Remodeling Blog

If you live in a historic home, you know that renovating your house can be a delicate process. The materials can be fragile, hard to come by, and in some cases, impossible to obtain. Even small changes to your home can impact its character and thus its value, and yet all historic homes need regular maintenance and updates in order to remain functional and comfortable places to live. Ultimately, renovating a historic home comes down to doing your homework and hiring the right professional for the job. Litchfield Builders has completed renovations on historic homes and buildings all around Connecticut. During our time in the field, we've learned a few things about renovating historic homes. Below are some of the things we think homeowners aught to know before performing a renovation of their historic property.

When you're hiring a contractor to complete a remodel or a home improvement, you have many choices to pick from. One available option are the big department store contractors, usually offering installation performed by a series of subcontractors. These stores are ubiquitous, but often impersonal. Another option includes the local home remodeling contractors. These comparatively small businesses provide a different remodeling experience for homeowners. Offering personalized service and an investment in the local community, local home renovation companies have benefits that rise above and beyond the competition. They perform thoughtful renovations while taking the time to make each job a success. They contribute to the local economy, and they help keep our houses beautiful. Here's what to consider as you're trying to choose a home renovation contractor for your upcoming remodel, renovation or home improvement.

Connecticut can be bitterly cold in winter, and dangerously hot and humid in summer and spring. In fact, just last month Bradley Airport reached a record high of 92 degrees on April 13. If it's getting that hot now, just imagine how hot we'll all be in mid-July. What's the secret to staying comfortable year round in Connecticut? Good insulation. Homes built today need to be insulated to R60, which is 18 inches of insulation to protect your home from extreme temperatures outdoors. That's a lot of insulation - and a huge jump over insulation requirements of the past. If you live in an older home, your property is very likely under-insulated by today's standards. Working with a professional home remodeling contractor, you can improve your home's insulation and keep your home more comfortable throughout the year.

Aging in place can save seniors money and allow them to maintain the independence they have enjoyed throughout their adult life. While aging in place often requires a support network from family and friends, it's also important to have a safe home that's designed to be accessible and practical for an older person. Working with a contractor to make small changes to your house can help ensure that when you get older, you can safely live in the home you love. Whether you're middle-aged, nearing retirement, or retired now for several years, it's never too late to make these practical updates to your home.

Connecticut is known for is its lovely historic architecture and historic landmarks. It's one of the oldest states in the country, having been admitted to the union in 1788 - the 5th state to be admitted. Homes in Connecticut are sometimes centuries old, and often they're owned by normal homeowners who are faced with the challenge of keeping up a house that was built in a very different era. These homes should be valued for their old world beauty, but need to be maintained to meet modern standards of comfort and efficiency. Walking the line between old and new can be a challenge. Preserving the colonial aesthetic means hiring the right Connecticut contractor to do the job, and having a plan in place for capturing the timeless aesthetic of an older home. Here's what to know when remodeling one of the great old Colonial homes of Connecticut.

Connecticut real estate is expensive, so not every homeowner who wants more space has the option of selling their house and buying a larger home. Some homeowners who struggle to find space at home eventually build an addition to their house to meet their family's needs. Other homeowners turn to attic or basement conversion to expand their living space and increase their home's value. Attic and basement conversions are different home improvements that are often used for different purposes, but they do have some similarities to consider when you're trying to decide which type of remodel is right for your home. If you're a homeowner who needs just a little more space in the house, whether that's room for family time or another bedroom, these conversion options are available and may make all the difference for your family.

What's one thing you can do to your outdoor space that will increase your home's value and enhance your ability to enjoy time at home? Add a deck or patio. While many modern homes are built with a deck or patio in the backyard, many older homes don't have this feature. Installing functional outdoor space can do wonders for the way you enjoy your property, while also delivering a high ROI. The trick to installation, regardless of the type of structure you're installing, is to find a reputable Connecticut contractor and plan your home remodel in advance. By making a plan and hiring the right professional, you can create a structure that will last for a long time. If you're one of the many homeowners in Connecticut who would like to install a deck or patio this coming summer, this is what to know about deck installation on your property.

Years ago, rooms in homes were compartmentalized. Often, the kitchen, dining room, and living room were separate spaces, with walls and doors between all of them. Gradually over time, those spaces opened up and became the free-flowing open floor plans you often see in new construction homes today. Open floor plans have many benefits, and if your home is an older, traditionally built home, you may have good reason to want a change. A remodel to remove walls can create a continuous space between your kitchen, dining room and family room. Before making a decision about open floor plans in home renovation, know the benefits. Consider the effects of this type of remodel to decide whether it's the right decision for your home.

Budgeting and planning for your Connecticut home improvement project can make your project a success. Many homeowners get stuck on how to create a budget for their project. How can you create a budget if you don't know what your project will cost? How can you hire a contractor if you don't have a budget? How can you find out how much your project will cost if you don't have a contractor? Homeowners can go around and around with these questions. Knowing your goals and meeting with contractors are steps on the path to creating a successful budget and plan. Ultimately, if you're able to find a capable home improvement contractor, they can lead you through the process.

Summer is coming quickly and before you know it, home improvement peak season will be half over. Are you planning a home remodel for this summer? If you haven't given it thought yet, this is your opportunity to consider what kind of improvements your house really needs right now. The three most popular home renovation projects that homeowners conduct in Connecticut are home additions, kitchen renovations, and bathroom remodels. If you're feeling at a loss for what type of home improvement project would be best for your home, consider one of these high-value projects. Performing any one of these remodels can raise the value of your home and improve life in your house at the same time.