Tag: Kitchen Cabinets

Upgrade Your Home With Kitchen Renovations

Posted on May 20, 2015 by Creative Programs and Systems

Nothing updates a home quicker than a kitchen renovation. Don’t think that your dream kitchen and upgrades need to come with an extreme price tag either. Using the tips below and by hiring the right contractor you can reinvent your kitchen with limited funds and little stress.

The first thing to any home renovation is with the materials you choose. Always choose quality materials as they really do change the total feel of the space. Many contractors have an inside relationship with local nters where they can get exceptional discounts or deals on quality merchandise that may be limited or soon to be out of stock. With this inside edge it is easier than ever to avoid having to use subpar materials in your renovation.

Consider the height of the cabinets. If you have a small space it is important to utilize as much of it as you can for storage. With this in mind choose cabinetry that goes from the floor to the ceiling. This will allow you to use extra wall space for other uses.

Purchase naked cabinetry to lessen the expense. You can choose to either stain or paint your cabinets. Stained wood is often the most forgiving but quickly becomes dated. Brush painted cabinets can lead to a unique look in cabinetry but if not done properly can cheapen the look of your cabinets. This is really up to the homeowner’s style and the look desired for the kitchen space.

No matter what details you decide to forgo never should one be the countertop. Using the right material on your countertops will provide elegance to any kitchen space. Slate, limestone, granite and marble are all amazing choices for a sleek kitchen renovation. Consider mixing and matching complimentary materials to create a unique kitchen space.

An open, airy style island works well in any space. Try to avoid appliances within the island space. This tends to create a clunky, closed in feel where as in a kitchen you are looking to create an open, clean, wide open space.

Keep the kitchen renovation simple. Don’t overdo the details and accents. The style of your kitchen should be compatible with the entire home. You kitchen should be an example of what is to be found throughout the rest of your home.

For a kitchen to be nightmare free avoid high maintenance materials and appliance surfaces. Materials such as slate, brick or terra-cotta are difficult to clean. Smooth surfaces in light colors and ceramic floors are easy to clean but not necessarily able to hide flaws or dirt. As popular as stainless steel is the material is difficult to keep clear of smudges. So be careful when adding these materials to your kitchen space.

The Home Doctor, based in Livingston County including Brighton and Howell Michigan, offers a variety of home renovations to clients ranging from kitchen remodeling to age in place home modifications. Contact http://glenmillerthehomedoctor.com/ today all of your home renovating needs.

Glen Miller The Home Doctor

Kitchen Cabinets, Kitchen Contractor, Kitchen Design Ideas, Kitchen Fixture Replacement, kitchen remodeling, kitchen renovations, Licensed Kitchen Contractors

Suggestions In Small Kitchen Remodeling

Posted on January 27, 2015 by Creative Programs and Systems

Kitchen remodeling is one of the few home renovations that can take your home from drab to fab. To Smaller kitchens can be not only renovated to add a facelift to your space but to add efficiency as well. Renovating a smaller space often requires more planning than larger kitchen remodels. With a small kitchen it is important to find ways that the space can be used in more than one way. Multi-purposing each and every space to provide a big kitchen feel to a small kitchen space. Below you will find multiple tips on turning your small kitchen into something grand during the renovation process.

Multi-Purpose Wherever Possible

Utilizing every nook and cranny is so important in a small kitchen renovation. When you renovate a small kitchen it is important to make space where there isn’t any. Seem impossible? This can be achieved in several ways. Adding cupboards up to the ceiling leaves you room to utilize the space under them. Consider an in wall stove instead of one that utilizes valuable floor space. This one small renovation adds a lot of extra space that can be utilized for storage which is always a shortage of in small kitchen spaces.

Select Smaller Versions of Home Appliances

This one simple concept can save you a bundle of space. Choosing a slimmer refrigerator and a compact dishwasher can save a tone of space. Make it so that your cupboards all have sliding shelves so that you can use all of the space in them. Another item that you can choose a smaller version of is the sink. Choose sink that is smaller in length and width but deeper so that you are still able to adequately use the sink. If you have dishes and appliances that are not used that often install a lazy susan on both the top and bottom shelves. This takes valuable corner space that is usually wasted and utilizes it for storage. Lazy susan’s can have multiple shelves and therefore can hold a lot of kitchen necessity’s out of the way.

