All posts by : Evelyn Lenton

Home renovations can be challenging, as things can go wrong even when you’re trying your best to create your picture-perfect home. The good news is, if you have an experienced and reputable home remodeling company on your side, things can go smoothly.

It all starts with choosing the right remodeling company. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when hiring a remodeling company.

Not Asking for a Detailed Quote

Before you hire a contractor, it’s vital that you get a quote. It’s recommended to get at least three quotes from top remodeling companies, so you can conduct a thorough comparison.

However, this is only effective if the quotations are as detailed as possible. Regardless of the project you have in mind, you must be able to accurately estimate the costs involved. For this reason, you should avoid getting estimates over the phone. That’s because a ballpark estimate almost always results in costly surprises down the line.

Choosing the Company With the Lowest Bid

It’s normal to want to go for the lowest bid when looking for home remodeling companies. After all, the promise of saving money can be tempting. Perhaps you’re looking for whole home remodeling contractors, but want to minimize the cost of your big project. However, if you get a suspiciously low bid, you might want to give it a pass. Remember, you get what you pay for.

Not Checking Out Their Previous Work

When looking at remodeling companies don’t just stop at quotes. Be sure to also ask for references. So, for instance, if you’re interested in whole home remodeling contractors, get references from clients who have had the same project done. You should also check out the before and after work done by the whole home remodeling contractors. This will give you more confidence when making a hiring decision.

Not Verifying Information Given

Always verify any information submitted by a contractor. Check that they are fully licensed and have the right kind of permits. Overall, the more professional the company, the more organized and legit it will be. Get references, and call them.

Home remodels are on the rise. Houzz, an online remodeling platform, reports it experienced a 58% annual increase in project leads for home professionals. If you’re looking to remodel, the tips above will keep you on the right track.

Are you tired of walking to the same cramped kitchen layout every day? Do you need more storage? Are your kitchen cabinets aged and phased out?

Home improvement and remodeling are inevitable over time. Well, you are in the right place, as we will help you familiarize yourself with popular kitchen trends. Below are popular kitchen trends that the kitchen remodeling company you want to hire could use to transform the way you cook, live, and entertain.

Stone Countertops

Natural or engineered stone countertops will help enhance the aesthetic appeal of your kitchen by adding a hint of luxury. Granite or quartz will help you shake up your kitchen interior, as it adds elegance to your house. Most kitchen remodeling companies advise homeowners to use stone countertops because of the attention and attraction it will get your kitchen, especially if it is an open plan layout.

Double Islands

Modern houses come with larger kitchens which translates to larger spaces. The kitchen island is a common feature in such spaces. Kitchen remodeling company experts advocate for double island units for modern kitchens. This is because the kitchen island clearly defines space in an open-plan layout.

Pantries

Pantries help promote functionality in your kitchen, rather than having your food and small appliances scattered all over the place, you get to have them located in one convenient place. Kitchen remodeling company experts advise homeowners with a less spacious kitchen to include a pantry, as it declutters the kitchen because there will be no use for cabinets. The pantry provides adequate space for all your items.

White Kitchens

White kitchens have a calming effect. It enhances light at the same time promoting the minimalistic effect. White kitchens add that elegant luster to a room. White kitchens will also provide you with the smooth transition you require when switching to a brighter or bolder theme.

Floating shelves

Floating shelves provide you with a lot of practicality, especially in an open kitchen layout. They draw attention, you could leverage this and display attractive kitchen accessories, cookbooks, or collectibles. Kitchen remodeling company experts highly recommend the floating shelves, as they are affordable and can be tailored to meet your specifications.

Above are just but a few popular kitchen trends that you could use to completely transform the face of your kitchen and make it feel completely new.

As the world becomes more environmentally conscious, some homeowners are making eco-friendly upgrades to their property. If you’ve recently started searching for design-build services, then you may be wondering if going green is a cost-effective and smart move. Perhaps, you have some false assumptions about green remodeling that are holding you back. In that case, here are some common assumptions about eco-homes that are complete myths.

