Home Additions and renovations in Dallas & Toronto

Karen Homes provides home additions and renovations in Dallas & Toronto

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How Much Does a Home Addition Actually Cost?

Perhaps you’re starting a family, need a new home office, or just want to expand with a new sunroom or hobby room you’ve always dreamed of. Building a home addition is a great way to get more space, allowing you to de-clutter your home and stop more than a few high-tension arguments among crunched family members, as well as being an effective way to add value to your house. Unfortunately, the cost of building a home addition varies significantly and is notoriously hard to predict. Unlike kitchen remodeling or bathroom renovation, building a home addition requires the complex task of constructing an entirely new structure that fits with your home’s current aesthetic and internal systems. Here are a few factors to keep in mind when planning and budgeting for your home addition.

Nine Factors That Influence the Price Tag of a Home Addition

1. Size: Obviously, the bigger the addition, the more expensive it will be. Calculate the square footage of the area you’re planning on building. The cost per square foot differs according to where you live. Research the average cost of construction in your area. Generally, each square foot could cost upwards of $150, depending on the complexity of the project.

2. Complexity: Some additions, such as a deck, are less complicated than rooms that have to be fully integrated with your home’s electricity, plumbing, and HVAC systems. As a result, each square foot is markedly cheaper. Any addition that will require landscaping, demolition, excavation, or utilities work, especially kitchens or bathrooms, will be especially expensive.

3. Worker Costs: A new home addition will require an army of workers to complete. From plumbers to electricians to architects to general contractors and designers, home construction is truly a team effort. It’s important to choose highly skilled trades people who will get the job done right and on time. You can certainly negotiate and choose from among multiple bids, but keep in mind that going with the lowest bidder generally results in a lower quality final product.

4. Prior Damage: Sometimes our homes don’t show all of the wear and tear they’ve endured on the surface. Construction crews may start tearing up your house only to discover that it has structural damage, inadequate insulation, or old, deteriorating plumbing that needs to be replaced. These problems will need to be dealt with before construction can continue.

5. Materials: Some materials are simply more expensive than others. It’s imperative that your addition matches the rest of your home, but if your home has a brick or stone façade or uses more expensive woods, the cost of your addition will rise. With everything that you purchase, from windows to paint and roofing, you’ll have a choice about whether to go for more or less expensive options. More expensive materials are not always higher quality, either. One good way to decide where you should splurge versus save is to weigh quality against visibility.

6. Permits: If you hire a general contractor, they will usually handle all of the paperwork for your home addition so that you don’t have to. This is usually included in their overall fee. If not, you’ll need to do a little research. Some areas have limits on construction or home height. First and foremost, make sure that you’re not breaking any laws, and then fill out all of the necessary forms and pay all fees before you get started. You don’t want to run up against legal problems when you’re almost finished building.

7. Inspections: It’s highly recommended that you hire a structural engineer to inspect your home addition and verify its safety. These experts will point out anything that needs to be fixed or improved based on your original plan and the building’s overall safety rating.

8. Utility Bills: Take into consideration that after the addition is complete, your utility bills will likely increase. Unless you have a heating and cooling system that is controlled on a room-by-room basis, these could be among your biggest expenses in the years to come.

9. Property Taxes: Before you build, familiarize yourself with the property tax guidelines in the Toronto area. An addition may prompt an increase in your property taxes, although it might just require reassessment on the value of your addition.

Building a new home addition is not just about foundations and beams – it encompasses necessities that most homeowners have never even thought about. Home additions mean installing siding and trim, finishing walls and ceilings, and installing insulation, doors, and windows, as well as carpeting, hardwood floors, or tiling. It’s a project that can range from extremely complex to relatively simple and stress-free. Either way, there are ways you can save by considering what you really need from your home addition and what you want, but can add further on down the line.

Call Karen Homes to build your Toronto custom home

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How Custom Homes Can Improve Your Quality of Life

People spend a large majority of their lives in their own home entertaining guests, hanging out with the family, or just relaxing. These days, many people work from home too, making the time spent in the home even greater. Unfortunately, many of these people aren’t completely happy with their homes which can add a lot of stress to their daily lives.

Out-dated décor, inadequate living or storage space, or even a lack of natural light can give the home an uncomfortable or messy feeling. Doing home renovations could help, but they often add more stress. For example, where do you cook your meals during a kitchen renovation? That’s why many people are choosing to build custom homes. Being involved with the building process every step of the way ensures that you get exactly what you want out of your home, and in turn makes each and every day a little bit brighter.

