How to Develop a Plan For Room Remodeling
Remodeling can be difficult. Learn tips for remodeling the two most popular rooms of the house - bathrooms and bedrooms.

Cutting Corners Should ONLY Be Done With Your Saw & NOT Your Wallet!
There are countless adages that can be inserted here, but this is not the place for me to write another book. Let it suffice to say, that any time you make a decision based on saving money when building or remodeling, you run an extraordinarily high risk of it costing you more in both time and money. This rule is something you can count on to occur with more frequency than you can ever anticipate; allowing you to be pleasantly surprised when you actually save money by going with a less …

“chromatherapy” “home design”

When it comes to remodeling houses and picking out the color scheme for your home design just how important is the color choice?

Color touches us on a very deep intuitive level.  Whether you realize it or not, colors speak very loud to our subconscious and have a positive or negative reaction within 90 seconds. 

Color psychology is a complex field of study and goes deep into the meaning of combining colors for a particular desired effect. The field of industrial psychology has a sub-field that studies only the psychology of color. It is no accident that Campbell’s soup has used the same colors on their labels for years and years.

The colors you select for a room will impact you on a very deep level every time you spend time in that room so consciously choosing the colors for your home design with this in mind is very important.

Color associations also affect us physiologically.  

You may have heard the term chromatherapy, which is a type of therapy that uses color for healing purposes. chromatherapy is sometimes referred to as light therapy or colorology and is still used today as a holistic or alternative treatment as well as one of the newest trends featured in bathtubs and shower systems.

One of the reasons color affects us on a subconscious, intuitive and physiological level is tied to our energy centers or chakra system.  Chakra is a Sanskrit word used by the Hindus.  It literally means “wheel of light”. 

Chakras are major energy centers located in the body that govern physical body systems, emotional qualities and areas of consciousness.  They are also associated with specific colors so the use of a specific color in a room’s color scheme will stimulate the chakra and the physical body systems, emotional qualities and areas of consciousness governed by that particular chakra or a combination of chakras if you’re using blended colors.

Individuals also associate particular colors with particular things in their lives.  Colors have different meanings for adults and children.  The purity of color reflects the purity of its symbolic meaning.   Being aware of these colors and how they affect our perception and the responses they evoke inside of us is important.

Primary colors for example, red, yellow and blue, appeal to primary emotions.  Young children respond to primary emotions. They unconsciously reject mixed or impure colors because these shades mean nothing to them. This is why Fisher Price marketing colors are primary colors…they know their target audience and understand the secret psychology of color.

Different cultures also have different attitudes and preferences in the attribution of qualities of color.  Eastern and western cultures assign different meanings to color.  Choosing a color scheme for the room you’re remodeling should take into consideration the people who will most frequently be in the room and what energy or feelings you may want to evoke or create in that atmosphere.

home design * chromatherapy * remodeling houses

Planning a kitchen remodel? 

Find out the secret to remodeling your kitchen the easy way PLUS insider information that will save you 1000’s on materials, give you a more realistic way to estimate remodeling costs AND help you get your kitchen remodeling project done weeks faster!   To find out more…..CLICK HERE

Tags

Chromatherapy, Custom Remodeling, Do it Yourself Home Improvements, Home Design, Home Designs, Home Improvement & Maintenance, Home Improvement DIY, Homes Renovations, House Remodeling, Ideas for Kitchens, Kitchen Designs, Kitchen Plans, Kitchen Remodel, Remodeling, Remodeling Houses, Remodeling and Construction

Ceilings Today
In today’s economy, homeowners are tightening up their budgets and saving their earnings. People are spending their summers at home avoiding high gas prices and expensive plane fares. There are needs of the American public and and for remodelers there are products at affordable prices with technologies that are safe and easy to install themselves.

Home Improvement & Maintenance as a Way to Move Up in the Housing Market
“home improvement & maintenance” “home improvement diy” Home improvement & maintenance is often required when you want to remodel your home or do some decent renovations in your home. Remodeling is a way to move up in the housing market without moving out. It is also one way to enhance the attractiveness of your home if [...]

“home improvement & maintenance” “home improvement diy”

Home improvement & maintenance is often required when you want to remodel your home or do some decent renovations in your home. Remodeling is a way to move up in the housing market without moving out. It is also one way to enhance the attractiveness of your home if you are planning to sell. Homeowners who chose to remodel and stay in their homes have the freedom to reflect on their own personal preferences and have fun with design and color.

