Ways to Give the Gift of Home Renovation

Ways to Give the Gift of Home Renovation

Even if we can’t invite TV professionals over for a surprise home renovation for a friend or family member, we can still do our best to give them the remodel of their dreams through these creative ways to give the gift of home renovation.

Of course, if you know someone who could use our services, we always appreciate a referral. We offer the following, among many others:

Gift a Gift Card

In this instance, gift cards may be more thoughts than other types of gifts. If they are doing the renovations themselves, a gift card to Lowe’s, Home Depot, Sherwin Williams, or perhaps a lighting fixture store in the area could help them out. A more casual gift card might be something from Pottery Barn, a local art dealer, or something else.

You obviously can’t buy someone a couch, painting (usually – unless you know their taste), or set of windows, since those purchases are extremely personal.

Gift a Design Service

Your loved one might not have the money to finish their kitchen the rest of the year due to cuts in the budget. If you want to see them make their way to the kitchen Christmas morning with a big smile on their face while sipping their morning coffee, hire a design service that can finish the job.

Our interior painting contractors in Cumming can put the finishing touches on a kitchen or living room remodel. Bear Mountain Custom Painting can help get other bigger projects done, especially if you are building an addition.

Gift Your Time

Before beginning a project, some other repairs may need to be finished, such as plumbing and replacing floor tiles. These tasks eat up time and sometime lead to discovering other problems that the budget will need to cover.

Dedicate some time this holiday season to fixing those pesky problems that deter a friend or family member from finishing their home improvement project. Making a minor plumbing fix can help save time and money.

Is It Appropriate To Gift Tools to Home Renovators?

If you know the person well, or if they have specifically mentioned a tool they would like to have, feel free to give them a tool (or buy a gift card to a store that has it). They probably have a hammer and level, but perhaps they have been holding out on a high-powered drill, new circular saw, or something else.

Gift Pre-Paid Material or Magazines

Has your friend been eyeing specific flooring from a high-end store or maybe new windows to save on energy? If so, then buy the materials and gift them; that way, they can finish their home remodel project.

For those still deciding on designs and styles, the gift of a magazine subscription can help them get inspired for their new home transformation.

Every home project comes with challenges and so does holiday shopping. However, these ways to give the gift of home renovation are the solution to both challenges! Have fun completing your holiday shopping with the gift of home improvement.

Bear Mountain Custom Painting offers many services that make excellent gifts for the holidays, from interior home painting to window installation in Cumming, GA, and more. In addition to those service, we are the go-to concrete coating company in Cumming, GA. Contact us to learn more.

7 Signs It's Time To Renovate Your Home

7 Signs It’s Time To Renovate Your Home

We often neglect to look for potential problems in our homes. Many older homes go without repairs for so long they often get abandoned and remain that way until someone decides to gut it and transform it. As a homeowner, it’s essential to look out for any signs it’s time to renovate your home.

Your Floors Are Deteriorating

You’ve likely seen enough of it on TV to be able to tell when floors are caving in and need to get replaced. Once your floorboards start to detach and carve a hole into the ground, it’s time to pick up the phone and call a contractor.

Floor wear can happen for many reasons, and without proper inspection, they’ll continue to fall apart. So, when fixing up your flooring, consider swapping it out for wood paneling—it lasts longer than tiles, is easier to clean, and it’s a great return on investment.

If you have carpeting, make sure to change it out every ten years, or else you’re going to be walking through a landfill of harmful germs and grime.

Your Roof Is Leaking

If your roof is leaking and making everything miserable, hire someone to take a look so you can live in peace without worrying about leaks. When the inspector looks at your roof, ask them to give you an estimate of how much it would cost to get it fixed or replaced.

You’re looking to spend around $4,500 to $10,000 on a new roof. However, the price depends on the shingle type and the roof’s square footage. Keep in mind that the bigger the roof’s foot area is, the higher the replacement cost.

Your House Feels Too Small or Big

You have likely lots of things cluttered around your house—and if you have a family, the amount of clutter has likely grown. If your home feels overcrowded with things—whether it’s too large or too small—then it’s time to either downgrade or upgrade.

For those living in homes that feel too tight, consider upgrading your space. For instance, you can use home improvement services to help you develop a new floor plan for your home.

For people living in big homes, downgrade by moving into one that’s smaller. This can help reduce clutter.

You Have an Outdated Kitchen and Bathroom

Your home’s main areas are the bathroom and kitchen, so if they aren’t updated, they won’t function properly. So, as you move through the renovation plan, consider replacing countertops with something modern and repaint your cabinets to give them a new look.

Additionally, do the same with your bathroom by installing new appliances. You can’t go wrong with fitting in a bigger bathtub or getting a new vanity. These projects aren’t cheap, so while you’re planning, formulate a budget for things you need right away and put some money away to prepare for things you want later.

The Entire House is Outdated

You don’t need to bulldoze your entire house to start from scratch. If your entire house is old and outdated, view it as an unfinished canvas that simply needs improvements. As you work through your rooms, consider adding new windows and doors to help save on energy and improve insulation.

