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Top 5 Ideas for Your Next Home Renovation

Are you thinking about updating your home this year?

Your home is where you spend the majority of your time, but perhaps spending so much time at home has highlighted areas that are in need of improvement.

Prioritizing which project to focus on can be tricky and overwhelming.

Below we identify five key spaces that can really make an impact when you’re thinking about investing in improvements.

Any one of these projects can help you truly enjoy the space you’re coming home to at the end of a busy day.

1) Primary Suite

If your sleeping quarters are not in the condition you aspire them to be, this can be a source of added stress in your day-to-day operations. Reconfiguring the interior of your home or building an addition to make space for a dedicated primary suite can be a gamechanger for busy homeowners. The sleeping quarters might not be the most used area of your home, but this is certainly a space that make a direct impact on your overall health. 

 If you are not satisfied with the size and shape of the primary suite, or if your home is missing a primary suite currently, reconfiguring a poorly laid out space or removing walls are two methods that could be considered lightly intrusive to make room for a suite.  Many homeowners need to consider a home addition to make room for a primary suite.

A design consideration to keep in mind is the breakdown of space between an en suite bathroom and closet. One of the biggest issues we hear from homeowners is that the bedroom quickly gathers clutter because there isn’t enough storage available. You might want to add a walk-in wardrobe to your new primary suite with built in shelving units to address this common concern. 

2) Kitchen

The kitchen is a hub of family activity, but if you haven’t updated your kitchen space and appliances in some time, it’s well worth considering kitchen remodeling.

Over the past decade, kitchens have come a long way, with in-counter microwaves and beverage coolers and other modern features becoming more prevalent in luxury homes. When you make your kitchen an inviting place to spend time, you’ll find your family is more connected and enjoys having this central room to spend time in.

If you enjoy cooking, you’ll really appreciate having a kitchen that’s well laid out and easy to walk around.

During this renovation process, you’ll want to think about updating your cabinetry, countertops, flooring, and current kitchen appliances and tools. Prepping for the dinner time rush will feel much more luxurious with all of the modern solutions you could need on hand.

3) Bathroom

If you have dated bathroom designs in your home, a bathroom contractor can work with you to make this necessary home renovation.

Popular bathroom remodels and additions include freestanding bathtubs, open showers, and creative bathroom lighting. Your bathroom doesn’t need just to be a functional space, and a good bathroom contractor will work with you to make the bathroom enjoyable to visit.

Many homeowners are opting to make their bathroom feel more like a spa, giving them a space to relax and forget about the stress of a busy day.

4) Home Office

If you’re working from home without a dedicated office space, it might be time to invest in a home office setup. This is one of the simpler home additions you could make, and you’ll find that it also benefits your home if you decide to put it on the market in the future.

A home office offers you the privacy and space to concentrate on your work. If you run your own business, you can tailor your home office with an addition contractor to ensure it offers you the features that you need to complete your work with ease.

After two years of working from home, it’s time to give yourself a designated space, so you can separate your work and personal life. You’ll find this helps to set boundaries around working from home, and it’s one of the most gratifying home renovation ideas for 2022.

5) Basement

The basement is often an overlooked space in many homes, but it’s one of the best return on investments a homeowner can make when comparing renovation projects. If you are just using your basement for storage at the moment, you could turn it into a home office or family playroom. The options are endless for how you can upgrade your basement, and it’s a great home addition to add new living quarters to your home.

When putting your home up for sale in the future, prospective homeowners will appreciate this home addition. Families who are preparing to expand in the future are in need of an additional bedroom or living space. If you have children sharing a bedroom right now, the basement could offer an alternative sleeping arrangement.

A home renovation contractor will work with you to ensure this space is safe to spend time in and that the structure will support the basement renovation project.

The Best Home Renovation Contractor in MA

If  you’re in the market for one of these home addition projects, contact Woodland Builders today to learn more.

Our homes are the place we spend a lot of our time, so it’s somewhere you should really enjoy. By making a few tweaks to any property over the next few months, you’ll find that you can maximize the space that’s available to you and offer your family a more pleasant place to live.

Contact our team today for more information about home renovations and how we can help to bring your vision to life.

Looking for Home Additions?

Whether it’s a lifestyle change, a growing family, or an outdated design, whole home remodeling can complement your lifestyle and give you a space to cherish for years to come.