Home improvement & maintenance is more popular now than ever before but home improvement & maintenance is about more than merely changing how your home looks -it’s about changing how it feels. Home remodeling is all about making you feel more satisfied with the place you live in. A newly remodeled home can represent a great accomplishment…not to mention the pleasure you get from living in the home of your dreams.

Many homeowners who are somewhat handy and wish to go with home improvement diy projects have more choices than ever. Home remodeling is a big decision, and often a substantial expense. Home improvement diy projects can help offset some of the expenses involved with remodeling houses….that is if you’re handy!

Many factors come into play when planning remodeling houses. Home remodeling is a process of restructuring or making improvements in your old house. It involves either complete makeover or adding a few things for a better looking house. When doing home improvement & maintenance it is also a good time to think about increasing the energy efficiency of your home. This is something to consider during major renovations as well because of the small incremental cost and inconvenience associated with adding energy efficiency materials to an existing project.

Tags

Custom Remodeling, Do it Yourself Home Improvements, Home Design, Home Designs, Home Improvement & Maintenance, Home Improvement DIY, Homes Renovations, House Remodeling, Remodeling, Remodeling Costs, Remodeling Houses, Remodeling and Construction

How To Find Out if Your Contractor is Licensed
“contractor” “contractors” Some of the biggest problems with contractors can be easily avoided by simply checking out the contractor first and making sure that you’re hiring a reputable, well established and professional contractor. While most states license electrical and plumbing contractors, only 36 states have some type of licensing and registration statutes affecting contractors, remodelers, and/or specialty [...]

“contractor” “contractors”

Some of the biggest problems with contractors can be easily avoided by simply checking out the contractor first and making sure that you’re hiring a reputable, well established and professional contractor.

While most states license electrical and plumbing contractors, only 36 states have some type of licensing and registration statutes affecting contractors, remodelers, and/or specialty contractors. The licensing can range from simple registration to a detailed qualification process. Also, the licensing requirements in one locality may be different from the requirements in the rest of the state.

Check with your local building department or consumer protection agency to find out about licensing requirements in your area. If your state has licensing laws, ask to see the contractor’s license and make sure that it’s current.

Since not all states require licensing you may have no choice in hiring an unlicensed contractor. This can still work out if you know what you are doing and he knows what he’s doing. The license doesn’t necessarily mean you get expertise, but it does mean you get leverage. A contractor will right his wrongs to avoid losing his license.

You can also check out the contractor with your local consumer protection officials. They can tell you if there are any unresolved consumer complaints on file, however, even if there aren’t any complaints on record it doesn’t necessarily mean that there aren’t any previous problems. It may be that problems exist but haven’t been reported or another possibility could be that the contractor is doing business under several different names….but checking anyway doesn’t hurt.

If the contractor doesn’t have a phone number listed in the local telephone directory that might be a red flag and should definitely warrant further investigation. Reputable, well established contractors are usually at least listed in the phone directory and many also have websites as well although not having a website is NOT an indication that a contractor isn’t professional and well established but an unlisted phone is certainly questionable.

I found this really great contractor’s license reference site that is very useful: Contractors-License.org/

For any state that requires a contractor or tradesman to be licensed they will keep records of the license and this site has direct links to every state’s contractor’s licensing board. So you could easily call or go online and check out if a contractor is licensed or not.

Tags

Contractor, Custom Remodeling, Remodeling, Remodeling and Construction

What is the Best Order of Sequence for Installing the Flooring Material in a Kitchen Remodel?
“flooring materials” “flooring material” “kitchen remodel” There are several different schools of thoughts about what is the best order of sequence for installing the flooring material in a kitchen remodel.  There are many elements involved in a kitchen remodel including installing the kitchen cabinets, the countertops, the plumbing and electrical, the flooring and appliances to name [...]

“flooring materials” “flooring material” “kitchen remodel”

There are several different schools of thoughts about what is the best order of sequence for installing the flooring material in a kitchen remodel.  There are many elements involved in a kitchen remodel including installing the kitchen cabinets, the countertops, the plumbing and electrical, the flooring and appliances to name a few of the things going on during your kitchen remodel.

