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Are you trying to decide whether you should replace your current flooring with hardwood or carpet? These are two of the most popular and traditional choices when it comes to flooring, and each has its pros and cons. Generally, hardwood floors are more desirable to buyers and can increase the value of your home. That […]

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Stuck between a rock and a hard place with your yard’s current landscaping style? If you’re wondering how to remove rocks from your yard, we can help. Whether you’re getting rid of landscaping rocks in your garden or trying to remove a large boulder, yard rock removal doesn’t have to be a daunting task. Follow along below as we cover the best ways to remove rocks from a yard, the tools you’ll need to get the job done, as well as landscaping ideas and disposal options for when you’re finished. The Best Ways to Remove Rocks From Your Yard While...

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If your bathroom aesthetic no longer excites you or is in desperate need of an update to bring it into this century, upgrading the vanity is a great way to give the space a boost. Removing your bathroom sink vanity may seem like a big task, but if you follow these steps, this DIY project can be easily knocked out in a single weekend.

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You probably don’t spend a lot of time thinking about your driveway, until you notice a problem. If you’re seeing cracks, potholes and other wear and tear, you may be wondering where it came from and how to fix it. Driveway damage can come from many sources, including motor oil or gas, de-icing materials, freezing temperatures and the weight of your vehicle. Keep reading to learn how to tell the difference between minor issues that require repairs and signs you may need a whole new driveway. How Long Does a Driveway Last ? The lifespan of a driveway depends on...

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Are you looking to make your basement work for you? Converting your basement into an apartment or rental unit is a great way to earn extra income, and most homeowners earn back their investment within the first year. There’s plenty of square footage in the basement that, once finished, can function as its own complete living space. If you rarely use your basement, you may want to consider turning it into something useful and profitable. If you’re ready to create a basement apartment, these are all the aspects you need to consider, from the initial design phase to actually renting...

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Starting a home renovation can be overwhelming, especially if you haven’t completed one before. Whatever the project, your remodel will involve so many details it can easily become daunting. Use these steps and tips for planning a home remodel to choose how to order, prioritize and build a detailed home project plan that will help reduce your stress level while keeping you on budget and on schedule. How to Plan a Remodel in 5 Steps 1. Build a Detailed Home Improvement Project Plan The first step in a remodeling project is to develop a plan that clearly states the goal...

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Chances are, when your kids move out, you’re feeling a whole mix of emotions. Empty nest syndrome is very real, and you might need some time after your kids have moved out before you feel ready to recreate your space. That said, once you’ve given yourself a period to process and you’re ready to remodel […]

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Spring is all about starting fresh. After a long winter, it’s the season for opening up your windows, getting rid of old and unwanted items, and breathing new life into your home. If you’re looking for ways to welcome spring into your space, consider updating it with fresh designs, materials, colors, and decor. Now is […]

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When you need more living space in your home, converting your garage into a room can be an attractive option. Although costs will vary based on your location and specific plans, a garage remodel will generally cost about half of what you’d expect to spend when building a home addition from scratch. However, there are many things to consider before beginning a project like this. Converting a garage into a living space is a big job that includes raising the floor, insulating the walls, adding heating, cooling and ventilation, and updating doors and windows. Before you begin a garage makeover,...

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Periodically removing shingles and replacing them is necessary to extend the life of your roof and protect your home from water damage. But let’s be honest – replacing shingles isn’t the cheapest home repair. However, it’s worth every penny to avoid the large expense of a full reroofing project, and removing the shingles yourself can make the job more affordable. Wondering exactly how to remove shingles? It’s hard work, but manageable when you have the right tools, experience, planning and assistance. We’ve laid out the shingle removal process in a step-by-step guide that anyone can follow. When Do You Need...

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There are plenty of reasons that you may need to remove your tile floor. Perhaps it cracked when you were moving your refrigerator. Or maybe it’s a bit too slick when you’re getting out of the shower. Or possibly you just want a change. So, what’s the best way to remove a tile floor? We’ll show you how it’s done in five easy steps — but first, here are a few things to keep in mind before you get started. Preparing for a Tile Floor Removal Cost to Remove a Tile Floor The cost to remove a tile floor depends...

