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The Best Home Windows for Each Room

Posted on April 30, 2021

Best Window Styles for Each Room

There’s technically no right or wrong windows for each room of your house. That’s the beauty of owning your home—you get to make it your own! However, many people do prefer to make upgrades according to best practices and timeless trends. So, if you’re preparing for a replacement project and are truly stuck on what windows you should pick, there are certain styles that work better in different parts of the home. Here, it’s broken down room by room:

Living Room

If there’s a place that serves as the centerpiece of your home, it’s probably the living room. This is the space where many families have movie marathons, play board games, and entertain guests. With it being such a grand room in your home, you should install a large window like a picture, bay, or bow window. Picture windows features one large fixed pane of glass, while bay and bow windows are projection-style and composed of multiple windows. All of these options can provide ample lighting for your living area and be the main focal point.

Kitchen

In many kitchens, there’s a window located above the sink—this can make it a tad challenging to reach. Because of this, you should install a window style that boasts simple operation and offers plenty of ventilation: a sliding window. Or, if you’re a homeowner who enjoys growing your own herbs, your kitchen isn’t complete without a garden window. This window extends beyond your home and features three glass walls, allowing optimum sunlight for small plants to grow.

Bedroom

Like most people, you probably enjoy natural light filling your bedroom but also want a fair amount of privacy. To enjoy the best of both worlds, an average-sized window style like double-hung or casement is a safe bet. Plus, both are easy to operate so you can effortlessly open or close them even in the dark of the night.

Bathroom

Privacy is most needed in the bathroom, so choosing a smaller window style like awning or hopper is the way to go. These styles are usually smaller in size and installed higher up on the wall of a room, ensuring no prying eyes can see inside. And since bathrooms can get quite steamy, these windows are also excellent for ventilation.

Trust Homestead Remodeling to Provide the Perfect Windows

If this guide has you ready to update every window in every room, Homestead Remodeling is here to help. As a seasoned home improvement company, we offer and install top-quality windows that are available in many of the styles mentioned above. We’ll also help you customize other aspects of your replacement windows, like the exterior color and interior finish, to make sure that they perfectly complement your home.

Whether you decide to follow this guide to a T or have other styles in mind for each room, Homestead Remodeling will help you make it happen. You can count on our team to provide you with the perfect windows and to expertly install them for an airtight fit. Contact us today to find the perfect windows for each part of your Minnesota home.

How Long Should a Bathroom Remodel Take?

Posted on April 30, 2021

How Long Should a Bathroom Remodel Take?

People put off home improvement projects like bathroom remodels for a variety of reasons, but one of the biggest ones is the timeline involved. This is understandable, as many homeowners often have only one main bathroom in their house and can’t be without it for an extended period of time. Unfortunately, there is no concrete answer to how long a bathroom remodel should take. The average timeline is around one to five weeks, but it truly depends on several different factors, like:

The Extent of the Project

What exactly are you hoping to accomplish with your bathroom remodel? Are you focusing solely on the bath or shower area, or are you hoping to complete a total overhaul? The extent of your project will directly affect how long the process will take.

The Company You Hire

Choosing the right company will also greatly influence your project timeline. An experienced team of bathroom remodelers will be able to work as efficiently as possible, but beware of companies that promise skeptically fast turnaround times—this usually means they rush and perform sloppy work.

Any Special Requests

It’s absolutely justified to want your new bathroom to include exactly what you want. If you are in fact planning to have custom components included in your bathroom remodel, just know that this will lengthen the overall timeline.

If you’re on the hunt for a bathroom remodeling company that can provide you with the perfect transformation as efficiently as possible, look no further than Homestead Remodeling. We offer comprehensive services and boast decades of industry experience, so you can trust that we’ll complete your bathroom remodel to your specifications and in a timely manner.

Contact Homestead Remodeling today to discuss your goals for your bathroom remodeling project.

Wet Area Vs. Full Bathroom Remodels

Posted on April 5, 2021April 5, 2021

Wet Area vs. Full Bathroom Remodel You know that you want to update your bathroom, but to what extent? What some people discover in their bathroom remodeling research is that there’s different levels of renovations that they can complete. Maybe you’ve specifically seen the term “wet area” remodel and are wondering how that compares to a full bathroom overhaul. Let’s explore the difference between these two services and how to determine which option is right for your bathroom.

