Home Renovations You Can Do in the Winter
Francis Biddle • January 10, 2023
Home Renovations You Can Do in the Winter
When the weather turns cold, many people turn their attention indoors and start thinking about home renovations. While some projects may be best left for warmer months, there are still plenty of renovations you can tackle during the winter. Here are a few home renovations you can do in the winter:
Install a New Front Door
A new front door can add curb appeal to your home and also increase energy efficiency. Look for a door with a high energy efficiency rating and consider adding a storm door, too, for added insulation. A new front door can also improve the security of your home and make it feel more welcoming to visitors. When shopping for a new front door, consider the style, material, and energy efficiency of the door. Options include wood, fiberglass, and steel.
Update Your Flooring
Winter is a great time to install new floors if you're tired of your old, worn-out flooring. Hardwood, tile, and luxury vinyl are all excellent options that can be installed during the colder months. Hardwood is a classic choice that adds warmth and character to a space. Tile is a durable, water-resistant option that works well in bathrooms and kitchens. Luxury vinyl is a budget-friendly option that is available in a wide range of styles and colors.
Remodel Your Bathroom
A bathroom remodel
can be a big undertaking, but it can also add value to your home. Consider updating the fixtures, adding a new vanity or storage, or even expanding the space if you have the room. A new shower or tub can be a significant improvement, as can new tile, countertops, and lighting. When planning your bathroom remodel, consider your budget, style, and functionality needs.
Refinish Your Kitchen Cabinets
If your kitchen cabinets
are looking tired, consider giving them a new look with a fresh coat of paint or stain. This is a relatively easy project that can make a big difference in the overall look of your kitchen. Depending on your skills and preferences, you can do the work yourself or hire a professional. When refinishing your cabinets, choose a color and finish that complements your kitchen's overall design.
Add a New Backsplash
A backsplash can add character and interest to your kitchen or bathroom. There are many different materials to choose from, including tile, stone, and even wood. A backsplash can protect your walls from water and food splatters, and it can also add a decorative touch to your space. When choosing a backsplash, consider the style, material, and color that will work best in your space.
Install a New Fireplace or Wood Stove
Winter is a great time to add a fireplace or wood stove if you don't have a fireplace or wood stove. Not only will it add warmth and ambiance to your home, but it can also serve as a secondary heat source. There are many different types of fireplaces and wood stoves to choose from, including gas, electric, and wood-burning. Consider the size and style of the unit, as well as its energy efficiency and installation requirements.
Build a Deck or Patio
If you're planning to add a deck or patio
to your home, winter is an excellent time to start planning and gathering materials. You can work on the design and layout and have everything ready to go when the weather warms up. A deck or patio can add valuable outdoor living space to your home, and it can be used for entertaining, relaxing, and enjoying the outdoors. When planning your deck or patio, consider the size, shape, material, and location that will work best for your home.
If you are looking to renovate this winter, look to professional help. Our team at F&J Builders are expert home contractors who can help you increase the value of your home with their expertise in winter home renovation. Give us a call today or fill out our online contact form
to learn more about our interior
and exterior
home improvement services.
Find some captivating kitchen remodeling ideas that will elevate the heart of your home and withstand the trends of the time. Call F&J Builders today
Check out our blog to see what kind of siding options are available for your home. Contact F&J Builders for expert siding installation services.
F&J Builders are James Hardie certified siding installation experts with years of experience and a commitment to quality craftsmanship to help install your new siding today.
