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Five Reasons to Hire a Tiling Professional

Tiling is much more complicated than it might seem. Whether it’s a floor, kitchen backsplash, or bathroom wall, there are several factors to consider before you tackle this project yourself. Do-It-Yourself (DIY) projects can be a nightmare if you don’t have the proper tools, let alone experience. Moreover, installations vary by medium, materials, and square footage.

Many tiles are made from delicate materials and installing them correctly can make a significant difference in the finished product’s lifespan. Hiring a professional to install tile might seem unnecessary initially, but you will be thankful in the long-run. Read on to discover why hiring a professional to tile your home is a better bet.

  • Design Options
    Since professionals install tiles daily, they are familiar with styles, textures, layouts, grout colors, and much more. Industry innovations and updates fluctuate – thus, licensed contractors can effortlessly adapt to changes and know best practices.
  • Speedy Installation
    It should go without saying, but here we are. Hiring a licensed contractor to install tile in your home will undoubtedly be much quicker than a DIY project, as you will have time restraints and schedules to follow. Additionally, an expert will lay tiles at a much faster rate since they are more familiar with the complex process.
  • Proper Equipment
    To install tiles, the tools sitting in your garage or basement probably won’t suffice. Specialists will not only come equipped with all of the right tools – they will also know exactly how to use them. It’s imperative to understand that tiling can be a messy job; letting someone else handle the mud, grout, and cleanup is the way to go. 
  • Reduced Waste
    Remember geometry class? No? Well, the contractor you hire to install your tile will be familiar with geometry to say the least. The progression of measuring, cutting, and fitting tile can be tremendously complicated. To lessen the amount of waste from your project, don’t DIY.
  • Home Protection         
    Hurdles will undoubtedly surface in nearly any home project. Tiling sounds fun and easy, but don’t forget about the dusty, dirty demolition. You might not have the capability to deal with unforeseen issues that arise in a DIY plan. Removing old tile, disposal, protecting trim and walls from damage, and closing off doors to contain dust are just a few of the extra precautions taken by professionals.

Thinking of re-tiling a floor, kitchen backsplash, or bathroom wall? Put the tools down, pick up the phone, and call the flooring experts at JFC Remodeling. Save yourself the headache and let us handle your flooring renovation from start to finish.

JFC Remodeling is committed to providing top-quality home reconstruction services to clients throughout Livingston County. With over 30 years of experience in the industry, our licensed contractors create unique, individualized, and polished renovations. Whether the site requires an improvement, repair, or is a new construction, you can trust our experts to deliver remarkable results. Call: 810-923-1123, e-mail: jfcllc@comcast.net, or visit us at: www.jfcremodeling.com today.

Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.

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Choosing Materials for a Bathroom Remodel

Remodeling a bathroom can be exciting yet overwhelming due to the vast amount of available options. Having an overall plan or scheme is ideal; make sure to include a list of goals, priorities, and, most importantly, a budget. It’s all in the details – try to have a crystal-clear vision of what you want the aesthetic to be. Hardware, color scheme, patterns, textures, etc. are some ideas to explore.

How do you sift through hundreds of options to solidify your choice? Specialty design showrooms are a great place to start. They display finished plumbing, flooring, cabinets, lighting, and more. After you narrow down your ideal design, remember to factor in your budget. It’s also a good idea to have a backup or second option if your first choice is unavailable.

Here are some basic suggestions to help you get started:

Flooring
Choose an easy-to-clean, non-porous surface such as tile, ceramic, hardwood, etc.

Countertops
Any tough, durable, solid surface including granite, quartz, marble, and the like will stand the test of time.

Storage
Look for tall and spacious cabinets and sleek shelves to add a functional yet appealing touch.

Lighting
Set the mood with accent lighting, illuminated mirrors, and achieve specific color temperatures with specialty light bulbs.

After you choose the aesthetic of your new bathroom, you can start shopping for materials. Check out the complete article for a more in-depth look at fixtures, countertops, cabinets, flooring, and more.

You have the perfect bathroom planned – now you need the perfect bathroom remodeling contractor. Contact JFC Remodeling for your next bathroom renovation project at 810-923-1123. https://www.jfcremodeling.com/

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DIY Tips – Saving Money by Demoing Your Kitchen

You can save a ton of money if you demo your kitchen instead of getting it done; however, it’s not for everyone. Depending on your health and any available help you may have, you might consider paying for your demo work instead. For those considering ripping out their old kitchen on their own, this article gives you a quick rundown of a few tips to follow before grabbing the crowbar and hammer. 

