The kitchen is the hardest-working room in the home. It comes as no surprise to most people that the kitchen is also the most-frequently-remodeled room in the home. This is because every homeowner is different, and we all want a kitchen that fits our individual needs.
Read MoreMost trends come and go, but some make such a lasting impression that they stick around for decades. Stainless steel, for example, became widely popular in the late 1930s when homeowners started making the kitchen more of a focal point in the home.
Read MoreThank you for visiting Part Two of our 15 amazing ideas and tips for transforming your kitchen. Kitchen remodeling in Cape Cod is one of our favorite things to do, especially during the colder months.
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The kitchen is the busiest room in the home, so it requires the most work from year to year as far as home maintenance goes as well. Most of the kitchen remodeling projects we complete begin with, “I’m not sure…” homeowners aren’t sure exactly what they want from their project, and most are simply looking for change. If this sounds too familiar, give us a call at 508-477-9003 if you’re in the Cape Cod area and would like to explore new options for kitchen remodeling. Here are 15 great remodeling tips to jumpstart your creativity.
1. Organization: Create a space for everything and make sure that everything is put away neatly at the end of every day. Space to organize everyday items is extremely important. Make sure that cereal bowls are within easy reach of those who make their own breakfast, the flatware drawer is near the dishwasher for ease of unloading, and coffee cups are stored near the coffee pot.
2. Storage: Storage is one of the biggest complaints we hear from homeowners who want to remodel the kitchen. They mention issues like insufficient cabinet space or improperly designed cabinetry for the layout of their kitchen.
3. Kitchen Island: A kitchen island is a great way to add functionality to your home. It absolutely must be laid out neatly and add something more than aesthetics and countertop space. Challenge yourself and see how much functionality you can add to the island so the rest of the kitchen can be support.
4. Sufficient Space: The kitchen island is a wonderful addition, we agree. But if it makes the kitchen feel cramped, it defeats the purpose. We recommend making sure that you have at least 42 inches between the island and everything that surrounds it.
5. Create Traffic Flow: We all know to turn handles toward the back of the stove and to take other safety precautions while cooking, especially with children in the house. But let’s take it a step further and create a natural flow of traffic through the kitchen that encourages people to take a different path.
6. The Microwave Shelf: Discovering the perfect height for the microwave sounds like an easy task, right? Things get pretty complicated when you have people of all ages using the same microwave. You want to make sure that your six year old can get her snack out of the microwave as easily and safely as you get your reheated cup of coffee.
7. Avoid Bumping Cabinet Doors: Make sure all of your cabinet doors can be opened at the same time without bumping hardware from one into the face of the other. This creates ugly marks and will eventually take a toll on the appearance of your kitchen cabinetry.
These seven great ideas are just the beginning. We have eight more ideas that we didn’t want to cram into a single blog post because we like to keep our posts at a reasonable size for you. Keep an eye out for our next post and let us know what you dislike about your kitchen. Give us a call if you would like to schedule a consultation to start planning your kitchen remodeling project.
We all know that trends come and go. Some trends, like stainless steel appliances, have been popular since the late 1930s when the kitchen became more of a social area and less of a workplace for women. We love stainless steel appliances, and we’re glad this trend continues to go strong so many decades later.
But there are several trends that really need to go away. Now. So let’s take a look at some atrocious trends that we should all work to dump.
1. Small Appliances on the Counter: Do you really need the mixer, blender, and toaster on the countertop all the time? They’re just taking up valuable countertop space. And do we even need to ask about the microwave? Please allow us to show you how we can build a nice little out of the way home for your microwave.
2. Phone Nooks: Not many modern homes still boast a landline telephone, so the phone nook is no longer needed. Instead of a phone nook, consider building a charging station for cell phones and other electronic devices. They will see much more use in the long run.
3. Desk: A desk in the kitchen generally becomes a landing place for junk mail and unwanted papers. It becomes very cluttered and doesn’t add to the functionality of the kitchen at all. Consider adding additional countertop space instead of a desk.
4. Ceramic Farmhouse Sinks: Those pretty apron-front sinks didn’t really last long in terms of trendy kitchen items. Ceramic sinks tend to break more easily than most homeowners prefer, so we recommend sticking with the tried and true stainless steel sink in whatever style you prefer.
5. Subpar Backsplashes: Remember those cute little 3” or 4” backsplashes everyone was installing a few years ago? Those only add a very small amount of color to the kitchen and they honestly don’t do much along the lines of protecting your walls from grease buildup. Ultimately they were more of a pain to clean than the good they did. That’s why today’s homeowners are choosing to install backsplashes that reach to the bottom of the upper cabinets.
6. Trash Compactors: Most of today’s homeowners opt for recycling instead of simply crushing every piece of trash that filters through the kitchen. Stick with recycling cans instead of the trash compactor of the 80s – they’re much more attractive and stink a lot less.
7. Hanging Pot Racks: Pots and pans hanging from the ceiling really put a damper on the open floor plan. And if any of your pots and pans become discolored or damaged, everyone will see it hanging there in plain sight. Choose a nice deep cabinet with roll-out drawers instead.
