Brunswick's Mystery Construction

Brunswick, Ohio, is a city that boasts convenience, comfort, and fun for its residents. With a range of recreational activities, restaurants, and historical sites, it's a place where people can truly enjoy their surroundings. The city also has a low crime rate and prioritises essential services such as fire and emergency response. In addition to its intrinsic beauty, Brunswick has a strong sense of community, as recognised by its 'Good Neighbour Award'.

For those looking to build or renovate in Brunswick, there are plenty of options. From custom build homes to luxury homes and condominiums, the city has a variety of new construction projects underway. LPB Construction Inc. is one such company, offering renovation and construction services with over 60 years of combined experience. All Construction Services is another, providing top-quality products and installation services for both residential and commercial builders.

Renovation and construction services

Indoor Renovations

For indoor renovations, LPB Construction Inc. is a licensed, bonded, and insured company with over 60 years of combined experience. They offer a range of indoor renovation services, including luxurious showers and complete kitchen makeovers, ensuring a personal touch for every project.

Outdoor Renovations and Upgrades

LPB Construction Inc. also specializes in outdoor upgrades, such as pavilions and patio roofs, as well as electrical, lighting, and other custom amenity additions.

Insulation, Fireplaces, and More

All Construction Services, with an extensive showroom in Brunswick, provides top-quality products and installation services for both residential and commercial builders and the general public. Their product line includes energy-efficient insulation, smoke and fire-stopping applications, durable interior and exterior stone veneer, custom shower doors, seamless gutters, and highly efficient fireplaces.

Other Services

Brunswick, OH, also offers a range of other construction and renovation services, including deck building, remodelling, and home improvement.

Outdoor home improvements

There are many ways to improve your outdoor space, and many companies that can help you do it. LPB Construction Inc., for example, is a third-generation home improvement contractor in Brunswick, OH, that can help with your outdoor space upgrades. They specialize in pavilions and patio roofs but also offer electrical, lighting, and other amenities to ensure your exterior project is done right the first time.

If you're looking to sell your home, Realtors recommend increasing your home's curb appeal before listing it. This can add value to your home and make it more enjoyable while you're still living there. Here are some outdoor home improvements that can increase your property's value:

• Landscaping: A well-maintained lawn, garden, and yard can increase your home's value by 5.5%-12.7%.
• Walkways: Pressure wash your walkways and, if needed, modernize them with new stone or concrete and solar lights to illuminate the path.
• Outdoor living space: Adding a deck or patio can increase your outdoor living space and create a relaxing and entertaining area. Built-in features like seats, planters, hot tubs, awnings, and pergolas can enhance this space. You can expect up to a 69% ROI for your patio and 80% ROI for your deck.
• Fire pits: Adding an outdoor fire pit is a popular feature and great for entertaining, offering up to a 78% ROI.
• Outdoor kitchen: Consider adding an inset grill, cooktop, storage with stainless steel drawers, a sink, and countertops. You can expect an ROI of 71% for an outdoor kitchen.
• Home façade: Updating your home's exterior, such as replacing siding (94.7% ROI), adding stone veneer (102.3% ROI), or replacing your front door (100.9% ROI), can yield big returns.

These improvements can make your outdoor space more enjoyable and functional while also adding value to your home. Remember to hire licensed and experienced contractors like LPB Construction Inc. for your outdoor home improvement projects.

Indoor renovations

Planning and Design:

Start by identifying your renovation goals and creating a wish list of changes you want to make. It is essential to prioritize must-have items and nice-to-have items to stay within your budget. Consider the layout, functionality, and aesthetics of your space. You may want to remove walls to create an open concept, rearrange the floor plan, or simply update the finishes and fixtures.

Selecting a Contractor:

Choosing a licensed and experienced contractor is crucial for a successful renovation project. Look for contractors with strong credentials, such as LPB Construction Inc., which has over 60 years of combined experience and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Ask for referrals from friends and family, and always get multiple estimates to compare pricing and services offered.

Permits and Inspections:

Before starting any renovation work, ensure you obtain the necessary permits and schedule inspections with the City of Brunswick's Building Division. The Chief Building Official and the Building, Property Maintenance/Zoning Inspectors can guide you through the permitting and inspection process to ensure your project complies with all relevant codes and regulations.

Managing the Project:

Effective project management is key to staying on schedule and budget. Communicate regularly with your contractor, and be clear about your expectations and timelines. Ask for progress updates and address any issues promptly. It is essential to be flexible and prepared for unexpected delays or complications.

Common Indoor Renovations:

• Kitchen Remodel: Updating your kitchen can involve replacing countertops, cabinets, appliances, and flooring. Consider adding an island for more counter space and storage.
• Bathroom Renovation: Renovating your bathroom may include installing a new shower or bathtub, updating fixtures and lighting, or creating a more spacious layout.
• Flooring Upgrade: Opt for durable and aesthetically pleasing flooring options such as hardwood, tile, or luxury vinyl planks.
• Interior Painting: A fresh coat of paint can instantly transform your space. Choose colours that reflect your style and create the ambiance you desire.
• Lighting Fixtures: Update old lighting fixtures to improve illumination and create a modern look. Consider energy-efficient options to reduce power consumption.
• Plumbing and Electrical Work: Ensure that any plumbing and electrical work is performed by licensed professionals to avoid future issues.

