advice and tips

Photo Story: Cottage Kitchen Design and Remodel

A new kitchen, entry way, and living space with built ins and a mini bar 😍 #kitchendesign #remodeling #eastlyme #niantic

 

For more information, or for a free consultation, please give Shaw Remodeling a call at 860.434.2004. We would be happy to sit with you and discuss any questions you may have as well as the many options there are available to you.

#bathroom #moderndesign #tile #currentdesignsituation #remodeling #blog #blogger #howto #homeimprovement #construction #contractor #eastlyme

Photo Story: Two Tone Kitchen Design and Remodel

A new kitchen just in time for spring! 😍 #kitchendesign #remodeling #eastlyme

 

For more information, or for a free consultation, please give Shaw Remodeling a call at 860.434.2004. We would be happy to sit with you and discuss any questions you may have as well as the many options there are available to you.

#bathroom #moderndesign #tile #currentdesignsituation #remodeling #blog #blogger #howto #homeimprovement #construction #contractor #eastlyme

Photo Story: Modern Bathroom Remodel

A new bathroom for the New Year! 😍 #bathroomdesign #remodeling #eastlyme

 

For more information, or for a free consultation, please give Shaw Remodeling a call at 860.434.2004. We would be happy to sit with you and discuss any questions you may have as well as the many options there are available to you.

#bathroom #moderndesign #tile #currentdesignsituation #remodeling #blog #blogger #howto #homeimprovement #construction #contractor #eastlyme

Photo Story: Kitchen Design in Essex CT

Complete redesign and remodel in this kitchen project! We are thrilled with the final results! 😍 #kitchendesign #remodeling #essexct

 

For more information, or for a free consultation, please give Shaw Remodeling a call at 860.434.2004. We would be happy to sit with you and discuss any questions you may have as well as the many options there are available to you.

#kitchen #cabinets #countertop #currentdesignsituation #remodeling #blog #blogger #howto #homeimprovement #construction #contractor #essexct

Photo Story: Bathroom Design in Niantic CT

Hello beautiful 😍 #tiledesign #bathroomdesign #niantic

 

For more information, or for a free consultation, please give Shaw Remodeling a call at 860.434.2004. We would be happy to sit with you and discuss any questions you may have as well as the many options there are available to you.

#bathroom #tile #niantic #currentdesignsituation #remodeling #blog #blogger #howto #homeimprovement #construction #contractor #niantic

Review: DeWALT Battery Adapter

DeWALT came out with a battery adapter kit.

If you have battery tools that run off of 18 volt batteries, there are no 18 volt replacement batteries available. So, instead of having to replace all of your battery tools to the 20 volt versions, this adapter kit allows for the new 20 volt batteries to work with the 18 volt battery tools. Great solution!

Highly recommend this for contractors and homeowners alike!

 

For more information, or for a free consultation, please give Shaw Remodeling a call at 860.434.2004. We would be happy to sit with you and discuss any questions you may have as well as the many options there are available to you.

#niantic #remodeling #blog #blogger #tools #homeimprovement #construction #contractor

Progress Update: Siding Update in Chester CT

This siding project included installing house wrap, new D4 white vinyl siding, 3.5" vinyl lineal trim windows and doors, Versatex composite water table, replacing wood on bay window with Versatex composite material and installing vinyl trim. #sidingcompany #chesterct #remodeling

 

For more information, or for a free consultation, please give Shaw Remodeling a call at 860.434.2004. We would be happy to sit with you and discuss any questions you may have as well as the many options there are available to you.

#siding #niantic #currentdesignsituation #remodeling #blog #blogger #howto #homeimprovement #construction #contractor #niantic

Photo Story: Bathroom Remodel in East Lyme CT

When you want to have dinner and drinks in your new bathroom, you *know* you got it right! Hello beautiful 😂😍

 

For more information, or for a free consultation, please give Shaw Remodeling a call at 860.434.2004. We would be happy to sit with you and discuss any questions you may have as well as the many options there are available to you.