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Interested in transforming your unfinished attic into usable living space? Whether you’re in need of an extra bedroom, office or playroom, a DIY attic remodel is a great way to add space to your home without paying for a whole home addition. Use this guide to learn how to transform your space from exposed rafters to a finished room. What to Consider Before Finishing an Attic Make Sure Your Attic Meets Local Building Codes When converting an attic to a living space, it must meet the same building requirements as the other rooms in your home. To meet most building...

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Learning how to remodel a kitchen is a rite of passage for many homeowners, considering it’s the most popular remodeling project after bathrooms. Like any renovation, there are essential steps to take when you remodel a kitchen, all of which require careful planning and a big helping of patience. A DIY kitchen remodel doesn’t have to be difficult, however. We’ll cover what parts of a kitchen remodel any homeowner can handle themselves, as well as when to bring in professional help to ensure a successful and efficient kitchen remodel. 6 Simple Steps for Remodeling Your Kitchen 1. Gather Ideas for...

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The short answer is that quality cabinetry will stand up to years of everyday use and still maintain its functionality and beauty, but finding the perfect cabinets for your kitchen is more complicated than that. It’s important to consider a variety of factors, including the material, design, and price. Here’s what to look for when […]

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So, you’ve come home to a flooded basement – or woken up to one – and you need to know what you can do right this minute to limit the damage. If there is water currently coming into your basement, exercise extreme caution before taking any action. Then, follow these steps to prevent further damage to your home and keep your family safe. How to Fix and Clean Up a Flooded Basement Step 1: Make Sure Your Basement Is Safe to Enter The first thing you need to do when your basement floods is assess how dangerous the situation is....

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Open floor plans are a popular home design. Merging rooms together can allow for more light, more space and an improved sense of flow in many houses. If you live in a home with an outdated and closed-off floor plan, you can create more space by knocking out the wall between two rooms. It’s a big job, and it’s not right for every home. But in some cases, learning how to knock down a wall is a clear-cut project that can really open up a home. Use this guide to learn how and when to do this DIY project. Before...

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Most people have fond memories of a tree. Maybe you climbed one a lot as a kid, or perhaps your treehouse was the old neighborhood hangout. But once that tree dies, it becomes a big safety risk for not only your property, but also your neighbor’s. This guide will help you figure out if your tree is dead, as well as what to do with it if it’s time to cut it down. Is My Tree Dead? The simple answer is maybe. It may look like it’s dead, but it could also be dormant. Or maybe only a section of...

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Hiring a contractor for home renovations can be overwhelming, especially if this is the first big project you’ve ever taken on. If you’re unsure where to begin, we have a helpful checklist full of tips that will show you how to find a good contractor, including what questions to ask and how you can protect yourself throughout the process. Hiring a Contractor: A Checklist Start With Referrals The first step in finding a good contractor is to start with referrals from family, friends and neighbors. Beyond word-of-mouth recommendations, researching professional organization directories, references and reviews from past clients is essential....

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Sticking to a budget is always a challenge. Creating a budget for a large project you’ve never done before is an even bigger challenge. When it comes to home renovation costs, building a feasible budget requires a detailed plan and plenty of research. Fortunately, we’ve done most of the leg work for you. Simply follow the steps below to create a remodeling budget that will keep you from overspending on your next renovation. How Much Does It Cost to Remodel a House? According to HomeAdvisor, the average cost of renovating a home that is less than 1,000 square feet is...

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  Endless layout options, numerous material choices, and the process of nailing down a budget — it can all feel like a blur when you start planning a bathroom remodel, and it’s no wonder. Like any major home improvement project, bathroom remodeling involves juggling many factors at once, and you want to make sure the […]

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Thinking of removing an old concrete slab or patio? If the concrete is covered in deep cracks, shows signs of settling or is flaking away in large pieces, it’s probably time to get rid of it. Demolishing concrete may seem like a daunting, expensive task but depending on the size and thickness of your slab, you might be able to tackle the project on your own. According to Yuka Kato at Fixr, the cost to have a professional remove a concrete slab varies based on the size and materials it contains. “It’s important to keep in mind that prices can...

