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Your Guide to Home and Commercial Renovation

Dan Schaefer | February 22, 2010

Dan Schaefer is founder of Providence Renovation, LLC, a residential and commercial restoration and remodeling company based in Phoenix. The company has an A-rating with the Better Business Bureau, and zero complaints with the Arizona Register of Contractors – so they really are the people to turn to for any renovation job at all. Here, Schaefer talks about his craft, giving advice on everything from getting the right paint finish to building a casita.

Why Choose Providence Renovation?

When hiring a remodeling company, the paramount concern for the homeowner is trust. We understand how unnerving it can be to invite a company into your home. For this reason, we only hire quality people we know and trust. Our team is trained to work safely, and is comprised of highly skilled trades people who take pride in their work and their profession.

Getting the Best Protective Paint Finish

If you need to paint anything in your home, take the time to do it right. It doesn’t matter if you are painting a wall, a stucco exterior, a wooden bookcase or even a metal cabinet. The first thing you need to do is start with a quality paint.

How to Prepare Stucco For Painting

New stucco needs a curing time of at least 30 days. Old stucco will also need some preparation before you can paint on it. Stucco is a durable surface that can look beautiful, but it needs proper maintenance to keep it looking good.

Preparing Wood to Be Painted

Using the right paint is crucial when it comes to painting any surface of your home, including wood, stucco, plaster walls or other surfaces. If you don’t prepare the surface correctly, the paint will fail. Ask a professional for advice if you are unsure about how to proceed.

Painting Over Stains

Painting over stains on your walls is not that easy. The trick to doing it right is to first accurately identify what the stain actually is. Hairspray stains, for example, need special attention or new paint will fail after application.

Benefits of Tile Flooring

Tile flooring can add a lot to your home, especially if you suffer from allergies. Throw rugs placed over tile are a lot easier to clean than wall-to-wall carpeting, and tile looks great. It is also easy to maintain and is easy to fix should anything happen.

Why Invest in Granite Countertops?

Stylish stone slabs are the way to go when it comes to countertops in your home, either in the bathroom, the kitchen or both. This natural product is durable and comes in a variety of colors to suit every taste, and it looks great. Granite is also easy to maintain.

Signs of Water Damage

Wood, metal, stucco, drywall and plaster can all be affected by water damage. If you suspect any of these things in your home are damaged, act before the damage gets worse. It’s important to know what to look for to keep your home in great shape.

Why Use a Full-Service Bathroom Remodeler?

When remodeling your bathroom, you need someone who can do the job from start to finish. That means helping you come up with a budget as well as a design, and assisting you in locating and purchasing all the items you will need, from tiles to toilets.

Disaster Recovery for Your Home

When disaster strikes, don’t make assumptions. If your home has been struck by a flood, fire or even an earthquake, the foundations could be faulty – even if they appear to be okay. Get the advice of a professional to make sure everything, including electric components which are hidden, is safe.

Getting Curb Appeal on a Budget

You don’t need to sink thousands of dollars into your home to improve its curb appeal, or how it looks on the outside. Potential buyers will be impressed by a new lick of paint, a new front door and nice landscaping.

Should You Add a Room to Your House?

Adding an extra room to your home can definitely increase its resale value. The easiest way to do this is to add a room where there already is an existing roof, for example, in a garage. Just make sure you follow city code to make sure the ceiling is high enough, the room is big enough, and there is a window for an escape route. Rooms that require plumbing will be more expensive to build.

Most Valuable Home Improvements

Investing in another room can add a lot to your home, and certainly improve its resale value. But there are some things to keep in mind: Don’t build at the expense of storage space, for example. A casita, home office or pool and deck are also valuable home improvements.

Disability Remodeling

Renovating a home to accommodate a disability takes an experienced professional. Some people may just want one room of their home remodeled, such as the bathroom, while others may require almost a complete overhaul. Whatever your needs, every renovation should be a personal one, suited to your individual wants and needs.

Good Home Maintenance Practices

Keeping up with home repairs is vital. You should annual inspections on many things in your home with a licensed professional, including the electrics and the plumbing. Keep your eyes peeled for water damage, cracks and for mold.

Benefits of Using Stone in the Home

Stone can be used for a variety of reasons. People not only are investing in stone flooring these days, but also stone walls and fireplaces made from stone veneer. It is lightweight and durable and will keep its look for years.

Custom-Fitted Blinds and Shutters

Blinds and shutters not only block the sun and provide privacy but can add an additional decorative accent to your home. Shutters in particular are value for money. They can be stained to match other woodwork in your home and can add to its appeal, both inside and out.

What Are Soffits?

Hiding cables, improving acoustics or tucking away recessed lighting are some of the things a soffit can do. The horizontal side of an eve or cornice, a soffit can make a room feel cozy, and can easily add to its overall appeal.

What is a Casita?

Building a casita in your backyard can add value to a home and it will also add to your enjoyment of your home. Whether you choose to have a casita, or freestanding building, as an addition to your swimming pool, a guest room or even a place to house your elderly dog is up to you!

Historic Home Renovations

Many people desire to renovate a historic home and bring it back to its old glory. With the help of a professional, this is more than possible. Keep in mind, however, that there are many city codes you need to adhere to when doing any restoration that is of historic value to a home.

About Dan Schaefer

Author Name

Dan Schaefer graduated from Michigan State University with a Bachelor's Degree in Design, and holds a Master's Degree in Business from the University of Phoenix. In 1998, he started remodeling homes as a real estate investor in Phoenix, Arizona. In 2003, Schaefer founded Providence Renovation, LLC a residential and commercial restoration and remodeling company based in Phoenix. The company has an A-rating with the Better Business Bureau, and zero complaints with the Arizona Register of Contractors. It literally does everything possible to accommodate its customers’ goals, and works hard to successfully earn every customer’s trust.

Providence Renovation, LLC

(602) 326-1994 1411 W. Orchid Ln.
Phoenix,AZ 85021
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1 Comment

  1. The family was thinking about adding a hot tub from these guys, http://choosehottubsdirect.com/ Wondering now if it's more important to consider just the deck below the tub, or should we, for long term value go for adding a complete deck with pergola overhead. Maybe even the pool house is a smart choice. We do have the backyard space.

    James D Kirk – February 28, 2010 , 1:47 AM

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