At Woodland Builders, we focus our whole home remodeling around improving your family’s life. We’ll work with you to develop ideas for your home renovation to create a luxury environment. When you work with our general contractors, you can expect:

  • an experienced team
  • outstanding design
  • unparalleled organization and communication
  • timely delivery of your vision

We invite you to see how our award-winning design-build remodeling can help you discover the wonders of your own home.

For more examples of our past work, follow us on Instagram @woodlandcontracting.

5 Things To Look For In A Home Remodeling Contractor

So you’re ready to pick out a new shower, or you finally selected those new countertops for your kitchen. If you don’t have the time, patience, or resources to start a new DIY project, hiring a contractor can make your life easier. But there’s so much that goes into finding the right home remodeling contractor. What kinds of qualities do you look for to create a successful renovation project?

When you look for a contractor, you’re essentially hiring a new employee for a job. You wouldn’t hire the first applicant for a position at your business, so you shouldn’t choose your home improvement contractor without first interviewing the best candidates. Keep reading for our list of the top qualifications in a home remodeling contractor.

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1) Reputation

The first step in finding the right home remodeling contractor is to research local full-service contractors who have the best expertise. You’ll gradually narrow down this list to the top contenders and eventually use it to select your builder, so it’s best to add more names than you’ll need at this point.

There are a few ways you can organize your starting list:

  • Ask fellow homeowners for recommendations, especially those who have recently conducted renovations.
  • Check out online reviews of local contractors in your area.
  • Use social media to research local home renovation businesses.

Recommendations

Proven contractors will make it simple for you to get in touch with them and see their portfolio. Be wary of contractors who don’t have easily identifiable information, like a website, social media presence, or reviews.

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2) Capabilities

Choose a contractor who specializes in the type of remodeling you need. Someone specializing in kitchen remodeling might not be the best for your bathroom renovation. For example, if you want to lay a tile entryway with a detailed mosaic or paint a room with a faux finish, you’ll need a contractor who does that type of work well.

Ask each full-service contractor on your long list for a portfolio of their projects from at least the last year. They may have a physical portfolio, or they may direct you to a website with images. A good portfolio should contain at least ten projects. It should include photos of each space before work began, during the remodel, and after project completion. It helps if there are pictures of blueprints, sketches, or other plans so you can get an idea of how the contractor approaches a project.

Recommendations

Look out for a portfolio with too few projects, no photos before the remodel, or grainy, hard-to-see images of the final product. Also, keep in mind that home improvement contractors only include their best work in their portfolios. If any completed home addition project is not up to your standards, their average work is likely even worse. Take that person’s name off your list.

Woodland Builders’s portfolio is a great example!
See Our Work

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3) Transparency

At this point, your list should have around six to eight names. One easy way to narrow it further is to ask for contractors’ licensing and certification. The specific licenses or certifications your home remodeling contractor should carry will depend on the project. Since legal requirements vary by state, call the licensing division for your community to ask for specific requirements.

Beyond ensuring contractors have the correct licenses and certifications to safely and legally complete the job. Make sure anyone on your list has liability insurance if they damage your home. Worker’s compensation should also cover the contractor and any other workers. Ask for a copy of their insurance policies and check that they’re up to date.

Recommendations

Cross any contractors off your list who don’t have the right credentials. We recommend marking off the names of anyone who is hesitant or takes too long to get this information to you.

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4) Communication

Now that you’ve narrowed your long list down to five or six top contenders, it’s time to make sure your contractor can communicate effectively. Any reputable home remodeling contractor will be available to you for a detailed breakdown of your budget and timeline.  It helps if there are estimated timetables for your project; if dates aren’t on the list, ask them.

Now it’s time to establish your main mode of communication. Phone, text, email, or an online project management platform like BuilderTrend are the way to go. If the list is very long, prioritize how you would like your contractor to reach you. Keep detailed notes during your communications; you’ll need to keep a record of the contractor’s benchmarks as you see the project unfold in-person.

Some questions to ask include:

  • Did the contractor stay on schedule?
  • Was the job site kept neat?
  • Were problems addressed promptly?
  • Was the contractor punctual for appointments and workdays?
  • How has the work held up?
  • Was the cost reasonable and clear?

Recommendations

Some red flags include too few references or significant time gaps between references. Ask about these before assuming the worst. A hole in the calendar doesn’t necessarily mean trouble; maybe they were injured or taking time off. The contractor’s openness and willingness to give you more information can help ease your mind.

