Bathroom Remodeling Blogs

Things to Consider when Expanding your Home – Home Additions Ideas

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Do you love your neighborhood, schools, and nearby stores? Do you hate the thought of leaving friends or changing schools? If your current home no longer meets the needs of a growing family, you may be considering expanding your home with an addition.  If your family is increasing because of an aging parent moving in or more children, you may desperately need more rooms or space for an expanding family’s activities.

Before you begin to plan an addition, you need to ask yourself some questions:

  1. Do you have enough space on your property to build out?
  2. Is your home structurally sound to build up?
  3. Will expanding your home be out of place in your neighborhood?
  4. Do you have a generous renovation budget or can you secure a home equity loan to cover the costs of an expansion?

Expanding your Home: to Build Up or Out?

Typical ground level additions include a “Florida” room or sunroom, a family room or living room, an additional or enlarged garage, or a “mother-in-law” suite with a private entrance. A popular renovation for a growing family is a kitchen expansion or a laundry room and/or mud room.

Second Floor Build Up

A craft room or hobby room, exercise room or a master suite are often requested additions for a second floor. A laundry room next to the bedrooms is a popular addition for the convenience of not needing to lug laundry up and down stairs. Other possibilities are an office expansion, sometimes with a private entrance, an over-garage addition, or an additional bedroom.

Going Up… to a Third Story

These additions can include a master suite, family room, storage and holiday rooms, as well as a study or exercise room.

Expanding your Home: Which is the Best Way to Go?

Whether you build up or out may depend on the size, shape, existing footprint of your home, and the available yard space. Think about future uses for your backyard. If you want to leave space for a pool, patio, entertainment area, or playground, you may not have the space available to build out. Are there options for building out at the side of your home or in the front?

Vertical Additions

If you build up, all or part of your home’s existing roof will be removed. You’ll need to plan to move into a hotel or stay with family for the rest of the renovation. Building up includes the addition of a staircase, which will take up space on the first floor, reducing the amount of available square footage there.

Horizontal Additions

Not as disruptive as a second or third floor addition, building out means sacrificing yard area in the back, side, or front of your home. A foundation must be poured and the walls will be framed. Plumbing and air ducts are added and a roof is installed over the new addition. The exterior siding or brick face, as well as the roof, will need to match the existing exterior.

The Cost Differences

Building out is significantly less expensive than building up. Depending on where you live in the US, building up can cost as much as 30% more than building out. 

The cost of building out can include additional plumbing work, landscaping, pouring a new foundation, and upgrading the HVAC system.

In addition to removing the existing roof and replacing it, the first floor may need to have additional support structures installed.  Costs can include the addition of a staircase, structural supports and footings, a structural engineer, adding an HVAC system on the new floor, the cost of staying at a hotel, storing personal items and possible repairs to the first floor.

Making the Decision

Your final decision will depend on the size of your property, your town’s zoning laws (or HOA requirements), the condition of your home, and your requirements and budget. Your first step is a consultation with a professional renovation construction company.  You can expect to answer a lot of questions and will be given information and advice on your options. A comprehensive estimate will follow when you decide on your specific plan for your home.

If you are thinking about an addition, call us at 508-918-0422 at A.W. Puma Remodeling and Restoration, or visit our contact page. We begin with a consultation to hear your vision. We will explain our process and answer all your questions. Together we will design and create a new living space that you and your family will love and enjoy for many years!

Six Reasons Why You Should Consider a Spring Remodeling Project

6 Reasons Why You Should Consider a Spring Remodeling Project

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If you are thinking of a spring remodeling for a room because you want to sell your home this summer, or you have waited through the long winter to start your dream project … spring is here and now may be the ideal time to begin. 

Here are six very good reasons why you should consider a spring remodeling project:

You’ll be among the first to remodel. 

The earlier you can get your project scheduled, the sooner your remodeler can get started. Home renovators get very busy during the summer months, so to avoid getting back-logged, be one of the first to be on the schedule for a spring start.

You’ll have better weather.

Spring temperatures and weather conditions mean fewer weather-related delays. Your contractor won’t have to deal with freezing winter or the scorching heat of the summer. Your project will be completed faster in spring than in any other season.

You’ll avoid disruption.

The winter and early spring holidays are over so a renovation project won’t get in the way of your family activities. Start in the spring and the work may be done in time for summer vacation and travel plans. You will want to entertain on your new deck or patio and proudly show off your newly remodeled kitchen to out-of-town guests.

