Many people in corporate America are shucking their high stress levels and dehumanizing commutes. These pioneers of the work world exchange their traditional jobs for home businesses so they can enjoy more freedom and time with their families. With the skills they gain on the job or through hobbies, they open many types of successful businesses and operate them from their houses. One possible drawback to running a business from home can be limited space. When room is an issue, some eye the possibility of a finished basement to add an area for home business activities.

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For most people, the one thing they wish they could change about their home is that they had more space. Space is often a compromise when buying a home because other factors, like price and location, seem to be more important. People settle for adequate space, but in time, they begin wishing they had just one more room or one more area in their home. If you are embarking on a home remodeling project, you may be thinking about home additions to expand your space. Here are some ideas that can help.

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Tired of that ugly old siding on your house? Has time and weather beaten up the exterior of your home? It’s probably time for something new. There are several different choices you can make when you’re ready to make the change. Consider your budget, needs and preferences, as well as the style of your home, and consult a siding contractor today.

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Cracked windows, broken casings, or fractured seals can allow winter’s frigid temperatures to seep into your home and drive your heating bills through the roof. A single broken window can cause up to $200 in extra heating and cooling costs over the course of one year. Choosing whether to repair a broken window or make a window replacement can be a difficult decision. Here are a few facts to help you decide.

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Your attic is much more than a hide-a-hole for all the items you have collected over the years and refuse to throw out. You can remodel the space into a bedroom, man-cave, or theater with a surprisingly low construction cost and very high return investment. Here are some tips on planning an attic renovation.

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Fewer new homes are being built now than in the past, even in areas where scarcity of homes have led to an affordable housing crisis. Nevertheless, developers are continuing to build at relatively consistent rates and there are still many homeowners who are willing to take on the challenge of new home construction. Here are some new trends that have developed over the years.

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Attics are often areas of the home hidden above the head that get little attention except around the holidays when families begin looking for decorations that have been tucked away all year long. Homeowners know that space is small, can be filled with cobwebs, and sometimes has a priceless treasure hidden away. What most owners do not know is how important the attic can be to the family’s safety from storms, winds, and cold weather. It can also become part of an attic renovation project and be converted into valuable living space, but keep these things in mind before beginning a renovation plan.

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Hiring a do-it-yourselfer or an odd-jobber to fix up the little squeaks and wobbles in the house can end with poor results which then require spending more money to hire a professional. Why not do it right the first time and hire a carpentry professional to get the job done?

Reasons to Hiring an Expert for Building or Repairs

•A professional will have their own tools – No need for you to buy extra gadgets to get the job done. Everything from sandpaper to drill bits to electric tools, those items should accompany your contractor to the site.

•An expert carpenter will know what they are doing. A contractor knows the difference between a floorboard that gives because a nail has worked loose and one that is rotting underneath from an infestation of termites or carpenter ants. He will know how to diagnose and repair the problems he encounters without having to look everything up or worse, make solutions out of thin air.

•Carpentry pros can build from scratch if a repair won’t cut it. Have you ever taken on a job and after hours of work and too many dollars slipping through your fingers, you ended up calling for help and had to pay them as well? Start out the right way to begin with and hire someone who knows when a repair job is worth the effort or you just need to start over.

•A specialist can work safely around other home systems. If you have a situation where the repair to be made is next to wiring or plumbing, you don’t want to find out the hard way that he had no idea or didn’t know how to handle it safely. You need a professional that knows what he is doing and can help you get additional professionals on board, if needed.

Do yourself and your home a favor and call on a licensed carpentry professional to help with your next squeaky floorboard, hard to close door or loose window casing. The peace of mind will be well worth it.

The gleaming patina of a well-executed hardwood floor can be more than a dream. Once you have decided to on wood floors for your home, you may wonder how to get it done properly. Consider at these guidelines as you are preparing for your hardwood floor installation

Six Guidelines for Hardwood Floor Installation

1. Measure twice, cut once. There is much to be said for this old adage. Have a professional installer come and measure on site to make sure you order enough material. The only surprise you want is one of delight when you see great results.

2. Inspect and prepare the subfloor. The time to find out you have termites or dry rot in your subfloor is before you lay your new hardwood. Have the area inspected, treated and if necessary, rebuilt before laying your flooring. Fill gaps and holes; remove dust and debris and screw down any squeaky areas.

3. Open the door. Sounds funny? Well it won’t be a laughing matter when you attempt to open a door or closet and it won’t clear your new floor. Lay a piece of flooring down and make sure all doors clear. Leave a bit extra to accommodate rugs.

4. Get a trim. New flooring may require the replacement or addition of baseboard or other decorative trims. Determine what is needed and have it on site so that it can be installed at the same time.

5. Acclimate. Hardwood flooring should be allowed to rest flat in the room where it will be used. This allows it to reach the same temperature and humidity as the surrounding area and reduces swelling or shrinkage later on.

6. Get professional. Hiring a trained installer will ensure that planks fit tightly, tools don’t scar the wood, and difficult corners or curves look as nice as the rest.

Cutting corners often means paying the price in one way or another. These guidelines will set you well on the path to a successful hardwood floor installation that will bring lasting beauty to your home.

What does your dream bathroom look like? Is it a luxurious oasis? Is it a clean, contemporary room straight out of a high-end hotel? Whatever your dream bathroom looks like, renovations make it possible. For any bathroom remodeling project, however, budgeting is essential. Use these tips to plan a better budget.

Establish a Plan

There should always be a plan. Look at your financial situation, consider what you could realistically spend on a renovation and stick to it. Do not deviate from your budget. Deviating is how people end up over-budget.

One Step at a Time

When it comes to buying accessories and different components for the renovation, don’t buy it all at the same time. Do some window-shopping first. Compare prices and determine where you’re going to get the best deal for what you want. There’s no reason to rush and do everything at once. You can take your time.

Take Advantage of Sales and Low-Cost Accessories

When it comes to accessorizing in bathroom remodeling, consider what you already have. If you love your color scheme, keep it. Maybe you love your soap dispenser or towel set. Use these items to influence the remodel. In addition, check out discounts and sales. Don’t settle for the most expensive option.

Hire a Professional

Any remodeling project should be under the supervision of a professional. Contractors guarantee a job well done. They will keep you within your budget and help you decide the best options for your particular vision. They might tell you to use marble instead of ceramic for easy cleaning or to add glaze to your bathtub instead of replacing it entirely.

When it comes to bathroom remodeling, it’s important that you consider the budget before, during and after the project. You should always keep yourself in check every step of the way. With the help of a professional, you can also establish what you need ahead of time so that you don’t spend money on unnecessary accessories.