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Looking for a rustic window frame to hang photos on in your living room? Or perhaps some weathered barnwood for a shiplap accent in the kitchen? Knowing where to find reclaimed wood that’s affordable and high-quality can be tough. That’s why we’ve put together a list of places to find, or buy, reclaimed wood for your next DIY project, complete with tips from the reclaimed wood experts at Chagrin Valley Custom Furniture. What is reclaimed wood? Reclaimed wood is lumber that has been previously used in the construction of a building or structure. Any wood that is recycled from the...

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The new year is just around the corner, and if you’re planning a remodel, you might be curious about the top remodeling trends for 2019. At Square Deal Remodeling, we always believe in trusting your design intuition and putting your own style preferences first. At the same time, understanding trends and how to implement them […]

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Are home improvements tax-deductible? What improvements are tax-deductible? If you’ve recently renovated your home, it’s important to start asking these questions. And with April 15th just around the corner, it’s the time of year we provide some answers. First, let’s get to the most pressing question. Are Home Improvements Tax-Deductible? Yes, but the answer to this question can be complicated. It comes down to what kind of project you’re completing, and whether it’s classified as a repair versus an improvement. Repair Versus Improvement: Which Is Which? Trying to determine whether a project is a repair or improvement for tax purposes?...

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Living without a kitchen for an extended period of time is a daunting undertaking. As intimidating as it may be, we’re here to tell you that it’s doable and that you’ll come to appreciate making your meals (even if you don’t like cooking). All it takes is planning, patience and a continued eye on your vision. Follow our kitchen remodel survival guide to help you get through to the other side and save some money along the way. How Long Does a Kitchen Remodel Take? According to Bryan Sebring, the president and founder of Sebring Design Build, a kitchen remodel...

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Choosing the best flooring material for your home is a big undertaking. Each room has a different purpose, there’s an aesthetic to consider, and if there are kids or pets in the mix, that adds another layer of concern. We researched five different recommendations to help you compare flooring types in order to choose the best flooring option for each room in your house. Comparing Different Types of Flooring Why You Should Choose Carpet Carpet can make a space feel cozy while also giving it a formal look. If you’re planning on putting down carpet in a room where you...

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While concrete floors and walls may not scream potential right now, your basement offers a lot of space that can be used for more than just storage and can add a considerable amount of value to your home. If a finished basement is on your home wish list, take some time to learn about what goes into the project and find out if a DIY finished basement is right for you. The basic steps to finish your basement include insulating walls, choosing flooring and adding a ceiling to transform your lower level into an additional living area. Ready to get...

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As you head towards retirement age, you’re probably getting excited about investing more time in your hobbies and spending afternoons with your grandkids. But have you pictured where you’ll be living? Staying at home is a more familiar and comfortable option to most as opposed to moving to an assisted living facility, so we’ve come up with some tips to help you remodel your home with aging in place in mind. Though some seniors still choose retirement homes, more and more people are instead opting to grow old at home, or age in place. In fact, only about 3 percent...

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Do you have a home remodeling project you’re itching to get started on? Maybe your bathroom is outdated or your kitchen needs an overhaul. In fact, entertaining and cooking for guests during winter holidays often highlights the need for home remodels, whether it’s creating more space or giving a room a more functional layout. So […]

The post Don’t Wait Until Spring: The Benefits of Winter Remodeling appeared first on Square Deal Remodeling Company.

As November comes to a close and autumn gives way to cooler (and sometimes bitter) temperatures, you may be looking to hurry up and finish your fall home checklist before winter hits. Before the cold arrives, make sure to winterize your home with these 12 last-minute fall home maintenance tips. Stay Ahead of the Cold With This Home Winterization Checklist 1. Call a Pro to Repair or Replace Your Roof It may go without saying, but winter is not the best time for roof work. Aside from ice and snow creating a slipping hazard during repairs, asphalt shingles need to...

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