If a client had a good experience overall, they’d be positive and upbeat about the contractor even if there were some small problems. If the experience wasn’t right, you might notice the person hesitating or answering indirectly. Try to read between the lines of what the person tells you; they may not want to say anything unkind. As you talk with each contractor’s references, eliminate any contractors that get bad or ambivalent reviews; you should be down to three or four contractors at this point.

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5) Skill

After you’ve called your contractors’ references, cross out any contractors who received low reviews. Then decide which of the remaining contacts to visit in person to see their contractor’s completed project. Choose people who seem open and forthcoming, whose assignments are similar to yours, and, ideally, who live close to you. It’s beneficial if the work was from at least a few years ago so you can see how it has held up. Visit at least one finished project from each of your remaining top contenders.

As you visit the projects, take a close look at the full-service contractor’s work. Ask the person if it has ever needed servicing or repairs. Check out the overall feel and the specific details.

Recommendations

Depending on the type of project, there are a few red flags to look for:

  • Bathroom remodels: Dark stains on the walls or ceiling, slanted floors, cheap materials, insufficient lighting.
  • Kitchen remodels: Obvious seams on the countertop, cheap materials, “kitchen triangle” (stove, refrigerator, and sink) not logically laid out, low lighting, inadequate storage or counter space.
  • Paint: Overspray, paint runs, streaks, imperfect lines and edges, paint splatter on the floor.
  • Tile work: Crooked tiles or lines, tile or grout cracking, excess grout or caulking along edges (meant to disguise poorly cut tiles), inconsistent grout lines, uneven surfaces, obvious transitions between characters.
  • Decks, patios, or pergolas: Wavy or swollen boards, mismatched edges, gaps between panels or windows, cracks in the floorboards, cracks or separation between the side of the house and the deck, concrete cracks.

The Right Home Remodeling Contractor in Hingham, MA

It’s up to you to do your homework to find a skilled and ethical contractor for your home improvement project. The candidate you choose should have a clear and measurable process for your home remodel project. Research on each contractor thoroughly, and feel free to take your time to make the best decision for your home additions. After you’ve reviewed and signed the contract proposal, you’ll write a deposit check. Now you’re one step closer to your dream home.

For more examples of our past work, follow us on Instagram @woodlandcontracting.

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10 Ways Design-Build Construction Helps Homeowners

If you’re a homeowner planning to hire a contractor, you should consider the advantages of design-build construction. Compared to the conventional architect and general contractor system, design-build can cut costs, increase transparency, and simplify communication.

Keep reading to find out the top ten reasons why design-build construction helps homeowners succeed.

The New Standard for Home Construction

Previously thought of as the project “alternative method,” design-build is quickly becoming a project standard for delivery. In fact, according to Construction Dive, it’s expected that design-build will deliver almost half of U.S. projects by 2021. Construction spending in the assessed segments is anticipated to grow 18% from 2018 to 2021 and reach more than $320 billion.

One of the reasons for its wide-spread adoption is favorable state legislation. “Last year, for example, Virginia legislators expanded design-build authority to all local governments,” explains Construction Dive. Plus, “the New York governor’s budget added new state entities to the list of those authorized to use design-build, and the Washington state legislature recommended design-build for construction of a bridge.”

With the increase in state and local government backing, it’s no surprise that 43 states now have full or widely permitted authorization for public agency projects. As a result, it is quickly overtaking the old design-bid-build standard.

The Future of Construction

While design-bid-build is still the traditional model on construction projects, new numbers tell you all you need to know:

  • Firstly, 82% of owner respondents said they’ve used or plan to use design-bid-build in the next five years. 58% of owners said they’ve used or plan to use design-build.
  • Secondly, just over half of owners surveyed said design-bid-build usage would stay about the same over the next five years, while 32% predicted a decrease. Only 15% of owners predicted an increase in the use of the method.
  • Lastly, 29% of owners said design-build adoption would stay the same, while 67% indicated increased utilization.

So what exactly is the difference between design-bid-build and its increasingly popular successor, design-build?

The Old Standard: Design-Bid-Build

In design-bid-build construction, the owner and architect work together to develop the project’s scope before it goes out to bid. Then, the general contractor, subcontractors, and material suppliers fulfill their individual roles.

