McKillop Contracting

Scenario 1- you just got a new place. The euphoria is still really high. You can’t wait to move in and start a new life. Of course, you’ll need ideas for setting up your living room to make it fit your lifestyle and personality. Somewhere you can come back to and feel relaxed and at peace even without putting the TV on.

Scenario 2- You’ve lived here for a couple of months or years and the image of your living room feels like your mind’s wallpaper or background image. You dash through this space every morning on your way to work and drop on the couch when you return. The colors and décor are now too familiar and they begin to feel a little drab. It’s definitely time for a retouch, redesign or upgrades.

Regardless of which of the scenarios above that you fall into. The task before you is to design or redesign a living room. This is not a run of the mill job because the appearance of your physical surroundings can have a direct influence on your psychology and mental ambiance. Below are a couple of things you should keep in mind when setting up your living room:

Space:  This is the most significant constraint on your design plans. Designing or fixing up a mansion with a 2,500 sq. ft. the living room is quite different from setting up a tiny two-room apartment. Space will determine how much stuff you can fix in your living room. Curtains, electronics, paintings and other materials will be competing for space on the walls and elsewhere. You have to be careful to make the correct trade-off between decorating and avoiding a crowded space.

Colors: Regardless of whether you’re just moving or only need a new decoration. Color is a very important factor. It’s expensive to order a repaint at the end of every month, so it’s best to get it right from the start. While there has been a lot of research about what colors boost cognitive functions and which ones prevent depression. The best advice that can be given anyone is to go with what suits you. Discuss extensively with your interior decorator about what works for you, the various shades and possible combinations of colors that work best for you. While it’s true that your living room is where visitors would stay. The fact still remains that this is your home and your choices and preferences should come first.

Upholstery: Your couch and sofas are very integral aspects of the living room. Apart from serving as surfaces on which you can recline and sit on. They also add to the overall look of the living room and contribute to the aesthetic appeal. You need to carefully select your living room upholstery to both be durable enough not to wear off and be appealing enough to make you, your family and guests very comfortable.

There are a couple of other factors too such as the choice of materials for the flooring and ceilings. The overall point is to get something that suits your tastes.

Coming up with a good landscape design doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Whether you want to go all out, a backyard makeover, or just a simple, cozy place to spend your afternoon, there are plenty of ideas within your budget to do just that. If you are thinking of selling your property later on, this is the perfect way to increase your property’s value.

An interesting survey by the American Institute of Architects showed that adults spend less than 15 minutes a week in their yards while kids spend about 40 minutes in the yard in a week. Depending on your interests and hobbies, you can find a way to utilize this space through landscaping to spend more time there. We spoke with Tim at Tree Services Annapolis (www.treeservicesannapolis.com) to get some more ideas.

Are you into gardening? Then fill the yard with green vegetables or flowers. Does water soothe your being? Consider a water feature in your yard. Do you enjoy playing soccer or other games with your kids? Create a space allowance for that in your yard. Whatever landscaping idea you choose should be born from something you enjoy doing. Here are some backyard ideas for your home.

• Outdoor Kitchens

Outdoor kitchens have been on the rise in recent years. Probably because no one wants to be cramped up alone in the kitchen while everyone out there is having a good time. It can be a simple kitchen with a small countertop, barbecue grill, and a mini-fridge.

• Outdoor Rooms

Maybe you are not exactly an outdoor person but once in a while, it is important to breathe in some fresh air and change the environment. Outdoor rooms are designed to feel like your typical sitting area but in the outdoors. This creates a perfect environment for an avid reader or writer, or just someone who wants to relax outdoors.

• Fire Pits

Not only do they add to the aesthetic value of your yard, but they are an excellent way to bond and catch up with family and friends. They will provide warmth and good lighting way after dark which is great for people who love being outside during the night.

• Water Features

Some people find tranquility in the sound of running water. Fountains and ponds are some of the water features you can put up in your yard. Different things may be required depending on the size you are going for. A pump, wiggler, or aerator is a must to keep the surface in motion and prevent mosquitoes and other disease-causing insects.

Similarly, your background may have a drainage problem. You can capitalize on it by creating a water flow effect. So instead of worrying that your background is washing away, you can keep calm when you hear the sound of running water.

• Gardens

There are several types of gardens and so you need to know characteristics of the plants and what their maintenance entails to keep them going. Some require long hours of sunlight, some are susceptible to pests and weeds, etc.

• Tree Planting

Trees have a significant importance for your home. They create a cool atmosphere, they act as noise buffers, they greatly increase the value of your home, make your yard more appealing, and many more benefits. Like gardens, you will need a professional arborist to conduct assessments for the right species, location, and other key factors to promote healthy trees.

Many people underrate the potential of a basement as additional living space. It is the room that probably has the most junk; discarded furniture, old Christmas lights, childhood toys, you name it. The basement is excellent space for a variety of things such as a guest suite, renting space, wet bar, home entertainment area, kitchenette, kids playroom, craft area, etc. A basement remodel will transform this space into something more productive and we will show you just how;

Factors to Consider when Remodeling a Basement

• Space evaluation

Before you embark on this project, there are some challenges to consider to prevent expensive problems from cropping up later on.  Ventilation, low ceilings, and moisture are some of the obstacles you will encounter in a basement. Bear in mind that basements were not built to function as fully living spaces; at least in the traditional houses.

Moisture is the number one culprit in basements. Significant levels of moisture may actually prevent you from finishing your project. However, this can be fixed. Be sure to follow the right procedure, albeit a bit expensive, to avoid smells, mold, and sogginess later on. Minor moisture can be treated by water lock paint. Get a professional to assess the situation and waterproof the basement before any work begins.

