Tips for Your New Kitchen Remodel

If you have the opportunity to perform a kitchen remodel, congratulations! You now have the chance to develop the perfect kitchen you have always wanted just to your specifications. Before immediately focusing on what your new appliances will look like or what color you’d like the walls to be, consider the layout of your future kitchen. You will want to maximize space while keeping your kitchen inviting and functional. These tips for your kitchen remodel should help get you started on planning your new cooking space and keep you happy for years to come.

Eliminate Wasted Space

When you are remodeling your kitchen, take some time to think about storage. As you plan out your cabinet placement, consider adding cabinets that reach the ceiling to eliminate wasted space, keep dust from settling, and provide more space for rarely used items like fine china and vases. Many people opt to include glass panes in their upper cabinets in case they decide to display china in these hard-to-reach areas. If these cabinets also have a lighting source, it can lighten your entire kitchen, instead of making it feel dark and cramped.

Keep Things Spacious

You should keep in mind things that bothered you about your previous kitchen. Were the walkways too narrow? Was an island in the middle of your kitchen taking up space rather than being useful? Could you easily access your fridge, cabinets, and dishwasher without being in the way of others? Kitchen islands are great for large spaces, but we encourage those with a smaller kitchen space to nix the island idea, as it typically ends up being more of a nuisance than a help. We also suggest remodelers keep the walking space open so more than one person can get around at the same time. This is especially great for when you have company who wants to socialize with you while you cook. A side bar is a nice addition for a kitchen remodel, as it provides extra storage or cutting space, as well as a place for visitors to sit without being right in the middle of things.

Think About Kids

If you have children or grandchildren, you will want your kitchen remodel to be kid-friendly so you can keep an eye on them while you cook. Some newer kitchens include tiered counter tops, so your child can mimic what you do at a height they are comfortable with. Tiered counters are fun for baking cookies or teaching small children the basics of food preparation. They can also be helpful if a sink is in place at their level. If you have young children, you will want to think strategically about oven and stovetop placement, so they cannot be easily accessed or bumped into by children without your supervision. Keep the barstools and microwaves away from these areas so children can color or entertain themselves safely and comfortably while keeping away from the more dangerous areas.

With these tips to get you started during your kitchen remodel, you will be able to plan ahead for the inevitable. When you need an extra hand or want more tips, contact us to learn more.

What Does a General Contractor Do?

A general contractor is hired by the owner of the property (typically, you) to complete a project from start to finish. When you enter a contract with a general contractor, they are taking responsibility for the entire project, which means they will take on responsibility for all elements of the project. This includes the financial responsibility of getting the project done within the budget agreed upon. Naturally, there are always contingencies, but for the most part, your general contractor will give you an estimate and stick to it closely. At the same time, the general contractor is also responsible for getting the project done in a timely manner without causing you a great deal of undue stress. The general contractor purchases all the supplies, hires the tradespeople and engages the subcontractors.

What Are a General Contractor’s Key Responsibilities?

The general contractor is fundamentally responsible for the entire project, which makes it critically important that you make a great decision when hiring the general contractor. Some of the areas the general contractor will focus on include:

Hiring and Managing the Subcontractors: When there is a large job or even a smaller one, there is going to be a number of smaller jobs. When you put in or renovate a kitchen, for example, there will be plumbing work, electrical work, counters and masonry work, cabinetry, etc. It is very important that you have the right subcontractors and make sure that if you get these individuals, they are the responsibility of your general contractor. Additionally, the general contractor sets a schedule for paying the subcontractors and makes sure you approve. Typically, this is time-based and also based on progress as the work is completed. As such, the general contractor will negotiate the contracts for the subcontractors, hire them, and set forth the terms.