You’ll have more time.

If your renovation project is complex, it may take months to be completed. If you start in the spring, you’ll have more time for the project to be finalized … into the summer and fall, if needed. 

You’ll benefit from spring remodeling sales.

Many showrooms have end-of-winter sales, offering discounts on items from the previous season. You can take advantage of lower prices on materials that may include plumbing fixtures, tile flooring, and lighting.

You’ll sell for more with your spring remodeling project.

If your objective is to sell your home at a higher price, consider that a newly renovated home will attract more potential buyers. Your home will stand out and you may sell quickly and at the price you want. 

Spring is a time for new beginnings. Nature is alive with new birth. A spring remodeling project may be the revitalization your home needs so you will love it even more than when you first moved in.  

If you are thinking about renovating your home this spring, call us at 508-918-0422 at A.W. Puma Remodeling and Restoration. We begin with a consultation to hear your vision. We will explain our process and answer all your questions. Together we will design and create a new living space that you and your family will love and enjoy for many years!

Adding a Powder Room to your home

Powder Room Ideas For Your Home

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Families grow. Basements are converted into rec rooms. A guest powder room is needed on the first floor. You want to increase the resale value of your home.

According to Renovate with Character, “When buyers tour homes for sale, they’re taking a close look at the bathrooms. For some, the sheer number of bathrooms in a home is critical – they must have a master, a family bathroom (full bath) and a half bathroom (powder room) for guests.”

Adding another bathroom can increase the home’s sale price by 8.7% which is more than twice the increase homeowners see if they add a bedroom.

Converting a Closet to a Powder Room

If space is limited in your home, a closet may be the answer to where to install a powder room.

The International Residential Building Code requires 11 square feet of space for a bathroom but a 3’ x 5’ is preferable and a coat closet can provide that space very nicely.  A toilet, sink, and mirror are all that are needed in a powder room.  Look for a wall-hung sink or small pedestal sink and a small cabinet to store necessities like toilet paper and soap. You’ll need a functional window or an exhaust fan for ventilation.

Be Creative with Décor

Bring this small space to life with creative wall décor and paint or wallpaper. Crown molding, a stylish mirror, vanity light … or sconce lighting on the sides of the mirror … are the finishing touches.

The “Elephant in the Powder Room”

You are thinking, “If I use the coat closet for a powder room, where do I put the coats?”

Fashionable coat hooks on a wall near the front door will do nicely. If you have the space, a high-backed bench with coat hooks on the top is ideal … even better if the seat has a lid that hides an extra storage area.

If you typically store out-of-season coats and sports equipment in this closet, consider adding a closet in the basement.  The benefits of having a powder room far outweigh the need to find storage options elsewhere.

Powder Room Options if a Closet Isn’t Available

Talk to a professional remodeling contractor about the options for adding a powder room, wherever you are thinking of adding one.  Plumbing factors have to be taken into consideration.  A professional can offer alternatives and comparative costs to help you make an informed decision.

Adding a bathroom need not be prohibitively expensive.  The right approach can mean the benefits of having an extra bathroom will more than offset the costs and the return on your investment will be worth it.

If you are thinking about renovating or adding a bathroom, call us at 508-918-0422 at A.W. Puma Remodeling and Restoration. We begin with a consultation to hear your vision. We will explain our process and answer all your questions. Together we will design and create your new bathroom that you and your family will love and enjoy for many years!

 

remodeling contractor Boston MA photo

Key Questions to Ask When Choosing a Remodeling Contractor

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The most essential first step when beginning a home remodeling project is to select your contractor. Your goal is to choose a professional who is reliable, honest, and has a good reputation for quality work. You’ll want to get multiple estimates and check each contractor’s reviews, but there is more you can do to select the best contractor for you. Think of this step as the “interview” process.

Your job at this point is to ask a lot of questions.  Here are 13 of the most important:

1. How long have you been a remodeling contractor?

First and foremost, you want an experienced remodeling contractor. Those with years of experience have created processes and controls to ensure that their projects are completed on time and on budget. Experience helps to produce quality results that will meet your expectations.

2. Will I have a dedicated team working on my project?

Contractors often work several projects at a time. You want to know that the individuals on your job will be consistent from day to day. Ask: Will the same team be working on my project each day? Will you be the project manager? If not, who and what will he or she oversee each day? What is your process for qualifying the sub-contractors you work with? How often can I expect a progress report?

