Glossary of Home Remodeling and Addition Terms
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Are you getting ready for a home remodeling or addition project? First, take some time to educate yourself on some industry terms and processes. Below are some common remodeling terms and descriptions of services that will help you navigate your way through the home renovation process.
bathroom remodel
A bathroom remodel changes the size and appearance of an existing bathroom. Most bathroom remodels include updated fixtures, flooring, tile, cabinets, countertops, bathtubs and shower enclosures.
Also known as: bathroom remodeling, bathroom remodels, bathroom redesigns, basement bathroom remodels, small bathroom remodel, master bathroom remodeling, basement bathroom remodeling, bath remodels
basement renovations
Basement renovations turn unused basement space into finished basements with a family room, extra bedrooms, bathroom, recreation room (rec room), game room or other usable space.
Also known as: basement remodels, basement remodeling, basement remodeling plans, basement bathroom remodeling, basement finishing, finishing a basement, basement designs, basement remodel design
bedroom addition
Bedroom additions can be added on top of an existing home as a second-story addition, above a garage or alongside the existing structure.
Also known as: bedroom additions, master bedroom addition, master bedroom addition plans
bedroom remodeling
Remodeling an existing bedroom can include new floor plans, the addition of a master bathroom, new designs and redecorating.
Also known as: bedroom renovation, bedroom designs, bedroom renovations, master bedroom remodeling, master bedroom remodel design
custom remodeling plans
These are based on your existing home and your requirements for your remodeling/addition project. Quality contractors can provide customized home remodeling plans for every type of project.
Also known as: custom home remodeling plans, custom house plans, custom basement remodeling plans, custom home remodeling floor plans, custom kitchen remodeling plans, custom home addition plans, custom home renovations, custom home addition floor plans
estimate
An initial bid that lists the anticipated costs and expenses of a remodeling or addition project. An estimate should include itemized lists for labor and materials. Once signed by the remodeling contractor and homeowner, an estimate is a binding document.
Also known as: home remodeling estimate, home renovation estimates, home addition estimate, kitchen remodeling estimate, home remodeling cost estimate, bathroom remodel estimate
garage additions
Garage additions can add on to existing garages and homes, or they can be free-standing. If you have plans to add a bathroom to your garage or turn it into a living space, a contractor can install plumbing and additional electrical wiring.
garage remodels
Existing garages can be renovated into living spaces, additional rooms, mother-in-laws quarters, game rooms or storage spaces.
green remodeling
Home remodeling with an emphasis on sustainability; maximizing natural resources; and efficient, ecologically responsible design and construction techniques
Also known as: eco-friendly remodeling, green home remodeling, green building, green remodels, green remodeling designs, green kitchen remodel, green bathroom remodel, sustainable remodeling
home additions
Master bedroom additions, second-story additions, kitchen extensions, sunroom additions, family room additions, modular home additions, garage additions, in-laws quarters, mud room additions, dormer additions, front porch additions, and bonus room additions can add value and space to existing homes.
Also known as: room additions, second-story additions, adding-on, add-on home, addition to home, building an addition, addition building
home remodeler
A remodeling contractor that specializes in renovating existing homes. Many home remodelers can also add new rooms, second-story additions and new garage additions to existing homes.
Also known as: house remodeling contractors, remodelers, home renovation contractors, remodeling construction company, home contractors, home addition contractors, remodel contractors, remodeling construction, remodelling contractor, home improvement contractor
home remodeling
This can refer to a single-room remodeling project or an entire home renovation. A full house remodel includes changing the floor plan or design of the home to modify its appearance. Most house remodels include new home floor plans and home improvement renovations such as new flooring and windows, kitchen and bathroom renovations, basement finishing, attic remodeling, fresh paint, new appliances, and other home interior changes.
Also known as: home renovation, home makeover, renovations, house remodeling, home additions, remodel a home, home remodel, construction remodeling, home restoration, home remodeling services, room remodeling
home restoration services
A home remodel that’s done to preserve the original structure of the house. Home restorations may also restore the original style, structure and historic relevance of a home.
Also known as: historical home restoration, historic home remodeling, antique home renovation, house repair and restoration, home restoration companies, home restorers, restoration for homes, house refinishing, house restoration services
kitchen remodeling
Kitchen remodeling often involves renovating the design, style and structure of kitchens. A good kitchen remodel may comprise new design plans, countertops, cabinets, appliances, flooring and lighting. Some remodeling contractors specialize in kitchen remodeling and only do kitchen designs and renovations.
Also known as: kitchen remodeling, kitchen designs, remodeling for kitchens, kitchen remodels, remodel kitchen, new kitchen plans, kitchen renovations, kitchen style renovations
room additions
These may include bathroom additions, family room additions, modular home additions, sunroom additions and bedroom additions. Adding a room to a house is often a complex process, regardless of the size of the addition. Since new room addition plans should match the existing home and must correctly connect to the existing structure, it’s wise to hire an experienced contractor to handle the project.
Also known as: home additions, new room additions, large room additions, small room additions, home addition plans, addition to house, adding on to a house
sunroom addition
Also called four-season rooms, sunroom additions are generally less expensive to build than room additions for homes. Sunrooms are considered supplemental home additions that provide extra space for reading and entertaining rather than functional or necessary home additions. Some sunroom additions are available as prefabricated kits and don’t include central heating or cooling.
Also known as: four-season rooms, 4 season rooms, enclosed porches, conservatory additions, sunporch additions, screened porch additions, screened-in porches, solarium additions, patio enclosure, screened enclosure additions, screened rooms, pool room additions, three-season rooms, 3 season rooms, patio room additions, California rooms, garden rooms
whole house remodels
Remodeling projects that renovate an entire home rather than just one or two rooms. Whole house remodels may involve gutting and rebuilding the interior of a home from the subflooring to the ceiling and might include moving, adding or removing walls. Whole house remodels can be a cost-effective way to completely renovate an old house to make it feel like a brand-new home.
Also known as: whole house remodeling and addition, whole house remodeling project, entire house remodel, complete house remodel, complete home remodeling, complete home makeover, complete renovation, whole home redesign, top-to-bottom remodel, home renovations, whole home renovating, small home remodeling, small home expansion, large home remodeling
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