January 2013 “Remodeling Magazine” Digital Edition Features “Cost Vs. Value Report”

24 01 2013
Remodel Magazine Digital-page-001

Click on “Remodeling” to view online





April 2011 “Remodeling Magazine” Digital Edition Features “Simply Smart” Kitchen Remodel Designs And Details

15 04 2011

CLICK ON "REMODELING" TO VIEW MAGAZINE





Home Renovation Contractors: San Diego, CA Contractor Opened Up Wall To Expand Kitchen (Video)

21 01 2011




Kitchen Remodel Projects: Homeowners Should Use An Architect Or Interior Designer For “Luxurious” Look, Install Premium Countertops While Saving Money On Fixtures, Floors, Hardware And Appliances

23 12 2010

The PROJECT:  To create a more efficient kitchen and better flow between the kitchen,  breakfast area, living room and powder room.  A contemporary, warm style was sought that was still respectful of the old home’s character.  

 

Kitchen Before....

 

MANAGING COSTS    

 

Costs were trimmed by buying much of their own fixtures such as plumbing, flooring, lighting, door hardware and appliances. Some items were ordered online and had to be returned due to scratches or imperfections. Pre-finished wood flooring was picked over traditional wood floors, while cabinetry was from Ikea. They stuck to mid-grade cabinets and appliances.

PREMIUM MATERIALS

Countertops, faucets and mechanical hardware for the cabinets.

CHALLENGES

The homeowner was keen not to waste even half an inch of space, closely supervised the cabinet supplier, who still managed to order incorrect cabinets which had to be replaced three months after the project had been completed.  Some cabinet doors did not get delivered for 5 months.

“It was time consuming to order all the materials and we took on the risk or errors if the product was not right.”

....Kitchen after.

LESSONS LEARNED

“Luckily as a professional I was aware of the pitfalls of scheduling and budget,” said homeowner. “We contracted for a 6 week project but were mostly complete in 8.”

And they were 20% over budget once the unknown construction issues were addressed.

She advised home owners looking to remodel their kitchen to use an architect or interior designer to do the layout, saying “even for a budget kitchen, one should feel they have a luxurious renovation when it is complete.”

ADVICE FOR OTHER HOMEOWNERS

Before commencing a remodeling project, a home owner should consider the following:

  • How do you use your kitchen/home
  • What feeling do you want to have when you are in the room
  • What style do you like. Pull out pages from magazines that respond to these questions to help you make design decisions.
  • Too many people go with a standard look. The best kitchen renovation is one that reflects your personality.

For more: 
http://www.baristanet.com/2010/12/kitchen-remodeling-4-an-experts-eye/





Home Remodel Update: Homeowners Still Putting In New Kitchens But Reasons Are Different Now As They Plan To Stay In Homes Longer

27 08 2010

“There are still consumers putting in new kitchens,” Robert Niblock, the chairman and chief executive officer of Lowe’s, said in a telephone interview. “But they’re doing it because they’re going to be in their homes longer. That’s the change from the go-go days.”

Many Americans, having splurged on show kitchens, spa bathrooms and surround-sound media rooms during the housing boom, are doing the same. Spending on home renovation for the 12 months ending Sept. 30 will fall 25 percent to $107.7 billion compared with the same period in 2007, according to Harvard University’s Joint Center for Housing Studies.

The pullback is hurting companies large and small — from Home Depot Inc. and Lowe’s Cos. to building contractors and interior design shops.

For more: 
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-08-26/paint-and-caulk-replaces-show-kitchens-at-home-depot-lowe-s-amid-slowdown.html





Kitchen Design And Remodels: “Homestyler.com” Offers Free Online 3D Home Design Software (Video)

18 08 2010

Kitchen Remodeling Ideas: How To Choose a Kitchen Design Layout

Learn which of the four basic kitchen layouts fits your space and cooking personality before you visit another showroom. With simple steps and tips, professional designer Nadia Geller shows you how easy it is to be prepared and inspired using the gallery of pre-made layouts featured in Autodesk Homestyler, the free online 3D home design software.






