Based on a variety of factors from location to consumer demographics, Hanley Wood’s Residential Remodeling Index identifies the top 25 U.S. counties with the most potential to see a boom in remodeling activity for 2011.

Hanley Wood Names Top 25 Counties for Remodeling Potential in 2011

The top 25 U.S. counties with the most potential to see a boom in replacement and remodeling activity for 2011 have been determined by construction publisher Hanley Wood, which publishes REMODELING magazine, based on a variety of factors from location to consumer demographics.

The January issue of Remodeling Magazine features the Top 100 U.S. Markets for remodeling and Mpls/St. Paul ranks third! Factors for the rating include above average job creation in Q3 and Q4 2010 and very high rate of home ownership.  Here is a list of the top 25 counties.

Best Counties For Remodeling In 2011

Want to find out which remodeling markets are hot?  The Residential Remodeling Index from Hanley Wood Market Intelligence has the answers.

Forecast of the 100 hottest remodeling markets

“The data behind the rankings show that these 25 counties — and actually over 300 counties nationwide — are poised for a strong 2011,” says Hanley Wood’s executive director of research, Jonathan Smoke.

According to Smoke, the counties were picked based on all the factors that create a strong remodeling environment: healthy economic conditions and forecasts, lots of housing most amenable to remodeling (older housing stock — but not too old — and relatively expensive), large numbers of the type of households that do remodeling projects, and a strong forecast on the Residential Remodeling Index (RRI).  Download the complete RRI spreadsheet.

These are key indicator as to which counties could hear the hum of power tools and the banging of hammers for many months to come. If this data is to be believed, 2011 will see a healthier fourth quarter for more remodelers and contractors than any year since 2007.

That is good news for Minnesota homeowners who want to remodel in the coming months.

Minnesota Home Remodeling Minneapolis/St Paul MN

Whether you are thinking about a bathroom or kitchen remodel, putting on an addition, or a whole house remodel, NOW is the time to bring your out dated home back to life! Perhaps you have been dreaming of a new deck or a 3 or 4 season porch addition. Maybe just add an add additions to your existing deck. Consult an experienced Minnesota Home Remodeling Contractor today to get your to get your home remodeling project underway!

Source: www.remodeling.hw.net

As the needs of today’s families are ever-changing, the use and design of their home is also evolving to make more space. More and more we are seeing new trends when it comes to specialized spaces in the home.

Home Remodeling | Basement Finishing

Implementing every craze into your home renovation or design project isn’t what’s important—the goal is to incorporate the trends that have the staying power, and the trends that become the new lifestyle standard without ever appearing dated.

Two of the projects at the top of the list; attic bedroom remodel and basement remodeling, are relatively expensive, but represent good value to home owners looking for additional space. Both projects add living space and a bathroom within the existing footprint of the home, and both make good use of space that would otherwise be used only for storage.

Since basements are on their own level in your home, don’t feel obligated to match its style to the rest of your house. This is the place to let your imagination run wild, so think about using this space for something you would never consider putting on the first floor. The possibilities are virtually endless. Here are some ideas for how you can use your basement.

Basement Remodeling

Game Room
Basements offer a great opportunity for game rooms because they’re out of the way, and lend great space for things that are usually inappropriate in other areas of the home. There is usually plenty of space for a pool table, a foosball table, or some arcade games. Plus this allows you to keep children’s toys out of sight (and out of underfoot), and your teenager’s video games out of the living room. Really let your imagination run wild, and think of what kind of entertainment you want, keeping in mind that the location will naturally soundproof the noise of loud toys or music.

Home Theater
As one of the most popular uses of a finished basement, home theaters are always a crowd pleaser. Basements are a great choice because they are naturally dark. If you throw in some comfy overstuffed chairs, surround sound, and a popcorn maker, you’ll have it made in the shade.

Wet Bar
Take your level of home entertainment up a notch and consider putting a wet bar in your new basement. This could be especially convenient next to your home theater when the big game is on. Bedroom
If your family is growing quickly or you’re in need of a guest bedroom, the basement is a great place to look. Below-grade bedrooms can be just as comfortable provided that it’s insulated properly and there are no moisture issues.

