Older homes carry a certain charm that newer builds simply can’t replicate due to the unique architecture, craftsmanship, and the passage of time. But older homes often need updating to continue to endure the test of time.

If you have an older home that could use some upgrades to help improve the flow and functionality, add comfort, or simply boost the resale value, there’s a few ways to update without compromising the character of your older home.

Make it Open Where Possible

Older homes didn’t factor in the idea of an open-space concept, but if you have the ability, it can help make things easier and improve the flow of your home. It’s a chance to increase the size of rooms that are otherwise closed off. You can combine your living room and kitchen to make a great space to entertain, create wider doorways between rooms, and add a little more breathing room to your home.

Preserve Charm While Upgrading Your Kitchen

One of the most important updates you can do for your home is the kitchen. Not only is it the most used room in your home, but it’s also what potential homebuyers look at first. It’s your chance to elevate the functionality of your kitchen by adding new appliances, updating countertops and cabinetry, but keep original elements like built-in storage, exposed brick, or even the hardwood floors.

Replace Your Old Windows

Older homes weren’t built with efficiency and sustainability in mind. While your original windows may carry beauty and charm, it’s likely that they’re drafty and inefficient at retaining heat. Consider replacing them with high-quality storm windows or replicate the original look with energy-efficient options. You can also add trim and molding to help preserve the historic character.

Update Your Electrical & Plumbing Systems

Not all upgrades have to be cosmetic. You can use this opportunity to important systems in your home to improve the efficiency and lower your utility costs. There may be outdated wiring with your electrical systems or plumbing that may not be exactly up to code. When you update your plumbing and electrical systems, it paves the way for more modern appliances as well as preventing any potential hazards.

Add Built-In Storage to Maximize Your Space

Some older homes weren’t designed with storage in mind, so taking this time to update your home and factoring in built-in storage is a great way to not only have a place for things to go but do it in a way that elevates the style. Components like built-in bookshelves, custom cabinetry, benches and cubbies, and even pantry additions can go a long way with your storage needs while opening up useable space in your home.

Update Your Older Home Today

If you have an older home that could use some modern updates to help you boost your space, style, function, or resale value, you can look to us at Flansburg Construction. As a design-build firm, we can help enhance your home without compromising on its historic aesthetics and bring your older home into the modern age.

Connect with us to start planning out your home remodeling project!

There are plenty of homeowners that come to a point in their house where there’s a need for more space. Whether it’s to support a growing family, aging parents, or simply to have more room in your home, second floor additions can be a strong solution that also adds value to your home.

However, adding a second floor addition to your home can be a major project that requires a lot of planning and expertise from the right home remodeling contractor. At Flansburg Construction, we’ve helped many homeowners add a second floor to their house, so if you’re considering this option, here’s a few factors to help you decide.

Inability to Build Outward

Bump-out additions can help you increase your square footage and useable space in your home, but there may be regulations depending on your neighborhood, or you don’t want to lose out on yard space.

Adding a second floor helps you maintain the ratio of property to house as well as adding space to your home.

Will Your Foundation Support a Second Floor?

Before construction can begin, a structural engineer will need to inspect and evaluate your home’s existing structure. They’ll look at the strength and condition of your foundation, existing framing for your walls, and even load-bearing paths. They’ll determine if the structure is strong enough for an additional floor.

However, if the structure isn’t strong enough, it can easily be reinforced. In fact, it’s anticipated in most design-build projects, so having the inspection early on can help you ensure a realistic timeline and budget.

Adding Function to Your Home

On top of adding more space to your home, a second story can change your lifestyle. It’s your opportunity to spread out a little more, maybe add a new primary bedroom, a dedicated home office, additional bedrooms and bathrooms, and even rooms with multiple purposes.

Boost Your Home’s Value

Adding a second story to your home will increase its value significantly. It adds square footage, living space, additional bathrooms, and it increased the curb appeal as most people seek out a two-story home when considering their real estate options.

