It’s time to finally make the move and finish your basement or make a much-needed upgrade to your kitchen or bathroom. The most important decision you have to make is choosing the right contractor for this project. Before you make the call, consider these things first:

1. Know what you want from a Contractor

Before you do anything, it is important to sit down and decide what you need done to your home or office. Lay out some goals you are looking to accomplish with this project and have them ready before you begin a search for a contractor. A professional contractor should sit down and discuss your ideas to determine the best way to accomplish what you are looking for.

2. Are they licensed and insured for your area in Colorado?

Any contractor you hire absolutely should be licensed and insured in your state (Colorado).  This way your home and you are protected from any possible damages or injuries that could occur. It is also important that before they start on your project that they obtain all necessary, accurate permits, stay up to Colorado code, and employ insured workers.

3. Are you able to see any previous work they have done?

Well established contractors typically have a website with a gallery of their work displaying past projects as well as any web reviews to refer to. If you come across a contractor without a portfolio on their website, you can ask them to share photos or to tell you about a prior project they did to give you an idea of their qualifications and expertise.

4. What is the timeline throughout the project?

Contractors are expected to provide an accurate timeline of when they project where they will be throughout the process to give a home or business owner an idea of what they can expect from beginning to end.  They should be able to lay out the steps along the way and they should keep you informed on where they are so you can make any necessary adjustments to accommodate the renovations. This is an important step to ensure this process will move smoothly.

5. Will they be at your home or business every day?

After you are given a projected schedule, the contract should be able to inform you what workers will be at the job site and how often that will be there. We recommend that you request a calendar with workdays and what will be done each day to keep the contractor accountable and to make your life a bit normalized despite what is going on.

6. How will they keep me updated?

Communication throughout the entire job process is important for both parties. Talk with the contractor so you know what to expect in terms of communication. Will they call your cell phone and/or exchange emails or text messages? Both of you should agree on the best form of communication and stick to it.

Also use this time to determine when you can reach your contractor. Ask what their after hours and weekend hours are and try to work around them unless an emergency occurs. And, you will want to have reassurance from our contractor should an emergency happen.

7. How will they protect my property?

This is very important and will vary based on the type of project that is being done. Be sure to discuss this before any demolition begins. There will be a lot of dust accumulating so make sure that the contractor is properly covering furniture, floors, etc. to avoid any possible damage from occurring during the process.

8. What is the payment schedule?

Contractors will typically never ask for a full payment upfront and if they do you should not agree to. Discuss payment terms with them to find out how the payments will be made during the process. The size of the project will be a big factor in determining payment size and frequency so sit down with them to determine when each payment should be made, and that certain milestones are met before each one.

9. Understand your contract

The most important thing when hiring a contractor is to have a good understanding of the contract. Most contractors will require an official contract to begin work, and you should require the same. Understand all terms and conditions agreed upon so that both parties meet the obligation of the contract.

Let’s Get Started

These are some important things to remember when hiring a contractor. If you still have more questions, we can help. Give us a call at (303) 829-3374 or email us directly here to get started.

The post 9 Areas To Consider When Choosing a Contractor for Your Colorado Home appeared first on Deyoung Brothers Construction.

As all of us know, when fall & winter comes upon us, we tend to spend more time in our home.  That means maximizing the space such as refinishing your basement so that you can enjoy your time there.

Here are some of the more popular reasons that people have their basements finished and updated:

Family Entertainment

When a basement is finished properly, it is the perfect area in your home to have entertainment for the entire family.  It’s ideal for children as a playroom, and/or pool table, ping pong or add a couch and chair with a large TV screen and the list goes on.

Building a Home Gym in your basement

During these times with the Covid 19 virus, more and more people are deciding to work out in their home basement.  The great part of working out in your basement is that they are generally cooler than other parts of the house and it gives a lot  Just let us know where you want it, and then we can work with you to design the perfect gym area for you.

Additional Room to the Basement

Whether it for a growing family, or just in case guests visit and you don’t have the extra space available when they visit is a great reason to add a room in your basement.  If your basement is built out but does not have one, then we can create the perfect additional room with a closet, adding a TV to enjoy while laying in bed, and all the proper electrical plugs and lighting makes for the perfect room to your home.

Bathroom Remodeling and Finishing

Okay, nothing is more frustrating then having to run upstairs to use a bathroom from your basement.  That is when our customers ask us to add a room in their basements, they usually always want a bathroom built as well.  So many choices, whenever we do a bathroom remodel, it can have a sink, toilet, shower or bath.  We can do the same for you.

Adding a Dry or Wet Bar to your Basement

We offer choices to our customers.  We can add a bar without any plumbing but make it a functional entertainment area for your adult friends.   As with most, adding the necessary plumbing for a wet bar so that we can add an icemaker, sink, drains, and even a small refrigerator.  Of course creating an attractive bar, with cabinets, flooring and storage to your liking is what we will do for you.

Lets Get Started

These are just a few of the different ideas that can be done to your basement.  If you would like to meet, please give us a call at (303) 829-3374 or you can email us directly here and will get back with you shortly.

The post As Summer Winds Down Now is the Time to Refinish your Basement appeared first on Deyoung Brothers Construction.

If you are at a place that it makes sense to have your parent(s) or in-laws move into your home but do not have the room for it, then building out a basement apartment is the perfect choice for you.

