Remodeling Your Home for Multigenerational Living

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Multigenerational homes are becoming increasingly the norm in today’s America. As a result, homeowners and their families are seeking innovative ways to accommodate diverse needs and lifestyles under one roof.

This article explores the factors driving the multigenerational living trend and the related design considerations you’ll need to consider before your next home remodel in the Lafayette and West Lafayette areas. The following insights will give you a better understanding of how to design a welcoming home for all members of your family.

Reasons for the Rise in Multigenerational Households

In 2021, 59.7 million people, or 18% of the population of the United States, lived in multigenerational households. This figure has grown significantly from previous years and has been driven by various economic and social changes.

Over the last five decades, the sharp rise in multigenerational households has primarily been driven by financial constraints, with one in four young adults now living with parents or grandparents.

Caregiving is another factor, with more people choosing to look after elderly or sick relatives at home, partly due to financial issues.

Another significant factor is changes in demographics. Multigenerational living has long been standard in many cultural groups for centuries. The growth of Asian, Hispanic, and African American populations has further increased the prevalence of different generations living together.

Benefits of Multigenerational Living

Grandmother and daughter baking

Multigenerational living has multiple benefits and is defined as more than two adult generations living under the same roof (or grandparents living with grandchildren under 25) by the U.S Census Bureau.

With financial constraints being a key reason for this growing trend, consolidating financial resources in one household can help cover financial expenses. Essentially, it’s more affordable to run one household than it is two.

Multigenerational households also benefit from the sharing of responsibilities appropriate to the age and ability of the family member. For example, the distribution of chores helps things get done around different routines and work-related requirements.

Living together also strengthens bonds between the generations, which is often sadly lacking in the modern world.

Grandparents and grandchildren especially get to cultivate wonderful relationships, with grandparents serving as an extra set of role models for young children or teenagers. This interaction also reduces loneliness in older generations and inspires health-maintaining physical activity.

And with more people in the home at any given time, general security is also enhanced.

Consider All Family Member’s Needs When Planning a Remodel

During the design stage of any home remodel, it’s important to consider the needs of each family member. This is even more crucial when you have multiple generations living together.

Privacy is essential. Grandparents might appreciate a little annex of their own where they can rest, engage in hobbies, and entertain their guests away from the central hub of the home. A secondary entrance can provide a feeling of independence while still being a part of the household.

Flexible living areas work well in multigenerational homes, with common spaces being easily adapted for various family activities. For example, retractable walls and screens can create separate or communal areas, depending on the occasion.

Make Sure Each Age Group Has a Bathroom

Shower After Remodel

Add a bathroom for each age group. Elderly or disabled family members will appreciate Universal Design features such as a roll-in shower, wide doorways, and grab bars for extra support. Consider also where such a bathroom is located within the home in relation to different bedrooms and access routes.

Remember the little things like non-slip flooring, heat lamps, lever-style faucets, and reduced-height cabinets that can make a crucial difference to safety, usability, and well-being.

En-suite bathrooms are a great addition too. They ease congestion in the main bathroom, especially in the mornings before school and work.

Incorporate Universal Design Features in All Areas of the Home

Universal design principles benefit the home as a whole. For family members with mobility challenges or disabilities, consider installing ramps, stairlifts, or even an elevator.

Wider doorways and hallways throughout your property make it easier to navigate with wheelchairs and/or walkers. In addition, nightlights in hallways and staircases ensure extra safety and security for all family members during those nighttime visits to the bathroom or kitchen.

You can also apply many of the safety features in bathrooms to the rest of the home, including slip-resistant materials for floors, decks, and patios along with handrails on stairs or ramps.

Ways to Create Additional Sleeping/Living Spaces

Creating a comfortable and functional multigenerational home may require expanding your living space or converting existing areas.

If you have sufficient space, adding a second-master suite can significantly increase comfort and your property’s value. The suite might include a spacious bedroom, en-suite bathroom, walk-in closet, and a separate living room to provide privacy and comfort for older family members or adult children.

An in-law suite may be a better alternative. This self-contained building – known as an accessory dwelling unit – can be stand-alone or directly attached to your main house. It includes a bedroom, bathroom, kitchenette, and living room.

And if additional space is unavailable, look at ways to convert an existing interior into a multifunctional space for a family member. Options include an attic, garage, or basement.

Create a Kitchen Suitable for Multiple Ages

Kitchen and Main Floor Remodel on Naschette Parkway in West Lafayette

The kitchen will require not only general Universal Design features but also other specialist measures suitable for multiple age groups.

Examples of these specialist measures include customized countertops heights, custom cabinet heights and height-adjustable appliances. These features will allow all family members to work comfortably in the kitchen together, regardless of age or physical limitations.

Consider how the kitchen can be more of an interaction-friendly zone. This might include incorporating a breakfast nook within the kitchen to accommodate family members who may need to sit while you or they prepare food and chat. Plus, making the kitchen more open plan.

Install a pull-out pantry with drawers and rotating organizers to make it easy to find things. Wall-mounted units at easy-to-reach heights will also allow fast and comfortable access to everyday items.

Think about easy-to-use appliances with intuitive controls and large displays that are easier for older generations to operate. And touch-free faucets that don’t require gripping and are more hygienic.

Adequate lighting is crucial for safety and functionality, especially for older family members with reduced vision. Layered lighting in the form of LED undercabinet lights, in addition to overhead lights, can make food prep spaces more functional and safe.

Accommodate for Increased Utility Usage

Multigenerational living inevitably means increased utility usage, including electricity, gas, and water. But this can also mean increased costs.

Regarding electricity usage, consider investing in energy-efficient appliances to help offset the increased energy consumption. ENERGY STAR-certified products will help reduce utility bills and lessen environmental impact.

Your existing heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) may need to be upgraded, especially if you add rooms or convert an attic or basement.

Also, check your current insulation and weatherproofing measures. A well-insulated home will maintain a comfortable indoor temperature while reducing energy consumption and utility bills.

With water, see where you can implement water-saving features, such as low-flow faucets, showerheads, and toilets.

Your trusted team of remodeling experts will help you navigate these issues during the planning and design stage of your home remodel.

