3 Benefits of Replacement Windows for Your Home

Replacement windows may not be at the top of your list of home improvement projects, but perhaps they should be. When you notice that your windows are foggy, drafty, difficult to open and close, or have rotten frames or sills, it’s time to examine the tremendous benefits of replacement windows. New windows save energy, provide consistent temperatures in your home, improve your home’s curb appeal and increase security. In addition, if you ever choose to sell your home, replacement windows can yield up to a 73 percent return on investment.

1. Replacement Windows Save You Money Now and Later

Purchasing new windows might seem costly at first glance, but after evaluating your monthly energy savings year after year, it’s one of the best home improvements you can make. Older, single-pane windows are often the source of up to 70 percent of your home’s heat loss. In contrast, energy-efficient replacement windows are designed specifically to keep heat in or out, depending on the season.

ADDITIONAL FEATURES OF NEW REPLACEMENT WINDOWS

  • New windows keep extreme weather outside. Energy-efficient windows can reduce the demand on your heating and cooling systems by up to 25 percent allowing you to make your home more comfortable at a lower cost.
  • Premium window insulation. Double- or triple-pane replacement windows are now filled with gas, typically argon or krypton, to help keep air from escaping your home.
  • “Low-e” (low thermal emissivity) windows have a very thin coating applied to the glass. This coating reflects various solar waves, such as long-wave infrared energy (or heat) from the sun, keeping your home more comfortable. Combined with double- or triple-pane glass and argon or krypton gas, low-e coatings can significantly improve the thermal efficiency of your windows.

Not only will you see immediate savings in your monthly costs, but you might be able to receive instant savings offered through rebates for new windows from your utility company. You may also be able to claim a deduction on your income taxes for your energy-efficient replacement windows.

2. New Windows Will Increase Your Home’s Worth

If you replace your windows tomorrow and sell your home the following day, you will be able to recoup the majority of your cost. That alone makes it a worthy investment. Better yet, stay in your home and choose new Jeld Wen Windows you can enjoy for many years to come, knowing they are an excellent investment as well as a beautiful addition to your home

There are other monetary benefits of new windows. Your property value may increase, which also increases your resale value. An often overlooked benefit of replacement windows is curb appeal. The ever-increasing selection of window types, sizes, colors, hardware finishes and styles allows you to match your windows to your home’s design or update its look. The continuity of your home’s appearance can greatly influence the appraisal of your home. Curb appeal can make or break the sale of a home.

Additionally, replacement windows with multiple locks can also lower your insurance costs. This added value also increases appeal to a potential homebuyer. Emotional security certainly adds to the appeal and perceived worth of your home.

3. The Comfort of Replacement Windows

Your home is your castle. It’s the place you live, learn and grow. It’s the place you go for comfort. The benefits of replacement windows are far greater than the cost. They improve your home’s overall environment with benefits like natural light, noise reduction, improved views and custom style. New windows can offer UV protection for walls, fabrics, flooring and furniture, which lengthens the life and quality of your home’s interior. They also require very little maintenance, allowing you more time for activities you enjoy. Consider the benefits of new windows for your home and how they can improve your quality of life

When it comes to your home, we know that it is very important that you choose the right contractor. At Maverick Remodeling we pride ourselves on building lasting relationships with our clients. We do this by offering professional craftsmanship, quality products, and exceptional customer service.

BJ and Kaysie Stamplee

Contact Us Today 

LIFE IS GOOD! Magazine: July – August 2018

In case of a flooding event like Hurricane Harvey or a fire, Maverick Remodeling and Construction owners, BJ and Kaysie Stampley, have proven methods to get you back in your home or business as quickly as possible.

To get started, they’ll sit down with you, listen to your wants and needs, and then put those wants and needs in writing so you know exactly what work will be done. The next step in the process is the demo: removing damaged sheetrock, baseboards and anything else that has been damaged beyond repair. BJ’s very experienced with the drying process required to bring a flooded home’s moisture level down to where the environment is no longer conducive for mold growth.

Whether you require exterior and/or interior repairs, or remodeling, the Maverick team has the expertise and experience to restore your home to
its original condition before flooding, and in most cases, even better. While working within your budget, your remodeling needs become reality with Maverick. BJ says, “If you can imagine it or dream it, we can build it. Our team loves making your home beautiful again.”