5 Ways That Custom Homes Make Your Day-to-Day Life Better

  • Organization – When you move into a home that once belonged to someone else, you can be quite sure that they did not own exactly the same things as you. You might have more kitchenware than they did, and now you have nowhere to store it. Perhaps you do a lot of painting, or collect antiques, and you have nowhere to properly display it. Custom homes allow the buyer to work beside the contractor every step of the way to ensure that there is ample storage and display space designed specifically for your unique needs, making your house tidier and keeping your stress levels down.
  • Useful Spaces – You know what your needs are, and it’s tough to find a pre-built house that fits each and every one of them. Rooms and spaces often get wasted, or, you don’t have enough room. If you’re a couple with no children living at home, you don’t need a second floor with 4 bedrooms – although you may want an open-plan space the same size. On the other end of the scale, 5 bedrooms are hard to find for families with four kids, and 2 of those kids will often end up sharing. Custom homes allow you to design your home exactly the way you need, so you never feel overcrowded or feel that space is being wasted.
  • Recreational Areas – Many average homes lack the space for recreational activities or even entertaining guests. If you need a place for the kids to play, you can get them out of the living room (where you’re trying to watch TV) by creating a special room just for them when designing the house. If you love to entertain, you have the opportunity to design an open-plan space, and put a bar or high counter off the kitchen or in the basement for guests to mingle at. Having a space in your home specifically for recreation and entertainment can save you money in the long run because you will end up going out less. It might also save you a few headaches if the kids have a place to play just slightly out of earshot.
  • Outdoor Living Spaces – When you think of custom homes, don’t forget that includes the garden too. Modern outdoor furniture and living spaces should replicate the beauty found inside the home. When you design your house, it’s important to keep the garden in mind. Place the house on the lot in a way that gives you ample yard space. For entertaining, have a sliding door off the kitchen to a nice patio or deck. Imagine how relaxing it would be to sit out on the deck while you have your morning coffee. Custom homes offer you the ability to not only have the perfect interior – but exterior too.
  • Happiness – Yes, happiness. What we mean is that feeling you get when you look around you and feel completely happy with everything you see. Everything is stored away, all the rooms are being utilized properly, and you feel comfortable and content in your surroundings. Overall, that is the best thing that you will receive when building custom homes.

More and more people are realizing the potential in custom homes. Instead of moving in and having the stress of figuring out when and how to start on the bathroom renovation or kitchen remodeling, custom designed homes will already be perfect. At Karen Homes, we have over 15 years of experience in the Toronto area helping our clients build homes that cater exactly to their needs.

Unfortunately, many people in the market for a new home automatically dismiss the idea of a custom-built home because they are misled by stereotypes that it’s too expensive, or not practical. In fact, building a home suited exactly to your needs is incredibly practical. If you’re in the market for a new home, give us a call today to see what we can do for you.

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Custom homes Aren’t the “Norm” But They Offer Many Advantages

For many people in the market for a new house, custom homes don’t even cross their minds as a possibility.

For some reason, custom homes have been stereotyped as being incredibly expensive, and that’s not necessarily true. Sure, sometimes people get carried away when choosing fixtures and appliances – making the bills rack up, but it doesn’t have to be that way. When done right, custom building can be very economical, and the best part about it, is that you’re left with a home that suits you and your family’s needs perfectly.

Instead of choosing a house that has been built according to someone else’s dreams, or by a large building corporation pumping out 10 homes a week, (and facing potential bathroom or kitchen renovation), you can be a part of the building process to ensure that the end result is something you will be happy with for a long time to come.