Work with a Design-Build Firm Like Riverside Construction

Riverside Construction, founded in 2008, is the go-to professional design-build team that has earned the respect and confidence of discerning homeowners in the Lafayette and West Lafayette areas.

With an award-winning team of highly skilled and experienced professionals in various fields, we excel at listening to client ideas and translating those dreams into reality. We can help you decide on a direction, provide guidance on remodeling issues, and be with you every step of the way to ensure your dream multigenerational home is achieved.

Contact us now to schedule an initial conversation about your upcoming remodel. We’ll happily answer your questions, listen to your ideas, soothe your worries, and work with you to finalize your plans.

How to Pay For Your Lafayette or West Lafayette Home Remodel

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Whether it’s a kitchen enhancement or a complete home refurbishment, one of the biggest questions you’ll face before a new remodeling project is how to finance it. A home remodel is a significant undertaking, so it’s important to consider all the various costs and financial implications ahead of time.

There are several different ways to pay for your home improvement project. Which method you choose largely depends on your current financial status and the goals you want to achieve. This article looks at some of the main options available to you as a homeowner in Lafayette or West Lafayette.

Save Your Money and Pay with Cash

pay with cashThe most straightforward way to finance your home remodel is to pay using cash you have saved. Paying in cash ensures you can actually afford the improvements you’re making while at the same time avoiding getting into debt.

This method of financing might need some patience, depending on your cash reserves. With the average home remodel costing just under $47,000, paying in cash might require you to wait for a while or prioritize certain rooms.

It’s also possible to pair savings with other financing options so you can increase your remodeling budget without taking on too big a loan.

Traditional Home Improvement Loan

Traditional Home Improvement LoanHome improvement loans have a fixed interest rate based mainly on your credit score. These loans are unsecured and don’t use your home as collateral.

Offered by banks, credit unions, and several online lenders, home improvement loans can be accessed quickly once terms have been agreed upon. Compared to other types of loans (mentioned later in this article), traditional home remodeling loans have shorter repayment timelines (maximum 12 years) and lower loan amounts (typically up to $100,000).

As such, these loans are best suited to small or midsize projects, such as a kitchen remodel or flooring replacement. It’s also important to note that they come with higher interest rates when compared to other loan types.

Home Equity Loan

Home Equity LoanA home equity loan is a fixed-term loan granted to a homeowner based on the equity in their home. Often referred to as second mortgages, home equity loans arrive as a lump sum which is then immediately paid back in fixed monthly payments.

Unlike traditional home improvement loans, home equity loans are secured, meaning your property is used as collateral for the loan. They also come with higher borrowing limits and repayment periods, making them ideal for medium to large remodeling projects.

A significant benefit of such loans is the fixed interest rates, meaning you’ll always pay the same monthly payment regardless of market fluctuations. They are also tax deductible if used solely for home improvement.

Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC)

HELOCA Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) is similar to a home equity loan but has some key differences. It, too, comes with a fixed interest rate and is delivered in a chosen lump sum. The HELOC is also secured against the equity of your Lafayette home.

Where the two differ is that the Home Equity Line of Credit has a variable interest rate and a revolving credit, meaning you can take out what you need when you need it, up to your borrowing limit.

HELOCs are ideal for larger projects and have flexible repayment options for up to 30 years. However, variable interest rates mean they can be influenced by market fluctuations. As such, if your credit declines or market interest rates increase, your interest rate will go up.

Cash-Out Refinance

Cash-Out RefinanceA cash-out refinance is when you turn equity into cash through refinancing your mortgage. In other words, you can replace your old mortgage with a new one and have the difference paid to you in cash. You can then use these extra dollars to finance a home remodel.

This financing strategy means you take out a new and larger loan as compared to your previous mortgage, together with a new interest rate. It’s particularly suitable for homeowners who cannot afford an additional monthly loan payment without refinancing and who might qualify for a better interest rate.

A lender will typically determine the amount of cash you can receive based on your property’s loan-to-value (LTV) ratio and your credit profile. It’s generally not recommended to go this route unless you can secure a lower interest rate than you currently have.

Credit Cards

Credit CardsFor smaller home improvement projects, credit cards are a potential financing option. You can even pay interest-free if using a new credit card with an introductory 0% interest rate.

For more significant projects, a credit card becomes more of an expensive option, with APRs ranging from 16% to more than 24%. A large amount of home improvement debt can therefore become very costly indeed and can affect your ability to qualify for other types of loans due to low credit scores.

Credit cards are fast and easy for small improvements but are not advisable for bigger projects if you can use one of the other financing options.

Government Loan

Government LoanA low-cost option for a home improvement project is a government-backed renovation loan. However, such loans are usually only available to certain people. Qualifiers include income level, age, property type, property location, and whether you have a disability.

Other loans also cover the needs of particular groups, such as military veterans, Native Americans, and rural residents.

Government loans for remodeling are usually there to primarily assist in improving health and safety standards for properties in low-income and rural areas and to add accessibility features for disabled homeowners.

Loans from the government tend to have lower interest rates and better terms than regular loans. However, they only apply to a minority of people and are not intended for ‘luxury’ home improvement.

Work with a Design Build Firm Like Riverside that Offers Unique Financing Options Specifically Geared for a Remodeling Project

Renofi home loanFinally, there’s a specialist payment option specifically for homeowners carrying out a home remodel. It’s called a RenoFi and it’s similar to a traditional home equity loan or home equity line of credit (HELOC) but with some important differences.

RenoFi Loans allow you to borrow against the after-renovation value, or future value of your home, as opposed to the current value of your home, like with the previously mentioned loans.

The benefit of an appraisal based on the future value of your property means you increase borrowing power by more than 11x while also ensuring that the lowest possible interest rate is secured. And it’s perfect for remodeling projects of any type and scope.

Here at Riverside Construction, we offer RenoFi financing options for our customers. You can read more about these on the following page: Home renovation financing.

Work With a Qualified Design Build Firm like Riverside Construction

Riverside Construction, founded in 2008, is the go-to professional design-build team that has earned the respect and confidence of discerning homeowners in the Lafayette and West Lafayette areas.

