New Construction

Uses for Accessory Dwelling Units

April 12, 2023 by AAA Admin

One of AAA Home Improvement’s specialties is creating gorgeous accessory dwelling units (ADUs). ADUs are secondary housing units that can be built on a single-family lot and can be designed to meet your specific needs.

There are many different uses for accessory dwelling units and each of them can be a smart way to maximize your property and make your space more comfortable and usable while living in your home.

Here’s a few exciting ideas if you are considering leveraging your current home’s property to add value, and possibly a new income stream:

EXTRA INCOME.

Vacation rentals or rental property….what makes owning real estate so attractive is the potential to create more sources of revenue. Plus platforms like AirBnb or Evolve make them easy to manage. Design your ADU specifically to be used for the perfect vacation, short-term, or long-term rental for families, couples, working professionals or solo travelers.

SUPPORT FAMILY.

Perhaps you have a large family or you would like to be able to accommodate your family while in town, or in transition. ADUs can be that traditional “mother-in-law” apartment or extra bedroom to provide that additional space needed for family members who are visiting or need assistance. Maybe you are preparing to have kids soon. The ADU could be the perfect place for your live-in nanny without sacrificing your privacy.

For family members inside or outside the home, if they have health conditions or aging, ADUs can be designed for with special features. Features such as grab bars, wider doorways, and wheelchair accessibility, or whatever the person may need, can offer peace of mind for you and your family member.

REMOTE WORK AND SPACE FOR HOBBIES.

More and more people work from home, sometimes a couple may both find themselves with remote jobs. ADUs can be used as a home office with dedicated workspaces for multiple people.

Many people have their passion projects, creative pursuits or side hustles as important aspects of daily life. ADUs come in handy for these activities as well and can be customized as an art or recording studio.

AFFORDABLE HOUSING.

Have a university nearby? Or have a kid going off to college but in town? Accessory dwelling units can be used as student housing, an affordable rental option for college students.

Another idea helps solve the affordable housing crisis in Denver. ADUs can provide alternative affordable living to traditional apartments and skyrocketing rents and mortgages in your area.

There are many different uses of ADUs. They not only give you more possibilities for your home and property, they also can increase the value of your real estate, and enhance your community. Be sure to do research on what Denver requires, this article is a great starting point.

Remodeling a Historic Home in Denver

March 30, 2023 by AAA Admin

Before photo. A classic 1930’s bungalow in one of Denver’s many historic districts

After photo: addition and remodel. A classic 1930’s bungalow in one of Denver’s many historic districts.[/caption]

Historic Home Renovations

Owning an historic home in Denver is exciting and unique; remodeling a historic home or adding onto it can be a challenging task. In Denver, according to local KGA Architects, “more and more home buyers are looking to be part of the cultural fabric with a home that reflects our vibrant regional history from a design and/or cultural perspective”. Maintaining the integrity of the original design while incorporating modern amenities is a balance and requires research, a professional team, and patience. Remember that less is often more when it comes to remodeling historic homes.

Before Modernizing….

While modernizing and updating, try to preserve as many original features as possible, such as moldings, trims, and flooring to maintain the historical character of the house. If necessary, consider restoring or replicating original features that have been lost or damaged. Find a balance between modern and historical features. Consider adding modern amenities that complement the original design and enhance the functionality of the home without detracting from its historical character. Don’t overdo it and risk losing the unique charm and character of the home.

Consider the Denver climate.

Denver has a semi-arid climate with dry, hot summers and cold winters. Your remodeling project should take into account the weather patterns in the area. In Denver’s climate, energy-efficient upgrades can be beneficial so installing energy-efficient windows, appliances, and HVAC systems can help save money on utilities. Denver is a drought-prone region, so it is important to use water-efficient fixtures and appliances in your project. Low-flow plumbing like faucets, toilets, and showerheads, are great options. When adding modern amenities, such as plumbing, heating, and cooling, look into the sustainable options that will not harm the historic aspects of the house.

Important tips.

Here’s a few more important things to remember before remodeling a historic home. If your home was built before 1978, it may contain lead-based paint. Also, make sure to check local regulations about historic preservation to prepare your projects. There may be strict guidelines on what changes can be made to the exterior or interior of the home. Building Codes: Denver has specific building codes and permits that you must follow when remodeling a house. Check with the city government using a resource like this to determine the requirements for your project.

