Photo Story: Cottage Kitchen Design and Remodel
Photo Story: Two Tone Kitchen Design and Remodel
A new kitchen just in time for spring! 😍 #kitchendesign #remodeling #eastlyme
For more information, or for a free consultation, please give Shaw Remodeling a call at 860.434.2004. We would be happy to sit with you and discuss any questions you may have as well as the many options there are available to you.
#bathroom #moderndesign #tile #currentdesignsituation #remodeling #blog #blogger #howto #homeimprovement #construction #contractor #eastlyme
Photo Story: Modern Bathroom Remodel
A new bathroom for the New Year! 😍 #bathroomdesign #remodeling #eastlyme
For more information, or for a free consultation, please give Shaw Remodeling a call at 860.434.2004. We would be happy to sit with you and discuss any questions you may have as well as the many options there are available to you.
#bathroom #moderndesign #tile #currentdesignsituation #remodeling #blog #blogger #howto #homeimprovement #construction #contractor #eastlyme
Photo Story: Kitchen Design in Essex CT
Complete redesign and remodel in this kitchen project! We are thrilled with the final results! 😍 #kitchendesign #remodeling #essexct
For more information, or for a free consultation, please give Shaw Remodeling a call at 860.434.2004. We would be happy to sit with you and discuss any questions you may have as well as the many options there are available to you.
#kitchen #cabinets #countertop #currentdesignsituation #remodeling #blog #blogger #howto #homeimprovement #construction #contractor #essexct
Photo Story: Bathroom Design in Niantic CT
Hello beautiful 😍 #tiledesign #bathroomdesign #niantic
For more information, or for a free consultation, please give Shaw Remodeling a call at 860.434.2004. We would be happy to sit with you and discuss any questions you may have as well as the many options there are available to you.
#bathroom #tile #niantic #currentdesignsituation #remodeling #blog #blogger #howto #homeimprovement #construction #contractor #niantic
Review: DeWALT Battery Adapter
DeWALT came out with a battery adapter kit.
If you have battery tools that run off of 18 volt batteries, there are no 18 volt replacement batteries available. So, instead of having to replace all of your battery tools to the 20 volt versions, this adapter kit allows for the new 20 volt batteries to work with the 18 volt battery tools. Great solution!
Highly recommend this for contractors and homeowners alike!
For more information, or for a free consultation, please give Shaw Remodeling a call at 860.434.2004. We would be happy to sit with you and discuss any questions you may have as well as the many options there are available to you.
#niantic #remodeling #blog #blogger #tools #homeimprovement #construction #contractor
Progress Update: Siding Update in Chester CT
This siding project included installing house wrap, new D4 white vinyl siding, 3.5" vinyl lineal trim windows and doors, Versatex composite water table, replacing wood on bay window with Versatex composite material and installing vinyl trim. #sidingcompany #chesterct #remodeling
For more information, or for a free consultation, please give Shaw Remodeling a call at 860.434.2004. We would be happy to sit with you and discuss any questions you may have as well as the many options there are available to you.
#siding #niantic #currentdesignsituation #remodeling #blog #blogger #howto #homeimprovement #construction #contractor #niantic
Photo Story: Bathroom Remodel in East Lyme CT
When you want to have dinner and drinks in your new bathroom, you *know* you got it right! Hello beautiful 😂😍
For more information, or for a free consultation, please give Shaw Remodeling a call at 860.434.2004. We would be happy to sit with you and discuss any questions you may have as well as the many options there are available to you.
#bathroom #niantic #currentdesignsituation #remodeling #blog #blogger #howto #homeimprovement #construction #contractor #niantic
Buying a Fixer Upper: Renovation and Remodeling Tips from the Experts
Buying a Fixer Upper: Renovation and Remodeling Tips from the Experts via Redfin
featuring Owner, Colin Shaw
“Needs TLC. Loads of potential.” If you’ve spent time browsing real estate listings, you’ve likely seen one of these “fixer-upper” homes and fantasized about turning it into your perfect abode. With a little elbow grease, it could really shine. Plus, you’ve been looking for a new DIY project.
A fixer-upper home can be a fun project, and a great way to build instant equity, but it also requires a great deal of knowledge and hard work. In the excitement, it’s easy to overestimate your capabilities or overlook the many aspects that go into renovating a fixer-upper. If the home needs more extensive repairs, like electricity or roofing, even the handiest person may find themselves out of their depth. Since information is power, we asked professionals with a background of working with fixer-uppers for their advice on buying, renovating, and remodeling a fixer-upper home.
