The old saying goes that first impressions can be the most lasting. While keeping the inside of your home up-to-date and comfortable is important, have you considered the outside of your home? The exterior is the first—and sometimes only—thing that people see when they lay eyes on your home. When it comes to exterior renovations, much can be done to improve the appearance of your home, including updating your entry way, residing or painting your home, and replacing old windows. Below we’ll cover exterior design ideas that can take your home from ordinary to the envy of the neighborhood.
Read MoreMcClurg's Home Remodeling Blog
Take Your Home’s Curb Appeal to the Next Level with These Exterior Renovations
Posted by Brian Ciota on Tue, Jul 18, 2017
Topics: Home Renovation, Entryways, Windows and Doors, Painting, Siding, exterior renovations
The entries to many Central New York homes are often “drop zones” for outdoor gear and can become cluttered in winter months especially if an active family is in residence.
Adding a mudroom to a home is a practical solution for containing both clutter and grit. A mudroom can be added to an existing entry space or by building an entryway addition.
Read MoreA welcoming front door and entryway provide both architectural interest and curb appeal to a home.
An entrance can be transformed in many ways. You can add a covered entryway, portico or stone accents. You can add a new door and lighting. You can replace or repair stairs and pathways. You can also enhance a front entrance with a fresh coat of paint or new landscaping.
Read MoreTopics: Entryways, Windows and Doors, Porches
5 Exterior Design Ideas Using Natural and Manufactured Stone Veneer
Posted by Brian Ciota on Tue, Jul 5, 2016
At the 2016 Central New York Parade of Homes most of the model homes featured exterior stone facades and trims. Stone is an architectural element that adds beauty and value to the exterior of a home.
Stone veneer, which has been available for many years, can be made from real stones or manufactured stone. It is generally used as a decorative cover on exterior walls and surfaces.
Because of recent advancements in technology, more homeowners are now remodeling with manufactured stone veneer.
Read MoreTopics: Entryways, Additions, Porches, Fireplaces
Front entries define the look of a house. Real estate agents will tell you that curb appeal can add value to a home and helps to attract buyers.
Here are five front entrance design ideas from homes in Central New York that show how an updated front entry can transform a home.
Read MoreTopics: Entryways
Inviting entryways are a focal point of a home. Ask any realtor about curb appeal and they’ll tell you that first impressions are very important when trying to sell a home. An attractive entryway can add value. Here are some design ideas for creating an inviting entry to your home.
Topics: Design Trends and Ideas, Entryways, Porches
Most homeowners find they need more storage space or a better way of organizing the things they own. Sometimes adding more storage space is difficult, especially if you own a small home. Make-shift shelving that you find at home centers often is not sturdy or attractive. Ready-made book shelves take up floor space and although generic, may not be suitable for the items you want store.
How to Organize Your Home’s “Drop Zones” for Winter Storage
Posted by Brian Ciota on Tue, Oct 30, 2012
Central New York winters require that we keep coats, boots, hats, gloves and scarves on hand at all times. Often a home’s entryway is cluttered during these months. Here are four winter storage ideas for organizing your “drop zones” to keep cold weather gear in its place:
If you visited this year’s Parade of Homes at Riverwalk in Brewerton, you saw some of the latest design ideas for Central New York homes. We encourage people who are planning a home remodeling project to visit the “Parade” to see products installed and gather ideas for their own projects.
Topics: Kitchens, Lighting, Bathrooms, Entryways, Painting, Flooring
The economy and caregiver relationships have created more households where families are sharing a home and expenses. Many young adults are living at home with their parents as they deal with college debt, divorce, single parenthood or unemployment. Parents are moving in with adult children as they cope with the loss of a spouse, health issues related to aging or to lend a helping hand to a young family. Immigration is also a factor in the increasing number of multigenerational households.
Topics: Entryways, Universal Design, Additions