Residential Remodeling in Lincoln – July 2023

With warmer weather well underway and hotter temperatures not far off, residential remodeling is at the forefront of the minds of many. Having updated houses equipped for summer activities and curveballs is a must. Now is the time to update ceiling fans and air conditioning units to accommodate the heat, as well as to update flooring, paint and outdoor decks/patios to withstand the wear and tear of summer weather and activities. You would be amazed how far a little remodeling can go towards improving your house visually, structurally and functionally.

Buying a new house, though maybe necessary for some, isn’t a feasible solution for most. You won’t be saving yourself any stress by buying a new house. Buying a new house is expensive. Not only do you have the expense of purchasing the house, which includes home inspection and realtor costs, but the expenses of moving to the new location as well. Buying a new house is also time-consuming and stressful. You’ll spend hours searching for the perfect house online, touring houses on the market and negotiating to get an affordable price. Plus, what are the odds that you are going to find a house that already has every little thing you want? Though it happens every once in a great while, the odds aren’t in your favor.

A much more cost effective solution that allows your family to stay in the same house and neighborhood you know and love is residential remodeling. With residential remodeling, you can update your least favorite components of your house at an affordable rate. You can rethink the flow of your house and improve storage to reduce clutter and stress. Why not fall in love your house all over again? Plus, residential remodeling lets you upgrade without losing all the memories and little quirks unique to the time you’ve spent living there. Remodeling is tailored to your needs and increases the value of your home for later down the line when moving becomes necessary.

With so many different ways to go about residential remodeling available, it can be an overwhelming task. Though smaller projects are a great way to get your hands dirty with some fun DIY, larger projects are often better left in the hands of professionals. Luckily, Lincoln has some of the best professionals that are excited to start working on projects to make your dream house a reality. Whatever you want or need done, Lincoln professionals have you covered!

First things first, to set yourself up for the best remodeling process possible, consider the following factors before making any big decisions.

1. Set a budget. What amount of money can you dedicate to remodeling? Remember, it’s important to leave a little bit of cushion in your budget for if things get more expensive than initially thought. Unforeseen complications happen, and they can happen to anybody
2. Decide which project(s) is most important. Start with the most important remodeling first to ensure that it fits into your budget. Remodeling doesn’t have to all be done at once, so be sure to get what matters most done first.
3. Be realistic about your timeline. Great things take time – rushing a project will only lead to more expenses and complications. You have to trust the process and choose a timeline that works for both you and your contractor(s).
4. Have a design in mind before starting any remodeling. You might be good at winging a lot of things in your life, but remodeling is easier, faster and less expensive when you have an idea of what the space will look like and how it will be used before making changes. Whether this involves Pinterest boards or consulting design specialists, creating a vision for you house is extremely important.
5. Choose your contractors carefully! Work with people you trust to do a great job. If you want it done right the first time, hire people that really care. Consult various contractors and businesses to see which one is the most capable of making your vision a reality within the timeline and budget in which you need it completed.

If you aren’t sold on residential remodeling as opposed to buying a new house, the professionals of Lincoln are sure to convince you that remodeling can happen anywhere, to both new and old houses. So, why buy a new house if you don’t need to?

One Business, Several Projects

Have several projects you want done but can’t pay for them all at once? With CT Construction you work out a finance plan that works for you! If you’re looking for a company that can handle home remodels pertaining to bathrooms, kitchens or basements, CT Construction is a great option. Additionally, they also specialize in home additions, flooring install and tile. CT Construction is a certified tile installer via the CTEF and is highly educated in Schluter waterproofing systems.

CT Construction is up-to-date on the latest residential trends, incorporating unique storage ideas, backsplashes with complex designs and open floor plans into their newest projects. Their goal is to renovate your current house into your dream home!

If you are considering remodeling your house, Ct Construction recommends preparing by researching ideas of what you want your space to look like. Once you have an idea of what you want, talk to different contractors. Verify that they’re qualified to do the work by reviews, referrals, past work, etc. Also be sure that they are legit to be completing the work and carry insurance as well as are registered with the State of Nebraska. Don’t always go with the one that is the cheapest; you get what you pay for and good quality takes time. Don’t be discouraged by unforeseen issues that may arise. Houses were built in a variety of different fashions; you never know what you could uncover, but trust that the contractor you’ve hired to do the job will assist you through it and complete the final project you’ve been dreaming of.

Stand Out Against Neighbors

If you’ve ever driven around various neighborhoods just to see what the houses there look like, then you understand the value of a fresh coat of paint. Sometimes a fresh coat of paint, whether on the exterior or interior, is all a house needs to look like new again. Walter’s Painting Inc., a local business that offers efficient, reliable service with minimal disruption to your daily routine. If you want your painting project completed on time and on budget, Walter’s Painting is the business to hire.

