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The Best Renovation and Remodeling Projects for Every Corner of Your Home

Home renovation can bring a fresh new look to every room, letting you fall in love with your investment all over again. If your family is growing or your needs are evolving, you could even go all in on a remodeling project that changes the way you use your home.

Whatever your needs are, it’s important to have inspiration. If you’re looking for ideas or simply want to know what’s possible in a partial or whole house renovation, we’ve got the master list for you.

Below you’ll discover the best projects for home interiors, helping you to decide where to start when working with contractors in Des Moines.

Living Spaces

Along with your kitchen and dining room, living spaces are the heart of your home. You relax and unwind in these spaces and spend quality time with family and friends. If you’re like millions of other Americans, you also use these spaces for entertaining.

There are countless projects that you can take on in your living spaces, but not all of them provide lasting value. With every decision you make, you should aim to gain a return either in usability, or in value that you’ll gain back when you sell your home.

Consider some of the following projects to breathe new life into tired living and family rooms.

  • Get rid of that old flooring: Flooring is one of the first elements to show age in a home. Old carpets can become breeding grounds for household germs. Dirt can collect and leave your carpets looking worn out. Invest in new flooring and consider solid flooring for its ease of maintenance and great looks. There are plenty of options available for home renovation, including hardwood, tiles, or even engineered wood panels that are durable and cost-effective.

  • Paint your walls: The cost to benefit ratio on new paint is seriously unbalanced – and we mean that in the best possible way. New paint is a relatively small investment that will completely transform the look and feel of your living spaces. There’s a whole rainbow of hues available to give you the exact mood that you’re looking for. If you don’t need a whole house renovation, you could hire a Des Moines handyman to paint your living room to keep your home looking great between major improvements.

  • Replace the light fixtures: This is another relatively inexpensive renovation concept that will change the way you look at your living spaces. The right lighting will allow you to create the perfect ambience for relaxation or entertainment. You could splash out on designer fixtures and still come in at a reasonable budget.

It pays to plan your living room carefully. If you have an open plan home, then you’ll need a concept that flows effortlessly into your dining room and kitchen. If you need help bringing your ideas to life, you can talk to the design team at HomeWorx Iowa.

Bedrooms

Bedrooms are some of the most flexible areas of the home in terms of how creative you can be. The ideal look and feel of a bedroom is something that’s deeply personal. You could replace flooring and paint the walls, and you’ll have a space that feels completely new.

Bedrooms are perfect for feature color walls, which work perfectly behind headboards or dressers. In your master bedroom, you could choose to go with a full remodel, adding a walk in closet or even a bathroom.

One thing to keep in mind is that it’s not always wise to extend a bedroom in a smaller home. Buyers look for homes that are practical. If you sacrifice another bedroom to make your master suite bigger, then your home could become less attractive if you decide to sell in the future.

Of course, if you plan to stay in your home for your lifetime, then you can add as much or as little as you want by claiming space from an adjacent room.

Kitchen

The kitchen is typically the busiest area of any home, and it’s the most commonly remodeled and renovated feature. This makes sense. With the amount of time that you spend in your kitchen, you want it to look and feel great.

If yours is run down, then you could go with a quick renovation, or even a complete kitchen remodel. Almost everything that you do in the kitchen will offer returns in the form of beauty, practicality, and resale value.

If you are planning a kitchen remodel, make sure you carefully consider the following:

  • Hardware: While it may seem small and relatively inconsequential, the hardware in your kitchen can have a significant impact on look and feel. If you’re going for a traditional look then you could choose ornate hardware in gold, copper, iron, or even marble. If you’re designing a more modern kitchen, stainless steel and chrome handles and drawer pulls will work best.

    You can experiment with unique hardware at a local home supply store. Get a feel for the different pieces in hand. Hardware that has weight will provide a premium feel that is desirable in today’s home market.

    Don’t forget about your sink and faucets. Large articulating faucets are popular in modern homes. They’re more practical and look impressive.

  • Cabinets and Drawers: These will be the most prominent surfaces in your kitchen. You need to take the time to choose cabinets that you will love for years to come. Aesthetics are important, but you should also think in terms of practicality. How can you make better use of your space, especially in a smaller kitchen?

    One solution would be to incorporate spice drawers, hidden trash containers, and even a sliding pantry. Keeping storage spaces hidden will make for a cleaner kitchen that feels larger.

  • Countertops: Most home renovation experts will tell you that a countertop will make or break your kitchen. You need to choose yours carefully to get the perfect look and feel. Despite some added cost, it is advisable to go for a solid countertop rather than a composite or laminated counter.

    Quartz is a great option if you want a high end aesthetic on a relatively friendly budget. If you can spend more for granite or marble, then you’ll enjoy the ultimate premium aesthetic that will last for the lifetime of your home.

    Wooden and stainless steel countertops are also popular and can make sense depending on the look you’re trying to achieve. Stainless steel is a great material for a post-modern kitchen, while wooden butcher blocks work well in both modern and transitional kitchens.

