Blog | Finnteriors

June 8, 2020 by finnteriors

3 Ways to Make Room for Your Aging Parents

Our parents have always been there for us growing up. As they age, it’s time for their children to do the same for them. However, helping your parents as they get older can be quite a responsibility. Some aging parents have medical conditions while others don’t want to lose their homes or independence.

The U.S. Census Bureau reports that over the next few decades, there will be over 83 million people aged 65 and older – double how many there are now. As the Baby Boomer generation ages, they will need more support and care from their family and health care providers.

Having your parents move in with you can save everyone money compared to the cost of a nursing home or assisted living facility. It can also give your parents some of the freedom and independence they need to thrive in this next phase of life. These new changes will require thorough planning and some honest conversations.

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Home Renovations for Aging Parents

Sharing your home with your parents allows them to maintain independence while getting the support they need. Multi-generational households can be difficult to navigate at times, especially when you or your parents are used to a certain level of privacy and autonomy.

If you’re considering inviting your parents to move in, there are some options to give everyone privacy while still being supportive.

1. Add an In-Law Unit

If you have the space, it could be worth looking into adding an in-law cottage with a fully functioning kitchen, bath, and private entrance. This is an appealing option for aging parents who wish to maintain as much independence as possible while being close to family. A reputable contractor can help you design a space that works for your family.

2. Upgrade a Guest Room

Adding a few features to a guest bedroom can go a long way toward increased privacy. A kitchenette means your parents can relax in their own space and avoid the main kitchen during busy mornings. Extra space for a table, chairs, and small sofa can also make the room feel more like their own apartment. You may also need to add or remodel an adjacent bathroom.

3. Remodel the Basement

Creating a bedroom, living area, and kitchen in the basement is another good space to house your parents. A finished basement must be designed with the needs of the aging parents in mind. If someone uses a wheelchair or walker, the doors should be at least 3 ft wide. Access to ground level is also important for aging parents.

Considerations for Current and Future Conditions

Your parent’s current and future needs must be considered when designing your home. The American Disabilities Act has helpful guidelines to address the needs of loved ones who need extra space for better access and mobility. Features that each designated space for your parents should have include:

Interior Mobility

Low-pile carpet for easier wheelchair navigation
Light paint colors for a brighter space to maximize vision
Lots of natural light
Double doors for easier access
Raise electrical outlets higher off the ground to minimize the need to bend down
No steps or flooring that can cause an injury
Replace doorknobs with lever handles or add doorknob grips.

Bathroom Additions

Walk-in showers with grab bars and a built-in bench
Step-in tub with a door for easy entrance and exit
Hand-held showerhead
A niche to hold soap and shampoo at a level that can be easily reached
Lever-style faucet handles to better operation of sink and shower
Chair-height commode with a lever flush mechanism
Higher countertops

Kitchen Upgrades

Light-colored cabinets, appliances, and countertops
Electric stove for safety
Acrylic or plastic dishware
Cabinets and drawers should be fitted with levers or pulls rather than knobs.

Lighting

Install flat wide rocker switches and dimmers to feel and operate.
Make light switches accessible by placing them no higher than 48 inches.
Lamps and desk lighting should be controlled by wall switches.
Install recessed lighting to provide plenty of artificial light with minimal glare.
Light dark pathways or countertop areas with easy to install rope lighting.

Let’s Start Planning

Making room for aging parents is no easy undertaking. It requires patience and planning. At Finnteriors, we have knowledgeable contractors who can design and remodel a space for your parents that they can enjoy. We’ll add important features to make sure they can get around with no problems. Contact us today if you need to add to or remodel your home to make room for your parents.

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May 25, 2020 by finnteriors

5 Cost-Effective Kitchen Upgrades that Give the Best ROI

A functional kitchen is just important as an aesthetically pleasing one. Many homeowners will eventually renovate their kitchen to prepare to sell or just give it much needed updates to continue enjoying meals with family and friends. Some kitchen remodeling ideas can add real value to a home. Before deciding on any changes, it’s helpful to know which upgrades offer a good return on investment, or ROI.

Choose remodeling ideas that make financial sense without breaking the budget. The idea is to create a kitchen that is functional, with an affordable budget, while also ensuring a good ROI. It's not necessary to tear up the entire kitchen and start from scratch. Minor changes will reap benefits too.