Extra Bathroom
If your family is large, this will eliminate family feuds. Putting an extra bathroom downstairs is a great idea if you’re planning a space where people will spend a lot of time. Eliminate the hassle of trekking up and down the stairs for your family and guests. Also, having that extra bath will add value to your home when you’re ready to sell.

Storage
Of course, storage is a natural option for the basement. It’s a wise idea to set off an area of a finished basement for storage.

Other Cool Uses
There really is no limit to the possibilities your basement can provide. In addition to the more practical ideas above, homeowners have also enhanced their basements with home gyms, music studios, wine cellars and workshops.

Minnesota Home Remodeling and Basement Finishing

A Basement Finishing or Remodeling can take a dark, dingy, scary basement and make it a lively, gorgeous space that the whole family will want to congregate in! If you are interested in finishing the basement of your Minnesota home, a Minnesota Remodeling Contractor can make it happen for you.

Just a reminder… May Is National Home Improvement Month
Start planning now for your  2011 summer remodeling project!

Source: servicemagic.com

A new building and remodeling philosophy is sweeping country. Aging in place. It is a building and remodeling trend that takes into account the needs of older Americans when designing and remodeling in order to help the aging population stay in their homes as long as possible.

Consider These Facts:

1. In 2010 the first wave of baby boomers turned 62

2. By 2020 16.5% of the American population will be over 65

3. By 2030 more than 70 million Americans will be over 65

Universal Design

Universal Design refers to the design of products and environments to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design.

The authors, a working group of architects, product designers, engineers and environmental design researchers, collaborated to establish the following Principles of Universal Design to guide a wide range of design disciplines including environments, products, and communications. These seven principles may be applied to evaluate existing designs, guide the design process and educate both designers and consumers about the characteristics of more usable products and environments.

What Makes a Home “Universal”?

It’s simple. Everyone can use universal design! It doesn’t matter if you are young or old. You could be short or tall, healthy or ill. You might have a disability. Or you may be a prize-winning athlete. Because of universal design, people who are very different can all enjoy the same home. And that home will be there for all its inhabitants even when their needs change.

Here are some of the more common universal design features:

• No-step entry. No one needs to use stairs to get into a universal home or into the home’s main rooms.
• One-story living. Places to eat, use the bathroom and sleep are all located on one level, which is barrier-free.
• Wide doorways. Doorways that are 32-36 inches wide let wheelchairs pass through. They also make it easy to move big things in and out of the house.
• Wide hallways. Hallways should be 36-42 inches wide. That way, everyone and everything moves more easily from room to room.
• Extra floor space. Everyone feel less cramped. And people in wheelchairs have more space to turn.

Some universal design features just make good sense. Once you bring them into your home, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them. For example:

• Floors and bathtubs with non-slip surfaces help everyone stay on their feet. They’re not just for people who are frail. The same goes for handrails on steps and grab bars in bathrooms.
• Thresholds that are flush with the floor make it easy for a wheelchair to get through a doorway. They also keep others from tripping.
• Good lighting helps people with poor vision. And it helps everyone else see better, too.
• Lever door handles and rocker light switches are great for people with poor hand strength. But others like them too. Try using these devices when your arms are full of packages. You’ll never go back to knobs or standard switches.

Principles of Universal Design 240 KB /PDF

Aging In Place Remodeling

Think Universal Design when you are thinking about remodeling. Industry experts say the best time to ageproof a house is during building or remodeling — before disabilities require it. Homeowners that want to stay in their homes for the duration, can start by instituting some  simple universal design modifications.

Aging-In-Place Design Checklists

An investment in universal design remodeling can make your homes stand out from the rest by adding value that today’s home buyers appreciate.

Remodel For The Needs Of Tomorrow, TODAY!

If you’re in your 50s, chances are good that modifying your current residence for when you get old isn’t a top priority. But the best time to plan for your future needs is now, when you can make decisions that are not crisis-driven. No matter what kind of home remodeling project you a have in mind, using some Universal Design disciplines will insure that you live in your home comfortable, safely and independently for as long as you want.

