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5 Questions You Want to Ask Your Kitchen Contractor Before Your Kitchen Renovation

When it comes to renovations the kitchen is a complex home improvement projects you can get involved in.  As a homeowner you must make all decisions throughout the renovation project.  The kitchen has changed from a place of simple food preparation to an open area, multi-functional space that is the soul of your home.

No matter what size, the kitchen is a big part of every modern household.  Kitchen design contractors consider several elements including the size of the space, the desired style, trends, and the best use of space when preparing for each unique kitchen renovation.  This installment will help offer you suggestions on the working with your contractor on planning for your new kitchen.  Your contractor will go over elements such as appliances, cabinetry, surfaces, and finishes as well as material to use and extras that you desire.

Soon your dream kitchen visions will become a reality.  Before you sign on the dotted line and hire a contractor there are a few questions to ask that will help you make sure you know exactly what you are getting yourself into.  These questions will help ensure you stay within your given budget, your home is secured while contractors are working on the home and that you get your kitchen put back together in a timely manner.

  1. How will you itemize your bid breakdown?

Tell the contractor to itemize the bid by breaking down the bid into stages, this will give you a better understanding of what you are been charged. Some contractors will supply you with an overall quote, but that’s not the best way to go if you want to make sure your contractor isn’t overcharging.

  1. What are the extra costs outside the original quote?

Before your final deal signed with the contractor, make sure he or she isn’t going to add on extra fees without asking you first. This you make clear to him/her during the process of deal negotiations, that you will not bear or accommodate addition fees which are outside the real deal. Some contractors charge for things such as demolition, junk removal, painting, and other tasks. In some cases, you may be able to handle these things yourself to avoid extra charges.

  1. Who are the members of your team that will be working on the renovation?

Security of your home matters, and it is foremost in a situation like this. Depending on the size of the contracting company, there might be few or many workers deployed to your home on daily basis during the period of the renovation, if you have children, pets or other valuable, it’s important that you get to know your contracting team before allowing them to enter your home. Once hired, you want to secure a plan with the team to make sure they’re properly locking doors, securing pets and keeping materials out of harm’s way.

  1. What is the time frame on our kitchen remodeling?

Naturally, the duration of the project should be well spelled out; this will enable you to have proper time planning during the project execution having known the start and end date. It’s only natural to want a detailed timeline of your cabinet installation. Time contractors take in your home is time spent away from your kitchen, and it can be hard to spend several weeks eating out. You may even consider setting parameters for your contractor and asking for discounts and other incentives if work isn’t completed in the time frame you’ve agreed upon, and this will also propel the contractor to work hard to enable him to meet the time frame.

  1. Can you provide references? Do you offer a warranty on your work?

You might meet contractors that will play down on you with the pretense of giving you the best of renovation job, as such you need more assurance that you are dealing with the right contractor, and you do this by looking for contractors that will guarantee their work with written warranties. If they don’t offer one at the outset, make sure you request one to protect your kitchen from sub-par workmanship or low-quality materials.

Also, if the potential contractor wasn’t recommended to you by someone you trust, or even if they were, it’s perfectly acceptable to do a little reference work yourself. If your contractor is happy to supply references, give past clients a call and gauge their overall feelings on the completed work he has done for them before now.

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/.

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Dark or Light Cabinetry in Kitchen- Which Is Better

You have finally decided that it is time for those kitchen renovations you have been thinking about for so long and now you are faced with the 101 important decisions that goes into every kitchen remodeling task. One of the most important decisions is in regard to kitchen cabinetry since they take up a great deal of space in your kitchen and are the first things most people notice when entering the room.

 

Along with the style of your kitchen cabinets you also must decide whether to go with dark or light cabinetry. The decision to have either light or dark cabinets will depend on many things including your own personal preference and even the reason for your kitchen renovations. Here is a look at the benefits and drawbacks of both light and dark cabinetry.

 

Light Cabinets

Choosing light cabinetry can make a small kitchen look larger and if they are the same color as the walls and back splash they can also make your kitchen appear more spacious. In addition, light cabinets especially those that are white gives your kitchen a more sanitary feel. In addition, light cabinetry is suitable for any wall and counter top color.

However, you do keep in mind that light cabinets show dirt far more easily than dark cabinets so may not be a good choice for families with small children. Light cabinets also show wear and tear more such as cracks more easily dark cabinets.

 

However, if your kitchen remodeling is being done in order for you to sell your home for a higher price the recommendation is that light cabinets may help the overall price of your home more than dark cabinetry.

