What You Should Know About Remodels and Renovations

Planning a renovation or remodel this year? Make sure to do your research! While a handful of projects can be done independently, some may present more challenges or need more hands on deck. Even the most experienced DIY'ers run into issues they may not anticipate when tackling home improvement, which will end up costing them both time and money in the long run.

Once your initial plans are made, it’s important to map out your next steps. Put together your budget, secure any permits you may need, and work with a designer or building material specialist (hint, hint) if your vision needs an outside perspective. Many people don’t realize how many layers there are to this process until they dive right in. So, keep reading to learn more!

What should be on my home remodel/renovation checklist?

After your design is firmed up, it’s time to start building. But before you begin, it’s important to note that most remodels and renovations require demolition. Out with the old, and in with the new! This could mean tearing down a few walls, an entire structure, or simply removing old flooring. With proper equipment and safety precautions, demolition can be done without professionals, but again, do your research and seek any additional guidance you may need!

Once demolition is complete, it's time to move on to framing. Rebuilding and framing can range from simple to extensive work according to your building design plan. In some cases, you may be framing a room, an entire structure (such as an ADU), or putting in a new wall. Whatever it may be, this is a very important step in the renovation process and design plans should be followed in great detail.

Electrical, plumbing, and HVAC come next as they operate behind the scenes to make your home live-able and comfortable for you and your family. All of these things rest within the walls of your build, making this the next step when carrying out your project.

Once both of these steps are complete, it’s time to rebuild your walls. Make sure insulation is in place and ready for drywall installation. You'll want to make sure the walls have been sanded down so that they are smooth and you're ready to paint your new walls!

Flooring usually comes last before the final touches like appliances or decorative touches are added. This allows for the dust to settle and the paint to dry before diving into another layer of your project.

Now that you know what’s ahead of you, it’s time to let the fun begin! Home renovations and remodels can seem overwhelming at first, but the sooner you begin planning, the easier it will be to envision the end result.

How do I get started on my home remodel/renovation?

Prepare: Break your project down into steps, plan your budget, figure out what materials you’ll need, and who you’ll need to help you navigate your project. In order to complete your remodel, you’ll need to be committed to the project as a whole and the preparation it takes to carry it out.

Set a Timeline: Your timeline will depend on the size and scope of your project. Some bigger projects can take up to almost nine months to complete. If you’re wanting to enjoy your new space during a specific time of year, make sure to consult with the professionals regarding a reasonable timeline to avoid impatience or disappointment. Discussing your timeline with the experts will bring expectations to light and keep you all on the same page!

Set Goals: Explore the reasons behind your desire to improve your home. Do you want to increase value? Add more space? Or, are you simply ready to update an outdated design? Think about the benefits of changing up your space and start envisioning the finished product, even when challenges arise!

Begin the Shopping Process: Create a list of the materials you’ll need, research specific brands, and create a system to stay within your budget. This is where we come in! Central Oregon’s most respected home builders and contractors choose us for top-quality building materials and top-shelf customer service. From foundation and framing to windows and doors, Building Solutions partners with you to deliver the knowledge, experience, and materials required for your next construction project. We specialize in lumber and trusses, decking and siding, windows and doors, hardware and tools, and just about anything else you might need for your commercial or residential building project.

Once the details of your renovation or remodel are squared away, it’s time for your project to set sail. If you’re choosing to take things on as a DIY'er, it’s important to explore common myths surrounding these sorts of projects before moving forward.

Myths About Home Remodeling and Renovation

Remodeling and Renovating are Easy: While some projects can be done in a breeze (TV shows don’t help this expectation), most home remodels and renovations require research, experience, outside help, and plenty of time to complete.

Choosing DIY Projects Always Saves You Money: False. Quality materials can vary in price range. Additionally, it’s crucial that you always plan for the unexpected during DIY projects. As we previously mentioned, sometimes, problems or mistakes may occur. Set aside a chunk of change for redos or changes in plans.

Your Home’s Value Will Increase: If done correctly and well, most home renovations or remodels will benefit your home but not they don’t always increase its overall value. This is where working with a professional can benefit you. If increasing value is your goal, professionals in the industry can help you decide which projects are worth it and which you can hold off on.

You Don’t Need a Building Permit: In most cases, you will indeed need some sort of building permit. Especially here in the Bend area. Make sure to do your research on city rules and regulations, obtaining the appropriate permits before construction.

You Can Always DIY: Not all steps to a construction project can be done alone. If you’re uncomfortable or don’t possess the knowledge to carry out the entire project, don’t be afraid to reach out for help. Your future home will thank you!

You Can Make Things Up As You Go: We know you’re eager to get your project done but rushing the process will most likely result in a letdown. We’ve been clear about the importance of setting aside enough time and properly planning your budget. These steps matter more than making stuff up on the fly.

You Don’t Need to Research Your Building Materials: Finding the proper materials for your space, climate, and expectations is key. Even the types of tools you use can impact the outcome of your remodel or renovation. Make sure to do your research and visit us to ask questions about the types of materials you’re choosing.

