How to Plan and Budget for a Successful Home Construction Project

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Planning and budgeting are critical steps in ensuring a successful home construction project. Whether you’re embarking on a kitchen renovation in NYC, updating your bathroom, or renovating your entire apartment, these tips will help you stay on track and within budget.

  1. Define Your Goals Start by clearly defining your renovation goals. Determine what you want to achieve with the project, whether it’s increasing functionality, updating the design, or adding value to your home.
  2. Set a Realistic Budget Establish a realistic budget that includes all aspects of the project, from materials and labor to permits and unexpected expenses. It’s essential to have a financial buffer for unforeseen costs.
  3. Research and Plan Conduct thorough research and plan every detail of your renovation. This includes choosing materials, selecting fixtures, and deciding on design elements. The more detailed your plan, the less likely you are to encounter surprises.
  4. Get Multiple Quotes Obtain quotes from several contractors to compare prices and services. Make sure each quote includes a detailed breakdown of costs.
  5. Prioritize Key Elements Identify the most critical elements of your renovation and prioritize your budget accordingly. For example, in a kitchen renovation in NYC, you might prioritize high-quality appliances and countertops.
  6. Consider DIY Options For those with the skills and time, DIY can save money on certain aspects of the project. However, be realistic about what you can accomplish without professional help.
  7. Plan for Permits and Inspections Ensure you understand the permitting process and budget for any necessary permits and inspections. This is especially important for major renovations in NYC.
  8. Schedule Wisely Create a detailed project timeline and schedule tasks to avoid delays. Coordinate with your contractor to ensure all aspects of the project are planned out.
  9. Monitor Progress Regularly monitor the progress of your renovation to ensure it stays on track and within budget. Address any issues promptly to avoid delays.
  10. Be Prepared for Contingencies Always have a contingency plan in place for unexpected challenges. This could include delays due to weather, supply shortages, or unforeseen structural issues.

Conclusion Planning and budgeting are essential for a successful home construction project. By following these steps, you can ensure your renovation, whether it’s a kitchen, bathroom, or apartment renovation in NYC, goes smoothly and meets your expectations without breaking the bank.

 

The Latest Trends in Home Construction and Remodeling for 2024

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Staying up-to-date with the latest trends in home construction and remodeling can help you create a modern and stylish space. Here are the top trends for 2024, whether you’re considering a kitchen renovation in NYC, a bathroom update, or an apartment overhaul.

  1. Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Materials Homeowners are increasingly opting for sustainable materials like bamboo, reclaimed wood, and recycled metal. These materials are not only environmentally friendly but also add a unique aesthetic to any space.
  2. Smart Home Technology Integrating smart home technology is becoming a standard in modern renovations. From smart thermostats and lighting to advanced security systems, these technologies offer convenience and efficiency.
  3. Open Floor Plans Open floor plans remain popular, providing a spacious and airy feel. This trend is particularly useful in NYC apartments, where maximizing space is essential.
  4. Bold Colors and Patterns Bold colors and patterns are making a comeback in 2024. Consider incorporating vibrant tiles, statement walls, and colorful fixtures to add personality to your space.
  5. Wellness Spaces Creating spaces dedicated to wellness, such as home gyms, meditation rooms, and spa-like bathrooms, is a growing trend. These areas promote relaxation and well-being.
  6. Minimalist Design Minimalism continues to be a favorite, with clean lines, neutral colors, and uncluttered spaces. This design approach works well in both small and large homes.
  7. Multi-Functional Spaces With the rise of remote work, multi-functional spaces are in demand. Home offices that can double as guest rooms or hobby spaces are practical and efficient.
  8. Natural Light and Outdoor Connections Maximizing natural light and creating seamless connections to outdoor spaces is a key trend. Large windows, skylights, and sliding doors can help achieve this.
  9. Luxurious Bathrooms Bathrooms are becoming more luxurious, with features like freestanding tubs, large walk-in showers, and high-end fixtures. A bathroom renovation in NYC can transform your daily routine into a spa-like experience.
  10. Custom Storage Solutions Custom storage solutions tailored to your needs help keep your home organized and clutter-free. Built-in cabinets, hidden storage, and walk-in closets are popular choices.

Conclusion Incorporating these trends into your home renovation project can enhance both the functionality and aesthetic appeal of your space. Whether you’re planning a kitchen renovation, bathroom update, or apartment remodel in NYC, staying current with these trends will help you create a home that is both stylish and timeless.

Top 5 Home Trends of 2022

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It’s important to stay up to date with the trends as they change. How many times can we edit our online shopping carts when all we really want is a gorgeous home? Here are the top 5 home trends of 2022.

