Category: Home Improvement

How to Take Care of Your Neighbors When Remodeling

When planning a remodel, there’s already a ton on your plate — like managing the budget, making seemingly endless design decisions and accepting that a whole team of workers will be traipsing across your property. But it’s also important to think about how the work is going to affect your neighbors. After all, remodeling projects are disruptive even under the best of circumstances. And at worst? Well, you’ve probably heard some horror stories.

It’s worth taking a few extra steps to stay in the good graces of the folks who share fence lines, street parking, smiles and waves from the front porch, and possibly even corn on the cob with you at summer block parties. Consider this guide your blueprint for framing those necessary neighborly conversations so that you can get the remodel you want without stepping on too many toes.

Do Your Homework

Certain projects (like tear downs and additions) may require that you notify neighbors in advance. Your remodeling pro ought to be able to fill you in on the details if that’s the case. Even if it’s not legally necessary, it’s still a good practice to keep neighbors informed if you want to maintain positive relationships in the long term. When you’re getting ready to approach your neighbors with news of your upcoming remodel, the more knowledgeable and prepared you are, the more comfortable they will feel with the project.

Know the answers to these questions before you approach your neighbors:

When will construction start?

How long do you expect construction to last?

What types of equipment will be used on the site?

Will there be extra vehicles, port-a-potties or road closures to consider?

Are your plans in keeping with the character of the neighborhood?

Reach Out in Advance

When you let your neighbors know about your remodeling plans, be prepared for a range of reactions. Some folks might be excited and curious (“We’re thinking of remodeling too! Who are you using?”), while others may be indifferent or even hostile. All these reactions are OK. Just focus on listening attentively and with empathy: Often that’s all it takes to bring the temperature back down. Along with your in-person chat, give your neighbors something in writing that includes the key details discussed and contact information they can use to get in touch with you during the day.

 

Things to Ask Your Contractor Before You Start Your Project

Remodeling or building a new home is a big financial and emotional investment. It can also be a big investment of your time if you want to be closely involved in the decision-making. Knowing what to expect before the project gets started will help you better prepare for the process

What Is Our Schedule?

A schedule is more than just a start and end date. Having a schedule that outlines tasks and timing will give you a big-picture view of sequencing and deadlines for things such as tile and countertops. It will also give you a benchmark so that you know if things are slipping by a day or two.

Who Will Be Here Every Day?

Depending on the size and structure of the company you hire, the answer could vary widely. Many remodelers use a lead carpenter system, where a staff member (sometimes called a superintendent) is responsible for day-to-day work on-site, and often swings a hammer as well. Ask your contractor direct questions about who will be responsible for opening and locking up, who will supervise subcontractors on-site and whom to call on a daily basis with any questions.

How Will You Protect My Property?

This is a conversation best had before demolition, not after you come home and find dust all over the house. There are a number of dust-containment measures that can be taken, and talking about it ahead of time will provide you with a clear idea of how the construction area will be cordoned off from the rest of your home and how you’ll be able to move through your house.

There’s also the issue of stuff — all the books, furniture, drapes, delicate vases and paintings on the wall. It’s helpful to remove them all from the construction zone. This includes anything hung on walls or sitting on shelves in adjacent rooms, since they can shake loose from persistent hammering. If you leave them as-is, it will cost to have them moved and moved again to keep them out of the way, and you risk damage in the process. It’s better to move it all at once and know it’s safe and sound

 

How to Donate or Recycle Home Remodeling Materials

Visit any remodeling project during its demolition phase, and you might think that those piles of broken concrete, asphalt, wood, drywall, brick, metal, glass and more are just junk heaps destined for a landfill. Not so fast.

Many construction and demolition materials can be reused and recycled. And doing so reduces greenhouse gas emissions by decreasing the need to produce and manufacture new materials. Recycling home remodeling materials eases strain on local landfills. Who wants those to get any bigger than they have to?

The following is a short guide to donating and finding construction and demolition materials. Every city has different organizations and methods for disposing of and recycling waste, so consider this a jumping-off point.

If you’re working with a general contractor or other remodeling professional, ask him or her about how your old building materials could be reused, recycled, donated or disposed of in an environmentally conscious way. And inquire about how you can reduce excess material waste during construction. If you’re doing the work yourself, there are still plenty of options for getting rid of your construction waste besides putting them in a landfill.

