Tag: home improvement contractor

HOME IMPROVEMENT: DO YOU NEED A RENOVATION COACH?

Hiring a Home Remodeling Professional, Home Improvement

HOME IMPROVEMENT: THE NEW ERA OF RENOVATIONS – HANDS OFF REMODELING?

Leading Edge Homes - Home Remodeling - Advice

Like you, I read other people’s articles about home improvement, remodeling, home renovations, and kitchen design. However, sometimes, when I read an article I am surprised about what I read and the advice that is offered.

 

COACHES ARE ADVOCATES DURING THE HOME REMODELING PROCESS

The article: What the Heck Is a Renovation Coach (and Do You Need One)? on realtor.com caught my eye. According to the article, “[renovation coaches] aren’t contractors or architects, but they advocate for you in hiring those folks and managing their work. Coaches help with budgeting, design, meeting with vendors, and/or choosing materials. They may guide you every step of the way, or just help you get your feet wet…There’s no professional association for renovation coaches, so you’ll have to search for one…”  Of course, to me that is a red flag.

DANGERS OF HIRING A COACH

If the “coach” is not familiar with local regulations, permitting, order of operations, etc,. your remodeling experience can become a disaster. An expert home renovations / remodeling contractor can guide you through the process, understand your design needs, and tastes, and make your remodeling process stress free and on budget.

Interview your local contractor, speak with him on the phone, find out what types of services he provides and how he can make the remodeling process go smoothly. A true remodeling professional will coordinate all of the work so all you have to do is choose the materials (of course the remodeling professional can make recommendations of where to look and what to purchase) and enjoy your updated home.

 

Todd Perry, a State of Florida Certified Building Contractor and president of Leading Edge Homes, Inc., provided this information.

If you have questions about a home improvement project, call Leading Edge Homes at 561-795-2551 or email Todd at: todd@leadingedgehomes.com and he’ll be happy to share his knowledge with you.

Leading Edge Homes, Inc. specializes in improving your lifestyle through room additions, bathroom renovations, kitchen updates, hurricane-resistant screen enclosures, and more!  In business since 1991, they demolish your stress by building your trust.
Visit the Leading Edge Home’s website or call 561-795-2551 to discover how they can help you with your next home remodeling project in Palm Beach County.

 

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Bathroom Ideas: 10 Top Trends for 2015 – Or Not….

Bathroom Renovations, Home Improvement

The following article by Melissa Dittmann Tracey provides interesting information about the 10 Top Trends for 2015.  (See below for the full article)

NKBA_bathroom

Photo Credit: National Kitchen and Bath Association

The top 10 overall bathroom design trends expected to be hot this year:

1. Clean, white, contemporary designs
2. Floating vanities
3. Open-shelving
4. Electric heated floors
5. Purple color schemes
6. Trough sinks
7. User experience (ease of use and low maintenance) and accessibility features
8. Extra amenities (like steam showers, anti-fog mirrors, lighted showers, and shower seats)
9. Innovative storage (such as drawer pullouts and rollouts to hold hair styling equipment)
10. Showers and freestanding tubs

Just keep in mind, that the  National Kitchen & Bath Association’s trend report on what’s driving bathroom design in 2015 does not mean you need to update your bathroom to conform to the latest styles and trends.

There are ways to add some of these features … such as installing a tiled back splash, replacing your faucets, adding crown molding, or even changing your paint color to update your bathroom’s look.

If you plan on remodeling your bathroom, functionality, safety, and personal preferences should be your primary focus. Color trends, materials, and other hot designs trends will be outdated in years from now.

If you have questions about a home improvement project, call Leading Edge Homes at 561-795-2551 or email me at: todd@leadingedgehomes.com and I’ll be happy to share my knowledge with you.

Leading Edge Homes, Inc. is a Florida certified building contractor specializing in improving your lifestyle through room additions, bathroom renovations, kitchen updates, hurricane-resistant screen enclosures, and more!  In business since 1991, they demolish your stress by building your trust. Contact them at 561-795-2551 or visit their website to discover how they can help you with your next home remodeling project in Palm Beach County

The Spa-Like Bathroom: 10 Top Trends for 2015

Posted in Home Trends, by on April 13, 2015

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By Melissa Dittmann Tracey, REALTOR® Magazine

NKBA_bathroom

Just like the kitchen, contemporary designs are growing in popularity in bathroom remodels. These contemporary touches in the bathroom equate to clean and open designs, with floating vanities and freestanding tubs.

