Home Improvement New Year’s Resolutions

Welcome to 2022! When it comes to resolutions about getting in shape or starting a new diet, it’s pretty common for people to abandon their goals for the new year within three months. If you’re looking to make a resolution to take better care of your home, here is all the information you’ll need to make sure you start the year off right (and how to make sure you keep the new lifestyle going through 2022 and beyond)! Keep reading to learn some achievable, easy things you can do to stay motivated to improve your home in the new year.

Renew Your Relaxation Space

Bedrooms can become a retreat of and for your dreams, so long as you have a clear vision of how you want to feel while in this space. Do you tend to get distracted and scroll endlessly online, losing precious hours of sleep? Make the change in 2022, and begin creating a relaxing, no-screens atmosphere. You can create better bedtime habits by setting your phone to “Do Not Disturb” after dinner and turning off overhead lighting until morning time. You’ll notice a lack of screen time before bed can lead to better sleep! Reward yourself for these new habits by investing in a comfier bed set!

Upgrade your Bathroom

The bathroom is one of the most commonly used rooms in any home, so it’s important to personalize this space now if you haven’t done so beforehand. Use the new year as an excuse to upgrade your bathroom space! Whether it be a tub-to-shower conversion or transitioning to a walk in tub, make sure your bathroom space reflects your personality and unique needs. If you need inspiration, you can check out some of our past projects here. People spend an average of 416 days in a lifetime in their bathroom, so you may as well make it a pleasant experience!

Stay Safe

The beginning of a New Year is a great time to replace the batteries in your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. The National Fire Protection Association put together this handy guide so you know the optimal places for your smoke detectors. We all are prone to forget, so the best reminder is the first day of the year! This is a great time to change more than batteries – you should also check your in-home fire extinguisher, and get your roof and electrical system inspected.

Save Energy

The best time to minimize your carbon footprint is now! If you’re looking to be more environmentally friendly or lower your energy costs, here are a few tips.

Upgrade to energy-efficient windows
Replace your A/C filter regularly to help your unit run more efficiently
Replace old, high-flow showerheads with water-efficient showerheads
Plant trees – not only will it add value and curb appeal to your home, but this is as earth-friendly as you can get in a pinch!
Unplug devices when not in use
Replace outdated, high-flow showerheads with a water-efficient showerhead (we can do this for you during a bath renovation)!

Do you have any other ideas for home improvement or upkeep, or want to share your New Year’s resolutions with us? Reach out to us on social media!

If you’re looking for a home improvement company, we hope you will consider FHIA. We offer a variety of options, competitive pricing, and high-quality installation services offered by skillful and courteous experts!

Remodeling Projects to Complete in a Florida “Winter”

Florida isn’t known to have cold winters – famously, Florida hosts some of the warmest weather in the U.S. during this season. Most people save remodeling projects for nicer weather, but there are several advantages to remodeling in cooler seasons, especially in Florida!

Remodeling contractors are generally less busy and have much more flexibility during the offseason. They can plan your project with you from start to finish, paying close attention to all the little details that make a project great. Second, some materials are less expensive. You’d be surprised at the amount of money you can save on items like doors, tile, flooring and even lumber! This means your winter project is likely to be quick and budget-conscious.

Bathroom & Kitchens

Generally, any inside remodeling project can be completed in the winter. The bonus here is that with readily available contractors and materials, you’re less likely to see delays and you’ll be able to regain use of your space more quickly. For projects like kitchens, where it’s difficult to cook, this could mean savings on other expenses, like take-out meals.

If you’re laying hardwood flooring or tile in the bathroom, the dry winter air will help prevent gaps in the newly laid boards and tile, while decreased humidity means there’s less of a chance for water damage. The cooler air also means quicker drying times for any adhesive involved, like new tiling in your bathrooms.

Windows

This may seem surprising, but changing out your old windows for new, energy-efficient windows in the winter will reduce your energy bill and you’ll see savings immediately. Completing the project in the winter also increases your chances of a quick installation and no shortage of supplies. Our award-winning windows come in a wide variety of colors and styles and are extremely energy-efficient, durable, and have virtually no maintenance and upkeep.

With a little planning and foresight, completing your winter renovation project is likely to go smoothly and stay on budget! Our FHIA team would love to help you with your winter projects – get started by requesting a free quote!

How To Invest In Your Home

When it comes to investing in your home, sometimes big projects aren’t always the wisest investment. Every home could use some extra TLC every now and then, but it can be difficult to know where to begin or how big of a project you want to take on. Investing in your home can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to break the bank. We’ve compiled a list of simple improvements that can turn a small investment now into a big payoff later.