What Building Materials Can Be Reused and Recycled?

First off, it’s good to know what can be reused and salvaged, and what can be recycled. This list is from the U.S. Green Building Council, which recommends trying to reuse or salvage first. Once those options are exhausted, turn to recycling.

 

How to Care for Pets and Children During a Remodel

Living through a remodel is a challenge, as anyone who’s been there can attest — but add kids or pets (or both!) to the mix and things get a whole lot trickier. How do you keep curious, active kids from getting hurt when there’s construction going on at home? What are you supposed to do with an anxious dog who won’t stop barking at the workers? Take a few deep breaths and then read this guide: We’ll tackle those questions and more.

Assign Separate Entrances for Workers and Family

This will help keep construction dust and dirt out of the areas you’re using, but also (and perhaps more important) it will help prevent workers from accidentally leaving tools and supplies sitting around in non-work areas. Choose an entrance for the workers closest to the construction zone to minimize foot traffic through the house, even if this means they use the front door and your family switches to the back, side or garage entrance.

If Hazardous Materials Are Present, Stay Somewhere Else

Any remodel is bound to include some potential hazards — but what we’re talking about here are serious hazards like lead paint, asbestos and mold. If one of these is present in your home, staying elsewhere while that portion of the work is being done is a good idea. If you or one of your children have health concerns like asthma or allergies, you may also wish to stay at the home of a friend or relative, or in a rental, to avoid construction dust.

Designate a Safe Place to Play

There are a lot of places you’ll be telling your kids it’s not OK to play, which makes it all the more important that you find a place where play is allowed. If you’re living within a smaller area of your home during the remodel, this might mean letting the kids “take over” a room usually used for another purpose — like the dining room or den.

Always Keep an Eye on Kids During Construction

As a parent, you know how quickly an active kid can decide to do something unexpected. Even if you usually feel confident leaving the kiddos playing happily for a few minutes while you wash the dishes or answer a call, it’s essential to never leave kids unattended during construction. Since it’s rare that construction workers will be on-site from sunup to sundown every day, try to plan your solo tasks for the hours before and after work is happening. And remember, even when work isn’t going on, your home is effectively still a work site, so it’s a good idea to be extra vigilant about safety.

 

Questions to Ask Before Committing to an Open Floor Plan

Open floor plans are great — they can make a home feel larger and airier, create multifunctional spaces and make it possible to live in a smaller space. But the truth is, they aren’t for everyone. Designers have been reporting that some clients have a hard time with this setup, whether it’s because of TV noise, a desire to hide kitchen messes from view or a need for a quiet place to read or work. Before committing to an open floor plan for the first time, answer the following questions to see if it’s for you.

Do I Want to See All the Public Spaces in My Home All the Time?

Looking at a beautiful and tidy space like this makes it hard to imagine wanting to put up walls. If your home is one where you like to spread out papers for work or projects, where you prefer to let the kitchen cleanup wait until after you’ve enjoyed the meal, or where kids leave lots of toys strewn about, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that. But if looking at that stuff will make you feel compelled to constantly neaten up, an open layout may not be for you.

Is a ‘Not-So-Kitchen-y’ Kitchen for Me?

Within an open floor plan, the kitchen is usually in full view of the dining and living areas. One of the comments I hear most often from designers working within an open plan is that they have designed the kitchen to look “not-so-kitchen-y.” This can mean it has features like open shelving or windows instead of upper cabinets; an island with a waterfall countertop to provide visual separation; storage concentrated on one wall; or appliances camouflaged by panel fronts.

Do you like to keep your herbs, spices, cooking utensils, small appliances and other items out on the countertops? Do you prefer a traditional kitchen look over a sleek camouflaged one? Do you like to leave your kitchen cleanup until after the party is over or gather for meals at the kitchen table in a cozy space? Then consider other layout options in addition to an open floor plan, and imagine your lifestyle in each. Open plans may be popular, but a closed-off kitchen certainly is not a bad thing — you can close the door on the mess and enjoy your time with your family and guests without feeling as if you should be washing pots and pans and putting everything away.

Things You Need To Know: A Home Renovation Checklist

Be an Informed Renovator

We love giving homeowners the insider information needed to master the art of a renovation! We created the Renovation Roadmap as an online tool that helps you navigate the remodeling process when working with a general contractor.

