Home Remodeling and Renovation

Thinking About A Custom Home Addition?

Even the smallest home additions are big projects, and there are plenty of items to consider - and decide - before the hammers start swinging. To help keep from feeling overwhelmed during the pre-construction phase of your project, the team at greyHouse has compiled a list of important tips and considerations our years of experience as general contractors have taught us about having an enjoyable home addition project:

Home Addition Tip #1
From Will, greyHouse Owner & General Contractor:
Figure out exactly what you'll be using the new space for, and its potential uses down the road.
If you're committing to a project as large as a home addition, it's wise to look down the road and anticipate what additional uses you may someday have for the space. Although you may want a bonus room now, will it need to double as a childrens' playroom down the road? Finishing off your basement may add a great TV room and den, but will you someday want to convert it to an in-law's suite? Trying to have this foresight while planning for the construction phase will not only maximize your use of the space -- it will also add value to the home in the future when you decide to sell.

Home Addition Tip #2
From Angie, greyHouse Renovation Consultant:
Don't underestimate the invasiveness of a home addition project when choosing your general contractor.
It goes without saying that the general contractor you choose for any home remodeling project should be one you're comfortable with, but for a project as extensive as a home addition you must have complete trust that the company you're working with will be in lockstep with you from start to finish. Because home addition projects are long, detailed and involve meticulous planning, getting to know and trust the individuals responsible for your project will offer the added peace of mind and comfort necessary for a truly enjoyable renovation experience.

Home Addition Tip #3
From TJ, greyHouse Project Manager & General Contractor:
Put your money into quality products, and items that can't easily be changed.
One of the best features of a home addition is the full customization homeowners are afforded by building a space from the ground up. As the homeowner, you'll have the blessing (or curse!) of making decisions on everything from flooring to hardware and in between, and with that comes the responsibility of deciding where to invest your money. For example (and we've seen it before), it's easy to change out door hardware...but not so easy - or budget friendly - to replace cabinetry. Light fixtures can easily be upgraded down the road, but having to replace flooring is both expensive and inconvenient. Keep this in mind when making decisions about where to spend your money, and you'll end up a satisfied homeowner with more in your pocketbook.

Home Addition Tip #4
From Lindsey, greyHouse Owner & General Contractor:
Take full advantage of other home remodeling opportunities in conjunction with your home addition project.
While you have the knowledge and services of a licensed general contractor at your fingertips, don't hesitate to ask questions or further investigate other home remodeling projects you've been curious about. You may be able to save yourself some money by having multiple projects done at the same time by the same contractor, and having all the work done at once also means one less interruption of your busy life. Most contractors will offer free estimates, and because you've already got one right there in your living room there's truly no harm in finding out more information. Maybe you can turn a neighboring closet into a half-bath leading into your new bonus room, or easily renovate your kitchen next to your newly added sunroom. By exploring additional, opportunistic projects you may end up with an even better home than you originally bargained for!

Bonus Home Addition Tip
From a real & satisfied greyHouse Customer:
Especially with a home addition, don't hesitate to ask a question if you're unsure about something.
Once you reach an agreement with a general contractor, don't forget that they're professionals and it's OK if you don't fully understand every element of the project. Just be sure to ASK if you have questions or are unsure about something! Especially if you have specific instructions or desires for an area, don't be shy about making your wants and needs heard -- both before and during the project to ensure there's thorough communication and understanding between you and your general contractor. With a home addition there are plenty of moving parts and pieces that need to be tied down, so if you have a question, just ask!

General Contractors: What's the big deal??

If you've ever looked into home renovation, you know the term "General Contractor" gets thrown around without much supporting information to explain what that really means. Construction companies are a dime-a-dozen, but finding a licensed General Contractor, however, is a bit more difficult and far more worthy of your time and money than wasting it on someone who isn't. Not all companies take the time to obtain their state's required licensure responsibilities, and simply skate by with haphazard work for homeowners who don't know any better. To help bring a necessary, added level of understanding about GCs (and the importance of using one), the team at greyHouse has taken some of the most important information - and most frequently asked questions - about General Contractors and put it in a no-nonsense format for homeowners to take advantage of. If you're among the many considering home remodeling, you'll want to read the following and heed the advice of practiced professionals in the industry before selecting a company to work on your home.

