The challenge: Homeowners Carol Kratzer and Mandy French bought their 1-story Tudor in south Minneapolis more than a dozen years ago, with the long-term goal of remodeling its unfinished attic. We wanted to create an open, functional space there and turn it into a really cool bedroom suite, said Kratzer.

The team: Kratzer and French turned to Iron River Construction (www.ironriver co.com), Chaska, 952-442-1762, with whom they had worked on three previous home-improvement projects, and designer Jessica Cook, JLC Interior Design (www.jlcinterior design.com), Maple Plain, 952-994-1124.

The wish list: In their new suite, Kratzer and French wanted space for a bedroom and a seating area, plenty of storage, and a bathroom with a separate shower and tub. Instead of the typical glass-doored shower, they preferred a large, walk-in tiled shower, similar to ones theyd seen on trips to Mexico. Jessica started to get creative, Kratzer said. They went through several different designs for the shower before landing on a free-standing circular enclosure with a descending arc at the top. The distinctive shape adds architectural interest. There are so many straight lines in this space, said French. The giant curve is a contrast.

Tricky tile: Tiling the circular shower and bathroom floor was a challenge. Kratzer and French had chosen small hexagonal penny tiles, in classic black and white, with turquoise accents. It took four weeks to install all the tile. This was not a standard project, Cook said. In addition to working with thousands of tiny tiles on a curved surface, he [Dave Karp of Tile Fusion] had to set the white tile first, then remove pieces, and hand-set the accent tile. That bathroom is a credit to his patience, skill and professionalism.

Tremendous tub: The 1936-built attic was not designed to support a cast-iron tub, which weighed almost 600 pounds, plus another 20 for each claw foot. There were no trusses, said Rick Tollerud, senior project manager for Iron River. The flooring below the tub had to be beefed up and secure, because we were putting all this weight up there. Getting the massive tub upstairs was another hurdle. It took six guys, Tollerud said. It had a painted exterior, so we couldnt scratch it. If we had to touch it up, it would show. We didnt scratch it.

Built-in functionality. As long as they were remodeling, Kratzer and French chose to make their house more energy-efficient. They made the investment in spray-foam insulation in walls and ceilings, said Tollerud. It had a huge impact on the R-value, and it also has sound-deadening qualities. To get the storage space the couple wanted, the suite includes 25 feet of custom-built cabinets behind the knee walls.

Distinctive finishes: The attics support posts are now clad in vintage Chicago brick, similar to that on the homes chimney. The 80-year-old bricks came from a neighbor who was removing them from his driveway. The flooring in the suite is dark-hued cork. Its earthy and organic, similar to wood, Cook said, but has a softer feel underfoot. We like it a lot, and the look is beautiful, Kratzer said.

Let there be light: The angled-wall space needed more light, but there wasnt enough ceiling depth to add can lights, said Cook. The solution: LED valance lighting, installed where the ceiling meets the knee wall. Its on a dimmer, so it gives a lot of flexibility, Cook said. Its functional and creates a beautiful glow. Period sconces, in a nod to the homes original architecture, and a modern chandelier were the final touches.

The result: Kratzer and Frenchs 850-square-foot suite has become their go-to getaway spot. Theyre enjoying its higher vantage point. Its fun a new perspective on our neighborhood, Kratzer said. Moving upstairs has opened up space downstairs. We travel a lot, and now we have a guest room on the first floor, so the people we visit can visit us, Kratzer said.

But friends also have their eye on the new suite. Theres a waiting list of people who want to stay here, French said. They ask us, When are you going out of town?

Read more:
Before & After: Unfinished attic in Minneapolis is now a distinctive owner's suite

Remodel an attic into a Living Room By Mark Clement

Winter is a good time for attic work. I should know, I started this attic project in the summer, and it was well over a hundred degrees for much of the project as the sun bore down mercilessly.

In winter, however, days are short and if you remodel in odd hours like many are prone to do (Im guilty as charged), then you will find an attic conversion ideal for those darker days where you want to get something done. And converting a husk of a space into something you can really use is a good expenditure of time, if you ask me.

