Informational Archives

What You Need to Know About Home Remodeling Shows

Home remodeling shows have been a popular TV staple for decades, captivating audiences with the transformations of homes from drab and outdated to stunning and modern. Shows like Fixer Uppers and Property Brothers have become media franchises in their own right, making bona fide celebrities out of their hosts, like Chip and Joanna Gaines, and Drew and Jonathan Scott, reiterating the popularity and power that home renovation shows have with audiences nationwide. But what exactly is it about remodeling shows that people find so appealing? And what can we learn from them when it comes to renovating our own homes? They Provide a Sense of Escapism Viewers of Hometown or Property Brothers can watch as a team of experts transforms a home to exceed the homeowner’s wildest dreams and expectations, momentarily casting them and their newly minted house in the national viewing spotlight. For homeowners considering a renovation, it can provide a vicarious experience, prompting them to prioritize the remodel they may have been putting off. And for homeowners already in mid-renovation, they will get a sense of what to expect when the finished product of their own house gets the big reveal. They’re Inspirational (and Aspirational) If you’ve thought...

7 Myths About Home Improvement

The perfect home renovations are the stuff a homeowner’s dream house is made of. Upgrading your home can improve its value, make it more comfortable, and save you money in the long run. However, despite their many benefits, there are still many misconceptions about home improvement that can lead to costly mistakes. But before embarking on such a major investment, let’s debunk some of the most common home improvement myths and seek the truth behind them. Myth #1: More Expensive Means Better Quality Many people believe that when it comes to home improvement, you get what you pay for. This is simply not true. While it’s true that high-end materials and appliances are generally better quality, you can still find affordable products that are durable and long-lasting. You should do your research and compare prices, materials and brands before making a purchase. Myth #2: You Need To Replace Everything at Once Another common myth is that you need to replace everything at once when making home improvements. This is not only unnecessary but also wasteful. It’s much better to prioritize the most important upgrades and make them first, then work your way down the list. This way, you can save...

Sustainable or Green Remodeling, Explained

When you make your home more environmentally friendly through green design and construction, you reduce the cost of operating your home by conserving energy and water, while saving on energy systems and appliance maintenance. You also create a healthier environment for your family and your pets. Sustainable home construction involves more than choosing greener building materials. For homeowners who wish to reduce their carbon footprints, here is a brief look at what you can expect as you start the green building process. What is a green home? A green home is designed, constructed, and operated in ways that reduce or eliminate negative environmental impacts. A green home can even have a positive effect on the climate and natural environment. Green buildings preserve natural resources and improve the quality of our lives. Building green is a commitment to the five pillars of green building: energy, health, materials, water, and place. What are the attributes of a green home? Green home design considers the quality of life of the home’s occupants in the construction, and operation of the home. In a green home, energy, water, and other utilities and resources are used to maximum efficiency. Green homes often use renewable energy sources,...

Renovating to Solve and Prevent Moisture Issues

There are clear signs when you have excess moisture in your home. Sometimes, simple changes can reduce the amount of moisture. Other times, more major renovations may be required to make your home safer and more comfortable. Take care of excess moisture issues as soon as possible with a complimentary consultation with the House Lift team. What are the signs of moisture in my home? Excess moisture in a home shows up in many different ways. One of the more obvious signs of too much moisture is condensation on your home’s windows, especially in the colder months. You may see the telltale spots of mildew or mold growing in your bathroom or in the corner of a closet or the kitchen. Mold in your basement is another sign. Peeling, cracking, or blistering paint can also indicate a moisture issue. What are the forms of moisture? There are three states of moisture: solid (ice), liquid (bulk water), and gas (airborne moisture or vapor). All three can affect your home. Ice is typically found on the exterior of your home in the form of ice dams, which can cause water to leak into the interior. If your windows are in poor condition,...

Flooring Material Choices for Your Home Remodel

December 15, 2021
By House Lift
In Basement, Bathroom, Home Value, Informational, Kitchen

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...

Planning Ahead for Your Home Remodel Project

November 1, 2021
By House Lift
In Home Value, Informational, Tips & Tricks

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...