Are open floor plans more expensive?

• <div><p>Yes, open floor plans can be more expensive to build than non-open floor plans. The primary reason is the need for additional structural support to ensure stability, which can increase construction costs. Additionally, open floor plans need powerful HVAC systems to maintain temperature in a wider space. Finally, open floor plans need more flooring to cover a large area. If you are buying a home with an open floor plan, you won’t see dramatic price differences compared to a home with more rooms.</p></div>

Can you add a bay window to an existing house?

• <div><p>Yes, you can install a bay window in an existing house. You’ll need to have a structural engineer draw up plans to add the necessary support to your exterior load-bearing walls and a general contractor to make the changes to the framing around the new wall opening. This will cost an average of $3,000. After that work is done, a window installer can set the new bay window in place. </p></div>

What should I consider when hiring someone to raise my sunken living room?

• <div><p>Selecting the right <a href="https://www.angi.com/nearme/general-contractors/">general contractor</a> 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:</p><ul><li><p>Get recommendations from neighbors and friends who might be able to suggest contractors they’ve used.</p></li><li><p>Request written quotes to help set your budget and expectations.</p></li><li><p>Verify your contractor’s credentials to ensure a professional and legal finished product.</p></li><li><p>Read the contractor’s proposed contract to make sure you agree to all terms, including the project timeline, cost, and materials. </p></li><li><p>Keep copies of all relevant documentation.</p></li></ul><p></p></div>

What is the most in-demand home improvement?

• <div><p>Every homeowner dreams of a newly renovated kitchen and bathroom that meets their exact standards. Having a freshly designed kitchen or bathroom can make life easier and feel more luxurious. Both of those areas of the home get a lot of wear and tear and can look outdated more quickly than a living room or bedroom, so it’s easy to see why they are such in-demand home improvements. Having those spaces in tip-top shape can also improve the value of their home.</p></div>

What is modern cottage-style?

• <div><p>Modern cottage style holds true to the traditional architectural components of a cottage—including a small footprint, simple floor plan, and a focus on connection to nature. However, it also embraces more modern styling ideas that add some elegance to the rustic appearance, similar to the <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/dreaming-french-country-home.htm">French country home style</a>. The style includes natural materials, like wood, stone, and linen, but it presents them in a more modern or even contemporary way. Some modern cottage homes even incorporate more ornate decor, which wouldn’t hold up in a traditional cottage that focuses on simplicity and functionality over flashiness.</p></div>