What Makes a Home Gym Feel Like a Retreat, Not an Afterthought
For years, home gyms were whatever space was left over: a room in the basement, a corner of a guest room, a yoga mat hidden under a bed.
For many Americans, the holidays are among the most important parts of the year. Nothing can replace all the festivity, the friends, the family, the food and the sheer beauty of the season.
Of course, most Minnesotans are far from thinking about the holidays, since the heat of August is still upon us. Still, there’s one element that must be considered well ahead of time if it’s to be considered at all — and that’s home renovations. If you’re considering putting in a new kitchen so you can prepare food for a houseful of revelers, turning your basement into a cozy guest suite or adding on that high-ceilinged great room that can accommodate a 10-foot Christmas tree, it’s best to get started with preparations right now.
Not only will many building contractors seek work as the warm-weather season winds down, but you may find that new appliances and other features are dropping in price in preparation for the release of next year’s models. And of course, many builders must book jobs months ahead of time to ensure they can fit them into their schedules.
“Of course you want the project done sooner than later so you can start enjoying the finished product, but setting a realistic expectation of how long the project may take and where possible delays may occur can mean the difference between frustration and patience,” notes one Angie’s List article. “Generally, the more specialized trades, such as electricians and plumbers, and the more permits and inspections necessary, the longer the project will take overall. In many cases … you’ll be without the use of areas of the home or the entire home.”
As such, here are some projects you may wish to move forward with well before the snow flies in Minnesota.
- A bells-and-whistles kitchen. If you’ve long wanted an up-to-the-minute kitchen with new appliances, smart features, stone countertops, high-quality cabinetry, ample storage, comfortable seating and/or upgraded lighting, this may be the time — especially if you plan to entertain heavily over the holidays. Expect a full kitchen gutting and remodel to take one to six months depending on complexity, advises Tom Silva in the Huffington Post.
- A functional entryway or mudroom. In Minnesota, a large entry area with plenty of storage space can be a godsend when it comes to keeping inclement weather (and wet, dirty outdoor gear) away from living areas. A spacious entry can make a stellar first impression for guests while stowing all things outdoorsy.
- A spacious great room. Building one open area that houses elements of your kitchen and living and dining rooms can create spaciousness that lends itself to family togetherness, large gatherings, multiple furniture configurations and often great Minnesota vistas.
- A new or bigger garage. Minnesota winters can be brutal without a decent-sized garage, preferably a heated one offering plenty of room for hobbies and storage all year round.
- A cozier, more functional basement. Finishing off your basement could feasibly double your living space, especially during the holidays when you may wish to entertain. Your choice of uses is virtually endless and ranges from guest suite to game room to man cave to craft area.
Trying to be proactive about your next home renovation so you can get it done before the holidays? Talk logistics with the experts at Titus Contracting by calling 888-932-4796.
