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As the winter frost fades away and nature bursts into bloom, it’s time to give your home a fresh makeover with some springtime renovations. Spring offers the perfect opportunity to rejuvenate your living space, whether you’re aiming to improve functionality, enhance curb appeal, or simply update your interiors. Here are some practical renovation ideas to consider as you welcome the season of renewal.

Refresh Your Interior Paint

Interior paint is an awesome way to refresh your bedrooms and living spaces without making any actual drastic change. You can pick colors that speak to you, or that are trendy, and create a space that instantly feels fresh and like home.

Before you start painting, make sure to thoroughly clean any grease off the walls and use the right paint removers if needed. Also pole sand the walls and ceiling to remove minor raised imperfections and rough up the wall for the new paint to adhere well. Mask off any trim or other items that are not to be painted.

Although you can consider trending colors, look at the use of each room and try to pick colors that work towards that goal.

Update Your Kitchen

The kitchen is often the heart of the home, so why not freshen it up for spring? Consider updating cabinets, countertops, and appliances for a modern look. Light, airy colors and natural materials can help create a welcoming atmosphere. Adding features like a kitchen island or pantry can improve functionality and make cooking and entertaining more enjoyable.

Renovate Your Bathroom

Your bathroom should be an oasis away from the rest of the world! This area should be a space for you to reset and shower off the stress from a long day of work. If it’s not currently offering that, there’s a lot to get done here.

Transform your bathroom into a serene sanctuary by updating fixtures, tiles, and countertops. Consider adding features like a walk-in shower or soaking tub for a spa-like experience. Natural elements like stone accents or botanical-themed décor can enhance the overall ambiance.

Boost Curb Appeal

Give your home a vibrant makeover by sprucing up your landscaping and garden. Consider planting colorful flowers, shrubs, and trees, or for a low-maintenance option, opt for artificial grass supplied by reputable artificial grass suppliers. This can add beauty and curb appeal to your property without the need for regular watering or mowing. Incorporate pathways, water features, and garden beds to further enhance the visual appeal of your outdoor space, transforming it into a tranquil sanctuary that reflects the beauty of spring.

Improve Your Outdoor Living Space

With the arrival of warmer weather, there’s no better time to transform your outdoor area into a relaxing oasis. Consider adding a deck, patio, or pergola to extend your living space outdoors. Enhance it with comfortable seating, ambient lighting, and lush greenery to create a welcoming environment for outdoor gatherings and relaxation. Adding features like a fire pit or outdoor covered kitchen can elevate your outdoor living experience, making it an inviting retreat for family and friends.

Repair and Maintain Your Home

It’s vital that your property stays well-maintained. Keeping up with this will eventually make any large damages or incidents far less stressful for you to recover from. For instance, a thunder storm that blows off a few shingles can be stressful, but if you haven’t been maintaining that area of your home it could mean massive roof leaks and huge repairs.

Set monthly and yearly reminders for what needs to be accomplished on your property.

Fresh Starts Are Always In Style

There’s something exciting about starting fresh in a new year. This spring, consider following these tips. Please contact us at 248-597-2929 or tripups@comcast.net if we can provide any assistance.

Author Bio:

Roger Marx is a freelance writer that loves sharing his knowledge and expertise on the latest trending building and design products. He lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota where he enjoys spending time with his wife and working on backyard projects in his spare time. Roger’s work as a freelance writer can be found on Building Product Advisor, a construction industry resource site.

With the widespread transition to remote work on a global scale, there has been a significant surge in the desire for home offices that are both effective and uplifting. As an increasing number of people now perform their tasks from the coziness of their residences, the importance of establishing a workspace that fosters productivity and inspiration has become paramount. In reaction to this shift, a wave of creative enhancements and adjustments for home offices has surfaced, revolutionizing our approach to work within the confines of our homes.

Ergonomic Furniture Redefined

The backbone of any home office is its furniture, and the latest innovations focus on enhancing comfort and productivity. Ergonomically designed desks and chairs have taken center stage, with adjustable features to accommodate various working preferences. Sit-stand desks have gained popularity, promoting a healthier work routine by allowing users to switch between sitting and standing positions. These furnishings not only cater to physical well-being but also contribute to a more dynamic and engaging work atmosphere.

Smart Lighting Solutions

Innovative lighting solutions have become a game-changer for home offices, addressing issues related to both productivity and well-being. Smart lighting systems, equipped with adjustable color temperatures and brightness levels, mimic natural light to reduce eye strain and fatigue. Some systems even sync with circadian rhythms, promoting a healthy sleep-wake cycle. Additionally, smart lighting can be controlled through voice commands or mobile apps, providing users with the flexibility to create a customized and energizing work environment.

Acoustic Enhancement

Establishing a tranquil and concentrated home workspace is crucial for remote professionals. Acoustic enhancements play a pivotal role in mitigating noise distractions and cultivating a serene working atmosphere. The strategic placement of acoustic panels around the home office serves to absorb sound, minimizing echoes and creating a quieter environment conducive to focused work. Additionally, cutting-edge solutions incorporate adaptive technology that actively cancels out background noise, enabling users to maintain concentration even in bustling households. Integrating wood acoustic panels further enhances this effort, not only by absorbing sound waves but also by adding a visually appealing and customizable element to the workspace, blending functionality with aesthetics for an optimal remote work environment.