Historic Preservation-do your research.

Let’s talk about historic preservation. If your home is located in a historic district in Denver, there may be additional permits and regulations necessary for any remodeling projects. Not only can it be fun, but essential: research the history of the house before you begin remodeling a historic home to understand its architectural style and original features. This will help you to maintain the historical accuracy of the house. What is the style of the neighborhood? Ensure that your remodeling project does not negatively impact the overall aesthetic of the neighborhood. Use compatible materials with the original construction of the house. For example, if the house is made of brick, use a complementary brick or the same kind of brick.

Always use your expert team.

Finally, hire your expert team and a licensed contractor who is familiar with the building codes and regulations in Denver is important to help guide in research and decisions. Consider hiring a preservation architect who has experience in renovating historic homes.

Together, you and your team will have a thorough understanding of the materials and techniques used in the original construction. This important step will help you make informed decisions about what changes can be made without compromising the historical integrity of the house. In addition, you will be comfortable and enjoy your historic home for years to come.

Choosing a Home Additions Contractor

February 28, 2023 by AAA Admin

Tips on Choosing your Home Additions Contractor

Your Home Additions Contractor Can Save You Time, Money, and Headaches, or Cost you….

Home additions are necessary and exciting, but they can be stressful and can cost you money, time, and peace of mind if your contractor is not the right choice.

A good and reliable home additions contractor has several qualities that set them apart when you’re choosing the best team for your project.

A checklist can be helpful to refer to, so we made a list of the qualities to look for before you hire:

1. Experience and expertise: A good contractor should have experience in the type of project you have in mind. They should also have the necessary skills and expertise to ensure a high-quality outcome.

2. Licenses and insurance: A reliable contractor should be licensed to work in your area and have the necessary insurance to cover any accidents or damages that may occur during the project.

3. Strong communication skills: Communication is crucial in any construction project. Your home additions contractor should have excellent communication skills, be responsive to your questions and concerns, and keep you updated weekly on the progress of the project.

4. Attention to detail: A good contractor should be detail-oriented and thorough in their work. They should be able to identify potential issues and address them before they become major problems.

5. Transparent pricing: Your contractor should provide you with a clear and detailed estimate of the cost of the project. They should also be transparent ahead of time about any potential additional costs that may arise during the project.

6. Quality materials and workmanship: A good contractor should use high-quality materials and provide a high standard of workmanship. They should also be able to provide you with a warranty or guarantee for their work.

7. Strong references and reviews: A reliable contractor should be able to provide you with references from previous clients and have positive reviews online.

8. Choosing a contractor like this can help ensure that your home additions project is completed on time, within budget, and to a high standard of quality.

Find out more about our AAA Home Improvements services and experience to be your next home additions contractor and check out our 5-Star Reviews here.

"We bought an older 70's split level that was in real need of a remodel. AAA Home Improvements came highly recommended and they did not disappoint. Toby, JT, Carlos and Frank were great to work with. Incredibly responsive and helpful along the way. the finishes are great, and we are still absolutely thrilled with the outcome! Every 5-star they get is most definitely well-deserved!" - -Elana Juhl

Some Predicted Home Design Trends

January 3, 2019 by AAA Admin

If you are looking for a head start on remodeling, we summarized what some of our favorite designers predict will be popular home design trends.

Home technology – voice-activated functionality and integration with google home and amazon’s alexa, among others – to connect and operate showers, vanities, refrigerators, lighting, thermostats and ovens.
Sinks in bright metallic, hammered finishes, intricate details and gold.
Stainless appliances are out. Now it’s all about rich hues, and bright colored stoves!
No upper kitchen cabinets.
Colorful kitchens.
Painted cabinets in blue, green, stains in warm chestnut and fruitwood and black are all the rage!
Black is the new grey
Gold is back for hardware, faucets etc. Another trend is mixing metals. Pair chrome and brass or copper with yellow gold.
Metal shelving instead of upper cabinets.
Make shower doors and enclosures a statement piece.
Statement ceilings. Whether it’s a pale blue ceiling, or bold wood beams, ceiling design is exciting this year.

