New Smartphone Technology Could Aid in Home Remodeling Projects

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A new smartphone that can sense depth, measure distances, and map three-dimensional areas could soon revolutionize home remodeling as we know it.

At a recent industry conference in San Francisco, tech company Lenovo unveiled its new smartphone, the Phab2Pro, which is set to launch in September. The phone utilizes a Google-developed sensor technology called Tango that uses four separate phone cameras to make screen-captured 3D plans of rooms — the perfect tool for anyone considering projects like basement finishing, bathroom renovation, or kitchen remodeling.

While apps for the phone are still in development, the technology will allow users to play with settings on the pictures to test out different features, like wall colors, furniture arrangements, or floor paneling, all within the photographs.

“It is a device that truly understands our surroundings and augments our reality,” said Lenovo CEO Yuanqing Yang.

In a move that shows Lenovo’s commitment to the remodeling market, the Phab2Pro phones will be sold in Lowe’s home improvement stores as well as Best Buy online. The executive director of Lowe’s Innovation Labs, Kyle Nel, says the phone is a prime way for remodelers to envision their new home before making the big leap of hiring a contractor.

“We see this as a way to engage people and make their lives easier,” said Nel.

The phone’s screen will be bigger than the average smartphone, but Lenovo believes that will only benefit consumers as they utilize its new features. “We made an early investment in something we really believe in,” said Lenovo vice president Jeff Meredith. “This is a strategic play for Lenovo.”

With so many possibilities and decisions to make, remodeling projects can be both a stressful and costly investment for many homeowners. In the end, though, most find a remodel to be worth it, both aesthetically and financially. Even relatively small kitchen remodeling projects see an average 82.7% return on investment, while bathroom additions can have an even higher 86.4% ROI.

With Lenovo’s new Tango-equipped smartphones, some hesitant would-be remodelers might finally gain the confidence they need to make decisions and move ahead with their projects. Some 60% of homeowners say they plan to remodel their master bathrooms. Soon enough, they can work to make those dreams a reality with the help of a cell phone.

Kitchen Renovation… 6 Common Mistakes to Avoid

KITCHEN REMODEL

Kitchen remodeling is one of the best ways to brighten up your entire home. Even a minor kitchen renovation will give you an average return on investment of more than 83% when you sell your home. In fact, The National Association of Home Builders says that kitchen renovations account for 69% of all of requested home renovation projects, second only to bathroom renovations.

Although kitchen remodeling is an easy way to make your home look great, it can be a real nightmare if you aren’t careful. A few common kitchen remodeling mistakes that homeowners to make include:

1. MISTAKE: Making bargain hunting your biggest priority
   If you need to cut costs, buy generic brand cereal, cut coupons, and ride your bike to work. The updates that you do to your kitchen will stay with you through the long-run, or until you redo the work because you regret cutting corners the first time. Spending the money to have the job done right, and investing in good quality material is worth every penny that you spend while kitchen remodeling.
2. MISTAKE: Going overboard
   While a good kitchen design can add a lot of value to your home, the law of diminishing returns tells us there is a limit to the value you add in any home renovation. For example, if your home is worth $200,000, and you spend $50,000 on a kitchen that a Michelin star chef would be envious of, you’re going to have trouble getting someone to buy your home for $250,000 to get the money back out of it. (Although, if you are a foodie and would really enjoy a fancy kitchen, don’t let us stop you!) As a rule of thumb, try to keep your costs below 15% of your home’s total value if your goal is to recoup your costs when you sell.
3. MISTAKE: Getting too trendy
   In the 90’s, kitchens were decorated with floral prints and fake foliage. Now the image makes you gag. You might absolutely love a stylish look, but if you incorporate a trend into the permanent design of your kitchen, you will regret it when it goes out of style. The more prominent the design is, the more obvious it will be when it is out of date. Choosing timeless fixtures and design elements will help you maintain the value of your kitchen remodel and will make it more marketable when you decide to sell. If there is a trend you can’t live without, consider decorating with it, so that it can be changed out when the fad is over.
4. MISTAKE: Not paying attention to your budget
   Surveys show that a quarter of all homeowners anticipate spending less than $10,000 on their kitchen renovation, but only 15% of renovations actually meet that budget. Before you get started, sketch out an outline of expenses involved in your renovation. That way, you don’t get halfway through and run out of money. Make sure to leave about a 15% contingency for any unpredictable problems that may arise.
5. MISTAKE: Starting the work before you have a complete plan
   One very common mistake homeowners make when renovating their kitchen is starting work on the cabinets and counter tops before the appliances are chosen. The space needed for the stove or refrigerator should be precise, so it’s a good idea to choose the appliances that you’re going to have in your new kitchen, and then make sure the rest of the plans accommodate them.  Likewise, make sure that every aspect of the kitchen is measured twice or thrice, so that you don’t end up with a shiny new stove that is one inch wider then the cabinets allow for.
6. MISTAKE: Not Leaving any wiggle room for Murphy’s Law
   There are hundreds of elements involved in a kitchen renovation. Even the best contractors can’t prevent all hiccups, there are so many factors that are outside of their control. Let yourself be flexible in your plans and your timelines, so that when an issue arises, you can take it in stride and keep going.

Do you have any questions about doing a kitchen renovation? Please feel free to get in touch with us if we can be of any assistance.

Top 4 Reasons to Treat Yourself to a Master Bathroom Remodel

Master Bedroom Remodel

Many of us have a long wish list for home improvements. We may have a dream kitchen design in mind, a bedroom to repaint, a garage to clean, or even full room additions to be had. But how often do we stop to think about the function, utility, and design of our bathrooms?

