Remodeling Blog

Every house needs to be remodeled from time to time. Sometimes the moment to start a remodel is obvious, other times it's not. Remodeling is an important part of maintaining your home's value, and the older your home gets, the more frequent updates are needed. It's important to recognize the signs when your house is ready for a renovation project. Remember that planning a remodel in Connecticut takes time. Getting quotes from contractors, scheduling your remodel, ordering materials, and approving designs - all of this can take weeks or months. If you're already noticing the signs that you need to remodel your home, then it's important to get started soon. 

Homeowners do lots of things to make their homes more palatable for buyers when the time comes to sell, and that includes remodeling. A newly remodeled home, they reason, will be more attractive to buyers seeking a turnkey property.  The reality is more complicated and nuanced. A remodel may or may not help you sell your home, depending on the condition of your house and what you plan to do to it. Performing the right home improvement project with the right contractor is important. 

Before starting any home improvement project, you have to have a budget and an accurate home remodeling estimate. Knowing how much you can afford to spend, and how much your project will cost, is part of what makes home remodeling and home improvement possible.  You may have heard horror stories about homeowners who started home improvement projects only to see the cost of their project balloon well beyond the estimated amount by the end. This scenario can be avoided, with proper planning and by choosing the right home improvement contractor. Getting an accurate estimate at the beginning of the project reduces stress and helps ensure your project will be a success. In this article, we'll talk about what you can do to get an accurate bid for your home improvement project. 

Kitchen backsplash materials vary quite a bit, and the type of material you choose for your kitchen should depend on several factors, including your budget, aesthetic preferences, durability, maintenance needs, and more. Making a decision shouldn't be difficult, especially if you have a contractor who can help guide you in the right direction. A good contractor can point you toward suppliers that sell quality backsplash materials that fit your budget.  In this article, we'll go over the options that homeowners typically choose for their kitchen backsplash, including ceramic, stone, glass, and more. Knowing the pros and cons of each type, the cost, and which ones are currently popular can help you through a kitchen remodel. The backsplash you choose can really influence the character of your kitchen, so choose wisely! 

Most kids in Connecticut are back in school now, which means it's the perfect time to get some work done around the house. Fall is approaching quickly! At this time of year, weather changes can be hard on your house - inside and out. From inspections to home repair and home remodeling, this is when we recommend that homeowners get ready for winter.  According to CT Insider and Farmer's Almanac, the winter of 2022 will be unusually cold this year. Is your home ready for an onslaught of snow, freezing rain, and other challenging weather? If not, get started on your home repairs ASAP. To ensure that your home is well-maintained and prepared to weather the coming snow storms, work with a qualified contractor.

When you start a home remodel in Connecticut, asking the right remodeling questions and getting the right answers is crucial. Having good information at the outset will allow you to pick the right contractor, take on the right project, and budget properly. Ultimately, the more you know when you begin your residential remodeling project, the better.  We encourage all our customers to ask smart questions before beginning their home construction project. Below are some of the most frequently asked questions from Litchfield Builder customers. To dive deeper into planning your home renovation project in Connecticut, be sure to use our home remodel checklist. 

Some home improvement projects are best performed by a contractor, while other home projects can be performed by the homeowner. Knowing the difference is important. If you're a homeowner who takes on projects that are more substantial or complex than you realize, you could do damage to your home, suffer an injury, or devalue your property.  Home improvement projects should benefit your home and its value - and they should be done safely. The best way to ensure that your project will go smoothly and have the desired outcome is to hire a licensed CT contractor when it's necessary. Below are examples of projects that we recommend hiring a contractor to complete. 

An unfinished basement can be a waste of valuable space. Basements provide much-needed square footage in homes, making a place where parents, kids and guests can enjoy themselves. A basement remodel is a smart way to add value to your home while also accommodating a large or growing family.  Basement remodels costs vary. If you're in the beginning stages of planning a basement remodel, this cost breakdown can help you decide whether this type of home upgrade is realistic for your household. Keep in mind that price isn't everything. Ultimately, it's important to hire a quality contractor and get the work done right. Hiring a reputable company can help you take care of your home and make your basement remodel an investment that you can enjoy for years to come. 

Think of all the things you do in your kitchen: from cooking to entertaining, serving meals to helping the kids with homework. All that activity requires space - a lot of it. A too-small kitchen can make life difficult, but you can fix this problem with a kitchen extension in Connecticut. A well-executed kitchen extension can expand your counter space, provide room for cabinets, and may even provide space for a large walk-in pantry.  Establishing a budget is one of the first steps to take when you're getting started with this kind of home improvement project. Knowing the potential costs can help you decide whether you need to save a while longer or if you're ready to jump in. Think you've got the resources to expand your kitchen? Talk to a qualified Connecticut contractor for a bid. 

Good contractors communicate well with their clients, so when clients ask questions, they develop a thorough understanding of the issues. Even if you're working with an expert construction contractor, it's still important to know what to ask a general contractor before and during your Connecticut home remodel. The more questions you ask, the more you'll know about your home improvement project - and the easier it becomes to make smart decisions throughout the project.  Your contractor will likely communicate with you about your project in a variety of ways. Read any materials that your contractor provides to you, especially the contract.  Many answers to your questions should be contained in the contract. Ideally, you should work with a contractor that offers as much information up front as possible. Litchfield Builders provides a range of reference materials for homeowners. Check out our online resource library for free downloadable information about home remodeling and how to choose a Connecticut home remodeling contractor. Read on to learn more about the best questions to ask your contractor.