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Built-In Bookshelves | Blackline Renovations Dallas, Texas

A place for everything, and everything in its place. For many of us, this proverb seems more like a fantasy than reality. So if your home is more nightmare than sweet dream, read on for a round-up of clutter-busting ideas that will turn that frown upside down.

Entryways

Your best bet for a welcoming, clutter-free entryway is simply to acknowledge the “stuff”. There are shoes, coats, bags, and the day’s mail, so make sure it all has somewhere to go and fast. When it comes to junk mail, your best bet is to file it with your bills or toss it – immediately! If you’ve got little ones at home, designate a special memory box for their most special arts and crafts projects. Snap digital photos of any other memorable artworks to keep them for posterity. Go vertical to keep floors clear of backpacks and coats by staggering hooks on the wall. Utilize a small cabinet or basket to collect shoes, or hang a shoe organizer on the back of your coat closet door to organize your family's scarves, belts, and gloves. 

Bathrooms

In your bathrooms, go vertical yet again. Hanging storage solutions like hooks can minimize clutter. Hang a wooden board then mount mason jars with hose clamps for easy access to cotton balls, swabs, toothpaste, or makeup brushes. Drawer inserts can organize small items and assorted bottles.

Kitchen

Use creative cabinet accessories like wastebasket pull-outs or sliding drawers in base cabinets wherever possible; in tight spaces, access is everything! And as tough as it is, ditch the junk drawer. Recycle small jars or pill bottles with a repurposed spice rack to all those house buttons, pins, and other small crafting supplies. The same method works perfectly for pesky nuts, bolts, nails and drill bits in the garage. Replace all those drawers you've emptied out with a hidden outlet for charging phones and other devices safe from kitchen spills and other hazards found on the countertop. 

If after trying some of these techniques, you’re still struggling with clutter, it’s time to get professional help.  A contractor can build in cabinetry under your stairs or elsewhere to maximize dead spaces with storage. A home renovation can help you devise a shelving system in your garage or new closets to keep clutter off the floors. Whether you want to remodel the garage for your outdoor projects or transform a bedroom closet into a crafting niche, our design-build services can help you make the most of your space. Give us a call to start brainstorming you storage solutions today!

Sincerely,

Chris Black

Chris Black
President
Blackline Renovations
214.773.5566
Chris@BlacklineRenovations.com

Please check out our new website: www.BlacklineRenovations.com

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Blackline Renovations of Dallas, Texas has won “Best Of Design and Customer Service” on Houzz®, the leading platform for home remodeling and design. The residential remodeler was chosen by the more than 35 million monthly unique users that comprise the Houzz community from among more than one million active home building, remodeling, and design industry professionals.

Six-time award winner Blackline Renovations has won the Best of Houzz design award for the past four years and the Best of Houzz design award for the past two years. The Best Of Houzz is awarded annually in three categories: Design, Customer Service, and Photography. Design award winners’ work was the most popular among the more than 35 million monthly users on Houzz. Customer Service honors are based on several factors, including the number and quality of client reviews a professional received in 2015. Architecture and interior design photographers whose images were most popular are recognized with the Photography award. A “Best Of Houzz 2016” badge will appear on winners’ profiles, as a sign of their commitment to excellence. These badges help homeowners identify popular and top-rated home professionals in every metro area on Houzz.

Chris Black, owner of Blackline Renovations, said, “As a full service residential design-build remodeling firm, we take the separate tasks of budgeting, designing, and construction and deliver them in one streamlined package.  By offering both design and building services, we are able to greatly reduce our client’s stress during any kind of home remodeling. We are honored that our commitment to customer service and exceptional design are being highlighted by Houzz.”  Houzz takes tremendous pride in showcasing accomplished businesses. “Anyone building, remodeling or decorating looks to Houzz for the most talented and service-oriented professionals” said Liza Hausman, vice president of Industry Marketing for Houzz. “We’re so pleased to recognize Blackline Renovations, voted one of our “Best Of Houzz” professionals by our enormous community of homeowners and design enthusiasts actively remodeling and decorating their homes.”

Follow Blackline Renovations on Houzz, BubbleLife, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Google+

For more information or to contact Blackline Renovations:

Chris Black, President
Blackline Renovations
214.773.5566
Chris@BlacklineRenovations.com

Please check out our new website: www.BlacklineRenovations.com

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Laundry Room | Blackline Renovations | Dallas

At the dawn of a new year is the perfect time to reflect on what worked in 2015 and imagine new possibilities for 2016. Whether your home renovation project is big or small, there's likely somewhere to add value to your home.

