Deck Ideas for Entertaining this Summer

May 28, 2020
Decks

Deck Ideas for Entertaining this Summer

With temperatures heating up and the winter weather behind us, you may have imagined what your entertaining at your home will be like this season. A deck on your home is an excellent way to boost your entertaining ability. Well-designed decks can add so much to your home, helping extend your home’s living space outdoors. You should love the outdoor space of your home just as long as the indoor space and decks can help you. Take your barbecues, graduation parties, and other summer celebrations to the next level. 

Expand Your Space

The more space that you’ve got to work with when it comes to your deck, the better. Decks are custom built to fit any space imaginable. With more space to offer, you can add additional seating and other furniture to your deck. The difference between patios and decks is that decks are built at a raised level, so you can take advantage of views in your neighborhood and even build one around an above ground pool. Every home and outdoor space is different, so at Gehman Design Remodeling, we custom build each deck that we design. 

Bring the Comforts of Inside Out

Once you’ve got a deck built, it’s time to begin furnishing it, arguably the most important part. It all depends on the size of your deck and what you want to do with it. If you plan to have dinner parties and get-togethers often, you’ll want to add a dining table and some chairs. Rocking chairs and wicker benches are common for outdoor seating options. A grill is a must-have for anyone with a deck. Sharing meals outdoors with friends and family create some of the best memories for the summer. The more space that you have, the more creative you can get with the space. Adding a bar or cabana will help bolster your deck too. 

Spruce the Space Up

With the designing and building of your deck finished, all that’s left to do is take care of the finishing touches. Adding some atmosphere is easy with some lights and some music. Many homeowners opt for string lights or LEDs for decks and other outdoor spaces because they’re efficient and adorable. You need your space to be lit when the sun goes down for when summer days extend into the night. Bluetooth speakers are now affordable, too if you like to enjoy music on your deck. Don’t forget to add some natural accents as well, such as a fountain or some lush greenery. A new deck and some clever design can help make your outdoor space the talk of your neighborhood and your new favorite space. 

Contact our team at Gehman Design Remodeling today to learn more about the deck installation and design services that we offer.

Signs That You Need to Replace Your Windows

April 27, 2020
Uncategorized

Signs That You Need to Replace Your Windows

Deciding when the correct time is to replace your home’s windows isn’t always easy. There are a lot of things to keep track of as a homeowner, when something breaks on the interior or exterior of your home, all of the responsibility falls on you. Windows are one of the most crucial parts of the exterior of your home; they have many essential functions in your home and provide tons of benefits. Windows help keep pests out of your home and keep it ventilated. Your home is more comfortable when it’s well ventilated, plus it can help reduce your energy costs and carbon footprint. 

Rising Energy Costs

One of the first clear signs that most homeowners receive that their windows may need to be replaced is the fluctuation of your energy bills. Air leaking through your windows leads to your energy bills rising because they aren’t performing their job well. Old or damaged windows are prone to leaks. You’ll have to crank up your heat, especially high, if you’re losing a good portion of it right through your windows. Modern replacement windows are more energy-efficient compared to windows of the past, so they’re a great investment in your home. Reducing the cost of your heating and cooling will also reduce your carbon footprint and help the planet. 

Your Windows Are Creaky

Do you have difficulty opening and closing your windows? Do they make a racket when opening and closing them? These are both signs that it may be time to replace your windows. Old wooden windows are the most prone to creaking and becoming noisy. Outside noise can also be an indicator of this. Hearing every car drive by or every time a neighborhood dog barks can be annoying. Old windows can make it uncomfortable in your home if you live in a noisy neighborhood or near a highway. New windows will provide a tight seal that will keep noise from the outdoors there. 

Your Windows Are Just Plain Old

If you lived in your home for many years and know that your windows are old, it’s a clear sign that you’re due for a replacement. The same goes for if you’ve recently moved into a home and noticed that the paint on your windows is chipping. Condensation can be a clear sign that your windows are older and need to be replaced as well. If water is leaking through your windows, so is air, and they aren’t performing as well as they should be. 

Now that you know the signs of needing a new window replacement, contact our team at Gehman Design Remodeling if you’re in need of replacement windows. Our team provides window replacements of all types. Contact us today.

Spring Home Remodeling Projects to Consider

March 23, 2020
Basements, Bathrooms, Blog, Kitchens

Spring Home Remodeling Projects to Consider

Spring is one of the most popular times of the year that people start remodeling projects in their homes. It’s the perfect time of year to prepare your home for the sunny weather and give it a fresh look heading into the summer. The projects can be costly or inexpensive, depending on the size of the project that you want to undertake. Now is the time that many homeowners are beginning to plan these projects, so we wrote this blog to help homeowners find inspiration for their projects.

Kitchen Remodeling Project

Remodeling your home’s kitchen is one of the best projects to start during the spring. You can add windows to let more natural light into your kitchen and make it a more pleasant place to both cook and entertain. Plus, you’re likely to have guests over more often during the warm weather months, so it’s nice to have a beautiful space to enjoy. The kitchen is the heart of your home.

Bathroom Remodeling Project

Next to kitchens, remodeling your home’s bathroom is one the highest return on investment projects that you can do. You spend time every day in your bathroom, so it’s essential that it’s a space that you enjoy. Whether it be updating your entire bathroom or installing new bathroom cabinetry, you can hugely improve your bathroom with a few small changes, and that makes your home more pleasant overall.