With an award-winning team of highly skilled and experienced professionals in a range of fields, we excel at listening to client ideas and then translating those dreams into reality. We can help you decide on a direction, provide guidance on remodeling issues, and be with you every step of the way to ensure your dream home is achieved.

Contact us now to schedule an initial conversation about your upcoming remodel. We’ll happily answer your questions, listen to your ideas, soothe your worries, and work with you to finalize your plans.

Building a New Home vs. Remodeling an Existing One: The Pros and Cons

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Build a new house or remodel an existing property? This is a common dilemma faced by homeowners across the nation who are seeking a change in their living conditions. Unfortunately, it’s not an easy choice because there’s often so much at stake.

The correct course of action depends on your unique circumstances and location. Factors such as your family size, finances, future plans, potential lifestyle changes, and how you feel about your local area all play a big part in your decision.

To help bring you some further clarity, we’ve looked at the pros and cons of both options: building a new home and remodeling an existing one.

Why Are You Considering a Change?

Woman thinking about remodeling home or building a home

When making such a significant decision, it’s always important to begin with why. Why are you considering a change?

There are numerous reasons why people decide to build from scratch, remodel, or buy a new property. For example, you may need more room for a growing family, a more updated look, or a home with improved energy efficiency and smart technology.

What are your overall goals for the property? You may foresee a change in lifestyle needs for a growing family, or aging-in-place factors are becoming increasingly important. These considerations and more can influence a decision on whether to build afresh elsewhere or renovate your existing property.

Key Questions to Ask

Based on experience, we know some key questions that help Lafayette homeowners move closer to a firmer decision. They include:

Do you like your neighborhood? – If you love where you live and have a network of family and friends nearby, it can be an emotional upheaval for your family to move location.

Do you have home equity? – Home equity can be a smart way to finance a remodel that makes staying in place a preferable option.

What are the financing costs of both options? – Building a new home is usually more expensive than renovating, but a new house can sometimes be more cost-effective in the long term.

What’s the state of the current real estate market? – The real estate market is constantly changing. One year it can be more beneficial to move, and during another year, to stay put.

Do I have time to wait for a new house to be built? – A new house takes anything from five months to two years to build. A remodeling project is undoubtedly faster.

Is my family going to grow? – You can add extensions and remodel old rooms to add extra bedroom space. But sometimes, you just need a bigger place.

These are just some of the key questions to ask yourself when choosing between building a brand new house and remodeling an existing one.

Budget Considerations

Budgeting for home remodel

What’s your budget? Before deciding one way or another, it’s essential to figure out exactly what you can realistically spend. For example, it’s usually less expensive to remodel an existing property than to purchase a lot (or demolish an existing structure) and build a new house from the ground up.

Define your budget parameters before making a final decision to avoid unpleasant financial surprises.

Pros of Remodeling Your Home

Remodeling Pros

Whether it’s a single room remodel or a complete property renovation, there are many benefits to remodeling your home instead of building anew.

You get to stay in the home you may have lived in for years that contains many happy memories and emotional investment. Remaining in place also reduces the disruption associated with moving to another area, which can be especially important for children and teenagers.

A well-planned remodeling project can increase your desired livable space in ways you might not currently imagine possible. For example, basements can be transformed, bathrooms enlarged, and kitchens opened up, thereby increasing the available space and your home’s resale value.

Skilled design-build remodeling professionals with knowledge of the latest smart home technologies can also help you incorporate environmentally friendly and energy-efficient features into an existing property. You don’t always need to start again to enjoy these benefits.

Similarly, an outdated and seemingly shabby interior can be almost magically transformed with an intelligent remodel, allowing you to stay in your dream home while ushering in a new ambiance and character.

If you live in a historic Lafayette or West Lafayette neighborhood, you can maintain the historical features and charm while combining these with ultra-modern technology and fixtures.

Cons of Remodeling

Remodeling Cons

Remodeling can also come with some disadvantages.

If a bank loan is required, it can be challenging to gain approval, especially if you’ve not lived in your current residence for a long time. However, there are loans available (up to 90% of your home value). Riverside Construction has fabulous connections with funding partners to recommend.

Another factor to consider is that remodeling projects seldom return a 100% return on investment. That said, many types of renovation projects can bring significant value and returns. These projects include kitchen, bathroom, and basement remodels.

Depending on your family and plans, remodeling projects can be highly disruptive, especially if it’s a comprehensive home transformation. It’s not recommended to remain in the property during significant refurbishments.

Pros of Building a New House

Working with designersLike with staying in place and remodeling, there are also several benefits to building an entirely new house, whether on the same lot or elsewhere.

When you build a new house, you can design the structure to your desired specifications within your budget. You can choose floorplans and layouts that fit your family requirements, lifestyle goals, and interior décor dreams.

You have more freedom to design a home that aligns with your tastes and personality without needing to shoehorn designs into existing structures.

You can also go big when it comes to eco-friendly design options such as sustainable building materials and environmentally efficient energy features. Although you can also add these to a home during a remodel.

Cons of Building a New House

LandscapingBuilding a new house from scratch also comes with drawbacks.

As previously covered, building a new house is significantly more expensive than remodeling an existing property.

There’s usually not a lot of leeway concerning the price of quality home building. While there are cheaper building options, these often come with flaws that mean more money needs to be spent in the future.

There are also landscaping costs, which are separate from the cost of the house.

And finally, existing properties are usually closer to metropolitan hubs and desirable locations. By their very nature, new homes tend to be built on the outskirts of existing neighborhoods and districts. As a result, finding a plot of land close to your dream location can sometimes be tricky.

Whether you build a new home or remodel an existing one, it’s essential to work with qualified and experienced professionals who can guide you from start to finish.

Work With a Qualified Design Build Firm like Riverside Construction

Riverside Construction, founded in 2008, is the go-to professional design-build team that has earned the respect and confidence of discerning homeowners in the Lafayette and West Lafayette areas.

With an award-winning team of highly skilled and experienced professionals in a range of fields, we excel at listening to client ideas and then translating those dreams into reality. We can help you decide on a direction, provide guidance on remodeling issues, and be with you every step of the way to ensure your dream home is achieved.

