Transforming your living experience in Chicago doesn’t mean it has to be a major renovation. Sometimes, small construction projects can make a significant impact on the overall look and functionality of your home. This article explores several small construction projects that can completely change your living area in the Windy City.
Bathroom Enhancements
When you take on small construction projects in your home, you may want to consider starting with your bathroom. A bathroom remodel can completely enhance your living experience and increase the value of your Chicago home. There are many ways you can take on a small project in your bathroom. Some of the updates you can make include replacing outdated faucets, showerheads, and towel racks with upgraded and modern options. When you choose these updates, you should consider water-saving fixtures. They help improve efficiency and reduce water consumption. Repainting is a great way to update your bathroom. You can add a fresh coat of paint to the walls and give your bathroom a new look.
Another great upgrade is to Install new lighting fixtures. This improves the brightness and ambiance of your bathroom. While adding lights, consider adding task lighting around the vanity mirror. If you’re upgrading lights, you should incorporate dimmable lights for adjustable mood lighting. A great small project is to change out old cabinet handles, drawer pulls, and bathroom accessories. You can also upgrade towel bars and toilet paper holders. When making these changes, choose finishes that match the fixtures for a complete look.
When you’re making updates to the bathroom, provide maintenance and cleaning to the drain. Clogged drains could lead to water damage, unpleasant odors, and potential health hazards. Regular drain cleaning and maintenance are critical for your plumbing system to stay in top shape. A professional plumbing service offers drain cleaning services to remove blockages, eliminate build-up, and prevent future plumbing issues. Professionals use advanced techniques, including hydro-jetting, to clear stubborn clogs and ensure the smooth flow of water throughout your home.
Improve Energy-Efficiency with Insulation
When you want to consider small construction projects, you want to improve the amount of insulation throughout your entire house. When you improve the insulation in your home, it improves the comfort and energy efficiency of your home. The best place to start is by evaluating the insulation that’s currently in your home. The insulation levels in your attic, walls, floors, and crawl spaces should be checked. You want to pay attention to the areas where insulation is inadequate. Common problem areas are an attic that is uninsulated or under-insulated attic spaces, gaps around windows and doors, and poorly insulated walls.
The attic is a primary area where heat is lost or gained in a home. You should increase the insulation in your attic so that you reach the recommended R-value for your climate zone. Air leaks significantly impact energy efficiency. It’s best to seal all gaps, cracks, and openings around windows, doors, and plumbing pipe areas. You should consider using weatherstripping, caulk, or expanding foam to seal these areas. When the areas are sealed, it can prevent air infiltration.
If your walls do not have adequate insulation, consider adding insulation. Additional insulation can be added with blown-in insulation. This process requires drilling small holes in the walls and injecting loose-fill insulation. When the floor is above unheated spaces, it can cause heat transfer and improves energy efficiency. When insulation is added to those spaces, it prevents heat transfer and improves energy efficiency. Energy-efficient windows and doors that are properly insulated also reduce heat transfer and air leakage. When you insulate hot water pipes and heating ducts, it also minimizes heat loss during distribution. When the hot water heater is properly insulated, it helps keep the water at the desired temperature and reduces energy waste.
Replace Your Roof
Replacing a roof is not usually considered one of the small construction projects. It is often a significant undertaking that requires careful planning, professional knowledge, and considerable resource investment. However, depending on your roof, it could fall into the small project category. If you have a small one-story home with a flat roof, it could be considered a small job. If you are considering replacing your roof, now could be the time to upgrade to a different style and material. You may want to add a tile roof installation.
Installing a tile roof not only enhances the curb appeal of your home but also adds durability and longevity. Tile roofs are well-suited for Chicago’s diverse climate. It can provide resistance to extreme temperatures, strong winds, and heavy snowfall. A tile roof can be made from clay, concrete, or slate. When it’s properly installed, a tile roof can last 50 years or more with regular maintenance. One important note is that tile roofs are much heavier than other roofing materials. You must ensure that the structure of your home is sound and can support the added weight of the tiles. A structural assessment is often necessary to determine if any reinforcements or modifications are required. It’s important to contact a qualified roofing contractor with experience in tile roof installation.
If your house currently has asphalt shingles, you may not need a new roof. Your roof could just need some repairs. If you have some missing shingles, it could require repairs to replace them. If your roof is leaking, it depends on the age of the roof and the size of the damage. It’s possible it could be repaired, but it may need to be replaced. However, if your roof is old or you see major signs of deterioration, you may need a new roof. Contact a reliable roofing contractor to perform a comprehensive roof inspection.
HVAC System Repair
Depending on the age and issue with your HVAC, it could fall under the small construction projects option. It’s possible that your HVAC unit may just need a residential heating system repair. Chicago has harsh winters and humid summers. These weather conditions make it critical that your HVAC unit is functioning properly at all times. The good news is you may not need a new air conditioning installation, but you should contact a professional HVAC contractor to help you make that determination. There are some signs that indicate that you may have a problem with your unit.
