Project designed and built by Atlanta Decking & Fence.
Elegant spiral staircase photo in Atlanta

4 Steps to Achieving a Rewarding Cost Effective Home Renovation 1 Home Renovation an Introduction A home renovation due to changes in family needs and space requirements can be a challenging, but also a rewarding experience. As a homeowner, gathering and coordinating resources and possibly help from professional consultants are required. Once the construction phase has started, patience, endurance and commitment to follow through are necessary. Despite the challenges, the rewards of a well-planned and successfully completed project are meaningful, adding aesthetic and economic value, also providing the opportunity to personalize a home, encompassing the function, comfort and aesthetics to accommodate individual taste and lifestyle. A renovation of an existing home is a viable alternative to moving or building a new home, assuming that a home is structurally sound, the expenditure to enlarge or improve can be a cost effective alternative. A home possessing charm, style, historical significance, established landscaping or an exceptional location could be a significant motivation to consider purchasing another home with the intent to renovate. The complexity of a project could be relatively simple, changing the use of a room, consolidating two rooms into one, or opening up a room to the outdoors. It could also be a more involved task requiring planning, design and construction documents to build a second floor addition, the addition of a new wing or completely gutting the interior. Some projects could be completed in a weekend’s work or more complex projects, using a “Master Plan”, a plan which provides overall guidance; a renovation can be accomplished all at once or divided into manageable projects over a period of time. With the home evolving gradually allowing the renovation to be planned, timed and tailored to meet individual needs and circumstances. The due diligence phase should precede the decision to renovate whether it’s an existing home or a home that is purchased with the intent to renovate. The due diligence phase will reveal the factors affecting the nature and scope of the project or if a renovation makes sense. Every renovation project is unique relative to personal requirements, architectural style & construction type. This guide will be helpful in developing an understanding of the preliminary groundwork required to realize a successful project. If properly planned, a home renovation project can be a positive and rewarding experience resulting in a comfortable, practical and an attractive living environment. The first step of the planning process is documenting the goals and long-range plans referred to as the “Project Program”. This will dictate the nature, scope and feasibility of the project. Providing a guide to achieving defined goals, the timing or phasing of the project and budget required to achieve the desired end result. 2 Documenting Existing Conditions Once the “Project Program”, has been established, the next step is to determine what there is to work with. This requires documenting the home’s floor plan and site elements which includes drawing an “as built” floor & site plan consisting of the existing exterior walls, interior rooms, doors, windows, etc. and surrounding site elements, landscape and other significant exterior features. Additionally understanding and noting on the “as built” plan, the structural, mechanical and electrical systems as necessary. Gathering the “existing condition” information defines what there is to work with, creating the framework from which to facilitate and organize the decision making process and develop effective “project program” solutions. 3 Evaluating Existing Conditions The goals and long-range plans have been established, and the existing floor plan and site elements have been documented. Before developing design solutions, the next step is to evaluate existing conditions. The evaluation includes: a detailed analysis of the structural, mechanical and electrical systems, determining the condition of the house, noting functional and aesthetic deficiencies. At the same time recognizing the home’s strengths, assets and evaluating its relationship to its site. The remaining parameters will be defined by the local jurisdiction’s zoning regulations, these regulations will define the “envelope”, within which the proposed project will be required to fit: •required front, side & rear yard setbacks •maximum allowable lot coverage & height The previous three steps have provided the necessary foundation to start the design phase. The goals and long range plans have been established, existing conditions have been documented and the evaluation of what there is to work with are now in place. This will provide the framework from which to facilitate and organize design solutions. The consolidation of this information is manifested in the development of the “Master Plan” which will become the road map by which sound decision-making can be made as a home renovation evolves. Keeping the project, on a linear path, avoiding redundancies and back tracking, on time, within budget, concluding with a well crafted finished product. After all the “up front” research and documentation has been completed, the design phase of the project can now precede, with the creation of diagrammatic design drawings. Organizing interior spaces, taking into account the external elements, prevailing breezes, solar orientation, view, existing outdoor features, etc. Through the development of schematic sketches themes will emerge followed by design development drawings. Wise planning and renovation decisions can save money and time at the same time provide a well crafted finished project. The “Master Plan” provides a strategic path in the planning and decision making process leading to a successful and rewarding home renovation, which will add value and considerable enjoyment, for many years, living in a newly renovated home. By virtue of having gone through these steps, frustrations sometimes encountered during a home renovation will be minimized, allowing the renovation to be a gratifying and rewarding experience. Being aware of the process allows one to become an “Educated Client,” which is worth quite a bit more than one might realize. The uneducated client may not realize the benefit of going through the planning, evaluation and documentation groundwork. He will only realize its benefits after having completed a prior renovation project. This rational approach keeps the design process on a direct path to achieving prescribed goals. 4 Exploring Design Solutions & Developing a Master Plan The previous three steps have provided the necessary foundation to start the design phase. The goals and long range plans have been established, existing conditions have been documented and the evaluation of what there is to work with are now in place. This will provide the framework from which to facilitate and organize design solutions. The consolidation of this information is manifested in the development of the “Master Plan” which will become the road map by which sound decision-making can be made as a home renovation evolves. Keeping the project, on a linear path, avoiding redundancies and back tracking, on time, within budget, concluding with a well crafted finished product. By virtue of having gone through these steps, frustrations sometimes encountered during a home renovation will be minimized, allowing the renovation to be a gratifying and rewarding experience. Being aware of the process allows one to become an “Educated Client,” which is worth quite a bit more than one might realize. The uneducated client may not realize the benefit of going through the planning, evaluation and documentation groundwork. He will only realize its benefits after having completed a prior renovation project. This rational approach keeps the design process on a direct path to achieving prescribed goals. After all the “up front” research and documentation has been completed, the design phase of the project can now precede, with the creation of diagrammatic design drawings. Organizing interior spaces, taking into account the external elements, prevailing breezes, solar orientation, view, existing outdoor features, etc. Through the development of schematic sketches themes will emerge followed by design development drawings. Wise planning and renovation decisions can save money and time at the same time provide a well crafted finished project. The “Master Plan” provides a strategic path in the planning and decision making process leading to a successful and rewarding home renovation, which will add value and considerable enjoyment, for many years, living in a newly renovated home.

