Saturday, July 4, 2009

Remodel Kitchen: What to Do If Something Goes Wrong

Remodel Your Kitchen: What to Do If Something Goes Wrong




Are you one of the many homeowners who have decided to remodel your own kitchen? Although there are a number of advantages to hiring the services of a professional contractor, for kitchen remodeling projects, there are also a number of disadvantages, namely the cost of doing so. Therefore, if you are looking to have your kitchen remodeled, there is a good chance that will be doing the remodeling yourself. Unfortunately, depending on the type of kitchen remodeling that is being done, it can be quite difficult. There is always a possibility that something could go wrong.

When it comes to kitchen remodeling and something unexpected, the most unexpected thing is a mistake. Honestly, sometimes even professional contractors make mistakes; therefore, there is a good chance that you may, especially if you do not have any home improvement experience. Luckily, most mistakes can be fixed. If you are remodeling your kitchen and you make a mistake, it is best to take a minute and look at the situation. Doing so may make it easier for you to come up with a solution to your problem. For instance, if you were retiling your kitchen floor and you accidentally cut a floor tile too small, you may want to think about purchasing a replacement floor tile and so on. When you take a minute to assess the situation, you will find it easier to come up with a solution to your problem.

In addition to remodeling mistakes, another problem that often arises with kitchen remodeling is injuries. Whether you are retiling your kitchen floor, replacing the light fixtures in your kitchen, or redoing your kitchen walls, you may be putting yourself at risk for injury. The best way to avoid injury is to familiarize yourself with your surroundings, the materials that you are using, as well as your tools. Should an injury still occur, you need to take action right away. If you simply get a cut that needs to be bandaged, take a few minutes to do so, especially if you are bleeding. You will not want to get blood on your newly remodeled kitchen. If a serious injury should occur, such as cut that may need stitches, you are advised to get it taken care of. Visiting your doctor or the emergency room is the best. Although you may not want to stop remodeling your kitchen, it can wait; you will not want to put yourself at anymore risk

Although most kitchen remodeling problems can be fixed, you may find it difficult to do so or you may not longer want to do so. The good thing about kitchen remodeling is that there are an unlimited number of individuals in the United States who can be considered remodeling experts. Even if you already started remodeling your kitchen and you stopped, whether it was because you got injured or you were making too many mistakes, you could still seek professional assistance. In most cases, you will find that it is never too late to call upon a professional. Therefore, if, at any point in time, you think that you are way in over your head, it may be a good idea to request the services of a professional kitchen remodeling expert. You can easily find one of these experts, also commonly referred to as contractors, by using the internet or your local phone book.




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Friday, July 3, 2009

What Remodeling Your Kitchen Can Do For Your Home

What Remodeling Your Kitchen Can Do For Your Home



Are you a homeowner? If so, there is a good chance that you take great pride in your home. Despite taking great pride in your home, there may come a time when you may want to spice it up a little bit. When that is the case, a fairly large number of homeowners make the decision to remodel their homes. When it comes to home remodeling, one of the most common rooms remodeled is that of the kitchen. Of course, remodeling your kitchen may make you happy, but did you also know that it can do things for your home? The truth is that you are not the only one who can benefit from a little bit of kitchen remodeling, your home can also benefit.

Perhaps, the greatest way that your home can

Stainless steel appliances have been very popu...Image via Wikipedia

benefit from a kitchen remodeling project is with its value. If you make the decision to have your home remodeled, you will likely find that the overall value of your home will increase. Sometimes, the increase may be hard to notice, but it can also be quite noticeable. Honestly, the increase in value will all depend on what type of remodeling was done and how it turned out. Professional kitchen remodeling jobs are the ones that tend to increase a home’s value the most. Also, the more of your kitchen you remodel, the more the value of your home is likely to increase. An increased home value can turn into a profit for you, if and when you decide to sell your home.

In addition to an increase in value, you will also find that by remodeling your kitchen, the overall appearance of your home will better. That will not only have an impact on your home, but you as well. It is a known fact that when homeowners have a decent looking home, they not only feel more comfortable in it, but they also feel more comfortable inviting guests over. By remodeling your kitchen, your home may seem more welcoming and inviting. Whether you just want to have your friends over for coffee or you want to host a large party, a kitchen remodeling project may be just what you need to get the ball rolling.

The appearance of your home, particularly your kitchen, and the increase in your home’s value are two of the greatest ways that your home can benefit from a kitchen remodeling project. Although your home can benefit from a kitchen remodeling project, it is important to note that the results are not all the same. As previously mentioned, the end result, of a kitchen remodeling project, makes all of the difference in the world. Although you may have better results using a professional contractor, you may not want to. If you want to perform your own kitchen remodeling, you can, but it is best that you first know exactly what you are doing.