While Maverick Remodeling and Construction has been in business for 14 years, BJ’s experience in the industry goes back 30 years. Maverick is a local, family-owned business voted Best of the Bay three times, recently winning a Best in Service Award from Houzz. If you’re looking for the best in experience, reputation and quality, Maverick Remodeling and Construction is the clear choice for your home’s restoration and/or remodeling project.


“Attention to every last detail” is the hallmark of the work Maverick performs, and their clients would wholeheartedly agree. So many of the home and business owners who choose Maverick to help them get back in their houses and offices are living testimonials to the care and expertise that Maverick Construction brings to every project they work on.

It is such a privilege to write in support of Maverick Remodeling and Construction. After our home flooded during Hurricane Harvey, we decided to use Maverick as our contractor. Throughout the terrible experience of losing the majority of our possessions and the entire gutting of our home, we were immediately comforted by the Maverick staff ’s patience and expertise.

Maverick Remodeling set timelines for our construction projects, provided detailed monthly invoices and they honored the original estimate. They understood the emotional stress we were enduring as we tried to recover from the huge loss we experienced in the aftermath of Harvey.

Throughout the rebuilding process, the staff was very efficient and skilled in their trades and all of them provided quality work. Maverick owners BJ and Kaysie Stampley and their workers consistently communicated with us on their progress and what we should expect next, so there would be no misunderstandings. Kaysie and her staff were patient and very helpful during the selection phase of choosing paints, materials, cabinets, and household fixtures. This was an overwhelming task for us, but with Kaysie’s expertise and knowledge we were able to make the right choices and stay within
our budget.

Testimony

Over the months, our work relationship with BJ and Kaysie grew into a close friendship. Maverick Remodeling and Construction always showed great integrity, compassion, honesty, and responsibility. Without hesitation we would highly recommend Maverick to any of our family and friends.

Thank you again to BJ and Kaysie for your devotion and professionalism as you helped us rebuild our house during one of the most trying times in our lives. You made the process easy and handled the project with loving care.

– Bob & Sharon Topfer

When it comes to your home, we know that it is very important that you choose the right contractor. At Maverick Remodeling we pride ourselves on building lasting relationships with our clients. We do this by offering professional craftsmanship, quality products, and exceptional customer service.

BJ and Kaysie Stamplee

Contact Us Today 

Kitchen Remodel vs Bathroom Remodel – Which Adds More Value?

The two most common remodel projects are kitchens and bathrooms for a home. Both projects require careful planning and investment to ultimately increase the home’s value. When you have these projects in front of you the question becomes, which project will bring a better return on my investment? And what should I start first? Our team at Maverick Remodeling & Construction is ready to help and provide you with some thoughts on which remodel adds more value to your home.

The Value of a Kitchen Remodel

Kitchens are a gathering place in the home. Friends and family spend more time in their kitchens than any other room. It’s no wonder that many of our customers are eager to remodel their kitchen. Whether you are hoping to flip a house or just increase the value of your home for yourself, it’s important to know how much value a kitchen remodel will give your home. Remodeling magazine found the following in 2018 on a national scale:

  • Average Cost of Major Upscale Kitchen Remodel: $125,000 with 53% return on investment

The Value of a Bathroom Remodel

Another popular remodeling project is updating, expanding or adding on a bathroom. Simply changing fixtures or expanding a sink can give a bathroom more value and ultimately increase the value of a home too. Our team at Reliable Home Improvement have long standing expertise in helping you design the bathroom that is best to fit your needs, whether it be for your family right now or for getting your home ready to sell at top value. Take into account what remodeling magazine found the following in 2018:

  • Average Cost of Upscale Bathroom Remodel: $61,600 with 56% return on investment
  • Average Cost of Upscale Bathroom Addition: $83,800 with 54% return on investment

Updating or even adding a bathroom is also a very wise investment to help add value to your home.

When it comes to your home, we know that it is very important that you choose the right contractor. At Maverick Remodeling we pride ourselves on building lasting relationships with our clients. We do this by offering professional craftsmanship, quality products, and exceptional customer service.

BJ and Kaysie Stamplee

Contact Us Today 

10 Ways To Make Your Home Look More Expensive

Home renovations are expensive, especially when you want to give your home the elegant appeal that it deserves. However, that can take quite some time to do so and a large funding. Instead of completely renovating the home, here are 10 ways to make your home look more expensive and flawless all at the same time.

