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16 Apr 2022

Sticky Post By Steve Shinn, CR Posted in Blog, Flooring, Home Remodel Permalink

What’s New in Flooring for 2022

Sticky Post By Steve Shinn, CR On April 16, 2022

See the flooring trends for 2022 in this Houzz article by Julie Sheer. This article covers all the luxury vinyl, hardwood, faux wood, and stone flooring products debuting this year

Flooring Trends 2022

The new flooring on display at this month’s The International Surface Event trade show reflected the continuing dominance of luxury vinyl, porcelain and laminate wood-look flooring, with stone imitations popping up all over. In general, flooring colors are warming up, with cool grays giving way to browner tones and more rustic finishes in both real and imitation wood and stone. The move to more waterproof products, bigger tiles, and wider and longer planks continues as well.

“Everything’s going a little bit cleaner. There’s a lot of Scandinavian influence, which is not new, but it’s a mix with Japanese design and that clean-lined look,” says Kathryn Gluibizzi, senior designer for Armstrong Flooring. “You can’t forget that Nordic design has a lot of craftsmanship to it, and there’s a lot of rustic in Nordic design.” Along with freshened-up colors, there was more tile with a stronger rigid core and anti-slip surfaces. Here are some of the flooring highlights of the trade show for the tile, stone, and floor coverings industries, held Feb. 1-3 in Las Vegas. The new collections will be rolling out throughout 2022.

Gray Warms UpOne of the most noticeable trends at the Surfaces event was the lack of cool-toned driftwood gray in the flooring samples. There was plenty of gray, but it had warmer undertones. Some designers consider that part of the so-called Japandi design trend, which melds the Japanese interior style of warm tones and natural elements with a clean, minimalist Scandinavian influence.“You’ll see an element of nature in there, combined with a Scandinavian, more minimal look to achieve that Japandi look,” Gluibizzi says. “From a color point of view, it’s less about the cool grays and more about the warm grays.” Shown here is Armstrong Flooring’s Vantage Premier, a new collection of rigid-core luxury vinyl planks that includes the style pictured: Canyon Face Brushstroke in gray with brown undertones.

Shown here is Provenza Floors’ Moda Living waterproof luxury vinyl planks in Starlit Sea, a warmer gray, with a 20-mil-thick wear layer on the surface and measuring 9.06 inches wide and 72 inches long. The thickness of a luxury tile’s wear layer is measured in mils, with 1 mil equal to one-thousandth of an inch. (One millimeter equals about 40 mils.) The thicker the wear layer, the more durable and long-lasting the tile or plank. Most residential vinyl wear layers are from 8 to 12 mils thick. Experts recommend at least a 20-mil-thick wear layer for heavily used areas. Some of the tiles at the Surfaces event had beefy 30-mil wear layers.

Surface Art‘s display reflected the warmer gray trend in both wall and floor tile. Here’s Brio, glazed porcelain in 8½-by-10-inch solid hexagonal tiles, available in seven colors, along with four 8-by-8-inch patterned options, all suitable for flooring.

The warmer grays of Armstrong Flooring’s Beach-Sand Beige color are seen here in its faux wood Hermosa Rigid Core planks, from the Essentials Plus collection of luxury vinyl planks. They have a 20-mil wear layer and measure 7 by 60 inches. The tile behind it is from the same collection, in Provincial Life-Rose-Thorn Umber.

Not sure where to start on your home project? Learn the basics

Armstrong’s stone-look Alterna luxury vinyl tile, shown here in Grain Directions, achieves a new warmer gray using multiple tones. “These crackled washed concretes we’re seeing everywhere,” Gluibizzi says. “It has just a little bit more crackle detail that allows for it to be more multicolored. There’s a lot of different tones of gray, which makes it interesting.”

Johnson Hardwood’s new Green Mountain series of solid hardwoods include this oak in a warm gray called Craftsbury. Planks are available in maple or oak.

Airy coastal colors are trending right alongside grays, and porcelain tile is still a strong alternative to faux wood flooring. Emser Tile’s new Heirloom collection is a handsome choice for floors and walls. Shown here in Larch, it’s available in 8-by-35-inch tiles and in three colors.

