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Posts Tagged home renovation

The Virginia Sunroom – Better Sunroom Design

Jan 13

Posted by Steve Kayhill in home improvement | No Comments

Ideally most homeowners want to have a sunroom that will let them enjoy the light of the sun without being oppressed by an abundance of rays that they can’t do anything about. There’s nothing more annoying than having a sunroom that you can’t enjoy because you’re overwhelmed by natural light. That glare is anything but relaxing.

When you properly plan a sunroom, this can be avoided and the space can be far more comfortable. For example, a room that is properly planned from conception down to the dcor and style will offer the optimal sense of truly becoming one with nature while staying cozy inside the home. A great example of this would be an expansive sunroom that has terra-cotta floors accented by true vintage wicker. Add to it a style of large, open windows and you have an elegant design that most would finding both relaxing and attractive.

In order to keep that relaxing space from turning into a bake shop or a sauna, it’s common to include black out curtains or fabric covers for each of the windows. While one might thing this would detract from the point of a sunroom with expansive windows it actually makes it the ideal place to relax – most homeowners don’t want full sunlight on a daily basis. That’s like living in a fishbowl.

There are numerous things to keep in mind when you’re getting ready to design on your sunroom. One of the first is the fact that when you’re building your sunroom you want to have a natural view of the landscape around you but you don’t want to be so close that you blot out the sun. Clear the area for your sunroom, especially overhead, so branches and tree canopies don’t block the natural sunlight.

Ventilation is also extremely important when you’re building out your sunroom. Whether you use it year round or just in the warm months you want to make sure that air can move easily through your sunroom and that it is fully ventilated. Otherwise your sunroom will simply turn into a stuffy and stifling over during the hot days where the inside air cannot escape or be circulated.

Think about how you plan to use the sunroom. This is important because the finishing touches and the primary architecture should change to accommodate the purpose of the room. If it’s going to be a fitness sunroom that houses treadmills and free weights you’re not likely to want decorate Victorian style chair and crown moldings. Expensive tile floors aren’t likely the best option for a play area, pet room or weight training spot.

Lastly, determine whether or not you’ll be using the sunroom on a regular basis throughout the year or if you’ll be shutting your sunroom down during the cooler months (holding it primarily for spring and summer). This will help you decide how to insulate the sunroom, if it needs to be heated or if it should be sealed off as a separate area from the rest of the home when it’s closed for the winter.

Paragon Remodeling are nationally awarded and established Contractors Northern Virginia firm serving Virginia, Maryland and Washington DC. Additionally if you are pondering about a Sunroom Virginia based Paragon ought to be your very first port of call. Request a Totally free quote and be eligible for a $1000 discount today.

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The Virginia Basement – Getting the Most out of your Living Space

Dec 23

Posted by Steve Kayhill in home improvement | No Comments

Welcome to the world of people who would like to sell their home, but can’t fathom attempting to unload a house in the current real estate market. Instead, many homeowners turn inward and want to beef up their homes with Virginia basement remodeling in order to either enjoy what they have (and are stuck with) or increase the perceived value enough to make it a more interesting buy.

Some people tack a hefty price tag on Virginia basement remodeling but it’s not as costly as many people perceive. You can actually get a lot of value out of that unused living space, even if you work with a general contractor to tackle the project and finish your basement.

Saving money starts with creativity and a little forward thinking. Before you move forward with your remodel you should try to discern exactly what you’re going to do with that space if you do remodel it. If you’re creating a spa area, then you’ll need a very different foot print compared to a lounge, rec room, guest bedroom or reading area. Likewise, the cost of the remodel will be based largely on the style and layout.

Next you’ll have to make a realistic task list that will give you an idea of what needs to go into the remodel. From there you can start seeking specific estimates based on the jobs at hand. Another way to save money is to work with a General contractor to have them tackle all of the necessary work. The contractor can also help you price out the project as well as point out things you may have overlooked.

While its recommend that you let the contractors handle the primary projects you can save money where it makes sense to do so by tackling a few of the DIY projects. Keep in mind that you shouldn’t attempt a basement remodel unless you know what you’re doing, as many homeowners have started this kind of project only to wind up with a half-finished basement 6 months later. You can contribute in small ways but let the contractors handle the bulk of the work. You shouldn’t lay new floor but you can handle the painting of the walls.

The economy in Virginia might have made it difficult to sell a home but that’s no reason you can’t enjoy your home with a little basement remodeling. Finish your basement and get that rec room you’ve always wanted, or create the perfect lounge for you and your family. If you’re going to live there you might as well enjoy it.

