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Ask the Contractor - Homeowner Questions Answered!

Maintenance, remodeling, energy efficiency, design and more -- what do you want to know about maintaining your home, home repair or construction?  Bruce Woolf, award-winning kitchen and bath designer, TV personality and custom home builder answers your questions and offers free advice -- exclusively on HomeESP. What kinds of questions can Bruce answer?

Bruce-Woolf-2010

- Are water-based floor finishes durable?
- How much would it cost to remodel my kitchen?
- How can I make better use of my basement?
- Which is better for the bathroom, porcelain or natural tile?

E
nter your name, email and question below, and Bruce will get back to you with his expert opinion.  Include your city and state in your question.

Get expert advice. Ask your homeowner remodeling or maintenance question at right.

Redecorating or Remodeling Your Bedroom - Dramatic Improvements with Big or Small Changes

"After 15 years, my husband and I have finally gotten tired of the look of our bedroom.  We spend a lot of time there and even though most of it is while sleeping, we want to remodel.  What are the things we should consider first?" asks Melissa R from San Diego.

You should love your bedroom no matter what activities you perform there.  Your bedroom should be a place you can easily relax and always feel comfortable.  However, you should have some sense of the activities like sleeping, reading, watching TV, catching up on the day’s events or … well, you know... that are most important to you and your husband.  Your redecorating or remodeling may emphasize lighting if reading is your priority as opposed to the size, shape and placement of the TV if night time viewing in the bedroom takes precedent.

Before you start planning a big bedroom remodeling project, however, I always like to suggest the less disruptive and far less expensive tips to dramatically change your room.  Maybe all you need is a fresh new coat of paint with maybe a more vibrant color scheme?  Or, maybe some simple molding will do the trick making the room more elegant and finished looking.

Next, I would suggest that you decide what you want to do about your floor.  Do you want the elegance of hardwood flooring or would you rather the soft, warmth of a carpet.  With all the colors and textures you have to choose from, you can easily compliment the rest of the bedroom décor.  You may also like the noise reduction qualities of carpet if you have others in the house.  Area rugs are also an option if you do not want to cover the entire floor.  

So, now that we have talked about the more straightforward bedroom redecorating ideas, are you thinking of a major remodeling overhaul?  Recently, homeowners have taken to remodeling their master bedroom into a larger more functional bedroom suite.  If this is your desire, you should consider a few things.

If you are breaking through walls and repurposing space that was not used like a wasted closet too small to be practical, you are fine.  But if your expansion reduces the number of total bedrooms, you may be lowering the resale value of your house.  The more bedrooms you are starting with, the less this is an issue, but if three bedrooms becomes two where one is the new bedroom suite, you will likely lower the value of your home more than any increase because you have a big bedroom suite.  If you are able to add on to the house to accommodate the new extended bedroom suite, then you will be fine if the project is done well.

Creating a new bedroom suite is a big and exciting project.  The opportunity to personalize your space is greater because of the size of the room.  This brings us all the way back to the opening thought that the bedroom should be a place you and hubby can always feel comfortable and meet each of your needs whether it is by having large closets, a workout area or even a fireplace.
 
I urge you to make sure that your new bedroom suite flows logically and elegantly into your master bathroom.  Be sure to get the advice of a professional.
 
Remodeling your master bedroom into a master suite is a big investment of time and money but is one way to enhance the day-to-day enjoyment of your home.

Thanks for your question, and good luck with your redecorating and/or remodeling project. 

Bruce

Of course, if you have any more questions, don’t hesitate to Ask The Contractor.


And if you need to find a local highly qualified professional contractor to help with your project, click here for pre-screened professionals.

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About Bruce the Builder

Bruce Woolf of Quaker Road Associates is an award-winning designer-builder who has most recently been seen on TV on the NBC Show “George to the Rescue.” Bruce's dedication, over a career beginning in 1979, to client satisfaction, design and craftsmanship has earned him media, industry and professional association recognition as a leading designer and builder in the New York Metro Area.

Bruce is a recognized expert on home design, renovation and maintenance.  HomeESP is proud to have him here to help answer any questions you may have and provide advice on home upkeep, repair, design and remodeling.