No matter the size of your home, house additions are excellent investments. Beyond making your home more livable, additions increase the value of your home by providing desirable space and features to potential home buyers. Many people consider additions because of their growing family, because they have parents move in with them as they age, or because the homeowners work from home and need more space. But before you start the process of adding to your home's footprint, there are a few things to keep in mind:
Once you know the framework in which you can proceed, it's time to get started. There are several different types of home additions you can consider, depending on your particular needs. Here are some of the more popular home addition projects that add both living and investment benefits: Adding a Second Story While this major addition can be fairly expensive, it adds significant square footage and resale value to your home. Before taking this project on, make sure your home's structure and foundation can handle the additional weight as not all homes are suitable for this option. Adding a Room Over the Garage If you have a soon to be college student who still wants to live at home, or if you want a home office separate from the main house, adding a room over your garage can make a lot of sense. The space can act as a small apartment or as a bonus room, and the construction process won't make a mess of your home. Be aware that you may have different drywall and vapor barrier requirements since the addition is over a garage. Build a Dormer Dormers are a favorite with attic remodels because they add much-needed light and significant curb appeal from the outside. If you are working with attic space that is converting to living space, dormers are a great way to increase appeal and return on investment. Finishing Your Basement If your home has a basement, you can convert that unused space into an incredible living space. So while you're not technically adding onto your home, you are adding square footage that is useful and appealing. Whether you are looking to build a downstairs apartment, an Airbnb getaway, or your family's new movie room, the options are limitless. Essential to keep in mind is including emergency windows or a backyard walkout so people can safely exit. Add On to Your Kitchen Even the smallest remodel to your kitchen can provide a high return on investment. Not only do you create a space you can enjoy, but you also create a more appealing kitchen to future homebuyers. You can expand your kitchen's square footage by turning a flex space or bump-out addition into a cozy breakfast nook or even a walk-in pantry. As one of the best return on investment projects, a kitchen addition is well worth considering. Expand Your Bathroom Let's face it, we could all appreciate a larger bathroom. Besides the benefits of extra elbow room, larger bathrooms work really well for aging individuals or people who are wheelchair-bound. The extra space allows for comfortable movement and any safety modifications. Much like kitchen remodels and additions, bathrooms also have a high return on investment. Bathroom additions might include a bump-out to include space for a soaking tub or expanded shower. You can also consider converting adjoining space to a half-bathroom to make it a full bath. Maybe you have space from adjoining closets or stairs that can be used. Bring in a professional to explore what is possible, especially because moving or adding plumbing can significantly increase the cost of your project. Add a Mudroom Especially in rainy parts of the country, like Oregon, a mudroom can be an addition appreciated by all. Mudrooms help keep shoes, coats, backpacks, etc. organized and out of the way from the main living space. They are also a nice space to keep your wet items to dry so you don't get the insides of your home wet and muddy. Depending on the size of mudroom desired, this can be a fairly affordable project. Convert Your Front Porch to a Sunroom Again, living in Oregon, the rain can be somewhat oppressive, especially in the winter months. If you decide to convert your porch into a sunroom, you add both square footage and an 'outdoor' space you can enjoy year-round. Being able to be 'outside' and yet still inside can help not feeling so cooped up all winter long. In the other months of the year, the sunroom can make for a wonderful place to gather with friends or family for meals, games, etc. Convert Your Attached Garage into an Extra Room If you are looking to increase countable square footage to your home, note that your garage can no longer be used as a garage. But, if you do this type of conversion, you can gain a great workout space, an extra bedroom, home office, or craft room. This type of home addition has a good return on investment but be aware that when it comes time to sell your home, you may have fewer interested buyers if you no longer have a garage. Home additions are best completed by an experienced and licensed contractor. Fort Rock Construction has been helping homeowners in the Eugene, Springfield, and Cottage Grove areas since 2001. Please give us a call to discuss your home addition project. 541-767-1611
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If you don’t have enough bathrooms in your home, it’s a lack that’s painfully obvious to everyone living there. Having to wait outside a bathroom isn’t a pleasant experience for the people waiting or taking their turn. So, if you’re thinking about adding a new bathroom to your home, keep reading. Adding a bathroom to your home not only makes the necessities of life easier for you and your family to deal with, but it’s a decent return on investment when you decide to later sell your house. Did you know? Lack of bathroom space is often a deal-breaker for potential buyers who otherwise like your home. If you decide to renovate your bathroom before selling your home, potential buyers will be more interested if the bathroom is spacious and has updated fixtures and appliances.
