovan WellspringLocationAlong Hougang Ave 3, opposite Singapore Girls’ HomeNext to Kovan MRT stationNo. of units749586Unit types2-room flexi, 3-, 4- and 5-room2-room flexi, 3- and 4-roomNo. of blocks64No. of floors12 to 13 storeys13 to 18 storeysOn-site and surrounding amenities• Neighbourhood Centre: Hougang N1 Centre at Hougang Ave 1 (~10-min walk) • Hawker Centre/Wet Market: Hougang Hainanese Village Centre (~10-min walk) • Supermarkets: Prime Supermarket along Hougang Ave 1 (~12-min walk) and FairPrice Maple Tree 18 (~20-min walk) • Other eateries: 134 Lorong Ah Soo coffee shop (~10-min walk)• Integrated with Paya Lebar Kovan Community Centre • MRT stations: Kovan MRT on the North-East line (~2-min walk) and future Defu MRT on the Circle line (~18-min walk) • Shopping mall: Heartland Mall (~2-min walk) • Hawker Centre/Wet Market: Kovan 209 Market & Food Centre (~2-min walk) • Supermarkets: Cold Storage at Heartland Mall (~2-min walk) and FairPrice Finest at Hougang St 21 (~6-min walk) • Other eateries: Restaurants, cafes, fast food and supper spots at mixed-use development, Stars of Kovan and along Upper Serangoon Road (~4-min walk)Schools within 1km (estimated)Paya Lebar Methodists Girls’ (Primary)Xinghua Primary SchoolEstimated completion dateFirst quarter of 2025Third quarter of 2026Pros & Cons of both BTOs• Earlier completion date • Quieter surroundings • Lack of amenities • Stacks have less impact from traffic and car park • Car park located far away • Most areas surrounding the site not yet developed, so likely to face some construction down the road once living in• More surrounding amenities mean extra convenience, but it also means a noisier surrounding • Most stacks have a North-South orientation (breezier flats) • Better lift to unit ratio

The sites

We can understand why Kovan Wellspring was so well received during the Aug 2021 sales exercise. The site, currently a car park, is sandwiched between Heartland Mall on one side and a wet market/food centre on the other. You also have Kovan MRT station right next to it. Within the site itself will be a revamped Paya Lebar Kovan Community Centre.

Site for Kovan Wellspring. Stars of Kovan (mixed-use development) to the left and the neighbourhood centre to the right.

Site for Kovan Wellspring. The site is also surrounded by a hawker centre, seen here at the far end of image.

Just opposite the BTO along Upper Serangoon Road is a line of eateries popular amongst foodies, with famed eats like Yaowarat Thai Kway Chap and Punggol Nasi Lemak. The mixed-use development across the road, Stars of Kovan, also contains a number of eateries. There’s no shortage of food options here.

Along the intersection between Upper Serangoon Road and Tampines Road.

Besides the hustle and bustle because of the amenities in this Kovan BTO, traffic was also pretty heavy along Tampines Road and Upper Serangoon Road. The former is more of a concern, since there are stacks at Kovan Wellspring that are facing Tampines Road directly. This arterial road also leads into expressway, KPE, so traffic will likely be always busy.

Along arterial road, Tampines Road.

There is less fanfare over at Hougang Citrine as it has fewer amenities around the site. It sits at the edge of an industrial district and several depots. One of the newest additions near the site include a stack-up complex, Defu Industrial Park. This industrial park is set to collate a few of the existing industries around the site under one building and will house a workers’ dormitory as well as a Defu City Centre (~18-min walk) that will provide a range of amenities including F&B options, convenience stores, medical clinics and childcare centres.

Site for Hougang Citrine. Much of the area is still relatively undeveloped.

The downside to being near this new industrial city is that traffic along Hougang Ave 3 will likely pick up significantly once the industries move into the industrial complex. So there might be an increase in heavy vehicles moving about and around the area.

Along Hougang Ave 3

Currently, the main amenities are located at the neighbourhood centre along Hougang Ave 1, approximately a 10-min walk away. There is a Prime supermarket there, a food centre and wet market as well as a couple of coffee shops. The area’s amenities are likely to be boosted by the upcoming Hougang BTOs in this area (set to launch in Nov 2021).