Minnesota Home Remodeling

Contact a Minnesota remodeling contractor that can provide every service needed to make your dream a reality.

Sources: The Center for Universal Design
AARP.org

Start planning now for your  2011 summer remodeling project!

May is National Home Improvement Month, and the National Association of the Remodeling Industry offers these tips to homeowners who are planning to remodel this summer.

Don’t wait to start planning your summer remodeling job. Choosing a design, products, a professional contractor and possibly securing financing all take time. Look over your property carefully. Are there repairs needed because of weather damage? Think ahead to determine your future needs. Review your homeowner’s insurance policy to see what adjustments you might need to make for the value you’d like to add to your house.

It’s that time of year again. Spring is a time for fresh ideas, new beginnings and home remodeling. The season also marks the time when homeowners across the country seek out contractors who can turn their dream homes into reality through the process of remodeling. To commemorate May as National Home Improvement Month, the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) offers homeowners a few words of advice for planning their remodels.

Don’t wait until summer to start thinking about making changes to your homes. Finding the right design, choosing a professional remodeling contractor and securing the necessary financing for a home improvement project can sometimes take months. NARI suggests that homeowners who want to start a project by summer start planning now.

With homeowners spending more time at home, demand for home improvements have increased, leaving quality contractors booked far in advance. NARI recommends the following steps to help kick-start the process:

Ø  Think your project through from start to finish. Careful planning of your home improvement projects will enable you to update your home, increase the value of your investment and customize your living space-all for a lot less than the cost of a new home. Perhaps a new home addition is what you have in mind.

Ø  Look over your property carefully. What repairs are needed? What improvements would you like to make? Think ahead and determine your future needs. Professional remodeling contractors can help you in your planning by outlining options and discussing the improvements you can make within your budget.

Ø  Be sure to review your homeowner’s insurance policy and make adjustments for the added value of the work being done.

Most homeowners can handle routine maintenance projects and cosmetic touch-ups, but it is recommended they consult with a qualified Minnesota remodeling contractor for larger remodeling jobs and major changes to the home’s structure.

Most basements are dark areas where we store seasonal decorations, old toys, sporting equipment and anything else not used on a regular basis. A Basement Finishing or Remodeling can take a dark, dingy, scary basement and make it a lively, gorgeous space that the whole family will want to congregate in!

Many clients who choose basement finishing or remodeling utilize the “negative” aspects, such as lack of light, as positives, by creating a home theater for example. However, there are many examples of stunning basement functions such as: exercise rooms, home offices, playrooms, game rooms, pool parlors, dens- whatever you desire,  Stio can make it happen!

Perhaps it is time you reconsider how you use your basement! Basement finishing is a cost-effective way to greatly expand your home’s living space. Suddenly you could have a guest room, a children’s play room, a home office, a recreation room—The possibilities are all up to you!

Below are some easy steps to basement finishing.

Ø  Solve Basement Water Problems First

Even if your basement rarely has problems with dampness or flooding, it’s best to solve the problem completely before beginning any remodeling work. A finished basement is only as good as the thoughts behind it and the quality of work that made it.

Permanent solutions can take time to implement. A good place to start is to talk to an independent home inspector who specializes in basement or foundation waterproofing problems.

Ø  Decide on the Best Use of Your Basement

Consider using the space for activities for which typical basement characteristics offer natural advantages.

The lack of light is useful when setting up a home theater or a dark room. The isolation helps create a sound break for a play area, a teenager’s hangout or a place to practice a musical instrument.

Also, in basements, there is usually ready access to things like water lines and heating and cooling ducts. This makes adding a bath easier than it would be elsewhere in the house.

Ø  Who Will Perform the Basement Remodeling Construction

While your basement may not be much to look at now, you’ll want to end up with quality living space when the project is complete. An experienced architect and remodeling contractor can help you get the most out of the space. A little forethought and careful planning now can help you create a space that is attractive, comfortable and useful.

Ø  Pay Attention to Air Circulation

When your home was first built, the odds are that there were few if any registers or vents installed in the basement. When you remodel your basement, you need to think about the need for good air circulation, adding openings where necessary.

