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Why Design/Build Is Better & An Introduction

Simply put, we believe Design/Build is a better, more efficient want to remodel your home. It means the designer and builder or remodeler are on the same team and you get many advantages over the traditional design/bid/build model of construction.

ELM Construction is a design/build remodeler – but why should that matter to you?

Simply put, we believe it is a better, more efficient want to remodel your home. Design/build means the designer and builder or remodeler are on the same team, working together to get you the best project. By working with a single team, you get many advantages over the traditional design/bid/build model of construction.

  • Streamlined communication between the architect and builder

  • Sharing knowledge between the remodeler and architect results in well-thought-out designs that take practical considerations into account

  • An integrated team helps us be more efficient, allowing us to deliver projects on time and on budget

  • Continuity – your ELM Construction team will manage construction from beginning to end

  • Quality – in our experience, all of these factors result in a better final product. A well-designed and built home is going to be better for the way you live and will be easier to sell when it comes time to move.

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One of the most important factors in our success as a design/build remodeler is having the right people on the team. We’re very happy to introduce our newest designer, Liz Kennedy, who joined ELM Construction earlier this year.

Liz has a degree in Interior Design from the University of North Alabama. Before coming to ELM, she worked for a remodeler, a tile manufacturer and fabricator and as an independent designer.

Why did you become a designer?

I became a designer for many reasons. Growing up I would change my mother's decor in our home throughout the seasons to give things a change and a fresh look and I loved every minute of it. College  led me to my passion for residential design and decor and I knew that is where I was meant to be. After working on the supplier side for many years, I knew that I didn't want to just be one helping with selections but I wanted to be involved in every part of the process and my desire was residential remodeling. When the opportunity arose to step out into that arena, I took it and I haven't looked back since. 

What is your favorite part of the job?

Working as a designer, specifically in residential remodeling, you develop personal relationships with clients. You are literally helping to change and shape how someone is going to live in their home on a daily basis. To be able to have an impact on someone's life in a space that is not only functional but aesthetically pleasing is the most rewarding part of my job. This is where my heart and soul are and I put a little piece of each into every project. 

What do you like about working for a design/build remodeler?

As a wife, a mom and a career woman, I do not take a client's time or budget for granted. Being a part of the design/build process is a whole different animal when you understand it from the inside out. Designers sometimes get a bad reputation for making things pretty while ignoring the budget. Not at a design/build firm. That is the beauty of it. To be able to discuss on the front end the wants, needs and wishes with a client and to be able to implement those ideas within a budget as you work with the team that is going to build it makes the process so much more enjoyable and smooth as you know you are all on the same team with the same mutual goal.

Ready to have our talented design team get to work on your home? Contact ELM Construction today to discuss your remodeling needs!

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Is An Accessory Dwelling Right For You?

If you’ve been looking to add more livable space to your home, one option to consider is an Accessory Dwelling Unit or ADU. Sometimes known as mother-in-law units, granny flats or backyard cottages, ADUs are separate structures built on the property. Find out more.

If you’ve been looking to add more livable space to your home, one option to consider is an Accessory Dwelling Unit or ADU.

What are ADUs?

Also sometimes known as mother-in-law units, granny flats, or backyard cottages, ADUs are separate structures built on the property. They typically include a kitchen, bathroom, living area, and private entrance, although features may vary depending on the planned use. They are sometimes converted garages or pool houses but are more often new construction. They can come in a variety of shapes and sizes.

There are a number of factors to consider when deciding between building an ADU or constructing a traditional addition.  A professional remodeler like ELM Construction can walk you through these and other considerations.

Know how you will use it

The most important question to answer is how you intend to use it. ADUs can be used in a number of ways, including a home office, fitness studio, a guest house or a rental unit.

We shared tips on Remodeling For Your Dream Home Office last month. Our No. 1 piece of advice was an area separate from the home.  Clearly, an ADU meets that requirement. On the other hand, if you have children at home that need supervision, this could prove to be less of a benefit.

