Some Ideas to Consider …

  • Tips for Financing a Fairfield County Home Remodeling Project: PART II

    As a follow-up to our recent post, ‘Tips for Financing a Fairfield County Home Remodeling Project: PART I’, Fairfield County custom home builder Country Club Homes, Inc. offers additional tips on project financing to educate area residents who may be considering embarking on a home remodeling project.

    Depending on the size of your project, a home remodeling project can be a large investment of time, energy and money. Today’s post concerns pre-project planning items, such as a project budget, contingency accounts, and extras cost items. These tips are from a recent helpful NAHB article entitled, “Financing Your Home Remodeling Project“.

    Here at Country Club Homes, Inc., we have found that having a project come in right “on budget”, or even under budget, is a very critical goal. There are a few ‘best practices’ to adopt to make sure your project is well organized, and on budget. These include:

    Contingency Account: Plan to allocate approximately 80% of what you can afford for the remodeling, to the main project budget. Create a contingency account of 20% in reserve to cover changes and unforeseen problems. This is standard procedure across the construction industry, acknowledging that there are often unforeseen issues that impact the project before it is finished. The home owner needs to be well prepared for these contingencies.

    Extra Costs/Revisions/Upgrades: It is important to remember that any costs such as changes or upgrades that are added after the construction contract is signed, will be considered extras. They will affect the overall budget and project timeline.

    Scope of Work: It is very important to define the total scope of work, or full extent of the project, up front; and to stay focused on completing that work. Refraining from expanding the scope of work will protect the budget, and the project time line, as well.

    If you are seeking home remodeling design and construction expertise for your Wilton, New Canaan or Fairfield County, Connecticut home, contact Country Club Homes at 203-762-0550. Visit the Country Club Homes, Inc. website to see beautiful interior and exterior home images in our online portfolio.

    Image source: Country Club Homes Inc.

  • Is an Attic Bedroom Right For Your Home?

    Many homeowners, in the quest to find more room for their family, turn to the otherwise ignored attic. It’s not a bad idea as the space is already available, can be insulated easily and makes for a private yet accessible bedroom. Here are a few things to know when considering an attic bedroom renovation. Source: Country Club…

  • Save Money on Your Heating and Cooling with Emme

    There are many factors that go into building an energy-efficient home, and one of the most important decisions is the choice of heating and cooling equipment. Programmable thermostats, controllable ducts and other innovations have revolutionized climate control.  In particular, the use of zone-controlled systems, like those manufactured by Emme, can save you up to 40% on…

  • Stay Warm and Cozy This Winter with Heated Floors

    Heated floors are such a fabulous addition to any home, especially now that winter is fast approaching. The two most popular methods of installation are electric radiant heat and hydronic heat. Here are some ways to distinguish between these two methods: Electric Radiant Heat This is a less expensive and easier to install version, in…

  • Highlight Your Mantel with Beautiful Holiday Decor

    Fireplace mantels are so versatile. They can easily become a room’s focal point or quietly blend into the surrounding environment. And now that our thoughts have turned to holiday decorating ideas, why not let your fireplace mantel take center stage? A gorgeous mantle constructed from a rough hewn log looks fabulous when topped with natural decorating elements. Arrange white…