Common Mistakes People Make On Their Kitchen Cabinet Installation

When looking for kitchen cabinet installation services, it is important to work with a professional that knows what they are doing.  Many homeowners try to do this themselves, thinking that it will be easier than it is.  Fortunately, whether you have us create customized cabinets or order them online, we can provide the kitchen cabinet installation services you need to get the job done correctly.

Here are some common mistakes people make:

• Not finding the studs.  When your home was built, the contractor would have created a frame using studs (typically 2X4 pieces of wood).  The insulation would have gone in between, with drywall secured to them.  When you look at your wall, you see the drywall and not the studs underneath.  Drywall is a thin material and should only be used to hang the lightest of picture frames.  If you try to hang cabinets without securing them to a stud, they will fall down, if not immediately, once the dishes are in place. 
• Hanging them crooked.  It is fairly easy to hang cabinets and have them come out crooked.  As the house settles, the ceiling and floors may dip slightly so you can’t do this by site alone. You need to use a level and check it frequently.  We make sure that they are straight and level when completing a kitchen cabinet installation.
• Damaging the surface or face.  If you struggle while putting your cabinets in place, it can be easy to damage their surface.  After spending money on new ones, this is a fast way to instantly make them appear old or dated. 
• Not measuring correctly.  It is important to properly measure the space so that your cabinets are the right size.  Otherwise, you could end up with a kitchen that only looks partially finished.
• Gaps.  People, that are new to installing cabinets, may find it challenging to connect them perfectly, creating gaps in between them that leads to an unprofessional or unfinished appearance. 
• Trouble opening and closing.  If the hinges are not installed correctly, your cabinets may not open and close like they should.  This is especially challenging with installing the drawers since they need to smoothly open and close.

We provide professional kitchen cabinet installation services so that you can avoid all of these common mistakes when remodeling your kitchen.  Cabinets are a significant investment into your remodel.  Whether you have them created specifically for your home, buy them online or at the hardware store, they are not cheap.  Paying money for your new cabinets then taking a shortcut with the installation is unwise.  This can lead to further damage of your cabinets or worse yet, your kitchen.  If, for example, they are hung without using a stud, you never know when the unit will fall down. When it does, someone may be hurt; your dishes broken and a hole created in your wall.  In order to avoid a situation like this, we highly recommend working with a professional that is licensed and bonded such as ourselves. 

Why You Should Hire a General Contractor Instead of a Handyman

For many homeowners, it can be difficult to know the difference between a general contractor and the local handyman.  With both adverstising the ability to do home repairs and remodeling, many people get confused and simply hire the first person they come across or someone advertising a special rate. Unfortunately, this can get you into a lot of trouble.  For most families, their home is their largest and most expensive asset.  As such, it is unwise to risk it by working with someone that can’t get the job done right. 

The Local Handyman
When a person puts themselves out to be a handyman, they may or may not have any professional training.  This is based on the individual but certainly none is required to fulfill this role.  They may be someone that did small jobs here and there and decided to go into business for themselves.  Additionally, many handymen are not licensed or bonded as a contractor.  This means that if they don’t finish the job or do it incorrectly, there is no bond to go after. They can work by themselves or as part of a franchise. 

The General Contractor
In order to become a general contractor, you must go through training. In fact, many general contractors have either an associate or bachelor degree in construction management.  After obtaining this classroom training, most will then enter an apprenticeship program or work as an assistant to gain on the job experience before becoming an official general contractor.  This is a high ranking position within the construction industry because a general contractor knows how to complete the work but more importantly, coordinates it.  A general pulls together all of the other tradesmen to get the job completed correctly, on time, and on schedule.  For example, they coordinate the electrician, plumber, carpenter, and tile worker for a bathroom remodel.  A general contractor is also bonded and insured in order to provide additional protection for homeowners. 

The difference between a handyman and general contractor are vast.  It would be similar to working with someone trained in first aid and a certified nurse or doctor.  One has the skills necessary to tackle basic and common issue while the other is trained to handle more complicated cases and understand all aspects of what must be done.  As a homeowner, it is important to hire someone that you can trust to get the job done correctly so when interviewing people, be sure to ask if they are a general contractor. 

It is also important to note that when a company is bonded and insured, you have protections under the law.  If, for example, you hire someone to remodel your kitchen and they start, but never finish, you can go after their bond. General contractors have one, so this can give you additional confidence. Most handymen, do not have a bond so if they don’t finish the job your best option will be to pursue them in small claims court.  This is one additional reason you should work with a general contractor for any major home repair or remodel. 

Flooring Ideas For Your Bathroom Remodel

If you are planning a bathroom remodel, it is important to select the right flooring material. Bathrooms are naturally a wet and moist area, meaning that some flooring materials will do better in the space than others.  It is also generally a very small space, making it possible to have fun and get creative with the materials you select. Flooring that may be too expensive to use in a large space can make an affordable splash in this room.

Here are some things to consider. 

