Home Remodeling Projects for Summer
Home Additions, Exterior Remodeling
Summer Remodeling Projects
Ambitious homeowners are always looking for remodeling projects to do during summer for many reasons. The weather is better, it's the end of school which means a lighter schedule for summer, and a bigger budget for those homeowners who have saved up money since the beginning of the years.
One of the hardest parts about doing a remodel is figuring out just what to remodel? Homeowners need to ask themselves which part of the house needs attention? Perhaps an outdoor remodel? Or, maybe it's time to add-on to the house. These are all great ideas, but lots of time and energy is going to go into the decision. Finding a home remodeling contractor in Atlanta is a wise idea if you are a homeowner in Atlanta or surrounding areas. An Atlanta home remodeling contractor can help you design and build the perfect home addition or can help you with any other summer home remodeling project. Getting assistance from professionals can be one of the best moves for many reasons.
Your Home is Your Castle
Make A Plan
Okay, one of the best moves to do for a “Point A” is getting a list together. This list should have all the home remodeling projects desired. Naturally, this list is going to be more than most homeowners can afford, but it's a good start to find out what each project is going to cost. Some homeowners are planning a sale of their home during the summer, therefore this list could be lots of small misc. jobs that really are not too expensive, but minor projects that need attention. A contractor in Atlanta could take an entire week and fix for instance: floor damage, installation of new window trim, fix a leaky roof, or patch drywall. Jobs like this are smaller, but could be done during a remodel. Or, a list could be the installation of a new roof. The main objective is to get this list complete with all the projects and help work towards a “Point B”.
How to Choose A Contractor
Some homeowners will want to do remodeling projects as DIY projects, but unless you’re very handy and you have all of the right tools and materials – it's best to get a reputable home remodeling expert. Most people have no idea where to even start. The Internet is a good place to use a search engine such as Google, but also – read reviews! This may seem simple, but it's a great way to see what other people think of contractors and their work. The next part is to schedule a time to meet with the contractor to go over your list and to show the contractor the projects. What you think of your project and the “damage” might be way less or more than what it really is. This happens all the time. A small project like replacing exterior siding could end up with frame damage – get a few different contractors from Atlanta to take a look and give an accurate quote in writing. This is a very important step.
The Best Summer Remodeling Projects
Now, that you have your desired project or projects picked out – time to pick out the contractor. Don't always choose the cheapest contractor. Some of the cheaper estimates end up being lesser in quality. If you do go with a cheaper quote or estimate, always be sure to look at photos of the work. You want to know what you’re getting into. The most important part is getting everything that will be done in writing. This can never be stressed enough. We are in a world that requires contracts and everything to be done by the book. Hand shakes do not cut it anymore. This will protect a homeowner and the contractor from any misunderstandings.
A Home/Room Addition
Congrats on choosing a home remodel that includes an addition of the home. A project like this is going to be exciting, but it also requires a homeowner to be aware of a few things. The way to figure the cost (ball park figure) is to take the square footage to be added and multiply it by about $80.00 if you live in an area where the cost of construction is lower. If you live in an area that has homes with a higher value, be prepared to pay up to $200.00 multiplied by the total square footage. Another cost that a homeowner needs to think about is the extra costs, such as special windows, plumbing, granite or marble counter-tops, upgraded flooring, and permits. Your top home remodeling contractor will be able to answer these questions and help keep you on budget. This project may seem very expensive, but the value of your home will increase. It's also an excellent time to do a project like this, because summer weather will keep construction moving forward most of the time without any days off for weather.
Exterior Siding Projects
This is also another great project for a home that will also provide a great ROI (return on investment). Siding is a necessity for a home to have solid insulation, handle all of the elements of weather, and provide a nice clean look to a home. Here are 6 different types of popular siding.
Vinyl siding is a nice low cost type of siding that is easy to maintain. It has become one of the most popular types of siding. This type of siding has a wide variety of colors and styles to make it attractive to homeowners. Technology has made this siding extremely competitive with manufacturers to have the best product. Installation is also not as complicated as one might think either. Even though installing new vinyl siding could be a DIY project, it generally is not recommended. Vinyl siding generally costs about $3 - $7 a square foot and the cost to remove the siding could possibly cost a few thousand dollars.
Wood siding is also another type of siding that is used for a bungalow, cottages, and even homes with a Cape Cod style. This siding is popular for its rich look and wood siding is also durable if the maintenance is regular. The maintenance on wood siding needs to be periodic to prevent weather damage. The cost of wood siding is going to range between $5 - $10 per square foot. That is not including any of the painting or staining involved. Don't forget to factor in the installation costs from a professional experienced contractor.
