Adding Natural Light to Your Home with Marvin Windows

Illuminate Your Living Space: The Transformative Power of Natural Light in Home Remodeling

As a leading expert in Metro West home renovations, RemodelWerks understands the significant impact of natural light in enhancing your living space. The addition of natural light not only elevates the aesthetic appeal of your home but also brings a multitude of health and energy benefits. Here’s why incorporating more natural light should be a priority in your next home remodeling project.

1. Boosting Physical Health with Sunlight

One of the primary benefits of natural light is its ability to improve physical health. Sunlight is a natural source of Vitamin D, crucial for maintaining bone health and immune system function. With more natural light in your home, you can absorb this essential nutrient, helping to prevent Vitamin D deficiency, a common issue in areas with limited sunshine. RemodelWerks can help you design spaces that maximize sunlight exposure, ensuring your home contributes positively to your physical well-being.

2. Enhancing Mental Well-being

The psychological benefits of natural light are profound. Exposure to sunlight has been shown to increase serotonin levels, a key hormone that stabilizes our mood, feelings of well-being, and happiness. Natural light can create a more positive living environment, combating feelings of depression and anxiety. Our team at RemodelWerks understands the importance of creating a home environment that supports mental health and can advise on the best ways to increase natural light in your living spaces.

3. Improving Sleep Patterns

Natural light plays a crucial role in regulating our circadian rhythms – our internal body clock that controls sleep patterns. Increased exposure to natural light, especially in the morning, can lead to better sleep quality and overall health. We specialize in creating bedroom spaces with optimal natural light, helping you wake up more naturally and feel energized throughout the day.

4. Boosting Productivity and Comfort

Numerous studies have indicated that spaces with abundant natural light can enhance focus and productivity. This is particularly beneficial for those who work or study from home. RemodelWerks can help design home offices or study areas that make the best use of natural light, reducing reliance on artificial lighting and creating a more comfortable and productive environment.

5. Energy Efficiency and Sustainability

Incorporating more natural light into your home is not only good for your health but also for your wallet and the environment. Utilizing sunlight during the day reduces the need for artificial lighting, cutting down on electricity consumption and energy bills. This makes your home more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly. Our team can suggest innovative solutions like skylights, larger windows, and strategically placed mirrors to enhance natural light while maintaining energy efficiency.

6. Increasing Home Value

Homes with ample natural light are highly sought after in the real estate market. By remodeling your home to include more natural light, you’re not only creating a healthier living space but also increasing its market value. Whether you plan to sell in the future or simply want to enjoy a brighter home, RemodelWerks can help you achieve this with style and functionality.

At RemodelWerks, we are committed to creating living spaces that are not just visually stunning but also promote a healthier lifestyle. Let us help you harness the power of natural light in your next remodeling project, transforming your home into a sanctuary of health and happiness.

Fall in Love with Remodeling for Autumn

As temperatures start to drop here in New England, it’s natural that we start to stay inside more. So why not stay inside at a home that we love? Here at RemodelWerks we have completed countless projects that have made our clients fall in love with their home all over again.

Why is fall the perfect time to remodel your home? For starters- it’s the perfect temperature. It’s not too hot, yet it’s not too cold. Along with that, it’s the perfect time to prepare for winter.

Massachusetts winters come along with heavy snow and sometimes even roof damage. Winter may seem far away, but sometimes we get winter weather starting in late October, which is why roof replacement is something to consider his fall. Replace your roof to ensure that you don’t have to worry this winter! Roof replacements are important since they will give you a structurally sound roof that will give your home better attic insulation and proper ventilation which leads to fewer air leaks. What are air leaks? Well, they could be the reason that your cooling and heating bills are so high. It’s when outside air enters your home uncontrollably through openings or cracks. RemodelWerks can help you prevent air leaks or roof damage in order to ensure that your home stays safe and sound this season.

Another way to keep your home comfy and cozy is to replace your windows and doors. Windows and doors typically need to be replaced every 10 to 15 years since over time, windows and doors tend to become less effective at blocking the weather out.

As you get ready for all of your season favorites like pumpkin spice and football, you may want to consider getting an addition to your home. Is the man of the house too loud when his favorite team isn’t doing so well during the football game? Move the TV to a newly finished basement or an addition to your home made just for him. We think he’d love a man cave. Hosting people during those football games? We can turn your basement into a full bar area that will sit perfectly next to the tv. If you find yourself getting into a new hobby that requires more space (fitness, crafting, etc.) then you might want to consider getting an addition for your home to make a home gym or your dream crafting room.