Green Remodeling Is Way More Expensive

This is only true if you look at the smaller picture because having a green home will save you lots of money in the long run. That’s because after a green remodel, your home will be more efficient than ever, which results in a significant reduction in your utility bills. Besides that, green homes reduce your carbon footprint and are kinder on the planet. That’s why there are many grants and tax incentives from local, state, and federal agencies. If you’re financing the project, some institutions even offer significant discounts if you’re using the funds to purchase green products.

There Are No Quality Green Products

This myth might have been supported by the fact that there are many unregulated products on the market. Some companies simply attach the “green” and “eco-friendly” labels to their products without qualifying their claim. Therefore, when buying green products, it’s important to check their features to see what exactly makes them green or eco-friendly. Once you do, you’ll find that green products are not only effective but durable and high-quality.

Contractors Don’t Understand Green Remodeling

This entirely depends on where you’re looking. Often, it’s best to seek design-build services since this eliminates the need to find several contractors. So, instead of trying to find several contractors that are all familiar with green remodeling, all you have to do is find a single design-build firm with intimate knowledge of eco-homes. Typically, design-build services include all aspects of the project — from project design and product selection to construction.

Green Remodeling Is Just a Passing Trend

This is not the case at all. Considering that 80% of houses in the U.S. are more than 20 years old, not only are remodels popular, but as mentioned earlier, the world is becoming more green-conscious. Plus, energy-efficient homes have higher resale value, which is why the number of eco-homes keeps growing and growing.

Despite the large-scale investment in real estate property, many homeowners still live in older homes. Statistics show 80% of the houses in the United States are older than 20 years old. This means many houses may need remodeling after some time.

Remodeling projects often seem simple, but the truth is they can be very taxing if planning to hire and coordinate architects, contractors, suppliers, and tradespeople. Coordinating their responsibilities is quite a feat, hence the need to enlist the help of a design-build remodeling company. The company combines experts in project design, construction, product selection, and coordinates the work on the project, taking a huge load off your shoulders. Here’s a step-by-step guide explaining what design-build remodeling entails.

Step1: Schedule a Meeting with the Company

The first step is to schedule a meeting with the design-build contractor to discuss the type of remodeling project you want, provide important information about your home and the location of your property. This meeting also helps contractors define and set expectations about the project.

Step 2: Discuss the Scope of the Project

The contractor then explains the project’s scope, budget requirements, and challenges for remodeling the existing space. Next, the company develops plans, specifications, pricing and sets a design-build remodeling schedule.

Step 3: Make Design Selections

During this stage, the design team prepares design concepts to show the room arrangement at the site. Some companies prepare 3D models to help customers visualize the final product. In case the project cost exceeds your budget, the contractor may suggest a few changes. The expert works closely with the customer to ensure their wishes are met even after making the changes.

Step 4: Refining the Design

This step involves the preparation of detailed drawings to illustrate other aspects of the proposed design. If remodeling the entire house, the team presents a floor plan displaying all the rooms along with their sizes. Other consultants may also be called upon to provide critical information to avoid surprises during construction. Also, the project is reviewed again to determine if its duration should be extended. The team references the cost and budget when making this decision to avoid deviating.

Step 5: Signing the Construction Contract

The contractor signs a contract showing the start and the completion date and directs the project manager to ensure the work flows according to plan.

Step 6: Regular Communication

The design-build contractor, project manager, or production manager must provide updates about the project’s progress. They are also required to perform quality control walks to ensure your expectations are fully met. In fact, some companies have online systems that allow customers to track the project online.

Step 7: Completing the Project

At the end of the project, the design-build team schedules a meeting with the customer to explain the project’s construction process in detail. The team also provides pricing details, selected materials, lien releases, and warranty information to finalize the project.

This seven-step process should give you an idea of how design-build remodeling projects are executed. Keep in mind project completion isn’t always the end of the project. The team reviews the structure periodically to ensure your home remains in top-notch shape.

