As the leaves and snowflakes begin to fall in Northeast Ohio, and the air grows crisp with the arrival of winter, many people start planning their escape to warmer climates, otherwise known as "snowbirding." This annual migration of people escaping the cold in search of sun and relaxation is a beloved tradition for many; however, if you're one of these snowbirds, you may find yourself wondering what to do with your home during the winter months. While you're flocking south, your empty nest presents the perfect opportunity for wintertime renovations that will transform your living space and create a cozy haven to return to when spring arrives.

Winter Renovation Advantages

While it may seem counterintuitive to start your Cleveland area home renovations during the colder months, winter is actually an ideal time for several reasons:

• Home Renovation Companies Usually Have More Availability: Winter is often a slower season for contractors and renovation professionals. This means you're more likely to secure their services and have your projects completed without a long wait.
• Minimal Disruption: When you're away for the winter, you won't be inconvenienced by the noise and disruption that can come with home renovations. Your absence also ensures a peaceful transformation of your home and can allow the work to be completed faster as your schedule won't clash with that of the contractors. This not only reduces the stress and inconvenience often associated with home renovations, but also provides a more streamlined workflow for the professionals working on your project.
• Preparation for Spring: With wintertime renovations, by the time you return in the spring, your home will be ready to embrace the warmer weather with open arms. This forward-thinking approach means you can maximize your enjoyment during the rest of the year.

Ideas for Wintertime Home Renovations

From kitchen makeovers to the allure of a roaring fireplace, these winter renovation ideas will inspire you to create a home that welcomes you with open arms when you return from your winter adventures. So, let's dive into some of the most popular ways to transform your nest during the coldest season of the year.

• Kitchen Revamp: If you've been dreaming of a kitchen upgrade, the winter months provide ample time to plan and execute. You can install new countertops, cabinets, or even opt for a full kitchen makeover. Imagine returning to your snowbird nest with a sparkling, modern kitchen to greet you.
• Bathroom Updates: Renovating your bathrooms during the winter and while you are away is a great idea. Consider a luxurious spa style upgrade or even a complete remodel. If you have been thinking about adding an additional bathroom to your home, the wintertime can be the perfect time to do so.
• Basement Remodeling: Unleash the potential of your basement by converting it into a multi-functional space. Whether you envision a home theater, a guest suite, or a game room, your basement can become the heart of entertainment, for when you return home after the winter months, and provide additional living space.
• Attic Makeovers: When it comes to wintertime renovations, that dusty, neglected attic can become a charming and functional part of your home. While you are away, it can be transformed it into a cozy attic bedroom, a home office, or a quiet reading nook. The possibilities are endless.
• Home Additions: If your home has been lacking space, while you are relaxing in the sun, you can expand your living space by adding new rooms to your house. A wintertime home addition can seamlessly blend with your existing structure, providing you with additional space for your growing needs.
• Garage Expansion: If you need extra storage or workspace, consider adding to your garage. This can be the perfect time to create a workshop, hobby space, or simply a more organized and functional storage area. Your winter renovations can turn your garage into an extension of your living space.

While we have reviewed some of the most popular wintertime renovations for snowbirds in Northeast Ohio, there is really no limit to how you can transform your home while the snow is falling and you are basking in the sunshine.

Winter home renovations are an excellent way to make the most of your snowbird lifestyle. By embracing the advantages of the season and the benefits of remote project management, you can transform your nest into a cozy and rejuvenating space. As you flock south, you'll have the joy of returning to a newly improved and welcoming home.

If you're ready to embark on a journey of home renovation and transformation, contact Sanctus Builders. By choosing Sanctus Builders for your Cleveland area home renovations, you're not just investing in your property; you're investing in the future comfort and joy of your family. With a reputation for excellence and a portfolio of beautifully transformed homes, we've earned the trust of homeowners across the Northeast Ohio region. So, pack your bags, contact us, and get ready to create your ideal home to return home to.

As the cold weather settles in in the Cleveland area, spending more time indoors becomes inevitable. Homeowners often find themselves looking for spaces that offer both functionality and coziness during the colder months, when most of us are trying to avoid the brisk breezes and changing weather outside. If you're fortunate enough to have a bonus room in your home, you have the perfect blank canvas to create a retreat of warmth and comfort. We are going to explore some ideas to help you come up with things you can do with that bonus room in your home, so you can create a space where you can fully enjoy and ride out the colder temperatures.