-- What (exactly) is a General Contractor?

-- Officially, a General Contractor is a business (or individual on behalf of a business) who has passed the state licensing exam in the category of their trade and maintains an active license allowing them to contract construction-related work. Just because a company refers to themselves as "General Contractors" does NOT, however, mean they are licensed -- and this is an extremely important factor when choosing a home remodeling company.

-- Why is it important to use a Licensed General Contractor for my home remodeling project?

-- Anyone can can call themselves a "General Contractor," but that doesn't necessarily mean they hold a license to practice -- and its the licensed ones that are the companies to look for if you're considering home remodeling. To become licensed, a company "qualifier," as they're known, must take and pass a thorough examination testing him or her on a multitude of different building-related topics...and it's not easy. Everything from foundation to roofing, joists to gypsum, and building codes to OSHA standards are fair game on the exam, so you can rest assured that if you've found a licensee they're competent in all aspects of the construction process. "Are you a Licensed General Contractor?" is perhaps the most important question to ask a company before contracting them for your home remodeling project; do you really want someone working on your biggest investment who couldn't pass the test, or worse, doesn't care enough to take it??

-- When do I need a General Contractor?

-- The alarming reality is that in the state of North Carolina, the maximum threshold for license requirement is a whopping $30,000.00 per project (South Carolina, for example, with whom North Carolina reciprocates licensure with, has a limit of just $2,500.00 per project). What's the problem with such a high limit? A limit that high leaves A LOT of room for non-licensed contractors to legally manage projects without having to pass the examination and prove competence in their areas of work; meaning you could be paying someone who doesn't hold a license $29,000 to remodel your bathroom or finish your basement -- and it's perfectly legal! Don't assume that because your project is substantial the company you're thinking of hiring actually holds a license; always ask for a license number and investigate it's legitimacy on your own before hiring a company for your home remodeling project.

-- Are there different levels of General Contractors?

-- There are different types of General Contractor Licenses, ranging from specific trades (like Plumbing and HVAC) to general Building. Building is considered the highest of the types, as it licenses a company for any type of work on both commercial and residential property. Above the state licensing level, there is a National level of accreditation for General Contractors, NASCLA (National Association of State Contractors Licensing Agencies), which qualifies individuals for licenses in multiple states.

-- How can I find out if a company is truly a Licensed General Contractor?

-- For the state of North Carolina, visit www.nclbgc.org and search the name of a Qualifier (individual) or Licensee (company).

http://www.greyhouseinc.com/

*greyHouse Inc. is a Licensed General Contractor in the state of North Carolina, License #70042, and holds both a Building and Residential Contractor License. Within the company, all greyHouse Inc. owners and project managers hold licenses as individuals, and both owners are NASCLA accredited

Home Remodeling ROIs: Where you'll find your

resale $$

Home remodeling is a consideration made by many, and one of the first questions to be asked is always "What will I get back from my investment?" Here at greyHouse we've taken an in-depth look at the full scope of home remodeling projects, and analyzed which ones yield the best return on investments (ROIs) nationwide, in the South East and right here in Raleigh. You just might be pleasantly surprised by the ones that make our list.

Home Remodeling ROIs for your Budget
OK, so let's say you've been wanting to improve or remodel your home in some way for the last few years, so you set aside some money and now you're ready to go for it - you just need to figure out where to spend it! We'll analyze all budgets and identify the top 3 areas of your home to improve for that budget in order to maximize your ROI percentage*:

Home Remodeling Projects Under $15,000
Raleigh, NC Area South East Region Nationwide
#1 Fiber-Cement Siding Replacement Fiber-Cement Siding Replacement Fiber-Cement Siding Replacement
#2 Wood Deck Addition Vinyl Siding Replacement Wood Deck Addition
#3 Window Replacement (Wood/Vinyl) Window Replacement (Wood/Vinyl) Window Replacement (Wood/Vinyl)

Home Remodeling Projects $15,000 - $30,000
Raleigh, NC Area South East Region Nationwide
#1 Kitchen Remodel Kitchen Remodel Kitchen Remodel
#2 Bathroom Remodel Roof Replacement Wood Window Replacement
#3 Roof Replacement Wood Window Replacement Roof Replacement

