The dining room has always been and always will be the convening area of family, friends, and new guests. Its ability to bring a group together around the holidays for a shared meal and games or even for a casual gathering of laughter and storytelling should never be underestimated.
Whether you’re looking for ways to freshen up the dining room space or give it a complete, glamorous makeover, the idea can quickly become overwhelming. Contrary to popular opinion, breathing new life into your dining room does not need to drain your wallet, and a few smart touches can start the transformation into an impressive new look.
For homeowners of all walks of life, read on for some inspiration on your own dining room makeover project.
If you’re low on time or cash, sometimes making small adjustments with new trends is an effective way to execute a dining room makeover. The last few years have brought big changes to our lifestyle, and with so many of us now spending increased time at home, simple alterations can reflect its growing utility outside of meals in general.
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For many people, increased usage of the dining room calls for a less formal feeling. Replacing your big rectangle table with a round one creates a more informal and intimate atmosphere. Begone, sharp angles! Hello, soft curves.
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Chairs, tables, and lighting fixtures that have multiple uses not only help alleviate excessive spending but lends great help to the new dynamic dining room. Whether you’re entertaining, hopping on a work meeting, or studying in quiet, more functionality means more utility.
We can all agree that the last couple of years have seen us remaining inside more than we would like to admit. Invite a fresh energy and drive away the stir-craze of long hours indoors with houseplants. Add a personal touch to your decorations by choosing from succulents, cacti, or plants with multicolored leaves such as begonias or sansevierias.
Some of us are looking to completely revamp our dining room space. Out with the old, and in with the new – here are some themes you can apply to your dining room if you want to give it an all-in-one makeover.
We can all agree there is a certain allure to a formal dining room. Bring in a classic feel of a sit-down dinner with touches of elegance – contrasts of light trims and cushioned chairs, to dark wood tables and floors with spots of finery around the room will bring a dramatic feel to the space.
A dining room doesn’t demand formality, and many young families are intrigued by a space that can serve for dinner and entertainment alike. Wood beams and trims, farmhouse-style tables, natural lighting, and open floor plans will give you a casual feeling that will surely fetch compliments from guests.
Simple and sleek is the go-to for modern architecture. Dark-metal lighting fixtures, minimalist chairs of darker hues, and an elegant glass table will have you fitting into the new era of stylistic home living.
If you are ready to give your dining room a new, fresh feel, consider working with the experts at H3 Construction and Design. From home additions, custom builds, or full remodels, our designers will walk you through the process and get you to the desired outcome. Contact us today to get started!
Remodeling a garage requires planning as it entails changing the entire property. Like all renovation endeavors, the price tag on your garage remodeling project depends on the project's scope. According to HomeAdvisor's True Cost Guide, the national average cost is between $14,000 and $ 25,000.
Several factors affect garage remodeling costs. When you decide on the remodeling elements you need, such as installing a new garage door, you will also need to plan for other areas of concern, such as cabling and electric wiring, adding insulation, and improving the existing heating system. If you decide to convert it to a living space or home gym, you will also alter your garage floor.
Let's take a closer look at some crucial factors that can affect your total costs. But first, why should you remodel your garage?
Whether you're buying a new home or just looking to expand your existing space, the cost of remodeling your current garage is worth your expenditure. The benefits are:
You might waste garage space because of the lack of wall storage for tools; think about adding cabinets or workbenches to organize your tools and supplies.
You want to make your garage more functional, whether that means adding a workshop or a tool shed. Or perhaps you’d rather convert it to a guest house, a "man cave" with a pool table and pinball machine, or a "she shed" for relaxation and decoration.
The garage is one of the most extensive parts of many homes' exteriors, so the way it looks is more valuable. Make yours look better by matching it to the entire home's style.
Garages are among the top three features buyers look at when shopping for homes. According to the National Association of Realtors, a garage remodel can return up to 70% of the cost at resale.
Chances are, if you're working in your garage in the winter months, it isn't heated. Consider installing radiant flooring or running radiant heat along the ceiling to keep yourself warm while working on projects during those chilly days.
If there are windows in your garage, they probably aren't insulated very well. Adding insulation to the walls will help keep the temperature down during those hot summer days.
