Spring is quickly blooming and the boredom of winter is coming to an end. You’ve been trapped in the house all winter thinking about all the home improvement projects you could be doing if it were warm. On that first warm sunny day, check out this list and break out of the winter blues.

1. Check out the roof – The winter can be harsh on your roofing materials including the gutters, flashing, vents and chimney. You should inspect all of these for some kind of damage that can lead to damage of the internal structure of your home.

2. Inspect your Windows – Windows tend to be overlooked, but they are important for the beauty and integrity of your home. The freezing and thawing through the winter could damage the window in even minor ways. Start by checking your windows for proper caulking and any cracks or improper operation. You may also want to check for mold and mildew that may being to grow as a result of failing weather proofing.

3. Replace Windows – You may be surprised that your windows need an upgrade. Don’t skimp here. A less efficient window could cost you more in the long run. Keep your home cool in the summer by swapping out older windows with new low-e coated and UV coated windows, and double or triple pane versions.

4. Examine the Siding – Vinyl siding can crack with the temperature fluctuations in some areas. Check for cracking on your siding. For the many other types of siding check for pealing or cracking paint and touch up as needed.

5. Check your Foundation – Ground can shift and settle during the winter and become saturated as the snow melts, causing the soil to sink further and hang on to excess water. Check the foundation around your home and the direction of water runoff. Ensure that water can still plane away from your home and that it’s not pooling near your foundation.

6. Check your Ceiling – Look for water spots in remote areas of the house such as in closets. Sometimes ice dams on the roof at the gutter line can cause water to back up and seep into your attic. If you find water damage, look for the source and correct the issue then repair the damage structure and ceiling.

Your attic is the barrier between you and the outside world, protecting you, your loved ones, and your investments. Work with a local contractor if you are thinking of home improvements in your attic. He or she can help you decide to install a radiant barrier. This is a type of foil insulation that is used in conjunction with typical insulation and blocks over 90% of heat that can be lost through your attic. These small projects can keep you happily busy while providing some loving care to your most treasured place.

Whether you want a simple design or custom Virginia Home Improvement, we work closely with you to stick to your dream designs. Consult with a contractor today to talk about your next remodel – from windows to a newly remodeling Washington DC Basement. Paragon Remodeling – 8000 Towers Crescent Drive – Vienna VA 22182

There is something special about your home. It is you, and it is your family. If your family is growing out of your home you could consider moving to a larger home, but then all those memories in that house will be missed. Consider a cheaper and happier option like a home addition. The extra room(s) can add just what you need to make your home completely yours and give a little extra elbow room.

Home improvement and home additions are intensive jobs. In the end you can certainly be much happier with your home. There are many things that you can do, where you can have control, when someone else is working on your treasured home. Here are a few tips for planning your home addition or large scale home improvement project:

1. Don’t skimp on the General Contractor – You get what you pay for. How many times have you heard this line? It’s because the saying is true. Find a good reputable contractor in your area, and don’t be shy about interviewing and getting estimates from multiple contractors. You want to know how they are going to work and see their portfolio or before and after photos of previous work.

If something goes wrong during the build, or code isn’t followed, you’re the one that is responsible and you have to answer to city officials. Not to mention the amount of time and money that’s involved in correcting a permanent build out that was done wrong. Simplify the process by interviewing contractors, asking the right questions, checking referrals and experience, etc.

2. Start with Your Budget – Figure out what amount of money will be the maximum that you would be willing to spend on your project. Discuss with your spouse or financial planner how you plan to have the funds available, and be sure to secure a pre-approval is you will be using a bank for financing. Knowing what you have to work with will make it easier for you and the contractors that you are interviewing.

Plan first and consider all the angles and aspects of your project. Determine how much money you have to start with and try to calculate the total cost of the project. Add around 10% more than the estimated cost of labor and materials so you have some room for change orders and issues that might come up. Home additions definitely require a budget because you’re opening up your home. You don’t want to get half way through and run over-budget when there’s a gaping hole in the side of your home or in the roof.

