CnS Contracting was voted the Best Contractor in Monmouth 2016
Contractor
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Tinton Falls
732.996.5577
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11 Incredibly SKINNY Houses from around the World
You've heard about the Tiny House Craze that's taking over, but what about a Skinny House... Could you live in one of these???
KANONIA 20-22 IN WARSAW, POLAND
This comically tiny building in Poland is rumored to have been built this way because the 17-century tax system was based on the width of a home’s front-facing facade. It was restored after World War II to look much like it did back then.
EDNA ST. VINCENT MILLAY HOUSE IN NEW YORK CITY, USA
75 1/2 Bedford Street is New York’s narrowest house. According to Curbed, Cary Grant, John Barrymore, Edna St. Vincent Millay and Margaret Mead have all called the skinny Greenwich Village townhouse home. Built in 1850, the building was listed for sale on StreetEasy for $3.5 million in 2013.
LA CASA ESTRECHA IN OLD SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO
Known in English as The Narrow House (fittingly), this two-story building is only five feet wide. It stretches 36 feet back, however, and is a popular stop for tourists in Puerto Rico.
THE WEDGE IN GREAT CUMBRAE, SCOTLAND
The front of this super-skinny home is just 47 inches wide, though it gets wider toward the back (hence its name). The one-bedroom has been featured in the Guinness Book of World Records and was listed for sale at $112,416 in 2015, according to the Daily Mail.
A NINE-STORY TOWER IN A CORUÑA, SPAIN
Located on the northwestern tip of Spain, this surprisingly skinny tower looks to be in disrepair, but is a surprising feat of engineering nonetheless.
SINGEL 166 IN AMSTERDAM, HOLLAND
This unassuming building is the narrowest house in Amsterdam at just under six feet wide. Like many narrow homes, however, the house gets more spacious as it extends back from the street.
A FOUR-FOOT WIDE HOUSE IN SEATTLE, WASHINGTON, USA
This 860-square-foot railroad-style house is also wedge-shaped, allowing for a bigger interior than it might appear to have from the side. It was built in 1925 and was recently listed for sale at $473,400.
THE SKINNY HOUSE IN BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS, USA
This aptly named home at 44 Hull Street in Boston’s North End is the narrowest in the city, at only 10.4 feet at its widest point. Local legend has it that the house was built this way because of a brotherly feud — two brothers inherited the lot from their father. but one built a large home while the other was away at war, leaving him only a small patch of land.
THE HOLLENSBURY SPITE HOUSE IN ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA, USA
According to the New York Times, Alexandria’s famous skinny house is called the Spite House because John Hollensbury, who owned the adjacent homes, constructed it in 1830 to prevent horse-drawn wagons and loiterers from entering his alley. The building is 25 feet deep and is a landmark in the city’s Old Town district.
THE KERET HOUSE IN WARSAW, POLAND
Named for Israeli writer Etgar Keret, this was considered the world’s narrowest house when it was constructed in 2012. It was conceived by architect Jakub Szczesny and is just under 5 feet at its widest point. Located between two buildings form different eras in history, it hosts visiting artists in a residency program.
LA CASA ESTRECHA IN OLD SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO
This narrow, modern house was built by Pitman Tozer architects on a lot just over 7.5 feet wide. The site was the side alley and back garden of an adjacent property until the skinny home was completed in 2007.
Projects to Complete by Labor Day
Are you hosting a party this Labor day? Here are some projects to consider for preparing for the big day.
Read More5 Projects that Boost Home Value and 5 Cheap Alternatives
Not all home improvements pay for themselves, but here are 5 projects that offer homeowners the best return along with five cheap alternatives.
IMPROVEMENT: ADD ATTIC INSULATION
Hold off on those flashy, pricey renovations, because energy efficiency is what really pays off. Adding fiberglass insulation to the attic to help maintain a home's temperature can bring just under a 117 percent return on investment, according to the Remodeling 2016 Cost vs. Value Report. That makes it the best bang-for-your-buck project on the magazine's list. Remodeling's experts ballpark an average cost of $1,268 nationwide, but that includes hiring a pro to do the dirty work.
BUDGET ALTERNATIVE: INSTALL A PROGRAMMABLE THERMOSTAT
Looking for a cheaper energy-efficient fix? Homeowners can install a programmable thermostat to save roughly $180 a year on energy bills, according to the government's Energy Star program. Basic models cost as little as $50. For $200 to $300, a Wi-Fi-enabled "smart" thermostat, can detect when you're away, turning down the air conditioning or heat automatically. Bonus: These thermostats appeal to younger homebuyers who are accustomed to smart devices, according to Consumer Reports, and some utility companies offer significant rebates to customers who install them.
IMPROVEMENT: SWAP SIDING FOR STONE VENEER
Nothing dates a house quite like dirty, aging vinyl siding. Swapping just the bottom third of that siding for manufactured stone veneer can seriously boost a home's curb appeal and bring a nearly 93 percent return on a homeowner's investment, according to the Remodeling 2016 Cost vs. Value Report. The magazine's experts estimate that replacing 300 square feet costs a nationwide average of $7,519.
