Home Additions and renovations in Dallas & Toronto

Karen Homes provides home additions and renovations in Dallas & Toronto

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You Want a Home Addition: What Do You Do Next?

If your home is no longer providing the space your family or lifestyle demand you have 3 options. Move, accept or build an addition. Perhaps moving isn’t something your family wants to do. They love the house and can’t fathom turning it over to someone else. Accepting the current situation  isn’t really going to work in the long run either. So you’re left with building a home addition. However, if you’re like most folks you don’t have a clue how to get the process started.

The Process of Home Additions

Home additions are often the most sensible solution for the spatially-challenged although getting from idea to reality is not as simple as snapping your fingers. There’s a lot involved but it doesn’t have to be an intimidating process if you follow a few well-established steps.

  • Identify your objectives – Home additions come in all shapes and sizes and serve different purposes. It doesn’t make sense to do anything else until you decide exactly what you’re after. What type of space do you need? Do you want to build up or out? On the back or side of the house? Will there be plumbing involved? You don’t have to draw up elaborate floor plans but you do need to nail down some goals.
  • Inspect the site – Now that you have a better idea of what you want you need to determine if it’s physically possible. Grab a pen and paper and go outside. Inspect the area you want to expand into and take notes. Will an addition interfere with desirable views from other rooms? Are there power lines, fuel tanks or other utilities in the way? Will you need to cut down trees, tear down an old garage or relocate a septic tank?
  • Clear it with city hall – Once you’re sure you have the space to expand into the next step is finding out if the powers that be in downtown Toronto will allow it. There may be building codes that restrict the total square footage of the house. At the very least there will likely be constraints on how close you can build to the property line, how tall you can build and certain design restrictions that will have to be honored.
  • Formulate a budget – Once you’re clear with city hall you’ll need to determine if you can afford it. While material and labor prices will vary a simple addition will typically cost in the neighborhood of $120 per square foot. If you have expensive tastes you can double or triple that. Add another 20% to cover the unforeseen and now you’ve got some idea of the cost. But be careful: If your reach exceeds your grasp you could wind up having angry, unpaid contractors putting a lien on your property.
  • Hire a general contractor – Anytime a home improvement project will involve 2 or more different trades you’ll want to hire a general contractor. This isn’t a suggestion, it’s a practical necessity. GC’s handle all aspects of the construction process from permitting to clean up and will save you time, money and a thousand headaches along the way. Home additions are not DIY projects and shouldn’t be approached as such.

If you’re contemplating a home addition give Karen Homes a call on 416-661-6006 to learn more details about the process. We’ve built scores of custom homes and home additions in the Toronto area over the past 15 years and have an ever growing list of satisfied clients to show for our efforts. With Karen Homes on the job you’ll get the addition you’ve long wanted at a price you can afford.

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Kitchen Renovation on a Budget: Main Features to Upgrade

Kitchen remodeling projects are often among the most satisfying home renovation projects you can do. We spend so much time in the kitchen that having a space that inspires and rejuvenates is essential. While not everyone has $50,000 to invest in a kitchen remodeling project the fact is you don’t need to spend anywhere near that amount to achieve satisfying results in Toronto. All it takes to make the most of your budget is clear objectives and a little imagination.

Keep Your Eye on the Prize for Successful Kitchen Renovation

Before we get into a list of the things you’ll want to include in your Toronto kitchen renovation project it needs to be said that the most common way folks undermine their budget renovation efforts is by tossing the budget out the window once the process gets underway. No good can come of abandoning fiscal reality. Formulate a realistic budget and stick to it. No buts.

That said here are a few essentials you’ll want to include in your budget kitchen renovation.

  • Cabinets – Cabinets typically make up a huge proportion of the kitchen remodeling budget but there are ways to keep these costs under control. Consider installing pre-made cabinets rather than custom cabinets, less elaborate cabinets with little or no trim or even simply refacing your existing cabinets. Refacing can save you a ton of money and result in an entirely new look for your kitchen.
  • Appliances – Appliances are another area of kitchen remodeling where costs can quickly spiral out of control. You need to do some cost/benefit analysis of the existing appliances and determine which ones it makes sense to replace. $1,500 might seem a lot for a refrigerator but an energy efficient model may save you that much in electricity costs during its lifetime, making it a smart buy. With appliances it’s important to think both short and long term.
  • Countertops – Everyone wants that beautiful island in the center of their kitchen with the granite or even marble countertop but it’s not always realistic. If your kitchen renovation is on a strict budget consider alternatives like butcher block or a tile countertop. If you have a little more to spend consider quartz. If your heart is set on granite you can save a lot by using a thinner slab than is typical.
  • Floors – Do you really need to replace your current flooring? You might be able to save a bundle by restoring the floor you have. If your floors are simply too dull or damaged consider vinyl flooring. It’s inexpensive and comes in tiles, sheets or planks that mimic the look of common floor materials like wood, stone or slate. Vinyl is also durable and easy to maintain.
  • The contractor – Kitchen remodeling exists at the far borders of the DIY universe. As such most folks will want to enlist a contractor to handle the project, even if it’s a limited remodel. If you hire well it will be worth the investment. You should look for a contractor with an established reputation for quality work at affordable prices. Shop around for as long as it takes to find this company or individual. You’ll be glad you did.