There are several renovation and improvement jobs that you can do in your home. This depends on your knowledge of home improvement techniques, your target areas, and the time for the project. The kitchen is among the many areas in your home that you can consider for renovation. It is a commonly used space in a home that needs constant and effective remodeling and improvement. But when is the best time for kitchen remodeling?

When the Appliances Need Replacing

How old is the house? The answer to this question will help you understand the need for effective home improvement, including the kitchen. Eight out of 10 houses in the United States are more than 20 years old, and after two decades, your home and appliances will typically endure some wear and tear. It is time for kitchen remodeling when the appliances are not functional and need repair or replacement.

If You Plan on Staying in the House

When you decide to stay in a house with your family and loved ones for a long time, you should be ready to implement major home improvement projects. You want to have the right living room, bedrooms, bathrooms, backyard, and most importantly, the kitchen. It is easier to conduct an effective kitchen remodeling project when you are sure that the home will serve you and your family for a longer time to come.

When You Lack Space

As a common area, your kitchen should have enough space. You need storage space to keep your food and enough space to move around when preparing meals. For an effective remodeling project that will allow you to have enough space, consider new kitchen counters and cabinet installation. Work with a kitchen remodeling expert to help update your kitchen and create ample space.

When It Is Hard to Clean

The functionality of your kitchen depends on the level of cleanliness and hygiene. This means you should have a routine that makes it easier to clean and maintain your kitchen. However, when it becomes hard to clean and organize your space, it is time to consider kitchen remodeling. An effective facelift makes it easier to clean and maintain sanitation in your kitchen.

When Your Kitchen Needs a Change

The need for kitchen remodeling arises when there is the addition of kids to the family. As a parent, the responsibilities increase, which makes it prudent to update and remodel your kitchen. Taking care of your family becomes easier when the kitchen is functional.

With the many improvement projects you can have in your home, kitchen remodeling should be a priority. Having a functional kitchen is beneficial to you and your family, and conducting home improvement projects becomes easier when you understand the above instances.

A growing family needs more room in their home. The adults require space without clutter to work and live, and the children need areas to play or study. You may have found the perfect home for you and your family, with one shortcoming — it doesn’t suit your needs as a growing family. You should consider hiring design-build contractors to help with home improvements. Here are some home remodeling tips that can help you make use of the existing space and even add some more.

Renovate the Attic or Basement

Most people use the basement and attic as storage. However, there are ways you can declutter and transform those spaces into more functional rooms. With the help of design-build contractors, you can turn these areas into home offices, extra bedrooms, or living areas. The key is to properly design the rooms to suit whichever need you want to address.

Switch to an Open Floor Plan

Consider knocking down some walls to create an open floor plan. Most homeowners knock down the walls for an unobstructed view of the dining area, living room, and kitchen. It instantly opens up space and brings in more natural light. Your growing family can enjoy using these rooms without feeling overcrowded.

Build an Addition

You can opt to build up or out. When building out to create extra space, you will need additional square footage. When building up, adding square footage is not necessary. Before building an addition, hire design-built contractors and discuss the feasibility of the project.

Add or Expand a Bathroom

If there are not enough bathrooms in the house to suit everyone’s needs, then consider expanding or adding one. It can be hectic when everyone is trying to get ready in the morning but you have to wait on each other, which takes time. Add a half bath or full bath and see the difference it makes. You could consider converting the food pantry or closet into a bathroom, especially for guests.

Add Creative Storage

Installing storage facilities wisely in your home can help get additional space. Talk to design-build contractors about how you can integrate storage into newly created spaces. Think of built-in bookcases, double-duty desks, or any other storage options that reduce clutter.

Many homeowners are opting for renovation projects rather than moving, which has seen the home improvement industry growing twice the rate of every other retail category. Therefore, do not shy away from your dream home because it does not perfectly address the needs of your growing family. Get design-build contractors to help you see how you can make use of the space you have.