Everyone wants a place to come home to and have complete relaxation from our stressful and hectic day to day lives. When thinking of the perfect place for this, often people think about their bathrooms where they can take a peaceful bath or a place to maintains ones beauty and overall well being. No matter the size of your bathroom project, it can take a lot of time and research to achieve a successful renovation. Before you jump head first into your bathroom upgrade, there is many of questions to ask yourself. The main point to start with is always your budget. Bathroom remodels can vary greatly on pricing and a average price tag of $20,420 but it all depends on which bells and whistles you include in your overall design. Another important aspect to consider is hiring a professional/ licensed contractor that specializes in bathroom designs. This will not only make the process go quicker but save you lots of frustration and even more money since a contractor will know which elements you can save money on and which ones are worth the extra costs. To read more about “questions to ask yourself before starting a bathroom renovation” this article has many helpful tips.
Kitchens Designed With Your Family In Mind
There are many pieces that have to work together when remodeling a kitchen space. When we meet with homeowners who are looking to overhaul the look of their kitchens, we often find they overlook some very important concepts. It is easy to get caught up in the materials and the idea of newness that they overlook the importance of key elements like the flow of the space. Before meeting with a kitchen contractor check out this article that we found in Woodworking Network, “10 overlooked kitchen remodeling details”. At JFC Remodeling we focus on all aspects of kitchen remodeling from initial design to finished details. We guide clients through the process to ensure common design elements aren’t overlooked to make sure your space is perfect!
Kitchen Organization When Remodeling Is Not An Option Provides Optimum Flow
As we are cleaning our homes this spring many of us will be looking for ways to increase functionality in our spaces, especially in our kitchens. If a kitchen remodel isn’t in your future, organizing the existing space to optimize the flow is your next best bet for enhancing the purpose of the space. Optimal flow comes from creating usable space. It can be a little overwhelming at first, but the results will create a kitchen that is flows at peak capacity.
Don’t think you need to empty out your entire kitchen and start from scratch. All that will do is make the process seem impossible. Small changes overtime will create a kitchen space that is optimal for day to day life and family gatherings.
Tips to Improve the Flow of Your Kitchen
- Incorporate Baskets and Wire Holders
Any type of basket or holder that keeps things in one space make a space more organized. Labeled baskets for fruits and vegetables that don’t have to live in the refrigerator are practical and stylish. Kitchens are often the central gathering location for kids and homework. Having a basket labeled for each of your children stored under a kitchen island are not only aesthetically pleasing they are practical for keeping homework centrally located. Baskets are fun and functional.
- Charging Stations
Creating a single spot where electronics can be charged prevents counter clutter. Charging stations can be installed inside a drawer with the installation of a smart drawer. Ports are now sold specifically for this purpose however a simple power strip with USB ports can be used as well. Using a drill, you will want to put a hole in the back of the drawer. Thread the electrical end of the power strip out the back and plug it into your electrical outlet. Using Velcro attach the back of the power strip to the back of the drawer. It’s really that simple to remove the clutter of charging electronics from your counter.
- Spice Rack
It is no longer optimal to use valuable counter space to house a bulky spice rack. Organizing spices can be done in a number of ways. If you have unlimited kitchen drawers, creating a spice drawer using tightly sealed spice containers creates easy access to spices. Another popular option is to install a hanging wire racks attached to an upper cabinet door to neatly store spices. Adding magnets to the back of spice containers allows for simple storage of spices on the side of a refrigerator. There are a number of ways that homeowners can replace those bulky spice racks for smaller space savers.
- Baking Cabinet
For bakers having a space dedicated to baking supplies is super helpful to increasing the function of your space. These items are used frequently and thus should be organized and accessible. Turning a cabinet into a space that houses everything you needs is made easy with the installation of key hooks. These hooks store measuring cups and spoons without taking up valuable “floor” space in the cabinet. Mixing accessories can also be hung on hooks to keep them up off the base of the counter. Stack mixing bowls so that smaller bowls nestle into larger ones. Standing mixers can be accommodated by moving the shelf upward. This space will be a favorite for the bakers in your house.