The bathroom is typically the first room we enter in the morning. If you’re unhappy with your space, how is it going to affect the rest of your day? A bathroom remodel just might change your whole approach. A survey of homeowners found that 60% had intentions or plans to remodel the master bathroom. So why wait? Here are four great benefits of getting your remodeling project underway sooner rather than later.

1. Promote Relaxation

1. The bathroom isn’t just a place for business — it’s the one room in the house that can offer you guaranteed privacy. A bathroom renovation that focuses on the relaxing pleasures of a bubble bath or the calm that comes with proper lighting, space, and color can truly revitalize your “me-time” experience.

 

2. See Yourself in a Better Light

1. 1. The space in which you get ready for the day can really have a huge impact on your confidence and self-esteem. Make sure to always see yourself in the best light — literally! Vanity lighting and flattering mirror placement in your

bathroom remodel

1. design can truly amplify the time you take to prepare yourself for the world outside.

 

3. Save on Your Water Bills

1. Small leaks are a common problem in many homes, though owners may often not even realize there’s an issue. Fortunately, professional remodelers are seasoned experts at identifying and solving small leak problems in bathroom and kitchen faucets and plumbing fixtures. Patching up these minor drips could save you 10% on your monthly household water bill.

 

4. Add Value to Your Home

1. Additions and expansions on bathrooms can offer up to 86.4% return on investment. Remodeling your master bathroom — or all of your bathrooms, for that matter — will not only offer serenity and enjoyment now, but will add value to your home for years to come.

 

When it comes to bathroom remodeling, the choices are all yours. Make this personal space work for you with a design and aesthetic that enhances your ability to tackle every day from the start.

Here’s How Professional Kitchen Remodeling Can Beautify Your Home While Increasing Its Value

KITCHEN REMODEL

Almost every home in the world has some room for improvement, and procrastinating on these important renovations will only make matters worse. When it’s time to enhance your home’s decor and resale value, you need to think “big picture” and invest in something truly special.

Professional kitchen remodeling allows you to customize the interior of your home with modern renovation solutions that will benefit your family for years to come. Additionally, these kitchen remodeling projects can add exponential value to your home, which means that they essentially pay for themselves. Once your kitchen is renovated, you can then focus on whole home remodeling by investing in a bathroom remodel or basement finishing.

When you want to improve the aesthetics of your home to impress house guests, it’s always best to start with the kitchen. Here’s how professional kitchen remodeling can beautify your home while putting money back into your pocket:

• Luxurious add-ons. Think back to a time when you immediately impressed upon walking into a home. There’s a good chance that the moment your jaw dropped was when you walked into the kitchen, and there’s an even better chance that the kitchen was finished with granite countertops. Granite countertops are the pinnacle of luxury kitchen renovations, and they are also much more durable than other materials. Property damage repairs make up about 36% of remodeling jobs, and granite countertops can resist damage to prolong your investment.
• Lucrative return on investment. Even if you only want to renovate a few select things in your kitchen, you will experience a tremendous return on investment (ROI). A minor kitchen remodel has an average return on investment of 82.7%, and whole kitchen renovations are even closer to 100%. Plus, these renovations can reveal leaks and other issues throughout your kitchen that have been costing you extra money over time.
• Other home renovations. You’re strongly encouraged to start with the kitchen when remodeling your home, but you may also be inclined to enhance other high-usage rooms such as the basement or bathroom. These renovation projects also offer tremendously profitable ROIs. In fact, bathroom additions offer an 86.4% ROI on average, and that percentage can increase if you invest in modern add-ons like heated floors.

Kitchen remodeling is no easy task, but it becomes much more simple and lucrative when you enlist the help of renovation professionals. Get in touch with an experienced kitchen renovation company and take your home’s value to another level.

3 Crucial Reasons to Invest in Professional Bathroom Remodeling

KITCHEN REMODEL

Savvy homeowners are always on the lookout for creative ways to enhance their home’s appeal. For some reason, bathroom remodeling is often overlooked in this home improvement process despite the wide range of benefits that it provides to homeowners.

Professional bathroom remodeling is truly the best way to improve your home’s aesthetic appeal while exponentially increasing its resale value. Many homeowners tend to focus on landscaping or outdoor improvements, but it’s what’s inside your home that will impress your house guests the most.

Bathroom remodeling is far from a “DIY” job, so you’ll need to invest in professional bathroom renovation services to get the most bang for your buck. Here are just three of the many reasons that you should strongly consider investing in professional bathroom remodeling:

• Huge return on investment
  Your bathroom is one of the most used rooms in your home, so it’s no surprise that the floors and fixtures tend to fade over time. According to a National Association of Home Builders survey, bathroom remodeling is the most requested home improvement job in the U.S., accounting for 78% of renovations. This is likely due to the outrageous return on investment (ROI) that one can earn from bathroom remodeling. In fact, bathroom additions offer an average of 86.4% ROI.

• Save money over time
  In addition to earning money when selling your home, you’ll also save tons of money up until that point with professional bathroom remodeling. During a bathroom renovation, professionals are likely to notice some “minor” water leaks in your pipes that could cost you more money than you think. Fixing these easily corrected water leaks can save you about 10% on your water bills every single month, which really adds up over time.

• Wow your house guests
  Last but certainly not least, you should always be looking for ways to beautify your home. At some point, your house guests will ask to use your bathroom, and there is no prouder feeling than to hear their compliments on your remodeling when they return. From custom vanities to sleek new cabinets, bathroom remodeling services can truly provide you with the bathroom of your dreams.

These are just a few of the most notable benefits of professional bathroom remodeling, and you’ll notice dozens more after your renovation is completed. Get in touch with us to start your new bathroom remodeling project today!