Fresh Flowers

Nothing uplifts and brings a room together quite like fresh flowers do. There is an instant upgrade and elegance to having fresh flowers be part of a home. Place them in multiple different areas for a quick expensive feel that is easy to interchange when needed.

Maverick Remodeling

Fresh flowers are an excellent addition because you can interchange them for different types and colors that work best for your current decor. If you are against flowers or may be allergic to them you can even use a floral wallpaper or a floral painting that will enhance the hues in your room.

Rugs

A rug looks expensive regardless of how inexpensive, they are. The idea is to have a rug be a part of the décor that makes sense. Keep the space simple yet trendy with a rug that is unique. You want the room to have a little extra. That is exactly what a rug does.

When it comes to rugs do not be afraid of a shaggy rug. Shaggy rugs are great because they add texture as well as beauty to any room they are placed. Do not be afraid of using a rug underneath your dining table, it could provide the touch of texture that the space may need.

Large Scale Art

Art is beautiful, and it can say a whole lot about the individuals who live in the home. Having a large-scale art piece will bring out the elegance of the room. The idea is to have the artwork speak for itself, regardless of how it is paired in the room

Such a large piece like this one will provide a perfect focal point to your living room or even your bedroom. We recommend using a colorful art piece if you want a daring touch in the room. Consider using a neutral colored painting for a less “in your face” dramatic look.

Statement Sofa

A statement sofa is not only elegant and trendy, but it is also an expensive looking piece of furniture. Having a bold color take over the living room will, in fact, provide a statement piece brings your entire decorating style to one simple focal point. Keep the rest of the décor simple to allow the sofa to make the statement it was intended to make.

When we hear the words “statement sofa” the very first thought is “colorful, and large,” but this is not exactly true a simple pastel sofa paired ina neutral room can provide all the boldness you need without being directly in your face. Consider having the pastel sofa be the one piece in the room with that color palette. 

The Rule of Three

The rule of three is simple, keep your décor repetitive in a three format. Therefore, you want to have three of the same objects over and over again instead of any other number. It has been proven three is the magic number when it comes to décor. It looks good and feels elegant.

The rule of three comes into play when you want a cohesive look that works well with your decorative style. The idea is to purchase three of the same items and place them together to create the put together that makes sense. Place the items on a counter, the dining table, or even in the home’s entryway. 

Bold Ceiling

A bold ceiling is elegant, due to it being chic and elegant. The idea is to have that statement made in a way that stands out and is simple yet different. The ceiling will make a huge difference in the home when it has a bold and daring twist to it.

The richness of having a darker ceiling paired with a chandelier and other light fixtures adds a beautiful contrast in any room. The key is working with a rich hue that will accentuate your current color palette and decor. Choose colors such as navy, plum, red, or even emerald. 

Chandeliers

Chandeliers have always been an elegant element used in a home and it still remains true. Add a chandelier to a room that needs an elegant touch to it. It will look elegant while elevating the worth of the room. Consider having an intricate chandelier or even a black chandelier for a modern yet expensive look.

Panel Walls

Panel walls are one of a kind and expensive to have. Therefore, having an accent wall that is a panel wall will give you the touch of elegant charm that makes sense. Keep it to a minimum while still providing the elegant touch.

Custom Cabinets

Bring that elegant charm by adding custom cabinets to your kitchen. Custom cabinetry feels expensive because it gives the kitchen that touch of custom chic that may be needed. The custom feature allows you to have every single cabinet feature you have ever wanted.

Custom cabinetry means the cabinets are designed to fit your kitchen perfectly. They are also created to suit your needs. This works because the kitchen will look and feel as you have always dreamed of while providing a chic touch of elegance along the way. The idea is to bring that elegant feel to the hoem every chance you get.

Wainscoting

Wainscoting is a space on any wall of your home that allows you to have a division of colors or textures. Pair it with colorful hues that evolve the décor you currently have.

Wainscoting works well in any area of the home because it is bold yet chic which is one of the best ways to maintain an elegant appeal. We love the idea of having it be part of the texture you decide to add to your home decor. Pair it in the dining area for the intricate touch or use it to accentuate your current art pieces. 