3. Get Advice – There is a wealth of advice available on the web. Likewise, consider taking the time to get a professional opinion from licensed contractors, from friends and family that have done remodeling before, etc. Anyone that has had their hands in a home addition project can be a source of great information to let you know what worked, what didn’t work, and how to proceed from the starting point with your home improvement.

Paragon Remodeling specializes in providing you with Home Additions Virginia that are safe and built to last. For any project – from windows to Basement Remodeling Washington DC – hire the contractors dedicated to delivering quality. Paragon Remodeling – 8000 Towers Crescent Drive – Vienna VA 22182

Tis the season to jump on board for a home remodeling project. Like many homeowners you might be looking for a way to improve the overall living space within your home. One of the best choices is to go with home additions. While it’s the most effective way to improve your overall square footage, the cost of a home addition averages out at around $10k. That number can turn off some homeowners but with a little forethought and some planning you can find ways to reduce your spend. Here are some tips to reduce the cost of building out home additions:

1. Skip the Architect – Go right to the general contractor and skip working with a specialized designer or an architect. You can save a lot of money on the front end when it comes to simple additions like a workshop, bedroom or family room. One room additions are easy and your general contractor should be skilled enough to handle the job. On complex jobs however, like adding another level to your home, it safer to work with an architect.

2. It’s Demo Time – Complete the demo yourself to save a lot of time and dough. Generally speaking, knocking down walls and cleanup is a pretty simple task that requires little more than time and some careful planning. If you’re willing to get dirty and sweat a little then there’s no need to pay for it. Inspect the demo space so that you know the location of electrical and plumbing as well as load bearing walls. Seal off the rest of your home to prevent dust and debris from traveling and start swinging that hammer.

3. Be Your Own General Contractor – If you’re willing to manage all the aspects of the project then you can act as the general contractor to handle and coordinate all the sub-contractors. This eliminates the fee of the general contractor but make sure you’re savvy enough to inspect the work of the contractors and you’ve got contacts within the industry. Remember that general contractors typically get discounts on supplies and network with some of the best local contractors. There is a benefit to using a professional

4. Leverage Your Skills – It doesn’t matter how complex a construction project is, there are always simple projects you can do with minimal skill – or no skill at all – that can save you money on the final cost. Leverage skills you have to save money by doing things like sanding, clean up, painting, insulation installation, hanging doors, installing the trim molding, etc.

5. Use Cheaper Materials – It might be nice to have it, but not every home needs to have the most expensive materials. Price does not always equal quality. A laminate floor can look and perform as well as some expensive wood floors and you can get it for a 1/4 of the price. Likewise, save money on things like cabinets by purchasing from places like Ikea instead of having custom cabinets made. Think about all the places in your home addition where you can save money by using cheaper materials.

Now you can get the Home Additions Maryland of your dreams with plans following your designs closely. Paragon Remodeling will provide you with Contractors Northern Virginia ready to get your project moving, be it a new home addition or a sunroom in Washington DC. Paragon Remodeling – 8000 Towers Crescent Drive – Vienna VA 22182

The number of homeowners that want to improve their living space during the spring season is staggering, especially such considering the cost of the average home addition; most homeowners spend $10k on average when they’re updating their home. While that’s a small price to pay for more comfortable living and a lot more square footage, the downside here is that you wind up paying more for heating and cooling with that added space. Here are some tips to help you reduce your HVAC costs once the addition is in place.

1. The easiest thing to change are your current habits when it comes to cooling your home. If you rely mostly on your AC, and you’re a windows-shut-AC-n-70 kind of person then it’s time to call it quits. That’s a great way to double your electric bill in the summer months. Shut the AC off and open your windows. It’s a beautiful day outside.

2. Put a few ceiling fans in your home in strategic locations where they can help circulate the air. The best places in most homes, depending on the layout, is in either the kitchen or the living room. If you can afford it you should do both, just remember to shut the fans down on low or turn them off when you leave the room for extended periods.

3. If you’re still fighting with comfort in your home then support the ceiling fans and AC unit in your home with pedestal fans or box fans that can sit on the floor. Fans placed in doorways throughout the home can help to circulate the cooler air near the floor and push cool air up while cycling warmer air down, overall giving your room a much cooler feel by several degrees.

