Benefits of a Garage Addition

Could you, or your family, benefit from extra space? A garage addition is a great way to add more storage space, a play room, a work room, and more. There are many benefits to building a garage addition, which include:

Benefits of a Garage Addition

Storage

The most obvious benefit of a garage addition is the extra storage. After all, when you own a home it is easy to accumulate many items. While a garage addition is an obvious place to store cars, it is a also a great location for mowers, tools, holiday decor, and recreational items such as bikes and sporting equipment. There are many storage solutions to choose from for your garage, including built-in cabinets, shelves, and the like. Be sure to ask your garage builder about storage solutions.

Protect Your Vehicles

One major benefit of a garage addition is that it protects your car from the elements. With the consistently-inconsistent temperatures in Virginia, having a garage is a great way to keep your car in the best condition possible. In addition to better maintenance, you no longer have to deal with an uncomfortably hot or cold car in the summer and winter months. This includes scraping off ice or snow while waiting for your car to warm up in the winter, and cranking the AC to have your car cool down in the summer.

Increase Home Value

While it is true that nearly any project that adds space onto a home will increase its property value, a garage addition is a great investment. After all, many potential buyers expect homes to already have garages. Thus, your home will be that much attractive when it comes time to sell.

A Workshop Space

A garage addition is a great space for any hobbies, including woodworking, gardening, crafts, and more. If needed, you can even temporarily move the car outside of the garage if you are working on a project that requires a bit more open space.

Garage Addition Specifications

Now that you know the benefits of a garage addition, it is important to start answering a few questions about what you want from your garage.

Attached vs. Detached

First, do you plan on having an attached or detached garage? Each has its own benefits. Detached garages allow more flexibility in size and location. Additionally, a detached garage keeps out dust, fumes, and dirt away from the main house. This is especially nice if you do work or hobbies that produce dust. On the other hand, attached garages don't have as much flexibility in size and location since it has to be sized to the existing home. However, an attached garage is especially convenient for those rainy, cold days when you don't want to go out into the bad weather in order to enter the house.

Air Conditioning

Another factor to consider for your garage addition is if you want it to be air conditioned. If you plan on spending a lot of time in your garage, it will make sense to install air conditioning. After all, air conditioning will make a huge difference in making the space comfortable spend time in. One suggestion would be to install a mini-split system. We covered mini-split systems in a previous blog here and we highly recommend them.

Size and Style

The overall size of your garage addition will be completely dependent upon what you plan to use the space for. If you are using the garage as a workshop space exclusively, you could probably get away with a smaller size. However, if you want to use the garage to store cars, we suggest considering the size of your car, as well as whether you want to have any additional space, to help determine the best size. As a general rule, we suggest that the garage addition match the style of your existing home-whether it be a detached or an attached garage. That way, the garage will blend seamlessly with the rest of the home.

Overall, a garage addition can provide many advantages to you and your family. If your family could benefit from a safe place to store cars, or other belongings, then consider Balducci Additions and Remodeling for your garage addition project.

Advantages of a Bathroom Remodel

Advantages of a Bathroom Remodel

There's no question that when it comes to home improvement projects, bathrooms are one the first rooms people look to update. After all, the bathroom is typically one of the first and last places we spend our time in during the day; thus, it should be a place that we enjoy. Are you considering a bathroom remodel? Great! Not only do they add value to your home, a bathroom renovation can mean improved storage, appearance, efficiency, and more.

 

Bring the Spa to Your Home

A bathroom remodel can create a more comfortable and calming space. Over recent years, the trend of creating a spa-bathroom has skyrocketed. Bathrooms have transformed from serving as a purely functional space, into a space that homeowners enjoy and want to spend their time in. A bathroom remodel is a great excuse to incorporate spa-inspired features to create a more relaxing space.

 

Make Necessary Repairs

Whether a sink has a leak, or if a few tiles are cracked, a bathroom renovation is the perfect opportunity to make necessary repairs. As a bonus, if the fixture or component has reached the end of its life, planning a bathroom remodel is the perfect opportunity to choose new fixtures that better represents your new style.

Create an Effective Use of Space

If you find yourself constantly bumping into fixtures or components, a bathroom remodel is the perfect opportunity to update the layout with a more effective design. This can be through adding square footage by taking some unused space from an area of the home adjacent to the bathroom. Or this can mean simply changing up the location of the fixtures in the current space.

Upgrade to Energy Efficient Lighting

A huge benefit of having a bathroom remodeled is the opportunity to upgrade light fixtures to new, energy efficient fixtures. Whether you are looking to go green or not, upgrading to energy efficient fixtures can mean money saved on energy bills.

