Responsible Remodeling – October 2023

Remodeling is a great way to spruce up your home or office on a budget and in a short amount of time. Renovation can undoubtedly take you one step closer to your dream space. Plus, a well-maintained and updated space can increase its value, giving you a return on your investment if and when the time comes to move to a different location. From a financial standpoint, remodeling is a great idea.

When remodeling, it is important to ask those making the improvements how they are going to save you money and make every dollar you spend count. If you’re curious about how the local professionals of Lincoln can save you money on your next remodeling project, keep reading.

Strategic Remodeling

Before you begin remodeling your home, we recommend having your home inspected. Performing a home inspection before remodeling is crucial to ensure a solid foundation for the project. It helps identify any underlying structural issues, safety concerns or code violations that may not be immediately apparent, allowing homeowners and contractors to address them proactively. This early assessment can prevent costly surprises and delays during the renovation process, ensuring that the project proceeds smoothly, safely and in compliance with regulations.

One home inspection business that comes highly recommended is King’s Home Inspections. Owned by Randy King, an InterNACHI Certified Master Inspector with over 25 years in business, King’s Home Inspections has inspected over 8,000 homes of all shapes and sizes in southeast Nebraska and is more than qualified to help guide your remodeling projects.

“Components in a house have a lifespan, and I can identify the age of components and help you formulate a game plan on when to plan to remodel, replace or upgrade key components of your home,” stated Randy.

A home inspection, while thorough and comprehensive in assessing the visible and readily accessible components of a property, is typically non-invasive. Home inspectors do not dismantle structures or open up walls to examine hidden issues. Instead, they rely on visual inspections, testing and their expertise to evaluate the condition of a home’s visible components. While this approach provides valuable insights into a property’s overall condition, it may not uncover concealed problems or defects that are not immediately visible. For more invasive assessments or deeper investigations, specialized inspections or consultations with contractors and experts may be necessary.

Paint is Cheaper

Whether you are looking to remain at your current house for years to come or you are looking to move in the near future, a new paint job can do wonders to save you money down the line. A fresh coat of paint can not only protect your home’s exterior from weather damage and enhance curb appeal, but also give your home’s interior a new look and feel without the need for expensive renovations – both of which increase the value of your home.

Paint has the power to completely transform a space. With just a fresh coat of paint, you can change the mood, style and overall ambiance of a room. Whether wanting to create a cozy and warm atmosphere or a bright and vibrant one, the color you choose to paint a space makes a huge impact. At Walter’s Painting Inc. (walterspaintinginc.com), they specialize in making your space look brand new – sometimes you can’t even tell it’s the same space!

“Instead of buying a new home, we get to change the whole look without a major remodel,” shared Painter Laura S. “A fresh coat of paint is almost as good as a new house, and paint is cheaper!”

Walter’s Painting Inc. strives to save you money by completing projects in an efficient manner at fair rates. They only use high-quality products and qualified painting professionals that will ensure you get what you pay for. With minimal disruption to your daily routine, Walter’s Painting Inc. completes painting projects on time and on budget.

Changing the Pace with Updated Flooring

Remodeling your flooring can be a game-changer in home improvement, providing a fresh look and enhancing functionality. Remodeling your flooring is a great way to breathe new life into your space. With the vast array of flooring options available, you can find the flooring that will best suit your needs.

Hardwood flooring brings timeless elegance and can withstand years of use. Laminate offers versatility and affordability, mimicking the appearance of more expensive materials. Tile, in various materials, provides durability and is perfect for high traffic areas. Vinyl, with its waterproof properties, suits kitchens and bathrooms well. Soft and comfortable carpet, on the other hand, is ideal for bedrooms and living spaces. For a sustainable touch, bamboo or cork flooring can be both environmentally friendly and stylish. For a more modern look, polished concrete floors endure years of use and offer an industrial vibe.

With Underfoot Flooring Solutions, 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 – and they’ll help you choose the right flooring for your space and unique needs/vision. Taking into consideration your budget, lifestyle and home aesthetics, Underfoot Flooring Solutions will guide you through the remodeling process, relieving as much stress from your shoulders as possible. Their knowledgeable team is available to help you with any questions or concerns you have about their flooring selection, and have a proven track record of installing flooring that you’ll love.