Whatever you dream of, we can do. Contact us today to learn more about what we can do to make your home even more comfortable and welcoming this fall! Be sure to also follow us on our social media pages to keep up with all of our fall projects (Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, LinkedIn).

Questions To Ask Before Starting A Remodel

Recently we featured the questions every homeowner should ask before hiring a general contractor. But choosing the best professional for a project is just the beginning. What comes next is equally as important. You want to be sure you’re prepared for your project by following up with your contractor on the specifics. Consider consulting your contractor with these additional questions before any remodeling occurs.

1. How long will the project take? 

Not only is it important to understand when the project will start and end, but it is helpful to know if there are expected dates for material arrival. Every remodel is different, and the same goes for selections. However, no matter the selections be it flooring, cabinetry, etc, asking about anticipated dates reassures you as a client that there is structure and planning within the expected timeline. If for any reason the project extends longer, a schedule can exist as a reference for further understanding. 

2. What is the best way to communicate/What does your communication look like?

If you are living elsewhere during your remodel, knowing whether or not your contractor will update you on progress or setbacks might be of importance for you. How this communication will occur, whether over the phone (via text or call) or email will keep you on the lookout on the appropriate device. Additionally, asking how often you should expect to hear from the contractor allows you to be more flexible in your schedule if there are days/times he/she expects to provide an update.

3. Who will be on site, and how will they protect my property?

Depending on the size of your project or the scope of work, there may be a lot of people on site. If the number of people at your house is a concern, asking upfront before the remodeling begins helps you absorb the information at hand. With many people working, there are many tasks to be done. Knowing if and how someone will lock up your house at the end of each day can give you the peace of mind you deserve as a homeowner. 

This question can also pertain to how your items inside the house will be protected during renovations to prevent any damage. Will you have to temporarily move furniture out, or is it realistic to work around that which you are keeping? Understanding if there is anything you can do before the remodel to assist in the process or protection of any household items could help expedite the renovation process.   

4. Where do you store materials when they arrive?

Typically selections are chosen before the start of the renovation, making their ordering process more efficient. In the schedule, there may be dates already allotted for when materials will be ordered and how long they will take to arrive. Once they do arrive, knowing where they will be stored, if someone will be on site to confirm the order, etc helps assure the materials are protected. A contractor may confirm whether or not storing the materials on the property is acceptable or if it’s preferred they’re stored elsewhere.

5. Do you suggest finding a place to stay during the duration of the remodel?

Some homeowners prefer to live in the house during their renovations, but the task is certainly not for everyone. If you are still deciding on where to stay, consult your contractor. They know better than anyone the extent of the project and if it could affect the daily chores of your life. The primary construction that consists of loud drilling or constant movement around the space may occur during your own personal workday. So at the end of the day, even if you do come home to a renovation in progress, at least you’ll come home to quiet.

For more guides to remodeling, stay up to date on our blog, and follow us on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn to track our renovation projects! 

Spring Remodeling

Spring is in the air, and you know what that means! Time for Spring cleaning. Or should we say Spring remodeling? March is the beginning of a busy season for interior design and home remodeling services, which is why you should get ahead of the crowd now.

While the kids are still in school and not occupying the house for Summer break yet, tackle those projects you’ve been postponing all Winter. With most holidays having winded down, there couldn’t be a better time to put some love back into your home. But if you’re not already convinced, here are some more reasons Spring is the best season to spruce up your space.

It’s the Season of Change

The weather isn’t too hot nor too cold, and the flowers are all starting to bloom. With Spring symbolizing a period of rebirth and change, why wouldn’t you invest in a design transformation? In a time where everything else is flourishing, your home should flourish too. 

Maybe that means finally adding a deck to amplify your outdoor entertaining scene for the warm weather ahead or upgrading your kitchen while supplies are on sale. No matter the space you plan to add or redo, we can’t think of a better time than today.

Supply Sales

In case you missed our stealth mention of it before, spring is the season for sales. Especially Emily’s Interiors’, cabinetry sale going on now until March 31st, making it the best time to buy for your kitchen or bath upgrades. Why let more time and savings pass you by? 