Putting up a sign in the yard and waiting for the right buyer to come along isn't always the easiest way to sell a house. The traditional process of selling your home can be slow, expensive and frustrating for many Springfield, OH homeowners. You may have to fix the house up, clean it out, show it, negotiate with buyers, wait for inspections, and hope the buyer's financing doesn't fall through. That can be a lot to manage, especially if you need to move quickly or work with a property that is no longer working for your situation. That’s why many homeowners now look for a faster option. If you want to sell your house fast for cash in Springfield, OH, then working with a local cash home buyer like Sell House Now Columbus can be a practical solution. The company works with homeowners in Columbus, Springfield and other parts of Ohio, providing a direct cash-buying process that helps sellers avoid repairs, agent commissions, closing delays and unnecessary stress. They buy houses as-is, and offer a simple selling process and possibly help with closing costs, according to the company’s website. Why Springfield, OH Homeowners Choose to Sell for Cash Every homeowner has their own reason for desiring a quick sale. Some are relocating for jobs and don’t have months to wait for a buyer.” Others may have inherited a property they don’t want to keep up. Some houses need a lot of work and the owner may not have the time, money or energy to do it all before listing. There are also situations of divorce, concerns about foreclosure, bad tenants, unpaid taxes, or simply a desire to move on without the hassle of a traditional sale. It makes sense to do a cash sale because it takes away a lot of the common roadblocks. Rather than waiting for mortgage approvals, appraisals, repair requests and lengthy negotiations, homeowners can receive a direct offer from a buyer who is ready, willing and able to purchase the property. At Sell House Now Columbus, sellers can request a fair cash offer and pick a closing timeline that suits them. The firm says homeowners can sell without agents, fees, repairs or cleaning, which can be a huge relief for anyone going through a stressful property situation. Selling as is No repairs or cleaning One of the biggest advantages of selling to a cash home buyer is the fact that you can sell the property as-is. This is good news because you don’t have to spend thousands of dollars on fixing the roof, replacing flooring, repainting walls, updating the kitchen, repairing plumbing or improving kerb appeal to attract buyers. Buyers expect the home to look clean, updated and move-in ready in traditional sales. Issues discovered during the inspection can force the seller to lower the price or pay for repairs prior to closing. An as-is cash sale is a different process. The purchaser is taking the property “as is” and is offering based on the current condition. Sell House Now, Columbus, states that sellers are spared the hassle of repairs, daily showings and cleaning. They also say that unwanted items can be left behind and dealt with after purchase. This can save time and money for Springfield homeowners confronted with an older house, damaged property, rental cleanup or inherited home full of belongings. No Real Estate Agent Fees or Hidden Commissions When you sell your home, conventional real estate agents eat up a huge portion of your final proceeds through commission fees. You might have closing costs, staging costs, repair costs, inspection-related costs, photography fees and other costs that eat into what you actually walk away with. After deducting all expenses the final number is much lower than expected for some sellers. A direct cash sale makes the numbers simple. “Sell House Now, Columbus says they don’t charge commissions and their process is designed to help homeowners avoid listing fees and agent-related expenses.” This provides sellers more clarity up front. Instead of guessing what the final payout might be after months of negotiations and deductions, you can review a cash offer and decide if it meets your needs. Faster Closing Timeline for Springfield Homeowners When you need to sell fast, time is of the essence. A traditional home sale can take weeks or even months, depending on market conditions, buyer financing, inspections, appraisals and negotiations. Once you’ve accepted an offer, there is always the risk that the buyer’s loan may be delayed or denied. Delays can add additional pressure to a homeowner who needs cash fast, who needs to stop paying taxes or utilities, or who needs to relocate soon. Cash buyers are often faster than traditional buyers because they don’t rely on bank financing. Sell House Now Columbus says their process offers a competitive cash offer, a simple experience and Sellers can pick their closing day. That flexibility can be helpful if you need to close quickly or if you need extra time to make your next move. You don’t have to follow someone else’s schedule but can choose a plan that works better for your circumstances. Who Can Use Selling For Cash? Is your property stressing you out? Is it costing you money every month? If so then selling your House for cash in Springfield OH may be a good option. It can help homeowners who are behind on payments, tired of being landlords, dealing with code violations, handling probate property, in need of costly repairs, or just ready for a clean break. It can also be a benefit to those who do not live near the property and do not want to travel back and forth to manage repairs, contractors, cleaning and showings. And the best part is you don’t need to have a perfect house. Cash buyers often see the property as an investment and are willing to do repairs after the sale. This makes it easier for sellers who are stuck with a dated, vacant, damaged, or otherwise hard-to-list property. How it works Generally, the process begins with a call to discuss the property in general terms. After reviewing those details, Sell House Now Columbus can assess the home and make a cash offer. If the offer interests you, you can pick a closing date that suits you. You don’t have to accept and the offer can help you explore your options before making a final decision. This approach gives control to homeowners. You don’t have to go through months of listings, open houses, questionable buyers or last-minute repair demands. You can look at the cash offer and see if it solves your problem. Summary If you need to Sell your House fast for cash in Springfield, OH then a direct cash sale might be the easiest path forward. It gives homeowners a way to avoid repairs, agent commissions, delays and stress. Whether you’re looking to sell an inherited property, a damaged home, a rental you no longer want, or a life change that requires a quick sale, Sell House Now Columbus provides a simple option for homeowners that want speed and convenience. Selling a house should be no more difficult than dragging a heavy box up hill. A good cash buyer can make the process a lot lighter, faster and easier to manage. If you are a homeowner in Springfield and want to get a fair cash offer and an easy solution, Sell House Now Columbus can make the next step a lot easier.

