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.