Prep the Space. Turn off the kitchen power supply from your circuit breaker box. A good tip you’ll want to remember is putting a piece of tape over the breaker for the kitchen, so no one accidentally turns them on, giving you an unexpected shock when you reach for an outlet. 

Turn Off the Water. Demo work is messy enough without burst water pipes. Be sure to turn off the supply usually found under the kitchen sink with a value or handle.  

Turn Off the Gas Supply. If you have appliances that run on gas, you will need to turn them off with the valve located behind the appliance. Ensure that you pull the appliance out carefully so not to dislodge the hose out of the valve. 

Rent a Dolly for Heavy Appliances. Don’t break your back, get some assistance by renting a dolly typically found at rental centers or home improvement stores.  

Lay a Drop Cloth on the Floor. This will prevent scratches and other damage. If you are also renovating the floor, you obviously do not have to do this.

Rent a Dumpster. A typical average-sized kitchen will require you to rent a six-cubic yard dumpster. These can be rented from your local waste management centers. 

Now you’re ready to begin the demo, including the garbage disposal, sink, cabinets, countertops, backsplash, and dishwasher. For the next steps, read more from this article regarding the main kitchen demo.

These are just a few tips on prep work you will need to consider if you plan on remodeling your kitchen. Contact JFC Remodeling for your next kitchen renovation project at 810-923-1123. https://www.jfcremodeling.com/

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Top 10 Bathroom Trends of 2020

Let’s face it, sometimes we all walk into a room of our house and just wish it had the latest upgrades and designs. This is especially true of our home’s kitchen, bathrooms, and living room. The living room and kitchen are where our friends and family gather and where love and laughter are shared. The bathroom is by nature, a private room, but depending on which bathroom we’re referencing, it can be open to others for use or just meant for yourself and close family members.

When you are in your bathroom, you want to have a sense of yourself to which brings you peace and reflects your style. However, it’s not always easy to stay abreast of the latest design trends. Fashion and décor are ever-changing, so we put together this article for the top 10 emerging trends of 2020.

# 1 Freestanding Bathtubs and Sinks 

This is a classic design that does not go out of style. Modern freestanding bathtubs are made with stone resin designs and traditional styles feature clawfoot or copper tubs. A freestanding bathtub and sink may cost you a little more, but they will retain their value and increase your home’s worth.

# 2 His and Her Private Vanities 

Not only do private vanities offer a practical solution to your bathroom, but they are also a trendy and timeless choice. His and her vanities provide enough space for two people to prep at the same time with no fuss of room or personal space being cramped.

# 3 Accent Walls

As the name suggests, it is a wall or walls in your bathroom that that are made from different materials and design from the rest of your space. An accent wall creates a focal point that provides a centralized location that can highlight a vanity, bathtub, or any other object to make it stand out. Popular materials in 2020 are marble, brick, mosaic tile, natural stone, and wood; the choice is entirely up to you.

# 4 Bold Colors 

Ironically, earth tones (browns, greys, tans, etc.), which have been popular for years, are now being contrasted with bold, vibrant color tones. Lime green is starting to gain in popularity as a summer color. Blues match well with more saturated spaces, and orange adds more warmth and depth. Before you go this route, make sure to look up design ideas as this can be a significant shift in mindset from softer hues that many of us are used too.

# 5 Heated Bathroom Floors 

Stepping on a frigid bathroom floor during the cold seasons will shock you awake. The trend of heated flooring is becoming increasingly popular because of advances in electrical heating technology, which offer two options. The first is hydronic heated floors, which are comprised of rubber tubes circulating heated water underneath the floor’s surface. The second is electric, which is made using a thin panel grid that heats the surface of your floor much, in the same way, an electric blanket works.

#6 Modern Light Fixtures

 Small chandeliers and hanging bulbs are becoming quite popular in 2020 bathroom designs. Another trend is to install wall sconces near your mirror, which can enhance the ambiance for those relaxing nights in the tub. Adding small accents can go a long way toward enriching your bathroom’s atmosphere without breaking the bank.

#7 Matte Fixtures

Black matte has been making a comeback with striking contrast and offering a bolder option for those who like to make a powerful statement. Bathrooms are not the only spaces where this design feature can be added; countertops, sinks, cabinets, and even ceilings are growing in popularity, and it looks like the trend has just started. Going with a matte finish is one of the most modern options available for a bathroom or any area in your home.