6 Home Improvement Projects You Can Do Before The Holidays

October 2, 2018 by AAA Admin

There’s still time to schedule some quick home improvement projects to make your home feel great for holiday entertaining.

Open up two rooms to create a great room

Taking out half walls and non-supporting interior walls can provide an open space for holiday gatherings.

Remodel Your Fireplace

Reface your fireplace with Architectural stone and a new mantle. At the holidays, the fireplace is the focal point of a room.

New Kitchen Backsplash, Sink, and Fixtures

A new backslash can transform your kitchen! Create a focal point without breaking the bank.

New Flooring – Tile, Wood, Carpet

New flooring can make your living spaces fresh and updated and can be done within a reasonable budget. Get rid of those stains, stratches and dents!

New Bathroom Vanity

Upgrade your bathroom vanity and rejuvenate your bathroom. Benefit from a second sink, extra drawer space or new lighting. Upgrading your bathroom will also pay off when it’s time to sell your home.

Add a Wet Bar

If you are looking for something fun and functional, how about adding a wet bar? A wet bar can give you additional options for entertaining and a new functional and attractive area in your home.

If you are planning any home improvement projects for the holidays or beyond, you have plenty of options to think about.

Give us a call and lets talk! (720) 981-4269

Remodeling Versus Moving

March 20, 2018 by AAA Admin

Why move when you can improve?

A tight supply of houses for sale is making buying a home a challenge in the Denver Metro area. Because of a lack of inventory of homes, there is often a rush of offers when properties do become available making it harder for shoppers to find affordable properties. Consider the costs of moving to a new home. The home selling and purchase prices are only part of the picture. What about closing costs, property tax values, interest rates, the cost to get the home on the market, unforeseen home inspection items – to name a few? A move can cost $4K to $6K (not including closing costs) on the low end. Check out this 10 Reasons Moving Always Costs More Than You Think article. Ugh – packing and unpacking!

Consider adopting a ‘don’t move, improve’ attitude to your current property.

Take the money you would spend to move and instead remodel your current home. If you like your neighborhood and your neighbors, staying put and improving or extending could prove a cost-effective alternative to changing properties. Start by creating a wish list about your current home. With your list in hand, your next step should be to consult with a contractor or architect to get a rough idea of whether your current house can become what you want, and at what cost.

Remodeling: Is it worth investing in your home?

AAA Home Improvements can draw up a quick sketch of proposed renovations and provide a ballpark estimate to help you decide whether remodeling is your best route. Contact us today (720) 981-4269 to set up a complimentary consultation. Fill out our questionnaire and we will contact you to schedule an in home project estimate at no cost. We are proud to be endorsed by Team Dave Logan and Tom Martino’s referral list.

Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)

March 5, 2018 by AAA Admin

ADU Accessory Dwelling Unit

The Basics of and ADU's

An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU’s) has many different names including carriage houses, garage apartments, alley flats, or in-law quarters. This is a second home on your property that can be attached or detached.

In 2010 the zoning in Denver changed to allow for ADU’s (Accessory Dwelling Unit) to be built on certain properties. Most properties in Arvada, Wheat Ridge and Lakewood also allow for these homes to be built.

Common purposes for an ADU include home office, apartment type space for short or long term visitors, and rental property. This is a great opportunity for homeowners to create additional space for family and/or possibly create rental income.

For more information about the particular requirements within the City & County of Denver, please go to “Project Guide for Detached Dwelling Units”.

As you look for a contractor, look to AAA Home Improvements. We have the credentials, experience, skills and management capabilities to do your ADU project in the way that you expect. Get a Free Estimate

BBB Tips For Hiring A General Contractor

March 3, 2018 by AAA Admin

Hiring a general contractor is one of the most important steps for your home remodeling project.

This article from the Better Business Bureau provides helpful tips for hiring the right person to work in your home.

Here are a few pointers to think about when interviewing a remodeling contractor:

Get remodeling estimates in writing.
Verify contractor license and insurance.
Confirm building permits.
Ask the contractor about a lien waiver.

Read the entire article: Choosing A General Contractor

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