Before starting a remodeling project, however, you need to consider how much it will cost and how you will finance the renovation. Fortunately, there are a number of financing options available, regardless of your budget.

How Much Does It Cost to Renovate a Home?

According to industry averages, a home renovation could cost $10 to $60 per square foot, with more extensive work costing upwards of $150 a square foot. If you were to renovate an entire 2,500 square foot house, you could be looking at a minimum of $15,000.

Things like the size of the room, the types of materials selected, any underlying problems, and the extent of the work are significant factors. Cabinetry, custom work, electrical or plumbing services, and appliances will also be expenses to consider.

Inexpensive changes like landscaping, paint, or flooring often start on the low end around $15,000, but choosing to fully remodel a bathroom or kitchen could have you looking at $70,000. Structural alterations or additions often add up to well over $100,000. It all depends on whether you’re doing a small-scale, mid-grade, or upscale remodel.

Get a free consultation with the contractors at Rabiot Excel Ventures:

Schedule Your Consultation

How to Pay for Renovations

Common financing methods for a home remodel include:

• Personal loans issued from a bank, lender, or family member
• Home equity loans, which offer financing based on the current value built up in the home
• Home equity line of credit, which funds multiple draws on a line of credit
• Government financing such as an FHA 203(k) loan or an FHA Title 1 loan
• Credit card purchases for the materials or labor needed
• Cash from a savings or checking account
• Refinancing your current mortgage for a lower rate or using cash-out to access equity funds

Depending on your personal finances, you may be eligible for one or more of these payment options.

What Type of Loan Is Best for Home Improvements?

The best type of loan for a home remodel depends on your unique financial situation and the scope of the project. A personal loan can be great for smaller projects, but may not provide enough money for large-scale renovations. You could also end up paying a higher interest rate than mortgage or home equity loans.

Qualifying for a government loan is beneficial because it is easier to obtain funds without having equity in the home. The rates also tend to be low. A home equity line of credit is another great option as the interest rates are low and you only pay for what you use. This does require home equity for lender approval, however. If you decide to use a credit card, be aware that most have limited funding and higher interest rates. 

Having the cash on hand to pay for a home renovation is usually the best financing option for a homeowner, but this isn’t always practical or possible. That doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t pursue your dream home. With the right planning and a contractor who will be creative in giving you options within your price range, you can create your ideal space.

If you’re considering a home remodel or addition, Rabiot Excel Ventures has experienced contractors who can handle your project from start to finish. We service Southeastern PA, including Berks, Montgomery, Chester, Lehigh, Lancaster and Lebanon Counties. Contact us to discuss your home renovation.

The post How to Finance a Home Renovation appeared first on Rabiot Excel Ventures.

Decide Whether to DIY or Hire a Contractor

Some homeowners are savvy DIYers, while others would rather call in a professional. Only you can decide what is best for your situation, but the scope of the project will be a major factor. A large home remodeling project where there are several rooms involved is probably easier with a contractor. 

In many cases it will save you time and money to hire a contractor. A professional will be able to spot potential issues with a design and work out better alternatives. An experienced residential contractor can also resolve unexpected problems that may arise during the renovation.

Vet Contractors

If you decide to work with a professional remodeler, spend time vetting several options. Here’s a quick checklist to go through:

• Ask family and friends for referrals
• Research home remodelers online and read customer reviews
• Narrow down your list to a few different options and then conduct interviews with each one
• Verify each contractor’s licensing, bonding, and insurance coverage
• Check each remodeler’s background and professional record
• See if the contractor has any professional memberships or designations

It’s important to work with a contractor who is properly licensed and bonded, carries liability insurance to cover any subcontractors that will work on the project, and has a clean record of professional conduct.

Work with a licensed contractor from Rabiot Excel Ventures.

Learn More

Decide on a Budget and Financing Methods

Budget is the most important aspect of any remodel. It determines the scope of the entire project and influences every decision, from the contractor you end up hiring to the materials you use. It’s a good idea to build in a 20% “cushion” in case things end up going over budget. So if you want to spend no more than $10,000, you should set your budget at $8,000.

It’s also a good idea to decide how you will finance the renovation. Are you able to pay in cash, or do you need to take out a personal loan? If you’re working with a contractor, will they work out a payment plan with you? How much money should you put towards a down payment? It’s best to answer these questions before you even get started.

Ask for a Written Contract

Once you’ve selected a remodeler to work with, it’s important to ask for a written contract so that everyone is on the same page about the project. You want to have a guarantee that the renovation will be completed to your satisfaction. This includes an agreed-upon bid price and payment schedule, a timeline, and a change-order clause. 

