The Ultimate Guide for Kitchen Remodeling

Home remodeling takes a lot of your time, energy, focus, and money. Whether you are renovating your bedroom, bathroom, lounge, kitchen, or even the entire house, you must plan everything from your budget to the color schemes and how to make it all work together.

In home improvement, kitchen remodeling is the most lucrative as well as painstaking. It is the center of every function in your house. It is especially difficult when you must live in the house as it is being renovated. Contractors do their best to work with families throughout this stressful time to ensure that homeowners can still use parts of their kitchens.

To simplify the predicament, we have made a list of top 5 tips to help while you are having your kitchen space remodeled.

Budget

Before you start remodeling, you must determine that how much money you are willing to spend on home remodeling. In the case of remodeling a kitchen, you must decide that you want a low-end, medium-end or high-end kitchen. For that purpose, you can scan the market and your residential area that what type of kitchen designs are being adapted there. From that you can decide for the optimum choice that you want to consider for your kitchen. Kitchen remodeling contractors will often help homeowners with this process.

Changing or Keeping the Existing Floor Plan

If you are on a budget, home improvement plans can be a tricky situation and in kitchen remodeling changing your plumbing and/or your kitchen layout can be even trickier. As a rule of thumb, if you change one section of your plumbing or move the position of your appliances, it adds an extra $5000 to your budget. It looks very easy to change your plumbing and floor plan, but in fact it is not easy at all. Whatever you decide to do, you should always keep in mind the triangle shape between your stove, refrigerator and sink for the optimum use of the workspace and traffic flow in your kitchen.

Bring Focus to Your Cabinets

New cabinets, new flooring, and new appliances are not the only solutions to consider when having your kitchen remodeled. Refacing existing cabinets, adding splashes of color, updated hardware and accessories can make a lot of difference.

Incorporating Color

You can add a new life and buzz into your kitchen by incorporating contrasting colors in it. It will give a visual interest to your kitchen. It is important in all home improvement projects that you choose a color pallet that accentuates all the good features within your home. Similarly, in your kitchen you can make a contrast of a bold and a neutral color or if you are going for a monochromatic look, you can choose contrasting tones.

Small Changes Make Big Impacts

There are many ways to renovate your home and kitchen. When deciding what and how you want each space done consider why you are remodeling. Are you remodeling spaces to add functionality or mainly for aesthetic purposes? If it is for functional purposes? If yes, then many times your renovations will be a bit costlier as they may require moving walls, electrical outlets, lighting, and plumbing. If you are remodeling mainly for aesthetic purposes and a change in the look of your space is desired then changing the color of paint, updating accessories, and some modified lighting may be more than enough.

We hope that the tips that we have mentioned above will give you the idea on tips and tricks required while remodeling your kitchen. 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.

Preparing For Renovations

Are you preparing for a new construction project? Have you hired a licensed contractor? Whether it’s a small or large construction, managing a project can feel like a full-time job, and you are on the right track if you’re looking to hire a licensed general contractor to take up the responsibility for every aspect of your new construction build, from the footers to the roof.

Hiring a licensed contractor can ease your mind knowing that they will ensure all aspects of the project are up to code. Hiring a contractor that has a worker’s compensation policy and a liability insurance policy to protect themselves and you against any unforeseen mishaps that may occur on site.

Working close with a licensed contractor will also guarantee that you have access to high-quality materials for every aspect of the job, which they can get at a more favorable rate and save you quite a bit of pocket change. Now that you have that covered, there are a few more things you need to do when preparing for a home renovation that will make the whole experience stress-free and perhaps a bit enjoyable.

Ask the licensed contractor you are considering to work with to let you see one or two of their project sites to determine that they are indeed good at what they do and most importantly, they are in good standing with their existing clients.
Be realistic when it comes to the scope of work that will go into your new construction by having a realistic timeline, budget, cost of material and equipment, as well as labor. Prepare yourself for the unexpected.
Invest in quality items or materials that will serve you longer, especially when it comes to common room items such as appliances or high-quality flooring and cabinets. The items you purchase should withstand years of use and cost you nothing to in the way of maintenance.
Determine some tasks that you can do yourself during the construction period to not only save time and labor costs but also to make you part of your new construction project.
It’s also prudent to consult with a few contractors who can give you a different approach to some designs on your board and advise you what is feasible and financially sound to avoid being entirely disappointed in your new construction project when it’s all done, and you can’t do anything about it.