Millennial Trends

These 80-90 million adults born between the early 1980s and early 2000s are changing home buying and renovating when it comes to home features, interior design, and outdoor space. As the largest group to emerge since baby boomers, millennials are just beginning their era of impact.

Fewer Embellishments

Millennials are not generally looking for all the traditional details and fancy materials that can increase a home's price. Moldings, which used to be a sign of status and craftsmanship, no longer hold allure and make some buyers wonder what's hiding beneath them. Millennials splurge on separate laundry facilities and walk-in closets instead.

Technology

A Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate (BHGRE) survey of 18 to 35 year olds found that eighty-four percent of respondents believe updated technology is a home essential. Fifty-six percent ranked home technology capabilities as more important than curb appeal. BHGRE's survey named their most sought-after home technology features as an energy-efficient washer and dryer (57%), a security system (48%), and a smart thermostat (44%). 

Low Maintenance

Budget-conscious millennials are trending toward smaller homes in the suburbs with open floor plans, low-maintenance landscaping, and storage. With average homeownership of 10 years in their first home, millennials opt for high quality, long-lasting materials and are more likely to choose bold colors to personalize their homes. Smaller homes also mean multi-functional interiors to maximize space and utility.

Empty Nester Trends

Unlike space-starved millennials, empty nesters often face the challenge of under-utilized spaces. Having rooms that you no longer need on a day-to-day basis gives you space to enlarge the family room, move the laundry room, build your dream kitchen, expand the foyer or create a spa-like master bath retreat. 

Suite Style

Whether it's upgrading an attic space or combining small bedrooms, creating a new master or guest suite tops the list of renovation projects for empty nesters. Accessibility-focused updates accommodate both aging homeowners, as well as the growing families of adult children who come to visit.

Entertaining

Upgrading your kitchen from family-oriented efficiency to a combined eating and dining space geared for entertaining is another popular renovation. Classic white cabinets accented with stainless steel and upgraded ceramic, stone, or hardwood floors continue to please across generations. Large sliding glass doors and picture windows that connect exterior and interior spaces are also popular upgrades.

Empty No More

Creating your dream home office, game room, or crafting center are classic uses for the empty rooms grown children leave behind. Whether it's built-in cabinetry, a wet bar, or tranquil yoga/spa lighting, personalizing your spare room will definitely enhance your quality of life.

No matter what upgrade you want to see in your home in 2016 and beyond, a professional contract can draw up plans that bring your vision to life and help you stay in budget.  Give us a call to start your new year with a new project. 

Sincerely,

Chris Black

Chris Black
President
Blackline Renovations
214.773.5566
Chris@BlacklineRenovations.com

Please check out our new website: www.BlacklineRenovations.com

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Pearce Addition Blackline Renovations | Chris Black | Dallas

The pitter-patter of little feet, the click of furry paws on tile, and the roar of power tools and pounding hammers. Ah, progress, how sweet your sound. The survival of your loved ones and your sanity is possible during a home renovation, but there are definitely some key things to consider.

Safety 

Home renovation projects do take time, so you are well-advised to plan ahead and to make safety everyone's top priority. Securing young children or pets out of harm's way is key. Using tools like safety gates or other barriers to restrict access to the room(s) under construction will keep curious fingers and noses from exploring hazards. Offering children their own toy tool sets can help them feel part of the action and give their excitement an outlet. Work zones are best avoided completely, but when impossible the ease and effectiveness of a pack-and-play is undeniable. 

New Routines

If your kitchen or bath are to be out of commission for weeks, you have some necessities to consider. Can you setup a mini-fridge and camping-style cooktop or microwave in another room? How will your family need to adjust their morning rush to accommodate sharing facilities? Creating a new “normal” proactively will go a long way to keep moods upbeat. Plan ahead some simple breakfasts and lunches to keep the natives fed, round up your delivery menus, and don't forget to stock up on disposable dishes!

When choosing when to start your home renovation, consider your family's seasonal activities as those too will likely be impacted by your changes. Playoff games or visiting relatives may influence your timeline, but also realize that no project will flow perfectly no matter the time of year. Discuss your expectations with your family, and give everyone a chance to voice their concerns before work begins. Being clear on priorities will enable easier negotiations as you execute contracts and setup arrangements with the trades who will improve your home. 

