Working with a skilled and qualified general contractor  will yield excellent results for your DC home improvement project. Carefully planning all facets of the job, including hiring and working with subcontractors, is not something that an inexperienced person should do alone. When it comes time to hire a contractor, do you know what skills and work experience to look for? If you answered no, then there's a chance that you might select the wrong contractor for the job, leaving yourself open to being taken advantage of.  Hiring a reliable DC general contractor to oversee your next job shouldn't be difficult, yet for those who have never involved themselves in a home improvement project, the process can be mentally taxing. Especially if the project is large and time-consuming. So to help you out with your next home improvement project, we've compiled a list of 6 things that you should look for when...

When it comes to increasing the value of your home, your kitchen is arguably the most important room in your house. Make no mistake: when it's time to sell your house, the look and functionality of your kitchen matter. Yet, many people shy away from remodeling outdated kitchens, reasoning that the undertaking would be too large and the price too great. While completely overhauling a kitchen is often a pricey endeavor, there are several ways you can remodel your kitchen without breaking the bank. Consider the following tips for kitchen remodeling  on a budget: Give your cabinets a makeover. If you're tired of staring at outdated kitchen cabinets but the thought of installing completely new cabinets makes you clutch your wallet in fear, consider a little makeover instead. Start by giving those cabinets a fresh coat of paint. If you're feeling particularly bold, go for a pop of color. Orange, yellow, and...

Investing in a major overhaul of your kitchen is generally an idea that you should stray against when you do not live in a home that you want to live in for an extremely long time, or even forever. Although the final decision is yours entirely, you are better off getting kitchen remodeling  when you know that you will be able to enjoy all of the improvements and changes that are made for a long time. It is possible to simply upgrade your kitchen, but even better, you can customize it to fully meet all of your needs. Appliances Depending on your desired layout for the kitchen and the exact appliance measurements, you may be able to find replacements for each appliance and not have any complications. However, the most important thing to understand is that you should do what satisfies your wants and needs, and not just what is the...

Whether you have just purchased a property that you want to turn into a rental or you have been renting out a home for several years, you may want to look into home additions that can increase the rental value. Although it depends on unique details regarding your property, your best bet to maximize the increase in rental value is to invest in a new bedroom over the other options that are available. Rent Out a Two or Three-Bedroom Home If you have a one or two-bedroom house to start with, you will benefit greatly from adding an additional bedroom. It is not ideal to add an extra bedroom to a property with three bedrooms, mainly because most people who are looking to rent a home do not want or need a four-bedroom property. If you have the funds and want to maximize your rental income, you could even take a one-bedroom...

Whether you’re planning a new build or needing to upgrade your current home, the right bathroom design is extremely important. The bathroom is one area of your home you shouldn’t skimp on, as an elegant design will provide you with far more comfort and convenience, not to mention the fact that it will also add value. Here are some bathroom remodeling  ideas you can incorporate into your own building plan to create the bathroom of your dreams. Marble Nothing will add a look of timeless elegance to your bathroom more than a marble countertop will. There are also several other uses for marble, including shower stalls, tub surrounds, walls, and floors. Keep in mind that marble must be properly sealed to avoid damage, particularly when being placed inside your shower. Floors Aside from marble, there are a number of other flooring options to consider. A few popular choices include: Exotic wood...

Life is busy for everyone. No one ever says they wish they had more things to do, but in that busy place is also a lot of joy. Many young people have a career that is flourishing, young children that they are proud of, and a home of their own. The only problem that rises from these circumstances is the fact that this life requires a lot of hours at work, a lot of energy to pour into children, and a long list of things to do on the house. Handyman services  are the perfect way to take some of the pressure off so you can continue to do it all well. You may feel like you're juggling all your responsibilities and something is about to fall. It can't be your career, because your family depends on that for your income. It certainly can't be your children. You never get that...

Many people think of gardening as a therapeutic hobby that helps you learn more about plants as you draw closer to nature. Outdoor gardening is the more traditional way of planting and harvesting various herbs and vegetables, however, you have to take a break from your garden in the harsh winter months. Have you considered moving your garden indoors? Indoor gardens, or grow rooms, allow you to grow your favorite foods year-round. In addition to the space needed to start your grow room, whether it be a cabinet, shelve, or spare room, your plants will also need light to photosynthesize and survive indoors. Our friends at DIY and Crafts  share with us a few plants that made NASA's list for the top houseplants that provide a purer and cleaner indoor air quality: Aloe Vera These plants are known for their "healing" ability. It is easy to grow, and hard to kill...

Any general contractor providing residential remodeling services will tell you that the industry is all about kitchens and bathrooms. And for good reason -- most general contractors agree that kitchen and bathroom remodeling projects have a very high return-on-investment rate, 63.6% on average. Even so, the most reliable general contractors will also tell you there are other beneficial renovations often overlooked by homeowners. If you're saving up for residential remodeling and construction work, then here are three projects to consider  first . Not all of these projects sound exciting. They won't go viral with Big Remodeling News or House Renovation Blogs, but they will be worth your hard-earned money. 1. From the Ground Up Homeowners are often amazed by just how much of a difference new floors can make to their home, whether it's fresh carpet or gorgeous hardwood flooring. Over time, your carpet becomes stained and faded, while hardwood, tile,...

General remodeling projects deliver a better return on investment than you might think. Here are a few things you ought to know. Bathroom Remodels Bathroom remodels are the single most requested general remodeling job in the United States. About 78% of renovations made in the nation are actually bathroom remodels, believe it or not, and for good reason, too. Residential bathroom remodeling improvements -- big or small - yield a return on investment of about 63.6%. Kitchen Remodels Kitchen remodels are not to be underestimated -- they too deliver an ROI of 63.6%. What's great about these general remodeling projects is that changing the look of counters, sinks, plumbing, light fixtures, and appliances costs far less than major renovations, making investments in kitchen remodeling services incredibly affordable. Of course, that being said, while you should spend between 12% and 15% of the home's value for an updated bathroom, you should spend...

Remodeling your house is a common and very rewarding project millions of homeowners take on every year. From residential bathroom remodeling to more general remodeling work, renovating your house comes with many benefits. It does a lot more, at the very least, than just make your house look better!   Bathroom remodeling is by far the most sought after remodeling project in the United States. Seventy-eight percent of total home projects are done on the bathroom. However, design remodeling work is also done on the living room, dining room, kitchen, bedrooms -- really, anywhere. One reason why residential home design projects are so popular is that they have a high return-on-investment (ROI). Bathroom remodeling jobs, for example, have an average ROI of 64%. Kitchen remodeling projects also have an average 64% ROI. However, deck projects take the cake with a ROI of over 87%!   Needless to say, residential design and...