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Benefits of Open Concept Kitchen

People often say the kitchen is the most important room of the house. Homeowners tend to spend much time in a kitchen because you’re in full control of what happens there. It’s the meeting space for families, even more so than the family room itself. You eat there, you create there, and it’s the epicenter of the smell of breakfast in the morning. It’s a very important room of the house indeed, and the design is a key reason for this. From layout to color scheme, the kitchen is also one of the most customizable rooms of the house, but how do you know which design is right for you? As time goes on the idea of an open-concept kitchen grows more and more popular, but not everybody knows exactly what that entails. Open-concept kitchens have both pros and cons, like all designs, and knowing those are key to understand whether the design is right for you.

Space           

Open-concept kitchen design is exactly what it sounds like: a design that is more open rather than constrained. Sometimes the design disrupts the idea of a “room” itself. An open-concept kitchen can often be considered an extension rather than a room, an arm of the family or living room that brings in a more inviting atmosphere to it and because of this, an open-concept kitchen can naturally make a small space feel larger. This can also add to the volume of natural light coming in through windows in other rooms. Where some kitchens can be cramped in their own rooms, open-concept kitchens flow from another room and can inherit certain traits from those rooms. Conversely, an open-concept kitchen can sometimes make a room seem too big, with a messy kitchen being far more visible to guests.

Social Aspect

As mentioned, kitchens can often be the social hub for gatherings and entertaining guests. It can feel cramped when many guests are all in one room in a closed-kitchen design, whereas an open-concept gives more breathability for a large guest list. If you have guests outside on a deck or patio being able to see the kitchen from anywhere around the house is helpful and more inviting than having a closed kitchen design in a room of the house. However, noise can be an issue with an open-concept kitchen. For those quiet dinner parties having the kitchen in its own room can let the chefs of the family do their cooking without bothering the quiet guests outside in another room. With open-concept kitchens, the noise can either be better or worse depending on the setting, with a rowdier crowd being less bothered when the kitchen is essentially in the same room.

An open-concept kitchen can be a wonderfully modern design for your home, but how you plan on using it makes a difference. Keep in mind the kind of social setting your house will be and whether you want to use your kitchen as a space to hide away and cook or an inviting extension of another room for people in which to mingle.

JFC Remodeling is a full-service licensed contractor out of Howell, Michigan.  Specializing in kitchen and bathroom renovations, flooring upgrades, and home remodelingservices.  More information can be found online at https://jfcremodeling.com/.



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The World of Kitchen Designs

They often say the kitchen is the real most intimate room in the home. It’s a product of its user, and it takes on the personality over time. Any kitchen lover wants it to look like the best of their personality, but the actual options are even bigger than that. When remodeling a kitchen, you want it to look as best as it can, considering how often you’ll be in it. Luckily there are many options to choose from, a few of which will be covered here.

Modern

Arguably among the most popular designs right now, this design strays away from the more natural material used in other designs in favor of more manmade material, such as laminate, ceramics and molded plastics. Darker colors are preferable here, and give the space a more comfortable atmosphere, although some may find it rather cold. The design itself can be considered originating from midcentury Nordic design, with bolder angles and flatter surfaces.

Coastal

More popular, understandably, the closer the house is to water, coastal design focuses primarily on color. Because of the proximity to water, the colors and hues tend to reflect that of the beach, with brighter browns and blues. The accessories in the kitchen tend to be more beach-focused, with artwork and wall accessories favoring sand, boats, etc. A lot of kitchens in this design reside in vacation houses, as it lends to a feeling of being on or near the beach (a great getaway trip during those harsh winter months.

Country

Whereas modern designs favor manmade material and coastal designs favor beach-themed accessories, country designs tend to mix modern elements with natural material. The amount of woods and rustic material is prevalent alongside the more country-style accessories and artwork. Farm-style imagery and wooden furniture are the main elements of pure country design, but plenty of kitchen owners are now blending country and modern designs to create a sleeker and darker-colored country design.

Colonial

Colonial kitchen design marries modern rustic atmosphere with historical context and is a favorite among lovers of American history. Because of the historical context, clues of that nature can be found adorning the walls and overall decoration. The color spectrum sticks to earth tones and more muted colors, matching that of kitchens from the 18th century, and the use of different woods for furniture and cabinetry makes this easy. The lighting used should reflect the nature of lanterns, candles, etc, and can cast a warm glow over the room that is very cozy and inviting to guests.

JFC Remodeling is a full-service licensed contractor out of Howell, Michigan.  Specializing in kitchen and bathroom renovations, flooring upgrades, and home remodelingservices.  More information can be found online at https://jfcremodeling.com/.

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Upgrading Your Floors? Breaking Down the 5 Most Popular Flooring Choices

When it comes to renovating your home, one of the biggest decisions you’ll make is what type of flooring to use. For most homeowners this is not an easy choice. Balancing out the pros and cons of each flooring type, considering not only the look of it, but also its practicality can be a daunting task. What is the comfort level? Will it stand up to pets and kids? How will you maintain it? And, does it fit your budget?

Your homes location and the particular room that needs resurfacing are other factors. Homes located near the beach tend to utilize tile flooring for easier clean-up of sand. Colder climates prefer the warmth of carpet, cork, or hardwood flooring with area rugs but they’re not suggested options for bathrooms or mudrooms; tile, vinyl or linoleum are better choices.