The Many Benefits of Custom Homes

  • One Size Doesn’t Fit All – As the population quickly grows in certain areas, ‘cookie-cutter’ houses are making an appearance in long rows, filling several street blocks with the same houses, each varied only slightly from their neighbour. Each house has the same amount of bedrooms, a similar (if not simply reversed) layout, and a comparable finish. Custom homes on the other hand, allow you to create your home exactly how you want it – the layout, the room sizes, and even the land it’s placed on. You can rest assured that nobody else has a house exactly like yours.
  • Functionality Based On You – When you buy a home that’s already built, you’re guaranteed to have to make some compromises between what’s actually on the market, and what you’re looking for. If you want three bedrooms upstairs and an office on the main floor, you may have to settle for a house with 4 bedrooms upstairs and convert the 4th to an office. If you want a kitchen with built-in appliances, and ample cupboard space – you may end up sacrificing the rest of the house in order to have the kitchen you want. Custom homes ensure that you don’t have to make those sacrifices.
  • Choose Your Own Location – Besides the fact that you can choose the actual land that your house will be built on, you can also choose exactly how the house is built on top of that land. If you want to be able to entertain in the yard, you can ensure the house layout matches. You can also ensure that you don’t have any wasted space on your property, by utilising angles that cookie-cutter house builders just don’t bother with.
  • Quality Control – Because you will be present for each step of the home building experience, you get to have your say in exactly what materials are used, meaning you essentially have direct control over the quality of your home. When custom homes are built, the contractors and designers go over the entire plan with the clients before anyone has even lifted a hammer.
  • Planning For The Future – You don’t have to build your entire dream home straight away. That may sound strange, but the great thing about designing your own home is that you can design it specifically to build home additions at a later date. If you’ve always dreamed of a sun-room off the back, you can put that in the plans, and the builders will make sure they build that part of the house in a way that makes for an easy addition later on.
  • No Renovations – This may be redundant, but when you have an input on the house from the bottom up, there is no need to do any bathroom or kitchen renovations when you move in – everything is exactly as you’d like it to be. And because everything is made from the high quality materials that you chose for the house, you know that it will last for many years without needing repairs.
  • Eco-Friendly Options – When buying an older home, there is likely no solar panels or geothermal heating in the house. And the cost to put something like that in to an old home could be quite expensive. When building your own custom home, you can put those extra touches in straight from the beginning.

It is clear that custom building has its advantages, but yet many people still think the idea sounds scary or overwhelming. The fact is, when you’re working with experienced contractors, the idea of having a home suited directly to you and your family’s specific needs and wants should only sound exciting! At Karen Homes, we’ve been serving the Toronto area for more than 15 years, and continue to exceed our clients’ expectations.

Whether starting from scratch or building an addition, our experienced contractors can be of service.

Give us a call to get started on your custom home today.

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Consequences of Not Investing in a Basement Remodeling Project When It’s Desperately Needed

Basement remodeling is not always at the top of the list of priorities for homeowners. However, in many cases, it should be. Since basements are underground, they are exposed to a lot more things that could speed up the deterioration process of a home. If you don’t check the basement frequently, approximately every 6 months at least, you could find rot, mould and more spreading through your basement – lowering the value of your home, as well as being dangerous for anyone living in it.

These Problems Could Happen if You Don’t Invest in Basement Remodeling

  • Spread of Mold – Mold is a fungus that grows from spores floating in the air. In order to grow, mold needs a dark, wet space and ‘food’ in the form of dust. Most unfinished basements are the perfect place for mold to grow. While some types of mold are fine, there is a strain of black mold that can cause serious health issues such as an invasive lung disease or chronic sinusitis. Finding mold is not always easy, but if you notice a musty smell in the basement, that’s a good sign that there is mold and you should further investigate. If the mold is on the walls, you may be able to clean it, but once it gets into any carpet or flooring, you’ll have to replace it. A basement remodeling may suddenly be in your near future.
  • The Development of Foundation Cracks – A faulty foundation, or cracks in the foundation can lead to a flooded basement. A flooded basement will lead to water leakage and usually brings in different bacteria which can lead to various types of mold that can be harmful to your health. As well, if a foundation crack leads to flooding, flooding can lead to more foundation cracks which will lead to even more flooding in the future. Before starting any major basement renovation, be sure to treat your cement walls and floors with protectors and sealants to keep it from cracking in the future.
  • Rotting and Unstable Walls – If you have an already finished basement, you must be wary of the walls rotting out. Because of the amount of moisture in the basement, it’s not uncommon to find rotting wood and plywood behind the walls. And leaving it like that can lead to structural problems for the home. Instead of plywood, use newer materials that are more durable and withstand more moisture and wear and tear for your basement walls. You can also keep a dehumidifier going at all times in the basement to help soak up some of the extra moisture in the air.
  • Pest Infestation – Because of the dark, damp nature of basements, they can become a favourite spot to live for mice and rats. If you’ve let your basement get run down over the years, you may have more house guests than you thought. Once these rodents get into your basement, it won’t be long before they’ve spread themselves all around the house, leaving dirt and chewing things up all around the house.
  • Reducing Your Home’s Market Value – If you plan on selling your home, basement remodeling can really increase its value. Neglecting the basement for many years can result in a dusty, damp place. If you spend a bit of money to make your basement into a useful space, the value of your home will go up immediately. Your house will likely also be sold faster. When a potential buyer sees a dusty dark space, they’re less likely to be interested than if they were to see a nicely finished space with lots of clean storage areas, and a comforting décor.