If your HVAC system is not effectively cooling or heating your home, it could be an indication that there’s a problem. If you notice the temperature changes drastically between rooms, it’s probably time to contact a professional heating contractor. Temperature differences between rooms could be caused by problems with the compressor, refrigerant levels, thermostat, or other components. If there is restricted or weak airflow from your vents, it could mean there is a clogged or blocked air filter. It could also indicate ductwork issues or problems with the blower motor or fan.
If there are banging, rattling, grinding, or squealing sounds coming from your system, it could be because there are loose components, motor problems, or airflow restrictions. Persistent and bad odors coming from your HVAC indicate mold or mildew growth. It could also be a sign that there is a clog in the condensate drain line or issues with the system’s ventilation. If you notice that your HVAC system frequently turns on and off, it’s a sign of a problem. This is known as short cycling, and it could be caused by a bad thermostat, improper refrigerant levels, or an oversized or undersized system.
Garage Door Installation
If you are looking for more small construction projects for your home, consider replacing or installing an overhead garage door. If you don’t already have one, adding an overhead garage door can improve the curb appeal of your home. It also provides you with a convenient way to enter and exit your home. If you have noticed that your existing garage door is outdated, worn, or malfunctioning, consider replacing it with a new one. Overhead garage doors are made of durable materials, like steel or aluminum. These materials provide excellent security for your garage and belongings. These doors are difficult to break into, which makes it harder for strangers to gain access to your property.
Overhead garage doors have a motorized opener, allowing you to easily open and close the door with the press of a button. This is convenient, especially during severe weather conditions or when you need quick access. Overhead garage doors open vertically, so they don’t open out like traditional hinged doors. This design provides you with a way to maximize the available space inside and outside the garage. Modern overhead garage doors have insulation options, which can help regulate the temperature inside the garage. Insulated doors help to keep the interior cooler in summer and warmer in winter. This makes your garage more comfortable. It can also help to reduce energy costs if the garage is attached to your home. When considering an overhead garage door installation or repair, it’s important to consult with a reputable garage door contractor. They can provide an assessment of your garage door and indicate what your next steps should be.
Customized Closet System
A great option that should be on your list of small construction projects to improve your living space is a customized closet system. Customized closet systems are designed to make the most out of your space. You can incorporate tailored storage solutions such as shelves, drawers, hanging rods, and compartments; you can optimize every part of your closet. This allows you to store more items efficiently while eliminating wasted space. One of the largest benefits of a customized closet system is the ability to personalize the organization according to your needs.
You can design the closet layout to accommodate your wardrobe, accessories, and belongings in a way that suits you. This ensures that everything has its place, which makes it easier to find and access items quickly. Customized closet systems use the vertical space of the closet. This could include adding higher shelves and compartments that reach the ceiling. This helps to prevent valuable space from being underutilized. You can also incorporate features like pull-out shoe racks, tie racks, and hooks to make the most of the available vertical space.
A customized closet system allows you to incorporate various features and accessories that enhance the functionality of your closet. This could include built-in lighting, mirrors, adjustable shelves, and pull-out drawers. These additions make organizing, accessing, and maintaining your wardrobe more convenient and efficient.
Comprehensive Home Improvement Services
When you want to take on small construction projects, you may still consider residential home remodeling. Comprehensive home improvement services cover a wide range of professional services that enhance and renovate certain aspects of your home. Comprehensive home improvement services may include interior remodeling projects such as kitchen renovations, basement finishing, or room additions. These services redesign and update the interior spaces of your home to improve functionality, aesthetics, and overall livability. Exterior renovations include services focused on enhancing the outside of your home. This could include replacing or upgrading siding, windows, doors, roofing, or installing new decks, patios, or outdoor living spaces.
These services often include electrical and plumbing upgrades. You could consider items like rewiring outdated electrical systems, installing new fixtures, and upgrading plumbing lines. Comprehensive home improvement services may include flooring and carpentry work. You may want to have a new floor installed and upgrade to hardwood. You may also want to install carpet, laminate, or tile. Additionally, carpentry services may include custom cabinetry, shelving, or trim work. You may find you need painting and finishing services. This can include interior and exterior painting, staining, or refinishing surfaces to refresh the look of your home and protect them from wear and tear. You may also need general repairs and maintenance tasks throughout your home. This could include many tasks like fixing plumbing leaks, repairing electrical issues, or handling other maintenance tasks to ensure your home operates smoothly and remains in good condition.
Transforming your living experience in Chicago doesn’t always require large-scale renovations. Small construction projects can create significant improvements to your home’s functionality and comfort. Even the smallest projects can make a significant change in your living space.