Getting Out 

Noise and dust; it will be a reality. So make sure to plan for those times when it's best just to get lost for awhile. Rely on nearby friends and family, parks and malls for quick breaks. A local library is a great place to get some work done or let the kids do their homework in peace. In addition to budgeting for the expense of eating out more, leave some room for fun activities in your budget. Take advantage of any local attractions, and play tourist for the day. Turn drudgery into discovery!

Despite the potential pitfalls of construction around kids/pets, your newly renovated home will be its own reward that lasts for years to come. When you hire a design-build firm like ours, you can be assured that your temporary growing pains are manageable symptoms of making your dream home a reality.  Give us a call at 214-773-5566 to get your next home improvement project started.  

Sincerely,

Chris Black

Chris Black
President
Blackline Renovations
214.773.5566
Chris@BlacklineRenovations.com

Please check out our new website: www.BlacklineRenovations.com

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In my last two posts, I shared my thoughts on experiencing a home renovation first hand as I lived through the complete remodeling of my master bathroom.  Despite the mess and frustration I felt during the process, the outcome has exceeded my expectations.  Designing and building my master bathroom from scratch has given me a space that is completely customized to my taste and furnished with every amenity I needed.  Are you wondering what you could include in your dream bathroom?  

Embrace Technology

If you’re looking for a tech-savvy bathroom, you can find all kinds of gadgets to add in.  With a stereo system and Cove lighting, you can achieve any kind of ambiance you’re looking for.  There are even remote-controlled toilets that are self-cleaning. For even more comfort, you can add a heated floor.  Radiant heated flooring will keep you warm while you unwind. Built-in towel warmers are yet another way technology can keep you comfortable.  

Find Your Zen

More than anything, a bathroom should be a place of calm and relaxation.  A deep, freestanding soaker tub or a steam shower are perfect places to wash away any stress that’s leftover from the renovation process.   You could even splurge on a few high-end materials like Carrera marble or hand painted wallpaper to make your bathroom a true designer’s dream.  Using natural materials like teak or stone will add beauty to your bathroom while also creating a calm space. 

Don’t Forget the Powder Room

It’s tempting to spend all of your time and money renovating the master bathroom, but don’t forget to update your powder rooms, as well.  You can maximize space in a small bathroom with wall storage.  Add an accent wall to make the space special or install a unique light fixture to create depth.  When you are looking at lights for a bathroom, make sure that they are designed to be in spaces with water and moisture.  You’ll also want to check your areas building codes to ensure you are building safely.  

The sky is the limit when it comes to creating a luxurious bathroom.  With a design-build renovation firm, we can help your vision come to life on time and on budget.  We even handle all of the permitting to ensure your remodel is safe and up to code.  

Call us today at 214-773-5566 to explore your remodeling ideas. We look forward to hearing from you!

Sincerely,

Chris Black

Chris Black
President
Blackline Renovations
214.773.5566
Chris@BlacklineRenovations.com

Please check out our new website: www.BlacklineRenovations.com

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Remodeling a home can be one of the most stressful experiences of a homeowner’s life. There’s dust and dirt, noise, big decisions, deadlines, and — likely the most stressful of all — the cost of the remodel. 

As detailed in last month’s Part 1 article, I recently renovated my master bathroom. Even with years of experience in the industry, I went against my own advice that I give my clients and lived in my home during a major remodel. Trust me — going through a remodel isn’t easy.

The Mess
Maybe the most obvious sign of a remodel is the mess that will take over your home. Even with plastic coverings and the best intentions of workers, you’re likely to have a layer of dust over most surfaces in your home. Don’t worry — though it might drive you crazy at the time, we’ll clean it all up!

Should I Move Out?
One of the hardest decisions for homeowners is when to stay in the home and when to move out during a remodel. To be frank, if you have the option to move out, do it, especially if you’re remodeling a kitchen, bathroom or creating an addition. Also consider that you may be temporarily losing things like air conditioning, gas, electricity, water and hot water. It is recommended that you move prior to the project’s start date, as the beginning is always the messiest part. Move back in once the punch list is completed.

Maintain Easy Access to Your Belongings
It’s inevitable – just as soon as you pack something away into that already overflowing closet during your remodel, you’ll need it. If you temporarily move out of your home, you’ll have the space to set up your belongings for easy access. 

Stress of Watching Home “Destroyed”
You’re remodeling because you want a change, but that doesn’t mean you’ll enjoy the process of workers tearing apart your home. It can be sad to see the home you’ve created memories in “go away,” but ride it out and you’ll get a much better version of your home where you can make new memories. A remodel is like surgery — you have to go through chaos to get order.