Kitchen Remodels: Take Time During Design Process To Insure Proper Scope, Pricing, And Written Confirmations From Contractors

16 08 2010

 

• Don’t rush. Take time – from a few weeks to several months, depending on the scope of the project – to meet with pros, browse the Internet and visit showrooms and home centers.

A recent survey of almost 3,000 Consumer Reports readers on remodeling revealed that haste can be costly – respondents who changed their mind after the work got started typically added about $1,500 to the cost of a kitchen project.

• Don’t get stuck on a size. Bloated showpieces are out. The National Kitchen and Bath Association provides guidelines for how much space should be in between appliances, cabinets, and islands.

• Beware of budget busters. When remodeling, leave a 10 percent to 15 percent cushion for surprises such as unexpected structural repairs.

• Get everything in writing. When using a pro for a remodel, the written contract should list each phase of the project; every product, including the model number; and copies of each contractor’s license and workers compensation and liability insurance to confirm that they are still in effect.

For more: 
http://azstarnet.com/real-estate/residential/article_7fc92ccc-5741-590b-9c4b-b35f11483bf9.html





Remodeling Your Home As Artform: Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturer Produces “Music Video” To Highlight Quality Products (Video)

10 08 2010

Visit
http://www.merillat.com/inspiration-d…
to learn more about kitchen design. Sample a taste of “The Good Life” in this lively music video featuring Ben Daniels, Alexis Merte and The Madison Opera.





“Fund My Remodel”: Successful Kitchen Remodels Are Centered Around Ideal Cabinet Design And Quality

8 08 2010

Cabinets

At the heart of every kitchen makeover project is a solid and well-thought-out kitchen cabinet design. This specifies the size and location of cabinets, the kitchen work area and where appliances will go. It also defines your personal style based on the type of cabinetry and features you choose. For example, do you prefer a sleek, modern or a cozy country kitchen?

When developing your design, consider the addition of a kitchen island, possibly with a sink. Islands make great workspaces and often can double as quick-eating areas.

Whatever style you choose, always make sure your new cabinets also will be functional.

Flooring

As part of every kitchen remodel, you should evaluate flooring choices. Vinyl, wood, laminate and ceramic tile all have their pros and cons. Vinyl is the most economical and practical, and it is available in a wide range of patterns and styles. Wood and laminate flooring are a notch up in looks, though water is always a concern when it comes to wood flooring. Ceramic tile is quite durable but expensive to purchase and to install. Also, ceramic tiles can be a bit cold underfoot, and the risk of breaking a tile is always high in a kitchen.

Appliances and Hardware

Most homeowners and homebuyers today prefer stainless steel kitchen appliances. These can cost a small fortune for certain brand names, but other manufacturers offer more affordable options Another excellent investment would be a large, multifunctional kitchen faucet that provides both a steady stream of water and a shower spray, and includes a soap dispenser.

Lighting

Every kitchen should include natural lighting as well as appliance task lighting. If there is currently no window in your kitchen, install one if possible. Consider overhead task lighting as well as general room lighting, and illumination in the cabinet soffits and under the topmost cabinets.

Though all of this may require the skills of an electrician, including sufficient lighting in your kitchen makeover will pay off when you sell your home.

Decor

Add color and panache to a kitchen through your selection of window treatments and wall coverings. Choose bright shades to create a warm and cheerful ambiance.

The wall treatment can be as simple as a fresh coat of paint, but for more style and texture, you may want to add a chair rail and wallpaper.

For more: 
http://www.northjersey.com/community/house_gardening/

100175799_Makeover_ideas_for_a_modern_kitchen_design.html





Skip Schenker’s “Fund My Remodel”: Planned Kitchen Remodel “Walk-Throughs” A “Reality” With Innovative 3D Software (Video)

4 08 2010

Innovative 3D Software allows homeowner to view future kitchen remodel.








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