Grab your chance to obtain a $1000 discount off the cost of a quality new Virginia Basement Project merely by asking for a free quote. Contractor in Virginia Paragon provide a full range of Home Improvement solutions and we project manage from begin to finish and can turn your house into the home you usually dreamed of.

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Refinishing your Virginia Deck

Dec 17

Posted by Steve Kayhill in home improvement | No Comments

If you?ve been looking over your Virginia Deck thinking about how sorry it looks, and that it?s time to replace the wood all together, hold fast because you may have another option. Not all dilapidated decks need to be torn down. You may be able to refinish the deck to refresh its look thus saving you thousands of dollars in remodel costs.

Over time a deck has to endure quite a bit and they take a hefty beating even though we don?t realize it. The weather is particularly harsh on the wood despite the finish and treatments that the wood receives when the deck is built.

Weather aside, animals, insects of every day foot track can stress the wood of your Virginia deck, pushing the limits of the structural integrity that diminishes evermore as the finish fades. Because of this your deck needs immediate attention in order to keep it in commission.

It may not sound believable but with a power washer, the right cleaning agents and a pump sprayer you can bring your Virginia deck back to life when you put your back into it. It?s not even difficult work, it?s just methodical and always worth a shot before investing in yet another remodeling project on your home.

Depending on the climate of your area and how much sun your home gets (especially the deck) a newly finished deck can gain another two to three years before you?ll have to once again revisit the process or opt into a new deck.

The first step is cleaning the deck with a power washer, just keep in mind that when you?re washing the deck you can gouge wood, break glass and even damage your home if you?re not careful. Once it?s clean you?ll want to replace or repair and damaged areas. If you don?t feel comfortable power washing then just use a stiff-bristled deck brush.

Allow your deck to dry for 2 to 3 days. This gives the wood amply time to dry and will allow the finish to penetrate deeply into the wood. When you?re read to apply your new finish, check the weather to ensure that you?ll be free of rain for at least 24 hours. Use any spray device to apply the stain or, if you?re more comfortable, use a roller or foam applicator for quick application.

Once you?ve cleaned your Virginia deck, it?ll be a little misleading because it will look quite polished. Know that it won?t stay this way for long and you?ll need to get the new finish on as quickly as possible. With a new finish you?ll add years to the life of your deck and truly compliment the exterior of your home.

Based in Virginia Kitchen Remodeling is one of the countless home improvement options that Paragon can offer you. With many years experience as a top innovative service provider, Northern Virginia Deck specialists Paragon are providing restricted time discounts of up to $1000.

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Virginia Basement Remodeling ? A custom Laundry Service Just for You

Dec 16

Posted by Steve Kayhill in home improvement | No Comments

If you feel limited by the upstairs space of your home, you?re not alone. A lot of homeowners are dealing with having to do their laundry down in the depths of the Virginia basement and it can be quite taxing when you?ve got a big family. It?s one of the most unfortunate places to have to do laundry? but what can you do?

Thankfully with a little remodeling and renovation of your basement you can trick out your laundry space so it?s far more accommodating and it won?t even have to encroach upon the man-cave that?s occupying the bulk of your downstairs area. Here are some great tips to upgrade your laundry space in the basement:

Update the floor ? The basement is drab enough without having to work on a drab cement floor that holds water and filth. Instead, update the flooring with some nice ceramic tile work. It will help shed water and makes for easy clean up when spills occur.

Add Storage ? Most homes never offer enough storage space in the wash area. Hanging suspended cabinets or creating a vertical pantry can give you just the right amount of storage you need. If you create a table area you can also add under-counter cabinets for additional storage.

Sorting Centers ? No one likes to create piles of laundry in order to get things sorted; you just end up with a large scale mess. If you have sorting bins created you can quickly and easily sort your laundry and get it out of the way, off the floor, and ready for the next load.

Built in Sorting, Folding ? A table is a great option for your work space in the laundry room. You won?t have to carry loads of clothes around the house to find a spot to fold them. This gives you a spot to sit or stand and fold your laundry quickly while managing your other loads.

Built in Ironing Board ? It?s nice to have a full size ironing board but it?s not so nice when you have to lug it around for just one or two shirts. With a build in ironing board you?re able to tackle your ironing and then easily put the board away when it?s no longer needed.

The dream laundry suite is just a brief remodel away and it?s a project that won?t sap your budget dry. If you?re looking forward ways to update your home to make life a little easier, look no further than your Virginia basement.

Grab your opportunity to obtain a $1000 discount off the price of a quality new Virginia Basement Project simply by requesting a free estimation. Contractor in Virginia Paragon provide a full spectrum of Home Improvement solutions and we project manage from begin to finish and can turn your house into the home you always wished for.