You can remodel your garage to be energy efficient by replacing or adding insulation, installing weather stripping, and caulking.
The cost of remodeling a garage will vary depending on what type of garage you have and the garage space. Cost breakdowns are usually based on a per square foot basis, so it's best to understand the way different categories of expense are measured.
Most homeowners pay around $18,000 for an attached two-car model and $20,700 for a detached two-car garage model measuring 24x24-ft. A 12x20-ft (1 car) attached garage will cost an average of around $8,400.
If you update your garage doors, a standard entry garage door will cost $2,317 to $3,382. It will depend on the garage doors you purchase and the type of material they are made of. At the same time, the average cost of interior walls is $14,565, while exterior walls cost an average of $3,000 to $6,500.
Remodeling a garage into a kitchen varies between $5,000-$30,000. You can do it cheaply by installing appliances, cabinetry, and countertops. Otherwise, new flooring, electricity, and plumbing will also be necessary.
If you want to convert part of your garage into living space, such as apartments or mother-in-law suites, the average cost is $22,000 to $99,000. A healthy and functional ventilation system will reduce cooling costs for your new room. In contrast, a reliable lighting system that adds functionality and style will cost an average of $399 and up per fixture.
A simple garage remodel to fix up an existing space will cost between $8,700 and $10,000. The cost includes painting walls and the ceiling, installing new lights, and repairing damaged areas. In contrast, a central garage can cost upwards of $25,000 because of increasing the garage's size and adding electrical outlets, insulation, and drywall.
Adding a bathroom could cost about $9,850. At the same time, the average cost of adding a laundry room is $1,500-$8,000. However, if you have never added plumbing before to your home, garage remodel costs could increase due to the pipes needed.
The total cost of your garage renovation project can vary greatly depending on the following factors:
The larger the garage area, the more materials you’ll need and the longer it will take the contractor to complete your project.
Consider the size of the current garage door and your new entry door (if you plan on replacing it). Fresh paint can freshen up an old garage door and is cheaper than buying a new one, but remember that some paints have volatile organic compounds.
Next, you'll need to decide what family space you want in your garage- do you want rooms like an office or a living room? In addition, how will you divide the available floor space?
Do you want separate areas for entertaining?
Materials needed to accomplish this project include:
If needed, you can install portable air conditioning units to help keep the temperature low during the warmer months. If you want better lighting, you can also consider ensuring ample air circulation and adding things like exhaust fans, windows, and skylights. If you live in a humid climate, moisture-resistant drywall may help prevent mold growth.
Garage floors cost $1,000 to $10,000. If you want to turn your garage into an office or living space, seal your concrete floor in order to insulate the room.
Rubber tiles come in various colors and sizes. They also provide an anti-slip surface for guests walking around in their socks or bare feet during the winter or early spring days.
It can cost about $4 per square foot. The epoxy coating creates a smooth surface on the floor. It is easy to clean up spills and protect from stains. The coating also comes in various colors, so you can find one that fits the rest of the room.
A cheap and easy solution. Paint will protect your concrete from water stains and give it a nice shine. However, paint does tend to chip and wear away over time, so it will need regular maintenance.
Consider installing heated floors in your garage remodel if you have the extra money. It will help keep your family warm during the winter months.
A Standard 2 car garage is usually around 440 sq ft and 624 sq ft. The national average labor cost is about $55 to $100 per sq ft.
If you live in Northern Colorado, H3 Construction and Design offers you a range from as little as $50 to $100 per sq ft for a complete garage overhaul, depending on the type of remodeling you want for your garage.
It's difficult to deny that garage renovations are a relatively inexpensive way to expand your home; however, it is a complex project requiring professionalism.
If you make the right choices, with the help of your local building department, you can do it for much less than you think.
H3 Construction & Design has the lowest estimated costs and the highest satisfaction ratings. It is a reputable company that offers quality services within your budget to achieve positive results. Schedule a consultation today!
Our closets are one area of our homes that can often fly under the radar. But those hoping to cultivate a home that completely represents their unique style and needs shouldn’t overlook this space. With the right preparation and planning, you can transform your closet into one of your favorite rooms in your entire home. Follow these steps to start your closet remodel off on the right foot.