If you do not have experience with home improvement projects, it may be a good idea to take a kitchen remodeling course, class, or seminar. Depending on where you live, you should have access to a number of these courses. In fact, you may find that one of your home improvement stores offers these classes for free or for a reasonable fee. If you are unable to attend a kitchen remodeling class, course, or seminar, you should at least obtain a copy of a kitchen remodeling guide or how-to book. Many of these books are available for sale online or in book stores. Depending on the size of your library, you may also be able to find a few remodeling books there.

Although it is not required that you use a guide or attend a remodeling seminar, you may want to. Since the overall value of your home, as well as its appearance depends on the outcome of your kitchen remodeling projects, you may want to make sure that your remodeling is done right.



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Wednesday, July 1, 2009

The Pros of Remodeling Your Kitchen

Kitchen Remodel





When we are interested in doing something, such as a home improvement project, there are many of us who are unsure what we should do, if we should even do anything at all. When it comes to deciding on a plan or a course of action, many individuals make the decision to focus on the good and the bad of the situation, this is most commonly referred to as the pros and the cons. If you are thinking about remodeling your kitchen, you may be wondering what the plus side of doing so is, otherwise know as the pros. Well, if you are interested in remodeling your kitchen, you are in luck. There are an unlimited number of ways that you can benefit from having your kitchen remodeled.

Perhaps, the greatest pro or positive benefit to having your kitchen remodeled is the increase in your home’s value. When it comes to kitchen remodeling and home values, you will find that, in most cases, a home’s value increases with a remodeling project, including a kitchen remodeling project. Although a large number of homes see an increase in their value, thanks to a kitchen remodeling project, not all of them do. Honestly, it all depends on the quality of the remodeling done. If a remodeling project is poor in quality or it may later lead to additional problems with the home, you will find that the value with not increase, but it might even decrease.

Another pro to remodeling your kitchen is the fact that you will, essentially, be getting a new kitchen. Although some homeowners choose to only remodel a small portion of their kitchen, others go right out and remodel the whole thing. Whether you make the decision to simply change your kitchen countertops and cabinets, or change your kitchen counters, cabinets, sink, oven, floor tiles, and wall paint, there is a good chance that your kitchen may appear as if it is a whole, brand new kitchen. As a homeowner, you may enjoy the change.

One of the many other pros to kitchen remodeling is one that you might not necessarily have thought of before. That pro is who can do the remodeling. As a homeowner, you have complete control over what you would like done, as well as who can do it. This means that if you would like to do your own kitchen remodeling, you can easy do so. If you do not have the time or the skill needed to remodel your own kitchen, you could also hire a professional to do it for you. You also have complete control over who you hire to remodel your kitchen, as well as how much you want to pay. That is one of the many pros to having your kitchen remodeling, even if you can’t do it yourself; there is someone else out there who can.

As previously mentioned, as a homeowner, you have complete control over what will and will not happen in your home. In addition to deciding whether or not you will do your own kitchen remodeling, you can also decide which type of remodeling is done. If you need to fix a few repairs, you could easily remodel only a portion of your kitchen, but if you would like a whole new look, you could remodel your whole kitchen; the decision is yours to make. You can also decide how you would like each portion of your kitchen remodeled. For instance, if you are interested in replacing your kitchen counter, you can easily find and choose the new materials, supplies, and designs that you want to use. The choice that you have is just one of the many pros to kitchen remodeling.

Although there are a number of pros to kitchen remodeling, there are also a number of cons. Cons are another way to describe disadvantages. The biggest con or disadvantage to remodeling your kitchen is the fact that it cannot only be costly, but time consuming. You may be able to recuperate the cost of your repairs, if and when you go to sell your home, but nothing is guaranteed. Since there are a number of pros and cons to kitchen remodeling, you will need to decide which is best for you. Perhaps, the best way to do this is to decide whether or not the pros outweigh the cons.



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Tools You May Need for Your Next Kitchen Remodeling Project

Tools You May Need for Your Next Kitchen Remodeling Project



Are you a homeowner who has recently decided that a remodeled kitchen is just what you need? If so, there is a good chance that you may want to do that remodeling yourself. If that is the case, there are a number of tools, likely a large number of tools, which you will need. While there is a good chance that you may already have the majority of the tools needed for your next kitchen remodeling project, there is also a cha

Kitchen demo - base cabinets goneImage by Tim Jarrett via Flickr

nce that you might not. Rest assure though because the majority of the tools needed can be found right at one of your local home improvement stores.

