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1. Room Addition Costs

   July 12, 2011 by Synergy Guru

   

   There are a lot of different ways to determine how much does a room addition cost. Certain factors are going to influence the overall cost of your room addition. Prices will definitely vary depending on the part of the country that you live in. They will also be different depending on whether you live in the city or in the suburbs.

   The region that you live in will influence the cost of your room addition. Certain areas have an easier time supplying builders and contractors with materials. In areas where there is a lot of competition in the industry, supplies are more reasonably priced. This savings is often passed onto the customer. In areas, where supplies are harder to come by, prices may be more expensive. This is a crucial consideration for your remodeling budget.

   Another factor that influences the price for your room addition is the space you are trying to accommodate. Some homeowners will be converting existing space in their home to a new room. Others will be actually building an entirely new room onto the home. This choice is typically more expensive for customers. The size of the room that you want is another factor to consider. In general, the larger the room the more you are going to pay for it.

   The type of room that you are building or remodeling will play a role in the price as well. The average bathroom addition cost in the Chicagoland area ranges from $38,000-75,000 for 2011. Kitchen addition cost can range from $58,000-111,000. Here you must think about the access to this room, cost of features, and the cost of fixtures.

   Category: Bathroom Remodeling, General Remodeling, Kitchen Remodeling, Room Additions Tags: addition, bathroom, cost, family, home, kitchen, remodel, remodeling, renovation, room | Comments Off

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2. Kitchen and Bath Safety Audit Makes Rooms Child-Friendly

   February 21, 2011 by Synergy Guru

   If you’re a parent, you’ve already thought about minimizing or eliminating safety hazards in your bathroom and kitchen. With new, recently developed products, you can easily remove much of the risk. Start by taking a fresh look at your home while conducting a safety audit. Does your bathroom and kitchen have the following safety features?

   Bathrooms

   • slip-resistant strips in the tub and nearby to minimize the risk of slipping and falling
   • grab bars in tubs and showers
   • towels bars/rings close to the tub or shower
   • impact-resistant safety-glass or plastic tub/shower enclosure
   • shatter-resistant tub faucets that don’t have sharp edges
   • recessed soap dishes (those that stick out from the wall can cause injury if a person falls against them)
   • the new soft bathtub, which is made of impact-absorbing materials to reduce the risk of injury for young and old alike
   • non-slip tile to reduce the risk of falling on a wet surface
   • toilet latches to prevent children from opening the lid
   • electrical outlets designed to automatically cut off power in the presence of water contact or faulty circuitry
   • door hardware that can be unlocked from either side
   • temperature-controlled faucets to avoid serious skin burns (typical faucets can produce water that is more than 120 degrees F, which can scald a child’s tender skin).

   Kitchens

   • a stove with difficult-to-reach top controls
   • appliances, sharp knives and other sharp objects kept out of sight and reach in appliance garages, in-drawer knife blocks, and built-in storage units
   • slip/impact resistant flooring to reduce injuries and lessen broken ceramic and glass
   • cabinet latches to keep children away from dangerous products

   Category: Bathroom Remodeling, Kitchen Remodeling Tags: bathroom, kids, kitchen, remodel, remodeling, renovations, saftey, tips | Comments Off

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3. Bathroom Ideas – Consider These 6 Bathroom Design Ideas

   July 23, 2010 by Synergy Guru

   Looking for bathroom ideas? You may be researching bathroom design ideas for remodeling an existing bathroom or you may be looking for bathroom ideas for building a new one.

   The bathroom design ideas that you use can have a dramatic impact on the appearance and functionality of your bathroom. The bathroom is a room that will be visited often every day and you want this space to be comfortable, usable, appealing and safe to be in while fitting into the overall style and decor of your home.

   Here are bathroom ideas to consider as you are planning this important room:

   1 – Add a Mirror

   Mirrors on the bathroom walls will give the appearance of windows being there, will reflect light and extend the room. Mirrors can create a sense of openness, making any bathroom appear larger than it really is. Add a medicine cabinet with mirror to your bathroom to store grooming supplies, medicine or toiletries. Traditionally, the medicine cabinet was located above the vanity or sink, however, you can place it elsewhere in the bathroom if you want.