Add Natural and Artificial Light

More light naturally brightens a space. If there is a small window in the kitchen already consider making it larger. If that is not possible use the existing space and add a bay window or a larger window sill. Consider adding recessed lighting and lights under cabinetry. For smaller kitchen areas it is important that the lighting does not invade the livable space.

It can be a bit more complex to remodel a smaller kitchen. It is important that every detail is planned and accounted for. Keep the space uncluttered and utilize even the smallest of spaces in big ways.

Jason Foldenauer Construction, out of Howell and Brighton Michigan, offers a variety of home renovations to clients ranging from kitchen and bathroom remodeling to home additions and storage sheds. Contact http://www.jfcremodeling.com today for your entire home renovating needs.

Jason Foldenauer Construction

Brighton MI kitchen remodeling, Kitchen Cabinets, kitchen countertops, kitchen design, kitchen designer, Kitchen Flooring, kitchen remodeling, kitchen remodeling Brighton, kitchen remodeling contractor, kitchen renovation

Spring Home Improvements

Posted on January 20, 2015 by Creative Programs and Systems

When the winter season is upon us most of us are already in full swing thinking about spring. We are looking forward to brighter days where the sun is full when we can begin all of the home improvement projects we have been meaning to get to. Consider the projects you are seeing that need to get accomplished and create a spring check list. Then in the spring create to do lists for each project to help you get on your way without the intimidation the checklist as a whole.New

Start with your homes roof. Shingle and metal roofs here in the north really take a beating throughout the winter months. When spring arrives it is important to hire a roofing contractor to inspect the roof. They will evaluate the issues that arise during the winter season. This doesn’t necessarily mean the roof needs to be replaced in full however could determine minor roof repairs that are needed to maintain the function of your shingle roof.

Roofing contractors look for blistering. This can be a result of poor workmanship or inadequate roofing ventilation. Shingles may need to be replaced because they are cracking and brittle or the shingles could curl in extreme weather. All of this needs to be evaluated by a professional. Roof repairs and general maintenance will lead to your roofs longevity.

Your homes deck may need maintenance after a rough winter. If it has been a few years since you have done maintenance on your deck consider applying a fresh coat of stain and sealer. This will help to maintain your deck and prevent the need for replacing decking boards later. In order to properly care for your deck you may need to hire a general contractor to assist you. They will pressure wash the deck, removing all of the built up dirt and then scrape off any stain that is chipping or pealing that does not come up with power washing. Decking is then sanded down, a primer is applied if needed and a new coat of stain seals the deck. It is then ready for spring, summer and fall celebrations and barbeques.

Another spring tip is to check the plumbing within your kitchen and bathroom. This does not mean you need to do a complete kitchen remodel or bathroom renovation but check the plumbing including faucets, drains, hoses, toilets and any unusual smells that have crept up over the winter. Smells could mean that a leak has occurred and gone unnoticed. It is important that the plumbing in your home is mold free, leak free, thoroughly cleaned, inspected and updated on an as needed basis.

The spring is the perfect time for home renovations. Doing updates in the spring leaves time open and available for all the fun that summer weekends provide. Checklists in the winter and maintenance in the spring leave for adventures in the summer and fall.

Jason Foldenauer Construction, out of Howell and Brighton Michigan, offers a variety of home renovations to clients ranging from bathroom and kitchen remodeling to home additions and storage sheds. Contact http://www.jfcremodeling.com today for your entire home renovating needs.

Jason Foldenauer Construction

Kitchen Remodeling Design Trends

Posted on November 24, 2014 by Creative Programs and Systems

In home improvements the kitchen is at the heart of all renovations. Homeowners want to keep their kitchens function, up to date and in great shape. This will keep the value of your home at its peak. When looking to increase the overall value of a home people will look to remodel their kitchens. Keep these renovations in mind when looking at ways to make your home appeal to future buyers.