8. Brightly Colored Appliances: Remember 70s green stoves and refrigerators? There’s a good reason people refer to that avocado color as 70s green; that’s when it was all the rage in trendy kitchens. Do you really want your five year old refrigerator telling its age at every family gathering?
@ Design Remodel is a Cape Cod area design and remodeling company with a primary focus on remodeling the bathroom, kitchen, or entire home. Give us a call at 508-477-9003 to discuss your kitchen, bath, or whole home remodeling needs.
Kitchen trends come and go, but some have gained so much traction recently that we believe they will stick around for quite some time. The minute details may change over time, but the overall idea of the following trends will remain. Let’s look at seven kitchen trends for 2016 that you really can’t miss.
1. Creature Comforts – Treat yourself to true luxury. Heated flooring, auto-opening cabinetry, motion sensing lighting, and touchless faucets go a long way toward adding luxury to the kitchen.
2. Smart Appliances – Big tech companies like Samsung and LG have begun creating some pretty amazing smart appliance options. We now have access to refrigerators that display their settings on a tablet-like screen, help you keep track of your grocery list, and even suggest favorite recipes at the touch of a button. We can program ranges and ovens to remember specific settings for recipes, and tell the dishwasher to wash the dishes when power is cheapest. We can even control the coffee maker, toaster, and other small appliances from our smartphone or tablet.
3. Custom Lighting – Customized items make a big difference in the overall appearance of the kitchen. Discover your crafty side, take a glass blowing class or a metalworking class, or visit the websites of people who custom create light fixtures, faceplates, and other kitchen decor.
4. Backsplash and Countertop Designs – One of the biggest and most challenging trends involves two of the most prominent focal pieces in the kitchen: the countertop and backsplash. Many homeowners are pushing toward a custom backsplash that brings out specific colors or designs from the countertop.
5. Metal – Heavy metals like bronze are increasing in popularity and will be even more desirable in 2016. Cast bronze sinks introduce shades of bronze and copper into the kitchen and promote the purchase of darker metals such as bronze for kitchen sink faucets, pot fillers, and cabinet hardware.
6. Color – The most popular colors we see making a statement in the kitchen for 2016 are shades of green and blue which work beautifully here in Cape Cod.
7. Sleek Lines and Minimalist Approach – Many homeowners are saying “Out with the old, in with the new,” before the New Year even gets here. Start the downsizing or drastic organization process early before serious remodeling plans get underway. Look for ways you can implement sleek lines and a clean appearance before you dive too deeply into the planning process.
Kitchen remodeling is the most popular home improvement project year after year. We, as homeowners, enjoy keeping our kitchen updated with the latest and greatest in appliances, and we like knowing that our efforts at home improvement have an impact on our day to day lives. Let us show you how we can improve the value and functionality of your kitchen in 2016 with some of these great ideas and trends.
The most important thing you can do is choose a trusted contractor on Cape Cod to remodel your home. We know the area. We know what to expect. We know how to handle the cold winter weather. Give us a call at 508-477-9003 to discuss your upcoming project, an existing project, or the possibility of working with us. We’ll schedule an appointment for a consultation and show you why we’re the best choice for your project!
For the duration of this blog post we are assuming that your family will be living in the home during the entirety of the kitchen remodeling project.
Kitchen remodeling is overwhelming, frustrating, and absolutely amazing. We understand that those feelings don't always go hand in hand. We also understand that it's difficult to believe that something can be equal parts overwhelming, frustrating, and amazing, but that's exactly what kitchen remodeling is. You will experience many conflicting emotions, in fact, ranging from regret to utter excitement. We've put together this set of 6 tips that will help you maintain some semblance of normal life during the project. Let's take a look at those now.
1. Set up a temporary kitchen. Choose a spot that's away from the actual kitchen and set up a small, temporary kitchen. Use a mini fridge if your refrigerator is going to be out of commission. You'd be surprised how many things you can make using a mini fridge, microwave, and a single burner camp stove.
2. Set up a temporary spot to wash dishes. Most people set aside the half bath or an unused bathroom to wash dishes during the remodeling process. We know it doesn't feel like an ideal situation to wash dishes in the bathroom sink, but it is a feasible option.
3. Use disposable dishes when possible. TV dinners and boxed microwave meals aren't exactly what we need to be feeding ourselves or our children. Purchase paper plates and other disposable dishes so you can enjoy as many of your normal foods as possible.
4. Increase healthy snack foods for the time being. We're all guilty of overindulgence from time to time. Take this opportunity to allow more snack foods than normal, but try to keep most of it relatively healthy.
5. Order takeout or go out to eat once a week. Nothing is wrong with ordering takeout or going out to eat once or twice a week during the remodeling project just to break the monotony.
