Suggestions for Home Improvement Projects

Spring has arrived and one of the things that dominates the minds of many homeowners is home improvement. Unfortunately the gears are turning so fast it's hard to decide where to start, what to do and where to put the priorities. If you know you're due for some updates to your home but you're not sure where to start then here are some great ways to avoid idle hands. Start with these popular home improvement ideas for the changing seasons:

1. Check out the roof - Leaks can seem to come out of the blue. With all the heavy rain this year be sure to thoroughly inspect your roof to insure that you won't have costly damage later. Check for missing or loose shingles and gutters that have seen better days. Don't forget to check the flashing, chimney if you have one, and the roof vents.

2. Inspect your Windows - Windows tend to be overlooked, but they are important for the beauty and integrity of your home. The freezing and thawing through the winter could damage the window in even minor ways. Start by checking your windows for proper caulking and any cracks or improper operation. You may also want to check for mold and mildew that may being to grow as a result of failing weather proofing.

3. Replace Windows - Even if your windows are in good shape you should consider an upgrade. New energy-efficient windows are designed to save you on utilities through improved insulation while also protecting your home from intense UV rays with new coating technology. Keep the heat out in the summer and the heat in during the winter with Low-e coatings, double and triple pain windows, etc.

4. Examine the Siding - If you've got vinyl siding and you live in the colder climate regions then you need to inspect your siding. Vinyl becomes brittle when temperatures drop and can easily be damaged. For other more durable types of siding, check for flaking or peeling paint, missing or loose pieces, etc.

5. Check your Foundation - Ground can shift and settle during the winter and become saturated as the snow melts, causing the soil to sink further and hang on to excess water. Check the foundation around your home and the direction of water runoff. Ensure that water can still plane away from your home and that it's not pooling near your foundation.

6. Check your Ceiling - The ceiling in your home can be like a looking glass into your roof's condition too. Check in odd places that aren't seen in normal everyday living such as closets. If you spot any damage, climb into your attic for further investigation. This would be a great time to look over the condition of your insulation too.

Your attic is the barrier between you and the outside world, protecting you, your loved ones, and your investments. Work with a local contractor if you are thinking of home improvements in your attic. He or she can help you decide to install a radiant barrier. This is a type of foil insulation that is used in conjunction with typical insulation and blocks over 90% of heat that can be lost through your attic. These small projects can keep you happily busy while providing some loving care to your most treasured place.

Whether you want a simple design or custom Virginia Home Improvement, we work closely with you to stick to your dream designs. Consult with a contractor today to talk about your next remodel - from windows to a newly remodeling Washington DC Basement. Paragon Remodeling - 8000 Towers Crescent Drive - Vienna VA 22182

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May 30 2011 | Home Improvement | No Comments »

The Fun of Bathroom Planning

Have you ever looked at your bathroom and wish it looked a little different, or maybe a little more modern? Look around and think about how you would change the space. Do you have room for a larger tub or shower? Or maybe there's room for two separate components?

When you first start planning to remodel your bathroom, consider your budget, available space, and what you would like as the center piece of the bathroom. Local contractors can take your measurements and ideas and give you a pretty accurate idea of how much your new bathroom will cost so you can budget accordingly. Once the budget is set, planning is complete, and you are ready to get started, you can create the bathroom of your dreams.

Current Space Or Add To It?

When bathroom planning, one of the first things you'll want to decide is how much space you need to do what you want. If you want to install larger bath and shower components, or separate shower and tub components, you may need more room. If you are thinking of expanding and knocking out some walls, you'll need to make sure you've got the room to expand. This is of course going to cost extra, but it's all information you're going to need when figuring out your budget. When figuring out your space, you're also going to want to know if you have the room to add on. If you have a big yard, it's not going to be a problem. If you don't have the room you need, you'll probably have to go back to the drawing board with your bathroom planning.

Components

Now that you know what kind of space you have to work with, you're going to want to fill it with the various components, such as sinks, toilets, tubs, showers, and whatever else you want to put in there. At this point, you can also determine the style you want to go with.

Definitely stick with the style you choose. Keep everything looking clean and professional by sticking with one look. Just have fun with it, as bathroom planning is a blast. You'll feel a real sense of accomplishment when you look at your newly remodeled bathroom and know that you planned it from start to finish.

By: Chet Lystrom

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January 31 2009 | Home Improvement | No Comments »