When Should You DIY or Go Pro?
Thanks to YouTube, Pinterest, and Search Engines at home DIY Projects are pretty easy to do. With a click of mouse you can learn everything you need to know, get a list of the supplies needed, and post photos of your completed projects without breaking the bank. However, there is a time and a place for DIY and before you are left with an incomplete project or the task to call in the pros make sure you consider the following guidelines.
DIY or Go Pro?
1. Limited Supplies Needed: DIY If your project is limited to a few paint brushes, some wallpaper, or even just a simple drill then going DIY is the best way to go. Applying wallpaper or installing hardware usually comes with guidelines or instructions and if you can’t find them there are countless video tutorials to help make the job simple and easy.
2. Working with Electrical or Plumbing: PRO Most jobs that require working with electrical or plumbing lines usually require a permit which Professionals can get easily, not to mention they are licensed and bonded to ensure that you are protected from any mistakes made on the job. Hot lines and clogged drains can cause more damage than good so make sure if you are doing a DIY approved job like installing a ceiling fan that you take the necessary precautions to keep you safe.
3. Being an Expert: DIY Thanks to unlimited resources on the internet it is easy to become an expert through research and networking with pros. Tasks like laying tile or applying a backsplash can be considered DIY projects if you talk to the right people and you do the process properly. You would be surprised that the small tasks that seem pointless are usually the most critical.
4. Heavy Lifting: PRO In our industry we deal a lot with homeowners buying cabinetry through us and then deciding to install on their own. If you have the team and equipment to do so then it is a great way to save a little on your renovation budget, however we often get a phone call after one too many cabinets get busted from being dropped or banged up in the installation process. Be aware of what you can handle.
5. Equipment: PRO
Finally, sometimes a job looks simple to do but you don’t have the tools necessary to get the job done right. Never be afraid to ask for help. There are ways to cut costs in your budget if you are worried that hiring a professional is going to cost too much. See if there is another way you can get the renovation you want, done right, but at the right cost.
We love a good DIY project as much as the next homeowner, but the key to a successful project is knowing your limits then you can decide to DIY or Go Pro.
If you are looking for some professional advice on your next renovation project, give us a call to schedule a free consultation. Don’t let your DIY project be the reason your wife won’t let you own power tools, give us a call today for our professional opinion.
Top Return on Investment for Kitchens
As people are spending the funds they might usually be spending on traveling, many people are looking to upgrade their kitchens to get the dream kitchen they always wanted. While investing in your kitchen is always a great idea, if you want to be sure to get an ROI from your kitchen when you sell, here is the top return on investment for kitchens.
Most popular upgrades to kitchens
There are quite a few options when it comes to upgrading your kitchen. Here are the most popular kitchen upgrades currently:
- Backsplashes
- Cabinets
- Large kitchen islands
- Quartz countertops
- Wall-to-wall cabinetry
- Multi-level islands
- Energy-efficient lighting and appliances
- Local sources upgrades
- Fashion faucets
Of course, many homeowners who have a more dated kitchen may not only be looking to upgrade the style of their kitchen but the appliances as well. Energy-efficient appliances are in abundance for kitchens, and you don’t have to sacrifice style for efficiency. For those with small budgets, even a simple coat of paint on the walls (or even the cabinets!) could do the trick, as can adding or swapping out the existing cabinet and drawer hardware. Small kitchen renovations can make a big impact!
Kitchen upgrades most likely to offer the best return on investment
An upgraded kitchen is definitely a feature that home buyers look for. As a matter of fact, 58% of buyers who purchased in the last 12 months said having their preferred style of kitchen was extremely or very important to their home-buying decision. While you may not recoup 100% of your remodeling cost, it’s one of the smartest upgrades you can do to your home for resale value. Modern, energy-efficient appliances are always high on the list. Not only do they make a kitchen appear more modern, but they’ll also actually save the homeowner (and prospective buyer down the road) money because of increased energy efficiency. Keep in mind the neighborhood you’re in. It may not make sense for the typical resale value of your house, as an example, to put in a new Viking stove.
Two upgrades that consistently return a decent ROI are cabinets and countertops. According to one study, 69% of those surveyed said they would have paid more for new appliances and 55% said they would have paid more for granite counters. Like appliances, you’ll get the best ROI if you go for good quality while keeping in mind the average home value of your neighborhood.
