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Last week in our blog, we talked about how to set and stick to a remodeling budget. One of the tips was to consider phasing your remodel when you are considering large, multi-faceted projects such as a whole house remodel. Today, we are going to discuss four of the benefits of a phased remodel and situations where it is a good choice.

Any large investment requires establishing a budget. Whether it’s purchasing a new car or remodeling your home, determining how much you want to spend is one of the steps you will take early in the process. Just as anyone who has shopped for a car will know, the price will vary widely based on all of the additional features or upgraded materials that you choose. The same thing holds true with remodeling. This is why many remodelers will give you a range when providing their initial estimates for a particular project type and as you determine the project scope and make the specific material selections for your project, the actual cost can be determined.

Open concept kitchens get all the glory these days and many of our remodeling designs feature this type of layout, but there are some situations where a closed kitchen is a better option. In some cases, a homeowner may prefer maintaining a home’s original floor plan. You can usually count on finding the kitchen placed at the back of a Classic Colonial style home. In old historic homes, rooms are often divided by walls, allowing the kitchen, dining room, and living room to have dedicated spaces. Aside from architectural preferences, we also find that there are cases when a closed layout is more suitable to a family’s lifestyle preferences.

Close your eyes for a moment and imagine your dream kitchen. Take a virtual walk around and notice the cabinets, countertops, and the floor. What are the colors and textures that stand out to you? Do you see any special details such as a unique sink or range hood?

After the children are grown and move out of the house, many homeowners find themselves with extra space. Suddenly, your four bedroom home may have a couple of bedrooms collecting dust, a formal dining area that is only used sparingly, or other spaces that used to be kid-friendly that could use an update. This is the perfect opportunity to re-evaluate how you want to use your home for the coming years.

For years we’ve been designing master bathrooms that improve functionality and create a more relaxing atmosphere for homeowners. Finishes and fixtures that suit our client’s color preferences are always incorporated, and many like to add showers or bathtubs that can transform their bath into a spa-like experience. We don’t anticipate any of that going away; in fact, wellness has come to the forefront of manufacturer’s like Kohler and Toto’s new product offerings for the bath.

One of the top requests we hear when designing a kitchen remodel is to include an island. They’ve become a coveted element of design due to the functionality they can add to your kitchen. If you are looking for more storage, another prep area, or a place to sit for casual meals, a kitchen island can offer you all that and more. In some cases, however, they aren’t feasible due to the size or shape of a room’s layout. But don’t fret; if your kitchen can’t accommodate one, we have another solution, a peninsula!

Every year thousands of builders, remodelers, and designers attend the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) to see the latest and greatest products being offered by over 600 exhibitors. As the largest kitchen and bath design show in North America, this is THE place to spot the trends and innovations coming our way in cabinets and countertops, and this year things are taking a dark and dramatic turn – in color that is.

Wow! We’ve been doing some research and there are some really nice new colors, finishes, and innovations available in appliances. Each year we learn about new technology and it seems homeowners are eager to take advantage of those appliance options. New finishes however, take a bit longer to trickle down into our local neighborhood kitchens. The annual Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) just wrapped up so it was the perfect time for us to take a look and see what’s new out there. Here’s what we found was making waves at the show.

Let’s start with the basics. What is a transom window? The term transom refers to the horizontal beam or wood positioned above a window or door. A transom window sits right above that beam and is typically a narrow rectangular or half moon shape. You will most commonly see these above the main entry door or the front windows of a home. They can be operable to not only let light in, but also fresh air, or they can be used purely for light and architectural interest.

Do you have a room in your home that always feels dark and dreary? Take a look around the space, is it well lit, or does it lack natural or artificial light sources? Homes with poor lighting can feel small, uninviting, and even affect our mood. If you feel that yours fits this description, don’t despair; there are several renovation options you can undertake to make your home feel lighter, brighter, and happier!

Grand Rapids has been experiencing bitter cold temperatures. In fact, yesterday it was the coldest day on record since 1994! With the continued treacherous weather conditions, school, and business closings, we hope that your family and pets are safe and warm inside your homes. If you've got a case of cabin fever, grab a mug of hot cocoa and read through our cold weather tips!