• Skip the carpet.  Putting carpet in the bathroom may have been popular in the 80s but it is incredibly unsanitary.  Think of your toddler potty training or Grandpa missing the bowl – yuck! Germs that gather around the toilet bowl and on the carpet can be difficult to remove and require constant carpet cleaning.  If anyone other than your neat and tidy self is using this bathroom, skip the carpet to keep the space clean. 
• Don’t use laminate.  Laminate floors that look like wood are an inexpensive way to improve the appearance of your home.  The problem is that this is not a good solution in rooms with potential for leaks. This type of flooring has cracks and a plastic water barrier underneath.  When water gets onto the floor due to showering or a toilet leak, it can seep through the cracks and start to move along the barrier.  In this way, a bathroom leak can spread and create leaks elsewhere.  This makes it a bad flooring solution for your bathroom remodel but an excellent choice for the hallway.
• Try tile.  You can buy tile in a variety of colors, sizes, and shapes.  It is an excellent solution for a bathroom floor because it is durable and easy to clean.  Water that falls onto a tile floor will dry without seeping through it, eliminating the risk of water leaks spreading into other rooms or through the ceiling. 
• Go mosaic.  Since the bathroom is such a small space, it is the perfect area to use mosaic tiles.  They are beautiful and can be arranged in an unlimited amount of patterns.  This is a way to show off your artistic side and incorporate a high-end material into your home without spending a ton of money. 
• Glass flooring.  Glass comes in a variety of texture and patterns.  This is a sleek and modern alternative to traditional stone or ceramic tile flooring and is a fun way to update your space.  It is easy to clean and great for wet spaces. 
• Concrete.  If you like the industrial look, try a concrete floor in your bathroom.  You can keep the concrete a natural shade of grey, or you can have it stamped with a fun pattern and colors to match the rest of the space.  

We can help you to select the perfect flooring for your bathroom remodel.  As an expert contractor, we can make your space functional and beautiful at the same time.  To learn more or to get additional design ideas, call and schedule an in-home consultation. 

A Kitchen Remodel Fit for a Holiday Feast

When planning your kitchen remodel, it is important to consider how you and your family use your kitchen on a daily basis.  Things like how many cooks are in the kitchen, and the type of food you like to eat is important in creating an overall design.  For example, if several people like to cook, you need more than one prep area and more room in between the island and back countertop. This way more than one person can participate without bumping into each other. 

What many people fail to consider is what happens at the holidays or when it’s time to throw a birthday party.  If the holidays are still at mom's house, this may not be important but if you are hosting family gatherings, your remodel can make it easier to do so.  Certain features can be incorporated that can help to make things run smoothly when having a lot of people over.  

Here are ideas for your kitchen remodel that make it possible to plan the perfect holiday feast:

• Double ovens.  Perhaps, the most difficult thing to do is plan how you will bake all of the side dishes while the turkey is in the oven.  Turkey roasters tend to take up the entire space leaving no room for stuffing or your famous green bean casserole.  Whether cooking the Thanksgiving turkey or Christmas ham, most people need more than one oven. By installing a double oven, you will have the space you need during the holidays and all year-round, no juggling required. 
• Use a warmer.  Even with a double oven it can be nice to prepare some food in advance.  A warming oven allows you to do so while keeping it at the perfect temperature to serve at your convenience.  This simple solution is no larger than an oversized drawer and can fit comfortably into small and large kitchens. 
• Add more burners.  A standard four burner stove can feel claustrophobic when making dinner on Wednesday night let alone with you making a holiday feast.  The best way to avoid pan clutter is to make room for a six to eight burner stove.  The added space will make it possible to cook multiple things at once without using the microwave.  For added elbow room have your stovetop placed in the island instead of the back counter. 
• Create a prep area.  We can install a prep sink in the island so that you have one sink for food and one for dishes.  This makes it easy to separate the mess from food that you want to keep clean.  Your kitchen will become more organized and have a better flow every day, not just on the holidays. 
• Ventilation.  When cooking so many dishes at once, having proper ventilation becomes even more important.  We can help by installing a commercial grade hood to suck out the smells that are competing for your attention.  

We can help you to design a kitchen remodel that makes it easy to cook dinner on Monday and throw a party on Saturday.  For more design solutions, give us a call and schedule a consultation. 

A General Contractor Can Improve the Value of Your Home

If you want to increase your home’s value, speak with a general contractor.  There are many ways that you can turn an outdated home into a beautiful and updated one.  By focusing on specific areas of your home, you can improve the value at the same time.  The key is to put your money into areas that will count towards increasing your value.  For example, adding extravagant wall finishings may look spectacular but may not add any more value than a fresh coat of paint would.

We build and remodel homes on a regular basis and understand how to allocate a remodeling budget in order to increase the value of your home.  Here is what you need to know:

Spend the money on your kitchen.

The kitchen is one of the most popular rooms in a home and also the most expensive.  When you remodel it, buyers will notice, and the value of your home will go up at resale.  We suggest tearing down walls in your kitchen to make it open and airy.  Open concept floor plans are extremely popular, and we can knock down walls in order to create a kitchen, dining room and family room combination space.  As a general contractor, we recommend replacing your appliances as well so that buyers will see the updated fixtures, cabinets and appliances as a complete package.

Focus on your bathrooms.

Bathrooms are easy to remodel because they are such small places.  You can buy a new vanity, sink, mirror, and toilet along with replacing the flooring and painting the walls in order to completely transform your space.  A bathroom can be updated quickly, and the results are dramatic.  When you spend money on your bathroom, you will get it back when you sell your home.

Expand your footprint.

Creating additional square footage is the best way to increase the value of your home.  When building an addition, consider adding at least one bedroom and one bathroom.  This will increase your home’s value because each of those rooms is assigned a high dollar amount in an appraisal.  Even if you are using the space for a study or library, by building in a closet it will technically be a bedroom.

Finish your basement.

This is an easy way to have more finished space without spending a ton of money.  Since the walls and floors are already in place, all you need to do is finish it in order to have additional rooms that your family can spend time in. If your basement is all below grade, the value will be less than if you added square footage to the rest of the home, but the cost will be less as well.