Ready, get set…wait!

A home renovation is a big undertaking. Sure, we might have tons of inspiration from HGTV and Pinterest boards, but most of also have budget and time constraints to consider. Before you start Demolition Day: Chip Gaines style, check out this renovation checklist first to ensure that all of your ducks are in a row.

Know Your Budget

Everything costs money and knowing your budget is one of the most — if not the most — important steps in the home renovation process. Being aware of your financial standing will help you prioritize what’s truly relevant for your home renovation. Yes, you may want a hot tub grotto, but is that more important than new marble countertops, a fresh set of cabinets, and hardwood floors? Also, keep in mind that surprises do happen, and you will more than likely end up spending more than you anticipated, so make allotments for that from the onset.

Focus on small sections of the house at a time

Unless you are planning on moving out during the house remodeling process, it is easier (and more economical) to focus on updating certain sections of your house a little at a time. If the bedroom, kitchen, and dining room are in shambles, your mental state is bound to be a wreck, too. If, though, you work on and complete certain smaller portions at a time, you’ll be able to have some reprieve from the renovation chaos

Gather inspiration

A well put together renovation checklist will include tons of remodeling ideas. Whether you create boards on Pinterest, take screenshots of Google pictures, or put together a vision board using magazine clippings, it’s important to know what you want before you go out looking for and interviewing contractors. That’s where the Renovation Roadmap comes in. Not only will your inspiration and planning help out the contractors — some might not be comfortable doing the type of work you’re seeking — but you will be able to keep a consistent visual flow going throughout your house.

 

How to Renovate Your House on a Budget These Days

House renovation can be costly as you move to make your house a luxury place with comfort and style. Staying on a limited budget during the remodeling process thus requires more than general concepts on how to renovate a house. You have to take into consideration a number of factors to avoid spending too much beyond the limits of your budget. This is where creativity and resourcefulness come in handy. Let’s have a look at some of the tips to make the renovation process easy.

Clean up

This is the first step before you introduce any changes in your house. Put every item away from the house and have it cleaned well. You will notice the house looks better right away. Cleaning will also give you the chances to visualize how household items are arranged. This will give you more ideas on how to choose different places to store your belongings or how to rearrange the furniture well. Doing so will make the renovation more effective and appealing to see. Get rid of any unnecessary items in the house. This will add more space to the house and make every room look much bigger than before. Crammed clutter makes the house look so messy. Moving furniture to different rooms will help add more space making your house more useful without spending a single cent.

Create natural light without putting windows

It is a noble idea to go for affordable and less invasive ways of bringing light into your house. This should be done before you rearrange the framing and make a large hole in the walls of your house. To come up with a windowless way with natural light, install a light tube for instance which taps light from the roof rafter to the living room.

Improve efficiency, not size

Equipping and rearranging the kitchen for maximum usefulness will help you avoid demolishing some of the walls of the house to gain more space. The shelves which consume a lot of space should be replaced with cabinets drawers. The preferred height of the pullout drawers should be 8 inches. This will create additional space where you can store canned good and other household items.

Demolish by yourself

Demolishing the house may not be as expensive as renovation, however, you can still save a few coins by doing the process by yourself. However, you need to take good care of yourself to avoid unnecessary injuries. Doing a demo is mostly preferred on a deck but when it comes to the interior, it is advisable to seek the services of a contractor. Start from the front door now that you have had your house properly cleaned, the next step involves renovating. But where should you start from to make the process more effective? Of course, the front door is the first focal point.

 

TIPS FOR SURVIVING A LIVE-IN KITCHEN RENO

As you know, we’re smack dab in the middle of renovating our kitchen. You guys have given me SO many good tips and suggestions for surviving my kitchen renovation, I thought I’d share a bunch of my favorites here on the blog. If anyone is in the same boat… living amongst a mess and renovation- this post is a must-read! This may not be the prettiest post, but trust me when I say- there are so many amazing hacks to help you keep your sanity if you’re also planning to survive a reno.

Living in a reno is a difficult task in itself, but living through a KITCHEN renovation is a totally different ballgame. I’m not going to lie- it’s miserable. Imagine going two or three months without a sink, oven, cooktop, or in some circumstances, a fridge. Over the past couple months I’ve picked up some invaluable tricks that are helping Emmett and I survive the day-to-day without a kitchen.