1. Partner with the pros
Investing in a fixer-upper can be intimidating, particularly given the uncertainties, construction costs, and project timeline. That said, fixer-uppers are a worthwhile investment – building immediate equity – if you’re well-informed and strategic. Two pieces of advice: First, you must know your market. Hire a seasoned, highly rated realtor and have them counsel you on the investment. Is it priced right? How much could the value increase after a remodel? Know the numbers and make a decision that will both protect and benefit your pocketbook. Second, bring a general contractor and/or interior designer with you to evaluate the home. They will give you a sense of the home’s potential as well as the possible costs to transform it into your dream home.
Oren Farkash, CEO
South Land Remodeling
2. Budget for home improvements
If you plan on buying a fixer-upper, you need to know which projects you can take on and which you will need to hire someone to complete. If you are not handy and need to bring in professionals to complete the renovations, the costs can climb quickly and a fixer-upper home may not be the best option for you. Create a budget and stick to it. Prioritize the projects so that you can take care of the areas where you spend most of your time.
If the house is “move-in ready,” you will be in great shape. Sure, the kitchen may be ugly, but is it operable? Don’t blow your budget on one area of the house. Take your time to get everything just the way you like it. It may take a bit longer to complete everything, but in the end, you will have converted the “fixer-upper” into a place you can call home while hopefully adding some equity to the property at the same time.
Colin Shaw, Owner,
Shaw Remodeling
3. Don’t out-remodel your neighbors
You should look for homes that are solidly built and in good neighborhoods. Look for the home that is not necessarily the worst in the neighborhood, but not the best either. You want your home to end up being not the greatest, highest priced one in the neighborhood, but close to it. You also need a good realtor, one who is willing to look hard for what you need.
When you get ready to remodel the home, make sure that you do not ‘out remodel’ your neighbors. Meaning, you do not want to spend so much that when you decide to list the home for sale, you are in upside down. There is a fine line to balance when it comes to pricing your home.
Debbie Speck, Vice President
Spektacular Home Remodeling
4. Prioritize natural light
Focus on the space available and the lighting. Having a lot of natural light can make a big difference in the end result and atmosphere in the home. It can be expensive to knock down walls and add more windows but updating the color pallet, flooring, and accent walls are much more affordable and DIY-able. Look for places in the home where simple updates can make a big splash such as adding an accent wall for texture.
It can also be helpful to have a theme in mind before you buy the home. If you are wanting to create a farmhouse look and feel, try to find an open concept house with the right bones for the style. You want to make sure that your plan for the interior style will match the exterior of the home. For example, a victorian style house might feel odd and disjointed with a modern minimalist interior.
Alison Milbury
Old Mill Brick
5. Water damage isn’t always a deal-breaker
Most homes will suffer water damage at some point. Provided it is addressed promptly and properly, there is little concern about the integrity of the home. However, when the damage is not taken care of, or in many cases, not known until it’s too late, the required work can be extensive. Certain parts of the home are more likely to be impacted by water and/or mold. The areas that we typically find damages are the kitchen and the bathrooms, which have tale-tale signs if you know what to look for.
Most home inspectors will point out differences is appearances, but often the person performing the inspection does not go into much more detail. Often times what an inspection paints as horrific conditions, may have a simple fix and can be handled promptly by a certified restoration company in order to maintain your home-buying schedule. At this point in the home buying process, an experienced restoration professional’s evaluation can potentially save you money and avert headaches that are often associated with long term water damage.
Kris Lloyd
Complete Restoration Services
6. Vet your contractors through the BBB
Don’t feel uncomfortable telling professionals how much you have allowed for your budget. They will better guide you to the right products in your price range. Hire professionals with impeccable credentials and research them thoroughly. Check the Better Business Bureau (BBB), National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), and home builders’ association (HBA) in your area. You will come across a lot of people who really do not know what they are doing and you could regret hiring them later.
Have a good idea of what you really like aesthetically. Take time to look at photos of other kitchens to get ideas and inspirations that appeal to you. Eventually, you will see a pattern of what you like and you can incorporate that concept into your space. The remodeling “reality shows” are great inspirations for “before” and “after” but they do not show what really goes on behind the scenes. Do not rush into making decisions just to appease someone else. You want to feel good about your choices!
