Home Improvements During the Holidays

No matter what time of year you are preparing to renovate your home, you will be under extra stress, it’s even worse when those renovations are taking place during the holiday.  Remodeling done in the months of November and December can come with a mixed set of emotions.  You are thrilled to have the home improvements underway but are a bit ready for them to be completed so you can get on with the celebration aspect of the season.

To avoid emotions that are already on fire from turning into a full-blown boil it is important to manage your frustrations while preparing your space for the holiday you desire despite the holiday celebration happening around it.  Obviously, there are greater issues when the renovation is of a kitchen or bathroom however, these basic tips will help you manage.

Managing Home Improvement Projects During the Holiday

• Include Your Contractor in Your Holiday Plans: This doesn’t mean inviting them over for dinner or purchasing them new tools for Christmas but instead making sure they know your plans in regards to having people over and when you will be using the space so that they know they have to clean up more appropriately. 
• Be Realistic: Work in conjunction with the contractors and subcontractors to create a schedule to make sure you are all on the same page.  This will also help contractors when hiring subcontractors as well as making sure tasks that need to be completed are when they need to be.  For instance, if you need the toilet in the first-floor bathroom to accommodate company then it is important it is installed and ready before they are set to come over.
• Create an Environment of Honesty and Solid Communication: Don’t beat around the bush when communicating your expectations of requirements.  Your contractor will tell you if the expectation is realistic or if your requests are way off base.  This allows you to plan accordingly.  If you find that something is not working how you thought it would and you need to reevaluate the holiday renovation it is crucial you feel able to do so. 
• Set a Spot Aside for Materials and Tools When Not in Use: Holiday accessories already quickly clutter the limited space within your home with added company in the mix. The last thing you want is to have the renovation materials and contractors’ tools in the mix of any already chaotic space.  To prevent this from occurring have a space to place materials and tools when they are not in use and company is expected.  Of course, this is not something that should be expected on a nightly basis especially when contractors will be performing work the next day.
• Create Flexibility: All relationships are based on flexibility and so should the one that you have with your home improvement contractor. Everyone is working towards the same goal, you want your renovation completed in a timely manner with minimal stress and your contractor wants to please you and complete the renovation in a timely manner all with minimal stress. 

The holiday season is stressful all alone let alone adding in a major or minor home improvement project.  Working with your contractor will allow the two of you to manage this stress while allowing the holiday happenings to continue on around it without major disruption.

JFC Remodeling is a full-service licensed contractor out of Howell, Michigan.  Specializing in kitchen and bathroom renovations, flooring upgrades, and home remodeling services.  More information can be found online at https://jfcremodeling.com/.

The Best Choice in Flooring for Your Home

The type of flooring you invest in for your home depends on your wants, needs, and above all your budget.  There are some things you will want to keep in mind when choosing flooring for your home.  Carpet is a perfect addition to bedrooms where you want cozy, comfortable flooring under your feet however, carpet in a bathroom doesn’t make any sense.

As a home improvement specialist, it is important to guide homeowners looking to redo their flooring in options that are available to them.

Hardwood – Natural

Hardwood has always been a popular option for homeowners throughout history.  Natural hardwood is a popular high-end material in flooring. Hardwood flooring is a classic option that homeowners often choose for its durability and longevity.  Hardwood is made to be used for years and years.  It can be stripped and refinished, creating a brand-new floor for your family to enjoy.  It is a great option for homeowners looking to increase the value of their home.

Hardwood – Engineered

Another option similar to hardwood by less expensive is engineered hardwood floors.  Similar to natural hardwood, engineered hardwood can be sanded down and refinished which makes it a good option not only for the homeowner but for future buyers.  They are also not as vulnerable as hardwood when it comes to expansion and contraction.  Once the floor is in place there is less chance for buckling.

The best rooms in your house for hardwood, either natural or engineered are living rooms, dining rooms and low traffic rooms such as a guest room.  Hardwood is noisier than other options in flooring.  Many homeowners combat this issue with the use of throw rugs.

 Tile

Tile is a wonderful option for homes where moisture and humidity issues are common.  Many homes in southern states will use ceramic tiles throughout the entire home for this reason.  Tile can be a bit costlier to install than other flooring but the savings from water protection and its overall durability make the extra expense worth it.  Tile is not only available in a number of colors it also comes in a variety of shapes, textures, and looks.  Tile is extremely versatile from mirroring the look of wood or a fancy mosaic you can rest assured as a homeowner that you are purchasing durable flooring when you have tile installed.

The best rooms in your home to install tile are the kitchen, bathroom, laundry room, and foyer spaces.  It cleans up well and can handle high levels of moisture.  It is also a great option to use throughout the home if you pair it with throw rugs.

Carpet

Carpeting is a natural choice for many homeowners looking to redo the flooring in their home. It is relatively inexpensive and easily provides wall-to-wall coverage without too much preparation on the homeowner’s part. Carpet can be purchased with a protective coating that allows it to repel stains which is good for households that include kids both two and four legged.  Another benefit of carpet is the vast number of options to choose from.

The best rooms in your home to install carpet are bedrooms and family rooms.  Carpet is appealing because it emits the feeling of comfort and warmth.  To create an even cozier feel with carpet choose a top-quality pad to go under it.  The padding that you choose can even help increase the longevity of your carpet, allowing it to age gracefully along with your home and family.

One of the benefits of improving your home with new flooring is that you have a lot of choices.  The selection doesn’t need to be the same throughout.  Homeowners can easily use a combination of flooring materials to create a space that best works for them.  As with any home renovation it is best to meet with a home improvement professional to achieve the results you are looking for.
JFC Remodeling is a full-service licensed contractor out of Howell, Michigan.  Specializing in kitchen and bathroom renovations, flooring upgrades, and home remodeling services.  More information can be found online at https://jfcremodeling.com/.