home remodeling Archives - Ohio Home Doctor

How To Choose A Remodeling Contractor in Dayton, Ohio.

Matt Geddis — Tue, 22 May 2012 18:00:42 +0000

Home Remodeling and Home Improvement can be a fun and exciting experience. Transforming the living spaces you are accustomed too into the spaces you have been dreaming of is a real possibility.

Not only do you get to enjoy your new amenities, but you can also reap its rewards such as improved quality of life, heightened energy efficiency, and the ability to recoup most if not all of your investment through the resale value of your home.

The economy has effected home prices, and the cost of home improvement has declined as well. There has never been a better time to dive into the home remodeling or home improvement project you and your family have been anticipating for years.

The road to a successful project begins with proper prior planning. You must first decide which area of your home is in the most need of repair. Basement finishing yields the highest resale value, return with kitchens and baths not far behind. New flooring and paint also has a huge impact and often times is more affordable than you would think.

For exterior projects nothing adds to your home’s curb appeal and value like new windows, siding, and roofing.

Once you have decided which area of your home you will be working on, the total scope of the project must be formulated.

Lets take bathroom remodeling as an example. There are many options for updating or repairing your existing bathroom. New tubs, shower base, tile flooring, wall surround, tile walls, vanities, vessel sinks, lighting, comfort height toilets, grab bars, shower doors, towel bars, medicine cabinets, storage closets, the list goes on and on.

Ohio Home Doctor can present all your options for you along with pricing so you can decide how to get the largest home improvement impact for your budget.

For larger projects such as room additions, hiring an architect to formulate an initial drawing or blue print can save both time and money. Providing a blue print to your proposed contractors can assure you are getting apples to apples estimates, and can decrease the time from selecting a contractor to attaining a permit.

The next step is choosing the correct home improvement and remodeling company for your project. There are lots of options, many good, but a lot of poor ones also. Make sure you select someone who sounds like they know what they are doing, and has the answers to your questions.

Typically when somebody knows what they are talking about, they are able to articulate it verbally. Its true some people may be talented carpenters and poor oral communicators but do not gamble when it comes to your money, family, and home improvement projects.

Get at least three estimates for your proposed project. Getting several estimates will allow you a chance to hear several opinions, and weed out the guys just trying to find there next rent check. It is very important to choose the right remodeling contractor not just the lowest price.

Here at Ohio Home Doctor we strive to be both, the right contractor, and the lowest price, but its not always possible since we always deliver top quality work.

Choosing the wrong contractor will be the most expensive route for you regardless of the initial estimate.

When you have narrowed the selection down to a couple, check out each at the BBB’s website.

Hiring a member of the BBB not only provides you with a qualified contractor but also acts as an insurance policy since hiring members gives you the consumer instant recourse in the event something goes wrong. It is also a good idea to check and make sure the company name on the letterhead matches registered business names with the Secretary of State. Hiring somebody who is not a LLC or INC can only end poorly.

Finally ask to see a copy of there business insurance and make sure the coverage amount covers your home. Upon receiving a copy it is a good idea to call the insurance company and verify the policy is current.

Some contractors pay for the initial few months in order to attain the certificate and then stop paying leaving you exposed to risk. Insurance is one of those things you hope you never need but when you do you really do. Its is worth 5 minutes to verify that you are protected from freak accidents and mishaps.

Upon selecting your contractor it is time to begin work. Make sure you schedule the work to be done during a time that you will be able to break away from your schedule to make decisions or investigate unforeseen issues.

Some people like to go on vacation while work is being done to decrease the stress level. However, it is generally a better idea to be there and available to ensure you are getting what you pay for.

If you are not available and lets say there is structural rotting which wasn’t seen pre-estimate, your contractor has no choice other then to proceed without your permission charging you an additional sum without your approval.

If you are available you can inspect the additional damage yourself and verify the additional some is fair. Often times pre-pricing is much lower than post-pricing. Also being present allows you to make minor design changes maximizing the results to your individual tastes. Sometimes small changes make huge differences and it is better if you are around to give yourself that opportunity.

