Alison Windham, Author at Windham Construction

Why It’s Easier for Professionals To Finish Projects

January 26, 2017 by Alison Windham ·

Why It’s Easier for Professionals To Finish Projects There are many reasons why DIY can turn into a nightmare. Your builder is prepared to deal with all kinds of bad situations. He has so many advantages it seems unfair, but that’s what you pay him for. What sort of advantages does a builder have over everyone else?

Knowledge

When you hire an experienced construction company, you know the work will be up to code and done correctly. He doesn’t have to keep checking the internet to see if he’s doing it right.

Experience

Your builder has likely seen a lot of strange problems come up over the years. Hiring an experienced builder means that your kitchen or bath renovation won’t cause any surprises he hasn’t seen before. It’s good to check on the qualifications of anyone before you hire them. A builder with a lot of experience is the safest choice.

Tools

The construction crew has the right tools for the job. That includes tools that they think they might need in case something comes up. Most homeowners start a project with some tools but find they might not be up to the challenge. Construction companies have better quality tools and more of them.

People

Some jobs require more hands. Trying to do them yourself could get you injured. A construction crew is qualified to do the work and do it safely. Even if you get people to help you do the work, it’s much more helpful to have people that know what they’re doing.

Connections

How many people do you know in the construction related industry in Bryan-College Station? If your builder has been working here for 20 years, he knows a lot of people. So, he can get the best professionals in Brazos Valley working on your kitchen remodel.

What kind of projects can I hire a construction company for?

Builders work on many types of home projects. Kitchen and bath renovations are very common, but they do full home renovations, too. They build decks, arbors, screened porches or sunrooms, and install new windows.

They can even work on smaller handyman projects.

Even if you only want to paint your home and not remodel it, you can still hire a construction company. The point of hiring a construction company is that the crew can do the work correctly and you don’t have to do it yourself.

There’s a reason why jobs done by construction companies look so professional and clean. They’re also safe and up to code. When you want a job done correctly, hire the people with the tools and skills to the job correctly.

If you have a home project in the Bryan-College Station area that needs to get done and you aren’t sure you can handle it on your own, contact an experienced builder in College Station. Leave the back-breaking work to a crew of professionals and spare yourself the doctor bills. The work will have a professional finish and you’ll know it was done right. You’ll rest easier knowing that experienced professionals are working on your project and it will add lasting value to your home.

Filed Under: Remodeling ·

Can You Build It Up To Code?

January 11, 2017 by Alison Windham ·

Can You Build It Up To Code? Imagine a friend can’t complete a renovation project so they give you a bunch of leftover 2x4s. You decide you can build that deck you’ve always wanted. You know you’ll need some bigger pieces of wood for posts but a deck seems like an easy enough thing to make. You’ve seen pictures of them, right? It should be ok.

You look at a couple of articles online, you learn not to walk on a couple of the iffier areas and it’s an ok deck. Then you want to sell your house. An inspector comes. He finds that your deck is not up to code. The whole thing needs to come down. Where did you go wrong?

Using unused wood from another project is fine. It’s environmentally friendly. Going into a DIY job unaware of ordinances and city codes is not ok. In some cases, you need to get a building permit.

What if you don’t get a permit when you need one?

Let’s say a young couple just watched a remodeling show on TV and feel inspired. They take down a wall with an electrical outlet in it without checking to see if it’s a load-bearing wall. Lucky them, it’s not. Still, they have that outlet. So, they buy a couple of little plastic things they saw someone on TV use (they can’t name the plastic things because they don’t know what they are) and use them to cover the ends of the wires. Then they just shove all of that nasty ugly wiring under the new floor they’re putting in.

Well, they didn’t cap the ends off properly and there is an electrical fire. They have insurance, but the insurance won’t pay because they did remodeling work without a permit. Maybe the fire wasn’t their fault. But the lack of a permit is enough for the denial of coverage.