Getting Permits and Inspections: Any time you have a project that involves changing or building anything, you will need permits for all the work. The general contractor is responsible for getting the permits in a timely manner so the work can proceed. To do this, they will need to be intimately involved with the planning process and know exactly how to get the permits you need. In addition to this, the project will need periodic inspections based on how far along each aspect of the job is. Often, you cannot proceed to the next phase of a job until the inspections have been completed. The general contractor is responsible for scheduling the inspectors to visit, making sure your site is ready, and making changes if for some reason you do not pass.

Supplies and Materials: The general contractor will be responsible for ordering the supplies you need to complete the jobs. To that end, they will order supplies based on what the job needs and ensure that your subcontractors do not run out of the materials you need. All this should be included in the quote you get from the general contractor before you make a hiring decision.

Important Things to Consider Before a Bathroom Remodel

Most homeowners dream of performing a perfect bathroom remodel. When you buy a home, you often become stuck with outdated sinks, faucets, toilets, tiles, and more. You may not mind the current bathroom outfit, but you may feel like it doesn’t suit your particular decoration and design style. Now that you have the opportunity to perform a bathroom remodel, you have several things to consider before you begin. You should also consider hiring someone to perform the work for you to ensure everything is installed professionally and works correctly.

Consideration #1 Dream Big While Being Practical

Dream big and beautifully, but also consider your budget and practical uses of the space. Some of the most beautiful fixtures, sinks, and tubs also make servicing pipes and electric lines a hassle. When you are picking these items out for your bathroom remodel, consider placement and making important wires and pipes accessible to plumbers and electricians. This also goes for fancy add-ons like heated floors and touchless faucets. Heated floors may sound extravagant and wonderful, but are they really worth the cost when you can put that money toward classier fixtures or items that make your bathroom look more pleasing to the sight?

Consideration #2 Be On Guard for Toxic Chemicals and Materials

This consideration is especially important if you are performing a bathroom remodel in an older home. The presence of asbestos is often unknown until a remodel begins, and it can pose serious health risks to those who breathe it in. If you are concerned this could be a possibility in your home, hire a professional who knows how to prepare for toxic materials in advance. You may even need to stay elsewhere while your bathroom is being remodeled if this is a potentiality. You should also be aware that mold and mildew hiding in bathrooms is not uncommon. Not only are mold and mildew stinky and unsightly, but they can also lead to asthma attacks, respiratory problems, and worse health risks if you are exposed to them too long. Prepare yourself and others for these possibilities and hire a professional who is well-equipped to deal with them.

Consideration #3 Make Your Bathroom Convenient to Navigate

It can be tempting to pick out the biggest and most impressive tubs, toilets, and sinks, but also consider how useful they are. You want your bathroom to appear spacious and feel that way, so pick appliances that are easy to get around and provide you with a comfortable atmosphere. Also, keep in mind privacy. If you share a bathroom with someone, you may want to consider investing in toilet or shower spaces that are separate from each other, so you each have your needed privacy.

These are only three of the many considerations you should think about during a bathroom remodel. For an expert’s opinion and suggestions, contact our office. We can help you think of everything you need to get in order and decide on before you start your dream bathroom remodel. 

Hire a Kitchen Contractor for the Best Kitchen Improvements

The kitchen is a special place in your home so you should handle it with care by hiring a kitchen contractor for your next remodel. If you are currently building a home, you may be interested in learning more about how a professional kitchen contractor can craft the kitchen of your dreams. Your kitchen should be a place of comfort and versatility. During many family gatherings, you probably notice that visitors congregate in the kitchen while you prepare meals. We can help you make the kitchen the special place it should be.

You may currently have design ideas for your kitchen creation or remodel, or you may not have a clue what you want or need. We can help you determine all the important details. The kitchen contractor we provide is experienced in building and improving numerous kitchens so you will be enlightened to all the possibilities your space provides, regardless of how big or small it is. Allow us to help guide you through this process so you can make sure what you invest in the project gets you the perfect results you desire. These are a few reasons why hiring a kitchen contractor is the right decision for the best kitchen improvements:

Eliminate Stress: You have most likely collected design ideas you would like to implement in your kitchen remodel or creation, but you probably are unsure of how to make each design work. Without the extra help of a kitchen contractor, this can be a stressful process. We can help you combine your design hopes with your practical budget to create a kitchen that is affordable, functional, and beautiful.