Multi-Functional Spaces

In homes where space is at a premium, the rise of multi-functional areas has become pivotal. This shift towards versatility and efficiency has sparked the rise of ingenious furniture designs that define these adaptable spaces. Take foldable desks, for example—they’re a smart answer to the need for swift switches between work and leisure, making the most of every available inch. Complementing this, hidden storage solutions discreetly tuck away work essentials and personal items, maintaining a sleek and clutter-free ambiance. Moreover, opting for the best polyurethane for floors ensures a clean and tidy workspace. This holistic approach to interior design not only optimizes space usage but also cultivates a sense of order and harmony within the home office. Seamlessly transitioning between tasks becomes effortless, allowing for a well-balanced living space where functionality and space utilization align harmoniously.

Advanced Connectivity Solutions

In the digital age, where remote work has become increasingly prevalent, the demand for seamless connectivity is non-negotiable. The latest innovations in home office setups go beyond conventional workspaces, introducing advanced connectivity solutions that redefine the way we work and collaborate. Integrated wireless charging pads, for instance, have become integral, providing a convenient and clutter-free method to keep essential devices powered throughout the workday. Smart plugs add an extra layer of control, allowing users to manage and schedule the power supply to various devices, optimizing energy consumption and enhancing efficiency. Moreover, the integration of high-speed internet infrastructure ensures a robust and reliable connection, eliminating the frustration of lag or disruptions during virtual meetings and critical work tasks. This focus on connectivity not only transforms the home office into a hub of technological efficiency but also contributes to a seamless work experience, enabling remote workers to navigate the digital landscape with ease and confidence. As a result, these enhancements play a crucial role in creating an environment where virtual collaboration is not only possible but is conducted effortlessly, minimizing technical hiccups and promoting a productive work atmosphere.

Creating the Ambiance

Creating an optimal work environment within your home office holds significant importance for various reasons. A meticulously planned and well-structured workspace doesn’t just enhance productivity by minimizing diversions; it also cultivates a more polished professional image, positively impacting how others perceive your abilities. Moreover, its influence extends beyond the professional realm; a carefully designed space has a profound effect on mental well-being, alleviating stress and fostering a positive mindset that bolsters overall mental health. Crafting the perfect ambiance involves thoughtful enhancements that balance functionality and aesthetics, integrating personal touches like inspirational decor or modern crown molding to infuse comfort and individuality. Strategically implementing storage solutions further promotes an organized, clutter-free space. These improvements not only tailor the environment to your preferences but also acknowledge the pivotal role of a well-designed home office in fostering a positive, conducive atmosphere for work, ultimately influencing your overall well-being and job satisfaction.

Elevating Home Offices for Remote Work Success

The recent advancements in home office solutions mark a notable stride in aligning our living environments with the requirements of remote work. Spanning from ergonomic furnishings to cutting-edge technology integrations, these enhancements not only boost productivity but also nurture the overall well-being of those working from home. As the distinction between professional and personal spaces becomes more fluid, these innovations herald a future where home offices transcend mere functionality, becoming inspiring spaces uniquely crafted to meet the individual needs of remote workers.

Modifying a house to accommodate aging seniors is crucial for their safety, independence, and overall well-being. These adjustments, ranging from installing grab bars to creating accessible living spaces, significantly reduce the risk of falls, enhance mobility, and promote a sense of autonomy. By adapting the home environment—adjusting heights, installing aids, and making spaces more navigable—seniors can comfortably age in place, fostering emotional well-being in familiar surroundings. These modifications not only provide practical solutions but also offer a sense of security, enabling seniors to maintain connections within their community while easing the burden on caregivers. Ultimately, these changes support a fulfilling and dignified life as seniors navigate their golden years.

The Growing Need for Long-Term Care

The continuous advancements in healthcare have significantly increased life expectancy, leading to a noticeable surge in the senior population. This demographic shift underscores an urgent need for long-term care solutions that cater to the specific needs of aging individuals. Despite this growing necessity, there’s a prevalent desire among seniors to maintain their independence and continue living in a familiar environment that holds cherished memories. Aging in place, within the comfort of their own homes, emerges as a powerful solution that meets both practical and emotional needs. It not only addresses the logistical aspects of care but also crucially preserves the emotional well-being of seniors, allowing them to maintain a sense of autonomy and connection to their surroundings, contributing positively to their overall quality of life.

Bathroom Modifications

Tailoring a bathroom to meet the needs of aging seniors involves a deliberate array of adjustments that prioritize safety and comfort. Among these modifications, the strategic installation of grab bars near essential areas like the toilet and shower emerges as pivotal. These bars offer indispensable support, aiding in balance and furnishing a secure handhold, thereby minimizing accident risks, and instilling greater confidence in daily routines. The replacement of conventional tubs with walk-in or roll-in showers is another critical safety enhancement, especially pertinent as maneuvering in and out of a tub becomes more challenging with age.

Yet, one of the most crucial safety measures in a senior-friendly bathroom is the addition of non-slip flooring. Bathrooms, often focal points for slip and fall risks, derive substantial benefits from this adjustment. Introducing a textured, non-slip surface on the floor significantly elevates safety, particularly in wet conditions.

