Category: News

When expecting, one of the first things any parent should consider is to make your home safe. Children are natural-born explorers and perceive the world differently than adults do. But their curiosity can lead to safety risks. Although we may not notice, there are plenty of items in our homes that pose a risk to children like paint, stairs and pools. Learn how to reduce the risks for your baby in your Florida home with just a few tips and tricks.

Preparing Your Florida Home

How can you distinguish harmful items that are within a child’s reach? Get low, crawl on all fours, and envision yourself from their point of view! This may seem silly, but it allows you to see things from a baby’s perspective and what a baby could reach. Items such as glass, breakables, and heavy or sharp objects, that they could easily pull down on top of them must be put out of a baby’s reach for their safety.

Make sure tall furniture such as bookcases and chests of drawers are securely anchored to the wall. Once babies become mobile, their curiosity can lead them to climb, and you want to protect them from injury by making sure furniture cannot tip over. And don’t forget to install gates and railings on stairs as toddlers love to climb.

Lastly, electrical outlets throughout your home should have safety covers installed when not in use.

1. Paint & Furniture Risks
   • If your home was built before 1978, get your home tested for lead and if found there is a protocol to mitigate it
   • Stick with cribs, toys, highchairs, chests and the like made after 1978
   • Secure furniture, including bookshelves, to the wall, so they do not fall over
   • Place protective padding on tables and other sharp edges around your home
   • Keep cribs and beds away from windows
   • Mount flatscreen TVs to the wall. Keep older and heavier TVs on sturdy furniture
   • Install stops in removable drawers so that the drawers won’t fall out
   • Attach safety locks or latches on drawers and cabinets, specifically those containing chemicals, sharp items and choking hazards
2. Stairs & Falling Risks
   • Ensure that stairways have ample lighting 
   • Install railings or handrails on each side of the stairs for balance
   • Install gates at the top and bottom of interior staircases. Since hardware-mounted gates can’t be knocked down, these are best recommended for children
3. Pools Risks
   • Install barriers around your pool to avoid any risks or accidents. Specialists advise a fence at a minimum of 4 feet high around the pool. The blockade around the pool should include a self-closing, self-latching gate or door. If your house functions as part of the barrier, a brilliant idea would be to install alarms on doors and windows with direct pool access.
4. Electrical & Heating and Cooling Elements Risk
   • Place safety caps on electrical outlets
   • Do not overload sockets, and avoid appliances piggybacking onto extension cords
   • Discuss with children the necessity of avoiding electricals near water due to the risk of electrocution

Hire a Contractor – Varian Construction

If you are looking for a contractor for your major home renovation and with an eye toward baby-proofing your home, trust Varian Construction.

Based in Southwest Florida, Varian Construction has been renovating homes, condominiums, and commercial projects for over 30 years. In those three decades, Varian has been awarded 15 Florida Home Builders Association awards for excellent and stunning work.

Furthermore, owner Bill Varian has been accredited as a Certified Graduate Remodeler (CGR), Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS), and a Certified Green Professional (CGP) ensuring that your home will be built with quality and care for years to come.

Fully licensed to work in Florida, Varian Construction can complete your upgrades within your desired budget and timeframe. Varian uses CoConstruct to help schedule timelines, track financials, and as a platform for communication for homeowners so you can be confident that your home is in good hands. For those with design plans or space renovations, Varian Construction uses its connections and resources to meet the owner’s expectations and exceed them. If you are interested in hiring Varian Construction for your home renovation, contact us today at 239.514.0103 or visit VarianConstruction.com

You love your house, but it’s getting a bit small, or perhaps there’s another baby on the way and you’re unsure whether there’s enough space. Maybe your kitchen or bathroom is in urgent need of an upgrade. Whatever your renovation needs, here are six benefits of remodeling your home to help you determine if it’s the right move for you

• To Improve your Home’s Value

Adding extra rooms can undoubtedly add value to your home. If you have an older home, renovating the kitchen and bathrooms can make a big difference to the house’s value when it comes time to sell and can make an immediate difference to your family’s quality of life. Refurbishing bedrooms, living areas, hallways in homes and adding a few modern touches inside and out can add curb appeal and attract extra buyers when it’s time to sell.