Work Out a Schedule and Living Arrangements

Take into account what the day-to-day will be like during the renovation. When will the contractor and subcontractors arrive each day, what hours will they work, and when will they leave? Deciding on a schedule ahead of time will help you know what to expect.

Depending on the area of the home that’s being remodeled, you may have to make other living arrangements. Extensive renovations will require you to stay at a hotel or live with relatives or friends. For smaller remodels, you can stick to a different area of the house.

Be Alert, Professional, and Courteous During the Project

Once the renovation starts, you should pay attention to the work that’s being done and speak up right away if you notice any issues or have concerns. Contractors want to make sure you’re satisfied, and it’s easier to fix problems as soon as they occur.

It’s also important to treat the contractor with courtesy and respect, even when things go wrong. This will go a long way towards building a good working relationship.

Do a Final Walk-through

Once the renovation is complete, do your own careful inspection. If you notice any issues, let the contractor know right away and work out a solution. Keep in mind that this is a professional relationship you may continue for years to come. Take note of how the remodeler handles your concerns. This will help you decide if you want to maintain a long-term relationship with the contractor.

Ready to Start a Home Remodel?

Do you want to remodel an area of your home to add more value or create your ideal living space? Rabiot Excel Ventures can handle the project from start to finish. Our residential contractors are licensed, bonded, and insured, and belong to several professional organizations. See what our clients have to say or get in touch with us to start planning your renovation.

The post How to Plan Your Home Remodel from Start to Finish appeared first on Rabiot Excel Ventures.

Finish Your Basement

1. Versatile Space

There are endless ways you can use a finished basement. Many homeowners like to add a full bathroom and use this space as a spare bedroom. Other popular uses include:

• Home Office
• Family/Game Room
• Home Gym
• Hobby Room
• Dining Room/Home Bar

Regardless of how you like to use extra space in your home, a finished basement can help. Its function/utility is only limited by your imagination.

2. Increased Home Value

One of the most enticing benefits of a finished basement is the added value for your home. In fact, this is a benefit with almost any home remodeling project. According to some reports, a finished basement can provide an average of 70% return on investment. In other words, if you spent $15,000 on a finished basement remodel, your home’s appraised value may increase by $10,500. Of course, there are other factors that will influence the value, such as your local real estate market.

The added living space may also attract more interested home buyers than if your basement is unfinished. If you believe resale is in your future, this may be especially appealing to you.

3. Energy Efficiency

A finished basement can help your home become more energy-efficient. In many cases, an unfinished basement with insufficient insulation allows air to escape.

A finished basement’s added layers of insulation and drywall help keep the temperature consistent and reduce the energy needed to heat or cool your home. If you struggle with high energy bills or want to limit your carbon footprint, finishing your home’s basement can help.

4. Storage and Organization

Do you sometimes feel that your available living space is cluttered or disorganized? If so, finishing your basement may be the solution. This space provides additional storage space for holiday decorations, toys, exercise equipment, and more. With smart storage solutions like cabinets or built-in shelving, a finished basement lets you store items safely and securely.

5. Added Income

If you are interested in earning some additional income, a finished basement can help. Turning this space into a spare bedroom with a full bathroom and kitchen or kitchenette can allow you to rent out this space to tenants or short-term renters.

If you are interested in this option, make sure that you work with a trustworthy contractor. Communicate your vision for this space and consider their professional input and recommendations.

From added value to additional living space, there are many benefits of a finished basement for homeowners. If you own a home in Eastern Pennsylvania and want to finish your basement, Rabiot Excel Ventures can help. Our team has decades of experience helping people transform their homes into the spaces they’ve always wanted. If you are interested in learning more, contact our team and start upgrading your basement today!

The post 5 Benefits of a Finished Basement for Homeowners appeared first on Rabiot Excel Ventures.

However, before you start your finished basement project, it is recommended to have an idea of how you would like to use it. Doing so will help you design and build the perfect space for you and your family’s needs. Here are a few creative ways of how you can use a finished basement in your home.

Guest Room

When family and friends come to stay at your home, it’s nice to be able to offer them their own quiet space, and your guests likely appreciate it. A finished basement can provide a great amount of privacy and may be the perfect place to put a guest bedroom. If plumbing is available to add a bathroom, you can offer your visitors a comfortable guest suite.

Downstairs Apartment

Along with an extra bedroom, you could create an entire downstairs apartment. This is a great way of adding extra living space for your family without the trouble and expense of building an addition to your home. Or you could rent out the space and make a little extra cash.