6. Grill or plan barbecues and invite friends over. There's no reason you can't cook out on the deck while the kitchen is in disarray. Put a few beverages on ice in a cooler, grill burgers, hotdogs, or whatever else your family likes, and enjoy entertaining friends, even through the weirdness going on inside. Take this time to check out that amazing grilled pizza recipe you saw on Pinterest.
Call At Design Remodel at 508-477-9003 if you would like to discuss details or make plans to remodel your kitchen. You may also visit our showroom partners in Falmouth at 419 Palmer Ave and in Bourne at 1231 Route 28A. Stop by to see and touch our kitchen and bath displays to make sure they will work for you or to get some design ideas. Rest assured that you're choosing the best kitchen remodeling contractor in the Cape Cod area when you choose At Design Remodeling.
Large remodeling projects can be a bit overwhelming if you're not properly prepared. Most projects are completed without a hitch, but others can really become problematic. You never really know what's going to happen until you start the process. Let's look at some things you can do to prepare yourself mentally and prepare your home for what is to come. The entire process, while sometimes overwhelming, is designed to help you fall in love with your home all over again.
1. Decide Where You Will Live: Most families choose to live in their home for the duration of the project. This works great for most people because they like to watch the process and supervise specific areas. Some families prefer to stay with family, friends, or in a hotel for the duration. Those are very viable options as well. Make the decision before the process begins if possible, that way everyone will be on the same page.
2. Prepare Ahead of Time: Remodeling is messy business. Your entire home will get dusty, even though we do our best to keep everything centralized. We can't control where the dust goes. So make sure to cover your sofa, dining table, or other valuable furnishings with plastic to protect them from dust.
3. Manage Your Money Wisely: We're not just talking about your remodeling budget here. The money you're currently still earning at your job must also be managed wisely. You will likely be eating takeout more often, and microwave cuisine costs a little more per serving than home cooked meals. You will need to keep bottled water on hand as well.
4. Manage Your Familial Relationships: Tempers will flare, people will feel frustrated, and even children feel the stress that you're feeling during a remodeling project. Make sure to keep the lines of communication open and take a break away from the house when needed.
5. Manage Working Relationships: Our crews will be busily working on whatever their project is for the day every day. Their day generally starts early and runs late in order to get every project completed in a timely manner. This means they have a lot on their minds throughout the day so if they don't respond to a direct question, just ask again. They're really not ignoring you, they're just lost in their own thoughts. Again, as with any type of relationship, keeping communication lines open is extremely important.
Call At Design Remodel at 508-477-9003 if you would like to discuss remodeling any part of your home. We would be happy to schedule an appointment at your home so we can provide reliable information and an accurate quote and timeframe. You may also visit our showroom partners in Falmouth at 419 Palmer Ave and in Bourne at 1231 Route 28A. Stop by to see and touch our kitchen and bath displays to make sure they will work for you or to get some design ideas.
Trends come and go; we all understand this concept. Some trends, like the awesome 1970s green and yellow patterns, are better left in the past. Others, like stainless steel, which became popular in the late 1930s, are still very popular for the kitchen. Today we’re going to talk about some kitchen trends that are likely to hit your kitchen at some point this year.
· All Purpose Dishes – This doesn’t necessarily pertain to the kitchen design itself, but it does simplify the kitchen in a big way. All-purpose dishes are designed to go from the oven to the table to the fridge or freezer, and then to the dishwasher. They save a lot of storage space for other much-needed items and look attractive to boot.
· Simplicity in Design – Sleek lines, touch button or touch screen appliances, and flush cabinet and drawer pulls create an impressively sleek and modern appearance.
· Simplicity in Color – Simple color choices make a big impact. Gray refinished cabinetry instead of white provides a muted color to work with instead of the starkness of white or the mundane appearance of wood grain. Use splashes of color and texture on the walls, backsplash, countertops, flooring, and other areas while simplifying the largest area – the cabinets.
· Custom Tiles and Woodwork – A lot of companies offer the ability to fully customize your finishing materials. Create coasters, tiles, or artwork using your own photos from vacation, or build your entire backsplash using photos to create a mural. Custom tiles and woodwork make your kitchen completely unique from any other.
· Simplicity in Functionality – Kitchen cabinets need to open and close easily to maintain functionality. But that doesn’t mean you can add to the functionality to make it more sophisticated. How many times do you catch yourself yelling because someone slammed a cabinet door or didn’t close it back at all? Put those issues to rest with self-closing cabinetry and soft-close hinges. This keeps cabinet doors out of the way so there are no bumped heads or shoulders, and prevents slamming cabinet doors when people are in a rush.
· Faucets that are More than Meets the Eye: The kitchen sink faucet or any other faucet in the kitchen can be transformed into a sparkling water dispenser, a water filter, or even a steamer for your latte. Shop around and discover the faucet that best suits your lifestyle and your kitchen.
· Metal Accents: Copper, rose gold, and brass are becoming much more popular as accent pieces in the kitchen. Backsplashes, ceiling accents, faceplates, faucets, and hammered copper sinks are making aesthetic and style changes in big ways.