Further adaptations, such as the utilization of a raised toilet seat, contribute to easing mobility challenges and minimizing joint strain. Hand-held shower heads accommodate seated bathing, particularly advantageous for those with mobility limitations. Anti-scald devices ensure water temperature regulation, averting burns during showering.

Well-lit spaces with nightlights enhance visibility, mitigating accident risks. Reorganizing storage for easy reach ensures convenience, and the incorporation of an emergency call system in the bathroom provides reassurance for prompt assistance during emergencies. Collectively, these modifications create a safer and more accessible bathroom environment for aging seniors, promoting independence and comfort in their solo living arrangements.

Kitchen Upgrades

To promote the comfort and security of aging seniors living independently, several kitchen modifications can be implemented. Adjusting countertop heights to be more accessible overall comfort. Installing pull-out shelves and drawers at reachable levels ensures easy access without requiring excessive bending or stretching. Opting for lever-style faucets and cabinet handles improves control and usability for seniors. The use of non-slip flooring materials and well-distributed lighting helps minimize fall risks and enhances visibility. Selecting appliances with user-friendly controls and positioning them at reachable heights reduces physical strain. Incorporating safety features like smoke detectors and fire extinguishers provides an additional layer of security. Lastly, designing the kitchen layout to accommodate mobility aids enables seniors to move freely, fostering independence and comfort in their solo living arrangements.

Enhancing Entryway Accessibility

Ensuring entryway accessibility for aging seniors living alone involves a series of considerate modifications aimed at prioritizing their safety and comfort. Installing
handrails on both sides of the entry path is a fundamental step, providing essential support for balance and significantly reducing the risk of slips or falls. Moreover, incorporating handrail lighting enhances visibility, contributing to an overall safer environment, particularly during nighttime.

To further facilitate easy entry, a threshold ramp is beneficial, smoothing the transition from outdoors to indoors. This is particularly advantageous for seniors using mobility aids or facing challenges with steps. Widening the doorway is another critical adjustment, allowing seamless passage for mobility devices such as wheelchairs or walkers.

The implementation of a keyless entry system or lever-style door handles serves a dual purpose by simplifying the process of entering and exiting, while also addressing potential challenges associated with traditional locks, such as difficulty gripping or turning keys. Collectively, these modifications create an entryway that is not only accessible but also secure, empowering aging seniors to maintain their independence and feel at ease in the comfort of their own living space.

Integration of Smart Home Technologies

The advent of smart home technologies has revolutionized the way we live, and it holds tremendous potential in the realm of aging in place. These technologies are designed to enhance safety, security, and overall comfort for seniors.

Smart home devices can include sensors that monitor movement and detect anomalies. This can be particularly beneficial in alerting caregivers or family members if there is a sudden change in activity patterns, potentially signaling a health issue. Smart thermostats and lighting systems can be programmed for energy efficiency and adjusted remotely, ensuring a comfortable environment for seniors without the need for physical effort.

Voice-activated virtual assistants, such as Amazon’s Alexa or Google Assistant, can serve as companions and assist with various tasks, from setting reminders for medication to answering questions and providing entertainment. These technologies not only cater to the practical needs of seniors but also combat feelings of isolation.

Critical Importance of Home Adaptations for Aging Seniors

Ensuring a home is well-adapted for aging seniors is crucial for various reasons. These
modifications enhance overall safety and accessibility, mitigating the risks associated with aging. Features like grab bars and ramps contribute to fostering independence, creating a comfortable environment for seniors to age in place. The benefits extend beyond individuals, alleviating pressure on healthcare systems and enhancing the overall quality of life for older residents. In essence, adapting homes for aging seniors is both a compassionate and practical investment in their well-being.

Although the interior of your home needs to be stunning when you’re expecting buyers or clients, it’s vital that the exterior blows everyone away. The outside of any building will decide how many people want to see the interior.

If you want to pull in renters, clients, or buyers: it’s vital that the exterior of your buildings catch their eyes. These are the top design ideas to keep in mind!

1. Invest in Native Wildlife

If you want to save money on water, make the property look fantastic, and also get to claim it’s eco-friendly, it’s time to invest in native plants. This means avoiding going for huge swaths of green grass and instead involving as much native plant life as possible.

Not only do these look great, but they need less maintenance and less water outside of the natural rain in your area and will look amazing because they’re where they’re meant to be. Native plants are having a huge boom in popularity, so it’s vital that you get in on this ahead of any price hikes!

2. Remember Eco-Friendly Options

Keeping eco-friendly doesn’t just mean getting plants from your area! Another great way to be as eco-friendly as possible is to use materials that won’t add more plastic to the environment and are long-lasting.

Glass railingis a beautiful and plastic-free way to add safety to your property while still keeping it attractive. This type of railing also allows through more natural light, which helps you reduce the amount of electricity that’s used throughout the day.

3. Create Distinctive Entrances

Make it clear where people are supposed to enter and exit your building! If this is a commercial space, you don’t want customers feeling lost when they arrive. You can do this by signage, of course, but also by using an attractive brick cladding system at the front door to draw eyes to it or creating a path that leads directly to it, which can be effective as well.