Walter’s Painting makes the process simple by providing free estimates and quality prep work, in addition to a consultation after the first coat of paint has dried and a final inspection to ensure the painting job is satisfactory.

“Many remodelers are tempted to simply do the painting work themselves, but this takes up valuable free time that could be spent elsewhere,” said owner Jeff Walters, “We know that today’s fastpaced lifestyle means that most people are just too busy for improvements like painting and plastering, and especially all the prep work. We strive to make the entire process stress and worry-free, in addition to providing premium quality products and services that produce outstanding results.”

It is Walter’s Painting’s mission to ensure that all clients are satisfied and love the finished product of every painting project. They always go the extra mile.

Curb Appeal is Important

Curb appeal can be a big factor for many looking to buy a home. Surely you considered it when buying your house. It’s nice to have a great driveway to show off, and most importantly, use. Concrete Craft of Lincoln understands the importance of curb appeal and is here to help.

Concrete Craft of Lincoln can provide nearly endless solutions to bring your outdoor living space to life through their beautiful concrete solutions for patios, driveways, walkways, pool decks and more. They can transform your patio with exquisite designs and classic looks, or they can banish the boring, plain, gray concrete walkways on your property with stamped concrete in patterns, designs and colors that bring out the best in your surroundings.

A stamped concrete driveway, resurfaced concrete driveway or stained concrete driveway is sure to give your home an impressive entrance and upgrade the overall appearance of your home. With their various stamp patterns and integral coloring processes, Concrete Craft can replicate popular, expensive materials such as brick, cobblestone and natural slate. No matter what outdoor concrete project you want to take on, Concrete Craft will help you transform your space without breaking the bank.

A Fence That Will Last

Empire Netting & Fence likes to take the worry out of buying and installing netting and fencing. With their easy-to-use online estimating tool, they can give you an idea of what your project might cost in a matter of minutes. Headquartered in Waverly, Empire is a locally owned and operated business that does work across the United States and beyond. They are proud members of the American Fence Association and specialize in sports netting, perimeter security and access controls for residential, commercial and industrial projects. Their fence options include wood, vinyl, ornamental aluminum, ornamental steel and chain-link. Specialty products such as windscreens, shade sails, backstops, dugouts, foul poles and padding are also available. Empire stands out above others because of their ability to deliver an excellent product with great customer service at a reasonable cost.

Best Yard in the Neighborhood

July is Smart Irrigation Month across the United States and Hunt Irrigation Inc., the Water Smart Company, has a few suggestions to help Lincoln and the surrounding communities save water.

First, upgrading your old irrigation controller with a WiFi controller allows your system’s output to increase or decrease based on what the controller finds when it takes your base watering program and checks the local weather conditions to adjust accordingly. These controllers can improve your water savings by as much as 35%. Another great water conservation tool which is simple, affordable and very reliable is a rain sensor. These sensors detect rain and tell your irrigation controller to turn off during or at the end of a rain event.

Pressure-regulated sprinklers are also a great way to reduce water consumption. Some Lincoln neighborhoods have water pressures as high as 100psi. Most sprinkler heads operate most efficiently at pressures between 30 and 65psi.

Drip zones are both efficient and discreet. They prevent water spotting around windows, siding and brick and also slows the growth of weeds as the drip zone only waters the plants and not the entire landscape bed.

Since 1997, Hunt Irrigation, Inc. has been exceeding the needs of clients and providing expert services for residential sprinkler systems throughout Lincoln and surrounding communities. They have been successful at providing water-smart irrigation systems and services by remaining finely tuned to the needs, wants and expectations of their clients.

These are just a few of the ideas you can do to improve your existing irrigation system. Thinking of installing a new system or upgrading your current system? Reach out to the experts at Hunt Irrigation to begin!

Fighting the Heat? Pool Prep and Perks

Growing up, every kid dreams of having a pool in their backyard. If you have the space, a pool can be a great addition to your home. Providing unmatched attention to detail, complete customer satisfaction and great service, Strawberry Springs Pool is proud to serve the Lincoln area. They can help you design and build in-ground pools, spas and fountains.

Strawberry Springs is also more than happy to help with pool maintenance. As authorized and trained spa technicians for most brands, Strawberry Springs will repair your hot tub or pool with efficiency and professionalism. The following five tips will help you set up your pool properly so you can enjoy the pool faster and for longer.

