Your Building Blog for the Rochester Area

Sometimes a remodeling of your Rochester-area home involves a bit of a cosmetic “face-lift.” Perhaps you want to make your family room a little brighter. Or you may decide to reorganize your kitchen so that it’s more efficient. Maybe you want to take advantage of unused space in your basement or attic to give your family more living space. There are times, however, when remodeling is more than just freshening up your home. We’d like to walk you through a recent remodeling project we worked on in 2018 that started (literally) from the ground up.

Clearing the Way

To be honest, before we could do anything else, we had to remove the existing home in order to begin construction on the new home. That meant not only demolishing the old home, but also removing the existing foundation.

Setting a Firm Foundation

Because the home was a complete redesign, we started with a brand new foundation. As you can see, there's more involved than just digging a hole and pouring concrete. It takes a bit more time, but it's the right way to do it!

Focus on Framing

Here’s where it actually starts looking like we’re building a house! What you don’t see in this image is the insulation and siding that help make this an energy- efficient home. We take energy-efficiency seriously in the way we build—and in keeping our clients aware of new developments.

The Not-So-Sexy Stuff

Some of the most critical parts of the building/remodeling process involve things that aren’t all that sexy at first glance. Who really gets excited about ductwork and HVAC systems? Actually, we do, because they play a huge role in making sure that your new home is comfortable (without costing you a fortune in utility payments).

Homeowner Involvement

We know how important it is for you to be involved in something as personal and critical as your home. That’s why we keep you in the loop during the process. We even have some suggestions on how you can be effectively involved in what’s going on.

Finishing Well

Choosing the right finishes is an important part of the process. That includes selecting things such as cabinets and flooring. It’s also fun and exciting to see an important room such as the kitchen taking shape before your eyes. Because the kitchen is so important, you’ll want to make sure you take the time to research and plan the ideal kitchen before you begin construction. Click here for a great resource that can help you do that.

Exterior Touches

While things are taking shape inside the home, there are still exterior touches that are being added. Pouring concrete and adding stone finishes help add that touch of substance and make your home look “finished.”

Move-in Ready

Finally! After a lot of preparation, heavy lifting, and times when progress seemed slow (even though it was necessary), you're ready to move into your newly finished—and beautiful home.

Good News! It Won’t Always Look Like a War Zone!

There are a lot of elements that go into the process of remodeling or building a new home. There may be times when you come out to look at the project and it will look more like a war zone than a home. That’s a normal part of the process. The good news is that it won’t always look that way—and we think you’ll be delighted with the finished product!

By way of proof, here’s a look at some of the finished rooms from this house we’ve been talking about.

Here’s the finished Great Room.

It looks a lot different with all the finishes completed and the fixtures in place. Imagine what it will look like with rugs, furniture, and people!

Here’s the Kitchen.

It may not have looked all that inviting before all the cabinets where in place and the hardware had been put on. But with those things completed, new flooring in place, and great lighting, it’s a warm and welcoming space! Look at how bright and open it is.

The Inside Even Looks Good From the Outside.

Here’s another look at the kitchen through the patio door. A beautiful exterior gives way to a glowing interior that invites family and friends inside!

This is when you look back and realize you're glad that you took the time to plan ahead. And you’re also glad you worked with a trusted builder/remodeler who took your wishes, ideas, and dreams and helped you achieve them!

There are a lot of phases of the building/remodeling process that we didn’t cover. And we just scratched the surface of what we did talk about. We offer helpful resources to answer your questions whether you're planning a kitchen remodel, a bathroom remodel or a whole home renovation. We’d love to help you through the process so that you can enjoy the home of your dreams!

Every year industry experts talk about the newest trends in the remodeling industry. You’ll hear about these trends on home improvement sites such as houzz.com or on remodeling shows on television. A lot of what you’ll hear or read tends to focus on interior design: What are the “hot” colors this year? What kinds of backsplash materials are “in?” Which hardware finishes are most popular?  Those are all interesting and important items to consider, but which remodeling trends matter most for your Rochester home?

I’d like to suggest that real remodeling trends—ones that have staying power—focus more on functionality and changes that come about in response to homeowners’ changing lifestyles.  Let’s look at a few of these kinds of remodeling trends in some key areas of your Rochester home.

Kitchen Trends

Kitchens have changed dramatically over the years. They’re no longer simply spaces for food preparation. These days, people use them for entertaining, cooking, casual dining, and even family meetings. While color changes and finishes may constantly change, one trend that seems to have great staying power is the use of kitchen islands as a major feature in kitchens because they lend themselves to multiple uses. Take a look at some of the kitchen projects we’ve worked on recently.