For living quarters, a separate space like an ADU offers a good mix of being near the home, but also ensuring privacy. This can be a great way to handle room for a parent who may not be able to handle living completely on their own (hence the “granny flat” name).

ADUs can also be a source of income when they’re used to create rental units, whether for a long-term tenant or short-term renters like an Airbnb.

Check with local codes

Rules for ADUs vary from municipality to municipality. Different cities may have different rules about how you can use the space, how big the unit can be and how far structures must be from the property line, among other restrictions.

Make sure you are working with a reputable, licensed contractor who knows and follows the permitting and zoning regulations in your community.

Can your property handle it?

Besides ensuring you have the necessary space to meet local zoning requirements, it is also important to ascertain if your utility infrastructure can handle the extra load. Typically, ADUs can tap into the existing water, sewer and power, but your contractor can make sure you have the capacity that will be required for the new unit.

Keep financials in mind

Constructing an ADU will usually cost more than a traditional addition, but that’s not always the case. It is also important to remember that adding a new structure to your property will result in increased property taxes and insurance costs, especially if it is a rental unit.

Ready to plan your ADU, addition, or any other remodeling project? Contact ELM today to discuss your remodeling needs!

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Remodeling For Your Dream Home Office

We’ve all been spending more time at home the last several months. And while the future is uncertain, there’s probably plenty more working at home, remote learning, and social distancing to come. With all that in mind, most of us are looking to create better, more productive workspaces at home.

We’ve all been spending more time at home the last several months. And while the future is uncertain, there’s probably plenty more working at home, remote learning and social distancing to come. With all that in mind, most of us are looking to create better, more productive workspaces at home.

That might mean an addition to create extra room for your growing office needs, or redesign of the existing space to get the most out of your home. With more than a decade of experience helping Alabama homeowners realize their dreams, ELM Construction is ready to get you the best home office.

Our design/build process is all about finding the best solution for your needs. We’ll talk about your situation and figure out the customized answer for you.

That said, here are five general tips for creating the best home office.

1. Separate from the rest of the home

A separate room, away from the main traffic flow of the house, is best. A space that allows you to close a door will give you the necessary privacy for calls with clients or Zoom meetings.

If you’ve got children doing schoolwork at home – and they need supervision – a good solution is to set up a little-used guest room or dining room with multiple workstations. If you’re looking for a longer-term answer, a finished basement makes a lot of sense.

A separate space helps you associate the office with “work” and separate it from your home life. If you’re going to need to meet with clients in your home office, be sure it has or is near an outside entrance to avoid having to take people through your home.

It’s important to set expectations with yourself, your supervisor and your family. Have set “office hours” that are your normal work time and try to stay away from your home office outside those hours. At the same time, make it clear to everyone that your work time is just that – work time. If at all possible, have them treat the situation just like they would if you were at the office. (As parents, we know sometimes that rule is going to get tossed out the window!)

2. Seek natural light

Many studies have shown that natural light enhances productivity, so if possible, avoid interior rooms. If you’re going to opt for the basement, try to locate it in a room or part of the basement with windows.

3. Install sufficient lighting

Natural light isn’t enough, of course. Good ambient lighting will help reduce eye strain, headaches and other problems. Position your desk and computer to avoid glare but offer sufficient lighting for tasks. Consider installing LED lighting. LED lights aren’t as harsh as fluorescent bulbs, use less energy than other types of lighting and have a very long life. 

4. Creative storage solutions

You may be working with a small space, so it’s time to get creative with your storage. Inset cubbies, racks or floating shelves on the wall can help save valuable floor and desk space. Built-in cabinets will hide printers and other peripherals that otherwise will clutter up the space. We have plenty of great ideas on how to get creative with your storage! 

5. Embrace ergonomics

Set up your desk or table so that your back and neck are straight and your arms are parallel to the desk. Adjust the chair height so your feet are flat on the floor (and while we’re at it, invest in a good chair). Make sure the whole arrangement is set up so you don’t have to lean over, slouch or crane your neck to work.