Luxury Vinyl DominatesLuxury planks and tiles. Vinyl planks and tiles were seen in abundance at the Surfaces event, nearly overshadowing other types of flooring on display. Improved digital technology has resulted in ever more realistic imitations of wood and stone. The trend toward rigid cores in tiles and planks, along with thicker wear layers on the surface, has made these products more durable.“Rigid core” is the luxury vinyl tile (LVT) feature of the moment. Higher-quality luxury vinyl flooring constructed with this type of core offers more stability. Many products are now being constructed with a stone polymer composite (SBC) core rather than a wood polymer composite (WBC). Shown here is the new color Viking Hickory Pearl River from Armstrong’s Empower collection, which features vinyl planks with a rigid stone core.What to Know About Luxury Vinyl Flooring

A variety of luxury vinyl planks from Mannington’s Adura Apex collections were on display at the event.

Here’s Armstrong Flooring’s Essentials Plus Hermosa Rigid Core in a new color called Golden Sunset. The wood-look planks have a rigid stone polymer composite core and 20-mil wear layer for increased durability and scratch and stain protection. The planks are 7 inches wide and 60 inches long.

Karndean Designflooring had plenty of its luxury vinyl flooring on display, including some new colors in its Korlok Reserve collection. Luxury vinyl is increasingly popular for its ease of use and improved look, Karndean’s Jennifer Uhlemann says. “I think it’s simplicity. People are busy and want something they don’t have to worry about,” she says. “They don’t want something too fussy. With LVT you can clean it easily. It simplifies your life.”

Here are Karndean’s new chevron luxury vinyl planks in Pale Limed Oak. Having the chevrons already incorporated in a plank makes for easier installation, Uhlemann notes. All of Karndean’s products are Floor Score-certified, meaning they’ve been third-party-tested to ensure that their elements, including adhesives and underlayment, meet indoor air quality standards.

Provenza’s Uptown Chic luxury vinyl plank, shown here in Brown Sugar, has a 20-mil wear layer and measures 7 by 60 inches. It’s a good example of today’s more popular warm colors, with a surface that benefits from improved digital technology that shows knots and grooves.

Provenza’s MaxCore luxury vinyl flooring is 100% waterproof. The company’s new MaxCore collections will include wider planks and longer lengths; the New Wave collection features wide, long planks and 12 pattern selections derived from the company’s hardwood collections.

How to Pare Down and Pack Up Before Installing New Flooring

Sheet vinyl. Some of today’s sheet vinyl flooring borrows looks from natural stone and wood, complete with faux grouting. Armstrong’s Continuity Comfort, shown here in Unstrained Sunny Beige, is a vinyl sheet flooring with a wood-and-stone look. “We’re playing around with different gradations of a color,” Gluibizzi says. “This is a nice mixed-media idea where we have the Carrara and wood look mixed together.”

Here’s a wood-look sheet vinyl from Armstrong’s Continuity Comfort line called Cypress Grove Greige. The collection has designs that mimic wood, stone, and encaustic patterns, along with hexagons and other geometric designs.

Armstrong’s Continuity Comfort Unstrained vinyl sheet flooring in Geo Gem has strong patterning for a bold look. “I’d put it in a smaller room, but we love the geometry of this,” Gluibizzi says. “It’s a charcoal and not a true black, so that makes it softer and a little more livable.”

Armstrong’s Continuity Comfort Unstrained Sunny Beige vinyl sheet flooring has an almost retro look. The vinyl features Armstrong’s Diamond 10 Technology to make it scratch- and stain-resistant.

The Rise of LaminateIf you’ve experienced only cheap laminate with its shiny plastic look and feel, you’re in for a surprise. Today’s quality laminate flooring has come a long way. It’s still constructed of a layered composite of compressed wood fiber atop a durable fiberwood base, but improved technology means the image layer looks far more realistic. Products with bevels and an embossed texture that mimics real wood can easily compete with the best luxury vinyl planks.Some companies keep the word “laminate” in small print, preferring terms like “high-performance flooring,” a reference to the surface’s sturdiness and ease of maintenance. The German company Inhaus calls its new-generation laminate Lamdura, of which there was plenty on display at Surfaces, including this sample called Buckthorn, from the company’s Visions collection.