Chances are you have more than a few items of clothing you haven’t worn in ages hanging up in your closet. The first order of business when prepping for a remodel is to purge any unnecessary items.
Take a page out of the Marie Kondo playbook; remove everything from your closet and evaluate your wardrobe piece by piece. Does that old sweater still spark joy or is it just collecting dust? If you answered the latter, throw that sweater in the donate pile.
Once you whittle down your clothing items to only the pieces you really love, you can further organize them based on season, color, occasion, or whatever makes sense to you. This will make putting everything away far easier. You can also use this time to break down what percentage of the closet will be yours a what percentage will be allotted to your partner if you have one.
Once the closet is cleared out, take measurements of everything. Note any light switches, electrical outlets, windows, or any other permanent fixtures. This will help determine any restraints for the remodeling project.
Paint can do wonders in any area of your house. You might not realize it, but your closet might look dingier than it actually is due to an old, fading layer of paint. Take the opportunity to refresh your closet walls with a new coat of paint while it’s cleared out.
Flooring also plays a huge role in the overall appearance of your closet. Take this opportunity to install a new floor if it seems appropriate. You can match it to the floor in your room or install a unique material such as tile or wood. If you have a walk-in closet, you can even consider getting an area rug to tie the space together.
Now let’s look over your clothes again. What do you have more of? Short items like shirts and skirts? Or longer items such as dresses and pants? Don’t forget to think about which items you need to hang up and which you’ll fold. Take stock of your items and determine what kind of storage space you’ll need in the closet.
If you have a lot of items to fold, consider adding shelving or even a drawer to tuck your belongings away in. If you have a lot of dresses, be sure to allocate space where they can hang without covering up other items. If you have lots of seasonal items you need to store for part of the year, install out-of-the-way top-shelving.
Don’t forget to factor in shoes. If you have a large collection, consider installing shelving in your closet. You can opt for adjustable straight shelves that you can move up and down to account for different shoe heights. This makes it easier to store boots. If you’d rather have a better view of your shoe collection, consider slanted shelving.
Be sure to consider where you’ll toss your dirty clothes at the end of the day too. If you have room for it, you can place a hamper in the closet. You can even install a tilt-out hamper to neatly conceal your dirty clothes out of view.
That’s right. Your closet can be a place to express your style too! Walk-in closets offer a great opportunity to expand the overall aesthetic of your home. Don’t be afraid to express your style with fun elements such as wall art, an ottoman, stylized clothing displays, and whatever else will make the space feel more like your own.
At the end of the day, the most important thing you can do to prepare for your closet remodel is to factor in your daily needs and desired functionality. Ask yourself, what will make your life easier? Be sure to consider everything we mentioned above and you should be well on your way to a fantastic closet you’ll love for years to come.
Want more design and renovation tips? Be sure to browse through our Tips & Resources page for more inspiration!
Older homes offer a charm and history you simply cannot achieve in a new build. Sure, you might need to replace some flooring here and install new lighting fixtures there but making a mature home your own can be a fulfilling experience.
As you begin the renovation process on your home, you should be sure to keep a discerning eye. While you may very well have nothing to worry about, it’s always a good idea to look out for any hidden building code violations lurking within your home.
Unsure what you’re looking for? Reference these 8 common building code violations to study up.
Older homes were built under completely different standards than modern ones. It’s not uncommon for houses over 40 years old to have low ceilings in stairwells. A lot of taller individuals will find themselves bumping their heads while climbing stairs in old homes. Modern homes typically require a minimum height of 6’8” for stairwell ceilings.
Another modern-day regulation often missing from older homes are appropriate guardrails. Any new build must feature guardrails or handrails between 30 and 37 inches tall for any set of stairs more than two steps in height. They must also be around any deck higher than 30 inches. If you’re selling an older home that does not feature guardrails where necessary, a potential buyer’s lending agent will likely require you to install guardrails before they can underwrite the mortgage. This is to assure the home isn’t deemed dangerous for the next owners.
Balusters are another feature meant to keep a home safe. These rods or spindles should be no more than four inches apart. Older homes or even homes renovated by novice builders might not have properly spaced balusters. This can be a major safety risk as small children could be at risk of falling between the gaps if they are not installed up to code.