As a general contractor, there are additional things we can do to add value such as replacing your windows and roof.  These are more structural issues, but they will make your home look newer and the windows will provide additional insulation in the winter and the summer which helps with energy efficiency.  To learn more about what you can do to improve the value of your home, give us a call.

What You Need to Know About Kitchen Cabinet Installation

If you are doing a remodel, there are things you should know about kitchen cabinet installation.  As an expert contractor, we know how to transform your kitchen into something amazing and installing new cabinetry is an important step for doing so.  New cabinets can give you the storage space that you need and make your kitchen more functional overall.

Before you get started, consider how you want your cabinets to look.  There are a variety of colors and finishes that you can choose from.  If you want to try something bold, consider going with a vibrant color to match your home or your personality.  Nothing says you have to stick with traditional shades of wood or white.  You can also have glass fronts installed on your cabinets or have open shelves in combination with standard cabinetry.  The sky is the limit so get as creative as you like and once you have decided on a color you can start to look at interesting hardware.

Before starting the kitchen cabinet installation process, you need to have a layout and a plan for your new kitchen.  This will make sure that you have the right cabinets ordered and delivered prior to starting demolition, an important step if you are still living in the home.  Be careful while removing your old cabinets, turn off the electrical and the water so that you don’t accidentally shock yourself or have water leak all over the floor. You should start by removing the drawers and the doors then pulling out the structure of the cabinets and the countertop.

When you are ready to put the new cabinets in, start with the upper wall cabinets, because it will be easier to stand in place without the lower ones blocking your position.  You can install wall cabinets one at a time, creating flexibility in where you want them positioned and the style of your cabinets overall. Before you start to screw them in, draw a straight line for where the bottom of the cabinets should be in order to ensure that they are straight and level.  You can even screw in a small board to make sure that they are installed in a straight line.

Next, install the corner cabinets.  These need to be done first in order to ensure that they are in place properly, and everything else can be put in place afterwards. Double check to make sure that it is level as you go.

This is a two person job, and we recommend working with a partner to make sure that every time you grab a new cabinet it is lined up perfectly with the old one.  It has to be level and installed with no gaps in between the two of them.  This can take time so be prepared to go slowly and try not to rush.  Continue to add more cabinets until they are all in place.

As a contractor, we are experts in kitchen cabinet installation and can save you the headache of trying to do it yourself.  We know what we are doing, and we do it well.  To learn more about your options and to discuss your future kitchen, give us a call.

Evaluate Your Floor Plan Before Starting a Kitchen Remodel

If you are embarking on a kitchen remodel there are a lot of things to consider.  Most of them are fun, like picking out the color of a tile backsplash or the new granite counter tops.  Remodels are excellent for allowing homeowners to express their personal style and creativity, with the kitchen being an excellent place for doing so.

What homeowners need to remember is that the kitchen gets more use than almost any other room in the home.  It needs to be beautiful while incorporating all of those practical details that make a kitchen function and it easy to cook and clean up afterwards.  Considering each of these items can seem tedious and makes working with a professional that much more important.  Nothing will be missed or forgotten when Quality Kitchen and Bath is handling your remodel.

While creating the list of things you want in your kitchen you need to consider your layout and floor plan.  Just because you have an L-shaped kitchen now doesn’t mean that it works best for your family.  The same holds true with a U-shaped or galley kitchen.  Many homeowners make the mistake of thinking that just because their kitchen is shaped a particular way now it has to stay that way.  The reality is that during a kitchen remodel you can customize almost everything – including how your kitchen is laid out.

Start by thinking about how you like to cook.  Are you the only cook in the house or do multiple people use the space at the same time?  What type of dishes do you typically make and what utensils do you require when making them?  Do guests frequently hang out while you cook? Each answer can impact how your kitchen should be designed.  Here are some example solutions based on these questions.

If you said yes to having multiple cooks than you need to have more than one work area.  This should include areas to prep and chop along with two sinks.  Some families also benefit from having double ovens installed.  The more people that work in the kitchen, the more space and solutions need to be included in order to make it possible to be together without getting in each other’s way.  This depends on simple design solutions like having one prep sink and work space on the island while the other is on the main counter surface, allowing people to stand and cook in different areas of the kitchen.

The type of dishes you cook and the appliances or utensils you use needs to be taken into consideration when creating custom cabinets.  The height and width need to be just right or you will end up with appliances on the counter.  Additionally, the cabinets need to be placed in such a way that allows for the cook to access the most frequently used items relatively quickly and without hassle.

If you have guests over all of the time, make sure to incorporate seating into your kitchen remodel.  This can include an island with bar stools or built in bench seating under a window. When designing your dream kitchen don’t be afraid to have fun with it and enjoy the process.

Modern Features Every Kitchen Remodel Should Have

If you are starting a kitchen remodel there are modern features that you should incorporate for the design and for your sanity.  For most homeowners, the kitchen is a high-traffic area that gets a lot of use.  The more kids you have, the busier your kitchen will be.  For many families this means that the kitchen also has to serve double duty as a homework station, entertaining area, and place hang out.  All of this must be possible in a room where meals are prepared, and messes are made.  Fortunately, there are several modern features that can make all of this easier. 

A lot has changed since the 1960s, but many homes still have outdated kitchens that are no more efficient than what your mom was using decades ago.  Sure, the stovetop may cook faster or more evenly but that’s not enough to make a huge difference.  Innovation seems to have passed our kitchens by – until recently. 

