February 15th, 2012
Planning a Sacramento bathroom remodel project is a major consideration for many homeowners. After all, it is a big investment that usually brings the best returns if done right. On the reverse, it can also bring terrible losses if done haphazardly. Here are some tips that can make planning and designing your project easier:
- Work with a pro remodeler.
There is something to be said about practical experience. They can tell you if what you have in mind is feasible for the budget and space you have. Pros can also suggest alternatives to your ideas that may work better for what you have in mind.
- Determine the needs of the primary user.
Will the bathroom to be remodeled be a master bath or for children’s use? Will it be a guest bathroom or for an elderly family member? Identifying the primary user will make planning your bathroom’s design easier. For example, the master bath will need to cater to two people with different needs, and often busy schedules. Double sinks or double vanities are most common. For children, you may want small-scale fixtures and child-safe storage with lots of spaces for bath toys in your Sacramento bathroom remodel. Guest bathrooms need to be serviceable, but fairly neutral.
- Choose fixtures first.
The sink, toilet, shower, and tub are the biggest and most noticeable items in your bathroom. Determine the model you want for these fixtures first and plan the bathroom around them. For example, minimalist, modern fixtures will look out of place in a country-style bathroom. Similarly, traditional designs will look off in a Zen-inspired space.
Magazines, catalogues, and design books are great places to look for bathroom inspiration. But talking and working with a Sacramento bathroom remodel contractor is the most convenient way to realize your ideas. Call us today for more information or to request a free bathroom assessment at (888) 380-9313.
February 14th, 2012
Bathroom floors are faced with the biggest threats in any house: moisture and humidity. Any floor option you are considering for your Sacramento bathroom remodel project must be able to withstand these two problems.
- Hardwood
This is a suggestion that often raises eyebrows. After all, it’s common knowledge that moisture isn’t good for wood. But this is not always the case. With high quality hardwood floorboards and expert installers, you don’t need to worry about moisture destroying your new floors. Proper sealing also helps. Bonus: With a hardwood floor, you don’t have to suffer from cold when stepping on your bathroom floor after a shower or bath.
- Stone
Generally considered as the most expensive option, stone floors may be made of marble, limestone and granite. These are beautiful and are often used in many high-end Sacramento bathroom remodel projects. These can withstand moisture and humidity quite well, but can increase risks of slipping, especially when wet. If you’re worried about this, talk to a professional contractor about how this risk can be reduced.
- Laminate
If your budget is limited, laminates are a great choice for bathroom flooring. They are inexpensive and can withstand humidity and moisture well, provided that they are installed expertly. This is also a great choice if you can’t decide whether you want stone or wood. Laminates come in different designs and finishes that can imitate either wood or stone.
- Ceramic Tile
The most common material used for bathroom flooring, ceramic tiles can also give you the best of both worlds. It’s cheaper than stone, but looks just as beautiful. They are also available in different styles so you can choose shapes, sizes, patterns, and colors that would best fit your bathroom design. This material can feel cold underfoot, but withstands water and humidity well.
Talk to a professional Sacramento bathroom remodel contractor for advice regarding your flooring options. For more information about bathroom floors, or to schedule a free assessment, call us at (888) 380-9313.
February 5th, 2012
A kitchen remodel is one of the top home improvement projects that can give you excellent return on your investment. However, kitchen remodel Sacramento projects can cost a lot if you are not careful. DIY work is an option, but who wants to spend weeks working on a project only to find out that DIY installation has invalidated any manufacturer warranty that came with the cabinets, tiles, or appliances?
To be on the safe side and reduce the risk of mistakes, material wastage, project delays and ballooning costs, it’s best to work with a certified home improvement expert. Professional kitchen remodelers and contractors have the contacts, experience, and know-how to make your kitchen the best it can be at a price you can afford. Here are five kitchen remodel upgrades that don’t cost much, but come with a big pay-off:
- Freshly painted walls
The walls set the tone of your kitchen’s overall look. If walls look too shabby, no other upgrade can make up for it. Consult a professional kitchen remodeler for timeless kitchen color palettes. You want a color combination that will stand out, but still look good for years to come. Professional paint jobs are also better for your kitchen since the humidity in this area can make walls and painted surfaces prone to blisters and paint bubbles.
- Better storage organization
In general, kitchen cabinets are like big boxes and the items inside tend to be disorganized. If you don’t have the budget for new kitchen cabinets, ask your kitchen contractor about solutions to improve your current storage. Roll-out shelving, dividers, pull-out shelves, and wall racks can significantly improve how you organize your kitchen without costing much money.