Once your contractor has completed his work make sure you inspect everything thoroughly. Formulate a “punch-out list” addressing any issues you may have and give your contractor time to address them.

Finally, before making the final payment ask for a copy of the warranty pertaining to the specific project unless it exists on the signed contract. Keeping a physical copy of the warranty will make it easier on yourself in the future if you ever need to use it.

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Important Information About Egress Window And Code Requirements

Matt Geddis — Tue, 22 May 2012 17:24:27 +0000

Important Information About Egress Window and Code Requirements.

We would like to share this important information about egress window and the code requirements for them.

Wells:

Wells vary in form and function but all share the same basic purpose, help keep water out and provide a way out for your occupants in the event of a fire or other disaster.

Egress window wells generally come in either metal or plastic and need to include a ladder as per building code. Code varies per county so the well you select must fit your needs as far as function and durability.

Check out the links on our egress page to browse different options then call the discuss the possibilities and schedule a time to receive a free quote from Ohio’s best egress window installer.

Covers:

Egress window well covers are required by code and are generally a great safety feature. The well cover prevents children and pets from falling down the well from the outside and injuring themselves.

Well covers are available in several styles ranging from clear polycarbonate’s to steel grids. Most egress window wells have covers special made for each particular well but custom well covers are available from Ohio Home Doctor. Keep in mind choosing a well cover that lets in natural light is always an inportant consideration.

Drainage:

A properly installed egress window and well system includes tying the wells drainage into your homes drainage system and consequently the home’s sump pump pit. Proper drainage must be installed both under the well and around the well for the systems drainage system to properly work for years to come.

Code Requirements:

The window sill must be less than 44 inches from the finished floor of your basement.

The window must proved at minimum 5.7 sq ft. of opening space meaning the actual space available for somebody to climb out of it not the rough opening need for the window.

Your window well must include a escape ladder apparatus for egress escape. Window wells must include an approved cover.

When considering your new basement remodeling renovation why not let the light in and create and open up all the possibilities for new living space by, adding an egress window.

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Explanations of Various Types of Acoustical Ceilings

Matt Geddis — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 00:57:17 +0000

Acoustical ceilings are extremely popular and boast a plethora of customization and style options. Acoustic ceilings are suitable for executive suits, conference rooms, offices, schools, banks, and basement ceiling systems, the following will provide you with explanations of various types of acoustical ceilings.

Pad profiles:

A pads profile refers to how its finished edge appears next to the grid system. Altering the pad profile can change the overall appearance of your proposed acoustical ceiling and can add elegance and prestige to your ceiling design and your home remodel project..

Recessed:

Recessed profiles extend down past the grid and provide a recessed or sunken look.

Beveled:

Beveled acoustical ceiling pads have a unique modern look. The edges are cut or mitered together forming nice even lines and a rich look.

Roman Ogy:

These profile are very elegant but can be costly. Roman Ogy profiles are for customers who demand the most aesthetically pleasing results from there interior finishes.

What is an acoustical ceiling pad made of and is it safe for my family?

Acoustical ceiling pads are made of several different materials including recycled cardboard, recycled cotton, and other paper and fabric based materials. Acoustical ceiling tiles are very clean and beautiful. They are great choices for residential, hospitals, and businesses alike.

Grid Options:

There are several grid options ranging from standard metal square and rectangular frames to hidden frames and elaborate industrial and commercial styles. The most popular grid style is comprised of T shaped mains and cross supports and comes in a satin white electro finish.

Sound Proofing capabilities:

Acoustical ceilings, as the name insinuates, yield outstanding sound absorption and retention capabilities. Properly selected material and instillation can provide the utmost in sound proofing for its owners. Custom sound designs are available for media rooms, doctor offices, and residential applications. Ceilings can be designed to maximize audio visual experiences, or provide privacy and confidentiality when necessary. Ohio Home Doctor can design and install an acoustical ceiling system that is right for your needs.