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The fall is gradually coming to an end, and with it comes the cold winter. If you’re yet to prepare your home for the weather, now is the perfect time to do so. Check out our simple guide for how to prepare your home and the most important to-do list for winter. Check the Heating System Winter is a cold and long season, and one of the ways to combat the cold during this period is having an efficient heating system. Before the weather turns dreary and cold, you need to make sure your heating system is all in order. Have a professional come take a look at it and change the filters. Some of the things to look out for include screeching noise, blocked ducts, a faulty thermostat, and bad filters. You don’t want to wait until it’s too cold to discover that your heating system is underperforming. You can save yourself the frustration, money, and time by scheduling a routine maintenance check. Seal Windows and Doors Gaps in your windows/doors are the easiest way to lose heat during winter. If you have the budget, you can replace your windows and doors. However, if that isn’t in the books, you can explore other options like insulation or caulking. Besides, properly insulating your home before the cold comes will ensure your home stays warm during winter. Inspect your Chimney and Fireplace Your chimney and fireplace will be doing a lot of work soon; it’s only wise to inspect them before you start using them daily. Now is also the perfect time to stack that firewood and make sure you have enough to last for a long time. A physical inspection of both fireplace and chimney can ensure you’re good to go for the incoming wood burning. Some of the things to look out for include: Missing bricks from the chimney Debris or bed nest near the chimney cap Tree branches close to chimney Ensure that there are no missing bricks in the fireplace The fireplace is clean and dry No combustible materials near the fireplace and chimney Pack Your Outdoor Spaces Your outdoor space will see little or no action during the winter. Now is the best time to clean out your outdoor furniture and accessories to prevent any damage. Start by debugging your plants and packing the grill and furniture inside before the first snow hits. You can store these items away in your garage and bring them out once the snow is gone. Prepare For Winter Storms Winter storms may not happen often but you want to be prepared for when they do occur. Get a home and car emergency kit and place it somewhere reachable at all times. You also need to ensure your oil tank is full and, if possible, get a generator. The possibility of the power going off during a storm is quite high. However, with a fully-powered generator and reserved fuel, you can ride the storm without any qualms. Inspect the Roof You sure don’t want melting snow leaking down your roof in the thick of the winter. This is why you need a roof inspection to help you spot any potential issues. You can either do your roof inspection yourself or call a professional. If you’re going the DIY route, here are some of the things to check and do: Missing or damaged shingles Large accumulation of moss which may signal decay Trim tree branches close to the roof and house Check gutters for clogging, debris and corrosion. Depending on the damage you find, you may have to find a professional roof contractor for repairs. Our team at F&J Builders are expert home contractors with years of experience and professional service. Give us a call today or fill out our online contact form !
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Does your home's exterior need a facelift? You know that curb appeal is one of the most important aspects of any home. This is especially true if you are gearing up to put your home on the market. Giving your home's exterior some TLC is critical if your want your home to stand out, remain appealing, and even increase its value. How's your siding? Maybe it's looking a little dull, outdated, or showing signs of damage. Now would be the time to invest in new siding for your home. Consider these 2022 home siding trends below for your next siding home improvement project. White is Trending Again in 2022 Rolling over from 2021, white siding is still a strong option for your home's exterior. Clean white never gets old, and boring beige and vibrant colors don't quite do it for sidings this season. White siding is ideal as a neutral color that gives a classic feel and acts as the perfect color for accenting. Whether you are buying new white siding or just repainting or whitewashing your existing siding, white is the way to go. Brick is Still Popular Brick siding is still popular among homeowners even though traditional lap siding or board siding is common in home construction today. Some people love the classic look of brick siding and even find it to be useful as accents to newer homes. Brick siding's appeal is its texture and historical aesthetic and less about the garish brick red color that many people think of. It's being painted to add flair and reflect the homeowner's personal taste and preference. White or whitewashed are common choices, but homeowners are opting for other colors for a bold pop. Cement Siding is Dominant Making waves in the siding market is cement siding, which is common in new construction today. Thanks to its durability and longevity, cement siding is a 2022 favorite. Vinyl and wood sidings will not stand the test of time and will eventually start to break down. Vinyl siding will crack and fade from sun exposure with time, while wood siding attracts termites that can damage the material but are also prone to rot and water damage. With cement siding, you don't have to worry about any of those problems because the material can stand up to bugs, corrosion, sunlight, and water. Cement siding is also known for its beauty and ability to create visual interest by mimicking natural wood grain. Mix and Match Siding Does mix and match siding sound a bit odd to you? Odd can be a good thing, though, and this popular trend uses different styles and sizes of cladding. In 2022, you'll see the unique combination, especially in modern homes, to highlight specific parts of a home. If playing with contrast, you could use different color siding to achieve visual appeal. This could add a distinct look to your home by playing with color, texture or adding decorative trim. Do you have a siding home improvement project that you want to get done? Look no further than F&J Builders, who have a track record of quality work that you can depend on. The F&J team looks forward to working with you on your next siding project ! Give us a call today or fill out our online contact form for more information!