Give Up Some Control

This might seem counterintuitive, but trust me- it’s better to let some things be. Depending on the scale of your reno, the house will get messy. That’s just a fact. It’s impossible and tiring to clean every single day for months on end. The end will come soon enough and there will be a day where things are neat, tidy, perfectly organized and clean once again (at least I hope so). However, until that day comes… I’ve found it’s not worth it to obsess. I had to limit my cleaning to 2-3 times per week because it was stressing me out and taking so much valuable time. There is NO way to keep up with the dust, so eventually embrace what is out of your control.

Section Off the House

Obviously there are some things you can do to keep the dust and dirt from spreading to other sections of your home. Here’s a list of things we’ve tried that I’ve found to work:

Plastic and Tape (tape off doorways)

Flat Sheets (wet the sheet and hang in the door way, in front of the plastic, when sanding- it helps to attract and catch drywall dust)

2 Pairs of House Slippers (one for the clean areas and one for the workspace… the easier to slide on and off, the better)

Shop Vac (if you don’t want to ruin your regular vacuum cleaner)

Moving Blankets (so much better than contractor paper to protect your floors- especially in the winter or rainy seasons)

Dusting Mit (this is my favorite because it doesn’t require cleaner… super quick and easy for keeping surfaces in other rooms drywall dust free)

F O O D

During most full fledged kitchen renos, there will be a point where it’s out with the old appliances and in with the new. We’ve been without appliances for almost two months now and it’s about as fun as you’d expect.

 

Want to renovate your home but don’t know where to start? A step-by-step guide to renovating

Don’t wait until you are halfway through your renovation to discover that you should have painted the walls before laying the solid timber floors or that the wiring should have been finished before the new ceiling went in. Follow a checklist in your renovation project for less stress and mess.

Design and planning

“Keep it simple and be as final about your decisions as you can be before you start. Changes to designs and materials during the process add delays and costs that can really destroy your budget,” says

Decide if you are going to do it yourself or hire a project manager or builder

“Employ a project manager/builder as this will keep the work flowing and they will employ licensed trades that will turn up and do a good job. You will also receive a seven-year warranty for the work completed,” says

Get council approval

You will need to check with your council to clarify the local regulations before you start renovations, says

“Are you doing additions? Are you changing the use of any rooms? (for example changing a bedroom to a bathroom.) Are you making structural changes? Are you planning a deck larger than 20 square metres and higher than one metre? Some areas require council approval for changes to the external appearance of the property, even changing paint colours,” she says.

 

Home Improvement: Keeping Your Things Safe While Renovating

Renovating your home is an exciting time.

Goodbye, pale green porcelain bathroom. Goodbye, carpet where the original colour is as unknown as Grannys real age. Goodbye, terrible water pressure and cramped necks from washing your hair over the bath.

With finishings and swatches, colour palettes and fixtures, installations and furnishings all occupying your mind, you might not have stopped to think about how you will keep your home and belongings secure during the renovation.

Hire The Best Contractor in the Business

This has got to be on the top of your agenda. There’s nothing quite as important in terms of safety and securing your home and possessions than checking out the credentials of your contractor before handing over the keys to your home

Find a Good Removal Company

One way to make things much less stressful is to hire a good removal company to make moving your possessions as safe and secure as possible.

Keep Things out of Sight

If you are going to keep some of your possessions in a separate part of the house or in the garage, you’ve got to make sure they are tidied well out of view of any passers by.

Tips for Choosing a Kitchen Accent Color

Does your kitchen feel a little boring? Want to add some pizzazz to the design? A good kitchen accent color can turn a drab kitchen into a dramatic masterpiece, with minimal investment on your end. Here are some tips to help you choose the right accent for your kitchen.

What Is a Kitchen Accent Color?

Before we can provide tips for choosing an accent color, we need to explain what an accent color is. This is a pop of color that you can use to add personality to a kitchen. If you have an all-white kitchen or a space filled with neutrals, it can feel drab and boring. The kitchen all runs together, so there is nowhere for the eye to focus on. With the right kitchen accent color, you can direct a viewer’s eye around the room and create visual interest for the space.