What size bathroom makes the most sense? A key consideration is whether to build a full, three-quarter or half-bath. A full bath will have a sink, toilet, shower, and tub. A half bath is just a sink and toilet. And then there’s the three-quarter bath, which is a sink, toilet, and shower (no tub). Generally speaking, it is less expensive to put in a half bath, and it is easier to convert another space in the home such as a utility closet for the purpose. If you don't have the budget for a full bath but want to be able to provide a space for the basics of hygiene and cleanliness, a three-quarter bathroom is a great solution. Most people prefer a quick shower to a long, hot bath, and so as long as you have at least one bathtub in your house, you may not need a second full bath. The appeal of another full versus a three-quarter bath depends on the buyer. Families with little kids often want another bathtub, while those with older children prefer a shower. If your house has only one bathroom and your budget is really tight, install the half-bath. People usually don’t mind waiting to take a bath or shower but waiting to use the toilet is another matter. Remodeling the Bathroom What if you don’t need an extra bathroom, but want to remodel a tired old bathroom to make it more appealing to buyers? If that’s the case, you don’t want to spend a great deal of money, but do spend your budget wisely. Working with a contractor who specializes in bathroom remodels can help you make the most of your budget. You don't have to spend a lot and it could make your house sell more quickly down the line. Resale Value New bathrooms are added to homes either as replacements or as additions. Either way, a new bathroom can freshen a home's interior and raise its overall value. New bathrooms, though, can be expensive. A mid-range bathroom addition, for example, can run around anywhere from $25,000 or more to add a new space, depending on the design and material choices. Converting an existing space is considerably less costly. Typical ROI on a new bathroom is generally good, garnering between 40-60 percent for the homeowner. Prospective home buyers often value bathrooms greatly, but a house that does not have a good mix of bathrooms might sell poorly. Full and three-quarter baths in a home are often more attractive than half-baths at home sale time. And home buyers with children often want home bathrooms with tubs for the kids and showers for the adults. However, as the size and amenities in a bathroom grow, so does the cost. Before committing to a bathroom addition, call in a real estate agent or a professional appraiser to evaluate whether an additional bathroom makes sense in your situation. Buyers tend to prefer houses where the number of bathrooms equals the number of bedrooms, according to National Association of Home Builders. The team at Fort Rock Construction has been working with homeowners since 2001 and we are bathroom remodeling experts. Put our years of experience to use with your home. Give us a call for an estimate today at 541-767-1611. More seniors are choosing to age in place than ever before. This trend is driven in part by the rising costs of long-term care, coupled with the rapidly growing senior population as the Baby Boomer generation ages – a generation that’s enjoying a more active, vibrant lifestyle than previous generations. Technology and wider availability of services, such as home meal delivery services, are making it easier for older adults to remain in their own homes independently, as well.
While it may not be possible for an older adult to live independently forever, there are many changes that can be made to a home to make it safer and more functional for them to remain in their own homes longer. By implementing home modifications that support aging in place, today’s seniors are able to maintain their independence, and in the long run, may save a substantial amount of money on senior living. Below, you’ll find 10 top tips on home modifications that support aging in place that ensure the safety of the home for older adults. Some are simple adjustments, while others are larger scale projects – but all will make a home more accommodating as a person ages.
Fort Rock Construction, Inc. serves homeowners throughout the Eugene and Springfield areas and we can help remodel your home to safely accommodate aging in place. Give us a call today at 541-767-1611. Whether you have a person living in your home who uses a wheelchair or if you are needing modifications because you plan to age in place, there are a handful of key things to keep in mind for an accessible bathroom remodel.