When exactly the best time to install the flooring is depends on your preferences really. So here are a couple of options and the reasoning behind them:

One option would be to lay the flooring down after the base kitchen cabinets have been installed, which you would do after the painting is done.  The main argument for this option is that you wouldn’t be wasting flooring material where it would never be seen by anyone and would save a little money in the process…(little being the key word)….however if you ever changed appliances to ones of a different size or dimension you might have to add flooring later on and it would not only be a hassle but would also incur labor expenses too. 

If you go with this option you would just have to make sure that you remember to allow enough height for your appliances or that your appliances have adjustable height capability and also make sure to have some extra flooring material saved from this project so if you need to add it later on you will have matching stock.

The other option would be to put the flooring material down first before you install your appliances. The amount of extra expense of using the flooring material under the appliances is really quite nominal in the big picture and you would actually save on labor expenses that would be incurred to trim out the flooring material around the appliances. 

The benefit of going this route is that it would be a lot easier to move the appliances in and out on an even surface although it isn’t really that difficult either way.  Another benefit though is if you ever changed appliances that were of different sizes and dimensions you wouldn’t have to worry about missing flooring.

So these are just a couple of different schools of thought on the best order of sequence for installing the flooring material in a kitchen remodel. Just consider which option works best for you or your contractor and go with it.

**********

Find out the secret to remodeling your kitchen the easy way PLUS insider information that will save you 1000’s on materials, give you a more realistic way to estimate remodeling costs AND help you get your kitchen remodeling project done weeks faster!   To find out more…..CLICK HERE 

Tags

Custom Remodeling, Do it Yourself Home Improvements, Flooring, Flooring Materials, Home Design, Home Designs, Home Improvement & Maintenance, Home Improvement DIY, Homes Renovations, House Remodeling, Ideas for Kitchens, Kitchen Remodel, Remodeling, Remodeling Houses, Remodeling and Construction

What is LEED?

LEED is an acronym for Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design and is a rating system of sustainable green building and development practices.

LEED is also a nationally recognized, third party certification system and accreditation program conducted by the U.S. Green Building Council that certifies building projects meet high green building standards based on performance and measurable results in five key areas of human and environmental health: sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection and indoor environmental quality.

When LEED was first created it focused on new construction only but The U.S. Green Building Council and the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) partnered together to create the REGREEN Program, which has created national green remodeling guidelines for existing homes so remodeling projects can also follow USGBC guidelines. To check out their guidelines go to http://www.regreenprogram.org

In the US, our homes are responsible for 21% of our nation’s greenhouse gas emissions. In the United States , approximately 4 metric tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) equivalent (almost 9,000 pounds) per person per year (about 17% of total U.S. emissions) are emitted from people’s homes. The three main sources of greenhouse gas emissions from homes are electricity use, heating and waste.

Formaldehyde is another gas emission from homes. It is emitted from many materials used to construct and remodel a home. Formaldehyde is a colorless gas. At elevated concentrations it has a strong, pungent odor and can be irritating to the eyes, nose, and lungs. Formaldehyde is released into the home from a variety of indoor sources. Some resins, or glues, used to bind wood chips or fibers into plywood, particleboard, and other pressed wood products, contain formaldehyde. Cabinetry and some floor and wall materials are often made from such products.

SOME COMMON SOURCES OF FORMALDEHYDE INDOORS

Pressed wood products: particleboard, plywood, medium-density fiberboard (MDF); often used in cabinetry, and wall and floor materials
Consumer Products: wallpaper, paint, coatings; often a preservative in these and other products
Coatings for Some Cabinet and Furniture Products: acid-catalyzed urea formaldehyde type finishes.
Combustion Appliances: wood stoves, gas appliances, kerosene stoves

Living in a green home means that you’re helping to stop the causes of climate change and using green materials and getting LEED certification in your remodeling and construction projects can help you not only be kind to the environment but also be kind to your body and your own personal health and there are also financial benefits to earning LEED certification too.

When you do a green LEED certified homes may also be eligible for financial benefits such as lower fees for financing and lower insurance rates.

To learn more about LEED certification you can go to their website at: http://www.usgbc.org

Planning a kitchen remodel?