It’s time to get going on this year's remodels and renovations! Visit us at our design center to experience brand selection and knowledgeable customer service. We’d be happy to answer any questions you might have regarding your projects and can steer you in the right direction if you need additional support.

Why were we voted Central Oregon's Material Supplier of the Year? Selection and service. Let us show you the Building Solutions difference!

📞 (541) 388-9988

📍 62960 Boyd Acres Road - Bend, OR

DIY Better with Building Solutions

DIY projects are a great way to get the work done just the way you want. These types or projects can also help you gain new skills, save money, and complete projects on your own timeline. While there are many more reasons that you may choose to choose a do-it-yourself project rather than hiring an expert, you should still keep in mind the safety risks that DIY projects can pose.

Whether you are an expert DIY'er or you are just getting into it, safety should always remain a top priority when it comes to working on your project. That is exactly why we have put together this list of safety tips to ensure that you are keeping safe when working on your project.

Ready to begin your DIY project? Make sure you check out these tips below before getting started:

Tip #1: Wear Proper Gear

Be sure to invest in gear and clothing that is best suited to protect you while working on any do-it-yourself project. Depending on the project you are working on, this could be a number of different items. For example, if you are painting or working with harsh chemicals, you will likely need a respirator or mask to shield yourself from inhaling the dangerous fumes. If you are working with saws, especially chainsaws, it is always important to wear safety goggles to make sure wood doesn’t find its way into your eyes.

No matter what specific project you are working on, one piece of gear that you will likely need no matter what, is a good pair of sturdy work boots. These will provide you with stable footing, but will also protect your feet against potential punctures or other hazards that can occur on a construction site.

It is also best that you wear clothes that fit well and are not too baggy. If you have long hair, make sure you pull it back as well. This will protect your hair and clothing from getting stuck around any power tools, which would be a recipe for disaster!

Tip #2: Don't Use Broken Tools

It may seem like a rather obvious tip, but sometimes DIY'ers are willing to take a risk on a dull or damaged tool. When you do so, you are putting yourself at serious risk. Broken tools pose a numerous amount of safety hazards.

If you’ve got old tools, consider upgrading and purchasing new, reliable equipment that will get the job done while keeping you protected. Swing by our design center or give us a call to learn about the materials and tools that Building Solutions Bend offers.

Tip #3: Handle Tools Properly

You may own the proper tools, but do you know the correct way to use them? A huge safety hazard for DIY'ers is not using tools properly. Equipment such as power tools or high-speed blades should not be taken lightly. Before you get started on your project, make sure that you watch some tutorials and read up on some how-to's to make sure that you are handling your equipment the right way.

If you have any questions about how to use the tools, we would be happy to work with you. Get in touch with us and we can either provide you detailed instruction or point you in the right direction for a tutorial on the specific products that you are working with.

Tip #4: Use the Right Tools

Many DIY'ers will try to take shortcuts or simply just use what they have for a project instead of purchasing new materials. You may not want to invest in buying new tools, but using the wrong equipment for your project will likely lead to using the tool improperly, which is a number one cause for DIY injuries.

When it comes to DIY projects, don’t take the shortcut. Be smart and stay safe by using the right materials! Our team of experts would be happy to walk you through this process and help you find the right equipment to get the job done. In fact, our design center in Bend has a wide selection of the best tools from top name brands like Makita and Diablo, and we always have special offers to browse.

Tip #5: Take Breaks

Home improvement projects can be exhausting and with that, you’ll likely become fatigued quickly. Pushing yourself too much will increase your risk for injury or poor decision making, so make sure that you factor this into your work day! It will be important that you take multiple breaks and know when to end each day so that you don't push yourself beyond your limits.

Along with this, be sure that your breaks include drinking plenty of water and replenishing your body with food and nutrients to keep you fueled for the big project.

Tip #6: Clean Up

As a DIY'er, you’ll also need to double as your own safety manager. Cleaning up after yourself is an important component that will keep your job site safe. Make sure that scraps of wood and other project materials are picked up and thrown out so that they do not pose any safety hazards to yourself or others who may be in the area. Wrapping up power chords and putting away tools after use is also a great habit to get into as it will avoid any tripping hazards.

Tip #7: Don’t Rush

You may be tempted to finish your DIY project as soon as you can, but in doing so, you will be tempted to cut corners and rush to finish the job. Not only can this lead to injury, but will also lower the quality of your work, which may cause you to have to re-do or fix your project later.

Some projects are best left to the experts, but if you must complete a DIY project, make sure you are taking the right safety precautions to ensure your project is completed well and that you stay safe while working on it.

Whether you’ve got a big or small project in the works, Building Solutions is here to help you get the job done. Bring your plans into our design center today and learn how we can help you. We strive to help you by providing:

• In-house Takeoffs: We use your plans to generate accurate takeoffs for efficient material sourcing. Let our expert staff calculate exactly what you need.