Maximize Space: If you feel as though you have a small kitchen space, a kitchen contractor can help maximize it no matter what size it currently is. We can help you determine the best placement for your fridge, oven, cabinets, dishwasher and more to make your kitchen look more spacious than it really is. A kitchen contractor will also help make the final space design efficient and attractive.

Material Choices: The material choices for cabinets, flooring, and walls are endless. A kitchen contractor will help you decide on quality options that will serve you for years to come while also maintaining a fresh and timeless appearance. We know quality when we see it, and we have worked with a variety of materials. We will help you find the best options at the perfect prices for your budget.

Affordable Expertise: A kitchen contractor from our location will always give you affordable prices. Since we have the experience and workmanship necessary to be the choice of any remodeler or builder, we will not gouge you when we offer you estimates. We believe in honest prices and honest work ethic to provide you with the perfect kitchen for your home.

Contact us for a kitchen contractor who knows how to get the job done effectively and affordably. We will make your kitchen beautiful and functional so others will look forward to spending time with your in your home. 

A Guide to Granite Countertops

If you are interested in installing granite countertops for your home, there are a few things you should know. Granite is a durable material that will add a touch of glamor and sophistication to your kitchen. This simple touch can completely change the appearance of your space and make your kitchen appear far more modern. We can help you select the right type of granite countertops for your home. In the meantime, here are a few basic facts you should know.

Granite comes in a variety of colors. You are not limited to certain hues or patterns when working with granite. This makes it possible to find something that will enhance the design you have selected. While some of the more standard colors include white, black, or brown with other shades mixed in, you can also find granite that contains brilliant blues, greens, and even purple. While a few of the more unique shades cannot be purchased at your local home improvement store, we can help you to acquire them after learning of your specific request.

Your counters will be unique. Since granite occurs naturally, no two pieces look exactly the same. This means you will not run the risk of walking to your neighbors and seeing an identical countertop. It also means planning ahead is important. For example, if you remodel your kitchen without an island and later decide to add one, there is no guarantee you will be able to find a piece of granite that matches perfectly. Instead, we recommend you complete the entire project at the same time.

You can select the edge. When installing your granite countertops, we will need to know what type of edge you want. One of the more popular edges is the half bullnose because it is rounded at the top and flattens toward the bottom. It is the best type of edge if you are worried about small children and safety; it also does not stand out, so the focus remains entirely on your countertops. On the other hand, a big angle can stand out and become a statement in and of itself. The easiest way to decide is to look at samples in person. We can show you several types of edges so you can select the one you feel would best fit with your design tastes.

Installation is done within a day. When it is time to install your granite countertops, we can finish the process in around four hours. If you have a large kitchen or are also installing granite in a butler’s pantry, the process could take the whole day. Keep in mind that granite is incredibly heavy. This makes it important to clear a wide path and make sure everything is out of the way prior to the crew getting to your house. We suggest putting all small appliances away and any extra rugs or furniture until the installation is complete.
If you are ready to transform your kitchen, this is an excellent way to do so. To get started, call and schedule a consultation today.

Frequently Asked Questions About Custom Cabinets

We love custom cabinets and so do our customers. They are an excellent way to improve both the appearance and functionality of your home. With custom cabinets, we have the ability to design storage solutions that can do far more than simply house your plates, bowls, and cups. We can create spaces for your small appliances, baking stone, nice china, three styles of silverware, etc. If you are a home chef, like to entertain, or have a large family, there is a very good chance your current kitchen does not have enough storage. This is why we recommend starting from scratch with custom cabinets that can be designed to create not just more storage but the right storage for your particular needs. As an added benefit, we can have the cabinets created to match your design tastes and even combine textures like wood and glass for a more customized appearance. The best way to get started is to schedule a consultation so we can discuss your needs and create a beautiful and functional plan for addressing them.