Home Theater

If you enjoy watching movies or the big game with family and friends, take advantage of a finished basement by putting in a home theater. Recessed lighting on a dimmer switch is perfect to recreate that movie theater ambience. Your home theater can be as simple or as elaborate as you want; just be sure the seating is comfortable, and the screen is large enough for everyone to see.

Basement Bar

If you want to maximize the entertainment potential of your finished basement, put in a fully stocked bar. This is one of the most popular uses for finished basements by homeowners. This is a versatile addition which can be paired with other items and accessories.

Game Room

Enjoy playing card or board games during get-togethers with friends and family? Use your finished basement as a game room. Add some comfortable furniture and a television and speaker set if your children enjoy playing video games with their friends.

Children’s Playroom

If you have younger children, a finished basement is a great space to be used as a playroom. The extra space makes it great for storing toys, playhouses, games, etc. As your children get older, this space can always be repurposed for a variety of uses.

Home Gym

Find it hard to find the time or money to go to the gym on a regular basis? Bring the gym home to you. Another popular use of finished basements is as a home gym. This option gives you the ability to add the equipment you plan to use on a weekly basis while potentially saving space for other uses.

When it comes to renovating your home, there are several reasons to consider finishing your basement. If you are interested in adding more living space to your home with a finished basement, contact Rabiot Excel Ventures today. Set up an appointment with our expert team to see how we can help create your dream space.

The post 7 Creative Ways of Using a Finished Basement in Your Home appeared first on Rabiot Excel Ventures.

Before you jump into a remodel yourself or hire a contractor, there are five important details to keep in mind.

1.Your Home Renovation Project Budget

One of the most important details to consider is your budget. It’s essential to know how much you can afford to spend on a renovation project. Having a budget will inform you of whether you have the funds to create your new space.

If you hire a contractor make sure you have a clear understanding of all project costs including materials and labor.

2. The Space You Have Available

Before starting a project, you need to consider whether you have enough space. For example, if you have large-scale plans for a finished basement, like a guest suite or a home theater, you’ll need accurate measurements of the length, width, and height of the space. You’ll also need to consider any laws regarding fire safety for bedrooms within a finished basement.

If you’re unsure of how to gauge your space and whether it fits your goals, consult a home renovation expert.

3. Design Style

When renovating a section of your home, you have to consider the overall design of your home. Here are some questions you should consider when designing:

• Do you want the renovation to match the rest of the home?
• Is it okay if the renovation stands out?

So, if your home has a rustic, traditional aesthetic, building a contemporary room may make the space awkwardly stand out. We recommend homeowners create the unique living spaces they want. Still, it’s important to know a non-traditional space may not increase the value of the home.

4. The Time of Year

Certain projects like finished basements, updated kitchens, and other indoor renovations can be completed any time of year. However, if you are interested in adding a deck or other outdoor space, you will need to consider the weather. We recommend that you plan to create your outdoor space during the warmer spring months. This will prevent your project from being delayed by cold weather.

5. DIY Home Renovation Project or Go with a Pro

We understand the satisfaction that comes from DIY Home Renovation. Before deciding to go all in on DIY home renovations, here are two important questions to consider:

• Do you have the knowledge to complete the project?
• Do you have the necessary tools?

We find the answer to these two questions typically determines whether you can do a job on your own, or if you need professional help. That’s the advantage of hiring home remodeling professionals, they arrive with the knowledge and tools, ready to work. 

Professionals have the experience and skills necessary to help you bring your dream space to life within your desired timeframe. A professional will know the ideal materials to use so you and your family can enjoy the newly renovated space for years to come.

If you are interested in renovating your basement, kitchen, or bathroom, Rabiot Excel Ventures would love to hear about your project. Our team has extensive experience helping homeowners create their dream spaces, both indoors and outdoors.

If you are interested in renovating your basement, kitchen, bathroom, etc., consider the services of Rabiot Excel Ventures . Our team has extensive experience helping homeowners create their dream spaces, both indoors and outdoors. Fill out a contact form or call our office at (610) 546-7633 to learn how we can help you with your project.

The post 5 Tips Before Starting a Home Renovation Project appeared first on Rabiot Excel Ventures.

One way that you can increase the value of your home is with strategic renovations to key parts of your home. Doing so will not only add value to your home, it will beautify your space to make it more appealing to future buyers. Here are a few value-add renovation projects to consider for your home.

Upgrade Your Kitchen

The kitchen is one of the most important rooms in a home. This space should be functional and warm. Between cooking, hosting, and entertaining, you’re going to spend a lot of time in this room.

If your kitchen is worn or outdated, consider renovating to create an open space with modern appliances, handsome cabinets, and warm lighting. This will go a long way toward adding value to your home.