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Affordable Kitchen Upgrades that Boost Returns

The right changes made to a kitchen depends on what’s going on in a neighborhood. Real estate agents can offer expert advice on what the new kitchen standards are in the community and how much of the cost will be recouped. Not every kitchen remodeling idea gives a good return, so choose design elements carefully.

The biggest factor affecting the ROI of a kitchen renovation is the kitchen design itself. For example, redoing a poorly designed kitchen without improving its design could have very little ROI. Or creating a new design that does not fit in the space might lower the value of the home.

1. New Kitchen Design

This would be considered a major kitchen remodel. One of the biggest factors affecting the ROI of a kitchen upgrade is the layout. It must fit and work well in the existing space.

Design ideas can include removing a wall for more open space, rearranging the layout to improve functionality, or adding an island for additional preparation and storage space. Finishing touches that pair nicely with a new kitchen design would be a new paint color and upgraded lighting. Finnteriors is an experienced home remodeling contractor that can assist with the design that works best for the home.

2. Energy-Efficient Appliances

Fancy and expensive kitchen appliances are not always the simplest to use. Invest in energy-efficient appliances that are easy to use and favorable for the ROI. Plus, they will save on energy costs. Appliances should be the same color and finish. Only buy the products that blend in well with the existing kitchen.

Another kitchen remodel option is to build the refrigerator into the cabinetry. This provides a custom upscale look. The space required and features will determine the type of refrigerator needed.

3. New Kitchen Cabinetry

Cabinets are one of the most important elements in a kitchen. There’s always the option of repainting or resurfacing old cabinets with the addition of new hardware to make them look new again. If kitchen cabinets are dull and worn out, new cabinets will greatly affect the ROI. Another good remodeling investment is upgrading to soft-close cabinet hinges and drawers.

4. Countertops and Backsplash

Updating the countertops can drastically change the look of a kitchen. The most popular materials for countertops are granite and marble. There are other economical alternatives such as quartz and laminate that offer numerous design choices.

Depending on the layout and design of the kitchen, the sink should be swapped out too. A complimentary backsplash would go well with the new countertops. There are many affordable options.

Flooring

Flooring is another great reason to remodel a kitchen. Kitchens get a lot of foot traffic, so the flooring gets worn out quickly. Investing in the right flooring would help with your ROI. Vinyl flooring is a great choice. It is affordable, low maintenance, and easy to clean. Other viable options include concrete and tile which can recoup up to 70 percent of the costs.

About Finnteriors

Finnteriors has been remodeling St. Louis area homes for over 20 years. They have experienced and knowledgeable professionals who can guide homeowners in redesigning spaces. Kitchens, bathrooms, or basements can be renovated within budget.

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May 6, 2020 by finnteriors

6 Biggest Remodeling Regrets and How to Avoid Them

Remodeling or updating any room in your home is no easy task. There are so many components to consider and ponder. How much should you spend? What type of materials should be used? What’s the best layout? Is my design functional? Which contractor should you use? You must know what you need and want.

A well thought out plan along with some professional assistance is just the beginning of the process. There will always be some rough patches along the way such as late deliveries or mis-measured materials. Some homeowners, however, wish they could remodel their space all over again.

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The Most Common Remodeling Regrets

Taking the time to plan, budget and thoroughly research for a remodeling project can help homeowners avoid costly mistakes and have fewer regrets.

1. Going with the Lowest Bid

Placing to much focus on costs and affordability of a remodeling project can lead to poor quality work. This happens when homeowners try to keep costs down to the bare minimum. The lowest quote doesn’t mean you’ll get the best work. You may end up having to fix mistakes or re-do some of the projects.

Do your due diligence in researching remodeling companies. Get quotes from at least three contractors and compare them in detail. Check exactly what the quote covers. Beware of the fine-print details that come along with a discounted price. Before making a final decision, ask each contractor for photos and references from previous customers and projects.

2. Not Having A Detailed Budget

Having a detailed budget is important. Underestimating the cost of a remodeling contract can result in an unfinished project. Homeowners who don’t budget properly are at risk of running out of money before the project is completed. The contractor should provide a detailed scope of the work to be done, materials needed, and plan to the homeowner before any agreement is signed.

A reasonable budget that is communicated with the contractor and supported by an agreement can help keep costs under control. Always include a 10% to 20% buffer in your budget for unexpected costs.