What is a Bonus Room?

Most people are familiar with all of the rooms in a home; however, the bonus room can be one that leaves you wondering what it is and what you can do with it. A bonus room, unlike other rooms in the house that have designated functions, such as bedrooms, a kitchen, or a home office, offer flexibility in their use. In essence, a bonus room is a room defined by its lack of purpose or the fact that it has no specific function. Normally, bonus rooms do not meet local building code definitions for traditional rooms. For example, codes will typically require that a bedroom have a window, closet, and a certain number of electrical outlets (Wikipedia).

Basically, a bonus room, also known as a flex room, is an additional space in a home that serves a versatile purpose and does not have a predetermined use. It is typically an extra room that is not designated as a bedroom, kitchen, living room, or other specified room. Bonus rooms can be any size and located on the main floor, upper floor, or even in basements or attics; they are a “bonus” space in your home no matter where they are located.

What to do With that Bonus Room in Your Home

The beauty of a bonus room is that it can be transformed and adapted to suit the changing needs of the homeowners over time. Whether it becomes a cozy retreat during the colder times in the year, an entertainment hub, a functional workspace, or a versatile multi-purpose room, the possibilities are endless. The flexibility of a bonus room allows homeowners to maximize the potential of their living space and create a customized area that enhances their lifestyle and meets their specific requirements.

When the weather outside is less than desirable, it’s the perfect time to turn your home’s bonus room into a useful space that may become one of your favorite places in your home. Below we explore some ideas for things you can do with that bonus room in your home.

• Home Office and/or Homework Space: One of the most common ways homeowners use this flexible space is by transforming it into a home office or homework space. You can convert your bonus room into a functional workspace that inspires productivity. Quiet and free from distractions like TV and video games, a few comfortable chairs, desk, proper lighting, and storage items, can turn a big, empty room into a peaceful and inspiring place for both kids and adults.
• Library: Often times, due to their lack of purpose, flex rooms are created with weird angles, low ceilings, and sometimes what a homeowner may believe unusable areas. No matter what the layout, an awkward room is great for books, so why not turn the space into a home library? You can store books and/or movies, add some lamps and seating, and create a great place to escape the day-to-day to catch up on some reading.
• Game Room: Game rooms come in really handy during the times when people tend to be inside more. For those who love gaming or enjoy hosting game nights with friends and family, a bonus room can be the ultimate game room. Add comfortable seating, tables, ample storage for games and accessories, and whatever else you need to turn your bonus room into a hub of entertainment and friendly competition.
• Home Gym and/or Wellness Center: As temperatures drop, it can become challenging to maintain an active lifestyle. Convert your bonus room into a personal fitness and wellness center, encouraging regular exercise and self-care. Consider installing gym equipment, such as a treadmill, stationary bike, or weights, based on your fitness goals. Additionally, you can create a serene corner for relaxation, yoga, and meditation, complete with comfortable seating, soothing scents, and soft lighting.
• Craft and Hobby Room: The colder months in Northeast Ohio provide an excellent opportunity to explore your creative side. Convert your bonus room into a craft and hobby haven, tailored to your specific interests. Whether you enjoy painting, sewing, woodworking, or any other craft, dedicate a space where you can indulge in your passion. Install ample storage for supplies, a spacious work surface, and good lighting to create a comfortable and functional space for your creative endeavors.

When the colder months force us to spend more time indoors, having a well utilized bonus room can be a game changer. With a little imagination and creativity, you can renovate this space into an inviting retreat that enhances your indoor experience. The possibilities are endless.

Whether you are looking to add an addition to your home, so you can create that perfect bonus room, or wanting to remodel your space to make it into your dream room, Sanctus Builders is here. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help transform your Northeast Ohio home with a home renovation or addition.

When it comes to designing your perfect home, for most people, it is hard to imagine one without a space that is dedicated to laundry. With more than 80% of households in the United States owning a washing machine, it’s safe to say that this appliance is basically a must have. It’s very likely you have a washer and dryer, but now comes the tough decision of where is the best location for you to put them. Where are the best places for a laundry room that allow you to maximize your home’s space and functionality?

Why is a dedicated space for laundry important in your home’s design?

Before we can review the best places for a laundry room, you may be trying to determine if you actually really need one. As home building experts, where you locate your washing machine and dryer is really up to you; however, we understand how busy your daily life is, and know that having an extra space to organize all of the things you need on a daily basis and to do your laundry, is important. An organized and updated laundry room provides a welcoming environment while doing that chore that very few enjoy.

