Arizona Home Remodeling

July 02, 2010

Arizona Home Remodeling

Have you been thinking about tackling a home remodeling project? Does your Arizona ranch house or bungalow cry out for a new porch or pool house? If you answered “yes” to either (or both) of these questions, then it’s time you considered your options in terms of home remodeling.

You might consider tackling a large project, in which you undertake everything from framing the project to pouring the concrete. Or you might just want to start small by refinishing a kitchen or bathroom. The fantastic Arizona weather also allows you to consider remodeling your backyard, making it a more inviting space for springtime barbecues and get-togethers. Whatever you decide, home remodeling projects offer fun and exciting opportunities to breathe new life into your living space.

Home Remodeling Projects: The Basics

When you decide to undertake a large project, the first thing to think about is how you would like to frame the project. Framing represents the first of many steps in your home remodeling project. A building frame defines either an object or a space in your home. The floors, walls, and roof of your house all require framing. Small details too require framing. Doors, windows, fireplaces, skylights, and stairs are all framed.

Once your project is framed, you can decide on finer details, like what type of flooring you’d prefer your remodeled home to have. Once the subfloor is installed, you can decide on whether you want wood, tile, stone, or carpet flooring. Flooring is usually installed right at the end of a home remodeling project. The choices for flooring in your home are numerous: hardwood, bamboo, laminate, linoleum, ceramic tiles, marble floors, carpet, vinyl sheet, rubber, and cork flooring are options for the would-be home remodeler.

Starting Small: Remodeling Bathrooms and Kitchens

But you don't need to remodel your entire home to give it a fresh look. Selective remodeling can go a long way toward giving your entire house fresh appeal. Bathrooms are popular areas to remodel. You can turn your drab bathroom into an elegant home spa. Consider installing plumbing fixtures like large showers with waterfall showerheads or spa tubs with massaging jets. Installing two sinks in your master bathroom will give it a sophisticated look, as will adding soft and flattering lighting.

Kitchens are also prime spots for small remodeling projects. Replace Formica countertops with granite, marble, or limestone counters; or consider installing a walk-in pantry to allow for more storage room. An island installed in the center of your kitchen might provide a new space for preparing food or entertaining guests. Even new flooring can make a big, bold difference in an otherwise boring kitchen. The kitchen is one of the places in a home where floors quickly become dirty. Make sure to take this fact into consideration when deciding on new flooring. Consider also how slippery the flooring is, and how gentle (or tough) it is on your back after standing on it for long periods of time. Hardwood flooring has lots of “give” to it and is therefore easier on your back than harder flooring like tile or stone.

Light Up Your Arizona Home with a Sunroom

And with all the Arizona sun shining through your windows, you might even want to section off a portion of your dining room to create a sun room. A sun room is the perfect way to make your home unique. You can use a sun room to grow exotic plants, or create a relaxing space in which to enjoy a cup of tea or a glass of wine. You can choose from a more traditional conservatory design, or you can update your home with something more modern.

You might also want to consider enclosing your patio and creating a solarium. A solarium creates an open glass environment so you always have an unobstructed view of the outdoors. With a solarium you benefit from the sun’s natural heat and warmth. You can grow flowers and small trees, or you can just luxuriate in the warmth of the sun’s rays.

Whatever you decide, sun rooms and solariums make perfect additions to any Arizona home.

Work Wonders with a Fresh Coat of Paint

Don’t underestimate the magic a new paint job in a bedroom or living room can work. If you don’t want to commit to a home remodeling project that will permanently change the look of your home, then consider painting a select room in your home a new color. You can choose from designer colors with names like “Caviar,” “Bridal Blush,” and “Silver Birch.” And you don’t even need to commit to painting an entire room. Try painting the wainscoting or using stencils to create an interesting border around the top of the walls.

Contact an Arizona Home Remodeling Specialist

Whatever home remodeling project you decide to undertake, rest assured that it will make for a more interesting and comfortable living space. Not only that, but a successfully executed home remodeling project can significantly increase the value of your home. Larger home remodeling projects should not, however, be attempted by a novice. Rather, consider using the services of a reliable Arizona contractor. Only a reliable contractor can ensure your home remodeling project is a stunning success.