Contact us now to schedule an initial conversation about your upcoming remodel. We’ll be happy to answer your questions, listen to your ideas, soothe your worries, and work with you to finalize your plans.

3 Ways to Let the Sun Shine In: Differences Between a Screened-In Porch, Three-Season Room, and a Sunroom

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Spending time in nature reduces stress, promotes healing, and supports peaceful living. But when uncomfortable temperatures or precipitation prevents you from venturing outdoors, you need a protected space that includes natural elements. What better way than with a seasonal room? Three types of seasonal room additions allow you to enjoy the outdoors without going outside. Depending on your needs and your budget, let’s see which one is right for you.

Things to Consider

If you want a space bathed in natural sunlight and cool breezes but are unsure which option to choose, it helps to explore a couple of questions.

How will you use the space?

Do you want a place for you alone to curl up with a good book or movie? Or, do you enjoy hosting the entire family for an afternoon barbeque? And what kind of creature comforts do you need? Running water, power, or heat? Do you want a space to use only during the warmest parts of the year or year-round? Knowing the answers to these questions will help guide you in your design and budget.

Will you add on or repurpose it?

Perhaps you have an existing deck or patio you’d like to enclose. Alternatively, maybe you want to build an addition to your home. Either way, a professional design-build firm experienced in home additions will ask you targeted questions to gather enough information to make recommendations suitable for your home and proposed use. Then, knowing how you want to use the space, how much room you have to work with, and your budget, they can suggest the right plan of action. Not only that, their expertise includes designing the space to fit your lifestyle and personality, so you feel as comfortable in the new space as you do in the rest of your home.

Three Ways to Let the Sun Shine In

Once you’ve decided on a size and purpose and know whether you’ll add on or cover an existing space, it’s time to determine what your new sunny spot will look like. Typically, sunrooms come in three different styles, each suitable for various reasons. But, again, your design-build team will help you choose the option right for you.

Screened-in porch

A screened-in porch is a porch or patio area enclosed with screening. While giving you a clear view of your backyard and allowing for a gentle breeze, screens keep the bugs outside. While a screened-in porch is limited to fair-weather use, the pros of adding one are numerous. A screened-in enclosure is:

  • The quickest and easiest addition project to build
  • Your most affordable option for extending your protected outdoor living space
  • The perfect space to enjoy warm weather protected by the sun’s rays
  • A great place to eat al fresco
  • A protected area to house a hot tub or game table

Depending on the amount of sun and rain exposure, your home’s design, and the square footage, you can furnish a screened-in porch with weather-resistant furniture for dining or relaxing. Additional options include:

  • Added lighting for evening use
  • Electronics to increase the use of the space
  • A gas or electric heater to keep the chill off on cool evenings
  • A television for game day viewing
  • A wet bar for entertaining friends

For a seamless result, keep the overall design of your home in mind when creating the new space. Work with a professional to ensure any changes to the existing deck or patio are fully functional and structurally sound.

Three season room

Canterbury Lafayette Room Addition 3

A three-season room provides more use than a screened-in porch because you have solid windows to protect you from the rain. Choose between vinyl screen covers or single-pane or double-pane windows, depending on your location, intended use, and budget. And while impractical to use the whole year, the pros of adding one abound. A three-season room:

  • Provides more use than a screened-in enclosure
  • Protects from the rain so you can upscale your furnishings
  • Offers more options for locating electronic devices
  • More budget-friendly than a sunroom
  • Can be insulated

A three-season room makes the perfect playroom for small children or spill-over for company. Fill it with plants and other natural elements, and you’ll barely notice the transition to the outdoors. When designing your three-season room, position it for the best views and sun exposure. Also, work with a design-build team to ensure a seamless design that matches the rest of your home.

Sunroom

The final option for letting more sunshine in your home is the sunroom. Also called a four-season room, a sunroom is an addition that includes an expansive view of the outside. One design option for the sunroom consists of a knee wall that allows for baseboard heaters, electrical outlets, and other utilities with continuous, wrap-around glass in the upper portion.

Or, for a more sophisticated style, a sunroom includes a centrally-located picture window surrounded by other large windows and French doors leading to an outdoor living area. Both options give you maximum visibility to the outside while keeping the room comfortable for four-season use. Sunrooms may hit the high end of the budget as a complex renovation project, but the following benefits make it worth every penny.

  • Includes all the creature comforts like HVAC, electricity, and plumbing
  • Fully insulated as any room addition
  • Unlimited options for furnishings, floor and wall coverings, and other design elements
  • Provides a transitional space to the outdoors, with access inside and out

A sunroom can be anything you and your family desire. Taking advantage of the sunlight, filling the room with plants creates a natural habitat for your family to relax, play games, or entertain friends. Confidently choose furnishings that reflect your personality and design style because the space is as protected as the rest of your home.

When you partner with a design-build professional with experience in building sunrooms, they help ensure the best location and position of the room for both sun exposure and the most beautiful views possible. They will also be equipped to advise you on the best options for heating and cooling, floor coverings, windows, and more.

Work With a Qualified Design-Build Firm Like Riverside Construction

If you know you want to include more natural elements in your home but need some guidance, Riverside Construction is ready to help. The award-winning team at Riverside Construction has served discerning homeowners in the Lafayette, West Lafayette, and all of Tippecanoe County since 2008.

Riverside’s go-to professional design-build team specializes in seasonal rooms, kitchen and bathroom remodel, room additions, and basement finishes. They excel at listening to your dreams and making them come true.  They can help direct and guide you and will walk with you every step of the way to ensure your seasonal room is everything you imagined.

View their extensive portfolio of stunning home additions, then schedule a consultation with an expert design-build professional. In the meantime, subscribe to their monthly “Designed for Life” newsletter. It’s full of current remodeling trends and home addition design inspiration.

 

How to Remove Kitchen Soffit – 5 Careful Considerations

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A kitchen soffit is a closed-in area above the cabinets. Soffits were a popular design included in homes in the mid-to-late 1900s. Today, however, homeowners don’t appreciate the boxed-in feeling soffits give a kitchen, especially those extending past the cabinets’ face. In addition, with the increasing popularity of open floor plans in the 2000s, the soffit is largely an unwanted feature. As a result, many interior designers suggest removing them and using the space for more storage. However, before committing to tearing out the soffit, there are a few things you need to consider.