Start with a Neutral Base

Having a neutral base will allow you to change your accent color over time. If you get bored with bright green, you can swap it out for a soft yellow. The neutral color pallet will remain the same, so you don’t have to completely remodel your kitchen. Greys, whites, browns and beiges can transition through many accent colors in the future. Think about that if you’re planning an upcoming kitchen remodel.

Choose a Kitchen Accent Color That Fits the Undertones of Your Neutrals

The rule is ‘neutrals go with anything,’ but that is not always the case. Most neutrals have an undertone, and that undertone can dictate which colors work well with them. Your accent color could accentuate or detract from your neutrals. For instance, a cool grey wall with a blue undertone may suddenly look blue with navy accents. A contrasting color like orange could also enhance the blue undertones.

Don’t Be Afraid to Go BOLD!

If you have a neutral base, you can go bold with your kitchen accent color. Candy apple red, bright green, cobalt blue – choose any bold color your heart desires. Your accent color is going to be the ‘pop’ in your kitchen. You can make that pop as loud or as quiet as you want it to be. Explore options on all ends of the spectrum before settling on an accent color.

 

The Step-By-Step Guide To Remodeling Your Kitchen

Since the kitchen is central to the home and commonly used by families, it’s one of the first things many house hunters look at. Whether you’re renovating your kitchen to help your home sell or to create the kitchen of your culinary dreams, there’s some planning and budgeting you’ll want to do first.

Determine Your Must-Haves

The first step when remodeling your kitchen is deciding what you really want. Similar to house hunting, this helps you narrow down the options and formulate a budget.

It can feel like the options for your kitchen are limitless, but unless you have a limitless budget, you’re going to have to pick and choose what’s actually important to you. Do you need more storage? Do you want more space for entertaining? Do you want a flow that works better for your family?

Set A Budget

Now that you know what you won’t budge on and what would just be nice to have, it’s time to create a budget.

How do you know what a realistic budget is for your kitchen renovation? A good rule of thumb is to spend 5% – 15% of your homes total value on your kitchen renovation. For example, if your house is valued at $200,000, a decent kitchen renovation budget would be 10% of that value, so about $20,000. Here are a few things you can do to get a more accurate budget and decide how much to allocate where.

 

Kitchen Remodeling: What Type Of Kitchen Cabinets Should You Choose?

Your kitchen cabinets should be the highlight of your kitchen, which means if they’re not looking their best, your kitchen could look dull and drab. If you’re thinking of undergoing a kitchen remodeling project, learn how to choose the best cabinets for your home. Knowing the difference between the styles, wood choices, stains and paints and hardware can help you choose kitchen cabinets that will look great (and keep you happy) for years to come.

Which Cabinet Style Best Fits Your Kitchen Remodeling Project

Which style fits your kitchen remodeling project? Are you looking for traditional, contemporary or mission style doors? Do you even know what that means? If you’re not an expert in kitchen cabinets, consider which types of doors you prefer.

Choosing The Right Wood For Your Kitchen Cabinets

The next choice you need to make is what type of wood that you want to use. Popular choices include cherry, maple, hickory, red oak, lyptus, rustic alder and white oak. Each wood type provides a unique look so you want to have a good idea of what you want your finished kitchen remodeling project to look like to make sure you’re choosing the right wood for your kitchen cabinets..

Selecting The Right Stain Or Paint

Choosing the right stain or paint should happen at the same time you’re choosing your wood type. Cherry stains, for instance, can range from a light stain that brings out the natural beauty of the wood, to a reddish brown, to a deep coffee color. At this time, you should decide whether you want a matte or satin finish and if you want any specialty touches, such as glazing, vintage or rustic looking finishes

Which Kitchen Cabinet Hardware?

Hardware is usually the last choice homeowners need to make. Hardware can include drawer pulls and door handles and the possibilities are nearly endless. Hardware comes in every style, from classic to modern to vintage, and it’s an affordable way update the look of your cabinets every few years. If you’re having a hard time choosing the right hardware for your kitchen remodel, consider buying one or two handles or pulls of multiple styles. This way you’ll be able to see which ones you prefer before you install them all on your kitchen cabinets and drawers.

 

KITCHEN REMODEL CHECKLIST

Whether you’re cooking, entertaining or just hanging out, kitchens attract a crowd. Remodeling your kitchen is a great way to update the most popular room in the house. Remodeling also gives you an opportunity to make a return on your investment.