When it comes to determining the tools that you will need, when starting your remodeling, it is important to determine which type of remodeling you will be doing. For instance, if you are installing a new set of kitchen cabinets, you will find that the tools needed may vary a little bit from the tools that would be used to replace your kitchen floor. That is why it is advised that you determine exactly what in your kitchen you would like remodeled, as well as what types of tools will be needed. Despite the fact that you may need different tools for different projects, there are a number of common tools; common tools that you may need no matter what kitchen remodeling project you are working one.

Perhaps, the most important tools to have is a hammer. Hammers are used on a wide variety of different kitchen remodeling projects, particularly ones that require nails. Hammers can also be used to help position a tile or countertop piece into a tight space. Since hammers are used all around the house, sometimes on a daily basis, there is a good chance that you already own a hammer. In fact, there is a good chance that you own

Self-retracting pocket tape measure (imperial)Image via Wikipedia

more than one!

Aside from a hammer, it is also a good idea to have a collection of screwdrivers on hand. Although there is a good chance that you already own a couple of screwdrivers, you may want a multi-function screwdriver. A multi-function screwdriver is one that easily allows you to change the screwdriver heads, in no time at all. In fact, if you are really looking to save time, you may want to purchase an electric screw gun.

A putty knife is another tool that you may need to use, when remodeling your kitchen. Putty knifes are ideal when replacing a kitchen countertops or when retiling your kitchen floor. They are great for removing unwanted or unneeded caulk or spreading around the glue that is needed to hold your kitchen tiles down. Putty knifes are common tools, but they are not as common as hammers or screwdrivers; therefore, you may need to purchase yourself one.

It may also be a good idea to have box cutters or handsaws on hand. If you are replacing the flooring in your kitchen or if you are installing a new laminate kitchen countertop, there is a good chance that you need to cut materials down to size. In some cases, a box cutter could do, but in other cases, you may need a handsaw. That is why it is best to have them both on hand.

In addition to the above mentioned tools, you may need to have a wrench, a measuring tape, a glue gun, a pair of pliers, and a ladder. Of course, it is also advised that you think along the lines of safety. In addition to the above mentioned tools, it may be a good idea to have a pair of safety goggles, a face mask, work gloves, and even a hard topped construction hat, just in case.



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Monday, June 29, 2009

Remodeling Your Kitchen: Should You Get a Dishwasher

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Remodeling Your Kitchen: Should You Get a Dishwasher



Have your recently made the decision to remodel your kitchen? If so, do you already have a remodeling plan developed? If not, you may want to think about purchasing yourself a dishwasher, if you don’t already have one. Even if you all of your kitchen remodeling has been planned and you would like a dishwasher, you still should be able to have one. That is why you may serious want to think about purchasing yourself a dishwasher before you proceed any further.

One of the many questions asked about dishwashers and remodeling is how it is possible, especially after a remodeling plan has already been developed. In some cases it will be a little bit more difficult than other

Dishwasher, open and loaded with dishesImage via Wikipedia

s, but in other cases it will be relatively easy, especially if you plan on redoing your kitchen cabinets. When it comes to installing a dishwasher in the kitchen, a large number of homeowners just eliminate one of their kitchen cabinets or cupboards. This will allow enough room for most standard size dishwashers. Therefore, even if you have planned your remodeling, right down to the last kitchen floor tile, you can still have that dishwasher you have already dreamed of, if you still want it.

Incase you aren’t already aware; there are a number of benefits to owning a dishwasher. One of those benefits is saved time, especially if you have a large family. The average family goes through at least three different sets of dishes each day; one for breakfast, one for lunch, and one for dinner. Whether you just dislike washing dishes by hand or you feel as if your kitchen sink never stops piling up, you could benefit from the use of a kitchen dishwasher. What is nice about dishwashers is that you just load them, turn them on, and return back to whatever you were doing before. In most cases, you will find that it takes less than five minutes to get a dishwasher loaded and running.

In addition to the above mentioned dishwasher benefits, you may also like that dishwashers come in a number of different styles. While most dishwashers are the same size, the designs are what set most apart. It is not uncommon to find traditional white dishwashers, black dishwashers, black and white dishwashers, silver, as well as stainless steel dishwashers. Essentially, this means that you could easily find a dishwasher to match the rest of your kitchen, even after the remodeling has occurred. In fact, purchasing a dishwasher when you purchase your other kitchen remodeling supplies is a great way to ensure that everything matches.