• To Upgrade the Home’s Function

Insteadof taking the time to buy another home, remodeling your existing home to fit the functional needs of your family will help improve your home in many ways. As a family grows, so too can your house. For example, if you entertain often, a contractor could suggest an open floor plan or a larger kitchen. If you have adolescent children, remodeling a bathroom might make it more kid-friendly and therefore be a good idea.

• To Increase Comfort or Enjoyment of the Home

A home remodeling company can take ideas and plans and turn them into reality. A house renovation can include your desire for a gourmet, chef-style kitchen, spa-like bathroom, or other significant upgrades. Simple spaces in your home can become places for memories and enjoyment. Remodeling an older home allows you to make them your own while preserving the character and allure that made you fall for your home in the first place. 

• To Fix a Safety Issue

When it comes to safety in your home, especially if you have children, renovations to remove hazardous materials or reconfigure unsafe structures are essential. Installing a new roof, plumbing, or light fixtures can prevent serious issues in a home.

• To Increase the Efficiency of the Home

The cost of home remodels is well worth it when it saves you money in energy costs. Remodeling your home with modern fixtures can lead to considerable savings and thereby offset overall costs. Be sure to replace or repair your roof before a minor trickle becomes a major problem.

• To Update the Home’s Style

What worked then might not work now, so turning an older home into a modern one brings life back into your beloved home. Updating the style of your home can give new meaning to thoughts of entertainment. A remodeling company can replace obsolete appliances and fixtures with new, energy-efficient models and replace that questionable ’60s shag carpet with new hardwood floors! Updating your home’s style can tie into new trends that appeal to you personally or as a way to prepare a house for sale. The best bet is to use timeless styles that convey true sophistication.

Hire a Contractor – Varian Construction

If you are looking for a contractor for your home renovation, trust Varian Construction.

Based in Southwest Florida, Varian Construction has been renovating homes, condominiums, and commercial projects for over 30 years. In those three decades, Varian has been awarded 15 Florida Home Builders Association awards for excellent and stunning work.

Furthermore, owner Bill Varian has been accredited as a Certified Graduate Remodeler (CGR), Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS), and a Certified Green Professional (CGP), ensuring that your home will be built with quality and care, true craftsmanship that’ll stand the test of time for years to come.

Fully licensed to work in Florida, Varian Construction can complete your upgrades within your desired budget and timeframe. Varian uses CoConstruct to help schedule timelines, track financials, and as a platform for communication for homeowners so you can be confident that your home is in good hands. For those with design plans or space renovations, Varian Construction uses its connections and resources to not only meet the owner’s expectations but to exceed them. If you are interested in hiring Varian Construction for your home renovation, contact us today at 239.514.0103 or visit VarianConstruction.com

A major home renovation can be a massive undertaking but has plenty of benefits. For starters, a whole house renovation will allow you to create a new space in the same location, so you won’t have to leave the place you love. A remodel may also benefit your home if you are looking to sell, as it can make the newly updated home stand out from other listings in the area.

If you are thinking about undertaking a whole home remodel, here are five things to consider before starting a major home renovation.

Budget

Perhaps the most important aspect to consider before starting a major home renovation is the budget. This will allow you to plan how big the project will be and what your new space can include.

If you are in the budgeting stage of a major home renovation, it is important to set a maximum budget. Since the remodel will encompass every room in the home, make sure to set aside money for each room as some spaces will require more attention. These rooms may include the kitchen, owner’s suite and master bathroom. Other major expenses may include the flooring, roofing or furniture for the home.

Many people will consider a major home renovation as they are looking to increase the resale value of their property. In this case, there are certain rooms that will be “top sellers” for buyers such as newly finished kitchens, spacious bathrooms, stunning outdoor living areas, and much more. In this case, some renovations may be worth spending the money on as they could provide a positive return on investment, all while refreshing your space.

Timeframe

Another factor to consider for your home renovation is the timeframe for the project. This is extremely important, especially if you are remodeling your primary residence. In certain instances, you may not be able to stay in the space when it is under construction so be sure to plan ahead.

Depending on the size of the space, the timeframe can vary widely. Therefore, it is important to choose a contractor that will keep you informed throughout the project. That way you can be sure that your home will be finished in the established amount of time and limit any surprises along the way.

Space

Every home is unique, and no two renovations are alike. Depending on your plans for your remodel, you may want to add to the overall square footage. This may require special permitting, licensing, or HOA regulations that you will have to follow.