   2 – Create Ample Bathroom Storage

   You cannot have too much storage space in a bathroom. Use wall space wisely with shelves or built-in cabinets, vanities or cabinets over the commode. Corner shelves are good bathroom ideas choices if you have limited space. Install corner shelves to display ceramics, shampoos, soaps, bath oils and candles. Display corner shelves can be found that are decorative and allow you to use otherwise wasted space.

   3 – Use Wicker Baskets

   Fill wicker baskets with soaps, candles, sponges, bubble baths, and loofahs. You can roll some of your colorful towels and place them in inexpensive wicker baskets around the bathroom. Keep some of the large wicker storage baskets with towels near the tub and shower within easy reach.

   4 – Carefully Select the Floor Material

   Besides the appearance, the bathroom floor should be safe to walk on and water resistant. Rubber flooring, ceramic tile, vinyl and linoleum floors are good choices since these floor materials can be easy to clean, water resistant and safe to walk on.

   If you will use natural stone or terra-cotta ceramic tile on your floor, use the kind that has a non-slip finish. Be careful using rugs that can slide on a tiled floor or natural stone floor. Use rugs that have a rubber backing or add rubber backing strips to the rugs.

   5 – Plan the Lighting Carefully

   Bathroom ideas and general lighting can be ceiling lights, wall fixtures or track lighting. Having adequate general lighting means there is enough light for someone to walk safely through the bathroom. This overall light will distribute itself throughout the entire space, however, general lighting is not sufficient for grooming functions.

   Task lighting provides light to a specific area where shaving, putting on makeup, or other types of grooming take place. Task lighting should be adjustable by using dimmers or controls, and it is best to aim this type of lighting at an angle to avoid hot spots or shadows.

   The use of natural light can be included in your bathroom ideas by having a window, a wall skylight or a roof skylight to bring in natural light. Having a skylight that can be opened is great because it reduces moisture buildup. Remember that using a combination of different types of bathroom light fixtures carefully placed may give your bathroom the best results.

   6 – Plan for Moisture Control

   Bathroom ideas should plan for humidity and odors in the room. Use a power ventilator large enough to do the job. Lingering moisture could become a problem if you do not have properly-sized ventilation fan to get rid of moisture and odors. Ventilation fans are sized by the cubic feet of air they move in one minute (cfm).

   A good ventilation system that can move the air from the bathroom to the outdoors about eight times per hour means that the bathroom will have the moist air removed in 7 or 8 minutes. If you take the length, width and ceiling height of your bathroom and multiply these three numbers, you will have the cubic feet of space for your bathroom.

   For example, a bathroom that is 5 feet by 8 feet with an 8 foot high ceiling will have 320 cubic feet of space (5 times 8 times 8 equals 320). A 40 cfm (cubic feet per minute) fan will move the air from inside this bathroom to the outdoors in about 8 minutes (320 divided by 40).

   Enjoy gathering bathroom remodeling ideas and the planning process, learn as much as you can and use your imagination as you collect and implement your bathroom ideas. Having a comfortable, attractive and functional bathroom that reflects your personal style means you will have a special place to enjoy for many years to come.

   Category: Bathroom Remodeling Tags: bathroom remodel, Bathroom Remodeling, bathroom remodeling ideas | Comments (2)

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4. Home Remodeling – Give Your Home a New Look

   June 6, 2010 by Synergy Guru

   Everyone has a desire to have a well-organized and well-designed home to represent a perfect combination of style and comfort. With smart home remodeling plans and little investment one can do wonders. Now days, homeowners prefer rebuilding their existing home rather purchasing a new one.

   Home remodeling has advantage of transforming the existing space into a customized and designed space. It also updates outdated structures and designs and adds beauty to your house. There could be several reasons for home remodeling such as unattractive designs, unmanaged space, or cracked floor. The problem with most people is that they are not sure where to start with their home remodeling project from. Should they begin home remodeling with kitchen, bathroom or basement or with a room addition? Unlike opening a den where you need to remove walls, a kitchen remodeling or bathroom remodeling project is done on a smaller scale. As a result, you don’t have to spend much money on your home remodeling project to make your house look more attractive.

