Turn your home into a bigger and better place for your family with an addition, second floor or by remodeling a living space like a kitchen, bathroom, basement or attic. So often, our clients love their home or their location, and even their neighbors. But lack the space they need or are simply ready to upgrade their home. Whether you are remodeling to sell, planning to age in place, or simply want a new look, our design and remodeling processes are specifically tailored to fit your needs.
Sunwood Development currently serves Wallingford, Middletown, and the surrounding areas.
Jump to:
Are You Ready for a Remodel?
Getting Ready for a Remodel
Kitchen Remodeling
Bathroom Remodeling
Home Additions
Basement Remodeling
Exterior Remodeling
Remodeling to Age-in-Place
Why Choose a Home Builder?
Your Role in the Remodeling Process
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Are You Ready for a Remodel? As a homeowner, how do you know if it’s time to remodel or renovate your home? The reasons for wanting to renovate a home are as different as the people who live in those homes. There’s no single “right” reason for wanting to remodel. But there are some things that may be good indicators that you’re ready to head down the home renovation path. If any of these reasons resonates with you—you might be ripe for a renovation project.
Many people have been frustrated by the poor returns they are getting on their financial investments. And while home values may not be increasing at the unrealistic levels they were a few years ago, a home is still a great investment. If you’re planning to be in your home for a while, why not invest in your home? You’ll get more enjoyment out of it now and it’s still one of the best long-term investments around.
Do you want or need more space? What can you do if you like where you live and essentially like your home, but just need a bit more living space? Do you really need to move? The best solution may be a renovation that opens up the extra space you need. For many people this is a much better alternative to moving.
Do you have safety concerns? Homeowners living in an older home may run into safety issues. This is particularly true if you have children, pets, or older family members living with you. Making your home more safe is a good investment for now and can help improve the resale value of your home later.
Would you like to save on energy? There’s no question that older homes simply aren’t as energy efficient as newer homes. We’ve seen a lot of improvements in materials in the last 30 years. And even though a renovation will cost you something initially, you can end up saving money over the long haul. And an added benefit is that you’ll probably be more comfortable after you make these improvements
Do you need more privacy? It’s possible that when you first moved into your house you didn’t notice just how close your neighbor’s house was. Maybe you’ve had to take down some natural barriers (such as trees or bushes). Or possibly your CT neighborhood has changed since you first moved in and you’d like a little more privacy. A renovation could help solve that problem.
Sometimes you just need a change to keep things interesting! This is one of the most common—and valid—reasons for a renovation. It’s amazing how something like updating your kitchen can breathe new life into your home—and the rest of your life. Are you ready for a change?
Getting Ready for a RemodelSometimes what you want in your home remodel is crystal clear in your mind. The only problem is: you’re not the one actually doing the remodeling? It can be hard to communicate nuances and subtle things to your remodeler. How can you make sure that you and your remodeler have the same vision for your home?
We’ve all heard that a picture is worth a thousand words. When you’re trying to communicate what you want your remodeled home to look like, it may be worth more than that! There are times when words just seem to fall short in describing what you want. But if you can point to a picture of what you want, chances are your builder will know just what you mean.
We recommend you start a remodeling notebook. Whenever you see a picture in a magazine that illustrates what you want your remodeling project to look like, cut it out and put it in the notebook. You may want to supplement those images with photos you take in model homes or in the home of a friend.
The better organized your notebook is, the easier it will be to share with your builder. Here are some categories to consider for your remodeling notebook:
Related: Should You Build a New Home or Remodel Your Current Home
The kitchen is one of the toughest rooms to remodel, because of all the decisions you have to make to get it right. It’s worth the effort though—Remodeling magazine believes you can recoup between 61% and 70% of the cost of a major kitchen renovation in increased resale value. Here’s how to get started with your kitchen renovation:
#1: Calculate the Budget
We’d all love to have the kitchen of our dreams, but it might not be possible in your Middletown custom home. So before you go any further, it’s useful to identify how much you can spend on your kitchen renovation project. Set a realistic budget that doesn’t take more than 6% to 10% of your home’s overall value for a complete kitchen remodel. That way you’re less likely to over-capitalize and can expect to recoup a higher percentage of the cost. This budget worksheet from the National Kitchen and Bath Association will help you to decide what percentage of your budget to spend where.
