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Apr 11
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Spring Inspirations

By Inspiration No Comments

As the warmth of spring breathes new life into our surroundings, it’s the perfect time to revitalize the heart of your home, THE KITCHEN and rejuvenate your sanctuary, THE BATHROOM. From innovative design trends to timeless materials, here’s a glimpse into what’s shaping kitchens and bathrooms in 2024.

Kitchen Design Trends:

  1. Open Shelving: Say goodbye to traditional cabinets and hello to open shelving.
  2. Bold Backsplashes: Inject personality into your kitchen with bold and colorful backsplashes.
  3. Integrated Appliances: Seamlessly blend appliances into your kitchen design with integrated models.
  4. Quartz Countertops: Quartz continues to reign supreme in kitchen design, offering durability, versatility, and a wide range of color options
  5. Matte Finishes: Embrace the matte trend with matte-finished cabinetry and fixtures.
  6. Sustainable Choices: Eco-friendly materials are on the rise, with homeowners opting for sustainable options such as bamboo flooring, recycled glass countertops, and reclaimed wood accents.

 

Bathroom Design Trends:

  1. Spa-like Retreats: Transform your bathroom into a serene spa-like retreat with luxurious amenities such as soaking tubs and rainfall showers.
  2. Statement Lighting: Make a statement with bold and artistic lighting fixtures in the bathroom.
  3. Smart Technology: Embrace the future with smart technology in the bathroom. From motion-activated faucets to smart mirrors with integrated lighting and touch screen capabilities.

With these latest trends and tips, you can elevate the style and functionality of your kitchen and bathroom, creating spaces that reflect your unique taste and lifestyle. Whether you’re planning a full remodel or a simple refresh, let the spirit of spring inspire your design journey.  As always, Austin Home Renovations is here to help you with every step of that journey.

Mar 08
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Bluebonnets

Springtime in Texas

By Informational No Comments

Spring has sprung, and it’s time to prepare your home for the new season. Here are some projects that you can do to help you ease into the season.

• Clean and repair your gutters to prevent water damage.
• Replace your siding with a new material that matches your style and budget.
• Service your AC unit to save money and avoid breakdowns.
• Update your windows with new energy-efficient alternatives.
• Refresh your outdoor living space with new furniture, plants, and lighting.
• Start thinking about that Outdoor Kitchen you’ve been dreaming about.

If you need any help or advice along the way, please feel free to reach out to us. Here at Austin Home Renovations, we have the knowledge and expertise to handle all of your home projects, big or small. We look forward to working with you. Enjoy the Bluebonnets!

Jan 12
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Preparing the Home for the Upcoming Freeze

By Informational No Comments

As our first winter freeze approaches,  we brace ourselves for the chilly temperatures and it’s essential to ensure that your home is ready to face the upcoming freeze. While frozen pipes may seem like an unavoidable consequence of cold winters, there are several proactive measures you can take to safeguard your plumbing system and prevent costly repairs.

One of the most effective ways to prevent frozen pipes is to insulate exposed pipes in unheated areas like crawl spaces, attics, and basements. Pipe insulation, readily available at hardware stores, comes in various forms, including foam sleeves, heat tape, and heat cables. Additionally, seal up any air leaks around pipes, electrical wiring, and dryer vents to prevent cold air from reaching and freezing exposed pipes.

Also, don’t forget to winterize the outdoor spaces.  Prepare your outdoor areas for the freeze by storing or covering patio furniture and plants, disconnecting hoses, and shutting off exterior faucets.

By taking the time to prepare your home for the upcoming freeze, you can make winter more comfortable for you and your family while preventing potential damage.  Stay warm, stay safe, and embrace the beauty of winter from the cozy comfort of your well-prepared home.

Dec 08
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Holiday Kitchen

Spruce Up for the Holidays

By Holiday, Informational, Inspiration No Comments

The holiday season is a time for gatherings, celebrations, and, of course, plenty of delicious food. And what better place to host all the festivities than in a warm and inviting kitchen? If your kitchen is looking a bit dated or in need of a refresh, there are several simple and affordable updates you can make to create a festive and welcoming space for the holidays.