   Apart from kitchen and bathroom remodeling, you can also re-design the other areas of your house. Basement remodeling is one such example; it is like building an addition onto your home. Basement Remodeling is one of the best ways to increase the livable space of your house. With proper planning and remodeling, finished basement could become a place to enjoy with your family and friends.

   A room addition is one of the best ways to add an extra space to your room. Room additions are often done to fit the family’s current needs while increasing the comfort and function of the home. It serves as a good and cost-effective alternative to get a bigger house or moving into a larger space.

   There are many home remodeling companies who offer home remodeling services but you need to be very careful while choosing them. One should choose a professional remodeling company whom you can trust and rely on. These companies offer you a reasonable and fair price for your remodeling projects.

   Category: Basement Finishing, Bathroom Remodeling, Kitchen Remodeling, Room Additions Tags: Basement Finishing, Bathroom Remodeling, home remodeling, kitchen renovations, remodel, room additions, whole house remodel | Comments Off

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5. Caring For Special Surfaces

   May 21, 2010 by Synergy Guru

   Many of our clients frequently ask how to properly care for their countertops and floors. So here are a few tips just for you when cleaning your kitchen, bathroom, or basement surfaces…

   Laminate Counters:

   DO use a nonabrasive, all-purpose cleaner. Rinse with water, use cotton cloth to dry. Wipe up immediately to prevent discoloration.

   DON’T flood the laminate. Water penetrates seams, causing swelling. Don’t use abrasive cleaners, steel wool or scouring pads. Cleaners with acid will cause permanent discoloring.

   Laminate Floors:

   DO wipe floors with a damp cloth or sponge.

   DON’T wet mop or pour water on floor. Don’t wax, sand or stain.

   Ceramic Tile:

   DO use nonabrasive, all-purpose cleaners, a tub/tile/sink cleaner or liquid cleanser. Rinse thoroughly with water and buff tiles with dry cloth to prevent water stains. Re-apply grout sealer every 5-10 years.

   DON’T use powdered abrasive cleaners that may scratch the surface.

   Solid Surface Counters and Sinks:

   DO use a nonabrasive all-purpose cleaner and a damp cloth on matte, satin or high gloss finishes. A scouring pad will remove cigarette burns and minor scratches.

   DON’T use strong chemical cleaners such as toilet bowl cleaners, ceramic cook top   cleaners, paint remover, drain cleaners, oven cleaners and lacquer thinners.

   Natural Stone:

   DO place coasters under glasses, and wipe up spills immediately. Use entry rugs to capture abrasive dirt from foot traffic. Wash with warm water, a neutral pH cleaner and a nonabrasive cloth. Many of our clients frequently ask how to properly care for their countertops and floors. So here are a few tips just for you…

   Laminate Counters:

   DO use a nonabrasive, all-purpose cleaner. Rinse with water, use cotton cloth to dry. Wipe up immediately to prevent discoloration.
   DON’T flood the laminate. Water penetrates seams, causing swelling. Don’t use abrasive cleaners, steel wool or scouring pads. Cleaners with acid will cause permanent             discoloring.

   Laminate Floors:

   DO wipe floors with a damp cloth or sponge.
   DON’T wet mop or pour water on floor. Don’t wax, sand or stain.

   Ceramic Tile:

   DO use nonabrasive, all-purpose cleaners, a tub/tile/sink cleaner or liquid cleanser. Rinse thoroughly with water and buff tiles with dry cloth to prevent water stains. Re-apply grout sealer every 5-10 years.
   DON’T use powdered abrasive cleaners that may scratch the surface. Solid Surface

   Counters and Sinks:

   DO use a nonabrasive all-purpose cleaner and a damp cloth on matte, satin or high gloss finishes. A scouring pad will remove cigarette burns and minor scratches.
   DON’T use strong chemical cleaners such as toilet bowl cleaners, ceramic cook top cleaners, paint remover, drain cleaners, oven cleaners and lacquer thinners.

   Natural Stone:

   DO place coasters under glasses, and wipe up spills immediately. Use entry rugs to capture abrasive dirt from foot traffic. Wash with warm water, a neutral pH cleaner and a nonabrasive cloth.

