Answer the Big Home Addition Question: Building up or Building out

Lack of adequate space can make coming back to your home a dreadful task. No one likes a crammed space. When you feel that your home is bursting at the seams, a home addition project can come to your rescue.

Building Up or Out: Find an Answer to the Home Addition Dilemma

Before beginning with the project, there is one important thing that deserves your attention. Do you want to increase the size of your home vertically or horizontally? Would you like a second story addition or is a simple bump out sufficient for you? Here’s how you can make a choice between building up and building out.

• Does it solve the Space Problem?

If you have additional space around your home and there are no zoning restrictions, homeowners consider building out to be the best solution. But, remember that the right decision comes with the right understanding of your requirements. Think about the current floor plan of your home. Do you think that a simple room addition will solve your space problems? Will a rear addition make the home spacious? Is a garage addition or a garage conversion the best solution for you? Home addition will make everlasting changes to your home. So, don’t forget to consider your future needs as well.

• Does it require more Efforts?

Building out or ground floor additions are easier than adding a second story to your home. It is because they cause less disruption. And, you may not need to alter the entire floor plan of your home. You can use an existing doorway or window to add a new room, saving you the efforts of tearing down the walls. On the other hand, if you are adding a whole new floor with bathrooms, you will need to extend the power lines as well as the drainage lines.

• Time is the Key

If you want to add space to a kitchen, it will not be a time-consuming task. It is because a small bump out doesn’t involve putting additional weight on the existing foundation. The home additions contractor will dig out the required area in the yard and lay a foundation to build the walls. It is as simple as that. But, a building up project will require him to make the foundation capable of bearing extra weight.

• The Burden of Money

When the home addition is complicated and time-consuming, your expenses will be high. But, it doesn’t mean that building out will be less expensive than a second-story home addition. If the access to the construction area is constrained or you need to install HVAC for the new room, the cost can increase. Even specific plumbing requirements can add to the cost. So, it is essential that you discuss the different cost centers before making the decision. 

Building Up or Building Out: The Final Decision

When it comes to choosing between building out and building up, it all comes down to making optimum use of available sources. Consider your preferences, the zoning laws of your area and choose the option that is the simplest, in terms of efforts, time and money. 

Remember that making the right decision is essential because it has the potential to put a permanent end to your space constraints. So, take your time and decide whether building up or building out is the right choice for your home.

Handy Tips to make your Home Halloween-Ready!

Thanksgiving is just over! You toiled hard in the kitchen and hosted a great dinner. But, do you think your home did not look as impressive as the wonderful dinner on the table? Do you want your home to be the talk of the town on Halloween? If you want to sway the guests on your upcoming Halloween party, you must start working on it. You not only should focus on finishing the home improvements tasks that you have listed down a while ago but also ensure that you bring out the scary Halloween decorations in style. 

How to impress Guests by decorating the Home for Halloween? 

When you are decorating your home for Halloween, scaring the guests becomes your prime purpose. But, it is all fun until a mishap happens in the form of fires, injuries, and falls. Here are a few handy tips to make sure that your home doesn’t prove to be a death trap IRL. 

Do not take it ‘Lightly’

Lighting can transform a beautiful home into a scary mansion. You can bring jack-o-lanterns to life with the right type of lighting. Even sensor-based lighting can give a thrilling look to your home. If you concerned about the electrical cost, consider using solar-powered pumpkin string lights or solar powered LED lights.

While setting up the lights, make sure that you follow electrical safety tips for Halloween. Make use of products marked for outdoor use and avoid open flame. Remember that darkness can add an eerie feel to your home. But, proper illumination will ensure that your guests, especially little costumed visitors, can walk easily and avoid injuries.

Simply look Sinister; not be

The walkway to your home may have a broken step. You may have several potted plants on the patio. The window panes may be broken. You will have to take care of every single thing that your guests may encounter while entering your home. It means decorating the landscape in such a way that it looks scary, at the same time, it guarantees safety. 

Rake dry leaves; fill in potholes and park the car in garage to clear the yard. Remove plants from the walkway, fix the wobbly railing, hammer down the nails in the deck, secure the scary decorations firmly to the ground and create a safe environment for everyone. 

A Trick-Proof Home

Halloween pranks are common, especially on “Devil’s Night”. But, you would never want miscreants egging or TPing your beautiful home. Also, you will have to think of preventative measures against theft and burglary. Remember that locking the doors and windows is not the only way to secure your home. You can hire a licensed electrician to install motion-sensor lights and alarms systems around your home. It will discourage miscreants from entering the property. Also, installing security cameras is a great way of keeping the burglars away.

If you are going to have a party in your home, it is essential to check the condition of smoke alarms. It will enable you to take prevent fire hazards. 

DIY is not the Right Answer to Every Question! 

Pinterest may have you believe that you can do every type of home improvement project on your own. While it may be possible for a few, not every homeowner can repair the patio, clear the driveway, trim the leaves, paint the deck and still have time for Halloween decorations. 

When you need your home to look scary good for Halloween, hire a handyman. You will find that several handymen not only offer professional home repair and maintenance but they also provide Halloween decoration services. Hire someone who offers comprehensive home improvement services that includes installing security systems. You can hire his services to take down the decorations as well. It will take the burden off your hands and make sure that you enjoy 31st of October along with other guests.

Halloween is known to be a scary, frightening holiday, but it doesn’t mean it should turn into a dangerous nightmare for you, your family and your guests. Hire a handyman to get your home ready for Halloween and enjoy spooky, safe night with your loved ones. 

Looking for an expert to take care of Halloween decorations? The Home Improvement Group is a home renovation contractor that offers comprehensive handyman services in Toronto. We will install the decorations efficiently. Our licensed electricians will take care of lighting installations and ensure that your home is Halloween-ready in no time.