This Inhaus display of Lamdura flooring shows the variety of on-trend tones available in its laminate offerings. Lamdura includes three collections, with varying plank sizes and color variations. None of Inhaus’ products have PVC and all of its wood comes from sustainably harvested forests in Germany.

Johnson Hardwood’s Public House collection is laminate flooring with a stone polymer composite rigid core, registered embossing and a 30-mil wear layer.

Johnson Hardwood also has a new collection of laminate planks called Olde Tavern. The series includes shades that mimic reclaimed hardwood, shown here in the trending warmer gray tones.

Wood Is Still GoodFor those who want the real thing, there were plenty of hardwood flooring samples on display at Surfaces. These also reflected the trends of moving away from cool grays and toward warmer tones, richer browns, and hand-scraped rustic surfaces. When lighter shades did turn up, they tended to be airy and coastal-feeling. Similar to luxury vinyl products, hardwood planks are trending wider and longer. Shown here is the Prato color from Provenza’s new Volterra collection of European oak, ranging from light to rustic color variations, with hand scraping, knots, and cracks to evoke a timeworn feel.

Engineered wood, an increasingly substantial segment of the hardwood market, was a popular offering at the show. Consisting of natural wood on the surface with a composite of wood fibers, particles, strands, and veneers forming the rest of the plank, engineered wood tends to be less expensive than hardwood. But unlike solid wood, it can be refinished only a certain number of times. This display from Johnson Hardwood showed its English Pub engineered hardwood, available in hickory or maple.

What to Know About Engineered Wood Floors

Provenza’s new Volterra collection of engineered European oak is shown here in Lombardy.

Johnson Hardwood’s Victorian series of engineered hardwood is available in acacia or hickory.

Provenza’s display of its Old World collection of engineered hardwood featured wire-brushed, hand-distressed, and hand-scraped solid oak and ash. Planks are 7.44 inches wide and up to 6 feet long.

How to Care for Engineered Wood Flooring

Stone Looks AboundStone looks were on display in abundance at the Surfaces event. Stone-like porcelain and luxury vinyl are showing up in a variety of room settings, from living rooms to laundry rooms, and natural stone also remains a durable and elegant choice. Here’s Emser Tile’s new travertine-like Livorno glazed porcelain tile in the Ulivo color.

Here’s a closer look at Emser’s Livorno, travertine-look glazed porcelain available in four muted shades and two sizes.

Daltile’s Wanderwise is a new collection of glazed porcelain tile that mimics limestone in three neutral colors, including Drift, shown here in 6-by-24-inch matte-finish planks installed in a herringbone pattern.

Terrazzo, a midcentury throwback, is having a moment again. The real thing is a composite of quartz, marble, metals or glass set in resin or cement, and today’s porcelain imitations look pretty convincing. Daltile’s Modernist collection in Pearsall is shown here in a 24-by-24-inch grid pattern.

Here’s a closer view of Daltile’s Modernist terrazzo-look porcelain. The existing collection added a 36-by-36-inch tile this season.

Photo from Quality Marble and Granite

For some, nothing can compete with real stone, such as the Perla Venata quartzite slabs shown here in trending neutral tones. At a Surfaces event session called Trending Natural Stones, moderated by Sarah Gregg of the Natural Stone Institute, the latest looks in stone included numerous beige tones, making a comeback after many years when just about everything was white and gray.

Photo from Artistic Tile

For those who crave the ultimate in luxury flooring, real marble is their No. 1 option. Shown here are squares of Invisible Blue marble, featuring a shimmery blue background with soft gray veins and taupe tones. Striking patterns in natural stone have been in demand, Gregg says, adding that the current preference is for soft and subdued veining and larger tile sizes.