Last week, at Styled Staged & Sold, we highlighted the top 10 trends for the kitchen this year. This week, we focus on the National Kitchen & Bath Association’s latest trend report on what’s driving bathroom design in 2015.

Here are the top 10 overall bathroom design trends NKBA designers expect to be hot this year:

1. Clean, white, contemporary designs
2. Floating vanities
3. Open-shelving
4. Electric heated floors
5. Purple color schemes
6. Trough sinks
7. User experience (ease of use and low maintenance) and accessibility features
8. Extra amenities (like steam showers, anti-fog mirrors, lighted showers, and shower seats)
9. Innovative storage (such as drawer pullouts and rollouts to hold hair styling equipment)
10. Showers and freestanding tubs

Most popular colors: White and gray are the dominant colors for bathrooms. Half of designers expect to see gray growing in 2015, and several designers also mentioned the growing popularity of purple, lavender, and lilac tones gaining steam in bathroom designs. For fixtures, white continues its dominance.

 

Out of style: Jetted tubs, whether whirlpool or air, are decreasing in popularity, according to NKBA’s report. “People are moving away from jetted tubs to more classic soaking tubs,” says Bill Donohoe with Donohoe Design Works in the Los Angeles area. Also, beige fixture colors are increasingly dropping in popularity.

Melissa Tracey

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Buying a Home: Always Get it Inspected

Hiring a Home Remodeling Professional, Home Improvement

FAIRY TALE DREAMS: HOME MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR ISSUES

A friend recently wanted to purchase a home and fell in love with it because of it’s old world charm. But… they were looking at the house with fairy tale dreams.

Why You Should Get Your Home Inspected

As seen on http://www.gocomics.com/wumo/2015/09/24

GET YOUR HOME INSPECTED BEFORE YOUR BUY

BEFORE you purchase a home… get it inspected by a reputable home inspection company or a general contractor like Leading Edge Homes, Inc.  Your inspector should check the electrical, plumbing, roofing, appliances, foundation, and more. You may not notice if the house is sinking, has mold, or if it has illegal wiring. The money you spend on doing an inspection will save you costs and heartache in the future.

 

If you have questions about a home you are purchasing or have questions about a home improvement project, call Leading Edge Homes at 561-795-2551 or email me at: todd@leadingedgehomes.com and I’ll be happy to share my knowledge with you.

Leading Edge Homes, Inc. is a Florida certified building contractor specializing in improving your lifestyle through room additions, bathroom renovations, kitchen updates, hurricane-resistant screen enclosures, and more!  In business since 1991, they demolish your stress by building your trust. Contact them at 561-795-2551 or visit their website to discover how they can help you with your next home remodeling project in Palm Beach County.
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Home Improvement: Things to Look Out For When Remodeling

Hiring a Home Remodeling Professional, Home Improvement

Ten Things to Look Out For When Remodeling

 home improvement - before you remodel

#1 – Lead based paint.

If your house was built prior to 1978, it may have lead based paint.  If your project involves disturbing more than 3 square feet of wall (interior or exterior), you MUST test for the presence of lead based paint or risk being severely fined by the EPA.  Paint chips are especially hazardous to toddler who may touch the chips and put their hands in their mouths ingesting the poison.

#2 – Asbestos floor tile.

Typically 9″x9″ up to 12″x12″. Even the glues used may contain asbestos.  The danger occurs when the flooring crumbles and dust is scattered into the air and inhaled.  This stuff could kill you with a long painful death.  Have the flooring tested by a professional and if it must be removed, hire a professional remediation contractor.

#3 – Contractors who say no permit is needed.

Other than painting and floorcovering, a permit is typically required for all projects.  Don’t get caught and have to pay a fine.  When in doubt, call your local building department and ask.  Inspections are for life safety purposes and protect you and future owners of your house.  Failing to obtain a permit can even stop the sale of your house if discovered.

#4 – Water damage.

What seems like an innocent brown stain on the ceiling could be the sign of a roof leak, water supply pipe leak, or an air leak around an A/C register.  Don’t disregard this important message from your house.  Investigate the source and make the necessary repairs to avoid major repairs in the future.  Also, if mold has formed, don’t disturb the surface or you can send mold spores throughout your house.  Call a mold remediation contractor to avoid respiratory problems.

#5 – Termites.