Remember to keep it as accessible as possible so any customer, renter, or client can confidently make their way in.

4. Consider Maintenance Time and Cost

How much time and money do you have to devote to maintenance? Of course, using native plants is a great way to reduce the work and time put in, but you should also consider things like using materials that are easy to clean and don’t get damaged easily.

Remember to stay on top of any small problems or damages that occur. A small crack in the sidewalk in October may not seem like a big deal, but by March, after it’s gone through multiple freeze and thaw cycles, that could break the entire paver in half. Correct small issues early.

5. Modern Facades and Updates

Similar to the brick cladding systemmentioned earlier, it’s important to consider what the physical building itself looks like. Of course, you can go for the classic look, whether it has siding, stone, or concrete: but don’t be afraid to make big changes.

Think about what the material that’s facing the world tells it about your business, and decide if that’s what you want. Facades are affordable, can be installed quickly, and will transform your building into something new and inviting. Work with a professional company, and avoid making the mistake of trying to cut corners.

6. Invest in Rooftop Space

Rooftop entertainment spaces are increasingly popular since they give everyone the chance to stop and enjoy time out in the fresh air without having to leave the building. These are also often secure behind doors and private, so they don’t have to worry about the city walking by or dealing with extra noise.

You can design this to be as welcoming or inventive as possible, and it’s always in style. Remember to add enough safety to this section, and use rooftop flooring tilesthat are built to withstand whatever weather hits your area the most! Being prepared is being smart.

7. Clear Pathways and Parking

Something many building owners don’t consider as part of their curb appeal is the parking and pathways up to the building. These need to be as inviting as the inside of the property and should give people a chance to feel like they’re arriving home or somewhere calming.

Plants along the parking lot, a clean parking lot with clear, freshly painted parking lines, trash that’s taken out often, and keeping it as well-lit as possible can all boost the comfort in this area. If you’re in a population-dense place, adding a gate to a multi-residential building can also be a good choice.

The Exterior of Your Building Tells a Story

Whether this is the first building you’ve ever updated, it’s important to make an impact. Work with a professional likeTri-Pupsto create an exterior that anyone would be intrigued by!

Roger Marx is a freelance writer that loves sharing his knowledge and expertise on the latest trending building and design products. He lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota where he enjoys spending time with his wife and working on backyard projects in his spare time. Roger’s work as a freelance writer can be found on Building Product Advisor, a construction industry resource site.

Interior renovations are on the rise as people work to boost their home’s value before putting it on a rough market. If you’re not prepared for what the modern buyer is looking for, though, you could end up completing unnecessary updates and wasting money!

These are the top changes to follow if you want to see your home’s value go through the roof.

1. Boost Your Energy Efficiency

Whether a buyer is concerned about the environment or their bottom line, energy efficiency is a top contender when it comes to updates. Buyers want a home that will stay at a constant temperature with as little work and financial input as possible.

To boost energy efficiency, you simply have to update a few choice parts of your home. These include your insulation, windows, doors, and any other entrance to your property. Using string, or a lit candle, walk by all closed doors and windows to see if there’s a draft from an air leak. Seal or replace the windows or doors where you find issues.

2. Create Quick Visual Intrigue

Sometimes buyers can get worn out looking at countless similar properties when they’re simply trying to find something new or exciting. Instead of letting them deal with one-note properties, watch potential buyers marvel at your eye for detail.

Even looking into bathroom shiplap ideas can be enough to set your home apart from the hundreds of others on the market. Remember to avoid using too much gray or white as well since many buyers are clocking these as flipped or previously rental properties, which is often a turnoff.

3. Add Beautiful Touches of Luxury

Luxury is something everyone wants, but most people can’t afford it. Thankfully, you can add luxurious touches to any property without breaking the bank. One of the best ways to do this is through heated surfaces.

The most popular option for this is a heated shower floor. Heating the shower floor provides a luxurious and comforting experience, especially during colder seasons. The warmth radiating from the floor creates a soothing sensation, making your shower time a moment of relaxation and tranquility.

4. Clean From Top to Bottom

Before you take a single listing photo or allow a buyer anywhere near your home, take the time to deep clean from top to bottom. This may feel simple, but buyers don’t want to be able to find grim from whomever previously lived in their home. This ruins the fantasy of being the first owner, something many buyers can’t afford to do.

Deep clean fan blades, wipe down crown molding and then use magic erasers to get out any smudges that are left over. After this, there’s only one other way to freshen walls: paint.

5. Don’t Forget a Fresh Coat of Paint

A fresh coat of paint can make any room feel clean and fresh. Paint covers any marks or smudges, helps get rid of dust, and leaves a room feeling brand new. Go for muted but attractive colors. A like sage green has been trendy in recent years for main spaces.

Of course, this depends on the type of home. If you’re selling a Victorian property, it could be a good idea to lean into the style and use a stronger color, a technique that has been popular in recent years.

6. Update Out of Date Floors

How old are your floors? If your laminate flooring hasn’t been updated in 20 years, it could be due for a refresh. Replacing laminate is affordable, plus it can give a space a brand new face. Laminate has come a long way in the last couple of decades, not only looking better but lasting longer and having far more color and style options for anyone who wants something different.