  1. Bringing the Outdoors In. Now this is probably the last thing you’d want to do with a New York winter season, but hear me out! Referred to as “biophilic design” bring nature into your home has been on the rise since the start of the pandemic and is at it’s best level right now in 2022. I think we can all agree that being shut inside for years on end, thanks to quarantine, increased our appreciation for the outdoors. Between having large windows for more natural light, or addin
    g in more plants for those with a green thumb, nature filled homes is what 2022 has been calling for.
  2. Luxe Outdoor Living. While bringing the outdoors in is a huge trend, bringing the indoors out has also been a huge trend this year. Enjoy the comfort of your backyard with outdoor kitchens, fireplaces, or even decked out decks. Enjoying some fresh air and nature outside of your home should never feel like a task or even gross. Even setting up an umbrella with a nice dining table and chairs is only of the most highly valued home trends for the outdoors in 2022.
  3. Multipurpose Living. Ever since we were forced to keep inside because of the pandemic, it is without a doubt that we need multipurpose living spaces. Our kitchens went from being just kitchens, to being our work space and school. The need for flexibility in our homes have stayed. To keep up with the trends, a great way to exercise this is by having an extra room. That room can be turned into a gym, office space, game room for the kids. You never know!
  4. Sustainability. Green is has overwhelmingly become the color of 2022. Not only do people want to have green in their house, but they want to feel green too. People have become more conscious of their environmental footprint and there has been an increase in need for more sustainable and energy efficient technology. Some ways you can turn your home green, is through solar panel installations, smart thermostats, and energy efficient windows.
  5. Maximalism. While minimalism while never go out of style, maximalism has been on the rise this year! Surround yourself with the things you love, even if they aren’t necessary. Knick knacks, comfy furnishing, extra decor! Not to mention this totally compliments the rise of the 70’s color scheme that’s been going on lately. It’s time to mix textures, patterns, materials and colors. Go all out!

Bathroom Trends 2019

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As we near the middle of the fall and the end of the year it’s nice to look back and reflect on some of the trends that we have seen in Bathrooms in 2019. Here are what some of the top interior designers say that the trends have been in the past year.

  1. Big impression in small spaces – Patrick Ediger explains by saying”Small spaces like powder rooms excel as a canvas for a singular, splashy statement. A high-contrast, large-scale wallpaper expands a small space and infuses it with an artful attitude.”
  2. A neutral pallet – “We love a classic bathroom and think it’s always on trend to have something that works for years to come. To keep it feeling modern we love using a monochromatic element throughout the whole space. For example, using all of one color or material (such as the color green or all marble tile) is a great way to achieve this, classic tile and motifs can be incorporated still but using all of one material creates a fun jewel box-like look to the space. You can still stay neutral and make it feel like something really special.” –Allison Petty
  3. A completely black bathroom – “The spa-inspired bathroom trend has officially returned–back to the spa, that is. These days it’s all about bold, dark, sultry bathroom designs that evoke an indulgent high-end experience.” — Kesha Franklin
  4. Open concept designs – “Gone are the days where you hide behind a wall or door when getting ready for work or a big night out. It’s all about the open concept. The use of steel or privacy glass as a barrier is important, but ultimately, showering and getting ready in the open air is awesome. I see a lot of this happening in the residential interiors world.” — Becky Shea
  5. Statement Art – “The year 2019 is all about making an artistic statement; even in the bathroom. A sophisticated piece of fine art will provide your bathroom with a pretty focal point.” — Anne Hepfer 
  6. White and Grey Marble – “White and grey marble continue to be strong, popular materials into 2019 for bathrooms and kitchens alike. They are classic and timeless, can go from traditional to modern in terms of aesthetics, and are also great for resale. Man-made materials, such as quartz and porcelain tiles that look like natural stones, are also workhorses from a durability perspective and will continue to be popular in the new year.” — Ariel Okin
  7. Concrete – “We’ll see the use of concrete application in sink basins, countertops, floors and walls. It’s really exciting to see a brutalist material mixed with organic elements. Traditionally, concrete has been viewed as cold and non-welcoming, but I’m of the mindset that marrying this utilitarian medium with woods, steel, porcelain and resin is what you guys are going to see surface in 2019 across all design aesthetics.” — Becky Shea

Bathroom Remodel Checklist

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Remodeling a bathroom is a great way to refresh your space and increase your home value. Your remodel could be simple like applying a new coat of paint, refreshing the appliances or it could be more complex by doing a complete renovation and starting from scratch.  No matter what updates you are planning on doing it is helpful to plan ahead. Here is a checklist of important questions to ask yourself.