Here are some modern features you can incorporate into your kitchen remodel to ensure that your home is more functional and beautiful. 

• Outlets.  Typically, most kitchens will have outlets here and there but the reality is that we plug everything in now, and more outlets are needed in order to keep up.  You should have them installed in the kitchen island, and anywhere you may use the toaster or mixer.  Think about where you will plug in your cell phone, tablet and speakers as well.  This should be a place that is far enough away from the mess, but still in the kitchen. 
• Under cabinet lighting.  This feature is important and can make it easier to see what you are doing in the evening.  While a simple concept, under cabinet lighting shines directly onto your countertops make cooking and cleaning easier. 
• Stainless steel hood.  By placing a hood range in your kitchen, you can keep smells from wandering through your home.  This is important since most people want a modern, open concept floor plan.  
• Touchless faucet.  There is nothing worse than cutting meat and having to turn your faucet on.  Germs are spread very easily this way.  Instead, have a touchless faucet installed so that you can run your hands under it for water and keep germs from spreading throughout the kitchen. 
• Large island with seating.  Make sure that your kitchen has an island that can serve double duty as a place for homework and entertaining, along with cooking.  The easiest way to do this is to build the eating counter higher than the cooking surface.  This creates a level of separation without taking up any more space.  You can also install a sink to give a separate space to prep food that is away from the dirty dishes. 
• Warmer oven.  Life is busy, and you may not have time to cook dinner at six, but have plenty of time at four.  By installing a warmer oven in your kitchen, you can cook when you have time and eat food later while it is still at the perfect temperature.

These are only some of the features that you should incorporate into your kitchen remodel.  For further inspiration, give us a call. 

How to Make Your Bath Remodel ADA Friendly

There are many reasons to make your bath remodel ADA friendly.  If you, or your parents, are getting older, having an ADA compliant bathroom can make it easier in the event that someone becomes less mobile than they used to be. You never know if or when this is likely to happen so incorporating these features into at least one bathroom is a good idea.  

For those with family members in a wheelchair, an ADA friendly remodel is not an option.  Fortunately, there are many ways for this to happen while still keeping the bathroom functional and beautiful.  In fact, manufacturers like Kohler make a variety of products that can be incorporated with relative ease. 

Here are some things to keep in mind when planning your bath remodel.

• Countertops and mirrors need to be at a certain height.  This way someone in a wheelchair can easily wash their hands and look into a mirror without straining.  This height is shorter than normal but still functional for everyone.  Mirrors, for example, should be no more than 40 inches from the ground. 
• Install grab bars.  You can place a grab bar around the toilet and entrance to the tub. The one near the toilet should be 42 inches long and located 12 inches from the rear wall.  The size and location of the grab bar for the shower depends on the type of shower that you have installed, and we can discuss the specifics with you in more detail. 
• Roll-in shower.  This can be an easy way to make a shower ADA friendly.  We can build a custom tile shower that looks gorgeous with a glass wall and opening large enough for someone to wheel themselves in and turn around inside.  This is an excellent solution because it looks modern and glamorous while being completely practical.  We can also install a seat that folds down and make sure that there are two shower heads. The lower one can be handheld so that it can be easily accessed from the shower seat. 
• Turning radius.  It is important to increase the size of the bathroom to accommodate a wheelchair turning around in a complete circle without hitting anything.  That way they don’t have to back out of the bathroom.  
• Storage.  There are additional things to think about that go beyond staying in compliance.  Storage, for example, is important.  With a roll-in custom tile shower, we can build in storage cubbies for shampoo and other supplies that are within easy reach of the shower chair. This can eliminate any frustration during shower time.  Additionally, with a shower this large, we can build in cubbies for clean towels that are out of the spray range but still easy to access.  The same is true for toiletries.  By building in storage that can easily be reached from a wheelchair, we can make it easier to brush teeth and get ready in the morning.

We are experts at completing a bath remodel and can meet with you to discuss the needs of your family and come up with creative ways to make it happen. 

Bathroom Remodel Ideas for Small Spaces

If you are currently space challenged, your bathroom remodel needs to accomplish a lot in a small footprint. Fortunately, there are many ways to maximize space so that you can get the features you need without a lot of square footage.  The key is to speak with a bathroom expert that knows how to position things along with tricks for packing more into a small space. 

Here are some of our favorite ideas:

• Use a pedestal sink.  If you are remodeling a small powder room, there is typically no need for a lot of storage. This is the space most often used by guests, so install a pedestal sink instead of a traditional vanity.  It will clear up floor space so that the room looks larger than it is. 
• Look to the walls.  Instead of placing things on the floor, use the walls in your bathroom remodel.  For example, toilet paper can be hung on the wall next to the toilet instead of using a stand that is placed onto the floor.  Using a medicine cabinet for your mirror will also create storage on the wall while eliminating the need for a cabinet on the floor.  
• Use a curved shower rod.  This will not take up any additional floor space but will make the interior of the shower feel larger than it is, important for people that don’t like confined spaces. 
• Built-in storage.  A contractor can build cubbies into your wall that can be used for storing towels, toilet paper, and anything else that you may need.  This is an excellent way to gain storage without eating into your floor space.  It can also help you to stay organized and eliminate the need to place towels in a hallway linen closet. 
• Shallow counter and cabinets.  If you aren’t fond of the pedestal sink, you can have custom cabinets created that are more shallow than normal.  A counter can be placed on top to give you the benefits of a bathroom countertop without taking up too much floor space. 
• Hanging lights.  If you are limited on wall space, use hanging lights instead. You can get really creative and use it as a decorative piece as well.  While small, these lights can provide the illumination you need while also enhancing the design of the space. 
• Add texture.  When you have a small space, it is the perfect time to incorporate exotic textures and bright colors.  You can use a small powder room to incorporate your favorite things without feeling like you are going overboard.  For example, use mosaic tiles to cover the walls or your favorite shade of coral.  Since the room is completely confined, you don’t need to worry about it matching the other spaces in your home. 