If you see mud trails going from the ground up to the floor level of your house, you may have termites.  If you see little wings or droppings along baseboards, you might have termites.  Call a pest control professional before the termites eat up so much of your house that you need structural repairs.

#6 – Property headaches.

Before installing a fence, get an updated survey of your property and have the corners marked.  This will avoid issues with the fence encroaching on your neighbor’s property.  Before doing a room addition, contact the local zoning department and ask what your setbacks are to avoid submitting plans for a room addition that puts the building too close to your property lines.

#7 – Bank problems.

Make sure your bank financing is approved and funded before giving a contractor a deposit on a job.  It would really ruin your day if the financing is not approved, your contractor has already demolished part of your house, and you can’t afford to finish the project.

#8 – Plan.

Don’t draw up plans that don’t provide sufficient detail.  If you think that you will fill in the details later, you may be in for some very expensive surprises.  Sub-contractors will charge for what you have left out and you may not have enough money to finish your project.  Remember, if you fail to plan, you plan to fail.

#9 – Cracks.

Both vertical and horizontal cracks in a block wall can spell trouble.  There may be uncompacted soil under the foundation or insufficient support of a tie beam.  Consult with a structural engineer to determine the source.

#10 – Illegal wiring.

Many homeowners think they know how to perform electrical repairs.  Although the light or receptacle may work, the repair may be a fire waiting to happen.  If you open up a wall and find spliced wires that are not inside an electrical box, call a licensed electrician.

 

If you have questions about any home improvement project please call Leading Edge Homes at 561-795-2551 or email me at: todd@leadingedgehomes.com and I’ll be happy to share my knowledge with you.

Leading Edge Homes, Inc. is a Florida certified building contractor specializing in improving your lifestyle through room additions, bathroom renovations, kitchen updates, hurricane-resistant screen enclosures, and more!  In business since 1991, they demolish your stress by building your trust. Contact them at 561-795-2551 or visit their website to discover how they can help you with your next home remodeling project in Palm Beach County.
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Home Remodeling / Room Addition: Building Up vs. Building Out

Home Improvement, Room Additions

Is It Less Expensive To Build Up Than Out?

The short answer is no – building up on an existing house is always more expensive than building out.  Sometimes, however, you have no choice if there is no room on your lot to build out.

Why is Building Up More Expensive?

Foundation Must Be Fortified

Usually the existing foundation has only been designed to support one story and would have to be added onto in order to support two stories.  In addition, interior load-bearing walls might need to be added necessitating demolition of parts of the existing floor for installation of additional footers.

You Must Add a Staircase

Either part of the existing house space would be lost, or real estate outside would need to be built two stories tall, to provide space for a staircase to access the second floor, and there’s the cost of the staircase itself as well.

Part of the Roof Must Go

Then there’s the cost of removing part of the existing roof and reworking electrical, mechanical, and possibly plumbing systems.

 

There’s more, but by now I think you’ve got the point.

If you have specific questions about any home improvement project, please call me at 561-795-2551 or email me at: todd@leadingedgehomes.com and I’ll be happy to share my knowledge with you.

Leading Edge Homes, Inc. is a Florida certified building contractor specializing in improving your lifestyle through room additions, bathroom renovations, kitchen updates, hurricane-resistant screen enclosures, and more!  In business since 1991, they demolish your stress by building your trust. Contact them at 561-795-2551 or visit their website to discover how they can help you with your next home remodeling project in Palm Beach County.
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Home-Repair: Roof and Gutter Repairs / Maintenance

Home Maintenance/Repairs

Water Stains on the Ceiling and In the Attic

Image result for leaky house clipart

If you live in South Florida, every day seems like a rainy day and the afternoon storms are quite strong.  If you are noticing stains on your ceilings or leaks in your attic, it may be a result of broken or packed gutters or cracks in your roof or flashing.

Gutter Maintenance

Inspect and clean your gutters and make sure they are free of debris. Also, make sure your gutter connections are sound and the downspouts are clear.

Roof Tiles Cracked / Discolored or Broken Shingles

If you notice your roofing tiles are broken, cracked or missing, it is a sign that they need to be replaced. Walking on your roof, if you are not careful, can also cause tiles to crack and damage your roof.

Use a Camera From the Ground to Inspect Your Roof

To check your roof – without using a ladder and walking on your roof, zoom in with a camera to inspect from the ground.  Gutter cleaning and repairs require that you use a ladder.  If you are ladder-shy contact Leading Edge Homes, Inc. and we will assist you with this project.

