Often, New Jersey homeowners think about their basement remodel or the extra space coming with their home addition, and they overlook the companion projects that usually ride shotgun with these improvements. So don’t just think new windows or fixing the roof, but consider the other areas of improvement that are likely to go hand-in-hand with any home improvement project.
Companion Projects: What Are They?
Companion projects are simply projects that accompany the larger, more visible projects. For example, if you have an HVAC professional out to change the furnace filter, a good companion project is to have him do a furnace inspection. While this is very low level, there are scores of large projects that really need to have friends along.
Here we have listed the major projects (and their companions) to give you a better sense of an entire project and all that it might entail.
Bathroom Remodels
These are a favorite of many New Jersey homeowners because they make life easier, plus they increase resale value tremendously. However, while you are thinking more space, stone tile, and dual shower heads, there are other less sexy projects that are also likely to happen.
Companion Projects: Rerouting the plumbing, new window(s), releveling the floor, new toilet and sink. Some of these might not affect you, but in order to make everything match the flooring and paint, that toilet and sink will probably have to go (no matter how new they are).
Kitchen Remodels
Easily the hot topic of home improvement among New Jersey homeowners. Everyone wants a new kitchen, even though they average $30,000. Here’s why.
Companion Projects: New appliances, new wiring and electrical box upgrade, design flow projects. Don’t forget the appliances. Most kitchen remodels need new appliances for the design to make any sense, and this can sometimes add several thousand dollars. If your home was built before 1990, you will need an electrical upgrade to handle the load and keep your New Jersey home within code.
The design flow can be an unexpected cost. This project demands that your kitchen flows well into the living room or the dining room or whatever rooms are close by. If you have this new fancy kitchen, but an old, poorly painted adjacent room, you will find that the kitchen will not bring that room up, but that room will bring the kitchen down. Sometimes all that is needed is a coat of paint, but often much more is required.
Roofs
In some areas of the country, you’ll need a new roof every 5 years; others, maybe every 20. While a new roof is great for efficiency and protection from the elements, often one particular project comes with it.
Companion Projects: New gutters. Depending on how old your roof and gutters are, and given the fact that they will have to be pull down for the roof replacement, new gutters are very common companion projects. Don’t forget this nugget during budgeting.
Garage Remodel/Additions
Whether remodeling the garage to make it a new room or to turning it into a workshop, there are two projects that are key to comfort.
Companion Projects: Insulation (assuming drywall is going up). Even if this is only going to be a woodshop or a studio, might as well be comfortable. Wiring for enough electricity and upgrading electrical box. Same with the kitchen remodel, first make sure that you have enough outlets, but then also make sure that your electrical box has enough to handle the additional load. Install ductwork and vents for heat. Nobody wants to be cold or hot, and if you don’t add in this feature, who will want to use this room during temperature extremes?
Windows: While windows are great for energy efficiency and overall curb appeal, for them to truly perform at their peak, there is one overlooked companion project that is a must for window replacement.
Companion Projects: Insulate around the windows. While the windows are out, have the contractors make certain that they re-insulate around the window opening. Windows are one of the main causes of energy leaks, and you can head this off with this very energywise and pennywise companion project.
The Brass Tacks
Don’t think of companion projects like going to the mechanic just get your oil changed, and those guys are constantly trying to sell you windshield wipers, transmission flushes, engine recalibrations, catalytic converter diagnostics, and the like. With many of the above projects, these companion projects are a must. So knowing this information, you can better equip yourself for the total cost, and see it not as things being tacked on here and there, but instead as looking at these projects as part of the total cost. Work with your New Jersey remodeling contractor to find the most economical solutions for completing your remodeling project and its companion project.
Read more: http://www.servicemagic.com/article.show.Companion-Projects-Some-Projects-Need-Friends.14106.html#ixzz1reJJCxR8
If you’re looking for a professional New Jersey room addition company, then give us a call today at 800-734-3737 or complete our request for a design and budget consultation.
The home is where the fun is. Well, that’s not what they really say but shouldn’t it be? The heart represents nostalgia, love, family, togetherness. And fun is central to all this. We don’t remember the bad times … we remember the good times. And that’s really the point of this article.
A room addition that emphasizes fun and good times is a worthy project. Why not bring the fun into your New Jersey home rather than outside the home or to someone else’s home?
Where do Your Entertainment Dollars Go?
In every economy we spend money on entertainment. It’s a fact of life. In America, there is a trend towards investing in home entertainment. It’s not just about video games and it’s not just personal computers. Those things often separate the family. There is a growing awareness that fun at home should be shared and that’s where home entertainment centers come in.
Creating a New Jersey home addition for an entertainment center is a little like spending future entertainment dollars in advance. It’s an investment in the future. But, I believe it’s a commitment to the future of your family and the fullness of your life.
First Create the Space – Then the Fun Begins
In planning your expansion, be vigilant about your goals. Take stock of what you and your loved ones really care about. Match what your activities already prove that you enjoy or your home entertainment center might just go unused or under utilized. What do you really want?
- Movie theater
- Billiards room
- Televisions and group game center
- Board and card games
- Exercise room
- Hobby and craft center
Design a space that can incorporate several activities if possible. The more flexible it is the better. If all you want is a pool table, then so be it. But, if you have the space and the family has varied interests, a multi-purpose entertainment center is best. This is going to require a lot of preparation before the design takes place.
I recommend that you use a professional New Jersey remodeling contractor to help you make the right choices for design. You not only want it to accommodate your “toys” but to match the style of your existing New Jersey home and fit with the flow.
Is Now the Time for Expansion?
If you are able to swing the cost and financing, this would be an excellent time for such an expansion. There are plenty of deals to be had. You will likely spend money on recreation and entertainment anyway. So, why not start now to keep everyone together on the old home front?
Yes, your New Jersey home is where the heart is and the heart is where the fun is.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mel_Inglima
If you’re looking for a professional New Jersey room addition company, then give us a call today at 800-734-3737 or complete our request for a design and budget consultation.
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