BUDGET ALTERNATIVE: WASH EXISTING SIDING
Cleaning vinyl siding costs next to nothing, so homeowners who can't stomach spending thousands on stone may want to invest some elbow grease instead. The Vinyl Siding Institute recommends using a soft-bristled brush, mild soap, and water to clean siding. Its website also features a list of recommended cleaners for grimier jobs and specific stains such as rust or grease. Power washers are fair game as long as the siding manufacturer allows them, but be sure to follow all directions. For instance, aiming a power washer higher than eye level can drive water behind the siding, experts warn.
IMPROVEMENT: REPLACE THE FRONT DOOR
Replacing a tired-looking front door may be a smart move. This simple project can recoup a bit over 91 percent of its cost when you sell, according to the Remodeling 2016 Cost vs. Value Report. A steel door is a better value than fiberglass for most homeowners. Opting for a fiberglass door could still lead to a tidy 82 percent return on investment, but it also costs more: an average of $3,126 compared with $1,335 for steel, according to Remodeling's data.
BUDGET ALTERNATIVE: ADD QUICK CURB APPEAL
A new front door can make a home more eye-catching, but smaller projects can help, too. Painting an existing front door can cost as little as $50 in primer, paint, and supplies -- just be sure to pick the right color. While a bold, contrasting front door can make a house stand out, steer clear of gaudy hues that clash with the home's style or existing color scheme. (Still in doubt? White and red have perennial appeal, according to Angie's List.) Other cheap updates: Dress up plain windows with shutters for about $50 a pair, and consider adding flower-filled planters or window boxes for additional color.
IMPROVEMENT: REPLACE GARAGE DOORS
Don't stop with the front door -- the garage door may need to be replaced, too. This project also brings a return of about 91 percent on homeowners' investment, according to the Remodeling 2016 Cost vs. Value Report. Again, a basic steel door is a good bet, and the magazine's experts say the average cost is $1,652. For a similar return on investment, the report says prospective sellers in upscale areas may want to splurge on higher-end carriage-style doors with a heftier price tag of more than $3,000.
BUDGET ALTERNATIVE: FAKE A CARRIAGE-STYLE DOOR
Some new paint can also work wonders for a garage door on the cheap. Again, use the home's existing color scheme and the overall look of the neighborhood for guidance. And don't stop with paint: For $300 to $500, consider adding faux decorative windows to the top of the garage door, as seen on HouseLogic. Updated exterior lighting and decorative hardware such as powder-coated pull handles can complete a high-end carriage-door look at a fraction of the price.
IMPROVEMENT: REMODEL THE KITCHEN
Kitchens sell houses, according to prevailing real estate wisdom. So it's no surprise that homeowners can recoup 83 percent of the cost from a minor kitchen remodel, according to the Remodeling report. That includes replacing cabinet doors and hardware; switching out laminate counters; and adding a mid-range sink, energy-efficient appliances, and new flooring. The magazine's experts estimate an average cost of $20,122 for this kind of remodel.
BUDGET ALTERNATIVE: REFRESH THE KITCHEN FOR LESS
At more than $20,000, even a "minor" kitchen remodel is still be too pricey for many homeowners. To keep costs low, try painting cabinets instead of replacing the doors. Add a sleek tile backsplash for big impact -- depending on the type of tile and amount you need, you may be able to do it for less than $1,000, even with professional installation, according to HomeAdvisor. And if high-end counters are out of the budget, take another look at laminate. These days, it can do a credible impression of granite or even marble. Homeowners can spend as little as $1,575 for 30 linear feet of laminate, compared with $4,440 for a granite slab, according to HouseLogic.
10 Mind-Blowing Cabinets Everyone Needs to Have in Their Home
Check these out...great ideas to keep in mind when looking at Cabinets.
Easy & Cheap DIY Ideas
Nowadays everyone wants more for less, so we're obliged to help you DIY upgrade your home for as little money and time as possible.
Paint
One of the most effective DIY upgrades you can perform is repainting a room. You can usually do this for around $100, and be done in a day or two. Now that spring is here, it's the perfect time to add some new, bright colors to your home!
Mirrors
Hanging a framed mirror on the back of a door will create the illusion of depth in the space and make it appear more upscale,
Frame Light Switch Plates
For only a handful of dollars, buy frames that fit around your light switch plates. Paint them both the same color, glue them together, and reinstall. Viola!
Install a Dimmer
If light switches aren't your thing, then consider installing a light dimmer. Having it not cranked up high will help save your electric bill - and set the mood for a romantic home-cooked meal.
Most Requested Outdoor Kitchen Features
Looking to have an outdoor kitchen added to your backyard? Well don't miss out on adding anyone one of these highly requested kitchen features.
Read MoreArea Rug Layout Rules Pt. 2
Three more rules; further educate yourself about the concept of area rug layout
Read MoreArea Rug Layout Rules Pt. 1
Are you thinking about switching carpeted floors to hardwood with area rugs? Or, do you want to know how to properly incorporate area rugs into a room, keep on reading.
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