Ideas to transform your basement into a livable apartment

1. Building a bedroom with room for a queen size bed, night stand(s), dresser drawers and closet space so they can sleep comfortably.
2. Living room area that would include room for a couch, coffee table, end table as well as a flat screen TV. And, make sure to wire for cable and to give them internet access too.
3. Room for a fireplace, then we highly recommend that you add it to your basement apartment.  It adds to the ambience of the basement, and it keeps the basement warm when being used.
4. Compact Kitchen Area complete with stove, oven (with exhaust system), cabinets, sink, dishwasher (if possible), refrigerator and microwave. Plus make sure to have room for a small dinette set and proper lighting.
5. If you have a walkout basement, then you might want to consider adding bigger windows to brighten up the basement apartment for them
6. Build a bathroom that is open and easy to get around. If your in-laws are older, putting as few barriers in the bathroom and shower as possible to make it easy to get around.  Grab bars and easy in-and-out shower stall with a seat would be helpful as well.
7. Privacy and soundproofing is very important when building an apartment in your basement, for both your in-laws and you. This would not just include the walls, but also enclosing the stairwell for complete privacy.
8. For comfort, having proper Heating, air-conditioning and humidity control is a definitely something that any finished basement should have.
9. Wireless Intercom system for communicating with your in-laws.
10. Smoke and carbon-monoxide detectors, to help protect everyone in the home!

These are just some of the considerations when creating a Basement Apartment for your In-Laws or even if it is rent out for additional income.

Lets Get Started

If you are looking to have a fully functional basement apartment built-out in your home, please contact us to schedule an appointment by either calling us at (303) 829-3374 or to email us, Click Here.

The post 10 Ideas for Building a Basement In-law Apartment appeared first on Deyoung Brothers Construction.

There are many reasons why it makes sense to do a room addition to your home.  Whenever you add a room it can be planned out to include those important amenities and space that you’ve always wanted to have in your home.  There are many ways to add a room to your home, especially if you have basement. Even if it is built out, a room can still be added and if needed a bathroom as well.

Here are some of the reasons that people choose to go with a room addition instead of a complete home remodel:

1. Running Out of Space in your Colorado Home and Need a Room Addition

One of the biggest reasons that a homeowner chooses to do a room addition is for space. It is a cost-effective way to add that extra space you are looking for and it doesn’t just have to be a standard room. It could also be to enlarge your kitchen, bathroom, Great Room, etc. One things for sure that when you do a room addition it can open up your home in the way that you always wanted.

 2. A Home addition is Needed because Family Members are Moving In

Over the past few years there has been a growing trend where children are moving back home with their parents.  We are also seeing elderly parents moving in with their children, so they can get home care, but you don’t quite have the space. This is where a room addition will help.  Let us meet with you to discuss your needs and put together a room addition design that will fit your needs.

3. Does a Room Addition Increase the Value of Your Home

Yes, it could, but it really depends on what kind of room addition you are wanting to have done.  For instance, if you are adding a room in your basement that is already finished, there are certain requirements that need to be done so that it is considered an extra room if you were to sell. Meet with us to discuss what you would like to have done and we can help determine if it does increase your home’s value.

4. Room additions are Less Expensive than Buying a New Home

For many, who like their home but are running out of living space are choosing a room addition instead of moving to another home.  It’s fair to say that adding a room is cheaper than moving, especially if you like where you live.  Plus, who wants to deal with packing and unpacking, hiring movers and putting everything together just makes the whole endeavor of moving to be just one big hassle.

Choosing a room addition, in most cases can take 2 to 4 weeks and you’re done. If you have a plan and would like to discuss it with us to determine the cost and how long it would take to get done.

5. Stretch Out and Enjoy your New Living Space

As mentioned earlier, a room addition can be so many different things. It can be a bathroom that is enlarged, a kitchen remodel that increases the size of your kitchen, adding a theater room, workout room, or even increasing the size of your living or great room space. Provided that your home has the room to do this, we can help make that happen.

For details on the different room addition options, please Click Here

If you are thinking of adding a room to your home, please do not hesitate to contact us to schedule a time to meet to discuss your needs. We look forward to hearing from you.

To contact us, please call 303 829-3374 or you can email us by Clicking Here

The post 5 Reasons to do a Room Addition appeared first on Deyoung Brothers Construction.

Bright light, tall ceilings and clean lines

We have been working on the many details of the inside of this beautiful family home for months. Every aspect of life with six children has been thought of, including a large mudroom with benches and hooks for jacks and backpacks right off the garage.

After the mudroom you enter the oversized pantry to efficiently unload groceries and supplies before you get to the open kitchen /family room with windows on all sides to see the amazing forest view.

2017 CUSTOM HOUSE BUILD

• City: Larkspur
• Blueprint collaboration: March 2016
• Broke ground: July 2016
• Estimated completion: April 2017
• Square footage: about 6,000
• Property size: 3 acres
• Bedrooms: 6
• Bathrooms: 5
• Garage: Oversized 3-car garage
• Basement: Finished with in-law suite and a custom heated yoga studio 

In the family room is a custom fireplace with reclaimed wood that goes the whole way to the 20-foot ceiling. Don’t worry about the cold air coming through because the 20, large double-pane windows, and the Radiant-heated wood floors, with keep their feet toasty as they watch TV or entertain.

Throughout the house it feels clean, light and bright with its many windows, 8-foot doors, 10-foot ceiling on the main level and 9-foot ceiling on the basement and second floor levels.

Next time: We will talk about an interesting paint choice (black!) and where it is at! Also, the kitchen cabinets are in!

The post Custom Home Build: Warm and Light appeared first on Deyoung Brothers Construction.

The post Larkspur Custom House Build appeared first on Deyoung Brothers Construction.