Remember to use a hue and shade that works well for whatever room you’re in, and avoid anything too vibrant if you want to avoid alienating buyers. A lovely faux wood grain and color can go a long way.

7. Complete a Mini Kitchen Remodel

Kitchen remodels are always a significant update, and in 2023 it’s vital that you work on making it as mini as possible. Smaller kitchen remodels save you money while also offering a higher return on investment than you’d find from a complete kitchen remodel.

This idea can also be carried into bathroom remodels, offering a higher return on investment if you can update just the flooring and shower instead of gutting the entire bathroom.

Renovations Can Boost Your Value in No Time!

Whether your home is five years old or five decades old, you can update it to fit the tastes of nearly any buyer. Follow some of these tips, and put in the work to create a one-of-a-kind property unlike any other!

Roger Marx is a freelance writer that loves sharing his knowledge and expertise on the latest trending building and design products. He lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota where he enjoys spending time with his wife and working on backyard projects in his spare time. Roger’s work as a freelance writer can be found on Building Product Advisor, a new construction industry resource site.

Remodeling your home is a massive project that requires a lot of planning, budgeting, and commitment that many people run short on. It doesn’t matter if you’re remodeling to sell or you’re trying to create a space that feels more like home to you; it’s important that you take your time and make sure you have everything in line before you start.

These are the steps to follow if you’re planning a home remodel and how to avoid some of the biggest mistakes homeowners have been making for decades.

1. Consider the Possible Projects

Before you start, it’s important to consider what projects you need to do and which ones you want to do. Tasks that need to be done include things that have to do with the utility of your space, the safety of your property, and what will make it easier to sell if you’re planning to sell. These need to have priority because they’ll often offer a higher return on investment.

Projects you want to do but aren’t immediately necessary are still important, but if you realize while budgeting that they’re less important, you’ll simply have to postpone or cancel them altogether.

2. Your Budget and Timeline are Paramount

Before you start buying up materials for stone veneer interior walls, you need to set a clear budget and timeline for yourself. If you avoid setting a budget, you might find yourself running out of money quickly, unable to keep up with the high cost that comes with construction. This is, unfortunately, incredibly common for people who are newer to remodeling.

Your timeline is intrinsically tied into this, especially if you’re hiring people to help you. Workers cost money, and the longer you draw out a project, the more money it’s going to cost you.

3. Try to Catch Deals

Catching a good deal or sale while you’re updating a property can mean a difference of thousands of dollars. Of course, you shouldn’t wait years for the right deal to fall into your lap; if your timeline is looser and you haven’t hired anyone yet, it might be work budgeting and saving your money for six months to a year until the prices look better.

Late fall and winter are the best times to buy materials, or find work, because of lower pricing and higher availability due to lower demand. This can make a project that would otherwise be unaffordable into something you can comfortably complete.

4. Remodel is More Than Just Looks

From drywall corner bead types to the quality of screws and nails, you need to become familiar with the details beyond just how things look. Of course, the stain and colors you use throughout your property matter, but you should be working on functionality and utility as well.

In the late 2010s, one of the largest projects many homeowners attempted was creating a master suite by removing one of the rooms in their property and extending the main bedroom into it. This can knock $20,000 off of the average home’s value and will hurt you in the long run. Remember utility and the return on investment in every project, and how much it’s actually worth.

5. To DIY or Not to DIY

Doing it yourself is an awesome way to save money, get hands-on experience, and enjoy the feeling of a job well done. Unfortunately, it can also come with plenty of problems. If you have a tight work schedule, your project may take a lot longer since you have to try and work around when you have the energy for it. On top of that, if you make a mistake, it’s going to cost you even more to hire someone later to repair it.

DIY can be useful, but make sure to know your limits and hire help when necessary.

6. Deep Clean Any Area Before Working On It

You’ll find almost every room can use a deep cleaning before you start any remodel project.

Not only will deep cleaning give you a clearer view of the space you’re working on, but it will also give you a chance to check for cracks, leaks, gaps, and so much more that you want to repair before putting on more paint or updating the flooring. This will also save you a lot of headaches and clean up afterward since you won’t need to deal with both debris and dirt getting in your way.
Remodeling Your Home is Huge!

Whether you’re trying to create a space to live in for the next thirty-plus years, or you’re eager to sell and want to make a property that’s impressive to buyers, remodeling your house is a huge project. Plan ahead, work with a professional repair and remodeling company, and watch your property glow.

Roger Marx is a freelance writer that loves sharing his knowledge and expertise on home improvement projects especially deck construction. He lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota where he enjoys spending time with his wife and working on backyard projects in his spare time. Roger’s work as a freelance writer can be found on Building Product Advisor, a new construction industry resource site.

The interior of our home says a lot about who we are, what we’re interested in, and what we want to see in our daily lives. Unfortunately, many people aren’t sure where to start when updating. This can lead to homes with boring interiors that don’t inspire us anymore.

Instead of giving up on the interior of your home: these are the top remodeling projects you should try in 2023 to give your property a fresh look.