Whether you are planning a bathroom remodel of an existing space or want to incorporate a new bathroom into your home, small spaces can do the trick without taking needed floor space from other rooms.  For example, an under the stairs bathroom can create a needed powder room without impacting the rest of the house.  To learn more about your options, call Quality Kitchen and Bath today.

New Features in Custom Cabinets That Your Family Will Love

If you are remodeling your kitchen, custom cabinets are a must have solution for creating the perfect space.  Cabinets do more than simply hold your dishes, they have changed over time to become more beautiful and functional than ever. When working with Quality Kitchen and Bath you can select exactly how they will look on the outside along with how they function on the inside. 

When you decide to remodel your kitchen, call us for a consultation.  We will go over your wish list along with learning more about how you use your kitchen, how many people cook and eat at home on a regular basis.  We will also want to know about the type of food that you cook and any special appliances that you use to make sure that there is a place for everything. There is no reason to remodel your kitchen and not include enough storage for every item both large and small.  With this information we will advise you on what type of cabinets and features you should have inside of your kitchen.

Here are some new features that custom cabinets can have. 

• Baking sheet storage.  In many kitchens baking sheets or trays are in a single drawer underneath the oven.  This is messy and makes it difficult to grab the right baking tray when you need it.  Instead, a cabinet can be created with wooden slats separating trays.  They can stand straight up making it easy to see and grab what you need when you need it. 
• Silverware storage.  The silverware drawer can easily become overcrowded.  Instead of placing a plastic tray inside of a drawer we provide silverware storage that can be built right in.  Not only can it be built in but we can build in two layers of storage into one single drawer.  That way the silverware you use daily is on top but can be slid back to show extras or the silverware that is reserved for special occasions. 
• Slide out drawers.  This is one of the most convenient features in custom cabinets.  The face of the cabinet looks the same, but the base pulls out so that you can easily see and grab exactly what you need without digging through a dark cabinet. We can even build a double layer so that you can sort things like placemats easily. 
• Pull out towel holder.  Kitchen towels are a must have in any kitchen but they don’t look aesthetically appealing.  We can build a custom towel holder that is hidden behind a cabinet front. 
• Spice cabinet.  Spices can get cluttered very easily.  We can build a pull out spice cabinet or drawer that has a narrow space for the spices.  This way you can see everything easily.
• Wine storage.  If you love wine but don’t have space for a wine cellar, we can build wine storage into your custom cabinets. Tell us how large your wine collection is and we will design a space for it.  

The options with custom cabinets are endless when working with Quality Kitchen and Bath.  To learn more, call for a consultation today.

How to Design Your Bath Remodel

Summer is the perfect time for a bath remodel.  Since the weather hot and beautiful, you can be outdoors enjoying the sunshine while the experts transform your bathroom.  Before you get started it is important to think about the type of bathroom that you want and what features you need to make the space work perfectly for you. 

Here are some questions to ask before a bath remodel:

1. How many people will use the bathroom?  A common problem with a bathroom is that they can become crowded. This isn’t an issue if you live alone but if you share a bathroom with a spouse or have several kids using a hallway bath it is important to incorporate enough space for everyone.  Let your contractor know how many people will be using the space and how old they are. 
2. Does the bathroom need to be ADA friendly?  If anyone uses the bathroom in a wheelchair, the space will need to be wide enough for the chair to turn around in. This is an important factor to tell your contractor about before the project begins. 
3. Do any children need to use the restroom?  As a contractor, we can incorporate kid-friendly features into your bath remodel. Simple solutions like installing two levels of sinks make it easy for a little one to wash their hands.  Additionally, a shorter toilet can be installed. This makes it easy for kids to use the restroom without help. 
4. What do you want to store inside of the space?  If you don’t have a nearby linen closet, there needs to be space to hold all of your typical toiletries along with extra towels, toilet paper, and more.  This can easily be built into the bathroom and fit seamlessly with the design. 

These are some of the basics that need to be discussed when designing your bathroom.  Once they are resolved it is time to focus on more design elements.  This is where you can be as creative as you like with things like color, fixtures, lighting, and more can completely transform the space.  For example, a spa-like bathroom can be created for the master that offers a serene getaway.  The powder room can be more fun and whimsical since it won’t be used as often. Simultaneously, a hallway bathroom shared by kids should be colorful and full of storage solutions.  All of these can be incorporated into the design by Quality Kitchen and Bath. 

We can also include some practical yet luxurious features like heated tile floors that can make your feet warm and toasty during the winter.  Heated towel bars can help your towels to dry quickly and give you something warm to wrap yourself up in.  Built in televisions can deliver the news while you curl your hair and brush your teeth in the morning while touchless faucets can keep germs off of your hands.  The sky is the limit with modern home technology.  To get started on your dream bath remodel, call Quality Kitchen and Bath today.

How to Create Storage with Custom Cabinets

You can use custom cabinets to create more storage in your home.  While they look fabulous in the kitchen and bathroom, their uses are far more extensive.  Since you can have the shape customized for any size space, it is easy to turn even the smallest nook into a functional storage space.  By using stunning design ideas and techniques, your storage solutions can be both beautiful and functional. 