Home Remodeling Projects $30,000 - $50,000
Raleigh, NC Area South East Region Nationwide
#1 Attic Bedroom Remodel / Addition Attic Bedroom Remodel / Addition Composite Deck Addition
#2 Bathroom Remodel Bathroom Remodel Roof Replacement
#3 Bathroom Addition Composite Deck Addition Bathroom Addition

Home Remodeling Projects $50,000 - $70,000
Raleigh, NC Area South East Region Nationwide
#1 Basement Remodel Basement Remodel Attic Bedroom Remodel / Addition
#2 Kitchen Remodel Kitchen Remodel Basement Remodel
#3 Garage Addition Garage Addition Kitchen Remodel

Home Remodeling Projects $70,000 - $100,000
Raleigh, NC Area South East Region Nationwide
#1 Master Suite Addition Master Suite Addition Family Room Addition
#2 Family Addition Family Room Addition Garage Addition
#3 Garage Addition Bathroom Addition Bathroom Addition

Home Remodeling Projects $100,000+
Raleigh, NC Area South East Region Nationwide
#1 Two-Story Addition Two-Story Addition Two-Story Addition
#2 Upscale Kitchen Remodel Upscale Kitchen Remodel Master Suite Addition
#3 Master Suite Addition Master Suite Addition Upscale Kitchen Remodel

Give it to me Straight - Home Remodeling ROIs Top to Bottom
With no frills or complications included, the following table lists the top 10 home remodeling projects by ROI percentage. If you're looking for the Raleigh home remodeling project that will put the greatest percent of your money back in your pocket, here's your answer - and you can compare the list to the rest of our region, and the country!!

Raleigh, NC Area South East Region Nationwide
#10 Kitchen Remodel Major Kitchen Remodel Composite Deck Addition
#9 Two-Story Addition Two-Story Addition Major Kitchen Remodel
#8 Roof Replacement Midrange Kitchen Remodel Basement Remodel
#7 Wood Window Replacement Attic Bedroom Remodel / Addition Attic Bedroom Remodel / Addition
#6 Attic Bedroom Remodel / Addition T-5: Vinyl Window Replacement T-5: Vinyl Siding Replacement
#5 Upscale Vinyl Window Replacement T-5: Vinyl Siding Replacement T-5: Wood Window Replacement
#4 Midrange Kitchen Remodel Wood Deck Addition Upscale Vinyl Window Replacement
#3 Wood Deck Addition Upscale Vinyl Window Replacement T-2: Wood Deck Addition
#2 Fiber-Cement Siding Replacement Basement Remodel T-2: Midrange Kitchen Remodel
#1 Basement Remodel Fiber-Cement Siding Replacement Fiber-Cement Sidign Replacement

The X Factor: Home Remodeling ROI Before you Sell
Of course the one part of home remodeling- and it just happens to be the best part, if you ask most homeowners - is the return you see on your investment before you move out. That is, the improved livability of your home that only you and your family can put a number on (think Mastercard commercials: Priceless). Obviously, the more time that passes between the completion of your home remodeling project and the sale of your home will affect you ROI percentage, and the same is true of your pre-move-out ROI. The longer you live in your upgraded space, the more use and enjoyment you'll get from it, and thus the more you'll get for your money. Any way you look at it, home remodeling is a great way to improve your lifestyle; financially, on a day-to-day livability basis, and in most cases, both.

*All information in this report was extracted from home Remodeling Magazine's 2010-11 Cost Vs Value Report

Kitchen Remodeling: Choices, Choices, Choices!

Smooth solid-stone countertops...
Sleek custom cabinets in rich hues.....
Shiny appliances with chef-pampering features for cooks of all levels.......
...It's no wonder kitchen remodeling garners recognition as the most exciting home renovation project in the industry! With an unmatched variety of shapes, stlyes, colors and options, kitchens can be filled up and laid out to suit the specific tastes of any homeowner. No other room in the house is offered the palette a kitchen is when it comes to remodeling, and the remodeling industry couldn't have chosen a better room to make their "baby" than the heartbeat of a home. Just how many choices are there? To find out, let's take a look inside the considerations of a homeowner starting a kitchen remodeling project...but beware, by the time we finish you might be ready to start a project of your own!