Karen Homes has helped homeowners all over the greater Toronto area execute beautiful yet cost-effective remodels of their kitchen and we can do the same for you. There’s no need to remortgage in order to remodel, nor do you need to be a billionaire. Let us show you how we can turn your limited budget into a Toronto kitchen renovation you’ll be proud of for years to come. Call us today on (416) 661-6006 to find out more.

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General Contractor Advice: How to Check the Reputation Of Your Candidates

Hiring a general contractor (GC) for your home building, renovation or addition project is essential. It’s also essential that you find one that is what they say they are, can be trusted to do what they say they’ll do and has a proven record of delivering for their customers. While this may seem like a daunting task it’s actually easier, or at least less complicated, than you might imagine. Below we’ll provide a few tips to help you find a GC that’s worth the investment you’ll make in them.

Finding a General Contractor That’s the Real Deal

The hardest part of your general contractor experience will be finding one you can rely on. While most GCs are hard working, dedicated professionals it’s the few unscrupulous ones that can ruin your day. You’ll need to weed them out before you sign on any dotted lines. Here’s how you do that.

  • Start with preliminary research – Find out the licensing requirements for GCs in your area before you meet with anyone to discuss your project. When you finally do sit down to interview GCs ask them if their licenses are up to date and then ask to see the license. If they get uncomfortable or defensive you’ve got a problem and it’s time to move on.
  • Insist on proof of insurance – The GC should be fully covered for property damage and liability as well as workman’s compensation. Politely insist on seeing proof of coverage and if they balk thank them and move on. If they are not properly insured you could be opening yourself up to all manner of liability. It’s just not worth it.
  • Ask for references – Ask for references and follow up with them. Ask past clients about their experience and whether the contractor finished the work on time and on budget. Take references with a grain of salt though, as you can be sure the GC won’t refer you to unsatisfied customers. Buttress your reference checks with a call to the Toronto Better Business Bureau and the local consumer protection agency.
  • Talk to subcontractors – Ask the potential GC about subcontractors he/she usually works with then check on them as well. If they check out call them and ask if they have anything they’d like to say about working with the GC. They’ll likely say the GC is wonderful (especially if they want to work with him/her again) so don’t expect much. But check anyway. You never know.
  • Do a background check – Everything the potential GC says about him/herself may be supported by past clients, the BBB and the subcontractors, but if you really want to know who you’re working with there are hundreds of websites that will do a criminal background check for a nominal fee. Sure, people deserve a second chance but you also have a right to know if the person you’re working with has a history of violent crime.

If you’ve been diligent about the process you should wind up working with a general contractor who will build your dreams rather than inhabit your nightmares. So be skeptical, be thorough and reap the rewards.

For more than 15 years Karen Homes has been helping homeowners in greater Toronto realize their dreams through the building of custom homes, the renovation of existing homes and home additions that allow families to accommodate their expanding lifestyle requirements. If you’re in search of a general contractor to handle your home building project give us a call on (416) 661-6006. We’ll be happy to answer your questions and address your concerns. We encourage you to check us out and are confident you’ll be happy with what you discover.

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Trends that are Going to Be Big in Bathroom Renovation in 2016

Home remodeling projects will continue to be dominated by bathroom renovations in the coming year. There seems little doubt of that. Homeowners have locked into the value proposition that is bathroom remodeling and are keen to take advantage of the fact that they can achieve nearly the ROI of a kitchen remodel for what is typically a fraction of the cost.

Upcoming Trends in Bathroom Renovation

If a bathroom renovation is on your agenda for the coming year here are some design trends you’ll want to know about.