• Purpose

The intended purpose for remodeling the basement is best discussed among your family members. Do most of you agree that it should be the kid’s playroom, family home movie theatre, guest bedroom, etc. You should also check the legal requirements in your area depending on the use you agree on. Some areas require certain procedures to be done to adhere to safety policies.

• Budget

Have a plan already of what you desire to get an estimate of your budget. Basement remodels range from $10,000 to $100,000. This will depend on the purpose and details you choose such as materials, designs, etc.

• Contractors

While the thought of doing it yourself has definitely crossed your mind, it is much better to hire a professional. Ask for referrals from friends and family, do your own web research, look around until you are content with who you find. Make sure to check that they are insured and licensed to operate. Contractors with the knowledge and expertise are better able to take on your project and deliver great results.

Once you settle on one, discuss your ideas, listen to his professional perspective, and come to an agreement on what should be done. They are better placed to know what will work and what will not. Make sure you understand the scope of the project before it begins, and as it progresses. This way, there are no unpleasant surprises when it’s done. It may take about four to six weeks to complete the project.

Ceiling Options

1. Flooring Option

Deciding on a flooring option can be a hassle due to the moisture and sometimes cold associated with the basements. If there any dampness in the basement, carpet is a bad idea. Some of the common flooring options in basements include;

• Carpet
• Concrete
• Engineered Wood
• Ceramic Tiles
• Linoleum
• Cork

2. Wall Options

Walls are essential to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the basement. They, however, have no structural value. They are valuable for running electrical wires, installing receptacles, and controlling the room’s temperature. Here are some of the materials you can use to finish your wall with;

• Beadboard Panels
• Dry Wall
• Stucco
• Interior Walls

3. Ceiling Options

Ceilings can be a challenge depending on the amount of space available. If the ceiling is put over wires and ducts, the contractor should leave room for access in case of future repairs. Most basement ceilings are very low which limits the options available. Some popular methods used are;

• Surface Mount Grid Systems
• Dry Wall
• Suspended Ceilings

Bathrooms may be the smallest rooms in the house, but when it comes to remodeling, it sure doesn’t feel that way. They are a lot more personal than kitchens, but pretty much the same scenario plays out as it would in a kitchen remodel. You will require a host of plumbers, electricians, tile guys, cabinet installers, etc. The aesthetic function is also an important consideration when it comes to bathrooms. With all the work needed, you can rule this out as a small project.

A remodel is supposed to enable you to achieve your desired look, increase the value of your home and save you money, time, and energy. There are certain steps that you can take that will help you accomplish all that a remodel is meant to be; whether you choose to do it yourself or hire a contractor for the job.

• Set a budget

It is imperative that you set a budget to work with for your remodel. Of course, this is dependent on some factors. Do a lot of research beforehand and if possible, buy all the materials required before the remodeling begins. Make sure you see the products in person before purchasing them online to avoid unpleasant surprises. Don’t cut corners on the important materials because, in the long run, cheap is expensive.

Contractors will do exploratory work early on in the project to detect any issues. So when you are planning your budget, make sure to include miscellaneous or unexpected costs to cover for those. That way you will be able to complete your project even if you face problems you did not expect. However, some problems lurk behind the walls and will be impossible to detect. So be prepared for this even if no issues were found to avoid disappointment.

• Have a plan

Poor planning is an expensive mistake that will probably involve a lot of cost overruns in your project. It might mean having an idea of the layout or the design that you want for your bath. While choosing a plan, consider the current situation in your bathroom as drastic changes in plumbing and electrical lines will cost you thousands of dollars; this applies in particular if you are working on a tight budget.

Also, you will need to decide whether to do the project by yourself or hire a contractor for the job. Unless you are planning only to replace the countertops or repaint the cabinets, it is a good idea to get a professional for the remodeling. It will eventually save you a lot of time, money, energy and unnecessary, expensive mistakes.

Factors to Consider in a Bathroom Remodel

• Storage

This is a major factor that is sometimes overlooked. You don’t want to keep running to the hallway each time to get your towel and other important stuff right before or after your shower. A small closet that will house your towels, bathing flannels, soaps, etc., is very convenient and will enhance your bathroom look significantly. A medicine cabinet is also perfect in your bathroom to store your first aid tools and health care items.

Purchasing new cabinets is a great expense but not compulsory especially if yours are still in good shape. An old trick in the book is to paint them which gives them a new look altogether. Bright colors, such as white, will do wonders to your rather outdated cabinets and is economical too. Washing, priming, then painting will leave them looking as good as new.

Similarly, if some parts of the cabinets have seen better days, consider getting new doors. If the structure is still compact, tossing out the whole cabinet doesn’t have to be an option. All that is required are the door measurements to either buy or custom make a new one. It will save you money and still achieve a new look for your overall bathroom appearance.

• Water Efficiency

A lot of the features, materials, products, and technology involved nowadays are geared towards more environmentally friendly designs. There are features such as low-flow shower heads, faucet sinks, or toilet models that use much less water. These features enable you to save on water use and utility bills as well.

• Lighting and Ventilation

Moisture can be detrimental to finishes or painted surfaces in a bathroom. It also encourages the growth of mold and mildew. Depending on the space available in your kitchen, you may have to install a bathroom fan. Humidity sensing units are also recommended if you plan on installing steam showers.

Ceiling and vertical fixtures are a common sight in bathrooms. Toilets and showers should have their own task lights. Fixtures with LED bulbs are a great energy saver if you are keen on the environment. Creating different types of illuminations will give the bathroom a stylish look.

To conclude, don’t rush the process. Take your time to do research on designs, materials and even contractors before settling on a final decision. Plan ahead to ensure that you get value for your money and a durable, attractive bathroom. It will well be worth it in the end.