Are you looking to give your West Ashley home a fresh, modern look? Time to plan your home remodeling project!
Home remodeling is an excellent way to update your living space and increase your property value.
In this article, we’ll share several trendy home remodeling tips we’ve come across on some of our projects to help you achieve your dream home.
Tip 1: Expand the Living Room
When customers increase the available space, they improve the flow and functionality of the living area.
For these types of projects the Oak Angel Builders team will do a thorough check of the non-load-bearing walls to help you determine which can be safely removed to create a more open and inviting living space.
When options like built-in shelves and storage solutions are included in the renovation, you maximize the available square footage and leave plenty of open room that you may not have enjoyed before.
Benefits of an Open Floor Plan
Expanding the living room offers numerous benefits, including:
- Increased space for furniture and improved traffic flow.
- Allows for more seating options, making it easier to entertain guests and spend quality time with family.
- By removing restrictive walls, your living area becomes more open and inviting.
- Creates a seamless transition between adjacent rooms and enhances the overall functionality of the home.
How Can You Identify Non-Load-Bearing Walls and Remove them to Create More Space?
Let us start by saying that if you have any concern about a load bearing wall you should call in an expert. The risk of removing a load bearing wall is much larger than the benefit of trying to do it yourself. As a general rule, no-load-bearing walls can be removed without compromising the structural integrity of your home. Look for walls that run parallel to the floor joists above and those that don’t support the weight of the roof or upper floors.
To remove a non-load-bearing wall and create more space, follow these steps:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Confirm the wall is non-load-bearing by consulting with a professional contractor or structural engineer. |
| 2 | Obtain necessary permits and ensure compliance with local building codes. |
| 3 | Prepare the area by protecting floors, relocating furniture, and disconnecting electrical and plumbing lines. |
| 4 | Remove drywall, insulation, and framing, taking care to dispose of debris properly. |
| 5 | Repair the ceiling, floor, and adjacent walls, ensuring a seamless transition between spaces. |
if it is a load bearing wall you are thinking of removing then you still have options, albeit more expensive ones. Have your home inspected by a structural engineer before making any moves. If you don’t have one, call us and we can get you set up with one. (503) 550-5112
Tip 2: Add Niches to the Living Room
Adding niches to the living room is another innovative addition to your home renovation project that transforms the space while maintaining an open feel.
Niches like half partitions provide opportunities for creating cozy, intimate areas within the larger room, allowing for privacy and separation without compromising the overall flow.
If you contract with professional builders, they can help you explore various design options that incorporate niches that best suit the lifestyle and aesthetic preferences.
By strategically placing niches in corners or along walls, homeowners can designate specific areas for reading, relaxation, or conversation without disrupting the overall flow of the room.
Different Design Options for Niches
When incorporating niches into the living room design, several options are available to create both visual interest and functional spaces. Half-walls, glass walls, pillars, steps, and columns can all be utilized to define niche areas while maintaining an open feel:
| Design Option | Description |
|---|---|
| Half-walls | Low walls partially separate the niche from the main living area, providing a sense of enclosure without completely blocking sightlines. |
| Glass walls | Transparent or frosted glass partitions create a distinct space while allowing light to pass through, maintaining an airy and open atmosphere. |
| Pillars | Structural elements can be used to define the boundaries of a niche, adding architectural interest and a sense of grandeur to the space. |
| Columns | Similar to pillars, columns can be employed to create a semi-private niche area while contributing to the overall aesthetic of the living room. |
Home remodeling contractor can guide homeowners through the process of selecting the most appropriate design option for their specific needs and preferences, ensuring the best integration of style and lifestyle possible.
Tips on How to Incorporate Functional Elements into the Design
To incorporate functional elements like bookcases and storage into niche designs, consider the intended purpose of the space.
Built-in shelving can be integrated into the walls of the niche to provide ample storage for books, decorative items, or even media equipment.
Custom cabinetry can also be designed to fit the specific dimensions of the niche which offers concealed storage solutions that maintain the clean lines and uncluttered appearance of the living room.
Tip 3: Refresh the Front Entry Door
Refreshing the front entry door is a simple yet effective way to enhance the curb appeal of your home.
As the first point of contact for visitors, a well-designed and welcoming front door can make a lasting impression and set the tone for the entire property.
How Can a New Front Entry Door Enhance the Curb Appeal of Your Home
A new front entry door can significantly enhance the curb appeal of a home by creating a welcoming and stylish first impression.
As the focal point of the exterior, a well-designed front door can complement the overall architectural style of the house and set the tone for the entire property.