#bathroom #niantic #currentdesignsituation #remodeling #blog #blogger #howto #homeimprovement #construction #contractor #niantic

How to Boost Curb Appeal

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I meet many people who hate the look of their home from the exterior. Perhaps some have reason to want to change it, while other homeowners are just bored of the way it looks. Driving up to the same house for over 20 years can be a reason to want to mix things up.

Even if you do not change the structure of the home, adding some fancy “curb appeal” can make a big different. Adding flower beds and some landscape lighting can make a world of difference. If you have some trees in the front lawn, think about adding a light from below that illuminates the tree at night. It gives a real upscale look to the property.

If you would like to seriously change it up, there are a number of things you can do to get the look you want. Adding a shed dormer or a pair of dog house dormers to the front of the house can give a more layered look and gives some extra character to an otherwise flat facade. The dormers can also provide you with more interior space or dress up an otherwise basic room with some additional natural light, and perhaps a window seat.

Adding a porch can also give the front of your house a nice new look, and it is functional! Imagine sitting on the front porch watching the kids play (or grandkids!). Up to you if you want to add the rocking chairs! Maintenance free decks are really popular because we all just don’t have the time to maintain it year after year. Adding the white composite rails really makes the new porch pop and like most homes, if your current trim is white, it really brings everything together. Want to add a roof to your new porch? This is an absolute envy of the neighborhood. Sitting out on the porch while it is raining is so relaxing and romantic! Add some recessed lights with a ceiling fan and you will be in heaven.

To take it a step further, you can extend the entrance of your home with a mud room. This can be incorporated with your new front porch. Need space for all the jackets, shoes, boots, book bags…? Adding some custom built-ins makes storage of these items neat and organized. You can also buy organizational cabinetry and create your own style that meets your everyday needs. If you live in New England (or other places where it gets cold in the winter), add some floor heat to your mud room. Nothing better than taking off your snow boots and placing your feet on the heated floor on those really cold days.

Whatever your reason is to change up the front of your house, remember you have many options which can fit into most any budget. Take a step outside and let your imagine run wild!

#remodeling #blog #blogger #howto #homeimprovement #construction #contractor #niantic

Kitchen Remodel/Garage Conversion in East Lyme CT

This remodel was so much fun! We love the modern farmhouse style!

This project included converting an existing garage to a kitchen/living room, moving the utilities/laundry area into the existing kitchen and converting to a master bedroom. The new kitchen included demo, framing walls, doors, and windows, installing insulation and drywall, priming/painting, installing new oak hardwood floors, brand new cabinets and quartz countertops, a new tile backsplash, a new kitchen island, new doors, windows and trim, new electrical and recessed lighting, and plumbing.

#kitchendesign #remodeling #currentdesignsituation #niantic

For more information, or for a free consultation, please give Shaw Remodeling a call at 860.434.2004. We would be happy to sit with you and discuss any questions you may have as well as the many options there are available to you.

#kitchendesign #niantic #currentdesignsituation #remodeling #blog #blogger #howto #homeimprovement #construction #contractor #niantic

Home Additions and Remodels Can Affect Your Home Insurance

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Home Additions and Remodels Can Affect Your Home Insurance: A Guest post by Nathan Barber at QuoteWizard

Whether you are updating your bathroom, kitchen, building a deck, or adding another room to your house, you are likely increasing the value of your property. In one way, shape, or form, your home’s value influences your home insurance rates and coverage.

With special home additions, such as a new deck, you have more room and features to cover. With a small increase in home insurance rates to follow, it is highly recommended that you let your policy holder know of the addition. This is because your home insurance covers your home’s current value. With more space, your home is worth more, meaning that you want to make sure your policy coverage is on par with your home’s value after the addition.

It is worth it to let your home insurance company know of the work done so that you can ensure everything is covered. With the minimal increase in home insurance rates, the pros far outweigh the cons for letting your policy holders know of the additions. This is because if your home was ever damaged, your insurance company can expedite the claims process to fix the damage. Otherwise, your insurance company may hire a private home inspector to make sure there was no fraud or negligent behavior involved which can delay the fixes.