For Convenience Sake

Since school is still in session and February break has passed, you’re most likely on the home stretch until summer, or at least until April break. Meaning you won’t have to worry about the progress of construction or subcontractors working while away on summer vacation. 

Start and finish your project on time and on budget with Spring finally in full swing. Taking advantage of the increased daylight hours, the promising weather helps ensure deadlines are met with time to spare.

Whether you’re looking to stay or sell, remodeling your home this Spring increases the value of your home both monetarily and aesthetically. And with the added savings, we promise you won’t be disappointed.

Questions You Should Ask Before Hiring A General Contractor

Before remodeling your home, it’s important to understand who you’re working with. The best way to get to know the right contractor is by asking the right questions. At the end of the day, you may choose the professional with the most experience, but it is still crucial to gather as much information as you need to decide the best fit for you and your project.

#1 How long have you been in business?

Knowing how long a company has been in business can provide perspective as to how much experience the contractor has or if they need to continue to grow further. Some contractors however, have practiced technical or honed skills prior to entering a business. These qualities can be helpful in determining the type of contractor you feel most comfortable entrusting with your project’s needs. RemodelWerks CEO, Joe Kupstas has over 28 years of experience in the business. RemodelWerks launched its award-winning business in 2012.

#2 Are you a licensed contractor?

License certification requirements vary depending on the city, state, or even country in which you live. Asking about your potential contractors credentials ensures they have gone through all the necessary avenues to be certified in your region. Their license number also allows you as a homeowner to see if they have any previous information relating to their work including a history of claims.

#3 How many similar projects have you done before?

Just because a contractor is certified in the area of expertise for which you are in need of, does not mean they are the best professional for the job. By inquiring about similar projects, you can develop a sense of whether or not the contractor is highly qualified enough for your scope of work. 

#4 What does your work procedure from beginning to end of the day look like?

When the contractor or any subcontractors begin work is a useful question to have answered for the sake of knowing if and how long workers will be at your house during your congruent work day. In terms of procedures, having an idea of their process, anticipated storage for tools, and what their clean-up consists of at the end of each day allows you to envision what to expect during construction. 

#5 Is there a warranty on services/products?

A majority of contractors have a form of warranty on their work or products like a manufacturer’s guarantee. Knowing what the warranties are exactly and how long they extend can give you peace of mind if something needs replacement or repair.  RemodelWerks has a superior 5-Year Warranty.

#6 What’s the best way to get in touch with you?

Getting a contractor’s business information including a phone number, cell or business, and a business address is one of the most important details to obtain when interviewing or hiring a contractor. Asking what method of communication is preferred, the best times to contact him,  and when you should expect a response is crucial to maintaining an open and effective line of communication. 

For more of your remodeling questions answered, be sure to read our bi-weekly blogs, and don’t forget to follow our pages on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram. Ready to start your project? Contact us today.

What You Need To Know Before Taking On a Kitchen or Bath Remodel

Kitchens and bathrooms are the two most important rooms in the house. Whether savoring your home for a while longer or selling your home in the near future, remodeling these two rooms drive costs up. Cost of your home that is. 

Remodeling is always an exciting feat when your design comes to life, but what about all the time, work, and waiting that lie in between the start of the project and the finished result? Well, that’s what we’re here to shed light upon. 

Finding Alternatives 

For both kitchen and bathroom remodels, the client has to make sacrifices during the duration of the remodel that apply seldom to other areas of the home. When renovating the kitchen, be prepared to set up camp for prep and meals elsewhere in the house or be open to dining out. 

As for the bathroom, depending on how many baths the home has, you may be safe. If you’re renovating your only full bath, however, finding an alternative place to shower is one mission in store. 

Putting Costs Into Perspective

In terms of cost, the national average of remodeling the kitchen and bathroom are $40,000 and $20,000 respectively. These costs do not reflect changing the layout of either space, and for some homeowners, changing the layout is necessary to increase the room’s efficiency and functionality.  

A good rule of thumb is to spend between 5%-10% of your home’s current value on a bathroom remodel. Guest baths fall on the lower end of the range while investing in a master should be around if not at the top end of the cap.

When determining the cost of either space, rerouting plumbing or electrical can quickly increase the budget but can be worth the extra investment for greater practicality.  

