Home Improvement Blog

How To Choose The Perfect Custom Cabinets For Your New Kitchen

August 14, 20140

Custom cabinets can transform your kitchen into something new.

When it’s time for kitchen remodeling, the hunt for the right custom cabinets can be overwhelming. Knowing what to look for before you go for your custom kitchen cabinets and hardware can help you handle the many choices.

Choosing Kitchen Cabinets

Everything in your new kitchen will center around your new kitchen cabinets. That’s why it is important to choose them wisely. The mistake many people make is choosing cabinetry based only on trends. However, there are many other factors to consider:

Door style – You can use this to design the rest of the custom made kitchen cabinets, choosing whatever style you prefer, from ultra modern to country.

Finish – Cabinet finishes can really tie your kitchen together. One popular option is to choose a custom cabinet finish that contrasts with your countertops. For instance, if you have a light granite countertop, try a darker finish. If your concern is the appearance of dirt, try lighter finishes. Surprisingly, light countertops don’t show dirt as much as darker finishes.

Material – Solid wood is still the most popular choice for custom cabinets, but there are other options. Metal, stainless steel and melamine are just a few from which you can choose. Many of these can still be finished to look like wood while withstanding the test of time.

Door mounting – Overlay is the most common for custom cabinets because the face frame can be seen around the doors. However, inset doors can be installed flush inside the frame, and full overlay cabinets hide the cabinet case behind them.

Choosing Custom Cabinet Hardware

Hardware for your cabinetry may seem like the easiest part of the kitchen remodeling selection process, but before you make the final decision, here are several factors you need to consider:

Style – First, select a style that matches the theme of your new kitchen. Are you looking for an ultramodern feel, a country cottage look or a traditional feel? Each style requires a different type of hardware.

Finish – The hardware needs to go with the finish you choose for the cabinets. However, don’t be afraid to mix and match. Your custom cabinets and hardware should complement one another, but it isn’t necessary for them to be the same color.

Maintenance – Textured custom cabinet hardware requires more upkeep and can be more difficult to clean. Consider a simpler look if you are too busy for extensive cleaning on a regular basis.

Function – If you spend a lot of time in your kitchen, this may take priority over style. Choose knobs that are more comfortable for your hands to prevent aches and pains as you open and close your cabinets.

Remodeling your kitchen is one of the biggest and most rewarding home projects you can do. If you are looking for someone to help you select and install your new custom cabinetry and hardware, contact us. Our Massachusetts contractors can assist with your entire kitchen remodeling project.

Add More Living Space With These Basement Remodeling Ideas

August 12, 20140

Basement remodeling contractors can help you transform your basement into livable space.

While the basement isn’t typically included in the square footage of a home, you can maximize the use of this space with basement remodeling. The cost of basement remodel projects varies dramatically based on the services required and the length of the project. However, the right business remodeling contractors can help you add more living space to your home without adding a lot to your budget.

A Rec Room

Many people enjoy having a special place to relax and unwind on the weekends or after a long day at work. This means one of the most popular basement remodeling ideas is a rec room. This room in your basement can be just about anything you want. Some people choose to install an entertainment center and comfortable seating to create a home theater. Others fill the room with game tables. Because of the wide variety of options, the cost of this basement remodel can fall into just about any budget.

An Extra Bathroom

Most homes only have bathrooms on the main or upper floors. This is because families typically spend a majority of their time on these floors. However, basement remodeling contractors often recommend putting an extra bathroom in the basement if you have the room to do so. This eliminates the need to head upstairs only to come back down again.

Playroom or Office

When you don’t have the space for a playroom or an office on the main floors of your home, you may feel as if you are out of luck. Thankfully, some simplebasement remodeling strategies can help you transform your basement into the perfect place for your children to play or to spend time working on your latest business projects. If your basement is large enough, you may even have room for both of these options.

Another Bedroom

As your family grows, you may find you don’t have enough room for everyone in the existing bedrooms. Whether there are large age gaps between your children or there is simply no more space, adding a bedroom in the basement can be a great alternative to buying another home. The cost of a basement remodel is often much cheaper than a home addition or investing in a larger home. If you have the space, why not transform it into livable area?

Basement remodeling contractors can help you figure out the best use of the space you already have. Whether you want to create a place to play, relax, work or sleep, the options are endless. As long as you consider the cost of a basement remodel in your plans, you will be able to transform an area that is only suitable for storage into extra living space for your home.

If you are looking for help with your basement remodeling project in Massachusetts, contact us. We can help you make the right decisions and complete every step of the process to increase your living space.

How to Prepare For The Perfect Garage Addition

August 7, 20140

A garage addition can add plenty of space for storage and parking.

Your garage was designed as a place to park your vehicles and to serve as storage for your outdoor items. However, sometimes you don’t have enough space or maybe you don’t have a garage at all. In these situations a garage addition is one of the best home additions you can consider. Before you talk to your contractor about garage remodeling ideas, learn how you can prepare for this project.

Do You Have the Space?

Zoning restrictions can make or break your idea for a garage addition. Most municipalities have regulations that dictate how close to the lot line you can build, as well as other factors in this type of project. Make sure you talk to your home additions contractor about any potential problems and whether you need to obtain permits or if they will. It is important to get the facts before you set your heart on this project.

Detached or Attached?

There are many benefits to each type of garage. When you consider all of the garage remodeling ideas, this is one you should pay close attention to. Sometimes your decision is made for you based on zoning regulations. In other situations, you must weigh the pros and cons to help you choose. An attached garage is often less expensive because there is one less wall to build, but a detached garage can give you greater flexibility and keeps exhaust fumes and power tool noise away from your home.

What Is the Right Size?