Boost the Bathroom

Add a window: Include a window in the shower to fight off humidity and save on energy costs. We recommend an awning window so you can let steam escape as you shower while keeping your privacy. Windows also help open up space and make the room feel bigger, no matter which room they’re in.

Recaulking: Re-caulk your bathroom to prevent mildew and leaks — this simple (and cheap) investment seems subtle, but small changes can make a big difference. Not only will it make your bathroom look nicely maintained, but a fresh coat of caulk can prevent water damage for years if done correctly.

Tub Liner: If you’re looking for an affordable investment that will upgrade the look and function of your bathroom, tub liners are a great option. Tub liners are a great investment if you are looking for a simple cosmetic upgrade to your bathroom. Durable, easy to clean, and quick to install, tub liners are a fantastic and affordable way to give your bathroom a facelift without starting from scratch.

Earn Extra Dough By Updating the Kitchen

Cabinets: Investing in your kitchen doesn’t have to mean a total re-do. An easy and affordable kitchen renovation is to upgrade the cabinets. Refacing the cabinets can update the style, maintain durability, and avoid a long-term installation which gets expensive quickly.

Countertops: To quickly add value to your kitchen, investing in a sturdy countertop can bring new personality into your space, but also will add tremendous value to your home right after installation.

Exterior Improvements

While a lush front lawn can show that you know how to invest in the look of your home, it’s important to remember to invest in the function of these exterior items as well. The first impression of a house includes the doors, siding, and windows, so remember that a little curb appeal past the front lawn goes a long way.

New Windows: Replacing the outdated, inefficient, and drafty windows in your home is one of the smartest investments you can make. New windows make your home more energy-efficient while cutting down on heating and cooling bills. To make your home stand out from the crowd, consider investing in a bay or bow window to add space and visual appeal.

Upgrade Your Doors: The look of a door can set an expectation of what you’ll feel in the room. When walking through a door, you want to feel welcomed into the space. The color of a door can inspire certain moods, and so can the sound! Flimsy or creaky doors make a bad first impression and feel unsettling, so it’s important to invest in secure, efficient doors that glide open and feel stable on the hinges.

When you invest in your home, you’re also investing in your quality of life and comfort for years to come. Plus, when you’re ready to sell your home, these small investments will pay off in the long run. To explore more ideas on how to invest in your home, check out some options on our site here.

Transition Your Home from Summer to Fall

The Fall season has arrived and even though it might still be 90° in Florida, we are ready to transition our home to all things pumpkins, plaid, and cozy inside and out.

Creating a Cozy Environment Inside

As you start transitioning your home from Summer to Fall, start by bringing out the candles, throw blankets, and incorporating fall colors into your home decor. Fall is all about creating a cozy and comforting environment and below we have tips to transform your living space into all things Fall.

Candles: The first thing I think about when thinking about what makes Fall so special is the scents. Scents like pumpkin, apple, cider, and cinnamon when entering your home will instantly transform your home into the Fall season.
Comforting fabrics and plaid: A timeless fabric when transitioning into fall is plaid. Plaid can be incorporated in pillows, throw blankets, or carpets and it will never go out of style. Layer plaid pillows with fuzzy throw blankets on the couch to add interest and make sure to stick to neutral colors to keep the room soft and welcoming.
Soft lighting: Create a comforting ambiance with soft lighting throughout the house. Bring out all the candles and dim the lights in the evening for a soft glow.

Create an Inviting Porch

There are many options when decorating your porch that won’t break the bank and will make your home feel like Fall is in the air all season long.

Fall wreath: If you want to keep the front porch simple, but still welcoming add a wreath to the front door. Using natural items such as acorns, mini pumpkins, leaves, and dried flowers in your wreath will instantly bring the Fall season into your home.
Pumpkins: Fall screams pumpkin EVERYTHING! Visit your local grocery store or make an afternoon visit to the pumpkin patch to stack around the front door. It’s important to remember that in the Florida heat, you should try to keep your pumpkins in the shade to delay the rotting process.
Fall-colored flowers: Mums in red, orange, and yellow are the best flowers for the Fall season. Mums and other fall-colored flowers look great in a basket by the front door or planted along the front walkway. You can find mums at your local hardware store starting at only $15.
Front door mat: Layering your front door mat with a plaid underlay will instantly transition your porch into the Fall season. There are many different options you can choose from, and you can find a front porch mat for around only $10.

Where to Start When Remodeling Your Kitchen

When looking to remodel your kitchen there are hundreds of options to choose from and it can be an overwhelming project to start. White kitchens have been the trend the last couple of years, but recently we have been seeing more colors, textures, and natural elements incorporated in the kitchen. Much of your home life is spent cooking and entertaining for you and your loved ones and you want to create a place that feels like home and lets your style shine through.