In other instances, owners can repurpose different spaces to be functional and elegant. If you want to create a bigger kitchen, perhaps you will need to remove an interior wall to design the open-concept kitchen of your dreams.

If you’re working from home, and need an office space to host your remote meetings, how about repurposing an extra bedroom or den into the home office of your dreams? That way you can stay connected with work, even if the job site is miles away. Whatever your plans for your home, be sure to consider the space in which you are working with.

Designs/Style

When planning the style of your home, it is easy to get lost in the different types of furniture, textures, colors and more. One way to help with the design stage of a whole-home renovation is to picture what you want the final space to look like. If you don’t know, pull inspiration from your friends, magazines, television shows or other outlets.

In addition to the style of your new space, consider how you want the space to function. Will your kitchen be designed for hosting and gatherings? Will the great room be family friendly? Even for children or grandkids?

When you consider the functionality of the space and what you will use your home for, it will be easier to start designing the look and feel of each room.

Hire a Contractor

A whole home remodel is no DIY project, in fact, it is best left to a professional contractor. If you are looking for a contractor for your major home renovation, trust Varian Construction.

Based out of Southwest Florida, Varian Construction has been renovating homes, condominiums and commercial projects for more than 30 years. In those three decades, Varian has been awarded with 15 Florida Home Builders Association awards, for excellent and stunning work.

Furthermore, Owner Bill Varian has been accredited as a Certified Graduate Remodeler (CGR), Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS), and a Certified Green Professional (CGP) ensuring that your home will be built with quality and care for years to come.

Fully licensed to work in Florida, Varian Construction can successfully complete your renovation within your desired budget and timeframe. In fact, Varian uses CoConstruct to help schedule timelines, track financials, and as a platform for communication for homeowners, so you can be confident that your home is in good hands.

For those with design plans or space renovations, Varian Construction uses its connections and resources to not only meet the owner’s expectations but to exceed them. If you are interested in hiring Varian Construction for your major home renovation, contact us today at 239.514.0103 or visit VarianConstruction.com

Have you recently decided you want to renovate your home and have no clue where to start? Then leave it to the experts at Varian Construction! Home remodels can feel like a mix of both exhilaration and anxiety but bear in mind that renovations can transform your living experience and improve your comfort and quality of life. With this in mind, hire a skilled contractor to help you make strategic decisions to achieve your final goal and avoid unnecessary headaches along the way. Here are a few essential factors about why you should consider hiring a contractor when starting any significant home renovation:

#1 – Design Inspiration & Vision Advice from an Expert

When planning a remodel, one of the first things to consider is what you’d like your results to encompass. Interior aesthetics vary widely, ranging from pared-down minimalism to eclectic maximalism, so the possibilities are endless. But too many options can feel a little overwhelming, even for the most design-savvy individuals.

To help narrow down all the options, spend some time researching what styles you like, and be sure to note the colors, textures, and techniques that align with your aesthetic. You will also want to see paint colors on the wall before locking in your choice. Paint can often have a different hue when it dries or takes on the texture from your wall.

In addition to the look of your design, choosing elements that suit your daily needs helps create an effortlessly functional home. If you often host guests or family, consider adding a larger kitchen with double islands or a guest suite to accommodate everyone’s needs.

Most importantly, you will want to hear the designers’/contractors’ goals and visions for your home. Talking to the contractor hired helps visualize the space’s appearance once the renovation is complete.

#2 – Your Budget, Building Permits & ROI Done Right

When budgeting, expect the unexpected. Homes hold many secrets at times, which may come to light as the renovation ensues. Be sure to use careful planning and research with specific square footage to understand what the renovation entails.

 Research helps clients decide whether they may choose one company over the other due to various factors. Bids can help you break down individual costs so that you can see the prices of each category. Individualized costs can help determine whether you want to splurge on specific items or reserve cash.

When considering a remodel, all projects require building permits from a specific city or county. Remodels involve paperwork that is submitted for each task within the renovation. The city/county has codes and regulations to follow for any project’s approval. Once approved by the city/county, the renovation project can commence.

Renovations can help improve many factors in your home and increase the property value or return on investment. The surrounding areas near your home can also determine ROI. Neighborhood comps can help calculate what the value of your home will have once the renovation is complete.

