Myths Surrounding a Classic Kitchen Remodel

Kitchen remodels can be some of the most intense, and important, projects that people will ever undertake in a home. The kitchen is very often the central place in the home, where people eat and socialize together. As a result, it is very important to make sure that you have the perfect style in your kitchen when you are undertaking a kitchen remodel. Often times people get caught up in all the things that they want in the kitchen remodel and fail to take into account factors such as the amount of space, budget, lighting, or other limitations that are so critical in any remodel.

If you are planning a kitchen remodel, the best option is to speak with a professional who can guide you on the many facets of the remodel and ensure that you take the best advantage of the kitchen's existing features. In addition, having someone work with you on the design can help you to avoid traps that many people fall into and stay away from many misconceptions that could be both costly and lead to delays. Here are a few of the more common myths that find their way into the mix when it comes to a kitchen model.

One of the most common mistakes that people make is believing the myth that they have to create a perfect kitchen by following the current trends precisely. The reality is that when you are having a kitchen remodel done you need to go with more classic lines because the classics never go out of style. While there are many trends, they never last forever. What this means is that the style that was in vogue today may not be in vogue tomorrow, and if you follow these trends precisely you will find that your kitchen is out of style very quickly.

Another mistake that people make, when doing a kitchen remodel, is to believe that they can do it piecemeal. Too many homeowners start a project, believing that they can keep working on it over time and as funds become available. Good intentions never really come to fruition for many of the homeowners that start a kitchen remodel, with the intent of a piecemeal finish. Instead, many times folks find themselves with a variety of styles and mismatched collections that make the kitchen look even worse than it was before the remodel was started. A kitchen remodel has certain elements that are necessary, and so you should speak with a kitchen remodel professional who can guide you on the best place to begin, and also give you the ability to budget properly.

The final myth that often takes hold, when it comes to a kitchen remodel, is the idea that people can do some or all of the remodel themselves. It is always better to get a professional to do the kitchen remodel since it is one of the most important rooms of your house. It takes more than a basic knowledge of how to do remodeling to create the perfect kitchen, so you should have us come in and give you an estimate on what it would cost to give you a dream kitchen.

Things to Consider When Evaluating Granite Countertops

Granite countertops are all the rage on home remodeling shows, as well as do-it-yourself magazines. This is because they have a certain appeal and also work to help make your home more valuable. Granite countertops add additional beauty to your entire home, not just the kitchen or bathroom space where they have been placed.

For anybody considering a remodel of their house, the kitchen will get a great deal of attention. This is because the kitchen is often considered to be the heart of the home, the place where you will spend a large amount of time together, and definitely a space in which you want to be able to entertain. As a result, granite countertops find themselves front and center in the decor and decoration of the home. Sometimes, however, people wonder if granite countertops are really worth all the hype? After all, they tend to be very earthy in tone, costly, and require the use of experts to install them. Here are two ways to help you and decide if granite countertops are the perfect fit for your home.

#1 Visual Appeal 

One of the most important things to remember about granite countertops is that they have a certain decor value and visual appeal. The minute you install granite countertops, you are adding value to your home. You're also working to make it more appealing, and there will be an additional sense of sophistication. If you plan to sell your house at some point in the future, the appeal of granite countertops will have exceptional value and could peak potential home buyers' interest. Granite provides a sense of elegance and luxury to your kitchen and bathroom, which can be a major selling point down the road. The bottom line is that granite countertops add value, both now and if you plan on selling in the future.

#2 Durability 

There is another factor you need to take into consideration when considering if you want to install granite countertops. Not only are they better looking and have more appeal, but they also provide you with extended durability. Granite countertops are stronger and harder than virtually any other material used to make countertops today. For homeowners, the durability that granite provides gives you a surface that you can use for years to come. In fact, most granite countertops will outlast the house, which means you will never need to replace them. Most traditional laminate counters will need to be replaced or have rings and scratches become apparent. Granite countertops, on the other hand, are designed to last a lifetime. From an aesthetic, durability, value-added, and "never needing to replace them" standpoint, granite countertops are by far the most elegant, visually appealing, and efficient way to give yourself countertops that will last a lifetime.