Preparing for the Process of Adding a Second Story Addition

Like most home remodeling projects, there’s a lot of planning involved. However, since the build is a vertical one, there are unique obstacles and considerations which may require a modified (but temporary) living plan. It’s important to choose a design build firm that’s communicative and can lay out a schedule so you know what to expect and how to adjust your daily routine.

Raise the Roof with Your Home Remodeling Project with Flansburg Construction

If you’re interested in increasing the space of your home by adding a second story, the team at Flansburg Construction can help. We can work with you to develop a design to seamlessly add a second floor to your home where you can expand your living space or add more function.

Ready to build up your home? Connect with us at Flansburg Construction today!

Kicking off a home remodeling project can be an exciting time to reimagine the spaces in your home, take the time to improve functionality, and take the necessary steps to boost your home’s value. But it’s important to thoroughly plan out your ideas with the right home remodeling contractor to ensure that you don’t make some costly mistakes.

At Flansburg Construction, we’ve assisted countless homeowners with navigating the complexities of home remodeling to ensure that they’re happy with the results. Here are five of the most common home remodeling mistakes we see and how we can help you avoid them.

Skimping on the Planning Process

The planning process is crucial to your home remodeling project. You’ll want to account for all the design implementations, changes to the structure, and even the various fixtures and appliances that will be going in.

Breezing over the planning process and jumping right into construction can be a costly mistake. Without planning out the details, knowing the specific measurements, or acquiring the right permits can lead to delays, and a home that’s in constant chaos.

Not Defining Your Budget

Home remodeling is a costly endeavor, but it can pay off if you know where to put your dollars. However, you’ll need to carefully analyze your budget and where to put it while including sudden costs like permits, inspections, unexpected repairs, or even design updates. Not saving some budget for these variables can be problematic and can delay the completion of your remodel.

Prioritizing Fashion Over Function

Doing research online can help fuel some of your ideas, but you don’t want to get too ahead of yourself with the style. Redesigning your kitchen or bathroom to suit a style can seem like a good idea on the surface, but if you don’t incorporate functionality into these designs, it could lead to daily frustrations.

Changing Plans Midway Through the Process

You’ll want to completely happy with the design before any construction begins. Constant mind-changes can lead to issues and delays, preventing you from hitting your completion date as well as inflating your budget. Be open and communicative with your contractor and be receptive to any advice they offer.

Choosing the Wrong Contractor

While you may look for ways to save on a home remodeling project, you don’t want to save your budget by choosing the cheapest contractor you find. This can lead to poor workmanship, insurance issues, and even delays. It may seem like a cost-saving decision, but it could lead to a surge in unanticipated costs down the road.

Avoid Mistakes & Make the Right Choice with Flansburg Construction

If you’re looking to get the most out of your home remodeling project with an experienced contractor, Flansburg Construction can help. As a design-build firm, we can work with you on the planning and design, make recommendations on cost-efficient materials and fixtures, and help you turn your ideas into reality.

Ready to give your home a new look? Get in touch with us today!

If you’re interested in connecting with a home remodeling contractor to give your home a rejuvenation, there are probably a lot of style ideas that are swirling around in your head. But how long will these choices be in style?

Interior design trends tend to have a short shelf life, so if you’re putting your money into updating your home, you may want to think carefully about designs that tend to last the test of time.

At Flansburg Construction, we’ve assisted countless homeowners with updating their homes style with looks that last. Here are some design choices that are timeless and will keep your home looking great for the years to come:

Neutral Color Choices

While bright colors and patterns can be eye-catching and visually appealing, in a few years from now, you may grow to dislike these choices. Opting for a more neutral color palette that incorporates shades of white, beige, or gray not only creates a calming backdrop, but they can work with almost any style from modern to farmhouse.

Using Natural Materials

Natural materials are always in style. Using materials like wood, stone, and marble can add texture and warmth to your home. While manmade materials may seem more cost-efficient upfront, they may not be as durable as natural ones. Mixing natural materials in your home remodeling design can add balance and depth to each room in your home.