This particular project (the high temperatures notwithstanding) was fun and rewarding. I got to detail a signature space and build a room designed to be a multi-functioning one-of-a-kind. We meshed living/working space with storage and even some leisure on this jobthere was a lot going on. So while your attic conversion may not follow this exact path, you may have elements of iteverything from design details and insulation to framing, trim and windows.

In this renovation, I built knee walls, installed skylights, replaced windows, added doors, sanded floors, did site-specific trim and used every tool in my shop to

get it done. Heres my version of conversion.

Originally posted here:
Remodel Your Attic Space - Extreme How To

James Brey/Getty Images New wood deck on a residential home.

NEW YORK (MainStreet) Home improvements are seldom easy to accomplish and rarely inexpensive, but with a little judicious decision-making, the average homeowner can not only make his house more livable and sellable but also receive an excellent return on investment.

While very few jobs will generate a full ROI, almost any improvement will recoup more than half of the job's cost when it comes time to value a home for resale, according to a report issued by the National Association of Retailers 2015 Remodeling Cost vs. Value Report, which was compiled in collaboration with Remodeling Magazine. That's why it's important for consumers to choose their project carefully. Since appearance plays a crucial role in forming a positive opinion of a home, it is no surprise that the projects with the highest ROI all center on a home's exterior.

"Realtors know what buyers are looking for during their search, and curb appeal is and always will be important," said NAR president Chris Polychron. "That explains why Realtors once again rated exterior projects as some of the most attractive and valuable for homeowners."

Provided by MainStreet

The project that will give homeowners the biggest bang for their buck is also the least expensive to implement. Replacing a fiberglass or wooden front-entry door with one made of steel. The report states that the national average price for this task is $1,230, but it adds $1,252 of value to a home for a 101.8% return. The report found that using a fiberglass replacement door costs almost $3,000, with a much lower return of just 72%. These prices vary depending upon where the house is located, but in all cases, this project has the highest pay off. It certainly can help grease the wheels for a sale.

Another door is the next best project -- garage doors. Replacing a garage door averages about $1,595 to complete, but it generates an 88.4% return on investment.

For people looking to spend even less, certain simple changes can have a huge impact.

"Put on new, inexpensive shutters or repaint the old ones," said Sheryl Grider Whitehurst, NAR regional vice president and a Realtor in Peoria, Ill. "Many people will do a drive by before the make an appointment to see a house and you need to have the house look nice."

Taking the exterior makeover to the next level by redoing the siding is also a great place to spend home improvement funds, the report stated. New vinyl siding generally costs around $12,013, but 80.7% will be recouped upon sale. For those folks looking to step it up a notch, replacing the lower third of a home's siding with a manufactured stone veneer offers an even higher return at 92.2% on an investment of around $7,150.

See original here:
The Best Improvement Projects to Increase Your Home's Value

3 Attic Designs Collection Penthouse Loft Usage Samples Remodel
bats in my attic, attic fashion, attic heirloom, attic plans, flying squirrels in attic, attic stairs ireland, attic guys, proper attic insulation, attic bla...

By: ZahMeTR

Read more from the original source:
3 Attic Designs Collection Penthouse Loft Usage Samples Remodel - Video

5 Attic Designs Collection Penthouse Loft Usage Samples Remodel
small attic conversions, attic conversions perth, attic conversion dublin, attic conversions pictures, attic conversions diy, how much does an attic conversi...

By: ZahMeTR

Read the rest here:
5 Attic Designs Collection Penthouse Loft Usage Samples Remodel - Video

WETHERSFIELD, CT (WFSB) -

With the snow buildup atop many homes and businesses, popping and crackling noises could be a warning sign.

With snow piling up after many recent storms, roof raking has been on the to-do lists for many homeowners.

We do it (roof raking) so there is less pressure to the house because of the snow," said Martin Burgos.

The pressure Burgos is speaking of could be causing distress to many roofs across the state.

When heavy snow starts to pile up, popping, cracking and creaking sounds could become a bit more familiar to some.

If you hear actual cracking and look up in the attic you will see physical signs of it," said Johnny Carrier, of By Carrier Inc.

There could be sagging ceiling tiles, wood rafters or sprinkler lines, and it could be harder to close doors or windows.

