4.) Garage Addition: This is another project that should be tackled only under the awareness that the average regain will average just above 62%. The average cost of such a project will amount to more than $58,000. Garage additions are labor intensive – They involve slab work, roofing, new siding, paint, doors, etc. Erecting a garage addition only differs from new home building in that it does not require insulated walls for HVAC purposes. Essentially, the garage addition process is no different than the building process of assembling a miniature house.

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3.) Backup Generator: The potential return on these puppies is just over 50%. If you purchase this one, accept the fact that that you are doing so strictly for personal usage. Do not make the purchase with much expectancy of potential future profit.

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The weirdest thing happened to me several years back.

I took a vacation to Arizona during the winter season and I stayed in one of those fancy-shmancy hotels on a hill. The resort was fantastic. It offered amenities such as slippers and bathrobes, pricey water bottles, on-site spa services and clean sheets. The shower soaps were sweetly scented and the bath towels were over-sized and plush.

Now. The ‘weird thing’ had nothing to do with the fact that I had been allowed onto the premises of such a a luxurious property. The ‘weird thing’ had everything to do with the interestingly hot floor space.

I stumbled out of bed and into the bathroom to brush my teeth and to quickly evaluate what type of hair day I would be having. As I stood there on the ceramic tile floor, brushing my teeth, I took note that my feet were not being affected by the cold, tile surface. In fact, they were experiencing an unusual, yet pleasant, warming sensation.

Heated tile floors are absolutely fantastic. Their popularity may exist amongst high-end resorts, but more and more, homeowners are getting in on this fun little detail.

These systems are typically only about 1/8″ thick and they install conveniently on top of your sub floor. The system embeds within the thinset cement that is used to lay the tile. Lead wires will run from the heated mat to a thermostat (usually located in the gang box next to a light switch).

In terms of cost, you should expect to budget an average of $2-$3/square foot for installation. Additional fees will be required for electrical work (budget $300). According to our web research, a typical bathroom tile floor heating system will cost approximately $800.

Necessary? Probably not. Luxurious, sexy and fun? You betcha.

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I thought I might post a quick blog about our blog and our blogging efforts.

We started bombarding the blogosphere with our advice, opinions and recommendations earlier this year. And not only have we not been kicked off of the world wide web (surprisingly), we’ve actually been applauded. That’s right – Somebody other than us thinks we’re pretty cool.

The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) publishes a bimonthly magazine, The Remodelers Journal, that is distributed to thousands of industry big-wigs across the nation. A couple months back, we received a phone call from a NARI Remodelers Journal reporter who had caught wind of our bad-ass blogging and social media campaigning.

The lady interviewed us and told us that she was going to feature Total Home in the upcoming magazine. Well, that upcoming magazine has been written, printed and distributed.

Do you know what that means? That means that your little, local remodeling company is the greatest remodeling company in the world! Okay. It may not mean that, exactly. But it does mean that we are kind of a big deal. Look out Hollywood, here we come.

Check out our article. Be proud of us. Feel free to help us deflate our overly inflated ego – but in regards to that last one, give us just a day or so if you could, we kind of like feeling like we’re something extra special.

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I read a recent blog that claimed one out of every three marriages end up on serious rocks before the end of a major home remodeling project. I’m not so sure that I’m willing to accept this statement as fact, but it’s a very accurate claim in the sense that home remodeling projects have the ability to take a serious toll on a relationship.

Want to remodel your home? Want to remain happily married (or, married, at the very least)? Take my advice:

Wife:

• Share. Remember, the home belongs to the both of you. It should reflect your styles collaboratively, not individually. His lack of style, might just be a style in and of itself. Accept that. Work with that. Practice give and take.

Husband:

• Bend. How important is the house to your wife? I mean really. Look at her Google search history and get back with me on that.

Both of You:

• Budget. Statistically, the top three things couples fight over are (1) Kids (2) Sex (3) Money. I can advise you on the money part – the other two are up to you. Before you even begin to consider the project, sit down and formulate a project budget. Agree on a “splurge fund” that will be set aside as a part of the budget, and will be used for any unforeseen upgrades, miscellaneous purchases, etc. Remember, statistically, your project will most likely run 10-20% over budget once all is said and done. Expect it and accept it.
• Research. Do this together. Gathering ideas on your own, and then coming together is fine. But check things out as a unit, as well. Brainstorm in various spaces like hotels, model homes, restaurants, etc. Take pictures and take notes. Remember – this is allowed to be a fun process.
• Split Up. No, not in the partnership sense. If your design styles are so bipolar that no middle ground can be met, split the spaces between the two of you. Wife, don’t think you’re allowed to just toss Husband the garage and call it good. At least let him in on the den or the deck, or something.