3. Not Researching Materials

Research different material options to help in choosing which is most suitable for your remodeling project. The choice of materials also plays a role in the functionality of your home. Information on materials should include:

Price
Colors
Finishes
Durability
Sustainability

Once you’ve done your research, share the information with the contractor. The materials you choose should be durable for your lifestyle and the occupants in your home. With more knowledge on material options, both you and the contractor can better decide on what works best for the remodeling project.

4. Letting the Contractor Make All the Decisions

When decisions need to be made, the homeowners should always be consulted. It’s easy to defer decisions to the contractor, but if you are not happy with the results, you are not blameless. It’s not advisable to go on vacation during a remodeling project. You should also be present at the beginning or end of a remodeling project.

5. Non-specific or Vague Plans

Sharing a clear vision of the room you want to be remodeled with your contractor is key to getting a detailed plan and drawing. If you don’t have a clear plan, you’ll constantly change your mind which costs time and money. Miscommunication can be avoided if the homeowner has a detailed written plan and expectations that are well articulated to the contractor.

Many homeowners find their remodel project heading way off-track because they haven’t clearly specified their goals. They envision one thing, while their contractor envisions something entirely different. Become familiar with the proper terminology for the looks and finishes you want. This can help you accurately communicate your wishes to your contractor.

6. Not Soliciting Professional Advice

It is wise to consult an architect, designer, or lighting expert to help with planning and material selection. These professionals know about the best materials, organization, and gadgets to make your new space the best it can be. Following trends that you see in magazines or on Pinterest is not always the best option.

Your needs, personal taste, and functionality should be considered when planning for a remodeling project. Hiring a designer prevents you from making style gaffes and can also point out solutions that you might not otherwise have considered. This can save time and money in the long run.

Ready for A Remodel?

If you’re ready to transform or upgrade your home, Finnteriors has the experience and knowledge to give you the space you’ve always dreamed of. Whether it’s a bathroom or kitchen that needs renovating, or an addition to your home. we’re here to help bring your vision to life. Contact us today for a free consultation.

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April 22, 2020 by finnteriors

Why Hire a Licensed Contractor?

Many things can go wrong during a construction project. From injuries and poor workmanship to the destruction of property. A licensed contractor and their insurance carriers are the primary payers in the event something goes awry on the job.

If the contractor hired to complete the job is not licensed and insured, the homeowner is responsible for any issues. A standard homeowner’s insurance or landlord liability insurance isn't going to cover these events. Most of these policies exempt damage caused by the knowing use of illegal or unlicensed contractors.

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5 Benefits to Hiring a Licensed Contractor

Before a contractor can take on any remodeling projects legally, he or she must have a license. Several regulations and rules are put in place to obtain a contractor license. These requirements vary by state and city. Once a contractor is licensed, the state's licensing board will ensure that the regulations are followed or else the license can be revoked.

Licensed contractors can perform a variety of work. Much time, money, and stress are saved when a licensed contractor is hired for the project versus an unlicensed contractor.

1. Training and Experience

Licensed contractors have completed testing and training to ensure clients receive quality service and excellent workmanship. To obtain a license, some states require contractors to demonstrate various levels of competency through training, on-the-job experience, and standardized testing.

Licenses sometimes must be renewed depending on the state’s regulations. Reputable licensed contractors will include their license number in signage and business cards. If a contractor refuses to disclose their license number, consider that as a red flag. Due diligence is important for homeowners. There are state licensing websites to verify if a contractor is licensed to do work in that state.

2. Insurance

In addition to having licenses, good contractors have insurance that benefits the homeowner and protects themselves. If the property was damaged during the remodeling process, the contractor’s insurance would help offset any damages. Insurance coverage protects the homeowner from financial consequences if something goes wrong. Choose a contractor who has general liability insurance along with workers' compensation insurance.

The contractor has the overall responsibility for legal compliance, safety, quality of workmanship, and just about everything else that happens on the job site. Some tasks are handed off to subcontractors which adds to the liability. States generally won't even issue a contractor's license if the minimum level of insurance isn't in place.

3. Established Relationships

Access to specialized information and resources is gained when a licensed contractor is hired. Licensed contractors have established relationships with very reliable sub-contractors for specific services such as plumbing or electrical needs. By hiring a contractor with these relationships, the remodeling project should be completed on time and high standards are maintained throughout the job.