You’ll also have to include a return air duct, but it’s important that it be located far from the furnace. Otherwise, it may suck dangerous furnace exhaust fumes back into the house.

To be on the safe side, install a carbon monoxide detector in your basement so that you’ll have an early warning of any problems with the venting of the furnace or any other major appliances.

Ø  Maximize Your Basement’s Natural Light

For many reasons, you’ll probably want to add more light in your basement. If parts of the basement extend above the ground, you can add new windows or enlarge existing ones. If that isn’t possible, another option is to dig window wells. Window wells can increase the odds of water problems, so it’s a good idea to build ones with waterproof covers.

Another advantage of enlarged windows is that they provide alternative escape routes in case of fire. One concern that some people have about basement windows is that they provide thieves with ideal access to the home. One way to mitigate that risk is to install glass bricks (rather than conventional windows) at high-risk locations.

Maximize the effect of regular windows by mounting some windows in the interior walls between rooms that open pathways for natural light to reach interior rooms.

Ø  Make Creative Use of Artificial Light

Typically, basement ceilings are low, creating the feeling that you’re in a cave. To offset this, use indirect lighting that splashes large pools of light on the ceiling. This will open up the space and make rooms appear higher than they are.

A mix of this up-lighting and traditional recessed lighting will give you the flexibility you need to create a variety of lighting moods.

Mirrors, mounted on the walls or even ceilings, can also amplify and reinforce lighting effects.

Ø  Insulate Your Basement Well

Proper insulation is critical to creating a comfortable, dry basement.

Besides keeping out the cold, basement insulation prevents condensation. The ground stays cool year round. It in turn keeps basement walls cool. When the warmer air in the room comes in contact with all those cool walls, it has to give up some of its moisture in the form of condensation.

Condensation is, in fact, the primary source of the moisture that causes mold and mildew problems in basements. Effective insulation separates the warm air of the room from the cool walls, thereby preventing the moisture problems that stem from condensation.

Ø  Select Practical Furnishings

Use plush carpets and drapes sparingly, if at all. Surfaces that don’t absorb moisture are best. Also, be careful about storing clothes, linens and books in a basement.

For floors, area rugs are ideal because they can be removed, cleaned and dried. If you must have wall-to-wall carpeting, consider a low pile commercial or indoor/outdoor type.

If you pay attention to details, there is no reason why you can’t create high value, high comfort living space in a basement. Properly finishing a basement only costs a fraction of what it costs to build an addition. That means you’ll have more money in your pocket for the next big home improvement project on your to do list!

Just like fashion, we can’t help but notice the ever-changing design trends of the season, particularly when magazines, newspapers, and television shows keep us abreast as to what’s hot and what’s not from one year to the next.

Technological advancements, together with popular culture, tend to set the stage for these new trends in the home remodeling industry. Implementing every craze into your home renovation or design project isn’t what’s important—the goal is to incorporate the trends that have the staying power, and the trends that become the new lifestyle standard without ever appearing dated.

Whether you’re building a new home, renovating a charmer, or adding some extra space, homes are becoming smarter, smaller (than the McMansions of years past), and simpler. Easy maintenance, high quality materials, and integral smart systems make an easy transition for the changing family. In many instances, homeowners are adding some extra space to meet the needs of aging parents (or for themselves, so they can “age in place”), and redesigning their home’s overall layout by incorporating subtle universal design principles. Creating open and flexible floor plans with wider doorways, main floor master suites, and user-friendly kitchens and baths, are becoming increasingly important to the baby boomers.

Two of the projects at the top of the list; attic bedroom remodel and basement remodeling, are relatively expensive, but represent good value to home owners looking for additional space. Both projects add living space and a bathroom within the existing footprint of the home, and both make good use of space that would otherwise be used only for storage.