Nancy McRobb, Kitchen & Bath Designer
The Kitchen Specialist
7. Deck safety is a priority
With a deck “fixer-upper”, safety is your main priority. Sometimes you only need to replace some deck boards; however, many times a deck that has not been properly built or maintained needs a complete overhaul. First, inspect the deck to make sure it has all the required safety hardware:
The ledger board needs to be attached to the home with ½ inch galvanized lag screws and bolts
Metal galvanized fasteners need to be used on all joists and posts
Deck railings need to be securely fastened with hardware to be able to withstand 200 pounds of lateral force
If any of this hardware is missing, you can sometimes retroactively add the correct metal fasteners to make the deck more secure. However, sometimes a deck is not built to code and beyond repair:
Deck joists need to spaced according to building code
Deck railings need to be more than 36 inches high with less than a 4-inch gap between balusters
Deck posts should be secured by post anchors to concrete footings that aren’t cracked or sinking
The deck frame should not have any signs of insect damage or wood rot (insect damage and wood rot could be a problem if you can push a screwdriver ¼ to ½ inches into the wood)
If the deck frame is not up to code or beyond simple repair, then you need to factor deck demolition and replacement into the cost of buying the fixer-upper.
Trent Irwin, Owner
TnT Builders Inc.
8. Roof issues can be expensive to fix
When buying a fixer-upper, the following types of roofs should be avoided if possible:
Light wright tile roofs: Although these roofs are beautiful, they are expensive to install as well as maintain. If you buy a fixer-upper home with this roof, you can expect to pay a lot in repairs down the road.
Low sloped or flat roof: These roofs are extremely expensive to repair. Assuming the previous owner had this roof for years, since these roofs have a shorter lifespan, you can expect to pay a lot to replace the flat roof.
Roofs that have not been maintained: Even though you’re looking for a fixer-upper, broken tiles, slipped tiles, missing shingles, mold, or leaves and debris across the roof are signs that extensive restorations may be needed.
Houses that have multiple trees over the roof: Though not as important as the other signs, a house with many trees over it can cause major damage to the roof. As weather changes, the tree debris clogs roof drainage, which can lead to mold, leaks, and costly repairs.
Besides a standard home inspection, always pay a licensed contractor to do a roof inspection, which usually costs $200 to $300. The roof inspection will provide you the general condition of the roof and can uncover serious and costly roofing issues that could impact your purchasing decision.
Charles Petri, President
All Climate Roofing
If you’re dreaming of buying and renovating a fixer-upper, you don’t have to go it alone. There are a wealth of resources available to help you along the way. Skilled professionals such as roofers, contractors, and designers are generally happy to offer a free or low-cost estimate for your project. The most important thing is to be realistic about your capabilities – even the handiest DIYer can find themselves in over their head and over their budget. Doing your research and will save you from investing in a dream home that turns out to be a nightmare.
How to Boost Curb Appeal
I meet many people who hate the look of their home from the exterior. Perhaps some have reason to want to change it, while other homeowners are just bored of the way it looks. Driving up to the same house for over 20 years can be a reason to want to mix things up.
Even if you do not change the structure of the home, adding some fancy “curb appeal” can make a big different. Adding flower beds and some landscape lighting can make a world of difference. If you have some trees in the front lawn, think about adding a light from below that illuminates the tree at night. It gives a real upscale look to the property.
If you would like to seriously change it up, there are a number of things you can do to get the look you want. Adding a shed dormer or a pair of dog house dormers to the front of the house can give a more layered look and gives some extra character to an otherwise flat facade. The dormers can also provide you with more interior space or dress up an otherwise basic room with some additional natural light, and perhaps a window seat.
Adding a porch can also give the front of your house a nice new look, and it is functional! Imagine sitting on the front porch watching the kids play (or grandkids!). Up to you if you want to add the rocking chairs! Maintenance free decks are really popular because we all just don’t have the time to maintain it year after year. Adding the white composite rails really makes the new porch pop and like most homes, if your current trim is white, it really brings everything together. Want to add a roof to your new porch? This is an absolute envy of the neighborhood. Sitting out on the porch while it is raining is so relaxing and romantic! Add some recessed lights with a ceiling fan and you will be in heaven.
To take it a step further, you can extend the entrance of your home with a mud room. This can be incorporated with your new front porch. Need space for all the jackets, shoes, boots, book bags…? Adding some custom built-ins makes storage of these items neat and organized. You can also buy organizational cabinetry and create your own style that meets your everyday needs. If you live in New England (or other places where it gets cold in the winter), add some floor heat to your mud room. Nothing better than taking off your snow boots and placing your feet on the heated floor on those really cold days.