Basement Remodeling Projects

A great way to increase the usable space in your home, remodeling basements is a hugely popular remodeling project. You can add an additional bedroom in your basement, storage, a man cave, or more. If you ever plan to sell your home, a finished basement is hugely attractive for prospective buyers. Finishing your basement can take it from unused space in your home to one of your family’s favorites.

Deck Installation Projects

One of the best remodeling projects for spring starts outdoors. A new deck makes your home’s outdoor space an extension of your home. You can use this space to entertain, create an outdoor kitchen, and just relax when you want to. Especially after a long winter, it’s nice to get out and enjoy the outdoors comfortably. Plus, with modern decking options, you can even get a low-maintenance deck that won’t require staining and extra care.

Replace Your Windows

As we mentioned with kitchens, spring is a great time of the year to add or replace windows in your home. The increased natural light from the outdoors will warm up your home and make waking up each morning nice and comfy.

Contact our team at Gehman Design Remodeling today if you’re interested in any of our home remodeling services.

How to Check For Mold Behind Stucco

March 12, 2020
Blog, Design, Remodeling

How to Check for Mold Behind Your Stucco

Stucco is an excellent siding material that you commonly see, but many homeowners who don’t have it themselves don’t know a lot about it. It’s actually made of a mix of sand, lime, and cement. It’s one of the oldest siding materials and is still being used today because it’s been proven generation after generation. Stucco will give you a unique look, rather than going with a generic looking vinyl siding option like all of the other homes in your neighborhood. If you live in an area that’s prone to rain, snow, and humidity, stucco can cause issues for you. Mold and rot issues can end up costing you a lot of money for repairs, so we’ve put together a blog to help you identify mold behind your stucco siding.

Inspecting Stucco

Usually, when you realize that there’s mold behind your stucco, it’s already too late. If you have a home with stucco siding that you’re trying to sell, some potential buyers may shy away from stucco because of the common issues that can arise with it. Mold can become an issue with stucco when it has a chance to grow from water getting behind your siding. Moisture usually gets behind your stucco around the windows, doors, and other structural joints, like where your roof joins with your house. Stucco is made of a mixture of materials that aren’t very breathable, so the product itself doesn’t breathe well. When water is trapped, it stays there and can cause stains, which are clear signs of damage and referred to as stucco tears. 

Over Time

 When you do begin to notice stucco tears on your home, you can be sure that some damage has occurred. It’s time to call a professional for a moisture inspection to learn the extent of the damage. This can make sure that you have your damaged stucco repaired before more damage can occur, costing you more money. Water that can’t escape from behind your siding will weaken your home’s wood framing, windows, and more if left unchecked.

This isn’t to say that stucco isn’t a great siding option. Stucco has a timeless look and has been proven to be durable in all climates throughout the United States. It’s an energy-efficient option as well because it forms a shell around your home that helps keep your heating and cooling costs low. 

Get Started Today

If you’re in need of stucco repair services, contact our team at Gehman Remodeling today! Our team is experienced in tackling mold and water damage in stucco and returning it to looking like new.

 

Choosing the Right Kitchen Countertop for Your Home

January 13, 2020
Kitchens, Kitchens

Choosing the Right Kitchen Countertop for Your Home

Kitchen Countertops

When selecting a new countertop for your home, it can be a challenge. You want something that looks amazing, but you also want high-quality performance and function from your countertops. 

There are a few main factors to keep in mind while shopping for new countertops:

  • How you’re going to use them
  • How much maintenance you’re willing to do
  • How much space you need
  • Your current kitchen’s style
  • Your budget

How You Use Your Countertops

You’ll want to think about how you’re going to be using your countertops. If you have kids or entertain often, you will probably want a more durable option that can handle wear and tear. Your cooking habits also impact your decision; some materials are more resistant to heat than others. 

How Much Maintenance You’re Willing to Do

When you’re making major changes to your home, it’s important to be honest with yourself. If you know you aren’t up to the task of maintaining your limestone or granite countertops, they may not be the best option for your home. 

How Much Space You Need

Measuring and estimating the amount of counter space you need to cover will allow you to work with contractors to compare the cost of materials for the space you need. You can then make the decision of how much you’re going to spend. Note: kitchen islands are a highly-popular option for folks with limited or an uncoventional space.

Your Budget

There’s a huge range when it comes to the cost of countertops, but if you select a great material and maintain it well, it can last a lifetime. Luckily, with so many options out there, you can focus on the style and look of the countertop and then find a cheaper alternative if a material like marble doesn’t fit your budget. There are many alternative countertop materials that are extremely similar to the cost of granite or marble, so find a style you love for your kitchen, then worry about the actual material and cost later.

Which Materials & Colors Fit Your Home

The most important thing to consider when purchasing new countertops for your home is what will look great in YOUR kitchen. Complimenting the rest of your kitchen and home with beautiful cabinets can help give your home a cohesive design. Many other aspects of your home will likely change; new appliances, new paint, etc. but your countertops will remain, so choosing something with a versatile and timeless look is one of the best suggestions we can make. 

Contact Us

Why put your kitchen remodeling plans on hold? Contact us today to set up a free, no-obligation consultation with our team; we can break down different countertop options for you and help make your home beautiful.

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