Strange People in Your Home
While we are confident in everyone working on your project, it can still be disconcerting to have so many strangers coming in and out of your home each day, disrupting your daily routine.

Unexpected Costs
If possible, avoid changing materials and designs during the remodel. Make your decisions in advance, or last-minute changes will cost you. On top of the inconvenience of a remodel, these unexpected (and often high) costs will only add to the stress of the construction.

Wait It Out
Ready for some good news? If planned and executed correctly, your home will be beautifully updated, and in the end, the months of stress, inconvenience and mess will be worth it.

Call us today at 214-773-5566 to explore your remodeling ideas. We look forward to hearing from you!

 

Sincerely,

Chris Black

Chris Black
President
Blackline Renovations
214.773.5566
Chris@BlacklineRenovations.com

Please check out our new website: www.BlacklineRenovations.com

 

Blackline Renovations is now on Social Media!

We are excited to share great content, behind-the-scenes pictures, and more on our social media pages.  Click the links to “like,” “follow” and “+1”!

 

 

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“Living through a home renovation is like living in the wild... you do whatever it takes to survive.” (author unknown)

During the ongoing remodel of my master bathroom, I decided that the least disruptive way for me to monitor the process while maintaining access to my living space and home office was to remain in my home. After all, home renovations are what I live and breathe, and I pride myself on a hands-on, highly organized and thorough approach.

However, soon enough I realized that my plan was unrealistic. I made the mistake of not taking my own advice...the advice I routinely give to clients when I recommend that they relocate for the duration of their home renovation project. I didn’t want to move, I didn’t want to commute and, most importantly, I didn’t want to lose control of the situation by not being able to assess the project up-close every day.

Certainly, I was not prepared for the disruption that comes along with any renovation. As much as I had prepared for relocated belongings and furniture, my routine has been interrupted, which is stressful. While the work zone is cordoned off to keep the surrounding area tidy, living in this temporary environment of tools and supplies, not to mention the constant stream of people and equipment moving throughout my home all day, is frustrating. Naturally, these are the typical and expected side effects of embarking on a remodeling project.

For all of these reasons, I strongly urge clients to seek alternative living arrangements when they are undergoing a significant remodel. I realize that this is not always a possibility for financial or logistical reasons; however, scheduling the work during a planned vacation, staying with friends or extended family or renting a smaller space short-term are options worth seeking. I have found that when people move out, they are simply happier and the benefits are well worth the inconvenience. Clients want to see the end result that they have imagined and they don’t need to suffer through the disruptions along the way.

Out of sight does not mean out of mind, however. Our clients are always kept apprised of the details and status of their endeavor. We pride ourselves on communication and trust, and homeowners know that we continually evaluate the project’s plan, budget and timetable throughout the process. With this approach, they don’t merely survive during the renovation of their home; they thrive upon its successful and beautiful completion.

Call us today at 214-773-5566 to explore your remodeling ideas. We look forward to hearing from you!

This is Part 1 of a two-part series. Next month, we’ll bring you updates on the completed remodel and additional tips to consider during your own home remodel.

 

Sincerely,

Chris Black

Chris Black
President
Blackline Renovations
214.773.5566
Chris@BlacklineRenovations.com

Please check out our new website: www.BlacklineRenovations.com

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After 14 years in the remodeling industry as CB Construction Company, we are changing our brand to better serve your needs. 

When starting this company, I intentionally left the name very generalized because I was unsure of the direction I would ultimately pursue in the construction industry. Within a few years, my passion started to focus on residential design-build, but at the time I didn’t have the resources to re-brand. After much thought and collaboration over the past year, we have re-branded to clarify our company’s position as we move forward. I am pleased to introduce our new name: Blackline Renovations.

We are the same company and team, dedicated to exceptional service and quality standards while delivering your project in a streamlined process of budgeting, design and construction.

Our primary service area still encompasses greater Dallas, with our focus in Highland Park, University Park, Preston Hollow, Lakewood, and the M-Streets.

This is an exciting and important milestone for our company. We will continue to improve in all aspects of our service to you, and we look forward to our continued relationship for many years to come.

If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact me. 

Sincerely,

Chris Black

Chris Black
President
Blackline Renovations
214.773.5566
Chris@BlacklineRenovations.com

Please check out our new website: www.BlacklineRenovations.com