Functional Kitchen Islands

Kitchen islands that do more than provide a space to sit or prep food are the latest rage in kitchen design. An island that includes a combination of kitchen desires such as a separate prep sink, a wine cooler, additional cupboard space or a wine cooler increase the value of your kitchen to your home. Adding storage space in a kitchen under an island is also a valuable way to use space that is often wasted. Extra seating is a bonus in the kitchen area as well.

Coffee Nooks

With the introduction of specialty coffees and coffee makers kitchen spaces that entertain this fad are more popular than ever in kitchen renovations. A coffee center that is built in to the cabinet walls can include sophisticated espresso machines, cappuccino makers and one cup coffee makers. These centers can be created and accessed by the simple push of a button. Gourmet coffee at the touch of a button in your own kitchen at any time you wish is what fuels this craze.

Updated Cabinetry

No renovation in the kitchen is complete without thinking about the kitchen cabinets. There are so many affordable options in cabinetry without an overwhelming budget. Floating cabinetry is a new, minimal approach to kitchen cabinets. Floating cabinets have unique sliding doors without hardware. If modern isn’t necessarily your idea of the perfect kitchen consider updating cabinets using paint or new wooden cabinetry. Customize your cabinets to fit the look of your kitchen which in turn should be a representation of your home.

Custom Counters

This trend is a popular trend because it is one way in which you can mix and match several different elements. Whether you mix butcher block and marble or glass and metal the elements work together to create a one of a kind kitchen. When multiple materials are mixed together to renovate your kitchen the end result is something unique with a high end, exclusive vibe.

Jason Foldenauer Construction

Updates To Keep Your Kitchen From Deteriorating

Posted on November 24, 2014 by Creative Programs and Systems

There are a billion reasons to renovate your home even when you aren’t considering putting it up for sale in the near future. When it comes to creating a kitchen environment that you are excited about entertaining in consider the following reasons you may want to update your kitchen.

It is obvious a kitchen is in need of remodeling when it begins to deteriorate. If your kitchen has simply started to fall apart, it is time to start saving money to update the areas in need of repair. Don’t aspire to create a gourmet kitchen but work to update the areas that are falling apart around you. If the tiles are cracked, start by saving for new tiles. Keep the momentum going by doing the same for peeling countertops, outdated cabinets and broken cabinet hardware. When a kitchen begins to deteriorate it has simply outlived itself and is in need of renovation.

If you are looking to increase the value of your home the number one way to do this is to update your kitchen. Kitchen renovations increase the value of your home and ensure your property sells faster than homes in the area with outdated kitchen spaces. Homeowners are drawn to kitchens that are attractive. The cost of many kitchen renovations is recouped when you go to sell your home.

Another reason to update your current kitchen is that is doesn’t meet your current needs or lifestyle. A kitchen layout that is ideal for one homeowner may not be ideal for another. If the kitchen lacks a space for informal gatherings, a space to sit and enjoy a cup of coffee or a simple space to sit and eat breakfast it may be time to renovate. Whatever your need it is up to you to create a kitchen space that meets it.

Another reason that some homeowners give to update their kitchens is new need. Aging in place is another reason many homeowners give when looking to renovate their kitchen spaces. Age in place remodeling, along with universal design, allows kitchens to be accessed by individuals with special mobility challenges. Kitchens are redesigned to leave space for wheelchairs and walkers along with special fixtures that allow necessities to be kept within reach.

Whatever the reason is updating your kitchen space will turn your home into a valuable commodity. If you are looking to sell your home even the smallest of renovations within the kitchen will help to create desire amongst buyers.

Jason Foldenauer Construction

Things To Acknowledge Before A Kitchen Renovation

Posted on September 18, 2014 by Creative Programs and Systems

Remodeling a kitchen is a huge undertaking whether you are completely gutting the whole space or just updating a few key elements. No matter where you are at on the spectrum in remodeling your kitchen space you will be investing time and money so you want to start with a solid plan of action. Before you tear out the cupboards or bash the walls you will want to negotiate a budget that takes into consideration your priorities as well as the must have desired renovations. The most common mistake that is made, when it comes to remodeling your kitchen, is running over budget.