Schedule an Appointment

To discuss the many benefits of granite or to go over alternative options, call and schedule an appointment. We can visit your home, discuss design ideas and make recommendations as to the best ways for turning your vision into a reality.

Kitchen Cabinet Installation vs. Refinishing Your Cabinets Yourself

A kitchen cabinet installation can be one of the most significant aspects of your kitchen remodel. Most people spend a vast amount of time considering what they want to do with the kitchen counters and the floors. However, your kitchen cabinets also play an essential part in the aesthetic appeal of your kitchen. Here is a good way to think about it. Anytime you reach for anything in your kitchen that is out of sight and out of mind, you are going to need to reach into the kitchen cabinet. You want to make sure that your kitchen cabinet installation is extremely functional so that you can get to the things you need to get to with the least amount of effort possible. By the same token, your kitchen cabinets occupy a place where they have the largest amount of painted, finished, or stained surface in the entire kitchen. How you decide to do your kitchen cabinets, during your kitchen cabinet installation, can directly impact how your kitchen looks and feels.  If we haven't gotten your attention by now, you should walk into your kitchen and realize what an impact your kitchen cabinets have on how you react to the space.

Very often, when people are going through a renovation, they pause when it comes to replacing the kitchen cabinets. This is because there are too many do-it-yourself shows out there that have people believing that they could actually refinish the kitchen cabinets without any problem. It is important to point out that if you're going to refinish your kitchen cabinets you're going to need the  expertise that is usually reserved for carpenters and contractors. However, if you decide to give it a try, you should know that is a long and tedious job and could end up completely botching your kitchen remodel. It is highly advisable, in the event that you want to resurface your kitchen cabinets, that you speak with an expert who knows exactly what it's going to entail to make sure that your kitchen cabinets look exactly like the rest of the kitchen.

If, however, you decided on a kitchen cabinet installation you are going to get brand new kitchen cabinets that are specifically designed to fit in with the rest of your kitchen. This also allows you to customize a kitchen cabinet installation so that you get the space, functionality, and aesthetic value that you so desire. There are literally no limitations, other than space and how the cabinets can fit into the space, when it comes to getting a brand new kitchen cabinet installation. In fact, we will be able to put on those fine finishing touches that make it exactly the way you want it to be. The truth remains, that no matter how well you refinish your kitchen cabinets, they are never going to be the same as a brand new kitchen cabinet installation. When you get brand new kitchen cabinets you're also getting a brand new internal surface upon which your dishes and food are going to sit.

Wood Cabinets Make a Kitchen Design: Here's How to Utilize Them

The wood cabinets in your kitchen form the backbone of the entire design. When you are looking to remodel your kitchen you need to configure the cabinets in order to make the most use of your kitchen size and its layout. You also want to make sure that you can maximize the use of your wood cabinets. Wood cabinets in your kitchen serve a dual purpose.  Their first purpose is to do what cabinets are supposed to do, and that is to store stuff out of sight. The second role of wood cabinets in your kitchen is to provide an aesthetic lift.  Other than your countertops, your wood cabinets are going to be the most expansive feature in your kitchen.  As such, when you are designing your wood cabinets you need to keep in mind the layout and look that you want, select the right type of materials, and ensure that it goes with the overall feel and design that you are trying to achieve. The best way to get the cabinets that will meet your dream kitchen requirements is to work with a professional designer who can lay all of the options out for you so that you can make an educated decision as to what kind of wood cabinets you need in your kitchen.

It is important to remember that wood cabinets in your kitchen primarily have a function to fulfill. With this in mind, you need to choose a style of wood cabinets that are going to fit all of your belongings, provide you with the right amount of space, and still give you the look that you desire. Currently, European-style frameless wood cabinets are extremely popular. This is because these European-style wood cabinets afford more storage than the traditional rail-style cabinets that have often been found in U.S. kitchens.