   Category: Basement Finishing, Bathroom Remodeling, Kitchen Remodeling Tags: cleaning ceramic tile, cleaning counter tops, cleaning laminate counters, cleaning laminate floors, cleaning natural stone, cleaning solid surface counters | Comments (0)

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6. Double Your Storage With Simple Creativity

   April 27, 2010 by Synergy Guru

   One of the most common complaints we hear from our clients is lack of storage space. What they don’t realize is that even owners of the smallest homes can double their storage space with some simple but creative modifications. Here are some ideas:

   Kitchen Storage Tips

   • Appliance garages – special cabinets with roll-down doors – can hide items like toasters, mixers, and food processors to free up counter space. Extra-deep counters also a make difference.
   • Under-cabinet knife slats provide a protective spot to store utensils. Existing cabinets can be replaced with deeper or taller models that reach to the ceiling. Use the top shelves for rarely used items.
   • Built-in refrigerators, perhaps faced with the same materials as your cabinets, can save space in a small kitchen.
   • A separate pantry, which holds many items within easy reach, is another valuable storage space. Narrow, vertical areas can provide the perfect place to store mops and brooms.
   • An island can improve traffic patterns in the kitchen while adding tons of storage space. Slide-in cutting boards, pot racks, even an extra sink can be built in to make a big difference. Open shelves on one side can make food preparation quicker too.

   Master Bedroom Storage Tips

   • Under-the-bed rolling drawers can hold extra clothes or linens. A built-in cedar closet can keep your woolens safe from moths. This can be created from a portion of a current closet.
   • Outfit your closet with double hanging rods, drawers, shoe holders, and hooks to create a space for everything.
   • Bedrooms, Living Rooms, or Dens
   • Window seats and built-in book shelves can create a private nook while providing a place for books, toys, or linens.

   Bathroom Storage Tips

   • Appliance garages work in the kitchen, so why not in the bathroom? A “garage” houses brushes, hair dryers, combs, and can include an electrical outlet, too. Medicine cabinets can be surface mounted or recessed between studs. Custom cabinetry affords optimal use of space. Vanity-to-ceiling and floor-to-ceiling built-ins that combine open shelves and enclosed cabinets are decorative as well as utilitarian.
   • While standard height for most sinks is 30 to 32 inches, most adults can use a basin more comfortably when it’s 34 to 38 inches high. This extra height allows for more storage; an extra shelf in the area below the basin and additional drawers on the sides.

   Workshop or Garage Storage Tips

   • Here, organization is very important. A place for everything and everything in its place can make a small space seem much more spacious. Pegboards can hold hooks for tools, paint-brushes, or just about anything. Accessories can be purchased to store small items like nails; some accessories hang right on the pegboard.

   With a little creativity, your home can provide up to twice as much storage space as you’re now using. For specific ideas for your home, give Synergy Builders a call. We’re full of ingenuity!

   Category: Bathroom Remodeling, Kitchen Remodeling Tags: bathroom storage tips, garage storage tips, kitchen storage tips, master bedroom storage tips, synergy builders, workshop storage tips | Comments (0)

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7. Remodeling Through Color

   March 30, 2010 by Synergy Guru
   Did you know that the colors you select for your home have meaning and can set mood? Studies show that color can complement architecture, enhance or diminish the sense of space, create a particular ambience, and impact your daily moods. Color experts have studied how color is likely to affect you. This can help when you are remodeling your home. Here is what they have found:

   • Blue, universally a favorite, is recognized for its tranquil effects. However, if too dark or used too expansively, it can have a depressing effect.
   • Red evokes excitement, and is an excellent accent. Often used in kitchens, it’s felt that red enhances one’s appetite.
   • Green is either loved or heartily disliked, so take care when making this selection.
   • Brown and orange are viewed as friendly and informal colors.
   • Yellow, generally perceived as a cheery color, may make children feel depressed, so use it sparingly.
   • Neutral colors can serve as dramatic backdrops for furnishings, collections, and accessories. Neutrals also add the flexibility to introduce new colors seasonally with throw pillows, artwork, and other decorative items.