Kitchens are the core and heart of the home. The truth of the matter is, according to a recent survey conducted by General Electric, 60 percent of homeowners are eating out less, and spending more time dining at home. More than half of them are actually cooking six to ten meals per week for friends and family. This speaks to the overwhelming trend in creating the entertainer’s kitchen that is well designed, impeccably detailed, and beautifully appointed. So, if you’re one of those serial entertainers, and are planning a kitchen remodeling project, then it’s time to transform your kitchen into the hottest new restaurant in town!

Minneapolis MN Home Remodeling Contractor

Find out how you can remodel your home at affordable prices. Consult a Minnesota Home Remodeling Contractor today!

Repurpose Your Space With Remodeling

Remodeling can be a very dramatic way to improve the value and usable space of your home, but there are many other benefits other than those that are only financial. Remodeling a home and repurposing the space already available can dramatically transform the way the home flows and what activities can be done in the house. This can make a home more modern and more comfortable for everyone in it.

Re-Purpose Your Space

Change the function of a room. Changing what happens in a particular room is a very common thing to do when remodeling a home. Many people find that they have rooms in their homes that they don’t use or don’t fit the functions they need to have in the home. If you find yourself never using a space, give it a new purpose. The builder’s floor plan may name the room one thing but you can use it any way you want. It’s your house!

A good example is a formal dining or living room. Gone are the days when we sit with our company in the front room on the good sofa that we forbid the children to touch! Many older homes have several more divided and more formal rooms that aren’t necessarily suited to the modern family lifestyle. So, re-purpose the space!These rooms can be changed into more casual spaces that will be used more frequently. Converting an old formal dining room to an office is a fairly common practice and having the closed off room provides the privacy that many people want while working from home.

Another example, the basement often is an unused abyss of space that we don’t utilize because we aren’t sure what to do with it. We never go down there except to store unwanted furniture pieces or boxes of the kid’s old toys and clothes. A recent trend is converting a basement (or a section of it) into a home theater or game room. This allows the family to have a gathering place and provides a way to maximize their home’s square footage. This especially holds true right now with everyone watching their pennies, people are entertaining in the home more than planning nights out on the town.

Remodel For Your Needs, Not For Resale

When trying to decide whether or not you should take the plunge and remodel, think of your own needs. If you absolutely want to add a deck or porch addition, go for it. If you have a spacious basement and could use a children’s play area, don’t hesitate.

By concentrating completely on the return you might get from a home improvement project, you are limiting your options and basing your decision on a factor that is constantly changing.

Depending on the economy and the real estate market in your area, as well as other factors, your remodeling return could be more or less than you expect when it is time to sell.

Just remember that for the immediate future, you will determine the value of a luxurious bathroom remodel or sunroom addition. The enjoyment of improving your home for the rest of your time living in it might far outweigh what money you get back when it is time to sell.

And, who knows? You might just like your new and improved home so much that you never want to move.

It’s just a matter of repurposing your space to fit your lifestyle in the best way possible.

No matter what kinds of plans you have for your home and what spaces you want to change by remodeling, you need to have the proper research and preparation to successfully complete the project.

Minnesota MN Remodeling Contractor

Start by consulting a Minnesota remodeling contractor about your home remodeling project, and clearly communicate what you like, and what you don’t like. Planning includes budgeting and deciding what you really want to change in the home. This is essential to having a realistic image of what will really be the result of the project.

Home, Kitchen, Bathroom and Basement Remodeling in Minneapolis/St Paul MN

Choosing a Minnesota Home Remodeling Contractor

Many minor home improvements are do-it-yourself projects: buying a new refrigerator or painting the walls are often done by homeowners themselves. However, as the scope of your project increases, most homeowners hire a professional contractor. This is one of the most critical steps in completing a home remodeling project — choose the wrong contractor and you may pay too much money, end up with shoddy workmanship, or need to hire someone else three months down the line to do it over!

There are three steps to this process:

1. Generate a list of contractors to contact
2. Interview those contractors, and request bid
3. Renegotiate the bids, and choose the best one

Generate a List of Contractors To Contact

Your initial list of contractors should come from a network: either your personal network of friends and associates or from a company that specializes in developing a network of professional contractors. (If your friends can only recommend one or two contractors, contact one of the online companies as well.) Your goal is to get the name and phone number of at least three or four contractors in your area. (If you can get a few more, all the better. Good contractors are often busy, so you may need to contact several just to get one of them to bid on your project.)