Since we are talking about the function of cabinets, it is important to note that many cabinets are now coming with soft-close drawers and doors. If you are interested in this, you should ask about the cost of having soft-close drawers and doors because sometimes it is an add-on cost with certain models of wood cabinets. For even more sophistication, you can go with touchless cabinets which are currently considered a luxury item, but experts believe will eventually move into the mainstream. This is a great application and very convenient for waste or recycling drawers.

Added Features

There are some features you should consider adding to the cabinets in your kitchen, which will increase function their functionality. For example, in order to counter the dead space in the far back corner of your cabinets, you can request a pie-cut corner base cabinet that pulls out and utilizes the space or has an old-fashioned Lazy Susan installed. A Lazy Susan spins around and brings stored items from the back to the front of the wood cabinets. Similarly, you should consider getting fully adjustable door hardware which allows us to adjust the doors so that the gap between them is uniform. Additionally, we can hide any of the under-cabinet lighting features that you may want to be installed.

To discuss your new kitchen design, give us a call.

Bath Room Remodel: An Adventurous Undertaking

A bath room remodel is one of the most adventurous, and most exciting, undertakings that you can take in your home. It is right up there rivaling a kitchen remodel in terms of excitement and the creative process. However, it comes with a lot of responsibility and pressure to make an informed decision as you realize that you need to determine what the right design is for your lifestyle, how to stay well within your budget, and ensuring that you maximize the return on any investment you are going to make.  When it comes to a bath room remodel, whether the remodel is a large remodel or a small remodel, it should  always be carefully and thoughtfully planned with the functionality of multiple users in mind. The bath room you want to create needs to be a beautiful, spacious, space efficient, and functional space.  One of the best things you can do if you are planning a bath room remodel is to hire a professional contractor to look at the plans, go over to the designs, and give you an estimate so that you know that you have a professional doing the job for you. There are also some common blunders that you should be on the look out for which will help make your project smooth and seamless leaving you with a beautiful bath room remodel.

One of the most common mistakes that people make when they are getting a bath room remodel done is believing in the concept that bigger is always better. The reality is bigger isn't always better, better is better. It is a common misconception that you are required to have an exceptionally large bath room service area. Regardless of whether you are designing a large master bath room in your dream home or just trying to figure out a way to squeeze an extra bath room into your family home, it is important to take into consideration the size of the bath room, the functionality it serves, and efficiently plan out the size of the utilities. That amazingly large tub could look beautiful on the showroom floor, but it could also reduce the space and footprint of your bath room so significantly that the bath room could appear cramped and tight, reducing your enjoyment of the space.  A bath room remodel, it is important to remember, is as much about functionality and spaciousness as it is about aesthetics.

Two important considerations that you that you need to think about when designing your bath room remodel are the view in and the view out.  When it comes to the view out, you should always remember that nobody wants to be in a dark, dank bath room with bad circulation. The bath room needs to be a bright and airy space and so you need to make sure that you place your bath room on an outside wall where you can easily put in windows. If windows are not an option, you should consider  installing skylights which will give you the same fresh air and natural light that will make the space feel more relaxing. With regard to a view in, when you are doing a bath room remodel you need to make sure that the bath room is located in a way that it does not offer a direct view in from the home's public rooms.  Public rooms include kitchens, living rooms, and dining rooms.  Essentially it is important to remember that a bath room is a private space, and so you should make sure that it does not have a clear view of these public spaces.

Hiring a Kitchen Contractor Can Make Your Remodel Easier

Hiring a kitchen contractor can make your life extremely easy, especially if you are planning a large or full remodel of your kitchen. The kitchen is one of those places in the house that gets the maximum amount of use. We cook our meals here, we entertain here, many conversations happen around a kitchen counter, and it is one of the places you do not want to be without for a long-lasting project. It is possible for many people who have a do-it-yourself bone to remodel a kitchen slowly and with the right tools. However, if you want the job done right and to make sure your kitchen looks and feels like the oasis you wish it to be, then you need to have the services of a professional kitchen contractor give you this effect. Having a kitchen contractor provides safety and peace of mind that the job will be done right and will look perfect when complete. In addition to providing you with the end result you have been dreaming of, a kitchen contractor is also responsible for managing the efforts of the subcontractors who will be doing much of the work.

