Services

Home Improvements

Home Improvements Increase Your Home's Value

Home improvements is were the real money is spent today. Bathroom remolded $50,000. Kitchen remodeled $200,000. In 1975 you could buy a house for what it cost today to remodel one room. Remodeling, repairs and improvements costs will continue to escalate into the foreseeable future.

The biggest home improvement inquires now of course are related to the cost of energy. Everyone has seen dramatic increases in cost of oil, gas, and electric. Solar and wind power is alternatives sources of energy is fast becoming part of our every day conversations. The government has made tax rebates available for those installing alternate sources of power and utilities are required to purchase back any excessive energy you can provide.

Home Huggers Consulting can help you decide if alternate power sources are feasible and cost effective for your home and assist you in any remodeling, or home improvement project you are considering.

Examples

One client wanted to create a park like setting in his back yard. He had a jungle which contained old growth oak, and beach trees, vines, poison ivy, and covered with years of dead leaves. I pointed out the value of the beautiful trees, recommended thinning, trimming, ground clearing, a Paver walk, a hammock, benches, adding shade tolerant shrubs and helped turn the jungle into a park. An area was left open to add a swing set and slid in the future for his infant daughters. A spot was provided for the possibility of an in ground pool in the future as well.

Another client wanted more living space for his growing family. He had estimates for expanding up and out. I was brought in for a second opinion. I found that the foundation was not designed to handle an additional floor. However, I was able to make some changes in the basement and provide additional living space that was dry, warm and comfortable for about half cost of expanding up and out.

Another client had a 1960 style ranch and was going to replace the wood shingles. The shingles were painted and pealing and a new paint job was very labor intensive. I was consulted and found that the house was not properly insulated (fuel bills were outrageous) We consulted with the client asked a lot of questions and came back with a major rehab proposal. The old siding was removed, insulations and aluminum siding was added, wooden gutters removed and replaced with aluminum gutters, a new torrent entrance was added. Thirty foot knee walls were built on both end of the front of the house with 6 foot high post on the ends. The walls were covered with California stucco stone and black railings were installed on top of the knee wall. Light fixtures were added at the top of the post. Lastly a new red roof was added giving the house a Spanish look. The home had a new and desirable road appeal. As it turned out the estimated cost in fuel savings over a 5 year period paid for the improvements.

One client was going to install an above ground pool in his back yard. I suggested we talk before he made a commitment. The client repaired clocks. I explained that an above ground pool will devalue his equity in his home and become a source of expense, work and headache; he opted for in ground gunite pool designed like a clock. The pool is solar heated and other than opening and closing is maintenance free.

A client contacted me about a opening a wall between two small bedrooms to make a master bedroom. I found that the area consisted of a back hall, bathroom, two small bedrooms with small closets and a roof mounted non working air conditioner on the back of a ranch house. I proposed one master suit with walk in closet, master bath, removing the air conditioner adding a sky light, raising the ceiling and changing two double hung windows to corner casement windows. It seemed like a different home. The client was in awe.

As a consultant I can:

Identify value in your home remodeling or improvement project.
Determine feasibility of your project and answers the question can your project be undertaken.
Approved contractors A list of pre-approved contractors can be provided for your consideration. These professionals have passed my qualifications (see Qualified Contractors)
Contract negotiating. Assist in the design of contracts with vendors and contractors.
Follow up. Inspection of any work performed by contractors to ensure it meets expectations and contract stipulations before final payment is made.