When selecting a new front entry door, consider the following factors:
| Factor | Description |
|---|---|
| Material | Choose a durable and attractive material such as wood, fiberglass, or steel that suits the home’s style and climate. |
| Color | Select a color that complements the exterior paint, trim, and landscaping, making the front door a cohesive part of the overall design. |
| Hardware | Opt for high-quality, stylish hardware such as handles, locks, and hinges that enhance both the appearance and security of the door. |
| Glass | Consider incorporating glass elements, such as sidelights or a transom window, to allow natural light inside and add visual interest to the entry. |
A home remodeling contractor can guide you through the process of selecting and installing a new front entry door that not only boosts curb appeal but also improves energy efficiency and security.
Different Design Options for Front Entry Doors
Front entry doors come in a variety of design options to suit different home styles and personal preferences.
Popular materials include wood, fiberglass, and steel, each offering unique benefits in terms of durability, insulation, and aesthetics. Homeowners can choose from a range of styles, such as:
- Traditional paneled doors
- Modern flush doors
- Rustic craftsman-style doors
- Elegant arched top doors
Hardware options for front entry doors include handle sets, knockers, and smart lock systems, allowing homeowners to personalize their door’s functionality and appearance.
Tips on How to Choose the Right Door for Your Home’s Style and Budget
When selecting a front entry door, consider your home’s architectural style and choose a door that complements its overall aesthetic.
Set a budget that accounts for the door material, hardware, and installation costs, and prioritize quality and durability for long-term value.
Work with experienced professionals like Oak Angel Builders to find the perfect balance between style and affordability, ensuring that your new front entry door enhances both the curb appeal and functionality of your home.
Tip 4: Create Faux Extra Space
Creating faux extra space is a clever home remodeling tip that can make a room feel larger and more open without physically expanding its dimensions.
Incorporating strategic design elements and techniques can create the illusion of a more spacious and airy living area, even in smaller homes.
How Creating the Illusion of Extra Space Can Make a Room Feel Larger
Creating the illusion of extra space in a room can make it feel larger by tricking the eye into perceiving more depth and openness.
Strategic design elements such as mirrors, light colors, and minimalist furniture arrangements can contribute to a sense of spaciousness, even in smaller rooms.
Different Design Elements That Can Be Used to Create This Illusion
To create the illusion of extra space, homeowners can use a variety of design elements.
Light colors on walls and ceilings reflect more light, making a room feel brighter and more open. Strategically placed mirrors can also trick the eye into perceiving more depth and space.
Minimizing furniture and clutter, opting for sleek, low-profile pieces, and maintaining clear sightlines further contribute to the sense of spaciousness.
To incorporate elements that create a sense of openness and airiness, homeowners should focus on maximizing natural light through the use of sheer curtains or light-filtering blinds.
Choosing a light, neutral color palette for walls, floors, and furniture can also help reflect light and make the space feel larger. Placing mirrors on opposite windows or in narrow hallways can amplify the effect of natural lighting and create the illusion of depth, further enhancing the sense of spaciousness in the home.
Other Budget-friendly Home Remodeling Ideas For Your Homes
Paint Trim
Highlight your home’s features by painting the trim. Trim painting refers to the process of painting the trim in a room, which includes areas such as baseboards, moldings, window frames, and a bathroom.
This type of painting is essential for enhancing the overall appearance of a space, creating a clean and finished look.
Upgrade Your Walkway
A new walkway can significantly enhance your home’s curb appeal. This is a small investment that can make a big difference in the overall appearance of your property.
Stylish Walkway Ideas: Consider materials like gravel, pea stone, kitchen, concrete pavers, clay bricks, and natural stone for your walkway to create a visually appealing and functional path in your yard and garden.
Improving Concrete Walkways: Clean your concrete walkway, seal it to protect the surface, repair any cracks, paint the surface for a quick upgrade, or stain the concrete to add rich color and enhance curb appeal.
Inexpensive Stepping Stone Walkway Ideas: Create an organic stepping stone path for a charming footpath, a home improvement yard footpath to guide foot traffic without damaging plants, or use stepping stones creatively to direct traffic and highlight special areas in your yard.
Walkway Ideas for Your Home and Yard: Choose from a variety of walkway designs, such as poured concrete for a modern look, rectangular stones for a clean and modern aesthetic, classic bricks in a herringbone layout, or rustic walkways with close-set pavers and natural elements.
Affordable Paver Ideas: Consider updating your walkway with affordable paver options like brick pavers or cobblestone to enhance the appearance of your home’s exterior and create a cohesive look with other design elements.
Coordinate Finishes
Update your bathroom or kitchen by coordinating hardware finishes.
Mix and Match Finishes: Mixing different hardware finishes in the same kitchen is a popular and on-trend approach. This allows you to incorporate multiple finishes without making the space look like a “mishmash”.
