You already know why you want to remodel your home, whether to expand for a growing family, update a 20-year-old design, or change things up. But before you get quotes from home remodeling contractors, you should consider the following:

Building Codes and Homeowner Association (HOA) Guidelines

Homeowners frequently disregard building codes and guidelines when they brainstorm renovation plans. This often results in wasted time and heartache when their local government or HOA board rejects their proposed project. 

Before setting your mind on specific layouts, look up the codes and regulations for your residential zone—including HOA guidelines if you’re part of an association. Sample restrictions include not having enough property space for a room addition, limits on fence height, and an acceptable range of colors for your siding. 

Some HOAs have strict rules to preserve the aesthetics of a neighborhood, which could drastically impede your remodeling plans. However, don’t let that discount your interior remodeling. Home remodeling contractors can maintain your exterior’s appearance while completely transforming the inside.

Your Plans for the Future

How long do you plan to live in your home after remodeling? Do you predict your household will grow? If you’re planning for kids, long-term overnight guests like close friends or extended family, or additional pets, your remodeling should speak to it. If your household is thinning out, you could knock down walls to expand your rooms. You could convert an unused bedroom into an office, library, or even a workout room.

Do you expect to lease out or sell your house after enjoying it for a few years? Then consider adding amenities that will appeal to renters and buyers. For example, additional bedrooms and bathrooms will attract families, while a home with fewer but larger rooms might attract older couples.

The Overall Theme or Style

Your style will reflect in the flooring, wall paint, and ceiling pattern you choose, you’ll also need to choose how those materials look and which style suits your home. Home remodeling contractors specialize in structural designs and determining the best layout for your home, but interior designers can help you with the specifics of interior design.

Home remodeling contractors can still help you select materials ranging from decorative to durable to economical. Your remodeling contractor might already have a partnership with an interior designer. If not, you can ask if it’s possible to collaborate with an interior designer before finalizing the remodeling plan.

Your Project Budget

The materials you choose and whether you hire both a remodeling contractor and interior designer will impact your budget. In addition to paying your contractors, you’ll have to cover building materials, permits, and possible conditions that surprise you.

Also consider the after-installation cost, including utility bills. Environmentally-friendly choices, like skylights and large windows, can reduce your electricity bills by increasing your natural light.  Considering getting quotes for green builds, which focus on lowering your home’s carbon footprint.

Mares & Dow – Home Remodeling Contractors

Contact your local home remodeling contractors at Mares & Dow Construction and Skylights today to turn your ideas into a plan that fits your budget. We have over 40 years of experience in beautiful, long lasting, and energy-efficient home renovation.

It’s no secret COVID-19 has changed the way modern business looks. If you’re like countless others, you may have ditched the daily commute in exchange for your home office. You may be saving on gas, but is your home office conducive to productive work? 

As your circumstances change, so do your needs. What once was a dining room may have been repurposed into a work space, or perhaps you’ve had no choice but to stick a desk in your bedroom and call it an “office”. As you navigate these changes, you may be considering home renovations. It’s normal to wonder where to begin, and this requires an experienced home remodeling contractor. 

How remodeling a home office will boost your business:

1. Increased Productivity: Designating a space specifically for work can reduce distractions and increase productivity. Adjusting to working from home can be just that, an adjustment. Add pets or children to the equation, and it can feel downright impossible. But many of those challenges can be offset if you organize your space properly. Check out these productivity tips from Forbes. A key takeaway: a designated space promotes focus. Skip the couch, and opt for an office chair. 
2. Ultra-Convenient: Less time commuting means increased availability and time to grind. Skip the traffic and take a walk to your office; lucky for you, coffee no longer requires a trip to Starbucks or the community kitchen. Just remember to get dressed (at least from the waist up, for the sake of other Zoom attendees)!
3. Happiness: Odds are, you spend around 40 hours a week at work. It’s important to have a space you feel comfortable in. After all, it’s your home away from home (or in this case, within, your home). Little things- such as lighting and decor, can make a stark difference in your workspace. Designing a personalized office area will let your creativity flow and allow you to get more done! 

The main benefit of a designated home office is organization and minimized distractions. Remodeling is a great option worth exploring if you’re in need of extra living space or a home addition. 

If you’re considering building a new home office, a trusted home remodeling contractor is key. Contact Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights today to turn your ideas into reality!

Are you looking to add more square footage to your home? If so, you may be considering a room addition. Adding living space provides more options for your family and adds value to your property. Before you begin your project, you may want to discuss several considerations with your home remodeling contractor.

For instance, you’ll want to pay special attention during the designing and planning phase. Also, you’ll want to consider building codes, zoning regulations, building outward, or adding a second floor, as well as staying within your budget. By working out the details, your home addition project will go more smoothly. Let’s take a closer look at what to consider when planning for a home addition.

The Design Phase

The most critical stage in a home addition project is the design and planning phase. During this stage, you will work with the home remodeling contractor on several items such as:

• Drawing up floor plans and the overall design scheme
• Choosing building materials
• Creating a budget that you can work within
• Ensuring a seamless transition between the existing house and the added space
• Establishing timelines and deadlines
• Preparing your home for demolition and construction

Blending the new addition with the current structure requires extensive planning and precision if the project is going to be successful. Make sure you allocate extra time for planning and design so that the addition is completed to your specifications.

Building Codes and Zoning Regulations

One of the most common mistakes that homeowners make is thinking that they can do whatever they want with the plot of land they own. However, zoning regulations and building codes prevent homeowners from launching specific projects or remodeling their homes in certain ways.

Before you start your project, your contractor can review all local planning and zoning regulations. They can ensure that you have the necessary space on your property for a room addition. Once you understand the zoning regulation, then you’ll have a better idea of your building options.

System and Structural Integration

Your house contains a vast network of systems that provide comfort and security from the outside elements. Your home’s design is engineered for maximum structural integrity, ensuring that it can support the framework, all materials, and all contents inside.

When you add a new room to the house, consider how it will affect the following:

• Structural framework
• HVAC/Air conditioning system
• Electrical wiring and panel
• Plumbing
• Load-bearing walls

If you are building upward and adding a second floor, you need to make sure that the existing framework can support the added load. You’ll also need to make sure that all systems can handle the additional floor space. Will you need to add a larger electrical panel? How will the addition affect your water pressure? Is your HVAC large enough to heat or cool the added room?

Setting a Proper Budget

The average room addition project ranges from $21,000 to $69,000. Umbrella costs can include materials, demolition, permits, and labor. Therefore, before you move forward with your project, you need to know what type of financial commitment it will require.

Your home remodeling contractor can help you determine how much you need to budget for with a bottom-line figure that includes materials and labor. Having a budget and knowing what you are paying for will eliminate any problems that could cause your project to come to a halt.

Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights has been serving the Bay Area since 1983.  Our general contractors are home remodeling and siding experts. We enjoy working with homeowners as they start the process with their next project.  Contact us today to get started on your home remodel or siding project!