The general approach is somewhat set in stone before the project begins. When adjustments are needed, each subcontractor or must decide how best to do so within the budget. Even if they try their best, they often miss the mark on the most effective course corrections.

The main problem: each contractor works in their self-interest. As a result, electricians don’t know what plumbers are doing, who don’t understand what the carpenters are doing, so forth. Worse still, none of them have this essential intel when the project scope changes.

How Does Design-Build Differ from Traditional Models?

In direct opposition to the bid-oriented approach, “Design-build is a method of project delivery in which one entity works under a single contract with the project owner to provide design and construction services,” explains the Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA).

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As a homeowner, you can expect to see the following ten benefits of design-build construction.

1. Teamwork

We’re all in this together, and we all have the same goal –to arrive at a successful project that meets or exceeds the client’s expectations for their project. When challenges spring up on a project (and there are always challenges), pointing fingers is not an option. Everyone rolls up their sleeves and works on solutions.

2. Accountability

One entity is accountable for everything, including how the result looks, its costs, and its completion timeline. When the same group that designs the project also builds the project, there tends to be much more attention given to pricing and scheduling in the design phase. The cost of everything is apparent early on in the process – including all fees, construction costs, utilities, landscaping allowances, and more. Design-build focuses on results, not excuses.

3. Continuity

A design-build firm handles project management from start to finish, which adds efficiency. The chance for things to fall through the cracks dramatically diminishes.

4. Expertise

Design-build firms are experts in both fields. The principals should be licensed architects with formal architectural training and experience in the architecture field. They should also have professional construction and understand pricing, sequencing, and how buildings go together.

In the new economy, we’re noticing architects trying a bit too hard to look like design-build operations without having any field training. There is a tremendous advantage to working with architects who can think like builders and builders who believe like architects. Still, design-build is a commitment, something you dedicate yourself to for an entire career –not just when it’s convenient.

5. Quality

We’ve all heard the stories that design and construction can get out of hand and messy. Design and construction shouldn’t be chaotic or stressful. A design-build firm is a beacon to clients throughout the process, guiding the way to the best possible outcome. Design-build refines a system from beginning to end and manages the chaos into orderly steps.

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6. Involvement

Design-build operates under the assumption that the client wants to be an active participant in the design and construction. By taking an involvement, they’re guaranteeing that they get the outcome and satisfaction of their goals – what they want will be achieved. We’ve found that such an involvement is inspiring and gives people a lasting sense of pride in their home.

7. Collaboration

Design-build construction cuts out the big egos so common in the design industry. With this method, the client retains total control over the project, and the team is there to empower them.

Due to the nature of this construction, everyone is working for one common project goal. There’s a strong tendency for separate trades and teams to work on just what’s in their own best interest in a traditional design-bid-build model. This can lead to disconnection, miscommunication, and error.

On the other hand, the design-build approach’s collaborative process utilizes and encourages teamwork, develops closer cooperation, stimulates information sharing, enhances transparent communication between project members, and improves the overall quality and project completion.

8. Transparency

Design-build is transparent because we want clients to understand the process and know what’s going on. The best partnerships work, not because people say what everyone wants to hear, but because they say what everyone needs to hear. Through clear communication, design-build firms define their budget early on, and it becomes the agreement for the entire project.

9. Time

Design and construction involve managing hundreds of timelines that need to coordinate in lockstep. Design-build creates opportunities for clients to sit with significant decisions, ask questions, and consider their options. Anything the team can do to avoid taking steps backward will lead to better, faster, and more cost-effective results. Homeowners can revisit major construction without change orders or additional fees.

10. Cost savings

Inherent to the design-build model is a savings of approximately 10% of the project costs. Here’s the quick overview:

Design Build Blog Image 4

The initial cost is always a critical factor in project delivery selection. Design-build has a total project budget established at the beginning of the project. Usually, this includes a fixed design fee and a tight implementation budget or a guaranteed maximum price (GMP). Installing an accurate account at the beginning of the project eliminates last-minute surprises.

Research shows that alternative delivery methods provide a greater chance of meeting the initial budget than design-bid-build. While design-build might look like more money upfront, the cost savings in the long-run can be substantially more than other construction models.

