Avoid Sticker Shock On Your Next Home Improvement Project

Many homeowners are taking advantage of the warm season to complete home repairs and improvements, and even some major remodeling projects, too. Summer is a great time to take care of your home, and it certainly is the booming season for us contractors.

One thing we encounter all too frequently with customers and homeowner friends alike is the "sticker shock" of a remodel or home improvement project. All too often, these projects start out as a "small job" and grow bigger and more expensive with each step. This holds especially true when doing repairs or improvements on older homes.

One factor in the "rising cost" of a home improvement project is the hidden factors that no homeowner or contractor can be entirely prepared for. When we do estimates for our customers, we try to cover all the bases- but there are inevitably surprises along the way when you undertake a job on an older home. The older the home, the greater the chance for these "surprise expenses" to pop up.

For example, we just did some work on a home being readied for sale and discovered that today's standard bath vent fan/lights do not cover the opening from the existing fan, which was about 40-50 years old and an odd shape. Factor in some extra drywall work into the initial project estimate...


Or consider the homeowner who wanted his bathroom remodeled for sale, but when we took off the existing tile surround, we found years of water damage and rot which required substantial repair- and up goes that bottom line. Move over to the toilet- same thing. We had to repair the whole subfloor where it had rotted out beneath the existing commode in order to replace it. The homeowner had no idea all that water damage was there, and although it needed to be repaired, it was an unforseen cost in their home improvement budget.

These sorts of things are very common, but many times homeowners start projects without planning for a little extra in the budget for unexpected expenses. This can lead to bigger problems if you find yourself strapped for cash and in need of some serious repair work, like our homeowner with the bathroom water damage. Had he not had a little bit extra set aside "just in case", who knows where that bathroom would have ended up.

The bottom line is this: Spending every last penny you can afford on the materials if you're going to do it yourself, or allowing your contractor's bid to meet your budget limit is a bad idea. Whether you are taking a project into your own hands, or trusting your home to a contractor to complete some repairs or improvements, be sure to allow for some flex room in your budget- for some projects with higher potentials for hidden expenses, like those involving potential plumbing or electrical work, a good cushion is about 20%- it may seem like a lot, but you'll be glad you did if you have it allotted for, Just In Case.

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Modern Renovations, LLC is a Design&Remodeling firm located in Harrisonburg, VA serving homeowners and property managers in the Central Shenandoah Valley. We are fully licensed and insured Building and Remodeling Contractor in the Commonwealth of Virginia and have an Interior Designer on staff to take your project- big or small- from design to construction. Serving residential and commercial clients.

Give us a call today for a FREE project consultation and estimate: 540.421.6206

View us on the web at http://www.modreno.com

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One-Stop Shopping?

Many home improvement retailers these days offer their own installation services. It can be enticing to take advantage of this "one-stop shopping", but use caution if you plan to go this route. Some of these retailers, especially flooring outlets and some kitchen and bath companies- have in-house installers, employees that work for the company to do their own installations. These employees are generally well-qualified and because of their direct ties to the retailer, are a much safer option. However, not every retailer contracts their installations this way, and many solicit installers from their service area with a minimal screening process and do not take the time to follow up on their work. Because they are not "company employees", the retailer may not be as concerned with who they send out to you.

While many big box home improvement retailers offer their list of "approved installers", many of these contractors are not as reputable as you may think. We at Modern Renovations have come in after many projects to find shoddy work by some of these very people- everything from improperly installed appliances to poor tile jobs. We've even had our own experiences with these "approved installers" who bid some HVAC work on our home but had just gotten into the business and seemed to have no clue what they were doing. Needless to say, we decided to look elsewhere.

This is not to say that you can't get it all done in one place- and those financing options can really be enticing. However, any time you have work done on your home- one of the most significant investments most people make in their lifetime- you MUST call for references and be sure your contractor knows what he is doing. Even if the store says they have been "pre-screened", ask for the information of the contractor and contact a list of previous clients on your own before you decide to go with them.

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Modern Renovations, LLC is a fully licensed and insured Building Contractor in the State of Virginia providing quality design and remodeling services to Harrisonburg, VA and the surrounding Shenandoah Valley area. We have an Interior Designer on staff to help you take your project from start to finish and will work with you every step of the way to design a project that is just right for your budget and needs.Give us a call today at 540.421.6206 or check us out on the web at http://www.modreno.com to learn more about what we can do for you!

Update Your Home In a Weekend- Without Spending a Fortune!

Are you looking for ways to give your home a new look with minimal investment? Here are some quick tips for ways to give your home a fresh new look in no time:

1. PAINT. It is amazing to behold the power of paint- with a few gallons of a great new color you can give a room a whole new outlook on life. Current trends in paint for living spaces include using "sea-glass" colors- shades somewhere between blue and green that are tranquil, calming and blend with almost any decor style. Another popular design trend is to use pops of modern colors, such as deep browns, reds, and "fusion orange" to add drama and spice.

