Perez Design Build Remodel Blog

Spring Home Maintenance Tip

by Jeremy Michaels

Posted on May 4, 2018 2:08:03 PM

Winter can do a lot of damage to your roof. Spring is the perfect time to make sure your roof is in good shape, before the summer sun does any more damage. Grab a pair of binoculars and check out your shingles to see if any were damaged or lost during the winter. Loose, buckled, or cracked shingles will need to be replaced, as well as any shingles that are missing granules. Also inspect flashing for any damage around skylights, plumbing vents, and chimneys. If it’s time to replace your roof, call Perez DBR for a free roof inspection and consultation.

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How to Hire a Contractor for Residential Design

by Jeremy Michaels

Posted on Aug 11, 2017 11:55:00 AM

Probably one of the most asked questions, and possible daunting feelings, one can have when embarking on home construction. Hopefully this short read will clear some of those grey cloud feelings and give you some clarity and confidence on your next contractor hire.

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Design/Build vs. Architect – Which is Better?

by Jeremy Michaels

Posted on Mar 7, 2017 8:30:00 AM

When you are thinking of renovating your home or building a new one, one of the things that you need to consider is whether to hire a design/build company or a separate architect and builder. While both options have their advantages and disadvantages, hiring a single company is more advantageous than having several companies involved in the project that you have to juggle and try to bridge together.

 

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Do Home Improvements Really Pay Off?

by Jeremy Michaels

Posted on Jan 30, 2017 8:20:00 AM

If you’re considering having your house remodeled, I’m sure you’ve wondered if it will create a drastic change in your home’s value. After all, that’s probably one of the primary reasons you are renovating your home in the first place. Of course there are projects that you take on that are purely for aesthetics and we like to call them the “feel good” projects. However, if your sights are set on selling in the future (and the driving force behind your home remodel), then it’s wise to do a little research to see how your project, or ideas of projects, that increase the value of your home. Two of the most common and well known value-adding projects are kitchen remodels and bathroom remodels. These give you the best opportunity on return of your investment.  Depending on how well the home remodeling was done and the items that you chose to finish it off, your return on investment could actually be up to 100%.

 

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Remodel Your Bath AND Keep Your Sanity

by Jeremy Michaels

Posted on Sep 12, 2016 7:30:00 AM

So you have a big decision in front of you – should you start that long-delayed bath remodel or keep it on the "wish list" a while longer? A lot of people fear the beginning of a project this size because it’s associated with a lot of challenges and turmoil. However, the truth is that you can’t push it away forever and sooner or later you are inevitably going to have to dive in, and it doesn't have to be as daunting as you may think! Here are a few tips to help get your project underway and keep your sanity!

 

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5 Best Exterior Projects for Summer!

by Jeremy Michaels

Posted on Jul 21, 2016 3:45:15 PM

The real estate industry is not what it used to be.  More and more people are deciding to stay in their current house and make improvements rather than sell and upgrade. Others tend to perform renovations and remodel some parts of their home so it will immediately attract the attention of home buyers once they are ready to sell.  If you see yourself in one of these two categories, here are some exterior projects for your home this summer. You will see that simple improvements of roofing, siding, decks, patios, and windows can not only add elegance and sustainability to your house, but it can also increase its market value.

5 Best Exterior Projects

Roofing

In terms of exterior remodeling, roofing is one of the most challenging tasks.  We all know that a solid roof is vital, as it protects your home and family from the elements.  Also, a perfectly installed roof can help regulate the temperate inside the house and lower your energy consumption.  On the other hand, if it is done poorly, it can lead to a long list of repairs.

Normally the cost of roofing is determined by its durability.  Slate and tile would be the most expensive while asphalt is the cheapest.  Another popular choice for homeowners is metal due to its affordable price and reasonable longevity.

Siding

A simple replacement your home's siding can create a dramatic facelift!  It can also increase the insulation and market value of your house once properly installed.  Highly consider the climate in your location when choosing the material for siding.