Create a 3-Toned Color Palette

The first step in designing a new kitchen is to choose a 3-toned color scheme. It is important to choose neutral tones that are timeless. The first two colors will be the main colors (countertops and cabinets) and then the third will be the accent color that will make a statement. The pop of color can be incorporated in the island, the backsplash, or kitchen décor. Choosing more than 3-4 colors in the kitchen could be distracting and too busy.

Create Balance

After choosing your kitchen’s color palette, focus on what countertops matches your style. There are many options and materials to choose from. Most homes opt for granite, quartz, or laminate. Laminate countertops are inexpensive and low maintenance if you are trying to remodel on a budget but can mimic pricey stone. After choosing the countertops, the next step is to choose the cabinet color, and lastly the backsplash. It is important to choose cabinets that will match or compliment the colors found in the countertops. The backsplash can be the most challenging part of the kitchen design because it is a focal point. You can add color, choose different shapes or textures, or make it blend with the rest of the kitchen. The backsplash is where you get to bring your personal style into the design and create a kitchen you will love!

Hardware to Compliment Your Design

The last step in designing your dream kitchen is choosing the hardware that matches your design. Trending recently has been gold or black hardware, but you can never go wrong with the classic brushed nickel! It can be fun to mix and match metals by using brushed nickel cabinet pulls and a matte black kitchen faucet. Get creative with your hardware and choose a style that is functional for your lifestyle and compliments your creative kitchen design.

Turn Your House into a Smart Home

In recent years, turning your house into a smart home has been one of the top trends. Devices like the Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and the Ring Video Doorbell have made their way into most homes in America and changed the way we live our everyday lives. 69% of homes in America have at least one of these smart devices and below we will discuss some of the most popular technology and how they have transformed our homes.

Smart Home Device

“Alexa set a timer for 25 minutes”. In the last ten years, Amazon’s Alexa has changed the world of smart home devices. Companies like Google, Apple, and Bose have created their own version of a smart home device and you can find this technology is almost every home in America. This technology has the ability to play music, set alarms and reminders, and you can connect devices like the thermostat, lights, and even your oven to the smart devices.

Smart Lighting

One of the easiest additions to make your house a smart home is install smart light bulbs. Smart lighting is connected to your phone and/or smart home device and you can set your lights on a timer, turn lights on/off with voice commands, and change the colors of any room to match your mood. Smart light bulbs have shown to increase energy savings by 35% because all smart bulbs are LED. They have also decreased burglaries for families out of town because you can control the lights in your home through your phone and you can set a timer or turn lights on through the app. With smart bulbs you can create any ambience by asking the smart device to change the color lights with voice command or through the smart bulbs app.

Smart Thermostat

If you are looking to decrease your energy bill throughout the summer season, start looking at investing in a smart thermostat. Brands like Google (Nest), Amazon, and Apple have created smart thermostats to control the temperature of your home with an easy touch. These devices can be placed on a schedule to cool down when you are home from work and rise while you are not home. Smart thermostats are connected to your Wi-Fi, smart phone, or smart home device to create easy access to control your homes temperature. Smart thermostats are known to save you over $200 each year on your electricity.

Smart Home Security Devices

Smart devices like motion sensors, doorbell cameras, and surrounding cameras allow homeowners the peace of mind that they are protected from intruders. Smart home security devices including doorbell cameras have helped deter criminals and increase your homes protection. These devices can trigger front porch lights to turn on when motion is detected. Not only do smart home security devices protect you from intruders, but they can trigger lights to turn on when the fire alarm goes off and help guide you and your family to safety in the middle of the night.

FHIA Grows from #13 to #3 in Remodeling Magazine’s “Remodeling 550” List

Florida Home Improvement Associates, commonly known as FHIA, is Florida’s largest interior and exterior remodeling company. FHIA was founded in 2006 on the philosophy of providing customers with the best-in-class product offerings, professionally trained and insured installation, exceptional warranties, and dedicated customer service.

This quality of work and distinct commitment to customer satisfaction allowed FHIA to quickly become the leader in impact windows #1 in Florida according to Remodeling Magazine. FHIA started showing up on the “Remodeling 550” List in 2015 after completing over 3,000 jobs. Since then, FHIA has made it to #3 on the “Remodeling 550” List in the Remodeling Magazine. FHIA landed #11 in 2016, #10 in 2017, and #4 in 2018 and 2019.

As of 2021, FHIA has completed over 50,000 custom home remodeling projects for Florida homeowners while helping customers to beautify their property, protect their loved ones, and boost their home’s energy efficiency. Over the past 5 years, FHIA has expanded to open offices in Orlando, Tampa, Sarasota, Fort. Myers, and Jacksonville.