The concrete look is ever popular in flooring. Here it gets warmed up in a luxury vinyl tile from Armstrong Flooring’s Essentials Plus collection, shown in Caledonia Celtic Fog. The rigid-core tiles measure 9 inches wide by 60 inches long.

As part of its porcelain tile display, American Olean showed its limestone- and wood-mimicking Historic Limestone Landmark Hex 12-by-10-inch tile in Native Blend, along with Native color floor tile.

Armstrong Flooring’s Lost Empire Amber Sagebrush, from its Alterna stone-look luxury vinyl tile collection, is a cooler gray with hints of a distressed-rug, faded encaustic pattern. “It’s a new classic that can go with pretty much anything, for folks that really love the new graphic way things are going but can’t quite make the commitment to go with black-and-white encaustic tiles. This is a way to do something softer,” Gluibizzi says. The groutable engineered tiles come in a variety of styles, including imitation slate, travertine, concrete, and marble in three sizes.

Here’s a view of Armstrong’s Alterna Lost Empire in Amber Sagebrush luxury vinyl tiles in the 16-by-16-inch size.

Emser’s Erosion concrete-look porcelain tile is available in three sizes and four colors.

Daltile’s Articulo line of imitation travertine porcelain tiles includes this polished 12-by-24-inch tile in Column Grey. The collection’s chevron mosaic polished tiles are on the fireplace wall.

Marble looks in vinyl flooring are hitting critical mass — they were seen everywhere at the Surfaces show. Here’s a selection of stone-look samples from Karndean’s Korlok Select luxury vinyl tile with a rigid core.

Provenza’s Stonescape collection of stone-look luxury vinyl tiles with a waterproof rigid core features a variety of shades.

Article by Julie Sheer, Houzz Contributor February 25, 2022

The original can be found here.

Home Remodeling in the Greater Phoenix Area

For high-end home design, build, and remodeling in the greater Phoenix area that reflects your vision, Homework Remodels will help you love your home again. Start your project by calling us at (480) 895-3442 or email [email protected] to discuss your remodeling project. We offer no-obligation in-home consultation. Our NARI-certified award-winning designers and craftsman are eager to work with you to make your vision for your home a reality! See our portfolio here.

19 Feb 2022

Sticky Post By Steve Shinn, CR Posted in Award-Winning, Blog, Build/Design Process, Design, Home Remodel Permalink

How the Design/Build Concept Works

Sticky Post By Steve Shinn, CR On February 19, 2022

You’ve been dreaming of your remodel for a long time and the time is right for you to finally go for it! Now, that you are ready, do you know what the best process is for a successful remodel? Tri-Lite Builders has developed a proven Design/Build concept we go through with all our clients that spans from the initial design consultation, through construction, and on to the finishing process.

We start by asking several questions to get to know you and your style. We listen carefully so we can weave our knowledge and creativity with your hopes and dreams to enhance your home. Our principal objective is to guide you through every aspect of the remodel: from room layout/space plan to the most important detail of your new kitchen, bathroom, or home addition.

Each design phase has similar elements that we craft uniquely to you and the variables involved in your design concept. Your project may include creating hand-drawn renderings or computer-generated 3D views of your new kitchen, bathroom, or floor plan. Each rendering or 3-D view is drawn so that you can preview the feel of your new kitchen or bathroom before construction starts. Throughout project development, your designer is there to lead you through each step.

INITIAL CONSULTATION IN THE DESIGN/BUILD CONCEPT

During our initial phone call, we discuss the remodeling project you want to do. We answer the questions you have about our design/build concept process, construction, project management. Then we ask several questions, to get to know a little about you, your home, and what you envision for your remodel. Next, we schedule a no-obligation in-home consultation. During this consultation we:

Explore your space
Define the initial Scope of Work
Learn more about your lifestyle and preferences
Answer the design questions you have
Discuss comparable budget ranges from similar projects

If you find we are a good fit: personality, design concept, and estimated budget, we begin our design and pre-construction phase.