  • Make a list of priorities for the remodel as well as expectations 
    • What is your big-picture goal?
    • When does the job need to be finished?
  • Set a Budget
    • What are you planning on doing? New Shower? More Square footage? A fresh coat of paint?
    • Go through everything you are planning on doing to the bathroom and account for the price. Don’t forget the details, like the knobs on the new cabinets and the light switch covers.
  • Choose a color palette or design style
    • You should try to stay consistent with the color and materials you choose. You should also try to keep the design consistent with the rest of your house.
  • Source your materials and permits
    • Talk to manufacturers. Look into alternative eco-friendly, low-VOC or moisture-resistant materials.
    • Consider upgrades such as a bathroom fan, electric heater or radiant-heated floors.
    • Try to purchase as much as possible before you begin.
  • Plan all the logistics
    • Find out if you will need plumbing for the toilet or shower or if you can use existing pipes
    • Make sure you can get all the materials in time by checking the shipping periods
    • Find a contractor like GoldenIConstruction
    • Will the remodel have enough demolition that you’ll need to seal off other rooms from dust or noise?
  • Anticipate Obstacles
    • Will the subfloor need to be replaced?
    • Will the new fixtures and appliances like a new tub fit through the door?
    • Can the existing wiring be used?
    • Will the inspection officer be available during the remodeling process?
  • Create a timeline
    • Make a list of steps throughout the process that follow a set timeline
  • Get creative 
    • Be creative when designing the space
    • Find light fixtures at thrift stores

How to Prepare for your NYC Apartment Renovation

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1. Be a confident decision-maker

Everyone involved in the remodel, including you, want the remodel to move forward in a timely manner and on schedule. To make sure that this is the case it is imperative that all decisions are made quickly and efficiently. Your contractor will discuss with you possible situations that may come up on your project. These decisions on what the solution will be are not what usually causes delays. The smaller decisions like faucet selection,  paint, or trim choice are what people usually get stuck on. If these aren’t made in a timely manner, your faucet could be two weeks late because of shipping, and then your plumber will have to be rescheduled leading to a delay.

2. Compare prices and Set a Budget

This is hopefully an obvious one. It is important no matter what project you are doing to set a budget. When you are dividing up your budget per room, you will get the most return value on rooms like a master bathroom and or a kitchen if you decide to sell your place in the future. Also if you spend less money on lighting, vanities and closet systems, you will see more return on your investment.

You will want to get a rough idea of cost on all the different styles and looks you are considering implementing in your space. You don’t need an exact estimate yet, but having a rough estimate will allow you to better plan your budget. For an exact estimate, the remodeling agency will have to come in and assess the condition of your space before providing an exact estimate.

3. Create a Contingency fund

No matter how much you plan or prep for your remodel something always happens. Because of this, it is important to set aside 5% of your original budget just in case. Rarely does anyone ever set a realistic budget for a project. However, you should not consume your contingency fund to stretch your budget.

4. Visit a Kitchen and Bath Showroom

If you are remodeling your kitchen and bathroom it is really helpful to go see a local showroom. This will allow you to see materials in person, ask questions and get an idea on pricing. This will allow you to make some informed decisions before and during the remodel.

Melamine Cabinets? What you need to know

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What is Melamine? It is a synthetic material used to produce cabinets in your kitchen and the rest of your home. Melamine has a compressed wood particle core, which is then covered with a resin and paper finish that can be manufactured to embody a variety of styles and colors. To better understand this material we will go through the pros and cons in the following list.

Pros

  • Durability – Because of the tough outer coating, Melamine is resistant to the usual issues presented in the kitchen, like excessive moisture, heat or stains. It is also really easy to clean.
  • Offer a large variety – As mentioned earlier, the synthetic material offers a huge range of finishes. It can come in any shade or color so it is easy to match your kitchen’s style.
  • A uniform finish – Unlike solid wood that can vary in grain patterns and color since melamine is manufactured in a controlled setting it offers a consistent finish.
  • Low Cost – Compared to solid wood cabinets, melamine is offered at a much lower price.

Cons

  • Cabinets can be heavy – This may not be your first concern but because of the weight, you may have to purchase heavy-duty brackets to install your cabinets. Without these, the cabinets may fall off the way which will cause expensive damages.
  • Melamine can chip – Even though the outside surface is durable it can be prone to chipping. This leaves the inner wood core exposed which is not attractive. It can also be expensive to have the cabinets refinished.
  • Can be harder to install – Because of how the material is constructed, the cabinets might splinter when using nails or screws. You should use a professional installation team, like GoldenIConstruction, to install your cabinets.
  • Melamine is prone to water damage – Any wooden material is likely to water damage, but if the wood particle core of the cabinets gets saturated with water, it can compromise their structural integrity. Water can be absorbed, in general, more easily in this material than solid wood.