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The Virginia Deck – Prepping your Outdoor Living Space for Winter

Dec 16

Posted by Steve Kayhill in home improvement | No Comments

If you hadn’t noticed, winter is here to bit on us again and it can get particular cold here on the eastern mainland. With the seasonal change, there are some things we have to tackle in order to be ready for winter – mainly we need to pay close attention to our Virginia deck to ensure that it’s ready for the cold snap.

If you ignore your Virginia deck you’ll find that the life of the outdoor living space will be cut down dramatically. Wood fades faster and breaks down, cracks and splits occur and the structural integrity can be threatened. Regular inspection and maintenance is important to keep away costly repairs and rebuilds of a failing deck. There’s a very brief window to tackle this project before winter hits, so it’s important to take the opportunity when weather permits.

Before you can do anything else, you need to remove all the common goods from your deck including the furniture. These should be placed into storage and your deck prepared for refinishing. Removing these items during the late fall and winter helps to prevent the buildup of debris and organic material. When organic material decays it can do a lot of damage to the surface of a deck.

Once the deck is clear take the time to inspect it and then clean the surface of the deck using either a deck brush or a power washer with a mild cleansing agent – nothing too harsh though could damage the wood. You’ll want to make sure that the surface of the deck is clean, so passing over it a second time to clean it may be a good idea.

You’ll need to let your deck dry for 2-3 days before you can move on, but once the wood is dry you can invest in a resealer to put a finish touch to the surface of the deck. Keep an eye on the weather because you’ll want to make sure you’ve got clear skies; once the deck is sealed though you’ll be ready for winter.

It doesn’t take a great deal of work to treat your deck and keep it fresh. It does take some measure of dedication to ensure that your home looks beautiful inside and out. The last thing that any homeowner wants to deal with is replacing a deck that’s only lived half of its expected lifespan before breaking down from improper care. It’s an extension of your home, and you need to treat it like one.

Based in Virginia Kitchen Remodeling is one of the countless home improvement solutions that Paragon can offer you. With numerous years knowledge as a leading innovative service provider, Northern Virginia Deck specialists Paragon are offering limited time discounts of up to $1000.

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Virginia General Contractor – Finding Local Talent to Support your Community

Dec 14

Posted by Steve Kayhill in home improvement | No Comments

There are a lot of Americans that are trying to do their part to boost the economy right now, and one of the ways to do that is through increasing local spending. If it’s time to do some updates on your home, then consider shying away from the massive chain companies that do install work and instead opt for working with a local Virginia general contractor. Even DIY work can be shucked to have a general contractor tackle the job.

Granted it might be a little more expensive to opt for a general contractor in lue of your own work or a major installer but it’s one of the best ways for a homeowner to support their local community. The money you pay into a general contractor for the remodel work will inevitably filter down into the local businesses through the subcontractors; family, friends, restaurants, vendors, etc. Everyone will get a slice of the pie.

Whether you’re considering a massive project or something on a smaller scale, anything you do can have a local influence and help to spread the wealth around. At the same time, you’re getting quality work done by a Virginia general contractor that’s skilled in building and renovating homes. Here is a great example of an easy remodel job that can help stimulate the local economy.

Of all the home improvement projects, there are some that people just seem to want to tackle on their own – floors are one of the biggest. Perhaps it’s something intimate about installing your own floor but that’s a project you can easily pass off to a contractor. Why do it yourself or use a retail installer when you can turn to local talent and have the everyday contractor install the hardwood floors for you?

A general contractor may also know a great deal more about your home than you do. They work throughout the neighborhood and they’ve seen a lot of style designs. Their experience will help them navigate the architecture of your home better than you or some major retail installer. In the end you get quality work that’s done faster.

You’ll also save on cost and materials with a Virginia general contractor. They’ll pull in the best resources and materials, often at a lower cost, which passes savings on to you. With purchasing local materials, you’re supporting a lot of different aspects of the community through such a simple remodel project. Who knew it could be so easy to keep the spirit of America alive.

Based in Virginia General Contractor Paragon Remodeling are one of the top home improvement companies in the tri-state area today. We offer a full range of Home Improvement solutions including Northern Virginia Replacement Windows. In essence we can turn your house into the home you usually dreamed of.

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Virginia Roofing ? The Benefits of Infrared Roof Inspection

Dec 13

Posted by Steve Kayhill in roof | No Comments

The roof is an important area of the home and few homeowners pay enough attention to the normal wear and tear. While it may look sound from ground level a roof may be suffering more than you know and that can lead to serious damage in your home. Consider working with a Virginia roofing contractor and infrared technology to routinely inspect your home.