Having your fans in the windows can strategically move the air to create that wind tunnel effect, with some fans pulling in while others are pulling out. For homes that seem to get warmer than usual, pointing the fans out can help eject the warm air from home as it’s heated by the sun.

4. Close of Rooms that aren’t being used. If you’ve got a lot of rooms that don’t get heavy traffic, like upstairs bedrooms and the bathroom(s) then shut the doors. If you close vents in those rooms, your AC doesn’t have to work as hard to cool the rest of the home. If you’re cooling your home with fans then this limits the amount of space the moving air has to cover in order to circulate.

5. Depending on the layout of your home, some of your windows are likely to have a lot of exposure to afternoon and evening sun which can dramatically heat a room up hotter than the rest of the house. If this is the case for you, then install some black out curtains in these rooms to reduce light levels and act as a radiant barrier for that section of your home. You’ll see a dramatic change of several degrees when you’re able to completely block the light within a room.

Now you can get the Home Additions Washington DC of your dreams with plans following your designs closely. Paragon Remodeling will provide you with a skilled contractor ready to get your project moving, be it a new home addition or a Sunroom Washington DC. Paragon Remodeling – 8000 Towers Crescent Drive – Vienna VA 22182

When you’re remodeling your basement, carpeting is often on your mind at least for part of it – especially if you’re building out a space that’s going to be used for family gathering and entertainment. Before you jump at the first carpet choice that looks good however, take the time to consider what you’ll really be using that space for. Likewise, talk with some general contractors about the best carpet choice for your design ideas.

Carpeting for a Playroom

Playrooms and toy areas take a lot of romp and heavy usage. If you are planning a toy room you’re your growing family then you are going to want to select durable carpets that won’t wear out quickly from Tonka tires.

Another option you can consider for a playroom is a tile floor. Tile offers easy installation and maintenance. Should any need replacement you can replace single tiles instead of the entire floor. While tile can be expensive it will save you money in the long run on replacements. Purchasing extra tiles ahead of time will ensure you have perfectly matching tiles on hand for quick replacement if the need should arise.

Installing Carpet Tiles

If you have a contractor do your basement remodel but you want to handle the floors yourself, carpet tiles are a wonderful DIY project. The first thing you want to do is make sure the floors are clean, level and free of debris. Next you will need to locate the centers of each opposing wall. From each walls center draw a chalk line to the center of the room and connect them.

Once you have made all of your chalk lines you can then start putting down carpet tape one them as well as around the perimeter of the room. Depending on the floor plan and size of the room you may need to cut some tiles to get them to fit properly.

Carpeting a Game Room or Family Room

You may be considering turning your basement into a game room or other gathering area. If so a great deal more traffic can be expected. A good carpet choice for this type of addition would be an indoor/outdoor carpet designed for high traffic and resistance to shoes. You may prefer something a bit less commercial looking and plush such as a highly durable Stainmaster carpet. A softer, homier carpet can do a great deal to improve the atmosphere of your new basement remodel.

There are a lot of carpet styles on the market, so choosing the right style and color for your basement will be difficult. If you’re stuck, run over your design ideas with a general contractor and get their input. Likewise, you can speak with friends and family to check their experience with carpet installation and carpet preference.

Virginia General Contractors are a dime a dozen but it’s hard to find experienced professionals with the right tools. Whether you’re doing a simple home remodeling or you’re gearing up for Maryland Basement remodeling we can help you get the job done right. Click for a free estimate today – Paragon Remodeling – 8000 Towers Crescent Drive – Vienna VA 22182

Basement remodeling is growing in popularity over the years as more homeowners hire general contractors to upgrade their home. Americans are looking forward to expand on the comfort and value of their own without costly additions or upgrading into more expensive homes. Where many homes were once rather empty below ground level- primarily for utility and storage – many homes are being designed now with the knowledge that the basement may very be finished. Some contractors rough in basements while building the home while others design a space that’s easier to customize later.