Specific remodeling projects offer higher average ROIs than others. For instance, minor kitchen remodeling projects using mid-range materials can yield a higher average ROI, while adding an upscale primary suite generates a lower average ROI. In cases like this, having a contractor will help answer all your remodeling questions.

#3– Manageable Timelines

Remodeling projects, especially extensive projects, can bring inconveniences, like loud noises, big messes, and unusable rooms. Before a renovation, preparation can make your remodeling project much more manageable.

For example, renovating your kitchen first helps control your timeline and costs. Kitchens are considered the most demanding home areas due to electrical, plumbing, and hardware being installed simultaneously. If you believe your home isn’t a home without your kitchen, then communicating your needs to the contractor you hire will make the process more efficient. Starting the work in your kitchen first, which is the most visible room and widely used area in your home.

Varian Construction

Choosing the right questions to ask when hiring a remodeler will save you time and frustration. So, leave it to the pros to answer your questions. If you’re looking to remodel your Southwest Florida home, trust Varian Construction.

With over 30 years of experience in residential and commercial projects, Varian Construction is the perfect contractor for your job.

Varian Construction is an award-winning builder and remodeler and has been recognized with over 15 Florida Home Builders Association awards (FHBA) and has been accredited as a Certified Graduate Remodeler (CGR), Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS), and a Certified Green Professional (CGP).

Every residential remodel is an essential project for Varian Construction, just as the timeline and the budget are always essential to the customer and the builder.

This is why they use CoConstruct to help schedule timelines, track financials, and as a platform for communication with their clients so that you can be confident in the construction process and get you back to your beautiful, remodeled home. If you are looking for a contractor to remodel your residence or any other room in your home, contact Varian Construction at (239) 514-0103 or visit VarianConstruction.com.

Remodeling is an opportunity to create a new space that can meet the needs of your family and friends. Kitchens, however, can be the greatest expense and the most complex room to remodel. Whether you start with appliances, floors, countertops, or cabinets… have a detailed plan of what features you’re looking for in your dream kitchen. Most don’t realize the amount of time and the overall costs that go into a kitchen renovation, not to mention unanticipated costs. Budget, insurance, suppliers and the timeline of the project all play major rolls when planning a renovation.

On average, kitchen remodels take about 8 weeks and can vary widely in cost. But don’t let that scare you, once the remodel is finished, it will be well worth the wait and investment. Before you start working with a remodeling company, you may have a few questions to ask. 

Question #1 – How does the remodel/design process work?

When hiring a company to remodel your kitchen, you will want to know exactly how the process will lay out and what their overall plan is for your renovation. Because every home is different, there may be limitations on what you can and cannot do. Certain cities have codes and restrictions, which you will need to be mindful of. Permits for kitchens can also take some time when doing a renovation, so planning ahead is key.

You also need to consider the time frame, whether there will be multiple contractors on-site daily, and if you’re able to use your kitchen during the process. A renovation time frame is helpful to both the homeowner and the remodeler.  

Question #2 – What’s a realistic budget?

Of course, when it comes to a renovation everyone’s first question is how much is it going to cost? When hiring a company to remodel, you will want to get an itemized bid or quote. This helps categorize individual costs and figure out how the payments are going to be set up throughout the remodeling process. When planning a remodel, you may want to contact more than one company to see which bid works best with your budget and timeline. Breaking down individual costs will help you determine if you want to splurge in some areas but save in others.

Question #3 – Does your contractor have proof of business licenses and liability insurance?

Before starting a remodel, checking your contractor’s business license and insurance is a smart thing to do. Contractors need a specific license to remodel a residence while ensuring their work is up to code. Make sure you are listed as additionally insured on their insurance certificate, should the policy expire within the renovation period. If contractors do not have proof of licensing or insurance, run in the other direction!

Question #4 – Who are their suppliers?

Depending on the company, they will either use their employees or contract companies out to do certain work for them. When remodeling a kitchen, you want to make sure the quality of the materials meets your standards and research each company you are considering. In learning who their suppliers are, verify that the company is reputable, and that their products are good ones.  If possible, get ahold of samples for inspection. Sampling helps you choose between the options that are available and allows you to see the product in person. 

Varian Construction

Choosing the right questions to ask your kitchen remodeler will save you time and frustration, so leave it to the pros to answer those questions. If you’re looking to remodel your kitchen in your Southwest Florida home, trust Varian Construction.