5 Budget Friendly Home Renovation Tips

Are you tired of staring at the same walls inside your home? Does your home decor not match your style anymore? Is your home ready for a facelift? If you are prepared to take on a home renovation, but don’t feel like breaking the bank, check out these five home renovation tips on a budget.

1. Apply a Fresh Coat of Paint

Nothing makes a room feel brand new like a fresh coat of paint. New paint on the walls can increase property value and liven up a space. Check out our Popular Color Trends blog post to see the most popular colors of 2021 for any room of the house.

2. Replace the Closet Doors for a More Modern Look

Are your closet doors the same as the ones that came original to the house? If so, it is time for an upgrade. There are many options to choose from including a barn door, frosted glass doors, mirror closet doors, or stick to the classic white bifold doors. This renovation can be as little as $70.

3. Add Interest to the Walls or Ceilings

One of the most popular 2020/2021 home renovation trends is adding interest to the walls or ceiling. Adding either Wainscoting or Beadboard to the walls can create contrast and is easy to install. There are hundreds of designs on Pinterest to choose from and this home renovation can cost under $100.

4. Replace Your Old Throw Pillows

An inexpensive way to spruce up the living room is to start with the couch throw pillows. Adding new throw pillows to the living room can add a pop of color and bring your style into the space. Check out stores like Target, Home Goods, and TJ Maxx to find throw pillows that’ll match any style at a great price!

5. Install New Hardware in the Guest Bathroom

Updating your bathroom fixtures will improve the aesthetic of the space, save water and money, and increase your home’s value. There are plenty of options that cost under $50 and can completely change the look of the space. New hardware can also improve efficiency and reduce water usage. Reducing water usage will eventually lower your monthly water bill.

FHIA is Proud to Receive CertainTeed Governor’s Award

FHIA is thrilled to announce that we have been chosen to receive CertainTeed’s Governor’s Award for our diligent work and dedication to excellence. As one 66 roofing companies to receive this award, FHIA takes great pride in this accomplishment. To be eligible to receive this award, the best roofing companies must meet certain requirements and criteria.

Winners must hold a CertainTeed roofing credential for more than 5 years
Winners must earn a Customer TrackRecord Award
Winners must be #1 in SureStart Plus jobs in their state

FHIA’s dedication to quality and consistency has allowed us to help our staff grow and stay committed to their efforts. We recognize our employees for their hard work and providing premiere service to our customers each day. Every year, thousands of roofing companies apply for this award and FHIA is proud to carry this title and we thank CertainTeed for their continued support.

Organizing Your Kitchen Like a Pro

When reorganizing the kitchen, it is all about efficiency. Think of your daily routine and how you move around the kitchen when making your morning coffee, putting away the dishes, or disposing of prep scraps. No matter how big or small the space, it can be tricky to stay organized and know how to utilize each cabinet for maximum efficiency. Use these tips below to create your dream kitchen that will make people believe you hired a pro.

Dishes and Silverware

The first step when organizing the kitchen is finding a home for the dishes and silverware. For maximum efficiency, store the plates, bowls, and silverware nearest to the dishwasher. This will make the dreadful job of unloading the dishwasher a little easier. It is best to store cups and mugs closest to the refrigerator to easily make yourself a drink or get ice.

Cooking Utensils and Spices

When choosing where to store cooking utensils and spices, start next to the stove. When you’re cooking on the stove, you’ll want easy access to the spatula and tongs so they should go in the drawer to the left or right of the stove. If there is no drawer space next to the stove, opt for a stylish utensil holder to sit on either side of the stove. When organizing your spices, purchase a spice drawer on Amazon for under $20. This will allow easy access when cooking and allow you to see all the spices at once and won’t create clutter in the cabinet.

Cookware and Appliances

Choosing where to store the pots, pans, and baking sheets can be tricky, but we know how to utilize the space to make it easy and convenient for you to start cooking. Close to the oven range should be pots and pans. You want to make sure they are easily accessible and use pots and pan organizers to decrease clutter in the cabinet. The most important tool in having an organized, clean kitchen is to keep the countertops free of clutter. Find a space in the lower cabinets or in the pantry to store appliances like the toaster, crockpot, and blender.

Trash Bins and Cleaning Supplies

Don’t forget to keep efficiency in mind when choosing a location for the trash bin and cleaning supplies. There are three great options when fining a home for the trash bin. Under the sink on a pull-out system, a trash built into one of the lower cabinets, or in the pantry if you have a walk-in pantry. These three options are functional and will keep the trash out of sight. Our go to for cleaning supplies is underneath the kitchen sink. Only keep the cleaning supplies that are used in the kitchen under the sink including dish soap, detergent, and countertop cleaner. (Pro tip for cleaning supply storage: Place your supplies on a Lazy Susan under the sink to have easy access to all the cleaners)