• Prompt Delivery Crew: Our excellent delivery fleet and drivers mean you get your materials when and where you need them.

• Customer Satisfaction: Why were we voted Central Oregon's Material Supplier of the Year? Selection and service. Let us show you the Building Solutions difference.

Our experienced staff will help you get the right tools for any job. We are Central Oregon’s one-stop-shop for building materials and our reputation was built on quality and service.

Visit us in Bend today, and find everything you need to complete your next project. Oregon’s top home builders and leading contractors choose Building Solutions to get the materials they need to do the job right.

Give us a call today or stop by our design center to learn how we can partner together on your next DIY project.

📞 (541) 388-9988

📍 62960 Boyd Acres Road - Bend, OR

Windows - To Replace Or Repair?

As a locally owned company, we believe that long-lasting building materials benefit our Central Oregon communities and neighborhoods. That’s why we do our best to provide you with high-quality, sustainable materials from lumber and trusses, windows, doors, deck materials, and hardware and tools. We also specialize in handling a building project from beginning to end, from the ground up. From foundation materials down to the doorknobs, we have the knowledge and experience to complete almost any project to create your dream home.

Now onto today’s topic…windows!

Customers often come into the Design Center with questions about window replacement or repair. With goals to save money and energy, we know it can be confusing with all of the options out there. Thankfully, we know which replacement windows to recommend, which to avoid and if what you have is considered unsalvageable.

Central Oregon is a beautiful place to call home and being comfortable in your own home is well worth investing in. Sometimes your windows just need a few repairs to get them back to their original condition and we would be happy to help you navigate this process. Consider these factors when you think this is the case…

YOUR WINDOWS NEED TO BE REPAIRED IF:

Cracked and broken glass- The first things to consider when your windows are cracked are safety and appearance. Most of the time, single-pane windows can be easily repaired whereas multi-paned windows can not. If you’ve been dealing with window problems for a while though, it may be time to look into other options.

Damaged muntins or mullions- Muntins are the vertical dividers that divide panes of glass in a window while mullions separate two sides of the window itself. Most of the time, rotting muntins or mullions can be repaired by removing the glass, cleaning, and applying fresh putty.

Stuck window sashes- In many cases, older window sashes get stuck due to layers of paint or the sash getting off track. Usually, this problem is able to be fixed with a window sash replacement kit.

Broken exterior drip cap- New drip caps can be easily purchased, fixed, nailed, and caulked into place.

Degraded exterior trim or casing- Not only is this unattractive, but it can also make your windows susceptible to more damage. Although you most likely won’t need an entirely new window here, you want to make sure you choose weather-resistant products or paint during the repair.

Minor water leakage- Many cases of interior leakage are caused by poor drainage, whether that be your gutters or other systems around your house. Make sure to check areas around your windows before assuming the windows themselves are leaking.

The hope is that any problems you may be facing with your windows can be repaired but if this is not the case, we have an experienced and knowledgeable staff that will help you choose the best window replacement options for your home and location.

YOUR WINDOWS NEED TO BE REPLACED IF:

Foggy windows or noticeable condensation- Unfortunately, this is usually an indication that your windows need to be replaced. Sure, the glass itself can handle moisture, but when condensation gathers between panes, it’s time to replace those windows.

Rotting wood or insect damage- Rotting or damaged wood can allow air to leak into your home. There are many reasons why wood deteriorates, including insect damage, but if your window frames are thoroughly rotten or damaged, new windows are worth the investment in the long run.

Problems with the outer structure- Whether you need a new-construction window because the area surrounding the window is also in poor shape, or simply a replacement window, when the structure itself is falling through, it’s time to replace the window.

Major water leakage- Major leakage can be a sign that the casing is shot or irreplaceable but when it does seem as if water is coming through the windows and no issues to the surrounding exterior area can be detected, looking into replacements is recommended.

Photo Credit: Milgard

Whether you’re experiencing drafts, condensation, or broken glass, or have aesthetic concerns about your windows, replacing them is always an option. Since 2003, our experienced professionals have been supplying Central Oregon’s leading home builders and contractors with new, replacement and upgraded windows or doors. We carry a variety of choices from the most reputable manufacturers like JELD-WEN, Milgard, Prime Window Systems, Weather Shield, and Ply Gem.

If we don’t have what you’re looking for in stock, we can get it ordered and even delivered. We’re proud to say our service area covers most of Central Oregon, including Redmond, Madras, La Pine, Sisters and Sunriver!

As mentioned, we can also help you access whether what you’re dealing with is replaceable or repairable. Our building material experts begin with the in-house takeoff from your blueprints and, when necessary, will visit your jobsite to ensure accurate measurements and planning.

Let’s get started on your next project! Stop by and take a look at the color choices and specialty glass samples, or our wood and vinyl options. You won’t be disappointed with the money you save having a more energy-efficient home!

(541) 388-9988

62960 Boyd Acres Road - Bend, OR