Stay away from trendy, over-the-top upgrades
If you know that you’ll be selling your home in the next 6 to 12 months, it may not be a good idea to go for over-the-top upgrades that you can’t truly enjoy, and the next homeowner may not find value in. High-end faucets, trendy colored appliances or expensive countertop materials may cost you much more than you’ll get in return when you sell the home. Of course, if you plan on being in the home awhile, build your dream home however it will please you! If you’re not sure what the right balance is, work with an experienced kitchen renovation professional like Arizona Interior Innovations who can help you decide.
The best return is being able to enjoy your kitchen
Kitchen renovations, even the most basic ones, can be a bit intrusive. While there are many great tips for living through a home renovation project, try to do renovations that you as the homeowner will be able to enjoy for a few years. A fresh coat of paint and new hardware might be a quick spruce up for a pending home sale, but if you invest in new cabinets, countertops, or appliances, it’s nice to enjoy those wonderful upgrades for a few years while you’re still in the home!
Tips for Living Through a Home Renovation
Finally getting the kitchen or master bathroom of your dreams is exciting. Living through a home renovation is a little bit tougher. While some people may have the luxury of exiting their home and living elsewhere while renovations are being done, most have to stay put and be around for the whole project. If you fall into the latter category, we’ve pulled together a few tips for living through a home renovation.
Get organized early
Chances are, you’re working with a renovation professional that is overseeing the whole project, especially if you have more than one portion of your house being renovated, or your remodeling is more involved to include plumbing, electrical and more. It’s a good idea to create a calendar so all the moving parts are well organized, and everyone knows what is going to happen when. While it’s not always possible to nail down an exact schedule, it’s good to know when the more intrusive work is being done, like getting that old tile jack-hammered out, so you’re not living with the noise while trying to work from home.
Consider what will be important to access during renovation
Depending on what’s getting done, you may want access to your refrigerator or washer and dryer during a renovation. If that’s possible, communicate that to your contractor early so they can work with you to accommodate that request.
Pack up the room(s) being impacted as much as possible
Workers will do their best to tape off and tarp as much as possible when renovating a room, but it’ll make your life a lot easier if you’re able to pack up and empty out any rooms being renovated as much as possible. Dust debris from a major renovation goes everywhere, and even with the most diligent workers, you’ll find dust that will need to be cleaned. Best to empty out the impacted rooms to keep that issue to a minimum.
Keep a section of your home as a sanctuary
Some homeowners want to get all renovations done at once: we applaud your enthusiasm! However, it’s a good idea during a major renovation to keep a small slice of your home completely untouched so you have a place to retreat to during the time workers are in your home. Noise, dust, and people are all a part of renovating a home. Keeping a small slice of clean and quiet will go a long way in making the process as enjoyable as possible while still being able to keep an eye on progress if you must be present during renovations.
Take pictures of the progress
It’s a good idea to take before, during, and after pictures. First, it’s exciting to see the progress! Second, if there are any issues, questions, or concerns as work is being done, keeping an eye on things with an occasional picture will help keep everyone on the same page and goes a long way in keeping communication on track.
Protect your home
Experienced home renovations specialists know what it takes to keep a home protected as possible during renovations, but it’s a good idea to do your part to help ensure your home stays protected, including covering or padding handrails and corners to protect against errant tools, covering your blinds, shutters and window treatments to keep dust to a minimum (remember, dust goes everywhere!), covering any furniture or countertops with plastic, covering your A/C vents to keep the spread of dust to a minimum, and covering high traffic areas with drop cloths or a paper or plastic cover to protect against any damage while workers go back and forth.
These are just a few tips on how to live through a home renovation to make sure your experience during the project is a good one!
Functional Home Office Space Ideas
Functional Home Office Spaces became a necessity in 2020 due to “Work from Home Mandates” and long quarantine periods. A year later, many companies have prolonged their working from home periods and other have done away with corporate office space all together. In response many homeowners have decided to create better workspaces or upgrade their existing arrangement. Whether the space is small, has a multiuse purpose, or is a dedicated large room here are some keys to designing a functional home office space that will keep you excited to go to work.
Plenty of Storage Space:
The Home Office is a central location to a hub of technology, piles of paperwork, and every office supply accessory imaginable. Having dedicated storage space to keep files, conceal cords, and hide the clutter creates a more productive work and headspace. Arizona’s Interior Innovations Custom cabinetry can fit your unique needs for storage and create a durable workspace built to last.
