Month: February 2019

Cabinets not only add beauty to the kitchen, they are vital to keeping it organized. Like other features, the size, quality, style, material and finish are all important. This can increase the difficulty in finding the right type, but these tips may be helpful.

1. Start with a budget. How much you spend depends on the type of wood, the size and the style of the cabinets. This can account for as much as 45 to 50% of your remodeling budget. If you have a total budget in mind you can have a rough idea of how much you might spend on cabinets.
2. Get measurements. Determine where cabinets will be installed and get the measurements. This sets the basic cabinet size, and helps in setting the cost.
3. Decide between custom or pre-made. Pre-made cabinets are the more affordable option, but there are some drawbacks. You may be forced to adjust other features to accommodate the sizes. These types are generally not the same quality as custom cabinets. Custom cabinets also generally offer wider ranges in design, style and sizes.
4. Find the right style. The look of the kitchen and your home’s architecture should guide the look of your cabinets. The diverse style can make choosing difficult, but there are plenty of great ideas in home improvement magazines and on the Internet. A carpenter can also help you to find the right style for your kitchen.
5. Think about wood type and color. The kitchen’s color scheme and the countertop material should be a good visual fit for cabinets. Cabinet finishes can be bright white, dark wood or anything in between.
6. Consider organizational features. Just as important as the look of your cabinets is how you will use them. How many shelves will they have, and what will the shelf height be? Nifty features like pull-outs for utensils, wine or condiments. Corner shelves and roll out shelves can also boost efficiency in the kitchen.

The desire for additional options may rule out pre-made kitchen cabinets. Stock cabinets can be difficult to modify, so it makes sense to invest in custom styles to get exactly what you want right from the start. Additionally, stock cabinets usually need to be replaced more quickly than custom types. Do not buy kitchen cabinets until you fully work out the size, look and finish. This way you can expect them to last for years and reap the benefits of a functional kitchen.

One of the advantages of home remodeling is the return on investment (ROI). Some projects pay off more than others, and one of the most attractive in terms of ROI is bathroom remodeling. Typically, these average between 60 – 65%, but it can be even higher with luxury upgrades. Here are some of the best ideas that will appeal to buyers and boost the property’s profile.

1. Aging in place upgrades. More families are staying under one roof, so it is likely that some buyers consider the needs of aging parents. Additionally, these features can be useful for individuals with disabilities. Bathrooms with these upgrades will make the home safer, and buyers will be willing to spend a bit more if there is no need to carry out their own upgrades.
2. Sink/vanity combo. An attractive vanity can instantly transform the look of a bathroom. Choose a style and finish that blends with any other improvements. If the sink is in good condition, its age could detract from the décor. Think of a new sink as making a contribution to the new look. The vanity does the same thing, plus it helps to keep the bathroom free of clutter.
3. New lighting features. Too many bathrooms suffer from poor lighting, and this is even worse when the bathroom is not located beside an exterior wall. The bathroom should only be bright, it should have layered lighting options. If the mirror does not have its own lights, adding sconces to either side will be a simple but elegant touch. The shower or bathtub should also have its own light source.
4. New tiles. The range of colors and patterns can give any bathroom a visual boost. The right tones such as terra cotta, can add warmth, and other can make the space luxurious. Choose a non-slip texture to enhance safety. If you are willing to spend a bit more, there are also custom tile options available.
5. A statement bathtub. Some homeowners are getting rid of bathtubs in favor of spa-like showers, but this is still something that home buyers expect to see. If you want a return on your investment consider adding a statement tub. An elegant freestanding tub gives the bathroom a classic touch. It also reinforces the idea of this space being ideal for relaxation after a long day.

When you decide to remodel the bathroom, one of your first thoughts will be about the cost. However, given that these projects tend to pay off well, choose quality materials and products to get the best results.