DESIGN PHASE

The Design Phase will take our preliminary concepts and budget to the finished design and fixed budget with all selections made. We work hand-in-hand to collaborate with you on all details of the design to include:

Floor plan options
Appliance Selection
Cabinet styles and color choices
Countertop material and slab selection
Tile selections including decorative accents for backsplashes, floors, or showers
Plumbing features including styles, finishes, and locations
Electrical features, lighting fixtures, and their placement
Coordinate color choices for all features and walls

Our goal is to create a kitchen, bathroom, or addition that you will be proud of and your family and friends will enjoy. At Design Phase completion the plan is in place: every product is specified, each trade partner is on board, the drawings are ready and the budget is set and approved by you. Time to execute the plan.

BUILD PHASE

The Plan, our specification documents that itemize all product selections, the scope of the remodel work to complete, drawings of the particulars, and budget amounts become part of the Construction Contract. These documents encompass “The Plan” and serve as the guide for our Production team. They work together with the Designer during the Design Phase to ensure that all construction requirements are met. Throughout the Build Phase, our Project Manager is there to execute the details of the plan. The Project Manager is your day-to-day hands-on leader of your remodel and point of contact. Learn more about Tri-LiteBuilders here.

Home Remodeling in the Greater Phoenix Area

For high-end home design, build, and remodeling in the greater Phoenix area that reflects your vision, Tri-Lite Builders will help you love your home again. Start your project by calling us at (480) 895-3442 or emailing [email protected] to discuss your remodeling project. We offer no-obligation in-home consultation. Our NARI-certified award-winning designers and craftsman are eager to work with you to make your vision for your home a reality! See our portfolio here.

04 Feb 2022

Sticky Post By Steve Shinn, CR Posted in Bathroom Remodels, Blog, Home Improvements, Home Remodel, Kitchen Remodels, Lifestyle, Trends Permalink

Remodeling Trends for Updating Your Home in 2022

Sticky Post By Steve Shinn, CR On February 4, 2022

Trends are a great way to determine what is going on around us and how it affects the way we live. With the pandemic, we have found our homes stretched to meet new needs…it has become a place to work, go to virtual class, and entertain guests safely all while remaining a cozy home with spaces to retreat. Below are the trends from a blog, Remodeling Trends for 2022 by Shannon Lee who writes for bobvilla.com.

Here’s what we predict will matter most to homeowners about updating their homes in 2022.

Sustainability Everywhere

Environmental issues have taken hold in the collective American consciousness as more intense weather patterns and changes in nature’s cycles begin to affect our day-to-day lives. As a result, it’s no wonder so many are looking for more sustainable, eco-friendly products and techniques for their homes.

Expect to see landscaping that beautifies yet protects, especially in areas prone to wildfire or flood, as well as exterior walls of brick or stone. Inside the house, repurposed flooring is predicted to become more popular. In addition, there is an increasing amount of attention being paid to sustainable options like bamboo or cork. Look to the roof for solar panels that take eco-friendliness even further.

Safety Features Inside and Out

Pandemic woes meant staying at home quite a bit, and that often led to realizations about safety in the home. HVAC units with “whole house” air filtration systems or anti-microbial tile may become more common.

Many households now have several generations under one roof, and that means accommodating the difficulties the elderly might have with their day-to-day lives. To that end, expect to see many people renovating their homes for aging in place, complete with roll-in showers, grab bars, and nonslip flooring.

Outside the home, there’s been an increase in demand for those things that keep us safe inside, such as backup generators. The demand for installation of generators is expected to grow by almost 6 percent by 2026.

Multifunctional Rooms

Adults working from home and kids learning in virtual school often meant many people battling for the same work or study space in a home. As a result, multifunctional rooms are a trend to watch in 2022. These are rooms that do double-duty as study halls and work zones, complete with Zoom setups and comfortable seating with central charging stations as a must-have feature.

Kitchen islands served both as breakfast bars and classrooms, so expect the trend to move toward carving out dedicated nooks for each function. If you choose to sell the property later, the return on investment for a minor kitchen remodel can be quite attractive. The trend might extend to furniture as well, with convertible desks and gym equipment that allows for work and exercise at the same time.