With a large-scale renovation of your kitchen, it is recommended that you work with a professional. This will help maximize the functionality and durability of your new kitchen while getting the highest return for your investment.

Beautify or Add Bathrooms

Much like the kitchen, bathrooms are incredibly important (and impactful) in the eyes of potential home buyers. Over time, bathrooms inevitably accrue wear and tear and show their age.

Adding new bathrooms to your home or renovating your existing ones is another great way to increase your home’s value. Invest in a new shower and consider replacing the flooring or sink to improve the room’s aesthetic.

Create a Home Office

With telecommuting becoming more popular, having a home office can be a huge perk. Convert an unused bedroom, your basement or a small nook into an office space. Adding an extra phone line, data port, and grounded outlets will make your office professional and ready for any of your daily work tasks.

Landscape for Curb Appeal

The first thing a future buyer will see is the exterior of your home. If the lawn, driveway, and entryway aren’t up to par, they may move along and keep looking.

Proactively address this issue by investing time and energy into the exterior of your home. Spruce up your garden or add vegetation. Consider adding a deck or patio. Maintain the driveway and make sure your home’s paint is fresh. These chores will go a long way to ensuring that your home is visually pleasing and inviting.

Light It Up

Lighting can make a huge difference in not only opening up a room but also improving your mood. If you notice that the rooms in your house tend to be dark, there are a few options. You can knock out walls to have a more open room, change the paint color or even add skylights. Natural light is a big plus on the real estate market and anything you can do to improve your home’s lighting will help your bottom line.

If you believe your home could use some renovation, any one of these projects will help you increase your home’s beauty and value. Whether you’re thinking of a kitchen upgrade or adding a brand-new deck, Rabiot Excel Ventures can help you create your vision. Contact us today to learn more and set up an appointment with our team.

The post 5 Renovation Projects That Add Value to Your Home appeared first on Rabiot Excel Ventures.

An Egress window serves as an emergency exit from the basement as well as an entry for firefighters and emergency medical personnel. The size and shape of this window are governed by state and local law as well as international building code guidelines.

What Is An Egress Window?

An Egress window must be large enough to provide an exit from a room in case of fire or another emergency. The required size and shape of this window is determined by the International Residential Code (IRC). Some jurisdictions may have additional Egress window requirements as part of their building code.

In general, an Egress window:

• Is not higher than 44 inches above the floor.
• Has an opening of at least 5.7 square feet.
• Has a window well with a horizontal projection of at least 36 inches if below ground level.
• Has a permanently attached ladder if the window well is deeper than 44 inches.
• Can be opened from the inside without keys or special tools, even if bars or grates are installed.

Other measurements vary depending on the square footage of the room where the Egress window will be installed. The opening must measure at least 4 percent of the room’s square footage, with a glass area of at least 8 percent of the square footage. For example, a 300-square-foot basement bedroom would need an Egress window with an opening of at least 12 square feet and a glass area of at least 24 square feet. This guideline is designed to maximize natural light and ventilation.

Many homeowners opt for casement windows when remodeling their home’s basement. This style can be configured to meet these requirements and opens with hinged sashes that create a clear space through which to exit.

Do I Need an Egress Window in My Basement?

In most cases, the answer is yes. A finished basement project must incorporate an Egress window if any portion of the space will be used as a bedroom, or if you are creating another habitable space (a family room, for example) that does not already have an Egress window or a door. If the basement will be divided into several rooms, each bedroom and/or habitable space must have a separate Egress window.

Even if your basement already has windows, they may not meet current Egress window requirements. The IRC was revised in 2006; previously, the required opening was 5 square feet, not 5.7 square feet.

In several cases, if a window is placed underneath a deck or porch, it must have a clearance of at least 48 inches between the top of the window and bottom of the structure. It should be clearly visible from the outside, should it ever need to be accessed in an emergency.

While this directive is based on current code requirements, your local municipality may have additional requirements. Every project is unique and takes the homeowner’s needs into account. It is recommended that you seek the advice of a professional whenever possible.

Call Rabiot Excel Ventures

Along with being a requirement, a basement Egress window is also a great way to add to the overall style of the home. With the right design and installation, it can look great and bring in substantial natural light into your finished basement.

Interested in finishing your home’s basement? Speak with the home improvement professionals at Rabiot Excel Ventures. Our expert team has years of experience remodeling basements and installing Egress windows. Let us help you create the basement you’ve always wanted.

The post Finishing Your Basement? Understand Egress Window Requirements appeared first on Rabiot Excel Ventures.