Bathroom Trends

Bathrooms are kind of a big deal in today’s homes. There’s a good reason for that. This is a room you use multiple times a day. It’s where you get ready to meet the challenges of the day and it’s also a place you relax at the end of the day. A couple of trends in bathrooms have been to make them more comfortable and functional. That means dual sinks and more space for getting ready in the morning. And when it comes to comfort, many homeowners have replaced old conventional tubs (and even whirlpools) with elegant soaking tubs and spacious showers that enhance relaxation. Here’s a look at some of the things you’ll want to consider as you plan your bathroom remodel.

Interior Trends

Even though open floor plans have been around for a few years they continue to be a popular trend. It’s a way to bring more natural light into your home and it also gives the inside of your home a more spacious feel. Often homeowners choose to repurpose existing rooms to meet their changing needs for things such as a home office, a guest bedroom, or a multi-purpose family room/entertainment room. You can even finish out your basement or convert your garage into extra living space.

Addition Trends

There are also trends in home additions that are worth noting. There has been an increase in the number of multi-generational households over the past few years. Often that requires adding physical space that can be used as an in-law apartment (which can be used for older parents moving in, or for adult children who are still working on getting started in their own careers).  Click here for some inspirational images of how you can add beautiful—and needed—space to your existing home.

Some people choose to remodel the inside of their Rochester-area homes simply because the rooms and the décor feel a bit dated. These folks are after a fresh, new look and feel. If that’s your goal, we’ve pulled together information about current trends that can help you achieve your goal. Others are more interested in ensuring that their home truly meets their needs and reflects their lifestyle. If that’s what you’re after you want to pursue interior remodeling that reinvents your Rochester home from the inside out.

Identify Your Objectives

It’s hard to make meaningful plans for improvement if you’re not sure what you want. There is something important you should do before you get too wrapped up in what kind of cabinets, countertops, flooring, or hardware you think would look good. You need to make a list of your objectives. Take your time with this and be specific. Being dissatisfied with your current kitchen is a legitimate reason to remodel. But take things to the next level. What exactly is it that bothers you about your kitchen? Is the layout awkward or uncomfortable? Is it too small? Is it dark? What would you like to be able to do in your kitchen that you can’t currently do (such as entertain or eat)?

Once you’ve created that list go back through it and separate the changes you have in mind into two categories: “Must-Have” features and “Nice-to-Have” features. That will help you when you create your budget for your remodeling project. Here’s a helpful article about creating a realistic budget.

Determine What Will Fit Your Lifestyle

There are tons of examples of beautiful homes all over the Internet. You can get great ideas on sites such as houzz.com (click here for some examples). Keep in mind that just because something looks good online that doesn’t mean it’s the right solution for you. Think about how your family will use the space that you plan to remodel. For instance, there are some great ideas for creating home entertainment rooms or game rooms in your house. But if your family isn’t in the habit of watching movies together or playing games together, they’re probably not going to start just because you create a space for that.

Instead, focus on things you already do—but could do more comfortably or conveniently if you made some changes. Re-make your home to fit your personality. Here’s an article about how to create a kitchen that matches your personality. The basic principles apply to any room in your home.

Don’t Overlook the Mundane

It’s easy to get caught up in the fun and exciting rooms of your home. However, it’s often the more mundane (or even boring) areas that can make a big difference in how your home feels. That’s why it’s important to think about things such as storage space, laundry rooms, or mud rooms that can make your life a whole lot easier.

To realize the maximum impact of a home remodel, don't just focus on the surface and on how things look. Yes, you want to have a home that looks fresh and inviting but take advantage of the remodeling opportunity to reinvent your home from the inside out.

One of the benefits of building a custom home is that you have the ability to personalize the design to fit your needs and desires. For many homeowners, that means opting for a little more space. It’s easier—and cheaper to add rooms while your building your home than it is to add rooms later. But when it comes to adding space in that way, not all rooms are created equal—especially when it comes to cost. 

When you look at floor plans, you’ll often see two variations of additional rooms: “Bonus Rooms” and “Option Rooms.” They’re not the same thing, and knowing the difference can save—or cost—you money. 

• Bonus Room: A bonus room is a relatively inexpensive addition. It takes advantage of an existing foundation and roofline. A common place for a bonus room is over a garage. You can use that space as a Master Bedroom or a large entertainment room, or even a large home office. Because the foundation and roof are already in place, it’s not as expensive to build this out. You also have the option of leaving this room unfinished to save some money on the initial construction if your budget is tight. Then it’s relatively easy to finish the room later if you require more space down the road (say, when your kids get bigger). 