When painting, don't forget to give your trim a fresh coat of paint too- it's unbelievable how much of an impact a crisp new coat of paint can have on a room.

2. DE-CLUTTER. Nothing has a bigger impact on a room than taking a little time to pare down the accessories that fill it. By eliminating excess nick-nacks, you can give a room a more modern, tranquil feel. Notice those gorgeous images you see in design magazines rarely have an overload of little items ready to collect dust- and there's a reason. By focusing on a few key items, your little treasures will have more impact and won't have to compete for attention.

3. ACCESSORIZE- Use new fabrics on throw pillows, window treatments, table linens, and even a new area rug or throw rug to add different colors and textures to the room. You can find great pieces for cheap at discount home retailers like TJ Maxx, Ross, Walmart and Target. And don't forget to add a few high-impact pieces of artwork. For a personal touch, you can blow up family photos and have them matted and framed for a custom look.

4. RE-ARRANGE- play around with your furniture arrangements to find the best use of your space. You can re-claim items from other rooms in your house and use in new ways- an end table can become a night stand or vice versa, a console table can become a vanity, etc. This is a great way to save money and maximize what you have. When arranging furniture, take time to plan how you use the space and set up seating arrangements that are cozy and functional, without getting in the way of traffic patterns.

By following these tips, you can re-do a room on almost any budget- from under $100 and up, and have a great new look in a weekend!

For more tips, follow us on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/modreno.

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Modern Renovations, LLC provides design and remodeling services to the central Shenandoah Valley. We are located in Harrisonburg, VA and specialize in kitchen and bath remodels, tile work, trim carpentry, additions and whole house remodels. We are a Licensed Building Contractor in the State of Virginia, fully Licensed and Insured with an Interior Designer on staff to help you meet all your renovation and remodeling needs. Give us a call today at 540-421-6206 or view some of our work online at http://www.modreno.com.

Cost-Saving Remodeling Tips

Looking for a low-budget way to spruce up your home and give it a new look? There are lots of ways to save money on home improvement projects. Here are just a few tips to help get you started:

In the Kitchen:
When planning a kitchen remodel, consider refacing the cabinets versus buying and installing new ones, if you like the general layout and the boxes are in good condition. This can save you a LOT of money, and also conserves waste (a benefit for the environment as well!). Simple updates like adding wood medallions, trim mouldings, and new hardware to your existing cabinetry can also be a great way to give it a custom look on a budget. If your cabinets are real wood, consider sanding and refinishing with a new stain, or custom paint or glaze. These looks are very popular and will give your kitchen an instant update for minimal cash investment.

You can also re-laminate existing laminate counters to save money while getting a whole new look, for just a few dollars a foot. If you are looking for an upgraded look, consider buying reclaimed or discount tile at an architectural salvage store, wholesalers, or even the clearance section in your local Lowes or Home Depot. You can also find great deals on "remnants" of stone slabs at many local quarries- if you have shorter sections of counter top, or an island, this can be a GREAT way to get a high-end, high-impact look on a tight budget.

There are many options for low-cost flooring upgrades, resilient flooring being by far the cheapest to purchase and install. This is not always the easiest do-it-yourself project, but new products like vinyl tiles can make this a bit easier- just be sure to prepare the floor properly and follow all installation guidelines. Again, you can also find great deals on ceramic tile in the clearance sections of your local home stores as well as tile retailers and salvage stores, like the Habitat Re-Store and the Friendship Home Stores.

For the Bath:
You can find great deals on many bathroom fixtures by doing a little online research. Visit local bath showrooms for ideas, jotting down names and model numbers, then plug that information into your favorite search engine and your bound to come up with a few discount retailers who are selling the exact same item for less.

Upgrading your vanity can be a fairly inexpensive way to get a whole new look, and many retailers now stock vanity and top combos for less than $400 to give your bath a quick, updated style. Changing out lighting fixtures can be another great way to give your bath a new, modern look and you can definitely find these items on clearance and online from discount retailers as well.

For the Home:
No matter what room you are planning to re-do, a fresh coat of paint or some new trim molding is bound to make a big impact. Adding a few new pillows, towels, or updating the window treatments are all low-cost ways to change the entire look and feel of a room- and savvy shoppers can find great deals on clearance, or at places like TJ Maxx and Ross that routinely offer great deals on designer items for well below retail price.

Artwork is also a GREAT way to revive a room- finding a nice, big focal piece can have a dramatic impact, and shopping discount retailers and thrift stores or yard sales can be a great way to find beautiful pieces for next to nothing. Remember, you can always paint or change out the frames.

With a little time and some thrifty shopping, you can invest minimal money into your home and get big returns from your remodeling dollars. And don't be afraid to ask for help if you need it. Just remember, not every project needs to be a complete "gut and remodel" to give you a new look and add design and value to your home.

Happy remodeling!

Maximize Space- Expand Your Home Up or Down!