Standing desks have also shown health benefits. Depending on your time in front of the computer, it can be a good solution. If you’re going to go with the traditional desk, be sure to take plenty of breaks to stretch and walk around. That will also reduce strain on your eyes.

Time to create that perfect workspace? ELM Construction is ready to help you get exactly what you need. Contact us today to discuss your remodeling needs!

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Universal Design Without Looking Institutional

There are more than 30 million Americans that use wheelchairs and millions more that have other mobility issues. But even for homeowners not facing that challenge today, it makes sense to prepare your house for older visitors or your own future needs. An accessible home will allow you to live in it longer by increasing safety and independence.

There are more than 30 million Americans that use wheelchairs and millions more that have other mobility issues. An aging population means those numbers are only going to go up.

Even for homeowners not facing that challenge today, it makes sense to prepare your house for older visitors or your own future needs. An accessible home will allow you to live in it longer by increasing safety and independence.

But that doesn’t mean your home has to look like a hospital or nursing home. It is possible to incorporate universal design while still achieving an attractive remodel. As Certified Aging in Place Specialists, the ELM Construction team has been trained in the unique requirements of preparing a home for an aging population.

A well-designed accessible bathroom needs to address several areas. The project pictured here, which won first place in the 2020 Alabama Remodeling Excellence Awards for Universal Design, is a great example of what can be achieved.

Shower

Curbless showers are a popular option now in many bathrooms and that was the choice for this project. Most showers, even those without tubs, require you to step up-and-in to the shower. A curbless shower eliminates that transition, putting the shower entrance flush with the floor of the bathroom. The new shower floor in this bathroom slopes toward a linear drain at the shower entrance, which keeps the rest of the bathroom dry.

A fixed or rolling shower seat, at a height of 17 to 19 inches, will allow a bather to sit while showering. For this homeowner, we installed an attractive teak fold-down shower bench.

Grab bars need to be installed in the shower/tub as well. For this project, we installed blocking between the wall studs before replacing the drywall to make sure we had a solid structure to install the grab bars. Working with the client, we helped them select grab bars that serve their essential need but are also attractive accents to match the design of the entire bathroom.

Toilet

The toilet needs to be raised to chair height, approximately 18 inches off the ground. Grab bars should be installed as well to help users get on and off the toilet. The grab bar should be placed within easy reach of the toilet and should be at least 36 inches long.

As with the shower grab bars, we installed blocking behind the walls and helped the homeowner make attractive selections.

Sink

The wall-mounted vanity base, with no cabinet underneath on one side, allows clearance for a wheelchair. A single-lever faucet makes it easier for anyone with arthritis or other challenges to operate the faucet.

Doorway

There should be enough clearance to get into the bathroom. A 36-inch or wider opening is best, but a 32-inch wide entry should provide the necessary space for a wheelchair or walker.

Doors should be fitted with lever-style handles versus doorknobs for ease of gripping and opening. If at all possible, level out the floor between the bathroom and hallway with no raised thresholds for the transition between the spaces. 

Flooring & Layout

Floors should be a slip-resistant material (a good call for any bathroom!), such as vinyl or non-slip tiles.

A wheelchair needs a minimum radius of 48 inches to turn around, and the Americans with Disabilities Act recommends a 5-foot turning radius in the bathroom.

Time to work on upgrading your home for today and the future? ELM Construction, a Certified Aging in Place Specialist, is ready to help you prepare your home for the future. Contact us today to discuss your remodeling needs!

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Technology To Make Your Project Better

Remodeling your home can require lots of decisions. That is why we’ve partnered with Buildertrend. The simple online system makes it possible to access your project from your computer, tablet, or phone with all the details and selections for your project.

Working on your home, whether it is a small remodel or a custom home, should be a great experience. It’s an exciting time as you envision your new home, kitchen, or addition.

But we know it can also be a stressful time.