We Can Make Your Project Easier

Every kitchen remodel can be broken down into a series of smaller projects that would typically be undertaken by the contractor directly or by subcontractors, who are experts in the area they are working in. A kitchen contractor will look at the kitchen from the perspective of needing to ensure that your cabinets, countertops, sinks and faucets, floors, and finishing touches are placed before the kitchen is ready to be viewed. In addition to this, as a kitchen contractor, we want to coordinate the placement, installation, and appearance of your appliances. How everything flows together is very important for the design and therefore, the look of your finished kitchen. Every element has to work together, which is why we collaborate with some of the best professional subcontractors to ensure that your cabinets, counter-tops, floors, and everything else in the kitchen match each other perfectly.

In making sure that you get the best quality of work, matching designs, and all of this done within the budget and timeframe you specified, having a kitchen contractor makes the most sense. For example, when it comes to cabinetry, there are endless choices of kitchen cabinets you can go with. You can choose to refinish or resurface the entire range of kitchen cabinets, replace them with a more modern design, or completely remove some sections of cabinets and build a different style in a different location. All of this takes planning, coordination, and matching it with the rest of your design. When it comes to things like countertops, you want to make sure the subcontractors do the installation perfectly, that the counter looks beautiful, and that the utility is exactly what you need. All of this can be accomplished by having a kitchen contractor oversee the project. Using our professional experience to make sure you do not have the hassle or added expense of dealing with something less than perfect is just part of the job when it comes to a professional kitchen contractor.

Call for Help with Your Project

As a kitchen contractor, we can make your remodel easier and ensure that it exceeds your expectations. Call for your estimate.

Get Help Selecting the Right Counters for Your Kitchen Remodel

One of the most common complaints about a kitchen remodel is that people don't know where to start. If you have lived in a kitchen for a very long time or moved into a house that has an older outdated kitchen, you probably want to replace it. Despite this desire, replacing the entire kitchen can seem like a daunting task even if you have a kitchen contractor to work with.

A kitchen remodel, like many jobs in your house is an area where you are going to have to suffer through a lot of inconvenience in order to get the look and feel that you want. However, at the end of the kitchen remodel you're going to have a kitchen that you are proud of, can entertain in, and that gives you the space and functionality that you so desire.  Sometimes, the easiest place to start a kitchen remodel is to decide what kind of counter you want to have. The counter is going to be the main focus of your kitchen just by virtue of the fact that it is the largest surface in the entire kitchen. If you have a kitchen island, the island surface will often match or contrast with your counter which is why choosing the counter is a great place to begin the process of a full kitchen remodel.

Select the Right Counters for Your Kitchen Remodel

As you are getting into your kitchen remodel you're going to need to select a countertop that meets both your budget and the look you're going for. There are many different types of countertops to choose from, so the color and style of counter you choose could have a significant impact on the overall kitchen remodel in terms of color schemes and the design itself.  People usually have either a color scheme in mind and then need to match the counter to work with the color scheme, or pick a counter top that they really loved and then select a color scheme from the counter top itself.  In either one of these scenarios the counter top plays a key role in the layout, the type of flooring, and many other aspects of the kitchen remodel. With so many different options to choose from, you need to select your counter tops carefully so that they fit what you're going to use them for, the look you're going for, and the budget that you have for your kitchen remodel. Often, working with a kitchen remodel contractor is the best way to go about finding, selecting, and having the best counter tops installed.

In the process of getting your kitchen remodeled, you can select from a variety of counter tops. The most frequently used countertops include:

• Granite counter tops
• Quartz counter tops
• Laminate counter tops
• Concrete counter tops
• Recycled glass countertops
• Butcher block counter tops
• Marble counter tops
• Solid surface counter tops
• Tile counter tops
• Eco-friendly countertops
• Lava counter tops
• Resin countertops
• Reclaimed wood countertops
• Stainless steel counter tops
• Porcelain countertops

We can help you to make decisions regarding the design and functionality of your remodel.  We can then bring your dreams to life. Call today to get started.