1.   What’s Behind the Kitchen Soffit?

Created to hide utilities like HVAC ductwork or plumbing lines from an upper story, the soffit design became so customary that designers started including them in the kitchen solely for aesthetics. But, you can’t be sure if you can remove a soffit unless you know its purpose in your kitchen. If there’s nothing above the kitchen, chances are your soffit is purely ornamental. But, if you have a bathroom overhead, or if there’s a return air duct in the soffit, you can guess that mechanicals are behind there.

If you don’t have the original building plans, the only way to know for sure is to cut holes through the drywall and look inside. But don’t start swinging a hammer yet. “Since you don’t want to damage anything,” says Andy Haste, founder and president of Riverside Construction, “it’s advised that you consult with a reputable contractor or design-build firm that can help you explore your options, both from a design and a cost perspective.”

2.   How Will Removing the Soffit Impact the Cabinets?

To remove the soffit in the kitchen, you may also need to take down the cabinets. If you don’t plan to purchase new ones, you can rehang them after the soffit is gone. However, consider partnering with an experienced home remodeling contractor for this task to eliminate the risk of damaging the cabinets.

3.   Will Soffit Removal Affect the Ceiling and Walls?

Once you remove the soffit, the surrounding walls and ceiling will need to be repaired and painted. You’ll also need to patch the holes left in the drywall from the studs that held the soffit in place. Also, “matching ceiling textures can be complicated, and patching it can require painting the entire ceiling to disguise the patch completely,” says designer, Kelly Grish. At a minimum, the whole area will require a fresh coat of paint.

4.   What Else Should I Ask My Contractor?

Kitchen Remodel QuestionsDepending on what they find behind the soffit, you do have options. After assessing the situation, here are a few more questions to ask your remodeling contractor.

  • Can the mechanicals behind the soffit be relocated?
  • If yes, what would that entail?
  • How much would it cost to move the plumbing, electrical, or ductwork?
  • How would moving the mechanicals affect our time frame?
  • If we move any of the utilities, how long will we be without service?
  • Is there a less-expensive option?

5.   Can You Disguise the Kitchen Soffit?

If removing the soffit isn’t an option because it’s hiding mechanicals, there are other ways to give your kitchen a more open and modern feel. Here are a few ideas for disguising a soffit to consider:

  • Crown molding along the soffit adds a hint of elegance to your kitchen. And the added detail brings dimension and the illusion of a higher ceiling.
  • If the original builder missed the opportunity to add lighting to the soffit, do that now. Achieve soft ambient lighting with LED strips above the crown molding. And for task lighting, recessed can lights stay out of the visual field while illuminating the countertop while you work.
  • Replace the upper cabinets that hide the soffit. Custom cabinet makers can create cabinets that stretch up to the ceiling with the soffit hidden inside.
  • If replacing the cabinets isn’t in the budget, disguise the soffit to look like another row of cabinets.
  • Add decorative molding in a pattern to give your soffit some visual interest.
  • Use the soffit as a canvas for creative artwork. “Paint custom art, farmhouse signage, or other design elements on a soffit, turning it into a thing of beauty,” says designer, Kelly Grish.
  • Hang a collection of plates, trivets, or other collectibles on the face of the soffit.
  • Disguise the soffit to look like a beam with a structural purpose. Then, add other faux beams to the kitchen to help it blend in and create a new, rustic design.
Before Kitchen Soffit Removal After

Consult with a Professional Remodeling Contractor

Now that you know what removing your kitchen soffit could entail, consult with a home remodeling and design professional to learn your options.

Since 2008, Riverside Construction’s award-winning team has served homeowners in the Lafayette, West Lafayette, and Tippecanoe County areas. First, take a look at their extensive portfolio of stunning kitchen remodels, then schedule a consultation with one of their expert design-build professionals. Also, sign up to receive their monthly “Designed for Life” newsletter for current remodeling trends and kitchen design inspiration.

Home Design and Remodeling Trends to Consider for 2022 in Lafayette IN

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The reality of the global pandemic will continue to influence home design and remodeling trends in Indiana during 2022. How we live our lives and shape our homes has changed over the last couple of years, and these trends will further evolve over the next 12 months.

Our homes, perhaps like never before, have become places where we seek comfort, security, and serenity. Also, as more and more of us work from home in Tippecanoe County, the quality of residential interior spaces has become intrinsic to our mental, emotional, and even financial wellbeing.

With all this in mind, we look at the anticipated design trends for 2022 and how the desire for a beautiful home sanctuary will influence remodeling choices over the next year.

Kitchen Design Trends in Indiana

KitchenWhite kitchen remodel Lafayette IN trends for 2022 point to antique and vintage features being popular. Homeowners are increasingly shying away from ultra-sleek show home looks and instead going for a warm, lived-in environment where homeliness and a timeless appeal are paramount.

This trend is best embodied in the Mid-century design style, where natural materials are a core feature of the theme. A Mid-century kitchen often features clean and bold interior colors with a growing trend of adding vintage decor and antiques.

To add old-worldly focal points, you can find some lovely antique pieces at vintage fairs throughout Tippecanoe County and neighboring areas, whether decorative items, furniture, or pots and pans.

Wood is making a comeback as a kitchen material. After being out of fashion for a while, its revival brings exciting opportunities for retro or rustic styles, as with the previously mentioned decor theme. In addition, wood can work well with other natural materials such as stone or quartz.

Marble-look Quartz countertops are a big trend at the moment and will be for the foreseeable future. Synonymous with high-end luxury and durability, marble-like quartz is an affordable alternative to natural marble and has even more benefits, including heat resistance.

When it comes to colors, opposites definitely attract. We’re seeing a trend of combining and contrasting two bold colors on the opposite sides of the color wheel. Think peach and green, for example. Green is going to be big in 2022. Another example is copper and blue. Picking such opposing colors creates an immediate bold contrast that can powerfully enhance a kitchen decor scheme.