Manufacturers of the various products used in renovations want your remodel to be top notch. They have advanced their materials to be more resilient and added more designs to fit more homes. With higher humidity environments like the basement using new humidity resistant wallboards can vastly improve the longevity of your space. Even with all the product research and improvements to make things easier it is still a better idea to let a contractor handle the construction.

More than Just a General Contractor

When you contact a professional general contractor for a basement remodel, you’re not just getting someone to run the show and manage contractors for you. A general contractor can often answer all your questions and address major concerns with home remodeling. They can also help you sort out design issues, decide on materials, change plans and work with the trust designers and architects to get your project done right the first time.

You can be certain your getting your monies worth with a general contractor. When you try to do a project on your own and it goes wrong there’s no recompense. You have to deal with all the frustration, time juggling, construction, purchasing, design and stress as well organizing and scheduling any other contractors for parts that require licensing. If you aren’t sure what way you want to go then sit down with a general contractor and go over your basement remodel with them, asking questions costs nothing.

Why Professional Work is Important

A basement remodel is an investment in your home and should be given its due. Cutting corners or rush jobs can cause more harm than good. A qualified, professional general contractor can ensure a quality job.

If the cost of a general contractor still leaves you balking, consider the costs of not having one. If you make any mistakes you can cost yourself considerable amounts of money for repairs and replacement materials as well as running the risk of violating code or causing hazardous circumstances in your home. On the very rare occasions that a contractor makes a mistake they absorb the cost of their mistakes and move on. Having everything in the care of a professional protects you and your investment from costly mistakes.

Turning it Over to a General Contractor

It is an obvious benefit that the general contractor can handle everything for you. Whether it’s plumbing, electrical, flooring, walls, ceiling, tile, paint or any other aspect; you won’t need to be involved with any aspect of your basement remodel. General contractors manage and schedule everything to standard with the goal of meeting your every expectation. This means a quality job done faster and better than you could do it alone even if you’re a skilled DIY homeowner. The first consultation costs nothing, get with a general contractor and go over your options.

Get your remodeling done right when you hire a Virginia General Contractor that understands your needs as a homeowner. Trust, respect and budget-friendly Basement Remodeling Maryland come together to get you that perfect basement space at a price you can afford. Click today for a free estimate – Paragon Remodeling – 8000 Towers Crescent Drive – Vienna VA 22182

When finishing a basement, one of the best additions has to be adding a bathroom. This adds more than just a touch of convenience to your downstairs living space; it can also give you a place to slip away from noise and the hectic goings on for a short time. Most contractors do a great job and will install a real nice bathroom. However, you will want to provide some direction to truly personalize the new space.

Clearing Clutter -You may have the same problem a lot of homeowners face in their bathroom, a decided lack of organization. If you typically have messy bathroom counters then you will want to prevent that from happening in your new bathroom. Consult the contractor on installing a better organizational scheme, such as more shelves to keep things off the counter top when not in use.

Frilly Towels Rule – You can really flesh out a spa-style bathroom with linens and fluffy towels that match the overall dcor. Most of us will tuck our towels away in linen closets or under the sink. Have your contractor install some custom towel racks or a linen display that keeps your colorful towels out in the open.

Fill the Air with Fragrance – Aromas have a way of altering mood, often in a powerful way. The spa bathroom in your basement is a great place to offer up an array of smells depending on the mood you want, but most bathrooms don’t have a lot of surface area other than the counter. Instead of propping candled on the edge of the tub, on chair or on the floor you can work with a contractor to build out shelves specifically for holding oil warmers or various candles.

Upgrade Electronics – An uncontrollably dim bathroom is a wonderful facsimile of a dungeon. That means that you are probably going to want to have your contractor install a dimmer switch in your bathroom so you can set the light level exactly where you want it at any given time.

Get Lavish – Another luxurious and ornate option that you can add to your bathroom is the wall sconce. These are a classic and timeless addition that are simple to install and can greatly improve the mood of the room. They are also quite a bit easier to use if they are designed specifically for candles only.

Go beyond Tile – Tile is a really ideal flooring material for bathrooms but it can leave a bit to be desired comfort wise. You really do want the tile for its’ water and stain resistance, but you can have a contractor locate carpet with water and stain resistant qualities. For a secondary bathroom meant primarily for relaxation the traffic flow will be reduced and the carpet will add to the overall comfort of the room.