Budgeting 101

When it comes to determining a budget for your kitchen remodel you need to determine how much you have to spend and if it is enough to cover what you want. Look online there are a variety of budget worksheets to help determine if you have enough money to move forward with the remodeling process. If you have not saved enough money you will need to consider if a loan is in your best interest.

Some questions to ask: How long do I plan on living in this home after we remodel? What are my current outstanding debts? Do I have enough monthly income to cover the additional loan payment? All of these questions will lead to answers that will help you determine a finite budget for your kitchen remodel. Once a budget is set in stone you will know exactly how much you have to spend on the remodel and can delegate funds accordingly.

Delegating The Budget

Once you know how much money you have to spend on your remodel you can delegate money accordingly. If you find that your budget doesn’t cover the cost associated with a full kitchen remodel you may consider minor upgrades to the kitchen instead. It is amazing what a fresh coat of paint, some cabinet resurfacing and a new countertop can do to update the look of your kitchen. When you are on a set budget you will need to work diligently at delegating money out to ensure that the top priority renovations within your kitchen are covered before non-essentials.

When you are working with an unlimited budget, the sky can be your limit. It is important, even when you are on an unlimited budget, that you take into consideration the price that homes in the area are currently selling for. The worst possible situation you can get into is over valuing your home when in comparison to others in the area. This is a sure way to lose money when it comes to selling your home.

The Basics

When you are planning your kitchen remodeling keep in mind the following:

Decide the budget for your kitchen remodel.
Choose where to spend the bulk of the budget. What is most important to you and what upgrades are secondary?
Are you going to hire a home remodeling contractor or are you considering doing the renovations on your own?
Add a cushion to your budget as something unexpected always happens when you least expect it to.
Remember that a solid plan of action, along with a complete budget will help for a smooth kitchen remodel.

Jason Foldenauer Construction

Exploring What Is Involved When Undertaking A Home Improvement Project

Posted on August 20, 2014 by Creative Programs and Systems

Any home improvement project can be a huge undertaking. This is especially true when you aren’t a professional who tackles remodeling and renovation projects on a regular basis. If you have never remodeled a kitchen before it is important that before the project gets off the ground that you take into consideration everything that needs to be done, ordered and thought of before the project gets underway. Once you know what needs to be done you may see how beneficial it is to hire a professional kitchen contractor over completing the job on your own. Here are some items to consider when thinking about remodeling your kitchen whether you hire a contractor or do it yourself.

The first thing in a kitchen remodel that you need to determine is your budget. Set a budget and stick to it. If you can’t afford the kitchen remodel you want it is better that you wait until you can to begin. If you can’t budget enough to cover your wants and needs along with extra for the unexpected don’t start the kitchen remodeling project. Many homeowners quickly come to find out that hiring a contractor saves them money on materials. Saving on the materials to redo your kitchen could wash out the cost of hiring a contractor to renovate the kitchen.

When you are thinking about a kitchen renovation you will want to have a design in mind. This can come from a variety of sources including designs from kitchens you have been in or seen in magazines. Where ever your idea comes from it is important that you take into consideration your current plumbing and electrical systems. If the existing scheme doesn’t fit with the new kitchen design vision you will want to add in to your budget the expense of redoing the plumbing and electricity.

When hiring a contractor be sure to look for a general contractor. A general contractor will be able to assist in all areas of the remodel from the kitchen design to the flooring. General contractors have the ability to see how one room in the house works with others and can help create the flow you desire. If you go with a separate kitchen contractor, they have to hire specialty contractors to help with flooring, plumbing and finishing work it can lead to headaches for homeowners. Hiring one general contractor can alleviate this issue.