Whatever your reason is to change up the front of your house, remember you have many options which can fit into most any budget. Take a step outside and let your imagine run wild!
#remodeling #blog #blogger #howto #homeimprovement #construction #contractor #niantic
Kitchen Remodel/Garage Conversion in East Lyme CT
This remodel was so much fun! We love the modern farmhouse style!
This project included converting an existing garage to a kitchen/living room, moving the utilities/laundry area into the existing kitchen and converting to a master bedroom. The new kitchen included demo, framing walls, doors, and windows, installing insulation and drywall, priming/painting, installing new oak hardwood floors, brand new cabinets and quartz countertops, a new tile backsplash, a new kitchen island, new doors, windows and trim, new electrical and recessed lighting, and plumbing.
#kitchendesign #remodeling #currentdesignsituation #niantic
For more information, or for a free consultation, please give Shaw Remodeling a call at 860.434.2004. We would be happy to sit with you and discuss any questions you may have as well as the many options there are available to you.
#kitchendesign #niantic #currentdesignsituation #remodeling #blog #blogger #howto #homeimprovement #construction #contractor #niantic
Home Additions and Remodels Can Affect Your Home Insurance
Home Additions and Remodels Can Affect Your Home Insurance: A Guest post by Nathan Barber at QuoteWizard
Whether you are updating your bathroom, kitchen, building a deck, or adding another room to your house, you are likely increasing the value of your property. In one way, shape, or form, your home’s value influences your home insurance rates and coverage.
With special home additions, such as a new deck, you have more room and features to cover. With a small increase in home insurance rates to follow, it is highly recommended that you let your policy holder know of the addition. This is because your home insurance covers your home’s current value. With more space, your home is worth more, meaning that you want to make sure your policy coverage is on par with your home’s value after the addition.
It is worth it to let your home insurance company know of the work done so that you can ensure everything is covered. With the minimal increase in home insurance rates, the pros far outweigh the cons for letting your policy holders know of the additions. This is because if your home was ever damaged, your insurance company can expedite the claims process to fix the damage. Otherwise, your insurance company may hire a private home inspector to make sure there was no fraud or negligent behavior involved which can delay the fixes.
There are many additions, features, and special renovations that can add variable value of your home from your insurance’s perspective. For example, building materials plays a large part on the value of the renovation or addition. Higher quality raw materials mean higher value because it is likely a higher cost to replace. You want to take note of the materials because if something ever damages your home, your insurance company needs to know the costs to replace the damage. You don’t want your insurance company to assume average costs because you may get the low-end of the price, meaning that you would lose money on the claimed damage.
Another aspect is special architectural features. A new mother-in-law apartment would cost more to replace. Which all need to be covered by your home insurance policy. You don’t have to tell your insurance company know, but it recommended that you let your insurance company know before your project. Again, this speeds everything up, and offers you a chance to negotiate better rates if you felt inclined. It is always recommended that you investigate saving money on your home insurance. You may find that you are missing a decent discount opportunity that was overlooked when you signed up for the policy.
Another aspect you need to take not of is your liability coverage. Adding a deck comes with a beautiful addition to your home that enables you to relax and kick back. But, it does add an increased risk of injury. For example, basic liability is $100,000. This protects you from claims by others for bodily injury or property damage. With additions like a deck, you might want to consider increased coverage to $500,000 which only costs around an extra $25 dollars a year.
There are many variables that go into your home insurance coverage, and home additions can have a large effect on the value of your home. You want to make sure you are fully covered, so letting your insurance company as soon as possible about your update and/or renovation is highly recommended
Kitchen Remodel in Old Lyme CT
We love the new layout and updated features in this kitchen remodel!
This kitchen remodeling project included demo, drywall, priming/painting, installing new floors, brand new cabinets and countertops, a new tile backsplash, a new kitchen island, new windows and trim, new electrical and recessed lighting, and plumbing.
#kitchendesign #remodeling #oldlyme
For more information, or for a free consultation, please give Shaw Remodeling a call at 860.434.2004. We would be happy to sit with you and discuss any questions you may have as well as the many options there are available to you.
#kitchendesign #niantic #currentdesignsituation #remodeling #blog #blogger #howto #homeimprovement #construction #contractor #niantic
Progress Update: Deck Remodel in East Lyme CT
Columns are up, ready to construct the roof for this East Lyme project! #deck #remodeling
For more information, or for a free consultation, please give Shaw Remodeling a call at 860.434.2004. We would be happy to sit with you and discuss any questions you may have as well as the many options there are available to you.