Both BTOs sit relatively near Paya Lebar Air Base, which is set to relocate only from 2030 onwards, so aviation noise is still going to be an issue for a few years down the road if you move in by 2025 or 2026.

Site Map for Kovan Wellspring.

Site Map for Hougang Citrine

Looking at the amenities for both sites, Kovan Wellspring is undoubtedly the winner. Most of the stacks there also have a North-South orientation, which will translate to breezier units. But being surrounded by all these amenities and having a community centre on site will mean foot, vehicular traffic and noise levels around the area will be significantly higher. The car park for the community centre is located on the site as well.

For Hougang Citrine, its car park is located quite a distance away from some of the blocks. The good thing about this is that there is less noise and traffic impact from being near the car park, but the drawback is that drivers will have to walk quite a distance just to collect their vehicles.

4-room unit comparisons: Hougang Citrine versus Kovan Wellspring

Save for the 4-room units, there aren’t major differences for the rest of the unit types for both BTOs. Do note that only Hougang Citrine has 5-room units available. If you are opting for a 4-room flat, here’s a look at the two layouts available at Hougang Citrine and Kovan Wellspring:

Here’s a comparison of the 4-room layouts:

Hougang CitrineKovan Wellspring• Larger layout at 95 sqm • Dedicated foyer area • Likely to have a galley kitchen layout to maximise counter space • Weird column in the middle of the flat • Each window panel is slightly separated from the next one • Might have an awkward wardrobe layout in the master bedroom • Able to hack the internal walls of all three bedrooms • Window for common bathroom looks out into service yard• Smaller layout at 93 sqm • Possibility of a larger living room, by knocking down adjacent bedroom wall • More conventional BTO layout • Spacious master bathroom • Long stretch of windows • Structural wall between two common bedrooms i.e. cannot hack to enlarge area

Which unit to go for at Hougang Citrine?

2-room flats

The 2-room units are located at blocks 178A, 178B and 179A. Type 2s are bigger, giving you the option of an extra bedroom that can contain a single-sized bed.

If you want a quieter stack, choose one that isn’t facing the areas where people tend to gather like the playgrounds and fitness corners. Do avoid stacks that are facing the main road and the site reserved for school. The site map indicates that all the main roads surrounding Hougang Citrine will have bus stops. Because buses run on a regular frequency, it can get quite noisy if you go with a road-facing stack. These are the stacks to pick for peace and quiet: 108, 110, 112, 186 and 188.

For privacy, you’ll want to for a corner unit, away from the lifts and rubbish chutes and preferably one that is standalone without being attached to an adjacent unit. These are the best 2-room stacks for privacy: 116 and 134.

Some of the stacks aren’t blocked by another stack in front of it, which can mean a breezier interior if you open the doors and windows to your unit. These stacks are likely to be relatively windy: 104, 144, 172.

3-room flats

For 3-room flats, you can choose from stacks 106, 148, 156, 176, 182, 202, 206 and 230.

You’ll have to choose between the stacks facing the pavilion (156, 230), the fitness corners/playgrounds (106, 146, 202, 206) and stacks facing the future school site (182, 176). Take note that stack 182 also faces an upcoming bus stop.

For privacy, stack 182 is your best choice seeing as it’s a corner unit. Do note that it isn’t a standalone stack though.

Based on the sun directions in Singapore (northwest and southwest depending on the time of the year), most stacks here are likely to get the afternoon sun. However, you’ll also want to check if there are neighbouring buildings that can provide some shade (the 3D model of the unit at HDB Hub will help). Stack 156 might be able to receive a little bit of shade from the sun coming in the southwest direction because of the neighbouring stack.

4-room flats

For 4-room units, you get to choose from stacks 100, 102, 148, 150, 154, 158, 160, 164, 166, 170, 198, 200, 204, 208, 214, 220, 222, 224, 226 and 228.

Stacks 208 and 222 are the best for privacy because they are corner units, away from the lifts and rubbish chutes and they don’t have an adjoining adjacent stack.

In terms of the afternoon sun, stacks 220, 222 and 228 might get some shade from the neighbouring stacks so they are likely to be relatively cool when you come home in the evenings.