Statement extractor hoods are another significant feature for the coming year, with eye-catching metal surfaces creating a defining statement in any kitchen. Hoods are now available in many different designs, shapes, and finishes, with custom-made hoods introducing extra character to the cooking area.

Kitchen lighting design is perhaps more important than ever as we spend more time in our homes preparing meals. Layered lighting, where different types of lights are created for different kitchen zones, is set to develop further in 2022. Additional localized lighting features make food preparation safer and bring ambient character to an open-plan kitchen and dining space.

Speaking of open-plan kitchens, how about opting for a double island? An emerging trend across the United States is the inclusion of a pair of island units for kitchens with plenty of space to spare. As an indispensable feature of modern kitchens, the kitchen island is now the focus of exciting emerging designs and possibilities.

As the home kitchen becomes more of a multifunctional meeting space, there’s an increasing desire to move kitchenware and foodstuffs away from view. Of course, pantries have long been popular, but now they are exploding in popularity, especially for their modern array of clever storage options.

Homeowners now want decorative features, artwork, technology, and minimalist styles to take precedence in the kitchen where once shelving and cupboards were ubiquitous. This trend will only increase in 2022 and well into the future.

Bathroom Design Trends in Indiana

BathroomLafayette open concept bathroom shower trends for 2022 in many ways mirror those of the kitchen. Bathrooms are seeing a movement toward more open-plan designs and a focus on the benefits of new technology.

Open concept showers are becoming increasingly popular as people seek to lessen the boundaries between the bathroom interior and the traditional shower cubicle. Depending on your bathroom shape and size, a shower can be designed without any partitions at all, or alternatively, with just one or two sides.

Lafayette homeowners are also looking to increase the floor space of shower cubicles, with more long-term awareness of aging-in-place benefits for family members and when it comes to the overall value of the property for resale.

When it comes to color trends for 2022, dark bathroom palettes are making a splash. Charcoal is the go-to color that is going to be a popular choice for modern, sleek interiors. Darker tones contrast nicely with white or silver fixtures and result in minimal visual distractions.

And for low-maintenance bathroom walls that also look great, consider installing large format tiles. These big tiles are growing in demand in high-end homes because they’re easy to keep clean, mimic more expensive natural materials, are cost-effective, and look beautiful. You can find large format tiles in numerous styles, colors, patterns, and materials.

Indiana Basement Design Trends

BasementsLafayette Basement Remodel are no longer the dark and dusty storage spaces they once were. Instead, modern lifestyle trends, fueled further by the worldwide Covid-19 pandemic, have led homeowners to develop the basement as an extra room for family activities.

Gym memberships can be expensive and exercising in a crowd can feel uncomfortable. Home basement gyms are increasingly popular remodeling requests and for good reason. You can fit in every item of exercise equipment you need, improve the lighting, add some inspiring décor, and even add a spa area with a steam shower and sauna.

Open concept basements will be big in 2022, quite literally. By knocking down walls, you can create a wide expansive basement space for multiple uses. Depending on natural lighting sources, you can even create a home office or homeschooling area. Or a combination of an office, gym, yoga retreat, and even a games room. The possibilities are endless.

Other Trends to Watch Out For in Indiana

More and more homeowners in Tippecanoe County are investing in mudrooms – also known as an all-purpose drop zone. If you’re tired of muddy shoes, dirty paws, and wet coats and hats messing up your hallway and kitchen, a mudroom is the answer. This multipurpose space can also double up as a drop-off space for grocery store deliveries, a laundry area, a tech tool charging station, and a place to prepare for departure every day.

The weeks of lockdown and isolation have led to increased demand for larger windows to let the outside in. Daylight influences our mood and wellbeing, and so the more natural light you can let into your home, the better. This trend will grow in 2022 and well beyond, especially if more and more of us work from home.

Speaking of which, flexible home offices are another blossoming trend. With different family members requiring different types of workspaces and for differing time periods, there’s not always enough room for a single dedicated office or studio for each person.

Flexible spaces allow each family member to create a dedicated work area wherever it best suits them, even if it means modifying an existing room such as a kitchen or basement.

With so many emerging new trends, it’s essential to seek the advice of experienced home remodeling professionals. And this is where we can help you.

Your Design-Build Remodeling Team in Lafayette, Indiana

Riverside Construction, founded in 2008, is the go-to professional design-build team that has earned the respect and confidence of discerning homeowners in the Lafayette and West Lafayette areas.

With an award-winning team of highly skilled and experienced professionals in a range of fields, we excel at listening to client ideas and then translating those dreams into reality. We can help you decide on a direction, provide guidance, and be with you every step of the way to ensure your dream home is achieved.

Whether you’re transforming a kitchen, updating a bathroom, designing a home office, or adding an extension, let us guide your decision-making and partner with you to achieve the results you envision.

Contact us now to schedule an initial conversation. We’ll be happy to answer your questions, listen to your ideas, soothe your worries, and work with you to finalize your plans.

5 Tips to Ensure Your Home Addition Blends Seamlessly With Your Home

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While naturally adding square feet, room additions are a wonderful investment that allows you to prolong the enjoyment of your home (and your neighborhood) for years to come. But, integrating your addition into your home’s existing architecture isn’t easy. It often involves hiring a design professional to get it right.

Whether you’re building outwards or upwards, home additions are complex projects. Consider these five essential tips when planning your new space. The result? An intelligently-designed home addition that blends beautifully and seamlessly with your home’s original architecture and style.

1. Start with the Foundation

Behind every home addition is a strong foundation and it’s critical to match the floor and roof lines or elevations. It’s also important to make sure the foundation is deep enough to go below the “frost depth” in your geographic area. The depth requirements vary from region to region depending on the local weather. Building above the frost depth will cause the addition to shift over time independently of the main structure as the ground freezes and thaws, potentially causing foundation problems. Moreover, you need to make sure the type of foundation is appropriate for the soil type in your area. Again, failing to do so may cause shifting problems in the long run for your new addition.

For most home additions, it is also best to match the type of foundation used in the existing structure. So, if your existing home is built on a slab foundation, the addition should also be built on a slab foundation. If your original foundation is a crawlspace foundation, then the addition should also have a crawlspace foundation. This way, the addition is strong, level and seamless from the ground up.