Find out the secret to remodeling your kitchen the easy way PLUS insider information that will save you 1000’s on materials, give you a more realistic way to estimate remodeling costs AND help you get your kitchen remodeling project done weeks faster! To find out more…..CLICK HERE

Tags

Eco Friendly, Go Green, Green Materials, Homes Renovations, House Remodeling, Remodeling, Remodeling Houses, Remodeling Project, Remodeling and Construction

How To Find Out if Your Contractor is Licensed
“contractor” “contractors” Some of the biggest problems with contractors can be easily avoided by simply checking out the contractor first and making sure that you’re hiring a reputable, well established and professional contractor. While most states license electrical and plumbing contractors, only 36 states have some type of licensing and registration statutes affecting contractors, remodelers, and/or specialty [...]

“contractor” “contractors”

Some of the biggest problems with contractors can be easily avoided by simply checking out the contractor first and making sure that you’re hiring a reputable, well established and professional contractor.

While most states license electrical and plumbing contractors, only 36 states have some type of licensing and registration statutes affecting contractors, remodelers, and/or specialty contractors. The licensing can range from simple registration to a detailed qualification process. Also, the licensing requirements in one locality may be different from the requirements in the rest of the state.

Check with your local building department or consumer protection agency to find out about licensing requirements in your area. If your state has licensing laws, ask to see the contractor’s license and make sure that it’s current.

Since not all states require licensing you may have no choice in hiring an unlicensed contractor. This can still work out if you know what you are doing and he knows what he’s doing. The license doesn’t necessarily mean you get expertise, but it does mean you get leverage. A contractor will right his wrongs to avoid losing his license.

You can also check out the contractor with your local consumer protection officials. They can tell you if there are any unresolved consumer complaints on file, however, even if there aren’t any complaints on record it doesn’t necessarily mean that there aren’t any previous problems. It may be that problems exist but haven’t been reported or another possibility could be that the contractor is doing business under several different names….but checking anyway doesn’t hurt.

If the contractor doesn’t have a phone number listed in the local telephone directory that might be a red flag and should definitely warrant further investigation. Reputable, well established contractors are usually at least listed in the phone directory and many also have websites as well although not having a website is NOT an indication that a contractor isn’t professional and well established but an unlisted phone is certainly questionable.

I found this really great contractor’s license reference site that is very useful: Contractors-License.org/

For any state that requires a contractor or tradesman to be licensed they will keep records of the license and this site has direct links to every state’s contractor’s licensing board. So you could easily call or go online and check out if a contractor is licensed or not.

Tags

Contractor, Custom Remodeling, Remodeling, Remodeling and Construction

Bathroom Remodeling: the Potential Cost
For many people house renovation comes before bathroom remodeling and this part of the house is always overlooked during most renovation projects. People get busy decorating their rooms and try to make them look as lovely as possible. Even the kitchen is usually considered over bathroom and the remodeling of the same mostly remains the last… Read more

Using Chromatherapy in Your Home Design
“chromatherapy” “home design”   When it comes to remodeling houses and picking out the color scheme for your home design just how important is the color choice? Color touches us on a very deep intuitive level.  Whether you realize it or not, colors speak very loud to our subconscious and have a positive or negative reaction within 90 [...]

“chromatherapy” “home design”

When it comes to remodeling houses and picking out the color scheme for your home design just how important is the color choice?

Color touches us on a very deep intuitive level.  Whether you realize it or not, colors speak very loud to our subconscious and have a positive or negative reaction within 90 seconds. 

Color psychology is a complex field of study and goes deep into the meaning of combining colors for a particular desired effect. The field of industrial psychology has a sub-field that studies only the psychology of color. It is no accident that Campbell’s soup has used the same colors on their labels for years and years.

The colors you select for a room will impact you on a very deep level every time you spend time in that room so consciously choosing the colors for your home design with this in mind is very important.

Color associations also affect us physiologically.  

You may have heard the term chromatherapy, which is a type of therapy that uses color for healing purposes. chromatherapy is sometimes referred to as light therapy or colorology and is still used today as a holistic or alternative treatment as well as one of the newest trends featured in bathtubs and shower systems.

One of the reasons color affects us on a subconscious, intuitive and physiological level is tied to our energy centers or chakra system.  Chakra is a Sanskrit word used by the Hindus.  It literally means “wheel of light”. 

Chakras are major energy centers located in the body that govern physical body systems, emotional qualities and areas of consciousness.  They are also associated with specific colors so the use of a specific color in a room’s color scheme will stimulate the chakra and the physical body systems, emotional qualities and areas of consciousness governed by that particular chakra or a combination of chakras if you’re using blended colors.

