Category: News

Remodeling a home can seem like a daunting task. However, if you select the right contractor to complete your whole-house remodel, the process will be well worth its reward. If you’ve outgrown your current home but love the location too much to move, here are five reasons to remodel your home:

It truly makes the home your own

When you first bought your home, you may have done so because it met your basic needs. It had the right number of bathrooms; was the type of house you were looking for and it was in the perfect neighborhood. Additionally, you may have bought the house because it was in your budget at the time and was less expensive than one with modern finishes. Since then, aspects of your life have changed. By remodeling, you’re able to truly make a house your own. Maybe it’s by opening up the space, remodeling an old bathroom or upgrading your kitchen.

It increases the value of your home

One of the biggest advantages to remodeling your home is it increases its value. Whether it’s adding modern finishes in the kitchen to appeal to a younger market or if you upgrade your siding to add more curb appeal, after these upgrades are completed the value of your home will increase significantly. Since it’s all about location, location, location and if your home is already in a desirable neighborhood, it may be more financially feasible to renovate, staying right where you are and adding upgrades, as opposed to trying to build a new home.

You can take advantage of energy saving options

If you have an older home, you most likely don’t have high-efficiency windows, new insulation, solar panels or hurricane impact glass. Adding these features to your home will not only help increase its value but save you some money on your energy bills each month. Hurricane impact glass will also be beneficial to your personal safety if you’re in a state prone to hurricanes. Additionally, it will save you some time when preparing for a storm because you no longer have to board up your windows and they’re energy efficient. Not to mention, if you do opt for greener, energy-saving appliances you’re also reducing your carbon footprint. It’s a win-win.

More room for less money

If your family has grown over the years but your house has stayed the same, splitting a large bedroom into two, finishing your basement or turning your attic into a spare bedroom can create more space in your home for guests or a live-in family member. Renovating your home in this fashion is much more cost effective than building. Plus, you won’t have to move for more space.

You’re left with a sense of accomplishment

It’s no secret that renovating your home can be a time-consuming, expensive process. But, it’s completely worth it in the end. Once your home remodel is finished, you’ll be left with a sense of accomplishment. And the gorgeous home that perfectly fits your family’s needs and better fits your vision you created may come with a much lower price tag than buying new.

When remodeling your home, it’s imperative to select the right contractor who will work with your family, vision and budget in mind. Varian Construction is a 30-year-old, owner-operated company that takes pride in their projects all while alleviating the stress on the homeowner. If you live in the Southwest Florida area and have been inspired to begin your home remodeling project, contact Varian Construction at (239) 514-0103.

Remodeling your condo can help turn your house into a home. It can be lengthy process to get the results you’re looking for, but in the end you’ll be left with a space that’s perfect for you or has been upgraded so that it can sold to someone else. While every condo remodeling project is unique, each project begins with the same question, “Where to start?”

If you’re unsure or even totally lost on where to start with your condo remodeling project, here are five steps you can follow to get on track.

Talk to your homeowner’s association or condo board

Most condominiums have a homeowner’s association or condo board. Before beginning a single thing, find out the rules and regulations of your community as they relate to remodeling as there will undoubtedly be guidelines as to when you can build, commercial vehicle regulations and limitations in terms of design. Not checking these rules beforehand will cause more than a headache or two. It can also cause frustrations when trying to receive deliveries or when working with tradespeople. Even worse, it could lead to a bad relationship with those who serve on the homeowner’s association or condo board.

Make a realistic budget

According to HomeAdvisor, the average cost of renovating a home that is less than 1,000 square feet is $18,347. Homeowners should expect to spend at least $100 to $200 per square foot of their home. When it comes to renovating room by room, the cost to renovate a kitchen is anywhere from $12,000 – $33,000 and a bathroom is between $6,000 – $14,000. In order to set a realistic budget, ask yourself these important questions:

• Which room needs the most work?
• Where can I save?
• What would I like to splurge on?
• What are the goals of this project?

With this information in mind, you can create a budget you can stick to, based on what you’re looking to do and how much you’re willing to spend.

Create a timeline

Some condo remodeling projects are going to take more time than others. Depending on the time and the scope of the work, the typical rule of thumb is that condo remodeling can take anywhere from 3-7 months. If you’re doing a complete remodel, plan for longer timeframes and be flexible!

Find inspiration for your project

Looking for inspiration for your new condo remodel is a great way to get excited about your project! Seek inspiration from free websites and digital platforms like Houzz and Pinterest. Or you can search popular home magazines like Better Home and Garden for the newest trends. This is also a great time to begin window shopping at furniture stores and picking out pieces you feel would look perfect in your new space. Take photos of the furniture pieces you favor, clip photos from the trendiest home magazines and keep your favorite color swatches. You can then turn these elements into an inspiration board, which is an excellent way to help make your vision come to life right before your eyes.