Boost Storage Space

Another key advantage of a bathroom renovation is updating your bathroom to include more storage. As bathrooms are becoming larger, more homeowners are incorporating more storage solutions, such as cabinets and shelves, to help minimize clutter in other areas of the home. Working with a bathroom renovations company, such as Balducci Additions and Remodeling, can help you plan and strategize the best organization methods for your bathroom needs.

Increase Home Value

According to Remodeling 2017 Cost vs. Value report (www.costvsvalue.com), the average cost of a bathroom remodel in Richmond is $17,154. On average, you will get about $7,643 of that investment back, which is about a 44.6% return. While it is impossible to see the full return on your investment, having an updated bathroom can make the home easier during resale. After all, an outdated bathroom can deter many potential buyers. Even if you don't plan on moving within the next few years, a bathroom renovation is a practical update that will be sure to add comfort and style to your home.

While there are many factors to consider, bathroom remodels have many advantages. To name a few, a bathroom remodel is a great way to improve storage space, increase home value, create an updated design, and more. If you have any questions about getting started on a bathroom remodel, feel free to contact Balducci Additions and Remodeling for a free consultation.

© 2017 Hanley Wood Media Inc. Complete data from the Remodeling
2017 Cost vs. Value Report can be downloaded free at www.costvsvalue.com.

Creating a Cooking Focused Kitchen Design

Do you enjoy cooking? While some homeowners aspire to have a clutter free kitchen, perfect for entertaining, others want a kitchen built for cooking and preparing food. Surprisingly, cooking from scratch only ranked #4 in homeowner interests, according to the 2018 Houzz Kitchen Trends Study.

Although not everyone may not enjoy cooking from scratch, we believe creating a kitchen with cooking in mind can be beneficial for any home.  Thus, here are our top tips and trends for a cooking kitchen for 2018. Whether you are a cooking connoisseur, or if you plan on cooking more frequently for economical reasons, we hope that you'll get some inspiration from this post.

Creating Cooking Zones

When creating a kitchen for cooking, it is important to create a good working layout. This includes creating wider walkways to allow room for guests to pass by and perfecting the appliance zones. These include the sink, range, and refrigerator areas. By perfecting these zones, it will allow for a more efficient work flow and more enjoyable cooking experience.

Sink Zone

While there are many sink styles available on the market, we recommend farmhouse style or prep sinks for cooking kitchens since they often have larger basins. Installing a prep sink is a great option since it can have space for cutting boards, strainers, racks, and other accessories on the side. Along with a great sink, this zone should also house the dishwasher. In some larger kitchens, a dual dishwasher might be useful.

Range Zone

As for ranges, gas is often the most common choice for gourmet style kitchens since it provides the most control and accuracy while cooking. Depending on the amount of cooking you plan on doing, as well as the number of people you plan to cook for, it could be beneficial to upgrade from a 4 burner to 6 burner range.

Additionally, ranges with oversized hoods are becoming a big trend in recent kitchen design. That is because they can be personalized to the homeowner's style; in a sense, they can serve as as a sculptural piece of art in the space.

The range zone would also house any ovens, warming drawers, and microwaves.

Refrigeration Zone

If you have the space, it could be a good idea to invest in two refrigerators. The second refrigerator's main purpose would be dependent upon the type of cooking you plan on doing. A second refrigerator could be a great addition for extra food, such as homemade soups and sauces, or for bulky items that take up a significant amount of room in the main refrigerator.  On the other hand, if you tend to cook while company is over, it could be beneficial to install a refrigerator for beverages. This allows guests to serve themselves without getting in the way of meal preparation.

Another placement to consider, that is often in this zone, is the trashcan. There is nothing worse than a guest having to reach around you to use the trashcan while you are preparing the meal. Two separate trashcans are ideal - one where guests may be walking by, and other in the prep/cooking area. However, this isn't feasible for many kitchens. If you kitchen layout doesn't support two trashcans, place the trashcan between the cooking area and walkway for guests to also access.

Materials and Finishes

As far as materials go, it is important to choose items that will withstand daily wear and tear. This is especially true for the countertop, which is why 42% of home renovators splurged on this item. While granite was the leading material choice for kitchen countertops for many years, only 34% of homeowners chose it for their remodels in 2017-2018.  In comparison, quartz was favored by 43% of home renovators during this time. Quartz is a great option for a cooking kitchen since it is durable and requires less upkeep than granite.

Interested in quartz? We covered the advantages and disadvantages of quartz in a previous blog, read it here.