- Pantry
Pantry shelves are often cluttered and there is not a lot of organization going on, but it doesn’t have to be. With the addition of a few lazy susans, labeled wicker baskets, wire baskets, and clear containers, your pantry can be transformed. Salad toppings, snacks, and more can all be grouped together and placed in a labeled wicker basket. If you are preparing a salad you can simply remove the basket with salad toppings. If the kids are looking for a snack instead of rummaging through granola boxes the snacks are all in one spot. Wire baskets allow for easy can storage and allow you to see what is in each basket. Lazy susans allow you to make use of the corner space in a pantry where you can organize oils, syrup, peanut butter, and items that need to stand.
Small appliances can also easily be stored in the pantry now because you have space now that the clutter is eliminated. Don’t forget the floor also has purpose. Using plastic show mats is a great way to protect your floor. By putting small felt pads on the bottom mats can easily be moved about as well.
- Under the Sink Organization
Small plastic baskets, hooks, and a tension rod can transform the space under your sink. If you are like so many of us, finding the spray you need is like wading through a trench. The spray you need is always in the back and is only able to be accessed by removing everything else. Installing a tension rod allows you to hang sprays for easy access. Kitchen brushes can be hung by installing small hooks and baskets can be used to separate and organize extra sponges, plastic gloves, and additional cleaning supplies. Baskets are easy to remove so there is never a need to remove everything to get the one chemical you need.
Even without remodeling your kitchen you can create a flow that is practical and improves the functionality of the space. Simple changes to the way we use the space can completely transform any kitchen.
JFC Remodeling is a full-service licensed contractor out of Howell, Michigan. Specializing in kitchen and bathroom renovations, flooring upgrades, and home remodeling services. More information can be found online at https://jfcremodeling.com/.
Happy May- National Home Remodeling Month
Whether you’re planning on staying in your home for quite a few more years or want to place your home on the market soon, spring is an amazing time to get some spring cleaning and home projects under way inside and out. Even the smallest upgrades can impact your home’s value and the return investment with be beneficial if and when deciding to sell. A recent survey done by National Association of Home Builders found that 5 most common remodeling jobs are kitchen/ bath remodeling, whole house remodel, room additions, and replacing windows and doors.
To get more details on these types of repairs- check out this article found at https://www.lansingstatejournal.com/story/marketplace/real-estate/2019/05/02/may-national-home-remodeling-month/3655514002/
Popular Spring Renovations For Your Home
It is FINALLY that time of the year, homeowners come out of hibernation and start the renovations they have been planning for all winter long. Here we will examine the spring home improvement projects that will bring you the biggest bang for your buck while increasing function and aesthetics.
Kitchen Renovations
Let’s start with the kitchen! Most homeowners hear the phrase kitchen remodeling and immediately rule it out because they think it is going to cost and arm and a leg. This doesn’t have to be the case. With the help of a local contractor your kitchen can be transformed from ordinary to extraordinary. You don’t have to completely gut your kitchen to change the way it looks or functions. Simple changes such as adding a touch of color to the cabinets, new hardware, and updated appliances can make a huge difference.
Updated Flooring
Spring is the perfect time to think about updating the flooring in your home. Hardwood flooring is a popular choice for homeowners because it withstands the test of time. The most common rooms in a home to replace carpet for hardwood include kitchens and dining rooms. Carpeted bathrooms are often undesirable however wood flooring isn’t necessarily a good choice. For bathrooms homeowners often choose ceramic or stone tile because it is durable and can withstand the moisture that is present in bathrooms.
Fresh Paint
The warmer weather presents a perfect environment for painting the interior and exterior of your home. Spring is neither hot nor cold which makes it the perfect season to add some color to your home with a fresh coat of paint. Paint totally changes the entire look of a room. Changing the color of your homes exterior not only changes the look of your home, it adds to the aesthetics of the entire landscape.
Existing Decking
Deck and porch areas are best treated in the spring as well. It is important to do a full inspection of the decking materials. All loose and rotting boards should be replaced. After this has been done it is time to clean the deck thoroughly which then allows stain and water preventative from adhering properly. The same process should be followed when updating painted areas on the deck and porch.
Deck Installation
Installing a new deck is also best done during in the spring. Once the ground has thawed and footings can be placed a deck can be constructed. Adding a deck to your home increases your living space. Deck installation is not always simple. This is especially true for raised decks or decks with multiple levels. Hiring a contractor can turn a project that will take you a full month of weekends into a two- or three-day process which is most often the case with home improvement projects.
JFC Remodeling is a full-service licensed contractor out of Howell, Michigan. Specializing in kitchen and bathroom renovations, flooring upgrades, and home remodeling services. More information can be found online at https://jfcremodeling.com/.