The basements of today stand in stark contrast with the basements from 20 or so years ago. One major difference you’ll notice is the windows.
Egress windows were made mandatory through the International Residential Code in 1997. Today, a basement room must have 20 inches wide, 24 inches high windows in order to be deemed safe for sleeping in. The opening must be big enough for an adult to crawl out of in case of emergencies such as a house fire.
Failing to install egress windows in the basement can make it difficult to sell down the road.
It’s fairly common knowledge that asbestos and lead are hazardous materials you probably don’t want to deal with. Both of these materials are common in homes built before the 1970s.
Lead-based paints were banned in the United States in 1978. Even after a homeowner replaces old paint, lead can linger in the soil, dust, and air around a home.
Asbestos actually isn’t currently under any general ban in the United States. But it was one of the first hazardous air pollutants condemned by the Clean Air Act of 1970. Certain asbestos applications were also banned by the Toxic Substances Control Act.
Regardless of their legal status, lead and asbestos can not only harm your chances of selling your home but can also be harmful to you and the other members of your household.
Vents help to maintain proper moisture levels and air quality in your home. A hidden code violation many might overlook is missing ventilation or incorrectly routed ventilation. Most building codes require bathrooms without widows to feature a vent. This allows heat and humidity to exit the home.
Some homes might feature a vent that leads directly into their attic as a way to speed up the installation process. This is not up to code either. The steam from your bathroom will just be shuttled into a new part of your home where it can potentially cause water damage and mold.
Poorly configured electrical work can wreak havoc on a home. It’s not uncommon for DIY projects to go array and result in overloaded, messy electrical panels. This is most definitely not up to code. An improperly wired home, whether the result of missing GFCIs or incorrectly sized circuits, can be extremely dangerous. Electrical issues are one of the leading causes of house fires which is why it’s important to make sure all new wiring is up to code.
Wanting privacy in your backyard is understandable. But once that desire inconveniences the residents around you, it might not be long until you run into a code violation. While it’s tempting to build a towering fence around your property, codes limit fences to 6 feet in the back of the home and 28 - 42 inches in the front. High fences can block your neighbors’ views, light, and airflow.
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According to the National Conference of State Legislatures and AARP Public Policy Institute, 90 percent of people over age 65 hope to stay in their current homes for as long as possible. Around 80 percent of this elderly population believe their current residence is where they will live for the rest of their lives.
This is where certified aging-in-place specialists or CAPS professionals come into play.
As the aging population continues to grow, more and more older adults want to avoid transitioning to an assisted living facility. It’s hard enough to leave the comfort and familiarity of the home you’ve loved for years, but the psychological impact of leaving your community and losing your privacy can be even more difficult. That’s why many older adults are turning to aging-in-place as an alternative.
Aging-in-place is the process of adjusting home life in order for an older adult to live independently and safely for as long as possible. This takes an all-encompassing look at what that individual needs assistance with today and anticipating what they will need assistance with in the future.
Every aging-in-place plan will look different. Some will involve home healthcare, others will factor in assistance with everyday tasks such as grocery shopping, cooking, and personal care. Many individuals will look to modify their home or build a new home so they can continue to live there comfortably regardless of their age or ability level.
Opting to adjust a home for aging-in-place can actually be cheaper than moving into an assisted living facility. It can cost an average of $48,000 per year for assisted living in the United States. On the other hand, simple home modifications such as installing safety bars or widening doorways might total out to a one-time payment of about $6,000 to $8,000.
When an older adult decides they would rather modify their home for age-in-place, the next step is to get in touch with a CAPS professional.
A CAPS professional is accredited by the National Association of Home Builders in collaboration with the AARP. The goal is to teach builders the technical and construction elements necessary to help older adults transition to safe independent living. The program also seeks to educate its participants in best business practices while working with this demographic. CAPS professionals must maintain their credentials through continued training and adherence to a Code of Ethics.
When you see that a company carries CAPS credentials, you can count on them to build or modify a home that will continue to be livable for older adults through current and future circumstances, to the best of their knowledge. They utilize universal design techniques to create secure homes that allow for custom-fit solutions to increase mobility and overall independence for aging adults.
