Remodeling Blog

An accessory dwelling unit, usually just called an ADU, is a dwelling structure that's unconnected to the main house on a property. ADUs have the same utilities and features as a normal home, including a bathroom, kitchen, plumbing, sewer connection, and a bedroom. These dwellings have become popular in recent years, perhaps due to the rise of multi-generational families and, in some areas, scarcity of affordable housing. If you're in search of more living space but don't want to buy a new house, an ADU may be the right choice for your situation. It's important to think through all the factors to consider before making a final decision. Working with a licensed, qualified residential contractor can help ensure that your building project will be a success. In this article, we'll discuss what you should know about ADUs. 

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.

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. 

Construction on a typical kitchen remodel lasts about 6 to 8 weeks, and most kitchens are unusable for about half that time. That can seem like a very long time if you're unable to use your kitchen for cooking meals and making snacks, and the presence of contractors in your house can add stress to the experience. Fortunately, there are ways to make your kitchen remodel a more rewarding and less disruptive experience overall.  The team of CT home remodeling contractors at Litchfield Builders has been helping Connecticut homeowners enjoy successful kitchen remodels for over 25 years. Some of the tricks we've learned from our experiences and from our clients can help you during your upcoming remodel. From establishing a temporary kitchen to keeping traffic out of your home's living spaces, we can recommend a range of tips to make your experience better overall. 

Kitchen trends change on a regular basis. As new materials become available, consumer preferences naturally start to shift. As a Connecticut home remodeling contractor in business for over 25 years, Litchfield Builders has had a front-row seat to changing trends and styles found inside and outside the home. The kitchen is one of the places with the most possibility for change. With so many fixtures, materials, appliances, and other features to choose from, it's hardly surprising that kitchen styles change all the time. 2022 Connecticut kitchen remodeling trends reflect the homeowner's need for functionality, high-quality materials, and comfort while cooking. While every client (and every kitchen) is different, this is what we're seeing the most in kitchens around the state.  

Building a deck in CT costs anywhere from $20,000 to $60,000 - but why the range? What factors determine the price of a deck addition in Connecticut? The answer is more complicated than you might think. Materials, labor, permitting, code requirements, shape, size, and scope all play a role in the cost of deck construction in Connecticut.  Working with a reputable contractor is important because your contractor will keep you informed about costs and help you understand how costs are impacted. Once you understand how these variables make the cost go up or down, you can control your budget and keep your deck construction cost reasonable.

Kitchen islands have been popular for many years. In some homes, the island has started to show its age. Islands are still a great feature that make cooking and entertaining easier, and even old ones have value to offer. An upgrade from a reputable Connecticut contractor can fix this problem. With an all-new countertop, a new task sink, cabinet refinishing and other improvements, your kitchen island can gleam and impress like the day it was installed. What's right for your kitchen island upgrade depends a lot on your personal tastes. It also depends on what you consider to be the biggest problems with your island.  Whether you're making improvements to your kitchen island as a part of a bigger remodel or as an isolated project, upgrading your island could improve its performance and appearance. Before you upgrade your kitchen island, it's important to explore the possibilities and know your priorities. It's also important to select a licensed Connecticut contractor to transform your kitchen island into the asset it could be. 

Remodeling a home in Connecticut can be a time-consuming and overwhelming project. No wonder they've made so many inspirational home remodeling websites for homeowners to use as a resource!  If you spend half the time daydreaming about taking on your next home remodeling project, then you could use some helpful resources to make your remodel a success. The following 10 inspirational home remodeling websites are a great source of ideas, insights, and remodeling information that you can use to make your CT home remodel a worthwhile project. 

Many homeowners dream of remodeling their kitchen. This important room is one of the most high-value spaces in the house. It's also the part of the house where children gather for snacks after school, and it's where homeowners spend time cooking and entertaining. The kitchen truly is the heart of the home. The kitchen is also a complicated room with many appliances, surfaces for food preparation, cabinets for storage, and more. This makes remodeling the kitchen a particularly complicated and costly project.  One of the first things that many homeowners start to ask themselves when they consider a kitchen remodel is, how much will it cost? Knowing the factors that influence kitchen remodeling costs can help you decide whether a kitchen remodel will fit your budget at this time. You'll find that your kitchen remodeling cost is influenced by many factors including the scope of your project, the quality of the work, and thus, the Connecticut contractor that you hire. 

Improvement projects like remodels and home additions are multi-step projects that require a great deal of planning. Sometimes, a part of the planning process is the creation of a drawing or design for approval. Litchfield Builders employs in-house designers who work with homeowners and property owners to bring their projects to life.   Occasionally, homeowners are surprised that the design process requires a retainer. If you're experiencing this for the first time, it helps to understand why this is necessary and how the design process benefits you. In this article, we'll go over the various steps of creating professional construction design, from start to finish, and we'll also explain the reasons for a retainer.