LIV Developments

Tag: remodeling

  • Remodeled Bathrooms: What You Should Expect

    Remodeled Bathrooms: What You Should Expect

    If you are planning on having your bathroom remodeled, you might not know the things you should expect. From planning your new bathroom with a professional contractor and interior designer to the unveiling of your freshly remodeled space, there are some things you can expect. Let us tell you what they are:

     

    #01. First meet with your contractor and interior designer.

    The contractor and interior designer will work hand-in-hand to turn your ideas into a reality. Your designer will get information on the bathroom space from your contractor and you will be presented with different options. Your ideas will then be incorporated, and suggestions for your remodel will be presented, too. The planning phase also includes a presentation of material samples.

     

    #02. Constant communication with the contract before and during the remodeling process is a must.

    Once you have met with the interior designer and you have made your final choices, the plans for your remodel will then be presented to your contractor. He or she, then, will be in contact with you in terms of the cost, the timeline, as well as the different stages of the remodel. Constant communication is key if you want to avoid any errors or misunderstandings.

     

    #03. Once construction commences, there will be a lot of noise.

    Having your bathroom remodeled, or any part of your home really, is usually noisy – to the point of intolerability. If you are used to having a nice and quiet home, it is best to know this early that you will lose that tranquility during the whole construction process. If you are working from home, ten you should prepare for some noisy interruptions. Don’t worry, it will all be worth it!

     

    #04. Unexpected things can come up.

    Things such as delayed arrival of tiles, someone needing a few sick days, and more, are out of your control – or your contractor’s. When having your bathroom remodeled, keep in mind that things do not always go as planned. There may even be some modifications you would want along the way and thus, the work order will also change. When things do change, the cost and the time frame can also be affected – make sure you are prepared for the possibilities.

     

    #05. Be on-hand to make decisions.

    You will have to answer questions about the details of the remodel as it progresses. If you have a busy schedule or if you know that you cannot be as available as you need to, make sure to appoint someone who can make the calls for you instead. The contractor needs to know where cabinets, shelves, outlets, towel racks, etc. should be placed. There are many questions to answer regarding the remodel, so it is best to be ready.

     

    BONUS: Excitement can turn into exhaustion.

    It can be because of the constant noise or the general look of your unfinished bathroom – whatever it is, you have to be patient when it comes to remodeling. Nothing worth doing comes easy. Just keep in mind that the inconvenience is only temporary!

  • Expanding Vertically – Adding a Second Floor to Your Home

    Expanding Vertically – Adding a Second Floor to Your Home

    Does ripping your roof off to add a new level to your house make you nervous? Does it seem like too drastic a change for you? If it means you’ll gain much-needed space in your home, should you do it? In many cases, a new home level can save homeowners a lot of money. For others, a second level means so much more than gaining additional space – it’s being able to stay in your neighbourhood and continue the wonderful life you already have right now.

     

    YOUR OPTIONS

    There are a few ways your home can be expanded vertically. One, you can completely tear off your roofing to build a new and complete upper level all from scratch. You can have the existing roof severed around the edges and lifted off temporarily to be placed again once the new level is framed in, and you can also expand an additional level out across a section of your existing home like a flat-roof porch or garage.

     

    COSTS

    if you need additional space that is more than just a room or two but feels like your budget won’t be enough for a ground level addition, then adding up is a smart option for you. One of the reasons a vertical remodel costs lower is the fact that no foundation work would be needed. Everyone knows that is among the most costly parts of a remodelling or addition project. However, you have to make sure to get your existing foundation checked to see if it can really support the additional weight.

     

    Lifting off the existing roof and reinstalling it on the added level can save you a lot on roof construction. You’re going to have to rent a crane, but that’s going to cost less than a whole new roofing.

     

    If you dread the idea of having to move and hunt for not just a new house but a good enough neighbourhood, a vertical expansion is perfect, too. Additionally, creating a bigger house within the same footprint has other benefits, both personal and financial. For one, in older neighbourhoods, bigger houses get a higher value faster than some properties in less convenient areas. Also, a home with a second level looks more striking when you view them from the street. But most homeowners agree that the most important benefit is probably intangible – it is being able to keep the home where you have a lot of great memories with your family. Vertical expansions are also ideal for those with a small lot, especially if you want to keep as much outdoor space as possible. This way, you do not have to compromise your landscaping or your garden space!

     

    Here are some of the things you should remember if you’re going to have a vertical expansion done:

    *Try to do something about awkward massing – avoid it as much as possible!

    *Follow height restrictions in your neighbourhood.

    *Ensure sufficient structural support.

    *Match windows and other patterns or paint colours with those of the existing story.

    *Keep the proportions flawless.

     

    The best thing you can do if you’ve already decided on getting a second level is to hire the most reliable contractor for your project. Call us today and we’ll talk about everything you need to know about vertical additions!


     

  • Remodeling Your Rental Property: Is It Worth It?

    Remodeling Your Rental Property: Is It Worth It?

     

    When you own a rental property, you should be ready to take responsibility and some risks for your investment.  Like they say, if you want to reap the rewards of your property, you should take those risks. We can help you get those rewards when we remodel your rental property. You may be asking though, is it worth it?

    You probably already know that your rental place may not be cared for the way you want it to be cared for. There may be tenants complaining about things or you could wait for months or even years with no one renting the place. Remodeling the rental property may be the answer to your problem.

    You may feel a bit nervous about taking a risk and spending money without the assurance of immediately getting the rewards. You should know, though, that keeping your property in good shape is a really good decision.

    One of the best reasons for you to remodel your rental property is the amazing tax write-off you get. As a landlord, you can deduct costs that include home improvements and renovations, as well as other maintenance work. Of course, remodels are treated differently than your usual repairs. You can talk to your accountant to know more about this. In general, you can almost surely deduct the cost of the repairs in full. For remodels, the changes have to be depreciated over a few years. When claiming it on tax, one thing that you have to ensure is that the property will be kept as a rental for the entirety of that period.

    Focus on What is Important

    What invites a buyer to a home is also what works for a renter. That means a kitchen and bathroom upgrade would be a great factor for renting.  Of course, you have to ensure that the windows and the roofing are in perfect condition. Check the paint and the flooring. Tenants always prefer a property that is in great shape than one that appears to need some work done. So make sure that when you have your renovation done, the goal would be to make the place look warm, inviting, and comfortable.

    Making a decision about remodeling your rental property depends on various factors. The first, of course, is affordability. What do you need to do to recover the amount you’ll spend for the remodel? Will the rent be raised? Do you think the tenants in the area can afford that?

    Even if the area is a lower income neighbourhood, that does not necessarily mean that you shouldn’t renovate. Call us to discuss some great options that would wear well over time and wouldn’t cost you too much!

     

MENU