Making your home feel more expensive is quite simple, use two or more of these ideas for the ultimate expensive look. Let us know which of these you would want to include in your home…

When it comes to your home, we know that it is very important that you choose the right contractor. At Maverick Remodeling we pride ourselves on building lasting relationships with our clients. We do this by offering professional craftsmanship, quality products, and exceptional customer service.

BJ and Kaysie Stamplee

Contact Us Today 

SOURCE: Trendir.com

LIFE IS GOOD! Magazine: May – June 2018

In case of a flooding event like Hurricane Harvey or a fire, Maverick Remodeling and Construction owners, BJ and Kaysie Stampley, have proven methods to get you back in your home or business as quickly as possible.

To get started, they’ll sit down with you, listen to your wants and needs, and then put those wants and needs in writing so you know exactly what work will be done. The next step in the process is the demo: removing damaged sheetrock, baseboards and anything else that has been damaged beyond repair. BJ’s very experienced with the drying process required to bring a flooded home’s moisture level down to where the environment is no longer conducive for mold growth.

Whether you require exterior and/or interior repairs, or remodeling, the Maverick team has the expertise and experience to restore your home to
its original condition before flooding, and in most cases, even better. While working within your budget, your remodeling needs become reality with Maverick. BJ says, “If you can imagine it or dream it, we can build it. Our team loves making your home beautiful again.”

While Maverick Remodeling and Construction has been in business for 14 years, BJ’s experience in the industry goes back 30 years. Maverick is a local, family-owned business voted Best of the Bay three times, recently winning a Best in Service Award from Houzz. If you’re looking for the best in experience, reputation and quality, Maverick Remodeling and Construction is the clear choice for your home’s restoration and/or remodeling project.

“Attention to every last detail” is the hallmark of the work Maverick performs, and their clients would wholeheartedly agree. So many of the home and business owners who choose Maverick to help them get back in their houses and offices are living testimonials to the care and expertise that Maverick Construction brings to every project they work on.

We have an older home, built in the mid 1980’s and in desperate need of a makeover. We wanted to remodel our kitchen and one bathroom and had a few ideas but didn’t think we could afford them. We called Maverick Remodeling to come out and give us a bid and we are so glad that we did. BJ, the owner, had so many ideas to help us with our project and to make it affordable. We went to their showroom and picked out everything, saving us from having to drive all over Houston.

Maverick Remodeling Testimonials

The staff at the showroom was very helpful in assisting us with making our choices. The craftsmanship was professional, the prices affordable and their workers were polite. The project went as scheduled. We are so happy with our renovation. I would definitely use Maverick Remodeling again and definitely recommend them to others.

– Betty & John, Friendswood

Maverick Remodeling was a true blessing during the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey. They arrived immediately after flooding, helped us move out furniture, removed sheet rock, insulation, carpet, and dehumidified our home. Their employees were extremely knowledgeable in each stage of restoration and were consistently professional, trustworthy, and straightforward in explaining what to expect. It was very comforting to know we were in the hands of a long time established local business that has the interest of the customer as a priority at an extremely reasonable cost. The Owners B.J. and Kaysie Stampley, and office manager Jill, made themselves available to answer all questions and provide options to suit our needs. They had remodeled our home 5 years ago, and we were extremely satisfied with the quality and care taken; they continued this high standard during our time of rebuilding and stress. We highly recommend them for all your needs, whether rebuilding after a disaster or for improving your home!

– Fred & Mary, Dickinson

When it comes to your home, we know that it is very important that you choose the right contractor. At Maverick Remodeling we pride ourselves on building lasting relationships with our clients. We do this by offering professional craftsmanship, quality products, and exceptional customer service.

BJ and Kaysie Stamplee

Contact Us Today 

 

2018 Outdoor Living Trends: Jaw-Dropping Transformations

Outdoor patio spaces have sure changed in the last few years with the onset of new outdoor materials, furnishings, fixtures, Cantina doors, and the home owner’s desire for more outdoor living and entertaining space.  In fact, according to the 2017 National Association of REALTORS’ Profile of Home Staging report, the desire to see outdoor spaces staged when selling a home was at 63 percent.  It was not even mentioned in the previous survey.

This outdoor space total transformation is a great example of the kinds of living trends you can expect to see for 2018 and beyond.

Trend #1 – Capitalizing on Available and Unusable Yard Space by Creating Multi-Functional Entertaining Areas

This side yard off the kitchen and dining area was an unusable space used only for barbecuing and the occasional outdoor eating. The patio was too small.  Today’s yards are multi-functional and serve to entertain, lounge, and maximize lot square footage.