Wet Area Remodels

The term “wet area” refers to the shower or bathtub and the floors and walls surrounding it—so, a wet area remodel therefore involves updating this part of the bathroom. This umbrella term can include services like bathtub and shower replacements, tub-to-shower conversions, wall surround installations, and more.

While a wet area remodel can be part of a large renovation, it can also be the sole focus of your efforts. This may be the better option for you if:

Your Budget Is Limited

If you’re working with a tighter budget, it might make more sense to invest all of it into the right wet area remodel rather than spreading it across an entire bathroom. This way, you know you’ll be receiving an upgrade you’ll be happy with.

The Rest of Your Bathroom Is Fine

If all of the other fixtures in your bathroom are still in good condition, why bother replacing them? As one of the most used parts of your bathroom, your bathtub or shower may be the only thing that truly needs an upgrade.

Your Bathing Needs Have Changed

There are countless situations that leave you in need of a new bathing fixture. If your current bathtub or shower setup is no longer easy or safe to navigate, this calls for a remodel that focuses exclusively on the wet area.

Full Bathroom Remodel

The definition of a complete bathroom overhaul may differ from person to person, but it generally involves replacing most—if not all—aspects of your bathroom. This can include things like the toilet, sink, cabinets, flooring, hardware, and more. Some homeowners also take this opportunity to expand their bathrooms by knocking out walls and rearranging plumbing, but this is generally more of an add-on during a bathroom remodel.

You may consider investing in a full bathroom renovation if:

The Whole Space is Outdated

If you haven’t updated any aspects of your bathroom in quite some time, you may be due for a total overhaul. And by starting with a blank slate, you might have an easier time picking out certain components.

You’re Selling Your House

One thing high on every home buyer’s list is a beautiful, brand-new bathroom. So, if you’re planning on putting your house on the market sometime soon, you could see a potential return on investment by fully renovating a bathroom (or two!).

Whether you’re planning a wet area remodel, a comprehensive bathroom makeover, or some type of project in between, Homestead Remodeling is here to help you make it happen. As a highly knowledgeable and reputable bathroom remodeler serving Minnesota residents, we can perform just about any service you’re hoping to have done. Explore our bathroom remodeling services on our website or give us a call to discuss your options with a team member.

When Is the Best Time of Year to Replace Windows?

Posted on April 5, 2021April 5, 2021

When Is the Best Time of Year to Replace Windows?

If you’re planning to upgrade your home with new windows, you’ll certainly consider a lot of different factors. In a place like Minnesota, a major aspect that will need to be considered is the time of year. Since replacing your windows means that for a brief time your home will be exposed to the outdoor weather, you’ll want to be sure you’re not completing this project in the dead of winter. Alternatively, the summer can be the busiest season for window companies, making it hard to lock down an installation date. So, when is the best time of year to replace your windows?

For Weather: Shoot for Spring or Fall

While weather is unpredictable, you can typically count on Minnesota to experience all four seasons in a year. You probably won’t have to worry about it being too cold or hot if you schedule your window installation in the spring or the fall, as these seasons experience more mild weather compared to the other two.

For Easier Scheduling: Try Fall or Winter

If you don’t have a lot of flexibility in your weekly schedule, you might have a hard time securing an installation date in the warmer months of the year. Spring and summer is often the time when homeowners embark on their improvement projects, creating a higher demand for window companies. Therefore, it might be easier to schedule an ideal installation time in the late fall/early winter before temperatures really drop.

To help alleviate the stress of trying to schedule your window replacement project, you can partner with the knowledgeable professionals at Homestead Remodeling. We’ll work closely with you to find the right time for our experienced technicians to update your home with our long-lasting windows. Contact our team today.

What Makes Windows Energy Efficient?

Posted on March 3, 2021

What Makes Windows Energy Efficient?

