The Steps to a Home Remodeling Project

Embarking on a home remodeling project? The process may seem daunting, but with some step-by-step planning in place, you can create a smooth transformation for your home.  Here’s how to plan your home makeover. Define Your Project Scope Make a list of the things you want to change or update in your home. Be as specific as possible, detailing the changes for each room and the materials you envision. Remember to consider the practical aspects, such as plumbing and electrical work, along with the aesthetic ones. Your defined project scope will serve as a blueprint guiding your decisions and actions throughout the remodeling process. Hire a Remodeling Contractor Choose a dedicated remodeling contractor who is licensed, insured and has a strong portfolio. Schedule a consultation to share your desired project scope and give them a chance to walk through your space.  Then you’ll be ready to work out key details and a plan of attack for your project.  Develop a Detailed Plan and Timeline When you and your contractor begin to map out the plans for your home remodeling project, make sure to bring your planner with you.  Start by identifying key milestones based on your project’s scope. These might...
Living room with hardwood floors with text Flooring Material Choices for Your Home Remodel

Flooring Material Choices for Your Home Remodel

Choosing the fixtures and furnishings for your new space is one of the exciting steps in your home’s transformation. With so many options to choose from, including hardwood, engineered hardwood, ceramic and porcelain tile, concrete, carpet, sheet vinyl, vinyl plank, cork, bamboo, marmoleum, selecting the flooring material for your space can be challenging.  At House Lift, we advise homeowners to start with the function of the room and narrow their flooring choices from there. Bathrooms, kitchens, living areas, and bedrooms all make specific demands on their flooring material, from water resistance to a soft touch underfoot. You can have fun choosing your flooring color, texture, and material to put your personal touch on your remodel or renovation.  Flooring options for kitchens Your kitchen is the heart of your home and the primary place where your family gathers. Your kitchen floor needs to be warm, inviting, and extremely hard-wearing as well as water-resistant so it can take a beating from spilled food, crashing dishes, and the patter of feet.  With that functionality in mind, House Lift often recommends tile, hardwood, or vinyl for kitchens. For eco-conscious homeowners, we may also suggest bamboo or marmoleum. All of these options are water-resistant, easy...
House Lift Completed Kitchen Renovation with text Planning Ahead for Your Home Remodel

Planning Ahead for Your Home Remodel Project

Embarking on a home remodeling project is a big decision, whether you’re updating your bathroom or expanding your home with an addition. No matter the size or financial investment of your project, you want to work with a reputable contractor who will provide you with an accurate estimate for the work to be done.  At House Lift, we take the time to fully explain the remodeling process, including the timeline, an estimate of costs, and any potential obstacles we may encounter. We know that the more thorough we are in the initial stages, the smoother the project will go.  Here are the first steps you should take to get your home remodeling project off the ground. Initiate Your Home Remodeling Project The work on your renovation begins before you pick up the phone to schedule a contractor visit. Before your first meeting with House Lift, you should understand what you want and need out of your project. You’ll also want to have an idea of what you are able to comfortably and reasonably spend. We suggest that you write down your list of needs and wants and the budget you’re comfortable with so you can refer to it when speaking...
A House Lift Inc. blog banner features an image of home mid-renovation with text: "Why building costs are rising in 2021"

Why Building Costs Are Rising in 2021

It’s true that building costs have gone up over the last year and are continuing to rise. If there’s one thing real estate and construction experts agree on, it’s that no one can predict if and when prices will return to pre-2020 levels.  If you’re a homeowner who’s been waiting for construction costs to fall before starting a remodeling project, take a moment to understand the current market and discover why it may pay off to get started on your project sooner rather than later.  Why are costs going up? There are many factors that contribute to the price of building materials, all of which stem from two fundamental economic concepts: supply and demand. When the pandemic hit last spring, it threw previously efficient national and global supply chains into chaos. Production in the mills and factories that supplied the construction industry with everything from lumber to light fixtures ground to a halt as staff stayed home. Similarly, the logistics companies that delivered products to wholesalers and retailers slowed or stopped their operations. The construction industry has been dealing with the fallout ever since. Add to this the current labor shortage and rising labor costs, and the supply of construction...
A House Lift blog banner features a home entertainment center with central television with text "3 Remodels That Increase Your Home's Value"

3 Remodels That Increase Your Home’s Value

Additional time spent indoors has inspired a spike in home buying and home remodeling this year. It seems that an enjoyable, comfortable atmosphere within our own walls is more important than ever. Home remodeling can blend the old with the new and introduce a sense of newness and luxury. Simple basement renovations or bathroom remodels can upgrade your lifestyle. However, in addition to luxury and enjoyment, home remodels bring actual resale value to your home. Whether you plan on selling now or in years to come, here are a few remodels that increase your home’s value. 1. Kitchen The kitchen is probably one of the rooms in your home that gets the most use. As a result, it can be the first to look aged or outdated. For a kitchen remodel to add value to your home, you don’t have to rip out the studs and start from scratch. In fact, it helps if your home remodeling contractors incorporate the classic details of your kitchen into a fresh design. Changes like updating the countertops, adding counter space, and replacing the flooring make your kitchen look newer and more attractive to potential buyers. Good contractors and designers can make your kitchen...