Collaboration is Key

Collaboration is integral to the success of a remodeling project. Combining your vision with the expertise of professionals, including architects, contractors and designers, not only enhances the project’s aesthetics and functionality, but also ensures efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Collaboration goes hand in hand with communication, ensuring that everyone is aligned with the project goals, timelines and any changes that arise during the course of the project. This open dialogue helps prevent misunderstandings and reduces the likelihood of costly mistakes while also enhancing the overall remodeling experience.

Striving for excellent communication and collaboration, Kitchen Tune-Up (kitchentuneup.com) is the business to work with to make the vision of your dream kitchen become a reality. If you don’t know where to start, or aren’t entirely sure what you want your kitchen to look like, their professionals are more than happy to help guide you by providing thoughtful insight into current trends and designs that would be aesthetically pleasing in your space, and by answering any questions you have.

“We specialize in one- to five-day kitchen and bath projects, and know how to make them the focal points of your home,” shared Owner Jason Krueger. “We love helping you brainstorm ideas for your space, and will do everything we can to make the renovation process smooth and worthwhile.”

If you already have an idea of what you want your kitchen to look like, you can use the kitchen design tool on the Kitchen Tune-Up website to help you build a virtual model of it. Their design tool is up-to-date with products from their inventory and gives you an accurate display of different woods, colors and appliances to choose from.

Adding Character

Tiles possess the remarkable ability to infuse a space with uniqueness and character. Through a diverse array of materials, colors, patterns and textures, tile provides an avenue for creativity that can truly make your space shine. The option for customization and tile artistry allows you to strategically use tiles on accent walls or floors to contribute to a unique aesthetic with character that speaks volumes. Regardless of your personality or end goal, there is always a pattern or tile design to match it.

Using tile as a remodeling material will help you add style and functionality to your space. For access to the finest selection of tile and stone from respected manufacturers from all over the world, reach out to Maven Tile & Stone (maventileandstone.com). This hands-on tile-design studio has samples available in their showroom and design center to help guide your remodeling process.

“We’re more than just a tile supplier,” shared owner Lizett Nissenson. “We have the products and expertise needed for every aspect of your home design, and we are here to make your process easier.”

Maven Tile & Stone strives to collaborate with customers to choose the tile that will best fit their needs and desires. From answering technical questions to doing walk-throughs on projects during non-business hours, Maven Tile & Stone goes above and beyond to provide tile design services that help you create your perfect vision. Not only will their services help bring character to your home, but sell you on the remodeling process by making it a breeze.

Value of Homeowner Education

Knowing all of your remodeling needs and options is crucial to a successful remodeling project that remains within your budget and timeframe. Many homeowners aren’t well-versed in various products such as flooring and finishing design elements – and they aren’t easy to learn about without a professional helping you along the way. To set you up for success, CT Construction (ctconstructionlincoln.com) places emphasis on educating their clients about the products they offer in relevance to their focus on remodels pertaining to bathrooms, kitchens and basements.

“We talk about the differences between products, such as the different types of flooring. LVP is cheaper than tile, but that doesn’t mean it is any less durable or suited for a certain lifestyle,” explained Owner Chris Taylor. “The key to saving people money is helping them understand the ins and outs of being a homeowner.”

To further help clients with remodeling, CT Construction offers customized finance plans and completes projects as efficiently as possible. By having all materials on site before starting the project, they interfere with your life as little as possible, allowing you to get back to the things that matter most. This also helps mitigate unforeseen problems that might arise during the renovation process. In a generation where time is money, CT Construction strives to help customers thrive as much as possible.

Reducing Costs with Water-Usage Efficiency

Striving for water-usage efficiency is not only environmentally responsible, but also a smart way to cut costs in both residential and commercial settings. By promptly fixing leaks, installing low-flow fixtures and adopting smart irrigation systems, you can significantly reduce your water usage, having a positive impact on the environment and your water bill.

