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Remodeling Blog

Remodeling Blog

Stay on top of the latest residential & commercial remodeling trends.

Kevin Ahern

Kevin is the Co-Founder of Litchfield Builders, an award-winning, industry leader with a reputation for managing projects others shy away from. They are known for their high-quality work, customer service, and reliability and though still relatively small in size, Litchfield Builders now competes with some of the areas largest firms in both the residential and commercial arenas.

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Commercial | Commercial Remodeling

Why it is Difficult to Get a Building Permit for Commercial Projects

By: Kevin Ahern
November 19th, 2021

Commercial building permits are a crucial (and unavoidable) part of many business construction projects. Whether you want to replace your roof, build a new structure on your property, or add on to your existing structure, you’re going to need to get a permit before the work can begin. Permitting is a process that helps ensure building quality and safety, so it’s an important function of local government. However, permitting costs are on the rise and many business owners are unaware of it. In addition, the permitting process isn't changing, even as costs are increasing. This important issue is just one of the many reasons that property improvement projects cost more now than they did just a few years ago. Knowing the permitting process, what’s involved and how much it costs to get a permit can help you as you plan your upcoming construction project.

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Residential

How Residential Building Permits are Impacting Home Projects in Connecticut

By: Kevin Ahern
November 5th, 2021

Most people are aware that the cost to build an addition or a new home has gone up in recent months. The cost of lumber was famously high just earlier this summer, and other construction materials have increased in cost as well. Some sources report that the cost of home remodeling has increased 5% to 10% compared with last year. Residential building permits are one of the factors that play a role in the cost of performing home improvement projects. In Connecticut, permitting costs are on the rise in a dramatic way. Although permitting itself is a critical function of local government, the service is unchanging even while the fees are rising. Before you start your upcoming home improvement project, you need to know why permits are important, what role permits play in the construction process, and how those permitting fees are impacting the price of home construction and improvement.

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Home Remodeling Toolkit

Home Remodeling Toolkit

See how you can get the best return on investment from your next home remodel by knowing exactly what to expect and how to prepare.

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Residential | Residential Remodeling

Second Story Additions: What Homeowners Need to Know

By: Kevin Ahern
October 14th, 2021

There are many types of home additions, but none of them can change a home quite as dramatically as a second story addition. Building a second floor onto a one-story home can change the look of a house while also doubling the home's square footage, giving the homeowner and their family valuable additional living space. Second story additions can help keep homeowners in a beloved home while providing enough room to be comfortable. If you're a homeowner who needs a larger home and more space, but you don't want to (or can't) move at this time, a second story addition may be the perfect option for you. Hiring the right contractor for this type of work is important. For more information about how you can hire a contractor with experience and skills to get the job done, download our free guide. You'll find more information about second story additions below.

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Connecticut | Residential | Residential Remodeling

Home additions in Connecticut: What homeowners need to know

By: Kevin Ahern
September 29th, 2021

You love your home - but just want a little more space. Maybe you need a home office, or perhaps your family is growing and a new bedroom will allow you to stay where you are. A home addition is a practical way to make that happen. For less than you might spend buying a new house, you can make your current house your forever home. The more you know about Connecticut home additions, the better. Knowing your budget, how to hire the right contractor and what's involved in creating a home addition can help you get through the initial challenges of planning such a home upgrade.

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Residential

Everything You Need to Know About In-Law Apartments in Connecticut

By: Kevin Ahern
September 13th, 2021

When it comes to residential construction in Connecticut, projects can vary from simple kitchen renovations to complete home remodels. As baby boomers age and increasing numbers of older children move back home, one popular home improvement has come into high demand: separate (but attached) living accommodations known as “in-law apartments.” This type of home addition brings together families from multiple generations, allowing them to develop closer relationships and meet each other's needs at the same time. When considering Connecticut home additions, especially for in-laws or adult children, there are several factors to consider to ensure both you and your family have the space and privacy you desire. Finding the right contractor is critical. It's also important to educate yourself about the design and construction process.

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Kitchen Remodeling | Residential Remodeling

How to Determine the Cost of Your Connecticut Bathroom Remodel

By: Kevin Ahern
August 25th, 2021

There are many steps that must fall into place before a bathroom remodel can take place - including the making of the budget. Bathroom remodels typically involve many tasks and steps, which can add up to a significant cost. It's helpful to know what you might end up paying for your bathroom remodel. Having this information can help you decide whether a bathroom remodel is the right home improvement for your Connecticut home at this time. In this article, we've named typical costs for remodeling a bathroom in Connecticut. However, the costs incurred for your project will depend on the scope of the project, type of materials you're planning to use and more. You can get a more accurate bid for your home improvement by talking to a contractor. If the numbers in this article below sound realistic to you, talk to a contractor to get a bid and find out what you can expect to spend on your upcoming remodel.

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Kitchen Remodeling | Residential Remodeling

How to Choose Your Kitchen Flooring for a Remodel

By: Kevin Ahern
August 17th, 2021

Choosing the right type of flooring for your kitchen remodel can be a challenge. There are many options available - and all of them have good qualities. The right choice for you depends on a number of factors including your budget, your aesthetic preferences, the style of your kitchen and how much wear and tear you expect your flooring to withstand. Considering your goals for your kitchen can help you make these choices. If you're planning a kitchen remodel sometime in the near future, you'll find the process goes faster and easier if you've made some decisions ahead of time, so this is a good time to start thinking about your upcoming remodel.

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Residential | Residential Remodeling

How to prepare your home for winter in Connecticut

By: Kevin Ahern
July 29th, 2021

Winter in Connecticut can be harsh, with lows dropping below zero and ice crusting the roads and sidewalks for days on end. Low temperatures like that are hard on houses and their various systems - especially the HVAC system. It's important to stay comfortable and warm throughout the winter, but if your house isn't ready for those cold temperatures, you could be facing some unexpected cold nights. Although winter may feel like it's a long way off, now is the time to start thinking about home repairs and tune-ups that you can perform to maintain a comfortable house when the thermometer takes a dip. If you need to hire a contractor to make repairs or upgrades before winter, finding the right contractor to help. Hire a contractor with a reputation for excellence and relevant experience for your needs.

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Residential | Residential Remodeling

How Much Will Your 2021 Home Remodel Cost in Connecticut

By: Kevin Ahern
July 14th, 2021

One of the important stages of the home remodeling process involves budgeting and estimating costs. While it's important to meet with a contractor before solidifying your budget, it's enough to do some Internet research during the initial planning stages. Getting cost estimates from a reliable source can help you decide whether the home remodel that you're considering is realistic at this time. One thing is for sure, once you're starting to meet with contractors, communicate with each professional about your budget. A good contractor will tell you whether your plans are realistic for the amount you hope to spend. If you're on a tight budget, a good contractor can also help you right-size the scope of your project for your needs.

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Residential | Residential Remodeling

5 Areas of Your Connecticut Home to Remodel

By: Kevin Ahern
June 29th, 2021

A well-planned and well-executed home remodel can transform your space, making your current house a forever home. The most popular parts of the home to remodel are those areas that add value and make a big impact on your day-to-day life. Some popular changes are cosmetic, while others have a deeper impact on the functionality of the home. When you're trying to decide which parts of your house to remodel, consider your budget, and which parts of your house get the most use. If you're planning to sell your house sometime soon, it's also important to consider the needs and interests of home buyers. Below, we've listed five parts of your house to think about remodeling in the coming year. The 2021 home remodeling season is here - so choose a home remodeling contractor and get started!

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