Finding the right contractor is an important part of the process. When you’re considering hiring a remodeler or builder, be sure to find out how they are going to communicate with you during the project. We know that when there’s a problem on a project, it usually comes down to communication. That’s especially important today when we aren’t able to talk in person as much as we’d like to.

There are a lot of decisions you need to make throughout the process, from approving initial plans to selecting products, to agreeing to necessary changes. Your project will have plenty of custom options, whether it’s the color of your bathroom walls or what decking material you want. It can be hard to keep track of everything. We know how important it is for you to follow every aspect of the process.

That’s why we’ve partnered with Buildertrend. The simple online system makes it possible to access your project from your computer, tablet, or phone. You’ll have secure, online access to your own webpage with all the details and selections for your project.

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You can also make changes quickly and accurately. And because everyone on our team uses the system, you don’t have to worry that a paper change order gets lost in the shuffle. Make changes online and everyone is updated! If you’re away from the home while it’s being built or remodeled, the online project schedule allows you to track progress and keep track of changes in real-time.

Using the online messaging systems, you can easily communicate with our team 24 hours a day, seven days a week from wherever you are! It’s a great way to have contactless communication with the entire ELM Construction team.

You will be able to track photos of the construction progress and access important documents.  You can share those photos of your project with your friends and family!

We work hard to deliver quality work and are proud of our record, but if there is a problem you can file online warranty claims through our online system. You’ll have easy access to all past project information and communication even after work is completed.

This video will tell you more about the entire process and the benefits our online system gives you during construction. We have a wealth of technology at our fingertips – why not use it to make the remodeling process simpler and more precise?

Ready to talk about your next remodeling project? ELM Construction is ready to help you with all your remodeling needs!

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Choosing The Right Remodeler

Every May, the construction industry celebrates National Home Remodeling Month, so what better time to consider your next remodeling project? Whether you’re looking to upgrade your kitchen, improve your bathroom or add on to your home, ELM Construction is ready to help!

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Every May, the construction industry celebrates National Home Remodeling Month, so what better time to consider your next remodeling project? Whether you’re looking to upgrade your kitchen, improve your bathroom or add on to your home, ELM Construction is ready to help!

Now more than ever, it’s important to choose a professional, trusted remodeler. Here are 9 tips for making sure you pick the right remodeling partner.

1. History

A long history may not be a guarantee of quality, but remodeling firms don’t stay in business by failing to deliver quality service. ELM Construction has been serving the Birmingham area for more than a decade. Led by Elliott Pike, the ELM Construction team has successfully navigated economic ups and downs.

2. Stay local

Whenever the economy gets challenging or a natural disaster hits, you’re likely to find out-of-town contractors and fly-by-night “handyman” companies flooding the market. A local contractor is going to be aware of the building codes in our local area and also be more likely to worry about performing quality work.

3. Ask about insurance and licensing

ELM Construction is a licensed and fully insured local contractor. Be sure to ask for proof of both. In Alabama, contractors need to be licensed for any project of $50,000 or more. A fully insured remodeler is going to protect you in case an accident occurs on the jobsite or there is some other problem with the project.

4. Look for association membership and certifications

The best remodelers are recognized for their quality work. ELM Construction is active in our local, state, and national home building and remodeling associations. We have won a number of awards from those associations and others for our projects. We are a Certified Graduate Remodeler, Certified Aging in Place Specialist and an Alabama Accredited Lead Based Paint Renovator.

5. Ask for references

Most good remodelers generate the majority of their business from repeat and referral business. One of the best places to start when looking is to ask your friends and family about their experiences. Once you are considering a remodeler, ask for references from past customers. Any remodeler who can’t give you names and testimonials from previous clients is one you want to avoid.

6. Check for reviews and violations

Check with your local consumer affairs office and Better Business Bureau to see if there are complaints against the remodeler, and how they responded to them. Check out online reviews as well.

7. Be cautious of low bids or “special” deals

If a remodeler is coming in with an estimate much lower than others, there’s probably a good reason for that. Take a closer look: Is the project scope the same? Are they using inferior materials?