Kitchen Remodel Tips

A kitchen remodel can be as simple as a fresh coat of paint and new floors, or a complete transformation with new appliances, cabinets and more. No matter the route you choose, planning helps you avoid costly, or surprising setbacks and keeps the project on time and on budget.

While you’re planning your kitchen remodel, decide what bothers you about your current kitchen and how your new space will correct these flaws. Maybe you need more storage near the oven, or you’re tired of hearing the kids slamming the cabinets shut.

Set a list of priorities and expectations.

What’s your big-picture goal: More space? Better design? Just new appliances?

When do you want the project to be finished?

Set a budget.

How much do you want to do: new appliances and more square footage, or just painted cabinets and a new fridge? Make the decision now before you start remodeling. Don’t forget budgeting for the little details, like the knobs on the new kitchen cabinets and dividers for new drawers.

 

How to Choose the Best General Contractor for Your Kitchen Remodeling Project

IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS FOR REMODELING YOUR KITCHEN

As a homeowner in Sonoma County, you have the luxury of choosing from the best General Contractor near you to consider. When it comes to kitchen remodeling, there are several things that you will want to consider when choosing among the best General Contractor that are right for you,  especially when choosing the right kitchen remodeling contractor. With that said, as one of many local kitchen remodeling contractors in Sonoma County, it’s important you find a highly experienced contractor that really understands the ins and outs of kitchen remodeling that can also work within your budget and timeline.

Your kitchen is the primary space in your home that can get you the greatest return on your investment. According to a recent article published by Remodeling Magazine, the average ROI for a kitchen remodel is between 60-80% depending on the over-all condition of the home, in addition to other deciding factors. Not only is remodeling your kitchen a great return on your investment, but it makes a tremendous impact on the quality of life in your home such as family time, preparing meals together, and hosting holiday events throughout the year. Your kitchen can be the heart of your home and the one space that can really make the most positive impact in our lives when its remodeled. With features like pullout shelves for easy access to cabinets and countertops that are easy to clean. And lets not forget those wonderful features such as instant hot water dispensers for that quick morning coffee.

GORGEOUS KITCHEN DESIGN WITH MODERN FUNCTIONALITY

One of the things we often here time and time again is that the new kitchen is more functional. With clever designs, we can often take a poorly designed kitchen and remedy the problem of these outdated designs that often result in the lack of storage space, or hard to reach places. Our custom kitchen designs go beyond great looking cabinets. We’ll create a design that not only looks amazing, but will transform your kitchen into a highly functional space. Two great examples that we’ve done in many of our kitchen remodels is to remove a wall that often separates the kitchen from the dinning or living room. By removing the wall it creates a very open space that makes the space more functional and creates a “Great Room” that is perfect for entertaining guest or large family gathering such as Thanks-Giving or Christmas dinners. Another popular feature has been to add a center island which not only adds more seating capacity but allows family and guests to visit with you while you are preparing that amazing meal. We have often put a second sink in those center Islands giving you even more flexibility.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT KITCHEN REMODELING CONTRACTOR

When it comes to remodeling your kitchen there are many kitchen remodeling contactors to choose from in Santa Rosa or the surrounding areas. The best General Contractor for your kitchen remodeling project understands the intricate construction and design processes that go into building your dream kitchen. The comments below may be some things you will want to consider when deciding on the right contractor. The first rule of thumb is it is best to work with a local contractor that is part of your local community. You know the guy or gal that has had their kids or grand kids in little league with your kids or grand kids. The guy or gal that shops at the same stores you do and pays local taxes to help with the infrastructure of this great community. The contractor that understands what it feels like to live in a community that was threatened by the recent Tubbs and Kincade fires. In other words, Sonoma County is not just where we work, it’s where we choose to live because of its beauty and the beautiful people of this community.