@ Design Remodel is located in Mashpee, and we provide kitchen remodeling, bathroom remodeling, and whole home remodeling services throughout the greater Cape Cod area. Give us a call at 508-477-9003 to discuss your upcoming kitchen remodeling project and to start the planning process to transform your kitchen to add style and functionality.
The average person can spend as much as two hours a day in the bathroom. This includes activities such as showering, bathing, makeup application, and hairstyling. The time spent in the bathroom increases for parents who have small children or are caregivers for an adult who needs assistance in the bathroom. This is one room that should never be overlooked when it’s time to remodel your home. Here are 10 tips for remodeling the bathroom to increase efficiency, improve the space available, and increase the comfort level for everyone who visits the room.
1. The Door: Let’s start with the door. Inward swinging doors require space that can be allocated to other things. This may not seem like much of an upgrade, but once you start looking at the stylish and fashionable pocket doors available, you may change your mind.
2. Heated Flooring: Radiant heat flooring is an absolute must in the Cape Cod area. Tile bathroom flooring gets very cold during the winter; avoid using rugs that can be tripping hazards and install radiant heat under the flooring instead.
3. Venting: Air flow is extremely important in the bathroom. No one likes the idea of leaving odors in the bathroom, and proper venting helps fight mold and mildew as well.
4. New Toilet: Toilets have come a long way in previous years. We now have the ability to install comfort height toilets, dual flush toilets, and touchless toilets, just to name a few.
5. Bidet: The bidet is very common in many European countries, but rare in the United States by comparison. They’re an excellent addition for hygienic purposes.
6. Tall Vanity: A tall vanity prevents the need to stoop over the sink when washing hands or brushing teeth. Taller vanities also increase the amount of vertical storage space available below the sink.
7. Creative Storage Options: Recessed mirrored shelving is a nice, space-saving way to store many items. Small cabinets and shelves may be installed as functional yet decorative pieces, and if you’re really crunched for space, consider shortening the length of the shower stall to create more storage. Remember to always pay attention to the amount of vertical space available for storage as well.
8. Amazing Shower: A single shower base is much easier to install, easier to clean, and leak-proof. It’s the route we always recommend, even for otherwise-tiled shower stalls. Install showerheads that include many options such as massage and rainfall. Consider the convenience of a handheld showerhead as well, because they’re so convenient for cleaning and bathing pets. The steam shower is also a very good addition to the bathroom.
9. Freestanding Tub: A freestanding tub is a wonderful, elegant addition to a large bathroom.
10. Grab Bars: Don’t roll your eyes just yet; grab bars don’t have to give your bathroom a public restroom or hospital restroom look or feel. Today’s options for grab bars are nice and decorative. Many even look like branches or intricate artwork.
@ Design Remodel is located in Mashpee, and we provide kitchen remodeling, bathroom remodeling, and whole home remodeling services throughout the Cape Cod area. Take a look at this 100% free bathroom design guide we’ve put together. We won’t even ask for your email address, all you have to do is click the link to view it. Give us a call at 508-477-9003 to discuss your upcoming bathroom remodeling project and to start the planning process to transform your bathroom into an amazing space.
A touch of luxury in home improvement projects is always a good thing; add affordable automation, and you truly have a winning combination of must-haves for 2016. The kitchen and bathroom are the most-remodeled rooms in the home. We all enjoy having updated appliances and such in the kitchen because we spend so much time there whether we’re cooking, eating, or spending time with family or friends. And the bathroom requires an update every so often because it can look outdated so easily with trends changing every few years. So here are five luxurious ideas that will help automate your home.
1. Touchless Toilet – Often seen in public restrooms, you can have this bit of convenience in your home. Reduce the worries involved in spreading germs by touching the flush handle after each bathroom visit, and enjoy the freedom involved with an automatic flush toilet. Flush with a wave of your hand instead of pressing the handle or button.
2. Touchless Faucets – We also see touchless faucets in public restrooms quite often. But you can purchase really nice, decorative touchless faucets online or at your local home improvement center. Reduce spreading germs to the faucet while cooking in the kitchen or in the bathroom after using the restroom.
3. Towel Warmer – Another lovely addition to the bathroom. We all love the way a nice, warm towel from the dryer feels after a shower. Maintain that level of comfort and spoil yourself just a little with a luxuriously warm towel every time. Towel warmers, or heated towel racks, are a wonderful way to add warmth and luxury to the bathroom.
4. Heated Floors – This is Cape Cod, and tile flooring gets cold during the winter months. Heated flooring is one of the least expensive things you can add to your home. We can all appreciate inexpensive home improvements that make such a big impact on our quality of life.
5. Smart Appliances – Refrigerators that help keep up with the grocery list, dishwashers that wait until power consumption is at the lowest point for the day, ranges that help keep track of your recipes, and small appliances that you can control from your smartphone or tablet… what else could we ask for? Check out your smart appliance selections and see how many ways you can automate your home before your 2016 remodeling project begins!