Before you start drawing up plans, you want to take careful consideration of the following questions:
Once you have some answers to these questions, it's time to start planning. Items requiring plumbing should be tackled first because these are often the most difficult and costly items to change. You'll want to make sure to get these right before you settle on all of the other accessibility details. Accessible bathing items:
Accessible sink and vanity items:
Accessible toilet items:
Accessible lighting items:
General accessibility safety items:
When it comes to accessibility bathroom remodels, Fort Rock Construction is the company to call. We are certified aging in place exerts and have extensive accessibility remodeling experience for both residential and commercial spaces throughout the Eugene-Springfield area. Give us a call today to discuss your project at 541-767-1611. Guest Blog by Kent Elliot
How we set up our bedrooms is important. After all, we spend a third of our day in this area, so it deserves some attention. A big mistake many people make is adding too much to the room when the space should be free of clutter and distractions. The bedroom should be a sanctuary of rest where you can leave the stresses of the day at the door. Doing even a minor remodel on the bedroom can be particularly rewarding when the time comes to sell your house. Not only does a bedroom upgrade boost your home’s aesthetic appeal so it stands out in the market to potential buyers, you can also expect a 40 to 80 percent return on investment for the project. The difference between that 40 and 80 percent has a lot to do with how much you can save when completing the project. Rip Up Carpet Out of all the rooms in the house, carpet makes the most sense to have in the bedroom. However, carpet looks outdated and may even be making you sick. Believe it or not, carpet can accumulate as much as 40 pounds of dirt and dust over the short span of a single year. Nasty dust mites live off that dirt, making their homes in your bedroom. Furthermore, the fibers of carpet provide more surface area and crevices to collect harmful bacteria and viruses. Removing carpet in the bedroom is also a job you can do yourself. It takes minimal equipment—many of the tools you need are ones you probably have on hand already—and a weekend or so to complete, depending on the size of your room. After the carpet is ripped up, you have to decide what to do with the subfloor. Consider the following:
Add Storage Clutter is a direct contributor to anxiety and can keep you up at night. Remove any furniture that has to do with work or activity—no desks or exercise equipment in the bedroom. Remove televisions and computers while you’re at it. These electronics emit excessive amounts of blue light that disrupt sleep. Once these items are moved out, you can focus on cutting back on the remaining clutter. Reducing clutter in the bedroom isn’t just about adding storage—you likely need to go through your belongings and get rid of items that have served their purpose. However, some extra storage solutions can keep things out of sight so you don’t have to deal with so much visual noise.
A bedroom remodel adds a breath of fresh air in an area where we conduct one of our most important healthy habits: sleep. If your bedroom has carpet, rip it up and replace with a more modern hard floor option. Clutter causes anxiety and can prevent you from being able to fall asleep. And while cleaning out belongings is a big part of reducing clutter, installing creative storage solutions can help ensure things stay organized—and be an appealing feature for potential buyers if you ever decide to sell your home. For assistance with a bedroom remodel, please contact Fort Rock Construction at 541-767-1611. We've been helping Eugene and Springfield homeowners fall in love with their homes since 2001. When you work from home, having a space that allows you to concentrate and be productive is essential. Sometimes that means taking over an extra bedroom or the dining area in your home. If your workspace is less than ideal, i.e., you've taken over the kitchen table or living room, this blog is for you. It's time to create a space in your home that is both functional and reflective of who you are so you can do your best work. Here are some tips for accomplishing a great work-from-home space.