Brick siding is made from fired clay. This brick comes in different sizes and textures. Most homes with brick are Colonial, Tudor, and English cottage exteriors. Brick siding has a reputation for providing a beautiful look and also lasting for a long time. Most of the brick siding today is over the top of a wood frame put together with mortar that holds the bricks together. The installation of this brick is very important, because water has the ability to penetrate brick veneers. If the installation is done correctly, brick siding will last the lifetime of a home. A homeowner can expect to pay between $6 - $15 per foot including installation.
Fiber-cement siding is a lower cost fiber-cement siding that provides the look of masonry, stucco or wood. Homeowners really enjoy this low maintenance siding that is also non-flammable and termite resistant. This siding is available in a wide range of styles and textures, plus different paint colors and finishes are also an option. Now, this type of siding is a great choice, but it also has the risk of moisture-related problems that could potentially end up in a situation with asbestos. A professional abatement contractor must be hired for the removal of asbestos. Fiber-cement siding costs between $6 - $12 per square foot and will last between 25 to 50 years depending on the manufacturer.
Stucco siding is a compounded type of siding made from building sand, Portland cement, lime, and water. The siding will last the lifetime of the home if installed correctly. Generally, waterproof barrier paper and galvanized-metal screening are applied over the wood frame of the home. Stucco is then added – this is a great look commonly found on Mediterranean, ranch, and homes with a Spanish-mission style. A top home remodeling contractor is the only way to go for the installation process of this siding. The cost of stucco siding ranges from $3 - $8 per square foot.
Stone and stone-veneer siding is the last type of commonly used siding. The natural beauty of this siding is similar to granite and limestone, but the durability is what attracts homeowners. Keep in mind, this siding is much more expensive, but it also provides an entirely new look to a home. Stone-veneer comes in natural and synthetic materials with several styles to choose from. Yearly maintenance with a hose and inspection is a great way to keep the siding in good condition. With proper care this siding will last the lifetime of the home. The average cost of this type of siding is going to range from $10 - $30 per square foot.
Build an Exterior Deck
A new deck can be a great way to add value to your home, but also add living space. There are many different aspects to consider when getting ready to build a deck. A home remodeling contractor in Atlanta will be able to give an accurate estimate for a homeowner.
Types of Deck Materials
Plastics and Composites
Composite decking is becoming very popular and it requires very little maintenance. There are 3 options to consider. Polyethylene with an average cost of $8 per square foot, polypropylene with an average cost of $9, and polyvinyl chloride or PVC with an average cost between $7 - $10. Your contractor will help you decide which one is going to be the best option for your new deck. Each of these deck materials has many pros and cons to be carefully factored into the decision.
Natural Wood
Natural wood is the main choice for deck construction because of the finished look. However, this deck material might cost less – a homeowner needs to consider the maintenance, weatherproofing, and staining to maintain the appearance. The most common wood used for a deck is going to be “Redwood”. The cost of this wood generally is about $8 per square foot. Another wood is Ipe, which is a Brazilian hardwood with an average cost of $22. It is much more expensive, but it's resistant to mold, fire, and weathering.
Pressure-Treated Wood (PT)
Pressure-treated wood is an attractive material for homeowners on a budget. Now, this decking material does come with many cons, but manufacturers have improved all of the chemicals required to treat this wood properly. Besides the fact that this wood is affordable, now most sealers are improved. However, it is extremely important to consult with your contractor to be sure you are getting the right sealers to keep this wood maintained. The cost to have this wood and labor is going to cost between $8 - $23 per square foot. It's also recommended to get a contractor with PT wood experience.
Final Calculations
The last part of getting ready to start your decking project is to get the cost of installation. The way this estimate is achieved is by getting the dimensions of your area. You will need to measure the decking area, then add a few new costs to the list. These additional costs can be: leveling the land, building a solid foundation, and banding. Also, once the deck is completed – add staining/painting, UV blockage/sealing, and waterproofing. Cutting corners is not wise for the final process of getting a deck completed. Some decking projects can be only $1500, but custom jobs with lots of extra's can end up costing $5000. Adding a deck also will increase the value of your home and your property taxes. Contacting your local assessor's office is a MUST to make sure any increases in your property taxes are not an unexpected surprise.
All of these projects are great summer projects. Taking your time, getting accurate estimates, and weighing the pro's and cons are going to be how a successful project is completed on time.