Categories Blog, Tips

6 Ways to Transform Your Attic Space

Although attics are commonly associated with storage, at McDonald Contracting, we believe that attics hold much more potential. Attics can be converted into functional spaces that suit your needs without increasing the square footage of your home. 

Continue reading to explore creative ways to reimagine your attic with us — turning it into a space of functionality and style. (Check out our previous attic projects!)

  1. Dream Closet:

Is your closet bursting at the seams? Consider converting your attic into a second closet. Clean up the space, install racks for shoes and clothing, add a full-length mirror, shelves for accessories, and your preferred lighting. With thoughtful organization, you can create a spacious and stylish dream closet that makes getting ready a joy.

  1. Home Office:

Need a quiet place to focus? Turn your attic into a peaceful home office. Revamp the walls with calming colors, add warm lighting fixtures, and set up a sturdy desk with a comfortable chair. In addition, consider including storage solutions to keep your workspace clutter-free. Your quiet attic will become the perfect zone for concentration and productivity, away from household distractions.

  1. Playroom:

Give your kids their own space by transforming the attic into a vibrant playroom. Add plenty of  lights, paint the walls in fun and energetic colors, and incorporate your child’s favorite toys. As your kiddos grow, the attic can evolve into a study space or hangout area to suit their changing needs.

  1. Entertainment Room:

Turn your attic into a lively entertainment space for family and friends. Install quality speakers, colorful LED lights, and set the stage for karaoke nights. Consider comfortable seating for spectators and a designated area for the performer. Your attic will become the go-to spot to unleash your inner rockstar, creating unforgettable moments with loved ones.

  1. Library:

Promote a love for reading by creating a family library in your attic. Paint the walls in light, calming colors, add built-in or freestanding bookshelves, comfortable chairs, and soft lighting. Organize books by genre or family member’s preferences. Transform your empty attic into a sanctuary that fosters learning and creativity, providing a cozy retreat for quiet reading sessions.

  1. Extra Bedroom:

Lastly, attics can be converted into a spare bedroom. By adding insulation, maximizing ambient light through strategic windows or skylights, choosing flooring that aligns with your design vision, and placing furniture that seamlessly blends form and function, with built-in storage solutions. You can create an inviting atmosphere with your personal touch. 

With a bit of imagination, your attic can become the most versatile and cherished space in your home. Our team of experienced staff at McDonald Contracting is always ready to help you transform your attic into your dream space!

 

Categories Blog, Tips

What Questions Should You Ask Your General Contractor?

Embarking on a home renovation or construction project is an exciting time filled with anticipation. However, choosing the right general contractor to bring your vision to life is a decision that requires careful consideration. Not sure where to start? Here are some sample questions you can ask us! 

  • Can you provide references from past clients and examples of similar projects you’ve completed?
  • How do you handle project timelines, and what is your typical approach to scheduling and managing subcontractors?
  • What is your process for handling unexpected changes or issues that may arise during the project? How is your communication with your clients when you experience changes?
  • Can you provide a breakdown of the estimated costs for labor, materials, and any additional fees or charges?
  • What type of insurance coverage do you have, including liability and worker’s compensation, and can you provide proof of insurance?

Here at McDonald Contracting, we take pride in connecting and working alongside each of our clients. We strive for excellence in client communication and look forward to working with you! Let us know if you have any questions.

Thanks, Ed

Categories Blog, Recent Work, Tips

6 Ways to Keep Your House Warmer This Winter

Winter weather is right around the corner! With the upcoming drop in temperatures, it is essential to ensure your home is ready for the winter and your heating systems are prepared for a chilly winter. At McDonald Contracting, we want to make sure you have an stress-free and warm holiday season. So, take this as your PSA to make sure to prep your home for the colder months ahead. Concerned you don’t have time? Our UpKeep Maintenance Services were designed to ensure your home is maintained for every season of the year.

Check out our tips on how to keep your home warmer during the winter –

  • Adjust Your Furniture

    • A task as simple as rearranging furniture that blocks air vents and radiators guarantees a warmer home. Air will circulate freely throughout your home, guaranteeing a more efficiently heated home.

  • Close Your Fireplace 

    • Although a working wood-burning fireplace adds to a cozy, winter household aesthetic, the chimney chu is a direct route for warm air to escape your home. Think about closing and sealing your fireplace to keep the warm air in and the cold air out! Not sure how to do this? Our team at UpKeep can help.

  • Clean Your Vents

    • A quick clean of your exterior furnace vents will not only increase your energy efficiency, but it will also mitigate dust accumulation! Properly filtered, warm air is a must during the winter, and our Upkeep maintenance services include cleaning your exterior furnace vent.

  • Service Your Heating Unit 

    • A general service of your heating system is a great way to keep your house warm this winter. If your heating system isn’t running to its fullest potential, that cozy indoor warmth during the colder months may be just out of reach. Unsure how to service your heating system?

      • Part of our UpKeep services includes an annual service of your heating unit. We will change filters and supply essential maintenance of the exterior condenser and interior furnace.

  • Adjust Your Ceiling Fan Switch

    • A simple reset of your ceiling fans to spin clockwise at the lowest speed is optimal for heat circulation. This quick switch will ensure the maximum value for your home’s heating system.

 

Winter should be filled with hot chocolate, sledding, and time spent with friends and family! Consider some tips above to ensure a cozy and warm home for the holiday season. Interested in our Home Maintenance Upkeep services too? Click here to learn more.