Individuals also associate particular colors with particular things in their lives.  Colors have different meanings for adults and children.  The purity of color reflects the purity of its symbolic meaning.   Being aware of these colors and how they affect our perception and the responses they evoke inside of us is important.

Primary colors for example, red, yellow and blue, appeal to primary emotions.  Young children respond to primary emotions. They unconsciously reject mixed or impure colors because these shades mean nothing to them. This is why Fisher Price marketing colors are primary colors…they know their target audience and understand the secret psychology of color.

Different cultures also have different attitudes and preferences in the attribution of qualities of color.  Eastern and western cultures assign different meanings to color.  Choosing a color scheme for the room you’re remodeling should take into consideration the people who will most frequently be in the room and what energy or feelings you may want to evoke or create in that atmosphere.

home design * chromatherapy * remodeling houses

Planning a kitchen remodel? 

Find out the secret to remodeling your kitchen the easy way PLUS insider information that will save you 1000’s on materials, give you a more realistic way to estimate remodeling costs AND help you get your kitchen remodeling project done weeks faster!   To find out more…..CLICK HERE

Tags

Chromatherapy, Custom Remodeling, Do it Yourself Home Improvements, Home Design, Home Designs, Home Improvement & Maintenance, Home Improvement DIY, Homes Renovations, House Remodeling, Ideas for Kitchens, Kitchen Designs, Kitchen Plans, Kitchen Remodel, Remodeling, Remodeling Houses, Remodeling and Construction

One Way to Go Green When Remodeling Houses
“go green” “remodeling houses”   One of the first stages of a kitchen remodel  or any type of remodel is the demolition process.  One of the ways you can go green and avoid adding to landfill is to employ gentle deconstruction methods to remove items and if possible recycle them.  While not everything is in recyclable condition, [...]

“go green” “remodeling houses”

One of the first stages of a kitchen remodel  or any type of remodel is the demolition process.  One of the ways you can go green and avoid adding to landfill is to employ gentle deconstruction methods to remove items and if possible recycle them.  While not everything is in recyclable condition, many items are. 

Consider the salvage opportunities first. Trained deconstruction crews can gently remove materials that can be reused rather than disposed of in a landfill. This provides opportunities for homeowners, builders, architects etc. to purchase needed materials at reasonable prices that otherwise may not be available.

Gentle Deconstruction Results In:

·         Lowering-building removal costs

·         Saving money on dump fees and trucking

·         Reducing the environmental impact of construction debris in landfills

·         Saving landfills with items, which can be put to another use

·         Preserving materials which otherwise would be destroyed

·         Providing homeowners with valuable materials for remodeling houses

·         Creates accessory jobs and employment in the Recycling Business

There are also some great organizations like Habitat for Humanity for example that builds homes for less fortunate families in real need of shelter that you might consider donating items to. 

By donating and reusing items instead of just demolishing them into construction debris landfill you could be helping families in need and creating less of a harmful impact on the environment at the same time. This is a wonderful way you can begin your efforts to go green.

remodeling houses * remodeling houses * remodeling houses * go green * kitchen remodel

Planning a kitchen remodel? 

Find out the secret to remodeling your kitchen the easy way PLUS insider information that will save you 1000’s on materials, give you a more realistic way to estimate remodeling costs AND help you get your kitchen remodeling project done weeks faster!   To find out more…..CLICK HERE

Tags

Custom Remodeling, Do it Yourself Home Improvements, Eco Friendly, Go Green, Green Materials, Home Design, Home Designs, Home Improvement & Maintenance, Home Improvement DIY, Homes Renovations, House Remodeling, Ideas for Kitchens, Kitchen Cabinets, Kitchen Designs, Kitchen Plans, Kitchen Remodel, Remodeling, Remodeling Costs, Remodeling Houses, Remodeling and Construction

What is the Best Order of Sequence for Installing the Flooring Material in a Kitchen Remodel?
“flooring materials” “flooring material” “kitchen remodel” There are several different schools of thoughts about what is the best order of sequence for installing the flooring material in a kitchen remodel.  There are many elements involved in a kitchen remodel including installing the kitchen cabinets, the countertops, the plumbing and electrical, the flooring and appliances to name [...]

“flooring materials” “flooring material” “kitchen remodel”

There are several different schools of thoughts about what is the best order of sequence for installing the flooring material in a kitchen remodel.  There are many elements involved in a kitchen remodel including installing the kitchen cabinets, the countertops, the plumbing and electrical, the flooring and appliances to name a few of the things going on during your kitchen remodel.