Mistakes that can Derail Your Kitchen Remodel

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Are you thinking of remodeling your kitchen? No matter what you are trying to do, whether it’s adding an island or knocking down a wall, most people’s goal is to get the most out of your remodel without overspending. So what sort of mistakes would cost you more money? Here is a list to help you avoid those mistakes.

1. Not Buying Appliances First

Always choose your appliances first before you choose things like countertops or cabinets. It is much easier to match your cabinets to your appliances than the other way around.

2. Overspending on cabinets and appliances

Cabinets and appliances are incredibly important for your kitchen both aesthetically and functionally. However, there is no need to go broke trying to buy the “best” the store has to offer. Do some research before buying cabinets and appliances. There are many options that give the same look and feel as the high-end cabinets and appliances while staying on budget.

3. Failing to measure

This is one of the most common mistakes among people doing renovations. Make sure you measure twice before buying fixtures, hardware, or appliances.  Then once you do that, you should thoroughly review the product details before purchasing an item to ensure that it fits.

4. Going light on the lighting

Improper lighting can be incredibly problematic, especially in the kitchen. You want to make sure you have enough lighting for every task whether that’s cutting, cooking, or using appliances. It is suggested to include a dimmer switch and under cabinet lighting.

5. Botching the Backlash

Misplacing a backlash is a common decorative mistake that many people do. The backsplash should have a clear termination point horizontally, usually aligning with the bottom of the cabinets or where the walls meet. It should never overhang the upper cabinet or turn a corner.

6. Failing to level the floor

Make sure that you check if the floor is leveled before laying the flooring. If you need to level the floor you don’t want to have the floor half-laid before realizing. That is a huge extra cost.

Bathroom and Kitchen Renovations for the Fall

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Now that we are starting to get into the fall season, many homeowners start to think about how they can improve their home. Fall is a great time to make updates and upgrades to your home. While it may be too late to expect to complete a major home addition or renovation project, there is definitely time before the end of the year to spruce up your home and make some key changes.

Kitchen

The time for barbequing and having dinner in the warm summer air is coming to an end. Fall is the time for many families to bring cooking back indoors. Here are a few ideas on what you can do if may not want to do a full kitchen remodel.

  • You can resurface, paint, or stain your cabinets instead of completely replacing them
  • You can also replace the hardware on your cabinets and drawers which can have a surprisingly transformative effect
  • Resurface or replace your worn or dated countertops add a fresh new feel to your kitchen
  • Put a fresh coat of paint on your walls and ceiling
  • Make your kitchen energy efficient by upgrading your appliances to energy-efficient ones
  •  Get your kitchen ready for all the cooking you’ll be doing this fall and winter by installing a new range hood and fan
  • Install a kitchen island you have always wanted so it’s easy to entertain guests

All these changes allow you to upgrade your kitchen little by little without having to do a complete remodel.

Bathroom

If you like having guests over, it might be time to take a look at your bathroom to see how you can make it a little nicer. Here are a few ideas to make the room a bit more presentable.

  • Repaint the walls and ceiling
  • Give your bathroom a deep clean by cleaning or scrubbing the tiles. You can do this by yourself or hire professionals.
  • Replace your vanity and mirror
  • Add a textured wall covering for a more inviting feel

What to do with your spare room?

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If you are lucky enough to have an extra room, you may be wondering what to do with it. There are plenty of different ideas that can fit into your home based on the needs and tastes of your family members.  Here are some ideas to get you started brainstorming on what your room can be turned into.

A nook for quiet contemplation or relaxing

This is a great option if you have an attic space or a small room available. The space allows you to have some valuable me time in a cozy comfortable setting. You could curl up with a book, have some quiet tome to clear your head or unwind with loved ones. In this space it is best to keep furniture and technology to a minimum. Focus on minimal decorations and cushy & comfortable seating.

A bedroom for the children and then a future guest room

Do you have kids that are demanding their own space? Well if you turn the space into a bedroom for the childrne then when they grow up ot can be conveniently turned into a guest room. You would just have to move their belongings and rearrange the beds and add some storage.

A media room

The spare room could be turned into a media room that allows your family to spend time together afte a long day. They can enjoy watching movies, tv or play games together. For an added bonus add a fire place for extra comfort.

A reading room

If getting lost in a new book is what you need in your life then this might be the solution for you. You can add some really comfy seating like an armchair or recliner and then surround your self with your beloved books. Make sure you arrange for ideal surface & wall lighting as well as overhead lighting to allow for the comfort of reading any time of the day or night.

Home Gym

A functional and well equipped gym is a great way to utilize your extra space. It will allow you to not only save on a gym membership but will also make it easier for you to work out.

A Home Office

If you work from home, or always bring your work home this is a great use of the space. Make sure you furnish it properly with sufficient cabinets, comfortable work station, and a supportive chair.