These are questions the professionals at JFC Remodeling can help you assess. With over 30 years experience, Jason Foldenauer and his team are licensed and insured contractors ready to assist you. Compare options available below and contact them for a free consultation. 810-923-1123

Pros and Cons of Popular Flooring Options

Hardwood:

Pros: Hardwood is durable and attractive. Choose various types of hardwood and the stain color. It can be resanded and refinished several time and can last the lifetime of the house if it doesn’t get too wet.

Cons: Hardwood requires regular maintenance and can warp with moisture. It needs to be refinished periodically. It also needs a subfloor installed. It can be damaged by too much moisture and easily scratched by pets’ nails.

Cost: On average $3 to $14 per square foot for materials.

Engineered Hardwood

Pros: Less expensive than hardwood, engineered hardwood comes prefinished and is easier to install. It works better with heated floors and is less susceptible to moisture damage. Doesn’t require a subfloor.

Cons: Can only be refinished a few times.

Cost: On average $3 to $13 per square foot for materials.

Carpet:

Pros: Softer and warmer to walk on than most other materials. It’s often less expensive than other flooring.

Cons: Can be easily stained by spills and wears out more quickly than other flooring. Can be a problem for people with allergies.

Costs: On average $1 to $11 per square foot, depending upon material.

Tile:

Pros: Extremely durable, will last longer than the house, easy to clean, comes in a huge variety of styles, sizes and colors. You can even buy porcelain tile that looks like wood.

Cons: Not very comfortable to walk on and can be cold. Grout is not easy to clean, surface is hard to stand on for long periods, and anything dropped on tile breaks. Tile requires expert installation, though it can be done by a skilled DIY homeowner.

Cost: On average $1 to $10 per square foot for materials.  

Laminate:

Pros: Inexpensive, can be installed over existing floors, comes prefinished. It can also be a DIY project. It’s softer on feet than tile if it is installed with proper backing.

Cons: Can’t be refinished, can be destroyed by flooding or damaged by moisture.

Cost: On average 69 cents to $4.50 per square foot for materials.

JFC Remodeling is a full-service licensed contractor out of Howell, Michigan.  Specializing in kitchen and bathroom renovations, flooring upgrades, and home remodelingservices.  More information can be found online at https://jfcremodeling.com/.



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Choose Function Over Style In Home Remodeling

Homeowners looking to renovate their kitchens must consider not flow and function of the space over style to increase the value of their home.  Yes, style is important but a beautiful space that you can’t cook or entertain is basically storage.  Not all popular trends will translate into classics, so it is important to thoroughly research before any construction starts.  Don’t be in a hurry when renovating a space as important as your home’s kitchen or bath.  Take the time to meet with several contractors who specialize in kitchen design and renovation, (even though we know we will be your final pick).  This will give you a number of ideas to choose from as well as a feel for industry professionals.  For more on function over style check out this article by Realty Biz News, “Why It’s Important to Stress Functionality Over Style In Home Remodeling Projects”.  To schedule a consultation with a professional kitchen design contractor, contact the experts at JFC Remodeling today!  You can easily reach us at 810.923.1123 or via are website at https://www.jfcremodeling.com/

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Common Summer Projects For Your Home

Summers are a great time in Michigan.  It is the perfect time to enjoy the beach, BBQ’s, and flip flops.  It is also the perfect time for homeowners to tackle home improvement projects.  The weather is finally perfect – no snow, ice, or excessive wind.  The summer months are the perfect time to assess your home, make general repairs, perform maintenance, and take on larger scaled projects like the installation of a new roof, kitchen remodels (YEAH FOR BBQ’S), porch upgrades, upgraded decking, and more.  Depending on your budget and the renovations you choose, you can increase the overall value of your home by updating the space.

The Most Common Summer Projects

  • Pressure Washing – Nothing speaks louder than a well-maintained home.  Power washing your homes siding and decking is an inexpensive way to clean your home.  Removing mold, algae, and mildew can result in increasing the longevity of your sidings lifespan.  Pressure washing costs about $500 for a professional to complete or for the DIY a power washer can be rented for about $50 for four hours.
  • Landscaping – Any home improvement that increases your homes curb appeal will add value to your home.  Landscaping doesn’t have to be complex, simple lawn care and maintenance with a few flower beds to enhance the space can really transform a home.  If you are not interested in hiring a professional landscaper, it is important to have a plan in place before diving into landscaping. 
  • Kitchen Renovations – When it comes to kitchens it is best for homeowners to work with a reliable contractor as kitchen remodeling can take a quick turn in the wrong direction.  You don’t need every one of the latest gadgets, top line appliances, and exotic materials to create a kitchen that is the envy of the neighborhood. The most important aspect is the layout and flow of your space. 

A small kitchen can function better than a large kitchen with the right layout design.  An important aspect in renovating, especially in kitchens is lighting.  Modern lighting overhead and underneath cabinetry can transform the overall feel of the space.  Including a backsplash is always an inexpensive way to add to the look of the space.  Believe it or not, it is possible to completely redo the look and feel of a kitchen can cost as little as $4,000 when you hire a professional kitchen contractor.

  • Deck Additions – Summer is all about creating an environment outdoor that is both functional and comfortable.  Adding to your deck is a great way to make the space usable.  Outdoor kitchen spaces, comfy lounge spaces, sitting nooks, fire pits, high top bars, the list of outdoor decking renovations that add value to your space are endless.   Renovate your deck into a space that feels like you are on a constant vacation. 

JFC Remodeling is a full-service licensed contractor out of Howell, Michigan.  Specializing in kitchen and bathroom renovations, flooring upgrades, and home remodelingservices.  More information can be found online at https://jfcremodeling.com/.