First, let's consider the nature of your work. Do you participate in a lot of conference calls? Do you need to meet with clients? Do you need space to spread out large documents or other materials? Thinking first about what it is you actually do in the act of performing your job will help in planning out the ideal space for your home office. If you are on lots of phone calls, having a quiet area apart from the hustle and bustle of your family can be helpful. Same goes with if you need to meet with clients, you would probably benefit from a larger space located close to your home's entrance. Second, consider your desk, shelves, storage, and seating needs. Your furniture should support the work you do, not create the need for you to work around it. For example, think about your workflow and which items you need at your fingertips on a regular basis. If you need to use a large monitor and have a phone, printer, and other objects nearby, that cute little desk probably isn't going to be sufficient. Same holds true if you need to have files or other supplies within reach, you will want a desk option with drawers to accommodate these items. When selecting furniture, your best bet for long-term satisfaction are collections with lots of configuration options and expansion pieces. Maybe the budget doesn't allow you to get everything at once, but when you're ready, coordinating pieces will be available. Third, your ideal workspace should reflect who you are and keep you motivated. This is where color and decoration play a significant role in your home office renovation. For instance, forget the standard "office beige" and instead paint your walls a color that you enjoy. Don't worry about what is "on trend" as paint is one of the easiest things to change and it's more important that you're happy in your space. If you don't like the color of your office, you're less likely to do your work there. And, be sure to fill your space with decor that makes you happy — everything from plants to artwork to pictures and more help to create a unique and welcoming space. Fourth, lighting is a huge factor for creating a functional and enjoyable workspace. Whether your light comes from a natural source (a bright window) or from ceiling/floor lamps, make sure you have plenty to meet your needs. But don't settle for boring lighting options. There are great pendant and chandelier options that can really transform a room from "meh" to "ooh la la" without much fuss. Fifth, be the ruler of your office and conquer every square foot available to you for storage and general organization. Think vertically and horizontally. Floating shelves can offer storage solutions for smaller items, and custom built-in shelving and bookcases can accommodate larger or heavier items. Built-in storage options are also great if you are one who likes everything to be accessible but not necessarily seen until needed and there are many versatile options available to meet your exact specifications. Last, but not least, make sure your home office is wired to meet your technology needs. Does the office have enough outlets and, more importantly, in the places where you need them? Do you have adequate plugs for wired internet connections? Are your outlets surge protected so your computer equipment won't be damaged when the power fluctuates or goes out? At Fort Rock Construction, we have helped many homeowners in the Eugene and Springfield area with home renovations and home remodels so they can work from home. This has included bedroom conversions, living room conversions, garage conversions, home additions, and reclaiming unused attic and basement space to create livable and workable areas. If you are interested in learning more about the options for your home, please give us a call at 541-767-1611. We would be happy to help with your home office renovation. With the holidays upon us, you might find yourself looking at your home with a mix of feelings — Is my home ready for company? Can I accommodate all of my guests? Is it finally time to tackle that renovation we've been talking about? And, when we think about the kitchen — the center of almost all holiday gathering — that's when we start to fret if everything is how we want it.
Looking around your kitchen, how do you feel? If you have been delaying a kitchen remodel until the time is “just right”, the holidays often provide the motivation for taking action. Imagine how much easier and more festive your holiday season could be with a beautiful new kitchen designed to be more efficient, energy-conscious and welcoming. While it's a tad too late for this holiday season, it is the perfect time to think about and plan for next year. You can go into this holiday season with a purpose, however — observe and note what works in your kitchen and what would you like to see done differently. Sometimes being aware "in the moment" makes us realize the details we might overlook at other times of the year. Here are some ideas for how the holidays can inspire your kitchen remodel: Storage and Organization An organized kitchen makes all the difference when it comes to preparing meals for larger groups which we tend to have over during the holiday season. Imagine what new storage, innovative drawer systems, and slide out or stand alone pantries could do in your kitchen to cut down on the time it takes to find the right tool while you’re cooking and the right serving ware and dinnerware when you’re ready to set the holiday table. State-of-the-Art Appliances Today’s appliances offer a combination of sleek built-in design and innovative energy-efficiency. Both trends mean you can have that extra large refrigerator or stove you’ve been dreaming about without detracting from your overall room design or adding significantly to your energy bill. Beyond the fridge, stove and dishwasher, consider appliances that make entertaining a breeze and everyday life a little more luxurious, such as a built-in espresso machine or wine cooler. A Gathering Place Perhaps most important for a kitchen remodel design, especially during the holidays, is that the room provides a warm and welcoming atmosphere that encourages people to gather together. Space planning is essential when it comes to this aspect of designing your new kitchen, as well as thinking about the lighting for any gathering or working spaces in your kitchen. Having lights specific to different purposes and places can enhance the atmosphere and make your guests feel comfortable. If you’re inspired to start planning your kitchen remodel for the holidays, now is the time to get started. Note all the ways your kitchen design and appliances are working for you and make a list of what could be improved, moved, or removed. Then, give us a call and let's start planning. If you live in the Eugene-Springfield, Oregon area, the team at Fort Rock Construction is here for your kitchen remodel! 541-767-1611 If you're looking to add extra living space to your home, converting your garage can be a good solution. Garages can be turned into playrooms, mother/father-in-law quarters, media rooms, extra bedrooms, and so much more. But, before you begin this type of home remodel, there are several things you'll want to consider to ensure the project goes smoothly.