#2: Choose a Style
What’s your dream kitchen going to look like? What kind of foods do you typically prepare? Do you envision a gourmet kitchen? A kitchen for entertaining? A family-orientated kitchen? Consider the following: are you going to eat in the kitchen, or just prepare food? How many people are likely to be keeping you company while you work? Do you want to be able to interact with your living or dining room, or do you prefer peace and quiet while you cook? Will your equipment include a dishwasher, and if so where should it be located? The answers will help you to determine what fixtures and fittings you want, how much storage you need and what your layout is going to be.
[Read More: Kitchen Design for Your Lifestyle]
#3: Create a Custom Floor Plan
The layout is the first consideration for a well-planned kitchen space in your Middletown custom home. Your kitchen needs to reflect your lifestyle, accommodate your cooking requirements, give you the space you need for eating and provide plenty of storage. Don’t stick with your current layout just because it’s there.
Some of the options to choose from include:
Think about the flow you need when you’re working, how you typically move between the workspace and the sink, for example, and how effective the space is when more than one person is cooking. Download this questionnaire from HGTV to help you figure out the role your kitchen plays in your life.
#4: Find the Right Finishes
Once you know what fittings you’re going to have and how your kitchen will be laid out, the next—and most exciting—step is to choose the finishes. Some of the finishes currently popular for a Middletown custom home are laminates, engineered stone, soapstone and stainless steel. Whether you go for classy-looking granite countertops and a hardwood floor, or you choose ceramic tiles and wooden butcher’s block working surfaces, your options are limited only by your budget.
Next to the kitchen, the bathroom is the most remodeled room in the home. That’s not surprising given the statistics that show homeowners recover about 75 percent of the money they spend on bathroom remodeling. On top of that, however, bathrooms get used—by us and by our guests. So it’s important to plan and execute your bathroom renovation carefully.
If you want to update, upgrade or increase the size of your bathroom, Sunwood Development has over 25 years of experience and expertise in the Wallingford area. We specialize in anticipating your needs and work with you to design your dream bath. It is our goal to offer our clients a hassle-free experience. We also understand that remodeling your home can be a huge financial undertaking, and work within a variety of budgets.
We take pride in the level of craftsmanship we provide our clients and pride ourselves on an incredible attention to detail from the initial design stage to the finishing touches.
The Greek philosopher Heraclitus famously said, “Change is the only constant in life.” That certainly seems to be true when it comes to family life. Families are in a constant state of change. What if your home no longer meets the changing needs of your family? If moving often isn't the best option (particularly if you're happy with your current location), you may want to consider some custom home additions for your new family. Whether you are expecting a new baby, or are looking at having older parents move in with you there are solutions for expanding your home. Let’s take a look at a few ways you can add to your home so that it continues to meet your needs.
Multi-generational households have been on the rise for a number of years in the United States. But in order to successfully accommodate having your parents or in-laws living with you, some planning is required. An in-law suite that has a separate entrance and its own bathroom facilities can be a great solution. It provides privacy for everyone and yet allows you to be there for aging parents who might want a little extra help. You might even want to create a kitchenette in the plan so that your elder houseguests can have some meals independently.
One of the most under-used spaces in a home may be the space above your garage. It’s not that difficult to turn that unused space into a well-insulated "bonus room." It could be a playroom for younger children. Or it could be a hangout for your teenaged kids—allowing them to have some space where they can entertain friends. Wouldn’t you rather have them hanging out in your home instead of somewhere else? You may want to think about wiring needs to accommodate an entertainment system or even a small refrigerator. If you have a detached garage, you might even think about building a covered breezeway between the house and the garage.