1. Remove, clean and store pool cover with cover cleaner deodorizer and perform housekeeping chores such as brushing, vacuuming and emptying skimmer baskets of dirt and debris on a regular basis.
2. Maintain the water level – the water should fill approximately halfway up the skimmer opening.
3. Prepare equipment following the manufacturer’s recommendations.
4. Balance water by taking one quart of pool water to your professional OMNI dealer for a complete water analysis. Follow the dealer’s instructions for balancing the water.
5. Continuously disinfect your pool. Regular sanitation consists of using OMNI Chlorination Stix or one-inch to three-inch tablets in your skimmer or automatic chlorinator. At all times, maintain a free chlorine level of at least 1.0 ppm to continuously kill bacteria.

The Beauty of Brick

For remodelers that are looking for a more historical, classic design to spruce up their home’s exterior, brick is always a stable choice—and has the big advantage of being low-maintenance. Established in 1881, Yankee Hill Brick works with local contractors to supply quality brick of all varieties and colors. Brick is an ideal material for siding and retaining walls and it continues to be a popular choice for its charming aesthetic.

Yankee Hill produces its own clay mixes and high-temperature firing kiln to produce a range of looks for its own brickwork. Yankee Hill bricks are made to be naturally sustainable with natural raw ingredients from Yankee Hill’s on-site mine. Their manufacturing process produces very little waste since rejected bricks are recycled. Plus, Yankee Hill’s products are classified as Certified LEED green products by the U.S. Green Building Council. In addition to their own bricks, they also import a selection of bricks from other manufacturers, chosen to complement the local Nebraska market.

The folks at Yankee Hill Brick pride themselves on offering only the best brick products, something contractors have learned and come to rely on. Their products are specified on many awardwinning projects. The combination of quality, color and pristine makes Yankee Hill Brick an attractive choice for architects.

Interior and Exterior Details

Merritt Concrete carries a variety of products that can help transform your house from the outside in. From adding landscaping rock or mulch around the house to pouring ready-mix concrete for pathways and patios, Merritt can play a crucial role in your remodeling process.

With summer in full swing, Merritt has been seeing many customers updating their backyards. Popular projects include extending patios and adding an outdoor fireplace or fire pit. Customers have been taking full advantage of Merritt’s offerings, which include ready-mix concrete that’s great for patio additions or creating stepping stones as well as landscaping materials such as river rock. Some customers have even been going to Merritt for backyard entertainment, using their sand for above-ground pools or sandboxes.

“When starting any project or remodel, it’s great to have an open mind,” encouraged Justin Starr, sales manager. “There are so many options out there that it can become overwhelming. We are here to help guide you and help find exactly what you are looking for. Enjoy the process, and enjoy watching your vision come to life!”

Having an open mind about what a space can become is a great approach to residential remodeling. Knowing what you want is great, and paying attention to the little details will make a world of difference for your house. Let Merritt Concrete, get the details right.

Indoor Lighting to Upstage Outdoor Sunshine

It’s summertime, the sun is shining and we are looking to save on our electric bill with natural lighting. The only catch – natural lighting only goes so far. That’s where ABC Electric comes in.

Over the years, lighting has become much more than changing out burnt light bulbs; it is truly an art and can drastically change the way your home functions. The LED lighting industry is continuously evolving, helping you conserve energy and save money. ABC Electric has been seeing a growing trend of energyefficient LED lighting and the versatility of the lighting control packages coming together.

According to Project Manager Jon Eicher, “We have done all manners of LED lighting and controls in kitchens and family spaces. We are seeing Bluetooth technology being incorporated into not just control systems but LED lighting as well. LED lighting now has the capability of adjustable lumen outputs or brightness, and color-changing capability integral to the fixture. This sector of the industry continues to evolve.”

Having been a proud member of the Lincoln business community for 90 years, ABC Electric has the experience and knowledge to handle any application. They’re on the leading edge of LED lighting and controls, offering unique and sustainable designs to set your house apart from others.

Flooring, Flooring, Flooring

Flooring, something that is often due for an update, is pushed to the side by many because of the hassle it proposes. With Underfoot Flooring Solutions, however, updating your floors won’t be a concern. Underfoot Flooring Solutions offers a wide variety of flooring choices for homeowners to choose from, including materials in tile, vinyl, linoleum, laminate, engineered hardwood, LVP, LVT, carpeting and stone.

“The type of flooring you’ll want to put in your house depends on a lot of factors,” said Chad Schlisner, operations manager.

Choosing the right flooring can seem like a daunting task, but Underfoot Flooring Solutions has knowledgeable professionals who are happy to help you decide what will be best for your house. They take into consideration a variety of factors when making this decision: Will the flooring be in a high-moisture area? Will there be a lot of foot traffic? Do you need a pet-friendly floor? Do
you need low-maintenance flooring? Underfoot proudly carries all types of flooring, so you won’t have to worry about running out of options.

One detail that can have a big impact on your house and influence its entire look and functionality is the flooring. Don’t put it off any longer – let Underfoot Flooring Solutions help!

Dreaming of a New Kitchen?