Before

After

The side yard appears to be much bigger than before and now serves as an extension of the kitchen and living room area.  The wasted and unused yard is now a highlight of the home adding nearly 1,000 square feet of living space.

Trend #2 – Bring the Outside In with La Cantina/Folding Doors

Before

After

Removing the kitchen wall and adding La Cantina folding doors allows for seamless movement between the inside and out.  Almost every new home being built in San Diego County has one of these doors inside, so expect to see a lot more of these in the coming years.

Trend #3– Home Bars and Wine Rooms for Entertaining

The casual setting of a home bar is on the rise with a large selection of finishing materials and resources available online to home owners.  More people are entertaining larger crowds in a “help yourself” type of atmosphere.  The Houzz category of “Home Bar” is one of the fastest growing and searched type of photos. So it’s no wonder people are adding them to their outdoor space.

Before

After

Trend #4 – Textured Walls/Tongue and Groove Siding

Part of making an outside addition appear to be seamless to the inside is to not have the walls look like the outside of a house.  An easy way to create the “indoor look” is to banish stucco entirely and use tongue and groove, as well as wood cabinets (treated and painted) to add character.

Trend #5 – Seamless Outdoor Heating that Works and is Energy Efficient

It wasn’t that long ago home owners were relegated to the indoors for most of the year due to cold and hot weather issues.  Sophisticated and low energy heating units embedded into the ceiling make this a year round space for watching TV and entertaining!

Trend #6 – Matching Flooring as an “Extension” of the Indoor Space

Keeping in line with the home owner’s desire for a seamless movement between inside and outside, flooring options have widened allowing owner’s to use tile that looks like wood but is hardy and easy to wash in their outside space.

Before

After

From a resale standpoint, these outdoor spaces cost much less than additions and add buyer lifestyle value.  Light fixtures, finishes, and furnishings that can withstand the outdoor elements are easier to source than ever before, so it can be fun for the designer/stager to get creative with their clients.

When it comes to your home, we know that it is very important that you choose the right contractor. At Maverick Remodeling we pride ourselves on building lasting relationships with our clients. We do this by offering professional craftsmanship, quality products, and exceptional customer service.

BJ and Kaysie Stamplee

Contact Us Today 

Source: Realtor.org

5 Trade-Offs to Consider When Remodeling Your Kitchen

It would be great to have an unlimited budget for a kitchen renovation. But the fact is most of us do not. And that’s OK. Compromises of one form or another are part of the process, even for the rare homeowner who enjoys a bottomless budget and expansive square footage.

But how, exactly, do you decide between two compelling options with different pros and cons? The most critical tool to have on hand to help you make tough choices is a clear picture of your remodel goals. To get clarity on what matters most to you, read about some key trade-offs you and your kitchen designer will consider during your project.

How Will You Use Your Kitchen?

When planning a kitchen remodel yourself or with a kitchen designer, you want to be very clear on how you want to use your new kitchen. Here is one example: I want to have people over more often. I want to feel relaxed when I entertain. In order to feel relaxed, I need to make sure that no one is in my way while I cook. I also want my kitchen to stay neat during the cooking process and be laid out so that cleaning up will be efficient.

Clear goals can help homeowners make decisions and, as the budget nears its limit, ultimately choose the options that will best support their goals.

What matters most to you in a kitchen?

1. Daily Use vs. Special Events

This area of consideration has to do with how many people your kitchen will serve. From refrigerator storage to seats at the dining table, the number of people you want to accommodate will affect your design choices. You’ll want to consider not only how many people live in the home now, but — if this is your forever home — how many will live in it 10 years from now. Also, how often do you entertain and for how many people?

I had a client who was retired and cooked only for herself and her husband most days. She entertained just four times a year, on holidays. At first, I was a bit baffled by her choice of a 36-inch range, double ovens and a 48-inch-wide refrigerator. But for her, these choices made sense.

As the matriarch of a large family, on those four holidays she cooked for 25 to 30 people and had at least two or three people helping her in the kitchen. It was important to her that we designed a flexible space that worked just as well when cooking for two as for 30.

That approach is a good one: Whenever possible, I recommend that clients design with their maximum capacity needs in mind.