- Refaced cabinets and appliances
Cabinets and appliances are often the focus of attention in a kitchen. If replacing them is not part of the plan, you can ask your kitchen remodel Sacramento contractor to reface them. New doors, hardware and paint can make your old cabinets look new. Similarly, your remodeler can also order new panels for your appliances to give them an updated look for less.
- New backsplash
If re-tiling the entire room is out of the question for your kitchen remodel project, focus on your backsplash. The backsplash is probably the grimiest section of your kitchen since it catches oil spatter and grease from cooking. Trends today also see backsplashes taking center stage in many kitchens, so it’s a good way to make an old-fashioned kitchen look updated and modern. Ask your kitchen remodeler for cheap but stylish options like ceramic or glass mosaic tiles.
- Updated countertops
If your kitchen’s countertops are cracked, replace them for less with laminate countertops. Professionally installed laminate countertops look sharp but won’t break the bank. Laminates also come in a variety of colors and finishes, so it’s easy to find one that will complement your current kitchen.
These are just some kitchen remodel upgrades you may consider for your project. Get in touch with a professional kitchen remodel Sacramento contractor for more tips, and to schedule a free on-site inspection. For more information on low-cost kitchen upgrades, call (888) 380-9313.
February 4th, 2012
Sacramento weather is almost perfect for spending time outdoors. Yet, sometimes surprise showers and severe heat can cut your outdoor time short. For many local homeowners, these showers and excessive heat deprive them of one of the best spots in their homes – their patios. If you want to enjoy your outdoor time without being rained on or sunburned, make the most of your patio with Sacramento patio covers.
When it comes to patio covers, you can choose from a variety of designs and styles that will suit your purpose best. Below are just some of the best ideas you can use to make the most of your new patio covers:
- Extra entertainment space
Is your house too cramped to decently host parties in? Why not move the party outdoors, under your new patio cover? With patio covers, you don’t have to worry about rain or lack of shade discomforting your guests. There are also patio cover styles that allow for electrical installation so you can even hook up a sound system to keep the party going.
- Fun eating area
Backyard barbecues are more fun if you have somewhere to eat your delicious food without getting sunburned. A patio cover lets you make your own dining space right in your backyard. Just add in tables and chairs under the patio cover and hang garlands and flags for a truly festive summer barbecue.
- Zen retreat
Do you practice yoga or work out? Chances are you find it distracting to do yoga at home surrounded by noise and people interrupting. Similarly, using the treadmill can be boring, especially when you are staring at the same blank wall throughout your work out. With Sacramento patio covers, you can create your own Zen or workout space in your backyard. This way, you can work out surrounded by nature, which is much more motivating.
- Additional living space
Has your stuff overrun your living room? Create another living area on your patio with the help of patio covers. Patio covers, especially those with full or adjustable coverage can ensure that your possessions stay dry and shaded rain or shine.
- Garden shade
If you find that your garden is looking a little bland, a patio cover can infuse a sense of energy in the space. Break up the monotonous foliage by introducing a patio cover into the mix. Patio covers make great pathway shades. With these in place, you can take walks and enjoy your garden regardless of the weather.
Patio covers are the ideal solution if the weather limits your outdoor time. With a patio cover, you can spend as much time as you want outdoors without sacrificing the kind of comfort you get indoors. A patio cover is an investment that can give you incredible returns by adding to your home’s market value. Whether it rains or is hot, you can make the choice to spend time outside; you don’t have to play by nature’s whims.
For more information on Sacramento patio covers, it’s best to talk to professional contractors. They can give you excellent advice and a free on-site estimate to see what kind of patio cover will work best for your home. Give us a call at (888) 380-9313.
February 3rd, 2012
If you have young children, you know how worrying it is when they play in the kitchen. Short of having a locking door on your kitchen, it’s hard to keep kids away from this space. A Sacramento kitchen remodeling project is a great opportunity to ensure that your kitchen is as kid-safe as it can be. Here are our top tips on making kitchens kid-friendly:
- High ovens. Install built-in ovens and microwaves at locations high enough that toddlers cannot reach them, but still at a convenient height for you. You can also consult the local construction department or ask your contractor about ideal oven heights.
- Appliances that lock. Dishwashers and trash compactors that lock are a great relief to many of our clients. These appliances reduce the risk of children being able to open and operate these potentially dangerous kitchen fixtures.
- Rounded corners. Have the edges of countertops rounded or curved to reduce risks of cuts if kids run or fall in the kitchen and hit an edge.
Have more tips on making the kitchen a child-safe room? Share it in the comments. You can also talk to one of our expert remodelers for tips on Sacramento kitchen remodeling project at (888) 380-9313.
February 2nd, 2012
A lot of homeowners choose to remodel their kitchens with plans of selling their homes a few years in the future. Their logic: They can enjoy their new kitchen for a while, but still be able to recoup a large part of their investment.