The things that can be done with your bathroom remodeling project are limited only by your imagination but if you find yourself drawing a blank on ideas don’t be afraid to consult your contractor. Your contractor is much more familiar with all the available options so if you give them a general idea of what you are looking for then they can help you out with the design details and get you both on the same page.

If you want your home improvement done right the first time with no hang ups then you need a Virginia Contractor that are specialized to meet your needs and expectations. For any project, including Northern Virginia Basement Remodeling, contact us for a free estimate – Paragon Remodeling – 8000 Towers Crescent Drive – Vienna VA 22182

There is one thing for sure that can be said about an unfinished basement. It is completely open to reinterpretation and remodeling into anything you want it to be. This is especially true if you have the skill and resources of a contractor at your disposal, who will be delivering a high quality professionally done finished basement. It is true you can do anything you want with it but it is good to keep in mind that the basement is a very quiet and private area that lends itself well to relaxation and entertainment rooms. You are going to want to make certain you are using the space wisely as you won’t have a second basement to do later. Here are a few of the more popular interpretations of a finished basement that are available to a homeowner.

The Basement Office – When you need to do any work out of your home the basement office is a very handy option. It can give you a quiet place to retreat and have the necessary space to work and concentrate without constant interruption. This is especially useful if you have a large and busy family.

The In-Law Apartment – When you have frequent or long term company a basement apartment can be an ideal solution. In the case of an elderly family member that needs minor supervision; the separation from the rest of the house can lend a sense of independence while still keeping them close at hand.

The Basement Bar – The entire basement doesn’t need to be transformed into a bar area but it makes a great additions to any space built out for entertainment. The bar fits nicely as an addition to game rooms or family centers. While it’s ideal for entertainment, it’s also a great place to sit and have breakfast with the family or hold birthday parties for kids as you stock the bar with sodas and snacks.

The Playroom – The basement play area is most decidedly one of the coolest places for a kid to hang out. With a good deal of flat open flooring to set up trains, car tracks, game tables, board games or stage inter-continental ballistic Lego invasions on their army men children will find a way to turn it into hours of fun. It doesn’t really matter if you only build a decent sized play room or turn them loose on the whole basement as long as the flooring material is safe and dangerous appliances such as furnaces and water heaters aren’t directly in the middle of their erector set.

The Home Gym – Exercise equipment doesn’t exactly mesh well with most furniture, and most homes aren’t built to accommodate treadmills, free weights and other fitness circuit machines. The basement is generally the best place if you want to invest in a home gym. The major benefit of course is that you get to exercise on your own schedule and you don’t have to pay expensive gym memberships – or the fuel to drive back and forth. You can easily get in a workout while dinner cooks overhead.

Want your remodel done right? Hire Virginia Contractors that are ready to serve you and build out the perfect home remodel. Start with Virginia Basement finishing to get that hideaway you’ve always wanted. Click today for a free estimate – Paragon Remodeling – 8000 Towers Crescent Drive – Vienna VA 22182

The window is one of the most potentially beautiful features of any home. With replacement windows installed by a professional contractor you will have a home with a modern look and a unique character. The drawback is that although replacement windows provide decent ventilation, natural light, a stunning vista and heat by letting in the Sun, they also account for 10 to 25 percent of the expense on heating and cooling costs.

During the summer months, your air conditioner has to work a great deal harder in order to cool the home because of all the sun streaming in through your windows. To counter this, you can use energy star windows as well as appropriate curtains and shades to give that AC system a bit of a break. Low-e windows also help by cutting the cooling load in your home by as much as 15%.

Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither was the US. There are a great many very old and beautiful homes that are still decked out with nearly archaic windows. Old single-pane style windows need to be replaced. If your home is in need of new windows then take a moment to consider replacement windows. It is quite frequently the case that the replacement cost of the windows and the cost of a certified general contractor or specialized window contractor, can be completely offset by the energy savings they provide in a relatively short time. It is usually best to upgrade to high-performance glass (such as low-e glass) or even just upgrading to double-pane replacement windows. If you are not sure what windows to install, then you should consult a contractor so you can make the best decision you can.