Custom bar countertop corble. Distressed black. Granite countertop. Tongue & groove woodwork detail. LED Lighting. Photography by Meg Marie Photography

A modern steel mesh fence contrasts with spring growth of Cotoneaster multiflorus http://annacaitlinphotography.com/

J. Albert Studios
Huge traditional brown two-story wood exterior home idea in Cleveland

Tuftex Casablanca pattern carpet

We expanded an existing deck with new stairs, railing, decking, deck board design, lighting, complete with all post and beam wraps. All decking you see is Zuri decking with Timbertech Rail Systems. We installed riser lights up the stairs with post caps on top of all posts.

An amazing customer contacted us about making sliding barn doors for their lake front cabin home. (We designed a custom Emerson Trestle Table and Bench to match the doors.) I am excited to share this space!

Mountain style staircase photo in San Diego

Masland Tristan stair runner fabricated in New Rochelle
Example of a classic staircase design in New York

Cottage home design photo in St Louis

Exterior forms are emphasized with glass and fiber-cement panels at the top level, soaring over and sheltering containers clad in tougher, leathery Corten Steel at the ground level. Exposed concrete walls and rock-filled gabion retaining was selected to anchor the partially day-lighted basement level and garages to the land. Materials were chosen to be low-maintenance, relatively inexpensive, and to contrast the volumes that express the interior spaces.

Steve Lambert
Photo of a mid-sized craftsman full sun front yard concrete paver driveway in San Francisco.

We believe that every project deserves special attention, and by acquiring our expertise You can be assured that your most challenging demands will be met with reliability, Timely completion, competitive pricing and high quality of workmanship.

Jess Downer & Renata Stone, Big Bear Photo Co.
Example of an eclectic hallway design in Salt Lake City

Inspiration for a small timeless brick front porch remodel in Philadelphia with a roof extension

We took a little girl's room and made it into a cool teenage space for he and her friends.
Bedroom - mid-sized contemporary carpeted bedroom idea in Salt Lake City with purple walls