Here are ideas you can try in your home:

• Dining room storage.  If you love hosting dinner parties or family gatherings it is important to have storage for your party supplies, linens, place settings, and decorations.  We can create built-in dining room storage for you to keep all of the extras that make a dinner party special.  By placing them in the same room, it will also reduce the time you spend preparing and cleaning up.
• Storage above the bed.  If you have a small master bedroom, you can increase your storage without taking up floor space.  Built-in storage can be designed around your bed, using beautiful custom cabinets.  You can even incorporate a headboard into the design to perfect the look.
• Window seat.  Maximize the space underneath your windows by having a custom window seat created.  It can have storage underneath for items like blankets, pillows, or games while providing a comfortable spot to sit and relax.
• Bookshelves.  Cabinets don’t always have to come with a front.  You can leave them open and create built-in bookshelves in any room of the house.  They can be installed along the sides of a doorway in order to maximize what is typically unused space.
• Shoe storage.  If you have a large family, or a lot of shoes, there is likely a large pile forming at the entrance to your home.  Built-in shoe storage is an ideal solution.  We can take a wall inside of your mudroom or next to the entry and use custom cabinetry to create small cubbies for each pair of shoes.  If this is in a visible space, lovely cabinet fronts can be installed to hide the clutter.
• Laundry room.  We can build custom cabinets in the laundry room with deep drawers that make it easy to store clean clothes in between folding, towels, extra sweaters and more.  A countertop can be placed on top to act as a good folding area.
• Built-in desks.  Whether you work at home or have kids that need to do homework, built-in desks can provide a place to work and much needed storage.  We can install a variety of cabinets to hold files, paper, pens, pencils, office supplies, and art supplies.  By giving everything a unique space in your home, clutter will be reduced.

Custom cabinets are the storage solution you have been looking for.  They can be made in any size and will fit in difficult spaces.  You can reduce clutter and become the organization queen or king by creating a plan for all of your storage needs then having us build the cabinets to accommodate them. 

Five Tips for Making Your Bath Remodel a Success

Before you start a bath remodel there are things you can do to make the process more successful.  In any remodel, there are bound to be surprises.  By preparing and creating a plan, you can stay on schedule and on budget.  Our team of experts can help you to do just that. 

Here are tips for making your project a successful one.

1. Plan for your remodel and buy the supplies.  Before you start demolition, know what paint colors you are using, the vanity you want to install, lighting fixtures that you need, tub, tile etc.  Consider each item that you want within your bathroom and buy it ahead of time.  Some items will take time to arrive or may be temporarily out of stock so wait to start your project until you have everything.  As a contractor, we will help with this process.
2. Apply for permits.  If you are doing more than a simple bath remodel, like extending out the space, you may need a permit.  We will help to facilitate this process by completing and submitting a permit application.  If one is required, the job can’t start until the permit is received.  The time of year and the county will determine how long this process will take.
3. Plan for storage.  A bathroom needs storage.  When considering your design options it is important to decide if your storage will use built in cabinets or if you want to buy storage that takes up floor space.  This should be incorporated into the design, and built-in storage needs to be created during the initial build out.
4. Ventilation.  Bathrooms without proper ventilation can suffer from mold issues.  When doing a bath remodel you can have a fan installed, window, or both.  Whenever possible we recommend incorporating both options because it gives you the maximum amount of air flow.  We can use windows with opaque glass so that no one can see inside when the window is closed.
5. Install good lighting.  The proper amount of lighting is essential for ladies that want to have their hair and make-up turn out perfectly.  A bathroom should include multiple lighting options so that it can be dim when you want to soak in the tub or bright when putting on eyeliner.  Consider recessed lighting that is installed in the ceiling along with lights over the bathroom mirror and an extendable makeup mirror that is lit.
6. Heated flooring.  If you want to keep your toes nice and toasty all year long, have heated floors installed.  This is a delightful way to heat the space and is an environmentally friendly solution.
7. Color.  Don’t be afraid to experiment with color.  The bathroom is the perfect place to have fun and try out a new color or texture on the walls.  Since the space is small and confined, it doesn’t have to match the rest of the house.  Get creative and have fun with your bath remodel.

For more ideas or to schedule a consultation give us a call today.

Design Ideas for a Summertime Bath Remodel

If you want to do a bath remodel this summer, we have fantastic ideas for you.  Remodeling your bathroom can be fun and increase your enjoyment of the space.  Since bathrooms are so small, it is easy to make a large impact fairly quickly.  Even with kids home from school it is easy to tackle this remodeling project and it can be completed in only a couple of weeks.  As an added benefit, the bathroom is contained so the rest of your house won’t be impacted by dirt or clutter.

This summer take advantage of the long days and start a home improvement project.  Our professional crew can transform your space quickly and beautifully.  By the time school starts back up you and your family could be getting ready in style.

Here are some of our favorite bath remodel ideas.