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.

Top Reasons Why Homeowners Desire To Renovate Bathrooms

There are a number of reasons that homeowners consider renovating their bathrooms. A lot goes into the renovation of a bathroom, so it is important to remember the end goal as you plan your ideal space. No matter what the reason the space needs to meet your end goal once the renovation is complete. Consider the following:

Add an Additional Bathroom: Many older homes have the one-bathroom dilemma. Anyone with more than one person living in a home knows the importance of a second bathroom. When adding an additional bathroom within your home consider if you need a full bath or half bath. A half bath is more common in homes with two full bathrooms.
Bathroom Expansion: Expanding a bathroom is common in a home with more than one half bath. Homeowners looking to add an additional shower or tub often consider expanding.
Accommodate the Aging Process: Aging is one of the most common reasons homeowners choose to remodel their bathrooms. Aging bodies need special concessions within spaces that are used multiple times a day like bathrooms and kitchens. Some common renovations that are done because of aging are taller toilets, increased lighting, the addition of grab bars, pulls instead of knobs on cabinets, walk-in showers, and such to ease use.
Update Plumbing: Sometimes there is absolutely nothing wrong with your bathroom space when it comes to the look or layout but the components keeping it running begin to fail. Signs that your bathrooms plumbing needs upgrading can range from leaky sinks, mold, and low water pressure.
Improving Utility: Sometimes your bathroom needs to be renovated to increase the usage of the space. It could be from improving ventilation, add storage, put in a bidet, or accommodate an extra person in the space with the addition of a double sink.
Cosmetic Upgrades: An updated look is always a good reason to renovate your bathroom space. Sometimes a fresh space can really transform a style that has become dated. Often some new cabinetry, a clean coat of paint, updated flooring, and a splash of new tile can really transform a space.

When looking into renovating your space it is important to hire a professional contractor. Even the smallest of spaces, when renovating, can turn into a major disaster for those who go it alone. A professional contractor specializing in bathroom renovations can quickly take your space from dull and dated to functional and fantastic.

Professional Kitchen Renovations Can Increase Your Home’s Value

A kitchen renovation is one of the smartest ways to add value to your home and you can achieve this by hiring a licensed contractor. Real estate experts agree that a well-designed and updated kitchen attracts buyers. Whether you are doing a complete kitchen remodeling or simply making a few updates, homeowners can improve the appeal of their home and increase the value with a professional kitchen renovation.

According to the industry, a homeowner can expect to recoup about 95% of the cost of a major kitchen remodel. This makes it one of the best remodeling choices for homeowners looking to increase their home value. A modern kitchen makes your home more valuable and more attractive to buyers when the time comes to sell.

The kitchen is the heart of a home. It is a place to gather as a family, visit with friends, and share meals. Because it is one of the most popular rooms in the house, kitchens tend to suffer a lot of wear and tear over time. Countertops, appliances, and flooring can get worn and damaged, decreasing the style and appeal of the room. Below are some common areas of interest that are addressed in remodeling.

Kitchen renovations may include knocking down walls to add space or redesigning the layout to improve functionality. Homeowners have the chance to design the room they have always wanted. Make the most of it by increasing storage space and improving traffic flow.
Consider upgrading your appliances to high-efficiency models. Not only can they save you money in energy costs, you may be eligible for tax rebates. Be sure that your electrical wiring and plumbing are properly installed by a licensed contractor to prevent damage and ensure that your appliances will work correctly.
Your existing cabinets can be re-surfaced, or you may decide to replace them entirely with new ones. A licensed contractor will help choose a countertop surface that will blend well with your cabinets. Stone, especially granite, used by a licensed contractor when doing your kitchen remodeling gives your kitchen an up-scale and classic look that will last the lifetime of your home.
Hardwoods and ceramic tiles are the most popular choices for kitchen flooring. Both materials are attractive to buyers and need very little maintenance to look good.
Lighting is extremely important in the kitchen. Ambient lighting will keep the room bright. Task lighting illuminates the food prep and cooking area. Under cabinet lighting can accentuate the beauty of your room.
A wall color that will accentuate your new cabinets, flooring, appliances, and countertops. Consider the addition of a colorful backsplash or accent wall to create a focal point in the room.