  1. Add a Touch of Color

A fresh coat of paint or new cabinet hardware can instantly transform the look and feel of your kitchen. Consider painting your cabinets in a warm and inviting color, such as a rich red or a cozy green. Or, if you’re looking for a more subtle update, simply replace your cabinet hardware with new knobs and pulls in a festive finish, such as gold or brass.

  1. Update Your Lighting

Proper lighting can make a big difference in the overall ambiance of your kitchen. If your kitchen is feeling a bit dark, consider adding under-cabinet lighting, which can provide both task lighting and a warm glow. You can also replace your existing overhead lights with fixtures that have a more festive feel, such as pendant lights or chandeliers.

  1. Spruce Up Your Countertops

The holiday season is a time for gatherings, celebrations, and, of course, plenty of delicious food. And what better place to host all the festivities than in a warm and inviting kitchen? If your kitchen is looking a bit dated or in need of a refresh, there are several simple and affordable updates you can make to create a festive and welcoming space for the holidays.

  1. Accessorize with Festive Decor

No holiday kitchen makeover is complete without a touch of festive décor. Hang a wreath on the door, put out a festive tablecloth, and decorate your countertops with holiday-themed candles and figurines. You can also add a touch of greenery by placing fresh herbs or flowers on your windowsill.

With a few simple updates, you can transform your kitchen into a festive and welcoming space for the holidays. Your guests will be impressed, and you’ll be able to enjoy the season in style.

Happy Holidays from all of us!

Nov 16
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Fall Porch

Fall Home Maintenance Checklist

By Informational No Comments

Fall is a great time to prepare your home for the coming winter months. Here is a fall home maintenance checklist to help you get started:

Inside

  • Inspect your heating system.
  • Change your furnace filter.
  • Check your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.
  • Seal air leaks.
  • Insulate your attic.

Outside

  • Clean your gutters and downspouts.
  • Inspect your roof.
  • Trim your trees.
  • Protect your outdoor faucets.
  • Store your lawn equipment.
  • Clean your fireplace and chimney.
  • Winterize your sprinkler system.
  • Cover your outdoor furniture.

By following these tips, you can help keep your home safe and comfortable all winter long.

May 29
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Memorial Day - Remember and Reflect

Memorial Day – Remember and Reflect

By Holiday No Comments

As our elected officials continue their political struggles in Washington, each exercising their rights to voice their opinions, as to what they think is best for our nation, we the people continue to hang in limbo. But no matter how frustrated we may be, we must practice patience and not loose sight of the fact that we live in this great county called America, where we have these rights.  And while it may not be perfect, it must be pretty desirable, because thousands of people from all over the world, are trying to cross our borders  every single day, so that they too may live the American Dream.

We are the United States of America

United we will stand

But divided, we are destined to fall !

So let us take a minute to give thanks for all that we have. And let us pray for those who are less fortunate. And let us also pray for the strength and wisdom to find compromise, so that we can preserve this great nation, for future generations to come.

And  on this Memorial Day weekend  let us honor and pay our highest respects those who have given the ultimate sacrifice, to preserve these rights and freedoms that We the People enjoy every single day!

And please enjoy this song that I wrote freely with my friend and fellow songwriter Ron Day (Red and Blue link below).

Red and Blue

And have a Great Memorial Day

Oct 25
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How Bathroom & Kitchen Renovation Projects Can Affect the Value of Your Home

By Resources

Do you want to boost or maintain the value of your home? 

If your answer is yes, then consider executing some renovations. Homeowners engage in upgrades for various reasons. Sometimes, they intend to improve the functionality and aesthetics of the home to enjoy the property. Other times, they renovate the house to boost its value and make more returns on investment after selling the home.

