Tips Archives - Page 7 of 8 - McDonald Contracting

Blog, Tips

3 Ways To Add Value To Your Floor Plan

8Aug2016

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Curious as to which home remodeling projects are the best if you’re looking for a solid return on investment?

Here are 3 fairly easy projects that will help ensure your home will be worth more come selling day!

1. Flex Rooms: First off what is it?! A Flex room is essentially a space that can be easily changed or used for a number of functions, also known as “several options within the same square footage.” One month it could be used as an office, and the next, it could be transformed into an elegant game room or spare bedroom (If you live in a smaller home, flex rooms can come in handy). Our favorite is The Guest-Friendly Living Room… Try incorporating a couch that doubles as a fold-out bed in your home office room, so you can create three different spaces as needed!

2. Mother-in-law Apartments: We know what you’re thinking…but these “accessory dwelling units” are perfect for extra space and rooms for additional family members. ADUs can either be attached to the original house, or detached, which may be an additional building outside. Converting a garage into a separate living space could cost as little as $40k, while building a detached structure tends to be more expensive, with costs that could be upwards of $150k.
Whether you’re housing an elderly relative, a recent grad, or out-of-town visitors, an accessory dwelling unit can be a real asset!

3. Upstairs Laundry Room: Time to stop lugging laundry up and down the stairs! An upstairs laundry room option is the perfect solution to get rid of smelly laundry baskets and hampers in your bedrooms. Being able to put your dirty clothes quickly in the washing machine is a HUGE plus, and besides, now there’s more room for storage in the basement. This additional room doesn’t need to be big and sometimes it can even be paired with a half bathroom.

Thanks for reading,
-The Team at McDonald Contracting | www.McDonaldContractingMA.com[/vc_column_text][vc_separator][vc_pinterest][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Blog, Tips

Wood vs. Composite decks: Which is better for you?

19May2016

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator][vc_column_text]As the summer approaches, our team will begin working on numerous deck projects. The process of designing & building a deck involves many decisions including design, location, size, and what materials will be used. During this process, we get a lot of questions about what materials to use and if composite or wood is the best option. To determine which type of deck will work best for your lifestyle and budget we’re breaking down the two main components of each: cost and upkeep.

Composite Deck:

composite deck

What’s in it: Composite boards consist of some type of plastic material, such as polyethylene and/or polyvinyl chloride, and wood particles.
Two options: Hollow and solid.
- Hollow boards are cheaper than solid boards however, they’re not as sturdy and can also hold water internally, resulting in warping and decomposition.
- Solid boards expand and contract more than hollow boards, but the big plus is, they’re stronger and tend to look more like real wood.
Pricing: In most cases, a composite deck will cost more than a wood deck but over time the price of a composite deck would be less than due to minimal upkeep.
Overview: Composite is more expensive than wood but provides little upkeep.

Wood Deck:

What’s in it: Most decks are made out of treated lumber with wood types ranging from pine to mahogany.
Pricing: Pricing can range drastically depending on the type of wood you decide to go with.
- Southern Pine, one of the most popular options, is sturdy but is also known to warp easily, requiring more maintenance.
- Cedar, a beautiful wood with an amazing smell, is more resistant to rot but breaks down when exposed to moist conditions.
- Mahogany, a higher grade wood, is very hard, extremely durable and attractive in appearance with few flaws. Ages extremely well with little to no maintenance. Check out the recent mahogany deck we just built to see how gorgeous this wood truly is.
Overview: If you love the look of natural wood then we suggest using a high quality wood, such as mahogany, this will ensure for a high-quality deck with less upkeep. Lower quality woods will require maintenance on a yearly basis.

We hope you found these comparisons helpful. At the end of the day it’s really up to the homeowner to decide which option is best, as both have pros and cons. We suggest to think about your long-term plan and how much up-keep you want in the future.[/vc_column_text][vc_separator][vc_column_text]Thanks – The McDonald Contracting Team

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Blog, Tips

Bathroom Upgrades That Are Worth The Cost:

21Apr2016

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Just like kitchen remodels, updating your bathroom can result in the highest resale value of your home. Remodeling your bathroom can be a complex and daunting endeavor, so if you’re thinking of making improvements, calling a professional is always a good idea. The cost of a full bathroom renovation ranges from $15k -$25k, while smaller renovations can range anywhere from $1k – $15k… Clearly, there is a wide range of pricing behind a bathroom renovation. To help you determine how much to invest in your bathroom renovation, we’re sharing five upgrades we think are worth the extra cost!

1. Install recessed shelving: In smaller bathrooms and powder rooms, recessed shelving increases storage space, while also looking stylish. Recessed shelves in the shower provide easy access to necessities and can be cleverly tucked into the wall.

recessed tile shelf

2. Focus on the visuals: Choose your bathroom accessories wisely and don’t cheap out on the small details. Details such as nice tile, colors, and attractive fixtures go a long way, especially when reselling your home.

Tip: Purchase your shower head, faucet, and handle in a trim kit to save money and have a nice cohesive look. We find it’s best to avoid shopping for plumbing fixtures at large chains, such as Home Depot and Lowes.Shop at your local plumbing supply house to ensure top quality to avoid future headaches.

2015-01-13-brassbathroomdecorationfaucets

3. Install radiant flooring: Want to add a WOW factor to your bathroom? If so, consider adding radiant floors. This is a luxury addition that is becoming increasingly popular. You can choose from either forced hot water radiant hearing, which includes tiny hot water piped under the sub floor, or electric radiant mats that go on top of the cement board sub floor. The electric radiant mats are the most affordable option.

Radient floring

4. Think skylights: If you’re remodeling your bathroom on the top floor of your home, illuminate your space with a skylight or large windows. These options add an unexpected touch that creates the illusion of space, making the room feel larger. Additionally, they allow for natural lighting, which can be cost-saving by reducing your electricity bill.

skylight bathroom

5. Add lots of storage: Maximize your storage options by making sure your bathroom has a closet, medicine cabinet, and recessed shelving, as this is also a big selling point for potential buyers.

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