Monthly Archives August 2014

Many homes in the Kansas City area have basements, but if you use yours for a laundry room or to store things you don’t use but once in a blue moon, you may be considering basement finishing. Why not transform that space to a work-out room, children’s play area, or a relaxing media room where you can enjoy your favorite music and movies? No matter what you intend to do with it, remodeling the basement of your Overland Park home will go smoother if you plan in advance.

Here are a few helpful tips to make the process of transforming a damp, dark basement into one of your favorite rooms in the home.

Basements tend to be damp. When the ground is not graded properly or gutters not installed, water can do a number not only on your foundation, but your basement. Take steps to waterproof so that your basement can avoid future water damage. This may involve checking the plumbing, and improving air circulation in addition to grading the ground so that water flows away from your foundation.

Brighten up the space in your basement. Some basements in the Kansas City area are almost completely underground, leaving only tiny windows as light sources. Consider electrical lighting options that can light up the space or even making changes to the design in order to add additional natural light.

Exposed beams and ducts are not attractive. When you’re using your basement as nothing but a laundry room or for storage, it doesn’t really matter. However, if you intend to transform your basement to a livable, appealing space, you will want to create soffits to box in ducts or HVAC piping that may be exposed. Painting ductwork or even a dropped ceiling built to cover these unsightly but necessary components can work wonders.

Basement finishing gives you more functional space in your Kansas City home, and adds to its value. Looking at your basement right this moment, you probably cannot imagine it being as beautiful as other rooms in your home, but it can be a very inviting and comfortable space your family will enjoy.

At Vision Builders, basement remodeling is one of the services we offer to clients in the Kansas City and Overland Park areas. Choose professionals for the work, and expect professional results!

If you’re considering a kitchen remodel for your Johnson County home, you’re certainly in good company! The kitchen is the one room in the home that is remodeled more than any other, either to make the home more appealing before putting it on the market, or simply to give it a fresh, updated look the homeowners will enjoy. Either way, our Overland Park kitchen remodeling experts have a few tips and trends for 2014 and beyond.

Right now, what’s “in” in the kitchen includes:

Sconce lighting. A combination of function and decor, this type of lighting isn’t just for tasks. Sconce lighting often features aged brass, iron, or black finishes, and may have adjustable arms so that you can direct the light to any area you like. Whether you prefer a country, rustic, modern, or contemporary look, there is a wide array of style and decor options available.

Natural and raw materials add natural beauty that’s stunning. From natural stone and brick surrounding islands to exposed natural beams, open shelving, and reclaimed wood, homeowners love the warm, charming, and somewhat “old world” rustic look of a kitchen that embraces natural materials. Natural elements create a natural atmosphere that feels welcoming, and looks wonderfully distinctive.

Open shelving. Why hide your collectibles and fine china, when you can incorporate it into a beautiful display with open shelving? Not only can you easily find what you’re looking for, it’s a great way to create eye-catching accents. While you probably won’t want every cabinet transformed into open shelving, selecting one area to display all of your travel souvenirs and pieces designed more for decorative purposes will create a great focal point for the room. Older homes used to be built with open shelving; somehow, everything old eventually becomes new again!

Kitchen remodeling in the Overland Park area can consist of a few minor changes, or a complete renovation that starts from scratch. Updating your kitchen not only renews your enjoyment of your home, it adds to the value as well. If you’re considering a re-do of your Johnson County kitchen, call Vision Builders today. We’re the most trusted name in the home remodeling industry! Let us transform your kitchen into one all your neighbors will envy.