Final Walk-Through:

Once the renovation is complete, conduct a final walk-through with your contractor. Create a punch list of any final touch-ups or issues that need to be addressed. Ensure that all your renovation goals have been met and that you are satisfied with the results.

Remember, indoor renovations can be a rewarding investment, increasing the functionality, comfort, and value of your home. By carefully planning, selecting reputable contractors, and effectively managing the project, you can achieve the indoor space of your dreams.

Insulation and waterproofing

Insulation

The 2012 International Building Code (for the U.S.) and the 2010 National Building Code of Canada (which came into effect in 2012) have raised the bar for energy efficiency and insulation. One major update is the shift from cavity insulation to continuous insulation (CI). This type of insulation is defined as "insulation that is continuous across all structural members without thermal bridges other than fasteners and service openings." It can be installed on the interior or exterior wall and is typically made of rigid sheet foam.

Waterproofing

With the increase in continuous insulation, the way waterproofing is applied has also been affected. In the past, buildings were drafty enough that moisture-laden air wasn't an issue. However, with today's tighter buildings, water, air, and moisture vapour can build up inside wall cavities, leading to mould and mildew.

To address this issue, waterproofing contractors often use a spray-applied waterproofing product to seal foundation walls and then immediately apply foam board to the wall, using the tacky product to hold the boards until the wall is back-filled. It is crucial to ensure that the waterproofing product is compatible with the foam to prevent damage.

Air/Vapor Barriers

Another important consideration in building construction is air/vapour barriers. Vapor barriers are designed to keep water vapour out of the wall assembly while allowing any vapour within the assembly to escape. Most water vapour moves with air currents, so there is often confusion between vapour barriers and air barriers. Air barriers are typically also vapour barriers as they control the movement of moisture-laden air.

The placement of these barriers has become more complex with the introduction of continuous insulation. In cold climates, adding rigid insulation to the exterior and discontinuing the use of an interior vapour barrier can help prevent condensation and mould.

Best Practices

To ensure effective insulation and waterproofing, it is essential to understand how water, air, and moisture barriers work together with continuous insulation. Below-grade continuous insulation is now standard practice, with building codes calling for an R-10 continuous insulation on the exterior of basement foundation walls.

Additionally, rigid foam insulation often includes built-in grooves for drainage, eliminating the need for a separate drain sheet and protection board.

By following these guidelines and best practices, builders can create energy-efficient and safe structures that meet the latest building codes and industry standards.

Fireplaces and accessories

If you're looking to build a fireplace in Brunswick, Ohio, there are several contractors and companies that can help you with your indoor renovation. LPB Construction Inc., for example, is a licensed home improvement and remodelling contractor that serves Brunswick and its surrounding areas. They have over 60 years of combined experience and offer free estimates.

When it comes to fireplace accessories, there are several options to choose from that can enhance the functionality and safety of your fireplace. Here are some essential accessories to consider:

• Fireplace Screens: One of the most important safety features, fireplace screens keep the flames and popping ash from escaping while allowing heat to pass through. There are several types of screens available, including three-panel, spark guard, door screens, and curved screens.
• Fireplace Tool Sets: A good set of tools will come in handy when making fires regularly. Typically, these sets include a poker, tongs, shovel, brush, and a tool stand. The poker helps to move and adjust logs, the tongs are for repositioning, the shovel scoops up remnants, and the brush sweeps away ash and debris.
• Hearth Rugs: Designed to protect the flooring near your fireplace, hearth rugs can help prevent sparks and embers from damaging your floors and carpets. They come in various shapes, including oval, half-round, and rectangular, and are made from wool, fiberglass, or synthetic materials.
• Fire Extinguishers: Fire extinguishers are essential for protecting your home and family in case flames escape the fireplace.
• Log Racks: Log racks are useful for organizing your logs and keeping them off the ground. This helps to keep bugs away and allows the wood to dry out effectively.
• Grates and Andirons: Grates and andirons secure wood-burning logs inside the fireplace, preventing them from falling or rolling out. Andirons also add a decorative touch.
• Heating Inserts: These inserts can be wood-burning, pellet-burning, biomass fuel-burning, or electric. They increase heat output with the use of a blower.
• Gas Log Sets: Gas log sets mimic the look of real logs and are used in gas-burning fireplaces. The gas lines run into the logs, enabling flames to rise between them.
• Mantels: Mantels can be added to most fireplaces and are perfect for displaying decor or housing a flat-panel TV.

These accessories will not only enhance the aesthetics of your fireplace but also make it easier and safer to use.

Frequently asked questions