Where to Splurge in the Bathroom

Making final selections for the bathroom can be difficult, but with some guidance, you can be and stay on the right track. Choices worth an additional expense include dual vanities and heated flooring in the master or any additional storage opportunities in either bath. 

In terms of finishes, avoid natural stones for countertops or shower tile, for they can easily fall out of budget. Natural stones require more maintenance than less expensive porcelain, however, can be used within a niche if absolutely desired.    

Where to Splurge in the Kitchen

Getting the most out of your kitchen is a must when investing in a redesign. The best way to determine where to splurge in the kitchen is to evaluate how the kitchen should function for the family. Tailoring choices to your lifestyle will greatly benefit the ease and efficiency of the space. 

Overall, investing in cabinetry can be universally recommended. Bringing cabinets up to the ceiling grants additional storage and the illusion of a taller space. Choosing a quartz or granite countertop can also be beneficial in withstanding time and toughness.    

The most important piece of advice for any homeowner looking to invest in a kitchen or bath remodel is to personalize your space. If the investment is for resale purposes within a 1-2 year time span, personal preferences may find their way onto the back burner, but are crucial for homeowners seeking to stay.

With a little research of local contractors and some time perfecting your design, you’re sure to have a home you’ll love for rest or resale. Want to learn more about the design/build space? Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.

Luxurious Bathroom/Closet Remodel

We can’t stop raving about our latest luxurious remodel on social media. We love it so much we decided it deserves a blog of it’s own. This project was two-fold, renovating both the master closet and bath.    

Our clients dreamed of a space with plenty of storage, including that of a make-up station. Their closet and vanity were both customized to suit their style and needs.

Where only a storage rack existed before, we added additional drawers and shelves to store handbags, shoes, and clothes.

The ample storage even continues in the master bath. With an inset double vanity and marble countertop, our clients space screams luxury. The alternating sconce and mirror combination creates a well-deserved symmetry and serenity.   

In keeping with the essence of serenity, we can’t forget about the master shower. Equipped with three shower heads including a rain shower, a bench seat, and a skylight, this space is every client’s dream.

We are so glad to have given our clients a space that they now love to live in. 

Looking to remodel your space? Check out our social media pages, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram, for some inspiration. Be sure to contact us when you are ready!

5 Design/Build Companies To Follow on Instagram

Looking for future remodeling ideas or new accounts to follow? We took a page out of Emily’s Interiors book and are sharing our favorite design build companies Instagram pages!

Dive into the world of design build with these five accounts!

1. @Greystreetdesignllc

Based in Cincinnati, Ohio, Grey Street Design, LLC customizes and creates spaces that fit their clients style and function. With an attention to detail and good design, their remodels make clients feel right at home. Featuring unique takes on “his” and “hers” kitchens, Grey Street Design engages all members in an exciting design journey. We can’t wait to see where their American Classic home renovation journey will take them!

2. @Bellweatherllc

With over 25 years of dedication to the industry, Bellweather Design-Build is certainly a prevailing force in the Philadelphia area. Designing and producing kitchens galore, their feed is nothing short of refreshing. As an Instagram follower, you feel like part of the experience from start to finish. Learning about team members, staying informed with design selections, seeing renderings, and awaiting the photos of the final reveal, keeps you on your toes the whole time.

3. @Bentonhomebuildersstl

From exterior revamps to interior renovations, Benton Homebuilders offers new construction services that brighten and beautify the space you live. Located in St. Louis, Missouri, Benton Homebuilders work alongside clients to design the floor plan and finishes that fit the homeowners. There is always something new to look at among their feed and could have us scrolling for days.

4. @Harthbuilders

We can’t ignore the rich wood tones in Harth Builders feed. At first glance, the designs are so lively, and upon second glance of the before picture, the after shot remains that much more stunning. Their commitment to quality and cleanliness is showcased in each one of their projects. Every bathroom, bedroom, and new build is brought to life with the help of Harth Builders. 

5. @meltondesignbuild

Clean lines and close ups describe the feed of Melton Design Build. Their projects showcase everything from modern designs to bright whites and pops of color. Having been the first remodeling firm in Boulder, Colorado to earn the Building Analyst Professional Certification, Melton Design Build displays levels of sophistication and dedication to their clients satisfaction. Their attention to detail and passion for their craft certainly can’t be denied.    