As far as appliance finishes, silver stainless steel continues to lead in kitchen trends for 2018. However, some manufacturers are coming out with black stainless and matt-black appliances. These are great options since they minimize the appearance of finger prints that often appear on silver stainless appliances, which is a large concern for most homeowners.

While there are many design tips that you can implement to make your kitchen more "cooking friendly", there is no one right way to design your kitchen. After all, your kitchen should work for the way you prefer to cook and bake. If you have any questions about getting started on your kitchen design, feel free to contact us. We proudly offer free estimates!

Shower Door Design

Over recent years, the trend of creating a spa-bathroom has skyrocketed. Bathrooms have transformed from serving as a purely functional space into a space that homeowners enjoy and want to spend their time in. Thus, bathroom design has changed immensely, which includes everything from the layout, square footage, materials, fixtures, and more.

Up until now, one of the most popular shower configurations was the standard shower/tub combo since it promoted functionality and "did the job." Currently, the big trend in bathroom design is to either convert the shower/tub combo into a walk-in shower, or adding square footage into the bathroom for a separate shower and bathtub. (Feel free to check out this blog post on Creating an Efficient Shower Design For Your Bathroom Reno). Since separate shower spaces are rising in popularity, the design of the shower becomes a high priority in bathroom renovation planning. One design aspect of the shower to be considered is the shower door.

Shower Door Design

Previously, shower doors had a simple function to keep water off of the floor to prevent any water damage to the space. Now, shower doors are no longer an afterthought of the room; they can even be a focal point.

Since homeowners aren't confined to the standard shower/tub combinations (and standard shower doors), there is much more opportunity for creativity in the design of the shower door. With so many options to choose from when choosing a shower door, you might be wondering "what are some popular designs?" Well, let's take a look at a couple of the current trends in shower door designs.

Design Trends

The minimalist design trend has become popular for the home, including the bathroom (and shower door). A minimalist shower door typically has less (or nonexistent) hardware and framing.  This design tactic is perfect for intricate shower tile designs as this allows you to show off the shower design. It also makes the bathroom appear lighter and more open.

On the other hand, this is an increase in popularity in having the shower door as a strong focal point. This includes choosing bolder finishes such as dark bronze and warm brass for the door's hardware and framing.

Concerning the glass on the shower door, current style trends tend to favor clear glass. While the traditional frosted glass provides privacy, clear glass creates an open feel and can give the illusion of a larger space.

Choosing the Shower Door

When choosing a shower door, it is important to look at the types of doors offered. There are several types of shower doors to choose from, including sliding, pivoting, and hinged doors. Typically, sliding doors are good for shower/tub combos, while pivoting doors are a good choice for a narrow shower. Ultimately, the type of door you choose will be the one that suits your shower configuration and space the best.

Once the door type is chosen, the glass, hardware, and framing should be picked out. Choosing the right finishes on the shower door can help tie the shower design with the rest of the bathroom. If you have any questions on getting started with your bathroom remodel, feel free to reach out to us to schedule a free in-home consultation.

Sunroom Addition with Skylights

Sunroom Addition with Skylights

We are proud to finally show off this home addition! Our team at Balducci Additions and Remodeling recently finished this beautiful sunroom addition in Mechanicsville, Virginia.

Our clients wanted a multi-functional space that their family could enjoy year-round, as well as for entertaining guests. The project included demoing and removing the screened porch. Initially, the clients wanted to keep the existing structure, add on extra square footage, and convert the screened porch into a sunroom. However, the existing structure could not support additional square footage. Our team made the call to completely remove the screened porch and start from scratch.

Before

Before

One of the main reasons our clients decided to go forward with the addition was to have a space for in-laws visiting, as well as for other guests from out of town. The clients made sure the sunroom had enough room for a day bed for any overnight guests.

This sunroom addition allows lots of natural lighting; after all, the room features 14 windows! The sunroom addition includes two skylights in the vaulted ceiling, as well as triple single-hung windows to the left and right walls. The back wall features a large picture window with a set of double single-hung windows on either side. To keep the wall from looking too overbearing in comparison to the other windows, we installed a decorative window above. As an added benefit, all of the the single-hung windows can be opened to allow fresh breeze to come in.

The sunroom addition also includes a full bathroom with a tub/shower combo, perfect and convenient for visitors and for anyone enjoying the space.

The new space also includes an informal dining area to the right corner. This area is perfect for sharing a meal with family on a nice summer evening, or for guests to enjoy a private cup of coffee in the morning.

Our company also installed a mini-split system to ensure that the space will be comfortable year round for family and friends. Balducci Additions and Remodeling highly recommends installing mini-splits in room additions since they are a cost effective way to provide heating and cooling. Additionally, they can even save you money since they can be turned on and off as you are using the space. To read more on mini-split systems, please check out this blog post.