When exactly the best time to install the flooring is depends on your preferences really. So here are a couple of options and the reasoning behind them:

One option would be to lay the flooring down after the base kitchen cabinets have been installed, which you would do after the painting is done.  The main argument for this option is that you wouldn’t be wasting flooring material where it would never be seen by anyone and would save a little money in the process…(little being the key word)….however if you ever changed appliances to ones of a different size or dimension you might have to add flooring later on and it would not only be a hassle but would also incur labor expenses too. 

If you go with this option you would just have to make sure that you remember to allow enough height for your appliances or that your appliances have adjustable height capability and also make sure to have some extra flooring material saved from this project so if you need to add it later on you will have matching stock.

The other option would be to put the flooring material down first before you install your appliances. The amount of extra expense of using the flooring material under the appliances is really quite nominal in the big picture and you would actually save on labor expenses that would be incurred to trim out the flooring material around the appliances. 

The benefit of going this route is that it would be a lot easier to move the appliances in and out on an even surface although it isn’t really that difficult either way.  Another benefit though is if you ever changed appliances that were of different sizes and dimensions you wouldn’t have to worry about missing flooring.

So these are just a couple of different schools of thought on the best order of sequence for installing the flooring material in a kitchen remodel. Just consider which option works best for you or your contractor and go with it.

**********

Find out the secret to remodeling your kitchen the easy way PLUS insider information that will save you 1000’s on materials, give you a more realistic way to estimate remodeling costs AND help you get your kitchen remodeling project done weeks faster!   To find out more…..CLICK HERE 

Tags

Custom Remodeling, Do it Yourself Home Improvements, Flooring, Flooring Materials, Home Design, Home Designs, Home Improvement & Maintenance, Home Improvement DIY, Homes Renovations, House Remodeling, Ideas for Kitchens, Kitchen Remodel, Remodeling, Remodeling Houses, Remodeling and Construction

Finding a Contractor for Your Remodeling and Construction Project
“remodeling and construction” “kitchen remodel”   A question you might want to ask the contractor is how many remodeling projects like mine have you completed in the last year?  Ask for a list as this will help you determine how familiar the contractor is with your type of project.  If he primarily specializes in fireplaces and [...]

“remodeling and construction” “kitchen remodel”

A question you might want to ask the contractor is how many remodeling projects like mine have you completed in the last year?  Ask for a list as this will help you determine how familiar the contractor is with your type of project.  If he primarily specializes in fireplaces and all his previous remodeling and construction projects were fireplaces and you’re doing a kitchen remodel or a bathroom, he might not be the right contractor for you.

You should also always ask the contractor for a list of references.  The contractor should be able to give you the names, addresses and phone numbers of at least three clients who have projects similar to yours.  Ask how long each of those jobs took to complete and how long ago they were completed and ask to see them.  You can also tell the contractor you would like to visit some of his current remodeling jobs in progress.

When you contact the clients he gave you as a reference you may want to ask them if you can visit their home to see the completed job.  You can also ask them things like: were you satisfied with the remodeling project?  Was it completed on time?  Did the contractor keep you informed about the status of the project, and any problems along the way? Were there any unexpected remodeling costs? And if so, what were they? Did the workers show up on time? Did they clean up after finishing the job? 

Probably the most important questions though would be were you happy with the work? Would you recommend the contractor?  Would you use him again? 

Happy clients are your very best bet!

remodeling and construction remodeling costs kitchen remodel remodeling

Planning a kitchen remodel? 

Find out the secret to remodeling your kitchen the easy way PLUS insider information that will save you 1000’s on materials, give you a more realistic way to estimate remodeling costs AND help you get your kitchen remodeling project done weeks faster!   To find out more…..CLICK HERE

Tags

Custom Remodeling, Discount Kitchen Cabinets, Do it Yourself Home Improvements, Home Design, Home Designs, Home Improvement & Maintenance, Home Improvement DIY, Homes Renovations, House Remodeling, Ideas for Kitchens, Kitchen Cabinets, Kitchen Designs, Kitchen Plans, Kitchen Remodel, Remodeling, Remodeling Costs, Remodeling Houses, Remodeling and Construction

What to Expect and Prepare for During Your Kitchen Remodel
  Remodeling a kitchen is an incredibly huge undertaking that involves a vast array of details to consider, decide on and oversee their implementation.  If you’re not prepared it can seem a bit overwhelming but here are some of the things you can expect and prepare for during your kitchen remodel.  Obviously the first step is to [...]