As you can see, there are many reasons that you should not neglect your basement. Basement remodeling doesn’t have to be done solely for personal use and enjoyment. There are many reasons that basements are better once they’re finished. Giving your basement attention means ensuring that the foundation is sound, there is no mold or harmful substances, and you keep your home as clean as possible. The extra space to hang out in, however, doesn’t hurt.

Here at Karen Homes we have been proudly serving clients in the Toronto area for over 15 years. Our skilled designers and contractors have ample experience in home renovations from home additions to kitchen renovation to bathroom remodeling. We will work with you from start to finish, keeping your design goals and budget in mind every step of the way. If you need to remodel your basement, and you’re not sure where to start, we’d be more than happy to answer your questions and provide you with a quote.

Renovations in the basement can be tricky if you don’t know what you’re doing, but hiring professionals who are committed to their work will ensure you get the basement you’ve always wanted.

Call Karen Homes for basement remodeling today

 

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Are Home Additions a Better Option than Relocating?

Perhaps you’re expecting a new baby, an elderly parent is moving in, your new job requires a home office, or you’re just sick of your house’s lack of space. There are myriad reasons Toronto homeowners feel the squeeze of a too-small house. If you’ve already de-cluttered, had an aggressive spring cleaning, and hosted a yard sale all to no avail, it may be time to consider either a home addition or relocation to another property. But how do you know which option is right for you? It’s a tough choice, and both have their fair share of difficulties and expenses.

Why Get a Home Addition?

1. Unbeatable Location

If you’re surrounded by beautiful views that look out onto a lake, abundant nature and trees, or low noise pollution, a better location might be difficult to find. After all, people spend millions living in a shoebox in the heart of the city simply because they love the location. Building a home addition will solve your space problem while allowing you to stay in the same place that you love.

2. Recent Renovations

If you’ve recently invested in a kitchen remodeling or bathroom renovation that you love, you might want to stick around to enjoy the fruits of your hard labour. It takes time to reshape a home into something that feels uniquely you, that reflects your personal aesthetic or fits your lifestyle to a tee, and starting over again from scratch can be difficult. Building a home addition allows you to leave your mark on the property and further customize your home to your liking.

3. One-of-a-Kind House

Your home may be perfect in every way from the layout to the central air system to the hardwood floors, except that you need more space. If you love mostly everything about your home, consider building a home addition instead of relocating. Every house is unique and you may not be able to find another space that speaks to you like your current home.

4. Pass on New House Remodeling

Unless you’re lucky enough to not have a strict budget, most homes on the market require some kind of renovation as soon as or before you can move in. It could be tweaks like new paint or carpeting or as extensive as plumbing repairs. Eventually, the little, or large, annoyances might not be worth the cost of buying a new home altogether.

Why Relocate?

1. Location, Location, Location

On the flipside, homes located in high-density areas with little to offer in the way of natural views or local culture may be better off sold. If you live near a highway, a train, or partying college kids who wake you up in the middle of the night, your problems are so much more than your home’s physical location. More space alone will do little to alter your unfavourable situation.

2. Neighbourhood Woes

Perhaps you moved to a certain neighbourhood as a couple that’s better known for its nightlife than its school system. If you have a child on the way, some of your priorities might be changing. Proximity to good schools, parks, stores, or perhaps family and friends often become even more important when you’re starting a family of your own.

3. Long-Term Space Solutions

If your need for more space isn’t temporary or could even increase in years to come, it could be a great time to buy a new home. If you’ll need a big home for the next 20 or more years, relocating may be worth the trouble.

4. Outdated House

Many homes haven’t been updated for the past 30 or more years, meaning that building a home addition could require extensive new wiring and plumbing, water damage repairs, a new HVAC system or roof, better insulation, and any number of upgrades throughout the entire house. These upgrades are expensive, sometimes even more so than selling and buying a new house.

5. Neighbourhood Price Out

Although a large addition might raise the selling price later on down the line, home prices are constrained by the neighbourhood they’re in. A house only increases in value up to 10% more than the neighbourhood average, meaning that if you’re aiming to increase by 20%, you could end up losing a lot.

If you’re really in a pickle, ask an expert to help you perform a cost analysis on building a home addition versus relocating. Depending on the current state of the housing market, it could be less expensive to sell than to improve, and it’s more difficult to estimate the costs of improving than of moving. Rising materials and labour prices are currently increasing the cost of construction, sometimes leading to very expensive home additions. In the end, it comes down to a gut feeling – just be sure you end up somewhere that feels like home.

Get a home addition in Toronto, call Karen Homes today!