Regular infrared inspection can prevent the uprising of problems related to moisture. Any area like Virginia that is high in moisture and heavy wind storms can wreak havoc on roofing materials. When you use infrared technology, it?s easy to identify those little problem areas that can develop into bigger issues.

When a section of your roof becomes damaged, it doesn?t take long for moisture to collect in areas where it doesn?t belong. What can begin as a small repair cost if just a few hundred dollars can quickly turn into a massive Virginia roofing repair bill that you?re not prepared to tackle.

Thermal infrared inspections may cost more than a common inspection, but they?re the method of choice if you want to make a thorough inspection of the roof and surrounding areas of your home. The systems works on the principle that various materials in your roof have different thermal mass. The camera allows a professional Virginia roofing contractor or inspector to scan larger areas of the room from a distance to examine areas where shingles or sheeting may be failing.

With a damaged roof, inner material including insulation will became wet and remains damp. Wet substances have a higher thermal mass. When compared through infrared, the different in the temperature variance can be easily spotted between the damaged areas of the roof and the dry roof structure. If caught early, these areas can be quickly fixed, saving you the cost of a new roof installation.

Because of the slight difference in temperature, it?s very important that you work with a contractor the utilizes quality equipment and understand how the infrared system works in great detail. When it comes to potential roofing damage and the structural integrity of your home you don?t want to try and save a buck,

While the service isn?t one that is often expensive, as pricing will vary among Virginia roofing contractors, you?ll want to avoid basing your decision on the price alone. Look for a contractor that can provide a quality inspection.

Regional Virginia Siding organization Paragon Remodeling are offering you an outstanding opportunity to claim a $1000 rebate off any Vinyl Siding Project for a Restricted Time. Servicing Northern Virginia Roofing Specialist Paragon are your goto company for all things Home Improvement Connected – Obtain a Totally free Estimate today.

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Virginia Home Improvement – Cutting the Cost of Cabinet Installs

Dec 13

Posted by Steve Kayhill in home improvement | No Comments

Virginia home improvement is a favorite for a lot of homeowners. Many can’t get enough of the fun that goes into revamping the home, especially the kitchen space. As the finish touches come together it’s always a blast to sit down and choose the cabinets that will become a part of the new kitchen. Keep in mind though that the cabinets say a lot about who you are, so you’ll need to choose carefully. Here are some tips to consider when you’re choosing new cabinets.

Style and Material – Above all else this should be considered over other aspects of cabinets and kitchen remodeling while working with a Virginia home improvement contractor. The cabinets you choose need to fit the overall style of your home as well as your own personal preferences. This is about more than wood tone or color; you have to take the hardware into consideration and the types of material you’ll use for your cabinet faces.

You’ll also have to consider your appliances when you’re choosing your cabinets and the hardware. If you’re like many homeowners that are opting into stainless steel appliances then you more than likely want to stick with hardware material and color that will compliment that same silver tone. Consider the two-tone option as well, where you can appeal to the style of your appliances while also hitting on another color you enjoy.

Pulls or Knobs – It’s fun but it’s also a challenge to make a decision among so many choices. The hardware is a big consideration for your cabinets, and you’ll have to decide whether you want to go with simple knobs or pull handles. Knobs allow for a lot of simplicity, especially since they’re often a single color or just polished metal. The pull handles however afford opportunities to utilize multiple colors (two-tone) or designs that are more intricate to accentuate the rest of the kitchen design.

Simplicity – People spend a great deal of time in the kitchen. Next to the bathroom it’s one of the more intimate yet utilitarian spaces within the home. Since you work in the kitchen often you’ll want to ensure that your kitchen is easy to use and move around in. If you’re not partial to scrubbing, keep that in mind if you opt for ornate handles on your cupboards. Simple handles, designs, curves and layouts make it easy to upkeep a big kitchen after its been remodeling.

Saving Money – Throughout the Virginia home improvement process in the kitchen there are a number of ways to trim your budget and save money. The hardware is a great place to shave a few dollars here and there on the cost of the remodel. Solid metal hardware is nice, but it’s expensive. You can get faux metal hardware that looks just as nice for a fraction of the cost. It’s really just a matter of how much you want to sink into the project and how authentic you want the kitchen experience to be.

Paragon Remodeling are a nationally honored and acknowledged company of Northern Virginia Home Improvement Specialists Servicing Virginia, Maryland and Washington DC. To be eligible for a $500 discount on any Bathroom Project from Bathroom Remodeling In Virginia company Paragon simply request a free no obligation estimate from our web site today.