No matter your reasons for home upgrades, it is essential to note one vital fact; not all renovations will boost the value of your home. Some remodeling may improve the aesthetics of your property without adding quality, warns Rollingwood Management . However, there are upgrades proven to increase the home’s value. That brings us to bathroom and kitchen renovations.

Bathroom and kitchen renovations are among the top-ranking upgrades that can boost the value of a home. That is because these two areas influence the amounts that buyers are willing to pay for the property. 

Also, bathroom and kitchen remodeling are deciding factors whether buyers will choose the property or not. From survey results, both kitchen and bathroom upgrades have high joy scores because they offer the most enjoyment to homeowners.

How much do kitchen and bathroom renovations improve the home’s value?

Kitchen renovations are costlier than bathroom upgrades by twice the price. In addition, kitchen remodeling adds more value to the home than bathroom renovations. The average return on investment for bathroom renovation is 57.2%, compared to 69% for kitchen upgrades. These rates of returns vary based on several factors. They include floor size, the scale of renovation, and the specific features that homeowners upgrade.

How bathroom renovation can affect the value of your home

There are three levels of bathroom renovations: upscale, midrange, and minor. If homeowners sell the property after bathroom renovations, they can recover 60% to 70% of their investment on the upgrades. In cases where the homeowners do not intend to sell the property, they will enjoy maximum satisfaction from the upgraded features. 

Upscale and midrange bathroom renovations offer a joy score of 9.6 on a scale of 1 to 10. Midrange upgrades deliver more returns than upscale remodeling. However, upscale upgrades perform better than midrange remodeling on the joy scores. As a result, upscale bathroom renovations will make the property sell quicker for homeowners who intend to sell the property.

If you spend up to $65,000 on bathroom renovations, expect to recoup about 60.2% of that money. However, you should expect a return of 67.2% of your investment in bathroom renovation if you spend around $20,000.

Bathroom renovations that offer the best returns on investment are:

  • Installing energy-efficient features that reduce electricity and water bills like energy-saving bulbs, low-flow toilets, and faucets.
  • Install a heated floor.
  • Repair and repaint the walls.
  • Improve lighting and allow more natural light.
  • Replace the floors.
  • Install an exhaust fan to reduce humidity.
  • Upgrade the vanity area; add granite countertops and modern sinks.
  • Replace outdated and worn plumbing fixtures with new ones.
  • Install a rain showerhead that has multiple flow settings.
  • Install a walk-in shower with a glass enclosure.
  • Update the cabinets.

How kitchen renovation can affect the value of your home

Like bathroom renovations, kitchen upgrades also have three levels: minor, midscale, and upscale. On average, kitchen renovations offer a return of between 60% to 80% of homeowners’ investments on the upgrade. Kitchen renovations rank as the best interior upgrade for improving the value of a property.

However, homeowners should note that the increase in value is not because the renovation is expensive. If the upgrades you conduct are costly, it doesn’t mean that you will earn more returns. For kitchen renovations, minor and midscale remodelings offer more returns than the major ones. But major remodelings will help you sell the house quicker.

Minor upgrades may involve things such as deep cleaning, repainting walls, upgrading appliances and countertops, and replacing or refacing drawer front and cabinet doors. Major kitchen renovations include the ones that involve expanding the floor space, removing or rerouting the plumbing, and replacing the floors.

Kitchen upgrades that deliver the most value are:

  • Installing new floors.
  • Installing a new backsplash.
  • Buying new appliances.
  • Adding extra storage with a pantry or an island.
  • Installing new cabinets with under-cabinet lighting.
  • Creating an open floor plan by merging the kitchen and dining.
  • Painting the kitchen in modern colors.
  • Installing stone or stainless-steel countertops.
  • Implementing smart storage ideas.
  • Changing plumbing fixtures.

The bottom line

A do-it-yourself approach to bathroom and kitchen renovations will not add more value to your home. Instead, it would be best if you hire experts to execute the project. Your aim for the renovation should be to enhance the functionality, improve the quality of life, replace damaged items, and improve the overall design.

[Guest blog post by our friend Michael Francis of Rollingwood Management]
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