Professionals suggest that if this happens, snow should be removed from the roof.

That is something that is cause for alarm, I would say you don't need to run out of the house right away but you definitely need to get it checked right away," Carrier said.

Read the original post:
Cracking and popping sounds from roofs could be cause for alarm

Home Remodeling Manchester CT|Call (860) 791-6571 Bathroom Attic Basement Finishing Improvements
Irene Designs visit us at http://www.remodelingbyirenedesigns.com/ or Call (860) 791-6571 If you live in Manchester, Connecticut and your home is in need of ...

By: Westfield MA SEO

Link:
Home Remodeling Manchester CT|Call (860) 791-6571 Bathroom Attic Basement Finishing Improvements - Video

Before you buy a fixer that you intend to live in, not flip, do some heart math. Run the numbers to make sure the investment will net out, then ask yourself if your heart is in the project. (Jonoman/dreamstime.com)

The house has potential.

Every time I hear those words, a story follows that has more ups and downs than the New York skyline.

The word "potential" is dubious, as in that kid has potential, that relationship has potential, that job has potential. The word potential gets called out when one wants to infuse a precarious situation with rosy hope and optimism.

Put the word "house" in the same sentence, and, you've just added another barrel to the shotgun.

Yet "the house has potential" was precisely what the contractor said as he walked through the 15-year-old bank-owned house that my friend and I had dragged him out to look over. Neglected for years, the house had been on the market and vacant for months.

My friend D.C. is in the market for a house. I'm along for the ride because I like this stuff.

We've looked at a dozen houses. A couple, such as this fixer, had potential.

"You wouldn't have to feel guilty about tearing good stuff out, because there isn't any," I said. "You could put in the finishes you want (with my approval) and instantly add to your investment."

"I'm looking for a house, not for trouble," D.C. said. His worry level is an 11 on a scale of 1 to 10.

View post:
Marni Jameson: The fixer-upper has 'potential' -- should you take a chance on it?

The house has potential.

Every time I hear those words, a story follows that has more ups and downs than the New York skyline.

The word potential alone is dubious, as in that kid has potential, that relationship has potential, that job has potential. The word potential gets called out when one wants to infuse a precarious situation with rosy hope and optimism.

Its loaded.

Put the word house in the same sentence, and, Baby, youve just added another barrel to the shotgun.

And yet the house has potential was precisely what the contractor said as he walked through the 15-year-old bank-owned house that my friend and I had dragged him out to look over. The house had been on the market and vacant for months, and neglected for years.

My friend D.C. is in the market for a house. Im along for the ride because I like this stuff, being sick in that way, and because D.C. thinks that because I write these columns I know what Im doing.

Someone should to talk to him.

Weve looked at a dozen houses.

Some were brand new turnkey properties with the price tag to go with it.

See the original post:
Marni Jameson: Calculate worth of a house with heart math

A house on Woodhaven Street in Mattapan with lots of excessive snow and ice on the roof. (Jesse Costa/WBUR)

BOSTON With a weekend forecast of snow and freezing rain, many roofs may be at risk of developing ice dams. Heres what you need to know about them including how to get rid of them:

What is an ice dam?

Ice dams are the shelves of ice that often build up on the edges roofs after snowstorms, when freezing temperatures move in, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency. They can cause damage to roofs and water leaks inside your home. Ice dams also prevent snow from sliding off roofs, allowing it to pile up more.

What causes ice dams to form?

A graphic of how an ice dam forms. (Courtesy FEMA)

Ice dams are caused by snow, heat and cold. First snow falls on the roof. Then heat from inside a home melts some of the snow. The melting snow runs down the roof and the outside cold refreezes it. This builds up and forms an ice dam.

How do you prevent ice dams?

The best way to prevent ice dams is with adequate attic insulation and roof ventilation, and to make sure air leaks in the attic are sealed, according to FEMA. Ideally, this should be taken care of when the house is built. It can be done at later points by professionals, especially as part of roof repair or remodeling.

How do you remove ice dams?

See the article here:
4 Things To Know About Ice Dams Including How To Get Rid Of Them