Permits aren’t a scam

While permits are annoying to homeowners that want to do their own work, they do create a paper trail of blame. If something that could cause a lot of damage is done, they want to know who did it. Say you have a builder that gets a permit and does work on your kitchen and it is inspected and up to code. Now you know it’s done right and your insurance will pay if there were to be some sort of accidental grease fire.

Having work done up to code by a professional is good for the value of your home, your safety, and for insurance reasons.

Trouble finishing a remodel up to code

There are projects you can do yourself. You can even take on big projects and get the permits yourself. If you ever get in too deep, it’s never too late to call in a little help. In fact, if you already have your kitchen torn up, that’s less work for your builder.

Located in the Bryan-College Station area, Windham Construction can help you with more than kitchen and bath remodels. If you have an unfinished remodel or if you’re afraid your remodel isn’t going to be up to code, give us a call and we can help you out. We are a full-service home company. We help from building to painting to handyman jobs.

Filed Under: DIY, Remodeling ·

Is It Time For A Home Renovation?

December 27, 2016 by Alison Windham ·

Have you been considering home renovation in College Station, TX? How do you know when it’s time to call a local home renovation company? Many people think that home remodeling is only done for cosmetic purposes or to upgrade an old or outdated item in a home. In reality, home remodeling can be done for a variety of reasons and there are things to watch out for that can clue you in that it’s time for some renovation work.

It’s important to remember that most homeowners will undergo several renovation projects during the time that they live in a particular home. While some homes may need more work than others, it’s very common for homeowners to desire some changes around their property. Here are some things to look for in your own home to let you know that it’s time to upgrade your living space.

Signs of Wear And Tear

All homes will eventually experience some basic wear and tear, no matter how recently or how well they were constructed. This is simply part of the home ownership experience. If you start to notice that some items around your home are showing signs of age or use, it might be time for home remodeling in College Station, TX.

For example, you can go on a walk -through of your home to check for these signs of use. If you notice that carpet in the living room is worn and loose, it could be the right time for a replacement. Also, if you notice floorboards or tiles that are warped, misshapen or out of place, you might need to replace the floor. If the appliances or fixtures in your bathroom or kitchen are starting to rust, break or malfunction, now is the time to call a local home remodeling company.

Running Out Of Space

When the holidays come around, do you find yourself worrying about where to entertain and feed your guests? Perhaps you like to invite friends and family over for Sunday dinner but find that you just don’t have enough room at the dining room table. This is a sign that you might need a sunroom or a screened porch to add extra space.

If you have a backyard, you can transform into an ideal location for communal meals and relaxation with friends and family. A sunroom or a screened porch can add the extra space that you need to have parties or large gatherings without worrying about finding enough room inside the house. These additions are also great for relaxing by yourself or with your spouse and kids, especially during the hot summer months in Texas.

Upcoming Home Sale

When you list your home on the market, you want to get the best price that you can manage. This is one of the most important times for home remodeling. Potential buyers are less likely to make bids at your listed price if you have rusted fixtures, cracked floors or peeling paint in your home. Investing in home repairs and renovations costs some money initially, but you stand a good chance to make that money back when you get a great offer on your home.

If you have noticed these things around your home, it’s the perfect time for home renovation in College Station, TX.

Filed Under: Remodeling ·

Should You Hire A Renovation Professional Or DIY?

December 13, 2016 by Alison Windham ·

If you are planning to renovate your home, you may be unsure of the best way to accomplish this process. For example, should you tackle the project by yourself to save money or hire a professional for home renovation in College Station, TX? The answer may depend on what you want to accomplish and how much time you have to spend.

Knowing how to take on a home remodeling project is crucial if you want to have a successful outcome. Before you make a decision, think carefully about what you want to change in your home and when you want it to be completed. Check out the following tips to find out what the best course of action is for you and your home renovation project.

DIY Projects

Many people may be able to perform a few small touch-ups around their home to make it look brand new. In many cases, these can be considered DIY projects because they require no special training, licensing or experience.