8. Sign a contract

Be wary of any remodeler that doesn’t have you sign a contract. It protects you as well as the remodeler. It should clearly lay out the scope of the project, how it will be constructed, and clarify how problems will be resolved.

9. Avoid large payments up front

It is quite normal to have a remodeler ask for a deposit before the project starts, but most will not ask for complete payment for a project before they start working. Make sure the contract clearly lays out the payment schedule and what work is expected at each stage.

Ready to start your next project? ELM Construction is ready to help you through your remodel. Contact us today to discuss your remodeling needs!

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5 Tips For Creating A Standout Custom Closet

Most closets typically become a resting ground for disorganized piles of clutter. But it doesn’t have to be that way. That basic closet space can be reorganized and redesigned to give you more space, more utility and a cleaner look. With the right remodeling partner, your closet can go from hopeless mess to dream space.

Most closets typically become a resting ground for disorganized piles of clutter. But it doesn’t have to be that way. That basic closet space can be reorganized and redesigned to give you more space, more utility and a cleaner look. With the right remodeling partner, your closet can go from hopeless mess to dream space.

When undertaking a closet project, there are several factors you want to think about to help make the right decisions.

1. What do you need?

Think about your current closet space: What really bothers you about it? Those pain points are the most important items to address in your dream closet. Too many shoes? Not enough shelf space? Shelves too high? Consider how you use the space – or want to use it. Take an inventory of your wardrobe and consider clothing sizes and styles, such as if space is needed for hanging dresses or large boots. And don’t forget about accessories, such as ties, scarves or purses that may need to be stored in the space.

Make a list of those pet peeves, needs and desires. Make sure you write them down (or put them in your phone) to make sure you don’t forget anything and share them with your designer.

2. Consider footprint

Now that you’ve identified those needs, it’s time to think about the footprint of your closet. Does the existing square footage allow you to accomplish what you want? It’s worth thinking about adding to the space if you can sacrifice space from an adjacent room or hallway. For example, consider that if a bedroom closet is properly designed, you may be able to eliminate the need for a dresser or armoire in an adjacent bedroom. That freed up space can be added to the closet.

3. Lighting & mirrors

If you’re going to be using the space for getting dressed, you’ll want to be sure it is well lit and has well-positioned mirror or mirrors. For the mirrors, you probably want at least three feet of clearance so you can stand back and get a good look at what you’re wearing.

LED track lighting can provide ample light at a low cost. When choosing a lighting solutions, consider every corner of the space and how your placement may cause shadows. Natural lighting is an option as well, but remember to position windows in such a way as to provide necessary privacy – skylights can be an attractive solution.

4. Incorporate an island or bench

If space allows, many homeowners are now choosing to incorporate an island into their closet space. It can provide a small workspace and adding drawers allows it to replace dresser space. Just be sure you have enough clearance – probably at least two feet – to work around it. A bench or chair to sit on can also be helpful.

5. Room to grow

One last item to consider: if the space is for a child, keep in in mind that as they grow, so will their space needs. Leave room for larger clothing and more shoes and other items so the space can remain flexible.

Interested in moving forward with your closet project or finding out more about how ELM Construction can help you optimize your space? Contact us today to discuss your remodeling needs!

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Choosing A Backsplash For Your Kitchen Remodel

Pot filling faucet mounted over stove with light blue pot on burner

When having your kitchen remodeled, you may have so many decisions to make that you quickly tire of making them. While it’s one thing to put your project in the hands of a capable and trusted designer or remodeler they may ask you about preferences and present options for the best materials and aesthetics for your new kitchen. Your new kitchen’s backsplash not only makes a style statement, but it is one part of the kitchen you have to clean daily and maintain for years to come.

Counter To Ceiling Tile

Tile is a classic backsplash choice. Many homeowners choose tile for their kitchen’s backsplash; it’s a classic choice. Because tile is not the easiest material to remove, and we want your new kitchen to last, try not to choose something just based on trends—unless you happen to love it—and you plan on remaining in your home for at least 5 years. You can select smaller mosaic tiles, large tiles, or tiles in many shapes and patterns. There are many varieties of tile to choose from, from glass tiles, porcelain, ceramic, or tiles with metallic finishes; backsplashes are the perfect place to play with colors and patterns.

