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  1. Room Addition Costs

    July 12, 2011 by Synergy Guru
    bathroom addition cost

    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.


  2. Kitchen Backsplash Ideas

    by Synergy Guru

    A backsplash is a covering placed over the wall behind a sink, a stove or cook top, or any other area of a kitchen where there is a potential for splashing of water or food on the wall.  Backsplashes can be a simple piece of plastic attached to the wall to protect the paint or wallpaper.  Backsplashes can also be highly decorative and create a focal point in a remodeled kitchen.

    The size of a backsplash might be determined by the size of the fixture or appliance it will be placed behind.  Alternately, you might choose to install a backsplash behind an entire counter or workspace.  The backsplash might be a pre-fabricated item that you decide to hang on the wall, or it might be made of decorative ceramic tile.

    Ceramic tile is available is a huge variety of colors, finishes, sizes and shapes. These can be installed in a simple solid color or installed in geometric or decorative designs. You can create a mosaic or you can install hand-painted tile.

    Visiting our showroom will help you make choices of finish, tile size, tile shape, and combinations of colors, shapes and designs.  At our showroom you will find displays of tile styles and colors with complimentary pieces and shapes to help you create the design you want.  Our designers can also help you select the trim and design components you want to use to create an attractive backsplash.

    If your kitchen design is “rustic,” you might choose a ceramic tile with a matte or dull finish in a brick or stone design.  A more traditional kitchen might need only simple single-color tile and edging.  A modern kitchen might be right for something more creative and elaborate.

    The size of the backsplash area will also determine how far you can go in being creative or in adding decorative interest.  A small backsplash will need smaller design elements. A large backsplash area, on the other hand, might be made into the focal point of your kitchen design with a mosaic or with hand-painted tiles.

    If you decide to incorporate a backsplash into your kitchen remodel design, you will have almost complete freedom in choosing the material – tile, metal, wallpaper – for your backsplash and in deciding how elaborate the design of the finished area will be.  The primary purpose of the backsplash is to provide a surface that is easy to clean and that will not be stained easily.  Beyond that functionality, your creativity and imagination is the only limit on what you can do.


  3. Basement Finishing Ideas

    August 9, 2010 by Synergy Guru

    Basement Home TheaterLooking for space to put an exercise room, entertainment center or playroom? Go underground! If your home has an unfinished basement, remodeling might be a great way to transform this commonly under-used space.

    When considering a basement remodeling, start by making a floor plan. As you do, be sure to mark the location of your furnace, washer and dryer, and any other large appliances. Take notes on:

    • access to the basement from upstairs and outside
    • where plumbing is already located if you want an additional bathroom
    • where vertical support columns are located
    • location of windows and doors
    • floor, ceiling, wall materials

    With constant contact with the earth, basements are vulnerable to dampness, making basement remodeling a bit more complex than first meets the eye. We’ll help you take appropriate measures to ensure a room free from moisture.

    Most basements have low ceilings and few windows. But this doesn’t have to limit you. There are many creative ways to make your basement light and airy. Talk to us about the variety of wall and ceiling lighting options available. Synergy Builders will help you make sure that appropriate electrical lines and outlets are provided from the beginning.

    Basement RemodelingHere are some tricks-of-the-trade in making your underground space first class:

    • Stay away from dark wood paneling and instead consider drywall painted in light tones to make the room brighter. Semi-gloss paint will gently reflect even more light into the room.
    • Open up the visual space. Double doors—even glass double interior doors—take away the typical cubicle look. Or, how about a rounded archway or pass-through area from one room into another.
    • Check to see if existing windows can be enlarged. Or, consider installing a small boxed window for a mini-garden to grow herbs or start plant seedlings. This will greatly increase the amount of light coming into the basement and provide a view to the great outdoors.
    • Built-in bookcases and entertainment units add a richness and depth to a room. Light them with either interior lights or from the top to cast light upwards.
    • Disguise vertical support beams, and horizontal ceiling pipes or floor joists by boxing them in. Or, you might decide to actually use pipes and beams as interesting accents by painting them with bold colors or with subtle earth tones.

    An unfinished basement is much like a diamond in the rough—unexplored and awaiting your discovery! If you have any questions about basement finishing, don’t hesitate to talk to one of our designers at our Synergy Builders showroom.

    Basement Wet Bar


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