For example, many homes can benefit from a fresh coat of paint inside and out. You may want to simply repaint one room, such as your kitchen, or you may want to apply an entirely new color scheme to your entire home. If you have a few spare weekends or evenings, you can probably tackle this home improvement project on your own. All the supplies that you will need, from paint to brushes and ladders, can be found at your local home improvement store for a reasonable price.

Likewise, some small amounts of landscaping can be accomplished with a DIY strategy as well. For example, planting trees, bushes and flowers is easy and simple to accomplish in your free time.

However, if you are aiming for a more ambitious project, it might be time to call a professional for home remodeling in College Station, TX.

Professional Projects

If you want to undergo a more serious home renovation, it’s best to call an experienced local professional. For example, if you need new appliances or fixtures, it’s best to rely on a trusted renovation expert.

Also, if you are going to be replacing major items such as carpets, flooring, ceiling tiles or insulation, make sure to call a licensed professional to stay safe and make sure that all of your improvements are up to building codes.

Installing a sunroom or screened porch is a job for a professional, as an amateur attempt might result in an unsafe structure. Also, attempting big projects on your own can take up more time and money than you might expend if you had called a professional in the first place.

To put it simply, if you are unsure of how to accomplish a remodeling project or how to get the supplies you need, it’s best to make a call to a local remodeling expert.

If you need to find out how to tackle your next project for home renovation in College Station, TX, your local professional remodeling company can help you find the answers.

Filed Under: DIY, Remodeling ·

Where To Find Home Renovation Ideas

November 23, 2016 by Alison Windham ·

For many people, their home is more than simply the place where they live. It is the place where they raise their families, celebrate special occasions and get through difficult times. Renovation can be the perfect way to make your home the right place for any occasion.

Home renovations in College Station, TX can take many forms. Some people may simply want to repaint a room or two while other families may want to completely redesign their bedroom, bathrooms and kitchen. No matter what type of project you have in mind, the remodelling options are limitless. How can you decide which renovation idea is right for you when there are so many choices available? If you are feeling a lack of inspiration, here are some resources that you can use to find fresh, new ideas for your home renovation goals.

Neighbors, Friends and Families

The people in your life are one of your most valuable resources. Chances are that you have friends or family members who have undergone a renovation project in their home. If you like some of the changes that they have made, take the time to ask them some questions about their experiences with home renovation projects.

Their projects may give you some ideas and inspiration for remodelling concepts that you can incorporate into your own home. Even if their renovations follow a different style or layout than your own living space, you can still ask them some questions to gain valuable insights into the remodeling process. If you know some of your neighbors, ask them if they would like to share some of their renovation tips and ideas with you. The more ideas you have, the more inspiration you can find!

Websites And Forums

There are dozens, if not hundreds, of websites and home remodelling forums available to you to provide inspiration and ideas. Simply navigate to your preferred search engine and enter search terms like “home renovation projects” or “renovation ideas” to get links to websites with pictures and additional info.

The amount of information that you can find is simply amazing. You’ll be able to find out about different design choices, tips and advice and even price estimates for all kinds of projects. You can search for more specific ideas for kitchen remodelling, bathroom fixture replacements and even comparisons of different types of floor tiles. You may be able to find all of the information that you need without ever leaving your home.

Local Professionals

To find in-depth, personalized information about remodelling projects in your area, there’s just no substitute for getting a quote from home renovation professionals in College Station, TX. Calling the professionals out to your home is the best way to find out about all of the renovation options available to you. Local professionals can take a look at your living space to give you ideas and price quotes on the type of work that you would like to have done in your home.

In just a few minutes, you’ll be able to find out about the types of fixtures, appliances and materials that you can use to turn your home into the perfect living space that you have been dreaming of.

When you make the decision to remodel your home, there’s no limit to the changes you can make so don’t be afraid to seek out information on the projects you have in mind.

Filed Under: Home Remodel College Station TX, Remodeling ·