When to Call a Professional – Like Leading Edge Homes, Inc.

If you have water-stained drywall – do not replace it yourself. You may need mold remediation. Let a professional assess the situation so you don’t risk spreading mold spores into your home.

Also, the safety risk isn’t worth it for repairing or replacing anything on the roof.  Leading Edge Homes, Inc. is a state licensed roofing contractor!

If you are ladder-shy or don’t own a ladder, contact a professional for your gutter cleaning and repairs. Safety first!

If you have specific questions about any home improvement project, please call me at 561-795-2551 or email me at: todd@leadingedgehomes.com and I’ll be happy to share my knowledge with you.

Leading Edge Homes, Inc. is a Florida certified building contractor specializing in improving your lifestyle through room additions, bathroom renovations, kitchen updates, hurricane-resistant screen enclosures, and more!  In business since 1991, they demolish your stress by building your trust. Contact them at 561-795-2551 or visit their website to discover how they can help you with your next home remodeling project in Palm Beach County.
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Home Remodeling: Hidden Gems Inside Your Walls

Home Improvement

What’s Inside Your Walls?

When we open up a wall during a remodeling project on an older home, we never really know what we will find.  It’s one of the most vexing and intriguing aspects of remodeling.

Sometimes we find a litany of unpleasantries: creative (unsafe) framing, questionable or illegal wiring, carpet over asbestos tile, and dead rodents of all types.  All of these things have to be cleaned out, and cleaned up, whether with a broom, a hammer and new studs, or an abatement company.   The expense involved varies, though it invariably involves additional cost to the homeowner.

House Age Related

Some of these problems can be generally anticipated based on the age of the home. However, there’s almost always something that surprises everyone: the rogue run of power cord buried in the wall, electrical tape covering the connections; the plumbing that would not have passed code anywhere at any time; the rock holding up three stories at the back of a home.  All of them make me shake my head and wonder: What were these people thinking?

House History

Those open walls also provide a road map to the history of the home.  It can be entirely evident from the framing where there was once a window or a door, or where stairs once ran.  All of these are clues to the home’s past, and the relative skill of those altering it – a sometimes cryptic record of remodels, both small and large.

Fascinating Finds

Inside the walls there are also sometimes amazing finds.  Sometimes it’s as simple as a scrawled number or measurement on framing lumber, or a glass soda bottle left unintentionally and plastered over before anyone noticed.

There’s also the newspaper.  At a time when insulation wasn’t commonly installed, many homeowners stuffed their walls with newspaper, or layered it on to try to keep the cold and damp out of their homes.

If Forest Gump had been a remodeling contractor he probably would have said: Opening up a wall is like a bowl of cherries – you never know what’s inside.

If you have specific questions about any home improvement project, please call me at 561-795-2551 or email me at: todd@leadingedgehomes.com and I’ll be happy to share my knowledge with you.
Leading Edge Homes, Inc. is a Florida certified building contractor specializing in improving your lifestyle through room additions, bathroom renovations, kitchen updates, hurricane-resistant screen enclosures, and more!  In business since 1991, they demolish your stress by building your trust. Contact them at 561-795-2551 or visit their website to discover how they can help you with your next home remodeling project in Palm Beach County.
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Kitchen Ideas: Proper Planning Reduces Stress When Remodeling Your Kitchen

Home Improvement, Kitchen Ideas

You can have a brand new kitchen just like mama’s!

I recently performed a total replacement of my mother-in-law’s kitchen.  Here’s some helpful advice I gave her that you will find eases the stress when you are ready to remodel your kitchen.

Set up a separate, temporary kitchen.

If at all possible, move your current refrigerator to another room in the house, where you can still access it.. A spare microwave is also a critical appliance.Be creative with small plug-in appliances that can make life easier during construction, such as a coffee maker or electric skillet.

Find a place in your home to eat.

Most times setting up a card table in the family room does the trick, or go formal and use your dining room.

Invest in paper plates and disposable utensils.

You will end up having to wash dishes in a bathroom sink, so it’s best to keep a stockpile of disposable plates and utensil handy.

Think about your pets.

If your pets are used to having the run of the house, consider how they will be affected when sections of the house are off-limits to them. Above all, ensure their safety.

Get a sketch or design plans beforehand. 

Think about how the kitchen is going to work from a functional level. It’s also wise to think about where all your current kitchen items and appliances will fit into the new kitchen.

Don’t sweat the small stuff. 