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT

It’s not easy to find the best General Contractor. We care about every little detail to make sure you get the design and functionality to create that kitchen you will be enjoying for many years to come. We start the process off with a personal on-site visit to take pictures of the current space, to take measurements down and most importantly to discuss with you the goals and vision you have to obtaining that perfect Kitchen. During our kitchen design consultation meetings, we will often discover space limitations our clients are experiencing and even uncover some issues that they didn’t know could be remedied. Then the fun begins! We point you in the right direction to begin looking at countertop options, appliances, flooring, and cabinet choices. It’s even a common practice for someone from our staff to meet you at our local stores to help you in making the right selection of products for your new kitchen. This practice has often saved a lot confusion or hassle. In short, you are not just getting a kitchen remodeling contractor in Sonoma County you are getting a design team that walks you through every step of the way.

Picking Materials for a Bath Remodel

Before you shop for vanities and choose the material for your countertops, make sure you have a well-thought-out plan for your bathroom renovation. You should identify goals and priorities, with the help of your completed Day in the Life of Your Bathroom Questionnaire and Bathroom Goals Worksheet. You also should have a clear vision of what your new bathroom will look like, after exploring various bathroom designs and layouts.

Now it’s time to drill down to the details of your bathroom remodel. It’s best to choose all of the fixtures, materials and finishes down to the hardware before the project begins. That way, you will have a truly realistic idea of how much the project will cost.(Allowances can quickly get out of hand.)

As you choose among fixtures and materials, visit specialty design showrooms for plumbing, lighting, flooring, cabinets, etc. You’ll get a real feel for what’s available in the market, and you can talk to the professionals who work there about your ideas and what products will achieve your goals.

Choosing Bathroom Flooring

Tile is the surface of choice in the bathroom—natural stone or porcelains and ceramic that mimic natural stone. Floor tile is larger—12×12 or 18×18 inches—and color schemes are neutral. “Rather than putting a lot of color on the floor and drawing your eye down, we’re incorporating subtle designs to complement the room,” says Rick Miller, president, Miller’s Fancy Bath & Kitchen, Louisville, Ky. In general, Miller likes to keep contrast at countertop level, at the sight line.

Ceramic tile floors are designed with more texture than ceramic wall tile to prevent slippage. Honed natural stone will also provide traction when floors get wet—that’s when the surface is ground flat but not polished. Natural stone also can be sandblasted.

 

Choosing a Contractor for a Bathroom Remodel

Ask for Referrals

Word of mouth — hands down, it’s the best way to find a qualified professional to tackle the job. Ask relatives, friends and neighbors whom they have had good experiences with. Also ask what made it a positive experience, how the contractor handled problems and whether he or she would use the same contractor again.

Look at Credentials

With recommendations in hand, do some preliminary research, whether that’s with a phone call or a visit to the contractor’s website. Find out whether he or she holds all the required licenses from the state and local municipalities, as well as designations from any professional associations like the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA), the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) or the National Association of Homebuilders (NAHB). Look for contractors who have invested in coursework and passed rigorous tests in order to earn a particular certification. Be aware, however, that all certifications are not created equal. “I would find out what the certification is and what it took to get it,” says Sara Ann Busby, NKBA president-elect and owner of Sara Busby Designs in Elk Rapids, Mich.

Interview Candidates

Narrow down the list of contenders, and set up meetings. What is the magic number of contractors to interview? “Ultimately, the right amount could be one,” says Al Pattison, past president of NKBA, but he recommends talking with no more than three. “With too many quotes, it gets too confusing trying to make a decision.” NARI offers a list of questions to ask potential contractors on its website.

Check References

Once rapport has been established, ask to see some of the contractor’s projects. If they meet with approval, request references and then actually call the contractor’s former customers to check up on them. Ask how the contractor did at executing the project. Was it on-time and on-budget? Were they pleased with the outcome? Was there anything that could have been done differently?

Get it in Writing

After zeroing in on one contractor who seems right for the job, take a look at the documents he or she has prepared. Do they look professional? Scrutinize the contract. Does it seem fair and balanced?

 

Tips for Hiring a Bathroom Remodeling Contractor

Remodeling a bathroom can be one of the most satisfying home improvement projects of all. Results are immediate and personal—a sparkling new shower or bathtub, a cheerful paint scheme, a bathroom vanity with a beautiful countertop, and more storage than ever. A high-quality bathroom remodel can also pay you back by boosting resale value. One way to ensure the best bathroom remodel is to hire a bathroom contractor with experience who can see your project through to its successful completion.