1. Finishing Your Basement

Basements are a part of our home that we often overlook or put off finishing. Unfortunately, this means wasted space within our house could be put to far better use. Updating your basement flooring, adding specific rooms, and completing them, can double the size of your home if it’s one story.

Take the time to think beyond guest rooms and consider what you want in your home. Is it a media room? A home office? Somewhere to do your hobbies? Invest in this, and don’t be afraid to make your own dreams come true. Any room can be repurposed if you decide to sell, but it should be a space you get good use out of while you live there.

2. Inspire Yourself With Color

Color is something that’s hard to escape when it comes to design: but choosing how to use it shouldn’t be scary! Color can be a fantastic way to show off unique shapes in furniture, awesome designs that inspire you, and can even affect the room’s mood.

Pantone is world known for its colors: and 2023’s color of the year is a beauty! Called Viva Magenta, this warm red color is a fantastic example of how color can affect us.

Using a color like this in your home can affect your choices for everything else you do, best paired with bold white or black, or allowing it to truly shine against a warm copper color, it’s easy to allow colors to inspire you. Although you should still pick colors you like, don’t be afraid to go a little out of your comfort zone.

3. Natural Light Isn’t Hard to Find

Sunlight is something that we take for granted when we’re outside, but the moment we’re inside it can feel like homeowners struggle even to grab a couple of drops of light. Consider looking into bay window ideas to update your home and make any room a little more dazzling. A bay window adds two square feet of space to any room and gives it a classic and beautiful look.

These windows allow a steady stream of light inside on sunny days and ensure that your home isn’t dark and closed off. You can do anything you want with this bay window, making it a reading nook, a breakfast corner, or even a space for your plants to flourish. So don’t be shy about adding this beautiful detail to your home.

4. Adding Beautiful Details

Details are a quick way to add a personalized and unique look to your home. This can be done by adding details like adding molding to cabinets, changing the light fixtures you use, or creating amazing art for your home. The important thing is that these details play well with the other details already inside your home. If you have a very busy tile style and a busy paint color on your walls, adding furniture with a vibrant print on top of that can be an eye strain.

Remember that less is more, and if you decide it needs more down the line, that’s always easier to fix than stripping away paint and switching out your furniture to get rid of a cluttered appearance.

5. Creating Visual Intrigue

Visual intrigue says a lot about a home, but it doesn’t necessarily mean art or knick-knacks. Instead, consider the layout of each room of your home. Use your furniture to guide your eyes where you want them to look and give them a chance to see what they should do. You can achieve this further by the placement of rugs, use of lighting, and other items that will pull across what you’re trying to convince others.

Your Home’s Interior Should Excite You

Regardless of how your home looked when you bought it: what interests you when it comes to updating your home? What type of house do you want? Although it can take time to figure out your perfect property, you can always experiment until you get there!

Roger Marx is a freelance writer that loves sharing his knowledge and expertise on home improvement projects especially deck construction. He lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota where he enjoys spending time with his wife and working on backyard projects in his spare time. Roger’s work as a freelance writer can be found on Building Product Advisor, a new construction industry resource launching in the New Year.

We were working in a beautiful new home in Milford recently. The Owners had the home custom built with numerous unique built-ins, an awesome kitchen, two circular staircases, and many other beautiful features. The house is a 6,500 square foot eye-popper. It is new and it all looks beautiful—-FOR NOW. As I walked through the house I realized that within a year, drywall nail or screw pops will start appearing. Nail or screw pops are unavoidable as they occur when the house foundation settles and the framing shrinks and expands. Once the house reaches its equilibrium the pops can usually be permanently repaired. What can’t be corrected, at least not easily, are the long cracks that are likely to appear on the outside of drywall corners where the metal corner bead has been bumped into or where the wood below has shrunk. Adding mud over the crack will not prevent the crack from re-appearing later though this is the method that most Builders use to get through the warranty period applicable to new construction.

In production building many Builders will often use less expensive products whenever they can get away with it. After all, they only have to warranty the house for one year by law. It seems that there is no end to the ways a production Builder can cheapen the product for the unsuspecting new Buyer.

One cost saving method is to use metal corner bead for drywall. For more than 50 years metal corner bead was the standard. It was easy to install and it lasted. When modern finishing methods started to include drywall and not just lathe and plaster, Builders continued to use metal corner bead as there was no better alternative. Fortunately, that has changed. WWW.GRABBERMAN.COM offers a product called NO-COAT corners.

Over the past 12 years we have converted from exclusive use of metal corners to exclusive use of NO-COAT corners. We use NO-COAT ULTRAFLEX 450 or ULTRATRIM ¾” Bullnose for exterior corners and the NO-COAT ULTRAFLEX 325 for interior corners. These products are composed of paper tape laminated to a co-polymer core. Since metal is eliminated there is no potential for rust stains which sometimes occur with metal corner beads. Nails or screws are also not used during the installation of NO-COAT corners.

The product is packaged in either sticks or rolls. There is little waste with the rolls and it is nice to use one long piece rather than a bunch of pieces abutted next to each other. Also, the rolls take up much less space in the truck. The only drawback to a roll is the space and time needed for cutting.