One 2020 trend that we are 100% here for, is the floor-to-ceiling tile backsplash behind your range and cabinets. The look is clean and crisp, modern and sophisticated. Think about the lack of personality that section of wall between your cabinets and ceiling normally has; now imagine gleaming subway tiles all the way to the ceiling! It’s a bit striking—kind of like art! Can you tell we are obsessed with this look?

Backsplashes: a Colorful Array

Oval jewel-tone tile makes a beautiful backsplash

Color trends are huge right now in the kitchen; from dark and moody, to jewel tones or sunny yellows. If the thought of having colorful cabinetry or a statement appliance gives you pause, consider using your backsplash as a colorful focus. Regardless of the tile pattern you choose, you can opt for white and give pops of colorful tile, or just do one shade, like emerald green or Pantone’s color of the year Classic Blue.

The Seamless—Or Not—Transition of Stone

Many homeowners are choosing to create a stone backsplash to seamlessly blend with their countertops. This look works wonderfully in the minimalist kitchen designs currently trending. Cleaning is a breeze with a flow of materials that goes up the wall, and sometimes even into a shelf designed for placement above your kitchen sink. For some individuals, using the same exact surface for the backsplash as the countertop feels too boring—the slab of stone you choose for your kitchen backsplash doesn’t have to match your countertops! The gorgeous neutrality of quartz counters makes using a contrasting slab as a backsplash even more appealing. 

Metal for Your Kitchen Backsplash

Metal backsplashes made from copper, stainless steel, or aluminum are unique choices for your new kitchen. Some homeowners want a look that is one of a kind. Metal is versatile and can be used in transitional kitchens as well as industrial kitchens, depending on how it’s used; from quilted copper or bronze backsplashes to patinaed copper sheets—metal backsplashes are attention-grabbers. You can even select metal tiles for a look that is even more textured.

ELM Builds Beautiful Kitchens

Are you ready to begin your kitchen remodel? Contact ELM Construction LLC now and get started! We can guide you through the selections for your new room and transform your home into a functional and beautiful space. Visit our website and take a look at our kitchen portfolio.

Stove with full tile backsplash and pot-filling faucet over stove
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Finding A Contractor Who Knows Restoration

This kitchen is in a home ELM restored after fire and smoke damage

The unthinkable can happen to any homeowner. Damages caused by wind, water, fire, or other forces of nature can leave a home uninhabitable. So how do you begin finding a reliable company that can manage a home restoration after damages occur?

Here are some steps to ensure you are hiring a professional and qualified company to complete your restoration and get you back into a safe and healthy home. 

The kitchen before we fire damage restoration

  • A contractor who knows restoration will have the knowledge to work with your homeowner’s insurance company to ensure they are able to complete the restoration and repairs properly. When your insurance company assesses the damages and decides on your payment, they may have their own contractors in mind, but the final choice is yours. You want to find a reliable company that has experience with restoration and is accustomed to communicating with insurance companies.

  • Frequently the check from the insurance company is made out to the homeowner and the lien holder, usually the mortgage company or the bank. Typically, the homeowner endorses the check and sends it to the mortgage company for them to pay once repairs have been made. Keep in mind, the lien holder may want to inspect the project before releasing the money.  Make sure your contractor is aware of this and willing to work with you regarding payments

  • Does the company have references from restoration work like yours? You always want to check recent references from contractors you plan on hiring, but with restoration projects you may want to ask for references from clients like you, who needed restoration services. If your home has suffered damage from fire and smoke, you may want to seek out a reference from a past client who had those same issues handled by the company.