Kitchen Remodeling for Functionality
Before any of the pretty pieces can be chosen, the kitchen layout itself has to be finalized. Have you always wanted an island with striking pendants and extra workspace? Are you finally ready to add that built-in cooktop with commercial-grade hood? Or is it time to open your floorplan, so you can actually see your family while you're preparing their dinners? All these changes are identified pre-construction, and if you're looking for a complete transformation you'll want to speak to a specialist before the project begins.

The Cabinetry
Kitchen Cabinets are more than just a place to stack your dishes and store your wine glasses before you uncork the next bottle. Cabinets are responsible for setting the tone of your kitchen, and luckily for homeowners, they come in a myriad of sizes, colors, finishes and styles. From dark cherry to distressed paint, flat panel to beadboard, hardwood to stainless steel...Like so many things in the kitchen the possibilities are endless, and with custom cabinets gaining in popularity, new styles and finishes are being developed and installed almost daily.

The Countertops
Countertops have come a long way since my mom first put her state-of-the art (Arctic White) Corian countertops in the kitchen of our family home. Corian alone has evolved into a super-functional material that comes in almost every color and pattern, and although leaps-and-bounds ahead of where it was, still has trouble keeping pace with the glamour of granite and zeal of quartz. Natural stone, like granite, is now mined all over the globe and can end up a splendid display in your kitchen after spending thousands of years in places like Peru, Brazil and Italy. The newest rage on the market is engineered quartz, and with more manufacturers now offering this super-functional product, the price of this hot commodity has become reasonable. It won't stain, it won't scratch, it won't chip and it won't break. Kid tested, and mother, chef, and remodeler approved.

Appliances
With appliances now being offered in Platinum finish (yes, I said PLATINUM), their Jetsons-style gadgets and gizmos aren't all that 21st Century appliances have to offer. Self-cleaning ovens that clean with steam instead of heat (you know how that leaves your kitchen smelling like burned tuna casserole for days), convection cook-tops that are cool to the touch just seconds after using, and refridgerators so advanced they might as well put your food on the fork and deliver it right to your mouth. Platinum finish, by the way, is similar to stainless steel but doesn't leave fingerprints and will hold a magnet. Can you say, "Upgrade?!"

Flooring
Travertine tile, exotic Ipe (petrified rainforest wood), bamboo and cork...though flooring is often the last piece of a home remodeling project that homeowners put into place, I think many are disappointed they have disregarded it when outlining their budgets and choosing where to invest money. Like any of the above categories the products are endless, and the finishes, features, colors and patterns are just as varied as something like countertops (which seem to garner much more glory). If you remodel your kitchen, why wouldn't you build it the way you build anything -- from the ground up???

Custom Features
Backsplashes - From walls of granite to textured stone tiles or flashy glass block that comes in a rainbow of colors, nothing adds depth to a kitchen like a new backsplash. You can countri-fy, modernize, trend-set and oh-so-easily upgrade the look of your kitchen with a little focus on these areas, and a true kitchen remodel isn't complete until you've added your stylistic touch in the form of a backsplash.

Lighting - These days, pretty pendants are all the rage, hanging like stoic beacons above island countertops and dinner tables ready to spotlight your dinnerplate. They're a nice change from traditional can lighting, and like pretty much everything else in your kitchen, come in all sizes, shapes, patterns and colors. Track lighting can also do wonders for kitchen remodeling, as their directable beacons are ideal for showing off custom cabinetry, appliances, and decor.

Sinks & Faucets - If you're going to replace your countertops (because that's the perfect time to change these pieces), please, please, PLEASE update these basic items - you'll be glad you did as the functionality of your kitchen will most certainly be improved by bigger basins and ergonomic sprayers. And if you think variety isn't something you'll find when you go to make these changes, think again. Single basins, 50-50, 60-40 or 70-30? That's the easy part. If you doubt the advancements made by fixture companies when it comes to the kitchen faucet, I challenge you to peruse one of the many websites and check out styles, sizes and finishes (Moen has a good one). PS- don't forget the Vegetable Sink!

Hardware - Of any part of kitchen remodeling, the widest selection has to be cabinet hardware. Shapes, sizes, styles, colors, finishes, knobs, pulls, cups...they come in almost ANY shape you can think of, including teacups, animals, foliage...oye. The biggest mistake homeowners make when it comes to this finish touch? Running down to the Lowe's or Home Depot to pick these pieces out. There is an endless array in this category and (as much as I love them), those stores don't come close to covering it. Talk to a specialist, who can show you what the options really are. Why would limit yourself in the category with the most choices???