Nowadays, it’s hard to discuss home upgrades without hearing the phrase ‘energy efficiency’. This is especially true when you’re researching replacement windows. You probably already know why energy efficiency is important, but as a quick reminder, it helps cut down on energy usage which is better for both the planet and your wallet. What you still might not know, however, is exactly what makes windows energy efficient. While there’s different ways that replacement windows can be crafted to cut down on heat transfer, the most common features are:

Multiple Panes of Glass

Heat can almost pass right through older windows with one single pane of glass. For better energy efficiency, your windows should have two or three panes of glass.

Gas Fills

In addition to having multiple panes of glass, there should also be some sort of air or gas between the panes, such as argon or krypton. This makes it virtually impossible for any heat transfer to occur.

UV-Resistant Coatings

To complete the energy-efficient glass trifecta, you’ll want to seek out low-emissivity coatings. These low-E coatings can be either outside or inside the glass unit and reflect outside heat and light from the sun.

Insulated Frames

It’s just as important for the frames of your windows to be energy-efficient as it is for the glass. You should seek out window frames made from a sturdy material, and, if they are hollow, they should also insulated with some type of foam fill for optimum thermal performance.

If you’re looking for replacement windows that boast these energy-efficient components, you can find them at Homestead Remodeling. Contact us today to learn about having our incredible replacement windows installed on your Minnesota home.

How to Choose a Bathroom Remodeling Contractor

Posted on February 3, 2021

How to Choose a Bathroom Remodeling Contractor Some small projects around your home can be done yourself, but when it comes to a major upgrade like a bathroom remodel, you’re planning to call in the professionals. Hiring a specialty company is certainly a smart move to ensure all aspects of the project are completed properly—as long as you choose the right bathroom remodeling contractor. Before partnering with the first team you come across, here are some factors to take into consideration:

How Many Years of Experience Do They Have?

Let’s start by saying that a contractor with only a couple years of bathroom remodeling experience doesn’t automatically mean they’re unqualified. However, if you want to guarantee that your renovations are done right the first time, you’ll want to make sure that you hire a team of professionals with plenty of years of experience under their belts.

What Products Do They Use?

Be sure that the bathroom remodeler you choose doesn’t use flimsy or cheap bathroom products and materials. If they use only one or two brands that you’ve never heard of, they may be the bare-minimum. To ensure you receive the quality of products you want, search for a contractor that can get their hands on just about any brand or bathroom product.

How Communicative Are They?

Nobody wants to deal with a remodeler that is hard to contact and therefore makes the project drag on. You should partner with a bathroom remodeling contractor that will work closely with you every step of the way and keep you constantly updated.

It’s not hard to find a bathroom remodeling contractor in Minnesota that checks off all of these boxes. Homestead Remodeling has consistently been the company that homeowners turn to for dedicated service and transformative bathroom upgrades. Contact us today to learn about all of our bathroom remodeling options.

Does a Bathroom Remodel Increase Home Value?

Posted on December 3, 2020

Does a Bathroom Remodel Increase Home Value? After living in your home for some time, there are some upgrades that you’ve probably been wanting to make, such as a bathroom remodel. However, if you know that you will eventually move out of your home in the coming years, you may be hesitant to complete a project this scale unless it will provide a return on investment. After all, you don’t want to pour money into a renovation if it won’t make a difference in the market price. The good news is that most of the time, a bathroom remodel does increase home value, especially if you focus on:

The Wet Area

You usually spend most of your time in the bathroom bathing and showering, so this is probably the first thing you’ll want to update. And a gleaming new bathtub or shower will almost definitely be the aspect that buyers are interested in, so it’s definitely worth the investment.

Small Details

Don’t forget about all of the small details—these are what make a drastic difference! A fresh coat of paint, all-new matching hardware, and other fairly inexpensive options can transform your bathroom and modernize it. This cohesive look will certainly be attractive to anyone who tours your home.

Increasing Space

An immediate turn-off for buyers is to step into a cramped bathroom. If you’re at all able to expand your bathroom, it will certainly pay off. If knocking down walls is out of the equation, you can still open up your bathroom by swapping out a tub with a sleek walk-in shower, replacing a vanity with a pedestal sink, or installing floating shelves for out-of-the-way storage.

