What Is a Punch List?
The punch list is a final, crucial step of a renovation. Here’s how they work. (Above) Renovation for Sweeten homeowners Dia + Alex. Photo by Kate Glicksberg for Sweeten. A punch list is a list of tasks put together by a homeowner that needs to be completed by their contractor. The punch list needs to […]
203(k) Loans: What to Know When Clients Use Them
203(k) loans come with strings attached. Understand how they work, and when they can—and can’t—be used. In addition to cash, home equity loans, and home equity lines of credit, many homeowners pay for their renovations with Federal Housing Administration 203(k) loans. How do 203(k) loans work? These federal loans come with strings attached: they can […]
Do You Need Permits to Remodel a Bathroom?
Discover if you’ll need a permit for your bathroom remodel based on the work, how you’ll file the permits, and your building codes When do you need permits to remodel a bathroom? It’s easy to understand why bathroom remodels are one of the most popular home renovation projects. We demand a lot from our bathrooms! […]
Editor’s Picks 2021
A look back at 2021’s top renovation stories that made dream homes come to life With 2021 coming to a close, we take a look back at some of our most popular remodels and stories on Sweeten’s blog. These eight posts represent a 360-degree view of common renovation questions when a homeowner decides to renovate. […]
My Sweeten Story: A Retro Pink Bathroom Takes a Modern Turn
A small-spaced bathroom remodel in Philadelphia maximizes every inch to fit a deep soaking tub “After” photos by Kristina Kroot for Sweeten Homeowners: Kait and Patrick posted their project on Sweeten as first-time homeowners Where: Philadelphia’s Point Breeze/Newbold neighborhood, Pennsylvania Primary renovation: A full-scale rip-and-replace of the small outdated bathroom original to their 1920 home […]
My Sweeten Story: A Loft-like Garage in LA Brightens Up
This garage remodel in Los Angeles increased the home’s square footage by nearly 40 percent “After” photos by Luminous Vision for Sweeten Homeowners: Saima and Tom, two UCLA administrators, found their general contractor by posting their garage remodel in Los Angeles on Sweeten Where: LA County in Inglewood, California Primary renovation: A freestanding two-car garage […]
Renovating Design Trends in Miami
From kitchens and home offices to outdoor spaces, the top Miami home remodeling trends point to function, customization, and color (Above) Indoor/outdoor room by designer Sam Robin. Photo by Ken Hayden. In Miami, homeowners are increasingly drawing their design inspiration from color and nature. At Sweeten, we’ve observed how these themes inform the most popular […]
Cost Guide for a Home Remodel in Dallas
Sweeten’s guide to home remodeling costs in Dallas: kitchen, bath, whole home; plus outdoor deck & permit costs Dallas is the ninth-largest city in the United States. It’s the headquarters for multiple Fortune 500 companies like American Airlines. There’s the Dallas Cowboys (as well as real cowboys!) And of course, there’s BBQ. Dallas is a […]
Simple Renovation Materials Make a Big Impact
Simple renovation materials, like budget tile and low-maintenance cabinets, refresh 3 homes with ease When deciding whether to renovate your home, many aspects are considered. Having your budget and scope aligned and how to best manage and prepare for delays are top questions. Another concern is finding the right renovation partner to help guide through […]
A Modern Makeover in a West Village Kitchen
In this West Village kitchen, a waterfall island adds storage and a work surface “After” photos by Pixy Interiors for Sweeten Homeowners: Erin and Jonathan posted their West Village kitchen renovation project on Sweeten Where: West Village, Manhattan, New York Primary renovation: Refresh and create a new kitchen layout in their 750-square-foot apartment Sweeten general contractor Sweeten’s role: Sweeten […]