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Virginia Home Improvement – The best way to Use Your Space Wisely

Dec 11

Posted by Steve Kayhill in home improvement | No Comments

With the housing market down, homes aren?t selling and that means people are turning to Virginia home improvement projects to make their homes more comfortable ? they?re going to be in them for a while. With limited space and tight budgets it?s hard to decide on the best home improvement project ? but there is an answer above.

Like basement remodeling, the attic over your head provides you with ample space for expansion while providing comfort and privacy depending on your new layout and design. With the right contractor and a little elbow grease that dusty, dank storage space can be transformed anew ? check out these great ideas for your attic space:

The Recreation Room ? The rec room is the ideal location to start juicing up your living space, and it gives you somewhere to put all your electronic toys whether you want a gaming center or a home theater. The rec room can also give you the ideal location to shut out the world and disappear for a short time.

The Exercise Room ? We?d all love to be able to save the money on a gym membership. With an exercise room in your attic you can disappear for a short while to tackle your more exhausting workouts without interruption and you won?t even have to wait for a machine.

A Study ? A great place to collect books and spend time reading is the study. It?s also ideal for anyone that has certain artistic talents whom can use the space to pursue their hobbies. Knitting, clay, art, etc.

A Working Office ? The attic office is a perfect place to get your work done when you?ve got a telecommute job, or a great place to tackle homework for your children ? or yourself. Not only is it quiet and away from the bustle of the family, but it?s a personal space where you know your goods will be safe from rampaging children.

The Guest Bedroom ? You may not need anything but a little extra space for guests and family that end up staying overnight. By transforming your attic into a guest bedroom you?re ensuring that there is always an extra bed for someone to use if they need it.

Virginia home improvement doesn?t have to always be about tearing down walls. It can be as simple as working with a local general contractor to make the best use of the space you already have within your home. Be creative, have fun, and create the space you?ve always wanted.

Paragon Remodeling are a nationally awarded and acknowledged company of Northern Virginia Home Improvement Specialists Servicing Virginia, Maryland and Washington DC. To qualify for a $500 rebate on any Bathroom Project from Bathroom Remodeling In Virginia firm Paragon simply request a totally free no obligation estimate from our web site today.

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Sunrooms in Virginia ? Fight the Good Fight Against Moisture

Dec 11

Posted by Steve Kayhill in home improvement | No Comments

A sunroom in Virginia is one of the most enjoyable additions to almost any home, but with these architectural marvels comes a downside that can pose a problem for many homes ? particularly those with larger sunrooms ? moisture buildup and mildew.

The best way to keep moisture and mildew at bay is to keep your living space clean. That may seem like common sense but how often do you really clean the fabric and upholstery in your home? Soil and dirt on the surface of these fabrics make for a breeding ground of bacteria and mildew that can lead to musty moisture problems.

For the most part, furniture and drapes are made of synthetic fibers that are resistant to moisture so they?re even easier to clean and control moisture problems. Natural fibers cause the most concern and require due diligence while maintaining your home and sunroom in Virginia.

For homes in the country, the sunroom can create some unique mold problems where the spores settle into areas with sufficient moisture and growth. If you leave the windows of your sunroom open, you?re more likely to gather condensation and mold/fungus spores. Unless you really feel the need to do so, keep the bulk of your sunroom windows closed.

Throughout the rainy season, perform routine checks on your sunroom windows (and the other windows in your home) to ensure that they are sealing properly. Over time, weather will erode the weather stripping and create seal issues. This makes it easy for moisture to slip in, cause mildew problems and threaten the structural integrity of the home.

Chemicals are also available to help you control the moisture in your sunroom in Virginia but if you have a lot of traffic around your home, particularly with children or pets, it?s best to avoid chemicals where possible. While effective, they are not readily available and not the best choice. This is more a matter of treating the symptom and not the problem. Fix the issue that is causing the moisture and then look to conventional means for dealing with the moisture.

Unchecked problems with moisture will inevitably lead to musty odor issues in the home. With an odor issue there?s a good chance there is a source of moisture abundance. If left unchecked, it will overgrow in the area and spread to other parts of the sunroom. Overtime the space will become stuffy, musty and unusable.

You?ve taken the time to put a sizable investment into your home with a sunroom in Virginia. Regular inspections and proper routine maintenance can help maintain the integrity of your sunroom and prevent mildew and moisture from damaging your home.

Paragon Remodeling are nationally awarded and popular Contractors Northern Virginia firm servicing Virginia, Maryland and Washington DC. Furthermore if you are contemplating about a Sunroom Virginia based Paragon ought to be your very first port of call. Ask for a Free estimate and be eligible for a $1000 rebate these days.

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