Installation is easy. Simply coat the wall with a thin layer of drywall mud (sold in a bag or bucket) and embed the NO-COAT corner as you would any other paper or fiberglass tape. The initial coating can be accomplished with a drywall knife or with a corner roller dipped in a bucket of mud. Once the mud is on the wall, press the NO-COAT corner into it and squeeze out the excess drywall mud, wiping it away with your knife.

We use the NO-COAT corners exclusively so we found it helpful to purchase the accessory installation tools which speed up the embedding time substantially. Using the accessory tools (shown below), press out the excess mud in one quick motion rolling over the inside or outside corner.

For Bullnose corners the process is the same except that the drywall must be cut back ½” on each side to allow for additional mud to go behind the bullnose and allow the piece to adhere at the correct angle. Once the corner is set in the mud, use a mudding knife to immediately apply another coating of drywall mud and trowel until smooth.

The top coating is the same as any other corner. After allowing the base coat to dry, apply another coat of mud. Let dry and, if needed, apply an optional coat of mud. When completely dry, sand smooth, prime, and paint. The profile of the NO-COAT corner will generally take less mud to finish than a metal corner. Also because the base coat of mud and the first topcoat are applied at the same time, there is a time savings over using fasteners followed by the first coat of mud,

NO-COAT is stronger than standard metal corner bead. Tests were performed by Grabber using 5 lb weights dropped from different heights onto equal lengths of finished corners composed of either metal corner bead or Grabber NO-COAT corner. The damage to each of the corners was examined. In every single instance the NO-COAT corner performance was superior to the metal corner bead.

I first discovered proof of this myself on a job site. I was carrying a solid core door into a room and I accidentally ran into one of our finished NO-COAT bullnose corners. I hit the corner head-on, not with a glancing blow. The corner took the full force of the weight of the door and my momentum and it did not crack! I was very surprised as I had expected substantial damage to result as I have witnessed with metal corners.

We usually purchase our Grabber NO-COAT corners at Ryan Building Supply in Southfield http://www.ryanbuildingmaterials.com though there are other suppliers catering to drywall professionals that carry the NO-COAT products within metro Detroit. Retail customers can purchase a limited supply of NO-COAT products at http://www.homedepot.com or http://www.amazon.com. Do not be fooled by other products that have similar characteristics. We have tried a few only to be very disappointed with the results. We don’t feel that it is worth the risk of a call-back to repair a crack resulting from using a product other than genuine NO-COAT corners.

While the cost of the actual NO-COAT corner material will likely be two to two and a half times more than metal corner bead we find that the labor savings, durability, and customer satisfaction are well worth the extra cost.

I am reminded of a fairly new house in Shelby Township where we spent nearly a week removing dozens of failed metal drywall corners back in 2007. There were long cracks along the edge of many of the metal corner beads. Unfortunately, the Builder’s warranty had expired so the Homeowners had to bear the full cost of the repairs themselves. After removing the metal corners, all of the fasteners, and the drywall mud build up, we installed Grabber NO-COAT corners. In addition to repairing the corners, we also had to repaint dozens of walls. It cost the Homeowner several thousand dollars for the repairs which could have been avoided had the Builder not tried to save what would likely have amounted to less than $100.

In December of 2014 that same Homeowner called us to work on another damaged drywall area in her house. While I was there I inspected all of the corners that we replaced back in 2007. They all looked like the day that we finished the repairs. There was not a single dent, ding, or crack visible on the NO-COAT edges while several new cracks had appeared along the metal corners that were not previously displaying any damage. The metal corners continue to fail while the dozens of NO-COAT corners have proven just why Grabber can offer a Lifetime Warranty against defects with their corners.

Excessive dust is probably the most common customer complaint encountered during a typical home or commercial remodeling project. Dust reaches every nook and cranny so anything that can be done to contain it while cutting lumber or sanding drywall will help reduce anxiety. As can be seen in this chart, the point during a major construction project where the customer mood level is lowest when the dust levels are at their maximum, which is usually at the drywall sanding stage.

We used to purchase rolled plastic and use masking tape to contain the dust. That worked to a point, but the plastic was always falling, and the tape would sometimes leave residue on the ceiling or take paint off. It wasn’t an optimal system, but it was all we had. Then about 10 years ago we stumbled upon a ZipWall product booth at a remodeling convention in Chicago and watched a demonstration of the product http://www.zipwall.com/ . Immediately we saw the potential. Since then our collection of ZipWall poles has grown from a single set of 4 to more than 20 over the years. They can often be found at multiple work sites.

The ZipWall system is composed of a set of spring loaded telescoping aluminum poles with a rubber pad at the top and bottom that holds your rolled plastic sheeting (sold separately) tightly to the ceiling and floor without the use of tape. The poles are easy to use and one person can usually wall off a room in about 10 minutes.
Our most frequent usage has been to set up small areas within a room to contain dust while repairing large ceiling or wall holes. They are also great for isolating a room that has a lot of wood cutting or demolition taking place . ZipWall sells an optional “zipper” that installs on your plastic sheeting but we have found that the zippers are expensive and don’t work well. A cut flap on one of the side “walls” works better for entering and exiting the sealed area. Unfortunately, that is also the source of any dust release from the area so it is best to attach another piece of rolled plastic over the flap to act as a door. Use masking tape to seal the top of the additional piece over the flap. Do not apply tape to the side or bottom of the additional piece as it becomes difficult to enter the “walled” area.