The size of your garage addition may also be dictated by zoning restrictions. However, if you have enough space, you will need to consider your needs to help determine the right size. For instance, if you have two large vehicles, a two-and-a-half car garage is your minimum. However, if you only have one small car and don’t have a lot of extras to store, a one car garage can work well. Also consider other features you want. For some, a tool bench is one of the necessary garage remodeling ideas.

Don’t Forget Access

Many homeowners don’t think about access and traffic flow when thinking about garage remodeling ideas. However, if you don’t already have a driveway or you choose a different location for your garage addition, you may also need to install a driveway, which can add to your budget. Make sure your chosen contractor keeps these factors in mind when creating your estimate.

A garage addition is a great option if you don’t already have one or your current garage isn’t meeting your needs. However, when you are working on garage remodeling ideas, it is important to consider these factors as you make your plans. The right home additions contractor will guide you through the process so you can have the garage you’ve always wanted.

If you are thinking about adding a garage to your property, contact us. Our Connecticut contractors have the skills needed to help you build the perfect garage.

The Advantages of Home Remodeling Versus Moving

August 5, 20140

Home remodeling projects often cost less than selling your home.

Not everyone loves their home just as much as the day they bought it. Perhaps you feel as if you have outgrown your home or maybe you no longer like the style or the layout. For some people, an outdated feel is enough to make them consider shopping for a new house. However, in today’s economy, trying to sell a home can be a long, difficult process. Weighing the benefits of home improvement and remodeling over selling your home can help you make the most informed decision for your benefit.

Stay Where You Are

One of the most difficult aspects of moving, especially if you have children, is leaving your old neighborhood behind. You may love your neighbors, your school district and the location and your kids likely have friends close by. Moving away means a new environment and new friends. However, when you choose home remodeling instead, you gain the benefit of rejuvenating your home without leaving anything behind.

Increase Your Home’s Value

The value of your home is important if you ever wish to sell. A home remodel can help you increase that value, giving you many benefits. Not only will it be easier to sell your home in the future for more money, you will also gain more equity in your home. This can be useful if you ever need to take out a home equity loan to pay off debt or fund another venture.

Update Older Features

If it’s the older features in your home that have you daydreaming of a new home, home improvement and remodeling can be the ideal option. A home remodelingcompany can help you choose which rooms in your home need updating. The bathroom and kitchen are two of the most frequent rooms to be remodeled in older homes. Adding new features improves the functionality of your home, making it easier to stay where you are.

An Inexpensive Option

While it isn’t always the case, a home remodel can often cost less than buying a new home. Home improvement and remodeling seem to cost a lot, but if you consider all the fees and other costs you encounter during a move, the difference is often staggering. For instance, when you move, you have closing costs, realtor fees, storage costs for your non-essentials, a moving truck and more. With home remodeling, you only have to pay for the materials and the work performed, keeping your costs much lower.

The next time you feel like it might be time to move, consider the benefits of home improvement and remodeling before you make your final decision. If you don’t have to relocate for a job, home remodeling can often be a better option for everyone. A home remodel helps you stay where you are while transforming your home into one you can enjoy living in again. It is also a less expensive choice that offers a greater return on your investment.

If you are thinking of remodeling instead of moving, contact us. Our Connecticut home remodelers can help you improve your home.

The Heat Is On! An Outdoor Kitchen Addition Adds Style and Value To Your Home

July 31, 20140

An outdoor kitchen addition can create a beautiful functional kitchen you can use to entertain.

When it comes to cooking, most people think of using the typical kitchen to create their favorite dishes. However, if you are considering home remodeling ideas, an outdoor kitchen addition can be a great option. Kitchen remodeling contractors can offer a number of ideas that add both style and value to your home and make it easier for you to entertain your guests.

More than a Grill

Many people love to grill outside during the warmer months of the year. For some people, this is all they have that could be considered an outdoor kitchen. However, when you are talking about a true outdoor kitchen, there’s so much more to it than just a grill. An outdoor kitchen addition can consist of a number of appliances you are used to seeing inside the home, such as a stove top, an oven and a refrigerator, as well as preparation areas so you can create anything you could make in your typical kitchen. There is even storage space for your pots, pans and utensils.

Put up Walls

Your kitchen remodeling contractors may recommend putting up walls around your outdoor kitchen. However, these walls are different than those you would otherwise find in your home. These walls can be shorter or may only cover three sides of the area, creating the illusion of a separate space from the rest of your backyard. Most people would find it unappealing to place an outdoor kitchen in the middle of the yard with no separation. Creating a special place for this new feature is the preferred method for this home remodeling project.

Start Small and Grow

For some people, an outdoor kitchen addition is an expense they can’t handle all at once. Many kitchen remodeling contractors are able to work on your new outdoor kitchen in small pieces so you can install the necessary elements and add to them as your budget allows. As you consider your home remodeling needs, think about whether you can afford the entire outdoor kitchen at once or if it is best to break it up into several smaller projects.

Proper Installation

Some homeowners think they can create their own outdoor kitchen. After all, how difficult can it be to add a few appliances and cabinets to your deck? Unfortunately, it can be quite difficult, especially when you consider the need to run plumbing, electrical wiring and gas lines from inside your home to your outdoor kitchen. These parts of the project require experienced kitchen remodeling contractors.

Home remodeling for your kitchen doesn’t always refer to your traditional kitchen. For some people, an outdoor kitchen addition can be a great way to add style, functionality and value to your home. These kitchens offer much more than a simple grill and offer the chance to cook outside instead of restricting yourself to the inside, especially when the weather is nice.

If you are considering an outdoor kitchen addition for your home, contact us. Our experienced Connecticut contractors can create a fun space for outdoor cooking.