 

Dark Cabinetry

Dark cabinetry on the other hand can work well in larger kitchens especially against a light-colored background such as your walls and back splash as well as a kitchen with good lighting. Dark cabinets add a warmth and richness to your kitchen you don’t get with light cabinets. They also can look quite sophisticated depending on the style of cabinets you choose. For example, dark gray kitchen cabinets can look stunning against light walls and light marbled counter tops.

 

Dark cabinets are less likely to show dirt so may work better if you have small children in the house. They are also less likely to show wear and tear such as cracks.

 

Other Considerations

There are other considerations that go into choosing light or dark cabinetry when doing a kitchen remodeling. One of the most important considerations is your own taste and the style of the rest of your home. If all of the furniture throughout your home is dark, then light cabinets may look out of the place with the rest of your home. The reverse also is true, dark cabinets may look out of place in a home that is mostly light neutral colors.

As you can see when it comes to light or dark cabinets one is not clearly better than other it just depends on your own personal style and taste and the reason for your kitchen renovation project.

 

JFC Remodeling, out of Howell, Michigan, offers a variety of construction services for the home including: kitchen and bath remodeling, flooring renovations, and home remodeling.  You can find out more information at http://www.jfcremodeling.com or by reaching out to our home renovation specialists at 810.923.1123.

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Questions You Need to Ask Before A Bathroom Remodel

Any renovation around your home, inside or out, should be strategically planned.  Once you are done with a remodel there is no turning back, you can’t change it once it’s complete.  Home improvements, once completed, are yours to enjoy (or hate) for years to come.  We encourage clients to meet with our licensed contractor and designer to discuss their project in detail to discuss the renovation.  Once you have expressed your interests to our contractors and designers they can help to create a space that you will thoroughly enjoy.  Before you commit it is important to take some time to mull over the design to ensure it is going to be perfect.

Here are a few questions to consider as you plan your bathroom remodel:

  • Should your bathroom be practical and useful or lush and lavish?

This is the first thing our licensed contractor and designer will want to know when you meet with them to discuss design options.  A bathroom isn’t a space that most clients plan on spending hours on end in however, they want a space that is simple, attractive, and functional.  However, some homeowners are remodeling their bathroom to create a space that they can retreat away from the stresses that are found in everyday situations.

  • Are you looking to create a larger space or are you planning on utilizing the existing space?

Most often the bathrooms of your home are some of the smallest spaces within the home as they weren’t necessarily the priority that bathrooms, kitchens, closets, and such were given in new construction.   It is vital when planning and budgeting to decide if you need a larger space or are fine within the space you have.  It will be important for our designers to look at the architecture of your home, along with the floor plan to determine if the space can be expanded or if they will need to create a design based the space provided.

  • Would you like a shower, a bathtub, or a combination?

Lounging in a bathtub has become something many homeowners have given up.  Maybe they don’t have the time or desire.  Whatever the case may be, leaving out a tub can make room in the budget for extras elsewhere, like a shower with multiple shower heads. If you do decide you would like the combination of a bathtub and shower our designers will plan a space accordingly to ensure your comfort and maximize relaxation.

  • How much storage will you need?

The storage within a small space such as a bathroom is of utmost importance.  The amount of storage that you need will depend on what you choose to store in the space.  Are you storing just the basics like toiletries and towels or do you need to have room to keep other daily use necessities such as a hair dryer, makeup, and such.

JFC Remodeling, out of Howell, Michigan, offers a variety of construction services for the home including: kitchen and bath remodeling, flooring renovations, and home remodeling.  You can find out more information at http://www.jfcremodeling.com or by reaching out to our home renovation specialists at 810.923.1123.

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Ideas to inspire your dream bathroom remodel

Bathroom remodels have consistently high returns on investment year after year. Whether you’re setting your home up for a higher resale value or you simply want to make your mornings brighter, these remodeling ideas are sure to enhance both.

Vanities: From central to focal 

The vanity can anchor your bathroom’s design because it is central to both your routine and the physical space. Updating this feature can be as simple as refacing the cabinets and as complex as ripping out the old for something new.

Floating vanity: These features are popular because they add modern flair and create clean lines. What’s more, they can be floated at any preferable height and leave floor space for radiant heating or storage.

Comfort height: If you find yourself stooping and overreaching to use your vanity and sink, it’s no rare inconvenience. A little more than a decade ago, designers realized the standard height vanity at 32 inches wasn’t cutting it. The new “comfort height” standard is 36 inches.