Creating a smart home sounds like something that belongs in the movies or television shows. Hollywood has a way of making us believe that nearly anything is possible. Those great science fiction shows and movies do actually go a long way toward influencing product manufacturers’ decisions to implement intelligent design and functionality, however.
The most important thing you can do is choose a trusted contractor on Cape Cod to remodel your home. We know the area. We know what to expect. We know how to handle the cold winter weather, and we know how to find the latest in smart home technology. Give us a call at 508-477-9003 to discuss your upcoming project, an existing project, or the possibility of working with us. We’ll schedule an appointment for a consultation and show you why we’re the best choice for your project!
Lighting needs vary from room to room, and remodeling your home really makes this obvious. You will likely realize that you need a lot more light fixtures in one room than you do in other subsequent rooms. The kitchen, for example, may require more lighting because you need ambient lighting, spotlighting, task lighting, and decorative lighting. The family room, on the other hand, probably only needs ambient lighting and reading lights. So here’s a guide of sorts to help you choose lighting for each room in your home.
Step 1: Consider Each Room
Lighting a home can be difficult, but the easiest thing you can do first is figure out exactly what you want out of each room. If you’re lighting a kitchen, you’ll probably be more focused on efficiency and energy, whereas if you’re lighting a bedroom, you’ll most likely be looking at bulbs that give off relaxing shades, but exactly what you’re looking at is just the first step – correlating types of bulbs with certain desires is next.
Step 2: Selecting the Bulbs
Light bulbs say a lot about a room – they are responsible for not only the vibe of the room, but how well people can move around. If you’re looking for a warm and glowing light, you’ll probably want to go with an incandescent bulb. If you’re looking to go green, however, Compact Fluorescent Bulbs, otherwise known as CFLs, require 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs, which is something worth looking into for rooms you spend a particularly longer amount of time in.
If you want to get even more conservative, you’ll probably want LEDs if, which last three times longer than CFLs, but use just as much energy. Halogen lights on the other hand release ‘natural daylight’, but at a high energy cost that’s still 10-20% less than incandescent energy.
Step 3: Fixtures
Fixtures can make or break the feel of a room, especially since they can be aesthetically pleasing as well. Take advantage of beautiful designs like Tiffany-style lamps or even a wall-socket nightlight. For larger rooms, consider chandeliers, or if you want to be a little humbler, you can light up dark corners with small table lamps.
Reflect Your Personality
Your lighting choices should reflect your personality and your personal tastes. Each room should have different lighting choices because each room performs a different function. The kitchen needs to be bright and beautiful, the living room or family room can be warmer, and of course the bedrooms should have muted lighting to help set the mood for a restful night of sleep.
@ Design Remodel is a Cape Cod area design and remodeling company with a primary focus on remodeling the bathroom, kitchen, or entire home. We do, of course, focus on natural lighting as well as other lighting options to help you create the perfect solution to your lighting needs. Give us a call at 508-477-9003 to discuss your kitchen, bath, or whole home remodeling needs.
Remodeling an entire house can seem like a daunting task, renovating historic properties can be even more demanding. Before this type of renovation can take place, it is necessary to identify the goal of the renovation. The different types of projects for these old buildings are:
· Restoration – this attempts to remove any modern alterations that have been made to the property, to get it back to its original state
· Reconstruction – often this relies on the use of archival information on the building’s original state to rebuild it after has been destroyed or fallen into serious disrepair
· Rehabilitation – here the goal is not just to restore the structure, but also to add modern touches to meet changing needs. Every effort is made to keep the historical architecture
· Preservation – as the term implies, the work will center on carrying out repairs and keeping the property in its best shape
With enough attention, even really old buildings are maintainable. The age can be an advantage in some cases, since a lot of the existing materials, such as bricks, can be reused. You should always look at your existing materials and consider reusing them – especially specific items that you love.
· Carrying out a Renovation - You plan for the property will determine the course of action for the renovation. Some important factors will shape the structure of the project. Here are some ideas that will benefit the project and possibly lower costs.
· Reusing Features - The quality and beauty of some features offer intrinsic advantages to these types of renovations. In many of these structures the wood frames hold up well with regular maintenance. With a few extra touches like weather stripping their life can be even further extended. More efficiency gains can be realized by applying film to the glass to block some UV rays, making the interior cooler.
· Using Green Energy - Modern energy fixtures can negatively alter the character of historic sites. It is not surprising that many property owners or managers choose alternative energy sources. They may install their own systems or purchase energy from local suppliers.
· Reclaimed Materials - If you are a believer in utilizing recycled materials in construction and renovation, this is the perfect project to work on. For repairs, reclaimed wood from other old building may be more suitable to help the property retain its character.
· Ventilation - When historic properties were created, air quality was not a concern. In recent times however, the issue of ‘sick building syndrome’ has arisen. Despite the need to retain the original look, it may be necessary to introduce a ventilation system, or an exhaust system to maintain air flow.
· Lighting - If old fixtures need changing, it will be difficult if not impossible to find the same designs anywhere. If they can’t be refurbished, you can still look for fixtures that possess an old world charm. It might even be possible to have some fixtures custom built.