2. Cost vs. Value

As you may have discovered if you’re considering a remodel (or in the midst of one), everything from cabinets to sinks to appliances comes at a variety of price points. How do you decide when it’s worth it to splurge for a high-quality item and when it’s best to save your dollars? Here are some questions to ask yourself:

– Will the investment improve your everyday life?

– Will the product solve a pet peeve?

– Will the addition of this element make your house feel like a home?

– Will the purchase increase the value of your home?

In each of these cases, you may decide that the cost of a feature for your new kitchen is worth it because of the value it brings. For example, a better dishwasher might eliminate the need to prerinse dishes.

Perhaps you hate scrubbing dishes, can afford an upgrade and would cherish any minute of spare time away from the sink. Or perhaps you feel quite the opposite: You don’t mind scrubbing dishes at all, and this investment wouldn’t be worth the pennies spent.

Framing your choices as cost vs. value — in terms of your experience in your kitchen, and possibly the resale value of your home — can help you get clarity on what’s worth the extra money.

One helpful way to prioritize your desires is to analyze the frequency and duration of a given task. Tasks you do frequently or spend more time on should get more weight as you consider what is worth investing in.

For example, most people use the burners to cook 80 percent of the time, the oven 20 percent of the time. If this applies to you, I recommend prioritizing the cooktop as opposed to the wall oven, both in terms of placement in your kitchen and quality of product. You wouldn’t want to give up a great burner feature to get a fancier oven.

On the other hand, if you are a frequent baker but rarely use the stovetop, you may prefer to invest in wall ovens rather than spend your budget on a fancy range. For you, it would be better to make sure that reaching into the oven is more ergonomic — done while standing upright, rather than bending over.

3. Function vs. Aesthetics

Ideally a kitchen redesign brings both beauty and function, but when we are dealing with limited funds, trade-offs between functionality and aesthetics may be necessary. By function, I mean not only the kinds of bells and whistles you get with high-end appliances, but also the kitchen’s layout and the choice of whether to have one sink or two.

Aesthetics, of course, are the expensive but gorgeous finishes and customized detailing that bring a high-end look to a kitchen. Quite often, a budget may force you to make choices on what matters most to you — the functionality or the look.

This area of trade-off is deeply personal and has a lot to do with your lifestyle. When weighing aesthetics vs. function, you’ll want to consider everything I mentioned before: how many people you cook for daily, how often you entertain, the kind of entertaining you do (backyard barbecues vs. sit-down dinners), the style of cooking you prefer and how many people work in the kitchen at one time.

For example, a client who doesn’t do a lot of cooking and is more concerned with the kitchen’s look than its function might really want a beautiful built-in fridge with custom panels but be willing to use a less expensive range or counter material to have that pricey, beautiful fridge.

On the other hand, I have had several clients (including the owners of the kitchen in this photo) who chose a free-standing fridge and put their budget into the plumbing and construction work required to add a second sink. To me, this is a significant functional improvement and, for those who enjoy cooking and entertaining, worth scaling back on some of the aesthetic details.

There are many ways you can cut back on aesthetics to create room in your budget for what’s important to you functionally. You might consider a simpler, less expensive door style on the cabinets, or a ceramic backsplash tile instead of glass, or quartz counters instead of granite.

I even had one client use a very inexpensive laminate counter so that she could put more money into the remodel work necessary to get the layout just right. Since she was in her forever home, she replaced the laminate with a beautiful stone two years later when finances allowed.

4. Speed vs. Patience

Any home improvement project takes time — that’s just part of the process. And once the kitchen is demolished and construction is underway, any delay can be difficult, particularly if you are living in the home and dealing with the mess. When you are in that situation, the risk is that you will be tempted to say yes to anything just to get the project done and your home back to normal.

This happened with one of my clients, who decided to use a second-choice backsplash because it was in stock, whereas her first choice had a month lead time. On the other hand, a different client had trouble finding a backsplash tile she liked, so she finished her kitchen and skipped the backsplash altogether. Three months later, she found the perfect tile and brought the tile installer back. I am sure you can guess which homeowner was more happy with her kitchen remodel.

When making a large financial investment that you are going to live with a long time, I recommend that you go slowly, taking the time to find the right people to help and weighing your decisions carefully.

That being said, speed can be a necessary evil. Perhaps you are remodeling for a special event, such as a backyard wedding. Or maybe you are planning to sell the house and just want a quick face-lift to get the most out of your investment.