Kitchen remodeling is a large project and can take months to fully complete. Discuss a timeline and a specific budget for your project with a licensed contractor so you will know what to expect. Not every homeowner is willing or able to complete a large-scale kitchen remodeling. Even minor improvements can change the entire look of your kitchen and make it more appealing to potential buyers. Whether you are selling your home or simply want to improve the room’s appearance, small projects like painting or replacing outdated appliances with a licensed contractor can make a big difference to the value of your home.

Clever Bathroom Storage Items to Pull Your Renovation Together

Now that your bathroom renovation is finished, it’s time to add additional storage to the space. A bathroom can never have too much storage as it allows you to neatly organize everything while also providing a visually pleasing space you’ll absolutely love. Although you might have asked for and gotten lots of extra storage space for your renovation, here are a few clever bathroom storage hacks that will really pull the whole renovation together!

Hanging Baskets

Get more space in your bathroom by hanging baskets on the wall that look like floating shelves. They can be used to house things like towels and toilet paper. Choose baskets that you like and then anchor them to whatever wall you’d like to showcase them on. It’s an easy way to add both décor and storage to your bathroom!

Storage Ideas for Pedestal Sinks

If you have a pedestal sink in your bathroom, you already know that you can’t store anything under it or else it will show. To fix that problem, you can invest in a wrap-around shelf that is made especially for pedestal sinks. This stylish option will provide you space to organize your things while still being out of sight! Or you can dress up the sink in a skirt and simply hide baskets behind it!

Wine Rack for Towels

There are plenty of gorgeous wine racks you can use to hang on a wall that will visually add to the space and hold bath towels at the same time. This is a popular option for more rustic renovators with small bathrooms where a linen closet or under the sink cabinet are not possible.

Invest in an Expandable Organizer

Make the most out of the space under your bathroom sink by investing in an expandable organizer that will easily fit around your pipes and provides an easy way to organize your products under the sink. Other options are adding storage onto the side of the cabinet doors and stackable baskets.

Shelves Over the Toilet

Adding shelves over your toilet will allow you to have a number of everyday essentials within reach. Shelves also add additional space for towels and small appliances like blow dryers, electric razors and such.

There are a number of ways that contractors will include storage for you within your bathroom renovation however, as you know there is never enough. Anywhere you can sneak in some hidden storage you should take full advantage. Storing items allows everything to have its own unique spot and ensures an uncluttered space.

Kitchen Remodeling: Find Top 5 Kitchen Designs That Last the Test of Time

When homeowners are considering renovations, it is always important that they consider three things:

Will the renovation fit our families current and future needs?
Is this design on the renovation universal? Will it appease future buyers if we consider selling the home?
Does this renovation offer a good ROI? Can this renovation stand the test of time or is this trend one that will be outdated quickly?

Kitchen remodeling can be quite the venture both in time and resources. It is crucial that when meeting with a contractor regarding your new kitchen design that you have a meeting of the minds regarding different elements that are incorporated. For a kitchen design to work over time it must be function while combing trendy elements with elements that have proven to “age” well. True professionals will be able to blend elements that allow you to have the kitchen of your dreams today that will easily integrate updates and trends that come and go within the next ten to twenty years.

Elements That Withstand the Test of Time in Kitchen Design

Invest in Natural Elements

When planning your new kitchen consider adding in natural elements such as marble, hardwoods, brick, and stone. These are all components that make a design timeless and add to the aesthetic value of a space. These elements can be seen in kitchens and homes from the 70’s that can be used in current renovations without hassle in uniting them in the overall design.