  • Extensive restoration repairs can take some time, so you want to choose a restoration contractor that you feel comfortable working with. It is likely you will spend quite a bit of time with the crew working to restore your home, so you want to “click” with the crew members.

bathroom after restoration

fire damage before restoration

  •   Whenever walls in a home are opened up or other demolition must occur to mitigate damages, there is a potential for finding code violations due to ever-shifting building requirements. A good restoration contractor has up-to-date licenses and insurance and keeps current with the latest building codes, ensuring your restored home is as safe as possible.

  • Water damage, fire and smoke damage, sewer backups, and other types of damage usually require special treatment before restoration work can begin. There are many companies that specialize in this type of cleanup (sometimes referred to as mitigation companies). The mitigation company will come in immediately after the damage has occurred and do what they can to try and prevent additional damage. This may include removing excess water, temporarily tarping the exterior, and drying out the wet areas with fans and dehumidifiers.  Once the mitigation process has been completed, then restoration work should take place. It takes a skilled restoration contractor to get your home back to the way it once was, or even better than before.  

  • As previously stated, in some cases, your home will have to be updated to an extent to get it up to code, but it's fairly common to make improvements as part of the restoration process. We always recommend treating the two estimates as separate items; for example, we establish an accurate estimate to put your home back to its pre-loss condition, and then we will have a separate estimate that includes the improvements. You can then use the insurance estimate as your base and compare it to the upgrade estimate to see the difference in price.

ELM Construction LLC Knows Restoration

Here at ELM Construction LLC we have experience with restoration contracting. We can bring your home back from a disaster. We also use the same software to prepare our insurance estimates that most insurance companies use; it's called Xactimate. We download pricing monthly, and it’s the same pricing the insurance company uses.  Because we are already on the same page as the insurance company regarding what things cost, this expedites the process and allows us to focus more on restoring your home.

Have your home evaluated by a professional with integrity and allow us to fuse exceptional design with a proven process to meet your restoration needs. Contact us today to get started.

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Finished Basements: Bright & Airy Rooms

The den pictured here is light and bright in this remodeled basement: it looks like part of the home’s main living space.

Is it finally time for you to finish your basement? Whether you just bought your home or have lived there for decades, finishing your basement is a wonderful way to increase your square footage without changing the footprint of your existing home or moving. It is best to hire a qualified contractor for this sort of project, as there are complex building needs and considerations; for example, changing the location of electrical or plumbing and obtaining all of the proper permits. Depending on the type of basement you have, combatting any potential moisture before it causes problems may be an issue that needs to be addressed as well, especially here in Alabama.

A secluded office with a window and recessed ceiling—a perfect use for once unfinished space.

Consider what sort of space you need for your home. Whether it’s a mother-in-law suite for a parent, a custom home office, or a game room and bar, you want your space to serve whatever function, or functions, you need. A finished basement can be like your very own “room of requirement” (for those versed in the lore of Harry Potter). Depending on the amount of space you need, you may be able to accommodate multiple functions in your finished basement, like a home gym and guest suite.

You have the opportunity to create an entire floor of your home from scratch when you take on a basement refinishing. Creating a dramatic recessed, or coffered, ceiling can make the space look more expansive, especially when your basement has a low ceiling. Configuring the layout gives your contractor the freedom to place walls where they’re needed. Architectural details can make the space layered and give it a more polished look, as well as marrying the style with the rest of your home. It is unquestionably better to have a basement refinished these days, than in the past. Current lighting choices, window and door placement, and careful design can create an airy, customized space, rather than the dreary “make-do,” or DIY, designs from decades past.

Additionally, if you aren’t sure whether or not you will be remaining in your home for the foreseeable future, a basement remodel is a fairly safe investment for resale. There are plenty of buyers who may also be considering future or current needs to accommodate their parents, or who want to work from home in a private home office, separate from main living areas. You can even have a separate entrance designed for your home office or guest suite.

At ELM Construction, LLC we have experience refinishing basements and attics, whatever our clients need to have the spaces they want to improve their lifestyles! Take a look at some of our past basement refinishing projects here. Contact us today to get started on your remodeling project.

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