The addition also features a living/family area with a media center for family movie nights, and the like.

Since the sunroom does experience direct light midday, the clients decided it was best to add shades to the windows. That way, the harsh sunlight can be easily blocked out so that the room can be enjoyed throughout the day.

To see more photos of the addition, please check out our Houzz page.

Celebrate National Escape Day: Spa Bathroom

Have the winter blues set in? Need a break for yourself? You're in luck. January 30th is National Escape Day, which means it's the perfect excuse to take some time for yourself.

“Sometimes the most productive thing you can do is relax.” - Mark Black

While you can celebrate National Escape Day a thousand ways, why not take some time to yourself in your in-home spa (aka, your bathroom)?

Here's a roundup of our top 10 most relaxing bathrooms. Which space appeals to you the most?

10. Shower with beige tile. The beige tile with dark accents creates a warm and inviting feel.

9. Soaker tub with a large glass block window. This deep soaker tub is the perfect place to unwind after a long day.

8. Walk-in corner shower. This clean, minimal shower gets extra light through two accent windows, which helps the space feel more airy.

7. Jetted tub and shower with accent tile. The blue and tan accent tiles resemble coastal color schemes, which enhance the calming atmosphere of this space.

6. Gray tiled shower with glass enclosure. The glass enclosure and streamlined design keep this bathroom looking like something that would be seen in a spa.

5. Separate shower with a freestanding slipper soaker tub. This vintage inspired in-home spa includes a slipper tub and leg tub filler, which exude timeless elegance.

4. Contemporary brass and brown double vanity. Lighting is an important aspect of any spa bathroom and is done effectively in this home addition.

3. Turquoise spa bathroom with rain shower head. The shower in this bathroom features two shower heads to create a spa-like feel, including a rain shower head.

2. Classic granite with separate soaker tub and shower. The neutral colors of the tile and accent in the shower display an elegant look, which makes this space relaxing.

1. Freestanding tub with a nature view. This beautiful bathroom feels as though it is outside with the two large windows, which creates the perfect spa-like experience.

Interested in a creating your own spa bathroom? Balducci Additions and Remodeling is happy to help you create a bathroom that you want to escape to. Contact us to get started!

Sunroom, Laundry Room, & Home Office Addition

Sunroom, Laundry Room, & Home Office Addition

Recently, Balducci Additions and Remodeling completed a home addition near King William, Virginia. The clients wanted a dedicated laundry room, but they couldn't configure it into their home's layout. Instead of taking away valuable square footage, a home addition was drawn up to make their dream laundry room a reality.

Home Addition Plans

Before Photos

The home addition includes a sunroom, laundry room, pantry, and home office. The addition extends the width of the house and juts out 16' (not including the deck).

Case openings between the addition and existing home

The transition from the existing home to the sunroom addition includes two case openings, one between the original living room and one between the original kitchen.

Sunroom Addition

Sunroom Addition

The sunroom features a pair of triple windows that face the backyard, which allows for lots of natural sunlight and viewing space. The exterior wall in the sunroom has two windows and a door leading to the wrap around deck. Also in the space are light hardwood floors, which complement the light blue walls. These features help to keep the room feeling airy and bright.

Laundry Room Addition

Laundry Room with Drying Rack

Just off of the sunroom is the laundry room. The laundry room is set up "galley style" to allow for easy traffic flow between the sunroom and home office. The washer and dryer are set up below the window, with room for storage to the left and a utility sink to the right.

Laundry Room with Side-by-Side Washer and Dryer

The focal points of the room are the two custom storage cabinets with hanging racks above. The beautiful custom cabinets are Red Oak with a classic gray stain. The cabinets feature 3 soft close drawers to provide much needed extra storage.

Custom Cabinetry in Home Laundry Room

Home Office Addition

Home Office

Just beyond the sunroom is the home office space. The home office features an L-shaped desk, which is framed around two windows to let natural sunlight into the work space. The office also serves as a multi-purpose room with areas for lounging, playing instruments, or watching TV. The home office also has a door that allows for direct access to the pressure treated deck.

Deck Addition

Pressure Treated Deck

The deck addition was a huge focal point of this project; after all, it is about 45' in total! While the pressure treated deck only extends out 8' on the sides of the house, the back portion of the deck is 10' to allow enough room for seating and entertaining areas.

Elevation Drawing of the Addition

Elevation View of the Deck Addition

Want to see more pictures of the sunroom, laundry room, and home office addition? Feel free to visit our Houzz profile.

Want to get a head start on your home addition project? Feel free to contact us for a free in home estimate!