Additionally, hire extra help to remove health hazards such as asbestos. Your home may have it, so call an inspector to come in and test for asbestos so it can get removed.

Since old homes are drafty, consider installing a new HVAC system to control its air, heat, and ventilation.

If you’re considering redoing the basement or attic, go to city hall and ask about specific building codes and regulations to know what you can and can’t do during your remodel. When considering other projects—such as altering the basement—hold off until you have enough money to fix any issues.

There Are Unwanted Visitors

If you’ve seen pests around your home, they’re likely burrowing in your gutters or attic space. Infestations are one of the major signs it’s time to renovate your home. It would help if you remodeled after an infestation to prevent pests from returning. Many rodents and insects are attracted to the dirty areas in old houses.

If there’s a sign of rodents or any other infestation in your home, get it removed as soon as you can. By doing this, you deter other rodents and insects from coming into your house.

The Paint is Chipping

It’s a bad sign if your home’s paint is chipping away and the exterior’s wood is warping and declining. When paint chips, it’s a sign that the house isn’t doing well. The best course of action is to paint over the unsightly areas and apply a finish to help it set.

Don’t forget to check your siding; if it’s bad, then your home is starting to deteriorate, which can negatively affect its foundation. So, to prevent it from worsening, get the right tools or contact a professional who can help inspect and resolve the problem before it gets out of hand.

After you’ve painted everything and your home looks newer and better, and it’ll become easier to spot future signs that it’s time to repaint your home’s siding.

When you rely on a home contractor, you’re looking for the best ways to improve your home’s quality and extend its life more. For example, when redoing your house, look out for areas that need improvement to see which room should get tackled first.

Bear Mountain Custom Painting can help you achieve your goals in many different ways. You can improve your home and even increase its value. We can provide the exemplary service you’re looking for, from home renovation services to fixing the gutters on your house.

Your home is an unfinished canvas. You can improve its layout by contacting Bear Mountain Custom Painting for an estimate on your next home remodel. With our services, you can turn your home from old and outdated to something new and fantastic.

7 Signs It's Time To Renovate Your Home
Things To Look for Before Hiring a Painting Contractor

Things To Look for Before Hiring a Painting Contractor

There are few things more frustrating to a homeowner than a bad paint job. When inquiring about getting your home painted, you need to know that the business you hire is authentic and that they can provide answers to your questions. Here are the things to look for before hiring a painting contractor.

Aim for Quality over Cost

Quality is the most important aspect when it comes to home improvement services. For example, one company or worker has a lower cost to cut corners, reflecting the work’s quality.

To avoid potential problems, ask the company about their work process and why their prices are low. For example, at times the prices are low because they cut certain things out—find out what those cut areas are before hiring a painting company or contractor.

Research and Ask Questions

Be wary of contractors or companies that don’t have a significant amount of information on their website So, while you’re researching a company, contact them and ask about their services. If they don’t provide enough information, they likely won’t give you the right job.

Typically, companies will have a section on their website that lists positive reviews. If there isn’t a section like that, go through review websites and find customers that talk about their services. Additionally, a company that offers house painting services in Cumming, GA will have a list of frequently asked questions and a customer service form to request additional information.

Review All Guidelines in Your Contract

When you encounter any form of bound contract, sit down and read every detail. Otherwise, you and the contractor will have difficulties not seeing eye to eye on certain aspects of the project, and there’s likely to be tension.

Ask the contractor about their procedures and the preparation process to remove worries and concerns. Also ask them about the guidelines and payment plans. Give suggestions if it’s possible.

As you hire a painting company or independent worker, keep our list of things to look for before hiring a painting contractor in mind. That way, there are no miscommunications or errors as you go through the process.

Bear Mountain Custom Painting provides the needed services and guidance to help achieve the paint job you want for high-quality home improvement jobs such as home interior and exterior painting. Contact us for more information on our home painting services.

4 Must-Know Tips for Winterizing Your Home

4 Must-Know Tips for Winterizing Your Home

Prepping the home for winter is a task that’s hard to accomplish, especially since winter appears out of nowhere. From the kids taking off for winter break and the holidays creeping up on us, we forget to administer checks to ensure that the house is ready for the first snowfall of the year. So here’s our guide on the four must-know tips for winterizing your home.

Inspect the Gutters

Inspecting the gutters is a task that should be done at least three times a year, especially for cleaning. As you clean them out, you’re preventing debris from clogging your drains and long icicles from hanging from your roof.

While you’re maintaining the gutters, install a gutter guard to prevent water from spilling over and freezing.

Test the Detectors

The most dangerous part of winter is that house fires can break out. At times it’s due to cluttered and overcrowded spaces, creating a fire hazard. Other times, someone left the fireplace going, or didn’t blow out a candle. Either way, checking your smoke detector and carbon monoxide detectors can help save you and your family from a disaster.