Remodeling a kitchen is an incredibly huge undertaking that involves a vast array of details to consider, decide on and oversee their implementation.  If you’re not prepared it can seem a bit overwhelming but here are some of the things you can expect and prepare for during your kitchen remodel. 

Obviously the first step is to decide on the budget for your kitchen remodel. A good rule of thumb is about 15% of your home’s current market value.  For a more detailed breakdown of this you can check out my blog posting: Estimating Your Kitchen Remodeling Costs. 

 Keep in mind that there will ALWAYS be additional expenses so try to plan your budget on 80% of what you want your total budget to actually be.  Your remodeling costs can be broken down into two main categories: the labor and installation that your contractor will charge and then the materials you select.

 The materials you select will be your biggest remodeling costs and where you have the most choice and where you have the most probability of going over budget. 

For help with this you can check out my eBook Remodeling Recon Kitchens Edition that will give you comprehensive information on the materials and their price ranges and give you a more realistic way to estimate your remodeling costs and will give you a lot of ideas for planning your kitchen design and layout which is the next step in the process.

 The planning of your kitchen design and layout is rarely a one step process so don’t expect to get it exactly the way you want it all in one shot.  It’s a slowly evolving process which continually changes as you keep refining it.  It’s a good idea to sit with an idea for a while to see how it feels and fits with your kitchen designs.  Make sure the layout flows with how you work in the kitchen.

 After you’ve fine tuned your kitchen design and have it all planned out the next stage ordering all the materials.  Making sure you cover all the details and order everything needed is very important.   

If you miss something and have to reorder it can delay your remodel quite a bit….sometimes by weeks and the last thing you want to do is give your contractor an opportunity to get busy on someone else’s project during the delay and then put your project on the back burner….although not all delays are controllable.

Another thing to be prepared for and expect are the unforeseen delays.  In most any job there are unforeseen delays outside of the contractor’s control that can, and usually do, come up…things like out of stock materials on backorder, faulty existing construction that’s discovered that needs to be brought to code that couldn’t be seen or known about until after walls or floors are opened up after the remodeling project has already gotten underway or weather delays to name of the few of the things that could cause delays outside the contractor’s control.

The next stage involves demolition or deconstruction of the existing cabinets, countertops, appliances, flooring and lighting…depending on the extent of your remodel and what you’ve decided to replace.  It’s going to get really messy so just be prepared for that and just make peace with the fact that there’s going to be dust everywhere even after the demolition process is finished. You can count on the whole place being dusty and messy for most of the duration of the construction.

Actually during the entire remodel you shouldn’t expect neatness from your contractor. Believe it or not, it is sometimes a lot more efficient to leave things lying where they’ll next be used. It will be messy so just prepare accordingly.

Just make sure you spell out in your contract that the jobsite will be cleaned up at the end of the job.  

 You can cover up furniture that you want to protect from dust and will need to either plan on eating out during the remodel or setting up a temporary kitchen elsewhere.  

Also not expecting any problems to come up is unrealistic.  There will be some problems. Weather delays, employees quitting, and more will happen. Having problems is okay, but it’s not okay if the contractor can’t work out the issues to your satisfaction. 

Make sure you have a good working relationship with your contractor.

Tags

Custom Remodeling, Do it Yourself Home Improvements, Home Design, Home Designs, Home Improvement & Maintenance, Home Improvement DIY, Homes Renovations, House Remodeling, Ideas for Kitchens, Kitchen Designs, Kitchen Plans, Kitchen Remodel, Remodeling, Remodeling Costs, Remodeling Houses, Remodeling and Construction

A Great Way to Avoid Remodeling Project Nightmares
“remodeling and construction” “remodeling project” “diy” “remodeling” When doing any sort of remodeling or construction project, if it’s not a diy project and you’re not the contractor or doing it yourself, you’ll most likely end up hiring a contractor or tradesman to work on your remodeling project. There are a lot of horror stories floating around [...]