  • Flooring: As with any other area of your home, your choice of flooring for a kitchen remodel will be critical. Tiles and stone are some of the most common materials used. Tiles are affordable and come in a virtually unlimited array of colors and designs.

    Hardwood was a popular flooring material in older kitchens, but the maintenance requirements and susceptibility to moisture damage have turned some modern homeowners away. If you like the look of wood but want something better suited to your kitchen, then opt for engineered wood planks. These planks expand and contract much less and are more resistant to moisture. They look just like real wood and can even be sanded and refinished, so you’ll enjoy a great looking floor for many years.

Your kitchen is an area of your home where you shouldn’t cut corners. Taking the time to plan and budget for a kitchen remodel could drastically increase the value of your home. Even if you don’t plan to sell, you’ll benefit from a more comfortable space that is perfect for everyday meal prep with the family, and entertaining when friends are around.

Bathroom

Your bathroom will be a key aspect of a whole home remodel, or it could even become a project all on its own. Comfort is key here, but beauty still plays a part.

  • Plumbing is critical: If you’re remodeling and moving things around, you’ll have some plumbing alterations to take care of. This can add cost to a project, so it’s recommended to keep fixtures in place whenever possible

    Even if you don’t move your pipes, you could still upgrade them, replacing worn pipes or older lead pipes with modern solutions. Remodeling or renovation is also a good time to insulate pipes, keeping them protected in the winters to come.

  • Flooring is also a big part of a bathroom remodel: Like the kitchen, engineered wood could be ideal if you want a classic look. Tiles are the most common solution for a bathroom, offering complete protection against water and moisture. You could also consider adding heating elements to your floor. This will keep your bathroom comfortable in the winter, while also reducing the load on your HVAC system.

  • Ventilation should not be overlooked: Some homeowners forget about this feature until the last minute, which can add significant cost to the build. Plan for ventilation early. If your bathroom isn’t routed into your HVAC system, you will need an extractor fan system to remove humidity. This will protect against mold and odors in the future.

  • Vanities, showers, baths, and cabinets are all major features: You’ll set the tone of the room with your larger fixtures. The good news is that vanities have become relatively affordable, even for highly presentable modern styles. When choosing toilets, showers, and baths, make sure you look for water efficient options. This will decrease utility costs while also making your home more environmentally friendly.

  • Bathroom walls allow for some creativity: Painted walls are about as basic as you want to go for a beautiful and durable bathroom. If you can work it into your budget, consider a half tile wall. This will create a unique aesthetic while protecting the drywall and structure of your home from moisture. It’s even worth delaying a bathroom remodel if you need more time to budget for wall coverings.

When designing bathroom improvements, aim to create a space that will last for the lifetime of your home. Spending more on materials and fixtures today will reduce maintenance and replacement needs in the future.

Finishing Spaces During a Whole House Remodel

If you’re looking for value-driven improvements that add living space and functionality, don’t forget about finishing projects that you could do in your home.

  • Basement Finishing: Your basement could become a whole new living space, self-contained apartment, or even a media room. Remodeling your basement will mean adding finished walls, flooring, and ceilings at the very least. Depending on how much space you have, you could add multiple bedrooms, storage, and a bathroom as well. General contractors Des Moines can plan a basement finishing that adds value to your home.

  • Garage Finishing: This is also an option whether you have a detached or attached garage. Like the basement, you could turn your garage into a living space, bedrooms, or even a studio or gym. Keep in mind that removing parking space could decrease the appeal of your home. This is something to consider if you plan to sell in the future.

  • Attic Finishing: Although not as common as either garage or basement finishing, attic finishing can add valuable living space if you are starting to feel the size of your growing family. Add a bedroom, a secondary living room, or even a playroom for your children. A high peaked roof could result in a sizable finished attic that greatly increases the usable square footage of your home.

Start with the Best Home Renovation Contractors in Des Moines

From light renovation work to whole home remodeling, there’s a team of experts ready to help. HomeWorx Iowa is the premier home remodeling and handyman services company in Des Moines, IA.

Our expert project management will minimize stress and uncertainty, and we’ll even work with you to design beautiful home improvements using advanced 3D modeling software.

Full service with a complete design and build, there’s no easier way to improve your home. If you’re ready to begin any of the projects listed above, or if you have something unique in mind, it’s time to talk to the experts.

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Basement Finishing Avoid These Mistakes on Your Project

Finishing your basement is one of the most rewarding home remodeling projects you can complete.  A basement finish is more than just a recent trend, it can also add value and practicality to your home. New living spaces, added bedrooms, or even a self-contained apartment… your options are only limited by your budget and creativity.

But, keep in mind that there are common mistakes made in basement finishing projects. Some homeowners rush the planning phase and end up having to go back and make improvements at added expense. You can avoid common mistakes by learning about them here, helping you to plan a better basement that lives up to your initial concept.

Forgetting About Your Basement Finishing Utilities

In an effort to make their basements beautiful and streamlined, some homeowners will push ahead with aggressive designs that block off utilities like air conditioning, laundry appliances, and water heaters etc.