As a guide when weighing the need for speed vs. the need to exercise your patience muscles, I recommend you consider how long you plan to live in your home. If you’re going to sell within five years, keep in mind that everything doesn’t have to be perfect — you simply want to be sure you will get your investment back when you sell. However, if you plan to live in the home for 10 years or more, it’s worth slowing down and investing in your quality of life. Take the time to find the right solution, not the quick one.

5. The Ideal Me vs. the Real Me

This one isn’t so much a trade-off as a reality check. It’s worth mentioning that some clients have fantasies that a remodel can change their habits — or even their personalities. But my observation has been that if you are already a messy cook, the chances of a new kitchen transforming you into a clean-as-you-go type are pretty slim.

Rather than plan a kitchen for the person you wish you were, focus on solutions that take your true habits into account. For example, a messy cook who is embarrassed when guests are around might want to add a separate cleanup sink where he can hide dirty dishes while making a meal.

Or, if clutter is a constant problem, a homeowner might want to create a hidden drop zone for papers, cellphones, pens and other detritus that kitchen counters tend to attract.

When it comes to your home, we know that it is very important that you choose the right contractor. At Maverick Remodeling we pride ourselves on building lasting relationships with our clients. We do this by offering professional craftsmanship, quality products, and exceptional customer service.

BJ and Kaysie Stamplee

Contact Us Today 

SOURCE: Houzz 

10 Home Renovations With the Best Return on Investment

If you’re thinking about putting a “for sale” sign in front of your house, you may also have home renovations in mind. It seems logical that replacing outdated features, dingy appliances and worn carpeting should increase the value of your home, but don’t be too sure. Some renovations have a poor return on investment, while others will do little to impress buyers with their own vision for the property.

“Buyers in New York are very picky, and they want what they want,” says Steven Kopstein, a licensed real estate associate broker with Triplemint in New York City. He cautions people not to pour a lot of money into projects that are too personalized.

However, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t make any updates. If you think you’ll be in the home for a while, go ahead and renovate so you can better enjoy the property. Otherwise, if you’re renovating for resale value, focus on these projects that offer the best return on investment.

Added insulation. Each year, Remodeling Magazine conducts a cost-versus-value analysis to determine which of 29 home projects offers the best return on investment. In 2017, it isn’t a new kitchen or bathroom that tops the list. It’s attic insulation.

It’s an inexpensive project that can be done for less than $1,500 and has an estimated return of 108 percent. Plus, it’s a good investment regardless of whether you plan to sell. “Anything that makes your house cheaper and lowers the cost of owning a home [is smart],” says Jason Shepherd, co-founder of Atlas Real Estate Group in Denver.

New garage door. When it comes to what it considers upscale renovations, Remodeling Magazine says replacing the garage door offers the best return on investment. Sellers can expect to recoup 85 percent of the cost of this project.

Kopstein says that while a new garage door can help sell a house, people should be smart about which one they install. He recently fixed and flipped two houses in New Jersey. On one, he opted for a basic door without an electric opener. “I didn’t think people were expecting that,” he says, based on the other homes in the neighborhood. He was right. The house sold in one day.

Better front door. Don’t stop with the garage door. A new front door can also be a good investment. According to Remodeling Magazine, you’ll recoup almost 91 percent of the cost on a steel entry door and nearly 78 percent on the price of a fiberglass one.

That doesn’t necessarily mean making a complete overhaul, but could include refacing cabinets or updating finishes. A minor kitchen remodel will recoup 80 percent of its cost, according to Remodeling Magazine, while a major midrange kitchen remodel only has a 65 percent return on investment.

Bathroom improvements. The bathroom is another prime place for renovations. On one of the houses Kopstein flipped, he choose to replace the vanity, lighting and toilet. It was an inexpensive way to dramatically improve the look and feel of the room.

Adding a bathroom is a major investment, and it doesn’t have the best return. Reports from both the National Association of Realtors and Remodeling Magazine say homeowners will recoup slightly more than half their investment. However, it may be essential to making a sale, especially if there is only one bathroom in the house. “When you’ve got over three bedrooms and you’re all sharing one shower, that’s really tough in a resale market,” Shepherd says.