Especially if you break it down, its obvious the kitchen remodel is #1 because of the variety of products and features homeowners have to choose from when upfitting their spaces. It's safe to say there's almost everything out their but -- or in this case including -- the kitchen sink.

Welcome to greyHouse -- Welcome Home.
As the owners of greyHouse Inc., we think it's important anyone interacting with our business know and understand the story behind the company, the motivation and inspiration that drives its day-to-day operation, and the values that make up the foundation on which it is built. It is a combination of these components that distinguishes us from our competitors, and we strive to pass each of these fundamental qualities on to our customers through our work. Although our renovation and remodeling results will speak for themselves, you'll also be afforded the peace of mind that comes with knowing the behind-the-scenes operations function on these same idealistic principles. With greyHouse, we'll give you, as a homeowner, the comfort you deserve when trusting us with such an important investment.

The greyHouse Name
Everyone has a special place in their world where family converges, worries dissipate, and the monotonous day-to-day grind of opening the mail, checking the answering machine, and mowing the lawn are nonexistent concerns. If you've been blessed with the opportunity to spend time at beautiful Kerr Lake on the North Carolina-Virginia border, you've been to the site that has long-served that purpose for greyHouse owners Will and Lindsey and the rest of the Tomlinson family. As the original lakefront owners of their neighboring properties, Will's grandfathers, Travis "Tommy" Tomlinson and William "Jeffress" Senter, were bringing their children there as toddlers in the '50s. Nearly 20 years later two of their children wed, and the family tradition was continued when Anne and Parker - Will's parents - purchased the centering property that had originally separated their childhood grounds. With the families now connected and their three homes sitting adjacent in a row, the properties quickly became distinguished as the Red House (the Senter house, on the right), the Yellow House (the Tomlinson house, on the left), and Will's parents house: the Grey House (in the middle). (Story continued below)

Following in his parents' footsteps Will grew up spending his summers on the lake, collecting along the way countless memories any family-man would be envious of. With both sets of grandparents nextdoor around the clock and a constant revolving door of aunts, uncles and cousins running in and out, the Grey House became both a safe haven and lifelong staple to a third generation of both the Tomlinson and Senter families. Now as adults, Will, along with Lindsey and Tomlinson brothers Ben and Adam and their wives, can be found enjoying the summer weekends together with Anne and Parker on the porch of the Grey House, sharing in the same relaxed, enjoyable, family atmosphere Tommy and Jeffress shared with their families nearly 60 years ago. (Story continued below)

View of Kerr Lake from the front porch of the Grey House

As if the Grey House didn't already hold one of the most important and sacred places in Will and his family's lives, greyHouse Inc. was born directly from the hallowed spot and all it represents. It was more than a coincidence that Will was, at the time, Head of Renovations for a local construction company when his parents approached him with the challenge of fully renovating the Grey House to accommodate their expanding family. The project was to include a full kitchen remodel, two full bathroom remodels, porch enlargement, the addition of a central full bath and powder room, site excavation, and an addition to the house that would nearly double the size of the original structure - a project that runs the full gamut of home renovation. With this special endeavor on the horizon, Will and Lindsey made the decision to use the project as a springboard to start an endeavor of their own; Lindsey left her job with the Carolina Hurricanes and the two joined together to put the pieces in place to start the Grey House project - and greyHouse Inc.

More About The Owners
Will and Lindsey met while working for the Carolina Hurricanes before Will began his career in home renovation and remodeling. A North Carolina native, Will grew up in the Five Points area and attended nearby Broughton High School before earning a degree from NC State. Our second owner, Lindsey, moved to Raleigh from her home state of Michigan when offered the opportunity to work for the 'Canes. A University of Michigan graduate, Lindsey hails from a small river town in the Wolverine state, St. Clair, where her family still resides.

Our Principles
If you're familiar with the greyHouse story, its obvious the company was built on a family-oriented foundation that demands an integrous process and quality results. Because both our owners come from backgrounds with family-owned-and-operated businesses, we have a first-hand understanding of the importance of managing each individual customer's needs and expectations. Without this customer-oriented focus our business practice would be very different - and that practice is part of what makes greyHouse unique. We know you have a vision for your home, and its up to us to not only deliver on that vision, but also make the process easy, exciting and enjoyable along the way.