Networks are important for two reasons: First, your network will tell you if the contractor did a good job; Second, the contractor knows that if they do a bad job for you, the word will get around to the rest of the network, often with substantial negative consequences.

Interview Contractors & Request Bids

Here are a number of criteria to consider when interviewing contractors and requesting bids.

• Longevity: has the contractor been in business for several years? Assuming all other criteria were held constant, you would probably want to choose a contractor who has established a successful track record over one who hasn’t. An established record provides two benefits: (1) the likelihood is that the contractor has made his or her clients happy more often than not; (2) if the contractor has established a track record, they should have not problem providing you with references who can substantiate that record.
• References:Always request and check multiple references. A simple phone call will do. Here are some useful questions to ask the reference:
  1. Can they confirm that they hired the contractor in question?
  2. Were they happy with the contractor’s work?
  3. Did the contractor finish the project on time and on budget?
  4. Would they have any hesitation recommending this contractor to someone else?

Beware of references who are unwilling to discuss a contractor, or who give a lukewarm reference. People are understandably reluctant to give a blatantly bad reference about someone that they may work with again in the future.

• Contact your local Better Business Bureau: Ask them if anyone has filed a complaint about this contractor.
• Is the contractor properly licensed? In the United States, contractor licensing is typically determined at the state rather than the local or national level. However, not all states require kitchen contractors to be licensed. Your state may have a License Board, a Contractors Board, or some other department (such as the Department of Revenue) may have jurisdiction. The important point is to track down the department responsible for licensing, find out whether your contractor needs to be licensed, and then find out whether they have the appropriate license.
• Ask the contractor to show proof that they are properly insured.
• Do you need to get a permit from the city or town in which you live to complete this work? Call the town clerk in your town or city and ask if you will need a permit for the work you need done.

Renegotiate The Bids and Accept One Of Them

Once you have received bids from your favorite contractors, you need to review the bids. If you aren’t sure your contractor reached a number, give them a call and find out. Make sure that the contractors understand that you are taking several bids, and choosing the best one.

Don’t choose a bid on price alone — neither the highest nor the lowest priced bids are necessarily the best. You need to consider your contractors’ references, their schedules, and how well you think you’ll work together. (Remember, they may be spending several weeks or more in your home!)

If you are happy with more than one bid, go back to those contractors and try to negotiate a better deal — perhaps less money, perhaps a more favorable schedule, perhaps a better brand of appliance for the same price. Don’t hesitate to negotiate, it’s part of the game.

Ask Them About Their Warranties

When it comes to warranties, especially labor and installation warranties, we have always felt that the industry has not gone far enough. The truth of the matter is as a contractor if you can’t stand behind your work then get out of the business.  Therefore, the contractor should warrant and stand behind the work that they do.

Proudly serving Minneapolis MN and surrounding areas including: Blaine, Ham Lake, Andover, East Bethel, Coon Rapids, Milaca, Anoka, Brooklyn Park, Champlin, Fridley, New Brighton, Mounds View, Shoreview, Arden Hills, Lino Lakes, Elk River, Princeton, Maple Grove, Plymouth, Clearwater, Clear Lake, Monticello

Put Money Into A Finished Basement For A Good Return On Your Investment!

Finishing your basement can be by far the least expensive way of adding quality space to your home in Minnesota. You get more bang for the buck putting money into a finished basement than adding a wing to the house.

Goals of Basement Remodeling Project

Part of a good basement remodeling plan is listing the purposes of the finished basement. For example, will the finished basement be used for a recreation area, or for bedrooms? Is a bathroom or a kitchen area desired? Is a home theater or wine cellar part of the ultimate plan? Understanding how the finished basement will be utilized will help in determining what specific engineering and mechanical needs are required in the actual design and plans for the basement remodeling project.

Making Use Of Your Existing Space

Since basements are on their own level in your home, don’t feel compelled to match its style to the rest of your house. This is the place to let your imagination run wild, so think about using this space for something you would never consider putting on the first floor. The possibilities are virtually endless. Here are some ideas for how you can use your basement.