You’ll need to inform them of the elderly person’s possible disabilities and future potential health risks so they can properly create a safe environment for living.
Every individual will have different needs when it comes to preparing their home for aging-in-place. The specifics and scope of their remodel plan will depend on their abilities and medical limitations. Generally, CAPS professionals will seek to create a barrier-free, low maintenance dwelling that is safer to move about independently. They will aim to make it a functional space without compromising on aesthetic appeal and elegance.
Here are a few facets of a home designed for aging-in-place:
Builders will make the path in and out of the home easier to navigate. This can include installing additional handrails or ramps. They might also add outdoor lighting to increase visibility. Dulled lighting is one of the most common causes of falls for elderly persons. That and bathroom falls.
When remodeling or designing the kitchen, builders will aim to make meal preparation and eating easier. This can look really different from situation to situation. A kitchen adjusted for independent living might include a lower, side-opening oven or lever-handle sink faucets. There are a variety of changes that can be made in the kitchen such as lowering the cabinetry.
A huge aspect of bathroom safety is making it easier to enter and exit the shower. This might include a ramped entrance or handlebars. Bathroom redesigns might also include widened entry doors, a built-in shower seat, and temperature-balanced shower valves. A main piece is ensuring that the shower and bathtub are slip-resistant to the highest extent possible. This could be choosing new flooring or adding non-slip mats.
As we mentioned before, the overarching goal with aging-in-place home design is safety and independence. A huge part of that is making a barrier-free environment aging adults can easily navigate. This might look like better lighting, lever handles on doors and windows, stairlifts, and wider doors throughout the home.
You can easily look for a CAPS professional by doing a quick search on the National Association of Home Builder’s Designations directory. You can search by location or by the name of the certified builder. This is a wonderful place to start when searching for a CAPS for yourself or a loved one.
If you’re thinking about pursuing a home remodel project in Colorado be sure to stop and think about permit requirements before you charge full steam ahead. Buildings and home regulations will vary slightly from state to state. But, wherever you are, you can count on certain home redesign projects requiring permits.
Let’s take a look at why it’s a good idea to check on what permits you need to secure and what the state of Colorado requires for remodel permits.
Remodel permits are meant to protect the health and safety of homeowners and builders. They’re put in place to avoid structural issues that could result in injuries or even fatalities. Many of the permit requirements will overlap in different regions, but some might be location-specific. For example, California maintains regulations around earthquake safety that builders must comply with when remodeling a home. Colorado, on the other hand, doesn’t have requirements like this since we don’t experience frequent earthquakes.
Also, keep in mind, some permits adhere to your local HOA requirements. Even exterior renovations that don’t require a permit might still need to be approved by your HOA. Always check in with your neighborhood association before doing any work to the exterior of your home.
It’s tempting to skip permit requirements in order to save time and money on your project but this is never in your best interest. You could actually be setting yourself up for a major headache. The truth of the matter is that you might need to shell out even more money than the initial permit fee down the road once issues inevitably arise.
Aside from the obvious risk of potential injury, proceeding with a remodel without the proper permits can also lead to trouble when you try to sell your home. It can prolong the process and cost you fines. Furthermore, you will likely need to pay even more to do demolition work and by-the-book reconstruction.
Renovations done without proper permitting can also be illegal. You could be served a stop-work order until you secure a permit or a steep fee for attempting to go through with a remodel without a permit.
Colorado maintains similar permitting requirements to many other states in the country. It’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with what you need before starting on a renovation process. Forgetting or not knowing about a permit won’t be a valid excuse if you break ground on your project without the proper permissions.
Here are some of the projects that universally require permits in Colorado:
Keep in mind that items not included on this list might still require a permit in your specific municipality or community. Some local bylaws legislate different requirements for projects that will affect the look of the overall community. For example, some communities will require their approval before painting your home exterior. Always check with your county and community officials to get a comprehensive list of permits you might need.
Use the “like-for-like” rule to determine if your project will require a permit. If you are replacing something that is already in place, you likely don’t need any special permits. For example, you can replace existing cabinets without a permit if no structural work is required.
