Erick and Erica are second owners of a home built by Metzler Home Builders. They loved their home but desired additional living space and decided to pursue the idea of a finished basement. Their uniquely shaped lot and home layout provided allowed them to accomplish four things on their wish list for their basement: a library/game room, a playroom, a media room and storage space. They also wanted to incorporate into the space a bathroom, a wet bar and a Murphy bed. 

Tim Zehr drew up a plan for the basement, which included all the desired items. Erick and Erica were impressed with the plan and the proposal and felt like they were getting the best “bang for the buck” in having Metzler’s undertake the project. They were willing to pay for the quality they expected to have in the finished product.   Continue reading →

Cooler temperatures have arrived and with that, fireplace use will be kicking into high gear once again. Those people with fireplaces can enjoy a cozy atmosphere, have warmth when electricity is interrupted, cut energy costs and be eco-friendly. Those with wood-burning fireplaces can even heat their coffee or soup on the woodstove!  Sixty percent of new homes now have some type of fireplace and that number is rising. If you don’t currently have one, you may want to weigh the benefits and decide if a fireplace (and fireplace surround) is a good fit for your home. 

 There are many different options to consider when installing a fireplace in your home – whether it’s a new build or an existing home. There are gas units, wood-burning units, blower options, remote options, decorative liners, and many different sizes and applications (see-through, three-sided, outdoor, etc.)   Aside from the unit itself, there are also various options for what surrounds the fireplace. Many times this is what dictates the look and feel the fireplace will have in your home, more so than the unit itself. A quick run-down on the “anatomy” of a fireplace surround will help you when selecting a style and finish for your fireplace.  

 Starting from the bottom up, the HEARTH is essentially the “floor” of the fireplace and extends beyond the firebox and into the room. It can be flush with the floor or raised up off the floor. Slate, flagstone and brick are some favorite materials for a hearth. 

The SURROUND is the area outside the fireplace unit itself on the wall. Popular materials for a surround are formed stone, brick, tile, granite and slate. The materials for the surround can extend the height of the mantle or be installed floor to ceiling for a more dramatic look. 

The MANTLE is the shelf above the fireplace unit. The mantle can have “legs” or be a free-standing shelf. A simply painted mantle with legs provides clean lines that will accompany most any style. A more rustic look can be achieved by using a piece of reclaimed lumber or old barn beam as a shelf mantle. 

 Check out the pictures of some of our favorite fireplace surrounds from a few completed projects.

 

Finished basements are a great way of increasing living space to your home without building an addition. Basement renovation projects give you your best value per square foot and add to the value of your home. A basement is a blank slate before renovating – you can do whatever you like regarding design, color, style – and it doesn’t need to match the rest of the house. Let your imagination run wild!  You can create a game room, an entertaining space for parties, a theater room, a kids’ playroom, or a “man cave” – truly, the possibilities are endless. Take a look at these finished basements we’ve completed recently and let us help you get started thinking about the potential your basement has to offer.  

 

People remodel their bathrooms for different reasons. These include making the space more functional, adding style, enhancing safety and incorporating luxury features. Depending on the changes you intend to make, the process may involve small upgrades or a complete makeover. However, your mission should be to transform your bathroom into a space you will love. But how will you know it is time to upgrade your bathroom?

Here are some signs to look out for.

Lack of Storage Space

Storage is an important feature in any bathroom design. As the number of people and items in your house increases, the available storage space may not meet your changing needs. If you lack adequate storage, you can consider remodeling the room to fit your storage needs.

The right storage solutions will provide clever ways to store bathroom necessities. This will help you prevent clutter, effectively keeping your bathroom organized and tidy. Proper storage will also ensure that everything is within easy reach.

Visible Damage

Your bathroom is one of the most used rooms in your home. If you have been using the room for years, there is a good chance problems will start to arise. Some signs of obvious damage are leaks; persistent odor; mold; worn-out décor; and cracked, chipped or missing tiles. Some of these issues may be indications of more serious underlying problems.

Once you notice any of these problems, you should take action immediately. A remodeling project will provide an opportunity to make the necessary repairs. This will prevent the problem from getting worse, and keep your bathroom safe and sanitary.

An Outdated Design

Bathroom design trends are constantly evolving. Choosing the right design and products will go a long way in ensuring your space is practical and functional. When your bathroom design is outdated or no longer matches your taste, this is a sign that a remodel is overdue. Signs your bathroom is old-fashioned include outdated color schemes, old fixtures and a dysfunctional layout.

Undertaking a remodeling project is a great way to make your bathroom look modern. This way, the space will reflect your personal taste.

Poor Lighting

In past years, lighting was generally an afterthought when it came to bathroom design. However, lighting has a huge impact on the functionality and ambiance of your bathroom. If the lighting is either too bright or too dim, it may be time for a remodel.

To ensure your bathroom is well-lit, you should consider adding a vanity mirror, installing extra lighting fixtures or having more windows. The good news is that you can customize your bathroom lighting to fit your unique needs.

Lifestyle Changes

Your needs are bound to change with time. You may outgrow the space if a spouse moves in, you have your first child or an aged parent moves in with you. When the number of people in your home increases, your bathroom may feel cramped. This will make it difficult to use the available space efficiently.

A bathroom remodel can involve choosing a more functional design or moving walls to expand the space. This will allow you to carry out various tasks more easily.

High Utility Bills

A bathroom remodel can save you a significant amount of money in terms of electricity and water bills. If your utility bills have been increasing over time, it is probably time to upgrade your bathroom. You can lower utility costs by choosing energy-efficient and environmentally friendly materials. Replacing inefficient pipes and fixtures will also help you reduce your electricity and water usage.

A bathroom remodel can be an expensive and complex process. This is why you should want to make sure that the job is done right the first time around. Hiring a professional remodeling company, like us, will help you avoid costly mistakes, enjoy a seamless process and achieve satisfactory results.

Contact us so we can learn more about your specific needs and make a plan together.