Your house’s attic is another space that’s easy to overlook. While your attic may not be a great place for older family members, it can be a great bedroom area for a teen. Or you could turn it into a home office that’s removed from the noise and distractions of the house. However you decide to finish that space, you’ll want to consider insulation, electrical needs (including lighting), and possibly plumbing. If you’re having a hard time imagining your attic as useable space, you may want to talk to your builder/remodeler. He or she is used to seeing potential where you perhaps don’t. Click here for more information on making the most of your attic space.
It seems obvious that bigger families require more space. But it's not just more bedrooms that you need. Spaces that you share together—such as your kitchen or your family room—need to be able to handle increased traffic. Sometimes the solution isn't just more space, but space that is better designed to meet your needs. That may involve moving (or removing) a wall to create more space. Obviously, that's not something you'll want to try on your own. An experienced builder/remodeler will be able to tell you which walls you can move and which you can't (because they're load-bearing walls). And your builder can also help you maximize whatever space you have available. Learn more about kitchen remodeling here.
Even if you don’t have the ability (or the desire) to expand the footprint of your home, a good builder/remodeler can help you find potential space inside your home that you may have overlooked.
[Read More: A Beginner's Guide To Planning a Home Addition In Wallingford]
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Many times, Wallingford residents come to us with basements that are cold, dark or unfinished. Our goal in working with you is to transform your basement into an area that everyone wants to spend time in.
Basement remodels can be the most satisfying projects to complete. Here are a few of the reasons people choose to pursue basement renovations:
After being cooped up inside for the winter, a lot of homeowners are ready to take it outside! Maybe you’re one of them. The big question is: Is your outside ready for you to enjoy?
Americans have always had a love affair with eating outdoors. We love picnics and barbecues and just firing up the grill to cook a steak, a hamburger, or a hot dog. But what makes it even more enjoyable is when there’s a comfortable, convenient place to eat that meal outside once it’s cooked. Now is a great time to make the most out of the “outdoor rooms” of your home: Your deck, your porch, or your patio.
It used to be that a deck was almost an afterthought to a house—a place that you could park the grill without having to traipse down into the yard. Decks have come a long way since those days. Now homeowners build them around their hot tubs or build-in a spot for the grill. Some decks even incorporate built-in seating and tables. And new building materials can give you the feel of your old wooden deck—without the need for you to ever treat it again.
You may not spend time eating on your porch—but it can be a great place to relax with an after-dinner drink, or a bowl of ice cream on a warm summer night. And if you live in an area that’s a little “buggy” you can screen it in so you don’t have to share your ice cream with unwanted visitors.
For some homeowners a patio provides the perfect setting for an outdoor summer meal—and a place to relax afterward. But we’ve come along way from the days when a patio meant a simple concrete slab with a few lawn chairs and a table sitting on it. Now homeowners are opting for patios crafted from fine stone, with beautiful stone walkways leading up to them. Many homeowners build in outdoor kitchens and even fountains and permanent planters for flowers.
There is a remodeling trend among more mature homeowners that has been picking up momentum. Instead of seeking out retirement communities, more and more homeowners are making the decision to live out their retirement years in their existing homes.
These aren’t just people who are too stubborn to move. The individuals who are choosing to “age-in-place” realize that they have to make some adjustments to their existing homes if they want to continue living in them safely and comfortably. That’s resulting in a higher demand for remodeling of current homes to make them a better and safer fit for retirement-aged homeowners.
If you’re planning to stay in your existing home after retirement, there are some adjustments you’ll need to consider before they become necessities. While some of these changes are obvious and simple to do (such as installing grab bars on your showers and tubs), there are other changes that may not have crossed your mind. Some of these changes (such as widening hallways or doorways, or moving walls to accommodate your changing needs), may require expertise you don’t have. No wonder home modifications for people who want to remain in their existing homes is one of the fastest growing segments of the residential remodeling industry.