For a quieter stack, consider stack 208 since it is somewhat further away from the playground. The rest of the 4-room stacks are either facing the future school, in close proximity with the playgrounds, pavilion and fitness corners, or are facing the main roads.

5-room flats

5-room buyers, you’ll have your pick from three blocks at stacks 152, 162, 168, 196, 210, 212, 216, 218 and 232.

In terms of privacy, stacks 152, 162, 210 and 216 are good options. For stacks 152, 210 and 216 though, it’s likely that the service yard can be seen from the common corridors.

Stacks likely to be shaded from the afternoon sun from neighbouring blocks include stacks 196 and 212.

For peace and quiet, you can consider a unit on a higher floor for stack 218. It faces the 5-storey car park, but you can avoid fumes and traffic noise if you get a unit on a higher floor upwards of fifth floor. Other 5-room stacks are either facing the future school, near the main roads or are facing the pavilion and drop-off points.

Which unit to go for at Kovan Wellspring?

2-room flats

Pick from the following stacks for 2-room flats: 108, 110, 112, 114, 116, 118, 120, 122, 146, 148, 150, 152, 158, 160, 166, 168, 176 and 178.

We wouldn’t recommend going for a stack (146, 148, 150, 152, 176 or 178) that faces Tampines Road. Not only will traffic noise be an issue seeing as Tampines Road is such a busy one, the dust and fumes from on-going traffic will also be a problem.

For 2-room units, 158 and 160 are pretty decent choices if you don’t want a stack that is too noisy. They are away from the main road, away from the hustle and bustle of the neighbourhood centre, and don’t face any playgrounds or fitness corners where noise levels are high as people tend to congregate at those zones.

For stacks that are likely to get some shade from the afternoon sun, look to these ones: stacks 120, 122, 158 and 160.

In terms of privacy, go with stacks 116 and 152. These are corner units that don’t have an adjoining unit next to them.

3-room flats

Pick from the following stacks if you are going for 3-room units: 136, 154, 156, 170, 172 and 174.

You will have to choose from a stack that is near the Paya Lebar Kovan Community Centre (136), stacks that are facing the main road (172 and 174) or stacks that are overlooking the playground and fitness corners (154, 156 and 170).

Units on the 4th floor and below at stack 136 might get some shade from the afternoon sun thanks to the adjacent CC. The rest of the 3-room stacks are likely going to receive some afternoon sun.

For privacy, we would recommend 136 and 170, which are standalone stacks and corner units.

4-room flats

These are the 4-room stacks to choose from: 100, 102, 104, 106, 124, 126, 128, 130, 132, 134, 138, 140, 142, 144, 162, and 164.

For privacy, go for stacks 102, 104, 126, 128, 134 140, 142 and 164. While they aren’t standalone stacks, they are corner units with some privacy.

Look out for stacks 124, 126 and 138 if you want a quieter home. These stacks are inward looking, so they don’t face Tampines Road or the neighbourhood centre. They are also not located next to the CC or directly facing the playground.

You might get some respite from the afternoon sun if your unit is located on the 4th floor or lower at stacks 132, 134, 138 and 140.

Still have questions on either Kovan Wellspring or Hougang Citrine? Let us know in the comments or through our socials!

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source https://civilco.construction/kovan-wellspring-and-hougang-citrine/ from Civilco Construction & Interior https://civilcoconstruction.blogspot.com/2021/08/kovan-wellspring-and-hougang-citrine.html

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mujeeburrehman · 3 years

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Kylee’s Empty House Tour – The Inspired Room

Hello! It’s Kylee here to show you some more of our new home! Just a few weeks ago we moved into our new Cape Cod style home (or just a cape depending on where you live!). To be honest I still can’t believe it’s really ours! While we owned our townhouse for years, this still feels kind of like my first real home. No shared walls, a yard to take care of, more rooms than I know what to do with…am I a real adult now? How do I pick a lawnmower? When does one prune the bushes? So much to learn.

I shared a few peeks of our new home here, but today I wanted to give you more of a full empty tour!

I’ve always loved the look of a long driveway that leads to a set back detached garage, so that’s one of the features we loved about the home!

You enter the house directly into the living room, so one design challenge I am working on right away is creating a welcoming, entry that will *feel* like its own dedicated space.

I can’t wait until it gets chilly enough to use the gas fireplace! We loved having one in our previous home and are looking forward to having one again.