A custom deck sounds like a fun and valuable addition to any home. Being able to add a personal touch to your deck is incredible because it will be your absolute vision coming to life in the end. After creating and building your custom deck, the return on investment(ROI) will be well worth it. Are you thinking about building a custom deck but are unsure of the benefits? You are in the right place. Here you’ll learn of several benefits to be had from building a custom deck . Matches Your Unique Needs and Taste Building a custom deck gives you the opportunity to design and build it to your specific liking. You’ll think of your personal taste and need and customize your deck to fit those needs. For example, if you want your deck to surround a spa, you’ll add the specifics to your deck design. The deck will also be to your taste entirely, something that a predesigned deck usually fails to do. You don’t have to settle for a predesigned deck since when you opt for a customized design, you can choose your desired shape, size, and any unique feature. Your chosen contractor will keep in mind your preferences and design ideas when building your custom deck. Custom Deck Increases Your Home Value A deck of any size will increase the value of your home. It’s a new addition that expands the square footage of your home, creating more space for you and your family to enjoy the outdoors. Furthermore, a custom deck typically elevates the aesthetics of a home, boosting curb appeal in the process. Your custom deck can add a luxurious feel to your outdoor space depending on the design. Many homeowners recoup more than 80% of their money in building their deck. That’s a significant return. Can Be an Enjoyable Addition to Your Home You can improve your quality of life with a custom deck since it makes life more enjoyable. These decks have a functional appeal, but they also make for the ideal space for social activities. You can design your custom deck to be the perfect place for family gatherings, to lounge on a warm breezy day, or the enjoy the night sky by the fire pit attached to your custom deck. That’s an enjoyable kind of life. Deck Cohesive With Your Existing House Since a custom deck takes a personalized approach, you can design and build it to blend in with your existing house. A predesigned deck may not be cohesive and could look unusual when installed. You want your custom deck to stand out for the right reasons and not be a distraction or a sight for sore eyes. For instance, you have the freedom to ensure that your deck is in line with your home's color, style, and even features. Professional contractors can seamlessly build your deck to match the design of your home. Trying to find a custom deck builder to enhance your outdoor space? F&J Builders has the perfect team to give you precisely what you envision in a custom deck. We are a team of expert contractors who specialize in deck installation and can help you achieve your dream deck. Give us a call today or fill out our online contact form to get started!
Earthy accents add value to buildings, which you will get when you install stone veneers. It is applicable to different areas in a home, including walls and other surfaces. The appearance on surfaces is second to none as it brings out the beauty in your building. This material has existed for many decades, and it is still relevant today. Different stone products are available in the market. That makes it worthwhile to understand them before buying one. What is Stone Veneer? Stone veneers are smaller pieces of pebble, usually decorative, used in construction projects. Veneers materials are products of quarried stones that do not contain concrete composite. They are high-quality stones suitable for everything related to construction, including interior and exterior walls. Also, engineers use them when building swimming pools. There are natural stone veneers and manufactured ones. What makes a stone veneer natural is meeting ATSM specification, specific absorption level, and compressive strength. Unlike its counterpart, it requires less maintenance, and you don’t need support ledges during installation. How to Install Stone Veneers Have you decided to install stone veneers in your construction projects? You will need the services of a professional mason for proper installation. Below are the steps to getting the stone veneer installed. Waterproofing of the surface area Removal of chemical film on the wall Preparation of the surface area based on the material Unsealed concrete Setting mix to ensure proper application Using mortar with a bonding admixture Start from any corner pieces Alternate long and short ends How to Use Stone Veneers The exciting thing about stone veneer is its uniqueness, making it a perfect complement for any construction project. Below are the uses of stone veneer: Commercial Projects – It is an excellent option for big projects. Builders use it for restaurants, hotels, and office building construction. Residential Projects – Given that the material has lower installation costs and requires no special footings, it can be used in residential projects. 3 Principles of Water Management in Stone Veneer Installation When installing stone veneers, it is essential to manage water the right way to achieve satisfactory results. The following are critical component requires for water management. Barrier system for stopping water Concealed barrier system for draining and managing water Rainscreen for water infiltration when working on larger air space. Stone Veneer Cut Options The structure of the stone veneer determines the design layout. The options include: Rectangle Oval Square Ledge Mosaic Also, it is possible to mix different stone veneer cut options, depending on the layout you want to achieve. Conclusion Stone veneer is like old wine that gets better with age. It always looks attractive from afar irrespective of the design you choose. F&J Builders offers expert masonry and siding services to assist you with stone veneer installation. Give us a call today or fill out our online contact form !
