Tag: kitchen design

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What Homeowners Need to Do Before Renovations Begin


Remodeling a home can be quite an adventure if homeowners don’t properly prepare.  There are a number of wrong turns that can be made so it is essential to have a full understanding before you jump into renovations of any kind. 

Below are a list of things to consider in order to avoid heartache and regret.

It is Important to Fully Understand What You Like

Seems simple, right?  I mean what is so hard to understand about wanting a new kitchen or bathroom?  It, however, isn’t that simple.  Homeowners need to narrow down what a kitchen renovation means to them.  Some homeowners want to completely change the layout while others are interested in keeping the layout but installing new cupboards, fixtures, flooring, and more. 

It is important for homeowners to work with the designer showing them in detail what they like, important features to them, items on their wish list, and so on.  This allows the kitchen contractor/designer to get on the same page with the homeowners.  Often times it allows the clients to see how vastly different their visions are as well.  This process gets them thinking along the same lines as well.

Run the Numbers, Is the Renovation You Want Within Your Budget?

It’s true that our dream kitchens and bathrooms aren’t always within our means.  When this is the case there are a few options: we can wait on your renovation until your budget increases or we can choose to use different materials in the remodel to keep the costs within your budget.  A granite counter top might be the dream but engineered stone (quartz) may be a close second in looks and affordability.

Ask Yourself If the Renovation Is Feasible

Some homeowners need a reality check when planning renovations.  Some projects seem simple however because of complicated electrical or plumbing are not.  Adding a bathroom to a second-floor bedroom sounds pretty easy but not only do you need the space to install a bathroom you need access to plumbing as well as making sure the structure can withstand the renovation.  Sometimes the renovation make seem easy but in reality, be harder and more expensive then they are actually worth.  These projects often get abandoned before they even begin.

Is This A DIY Renovation or One Left to The Professionals?

For all renovations except for those that are so obviously simple should be overseen by a professional contractor. Most homeowners just do not have the skills or patience to complete a room renovation on their own.  Also, lets face it, not everyone has the kind of time it takes to gut and redo renovations to their home.

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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Trends in Kitchen Remodeling That Are Here to Stay

Just like avocado colored appliances the popularity of stainless steel will fade.  It’s true, most kitchen and bathroom remodeling trends eventually fade out of existence as quickly as they found their way in. There are however a few trends that will withstand the test of time in your kitchen and bath.

 

Kitchen Cleanliness

 

When it comes to cleanliness in the kitchen we are not talking about germs but instead the design of the space.  Kitchen design trends that stand the test of time work with clean lines.  Open shelving, cabinetry with glass doors or flat fronts, and overall simplicity is what keeps a kitchen from looking cluttered.  Kitchen designs should offer enough storage for unsightly, infrequently used appliances.  Counters should be clear of as much “stuff” as possible to promote this trend.

 

Neutral Color

 

Neutral kitchen spaces are something that never gets old.  What gets old is brightly painted cabinetry and colored appliances.  To create a kitchen that doesn’t show its age it is important to keep the colors simple.  White and black appliances are always in style and are easy to enhance as trends cycle in and out.

 

Dark Cabinetry

 

If you have ever had white cabinets or any light-colored cabinetry you will understand that it is difficult to keep them clean.  Unless you have hours on end to spend cleaning your kitchen it is best to stick with the ever-stylish look of dark cabinetry.  The use of exotic dark woods is another option that we find never seem to become outdated.

 

Appliances That Blend

 

It is important, especially in open kitchens that the appliances used blend into the entire space.  A home that flows from room to room never ages.  The more “hidden” appliances are, the more likely they will blend right in as another piece of furniture within the space.  No longer are large scaled ranges and huge steel refrigerators necessary.  Instead opt for long lasting pieces that conceal themselves within the design.

 

Ageless Designs

 

Once upon a time there was this fascination with moving from one home to another.  People didn’t want to live in the same home for more than five to seven years.   Today however, homeowners are looking into ways to keep their homes ageless.  They want to live in the same space forever, more commonly known as ageless design, universal design, or age in place renovations.   This means making sure your kitchen design is universal.  Layered lighting, counters of multiple heights, drawers that pull out, and kitchen cabinets hardware that is easily opened are all design options that will withstand the test of time.

 

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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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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Most Popular Bathroom and Kitchen Remodeling Trends of 2018

More and more people are looking to stay in their current homes longer and not having to go through the hassle of selling their home and buying a new one in order to get something new that they don’t currently have. This makes contractors and interior designers really happy because it gives them more opportunities to help people figure out how to breathe new life into their old house.

It seems every year there are new trends and new ideas in the remodeling world and two of the more popular spaces in the home to remodel is the kitchen and bathrooms. This article will be looking into new trends for 2018 in order to help give you some ideas for your own home.

The Top 5 Trends in the Bathroom and Kitchen in 2018

 

For the Bathroom

Smaller, more efficient size – Smaller sometimes is better and in the case of today’s bathrooms smaller has become better. Fitting more into a small space is definitely the in thing.

 

High tech toilet – Features like heated seats, automatic opener/closers, air drying and even some with built-in automatic deodorizers.

 

The revival of the brass and gold fixtures – The use of gray tones in bathrooms now are beckoning to the return of the brass or gold tone fixtures to add a much less chrome look.

 

New style vanity lighting – Lighting in today’s bathroom is much more a much more integral part of the bathroom designs. There are much more options in lighting with pendants and lighting bars to go along with the sconces.

 

Underfloor heating – In the colder climates, having the floor warmed under your feet in the winter adds that extra touch of luxury.

 

For the Kitchen

 

The smart kitchen – Smart kitchens today have gone beyond the smart appliances to include motion sensing faucets and lighting that can be controlled by your smartphone. We are almost to the point of the nearly automated kitchen.

 

Cabinet colors – White cabinets are still number one for cabinet colors with a light gray a distant second. However, when there is an island there should be darker colors to contrast all of the white or light grays.

 

New textures and material – The trend has been reducing the number of upper cabinets to give the kitchen a more open look and feel. Having open shelving where storage is needed and more textures to the backsplash for the necessary focal points.

 

Quartz countertops – Quartz countertops are still all the rage since there is such a wide range of colors you can choose, and they look fabulous all the time.

 

In cabinet storage systems – With kitchens almost never having enough room or a pantry is not always an option, in cabinet storage is a simple solution that would work in almost all situations.

 

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.