Tag: home remodels Wellington

HOME REMODELING: ADDING A SUITE

Home Improvement, Room Additions

MAKING A SWEET BEDROOM SUITE

Leading Edge Homes - Making Your Addition Sweet

A Leading Edge Homes, Inc. suite addition makes your home even sweeter.

Adding a bedroom suite to your home can serve many different purposes. A “mother-in-law suite,” as it is often called, is a perfect living situation for your loved one that wants to keep their privacy and still remain independent.  Or perhaps you love your home, but your family has grown and you need another bedroom – just don’t add a room, create an oasis for yourself!

Generally, adding a suite will increase your property value. Future buyers see the added appeal of the addition that can be used as an office, a guest house/room, a temporary living area for a young married child or a returning college graduate, or as an alternative to an assisted living facility for an aging relative.

            Before you add on, there are things to consider:

LIMITATIONS

Your addition can include almost anything – including the kitchen sink! But, most municipalities in Florida do not allow you to add an oven or stove, because that will take your home from a “single family” designation to a “multiple family” designation – a violation in most areas. Bedroom(s), bathroom(s), sitting area(s), a utility room, or a kitchenette are fine. Your kitchenette can have a sink (or wet bar), cabinets, and even a refrigerator.

IF YOU HAVE A SEPTIC SYSTEM

In Palm Beach County, there are many rules you don’t often think about that may apply to your addition if you have a septic system. The size of your septic tank and the size of its drain field may limit the size of your addition – if you are adding a bedroom or a lot more living space. But don’t worry, you can always increase the size of the drain field or add another septic tank in series if your existing one isn’t large enough to accommodate the addition.

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION

There are many questions that you have to answer:

Do you want to build out or build up? 

Building up is generally more expensive because you will need have scaffolding, stairs, etc. Additionally, if the space is for an elderly relative, you need to think about how they will get upstairs in the event they no longer can climb stairs.

How will you gain access to the addition?

Is there a hallway you can use or an exterior door?  It is best to have an experienced contractor, such as Leading Edge Homes, Inc., advise you on the best way to modify your current home to gain access into the addition.  And yes, you can break through an existing exterior wall to make an opening into the addition – even a load bearing one.

What is the maximum space that can be utilized for the addition?

Municipalities vary on the front, side and rear set back requirements. This may limit the size and footprint that you can use to add onto your home.

DESIGN WITH A PURPOSE

What is the purpose of the addition? Think about who will be using the area. I recommend planning for the future including designing with wider doors and hallways in case the occupants need to use a walker or wheel chair. Grab bars and no-curb showers are also something to consider – or at least have backing in the walls in the event you need to add grab bars in the future.

Whether you are adding space for yourself or a family member, the design phase is the most important!  Think about what you want, what special requirements you want, and how the area will be utilized. Work with an experienced roomologist (contractor experienced in room additions) to design and build your addition. If you can imagine it, we can design it.

For all of your home remodeling , contact your local certified “roomologist”, Leading Edge Homes. Inc. at 561-795-2551. Want to see some of our work? Visit our website or view our online book.

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.

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Home Improvement: TV Show Remodeling is Not Reality

Home Improvement

REALITY SHOW CONSTRUCTION – “Homeowners’ Funds Essentially Pay the Cost of Creating a Stage Set”

 

Sometimes the truth about home improvement is shocking...

Sometimes the truth about home improvement is shocking…

Back in October, I posted a blog about the “ABC’s” of reality shows and home remodeling. Sadly, a couple from Raleigh, North Carolina did not read the blog! They turned to HGTV network’s “Love It Or List It” last year when they were considering renovating a rental property they had in Raleigh and moving into it with teenage foster children.

“The couple contend that not only were they victims of shoddy work, they also suffered from a breach of contract, unfair trade practices in violation of North Carolina’s general contractor laws and a “bizarre” business model that creates an “inherent conflict of interest” for a production company that makes most of its money on TV advertising, ” according to an article in the Miami Herald.

Furthermore, “The couple allege that ‘Love It Or List It’ did not use a licensed architect to develop renovation plans, that they never were shown houses on the market by any North Carolina licensed real estate agent who had the ability to broker the sale of those homes and were left to put up with ‘disastrous work done by Big Coat and its subcontractors.'”

Reality home remodeling shows should be used for inspiration only.

If you have been inspired by something you have seen on television and want to determine if it can be duplicated in your home, contact Leading Edge Homes, Inc. at 561-795-2551.  We will give you a real, guaranteed price.