@Design Remodel specializes in bathroom and kitchen remodeling, but we also enjoy whole home remodeling projects involving historic homes and other projects as well. Give us a call at 508-477-9003 if you are in the Cape Cod area and would like to schedule an appointment for a design consultation for your upcoming remodeling project.
Bet you never thought of making your bathroom into a more efficient room. However, making the bathroom more energy efficient is a good way to reduce your energy and water bills. The average bathroom uses a lot of different resources in your home. Below we look at five of the resource hogs in your bathroom and how to fix them.
· The Toilet - Many toilets are currently using almost two times as much water than is necessary every single time they’re flushed. Ask for low-flush toilets when replacing your toilet as these use much less water per flush. When you have an efficient toilet, you not only save water, you save money.
· The Shower and Tub - The first thing to do is to check whether you have a low-flow showerhead. The rate of flow should be around 2.5 gallons every minute according to federal regulations. Since people have different taste and requirements, an even slower flow rate may work well.
· The Sink - Do you have a tap or faucet that you can adjust to allow you to control the flow rate? If not, it is time to think about replacing your current faucets in your kitchen and bathroom with a more water-efficient one. Your plumber or building contractor can help you find the right type based on your needs. The best types not only help you to save water but also energy – all this means money in your pocket. Best of all, you will be playing a part in protecting the environment.
· Heating - With all the changes taking place in the industry, water heaters are becoming efficient every day. On demand water heaters that only heat the water when it is being used are good, but the location of the heater from the pipe is also important. The closer to the water supply the better. Solar water heaters are also worth exploring. Talk to your plumber to help you find the most efficient type of water heaters based on your family size.
· The Type of Devices - Battery or electrically powered devices that we use in the bathroom can be timesavers, but when not used properly can be inefficient. So don’t leave these devices such as toothbrushes, blow-dryers and shears plugged in when not in use. Also, fully charge what needs to be charged and use rechargeable batteries as much as possible.
There are other things that you can do to improve the efficiency of your bathroom such as using energy efficient bulbs. The placement of the bulbs is also important as this can reduce the number of lighting fixtures you need. @Design Remodel specializes in kitchen and bathroom remodeling, but we also enjoy whole home remodeling projects involving historic homes and other projects as well. Give us a call at 508-477-9003 if you are in the Cape Cod area and would like to schedule an appointment for a design consultation for your upcoming bathroom remodeling project.
Whether you’ve purchased a home you love that needs updates, or have lived in the same home for years and your style has changed, a whole home remodeling project can provide the new look you crave. A whole home remodel can open the floor plan, add new bathrooms or bedrooms, or even add or remove entire walls to change the layout of your home. These types of remodeling projects are exciting, but can also be overwhelming, especially if you’re living in the home during the renovation.
Getting Started
The first step to a successful whole home remodel is to set realistic expectations. Remodeling a whole house takes time, and it’s important to set a timeline that takes all the work into consideration. The very first thing you will need to do is make notes on the problems or dislikes you have with your home so that we know where to begin.
Discuss Your Ideas with @Design Remodel
You can easily talk to us about different aspects of the remodel and which subcontractors will be needed. We will be responsible for hiring on these subcontractors for things like HVAC, carpentry, electrical and plumbing needs unless you know tradesmen you prefer to work with and trust. We will negotiate and work with different tradesmen if you so choose.
Hazardous Materials
At the beginning of your project be sure to check into local code and permitting requirements, or trust us to take care of that bit for you. If you’re remodeling an older house built before 1980, be aware of concerns of lead, asbestos, and other toxic materials. We will work safely and diligently to make sure that these items will be handled with care to keep you and our workers safe.
Will You Live at Home?
One of the biggest decisions when planning a whole home remodel is whether you’ll want to or be able to live in your house during the project. Some people consider other short term rentals or staying with friends or family during their remodel to make things easier. If you will be living at home, make sure to plan for things like power and water shut-offs that may be necessary during construction.
@Design Remodel specializes in bathroom and kitchen remodeling, but we also enjoy whole home remodeling projects and other projects as well. Give us a call at 508-477-9003 if you are in the Cape Cod area and would like to schedule an appointment for a design consultation for your upcoming remodeling project.
Imagine building a house using extremely high-quality materials and not having to worry about repairs for quite some time. Some of the best materials that builders can use have been around for a long time and they have proven to be durable. Of course, these materials will also make the house stand apart from others in style, beauty, and value.
Here are the high-quality materials that we recommend for any homeowner’s next remodeling project:
• Hardwood - Hardwood has been around for centuries and it looks wonderful on the floor and walls. It can also be made into beautiful and unique furniture pieces. By taking preventative measures and maintaining the wood regularly, homeowners can enjoy everything made from hardwood for decades.
• Tiles - Tile can be found on the floors and walls of kitchens and bathrooms in many houses. Tile is easy to install and clean and it is also nice to look at. Once the grout begins to get dirty or loose in between the tiles, the tiles can be removed, polished and re-installed. If the tiles are maintained properly, they can last for hundreds of years.