Interview Three or More Bathroom Contractors

When you speak to just one or two bathroom contractors, you gain only a limited set of viewpoints. If you go ahead and solicit bids from these contractors, the bids might be higher than expected. By increasing the number of contractors that you interview, it is easier to find the contractor who is the perfect fit for your job. Plus, you’ll have a greater range of bids to choose from.

Review the Contractor’s Previous Work

Bathroom contractors typically show up for the interview with a picture gallery of the previous bathroom remodels, either in a picture book or on a screen. You can also view the contractor’s portfolio on their website or on contractor-matching sites that they belong to. Aim to look past the pretty pictures and decide if this bathroom contractor does the type of work that is right for you.

Get Estimates in Writing

Verbal estimates are worth little—for either the homeowner or the bathroom contractor. Numbers get forgotten or misinterpreted or misheard, even if everyone has good intentions. Well-written estimates are understood by all. It is perfectly fine to ask a bathroom contractor for a verbal ballpark figure. Just understand that no one is being held to that figure, and that you should follow up with a written estimate of costs.

Pin Down the Schedule

Before signing the contract, be sure to clarify with the bathroom contractor the date that the remodel can start and the overall duration of the project. Scheduling matters both to you and to the contractor. When both of you are in agreement, then you can proceed with the contract. “Time is of the essence” is a familiar contract clause that defines the amount of time the contractor has to work on the project, along with a payment schedule by the homeowner.

 

MUST-KNOW BATHROOM REMODELING TIPS

Getting ready to start a new bathroom remodeling project? Is this your first time going through a home renovation? It’s an exciting chapter of your life and one that should be approached the right way. We compiled our favorite tips and tricks to help you learn the perfect balance between your creative customization needs and functional design ideas that can help you tie the whole bathroom together.

We all want a bathroom that would be a reflection of our personal style and be able to deliver the comfort we need at the same time. However, aside from that, it’s also important that it has the right fixtures and amenities that are capable of providing function and value as well. Fortunately, through careful planning, finding the right contractors, and choosing the right design, you can have it all.  Here are some of the best tips that could turn your bathroom remodeling dream into reality.

PLAN YOUR BATHROOM

Before you even call a remodeling company for your bathroom remodel, you should first talk with everyone who will be using the space. Try to have a discussion about the fixtures and finishes you are supposed to use and how much of a budget you’re willing to shell out. As you plan for your budget, it’s important to have a little extra, because you never know if there will be some unexpected problems that will increase the cost later on.

This planning would be very helpful and go a long way toward keeping with your bathroom renovation plan as you move along with the project. Once you start with the renovation, you have to know that the process could take around 30-90 days. No matter how long it is going to take, try to resist the temptation of changing your plans unless financial constraints or problems arise. Changing your plans can create more hidden expenses by delaying contractors, ordering new items, and pushing your end date out further and further

How to Design Your Bathroom?

A lot of homes usually have at least one bathroom with a sink, toilet, and bathtub. Then, there are optional extras, such as the shower, and in some cases, a bidet. An extra sink is also a popular choice for most people, especially in households where the bathroom is often used by more than one person.  A master bathroom should especially take into consideration the space required for two sinks, two vanities, and even two medicine cabinets

 

How To Choose a Bathroom Remodeling Contractor

What is the biggest mistake people make when choosing a  contractor? Is the old saying is really true, you get what you pay for?! We see this so often in the home remodeling business. If you want quality construction, it’s important to learn how to choose a bathroom remodeling contractor because of the value you will receive, not simply because they have provided the lowest bid. It is impossible for any company in any industry to offer the cheapest price, have the highest quality, and provide the best service all at the same time. You can get high quality and superior service, but rarely will you get both and still get the lowest price. Keep reading to learn a few of the keys about how to choose a bathroom remodeling contractor

Quality

A contractor who always offers the lowest price tends to also offer the lowest quality. You’ve worked too hard and spent too much money on your home. Why throw it away for the few pennies you might save on a contractor? The result could be lower quality materials and or lower quality of service and expertise because of their cheaper price. This often costs you more money and is a false sense of savings

Service

Cheaper contractors can’t and don’t usually stand behind their work if there is a mistake. Sure, other home improvement contractors might do the same project for a little less money, but how will they treat you when there is a mistake? To give you the cheapest price, they usually have inexperienced, lower-wage employees that are not been adequately trained and cannot provide the best craftsmanship of their specific trade.