Natural Lighting

Consciences contractors will always take into consideration the placement of the kitchen within the home to maximize the amount of natural light within the space. Kitchens that are bright and well light always appear cleaner and more inviting. Natural lighting can be combined with light fixtures within the kitchen to accentuate the space to give the allusion of openness. An open kitchen concept is one that has been and will remain popular throughout time.

Indoor Plants

In order to create a timeless design within your kitchen it is important to blend two elements: simplicity and function. Indoor plants have always been popular amongst homeowners. One way to incorporate this into the kitchen space in the form of an herb garden. This is a practical, functional way to bring greenery into the kitchen without it looking out of place.

The key element when it comes to any renovation in your home is ease of use. Simplicity is always in style. Homeowners want a space to be functional, stylish, and comfortable. The best feeling ever as a homeowner is to have guests walk into your home and feel content being there. This is what contractors aim to do in all of the renovations that they have the privilege of being a part of.

Timeless Tips for Remodeling Your Bathroom

One of the most unique and personal places in your home is your bathroom. It has been said that to truly understand a person’s living style all you need to do is to look at their bathroom. At that point, it is easy to know lots of things about the home as well as the family living there. Therefore, people always seek new methods for remodeling bathroom.

After the kitchen, bathroom remodeling has become one of the first priorities of homeowners. If your kitchen and bathroom renovations are done properly, it will raise the worth of your home. Your guests will always feel warm and comfortable during their stay in your home.

When you begin to plan for renovations to your bathroom you can get various types of materials that will make them the showpiece of your home. However, getting the remodeling project completed is often easier said than done. A good and licensed contractor can help this process and can aid in making your remodeling adventures as short and sweet as possible.

Considering the important role that the bathroom must play in our lives it is always a good idea to update its look from time to time. Here are few steps to help you remodel your bathroom.

The first step is to select the style you would be comfortable with that is appealing visually while also being neutral enough if you decide you need to sell your home. To get ideas for your bathroom renovation look at sites such as Houzz and Pinterest. Once you get an idea of what you want the goal should be to find a contractor to help recreate a version of your ideas that fits your space.

The next step is to pick a bathroom layout. Check if it suits your needs and respects the space available. A basic bathroom will have a sink and vanity, a toilet, a tub and in some cases a separate shower. An inexpensive design would be to have the basics that require plumbing on the same wall. To counteract the look and feel of being cramped in a small bathroom, try using a glass wall in your shower.

The third step involves choosing finishes. You can choose paint, tile, stone, glass or wood for your wall. For floors, you can choose from tile, stone, wood, linoleum or vinyl tiles. For a vanity countertop, you can choose from tile, stone or plastic laminate. There are many materials to choose from that can change your bathroom into a space you never want to leave.

This involves picking fixtures for your bathroom, like your toilet, sink, tub, and faucets. While cost is often a major factor, people are concerned about style and water conservation. A fourth factor in purchasing a toilet is its flushing ability. Toilets saving water are beneficial for house owners in the long run. When researching retailer’s websites for bathroom fixtures, ensure you get the full picture before making your purchases.

The last and final tip involves hiring a reputed and licensed contractor. Once you have your contractor, make sure you have a written estimate and a clear start and completion date.

One of the best ways to find a licensed contractor who will be a good fit for you is to ask around. Does anyone you know have a recommendation based on having worked with a contractor before? Ask people you trust if they have any suggestions. This will help narrow down your search field so that you have a better pool from which to choose.

Ensure you investigate his or her license and insurance. Most states have a licensing board in place that’s designed to protect consumers and safeguard the integrity of the construction industry. Applicants must pass an exam and pay a fee to be licensed. For the most part, anyone who is established and recognized as a contractor in your community will be licensed, but it never hurts to check!

You also need to make sure that any contractor you consider for kitchen and bathroom renovation is insured. You do not want to be liable for any injury that a contractor or contractor team member suffers while on your property. If you have any questions about a potential contractor’s insurance situation, make sure you resolve them before any work starts.

When it’s time to finally pursue your home kitchen and bathroom renovation, finding an insured and licensed contractor can make all the difference. Do some research ahead of time to make sure that you get a pro who will handle your project the way you want it handled from start to finish.

