Home Remodeling In St Louis | Kitchens, Baths, Basements And More

The best way to achieve a high quality space is to high a professional contractor. Professionals can walk you through blueprints, give advice or suggestions, and make the job easier overall. However, be sure to research any contractor before signing any contract as many homeowners jump at a low cost or what seems like a good deal, only to discover shabby work that has to be repaired later. This includes making sure the contractor you choose is familiar with local building codes and provides you with a well written, proficient contract. It also doesn’t hurt to ask friends, family, and neighbors if they can recommend anyone who they know does great work.

There are also a few key things to keep in mind. First of all, keep your options open and look at many different product choices. Often you can achieve a better or similar look with a cheaper product. However be sure to keep in mind that price is not always the best indicator of what you should buy, so be sure to consider quality and value. Also, remember that products such as tile require a lot of labor, which can quickly add up and double the cost of renovations. Your contractor can also help you stage your project over a few years, adding a little bit at a time to save money and spread out the total cost over a longer time period.

According to many home appraisers, and just by looking at different homes available today, there are three key areas to consider if you are looking to increase home value as well as improve quality of living:

Space: Space is king, and more square footage equals a greater value. Large, spacious homes are worth much more than small ones. If you can afford to add on a room or section to your house it will pay off if you ever decide to sell, but if you can’t there are ways to make a home seem larger without actually altering the square footage. One way is sometimes referred to as space reconfiguration. For example, if your downstairs bathroom is too large, you can ‘borrow’ the space from it and add it to your living room to make room for other things. Vaulted ceilings and windows can also add more space as they tend to make rooms look larger than they are.

Kitchen: The kitchen of a home is one space that is incredibly valuable to potential buyers and homeowners alike. Sleek appliances and an open layout can increase appeal and value, as can new or painted cabinets. Also, while expensive, wood or tiled floors look great in kitchens and can really spruce up a space. But remember to keep your kitchen uncluttered by providing sufficient cabinet space, as a clean and minimalist kitchen always trumps a cluttered on.

Bathroom: Even when you don’t think about it, your guests will see your restrooms whether you like them or not. Minimal and clean is key in this space as in the kitchen, and options such as a stand-up shower instead of a full tub can really open up the space. Mirrors can also help with space issues, as can light paint as opposed to dark. A well designed bathroom can add to the inviting nature of your home, so be sure to give it some extra care even if it’s the guest bathroom you are remodeling.

Remember that no matter what room you are remodeling your contractor can be a valuable tool if you choose the right one. Do your homework and shop around to find the best quality deals, and before you know it you can add to your homes value and make it look great at the same time. Stick to your budget, maximize storage, and have fun!

For more information, guidance, and great picture ideas about remodeling your kitchen, bath or basement, visit http://www.excelbuildersmn.com. Their picture portfolio shows some excellent decorating ideas for your project.

Matthew Eddington author’s articles for WebDrafter.com, Inc. (http://www.webdrafter.com), which produces Website design, hosting, and search engine marketing services.