After using the ZipWall system for awhile, we started coming up with other uses for it. On several occasions we found that we could set up a wet saw in a customer’s finished living room. It sure beats walking a long distance or working out in the freezing cold to cut a tile . The ZipWall space can contain all of the dust and water. We simply place plastic sheeting on the floor with a drop cloth over it to prevent slippage. Clean up is a snap.

One time we set up the system at a local college. The poles were placed on top of A-frame ladders to create a huge tented area (20’ high x 30’ wide) for an Artist to work on a large wall mounted art project. The other Artists were envious of the lack of cleaning needed after the project was complete.

In our Workshop, we have a Spray Booth set up using the ZipWall system. Since it is so easy to set up and tear down, we can utilize the space either for construction of cabinets or the finishing of them, depending upon how much space is needed for each phase. The ZipWall system prevents the sawdust created during the woodworking phase from reaching the items being painted, stained, or clear coated.

Since the Environmental Protection Agency’s RRP rule went into affect a few years ago, we have seen many other uses for the ZipWall system including quick set up to contain lead paint chips during replacement window or door installations. The system also works to contain harmful lead debris during other home remodeling projects as well.

They really are very handy. No longer just for Contractors, the Home Depot has recently made them available to the Do-It-Yourself Homeowner too.

Have you ever wondered why one person can have great success with a deck sealer year after year, while another person using the same sealer has peeling issues, warping wood and other problems? Of course, there could be a lot of reasons, but there is likely a good explanation.

Consider, for example, what happens when you take a piece of lumber and submerse it in water. If that board is untreated, water will pass through the wood into the pores bi-directionally, or in two directions. The wood will retain its shape though swelling may occur. This is one basic reason why the wood on ship wrecks that have sat at the bottom of the ocean for hundreds of years are still in the same condition as when they sunk. Another good example of this is when a hardwood floor has sat under water due to a flood. The floor boards will warp so thoroughly that they will pull the nails out of their substrates and the tongue and groove will separate.

Take that same piece of wood and place it in a puddle of water so that the bottom of the board is wet and the top of the board is dry. Water will move through the pores from the bottom of the wood up into the top of the wood, evaporating at the surface. In this situation, water is only moving in one direction. When water moves in a single direction through the wood, the wood will start to warp and crack as the proteins and fibers within the wood realign and cross link. The extent, speed, and type of warpage are determined by several factors including the resins within the wood, the size of the pores, the length of time it remains wet, the temperature, etc. Inevitably, the wood will warp, crack, and perhaps cup.

Deck treatments fall into two categories, those that seal the pores of the wood completely (we’ll call them Group A), and those that leave the pores open (Group B). Some Group B treatments will act more like Group A if the sealant is applied too thick, so it is important to follow the manufacturer’s suggested application guidelines.

Leaving the wood pores open will allow bi-directional water movement. The wood should retain its shape, not cupping, cracking or warping. The Tri-Pups, Inc. staff recommends that you use sealants that keep the pores open when you can’t seal every side of the wood. Decks built at or slightly above ground level should always be treated with sealants from Group B leaving the pores open. Some examples include Penofin Blue Label, Cuprinol Decking Oil and Protector, Behr Premium Semi-Transparent Weatherproofing Wood Stain, and Sherwin Williams Deckscapes. Group B sealants can be used for most exterior wood surfaces.

For upper balcony decks, open staircases, outdoor furniture, and fences that have wood that can be treated on all sides, you can use either Group A or Group B sealants. The use of a Group A sealant can eliminate water passage of any kind, from all directions. Examples of Group A sealants include the entire line of Thompson’s Water Seal products, Olympic Maximum Waterproofing Sealant, and Olympic Wood Protector Waterproofing Sealant.

The situation to avoid is sealing one side of a wood surface with a pore sealing Group A product when the other side of the wood is inaccessible and therefore remains with untreated open pores. In this instance, water will still pass through the wood from the open pore side into the sealed pore side. Because the pores on top are sealed, the water movement is mono-directional leading to warping. The wood doesn’t have to be physically lying in water for this to occur. Temperature and humidity differences can cause condensation and capillary action, wicking and water intrusion. The effect is the same as laying the board in a puddle of water and waiting for it to warp.

Has your wood been previously treated? Are you using the same product for the re-application? If not, we recommend completely removing the old sealant prior to applying the new sealant as there is the strong possibility that the two sealants could be incompatible. Whenever possible, it is best to use the same product every time the wood is treated throughout the life of the wood. Applying a Group B sealant over a Group A sealant will likely result in peeling and flaking. There are some manufacturers that tell you that after their product has aged a few years it can be covered with any product. In our 15 years of deck treatment experience, we have found that to be untrue, especially when applying any Group B product over any Thompson’s Water Seal product.

Remember, before treating any exterior wood, it is best to properly clean the surface to remove dirt, mold, and other contaminants. Allow the wood adequate time to dry out completely before applying the sealant.

Please feel free to contact Tri-Pups, Inc. at 248-597-2929 with any questions you may have about the proper sealing of exterior wood surfaces.