There are many additions, features, and special renovations that can add variable value of your home from your insurance’s perspective. For example, building materials plays a large part on the value of the renovation or addition. Higher quality raw materials mean higher value because it is likely a higher cost to replace. You want to take note of the materials because if something ever damages your home, your insurance company needs to know the costs to replace the damage. You don’t want your insurance company to assume average costs because you may get the low-end of the price, meaning that you would lose money on the claimed damage.

Another aspect is special architectural features. A new mother-in-law apartment would cost more to replace. Which all need to be covered by your home insurance policy. You don’t have to tell your insurance company know, but it recommended that you let your insurance company know before your project. Again, this speeds everything up, and offers you a chance to negotiate better rates if you felt inclined. It is always recommended that you investigate saving money on your home insurance. You may find that you are missing a decent discount opportunity that was overlooked when you signed up for the policy.

Another aspect you need to take not of is your liability coverage. Adding a deck comes with a beautiful addition to your home that enables you to relax and kick back. But, it does add an increased risk of injury. For example, basic liability is $100,000. This protects you from claims by others for bodily injury or property damage. With additions like a deck, you might want to consider increased coverage to $500,000 which only costs around an extra $25 dollars a year.

There are many variables that go into your home insurance coverage, and home additions can have a large effect on the value of your home. You want to make sure you are fully covered, so letting your insurance company as soon as possible about your update and/or renovation is highly recommended

Kitchen Remodel in Old Lyme CT

We love the new layout and updated features in this kitchen remodel!

This kitchen remodeling project included demo, drywall, priming/painting, installing new floors, brand new cabinets and countertops, a new tile backsplash, a new kitchen island, new windows and trim, new electrical and recessed lighting, and plumbing. 

#kitchendesign #remodeling #oldlyme

 

For more information, or for a free consultation, please give Shaw Remodeling a call at 860.434.2004. We would be happy to sit with you and discuss any questions you may have as well as the many options there are available to you.

#kitchendesign #niantic #currentdesignsituation #remodeling #blog #blogger #howto #homeimprovement #construction #contractor #niantic

Progress Update: Deck Remodel in East Lyme CT

Columns are up, ready to construct the roof for this East Lyme project! #deck #remodeling

 

For more information, or for a free consultation, please give Shaw Remodeling a call at 860.434.2004. We would be happy to sit with you and discuss any questions you may have as well as the many options there are available to you.

#decks #niantic #currentdesignsituation #remodeling #blog #blogger #howto #homeimprovement #construction #contractor #niantic

Kitchen Remodel in East Lyme CT

Super happy with the outcome in this kitchen!

This kitchen renovation project included demo, drywall repairs, priming/painting, installing new oak floors, brand new cabinets and granite countertops, a new tile backsplash, a new kitchen island, trim, new electrical and recessed lighting, and plumbing.

 

For more information, or for a free consultation, please give Shaw Remodeling a call at 860.434.2004. We would be happy to sit with you and discuss any questions you may have as well as the many options there are available to you.

#kitchendesign #niantic #currentdesignsituation #remodeling #blog #blogger #howto #homeimprovement #construction #contractor #niantic

Project Update: Kitchen Remodel in Old Lyme

We're almost done installing cabinets and we're excited to share the progress of this remodel so far!

This kitchen renovation project includes demo, wall framing, installing new windows and trim, priming/painting, installing new tile backsplash and floors, brand new cabinets and countertops, new plumbing, electrical and recessed lighting.

 

For more information, or for a free consultation, please give Shaw Remodeling a call at 860.434.2004. We would be happy to sit with you and discuss any questions you may have as well as the many options there are available to you.

#kitchendesign #niantic #currentdesignsituation #remodeling #blog #blogger #howto #homeimprovement #construction #contractor #niantic

Kitchen Cabinets and Pricing

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Installing new kitchen cabinets is one of the main driving forces that brings up the cost of a kitchen remodel. Everyone wants nice cabinets, but there is a price to pay. There are many cabinet manufacturers out there. Some more expensive than others.

WHY IS THERE SUCH A DIFFERENCE IN PRICE FOR THE SAME CABINET?

Well, there are differences between a low end cabinet versus a higher end cabinet. If you want a cabinet to last a long time, go with one that is an all plywood construction. Lower end cabinets use MDF boards, which crumble and fall apart over time.

