Top 5 Remodeling Projects

Home owners considering planning to stay in their home should know about remodeling projects that increase the home’s usefulness and make it better to live in. A 2012 National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) survey of remodelers found the following five most common remodeling jobs.   Housing market data reveals that small, smart remodels reward home owners with better return on investment and can help update and customize a home. Review these top five remodeling projects and begin planning to remodel during National Home Remodeling Month.         1.  Remodel the bathroom Payback on remodeling a bathroom can reach 65 percent with new fixtures, tile, toilet, vanity and lighting. Low flow toilets consumer less water and can decrease the monthly water bill.        2.   Remodel the kitchen A minor kitchen remodel can improve the look and utility of the space without costing a bundle, and yields a 75 percent return. Consider replacing backsplashes, cabinet fronts, countertops, and flooring. Installing low-flow faucets and energy-efficient appliances can also reduce water and energy expenses in a heavily trafficked room.         3. Replace windows and doors Updating windows can also return a solid portion of the investment (73 percent for wood frames and 71 percent for vinyl). New, energy-efficient doors and windows also help reduce energy leakage from the home and can bring down heating and cooling bills.         4. Repair property damage Property damage is a common but unfortunate occurrence. Seize misfortune as an opportunity to customize and upgrade the home. If you are already going to be inconvenienced with major home repairs, take that time to plan and incorporate home remodeling that may have been put off in the past.        5.Whole house remodeling Repairs and replacements of old components and the desire for upgraded amenities were cited as the top reasons for customers to hire a remodeler. Evaluate the use of the entire home to see if it fits your needs. Home owners are repurposing spaces to fit their families and making more efficient use of their home’s square footage and equity, rather than moving to a new home and mortgage. Smart remodeling projects for improving the home can make the home more comfortable for your lifestyle. 

How to Speak Remodeling

The home building industry celebrates National Remodeling Month in May, but remodeling is popular year-round, and the industry is growing every year. Whether it’s a small cosmetic remodel such as replacing bathroom fixtures, or a major down-to-the-wall-studs overhaul of your kitchen or adding new space to your home, understanding the terminology your professional remodeler is using can be very helpful to ensure you get the finished project you want.  See more of Living Stone's renovations here! [nggallery id=55] As you interview potential contractors, this glossary of common terms used by builders and remodelers will help you understand the language of your remodeling project — and help you avoid miscommunication with your contractor. Allowance: A specific dollar amount allocated by a contractor for specified items in a contract for which the brand, model number, color, size or other details are not yet known.  Bid: A proposal to work for a certain amount of money, based on plans and specifications for the project.   Building Permit: A document issued by a governing authority, such as a city or county building department, granting permission to undertake a construction project.   (more…)

Asheville mountain home kitchen renovation, client reference

“Living Stone did a fantastic job on our mountain house. They far exceeded our expectations and always kept us informed throughout the entire job. Their crew are real craftsmen- from carpenters to painters, they were professional in every way. If you want a beautiful and well-done job, these are the guys. We highly recommend them, so if you have bad experiences in the past, call Sean and deal with a real pro.” – Marie Tanner, owner and Interior Designer

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Renovations

Selecting the right contractor for your home renovation is as important as finding a builder for new construction (and often more difficult). In many ways renovation is more complicated than new construction. Living Stone takes special care to select materials and techniques that are consistent with the existing architecture. We work with your architect to assure that new work ties in with the existing structure—floors meet, rooflines intersect…soffits and fascias match. Renovation is a special skill set—one Living Stone Construction has been cultivating for as long as we’ve been in business. We apply the same standards and values to renovations as to our new construction.