If you are thinking about remodeling your home so that you can remain where you are, you’ll probably want to enlist the services of a contractor who is familiar with this kind of work—and knows what needs to be done to a home to make it “senior-friendly.” Certified Aging-In-Place Specialist (CAPS) remodelers are prepared to help those who are preparing for senior living think through the renovations needed to enable them to continue living safely and comfortably in their existing homes.
If remaining in your current home is an option you’re considering, you’ll want to talk to a contractor who knows what it will take to make your home a home for life. Look for contractors who have a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) on staff. As CAPS certified builders, we’re happy to answer any questions you may have about making sure your home fits your needs in the future.
For room additions and major renovations that require structural work and a significant amount of new construction, professional home builders are already equipped to deliver a high level of quality and owner satisfaction.
Consider this: large-scale projects are often very similar to our new-home building work. A room addition, for instance, is not much different than a new home project, encompassing the full range of construction phases and materials from the foundation and structural frame through all of the exterior and interior finishes.
Home Builders are accustomed to delivering a high level of finish and are skilled at working closely with home owners to develop, refine, and execute a quality job. New-home work often affords home builders greater leverage than a remodeling contractor to negotiate prices for materials and labor with our suppliers and trade partners. We enjoy long-term relationships with our team of trade partners, and they know we'll have more work for them down the road, whether it's a new house or a large-scale remodeling project.
Why Sunwood?
In addition to those cost-saving strategies, we value engineer every project. This process identifies and reduces unnecessary or redundant costs for materials and labor. Unlike a typical remodeling operation, we employ staff with the experience and expertise to recognize and rework your project early in the process. We also order materials as we need them, rather than all at once, which can cut down on theft, damage, and eliminate the need to reorder.
Those combined savings help us to ensure that we meet your budget or align your project with a budget that you can afford. In some cases, the money we save through negotiation, value engineering, and a streamlined operation may allow us to expand your project or upgrade the level of finish.No doubt; there are some great remodeling contractors out there. But for large-scale room additions and major home renovations, consider the skills a professional builder brings to the table.
For some homeowners the home remodeling process is a wonderful adventure. Other homeowners dread it. What’s the difference? Let’s be honest: remodeling is a disruptive process. And while it can be exciting, it can throw a significant wrench into the workings of your everyday living. But homeowners who prepare for the process find it a lot more pleasant.
While it’s true that your contractor is doing the physical work of your home remodeling, there are steps you as the homeowner can take to make things go more smoothly—for your contractor and yourself.
1. Be available for decisions. You and your contractor have probably agreed on a good plan for your remodeling project, but there will be quite a few small decisions that need to be made quickly once construction starts. You can help keep little decisions from causing long delays by being available on short notice to make those decisions so your contractor can stay on schedule.
2. Do your homework ahead of time. Don’t wait until construction has started to make your decisions about lighting, flooring, cabinets, and appliances. Make these decisions (and do your shopping and ordering) ahead of time to avoid frustrating delays later.
3. Get the space ready. Remove anything that doesn’t need to be in the construction area. That means moving things such as furniture, pictures, decorations, and drapes. Put coverings (sheets or blankets) over anything you can’t move because there WILL be construction dust! This will provide your contractor with a better space in which to work, and will also protect your items from damage.
4. Don’t wait for the “opportune time” to discuss your concerns with your contractor. If you feel like something is off track, bring it up as soon as possible. The earlier in the process you bring it up, the easier it is for your contractor to make corrections or adjustments.
5. Roll with the punches. Accept the fact that unpredictable things will happen. You or your contractor may face out-of-stock products. Inclement weather may cause delays in work or in product delivery. Your contractor may uncover an unforeseen problem that he didn’t create. Understand that some things are really out of your contractor’s control.
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