4. Knowledgeable about Legal Issues

Licensed contractors must adhere to building codes and regulations. A reputable contractor will make sure all city ordinances and safety requirements are followed. Inspections should go smoothly knowing that the contractor hired for the job complied with all regulations. This will also help sell a home. Potential buyers can ask to see the necessary permits for verification. If the contractor was not licensed, the buyer won’t receive anything.

5. Peace of Mind

With a licensed contractor, homeowners can rest assured knowing the future addition of the home is in good hands. A licensed contractor will ensure the remodeling project is completed on time, within budget, and according to the customer’s specifications. The contractors at Finnteriors will take responsibility for any issues that arise.

About Finnteriors

For over 20 years, Finnteriors has provided quality general contracting services for the St. Louis area. Specialties include kitchen, bathroom, and basement remodeling. Their team of contractors can make a homeowner's biggest investment more valuable over time. Finnteriors has many national and international accreditations to show a high level of commitment to learning and implementing best practices.

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April 10, 2020 by finnteriors

6 Reasons to Add a Deck or Patio Now

We all can agree that our normal work and school routines have been disrupted due to the pandemic caused by the COVID-19 virus. A silver lining to this disruption is that it has provided us with more time with family due to the stay at home order in place. With warmer weather arriving, a good way to spend that time is outdoors on your patio or deck.

If you don’t have a deck or patio, don’t worry. A construction professional Finnteriors can still add one to your home even during the pandemic. The construction and home remodeling industry is an essential business during the crisis. Homes and buildings need repairs and projects in progress must be completed.

Contractors can give estimates and consultations through video calls and emails. No face-to-face contact is necessary to get the job done. All of the guidelines from local health officials and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) can be followed during the deck project.

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Why You Should Add a Deck or Patio

One popular trend in home construction today is outdoor living. Homeowners want to expand their living spaces for various needs. Adding a deck or patio is a great way to get the outdoor living space you want. Here are a few reasons you should add one of these structures to your home.

1. Adds Value. Additions or remodels should have some value that you can recoup. Wood decks offer a bigger return on investment according to Remodeling Magazine’s Cost vs Value report. If you’ll be selling your home in a few years, adding a deck would be a low-risk solution to add value to your home.

2. Entertainment Space. Birthday parties and get-togethers now have a functional space for family and friends to celebrate with each other. An outdoor grill or bar can be added to enhance the space. Cleanup will be easier if spills occur.

3. Outdoor Enjoyment. Homeowners can look forward to a place to escape the busyness of life. A deck or patio allows families to enjoy simple things outdoors such as reading a book, listening to the birds, playing some music, or doing some yoga. The feeling of nature creates a peaceful oasis right outside your home. Your family can still follow the stay at home order while enjoying each other’s company outdoors.

4. Increases Living Space. Adding a deck to your home is almost like adding another room. It serves as an extra living space that can be used for work or play.

5. Adds Functionality. There are a variety of deck and patio options that can meet your needs. You can use your deck as an outdoor office, a play area for the kids, or an outside dining area. The possibilities are endless.

6. Improves Aesthetics. The appearance of a finished wood deck is a great visual that will have the neighbors talking. A deck or patio can beautify a home just as well as a manicured lawn.

Considerations Before Adding a Deck or Patio

With warmer temperatures finally arriving, the desire to be outdoors is stronger than ever. Be sure to choose a reputable construction professional to build your deck or patio while considering the following factors:

Budget. The cost of building a deck depends on the size, design, and building materials.

Location. The size of your property usually determines where a deck or patio will be built. The location for a deck can be decided by the proximity to your house, sun, and shade, or view.

Purpose/Function. Homeowners must know why they want a deck and what purpose will it serve. Will it be used specifically for outdoor dining or for occasional entertaining?

Decking Materials. Wood is the most popular decking material homeowners choose, but it isn’t the only material available. Other materials include composite, aluminum, or pressure-treated woods.

Design and Shape. A well-designed deck should complement the architectural components of your home. It should also coordinate with the surrounding landscape.

Accessories. If you’ll be using your deck or patio in the evening, lighting is a useful addition. A built-in storage bench can serve as seating and for keeping supplies, patio cushions or outdoor toys protected from the weather.

Get Ready to Enjoy the Outdoors

A deck or patio is an excellent addition to any home. At Finnteriors, our team of experienced deck contractors provides designs, installations, and repairs. We offer affordable quality work and outstanding customer service. If you’re ready to add to your living space, contact Finnteriors today for a free estimate.

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