• Masonry - Many homeowners want their houses to make a good first impression and the outside of the house is the first thing that people see. To make a statement, we recommend using stone or brick instead of regular siding for covering the outside of the house. The stone or brick will last much longer than traditional siding materials.
• Metal Roofing - The new metal roofs are much better than they were a hundred years ago. They used to be noisy and the cold could get through into the house. The new metal roofs insulate the house as well as an asphalt roof would and there is no noise when it rains. The metal roof looks much nicer than traditional roofs and it will last longer as well. Consider metal accent roofing as well. Copper roofing makes a real statement on gables and other similar accent parts of the roof.
• Copper Guttering and Downspouts - Copper gutters are more durable than vinyl, aluminum and wood gutters. They also give the house a more unique and stylish appearance, which will set the house apart from the rest in the neighborhood.
We know that if homeowners follow these tips when they are remodeling, they will be able to enjoy the results for many years in the future. Friends and family will admire the unique qualities of the house and the house will sell quickly if it is ever listed for sale. High-quality materials carry a higher price tag, but they are very well worth the added cost because they look absolutely amazing.
@Design Remodel specializes in bathroom and kitchen remodeling, but we also enjoy whole home remodeling projects and other projects as well. Give us a call at 508-477-9003 if you are in the Cape Cod area and would like to schedule an appointment for a design consultation for your upcoming remodeling project.
Sometimes the perfect house doesn’t have the perfect layout. You may love the neighborhood, the architectural style of the home, the landscaping, the price, and everything… except the layout. That’s where we can help. Many new homeowners in the Cape Cod area have discovered the beauty of buying an old bungalow, or an old Victorian home, and simply remodeling the entire interior to create perfection. Let’s take a look at some of the ways we can help you improve your almost perfect home before you move in.
1. Remodel the Kitchen: Open up the floor plan and improve flow through the kitchen, dining room, and living room.
2. Remodel the Bathrooms: Update all of those fixtures and fittings in secondary bathrooms, and create an amazing master suite that includes the master bedroom, closet, and bath.
3. Replacement of Windows: Most old windows are single pane. If you’re purchasing a home that has been remodeled in the last 20 years, it may have double paned windows, but you may need to replace them anyway due to aging or trapped moisture between the glass.
4. Replacement of Doors: Old entry doors can be amazingly beautiful – or they can be amazingly drafty and horrible. New entry doors give you the opportunity to also add surrounds to the entryway and design something that’s uniquely you.
5. Discover Flooring: Remove the old carpet and you may be surprised to find hardwood underneath. Many homeowners in the 70s and 80s covered gorgeous hardwood flooring with carpet. With professional sanding and finishing, your floors can really sparkle.
6. Repair Walls: We would repair all damage to the walls unless we’re removing the walls anyway to open the floor plan. All remaining walls will likely need to be repaired and painted.
7. Closets: Remove plastic or metal closet systems and create new custom closet systems that meet your individual needs.
8. Remove and Replace Trim and Doors: Often times replacing the interior doors and trim can have a dramatic effect on the appearance of your home.
9. Paint the Exterior: A lot of older homes have wood siding which will likely need to be painted. All trim should be painted to tie various aspects of the curb appeal together.
10. Mechanical Systems: Most remodelers don’t take care of your mechanical systems, but we do. We can have our experts assess the hot water system, and the HVAC system to make sure they are in proper working order. We can replace them if they are not functional.
Give us a call at 508-477-9003 if you’re on Cape Cod and you’re considering purchasing a home that you love, but you aren’t in love with the existing floor plan or decor. We will schedule an appointment for a consultation and get the ball rolling on creating a home of your dreams.
Any experienced kitchen remodeler knows that their clients must take special care when choosing the countertop material for their new kitchen. We have been in the remodeling business for nearly 20 years. We’re familiar with the ins and outs of intricate design and the implementation of the right materials in the correct places. Several options are available for kitchen countertops, so we make sure to discuss this at length with our clients. Here is some information and a few tips on choosing the right countertop material for your needs and lifestyle.
Materials
Countertop materials range quite drastically at times in both quality and price. Each type of countertop has a place and a purpose. You wouldn’t, for example, want to put a lovely and expensive marble countertop in the laundry room where no one would ever see it. This would be the ideal spot for a less expensive laminate counter top. Let’s look at a brief overview of material types:
Marble: Extremely luxurious, but not as durable as some people believe. The acids in lemonade can etch marble and damage the luster. Wine and other heavily colored liquids can stain it. Some people want this because it’s a way to 100% customize their home and keep all of those spilled wine memories in view to be cherished.
Granite: Very luxurious and available in a wide variety of qualities and designs. It is very stain resistant, scratch resistant, and heat resistant. Homeowners enjoy years of worry-free enjoyment when it is properly sealed and maintained.
Laminate: One of the more affordable and less luxurious options. Laminate is plywood or particle board with a decorative sheeting glued to the surface. It resists water and is extremely easy to clean and maintain. It does stain when it comes into contact with wine, juice, or other colored liquids.