Eye-Catching Kitchen Cabinet Details You Will Want to Use In Your Kitchen Renovation

Kitchen and bathroom renovations are the in-thing and for good reasons. There are stunning kitchen cabinet designs that you will love to have for your kitchen’s new facelift. If your kitchen’s layout works for you, you do not need to spend thousands of dollars for a complete kitchen remodeling. Instead, work with a licensed contractor to design your kitchen improvements to keep some of what you have and replace the cabinet doors or fronts depending on your budget.

Glass Kitchen Doors

Glass is very versatile and can be used in almost any part of the house to create a luxurious feel. You want the help of a licensed contractor to help you chose a high-quality glass so that it remains flush with the cabinets for its entire lifetime. Instead of leaving the doors bare, your contractor can add an X-design on the front to give it a sophisticated look and finish.

Copper, Brass, and Bronze Cabinet Handles and Faucets

Warm, soft shades of brass, burnished copper and hammered bronze are all the rage right now and has recently appealed to designers as a modern interior trend. These elements are a fantastic alternative to traditional fittings. The good thing brass matches with any color, making it ideal for a kitchen, and because it is reflective, it will make your kitchen look bigger. Brass and copper add an earthy feel to a kitchen when used on the kitchen islands, cupboards or stovetops, plus cleaning is a breeze.

Metallic Screen Doors

The metallic screen door pattern can either be of chrome, aluminum, bronze, or brass and can be used on the doors to add a touch of luxury and to let the cabinets breathe while at it.

Cabinets with Exposed Hinges

If they are not too busy looking for your space, exposed hinges give a period feeling to any kitchen. Imagine white or brown wooden cabinetry with rustic, or black exposed hinges.

Modern Minimalist

Think clean lines, muted monochrome colors, and minimal embellishments.

Under-Cabinet Lighting

Installing lights inside your cabinets is not only functional, but it also enhances the décor, saves energy, and brings about a soothing ambiance.

Backsplash

A kitchen is not complete without a modern backsplash that will fit in with your cabinets and transform your entire cooking space. Backsplashes come in a wide variety of colors, styles and materials such tile, stone, glass, ceramic, that extend from the countertop to the ceiling to lend a contemporary look and warm up a sleek, contemporary space.

2018 Trends In Kitchens and Bathrooms

It appears that more and more homeowners are shifting the design perspective to hiring contractors that can handle the design and building all in one. Many problems can arise when homeowners have to communicate with two different professional parties, designers and contractors, so it is a special era of home construction when one contractor does it all.

Designers often blame contractors when problems occur while contractors return the blame to designers when the job goes sideways. It is a better situation for homeowners to get the best contractor and designer for the job from the same spot.

2018 Trends in Kitchen Design and Remodeling

Decades ago, the kitchen was hidden in the back of the house. It was a place where meals were prepared and dirty dishes were washed. Fast forward to 2018 and the kitchen has a much different role. Today, the kitchen is the focal point of the home, the place that brings everyone together at the start of the day or after a long day way. Now instead, the kitchen is paraded in all its beauty and warmth at the very center of the house.

Kitchens have changed a lot over the decades and planning for your kitchen remodel is very important. Technology advances and changing social dynamics have contributed greatly to the rise of the modern kitchen. There is a far bigger focus on open concept homes that revolve around the kitchen so everyone can be together. As with any modern design trend, clean and simple styles have become favorites for homeowners with natural light becoming an essential aspect of the overall look and function of the kitchen space.

With advice from design experts, here are the top trends in kitchen design we expect to see in 2018:

Kitchen Cabinet Colors: White, Gray, and Dark Paint Colors are Elegant and Beautiful
Streamlined Designs, Materials, and Textures
Effective Storage Solutions and Additional Cabinetry
Kitchen Appliances: New Styles and Preferences
Hardwood Flooring is Popular as well as Ceramic Tiling
Single Level Multi-Purpose Kitchen Islands for Storage Solutions
Pet – Friendly Kitchen Spaces

Top Trends in Bathroom Designs and Renovations for 2018

For most people, the bathroom has become a personal sanctuary. It is not just a place to wash off the grit. It is your personal spa, where you relieve the stress of the day and relax. So, when you are renovating your bathroom, you are not just creating a practical bathing space; you are creating a place when you can get away and be yourself. Every aspect and component has to come together towards this goal while also meeting the practical needs of bathing.