  • Wood – Wood will make a triumphant comeback in the bath next year as designers seek ways to reintroduce natural elements. Expect to see wood used to create wall coverings or duckboard flooring and wooden bathtub skirts.
  • Copper – Copper has been slowly making its way into the bath for years and in 2016 we may finally see it take up permanent residence in the form of copper sinks, fixtures and even copper bathtubs.
  • Stones – Natural stone will migrate to the bath in the form of both decorative and functional items like sink tops. Don’t be surprised to see stone benches make an appearance in some larger baths, and is that marble I’m walking on?
  • Plants – All the stone and woodwork will call for plants to provide the finishing touch and plants will play a major role in bathroom renovation projects next year. Whether big and leafy or delicate and wispy if it’s living and green it will find a home in the bath in 2016.
  • Industrial – In certain circles expect to see industrial chic make itself known in the form of exposed concrete walls and floors. Exposed pipes and open ceilings will also be in the mix along with minimalist sinks and lots of glass.
  • Twin shower heads – The days of the single shower head are going the way of network TV. In 2016 we’ll see double-headed showers with a hand held shower head mounted on the wall and the increasingly popular rain shower hanging directly above.
  • Objects d’art – From soap dishes to mirror frames to entire bath tubs hewn from a single block of marble the art object will occupy a prominent place in the bathroom of 2016.
  • Focal points – From an architectural standpoint expect to see designers cultivate focal points with the most popular tool for doing so being the freestanding tub.
  • Music – Waterproof music systems began to really come into their own this year and are expected to have a breakout year in 2016. Today’s systems will use wireless technology to stream digital music from your smartphone or computer and will make music in the bathroom a common feature.
  • In addition – Cool greens, blues and greys will dominate the color palette in the bath in 2016. While underfoot heated floors will become a must-have feature along with self-cleaning toilets.

The emerging bathroom renovation trends for 2016 have designers and homeowners chomping at the bit to get the new year under way. With the shift in emphasis toward natural materials, bold juxtapositions and striking focal points it’s clear that the key to a successful bathroom remodel in the coming year will be a willingness to think outside the box.

If you’re contemplating a bathroom renovation project in the coming year call Karen Homes on (416) 661-6006 and talk to one of our interior design experts. We’ve been helping homeowners in Toronto turn their average homes in dazzling showcases for more than 15 years by providing timely, accurate advice along with world-class design and construction services. If you want to get the most out of all aspects of your bathroom remodel, call Karen Homes today.

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Basement Renovation and Why You Have to Get Serious About Waterproofing First

Everyone wants to get their Toronto basement renovation project underway so that they can begin to reap the benefits of having that rec room they’ve always wanted. One of the largest and most common mistakes they make by rushing however, is to overlook the need to waterproof the basement first. Failing to do so can, and often does, result in messy waterproofing retrofits that can cost nearly as much as the original renovation.

Basement Renovation Begins With Basement Waterproofing

No good can come of undertaking a basement renovation without first taking all necessary steps to waterproof your basement. Failing to do so is akin to not scraping off old paint before repainting your house. Here are a few common sense steps you can take yourself to determine if your basement is up to snuff in the waterproofing department.

  • Check gutters and downspouts – Often times water that winds up seeping through the basement walls started as rainwater or snow melt that the downspouts dropped too close to the foundation. Make sure water is being diverted at least 10 feet from your foundation and that the pavement and soil slope away from the house.
  • Check the grade of the yard – Is the ground nearest the foundation subsiding or angling downward toward the foundation wall? If it is it likely indicates water is collecting below the surface and causing the soil to compact. Eventually hydrostatic pressure will send that water through your foundation walls, if it isn’t doing so already.
  • Check out the basement walls – Bring sufficient light to bear on the foundation walls in the basement and check for leaks and cracks. If the walls are cracked you’ll have water leaking in eventually even if you don’t right now. Even if there are no obvious leaks if there’s a lot of mold visible then water is seeping in from somewhere.
  • Check around the basement windows – Water leaking down the wall under the window is a sign your window wells aren’t draining properly. While this is a common problem it will nonetheless have to be fixed before starting any basement renovation work.
  • Check the sump pump – Is the sump pump running all the time? It shouldn’t be. If it is it’s a pretty clear sign you have a leakage problem that will need to be addressed before starting your basement renovation.

If your examination of the water-worthiness of your foundation has turned up trouble it’s time to get serious and call in the pros. Ignoring water problems and moving ahead with the renovation project will lead to rot in the walls and flooring, the growth of mold and mildew, the creation of a permanent musty air and potential health problems for everyone in the house. At some point you’ll likely be faced with a stark choice: either abandon the basement or rip out the walls and start again.

Any Renovation Project Worth Doing is Worth Doing Right

A basement renovation can increase the usable square footage of your home by 25% or more. It will also increase your home’s overall value and make it more attractive to potential buyers should you decide to put it on the market. An unsuccessful renovation, undermined by water seepage issues can have exactly the opposite effects.

At Karen Homes, Toronto we’ll get to the bottom of any water issues affecting your basement and implement permanent, comprehensive solutions before a single nail is driven in the basement renovation project. By doing so we’ll ensure your remodeled basement is all you want it to be and that your family gets to enjoy it for years to come.