Quartz: A nonporous natural stone that never requires sealing, unlike granite. It is extremely easy to clean and is resistant to heat, water, bacteria, and stains. Quartz countertops are available in a variety of color options and are a great choice for busy families.
Solid-Surface: A nonporous acrylic material that provides a perfectly seamless appearance. They’re very low maintenance, and available in a wide variety of colors and patterns, including some eco-friendly options. They’re available with an integrated sink and backwash for added convenience.
Butcher Block: Perfect for those homeowners who seek to create a rustic appearance. Butcher block countertops provide the durability of solid wood and the beauty of nature. They’re available in a variety of grain types and they’re very durable.
Concrete: A material that is very heavy and very easily customizable. Some homeowners choose to customize their concrete countertop with broken glass or stains to make it appear as if it were another material.
Metal: Stainless steel or copper are the primary metal types used in the kitchen as a counter top material. Please keep in mind that copper is a softer metal so it may take damage over time. Stainless steel offers the appearance of an industrial or professional style kitchen.
Please make note that regardless of the type of countertop you use, it is always good to protect all surfaces from hot pots and pans.
Mix and Match Materials
Your custom kitchen design doesn’t have to go with the flow or match someone else’s idea of perfection. You are the homeowner, it’s your kitchen; let’s get creative. We can mix and match materials if you’re absolutely convinced that you want to use that lovely marble countertop even though you now understand that it may stain or become damaged over time. Use it in an area that is away from food and drink areas – a desk perhaps. This area can be a focal point that you tie into the rest of the room using other types of decor.
Call us at 508-477-9003 if you’d like to discuss remodeling your kitchen. We have some amazing designers and remodelers, and fall/winter is a great time to get your kitchen ready for the coming year. Allow us to show you how we can turn your drab kitchen fabulous and help you choose the right materials for each area.
Most of the homeowners we work with during a remodeling project are unsure of what to expect during the process. We wanted to address some of the best and worst things about remodeling today. Of course we could tell you that the entire process is going to be puppies, rainbows, and butterflies, but… it isn’t. It’s going to be an awesomely messy process with some incredibly exciting high points and disappointing low points. Are you ready to see our breakdown of the process?
The most important thing you can do is choose a trusted contractor on Cape Cod to remodel your home. We know the area. We know what to expect. We know that you need to be protected from the occasional Atlantic hurricane that wanders up the East coast. Give us a call at 508-477-9003 to discuss your upcoming project, an existing project, or the possibility of working with us. We’ll schedule an appointment for a consultation and show you why we’re the best choice for your project!
Everyone has heard the old adage you get what you pay for; it’s true in most situations from electronics to homes. A cheap laptop may last six months where a high quality laptop will likely still be running strong a few years down the road. The Formica-covered particle board countertop will eventually absorb water and look horrible, but the granite or marble countertop will look amazing for many years. These are the types of things we’re going to cover in today’s post.We are homeowners as well. We understand the desire to save your hard-earned money where you can. But we also wholeheartedly recommend that you do not cut corners for the sake of money during your home remodeling project. Let’s take a look at a room-by-room analysis of places you should never go cheap for your whole home remodel.
Kitchen Remodeling – The kitchen is the number-one remodeled room in the home for a variety of reasons. It’s often referred to as the heart of the home because this is where meals are cooked, families share dinners, and where we entertain family and friends on special occasions. This very important room in your home deserves the absolute best we can give it. We often tell homeowners to splurge on the kitchen and cut corners somewhere else during the remodel, because it has so much to offer the entire family.
Bathroom Remodeling – The master bathroom is the second-most remodeled room in the home. Many homeowners are turning their small master bathroom into a luxurious getaway that rivals some of the nicest spas throughout the Cape Cod area. Your bathroom should be designed to help you relax after a difficult day, not have you cramming yourself into a tub that’s too small without any jets to massage your tired muscles. Invest in an oversized tub with jets so you can truly relax.
Bedroom Remodeling – The master bedroom is much more than just a place to sleep, it’s your sanctuary. Create an amazing master suite that includes a bedroom, sitting area, luxury walk-in closet, and amazing bathroom. Add a few extra large windows to enhance the area and make it feel much larger.
Quality Workmanship – Don’t overlook the importance of high quality workmanship. Our craftsmen at @designREMODEL are dedicated to providing the absolute best in overall design and workmanship. We work hard to ensure that your remodeling experience is as pain free as possible.
The quality of our workmanship has nothing to do with the quality of the materials you choose. We will provide top notch work whether we’re working with high quality woods or particle board. Quality materials will cost more initially, but they will ultimately provide a much better finish and long-lasting beauty.
We invite you to call us or text us any time at 508-477-9003 to get the scoop on the latest progress on your home remodeling project or to schedule an appointment for a consultation. We will work with you to design the perfect kitchen, bathroom, or whole home remodeling project, and then build it out for you in a timely manner.
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