The price is something else that you may be pleased about. Even if you are remodeling your kitchen on a budget, you should be able to find a dishwasher that fits into your budget. Standard model dishwashers, which typically come in white or black, sell for as low as $150. If you are not necessarily shopping on a budget, but rather shopping for the dishwasher that would best match the rest of your kitchen, you should expect to pay more. High end dishwashers often sell for $1,000.

Perhaps, it would be easiest to add a dishwasher to your kitchen remodeling plan if you are doing your own repairs. Many homeowners, with an instruction manual, are more than able to successfully install their dishwashers. However, even if you are using a professional to remodel your kitchen, they could still easily add a dishwasher into their list of things to do. In most cases, you will find that the cost of remodeling is the same, but it isn’t guaranteed; you may have to pay a small additional fee. Whether or not these fees exist depends on who you are working with.

Although there are a number of benefits to working a new dishwasher into your kitchen remodeling plans, you may still be unsure as to whether or not you really want to. If this is the case, it may be a good idea to examine dishwashers online or in one of your local home improvement stores. There is a good chance that once you see all of the dishwashers that are available, preferably one that would look great in your kitchen after it was remodeled, it may be easier to make a decision.

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Sunday, June 28, 2009

Ready to Modern Renovate

When dealing with people trying to sell their homes, Tori Stein hears this all the time:

The dwelling’s fascia is faded or worn, which can mean wood rot. Homeowners wonder if they can get by just with a paint job, but Stein advises against it. She says that some things are too important to touch up or gloss over.

ambient lightImage by domanske via Flickr


Stein, vice president of locally based Atlantic Builders Inc. and current president of the Charleston Trident Home Builders Association, has a pet five-word answer: “It is what it is.”

In other words, customers should be prepared to bite the bullet on home repairs and do the job right the first time. Homeowners, too, can at least break even on kitchen and bathroom remodeling in terms of cost versus added value, says Stein, who has specialized in home remodeling for nearly a decade with Atlantic Builders, a “turn-key design build” firm. Her husband Paul Stein founded the venture in 1978.

But she cautions that money savings may not result in a slowing housing market, where sale prices aren’t as high as in a stronger scenario. Price savings, she says, may be overrated. Quality of work and materials is most important. She used the analogy of two supermarket buggies, one filled with macaroni, the other with caviar. The caviar cart is going to cost more, but it’s a much more valuable commodity, too.

Home renovations are popular today as people remodel existing houses they plan to live in for some time or fix them up to prepare for sale.

Renovations can be extensive, expensive, cosmetic or basic. Sometimes, they aren’t the main focus of a house for sale but are important nonetheless.

Home renovations can be tricky because the design crew is dealing with older surroundings, whether just a few years or a few centuries.

“You are working with a pre-existing condition,” Stein says. “Old plumbing, old electrical work, old air conditioning. I have to know how they built over the past 200 years.”

Modern upgraded kitchens, along with luxurious master bathrooms, tend to be a big focus of design and remodeling businesses.

“That’s where you can make the most dramatic changes,” Stein says. “The kitchen is the heart of the house. There’s a living room but everyone wants to hang out in the kitchen.”

By the same token, some homes are renovated to eliminate rooms or features that were once popular but have fallen out of favor.

“We used to build homes with a formal dining room,” Stein says. They look elegant but may only get used three times as year. Lately, she has opened up kitchens by knocking out the nonstructural wall between the kitchen and the dining room.

Similarly, people don’t always have time to take baths, so homeowners design roomy showers with double showerheads and other features. Fireplaces, too, look nice but may be used only a few months out of the year, so they aren’t a necessity as in the past.

Hardwood floors give homes a solid, distinguished look. Upgraded lighting can make a house brighter and make it easier to see and read. Structured wiring can handle online service, audio systems, high-end TVs and even home theaters – one room of the house where she recommends carpeted floors to keep the noise level down.

Picking out a home remodeler can be a task. Stein says homeowners need to make sure businesses are licensed and bonded. Good sources are local municipalities and the state Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation.

Specialists work with the homeowners to help them pick and choose what they want. Stein says, “OK, you’ve got $30,000 from plumbing to cabinets. We pull it all together. Most people can’t visualize.”

Stein, who recently won awards for a total restoration of a Kiawah Island villa, says, “I actually used to build homes, but I wanted something more of a challenge. I went into remodeling, which can be incredibly difficult.”

Home redesign – whether to take care of much-needed repair, adding or upgrading rooms, or major remodeling – may prove costly on the front end but can be worth it from a livability standpoint, whether it’s your dream home or someone else’s when you sell.

“Any time you remodel it’s an improvement,” Stein says.

Reach Jim Parker at 937-5542 or jparker@postandcourier.com.





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