• Option Room: Today, option rooms are quite popular. Most plans for these rooms are for Morning Rooms, Sunrooms, or extended Family Rooms (or Great Rooms). Because they are located on the main level, they require a larger foundation (which means additional excavation and cement). They also require extra roofing because they don’t fall under the main roofline of the house. These rooms can be beautiful additions—but you’ll pay more for them than for a comparable Bonus Room space. 

It’s important to note that a bonus room over the garage doesn’t fulfill the same function as a Sun Room or Morning Room. It’s not a question of which is better. It’s simply that an Option Room will generally cost more to add than a Bonus Room because of the labor and materials involved in creating it. It really comes down towhat kind of space you need—and what your budget will allow.

Does the idea of working from home appeal to you? If so, you’re not alone. A recent Forbes article (citing a study by Telework Research Network) claims that, “some 30 million of us work from a home office at least once a week. And that number is expected to increase by 63% in the next five years.” 

Why is working from home so popular? Here are the top reasons employees list:

• Avoid commute
• Greater flexibility
• Increased productivity
• Saving money

How is that working out for these work-from-home employees? According to the study, 47% of people who have the option to work from home are “very satisfied” with their jobs, compared to 27% of those who have to work from the corporate office. 

Of course having an optimal home office makes a big difference. There’s more involved than simply placing a spare desk in an extra bedroom and plugging in a laptop. What are some of the essentials for a real home office that will enable you to be productive? 

A dedicated location is essential. It’s one thing to have a space where you can go occasionally to pay bills or sort through mail. But if you’re really going to get work done, you need a space that’s set aside for work. Our Hemingway model (with optional bonus room) has a space that’s ideal for a home office—on the second floor, separated from the living areas to keep distractions to a minimum. The Ashton also offers a bonus room, or a study just off the kitchen, with it’s own bath—again, away from major distractions. The Regency (one of our newest models) also has an optional bonus room on the second floor—above the garage—that provides the kind of isolation you want for undisturbed working conditions. 

What are some of the other essentials for a productive home office environment? Here’s a partial list.

• Reliable High-speed Internet with WiFi access: When building your home, make sure you have cable or dish access in your office space. You’ll probably want your modem/router in the room with you so that you’re not struggling to stay online. 

• A Window: That may sound counter-intuitive, but the window isn’t there for daydreaming—it’s there for inspiration and to give your eyes a break from staring at a computer screen. 

• Comfortable Office Furniture: A lot of old-fashioned desks may look inviting, but they’re really not designed for use with a laptop. The same is true with your office chair. Don’t go cheap. Remember, you’ll be spending a lot of time in this position so get something that feels good and supports you.

• Storage Space: That “paper-free society” we were promised never really materialize. Yes, more of what we do is digital, but work still seems to generate paper. Make sure you have a place to store it so that you can access it when you need it. 

• Creative Space: Depending on the kind of work you do, you may want to have room for a white board or something like that where you can sketch out ideas and write notes. This may not be a “must” for everyone, but a lot of people like to have and “old-school” space to jot down rough ideas. 

What would you consider “essentials” for your perfect office space? Jot us a note in the comments section. We’d love to hear your ideas.

The winter months are a great time to think about remodeling projects for your Rochester-area home. Normal outdoor construction tends to slow a bit and that means quality builders are more available for indoor projects.

But which projects make the most sense for your home? There may be some projects you have to take on simply because your needs have changed. If you have kids that have gotten older and need more space, a home addition may be the obvious choice. But if there are other areas of the house you’ve been thinking about, which one’s will give you the most bang for your buck? 

The 2014 Cost vs. Value Report (www.costvalue.com) provides an overview of what a variety of home renovation projects in the Rochester area cost—and what kind of return they provide on the money you invest (the money you’ll get back out if you sell your home). They cover a wide variety of projects, but let’s look at just a few midrange projects here. Bear in mind that these are average figures.

As you can see, there’s a fair amount of variety in costs and in return on investment (ROI). But the ROI is only part of the story.  What it doesn’t reflect is the comfort and enjoyment you receive from living in a newly remodeled home. And while a project such as a home office remodel doesn’t generate as much money at resale, if it allows you to work from home efficiently, it can be worth a considerable amount.

These are just a few of the projects you might consider. You can check out Gerber’s remodeling services that include kitchen remodeling, bathroom remodeling, home additions, in-law additions, and more. And if you’re concerned about remodeling during the cold winter months, rest easy— we’ve developed an approach that allows side, back, and second-story additions to be completed while your family remains in the house throughout construction process!