Consider Complementary Finishes: Some complementary finish combinations that work well include:
- Brass or gold hardware with washed-blue cabinetry and drawers for a charming boho look
- Black hardware with natural wood finishes for an elegant, modern aesthetic
Incorporate Unexpected Finishes: Don’t be afraid to use hardware finishes that are typically associated with other rooms or furniture, such as curvy, metal dresser pulls in the kitchen or bathroom.
Experiment with Geometric Shapes: Hardware with bold, geometric shapes like hexagons, V-shapes, or squares can add an attractive, modern look with clean lines.
Update Vanity Hardware: Changing out the hardware on your vanity is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to update the look of your bathroom.
Consider Towel Bars and Toilet Paper Holders: Upgrading your towel bars, rings, and toilet paper holders can also make a significant impact on the overall aesthetic of your bathroom.
Look for Affordable Options: Hardware can be an inexpensive way to refresh your space, with options like $7 cabinet knobs from Etsy.
Add Dimension with Molding
Use molding to create a paneled look on plain walls. This is a simple and budget-friendly way to draw attention to certain areas of the room.
Transform with Tile
Tile can create a beautiful, timeless surface and can be achieved on a small budget. Consider using affordable options like subway tile for kitchens and baths.
Make the Ceiling Stand Out
Use decorative ceiling medallions or chandelier to turn the ceiling into a focal point.
Improve Interior Doors
Update your interior doors with fresh paint or consider installing sliding barn doors for a more modern look. This is a budget-friendly way to elevate the style of your home.
Update an Old Light Fixture
Replace outdated light fixtures with new ones to instantly update the ambiance of your space. This is a simple and budget-friendly way to give your home a fresh look.
Add Pattern with Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper
Use peel-and-stick wallpaper to add pattern and visual interest to your walls. This is a budget-friendly and easy way to update your space.
Looking for an expert for your home remodeling project? Try Oak Angel Builders
Choosing the right partner is the key to unlocking an exceptional custom home experience in Charleston. With our expertise in helping customers settle on a design and running construction, Oak Angel Builders is the best home builder in Charleston for custom home design projects. From concept to completion, we help customers streamline the construction process, ensuring every detail is meticulously crafted to your specifications. And with the region’s best 5-year workmanship guarantee, we back up our claims on every job.
Elevate your home-building experience and partner with Oak Angel Builders today.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long does it take to remodel a home?
It depends on several factors, including the scope of the project, the size of the home, and the complexity of the work involved. Here are some general guidelines based on the search results:
- Simple or Cosmetic Renovations: These typically take anywhere from 3 days to 3 months to complete.
- Medium Renovations: These can take around 3 weeks to 6 months, depending on the extent of the work.
- Major Renovations or Remodels: These can take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years, depending on the extent of the work and any unforeseen issues that may arise.
- Whole House Renovations: These typically take around 4-6 months to complete, assuming the homeowner is involved in the process and there are no major issues.
- Gut Renovations: These can take longer, typically around 6-12 months, as they involve a more extensive overhaul of the home.
These are general estimates and the actual time it takes to remodel a home depends on various factors, such as the complexity of the project, the availability of materials and labor, and any unexpected issues that may arise during the renovation process
How much does remodeling a home cost?
These estimates provide a general idea of the costs involved in remodeling a home. So in my opinion, consulting with a general contractor for a thorough assessment of your specific project to determine the exact costs involved should be done.
- Average Cost to Remodel a House is $48,384, with most projects ranging between $17,697 and $79,125.
- The cost per square foot to remodel a house can range from $10 to $60, with the average cost being around $20 to $30 per square foot.
- The average cost to gut a home down to its studs is between $2,500 and $9,800, and then you'll need to add on the cost of remodeling.
- The average cost to add a room or structure to a home is between $22,372 and $81,164.
- Remodels can fall under three categories: high-end, midrange, and low-end. High-end remodels involve designer materials and high-end furnishings, while low-end remodels typically involve minor upgrades.
- The size of the remodel, the type of materials needed, and the design of the remodel can all impact the cost of a remodeling project.
- The cost of remodeling a home can vary significantly depending on the location, with metropolitan areas typically having higher costs due to a higher cost of living.
How can homeowners create the illusion of extra space in their homes?
- Strategically placed mirrors can reflect light and create the illusion of a larger space in a home.
- Decluttering, using multi-functional furniture, and choosing a light color palette can make a room feel more open and spacious.
What home remodeling trends are popular in West Ashley, South Carolina?
In West Ashley, South Carolina, popular home remodeling trends include updating kitchens with modern appliances and custom cabinetry, renovating bathrooms with luxury features like spa-like showers and freestanding tubs, and creating open-concept living spaces. Homeowners are also focusing on outdoor living areas, such as building custom decks and patios for entertaining and relaxation.