Custom Home Additions: What to add?!

There's no question home additions are an extremely versatile home improvement project that can add all kinds of value to your home - both financially and when it comes to the experience you and your family have living there. But if you're considering a home addition, this blank canvas of a project may leave you wondering, "What should I include as part of my wonderful new space?"

Many home additions are started because of a need; an expanding family, a parent or in-law looking for a space, a small (or nonexistent) master suite%u2026 but what about those of you sitting at home right now thinking about upgrading your home because a move (and the challenge of selling that comes with it) is out of the question? What about those of you who are already in a house you love, and although you'd like more space, would never leave your beloved home-sweet-home behind? Perhaps some of the addition projects we'll discuss will give you an idea for your own home addition, and you can finally start formulating a plan for your new space.

The Family Room / Bonus Room Addition

If you've got toys stashed under your sofa, in your linen closet and on top of the washing machine - or you just can't find a spot for that 60" flat-screen you've been eyeing at the mall - it may be time for a family-style upgrade that everyone can enjoy. These often simply-designed, easy-to-add spaces will bring extremely livable square-footage to your home that is sure to be used by all with frequency. Because this type of space is usually very simple, the cost-per-square-foot is typically low compared to other home addition projects. So, if you're budget-conscious when it comes to the average price/sq. foot in your neighborhood, this is a great avenue to consider. Add a fireplace or custom bar, include a built-in storage closet and earmark a corner for a pool table and you're on your way to a brand new space you can enjoy with your family and comfortably host friends.

The In-Law's Suite Addition

As the baby-boom generation ages, many of our parents are in need of a lifestyle alteration to manage their now ever-changing health situations. From a permanent home to a space designed simply to accommodate visitors, an in-law's suite can be as basic as a bedroom and bathroom or as extensive as a full-on kitchen and dining area, living room and sleeping space. The greyHouse team is currently working on two separate in-law suite home additions in Raleigh, one that includes an entire home front as described above, and the other that is designed around the needs of a handicapped individual with limited physical abilities. ADA-compliant home renovations and addition projects are growing exponentially in occurrence and popularity, made possible by a combination of technological advances and an increase in the development of handicap-specific products designed for in-home use. Because the aging baby-boomers represent a significant percentage of the population, the focus on creating these products - and making them aesthetically pleasing - has been a growing trend. To read a recent USA Today article on the subject, click here.

The Master Suite Addition

There's no greater treat for deserving homeowners than coming home to a luxurious oasis in their master suite. Unfortunately%u2026not all homes were built to the standards many of us wish to enjoy (basically most homes built before the 1990s!). Luckily for the modern-day homeowner, remodelers across the country have come to specialize in renovating and adding these spaces for homeowners to enjoy. Whether you're looking for more space, a quieter section of the house or an upgraded area with five-star amenities, a master suite addition can bring all these desirable qualities in one home addition.

The Sunroom Addition

Although not as common of a stand-alone project as other types of home additions, don't underestimate the value - and enjoyment - of a sunroom addition. Especially here in Raleigh where the weather is enjoyable the majority of the year, a sunroom lets you enjoy the outside while still offering the comforts of the indoors. Enjoy the sun without the heat, the rain without the water, and the breeze without a chill. Especially if you're already considering a home addition, don't overlook the option of adding a sunroom as part of that addition to supplement the area you're already adding.

Closing Comments on Home Addition Projects

Before I wrap things up, I need to make one thing clear: the value created by a two-story addition project is typically significantly more than a single story addition when it comes to cost-per-square-foot, because your home remodeler already has his crews and many of the materials on-site. Now, it's one thing if you live in a ranch home and want to stay consistent with the ranch style or are prohibited by physical limitations when it comes to adding a second story. But, for often times just a fraction of the total cost, you can double the square footage of your home addition project just by building up. Recent greyHouse multi-story addition projects have included the following combinations, which you may want to consider when deciding on your own home addition:

Family Room Addition -- Bonus Room Addition
Family Room Addition -- Master Suite Addition
Sunroom Addition -- In-Law's Suite Addition
Bonus Room Addition -- In-Law's Suite Addition