This is one of the worst mistakes that could be made in a basement finishing project. If you don’t leave enough space to access utility appliances, you’ll find that general maintenance can become a chore. It’s recommended to leave floor space of at least 4ft. around your appliances. If you enclose them in a small room, ensure that there’s enough access to remove and replace appliances in the future.

If your utilities simply don’t work with the design that you have in your mind, then you could consider relocating them. This could introduce additional cost into your basement finishing project (especially if plumbing or ducting is involved), but it could be worth it if the results add more value and practicality to your home.

Choosing the Wrong Materials

Your basement is just like any other large room in your home… right? Actually, it’s not quite that simple. Your basement is considered below-grade and that means that you’ll need to choose slightly different materials to what you would use throughout the rest of your home.

Insulation is a perfect example. Fiberglass insulation bats might be perfect for other areas of your home, but in the basement, this type of insulation could promote mold growth by trapping moisture. Instead, you’ll want to go with materials like foam board insulation, or spray foam that expands and fills cavities.

Drywall is another material that some homeowners get wrong. Even fully finished basements are exposed to more moisture than other areas of the average home. You’ll need to use a rated below-grade drywall to avoid mold growth.

Installing Hardwood Flooring in a Basement

Back on the topic of moisture, let’s talk about your flooring. You might want to go all out with a luxurious basement that matches the rest of your home. Maybe you’ve even considered hardwood flooring for its premium look and feel.

Hardwood flooring is arguably the worst material that you could use to finish your basement. The expense of hardwood flooring means that in the event of a leak, flooding, or moisture entry, you’ll be left with a severely damaged floor and an expensive repair bill.

Choose laminate wood flooring panels if you want the look and feel of hardwood. Engineered wood is much better at tolerating moisture. You could also choose synthetic fiber carpets which will resist moisture and mold.

Plan Your basement Finish Around Comfort and Practicality

When you design your basement, always keep function and comfort in mind. The space should be livable, and it should give you something that your home is missing.

Taking special care to choose the right materials and layouts will ensure that you can enjoy your finished basement for the lifetime of your home.

If you’re ready to move ahead with a basement finish or any other home remodeling project, you can get expert planning and design from HomeWorx Iowa. We’ll ensure you avoid the common mistakes and pitfalls, leaving you with a completed project that exceeds your expectations.

With an end-to-end service that includes installation and project management, you can get the basement of your dreams without any of the stress or uncertainty that comes from doing it yourself.

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5 Reasons Why You Should Finish Your Basement

Thinking about finishing your basement but can’t convince yourself to commit? We’ve laid out a handful of reasons why you should treat yourself to a remodel.

For many folks, the basement is nothing but a burden.

After all, if your basement is unfinished, it’s essentially a concrete storage space that slowly fills up with all of the clutter and useless junk you’d rather forget about.

It’s even worse in cities like Des Moines, where it doesn’t take long for the basement to get damp and moldy during the wet winter months.

Even still, many people refuse to commit to finishing it because they’re worried about all of the time, effort, and money it takes.

Well, we’re here to tell you that a finished basement is well worth the cash. It not only pays you back in happiness and comfort but can be financially rewarding, as well.

So, if you’ve been thinking about redoing your basement but can’t bring yourself to move forward with it, read on. We’ve outlined a few great reasons why you should finish your basement ASAP.

1. Basement Finishing Adds Another Floor to Your Home

A lot of people overlook just how valuable their basement space is.

Think about it: do you really need an entire floor dedicated to tools, old clothes, and holiday decorations?

If you finish your basement, all (or at least some) of that stuff can go into a storage bin. And then, you’ll have a whole additional floor in your house.

2. You Can Use it For Anything You Want

Have you always wanted an at-home gym? A man cave? What about a guest room?

Or, maybe you have a child who is growing up and needs a space of their own.

Whatever type of room you need, a finished basement is the best place to put it when you’ve run out of space. The possibilities are literally endless.

Need some ideas? Check out these tips for designing your basement bonus room!

3. There’s a Seriously Good Return on Investment

We get it. A lot of people put off this project because it can be expensive.

But, remodeling your basement can add significant value to your home. In fact, this added value is one of the most common reasons why people finish their basements.

In 2017, homeowners who invested in a new basement recouped roughly 70% of the cost upon selling their home.

So, although it is a huge investment, you’ll make a lot of that money back when you sell.

4. Your Home Will Be Much More Appealing

Don’t you want a home that you’re proud of?

Don’t you want to be able to take your friends for a tour and show them the whole house (not just the upstairs)?

Don’t you want to be able to walk by the basement door without shuttering at the thought of the cold, damp concrete box that’s down there right now?

Well, one of the best reasons to finish your basement and that you can have all of these things. You can have a beautiful, furnished basement down there that you’re proud to show off.

And, once it’s time to put your house on the market, it will be much more appealing to potential home buyers!

Are Those Enough Reasons to Finish Your Basement?

If you’ve decided that it’s time to remodel that old, dank basement, call HomeWorx.

We’ll swing by, take a look at your cellar, and give you a free estimate of how much the job will cost. We can’t wait to hear from you!

Take a look at our basement finishing FAQs, too!