• Storage.  Every bathroom should be full of built in storage solutions.  Whether you are a couple without children or a large family of five, storage is essential for keeping the bathroom clean and organized.  We can build cubbies into the wall to hold your towels so that a linen closet isn’t needed.  Custom cabinets can be made to hold the right size of makeup and toiletries.  Drawers can be divided for smaller items.  The key is to identify every member of the family that will be using the space and the items they use to get ready in the morning.  Once we know that we can create a storage plan to keep everything in its place.
• Heated towel bar.  This is lovely in the winter.  It will help your towels to dry faster and give you something warm to wrap up in on those colder days.
• Heated tile floors.  This is a fantastic solution for keeping the space warm.  Your toes will stay nice and toasty, and it is an energy efficient solution for keeping your bathroom warm.
• Install a window.  Many older homes don’t have windows in the bathroom. While a fan can be effective for removing excess moisture, it cannot provide the fresh air that a window can.  Have a window installed that can open so that you can have fresh air and let the moisture out year round.
• Custom mirrors.  Large blocks of glass mirrors look boring and have no character.  Use a large custom mirror, or two mirrors, instead.  This will improve the entire look of your bathroom and give it a custom feel.  You can also use the mirror to express your creativity.
• Double sinks.  This is a must have for anyone that isn’t single.  Brushing teeth, washing your face, and getting ready in the morning becomes much easier when you are not fighting over the sink.  Even the kids will appreciate this one.
• Lighting.  Have quality lighting installed so that you can see yourself while getting ready.

There are many other solutions for customizing your bathroom.  A bath remodel can be as simple as improving the aesthetic features or as complicated as adding more square footage.  We can handle it all and would be happy to share specific design ideas during an in-home consultation. 

Custom Cabinets for Your Home

If you need better storage, custom cabinets are the solution.  Many homeowners think of cabinetry in the kitchen only.  While it is absolutely necessary for an organized kitchen, they can be used in other areas of the home, as well.  We provide custom work for homes throughout the area.  Here are some of our favorite design and storage solutions.

Mudroom

When your family walks into the house they need an area to place coats, shoes, rain gear, backpacks, purses and more.  If you have a mudroom it can become an ideal place but still needs storage.  Placing a shoe rack on the floor simply won’t cut it.  Built-ins can be designed with a cubby up top for hats and purses, hanging coat storage underneath, and a bottom cubby for shoes and boots.  By installing one, for every member of the family, you can make getting out the door much faster.  This will eliminate the need to search the house for a new glove or boot when leaving for school Monday morning.

Entertainment Room

An entertainment room is great for relaxing with family and friends.  This is a fantastic area to play board games, video games, listen to music, and watch your favorite movie.  The challenge is that all of these things take up space and can make the room look cluttered.  Custom cabinets are the storage solution you need.  Individual cabinets can be designed with the storage item in mind.  For example, a board game cabinet needs to be wide and deep enough to fit the largest Scrabble set.  A video game cabinet needs to have smaller built in sections to separate games.  Understanding how you use the space enables us to design a custom solution.

The Garage

Who says the garage has to look cluttered and dirty?  If you are a hobbyist or like to keep your garage pristine, we can help by installing custom cabinets for the garage.  They can be made in any material or color that you like and house your tools and equipment.  This will save you time trying to find the right tool and help you to create a cool hangout spot.

Kitchen

A kitchen can always be improved by installing custom kitchen cabinets.  By evaluating the type of food you like to cook, how you cook, and the tools you use, we can create a plan for how to best store and access these items.  The kitchen is trickier than most places in the home because it is used so frequently.  Everything needs to have a flow in order to make cooking dinner a breeze.

Bathroom

Installing customized cabinetry in your bathroom can make getting ready in the morning faster and easier.  You can have special drawers for makeup, shaving supplies, accessories, towels and more.  Everything can have it’s place which will cut down on the time you have to spend digging for an item.  Careful planning can improve your routine.

For more custom cabinet solutions and ideas, give us a call.  We will be happy to meet with you and discuss options for improving your space. 

The Case for Custom Cabinets

When remodeling a kitchen, custom cabinets will make a huge difference in the overall functionality of your space.  Some people elect to only refinish the front of their cabinets during a remodel.  While this does save money, it won’t yield the full benefits of a complete kitchen remodel that include making your life a little easier.

Whenever you design something you are able to take into consideration how you use the space.  Where you store your spices, the type of food you cook, and how you move about the kitchen all play into design decisions.  The challenge with existing cabinetry is that they weren’t designed with you in mind which can lead to a lack of functionality.

Here is how custom cabinets can help you.

·         Everything in its place.  When designing your cabinetry we will discuss with you all of the pots, pans, dishes, spices, bowls, food, silverware, appliances etc. that you use.  Your design plan will include a functional location to store each of these items.  The design should make it easy to access what you need, when you need it.  This will also save you time when putting dishes away.

·         Correct height.  If you are tall or short, the standard counter height may not meet your needs.  When your kitchen is customized we can build it to your specifications which will make cooking more comfortable.

·         See what you are storing.  We can install pull out drawers inside of your cabinets so that you can see what you are storing inside.  This will save you from digging through a dark cabinet in search of your favorite bowl.  Everything is brought into the light, instead of you digging.

·         Correct width.  Do you have a lot of placements or a special silverware holder?  If so, standard drawers may not be wide enough.  We can ensure that drawers are designed to fit these special items.

·         Pan storage.  Pans can be extremely messy.  If you like to bake, you probably have a lot of pans and cooling trays.  Placing them inside of a flat drawer doesn’t make sense.  Our stand up storage solutions can organize your pans so that they can be categorized and easily located.

·         Maximize small spaces.  Every corner, nook, and cranny can be utilized when you have custom cabinets made.  No space is wasted because we are able to come up with creative design solutions.

·         The right color.  Functionality is important but so is design.  Each homeowner has their preferred color choice when it comes to wood.  Your cabinets can be completely customized to fit your homes design and showcase your personality.  You can add whimsy be selecting fun or unique knobs and drawer pulls.