Some other examples of projects that don’t require permits are:
While we will not take on a project without the proper permitting, we will help our clients through the process of securing them. Our team of experts is experienced in what permits you will and will not need in the Denver, and Northern Colorado areas. From start to finish, h3 Construction and Design is in your corner while navigating the renovation process. If you’re looking for a builder you can trust, get in touch with us today! We would be happy to walk you through your project and help get you closer to your dream home!
Taking on a whole home remodel seems like a massive undertaking. With so many moving parts and financial considerations to balance, it can be a stressful experience, to say the least – especially if it’s your first time attempting a remodel.
But the foundation of any project of this scale is a solid plan. Mapping out your home remodel can be a great way to assure a smooth process from start to finish.
The term ‘whole house remodel’ (aka full home remodel) can actually encompass a renovation project for the entire house or multiple rooms. So if you choose to remodel your kitchen, master bedroom, and basement but leave the rest of the home as-is, this is still considered a whole house remodel.
In this phase of the process, it’s important to make decisions around what rooms you’ll be renovating as soon as possible to make the rest of your planning easy. Now is also a good time to determine if you’ll continue to live in the space through the renovation process or if you’ll need to plan for other accommodations.
Now that you’ve determined which rooms you’ll be remodeling, evaluate if you’ll need the assistance of a professional contractor. Some especially intrepid individuals may opt to flip their home without the help of a professional. While this can save you some money along the way, it requires ample time, patience, and skills to execute smoothly. Be honest with yourself if you decide to go the DIY route. Be sure you can move forward confidently with the proper skills and tools necessary for the job.
Some decide to partially or fully hand their remodel over to a professional contractor. If you fall into this category, you’ll need to thoroughly vet your options before moving forward with a company. You’ll be working with these people for the duration of your remodel project so it’s important to make sure it’s a good fit. Once you solidify your choice, you can collaborate with your contractor to plan the finer details of your project.
Your budget will determine what you can and cannot pull off when it comes to a home remodel. What you plot out on your Pinterest board and the reality of what that will cost may not be what you anticipate. As harsh as it can be, you have to crunch the numbers early on to see if what you have in mind is plausible.
There are typically three methods to finance a whole house remodel: saving up, using credit, or taking out a loan. Hopefully, if you choose to go the “save up” route you already have a nice nest egg stashed away. Credit and loans can be a little bit more flexible but be sure to move forward wisely. Even though you can technically spend more, it’s still important to set a realistic budget you can pay off easily.
If you choose to hire a contractor, they can also assist with this step. They will work with your budget and walk you through what costs you’ll need to consider.
This step is primarily for those moving forward with a large construction project. If you have to tear down walls and leave the inside of your home exposed to the elements for extended periods of time, you may be at risk of property loss due to weather, theft, or vandalism. Insurance can protect you from these possibilities.
You may be able to get coverage through your existing homeowner insurance policy. Get in touch to see what they will cover or if they offer this type of protection at all. If they don’t, you’ll need to seek out builder’s risk insurance from another source.
Those planning a smaller project can still secure insurance but it’s not typically necessary.
With your budget set, you can officially breathe life into the style and design aspect of your home renovation project. Ask yourself, what feel do you want your home to exude? Are you a fan of modern design or do you crave more of a traditional cottage style? Now’s the time to let your creativity run wild!
If you hire a contractor, they will be with you every step of the way as you select the style and elements of your home remodel. From carpeting to cabinet choices, they can help you plan every detail of the renovation.
In some cases, you’ll need to secure a permit to legally move forward with a home remodel. A few common examples of projects that require a permit are structural changes, electrical modifications, new windows, and plumbing. Most smaller-scale projects such as changing out the flooring don’t require a permit. You can get in touch with your city and state officials to confirm what you’ll need permits for.
With all the details laid out in front of you, it’s time to plot out a timeline. This will greatly reduce your stress during the remodeling process. Although you may not always hit your imagined deadline, it will give you a reference point so you can plan for possible disruptions to your everyday life during the renovation.
It can also be a tool to stay on the same page with your contractor. If you’re planning on remaining hands-off during the process, your timeline will give you a frame for when you can expect certain elements of your home remodel to fall into place.
As you encounter inevitable setbacks along the way, you and your contractor can recalibrate and create a new framework to move forward with. Continually evaluating your timeline can help you gain a better idea of when your project will be done.
