D.I.Y. is not Always the Best Choice

We stopped at the home improvement store and came upon a couple of DIYer’s who were trying to figure out how to get these home. They were more than willing to let us snap a picture.

We’ve all been there. You’ve planned ahead, calculated the costs, calculated the savings, and with enthusiasm decided to jump right in and conquer an entire project…by yourself. While enthusiasm is never wasted, it is important to realize that sometimes a project, as simple as it may seem, can bring unexpected challenges. Here are a few good questions to ask yourself the next time you feel ready to jump in feet…hopefully not head…first.

Do you understand what you are doing? Projects bring unexpected challenges. Make sure you know enough about your project to recognize and tackle problems that are sure to arise.
Are you sure how to use the necessary tools? The last thing that you need during a project that is probably already causing you stress, is to have your nose stuck in an instruction manual. Make sure that you will be able to manage your time efficiently.
Have any knowledgeable people advised you to find a pro? How do your friends, colleagues, family, and any professionals you know feel about your attempts to DIY? You may be able to glean some wisdom from their advice.
Do you have a limited amount of time? Consider the hours that this may take away from your regular job. Is the money you save in hired labor less than the money you’ll lose for your labor?
Will it be obvious that you did it yourself? You know how it goes…you have spent hours researching and preparing. Countless hours laboring over your project. You stand back with satisfaction admiring the work of your own hands, and the first thing someone asks you, while they “discreetly” glance at the slightly crooked floor boards is, “Oh, did you do that yourself?”
Does the project involve major electrical or plumbing work? There is no need for discussion here, electrical and plumbing mistakes can cost you and your family’s safety, in addition to draining your bank account.
Is serious injury a possibility if something were to go wrong? Here is another very important reason to consider hiring a professional. Safety should never be compromised for the sake of potential savings.

If you want to research this further visit moneytalknews.com. And remember, if you choose to hire a professional who shares your enthusiasm, call us at anytime. Our designers would love to work with you to help bring your vision to life.

An Above the Garage Master Suite Addition Remodeling Project

We recently completed an addition for our clients, John and Amy, a professional couple with young children living in the Blooming Meadows neighborhood in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin.

Their home featured three bedrooms on the second floor. The existing master bedroom was outdated and impractical for modern living, and with three young children, two needed to share one of the two remaining bedrooms, and all three kids shared the second-floor bathroom. Another problem the family needed addressed was that John needed a private home office, and the one they currently had was a shared space that did not work well for his job.

Let's take a look at our creative solution for this young family!

A New Private Bathroom for the Adults!

One of the major elements on John and Amy's wish list was a private bathroom space just for them. They wanted plenty of space to get ready in the morning, away from the kids, and we delivered! The bathroom features a handcrafted Amish custom double vanity with a tower cabinet in alder wood, stained Carbon Gray. The contrasting Linnstone Quartz Calcutta pattern countertop brightens the space and ties in visually with the elegant tile work in the spacious walk-in shower. We added custom alder wood framed mirrors stained in the same Carbon Gray as the cabinets to complete the vanity. Over each of the mirrors, we installed Quoizel 2 light vanity fixtures to provide plenty of warm light.

In the shower, the 21st Century Tile 12x24 floor-to-ceiling tiles in Tivoli Silver give the room a bright and modern feel, and the low entry shower makes entering the shower safe and easy for the couple. We included a helpful niche in the shower for shampoo and other toiletries and, for contrast, used a beautiful hexagon mosaic accent tile. The glass doors give the space an open feel, making it bright and inviting. The Arbor Hills luxury vinyl plank flooring in timber adds a warm feel, giving the room a natural look with the benefit of waterproof LVP.

The Result

The final result of this second-floor master suite addition is a home that fits John, Amy, and the kid's needs and lifestyle perfectly. John now has the perfect private office space. Since John and Amy now have their private master suite, and each of the kids has their own bedroom giving them their own space to grow as they grow, their home is more comfortable and functional. And on the exterior, you can't even tell there's been an addition!

Are you considering an addition or other home improvement project? Let us help you design the perfect finished space! If you live in the Greater Madison area, call the experts at Degnan Design-Build-Remodel at (608) 846-5963. We can take your home to the next level of comfort, design, and function! Ready to learn more? We're always happy to answer your questions.