living room remodeling

One of the seldom discussed home remodeling jobs is the living room remodel. We spend so much time upgrading our kitchens and remodeling our bathrooms that we overlook one of the main areas where family and friends gather. Often times the living room is the biggest room in the house. The living room is sometimes considered the formal “sitting” room, with the family room being the main place to sit and watch TV and congregate.

Whether you call it a living room, family room, den or rumpus room it’s a very important part of your home. Upgrading your living room doesn’t need to cost you tens of thousands of dollars. There are many elements to the living room that can be upgraded on a much smaller scale, without the work of a general contractor.

In most cases you’ll want to at least consult a general contractor about your ideas. Expanding your room, knocking down a wall, and adding new flooring & walls are just a few of the things that most homeowners need a general contractor to do.

If you’re looking to spruce up the focal point of your home, here are a few things to focus on before you make any decisions:

1) What’s going in your living room: Obviously there will be furniture, but do you really like the furniture? Even if you do, does it go with your overall vision of the room? Get rid of all items that clutter the room as you’ll want to start with the basics to see if additional or replacement pieces of furniture are needed.

2) Assess the floor, ceiling and walls: Do you currently have carpet, but would prefer hardwood? Are the walls and ceiling the right colors? Are the light fixtures the right style? These are things you’ll have to ask yourself. You can even throw some paint test patches up to see if a color sample translates well onto the wall.

3) Check online for living room styles that you like: the Internet has a plethora of home design ideas. I recommend you do your research online to see how others are improving their living room. Sites such as hgtv.com (Home & Garden TV) have tons of ideas, tips and photos.

4) Select a focal point for the room: The focal point can be an object, such as a large painting, or it can simply be a wall or patterned fabric. Whatever your focal point is, other items in the room should compliment it and reinforce the color palette.

5) Consult a general contractor: You don’t necessarily need to get to step 5 to contact a general contractor, but it helps to have an idea or vision for your living room first. Of course, you don’t necessarily need a contractor to improve your living room look. Sure, you can paint the room on your own, but if you’re planning to replace flooring, wall or ceiling fixtures, expand the room, or install a stereo or electrical outlets then it is a good idea to contract a home remodeling contractor.

6) Final steps: Once the remodeling work is complete, you’ll then want to paint and add in the new flooring. This is also a good time to change any light fixtures. Once the painting is complete the crown molding comes next. One tip for crown molding is to match it to existing trim, or simply paint it white to match the ceiling.

7) Add in accessories: Time to finish up the job by putting up all decorative pieces, including artwork and window treatments. Set up the TV and surround sound (if you have one), and remember to choose a nice entertainment center to hide wires. Also, it’s not a bad idea to place some items, such as board games, blankets, and other miscellaneous items in a trunk, so they don’t clutter up the room.

If you’re looking for an experienced San Diego living room remodeling contractor then look no further than Greyhound General. To learn more about how we can help with your next remodeling project contact us today, or simply call us at 800-568-7108.

Super Bowl Sunday is only a couple days away, so naturally people are making party plans. If you’re hosting one of these NFL season-ending bashes then you need to prepare. In addition to the food and drinks you’re going to have to think about where to host these guests. In your living room? Den? Chances are the room with the biggest TV will be the area your guests are congregating. Maybe your living room just isn’t cutting it? Or maybe you have formal room or basement that just isn’t being used? Man cave anyone?

Wikipedia defines a “man cave” as “a mantuary, or manspace, a male sanctuary, such as a specially equipped garage, spare bedroom, media room, den, or basement. It is not a cave but rather a metaphor describing a room inside the house, such as the basement or garage or attic or office, or outside the house such as a wood shed or tool room, where “guys can do as they please” without fear of upsetting any female sensibility about house decor or design.” Now that we’re clear on the definition, let’s discuss the essentials of your man cave, so that you can get working on it for next years’ Super Bowl…

1) Pick your space: You’ll need to find a room with enough space for a big screen TV and at least a couch and recliner. More importantly, you’ll need to find a space that isn’t currently being occupied by your significant other (or this could cause a lot of trouble). Consider the living room, family room, or den. However, if these spaces are all occupied then you’ll want to look at step 2…

2) “Fix up” or remodel the space: If you have a space that could be expanded on or a basement that needs finishing, you’ll need to help remodeling these spaces in order to get them ready to become your man cave. Consider hardwood floors (to help with beer spills) and sound proof walls. You’ll want to consult with a general contractor to explore all of your options.

3) Pick out a TV: The TV is the centerpiece of any man cave. Some would argue that the location of the TV should be taken into account for steps 1 and 2. A good idea would be to invest in a 50 or 60 in. TV (which you can find for under $1,000 now), and utilize other older models that you might be looking to get rid of, as “extras” in case you want to have multiple games on at once.

4) Pick out your furniture: Popular furniture items for “man caves” are La-Z-Boy chairs, mini fridges, and recliners are man cave staples. No need to splurge on furniture, just make sure everyone invited over has a seat!

5) Decorate: This is where you hang every piece of sports memorabilia you own. Posters, autographs, and old street signs are just a few cool items that will help you “snaz up” the place.

6) Enjoy: Crack open a beer and enjoy the fruits of your (or your general contractor’s) labor!

Obviously the biggest, and most important, step in you getting you man cave completed is the remodeling phase. For many, your potential room may already be ready for a big screen TV, furniture, and all the other man cave essentials. However, many of the best man caves are specifically remodeled as such. Consider a room addition or basement remodel for your future man cave. Of course, you’re going to need help with the remodeling, and San Diego home remodeling contractor Greyhound General can help. Contact us today for a free man cave estimate, or call us at 800-568-7108.

Looking to Build Yourself a “Man Cave”?