Most of us have a space in our house that we use as the "junk catcher". We say it will be used for storage, but inevitably it becomes a mass of things we don't really need or use. If you are one of those few, organized people out there- congratulations! But for all those "pack rats" out there, now may be the time to re-evaluate your home and find the true potential within those walls.

If you have an unfinished attic or basement, you already have a treasure waiting to be discovered. By utilizing these spaces for more than storage, you can truly add value to your home, and enjoyment as well. Keep in mind that not all of these spaces are suitable for living space- some attics are not structurally designed to be lived in, and may need some rather costly modifications to support living weight, but it might be worth a call to an engineer to look into if you find you're growing out of your home elsewhere.

Basements are a GREAT place to expand you living areas into. They are naturals for dens, family rooms, offices, and maybe even a guest suite. Keep in mind that local building codes may dictate how you can officially classify this space, and be sure any remodel takes these requirements into consideration in the initial planning stages. Some may require minor modifications, others may again be more costly depending on the actual space you are working with. Many builders can provide you with a free consultation and estimate, and be sure to ask some of these questions when you meet.

When it comes to expanding your living space, the possibilities are virtually endless- from a home office to a home theatre, a play room for the children, or any number of ideas in between. In today's real estate market, many of us cannot afford to buy new, but you may be able to utilize more of the space in your home and find you don't need to upgrade after all. And remember, any time you add square footage to your home, you are adding substantial value, even in a slumping market. Consult a local realtor for an estimate of the projected return on investment for your project.

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Planning Tips for your Next Remodel

Planning a Remodel?
When you are planning a remodel, it is important to consider some things before you embark on this endeavor. First of all, we always suggest taking some time to dream up all your big plans and what you would love to be able to do, then pare down the list as you consider practicality and budget contraints.

Some things to keep in mind:

Needs: what do you absolutely need this space to do for you? Whether you are building an addition, remodeling an old space and keeping as much in place as possible, or expanding one room into another, you MUST consider what you needs are.

Functionality: Now that you have your needs identified, think about how this space will be used day to day to accomplish meeting those needs. Do you NEED space to eat in your kitchen? How can you best accomplish this? For example, a kitchen island with stools may be one option, a nook with built in bench seating is another, and accommodating floor space for a full size dining table is yet another option for you to consider. But how will this need be met best in your family?

Material Selections: No matter what your space, whether your remodel involves creating a family room, an office, a master suite, or a kitchen or bath, material selections should be carefully considered relative to how the space will be used, and usually, by whom. Spaces that will need to live up to heavy traffic, children, pets, moisture, grease spills, etc. need to be carefully planned with durability in mind, as well as ease of cleaning and maintenance to keep the surfaces looking good. For example, the popular stainless steel kitchen appliances aren't a great fit for toddlers and young children who love to leave finger prints all over the shiny surfaces as they steady themselves or help themselves to a cup of juice from the fridge.

Aesthetics: Not least on the list is aesthetics, as any household project that you are investing time and or money into needs to be not only functional, but beautiful and appealing as well. Consider this when you are choosing material and finish selections. Taking a look through some design and remodeling magazines, window shopping at home centers and design showrooms, or browsing the internet for images is a great way to get those creative juices flowing and plan a project that flows together nicely.

Budget: Finally, budget is always a consideration (at least for most of us considering a remodeling project these days). Use your lists you have created with needs, material selections, and aesthetics to select options that fall within your budget. Places you can splurge are often in the little things, such as knobs, hinges, outlet covers, and fixtures that add a little class without breaking the bank. Places you can save are areas like flooring or counter selections, where you can often "go faux" for less investment than the real thing without compromising on style or durability, in many cases. Be sure to check specific manufacturer's guidelines for appropriate applications and maintenance issues. And consider the long-term cost when looking at the whole picture: for example, a laminate counter top with a faux stone finish won't be as durable as the real stone counterpart, but the cost of repair or replacement down the road is still probably going to be less than the initial investment of a stone piece. Additionally, most of us are easy enough on our countertops that a properly installed laminate will have a good lifespan of use before you need to consider replacement, unless you decide you are ready for another new look down the road. In this case, you would probably be wise to save some significant dollars in this area and get the same overall look for much less than the real thing.
Also, be a smart shopper. Sometimes, you can get small or odd sized pieces of stone from a quarry that they can't sell, or remnants from a larger installation might just be perfect for what you need, and you'll save big bucks over the full size slabs. Also, look to wholesalers and salvage stores for more budget friendly options. And if your looking to remodel somewhere down the road, be a frequent flier at your local home stores- they are sure to have something on clearance you can snap up for your project (like 12" x12" tile for $0.50 a square foot) that will save you money you can invest elsewhere.

Look for more tips to come, and as always happy remodeling!

If you have a question or need help with a remodeling project, visit our website at or email us at info@modreno.com for more info.


For homeowners in the Harrisonburg, VA area, give us a call at 540-421-6206 to schedule a free initial project consultation. We are conveniently located in downtown Harrisonburg and will be happy to meet you at your home to discuss whatever it is you have in mind. We'll even bring some ideas along to help you out!