With over 30 years of experience in residential and commercial projects, Varian Construction is the perfect contractor for your job.

Varian Construction is an award-winning builder and remodeler and has been recognized with over 15 Florida Home Builders Association awards (FHBA) and has been accredited as a Certified Graduate Remodeler (CGR), Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS), and a Certified Green Professional (CGP).

Every residential remodel is an important project to Varian Construction. Just as the timeline and the budget are always essential to the customer and the builder.

This is why we use CoConstruct to help schedule timelines, track financials, and as a platform for communication with our clients so that you can be confident in the construction process and get you back to your beautiful, remodeled kitchen.  If you are looking for a contractor to remodel your kitchen or any other room in your home, contact Varian Construction today at (239) 514-010 or visit VarianConstruction.com.

According to Foyr.com, the average person spends about 26 years sleeping during their lifetime which is equivalent to 9,490 days or 227,760 hours. With this in mind, a lot of our time is spent in the comfort of our master bedrooms.  

Master bedrooms serve numerous purposes in your home, but relaxation is the main purpose of the space. Depending on how large the bedroom is, certain amenities might not be possible due to space restrictions. To maximize all the space in the room, you need to consider drawing out a rough blueprint of what you want the room to look like. This plan will include all possible furnishings according to how much square footage you have. Here’s how to measure your square footage and utilize each inch to the maximum to find which size master bedroom is best for your home.

Tips & Tricks:

Designing and constructing a master bedroom requires passion, creativity and a plan. When it comes to designing your master bedroom, you should ask yourself a few questions to figure out what your dream master bedroom not only looks like but what the functionality of the bedroom will be.

Paint, furniture, and organization all play very important roles when it comes to designing the layout of a bedroom. For instance, paint can allow a room to look smaller or larger depending on the tone or shade of the color. With furniture, the size allows for more flow in the room versus less, and specific organizational tools can all contribute to a completely functional master bedroom. These factors can help you choose which is best suitable for your bedroom space.

Varian Construction

Choosing the perfect master bedroom size can be time consuming, so leave it to the pros.  If you’re looking to master the master bedroom of your Southwest Florida home, trust Varian Construction.

With over 30 years of experience in residential and commercial projects, Varian Construction is the perfect contractor for your job.

Varian Construction is an award-winning builder and remodeler and has been recognized with over 15 Florida Home Builders Association awards (FHBA) and has been accredited as a Certified Graduate Remodeler (CGR), Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS), and a Certified Green Professional (CGP).

Every residential remodel is an important project to Varian Construction, as the timeline and the budget are always essential to the customer and the builder.

This is why we use CoConstruct to help schedule timelines, track financials, and as a platform for communication with our clients so that you can be confident in the construction process and get back to sleeping in your master bedroom quicker. If you are looking for a contractor to remodel your master bedroom, or any other room in your home, contact Varian Construction today at (239) 514-0103 or visit VarianConstruction.com

Of all the rooms in your home, the bathroom sees the greatest wear and tear. It’s one of the most-used rooms in the house, if not the most used. Moisture and skin oils from bathing and showering put a strain on the fixtures and fittings in the bathroom. As time goes on, many materials that aren’t correctly installed can begin to show signs of wear and tear, such as in the flooring and tile. It’s inevitable that your bathroom will need to be improved or renovated from time to time, but it doesn’t necessarily have to cost an arm and a leg. We’ll take a look at various bathroom remodeling projects and their estimated prices in this post. Now’s the time to start planning and hire a general contractor to get your project off the ground.

Cabinets for the bathroom

Cabinets in the bathroom should be water-resistant or sealed wood, and they should be designed precisely for the bathroom’s plumbing efficiency. It is important to ensure that the countertops and cabinets will fit the desired sink you want to install, as well as to make sure that whatever type of cabinet you want to use will fit to meet the dimensions and measurements of where it is going to be installed. In general, cabinet replacement costs are between $1500 and $1800, which will last around ten years on average.

The surfaces of the walls and ceilings in bathrooms

To avoid peeling paint in your bathroom, consider using moisture-resistant wallpaper or wall panels rather than painting the walls. Since vinyl or tile is extremely easy to clean and traps moisture, drywall and paint can be protected from mold or flaking by installing tile or vinyl in the shower area. As a rule of thumb, painting and laying tile should cost between $300 and $600. Investing in materials that can stand the test of time is a good idea, depending upon your ultimate goals.