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The latest in kitchen storage.

by Tracy Cosgrove

Posted on Oct 27, 2015 2:09:07 PM


Often when people come to remodel their kitchen they concentrate on the aesthetic of the cabinets and sometimes neglect the function. I have seen the scenario play out where you remove every pot, pan, dish and groceries from your cabinets to prepare for all new storage and when the  cabinets are installed, and it’s time to put back your stuff there isn’t room for everything. Look beyond the surface when choosing cabinets. Think about how tall cereal boxes are and where you keep them. Consider how you reach for a dish towel when you’re working at the sink or a convenient way to organize that pesky Tupperware.

In kitchen cabinet installations of old leaving space between the top of the cabinets and the ceiling, creating a space that does little than provide a prime opportunity for the unfortunate accumulation of clutter.  Make the most of that space by choosing to extend your new cabinets all the way to the ceiling. The cost isn't that much greater and you'll gain much more cabinet space.

The keyword with storage is: access. Here are some ways to make more room for your stuff in your existing kitchen space:

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Technology in your home.

by Tracy Cosgrove

Posted on Oct 27, 2015 2:03:04 PM


Today, homebuyers are searching for homes that are up to date on the latest tech trends; homes that will enable them to be fully automated and connected to technology. Smart homes are on the rise because they allow residents to control all aspects of the home, including lighting, temperature, home entertainment systems, and security, etc., etc., Below is a list of some todays cutting edge ways to ‘smarten up’ our homes:

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Summertime curb appeal!

by Tracy Cosgrove

Posted on Oct 27, 2015 1:57:16 PM


Once the weather finally breaks, especially in NEPA, most people begin to set their sights outward. As the warm air of summer envelopes us inspiration hits and most people want to make sure the outside of their home showcases some curb appeal. If you follow the few simple steps listed below your home will be ready for warmer weather in no time.

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Revitalize Your Kitchen

by Tracy Cosgrove

Posted on Oct 22, 2015 7:17:15 PM

Sometimes we crave a change, especially in a room we spend so much time in, but we may not necessarily have the dollars to go full steam ahead with an entire remodel. The good news is by doing one or all of the below tips you can give your kitchen a facelift and ultimately transform the space in as short a time as one weekend!

Splash on a fresh coat of paint – One of the cheapest and easiest ways to bring new life to your old kitchen is by changing the color scheme. You can change the color of the entire space or maybe just add a bright bold color to one wall and create an accent wall. It is still so funny to me how afraid of color people are in their space.  In my opinion life is too short for neutral so pick a vibrant version of a color that makes you happy. If you are not sure what that color may be just open up your closet (aside from all the black we are all guilty of) it should jump out at you. You also have the option, though a little more elbow grease may be involved depending on your cabinet finish, but you can always….dare I say….paint your actual cabinets.

Change or add a backsplash – Undeniably one of the biggest trends these days in kitchens is a flashy backsplash. A lot of older kitchens never even had a backsplash installed to begin with so hit your local tile distributor and pick a material i.e. glass, natural stone, etc. whatever you are drawn too and slap it up. It is one of the easiest projects for the DIY type and it can change the entire look of the space.

Clean and De-clutter – A lot of our homes have a spare bedroom that doubles as a home office, or at least a designated office space but where is the clutter? Yea like every home in America it is in the kitchen. Take the time and de-clutter the space, throw out the blender from 1970 that sits on your counter unused collecting dust. If paperwork, magazines and old mail insist on being a part of your kitchen space perhaps organize it by using cute colorful boxes or bins. Kill two birds by hiding the mess and adding a pop of color.

Update your lighting – Lighting can do wonders for an outdated space so think about changing old fluorescent strip lights with a sleek modern fixture or if your ceilings are tall enough replace a simple boxy fixture with an unexpected chandelier that can add sparkle and shine. Another easy addition is to add under the cabinet lights to help brighten the overall space.

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