New windows. Replacing old windows can brighten a room and resale prospects. There’s no need to splurge though. “You’re not going to get your money back with a top of the line window,” Foguth says. Remodeling Magazine reports vinyl replacement windows have a 74 percent return on investment, giving them a 1 percent edge over wood windows.

More square footage. Refinishing a basement or other space can dramatically boost the value of a house in some areas. “In Denver, we have a high price per square foot,” Shepherd says. “To spend $20,000 to $30,000 to finish [off a space] makes a ton of sense.”

A 2015 National Association of Realtors report considered the value of converting a basement to living space. It estimated homeowners could expect to recoup 69 percent of the project price. The return on investment for converting an attic to living space was estimated at 61 percent.

Improved landscaping. The National Association of Realtors and the National Association of Landscape Professionals conducted a survey in 2016 to determine which outside projects offer homeowners the best value. An overall landscape upgrade topped the list with an estimated 105 percent return on investment.

Kitchen remodel. Said to be the heart of the home, the kitchen deserves some extra attention if you’re hoping to sell. “You want to go after the wow factor,” says Michael Foguth, founder of Foguth Financial Group in Brighton, Michigan.

High efficiency appliances. Like insulation, upgrading to high efficiency appliances, water heaters and furnaces has a dual benefit. These may make the home more attractive, but just as importantly, they reduce living costs for the homeowner. Some states and cities may also have tax incentives or other programs to help offset the cost. “That’s way better than stainless steel appliances or throwing up some granite,” Shepherd says.

Interior paint. It’s hard to calculate the return on investment for a coat of paint, but Kopstein says 25 years as a real estate broker have taught him that buyers like clean lines and airy spaces. “If there is any way you can bring light in, it’s going to affect your price,” he says. For those on a tight budget, fresh paint can go a long way to brightening a room.

While these 10 renovations make the most sense from a dollar and cents perspective, every market is different. Kopstein recommends talking to a broker and understanding the expectations of buyers in your area before sinking too much money into a home renovation.

When it comes to your home, we know that it is very important that you choose the right contractor. At Maverick Remodeling we pride ourselves on building lasting relationships with our clients. We do this by offering professional craftsmanship, quality products, and exceptional customer service.

BJ and Kaysie Stamplee

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JAY & JEN JOHNSON BATHROOM REMODELING

After interviewing several contractors for our master bathroom remodel, we are so thankful we found B.J. Stampley and the Maverick Remodeling team. From the start, B.J. had a vision for our bathroom that was even better than we could imagine.

Not only was B.J. a great contractor, but he was also an effective manager of the project, a top notch designer with excellent taste and style, and an outstanding resource at guiding us through our extensive project making sure every detail was taken care of with minimal stress on us.

His full time crew was friendly, professional, and dedicated to our project, working tirelessly to complete it to exacting standards. Maverick Remodeling completely transformed our master bathroom and we now can’t believe how great it looks!

We will continue to use them and highly recommend them to anyone else who is looking to remodel.

The Johnsons, Kemah, TX

LUCIEN & ELAINE BATHROOMS REMODELING LEAGUE CITY, TEXAS

After an extensive search, my husband and I decided on Maverick Remodeling, Inc. to be our contractor for the remodeling of our two bathrooms, installation of vinyl double-pane windows, new floors and some basic maintenance to our home. What a great decision!! Hands down, the Maverick Team is an exceptional group of folks to work with.

B.J. is a wonderful contractor and was always “on top” of the day to day happenings in our home. His professionalism, knowledge and guidance throughout the entire project was outstanding and his attention to even the smallest of details was exceptional.

Maverick’s crews are wonderful, friendly and extremely dedicated to their work. The Maverick Team plumber was by far the best and most thorough plumber I have ever dealt with! The crews were always willing to stop an answer questions or concerns along the way and were very meticulous with their work … everything was completed with a great deal of craftsmanship, precision and pride!!

Maverick’s administrative staff: Kaysie, Candy and Jill are just the greatest!! Their personal attention and assistance with the entire process was invaluable and certainly help to relief the stress of a remodel whether it was keeping me to task or helping me decide on just the right fixtures for my new bathrooms … they were there with me every step of the way!!

If you are thinking of remodeling, do not hesitate to contact Maverick Remodeling … you won’t regret it!! We love, love, love our newly remodeled home!!

Thank you so much, B.J., Kaysie and the entire Maverick Remodeling Team!!

Lucien & Elaine

League City, TX