A laundry room offers several advantages that can greatly enhance the functionality and convenience of your home. Here are some key benefits of having a dedicated laundry room:

• Organization and Efficiency: This defined space allows you to keep your laundry tasks contained and organized, preventing clutter from spreading throughout the house.
• Noise Control: Laundry machines can be loud. Having a separate laundry room helps contain and minimize the noise generated by the washer and dryer.
• Additional Treatment and Cleaning Capabilities: You can incorporate additional cleaning features, which can enhance your laundry routine, into the space. Think about adding a utility sink for handwashing delicate items, pre-soaking stained clothes, or rinsing out cleaning supplies.
• Added Storage Options: This one goes hand-in-hand with organization. Having cabinets, shelves, and countertops in the space, gives you a place to store detergents, fabric softeners, stain removers, ironing supplies, and other laundry essentials.
• Mudroom Usage: Your laundry room, depending on the space available, can double as a mudroom, providing a convenient area for removing and storing shoes, coats, and other items. It can even work as an additional closet in your home.

Adding a dedicated laundry space to your home, can help you streamline your laundry routine, maintain a cleaner and more organized home, and allow you to enjoy the convenience that comes with one area for all of your laundry needs.

Where are some of the best places for a laundry room in a home?

Now that we have reviewed why a laundry room in your home can make all the difference, it’s time to get into where the ideal place to put one is. This can be a rather difficult decision for homeowners, whether they are building a new home or renovating an existing one, finding the perfect spot for your laundry room can greatly enhance the functionality and convenience of your home.

Finding the ideal place for the laundry room depends on some things that may be out of your control, especially in an existing home. You need to find an area in the home that is conveniently located, but not so close to living areas that noise becomes an issue. You will want to ensure that the laundry room is large enough to accommodate big appliances, yet not so large as to take away from the house's living areas. The space will also need to have access to a range of utilities that can be difficult to move or extend. Think about where you have or can add the proper electrical components, plumbing and a water supply, some type of drain system, sturdy supported floor, dryer vent or a place to put one, and more.

When deciding on the best place for a laundry room in your home, as we said, efficiency, convenience, and functionality should all be top of mind. Every household is different, so where the most suitable place in your home for this space is, is really up to you. Some of the most common places that homeowners put this dedicated laundry space are:

• Off or Near the Kitchen
• Converted Hallway Closet (on any level of the home)
• Mudroom or Entryway
• Basement or Utility Room

If you are limited on space, we have seen homeowners add washer and dryers to their bathrooms, kitchens, garages, and more. These spaces are less of a dedicated space, but will still provide you with a location to wash off the day’s dirt and grime.

What floor you put the laundry room on, really depends on what you want to do. For some homeowners it’s convenient to have this space close to the majority of bedrooms, for others, they want it out of sight and out of hearing range.

Are you looking to add a laundry room to your Northeast Ohio home?

Finding the best place for your laundry room is a key part of optimizing your home's functionality and convenience. Whether you have a dedicated room, a mudroom, or a small closet, there are numerous options to suit your needs. Evaluate the available space, consider proximity to bedrooms or high-traffic areas, and take noise control into account.

Sanctus Builders can help you create a laundry room in your Northeast Ohio home that enhances your daily routine and helps keep your home clean and organized. We can guide you through locating a place in your home that is perfect for this space and provide design suggestions along the way. Our design experts can help you create a laundry or mudroom that is just right for you and your home. We can offer custom tile, cabinetry, and countertops to meet any of your needs in these accessory spaces.

Contact us today to get started.

When it comes to your home’s design, whether renovating an old one or building a new one, there are many things to consider, one of which is the overall layout. The plan for your home should be created with all household members, your lifestyle, and your style and preferences in mind. In the last few decades, more and more homeowners have started to decide to create homes with an open floor plan. We are going to review what this type of layout is and take a look at some of the pros and cons of an open floor plan for your home.

What is an Open Floor Plan?

Open floor plans have seemed to be all the rage in home design over the last few decades, so it’s very likely you are familiar with what this type of layout is, but in case you are not, we have got you covered.

An open floor plan is a design concept that involves having no walls or minimal partitions between different areas of a living space, such as the living room, dining room, and kitchen. In an open floor plan, these areas flow seamlessly into one another, creating a more spacious and connected feeling in the home.

