Tag: kitchen countertops

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.

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.

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, 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.

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, 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.

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, 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.

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, 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.