Are you ready to create the kitchen or bathroom of your dreams? Kitchen Tune-Up specializes in one- to five- day kitchen and bath projects. They offer five different ways to update your kitchen within various investment levels. Their services include the original tune-up, in which your existing wood cabinets are restored in an easy process that typically takes one day; cabinet re-dooring; cabinet painting; cabinet re-facing; and custom cabinets.

“We want to make your kitchen the centerpiece of your home,” said Owner Jason Krueger.

Already have an idea of what you want your kitchen to look like? Using the kitchen design tool on the Kitchen Tune-Up website, you can envision your remodeled kitchen using products from their inventory. This gives the most accurate display of different
woods, colors and appliances to choose from. Using this tool can also provide you with an accurate quote for how much the remodel will cost. Not to mention, this tool can also be super fun to use and get ideas for any future renovations. If you’re feeling stuck, Kitchen Tune-Up is more than happy to help offer ideas.

If you want to remodel your kitchen, it is highly encouraged to work with someone like Kitchen Tune-Up who will give you a thorough explanation of how the whole process will work. They’ll keep you in the loop during the entire journey. After all, it’s your kitchen.

Impress Your Guests

Fresh coats of paint and on-trend aesthetics can help bring a house to life. If you aren’t looking to completely remodel your house, freshly painted walls can buy you some time. Remy Refinishing offers interior painting services, specializing in cabinet painting.

“When you invite people into your home, you want to make sure you are putting your best foot forward,” Owner Jeremy Day said. “Paint is one of the highest impact things you can do to make your space look beautiful and inviting to your friends and family.”

An interior paint job can last a long time, but eventually it looks dirty, scuffed up and not fresh. This can make your house appear dull or unclean. The world of paint continues to evolve faster than people realize. In the past few years many companies have come out with amazing products that prevent scuffs, are antibacterial, are zero VOC and have many other beneficial properties.

It’s beneficial to ask a knowledgeable painter what kinds of products are out there that can improve the look, feel and functionality of your business. Many painters use the same old products they are used to and never explore new paint technologies that can help you improve your business. Remy Refinishing is committed to evolving and growing with the current trends to provide you a space you can be proud of.

For top-notch paint jobs and top-of-the-line customer service, look no further than Remy Refinishing!

A Dash of Character

If you want your house to be truly unique, you need to add character however you can. One of the easiest ways to spruce up your home is to incorporate tile. Whether adding a kitchen backsplash, entryway flooring, shower walls or an accent wall, tile and stone are excellent ways to tie your house together. The tile and stone that you select to implement into your dream home will make a big difference in the overall appearance and vibe of your house.

For tile and stone needs, Maven Tile & Stone comes highly recommended. The hands-on tile design studio has samples available in their showroom and design center for homeowners who want to get ideas and advice for their remodel.

“We strive to help you pick the best product that will meet the needs and goals of your family’s home,” shared Owner Lizett Nissenson. “We are here to make your process easier, which includes answering the technical questions and doing walk-throughs on projects during non-business hours. Plus, clients that purchase through us are offered my tile design services at no charge.”

Maven Tile & Stone has the finest selection of tile and stone from respected manufacturers from all over the world. They pride themselves on giving you the tools, advice and resources you need for your project. They are dedicated to creating the perfect vision.

“We have the products and expertise needed for every aspect of your home design,” said Lizett. “We’re more than just a tile supplier—we’re here to help your house become a home.”

Light Up Your Newly Remodeled House

If you’re investing in a remodel of your home—or even just a room in it—don’t forget to include lighting in your project plan. The choices are endless, and the effects are well worth the time and money.

“Lighting is one of the best upgrades to consider with any home remodeling project,” said Matt Collins, master electrician with Oak Electric, Inc. “For example, if you are investing thousands of dollars into updating your kitchen, why not invest a little more to install under-cabinet lights to showcase your new space? The same goes for bathrooms. You can install new lighting over the shower or bath area, and you might be surprised how much it showcases your investment.”

Some of the more popular renovations in 2023 include accent lights that accentuate unique architectural features in a home such as lights that illuminate alcoves displaying décor or light fixtures that complement the surrounding architecture and décor.

When upgrading electrical details in your house, it is crucial to know exactly how that change will affect the overall electrical workings of your house to ensure the safety of you and your family.

“Before you start any remodeling project – from getting new appliances to a hot tub to an addition on your home – please have a licensed electrician evaluate your home’s electrical panel to ensure that it can safely handle any and all upgrades.”

If you are a homeowner who is thinking about doing some projects around the house, don’t hesitate to reach out to the experts in Lincoln. They would be more than happy to help remodel your house and make your vision a reality! While there are plenty of DIY projects that you can do to improve your home, involving a professional might be just what you need to tie everything together.