4 Ideas for Transforming Your Accessory Building

Having an accessory building on your property has the potential to add substantial value. Oftentimes, however, that potential is never fully realized, as they’re frequently left unfinished and used as storage spaces. If your accessory building is approved to be used as a living space or dwelling, here are several ideas for transforming it into a valuable feature. 

Exercise and Wellness Space
Imagine having a separate area where you can escape to for a quick workout followed by a few minutes of pampering yourself. Well, you can certainly make that a reality. After all, a small yoga studio or exercise area and a few spa-like features, such as a steam shower and a massage room, don’t require all that much space. Plus, with a growing demand for home gyms and wellness areas, this is an investment that’s sure to appeal to luxury homebuyers in the future. 

Kids’ Space
As the children get bigger, it’s only natural that the house will start to feel smaller. When that day comes, you can put your accessory building to use by creating a fun hangout area for the kids. From arts and crafts stations to a game room with ping pong and air hockey, there are endless possibilities to transform this into a place they’ll love for years to come. 

Home Office
A fully-equipped work space is one of the most important features these days. For some people, however, all of the distractions found at home can make it difficult to be productive. If you’re the type who needs a change of scenery before sitting down to work, then converting your accessory building into a stunning office is sure to be a good use of this space, while also adding value to your home. 

Guest Accommodations
Self-contained guest accommodations are one of the greatest luxuries that a home can have when friends or family are visiting, especially for extended stays. Everyone can feel much more comfortable in their own space without imposing and all it takes is a thoughtfully designed bedroom with a few essential living features.

Is Granite on its Way Out?

According to the National Kitchen and Bath Association, granite countertops are in less demand today, while the use of quartz is on the rise.

Why? For one thing, man-made quartz countertops are offered in a far greater range of looks and feels. Reason number two: it’s a bit easier to maintain over the long haul, and it’s deemed a better environmental choice because it emits lower levels of radon—a potentially cancer-causing agent. To be fair, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) maintains the radioactive materials in granite countertops are far too minuscule to pose a health threat.

So what, exactly, is a quartz countertop? It’s made of engineered stone, composed of at least 90% ground-up quartz mixed with a binder (like resin) then molded into a slab. Because pigment is added during the manufacturing process, the sky’s the limit when it comes to color. And quartz is non-porous and fairly resistant to stains, mold and bacteria.

Unlike granite countertops, which require periodic resealing to maintain their beauty, quartz is low-maintenance, needing only regular cleanings with soap and water or a mild detergent.

Quartz can be more impervious than granite to cracking or chipping under average conditions, although it is not quite as heat-proof. Most manufacturers recommend using a trivet when placing scalding hot pots or pans on a quartz countertop.

Apart from durability and maintenance, quartz comes in an infinite variety of designs, ranging in look and feel from sleek solid colors to organic-looking variations that resemble real substances found in nature, like veined marble. It can have a smooth and shiny finish or a softer, brushed feel (almost suede-looking). Choose wisely because the design can make a huge difference in the look and feel of a room.

Quartz counters may be a bit more expensive, up to 10 percent higher in cost than their granite counterparts, but shopping around and resealing over the years can mitigate any cost differences.

So, what side are you on? Natural stone mined from the earth or a man-made variation?

4 Home Features That Outdoor Enthusiasts Love

There’s nothing like spending a day under the sun, breathing fresh air and soaking up picturesque views. For some luxury homeowners, life is all about being connected to nature and engaging in outdoor activities. If you’re the type who feels most at home while outside, these four features are sure to cater to your lifestyle.

Access is Everything
Whether you want a ski-in/ski-out chalet in the mountains or a waterfront property with a deep water dock to keep a boat, your home should provide access to your favorite activities. Living close to well-maintained hiking and biking trails where you can spend a few hours outside is a luxury that you’ll be sure to enjoy.

Scenic Vistas
There’s just something about a scenic view that delivers a sense of calm and relaxation. For many outdoor enthusiasts, you simply can’t put a price on being able to wake up to that each morning. While there are many luxury home features that you can add to a home after you buy it, breathtaking views that allow you to feel connected to the outside world are not one of them.

Trees and Plants
Of course, anyone who feels at home when surrounded by nature will gravitate toward homes that have been thoughtfully landscaped with an abundance of greenery. From towering trees to secret gardens, adding some vegetation to your property can offer much more than just curb appeal. A backyard terrace that’s completely removed from the outside world is always a valuable feature, but especially so for nature-lovers. 

Plenty of Storage
Outdoor activities tend to require a lot of gear. If you partake in more than a few, then chances are you need ample storage space to keep your bike, kayak, fishing pole or any other equipment you may have. To accommodate all this, you may want a large garage that you can outfit with a few racks or a generously-sized mud room where you can store your gear. Maybe even both.

How to Choose the Right Tile for Your Kitchen Floor

Whether you’re planning to completely remodel your kitchen or want to give it a new look without making a major financial investment, flooring tile is one of the most important elements. The floor is one of the first things that guests notice when they come to visit and it typically experiences significant foot traffic on a daily basis. Choosing kitchen tiles can feel overwhelming since there are so many materials, colors and design options available. Here are some things to consider when making a selection.

Think About Your Family’s Needs and Your Budget
The prices for kitchen tile vary widely. Before you start fixating on a specific design or type of tile, set a budget for materials and installation so you can focus your attention on realistic options. 