Don’t agonize over the smallest details like hardware and countertop edges. Keep a sense of perspective and don’t get hyperfocused and paralyzed by decisions on the smallest details, which cause delays. The point is for all of it to come together beautifully.

 

When you are ready to be the proud owner of your dream kitchen, know that Leading Edge Homes will be there to help you from start to finish so you can have a gorgeous kitchen just like “Mama’s”.

If you have specific questions about kitchen design, kitchen remodeling, or any other home improvement project, please call me at 561-795-2551 or email me at: todd@leadingedgehomes.com and I’ll be happy to share my knowledge with you.
Leading Edge Homes, Inc. is a Florida certified building contractor specializing in improving your lifestyle through room additions, bathroom renovations, kitchen updates, hurricane-resistant screen enclosures, and more!  In business since 1991, they demolish your stress by building your trust. Contact them at 561-795-2551 or visit their website to discover how they can help you with your next home remodeling project in Palm Beach County.
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Home Improvement: Staying Home While Adding On

Home Improvement, Room Additions

Will We Be Able To Stay In Our House While The Addition Or Remodel Is Being Built?

construction-webBefore hiring any home improvement contractor, think about the answer you get to this question.  While every room addition is different, I have never needed the homeowners to move out during construction of their project. Sure, if the entire interior had to be redesigned for wheelchair access or a second floor is to be built over existing living area, you will probably have to move out.

Like All Home Improvement Projects, A Room Addition May Cause Some Inconveniences

There may, however, be inconveniences like the following:

  • If existing bedrooms are being expanded into the addition, the occupants may need to move their furniture to another part of the house and sleep in the family room or bunk-in with someone else once the existing separation wall must be removed
  • If the garage is being converted into living space, the car(s) may need to be kept outside and a new place found for all your stuff.
  • If the HVAC system has to be relocated or the ductwork added to, there may be a period of time when you have no air conditioning.
  • If your outdoor shed has to be demolished and it currently houses your water heater, washer, and dryer, you may be without hot water and/or laundry facilities for a while.

With Proper Planning You Home Remodeling Experience will be Stress Free

And… ultimately the project will be completed and after a few weeks of enjoying your new space, any inconveniences will soon be forgotten.

Questions?

If you have questions about adding on to your home or questions about any home improvement or remodeling project, please call me at 561-795-2551 or email me at: todd@leadingedgehomes.com and I’ll be happy to share my knowledge with you.
Leading Edge Homes, Inc. is a Florida certified building contractor specializing in improving your lifestyle through room additions, bathroom renovations, kitchen updates, hurricane-resistant screen enclosures, and more!  In business since 1991, they demolish your stress by building your trust. Contact them at 561-795-2551 or visit their website to discover how they can help you with your next home remodeling project in Palm Beach County.
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Kitchen Ideas: Home Improvement Lighting Options

Home Improvement, Kitchen Ideas

Kitchen Lighting Options

Kitchen lighting options have come a long way since the days of one surface-mounted fixture in the center of the room.  The ‘70s and ‘80s trend of cove lighting was an improvement but still far from optimal.

Palm Beach County Popular Home Improvement Lighting Ideas

Today there are many choices a kitchen remodeling contractor might suggest, but the following are the most popular in Palm Beach County:

Leading Edge Homes-Inc. Kitchen Remodel Lighting

Kitchen Idea: Add pendant lighting to dress-up your kitchen and provide better lighting above an island.

 

  • Recessed spot lights – usually four spread evenly around the kitchen and one over the sink
  • Pendant lights – usually three over an island or peninsula
  • Under cabinet – can be florescent or xenon type but LED is used most
  • Above wall cabinet – again usually LED and illuminates the rest of the wall and part of ceiling

Don’t Forget

Regardless of which type of lights you select, make sure you will have plenty of general light and task light.  Also remember that the higher the ceiling, the less light that makes it down to countertop level so adjust the quantity, type, and bulbs used accordingly.

Questions?

If you have specific questions or need a home inspection, please call me at 561-795-2551 or email me at: todd@leadingedgehomes.com and I’ll be happy to share my knowledge with you.
Leading Edge Homes, Inc. is a Florida certified building contractor specializing in improving your lifestyle through room additions, bathroom renovations, kitchen updates, hurricane-resistant screen enclosures, and more!  In business since 1991, they demolish your stress by building your trust. Contact them at 561-795-2551 or visit their website to discover how they can help you with your next home remodeling project in Palm Beach County.
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