With your general contractor complete a list of preparations that can be taken before any renovation is begun to help speed the entire process along. From the start, have the materials ordered to ensure that half way through the process you are not waiting on the faucet or sink to be shipped. Ordering everything you need ahead of time and having all the materials ready and available for the job makes the remodel run along smoother and helps to keep your contractor on time with the schedule that has been set. A kitchen remodel that is finished on time and is complete all the way down to the finishing touches makes for a happy homeowner.

Jason Foldenauer Construction

The Biggest Bang For Your Buck In Kitchen Renovations

Posted on July 21, 2014 by Creative Programs and Systems

When it comes to renovating your home, especially in your kitchen there are certain updates and upgrades that give you a large return on your investment. There are also a great deal of ways to waste your money when it comes to kitchen renovations. Consider the following when looking into remodeling your kitchen.

The first and best use of resources is to hire a contractor that specializes in kitchen renovations. A kitchen contractor can save you a ton of time and money. Even with the added expense of a contractor it will amaze you how much less you will spend on your remodel over what it would cost you to do it on your own. Kitchen contractors have experience that will save time and in turn money as well as connections when it comes to materials needed to create a space that is desired.

When it comes to kitchen renovations the biggest bang for your buck is the kitchen counter tops. Granite, Corian and Silestone are all popular options in materials for counters. A decent counter top can cost upwards of four thousand dollars all of which is easily recouped in the increased home value that occur with your updated kitchen.

To avoid the cost of new cabinets consider cabinet door re-facing. This gives you all the benefits of new cabinets without the considerable expense that goes along with them. New cabinet doors can change the entire look of your kitchen. Along with cabinet re-facing consider updating the hardware on the cabinetry throughout the kitchen. This is a fairly inexpensive update that offers a great deal of change in the look and function of the kitchen.

Another renovation within the kitchen that offers a big bang for your buck is kitchen flooring. Vinyl kitchen flooring dates not only a kitchen but the entire home. Upgrade kitchen flooring to ceramic, hardwood or bamboo. Flooring is expensive. Finding discontinued flooring for your kitchen is one way to offset the expense. If you are not set on a certain look, color, feel or material this may be the way to go. Look at different home improvement stores. When you find something that interested you, even if discontinued ask if there is any way to have shipments from other stores sent to your local store. If this is not a possibility it may be worth a short drive to collect the materials needed to complete a new kitchen floor for your home.

Jason Foldenauer Construction

48114, Brighton MI kitchen remodeling, Kitchen Cabinets, kitchen countertops, kitchen design, kitchen designer, Kitchen Flooring, kitchen remodeling, kitchen remodeling 48116, kitchen remodeling Brighton, kitchen remodeling contractor, kitchen renovation

Advice on Remodeling Your Homes Kitchen

Posted on May 15, 2014 by Creative Programs and Systems

Kitchen renovations are one of the most popular options when considering rooms to remodel in your home. Upgrading your kitchen will update your home, add value and increase the ease of use. Hire an experiences kitchen contractor; this is the number one tip anyone can give you when looking into a large renovation project. Below are a few more to think about.

If you are going to proceed with any renovation in your home but especially with a kitchen remodel only use quality materials. Top quality products with top notch construction mean that something as simple as your cabinet door will close correctly and never stick. Purchase kitchen cupboards and cabinetry made out of solid wood. Particle board will not hold up when used on kitchen drawers, cabinets or cabinet doors. With something as visible and often used such as kitchen cabinetry you need solid construction and superior materials.

Consider the size of your kitchen when buying kitchen cabinets. If you have super tall ceilings you can maximize kitchen storage by purchasing tall cabinets. Extra storage is not something homeowners or future buyers will ever complain about. Keeping a twelve to eighteen inch between the cabinets and the ceiling is an acceptable clearance.

When considering kitchen cabinets there is always a great debate on if to go with stain or paint. Staining is the most forgiving option however they are not easily redone either. With paint you get a unique finish that adds personality to your kitchen. Cabinets that are painted also have the ability to easily be changed with a fresh coat of paint.