If you are building a new home or planning a renovation, the following list of the hottest upcoming bathroom design trends in 2018 should get your creativity going.

The Bathroom Needs to Be Efficient and Comfortable
Toilets are More High Tech Including Seat Warmers, Automatic Lids, Slow Close Features, Adjustable Dryers and More
Brass and Gold Tone Fixtures are Making a Comeback
Lighting Style Including Light Bars and Wall Scones
Under-floor Heating Systems and Under the Counter Appliances
Unique Bathroom Flooring Such As: Hexagon, Arabesque, Diamond, Moroccan Fish Scales, and Chevron Patterns in New Colors and Textures.
Bold Accent Walls & Floors Including Ceramic and Porcelain Graphic Tiles

Conclusion

One common thread has been evident in all home design trends for 2018; homeowners are looking for ways to break from the mold and be unique in their styling. In the bathroom and kitchen designs, they are relying on technology, tiles, and bold accents to make the home more interesting.

Clever Kitchen and Bathroom Storage Ideas

Both kitchens and bathrooms are filled to the brim with a number of different accessories. In fact, it would not be a stretch to call them the busiest rooms in the entire house because of how many valuable accessory objects that they hold. Therefore, it is essential to effectively utilize as much space as possible and use every single inch in a useful manner. It is imperative for you to know how to use your space while undertaking kitchen and bathroom remodel. A licensed contractor can bring the most out of the two rooms and their renovations.

Here are some very clever kitchen and bathroom storage ideas to use during kitchen and bathroom remodeling:

Kitchen Storage Options

The kitchen is the room where most of the hard work takes place. Therefore, it is important to make sure that there is less clutter all around it. A clean and tidy kitchen ensures greater productivity.

Following are some clever ideas to tell your licensed contractor for kitchen storage:

Plastic Bag Holder

Place this holder inside the door of a cabinet to make sure it is just as usable but does not interfere with anything. It saves a lot of space.

Racked for Cans

Placing cans all around the kitchen can cause a huge clutter and interfere in many kitchen tasks. Placing all the cans on a designated rack ensures less of a clutter and more organization.

Knife and Measuring Cups Hanger

Much like a plastic cup holder, you can make a holder for knives for measuring cups inside cabinet doors. This ensures usability while also saving a lot of space.

Wine Glass Molding

To save space while also not letting go of your glasses, you can always add a wine glass molding to your kitchen and hang all appropriate glasses from it.

Cookware Organizer

Instead of using standard cabinets for cookware and utensils, it is better to install cabinets that act as cookware organizers. This helps to organize your cookware while making it ready to use.

Bathroom Storage Options

Bathrooms are one of the most used rooms in the entire house. Having a number of accessories in them, such as towels, mats, lotions, body sprays, and such need a lot of care when organizing bathrooms. Here are some clever bathroom storage options:

Wall Cabinet

The most simple of them all, the wall cabinet helps you keep most of your bathroom accessories in the wall and not have them lying around. While making everything neat, it also makes the accessories more accessible.

Vintage Storage

Having small straw storage closets beneath your sink is a great way to keep your things at hand and secure.

Storage Tower

Storage towers are a great way of keeping your things right in the middle, while keeping them all in one place. This is a great way to store toilet paper, towel, and such.

Storage Ladder

Much like the storage tower, the storage ladder keeps your accessories in one place. Preferably the corner. These ladders are also perfect for hanging towels.

Ask Your Contractor For More Ideas

Give your licensed contractor all these great ideas when you are having your kitchen or bathroom remodeled. Most contractors will have some tricks of their own when it comes to extra storage in kitchen and bathroom renovations.

Budget

Changing or Keeping the Existing Floor Plan

Bring Focus to Your Cabinets

Incorporating Color

Small Changes Make Big Impacts