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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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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Kitchen Idea: Luxury Trends

Home Improvement, Kitchen Ideas

 

Three of the Latest “Must Have” Kitchen Upgrades

Whether you want to spruce up the kitchen you have or are planning a full kitchen makeover, consider these latest luxury trends:

POT FILLER
  
Why hurt your back filling a large pot over the sink and carrying it to the stove or cooktop when you can install a faucet directly over where the water will be boiled.
SUPER-QUIET DISHWASHER
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Bosch high end dishwashers are so quiet you may not even notice that they are running.  They have a half-load option, are Energy Star compliant, and some even have a built-in water softener and height adjustable upper shelf for convenience.  They are so cool you might even look forward to cleaning up after dinner!
INDUCTION COOKTOPS
 
I can hear the gas cooktop fans now… But 9 out of 10 professional cooks use gas and the 10th one is a sushi chef!  These new induction cooktops have precise temperature control and heat up more quickly than gas or electric.  They typically also have a bridge function to combine two cooking zones for use with wide cookware like griddles.
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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HELP! There is a Water Stain on My Ceiling

Home Improvement

Air Vent StainingWhy Is There A Water Stain On My Ceiling Next To An A/C Vent?

Now that summer is in full swing, the temperature inside your attic can be well over 100 degrees.  The temperature inside your air conditioned house is probably between 72 and 80 degrees.

Construction Details Count

If there is an air gap between the register “can” and the ceiling drywall, condensation (water) will form on the warm side because of the extreme temperature differential and drip onto the drywall leaving a stain when the drywall dries out.  Do not fear.  There is a solution for this problem.

How To Solve The Problem

First, remove the grill from the ceiling.  Then, carefully spray expandable foam between the register “can” and the drywall that surrounds it.  I say carefully because the foam can drip, or if too much is applied, it can get over everything and it’s difficult to clean up.

Once the foam is completely dry, tear off any excess foam and spray the water-stained ceiling drywall with oil-based Kilz (white pigmented shellac).  Once the Kilz dries, touch up the ceiling with matching paint and reinstall the grill.

Problem solved!

Questions?

If you have questions about 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: Bermuda Triangle or Perfect Triangle?

Home Improvement, Kitchen Ideas, Uncategorized

Making Your Kitchen Easier to Work In

The kitchen is the most used room in the house.  At parties, guests seem almost magnetically drawn to the kitchen.  That’s where the food and drinks are, so this makes sense.  But when you’re cooking before they arrive, is your work triangle like the Bermuda Triangle?

Leading Edge Homes Inc. - Kitchen with Work Triangle

The work triangle refers to the triangle created between your stove, refrigerator, and the sink.  These three “areas” are some of the most important components.  If you have a small kitchen – and as a result, a small work triangle – you almost don’t have enough space to maneuver.  On the other hand, if your work triangle is too big, you not only run yourself to death, but you also have to carry heavy dishes long distances.

Work Triangle Basics

Long ago, when designers started paying attention to how kitchens function day-to-day, they realized there was a natural triangle of traffic for whomever was doing the cooking.  Through years of research they discovered some figures and principles of sound kitchen design.

  • No one side of the triangle should be greater than nine feet or less than four feet.  If you slightly exceed or don’t meet these measurements, this doesn’t mean that your kitchen is dysfunctional.  However, you should measure the distance to each triangle component to see exactly how your kitchen measures up.  If you notice that you feel cramped on one side or can barely make it to the sink with a pot of boiling water on the other, then you might benefit from a kitchen remodel.

 

  • The triangle should not be interrupted by traffic or cabinetry.  If your work triangle dimensions are correct, but they don’t include walking around the island to get to the stove, or that people are always moving to the trashcan or standing by the refrigerator, then maybe kitchen traffic needs to be detoured.

 

  • The perimeter of the triangle should measure no more than 26 feet and no less than 12 feet.  If you have a small kitchen and each component is four feet away from the other, there’s not much you can do.  But consider how easy it is to work in your kitchen.  If something always feels a bit off when you are preparing a big meal, interior designers can help to restructure your kitchen.

If your kitchen doesn’t measure up and is not working for you, call Leading Edge Homes at 561-795-2551 so we can collaborate with you to create your dream kitchen that functions properly.

Questions?

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: Will My Air Conditioning System Be Sufficient When I Do My Room Addition

Home Improvement, Room Additions

Will I Need A Larger Air Conditioning System Or An Additional One For The Room Addition?

The answer depends on how much additional air conditioning is required, how old the existing system is, and whether you want a back-up system if the main system has a failure.  Sometimes it’s a matter of personal choice.

Common Myth

Bigger isn't always Better

Bigger isn’t always better!

Before expanding on each option, a typical notion must be dispelled.  Air conditioning is a prime example of where more is not better.  Having too large of an air conditioning system can cause the formation of mold and mildew.  This is because an over-sized system will cool the house down quickly and shut off, but not stay on long enough to remove humidity from the air.

Industry Change

Manufacturers have stopped making one ton units due to a lack of demand.  One and a half ton units are often too large for an addition.  If this is the case, the existing system would need to be replaced with one that is one ton larger.  This is easier to justify if the existing system is 10 years old or older, but sometimes there is no other choice.

Alternative Idea

Provided the addition has at least 600 s.f. of living space, or if part of the existing house ductwork can be fed off the new system to reach 600 s.f., a separate system is the way to go.  If one A/C system goes down, you can always stay in the part of the house that has working A/C until the other one is repaired.  If you only have one A/C system and it goes down on a Friday night, you and your family could be miserable and fighting with one another, or out more money for a hotel room, if it doesn’t get repaired until Tuesday.

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 Count
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