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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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Kitchen Remodeling | Residential

Should you choose granite or quartz countertops for your Connecticut kitchen remodel?

By: Kevin Ahern
August 21st, 2023

There are a million different countertop options, from recycled materials to butcher block wood. However, of all the countertop materials that you could buy for your home, two popular options stand out. Granite and quartz are homeowner favorites for a variety of reasons. Their durability and longevity make them investments that can be used for decades or even a lifetime. They come in many colors and patterns, so there's a good option for nearly any kitchen design. Finally, they're also high value, so when it's time to sell your house, granite and quartz don't fail to impress. Picking between these two materials can be challenging because the differences are nuanced. Knowing how they compare can make the choice easier. If you're replacing your countertop with granite or quartz, working with a reputable CT contractor and a good stone supplier can help.

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Residential Remodeling

New home vs. Remodeling: Which one is best for you in Connecticut

By: Kevin Ahern
August 14th, 2023

Home is more than just a place to sleep: it's a place of comfort. You depend on your home to be large enough, to be functional enough, and to meet the many needs of your family. When your home stops meeting those needs, whether that's because your family has grown or your lifestyle has changed, decisions need to be made. For some homeowners, remodeling or building an addition is the best way to stay comfortable at home. For others, relocation is the solution. Choosing between these two options can be hard. There's a lot to consider when you're considering finding a new home vs. remodeling. Cost and disruption to daily life are both important factors to be weighed. If this is the choice that you're facing right now, you're not alone. This is a common dilemma in Connecticut, where affordable real estate can be difficult to find. Homeowners who outgrow their home for whatever reason are often faced tough choices. Doing some research can help you make the right decision for your family.

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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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Commercial | Commercial Remodeling

Guide to Updating Your Commercial Exterior Doors

By: Kevin Ahern
August 1st, 2023

Exterior doors have a way of falling into disrepair, especially on commercial structures. Problems with exterior doors range from broken locks to cosmetic damage, with a lot of other problems in between. Doors are an important component of your business's egress route. When they don't work properly, your exterior doors can impact the safety, efficiency and/or security of your business. Sometimes it's enough to simply repair your building's exterior doors, other times they need to be replaced. The whole process starts with a consultation with an experienced contractor. In this article, we'll discuss what you can do to keep your business's doors secure and in good condition. This guide will also discuss what to do when your doors need repair or replacement.

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Residential | Residential Remodeling

3 ways to Get More Use Out of Your Garage in 2023

By: Kevin Ahern
July 21st, 2023

A standard garage often features wasted space that could be put to better use with a well-planned remodel. From garage conversions to additions, there are many ways to transform a garage. Below are some of the most common remodel projects that Connecticut homeowners use to make their space more functional. If you're hoping to perform a garage upgrade in the coming year, give some thought to these projects before contacting a Connecticut contractor to get started. Knowing your priorities before sitting down with a contractor can make your discussions more productive and will help ensure that your project will yield the results you want.

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Residential | Residential Remodeling

10 Popular Design Styles to Consider for your Remodeling Project

By: Kevin Ahern
July 12th, 2023

A well-planned remodel is about more than updating a space, it's about adding personality to part of your house. That personality is conveyed through the furnishings, architectural choices, color choices, and so on - all of which adds up to what we call the style. There are a million styles that you can choose from, but in this article, we'll go review some of the most popular decor and architectural styles in Connecticut homes. If it's important to you to achieve a specific style when remodeling, work with a skilled Connecticut contractor and designer. The more skilled your remodeling team, the better the results will be. See below, a range of design styles that you can achieve in your home.

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Residential Remodeling

Home Remodeling Trends That Will Influence Your 2023 Projects

By: Kevin Ahern
June 27th, 2023

2023 has arrived. What's on your home improvement agenda for the next 12 months? If you're planning a remodel, whether that's a kitchen upgrade, a home addition, a deck installation, or something else all together, this is the perfect time to start planning. Remodeling starts with research and decision-making. Knowing what's trending in the world of home improvement can help you make decisions regarding your upcoming project. Researching the options with regard to color, material, style and more can help you plan a home improvement project you'll love. As an experienced Connecticut contractor, we're very familiar with the kind of choices that homeowners are making at this time. Below, we've outlined the home remodeling trends that we're seeing right now.

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Commercial | Commercial Remodeling

Common Commercial Contractor Fees You Should Understand in Connecticut

By: Kevin Ahern
June 5th, 2023

A typical commercial remodel in Connecticut can cost tens of thousands or even hundreds of thousands of dollars. Although the end results are worthwhile, some commercial property owners stumble on the price tag. Understanding contractor fees, as well as the benefits of working with a general commercial contractor, can help you decide whether you're ready for a commercial remodel. One of the most important things you can do when working with a commercial contractor is to choose the right professionals to ensure that the work is done properly. Here's what you need to know about hiring a quality contractor for your upcoming commercial remodeling project.

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Commercial | Commercial Remodeling

Top 4 Exterior Materials for Commercial Buildings in Connecticut

By: Kevin Ahern
May 8th, 2023

The climate in Connecticut creates a harsh environment to build and maintain a commercial structure. Freezing winters, humid, hot summers, and periods of drenching rain in all seasons can lead to wear and tear on commercial buildings. It's important to choose an exterior siding that can withstand exposure to the elements. When deciding what kind of exterior siding to use on your building, work with a commercial contractor that knows the options and can answer your questions about each siding type. Working with a reputable construction company can make a big difference. Litchfield Builders helps Connecticut business owners navigate the decision-making process during commercial construction projects. For more information about commercial remodeling and how to navigate the commercial building process, download our free publication, Sustainability and Green Building in Commercial Construction.

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Commercial | Commercial Remodeling

How Inflation Might Impact the cost of Your Commercial Remodeling Project

By: Kevin Ahern
April 27th, 2023

Inflation has affected all sectors of the economy, including commercial construction. A recent report from Associated General Contractors (AGC) shows that the price of construction materials rose by leaps and bounds between April of 2020 and June of this year. In that time period, the cost of lumber and plywood rose 61%, copper and brass rose 68% and steel mill products rose an incredible 128%. If you're a commercial building owner in Connecticut seeking to remodel or build a structure, inflation will affect how much you'll pay for your project. Knowing what to expect and planning ahead is important. Working with an experienced commercial construction contractor can help make the entire process a success. Your commercial contractor should have the experience in the industry to help you plan a project that meets your needs, even amid these rising costs. For more information about finding a contractor that can help with this, download the Litchfield Builder's free guide. Below, you'll see information about how inflation is affecting commercial project costs, and suggestions for how you can plan an affordable commercial construction project in Connecticut.

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Residential | Residential Remodeling

How Inflation Might Impact the cost of Your Home Remodeling Project

By: Kevin Ahern
April 14th, 2023

Inflation is on everyone's mind right now, especially for people thinking about making a big investment, like home improvement. No matter what you're trying to buy, the cost of goods is higher than in years past - and all industries are affected, including the construction industry. If you're trying to remodel your home right now, it's safe to assume you're going to pay more for the service - but how much more? Will the price ever go back down? Where are the prices rising? Whether you're building a home addition, installing a new door, or remodeling your kitchen, it's important to know what's happening to the price of goods and services in the construction industry. The more you know, the easier it is to plan. Working with an experienced construction contractor can help you find answers. Below, we'll talk about how inflation affects the cost of your home remodeling project.

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