To cut down on your water usage, Hunt Irrigation Inc. (huntirrigation.com), The Water Smart Company, recommends improving your existing irrigation system with Wi-Fi controllers, pressure-regulated sprinklers and drip zones. Utilizing rain sensors can also reduce your water consumption.

To prevent future issues stemming from the water system in place at your commercial or residential property, Hunt Irrigation recommends proactively preventing backflow by having their operators annually test your backflow to ensure everything is operating correctly. Backflow prevention is not really understood by most, but is an important component of water conservation. Water backflow is the undesirable reversal of the flow of water in a plumbing system, and can result from an outdated irrigation system.

Not only can upgrading and updating your water systems help prevent future issues, but immediately impact your water usage and water bill – something we like to call a win-win situation. Don’t hesitate to reach out to the experts at Hunt Irrigation to start planning improvements today.

Streamlined Lighting

Efficient lighting systems, such as LEDs, convert energy into visible light while minimizing energy waste and heat generation, meaning that your space will be illuminated better than ever and your electrical bill won’t increase as a result. Additionally, energy-efficient lighting options often come with longer lifespans, reducing the frequency of replacements and maintenance. By embracing modern lighting technologies and strategies like smart controls, you can enjoy well-lit spaces that are both economically and environmentally sustainable.

Over the years, lighting has become much more than changing out burnt light bulbs; it is truly an art that can drastically change the way your home functions. The LED lighting industry is continuously evolving, helping you conserve energy and save money.

“We like to help our clients save money in any way we can, not just as a result of the product we install,” shared ABC Electric (abcelectric.net) Project Manager Jon Eicher. “Our clients only pay for the labor and material necessary for their projects.”
ABC Electric, keeping up with the newest trends in the lighting industry, has been seeing a growing trend of energy efficient LED lighting and the versatility of the lighting control packages coming together. This combination allows for aesthetically pleasing lighting displays with optimal lighting efficiency.

Customizing Your Space

When remodeling your home or office, custom furniture can be a transformative touch that elevates your space to a new level of style and functionality. Tailored to your exact specifications, custom furniture pieces seamlessly integrate with your design vision, optimizing both form and function. Whether you seek a bespoke dining table that complements your kitchen’s aesthetics or a coffee table that acts as a conversation starter, personalized furniture is the key to creating a unique and distinctive look for your remodeled space. Custom furniture allows you to express your personality and showcase pieces that resonate with your unique taste.

The collaborative process of designing custom furniture offers a level of engagement and satisfaction that ready-made furniture cannot. Working closely with skilled artisans or designers to bring your vision to life ensures that every detail reflects your preferences. This hands-on approach not only results in furniture that perfectly complements your remodeling project, but also creates a deeper connection to your living space, making it truly your own.

According to Alex Adams, Owner of Type A Furniture (typeafurniture.com), “Furniture and decor custom tailored to the aesthetic of your renovated space is the final touch to your dream home.”

As a white glove service, every piece of furniture that Type A Furniture creates is handled from start to finish by qualified professionals. From creating the design of your furniture with your exact specifications to installing the finished piece in your home, Type A Furniture makes the process as smooth and easy for you as possible.

Making furniture using lumber sourced from family owned sawmills in Nebraska, Type A Furniture is able to hand make furniture with each piece having a unique grain pattern that is one-of-a-kind. You won’t have to worry about someone else having the same setup as you, and don’t be surprised if what you create inspires others to seek custom furniture as well. Even if your friends reach out to Type A Furniture in search of a similar piece, your piece will be forever unique.

Enhancing Your Curb Appeal

Enhancing curb appeal is a key aspect of remodeling that can transform the exterior of your home. You can start sprucing the exterior of your home up by updating the siding or roofing, and by repairing any rotten or damaged areas.

Archer Exteriors (Facebook), a local business specializing in renovations and new home builds, has noticed a high demand for fiber cement siding as it not only boosts your curb appeal, but protects the interior of your house as well. Composed of a mixture of cement, cellulose or wood fibers, sand and water, fiber cement siding is durable, low maintenance, versatile, energy efficient and long lasting!