Countertops in the bathroom

Countertops are where you’ll put hairdryers, toothpaste, water glasses, and many other items you use every day. As such, your countertops should be water- and even heat-resistant. You may pick from a variety of countertop materials for your bathroom renovation including quartz, granite, ceramic, and natural stone. Bathroom countertops may cost anywhere from $800 to $3000, depending on the material. Do your research before purchasing an expensive countertop and make sure both the color and texture are neutral so that you don’t have to replace it if your bathroom is remodeled again in the future.

Bathroom Flooring

Your bathroom’s aesthetic, function, and safety may all be improved with a simple floor upgrade. When it comes to bathroom flooring, tile and vinyl are frequently cited as the top choices. These materials are not only extremely long-lasting and easy to maintain, but their cost is lower than wood or stone. Installed flooring costs between $12.09 and $18.35 per square foot. HomeAdvisor estimates that the cost of bathroom flooring can range from $800 to $7,000.

Lighting Your Bathroom

Making a minor alteration to the lighting in your bathroom can give it an entirely different atmosphere and appearance. The amount of electrical work that will be required, as well as the kind of fixtures utilized, will determine the cost. According to HomeAdvisor’s research, the cost of your bathroom lighting project might range anywhere from $120 to $4,000 depending on the fixture(s) you choose. If you’re interested in an affordable bathroom remodel, contact Varian Construction and learn more about our step-by-step process of bringing your vision to reality. Visit our website or call us at (239) 514-0103 for more information.

We all grew up with a dream house in mind, with authentic hardwood floors and crown molding, beautiful, high ceilings, and bay windows, but did we really think wood floors would be the most efficient and durable flooring for our home? We, of course, want the look of the hardwood planks, but do we really want to put in the money and time to maintain them?

If you’re looking to get that wood floor aesthetic in your home, there are great alternatives to the real thing, and some just happen to be more practical as well.

Laminate Wood Flooring

Let us begin with laminate wood flooring, the most popular flooring substitute for real hardwood floors. Laminates are composed of genuine wood, but they are actually densely packed fiberboard designed to look like various types of wood and stained to fit the aesthetic of the wood that you prefer. These floors are popular because they are inexpensive, easy to install (similar to putting together Lego bricks), and stain and scratch-resistant, making them ideal for households with children and pets. You can install these floors nearly anywhere; however, if you’re installing them in a bathroom or kitchen, the ideal option would be a waterproof or water-resistant laminate wood flooring to guard against the constant moisture.

Engineered Wood Flooring

Engineered wood flooring planks are constructed from layers of genuine wood, plywood, and fiberboard and can be installed by gluing, floating, or stapling. Since they are pressed and strengthened with numerous layers of distinct wood treatments, these floors are more durable than ordinary hardwood floors. When compared to traditional hardwood flooring, engineered wood flooring is surprisingly resistant to water damage and warping. They can also be refinished with a new veneer after years of use, depending on how even and how much veneer is applied. In addition to convenience, engineered wood planks may be laid on concrete, whereas traditional hardwood flooring cannot, and it may provide additional styles than that of traditional hardwood flooring. This flooring is ideal for living spaces; such as the living room, dining room, and office. It is not recommended, however, for bathrooms or kitchens since water can still permeate these surfaces.

Vinyl Wood-Look Flooring (Luxury Vinyl Tile)

Consider vinyl wood-look flooring if you want a wood-look appearance without breaking the bank. Vinyl wood flooring can make your life much easier and is incredibly versatile while still being easy to care for. These floors can come in a large selection of designs, textures, and colors and are relatively easy to install. One of the advantages of vinyl flooring is that it is water-resistant, making it ideal for use in bathrooms, kitchens, and entryways. It’s also beneficial if you have pets who are prone to misbehaving.

Bamboo Flooring

Bamboo flooring is an excellent alternative to hardwood floors for those who are conscious of the environment. Bamboo, unlike its hardwood-tree counterpart, grows much faster when planted and even faster after being cut. Bamboo grows at a rate of up to an inch per hour, making it easily replantable and harvestable for a variety of applications including tools, furniture, and, in this case, flooring. Bamboo may last as long as, if not longer than, typical hardwood floors, making it a very enticing option for individuals who prefer the authentic feel of natural flooring. Bamboo is both flexible and robust, allowing for more collisions and hard handling. It is also dent and scratch-resistant and is available in a number of color and texture variations. The one disadvantage of bamboo flooring is that it is not water-resistant, therefore it should not be used in bathrooms or kitchens with a lot of moisture.