Regardless of where you live, whether it’s Mount Rushmore or just on a quiet little street in Virginia, most people still want the cold outside of their home and the warmth in. Replacing your windows with properly installed gas filled low-e windows will reduce the heat transfer from your home in the colder months and in colder environments.

There are those of us that don’t have a lot of cold to contend with, if you live in a warmer climate you can get windows that block heat similarly to low-e windows. With windows designed to keep heat out instead of in you can keep your home from becoming a little tin oven. If you are not in a place where you can afford replacement windows there are some things you can do while planning with your contractor for your eventual window replacement

For those of us in a colder climate, the list of things you can do include items like insulating plastic. Plastic film is placed over the window and acts as a barrier to heat transference. Another thing you can do is install storm windows on the outside of your casement. You can also use dark colored or thick window coverings on drafty windows.

In warmer climates where you want to keep the heat out you can use whit drapes and blinds to act as a reflective radiance barrier. There are other options also such as sun-control or reflective films to be placed on your windows. If it’s not too far out of your budget you can also install awnings over your southern and western windows to help keep the heat out during the warmer part of the day.

It’s home remodeling time again, and that means you need the services of a Contractor in Virginia. Whether you’re installing a new deck, upgrading your interior or adding Northern Virginia Replacement Windows there’s no better way to invest in your home than by working with a pro. Contact us today for a free estimate – Paragon Remodeling – 8000 Towers Crescent Drive – Vienna VA 22182

It’s that time of year again. The hammers and saws are coming out and zealous homeowners are virtually chomping at the bit to fix all those things that have frustrated them all winter. Whether it’s the excitement of spring and summer rolling in or just the anticipation of finally changing a few things to make your home more comfortable, some homeowners wind up making some common mistakes along the way. Hopefully with a little heads up and a bit of forethought you can avoid making these same mistakes.

Water Cutoffs – It is best to locate the water cutoff in your home and at the street level before beginning any major home improvement. This is even more important if you are doing any renovations on wet work areas such as a kitchen or bath. When you don’t have to hunt for the shut off you can save yourself a lot of time and frustration as well as preventing serious damage from unforeseen incidents.

Minimize Dust and Debris – Homeowners often neglect to consider that renovation and remodeling is messy. If there’s demolition involved of any sort, it’s even more so. Take the time to prep the work area for containment to minimize dust and debris from traveling around your home. Use plastic sheets for floors and hang drapes or screens in the work area. At the end of every work session, go over your area with a shop vac.

Don’t Rush – It might be fun to start swinging a sledge hammer to take down a wall, but don’t rush into any home improvement gig, especially where there’s demolition involved. Informed and careful remodeling is safe remodeling. Shut down electricity, check for load-bearing wall placement, cut water to the demo area, locate studs, pipes and wires, cut investigative holes in walls – make sure you know what you’re getting into when you prep to rearrange the floor plan of your home.

Protect Surfaces – All the finished surfaces in your home need to be masked off. That is counting cabinets, walls, baseboards, flouring, trim, etc. Finished countertops should be covered as well. Dropped tools, sharp or flying debris, moving materials around and other incidents have the potential to damage all these surfaces.

Plan Around Plumbing – You might think you’ve got this home improvement gig in the bag but plumbing has a way of being a pain for many homeowners that shoot for DIY projects. Jobs also have a way of expanding suddenly as they deviate from the plans. Make sure you have end-stop fitting caps to close off pipes if you can’t finish in a day. This way you can turn your water back on.

Protect Floors – If you’re remodeling in a space with appliances then you need to protect your floors. Put down carpet or Masonite so that you can roll appliances around easily. Make sure the floor is clean and swept so that debris, dust and dirt can’t scratch the surface while you’re moving items around.

Without the right tools and experience, just about any Northern Virginia Home Improvement project can quickly get away from you, even if you’re just installing Window Replacement Northern Virginia. Work with the crews and company that get your home improvement projects done right, and fast – Paragon Remodeling – 8000 Towers Crescent Drive – Vienna VA 22182