Top 10 Home Improvements in this Economy
Times have changed and so have the trends in remodeling. Optimizing space, increased energy efficiency, and small continuous improvements are the new norm.
Kitchens with an Island
Although times have changed, kitchens are still where it is at according to a recent survey at the International Builders Show. But, the idea behind the new kitchen is a little different. The kitchen remodel during the boom economy usually included major expansion and even an addition. Today's kitchen remodel uses the existing footprint of the house. Along with replacing cabinets, floors, countertops, and fixtures, removing a wall between a kitchen and a dining room is common to give a more open feel throughout the space. The removal of this wall can also give you the island or peninsula you have been craving. Check out plans and before and after pictures for an actual project completed by The Lakeland Group that shows these changes.
Energy Efficient Upgrades
From appliances to windows, adding insulation to replacing doors, energy efficiency is the present and the future. This trend is here to stay. The easiest energy efficient changes are replacing incandescent light bulbs with Compact Fluorescent Light (CFL) bulbs, sealing gaps in old windows and doors, installing a programmable thermostat, and the list goes on. The Lakeland Group can help with all of this and more. Just call or email for a free quote!
Home Office/Study/Den/Man or Woman Cave
Not using the Home Theatre Room as much as you thought you would? Dining Room just kind of sitting there most nights during dinner? Kids moving out and left you with extra bedrooms? Turn it into your new sanctuary! Add a few outlets, a phone line, a cable jack, and a couple of cabinets with a countertop and you have yourself a new sewing room. How about adding a couple of recessed light fixtures right over the new location of your desk to create a new private study. Workout rooms, man caves, kids play rooms. The possibilities are endless!!
Main-Floor Master Suite
Use the space you have to suit your current needs. Many empty-nesters are looking for this feature. We can help make it happen.
Outdoor Living Space
Need some extra space to entertain? How about a screened in porch? What about making the deck a little bigger? What about adding a trellis over the existing deck to improve the experience of what you already have?
Ceiling Fans
Simple, efficient, and cost effective. Swapping out an existing light fixture for a ceiling fan is a simple way to update a room.
*Do-It-Yourself Tip* Consider changing the finish on the hardware in the room to match the ceiling fan. For example, if you install a new satin nickel ceiling fan in a room, change the door knob, door stop, and hinges to satin nickel as well. It is a small, easy change that can really have an impact on the room.
A new ceiling fan can also save you money on your energy bills year round. Yes, you can use your ceiling fan in the winter. Click this link to find out more. http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=ceiling_fans.pr_ceiling_fans_usage
Master Bathroom Upgrades
Upgrade your tub to a soaker tub. They provide more space and many times can fit into the space of your existing tub or tub/shower combination unit. You could also consider upgrade to a new stand-up shower with a bench. Again, more space, more convenience, and doesn't necessarily mean tearing apart an entire bathroom. Check out photos of a recent stand-up shower completed by The Lakeland Group!!
Also, checkout our standard bathroom layout pricing here!
Cultured Stone
Subtle changes to the exterior of your home can be done using cultured stone. Change the look of your front porch with a new column with a stone base. Want a new look around your fireplace? Try a cultured stone around the firebox. Check out photos of two fireplaces recently completed using cultured stone.
Landscaping
Continuing with the outdoor living space improvements is updating your landscaping. Check out our preferred landscaping partner NatureCuts at www.naturecuts.com.
Extra storage>
More people are staying put, rather than moving up. The need for additional storage is in demand. Whether it is additional garage space (second car garage, third car garage) or an exterior shed, we can help. Check out some photos of garages that The Lakeland Group has built for its happy customers!!!
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