If you are thinking of getting a Sacramento kitchen remodeling project done for the same purpose, here are some of our highly recommended upgrades that can help sell your home:
- Classic color and finishes. Backsplashes, new countertops and cabinets are long-term investments. Most homebuyers will be looking not at trendy ultra-modern kitchens, but at designs that will still be stylish 10 to 20 years from now. In this case, think neutral colors, rich wood panels and custom cabinets.
- Brand-name appliances. Some appliances are more popular than others depending on the location. Ask realtors or professional kitchen remodelers which brands are in-demand in your neighborhood. You don’t want to spend on a high-end branded range when a moderately priced cooker of another brand will do.
- Consistency. If you’re living area is luxurious, homebuyers will expect the kitchen to be the same. Keep in mind how your kitchen will look compared to other parts of your home when doing a remodel, for a consistent look and feel.
What kitchen upgrades do you look for when buying a home? Share them in the comments. For more information on Sacramento kitchen remodeling or to schedule your free kitchen estimate, call us at (888) 380-9313.
February 1st, 2012
A lot of homeowners come to us worrying about how much their Sacramento kitchen remodeling project will cost. But really, there are ways to keep the cost of kitchen remodels down. One way we always prescribe is to keep the same kitchen footprint. Regardless of the size of your remodeling project, you can keep costs down by retaining the same footprint. Here’s how:
- Keep the same layout. You don’t have to knock down walls to remodel your kitchen. Professional remodelers can give you a design that uses your current kitchen layout but meets your requirements. You keep demolition and disposal costs down since the walls are left intact.
- Use existing gas pipes and electrical outlets. Rewiring is another thing that can jack up the cost of your kitchen remodel. If you want more space, you can scale down your appliances or opt for more built-ins instead of repositioning the oven, dishwasher, and sink.
- Position new faucets and sinks near existing pipes. Similarly, you can use your kitchen’s existing plumbing instead of installing new pipes.
By keeping the walls, electrical wiring and plumbing intact, you don’t have to spend as much on demolition and reconstruction of surfaces. Bonus: This is also a great way to minimize the dust and debris your remodeling project generates.
Have more advice on saving on kitchen remodels? Share them in the comments. You can also talk to our experienced Sacramento kitchen remodeling contractors at (888) 380-9313 for more tips or to schedule your free kitchen estimate.
January 31st, 2012
A Sacramento kitchen remodeling project is a big investment. Aside from making your kitchen a more comfortable working space for you, a remodeling project can also increase the market value of your home. In fact, according to most realtors and housing experts, kitchen remodels are among the top projects that consistently bring the most returns on investment.
Being practical homeowners ourselves, we understand if you want to know how much you can get back from your initial payout. The answer is: It depends on your initial investment and the scope of your kitchen remodeling project.
Minor kitchen remodels worth around $20,000 usually recoup as much as 72% to 80% of your initial investment. Bigger kitchen remodeling projects of up to $60,000 can give you back around 66% of the initial project cost come selling time.
If you are unsure about spending money on your Sacramento kitchen remodeling project, our expert remodelers can advise you on which project will give you the most return for minimal investment. Call us today at (888) 380-9313 for advice or to schedule your free kitchen estimate.
January 30th, 2012
Sacramento patio covers are excellent additions to any home, but a construction project such as adding one is rarely simple. There are permits and inspections that need to be completed before a project is declared finished. In cases like these, having a pro contractor by your side is certainly an asset.
Navigating the paperwork required for patio cover projects can be overwhelming. A qualified contractor can apply for the permits and even schedule the project’s final inspection for you. By taking care of the logistics, you can leave the scheduling and the managing to your contractor.
The Community Development Department takes care of scheduling these inspections. If you’re busy, your contractor can stand in for you during the actual inspection. Better yet, even if you are available, have your contractor present so he can answer questions fielded by the inspector.
Have your own inspection stories? Share them in the comments or give us a call at (888) 380-9313 for more inspection information or to schedule a free estimate.
January 29th, 2012
Planning to relax under your new patio cover? Your project may not be as finished as you think. Installing Sacramento patio covers requires permits. Any project that requires permits is still considered unfinished until a final inspection has been conducted on the property.
Generally, most construction permits expire after 180 days if no inspection has been conducted. Your project must be completed – inspection included – within this time period. Your project violates the California State Building Code if your permit expires before the project was inspected. You may need to reactivate the permit by reapplying for it.
Working with a professional contractor for patio cover installation can take these worries off your mind. Your contractor can apply for the permit, ensure that the project is completed within the given time, and arrange for the final inspection, so you can truly relax.
Ever encountered a permit issue before? Share your experience in the comments. You can also give us a call at (888) 380-9313 for more information or to schedule a free estimate.