Inspect and Change Your Doors and Windows

If you’re considering changing your doors and windows before winter, now’s the perfect time to hire a company for a quick window and door replacement in Cumming, GA. Bear Mountain Custom Painting can easily replace all of your doors and windows for better insulation and improved curb appeal.

Most importantly, having the ability to save on energy and keep your home insulated are the main reasons to get new doors and windows for your home.

Check Your Thermostat

To help keep your home warm, you need a thermostat. If yours is old and undependable, it’s time to go out and purchase a new one. Having a thermostat can help keep the home at a stable temperature.

Additionally, go with a digital thermostat; that way, you can control it with a smartphone or tablet. Most thermostats also have weekend and vacation settings.

After reading our must-know tips for winterizing your home, start making changes and checking areas that can cause flooding and ruin your home’s foundation. After confirming that all is well, your home’s ready to take on winter.

For more information on door and window replacement services, contact Bear Mountain Custom Painting. Our services range from replacing doors and windows for energy savings to placing shiplap on your walls; we can provide your project with exemplary service and guarantee that with every service completed, your home’s ready for the first snowfall down to the last.

Mistakes To Avoid When Painting Your House's Exterior

Mistakes To Avoid When Painting Your House’s Exterior

When you’re working on your home’s exterior, avoid making mistakes such as not cleaning walls before painting or not using a compatible surface primer. To help you avoid such troubles, here’s a list of mistakes to avoid when painting your house’s exterior.

Not Taking Your Time

When you rush through a project, you make and see lots of mistakes. As such, it’s essential to take your time when you’re painting your exterior. Bear Mountain Custom Painting has professional services that provide exterior painting in Cumming, GA. From helping you choose colors and assisting with the prep beforehand, we can help you plan everything out.

Not Preparing for Inclement Weather

Dancing in the rain is one thing—but painting in harsh weather conditions can delay the process and even ruin the work. If there’s bad weather, our painters will work around your schedule to pick a day with suitable conditions. If you’re worried about the paint getting ruined from moisture, you can purchase paint made with moisture-lock components. In other words, your paint won’t melt, chip, or warp the material when it’s humid.

Not Using a Primer

As a homeowner, you want the best shield against weather and other harsh conditions that could ruin your paint job. Unfortunately, a mistake many novices commit is not using a primer—or if they do, they use the wrong one. When you use our services, we guarantee a primer is placed on in several coats to protect wood after every paint job.

When exploring your options for the best painters in Atlanta, Bear Mountain Custom Painting is here to help you plan every step of your process. So, when selecting a painting company for your next exterior painting job, consult Bear Mountain Custom Painting. We can help you learn what mistakes to avoid when painting your house’s exterior while completing your first exterior home painting project.

Steps To Follow When Remodeling Your Kitchen

Steps To Follow When Remodeling Your Kitchen

Kitchen remodeling is a difficult task that can take a while to complete. Inexperienced people fear they might waste money on a professional, so they try to remodel it themselves. This isn’t a good idea. It’s essential to seek guidance from professionals who can help tailor a suitable layout of proper steps to follow when remodeling your kitchen. These steps can range from getting inspiration to finishing the project.

Get Inspiration and Plan

The first step in a revamp project is finding your inspiration and building your dream kitchen based on the design you want. Planning a layout is key to finding what areas need replacing and what you can fix later. As you develop your design layout, make any necessary changes when required.

Plan a Door and Window Replacement

Map which windows or doors you want to replace. Maybe you want to knock down a section so you can add more windows to access natural light. Or perhaps you want to replace your ordinary aluminum steel door with a glass-paneled French door so the kitchen will feel bigger. When you’re looking at windows and doors, write down the correct measurements, so you don’t accidentally get any that are too small or big.

Plan Replacement Countertops and Sink

Figure out what you’re replacing your countertops and sink with. Countertops create strains in a budget, especially if you’re open to spending a lot. If you want to avoid paying a lot on countertops, consider inexpensive options such as laminate countertops until you can afford something a little more expensive.

Secondly, your sink doesn’t need replacing right away; in fact, it can be considered the last step to follow after completing the countertops and flooring. If you aren’t sure how else to plan your replacement countertops and sink, reach out to Bear Mountain Custom Painting, one of the leading home improvement companies in Atlanta. At Bear Mountain Custom Painting, we pair you with one of our many talented contractors who can help plan out your next countertop replacement.

Replace the Flooring

The biggest mistake to make while renovating is prematurely replacing the floor by yourself. If you aren’t confident in replacing or installing new flooring, one of our contractors at Bear Mountain Custom Painting can help you with all the questions you have. Before you lay the tiles down, draw out measurements and tile or wood types you’d like to have.

Remodeling your kitchen takes time, but we’re here to help you in every way and answer every question you have. At Bear Mountain Custom Painting, we take every floorplan seriously. We look forward to helping you with yours as you learn the proper steps to follow when renovating your kitchen.

BLOGBLOGBLOGBLOGBLOGBLOGBLOG