Before you schedule an appointment, here are our answers to a few frequently asked questions about custom cabinets.

Are cabinets expensive?

The price of your cabinets will be based on the type of material you select, the unique finishes you want, and how many you need. If you have a set budget, let us know what it is so we can recommend a material that will fit within it. There are certain things you can do to keep the cost down. However, if you are ready to invest in your kitchen, you can have a great deal of fun selecting unique finishes and interior features that customize your space.

Can I just refinish my existing cabinets?

That is always a possibility, but if you do so, only the appearance of your cabinets will change. The actual layout and functionality will remain the same, so this typically does not solve the daily challenge of finding a place to store your new entertaining platters.

How long does it take to have custom cabinets delivered and installed?

It can take several weeks (three to four) to have your cabinets created and delivered. We can let you know the exact timeframe when you are ready to place your order. Once they are received, we can come out and install them. This can take one to three days, depending on the intricacy of your cabinets and how large your kitchen is. We will have your old cabinets ripped out first and the area prepared so it can go as quickly as possible. Our goal is to time it appropriately so you are not without your kitchen for very long though some people prefer to stay at a friend's house for a couple of days while we finish the process.

Can I select multiple finishes?

Absolutely, that is the benefit of ordering custom cabinets. You can design them however you want. If you want light cabinets up top and a darker color below, you can. If you want to mix open and closed cabinets or have some of them finished with glass, that is also an option. The sky is the limit, and we can help you select the right design for your home and family.

The Responsibilities of a General Contractor

A general contractor has many responsibilities, some that vary depending on the job site. On a typical day, a general contractor is responsible for the complete management and coordination of a project. With many responsibilities come many potential liabilities. Continue reading to learn more about how a general contractor should manage their responsibilities and avoid liabilities.

Management of Trades

A general contractor is responsible for hiring subcontractors that specialize in each aspect of a building project. Hiring contractors is helpful, but it also makes you liable if they are injured or if they perform poorly.

Knowledge

A general contractor is in charge of obtaining the appropriate knowledge of construction materials, building planning, safety, and building codes. This applies both during and after construction. A general contractor should know everything there is to know about how long you should let wood get accustomed to a climate before you install it, at what temperature range you should pour concrete, and what type of roofing is best for your area. Based on their knowledge, contractors should be able to tell if a tradesman is qualified for the job or if they will not do quality work.

Work Flow

A general contractor is responsible for overseeing the entire building process, so if you cannot be there, a general contractor will make sure everything is in order. They will be there for all the planning, the actual building process, and the cleanup. They know exactly what order trades should come in to work and when the job is completely done. If you have questions about proper structure, building a model for the job, or anything concerning the building process, a quality general contractor can help.

License, Insurance, and Worker’s Compensation

A general contractor assumes liability for accidents, injuries, and damage to property on a job site. A license, insurance, and worker’s compensation, along with appropriate safety training work together to ensure your building project flows smoothly and no one is seriously harmed. If anything does go wrong, a general contractor is responsible for fixing the problem. In most cases, if damage occurs to property or workers, the general contractor will be in charge of providing compensation. The proper licensing, insurance and safety training is what protects general contractors from the potential liabilities that come hand in hand with their many responsibilities. Training that general contractors receive and promote should include:

preventing accidents,

promoting safety in all circumstances,

accident or injury response techniques,

protective gear guidelines,

everyday safety practices,

proper machine operating techniques,

hazardous materials guidelines, and

general workplace hazards.

If you have questions about what you should expect from a general contractor or how you can get licensing and safety training to become a quality general contractor, we can help. Do not take the responsibilities of this occupation lightly when so much is at stake for you and your workers.