#8 Water Efficient Toilets

With smart home appliances on the rise, it’s no surprise that water-efficient toilets are becoming more attractive. Like the next generation of smart water heaters to refrigerators and now water-efficient toilets, technology allows us to make our lives easier by offering efficiency, which saves us money. Water-efficient toilets reduce the total amount of water needed for flushing, helping the environment, and saving us money on our water and sewage bills.

#9 Diverse Tile Textures

Another growing trend isdiverse tile textures. Throughout the years, people have been compliant with the same tiles, colors, and textures in the bathroom. However, the trend is shifting to incorporate the opposite – a more diverse and open concept where tile textures don’t necessarily match but still complement one another. Also, think of practicality. Instead of always choosing matching designs, consider selecting a tile or material that absorbs warmth for the bathroom floor.

#10 Open Concept 

The open living room and kitchen concept has moved onto bathrooms in 2020. Offering both privacy and space, open floor plan bathrooms is another emerging trend for master bathrooms. These larger sized bathrooms with sometimes glass shower walls remove restrictive barriers and allow for a more liberating but private experience. 

These are just a few bathroom trends making headway in 2020. If you are considering remodeling your bathroom keep these ideas on your radar and contact JFC Remodeling for licensed contractor help, you’ll be glad you did! For more bathroom trends of 2020, read this article here.

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For a Better Kitchen – 10 Tips to Consider

Whether you are looking for a new home, or considering updating your kitchen, or simply thinking of ways to improve your current setup, read our suggestions below for design and planning ideas.

  1. Eliminate Wasted Steps – Having all your essential items in one place with ease of access is the key here. Think about how and where you use your items. Are your dishes and flatware located near the sink for ease of access when unloading the dishwasher? Are your mugs near the coffeemaker? Simple reorganizations go a long way in overall kitchen functionality and user experience. 
  •  Design Wide Walkways – Typically, paths throughout a kitchen should be at least 36 inches wide. Roads within the cooking zone should be 42 inches wide for a one-cook kitchen and 48 inches wide for a two-cook setup. If your current kitchen space has less than this because of islands or chairs, try to adjust your surroundings to gain a larger working space in essential areas.
  • Direct Traffic – When considering layouts and appliance setup, think about how and where your traffic comes and goes. Try to keep the cooktop out of high traffic areas, so children do not catch handles and cause spills when running through. Position the refrigerator accessible to both the passerby and people working in cooking areas.
  • Stay Clear of Corners – Planning for a cabinet or drawer’s clearance and swing will make them more functional and allow for more breathing room. Try to keep appliances away from corners, and make sure doors will not bang into each other if open at the same time.
  • Optimizing Your Microwave Height – Typically, 15 inches above the countertop is the proper microwave height, although this varies depending on the chef or if you’re trying to be kid-friendly. If children are a factor, a below countertop layout may be safer and more appropriate.
  • Determine the Island’s Function – In the case of kitchen islands, form follows function, and less is more. Ideally, just having one centerpiece (such as a vase or decorative bowl), is more than enough for décor. Keeping this space clear and open allows for an inviting atmosphere that your guests will feel comfortable in. On the contrary, when you have clutter on an island, it can make the entire kitchen seem cramped.
  • Appropriate Landing Space – You should allow 14 inches of countertop on each side of a cooktop, microwave, and refrigerator. Having a landing space near the oven and other kitchen must-haves provides a temporary rest stop for items during prep.
  • Double Up – A second microwave oven, a mini-refrigerator, or a refrigerator drawer placed at the edge of a kitchen work center helps to keep snackers out of the cook’s way. Add a countertop bar with stools for an after-school spot for the kids to snack and do homework.
  • Arrange the Range – Placing a shelf beside or behind the cooktop range keeps cooking oils, utensils, and spices handy. Place S-hooks on the side of the range hood to hang regularly used items like pots and pans.
  1. Fill it Up – Installing a swing-out tap, also known as a pot-filler, can solve the issue of lugging pots around. Or, you can install an extra-long hose attachment on your main faucet to fill pots.

These are just a few ways to make your kitchen more functional and comfortable to spend your time in. If you’re considering remodeling your kitchen, keep these tips in mind; you’ll be glad you did. For more ideas about remodeling your kitchen, click here.