1. Assess your garage for potential issues. Most garages are not designed with living space in mind. Because of this, you may need to take a look at the electrical, insulation, egress to and from the main house, as well as the walls and floors to make sure there are no structural issues like buckling, leaks or cracks, subsidence, or sloping. 2. Make sure you are allowed to have a garage conversion. It's not uncommon for homes within homeowners associations to have rules within their CC&Rs that prohibit certain home modifications. Avoid a headache and look into this ahead of time if your home is part of an HOA. Aside from HOA governance, your home might also be subject to certain zoning restrictions. Checking with your city or county's planning department can help you determine if a garage conversion is permissible and if permits are required. 3. Plan out how you will want to use the converted garage. Because of the time, expense, and often permits that are involved with a garage conversion, it's important to plan out how you are going to use the space. This will mean hiring an architect or contractor to draw up floor plans that can be submitted with permit applications. Also, knowing what the space can be used for will be helpful when you go to sell your home. For instance, planning ahead for a bedroom can add more value in the eyes of a buyer than perhaps a man cave or other general use space. 4. Have a realistic budget. Most homeowners don't generally have a sense of the expense involved with a garage conversion. Typically budgets are underestimated since the garage is an already existing structure. However, there are still items that can significantly impact your budget if you don't plan for them up front. These expenses include items like waterproofing, insulation, laying a new floor, running electrical or plumbing, adding windows, and then the finishing touches like cabinetry, fixtures, wall finishing, hardwood or carpet, etc. Many homeowners choose to tackle a garage conversion on their own. However, it is a good idea to involve a general contractor who has experience in this type of project and who knows the current building codes. If you choose to hire a contractor, look for someone who routinely performs the type of work you want to have done. A handyman might have relevant construction skills, but might not be aware of the required building codes or have the labor force to get the garage conversion done in a timely manner. Lastly, depending on your garage conversion, you may also need to hire an engineer. Working with a general contractor will make sure the proper professionals are involved with the project so everything is built properly and to code. If you live in the Eugene-Springfield area, please give the team at Fort Rock Construction a call at 541-767-1611. Our general contractor team has been helping homeowners with new construction and home remodels since 2001. Eugene's Peace Presbyterian was in need of a new kitchen and workspace. We removed the old, dated kitchen and flooring and installed the new kitchen counters, cabinets and flooring, creating a more modern and functional space.
If you have a kitchen in need of renovating, be in a residential or commercial space, give us a call. We can help. 541-767-1611 If you're thinking about where you want to live as you get older, consider the benefits of adding on to your existing home. When you live in a neighborhood that you already like, and if you have a plot of land large enough for a one-two room expansion, this can often be a great solution.
Adding a ground-level room (or two) to your home can make aging in place more feasible as single story access to your kitchen, living room, etc. is more comfortable without the need of stairs. The upstairs portion of your home can be used by those living with you, whether that's younger family members or live-in care providers. If an addition is not possible, you can also consider converting your garage into ground-level living space. Many things can be done with a garage to make it into a grand master suite or even a mother-in-law unit. At Fort Rock Construction, we have many years of experience helping homeowners add valuable living space to their homes with additions and garage conversions. Give us a call today at 541-767-1611 to discuss your needs and explore options. |
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