Kitchen countertops are another area where quality is so important. Consider slate, marble, soapstone, granite or other solid materials when it comes to your kitchen counters. Laminate is a cheap alternative for kitchens and should only be used if you must redo your kitchen and the budget doesn’t call for something higher end. When using laminate consider adding wood trim to give the appearance of sophistication.

Another tip that is all too often ignored it the overuse of detail. Accents used in the kitchen, not abused. When it comes backsplashes, pediments over the stove and plaster molding on cabinets it can distract from the clean, airy feeling a kitchen gathering space should have. Choose one major detail that you want added to the kitchen and let it speak for itself. A tile backsplash adds enough personality that you don’t have to overdo it on the rest.

Don’t over gadget your kitchen either. Settle on a few key appliances such as a refrigerator, stove and dishwasher. If you want a blender, a toaster, a smooth maker, bread maker and every other appliance known to man install a lazysusan to store them so that they are easily accessible but not overwhelming the top of the counters. Basic is always better when it comes to creating a kitchen space that is easy to navigate and entertain.

Kitchen remodeling is something that will take time. To lessen the burdens consider planning the design and ordering the materials before construction begins. This way the contractor will know what they have to work with from the start. This is also a great way to create and stay within a budget.

Jason Foldenauer Construction offers a variety of home renovations to clients ranging from kitchen and bathroom remodeling to home additions and storage sheds. Contact http://www.jfcremodeling.com today all of your home renovating needs.

Jason Foldenauer Construction

Exploring Options When Kitchen Remodeling

Posted on May 15, 2014 by Creative Programs and Systems

When it comes to remodeling your home each and every detail is important. This is never truer than when looking to remodel your homes kitchen. Each detail is as important as the next. When remodeling a space such as the kitchen everything from the new layout right down to the faucets need to be considered. In a kitchen, one of the main focal points is the cabinets. Kitchen cabinets take up a considerable amount of floor and wall space with in the area. When you begin to plan your kitchen remodel make sure to talk to the contractor in depth about the cabinets. This is a great start to start when designing a new kitchen space.

Choosing cabinets is not an easy task. It is overwhelming and without being a visual person often difficult to see within your own space. Many kitchen contractors are now equipped with software that allows you to physical design your space including images of different concepts, cabinetry, appliances and smaller details. This allows you to actually “see” it in place before anything is purchased. When looking at cabinetry for your kitchen there are a few things to take into consideration.

First, look at the different options in kitchen cabinet materials. Most likely you are only familiar with the use of wood in cabinetry for the kitchen. This is the most popular option in kitchens to day but you can also consider other materials such as metal, stainless steel, thermofoil and melamine.

Check out the different options available in kitchen cabinet door styles. Styles are available from ultra-modern and traditional to country and rustic. The more detail on the cabinet door the more expensive it will be. Also consider that a more complex cabinet door also requires more detailed cleaning.

Consider the type of finish you desire if you have chosen wood doors. Often times homeowners will choose to finish kitchen cabinets with stain but there are other finishes available. Consider paint, glazing and distressing for something different.

Cabinet door mounting is another decision you will need to make. Most cabinet doors lay over the cabinet case. You can choose a full cabinet mount which allows the door to lay over the cabinet exposing none of the cabinet case. The doors will close together tightly to avoid any exposure to the case. You can also chose to inset the doors however this is the least common cabinet door mounting. Cabinet doors that sit flush inside the cabinet may not be common but are incredibly stylish and give a clean lined look to a kitchen space.

Cabinet hardware is one of those decisions that is not one that needs to be made right away. Hardware can wait to be chosen until after the kitchen is well on its way to completion. Cabinet hardware can easily enhance the overall look, feel and design of your kitchen. The knobs and pulls you choose can dress up or dress down the feel of the space. If in the end you feel you may have gone a bit one way or another with the kitchen design use the hardware as a way to bring the design back to exactly what you were looking for.

With cabinets there are an array of things you can analyze straight down to the height and depth of the cabinets. When considering cabinetry for your kitchen think of the space as a clean slate. A professional kitchen contractor can help you to envision something completely new and different in your space to bring out the best that your kitchen has to offer.

Jason Foldenauer Construction