The Right Design-Build Firm in Massachusetts

To maximize your space and enjoy your whole home remodel to its fullest, look for the right home remodeling team. Choose experienced professionals who will take the time to understand your lifestyle to get just the right feel and functionality. Your home is your biggest asset, so you deserve a trusted remodeling company that can provide the best quality and personal service. Woodland Builders is an excellent resource in the greater Boston area, providing top-level home remodeling services—on time and budget. Call us today!

For more examples of our past work, follow us on Instagram @woodlandcontracting.

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Best Basement Remodeling Ideas for Additional Living Space

Like many homeowners, you would love to have more space. Fortunately, the answer could be right in front of you—or beneath your feet. Many homeowners treat their basement simply as storage for holiday decorations, suitcases, and project bins, but it can be so much more. Remodeling your basement is a perfect way to add the space you’ve always wanted and take full advantage of that valuable square footage. Here are nine great ideas to reimagine your basement.

  1. Bathroom: A bathroom can be integral to your basement remodeling projects. Commonly, the bathroom is installed close to existing wiring and plumbing, often directly beneath one on the upper floor. Plus, the layout must incorporate proper drainage. Beyond these basics, think about what you want. Is just a toilet and sink okay, or do you want a full bath to use for guests or kids? Once a layout is established, it’s time for design elements.
  2. Second Living Room: A living room can be for entertaining, playing, and general family time. But a second living room can provide much needed “me time.” If the basement is the footprint of the entire upstairs, the space also works for entertaining larger groups. Alternately, you can use it as a more casual family room or even as a place for your kids to have their own space.
  3. Extra Bedroom: An additional bedroom is handy for out-of-town guests, an expanding family, or a teenager who wants a more private space. For real estate purposes, the legal definition of a bedroom may include size, ceiling-height, means of egress, windows, ventilation, closets, electrical, and sanitary/septic codes. Depending on the size and layout, adding a bath and small living area can provide greater convenience and comfort.
  4. Rental Unit: Your basement can bring in rental income but be sure to follow your city or towns building regulations and zoning laws. Know the requirements for minimum size, heating, electric, plumbing, bathroom facilities, outdoor access, maximum number of tenants, fire escapes, and parking. Finally, be aware of tax considerations of in-home rental properties.
  5. Home Gym: Without the hassle of getting to the gym, you might be more motivated to work out. To get started, think about your workout routine. How much space do you need for equipment? What kind of flooring is best? Do you want a private shower? What design elements will energize you? This is your personal space, so explore ways to maximize enjoyment and fitness.
  6. Home Office: A home office apart from the general living space can make you more productive. First, know the municipal regulations for conducting business out of your home. Next, determine layout requirements, including electrical, phones, internet, computers, business equipment, lighting, storage, furniture, and soundproofing. For privacy and convenience, consider a separate bathroom, kitchenette, and separate entrance.
  7. Home Theater/Media Room: This versatile, multipurpose space usually features a large flat screen TV, surround-sound, cozy furniture, and a good view for all. You can plan for recessed speakers to avoid unsightly wiring, storage for all your media components, and acoustic-friendly surfaces. Include a bathroom to avoid running upstairs in the middle of the movie. Add a bar or kitchenette to keep you supplied with snacks and drinks.
  8. Wet Bar: For family comfort, a small refrigerator for soft drinks might suffice. But for adult gatherings, a wet bar might hit the spot. Your bar can simply be a space to prepare drinks, or it could be a central gathering spot with a sink, a larger refrigerator, kitchen-type storage, wall-mounted TV, plenty of counter space, and spacious seating. Your lifestyle is what matters.
  9. Walk-Out Access: A walk-out basement can create a great living space that provides access to your yard, pool, or patio. This type of basement incorporates a wall with doors and windows on the ground level, on a site that typically has a slope to the rear of the property. The walkout can be spacious and bright, and having its own entrance makes it great for any purpose. It’s possible to build a walk-out basement, even if your home doesn’t currently have one, especially if you have an exposed side of the basement that is not underground.

Whether your main goal is enhancing personal enjoyment or boosting real estate value, remodeling your basement can be a smart move. No matter the budget, there are several factors that can’t be overlooked. First, find a permanent solution to getting rid of any moisture problems. Second, make safety an important part of the plan. Third, comply with all the legalities that apply to the function of the remodeled space. Last, but not least, use trusted professionals who will expertly guide you throughout the process to bring you the greatest enjoyment and value from your reimagined basement.

Written By Woodland Builders.

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