Get matched with top remodel designers in Forest Ranch, CA

Open floor plans can come with drawbacks—mainly the lack of privacy and noise dampening. Walls act as an important barrier for traveling sounds, meaning in an open floor plan you could hear your dishwasher running while sitting in your living room. Storage limitations and separation of activities (for example, keeping the kid’s playroom away from the dining room) are other reasons some homeowners are opting out of an open floor plan.

This is definitely a matter of personal taste, but certain spaces might be better suited to recessed lighting than others. Areas where you need good task lighting, such as the laundry room, kitchen, or home office could be good candidates for recessed LED lighting. You also might choose to use it for a sleek, subtle lighting option in a living room where you want to highlight other aspects of the space.

Renovating just before a move is worth it in cases of severe damage or decay—or if you're actually just making home improvements to flip and sell a property. If your home is in otherwise good condition, don't burden yourself with additional tasks when you're already busy packing. And if something needs to be fixed, try to plan to do it at least a few months before your big move.

Selecting the right general contractor to tackle a job like raising a sunken living room can feel like an overwhelming prospect. Follow these tips to find, vet, and hire the best local contractor for your project:

• Get recommendations from neighbors and friends who might be able to suggest contractors they’ve used.

• Request written quotes to help set your budget and expectations.

• Verify your contractor’s credentials to ensure a professional and legal finished product.

• Read the contractor’s proposed contract to make sure you agree to all terms, including the project timeline, cost, and materials. 

• Keep copies of all relevant documentation.