·         Electrical.  We can install electrical outlets into on the counter appliance garages so that you can use your toaster without taking it out of its hiding spot.  These little extras will keep your kitchen looking clean and fresh.

There is a huge variety of options to choose from when designing custom cabinets for your kitchen.  We are the home remodeling experts and can help you to identify exactly what you need and install them without a hitch.  Call us to learn more or to schedule an in home consultation. 

Ideas for Your Bath Remodel

Spring is an excellent time for a bath remodel.  The weather is warmer, the windows can be open, and a new bathroom will make your home feel refreshed.  While bathrooms are typically one of the smaller rooms in your home, they get a lot of use, and a nice one can make your daily routine far easier.

There are several things to consider when remodeling your bathroom.  Ask yourself who will be using the space, what their storage needs are, how many people will be in there at the same time, and what the bathroom will be located next to.  Once you have narrowed down how your bathroom will be used, you can have a discussion with your contractor about what you need.

Here are our favorite bath remodel ideas.

·         Custom Tile Showers.  We can build a custom tile shower that is unique to your individual design preference and how you use the shower.  For example, if you enjoy trying ten different types of shampoos you will need several built in shower shelves.  If you like to relax in the shower, a bench can provide a place to sit.  Tiles can be selected that are stunning and simultaneously practical.  This is one high end feature you do not want to go without.

·         Ventilation.  Bathrooms have a lot of moisture.  If you have a larger family, with multiple people showering, it becomes especially important to have plenty of ventilation in your bathroom.  Older homes were often made with only a small ceiling fan or no fan at all.  Whenever we do a bathroom remodel, we identify multiple ways to add ventilation like a strong ceiling fan and installing a window that can be opened. This will also help to keep the air circulating and fresh.

·         Towel Storage.  Most families have a linen closet in the hallway.  This isn’t very practical for when you are ready to shower and need a towel.  We can install built in towel storage that looks like cubbies.  Your towels can be rolled up, stored, and grabbed exactly when you need it.

·         Laundry Hamper.  How many times have you seen dirty socks and underwear on the floor?  Installing a laundry hamper in your bathroom can solve this problem.  A removable canvas bag can help you to transport laundry when you are ready to do the wash.  Think of it like you would a built in kitchen garbage can. This has the same functionality, only for your laundry.

·         Heated Floors.  Your toes will feel nice and warm during cold winter months when you have heated tile floors to step onto.  This is a solution that can also cut down on your heating bill during the winter.  They are good for any room in your home with tile floors.

·         Double Sinks.  If you have children, even your hallway bathroom should have double sinks.  Getting kids ready for bed, when everyone is vying for the sink can be a frustrating exercise.  Installing double sinks will help with the commotion, and there are ways to do it, without taking up a lot of space.

Whether you need practical design solutions or ideas for creating a bathroom fit for a princess, we can help.  We are bath remodel experts so call us today for your in home consultation. 

Whether you need practical design solutions or ideas for creating a bathroom fit for a princess, we can help.  We are bath remodel experts so call us today for your in home consultation. 

We’re Experts at Kitchen Remodeling in New Orleans

Quality Kitchen and Bath specializes in kitchen remodeling in New Orleans.  Kitchens are our passion, and we are able to turn our client’s dreams into a reality, and better.  Our designers start by listening to our customer’s needs and learning about their lifestyle and how they use the kitchen.  Using this information, we are able to come up with a plan that turns an ordinary kitchen into a dream come true.

Here are some questions we ask before starting a remodel.

How many chefs are in the kitchen?

If you enjoy cooking with your spouse or children, your kitchen needs to have plenty of open space for multiple people to walk around and work on different aspects of a meal.  We can also install solutions like a pot filler on an unused counter so that one person can start dinner while the other is doing the dishes.  Creative design solutions make it comfortable to have multiple people in the kitchen at the same time.

What colors do you enjoy?

Your kitchen can be a soothing neutral landscape, or we can integrate your favorite colors into a tile backsplash, the kitchen cabinets, and even granite countertops.  There is no reason to have a boring kitchen.  We are experts at kitchen remodeling in New Orleans and can use your kitchen to express your personality.

What type of food do you like to cook?

It is important to understand the type of food you cook and how you prepare it.  For example, a family that creates more complicated meals may need a double oven or a six burner stove to make sure the kitchen has the right amount of appliances to cook each element of the meal at the same time.

Is the kitchen the gathering place?

If we visited your home on a Thursday evening would we see homework on the table, a computer humming, and someone cooking dinner while another stood around chatting?  The more people the merrier, but it is our job to make sure there is enough space to make your gathering place comfortable.  When completing kitchen remodeling in New Orleans, we will often incorporate additional seating into our design ideas.  This could be at a large kitchen counter or in the form of built in bench seating.  We will often build in office nooks where the computer, printer, bill paying station, and homework landing place can be integrated but out of the way.

Do you entertain often?

If you like to entertain the kitchen needs to do double duty by functioning for normal family life and parties.  We can install features like a warming oven to keep appetizers the perfect temperature while you mingle or create a space large enough for an industrial refrigerator that can hold party platters.  Entertainers may also appreciate special kitchen cabinets that are easily accessible for storing serving platters and other party dishes.

By understanding your family’s needs, we are able to create a customized space that lives up to your expectations.  We are experts at kitchen remodeling in New Orleans because we focus on the appearance of the kitchen and how well it functions during everyday life.  Call us today to learn more.