3. What remodeling contractor insurance do you carry?

Contractors should have workers’ compensation and liability insurance for the types of jobs they perform. Ask to see their Certificate of Insurance for peace of mind that the company and their employees are insured for the type of work you are hiring them for. In addition, ask if the sub-contractors they hire are insured under the contractor’s insurance.

4. What licenses and certification does your company and its employees have?

Cities, states, and sometimes counties have different contractors’ licensing requirements. You want to know that your contractor has obtained any required certifications for their field of expertise. (You don’t want to hire a carpenter whose license is in plumbing.) A business license is not sufficient. A license to operate a business doesn’t mean that the individual is a licensed or credentialed contractor.

5. Will the remodeling contractor obtain the necessary permits and arrange for the required inspections?

Some projects require permits and/or inspections, especially if your project changes the structure of the home. Your contractor should know what permits are needed and how to get them … and should be willing to obtain them for you. 

6. What is your timeline for starting and completing this project?

Ask, too, if there are any circumstances that might affect the schedule, such as other projects the company is working on now or prospective projects that may go to contract. Learn how changes to the timeline will be addressed.

7. How do you want to be paid? What is the payment schedule?

You should never be expected to pay for the entire project upfront and a reputable contractor will not ask you to. It is important to know exactly how much is due and when.

8. How will additional remodeling contractor charges be handled?

With today’s technology, contractors can provide very accurate pricing, but remodeling projects can be unpredictable at times. Once a project is underway, circumstances may arise that can change the initial estimate. Homeowners may decide to make changes that require a “change order.” It is important that your contractor agree not to exceed the agreed upon budget without getting approval.

9. What will a typical day on this project be like?

You need to know what to expect on construction days so you can prepare appropriately. At what time does the workday begin and end? What does the homeowner need to remove prior to the start of the project? Does the homeowner need to be home during the project? Should pets be removed from the home? What will the noise level be like? In addition, ask how tools and materials will be stored if the job spans several days? Ask if tools will be put away or if equipment needs to stay in place until the following day. At the end of the day, will trash be removed and disposed of? Will there be routine end-of-day clean up to ensure an uncluttered workspace?

10. What steps are taken to protect my property?

Although the question may seem disrespectful, it is important to know that your contractor is willing to take appropriate steps to protect your home. Ask about the use of tarps to cover large furniture and surfaces in the work area. Will the crew wear shoe coverings in the house? Will doors need to be kept open and will they be closed and locked when leaving the home?

11. Do you offer a warranty for your service or for the materials you will use?

Most remodeling contractors offer a guarantee on their work, and you’ll want to know what their warranty covers and for how long. The materials used may have a manufacturer’s warranty, so you should request a copy of this information before construction begins.

12. How will we communicate with each other during the project?

Who is the remodeling contractor person you should be contacting if you have a question or a change? When is the best time to contact this person and how – by phone, text, email? Ask in what general timeframe you can expect a response.

It is critical to establish good communication between contractor and homeowner. Prospective contractors will welcome your questions and should have a list of questions of their own to determine what you desire in your remodel and what your expectations are. You don’t want a contractor who agrees with everything you say.

You want an open dialogue which ensures a positive working relationship for this project and beyond.

How will we resolve any disagreements?

Mistakes and disagreements with remodeling contractors do sometimes occur, therefore, a remodeling contractor must have a process to handle this. As a result, you will hire a remodeler who guarantees their work and has a process in place to make sure you are 100% satisfied. 

Want to know what it is like to work with a reliable remodeling contractor? Check out our latest reviews on BuildZoom.

Newton MA Modern bathroom interior with blue double vanity

Thinking of a Bathroom Remodel? Ten things to think about before you get started.

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There are a gazillion things to think about when planning a bathroom remodel. The options for each and every aspect of your remodel can be mind-boggling, and the costs seem to escalate with every new feature. Research and planning are key when deciding to remodel your bathroom or add a guest bathroom to your home.

Here is what you need to know to get started:

1. What does a bathroom remodel cost?

The answer to that is, as you might expect: “It depends…”  The size of the bathroom, what materials you select for tile, walls, fixtures, vanity, and décor will determine the cost of the remodel. What has to be removed before the new materials are installed? As a rule of thumb, according to Houzz is a basic bathroom update is around $3,000 – $12,000.  A mid- to upper-range remodel can be from $10,000 – $35,000 and you can expect to spend $30,000 – $100,000+ for a deluxe bathroom remodel!