Wood-Look Tile

You may have noticed this hardwood-alternative flooring trending in recent years, and with good reason. When it comes to installing new flooring in the home, wood-look tile is second only to laminate flooring in popularity. It has the appearance of wood, but it is more durable and waterproof. It’s also easy to clean, pet and child-friendly, and stain, slide, and scratch-resistant, making it an excellent choice for whole-house installation. The advantage of this type of flooring is that it does not require any sealing after installation and will last for many years.

If you’re interested in installing new wood-look flooring in your home, Varian Construction’s vast knowledge and experience in floor installation is perfect for any home remodeling project. Contact us today at 239-514-0103 for more information on home remodeling through Varian Construction.

When most people think of an apartment, they see a towering, unappealing structure with inadequate amenities, small rooms, and tight quarters.

Following the pandemic, rental prices skyrocketed by as much as 50-100%  from that of just a few years ago. Well-meaning people are finding it more difficult than ever to locate a place to live, while those who already own a house are battling with rising insurance rates, inflation and more. We are seeing a rising number of efficiency add-ons or apartments to existing homes across the U.S. as a means to increase income across the board for homeowners.

The definition of an efficiency apartment is a one-room apartment containing a kitchen, living area, and a bedroom, as well as a separate bathroom. Many homeowners that build efficiency apartments as an addition to their homes plan to utilize it as a second revenue stream; not only does it aid individuals seeking a place to live, but it also brings in extra cash for the homeowners to pay for their expenses.

Efficiency apartments are complicated projects, but the return on investment may be highly enticing to some. In this article, we’ll go over how to choose the best location for your add-on and what extra features you can incorporate to ensure it’s marketable, ethical, and lucrative!

Choose where your efficiency apartment will be located

Garages are the most common area for add-ons because they are generally used as extra storage space. A garage is the most viable space for building an efficiency apartment as it is the room furthest away from the main living area. You should also consider that the renter should be able to reach the efficiency through a separate entrance other than the main door. This will provide you and your tenant the privacy you both deserve.

Some people may choose to convert a dining room or living room into an efficiency, where walls may be created to keep the rooms distinct while remaining close to waterlines, electricity, and natural gas hookups, if necessary.

Amenities and Features

Once you’ve decided on a place for the efficiency addition. You’ll need to think about every aspect of home life and provide it to your renter in bite-sized chunks. They will need a full kitchen or kitchenette, a bathroom with a tub or shower, a living area, a bedroom or place to store a bed, and an entryway or separate door space for entering the apartment.

The kitchens in an efficiency apartment tend to be smaller than what you’d find in a studio or regular apartment due to the fact there aren’t many walls separating the space. A kitchen should consist of cabinets, a stove, a place for a refrigerator and dishwasher, and a sink with counter space. Normally this would be placed on a wall closest to the waterline hookups. Kitchens in these efficiency apartments should remain parallel to the wall to create more living space, and should also have ample storage space. 

Bathrooms are also a no-brainer. There needs to be a minimum of at least a shower, a sink, and a toilet for the tenant and also a door for privacy. Efficiencies are exactly what their name implies, efficient. Therefore getting the place to feel comfortable and homey in a small area, it is important to logically think about how you can utilize the small space for multiple purposes.

If you think of it in terms of building the ever-popular “tiny home”, each distinct section of a home can fit into the same space with functional and moveable furniture. For instance, a murphy bed or a pull-out bed can be placed to ensure there is a place for entertainment and leisure, as well as for sleep.

Another popular way to share space is by creating a hanging dining table that fits on the wall so the tenant can easily hang it out of the way when they want to use the space for another purpose. Creativity is key here!

There are also plenty of ways to alter the walls and floors to offer more storage for the tenants. Creating shelf space, or shallow hatches in the floor can serve to  keep cleaning items and other supplies out of the way and create efficiency in everyday life. If you’re interested in a new home addition or creating an efficiency apartment for that extra income, Varian Construction’s years of experience can bring your vision into reality. To find out more information call contact 239-514-0103 and we can walk you through the Varian process.