Game Room – Basements offer a great opportunity for game rooms because they’re out of the way, and lend great space for things that are usually inappropriate in other areas of the home. There is usually plenty of space for a pool table, a foosball table, or some arcade games. Plus this allows you to keep children’s toys out of sight (and out of underfoot), and your teenager’s video games out of the living room. Really let your imagination run wild, and think of what kind of entertainment you want, keeping in mind that the location will naturally soundproof the noise of loud toys or music.

Home Theater – As one of the most popular uses of a finished basement, home theaters are always a crowd pleaser. Basements are a great choice because they are naturally dark. If you throw in some comfy overstuffed chairs, surround sound, and a popcorn maker, you’ll have it made in the shade.

Wet Bar – Take your level of home entertainment up a notch and consider putting a wet bar in your new basement. This could be especially convenient next to your home theater when the big game is on.

Bedroom – If your family is growing quickly or you’re in need of a guest bedroom, the basement is a great place to look. Below-grade bedrooms can be just as comfortable provided that it’s insulated properly and there are no moisture issues.

Extra Bathroom – If your family is large, this will eliminate family feuds. Putting an extra bathroom downstairs is a great idea if you’re planning a space where people will spend a lot of time. Eliminate the hassle of trekking up and down the stairs for your family and guests. Also, having that extra bath will add value to your home when you’re ready to sell.

Storage – Of course, storage is a natural option for the basement. It’s a wise idea to set off an area of a finished basement for storage.

Other Cool Uses – There really is no limit to the possibilities your basement can provide. In addition to the more practical ideas above, homeowners have also enhanced their basements with home gyms, music studios, wine cellars and workshops.

Basement Remodeling MN

Basement Remodeling is a great way to increase the living area in your home. And unlike adding an addition onto your home, ground/site work and installing a new foundation are not required. Consequently a basement remodeling project can be a much more affordable project to do and provide a much higher return on investment.

With proper planning, a finished basement can become the spot in your home where the family and friends want to spend all of their recreational time.

No matter which basement finishing idea you choose to go with, a reliable  Minnesota Remodeling Contractor can make it a reality for you.

Perhaps it is time you reconsider how you use your basement!!

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Home Remodeling Trends For 2011

2011 is an ideal year to move ahead with that home improvement project you’ve been putting off in recent years.  Improvements that contribute to curb appeal are big factors among home buyers.

Even if you’ve got a list of your own, it may be that many of you don’t. All you know is that you want to plan out the year for all of the projects you’ve maybe talked about, but haven’t really begun to budget against in earnest. Well, hopefully this post will help sort out some of the big ideas, and a few little ones, to set your overall plan in motion – the transformation of your home!

This is certainly the case with the top two projects, entry door and new-this-year garage door replacement, which are the two least expensive projects evaluated in the current price-conscious economy. But the number three spot is occupied by fiber-cement siding replacement. Since it was added to the survey in 2005, fiber-cement siding replacement has been remarkably stable: it has ranked first every year among projects costing $5,000 or more, and this year showed the smallest cost increase (less than 1%) of any project.

The four non-replacement projects in the top ten also seem to reflect the price-conscious mood of remodeling customers, although to different degrees. Wood deck or Porch addition, which tied for fourth with minor kitchen remodel, is not only relatively inexpensive, it is almost considered essential rather than discretionary, particularly in neighborhoods where every home has an outdoor living space. Minor kitchen remodel may at first appear to buck the trend — at $21,695 nationally, it is the highest price among projects under $25,000. But this project represents a relatively inexpensive “face-lift” to what is for most prospective buyers the most important room in the home.

The remaining two projects in the top ten, attic bedroom remodel and basement remodel, are relatively expensive, but represent good value to home owners looking for additional space. Both projects add living space and a bathroom within the existing footprint of the home, and both make good use of space that would otherwise be used only for storage.

If you are thinking long-term, but have improvements to your home that you’d like to do now, the stars may be aligning in your favor.