An open floor plan doesn't mean all rooms are connected, nor does it mean there are no barriers at all between the rooms. Open floor plans apply only to common areas. Rooms like bathrooms, bedrooms, and offices are usually exempt from this style of layout (the spruce).

Pros and Cons of an Open Floor Plan for Your Home

Recent surveys have found that Americans are split on open-concept homes, with 51.2% preferring an open layout and 48.8% preferring a traditional layout. That’s basically a 50-50 split. If you are deciding if an open floor plan is right for your home, you are not alone.

To help you make this tough design decision for your Northeast Ohio home, we review some of the pros and cons of an open floor plan home below.

Pros:

• More natural light: Without walls blocking the light, an open floor plan allows natural light to flow freely throughout the home, making it brighter and more inviting.
• Improved socialization: An open floor plan allows for better communication and interaction between people in different areas of the home. It creates a more social and inviting atmosphere, which can be ideal for families or people who like to entertain.
• Increased flexibility: An open floor plan can be versatile, allowing homeowners to rearrange furniture or use the space for different purposes. It can also make a small home feel more spacious.
• Better flow: An open floor plan creates a seamless flow from one area of the home to another, making it easier to move around and navigate in the space.

Cons:

• Less privacy: An open floor plan can compromise privacy as there are no walls to block sound or visual cues from one area of the home to another. The lack of a sound barrier can be an issue.
• Limited storage: Without walls, there are fewer opportunities for storage, making it harder to hide clutter or keep things out of sight. Not to mention less areas for artwork and to include some of your personal flare to the space.
• More difficult to heat and cool: Open floor plans can be more challenging to heat and cool since there is no natural separation between areas. This can result in higher energy bills.
• Potential for a cluttered look: With everything in plain sight, an open floor plan can create a cluttered or messy appearance if not kept tidy. If you have kids and/or pets, this can be a major deciding factor in whether an open floor plan is right for your home or not.

An open floor plan can offer many benefits, such as improved natural light and socialization, but it may also have some drawbacks, such as limited privacy and storage. While we have reviewed some of the pros and cons of an open floor plan for your home, keep in mind, what may be a pro for some may be a con for others, and vice versa. Ultimately, it depends on your lifestyle and preferences whether an open floor plan is suitable for your home or not.

If you are looking to build a new home in Northeast Ohio or looking to remodel your new home, or one that you have lived in for years, at Sanctus Builders, we know that your home project is important to you. We will work with you every step of the way to ensure you have a floor plan that works for you and your home.

Contact us today to get started on creating your dream home.

If you have decided to renovate your home or build a new home, one of the last things you are likely thinking about is the hallways. While the importance of having hallways in a home cannot be denied, they are one of the least exciting parts, to many, when it comes to home design. When you are updating or building a new home, your hallways should not be forgotten. They are used daily, usually multiple times, and give you a great opportunity to showcase artwork, mirrors, and other focal points. This may not be a question you have considered yet, but how wide should a home’s hallways be? Let’s review.

How Wide Should a Home’s Hallways be?

The width of a home's hallways can vary depending on the specific needs and preferences of the homeowner; however, a general rule of thumb is that hallways should be at least 36 inches wide to accommodate people and furniture comfortably. There are actually rules regarding the width of a home’s hallways. The International Residential Code specifies that a hallway needs to be at least 36 inches wide, which is 3 feet. Local cities and jurisdictions may also have specific requirements. Your local home renovation or building team can help you better understand what is needed where you live.

Rules and guidelines aside, how wide a home’s hallways should be, depends on the people living in the home. While there may be a minimum requirement, many people opt for larger and more spacious corridors. There are things you should consider when deciding how wide your home’s hallways should be:

• Home’s Occupants: If the hallway will be used by someone with a mobility device, such as a wheelchair or walker, it is recommended that the hallway be at least 42 inches wide to allow for easy passage.
• Additional Use of Space: If the hallway will be used for multiple purposes, such as seating, storage or displaying artwork, a wider hallway may be necessary. Think about if you want to add a table or other furniture to the space.
• Doors and Openings: It's also important to consider the layout of the home and the location of doors and other openings when determining the width of hallways. Typically, you will want to allow enough space to have a door open and for people to be able to comfortably get by.
• Flow and Floor Plan: Hallways should be wide enough to allow for easy movement between rooms without feeling cramped or cluttered. Think about what areas of the home are connected by the passageway and things that will need to regular go through the area. If the hallway is by a laundry room, will the laundry basket comfortably go through?