“We specialize in various types of materials including fiber cement, aluminum, vinyl, and Lp. With our experience in the field, we can offer whatever the homeowner desires, no matter their budget! It feels good to know that we helped someone obtain their dream exterior without costing them a fortune,” shared Owner Uriah Sawyer.

Concrete Transformation

Concrete can significantly enhance curb appeal when used creatively. Its durability and versatility make it an ideal choice for various applications, such as decorative driveways, stamped concrete pathways or elegant concrete planters. With a wide range of finishes and colors available, concrete can mimic the appearance of natural materials like stone or brick while offering superior longevity and lower maintenance requirements. Whether it’s a modern, minimalist approach or a classic, timeless look, concrete can be molded and customized to match any aesthetic, ultimately adding a polished and enduring charm to a property’s exterior, significantly boosting its curb appeal.

Concrete Craft of Lincoln (concretecraft.com) 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. With their various stamp patterns and integral coloring processes, Concrete Craft can replicate popular, expensive materials such as brick, cobblestone and natural slate.

Because most projects are a concrete overlay over existing concrete or are revamping/repairing already existing concrete, Concrete Craft of Lincoln is able to complete most jobs quicker and with a lot less mess and upheaval, meaning you won’t have to worry about the construction zone outside your house for long.

A Simple Glow-Up

Interior paint plays a pivotal role in defining the ambiance and aesthetics of a living space. It is more than just a protective coating; it’s a means of self-expression and design. The color you choose can transform a room’s mood, making it cozy with warm tones or refreshing with cool hues. The finish, whether matte, satin or glossy, impacts the texture and light reflection, further influencing the atmosphere. Beyond aesthetics, quality interior paint protects surfaces, making them more durable and easier to clean. 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.

Choosing the right paint for your remodeling needs can be difficult with so many options to choose from. 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 space, and which ones best align with your needs. For top-notch paint jobs and top-of-the-line customer service, we recommend reaching out to Remy Refinishing (remyrefinishing.com). Offering interior painting services, specializing in cabinet painting, Remy Refinishing strives to leave a lasting impression.

“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.”

Paint, not only impacting the overall vibe and appeal of a room, can also be used to highlight architectural features or create focal points within a room, adding depth and interest to your interior spaces. Architectural features such as crown molding, baseboards, wainscoting or coffered ceilings can be accentuated with a contrasting paint color or finish to draw attention to their intricate details. Similarly, focal points like fireplaces, built-in bookshelves, cabinets or accent walls can be creatively highlighted.

Office Remodeling

Building owners must be flexible with their expectations, budgets and design choices when remodeling their structure, especially with the current standing of the economy. Intermittent supply chain issues are still a factor as is the increased cost of labor and materials. The changing availability of materials coupled with the tight labor market means costs can be unpredictable, which extends project durations and increases budgets. Before starting a remodeling project, it is in your best interest to ask lots of questions and plan for the unexpected.

By having alternative options ready to go for clients, who must also be able to make decisions quickly to eliminate any potential impact to their budget and schedule, AOI (aoicorp.com) is able to provide cost assurance, speed and schedule reliability.

“AOI is unique because of what we offer with regard to interior renovation. Our ability to meet client needs stems from our products and services being available individually or combined as part of a holistic approach developed in close collaboration with our clients and their design teams,” shared Vice President of Business Development Patrick Jensen.

Having a great office space is important for employee happiness and productivity. A well-designed and comfortable office environment fosters creativity, collaboration and innovation among employees, leading to increased efficiency and quality of work. It serves as the reflection of a company’s culture and values, which helps attract and retain top talent.

Remodeling your home offers a host of advantages. It’s a chance to customize your living space, aligning it with your unique tastes and lifestyle for improved comfort, aesthetics and functionality. Simultaneously, renovations can boost your property’s value in ways that save you money both short- and long-term. By incorporating energy-efficient upgrades, you can save on long-term utility costs. Plus, it provides an opportunity to address maintenance and safety concerns. On a more aesthetic note, remodeling breathes fresh life into your home, making you fall in love with it all over again. Regardless of what your goal with remodeling is, there are plenty of benefits that will stem from it along the way.