Congratulations! You’ve successfully mapped out your whole house remodeling project. If you follow these steps, you’ll set yourself up for a successful renovation and hopefully move a little bit closer to your dream home. Once you have all these elements in place, you can begin the renovation process.
If you’re in the Northern Colorado area, H3 Construction & Design is happy to assist you through your whole house remodel. We specialize in creating innovative, unique design concepts to create a useful living space for you and your family. And, we can do it all upfront with 3D modeling so you can truly envision your future home!
Enjoy this complimentary whole home remodel checklist! Follow along to plot out your renovation project and keep track of your progress. Download it here:
Are you looking around the house for the next remodel or addition to make on your home?
Remodels can be expensive so, before getting started, you may want to know how much will your insurance cover and how much comes directly out of your pocket.
When looking to your insurance to cover remodeling costs, be very precise for what you’re actually looking for. Remodeling isn’t renovating. The difference between the two is that a remodel means that you want to “remake” or alter the structure. To renovate means to refresh or restore something pre-existing.
Typically, renovating is less invasive and more feasible to do-it-yourself, like updating a bathroom. However, depending on the size of the project, a professional may still be needed.
Remodeling requires a background in the field or a professional to do the job. The professional typically requires expertise and experience in the type of remodel you’re looking for. General contractors tend to be the proper solution, however, there are select professions for the project you need.
The reason a professional is required is that remodeling typically entails ripping out walls and existing structures to build new ones or create a totally new addition.
Depending on the work you want to do to your home will determine what insurance is best for you and your bank account.
Your homeowner’s insurance covers your house during a remodel, however, that may not extend to adding an addition. You should also be looking at your total insurance coverage limits as it sets the limitations to what insurance will pay and the remaining cost to you. Upgrade that coverage if you plan on a bigger remodel project.
A homeowner’s insurance policy typically includes coverages like personal liability and personal property coverage.
This helps cover you if someone else gets hurt on your property as well as if your personal belongings get damaged or stolen.
It is also important to have the proper updated insurance for your home. Depending on the value of your home and when you got your insurance, your coverage may have changed.
Be sure to look into matching your property coverage limits to the new value of your home after the remodel.
Remodeling projects are an easy way to increase the value of your home, yet many people don’t realize they need to increase their coverage as well.
On top of ensuring you have insurance, you’re not only one who should have insurance for this project. If you are looking to add an addition to your home, remodel it, or even get a new roof, your contractor and subcontractors should also be insured and licensed in their field.
One way to check that your contractor is insured and covered is by asking for their insurance information before hiring them.
Yes, they are able to and should always hand this information out to you.
Builder’s risk insurance is one safety net that helps to cover you for any of the risks possible during a home remodel.
Risks involved in home remodels include:
Builder’s risk insurance is a form of property insurance that is created to address the possible hazards that can occur when undergoing home improvement jobs that require significant renovations.
If your home is undergoing a major remodel or addition and you and your family need to vacate the house for a period of time, it is important to know that a typical policy won’t cover a vacant home for more than 30 days.
Unoccupied or vacant home insurance covers your home when you’re not there during a long remodel.
To find the proper insurance for your home, it is important to discuss your options as well as risks with a personal risk manager or insurance agent who specializes in home renovation insurance (which covers remodels). Renovation insurance is just adding coverage to your pre-existing homeowner’s insurance.
Depending on the size of the project, you will want to decide which coverage is best: Adding renovation insurance, or adding builder’s risk insurance.
You can purchase a builder’s risk insurance policy through specialized insurers.
You're most likely covered by your insurance company for the majority of remodeling projects for your home. In the case that you're not, find the best solution using the advice outlined here to ensure that you don't pay for the brunt of the expenses.
Enjoy your beautiful home!
Before we officially start work on a remodeling project for a homeowner, we always ask, “Do you have the necessary permits for the project?” If they answer with a “no”, then we refuse to start the job until they have the permit(s) in hand. However, we do help with this process if the permit hasn’t been acquired.
Buildings and properties follow a certain set of regulations, which can differ state to state. While building codes may vary state to state, many permits for remodeling projects are the same across municipalities. Without the proper permit for your remodeling project, you’re going to be in a world of hurt.