A Neutral Theme

Don’t go overboard trying to tie in your own tastes because they may not be everyone’s cup of tea. When someone tours a house, they want to envision themselves there, which can be hard to do when it’s decorated according to someone else’s preferences. Rather than remodeling your bathroom with a theme—like beach or farmhouse—try to keep things as minimal and neutral as possible.

If you find yourself in need of a bathroom remodeling company to help make these updates, you can trust the professionals at Homestead Remodeling. We offer full bathroom services, including:

Bath and shower replacements
Cabinetry, countertop, flooring, lighting, and tile installations
Tub-to-shower and shower-to-tub conversions

Therefore, we can help you transform the space however you need to ensure it is the bathroom of anyone’s dreams. While we frequently work with industry-leading manufacturers, we’re not limited to the products we use, so you can hand-pick virtually every component. And to make the entire bathroom renovation come to life, our dedicated and skilled technicians will flawlessly install every new fixture, leaving you with a new space so stunning you may change your mind about selling your home.

Contact Homestead Remodeling today to discuss all the ways that you can update your bathroom to increase your home value and make it a dreamy oasis. We proudly serve homeowners in the Twin Cities area and nearby parts of Minnesota.

What to Consider When Remodeling a Bathroom

Posted on October 6, 2020October 6, 2020

You’ve probably thought it or even said it out loud a few times: “I want to remodel the bathroom.” As one of the most highly used spaces in your home, it makes sense that the bathroom will eventually need a facelift. Perhaps only a few small fixtures need to be updated, or you’re envisioning a complete renovation from top to bottom. You may be wondering where to start to ensure that the project goes smoothly and your vision comes to life. Here’s what you should consider when remodeling a bathroom:

Time Frame

We’ve definitely all had some extra time on our hands this year, but is there a certain deadline coming up that your bathroom remodel needs to be completed by? Maybe it’s your turn to host your out-of-town family for the holidays and you want the bathroom renovated before their arrival. By establishing a completion date, you’ll get a realistic idea of what can be accomplished within that time frame.

Budget

Arguably the biggest consideration for a bathroom remodel is your budget. You should try to get as close to an accurate estimate as possible so that you pick updates within your budget. While everyone wants a luxurious bathroom with modern fixtures and the most up-to-date trends, you don’t want to go into debt to make it happen. And it’s okay to allow yourself a little bit of wiggle room for small hurdles or changes along the way.

What Needs to be Upgraded

Use your time frame and budget as a guide to pick which components of your bathroom you’ll be upgrading. If you’ve got the time, money, and ambition, you can finally complete that full bathroom remodel you’ve been longing for! Alternatively, you can focus your efforts on one or two fixtures that are truly a thorn in your side.

Try Some DIY

If you somehow didn’t complete any DIY projects throughout quarantine, you might want to take a shot at it during your bathroom remodel! Small projects like replacing vanity hardware or painting the walls can typically be done yourself. This will also give you the chance to save a few extra bucks—cha-ching!

Partner With a Dependable Company

If you’re hoping for a complete overhaul of your bathroom, including a bath/shower replacement, you’ll want to partner with a bathroom remodeling company that can make it happen. Homestead Remodeling proudly offers a range of bathroom remodeling services to homeowners in the Twin Cities community and nearby parts of Minnesota, and we would be happy to help you transform a bathroom in your home. Our dedicated team can help you update virtually any part of your bathroom, including the:

Shower or bathtub
Countertops
Flooring
Lights
And more

So, whatever you’re envisioning for your bathroom upgrade, we can handle it. Not only do we source products from a variety of industry-leading manufacturers, but we work closely with our customers to design and remodel a bathroom that they’ll never want to leave. From the initial consultation to the completed renovation, Homestead Remodeling will guide you through every single step, making the entire process stress-free and enjoyable.

Get Started on Your New Bathroom Today

Now that you have an idea of what to consider when remodeling a bathroom and found the right company to help make it happen, it’s time to get started! If you’re ready to take the first step towards a bathroom renovation, contact Homestead Remodeling today.