   When selecting your colors:

   • Select exterior shades that harmonize with the home’s surroundings—steer towards the earthier shades (i.e. a grey-blue vs. a bright royal blue).
   • Consider the style and era of your home—there might be some traditional colors associated with them—especially with Victorian and traditional Colonials.
   • When viewing paint samples, look at chip sizes proportionate to how they will ultimately be used (e.g., if a wall will be painted taupe with a red accent, view a larger sample of the taupe paint against a smaller sample of the red).
   • Less is more. Don’t overuse a color, especially in a small room.
   • Even though a color may be too strong for an entire wall, consider it for an accent color.
   • Most importantly, select colors that work for you and your lifestyle, not what’s considered “in” or “out” at the time. But don’t be afraid to color your world—you’ll find it will make a world of difference!

   Category: Basement Finishing, Bathroom Remodeling, Kitchen Remodeling, Room Additions Tags: color schemes, remodeling colors | Comments (0)

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8. Giving Your Bathroom a Face-Lift

   March 26, 2010 by Synergy Guru

   Nothing dates a house more quickly than a bathroom that time has forgotten. Yet outdated bathrooms can be dramatically revitalized. Many homeowners want their bathrooms to be totally utilitarian, but others want bathrooms in which to pamper themselves. How about you?

   Your answer, and your budget, will determine the best approach for your bathroom remodeling. Do you want to work within the existing space of your current bathroom? Do you want to expand by taking room from somewhere else? Would you rather build an addition to accommodate your new bath? These are just a few options which vary greatly in cost.

   Renovating your current space is usually the least complicated and least expensive option. While the layout of your existing bathroom can be altered to some extent, moving major plumbing fixtures is the most costly aspect of a remodel. Local building codes require minimum clearances between, beside, and in front of fixtures to allow for use, cleaning, and repair.

   If you have an extra bedroom, you could move the bathroom to this space or expand a current bath into a portion of it. This will mean moving the plumbing but it will also add a modern, spacious bathroom to your home which will increase the resale value. An addition or even a small bump-out could be the solution. This requires the largest investment but will give you just what you want.

   If you’ve decided to remodel, start with an analysis of your existing bathroom:

   • What is the condition of the sink, toilet, and tub/shower? If it’s an older, wall-hanging toilet, you might update the look, perhaps with a low-water consumption style. If your tub is basically sound, consider reglazing it. However, many homeowners are moving up to whirlpool style tubs.
   • Does the sink have a vanity for storage? If it does, but you just don’t like it, consider replacing it with one of the many beautiful varieties that are available today.
   • Does the sink have independent faucets? If so, you know how inconvenient this can be. Why not switch to a single operating lever which is easier to use and gives a better mix of temperatures?
   • Does your tub include a shower? One can easily be added with a combination tub-shower valve.
   • Think about reinforcing the walls, adding grab bars, and widening doors for visitors with physical disabilities or for your later years.
   • Is your medicine cabinet small and outdated? Consider the various styles of newer cabinets, perhaps with recessed or decorative lighting.
   • How is the tile? If it is chipped and cracked and matching tile is not available, replacement or reglazing may be your best option.
   • If a wooden window is suffering the effect of humidity, it may be best to replace it and older metal windows with new vinyl windows. Deco glass block has made a comeback and is a good option for adding light and design flair to a bathroom.
   • Many older bathrooms don’t have adequate ventilation. You may want to add a fan to avoid moisture build-up which can deteriorate materials and promote the growth of mold and mildew.
   • Are electrical outlets a problem? Face it, the number of electrical appliances we use in our daily rituals has multiplied since the time many houses were built. That means that you probably want more outlets. New replacement ones should be protected ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets that are made to shut off automatically when they sense water.

   Today’s bathroom can be all you want it to be. Enjoy the opportunity to explore the variety of materials, styles, and colors available to you. In the end you’ll have a well-designed bathroom that functions as beautifully as it looks.

   Category: Bathroom Remodeling Tags: bathroom design, bathroom remodel, Bathroom Remodeling, bathroom remodeling ideas, bathroom renovations | Comments (0)

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