Here’s why.
Some remodeling projects require a permit.
We’ve been asked the question of “is it illegal to remodel without a permit?” many times. The answer is, it depends on the project. Some minor touch-ups to the home, made for aesthetic reasons, are typically fine. Other, more time-consuming and major improvements made to the home will typically require a building permit.
There are a couple of reasons for this. The city needs to inspect the project during and after completion to ensure safety and health building codes are met by the work completed. Another reason is to make sure the homeowner’s investment of the property is secured and protected with the remodel.
Like we stated previously, not all projects require permits, such as plumbing repairs, roof fixes, and your regular contractor jobs. However, here are some remodeling projects that require a permit:
This is a very limited list as permit requirements vary state to state. Essentially, if you are planning on putting in a new structure that could obstruct your neighbor’s view, you’re tearing down walls, or upgrading your kitchen cabinetry, it’s best to check with your city resources for building permits.
Here’s the thing, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
There are many cases from your neighbors and online about people who have regretted not acquiring a permit. The two main reasons that homeowners don’t acquire a permit are:
Both are horrible excuses. If you remodel without a permit, there are numerous problems that can occur.
Surprisingly, if you don’t file for a permit with your city, you could experience more than just a fine.
If you refuse to acquire a permit for the remodel to your home or on your property, you could be significantly fined. This fine will cost more than the original price of the permit. So, do yourself a favor and don’t use the excuse of “I don’t want to pay”. If the permit is $150, then it’s best to pay it and save yourself the hassle of paying more later on.
What good is a home improvement if you’re requested to stop the project? Yes, your city officials can issue you a stop-work order, which means the contractor company you hired for the construction or other project will be forced to stop work on the project until you acquire the proper permit(s) to resume.
Any company that doesn’t agree to work on a project without the necessary permits is worth their weight in gold. Good, trustworthy, and experienced companies understand how important it is to have permits. Companies or independent contractors that agree to work on your remodel without a permit are taking a huge risk and may not produce the best work. If they don’t follow your city’s building safety and health codes, they are putting your life at risk.
Consider this, you choose to remodel your kitchen with new cabinetry and a wall removal to open up the space. A few months or years down the line, you find out that the wall that was removed was essential to the level above the floor where the kitchen is located. Now, you’re stuck with the decision of risking the upper level collapsing or paying for someone else to put the wall or new beams back in.
Do you now wish you had filed and been approved for the permit?
Just because you made a remodel to your house, doesn’t mean that it will increase your home’s value in the first place. However, if you don’t acquire a permit, it will definitely mean the house value plummets.
It’s entirely possible that you can’t sell your house if you never acquired the proper permits for the remodel(s) to your home and property. You have to inform the buyer and the Real Estate Advisor of the remodels and modifications done to the home.
If the buyer finds out that you are selling them a house that doesn’t have the permits that you should have filed for, they’re more inclined to not buy. The reason being, they don’t want to deal with the city officials, possible health and safety risks, and having to go out and purchase the permits.
Let’s say that you hire a general contractor to remodel your kitchen, giving it an entirely new makeover. One day, the kitchen lights on fire because of poor wiring or a gas leak. If your insurance company notices that the area that caught on fire wasn’t permitted for a remodel, they might not cover your damages.
Now that’s an unfortunate situation.
Just do yourself a favor and file, purchase, and acquire the proper permits for your project before you spend way more money than you originally intended. Your health and safety depend on it.
Yes, even renovations can be illegal. Again, depending on what they are and how significant they can be to the structure of the house or property.
If you are caught without a permit for your renovations like installing new ductwork or building a new sunroom, then you’re likely to be fined.
As we have years of experience in dealing with home and commercial building remodels, take the words of a professional here: Don’t skip obtaining your permit!
Save yourself the future headache even if it means paying out a few hundred dollars. It’s well worth it and you can hire professional contractors like H3 Construction & Design to work on the project to ensure the job is done right. Give us a call today if you have your permit(s) and are interested in proceeding with your exciting remodeling project!
For your convenience, we’ve put together a list of resources for you to file for your project’s permits in your Colorado municipality.