That is quite a range in price for bath remodeling!

That is why it is vital to research various design themes and products and to bring your contractor in early to guide you to a design that will not only realize your vision but fit your budget.

2. Will My Vision for a Bath Remodel Fit?

It is important to know standard measurements of typical bathtubs, showers, or toilets. For example, countertops are usually 32 inches – 34 inches from the floor. Some sinks sit above the counter, rather than in the countertop, so that fact needs to be taken into consideration. Some people prefer “raised” countertops and toilets for comfort. Here is a guide to key measurements in the bathroom.

In addition, when selecting floor and wall tile, know that the size may not be precisely what you expect. Tile is sold in millimeters, so a 12-inch tile may actually be 11 3/8 inches. Your contractor will measure and advise you how much to buy, taking the tile sizing and grout joints into consideration.

3. What to Choose First When Remodeling my bath?

The faucets – sink and tub or shower – may be the most visible hardware in the bathroom. Select the hardware that suits your style and theme and then match the towel bars, toilet flush lever, and other hardware to the faucet’s finish and style.

4. Where Should Splurge on my Bathroom Remodel?

You can make a bathroom look amazingly luxurious by adding a few higher-end materials. Check out a trendy or more lavish lighting fixture or floor tile or sink. You may find the investment in one area can upgrade your design considerably without sacrificing your budget.

5. How Can You Save Space and Money When Remodeling my Bathroom?

One way to save is to consider this: If you prefer a shower to a bath and rarely use a bathtub, think about using that 5-foot x 2 ½-foot area for something more functional for you. Plumbing will likely not need to be rerouted so converting to a shower can be a cost-effective way to get more out of your bathroom.

6. What Should You Know about Bathroom Tile?

Today, cement and encaustic tiles are trendy, but they are pricey and are more difficult and expensive to install. They can be marred by harsh detergents and require annual sealing. Instead, consider porcelain, which are crack- and stain-proof. There are styles that mimic the look of handmade ceramic, natural stone, and wood!

To guard against slipping, be sure the tile you select for the floors is textured or has a matte finish or contains sand in the glaze. You can also choose small tiles with grout lines that add traction.

7. What About Bathroom Storage and Counter space?

A pedestal sink has a slim silhouette that is great for small bathrooms, but there is no vanity for storage and limited counter surface. A vessel sink is a bowl that sits on top of the vanity or counter that can include drawers and storage space beneath … but not much usable counter-top space. A traditional vanity offers storage space below and counter space above.

8. How to Control Temperature and Humidity in a Bathroom Remodel.

Reducing mold and mildew begins with removing moisture. A multifaceted approach uses an appropriate fan that vents to the outside (not into an attic) and an operable window.

Be sure to include a vent in the bathroom if you have forced-air heating and cooling. For hot-water heat, you should consider radiant floor heating which uses PEX tubes underneath the flooring, usually ceramic tile or hardwood. Radiant floor heating heats the body and objects in the room – not the air. The warmth stays down around the floor where it is needed the most.

Splurge on an ultra-quiet exhaust fan set to a timer to run for 20 minutes after a shower. For a guest or family bath, select a model with mid-range power and noise level. Consider a humidity sensor on the exhaust fan so it goes on automatically when the humidity reaches a certain level. An exhaust fan in a powder room should have a loud fan that provides sound privacy in well-trafficked areas

9. Should You Upgrade Your Electrical During a Bathroom Remodel?

Depending on the age of your home, the electrical circuits for your bathroom are probably 15-amp wiring and may have been abused by years of high moisture in the air. Today you will need code-mandated GFCI outlets and you may want dedicated 20-amp wiring and lots of outlets to deal with electric razors, hair dryers, makeup mirrors, electric toothbrushes, and hair styling appliances.

10. What is One Thing NOT to do when Remodeling my Bath?

Don’t make the toilet the focal point of the room! Be sure the toilet is not the first thing one sees when opening the door. Let’s face it – the toilet isn’t the most attractive aspect of the bathroom. Think about the lighting, or luxurious shower stall or attractive floor tile as what greets the eye of the person entering the room whose response will be an enthusiastic WOW!

There are many details to think about when planning a bathroom remodel.

When you are ready to get started on your plan, contact Albert Puma at A.W. Puma by calling 508-918-0422 or use the form on our Contact page.