A second sink: Many homeowners have been dreaming of a second sink since their childhood battles in the family bathroom. If you have the opportunity and the space, adapt your vanity or install a new one that will accommodate.

Showers and tubs: From necessity to luxury 

Standard showers and tubs are built for function rather than inspiration and relaxation. Updating or enhancing these features can transform your bathroom from a basic, functional room into an enjoyable retreat.

Freestanding tub: The tubs are popular, and they can give your bathroom a quick visual turnaround. In fact, they can stand as a design statement rather than a sunken necessity. Plus, they’re available in magazine-worthy finishes like wood and copper.

Multiple shower heads: Additional shower heads aren’t just a luxury option. They add convenience, especially if you’re installing a handheld style to go with a stationary rainfall shower head.

Curbless walk-in: Make your bathroom more accessible and more appealing for resale. Accessible features move higher up on home buyers’ priority lists every year. Kicking the curb on your shower makes it safer for older adults and those with disabilities — and even for yourself in case of a clumsy moment.

Floor and walls: From outdated to upgraded 

If you’re living with ratty old wallpaper and last century’s flooring, give yourself a fresh start with new flooring and wall materials.

Tile: There are now hundreds of new, affordable tile options for bathrooms. Wood grain tile, for example, is extremely popular. Other options include matte black tile, arabesques and octagons, and patterned tile that you can use as a sink backsplash and art feature.

Paint: A simple way to upgrade your bathroom is to freshen up the paint. Choose colors that promote cleanliness, warmth and positivity, like light blues and greens or creams and blushes.

Extras: From Stone Age to new age 

There are other ways that bathrooms can evolve beyond the standard that are nearly invisible to the eye.

Tech: Smart bathroom technology can make your daily rituals easier and more enjoyable. Consider integrated speakers, voice-activated lighting, smart mirrors and digital showers.

Efficiency: Older standard toilets waste a lot of water unnecessarily, and newer standard models use over 50 percent less. It will pay to upgrade to a low-flow, high-efficiency or even ultra-high efficiency toilet!

Radiant heat flooring: These heating systems are compatible with most bathroom flooring materials. They warm your feet, but they also heat your bathroom on cold days, reducing strain on your home heating system.

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Tips to Maximize Your Bathroom’s Layout During Renovations

Bathrooms renovations can be extremely tricky, especially if you are trying to create more space in a room that currently seems really small.  However, there are many things that you can do to maximize this space during your bathroom remodel.

Here are 5 tips to maximize your bathroom’s layout during renovations:

  1. Create Storage Anywhere You Can

As you are creating the design for your bathroom remodel, you are going to want to incorporate storage wherever you can, because that is the one thing that is always needed the most in this space.  You can choose to install open shelves on the walls or consider installing a vanity with a cabinet underneath to really maximize your bathroom space.

  1. Add Natural Light

Natural light can really open up a room and make it appear larger than it really is.  We recommend installing a skylight if possible, so you have continuous light shining down into your new bathroom.

  1. Reflect with a Mirror

During your bathroom renovations, you are going to need to find a few ways to add to the space for décor, and we recommend making sure that a mirror is at the top of your list.  Not only will the mirror help as you are getting ready in the morning, it will also help create the illusion that your bathroom is larger than it is.  While most people place their mirror over their vanity, there is nothing wrong with having a couple mirrors in this room to really open things up.

  1. Create Niches

A niche is a little indentation in the wall that allows you to store items that you want to keep in your bathroom.  These niches can be located in your shower, next to your bathtub, or even in the wall above your toilet.  The possibilities are endless and so are the items that you can place inside them.

  1. Install Glass Shower Doors

A shower curtain will quickly make your bathroom look smaller than it is, which is why we recommend installing glass shower doors when you are completing your bathroom renovations.  The glass doors will allow your eyes to travel the entire length of the room, while making it feel open and airy.

There are many times when changing the layout during bathroom renovations is not completely possible, but there are plenty of ways that you can improve the layout that you have.  The above tips should help you maximize what you have to work with, and we know that if you think out of the box a little, you will find even more options as well.

JFC Remodeling, out of Howell, Michigan, offers a variety of construction services for the home including: kitchen and bath remodeling, flooring renovations, and home remodeling.  You can find out more information at http://www.jfcremodeling.com or by reaching out to our home renovation specialists at 810.923.1123.