White Kitchens Endure

White kitchens have always remained in style over the years. It’s a classic look, but that classic endures the years. It gives a brightness to your kitchen while giving you room to play with the contrast through accents like lighting, hardware, cabinets, and even counter tops.

Custom Craftsmanship Means Quality

Going with handmade materials like cabinetry and custom millwork will always have an edge over machine-made materials. On top of adding an alluring style to your home, it is designed to last due to the care and experience that went into making it. Consider custom craftmanship for high-touch areas that can last through daily use.

Put Thought into Your Lighting

The right lighting setup can enhance your space significantly. Incorporating layered lights adds an ambiance while providing the necessary light for home tasks. You can also incorporate classic fixtures like pendants, sconces, and even recessed lights to create warmth and dimension to your home.

Plan a Functional Layout

Function and fashion don’t always meet eye to eye, but in the long run, function endures. Whether it’s an open kitchen concept or a bathroom with smart storage, enhancing the functionality will pay off. The right design-build team can incorporate these ideas into the design so you can cover aspects like storage and workspace into your home remodel.

Work with a Home Remodeling Contractor Today

If you’re in the beginning stages of planning your home remodel, and you’re looking to craft an aesthetic that will last beyond the years and trends, Flansburg Construction can help.

We’ve assisted countless homeowners in turning their old home into an oasis where function and fashion blend seamlessly.

Connect with us today to transform your home!

Working with a kitchen or bathroom remodeling company doesn’t just give you the chance to give these areas in your home a stylish upgrade, but it allows for you to create a smart investment for your home. These are the most commonly used rooms in your home, and therefore, cost the most in energy. Why not take a more efficient route with your home remodeling project and strategically upgrade these rooms to save you money long term?

At Flansburg Construction, we can help you upgrade your kitchen and bathrooms to give it a boost in style, function, and efficiency. Here are some high-impact cost-saving methods to upgrade your kitchen and bath:

Water Efficient Fixtures in Your Kitchen & Bathroom

An effective way at saving money is by reducing your water usage. However, some appliances and fixtures don’t hold back when it comes to using water, so upgrading your home’s systems can help you reduce your water usage and costs.

In the bathroom, you’ll want to consider installing low-flow toilets, water-efficient showerheads, and even motion-detecting faucets. These fixtures can help you use water, limit waste, and lower your water bill. Touchless faucets and an energy-efficient dishwasher in your kitchen can help maximize your savings on water.

Green Appliances in Your Home

When it’s time to update your home’s kitchen, it’s important to factor in the potential energy costs of your new systems. Opting for energy-efficient appliances like refrigerators, ovens, dishwashers, and even a tankless water heater can help you get the energy that you need without creating waste or seeing skyrocketing energy bills.

Improve Your Ventilation & Insulation

While it may not be stylish update to your home, it will certainly pay off to upgrade your ventilation and insulation. Choosing efficient and effective fans in the bathroom can help prevent mold, a high-efficiency hood can help improve air-quality and prevent damage to your cabinets, and adding insulation can help you maintain the comfort level of your home and reduce your energy costs.

Let There Be LED Light

LED lights are known for not only providing sufficient lighting, but also for their low energy use. Swapping out your lighting fixtures for ones that use LEDs can help you see a massive savings boost with your energy costs—leaving high costs in the dark and allowing you to spend less on light.

Smart Appliances & Home Technology

Incorporating smart devices in your home can be a great way at adding convenience and cost-efficiency into your home. Using smart thermostats will help you diminish wasted energy, as will voice-activated lighting. You can also incorporate leak detectors to let you know of an issue near a water-using appliance so you can be diligent and resolve the issue before a major problem arises.

Partner with a Kitchen & Bathroom Remodeling Contractor to Help You Save Long Term

If you’re interested in adding cost-efficiency into your bathroom or kitchen remodeling project, you can look to us at Flansburg Construction for help. We’ve assisted countless homeowners with efficient upgrades to their home that allowed them to not only save, but to enjoy the stylish updates as well.

Connect with us to get started!