“remodeling and construction” “remodeling project” “diy” “remodeling”

When doing any sort of remodeling or construction project, if it’s not a diy project and you’re not the contractor or doing it yourself, you’ll most likely end up hiring a contractor or tradesman to work on your remodeling project. There are a lot of horror stories floating around of remodeling project nightmares and litigation with contractors that probably could have been easily avoided with better communication.Communication is critical in making sure that what you’re trying achieve is clearly understood by your contractor. For an example, in some parts of the country it is standard practice for some drywall contractors to screw in the ceiling drywall but nail in the walls.

If your remodeling project is in a humid part of the country, with all the fluctuations in humidity, you’ll have the nails start popping out within a couple of years whereas screwing the drywall eliminates this problem but if you just assume that your contractor knows you prefer him to screw in the drywall instead of simply nailing in the drywall and it doesn’t go the way you assumed it naturally would there could be a problem.

Another example is the exact height or placement of something. I remember one project I had to put in a through the wall air conditioner into a room and to me it seemed logical that the contractor would line up the top of the air conditioner with a hung picture on the adjacent wall because aesthetically that would flow much better and it never even occurred to me that he wouldn’t automatically know to do that. I had only left the room for a few minutes but when I came back the hole was already cut and it was nearly 6 inches below where I assumed it would be but I hadn’t specified this with the contractor so he put it where HE thought it would be most logical to put it.

Photos are another great way to get your point across. For example if you are trying to design your landscape you might take a photo of your house to the nursery so they can give you their suggestions about what might be most suitable to what you’re wanting to achieve. Or if you are having issues with the building inspectors and something isn’t passing inspection bringing a photo to them can be very helpful for clarification.

Don’t just assume your contractor knows what you want. Make sure you specify everything EXACTLY how and where and when you want it. Putting all the exact details in writing is not just good practice but an absolute must. That will save you lots of frustration, do overs, and possibly even litigation.

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Contractor, Custom Remodeling, Home Improvement & Maintenance, Homes Renovations, House Remodeling, Remodeling, Remodeling Houses, Remodeling and Construction

One Way to Go Green When Remodeling Houses
“go green” “remodeling houses”   One of the first stages of a kitchen remodel  or any type of remodel is the demolition process.  One of the ways you can go green and avoid adding to landfill is to employ gentle deconstruction methods to remove items and if possible recycle them.  While not everything is in recyclable condition, [...]

“go green” “remodeling houses”

One of the first stages of a kitchen remodel  or any type of remodel is the demolition process.  One of the ways you can go green and avoid adding to landfill is to employ gentle deconstruction methods to remove items and if possible recycle them.  While not everything is in recyclable condition, many items are. 

Consider the salvage opportunities first. Trained deconstruction crews can gently remove materials that can be reused rather than disposed of in a landfill. This provides opportunities for homeowners, builders, architects etc. to purchase needed materials at reasonable prices that otherwise may not be available.

Gentle Deconstruction Results In:

·         Lowering-building removal costs

·         Saving money on dump fees and trucking

·         Reducing the environmental impact of construction debris in landfills

·         Saving landfills with items, which can be put to another use

·         Preserving materials which otherwise would be destroyed

·         Providing homeowners with valuable materials for remodeling houses

·         Creates accessory jobs and employment in the Recycling Business

There are also some great organizations like Habitat for Humanity for example that builds homes for less fortunate families in real need of shelter that you might consider donating items to. 

By donating and reusing items instead of just demolishing them into construction debris landfill you could be helping families in need and creating less of a harmful impact on the environment at the same time. This is a wonderful way you can begin your efforts to go green.

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Planning a kitchen remodel? 

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Custom Remodeling, Do it Yourself Home Improvements, Eco Friendly, Go Green, Green Materials, Home Design, Home Designs, Home Improvement & Maintenance, Home Improvement DIY, Homes Renovations, House Remodeling, Ideas for Kitchens, Kitchen Cabinets, Kitchen Designs, Kitchen Plans, Kitchen Remodel, Remodeling, Remodeling Costs, Remodeling Houses, Remodeling and Construction

How to Develop a Plan For Room Remodeling
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Use Kitchen Remodeling Services For Great Results
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How to Develop a Plan For Room Remodeling
Remodeling can be difficult. Learn tips for remodeling the two most popular rooms of the house - bathrooms and bedrooms.

How to Develop a Plan For Room Remodeling
Remodeling can be difficult. Learn tips for remodeling the two most popular rooms of the house - bathrooms and bedrooms.