Ultimately, as long as your home is up to code, how wide your home’s hallways should be, really depends on you.

Can a Bigger Hallway Make a Difference in Your Home Design?

Bigger hallways can make a home appear more spacious, as they provide a sense of openness and flow between rooms. A wider hallway can also make it easier to move furniture and other large items through the space. Keep in mind, the overall size and layout of a home will also play a significant role in how spacious it appears.

When it comes to designing your dream home in Northeast Ohio, Sanctus Builders can help. Our experts can guide you through all of the decisions, even how wide your home’s hallways should be and what we recommend based on their usages and the overall look and feel of the space.

At Sanctus Builders, our team of knowledgeable professionals, general contractors, and skilled tradesmen, with over 70 years of combined experience, has worked with hundreds of homeowners in Cuyahoga and Lorain Counties to ensure that they have the home of their dreams. We have integrity in all that we do, are honest and respectful, and will treat your home like it is our own. We strive for excellence and accountability and aim to provide high quality and affordable services and outstanding customer service.

Bring your vision and we will deliver with passion. Bring your plans and we will bring them to life. Bring your ideas and we will build them. Contact us to get started today.

When it comes to what is the most remodeled room in the home, there is some debate over what space in the home this belongs to. It is likely no surprise that kitchens and bathrooms both fall at the top of the list. While kitchen renovations tend to occur slightly more often than bathrooms, they are very close in comparison. Either way, as Northeast Ohio home builders and renovation experts, we have seen just about every request you can imagine. When it comes to transforming your home, there are some things you can do to make both of these rooms shine.

Current Home Renovation Trends

According to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), the kitchen is the most popular room to remodel. 81% of remodelers said kitchens were their most common renovation, while bathrooms were a close second at 80%. Whole home remodels were the third most common. Room additions, came in fourth.

As we stated above, that most remodeled room in the home, in most cases, is the kitchen, but the bathroom is also highly up there. What is driving these renovations? According to a survey of 2,000 homeowners done by One Poll, more than two-thirds (69%) of homeowners want to update their home's appearance. A few features topping their wish lists include more open space (31%), more natural light (30%), and improved function (34%) (National Associated of Home Builders). Both the kitchen and bathroom can help homeowners fulfill these desires.

Kitchen Remodeling

The kitchen is the centerpiece of the home and it deserves to shine. It’s where meals are cooked and enjoyed, and tends to be a gathering spot for all household members. It’s a place to nourish family, welcome friends, try a new recipe or a beloved family favorite, and truly connect with loved ones. Your Northeast Ohio kitchen should reflect your unique needs and style. If your kitchen is not up to your functionality and design standards, it could be time for an upgrade, hence why it’s one of the most remodeled rooms in the home.

Kitchens are a reflection of a home's personality and your personal style, with that, kitchens tend to become dated much faster than other rooms throughout your home. When it comes to a kitchen renovation, the possibilities are endless. From open floor plans, to custom countertops, to high-end appliances, to colorful tiles, there really is no limit when it comes to a home kitchen renovation.

Bathroom Refresh

Let’s not forget about the bathroom when it comes to the most remodeled room in the home, there is also many reasons why this space falls on the list as a close second to kitchens. Like kitchens, bathrooms can age fast, and also like kitchens, people want this space to be one that is unique and functional for them and their home.

Your home's bathroom is one of the most used rooms in your home, also arguably one of the most essential spaces. A beautiful, well-designed bathroom is a place where you look forward to performing the basic necessities to get you through the day and can also be a relaxing oasis where you can wash away a long day’s stress and recharge. Whether you need more space or more luxury, bathroom remodels are a great way to improve your home and your life. From updating your shower enclosure to adding an additional sink, the bathroom renovation possibilities can go on and on.

Remodeling Your Northeast Ohio Home

If you are looking to remodel your Northeast Ohio home, whether it’s one of the most remodeled rooms in the home or not, Sanctus Builders can help. At Sanctus Builders we are dedicated to helping you create your perfect home in Cuyahoga and Lorain Counties. We offer countless options when it comes to home building and remodeling services.

Bring your vision and we will deliver with passion. Bring your plans and we will bring them to life. Bring your ideas and we will build them! Contact us today to learn more about how we can help transform your Northeast Ohio home.