I’ve said this before, I’ll say it again – Your home is (most likely) your largest investment. It is also the largest outward expression of you as a couple. If you both get to be involved in the process, you’ll both be excited and your end result will be far more enjoyable.

In summation: Play nicely with one another and use your best manners.

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I think home remodeling is too often viewed as one of those necessary evils in life.  It’s all relative, though.  And it has a lot to do with approach.

I’ll list a few tips that might help to motivate you into the realm of ‘Remodeling Like A Pro!’

• Trendy – Think twice on this one.  A) It will cost you more up front. B) It will potentially look dated in no time flat.  Definitely something to consider if you’re remodeling with intent to resale (and who isn’t right?)
• Insulation – Expert tip: Don’t skimp on this one.  Yes, too much can lead to mold issues – But not enough will cost you for years to come.  You can drastically decrease heating and cooling bills by properly insulating your home.  (And remember, the term insulation applies to many more things than just the scratchy, fluffy pink stuff).
• Test Drive – You can get a good feel for the projects that take priority and what types of changes you really want if you live in the house before you begin to remodel.
• Make Up Your Mind – Changing your mind six different ways from Sunday during your remodeling project will accomplish 2 things: 1) You’ll cause the project to take longer and cost more 2) You’ll drive your contractor nuts.  Try to get all of your imagining out of the way prior to the job start date.
• Think Twice – If you’re not a licensed contractor (or married to one) then I would suggest you strongly rethink the idea of doing it all yourself.  There are plenty of things that can be done on your own – And the good folks at the local hardware store with the little orange aprons will be happy to offer any advice they can.  But in all honestly, some tasks are best suited for a pro.  Don’t stretch beyond your limits.
• Don’t Be Surprised – Plainly stated: The job will cost more than you expect, so set aside an additional 10% cushion.
• Don’t Say I Didn’t Warn You – The job will be very messy.  Dust, debris, trash, screws…Things might get damaged.  This is just a part of the process.  (If a professional brings damage your way, he should obviously repair it, but don’t freak out – Just a part of the process).

That’s all I’ve got on that topic for now.  But as a quick side note, today is National Donut Day.  So from one ‘little things in life-lover‘ to another, Happy Donut Day!

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1. Where will your contractor be able to drop lumber and store materials?
2. Parking.  Where will the crew be able to park?  What about you?
3. Which bathroom will the workers be allowed to use?
4. How will floors and carpets be protected form dirt and dust?
5. Are all breakables packed away for safe keeping?
6. Window treatments will most likely get very dirty.  Should you pack them away, as well?
7. Consider closing off the job site from the remainder of the house with a piece of plywood or plastic.

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Whatever you do, DO NOT freak out!  I understand, your contractor has just completely done (fill in this blank) wrong and it seems as though (fill in this blank) will end up looking like the biggest disaster ever!  And even though the (fill in this blank) showed up in the wrong color and the subcontractor acted completely clueless to the whole situation, I need you to know that it will be okay.

Because things don’t always go as planned–and because often times in remodeling, things have a tendency to go as “unplanned,” I would like to offer a few helpful suggestions that you might want to consider during this process.

Well planned construction projects have a very low failure rate.  But because construction is such a complicated process, it is not uncommon to see problems arise.  Follow this lead, and you’ll be just fine:

• If you think there might be a problem, don’t hesitate to voice your concern.  Contact your project manager and discuss your thoughts right away.
• Keep calm and remain respectful.  Try to assume that there is good will on all sides.  Insist upon clarification and timely resolution.  (And don’t panic if you can’t reach him on the first try–Remember, he
  most likely manages anywhere from 5-20 projects at any given time).
• Get all information and agreements in writing.  This includes all initial contracts and change orders.
• Don’t succumb to ‘construction speak.’  Ask questions and get clarification.  Industry pros earn bad lingo habits along with the best of us–You might have to break ‘em in!
• Remember, not all contractors are ‘bad guys.’  Actually, the majority of them are really talented, hard-working, ‘in it for the right reasons’ kind of guys.  In my experience–you work with them, they’ll work with you.  And all will live happily ever after.

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