Also, you want the finish to be good on the exterior of the cabinets, such as a stained or painted finish. The lower end cabinets use a laminate over the exterior which peels and makes the cabinets look awful.

So, you now know you probably don’t want the lower end cabinets, but how much do you have to spend for something better? Again, many cabinet manufacturers out there so the costs will vary.

For my money, I like Kraftmaid cabinets. They are a quality cabinet for not a lot of money. They have all the bells and whistles. With their line, you can get the soft closing drawers/doors, specialty cabinets such as cooking sheet cabinets and pull out spice racks. So many styles of cabinets to choose from. Literally, you can take the exact number of cabinets you have now and install the newer, more functional cabinets and gain another 20% storage.

Visit your local kitchen supply house or lumber yard and check out the many different options out there.

#cabinets #remodeling #blog #blogger #howto #homeimprovement #construction #contractor #niantic

Behind the Studs

We are super excited to announce our newest adventure, Behind the Studs podcast. Can you believe it?! Colin and Jimmy are hosting a podcast together! Listen to the first episode and take a tour around the new website! Let us know if you have a question or a suggestion for a weekly topic! 

 

For more information, or for a free consultation, please give Shaw Remodeling a call at 860.434.2004. We would be happy to sit with you and discuss any questions you may have as well as the many options there are available to you.

#niantic #podcast #remodeling #blog #blogger #howto #homeimprovement #construction #contractor #niantic

Project Complete! 1st Floor Remodel in Niantic

Super happy with the outcome in this kitchen, bathroom and living room remodel! The new open floor plan is perfect for this space! We've so enjoyed our time during this project.

This kitchen, bathroom and living room renovation project included demo, framing, installing new insulation, drywall, priming/painting, installing new floors and doors, brand new cabinets and countertops, trim, new plumbing, electrical and recessed lighting. 

 

For more information, or for a free consultation, please give Shaw Remodeling a call at 860.434.2004. We would be happy to sit with you and discuss any questions you may have as well as the many options there are available to you.

#kitchendesign #niantic #currentdesignsituation #remodeling #blog #blogger #howto #homeimprovement #construction #contractor #niantic

Project Update: 1st Floor Remodel in Niantic

It's about that time! We finished installing cabinets and we're psyched to share the progress of this remodel so far!

This kitchen and living room renovation project includes demo, framing, installing new insulation, drywall, priming/painting, installing new floors and doors, brand new cabinets and countertops, trim, new plumbing, electrical and recessed lighting. 

 

For more information, or for a free consultation, please give Shaw Remodeling a call at 860.434.2004. We would be happy to sit with you and discuss any questions you may have as well as the many options there are available to you.

#kitchendesign #niantic #currentdesignsituation #remodeling #blog #blogger #howto #homeimprovement #construction #contractor #niantic

Best Choices For Decking

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It is always great in the late Spring/Summer/early Fall to get out on your deck and relax. If you are fortunate enough, you have plenty of room for a table and chairs as well as your barbeque.

The question I get asked a lot is what type of decking should you use?

Well, this can come down to a personal preference, but typically it is a cost issue that steers customers one way or the other. Options are few but vary in look and cost.

Pressure treated decking is the most popular and least expensive. Next there is Cedar, which is not much more expensive than pressure treated but is a softer material so it can show scratches over time. The most popular decking now is composite. You are probably familiar with brands such as Trex and Azek. Although it does not look like real wood, it does afford the luxury of not having to maintain it every couple of years. But if you want the Cadillac of decking, you can always install IPE. This is a hard wood that is impervious to the elements. Looks like wood, because it is, but never needs to be treated. It weathers naturally. Very labor intensive to install due to it’s density, all of the screws/fasteners need to be pre-drilled.

Many options to choose from but as with most things in life, it comes down to preference and of course, money!

 

For more information, or for a free consultation, please give Shaw Remodeling a call at 860.434.2004. We would be happy to sit with you and discuss any questions you may have as well as the many options there are available to you.

#remodeling #blog #blogger #howto #homeimprovement #construction #contractor #niantic