These various types of acoustical ceilings are the most common.

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Mother In-Law Suite Ideas And Tips

Matt Geddis — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 05:22:01 +0000

The following are some mother-in-law suite options and tips that we have observerd and learned over our remodeling career that we would like to pass on to you. People are now living longer, healthier lives and more families find it beneficial adding a mother- in- law suite to their existing home. A mother in law suite provides that special space where aging parents and their children are combining two households.

Benefits from doing this can be many. A grandparent can help with child care and living together can often be less expensive additionally, the adult children may offer help to their fragile parents.

While safety and the security is critical to your loved ones, the feeling from independence and the privacy can also be very important. Ohio Home Doctor in the Dayton, Ohio area are experts at home improvement construction and specialize in mother in law additions and handicap mother in law suite additions that can help to bring their extended families closer together.

So, exactly what is a mother in law suite?

A mother-in-law suite is a type of addition to the home or grounds that provides temporary or permanent accommodations for a mother in law. This type of addition is also called a in-law suite, since it is not unusual for elderly parents to live with married children in later years. Mother-in-law suites can be built for any home with an extended family. In general, the design of any suite of this type allows both the children and the parents to enjoy a measure of privacy while still being in close proximity to one another. Today, modern mother-in-law suites encompass ADA compliant additions to entire backyard cottages.

What does ADA compliant mean?

Simply put, a living space which is ADA compliant is one where the occupant uses their home without any assistance from others.

These mother in law suites encompass ADA-compliance, acknowledging disabilities, and such differences as everyday life changes and are designed with that in mind. Design features such as one-story plans, entryways with no steps, extra wide doorways and additional floor space, no-slip floors, bathroom safety features, improved lighting plus details like lever type door handles can all be incorporated into the design.

An open, honest discussion between children and parents is important before starting your remodeling renovation. Living with parents can often lead to changes in familiar family roles however, the experience from providing support to aging parents can also be a rewarding experience. Variations in lifestyles, sleeping schedules and eating patterns plus the usual daily activities are important to discuss while designing your new addition.

We have included a few examples of mother in law home additions on this page. There are several options with the construction of a mother-in-law suite. The most common arrangement involves adding on to an existing home. The suite will usually contain all the basic elements of living quarters, such as a living area, bedroom, and private bath. In some cases, a kitchenette and a laundry room may also be part of the floor plan. It is also possible to construct a detached mother-in-law suite. With this approach, a small cottage is erected on the grounds. The cottage is completely equipped with everything required by the parent.

There is also the option of converting an upper or lower floor into a mother-in-law suite. Going with a plan of this type is especially helpful when there is very little property to work with and a ground floor addition or detached dwelling is not feasible. Developing the right mother-in-law suite house plans involves considering both the physical restraints of the existing property and the personal preferences of the family. As much as possible, the plans should make it possible for the family members to interact with ease but also allow everyone the option of having some time to themselves.

Whichever mother-in-law suite floor plan is implemented, it is imperative to make sure the design and construction is in accordance with local building codes. Depending on the nature of the construction, it may be necessary to obtain permission from neighbors to build closer to property lines or apply for building permits from the local municipality.

Before beginning any type of construction, it is a good idea to look into local code requirements and make sure you comply with them at each step in the construction process. Ohio Home Doctor can take care of all these concerns for you as a part of our remodeling process. If you are wondering about how a room addition will change the look of your house, rest assured we have the answers and solutions. Ohio Home Doctor speciality is designing single or second story home additions that will blend perfectly with your original structure by making sure both exterior and interior design creates a seamless look.

When working with Ohio Home Doctor, expect that your new addition will be comfortable,beautiful,safe and accessible.

For the design and construction of a mother in law suite in Ohio, Call the doctor, Ohio Home Doctor! For more helpful information about aging and mother-in-law suites and other topics visit In-lawsuite.com We are glad to have shared these mother-in-law suite ideas and tips with you today.

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