Large Work Area
Whether your work area is a dining room table, a small corner in the bedroom, or a private den your actual desktop space is important. Once the clutter is cleared and assigned its designated space your desktop should be durable and have the ability to hold more than just a laptop. Creating expandable desktops has allowed many work-from-homers to use a large space and hide it away during times of un-use. This concept has grown in popularity with homeschooling moms. The ease of creating a focused workspace for children to complete their schoolwork and then the ability to hide the mess and the clutter during afterschool hours and over the weekend has made the adjustment to homeschooling easier on a lot of families. Arizona’s Interior Innovations can help design this creative space with our dedicated team of innovative designers.
Displaying Personal Mementos
Creating an office space that features personal touches provides motivation and positive reinforcements throughout the workday. Bulletin boards featuring photos, custom shelves to hold personal books and photo frames are just a few examples of the little touches that you can add to your home office to make it a space you enjoy being in.
Flexible Sitting or Standing Availability
Research shows that sitting at your desk for long periods of time contributes to weight gain, back problems, and increase blood sugar whereas standing periodically can help reduce all of those and increase productivity. Higher desktops are one way to help with the versatility of sitting and standing for long periods of time. Meanwhile some home offices are welcoming treadmills and bikes to help with increased movement during the workday and reaching fitness goals while on the clock.
Gone are the days of long office hours in a cubicle surrounded by fluorescent lighting. Custom home offices provide a more productive workspace and add value to your home. If you are thinking of customizing your office space or looking for inspiration for a functional home office space contact Arizona’s Interior Innovations and set your appointment with one of our design experts to create your ideal office workspace.
Top 5 Home Renovation Trends of 2021
Feeling stuck with your home renovation? Looking for some ideas to kickstart your project? Check Out our Top 5 Home Renovation Trends of 2021
I believe the old adage goes, “New Year, New You!” While self-betterment is the focus of many new year’s resolutions there also seems to be a drive to better your home or your living space. If you found yourself looking around your home this holiday season and dreaming up a new kitchen or imagining the better bathroom you are not alone! Whether you are looking for a total remodel or some ideas to update or add value to your home here are some of the home renovations trends we are seeing:
1. Fewer Cabinets, More Functional Shelves
Kitchen Renovations are moving away from custom cabinets and extra storage to more open and minimalistic. To bring down the bulky kitchen feel and open the area up to an airier atmosphere we are seeing more floating shelves used as open storage. To make up for the lack of storage, base cabinets are going deeper, or walls of cabinets are being stacked higher. Pantries are getting larger and many are being redesigned to hold storage shelves or cabinetry.
2. Large Islands That Double as Sitting Areas
As open living areas become more popular the space that is used as a Family Room, Dining Room, Kitchen Combo can seem smaller. Homeowners are making better use of the space by designing large kitchen islands that double as a main sitting area. Kitchen bars are getting wider to accommodate more sitting room and islands are growing to incorporate dining and kitchen into one.
3. Duo-Colored Kitchens
Why have one colored cabinets when you can have two…or three. A lot of homeowners are asking for custom cabinetry and doing darker wood or paint on the bottom and lighter cabinets on top. Accent islands have been rising in popularity over the last few years and now homeowners are using the accents to add dimension to their cabinetry throughout.
4. Gold Hardware
Adding hardware is a simple and easy way to update or add a pop of color without breaking the bank. Gold hardware used to be associated with the 90’s and early 2000s, but it seems gold has made a comeback. Gold Hardware Accents are rising in popularity and are highly requested for kitchens, bathrooms, and all storage.
5. Non-Traditional Shaped Mirrors
Add some pizzazz to your bathrooms by getting rid of the square standard mirrors and replacing them with a custom mirror. Custom mirrors are extremely easy to find and come in all shapes and sizes. The Circular mirror was very popular in 2020 and we can expect to see a lot more of them today. Adding a custom mirror is easy to do and very cost effective.
If you are looking for a full room remodel or just a fresh take on an old space, Arizona’s Interior Innovations is ready to help! Our talented and dedicated staff is ready to customize your plans and provide inspiring home renovation trends to keep your space updated. Start 2021 with a resolution you can keep! We can help you dream up and design your new space and keep you within a budget. Contact us today to set up your consultation and we can get started on your dream design today!
Houzz
 |