2. Match the Exterior Finishes

Start with the roof and move your way down. Your room addition should match every detail on the original home, including trim, windows, siding, doors, hardware and paint colors. If you have a historical home, matching exact finishes can be more challenging, especially if some of the features are no longer in production. Home additions don’t have to match exactly, but the design should always be complementary in these aspects:

  • The roof—The roof on your addition should closely match the rooflines on your existing home. This means mimicking the pitch, soffit style, overhang, eave depth, rafter size, and spacing. It also means you may need to consider an entirely new roof. Older shingles on the existing home may be faded making it hard to match shingle shades on a room addition, for example. If your roof is starting to show its age, this may be a good time to simply update the entire roof.
  • The siding and other exterior finishes—Watch out for siding colors as well. If your existing siding has faded, it won’t match the new siding on the home addition.  Having the same color and style of trim can also go a long way towards tying the two structures together. If you have brick or stone exteriors, these materials can be harder to replace, but there are also creative ways to mix and match finishes that still look beautiful and blend well together. The key is to choose colors and finishes that complement each other.
  • Windows and Doors—These days, it’s becoming easier to find custom windows and doors that meet current Energy Star ratings and building codes, while also coming in historical dimensions and designs that might match those on your existing home. At the same time, exact matches are not always easy to find, so consider designs that work in harmony with the existing style. You can also replace older products with newer replacements to keep the design style consistent.

3. Blend the Interior Addition Design

The new room addition should also feel seamless from the inside. So, as you walk from the older part of the home and into the new space you should not feel a jarring sense of incompatible styles. It will be important to match elements like paint colors, window casings, crown molding and light fixture styles between the older and newer parts of the home.

4. Understand Local Building Codes and Zoning Laws

In every town, including here in West Lafayette, there are local building codes and zoning laws that dictate whether or not you can build a home addition on your property. Before getting too deep into your project, you will need to identify any restrictions that might be on your property. For example, some lot restrictions prevent certain types of home additions; and building codes (or the existing foundation on your original home) may prevent you from building up. A remodeling contractor can help you determine what the restrictions are, and then help you plan from there.

5. Don’t Forget Landscaping

Many homeowners are so excited about the home addition itself that they forget all about the landscaping—particularly the cost of new landscaping. Most contractors in West Lafayette will do some basic seeding around the home addition. Beyond that, homeowners will need to factor other landscape aspects into their home remodeling budget and plan.

If you’re considering a home addition, contact Riverside Construction today for a design consultation, or sign up for one of our home remodeling seminars to discuss your ideas with our design-build team and other homeowners in the area. You can also peruse our home addition portfolio for more ideas. If you’re still researching your next remodeling project, sign up for our newsletter to get new ideas every month. We’re always happy to talk with you, so call us at 765.838.1644.

Choosing Kitchen Faucet Finishes and Types

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Whether you have a broken faucet that needs replacing or you’ve decided that it’s time for an upgrade to improve your kitchen’s appearance, it’s a good idea to carefully examine your options so you can make a well-informed decision. Of course, the design team you work with can provide insight into selecting the perfect faucets during a remodeling project.

Before you get together with your design experts, you can take a moment to become familiar with what’s available today. To help you with the decision-making process, we’ve compiled a comprehensive look at kitchen faucet types and styles:

Kitchen Faucet Types

 

Faucets also come in numerous types, including gooseneck, high and low arc, wall mount, and bridge. “Touchless” faucets introduce sensor technology, giving you yet another option to consider. Let’s take a quick look at each to help you select the one best suited for your kitchen look and needs.

High arc or Gooseneck faucets are designed as their name suggests, with thin and tall stems that are sleek and elegant. Metallic finishes accentuate their brilliance, and their dimensions leave plenty of room in the sink and make pot-filling a breeze. A popular choice among Lafayette homeowners is high arc pull-down faucets.

Low arc faucets are available in various designs and arrangements. Choose stem height and finish based on your usage and aesthetic needs, great choices that offer an ideal balance between form and function. Many also come with a pull-out sprayer.

Wall mount faucets are not super common, but when used tastefully give home kitchens an interesting commercial look and feel. Completely freeing-up the sink area has its own numerous benefits.

Bridge faucets are distinctive designs where the hot and cold handles, levers, and controls are physically connected to the main faucet stem, literally creating a “bridge”. The look is traditional and not for everyone, but when appropriate can powerfully complement similar design features throughout the kitchen.

Touchless faucets now seem like the rage, adding high tech to any design and finish you choose. They might not be worth all the hype, but they offer convenient features that free your hands for doing other tasks. A simple hand wave turns these faucets on or off thanks to a movement sensor. 

Kitchen Faucet Finishes

 

Once you’ve got a good idea of what type of kitchen faucet to install, the next step is to select a finish. Kitchen faucets serve a utilitarian purpose, but they can still look good while you use them. 

You have several finishes to consider, including brass, bronze, chrome, nickel, stainless steel, matt black, and the newest exotic finish, ombre. 

Brass faucets will bring a traditional look and feel to your home. They can pair nicely with white kitchen finishes to add warmth and work equally as well with a modern-looking kitchen sink. Matte or brushed brass fixtures are quite versatile and appealing. The “Champagne Bronze” listed in the picture above is Delta’s version of the brushed brass finish.

Bronze that is treated by rubbing it with oil gives the metal a darker look. Oil-rubbed bronze is one of your pricier options, but you can’t beat it for the traditional look it provides, giving your kitchen a bold and classic appearance. The “Venetian Bronze” listed in the picture above is Delta’s version of the oil-rubbed bronze finish.

Chrome is one of the original finishes for plumbing fixtures, giving them a very classic look. Chrome is durable, easy to maintain, and great for minimalist kitchens. With a bold, shiny finish, chrome faucets are favored by many home renovators. Look for quality chrome, which resists tarnishing while being long-lasting and easy on your budget.