Keep an eye on our social media feeds as we continue to share company updates, finished products and more of our favorite industry follows! We are on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.

Remodeling Before The Holidays

Preparing for the holiday season means preparing the house for feasts, guests, and endless amounts of decor. Truth be told, who doesn’t want to show off their house during the holidays, especially after a long overdue remodel? Remodeling before the holidays may sound scary, but it’s actually one of the best times to take on a project, and here’s why!

First Impressions

You may have previously hosted your family and friends for the holidays, so their first impression has already been made, but what about their second first impression? Imagine guests entering into your brand new foyer, completely unaware of your upgrade until they walk through the front door. They’re impressed! Renovating your front entryway is the best way to welcome guests into your home. It’s the first impression that they make of your space, so why not make it a good one!

Kick start The Kitchen

You’ve already kicked off your shoes in your brand new foyer and are off to a solid start. In keeping with the spirit of the holidays, show your kitchen some love too. You can renovate your kitchen all at once or a little bit at a time, taking the pressure away from a rushed remodel.

While working up to a whole new upgrade, a great way to get started is by replacing appliances. A builder can help design your kitchen before any major purchases, as to predict what appliances will fit. With a new kitchen comes new or newly-painted cabinets! No matter how small or large, kitchen renovations can transform your home for the holidays and more to come.

More People, More Powder Rooms

It’s inevitable that when you host for the holidays, you host for the whole family. Don’t let space be a struggle. Add a new powder room or update your existing one to be more accommodating for an excess amount of guests. Even when your guests leave, you have an additional space for current use and a return on investment for future prospects!  

Little Demolition, Big Impact

We all know that sightlines can be important in a home, especially when you are entertaining or have little ones running around. With a little demolition, walls come down, and your space opens up, creating an ease of access between rooms. You’ll no longer miss out on conversations while cooking once your open concept space takes shape.

The holidays are a time for friends, family, food, and fantastic homes. So what are you waiting for? Pick your project today, and give us a call! We can’t wait to transform your home for the holidays!

Be sure to follow us on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn for our latest projects and postings.   

Everything You Need to Know About Home Additions

In our previous posts, you’ve seen our most recognized works including Master Bath remodels and complete home additions. Given our most recent Master Design Award for a residential addition, we thought it was time to talk a little more about the main benefits of an addition and how they impact the resale value of the home. Here you’ll find everything you need to know about how, when, and why you should add an addition to your home. First let’s tackle why.

Why You Should Add an Addition

A home is one of the biggest investments most people will make in their lifetime. In keeping with the market, any home improvement project will increase the value of a home for equity or future resale. Not only does that mean more money in your pocket tomorrow, but it means more livable space for your family today.

More Space Equals More Future Savings

The biggest reason to consider building an addition to your home is to create more space. Whether for entertaining, expanding the kitchen, creating a guest space, or finally having a combined laundry/mudroom that isn’t tucked away in the basement, an addition can be built for any purpose. Consider the reasons you bought your home in the first place. Was it for the location? The curb appeal? The pricetag? No matter the reason, an addition makes enhancing your home far easier than entering the home-buying process all over again with more criteria and a smaller budget.

If relocating is on the horizon, adding an addition that appeals to today’s homebuyers can be the selling point, ensuring top dollar for your home. Expanding your kitchen can recoup up to 93% at the cost of resale, bathrooms 62%, and sunrooms 50% upon return on investment.

When to Add an Addition

When can you get started? The most popular times to remodel are during the spring and summer, however, the best times to remodel are during the months of off season. Here you’ll have your contractors full attention, as they will not be juggling multiple projects at once. With careful planning, any season can be a successful season for remodeling.

How to Prepare For an Addition

Our only advice is to first partner with a reliable design/build team to create a design that complements your floor plan and adds the space your family needs. A good team will communicate with you and help incorporate all your needs within an addition while having an awareness of at what cost. You may consider working with an interior designer to make minor updates to your home that match seamlessly with those of the new addition. If you are more drawn to the idea of separate designs, matching the flooring is the best way to create flow while still having the freedom to design the space independently of the rest of the house. 

Think you’re ready to start planning your addition? Have more questions for us to answer? Be sure to contact us for any of your homeowners needs and follow us on social media for more project pictures and the most recent blog postings!