From the living room you can see into the dining room and kitchen, After years of eating around a kitchen island, it looks like we actually need to get a dining table now! The double arches make my heart flutter and I just love how this space is open, but still feels like individual rooms. While we looked at houses that were all different styles in terms of how open they were, there is something about homes with more unique floor plans and lots of rooms that feel so cozy and homey to me.

I’m still a bit shocked that we ended up with a such a beautifully remodeled kitchen. We saw lots of homes in our house search and even the remodeled ones usually had quite a few features I wouldn’t have chosen, but this house has so many things I would have picked for myself! The housing market was brutal and after months of searching and losing homes (I shared more about that in this post) it was looking like we were going to have to lower our expectations and started to accept that a remodel may be in our future.

But, we got so lucky with this house! We’d noticed it when it was first listed, but it went pending right away (of course!). Then a few weeks later we happened to be visiting Portland and saw that the sale had fallen through and it was back on the market! So, we walked into an open house and fell in love and hoped that due to the circumstances, we might actually have a chance. And we did have a chance! We weren’t the only offer, but we were able to get ours accepted!

Overall, I love everything about the kitchen–the marble counters, the butcher block island, the paint colors, the light that streams in…I spend a lot of time cooking in here and it’s been bringing me so much joy! I may change the light above the sink and maybe eventually add some pendant lights over the island, but for now it’s perfect. Oh and in case you missed it, I already wrote a blog post about how I filled those glass front cabinets! You can read that post here (I also shared some of the kitchen sources in that post like our cabinet paint color).

The house has three bathrooms and every single one of them was done so nicely! This one might be my favorite in the house because of all the gorgeous tile! This is the bathroom on the main floor between two bedrooms. I will spare you photos of the bedrooms, because they’re really just two boxes. We will be using one for a home office and one as a guest room! I’ll share those when they’re looking cute.

Then downstairs we have a finished basement. Pictured above is the staircase down and a bathroom on the left (even the basement bathroom was done nicely!) and another bedroom to the right.

The basement bedroom came with this pull down murphy bed and will be another great guest space for us! I imagine our upstairs guest room will be for short term guests and this will be for someone staying longer or who comes with kids or dogs (hi Mom and Dad and Jack and Lily!).

Then there is this big, open space with a fireplace and a space for a TV. This space isn’t on our priority list, but eventually we would like new floors and paint down here. Maybe a big cozy sectional for movie nights?

And on the other side of the open space is a wet bar/mini kitchen. We aren’t entirely sure how we are going to use this space yet so TBD.

A whole laundry ROOM! In my townhouse I just had a laundry closet so this feels like a luxury. I’m thinking wallpaper may be just what’s needed to spark a little joy into this space.

Now for the final space, the primary suite, which is basically the whole upstairs/converted attic.

We have plans to get new hardwood floors up here soon. As anyone doing house projects right now knows, there are lots of delays on supplies, but hopefully this will be done in the next few weeks!

I’m still debating on paint colors, but we may actually transform this space with something darker to be a bit more moody and cozy.

The primary bathroom is a dream! The herringbone floors, the double vanity…I’m obsessed. We’ve considered a couple minor updates to make it more our own, like new lights and hardware, but we are enjoying it as it is for now.

Also, this shower. Can you even?! There’s a little nook back there behind the shower that is kind of wasted space that I’m considering putting a vanity table to do my makeup. And to the left there is a HUGE walk in closet. Like, almost more space that we need kind of huge (not that I’m complaining!).

Thanks for coming along on this tour! We’ve already settled in a bit and started decorating so I’m sure I will be back soon with updates. If you follow along on my Instagram, I’ll be sharing some of our progress in real time!

f you’re just catching up, here are a few recent posts related to Kylee’s Move:

Kylee Moving Home Again

Kylee’s Home Buying Story

Kylee’s Cape Cod Style House (first few photos!)

Styling Glass Kitchen Cabinets (Kylee’s House Update)

Changes and Empty Nester Life

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source https://civilco.construction/kylees-empty-house-tour-the-inspired-room/ from Civilco Construction & Interior https://civilcoconstruction.blogspot.com/2021/08/kylees-empty-house-tour-inspired-room.html

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