When finding inspiration for your condo remodeling project, it’s important to remember that it’s inspiration and not quite your reality. You must know your limits. Keep your budget in mind and your building’s limitations. If your condo does not have high ceilings, try not to fall in love with the idea of exposed beams. Some condos also have smaller rooms and tight spaces and may not be big enough to fit the eight-piece sectional sofa you fell in love with.

Hire a skilled contractor

Unless you’re the skilled contractor, condo remodeling is not a DIY project. In fact, most municipalities require a licensed contractor to remodel a condo. A homeowner is not allowed to remodel their condo, unlike a single-family home remodeling project where such work is allowed. By hiring a professional, you’re hiring someone who is going to go above and beyond that of typical contractor duties. They may be able to help you coordinate with your homeowner’s association, get permits, schedule deliveries and more. Not to mention their hard work will help your condo do a 180!

If you’re in the Southwest Florida area and are looking for a contractor that’s going to go above and beyond the call of duty for your condo remodeling project, contact Varian Construction at (239) 514-0103. Varian Construction is a 30-year-old, owner-operated company that takes pride in their projects all while alleviating the stress on the homeowner.

Kitchens are one of the most important rooms in our homes. It’s where messes and memories are made. It’s a room you’ll spend a decent amount of time in, so it’s important you really enjoy the space. If your kitchen has taken some hits over the years and is in need of a facelift, here are six kitchen remodeling ideas that won’t break the bank.

Get new decorations

Artwork is dated. Dish towels are stained. The clock is dusty. It’s time for some new decorations! Adding new pieces to your kitchen can make it feel like a whole new room. To avoid breaking the bank on accents that are temporary, visit stores that offer discounts. Stores such as Homegoods, TJMaxx, Marshall’s, Ross and Hobby Lobby provide quality decorations at a fraction of the price. You can have a lot of fun with this by adding pieces that represent your personality or switching things out season by season. It’s a temporary fix, but it may do the trick until you’re ready for a full kitchen remodel.

Paint the cabinets

Sometimes all your kitchen needs is a quick coat of paint! If your cabinets are outdated but you’re not ready for to put the time and effort into full kitchen remodel, painting your cabinets may do the trick. Before painting, be sure to sand your cabinets so the paint will stick and last longer. Additionally, take the time to find inspiration on popular home websites such as Houzz and Pinterest. Spice up your kitchen with a color that’s “in” right now such as painting your cabinets millennial pink or a mysterious black. Consider stopping by your local paint store and asking a professional about what products to use. They’ll have insights on the best primers and finishes that are specifically manufactured for cabinetry. But of course – swatch the color beforehand! Additionally, adding new kitchen hardware to your cabinets will take them from drab to fab.

Add a backsplash

If you don’t have a backsplash currently, adding one to your kitchen can give it new life. Get creative with the colors, shapes, patterns and the personality of your kitchen will take off. Adding a backsplash will take some additional work if you’re not a handyman yourself. So, if you’re not up for the challenge of remodeling this portion of your kitchen yourself, consider hiring a company or handyman to do it for you.

Create a breakfast nook

The dinner table is for dinner… so where do you eat breakfast? You can make use of an unused corner and turn it into a cozy place to enjoy your morning coffee. Additionally, it may become a multipurpose area where you can work, relax or chat with guests. Keeping the nook close to your coffee maker will provide you with easy access, but don’t forget to make your nook comfy with pillows and a blanket.

Upgrade your appliances

Maybe what’s really dragging you down in your kitchen is your dull and old appliances. They’re not energy efficient, the ice machine doesn’t work and your sink leaks… it’s time for an upgrade! Adding new appliances will give your kitchen an upgraded look and the appearance of a kitchen remodel without tearing down any walls or putting up new cabinets.

Add an island

Adding an island is an alternative to a full kitchen remodel that will take more time, work and money than simply adding new decorations. But it is so worth it in the end! You’ll feel like you have a whole new kitchen! By adding an island, you instantly add more counter space, storage and a potential seating area. However, adding an island is not just for any kitchen or homeowner. First, make sure you have the space for one. Secondly, make sure you have the skills. Lastly, you may need an electric outlet in the island in order to meet code regulations. This project is one that may be better suited for a professional. So carefully weigh your options and skills before diving into this one!

These tips and tricks can help breathe new life into your kitchen. If these small changes to your new home inspires you to do a complete kitchen remodel (or you need a little help with any of these projects along the way) a trusted and reliable contractor can save you some gray hairs and headaches.

If you’re in the Southwest Florida area and are looking for some help on your kitchen remodeling project, contact Varian Construction at (239) 514-0103. Varian Construction is an owner operated company that offers a variety of construction and remodeling services. They are eager to help you transform your kitchen!