Nickel faucets are available in various finishes, including brushed and polished. Brushed nickel is a slightly warmer version of stainless steel, and polished nickel is a slightly warmer version of chrome.  Brushed nickel is also becoming the “new chrome,” and is used very frequently in all kitchen styles. Some manufacturers have even been able to engineer this finish to offer a “Spot Resistant Brushed Nickel”. Also known as pewter, brushed nickel works nicely to bring soft tones and warmth. Remember that the beauty of nickel faucets requires some maintenance. Periodic polishing of nickel faucets keeps them looking beautiful. Brushed nickel resists tarnishing better than polished, so keep that in mind when weighing your options.

Stainless steel is ideal for kitchen faucets thanks to the finish being easy to clean and maintain — especially useful when you have young kids since it possesses antimicrobial properties. Shiny like chrome, stainless steel is more expensive but gives your kitchen a more sophisticated look. So, for a more luxurious looking kitchen with sturdy, enduring faucets, stainless steel may be your preferred option.

Matte Black is a newer finish that has gained popularity in more modern and contemporary kitchens. In striking contrast to the metallic finishes, matte black is sleek and minimalist. The simplicity and purity of the aesthetic contrast well with nearly any kitchen style, making it very versatile and appealing. 

Ombre is a new finish for kitchen faucets developed by Kohler. Taking its name from the French word for “shadow” or “shade,” ombre melds two vibrant metal finishes together to create an interesting transition from light to dark. Ombre currently comes in two variations: vibrant rose gold and polished nickel. 

Selecting Faucets for Your Upgrade

After considering the various choices for kitchen faucets in your upcoming kitchen remodel project, you are bound to have some questions. Start by visiting our Kitchen Portfolio for ideas and then sign up for our free home remodeling seminars, which will give you more insight into preparing your own home to look magazine-cover worthy. Have fun browsing — your Riverside Interior Design Team is here to help. 

To learn more about selecting kitchen faucets or to consult with a designer, contact Riverside Construction today at 765.838.1644.

How to Select the Best Flooring For Your Home Workout Room

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The decision to install a home gym can be life-changing in any number of ways, but it also involves a lot of decision-making. The physical location of your personal workout space will influence its actual square footage as well as the floor plan, layout, and specific finishing materials. Basement gyms, for instance, might accommodate heavier fitness equipment, but can also present a logistical challenge for installing large equipment. A yoga studio, on the other hand, might occupy only a sliver of space in a seldom-used second-floor guest room.

In addition to basic decisions about space and use, you will want to consider privacy, convenience, and finishing materials.

One of the primary considerations for any gym is the flooring type that will best suit your needs. Fitness flooring varies, and your decision must suit not only your particular needs but also your room décor or design style and your budget.

No matter what your exercise preferences might be — from Zumba to incline walkers or rowing machines, some common flooring choices are carpet, foam, vinyl, and rubber. Here’s how to evaluate the pros and cons of each:

Carpet

Carpet tiles are used in both commercial fitness facilities and home gyms. Commercial grade, low-pile carpet is soft, resilient, and comfortable underfoot, all pluses for a workout room. Carpet absorbs some sound and is as suitable for yoga and karate routines as it is for exercise machines. Carpet provides a non-slip surface and offers some insulation against cold or extreme heat. Carpet tiles, which are easy to install, may also be easily replaced if they become damaged or stained.

Overall, carpet is durable, versatile, cost-efficient, child-friendly and easy to care for. It is available in a wide range of colors, and individual carpet tiles can be mixed to create a custom design or to designate specific exercise zones.

On the minus side, however, carpet is not water-resistant. It is subject to mold and mildew if used in a damp area, and can harbor pests and insects. Carpet also is more difficult to clean than other flooring types. Wall-to-wall carpet may stretch over time, unless it is a glue-down variety, and may require professional re-stretching.

Foam

Foam is a popular and playful choice for family-oriented exercise. Available in bright colors and sometimes sold as interlocking “puzzle pieces,” foam is comfortable, cushioning and extremely lightweight. A foam pad, or blanket, is a highly functional and economical alternative in a part-time workout room. Because foam is so flexible and absorbs the impact of physical activity, it is a good choice for a stationary bicycle, a lightweight rowing machine, or for strenuous movement, including jogging in place or punching bag workouts.

It is soft and resilient for floor stretches, and for all age groups. In addition, foam allows the greatest creative flexibility for color and pattern.

The only reported downside to foam is that it is not usually considered the best option for extremely heavy exercise equipment. If plans for your gym include weight benches, elliptical machines, or heavy treadmills, another type of floor might be more durable.

Vinyl

Modern vinyl is as functional for a workout room as it is for a utility room or child’s bathroom: It’s easy to clean, resists mold and mildew, will withstand heavy use and some abuse. This category of resilient flooring comes in an array of products including planks, sheets, and tiles, and allows extensive customization through color and pattern. Vinyl is flexible, easy to install with minimum preparation, and can be used directly over a slab, as well as over sub-flooring or an older wood floor.

High-quality vinyl will be durable, while low-quality material will be susceptible to rips and tears. Unfortunately, vinyl flooring cannot be refinished, so when it is damaged it needs to be removed and replaced. This is easier in a tile and plank installation than with sheet materials.

Vinyl flooring is also offered in three different types of wear surfaces, offering a full range of protection against scuffs and stains—from entry-level (Vinyl No-Wax) to Urethane and Enhanced Urethane, which offers the most protection.

Finally, a vinyl floor is only minimally shock resistant. Over concrete, as in a garage or basement, it will still be hard, and perhaps cold during the winter.

Rubber

A fourth popular option for a home gym is rubber flooring, with all the best qualities of a flexible and easy-to-care-for floor and few of the disadvantages. It is available in rolls or tiles, is comfortable, shock resistant, durable, and easy to keep clean. While economical color options are limited, it is extremely practical. If used as area matting or a temporary surface, it can be moved and stored easily. Rubber does not absorb odors, is anti-microbial, and will not be damaged by water.

However, like vinyl, rubber has little insulating quality and will be colder in the winter than carpet or foam.

Ready to Design Your Workout Space?

When you’re ready to move forward with your plans for a home workout space, Riverside Construction can not only help you decide which type of gym flooring will best suit you, but we can help you design and build a space that fits your needs exactly, fit to your budget, timeline, and lifestyle.  Start a Conversation about your home workout space today.