#decks #niantic #currentdesignsituation #remodeling #blog #blogger #howto #homeimprovement #construction #contractor #niantic
Kitchen Remodel in East Lyme CT
Super happy with the outcome in this kitchen!
This kitchen renovation project included demo, drywall repairs, priming/painting, installing new oak floors, brand new cabinets and granite countertops, a new tile backsplash, a new kitchen island, trim, new electrical and recessed lighting, and plumbing.
For more information, or for a free consultation, please give Shaw Remodeling a call at 860.434.2004. We would be happy to sit with you and discuss any questions you may have as well as the many options there are available to you.
#kitchendesign #niantic #currentdesignsituation #remodeling #blog #blogger #howto #homeimprovement #construction #contractor #niantic
Project Update: Kitchen Remodel in Old Lyme
We're almost done installing cabinets and we're excited to share the progress of this remodel so far!
This kitchen renovation project includes demo, wall framing, installing new windows and trim, priming/painting, installing new tile backsplash and floors, brand new cabinets and countertops, new plumbing, electrical and recessed lighting.
For more information, or for a free consultation, please give Shaw Remodeling a call at 860.434.2004. We would be happy to sit with you and discuss any questions you may have as well as the many options there are available to you.
#kitchendesign #niantic #currentdesignsituation #remodeling #blog #blogger #howto #homeimprovement #construction #contractor #niantic
Kitchen Cabinets and Pricing
Installing new kitchen cabinets is one of the main driving forces that brings up the cost of a kitchen remodel. Everyone wants nice cabinets, but there is a price to pay. There are many cabinet manufacturers out there. Some more expensive than others.
WHY IS THERE SUCH A DIFFERENCE IN PRICE FOR THE SAME CABINET?
Well, there are differences between a low end cabinet versus a higher end cabinet. If you want a cabinet to last a long time, go with one that is an all plywood construction. Lower end cabinets use MDF boards, which crumble and fall apart over time.
Also, you want the finish to be good on the exterior of the cabinets, such as a stained or painted finish. The lower end cabinets use a laminate over the exterior which peels and makes the cabinets look awful.
So, you now know you probably don’t want the lower end cabinets, but how much do you have to spend for something better? Again, many cabinet manufacturers out there so the costs will vary.
For my money, I like Kraftmaid cabinets. They are a quality cabinet for not a lot of money. They have all the bells and whistles. With their line, you can get the soft closing drawers/doors, specialty cabinets such as cooking sheet cabinets and pull out spice racks. So many styles of cabinets to choose from. Literally, you can take the exact number of cabinets you have now and install the newer, more functional cabinets and gain another 20% storage.
Visit your local kitchen supply house or lumber yard and check out the many different options out there.
#cabinets #remodeling #blog #blogger #howto #homeimprovement #construction #contractor #niantic
Behind the Studs
We are super excited to announce our newest adventure, Behind the Studs podcast. Can you believe it?! Colin and Jimmy are hosting a podcast together! Listen to the first episode and take a tour around the new website! Let us know if you have a question or a suggestion for a weekly topic!
For more information, or for a free consultation, please give Shaw Remodeling a call at 860.434.2004. We would be happy to sit with you and discuss any questions you may have as well as the many options there are available to you.
#niantic #podcast #remodeling #blog #blogger #howto #homeimprovement #construction #contractor #niantic
Project Complete! 1st Floor Remodel in Niantic
Super happy with the outcome in this kitchen, bathroom and living room remodel! The new open floor plan is perfect for this space! We've so enjoyed our time during this project.
This kitchen, bathroom and living room renovation project included demo, framing, installing new insulation, drywall, priming/painting, installing new floors and doors, brand new cabinets and countertops, trim, new plumbing, electrical and recessed lighting.
For more information, or for a free consultation, please give Shaw Remodeling a call at 860.434.2004. We would be happy to sit with you and discuss any questions you may have as well as the many options there are available to you.
#kitchendesign #niantic #currentdesignsituation #remodeling #blog #blogger #howto #homeimprovement #construction #contractor #niantic
Project Update: 1st Floor Remodel in Niantic
It's about that time! We finished installing cabinets and we're psyched to share the progress of this remodel so far!
This kitchen and living room renovation project includes demo, framing, installing new insulation, drywall, priming/painting, installing new floors and doors, brand new cabinets and countertops, trim, new plumbing, electrical and recessed lighting.