Kitchen floor tile can be made from a variety of materials. Choose one with your family’s lifestyle in mind. Porcelain tile is harder and denser than ceramic and is also less porous. Glazed porcelain is more slippery and scratches more easily than non-glazed porcelain. Ceramic tile is softer, more porous and easier to install and clean than porcelain. If you use the kitchen a lot for cooking, eating and socializing, or if you have kids or pets, choose a durable tile that will not crack easily. Clay, limestone and quarry tile are good options.

Be sure to choose tile that is intended to be used for flooring. It will have a slightly raised or textured surface to provide traction. Tile designed for counters and walls is smoother and too slippery to use on a floor. It also may not be durable enough for daily foot traffic.

Think about the color and style of your kitchen cabinets. Choose floor tiles that will complement the cabinets and give the kitchen a cohesive appearance.

Choose tile that will be easy to clean and that will resist stains. A darker color may do a better job of hiding dirt and stains, but it may also make the kitchen look smaller. Some tiles may need to be cleaned with a specific product. Ask about cleaning requirements before you make a choice. 

Kitchen tile comes in many sizes. Choose a size that is appropriate for the dimensions and layout of your kitchen. 

Get Professional Advice
Homeowners are often shocked by the number of options available when it comes to kitchen flooring tile and confused by the differences between them. Since the kitchen is typically the room that is used the most, you should talk to a flooring professional so you can make an informed decision. If you plan to redo the kitchen floor yourself, measure the room at least twice so you order the right amount of tile. Make sure that you have the appropriate tools for the job and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.

Should You Install a Double Vanity in Your Master Bathroom?

If you’re planning to remodel your master bathroom, you may be thinking about installing a double vanity. It might make it easier to get ready and prevent some arguments with your partner, but it might also take up too much space or be too expensive. 

What is a Double Vanity?
A double vanity usually consists of two sinks placed side by side. In most cases, each sink has its own cabinet or drawers for storage. Each sink may have a separate mirror or one long mirror may extend above both sinks. You could choose a prefabricated double vanity or have one custom made to suit your preferences and your bathroom’s design.

Pros and Cons of a Double Vanity
A double vanity can be helpful for couples who get ready for work at the same time, who get frustrated taking turns in the bathroom or who get in each other’s way when both are in a hurry. Having separate areas can also be a good idea for couples who have different standards in terms of cleanliness. If each person has multiple hygiene and grooming products, having individual counter and storage space can make it easier to stay organized and prevent clutter. 

Two sinks take up a lot more space than one. Depending on the size and layout of the bathroom, a double vanity might work, or it might make the bathroom feel cramped and leave you with too little counter space. If there was not enough space between the sinks, you and your partner might bump elbows.

Having two sinks could limit the amount of storage space available. Two drain pipes would take up twice the amount of cabinet space, which would mean less room to store toiletries and other items.

Cost is another important factor. The price tag for two sinks, counters and cabinets, plus the additional cost to hook up plumbing for both sinks, might be prohibitive. 

Other Options to Consider
You might want to install two separate pedestal sinks. They could be placed side by side or put on separate walls, depending on the layout and dimensions of the master bathroom. The downsides of pedestal sinks are the lack of counter and storage space.

Another possibility is installing one long sink with two faucets. That could allow you and your partner to use the sink at the same time, but you would only have to pay for plumbing for one drain. With a single drainpipe, you would have more storage space than you would if you were to install two separate sinks. You would also have more counter space with one sink, and cleaning one sink would be easier than cleaning two.

Talk to Your Contractor
A double vanity sounds ideal to many couples, and it can be in some cases. For many homeowners, however, space and financial constraints make it impractical. You have numerous options when it comes to designing your master bathroom. Discuss your needs and goals with your contractor so you can choose the right design for you.

Smart Home Gadgets That Will Elevate Your Home

Technology seems to mutate with the speed of light, but is your home keeping up with the changes? Smarten it up with a few smart-home electronics that will boost safety, increase comfort and may even save you a few bucks:

Video Doorbell
The VTech Video Doorbell, about $115, lets you screen and even video chat with visitors before you answer the door. And the system takes a snapshot each time the doorbell is pressed, so you’ll always know who came a-knocking while you were away.

Smart Door Lock
The August Smart Lock uses keyless technology to keep your home safe no matter where you are. From your smartphone, you can let guests in, check to make sure you locked up before you left, keep a record of who has entered and exited, and unlock your door from the driveway. Cost? About $220.

Home Automation
You can ease into wireless control of your lighting and appliances with Insteon’s Start Here Kit, about $125, before moving on to automating other household needs, like irrigation control and occupancy sensing.

Water Saver
The WaterPebble Water Saver memorizes the length of your first shower and uses it as a benchmark to measure future shower times. Using a series of ‘traffic lights,’ it reduces your shower time by a fraction each time, helping you save on your water bill without trying. About $12.

Learning Thermostat
For about $250, the Nest programmable thermostat will learn your heating and cooling schedule and program itself. It can even be controlled from your phone and could save you up to 20 percent on energy costs.

Smart Watering
Is your sprinkling system over-watering or under-watering your lawn? Toro’s wireless Xtra Smart Soil Moisture Sensor keeps the moisture level just right. Not only will the health of you lawn improve, but your wallet (and the Earth) will benefit, too. About $115.