Bathrooms That Feel Like Spas

Spending more time at home with other family members can mean a lack of privacy, and that can lead to frustrations. Those seeking privacy in a crowded home might look to increase their bathroom space even further.

Look for luxurious changes as well as practical ones, such as built-in storage units in the bathroom cabinets, deep vessel sinks, and better bathroom lighting ideas (including those with a twist—think bathroom chandeliers). And of course, sturdy locks to keep that well-earned bubble bath all to yourself.

Outdoor Spaces

Those who wanted to entertain during the pandemic often found the only way to make it happen was outdoors. Social distancing helped increase the demand for outdoor space in 2021, and that trend shows no signs of slowing down.

Homeowners are focusing on their patios, decks, and outdoor kitchens as places to relax outside of the walls of the home. Plus, staying home during the pandemic led to a significant uptick in gardening, both growing produce for cooking as well as decorative plants for beautifying the home.

Mudrooms or Transitional Rooms

If you’re going to have a lot of outdoor space to play in, there needs to be an area that transitions back into the home. That’s where a mudroom becomes a handy space. The trend includes mudrooms or “drop zones” with copious amounts of storage for shoes and coats, deep sinks or washing stations for those overzealous pets, or even showers for the humans.

Depending upon the location of the mudroom, it could also include a landing spot for deliveries of packages or groceries if it’s at the side of the house or part of a newly remodeled garage.

Going Retro

Supply shortages were an unfortunate reality for a wide variety of industries in 2021, and the world of home improvement was no exception. From shortages of certain paint colors to an inability to get new furniture delivered in a timely manner, many homeowners have turned to other options for sprucing up their home. The result is a newfound love of retro style.

Local flea markets, yard sales, and antique stores are all great places to land that perfect vintage feel. One-of-a-kind pieces or those that have been upcycled with new upholstery or paint are ideal for a lived-in look at a fraction of the price of something new. Vintage items in a home also support the all-important themes of sustainability and eco-friendliness.

Unique Kitchen Configurations

While the open-concept layout of a home might be vanishing, turning the kitchen into a multipurpose room is definitely a trend that isn’t likely to stop anytime soon. To that end, many homeowners are going with two kitchen islands: one for entertaining and food preparation and the other for school, work, and everything else.

While any sort of kitchen remodel can offer up great return on investment, having two kitchen islands in a carefully balanced aesthetic catapults a simple, mid-range kitchen into high-end territory.

More Attention to Storage

Minimalism has been around for many decades, and the advantages of decluttering have become legend. As Marie Kondo asks, does it spark joy? If not, perhaps you shouldn’t have it around. For many, the solution to this is better storage for the things they don’t want to see every day, but can’t bear to part with.

Kitchen cabinets with pull-out shelves, appliance garages, bathroom cabinetry configured to handle all the small tools of hair care and hygiene, cubbies and hooks throughout entry areas, and under-bed storage with smooth-sliding drawers are all options to hide things away and streamline the look of a room.

The Home Office

Home offices have grown in popularity over the years, but the importance of them truly hit home during the pandemic. As unprecedented numbers of workers log into work from their couch, a more ideal scenario of a proper home office with a door that locks and a dedicated phone line has become a serious home renovation goal. This trend will surely result in many spare bedrooms or even empty spaces above the garage being transformed into a dedicated space for work.

Home Remodeling in the Greater Phoenix Area

Remodeling on your mind? Tri-Lite Builders is an award-winning remodeler with years of experience. We focus primarily on amazing kitchens, luxurious bathrooms, and large whole-home remodeling projects that include outdoor living spaces. You can learn more about us here. Ready to start? Give us a call at (480) 895-3442 for a free consultation. We look forward to making your dreams a reality!

This blog was shared from https://www.bobvilla.com/articles/remodeling-trends-2022/

07 Dec 2021

Sticky Post By Steve Shinn, CR Posted in Blog, Home Improvements, Home Remodel, Trends Permalink

Here’s Every 2022 Color of the Year So Far

Sticky Post By Steve Shinn, CR On December 7, 2021

This blog is shared from Better Homes & Garden blog, November 5, 2021. We think it’s a great resource to check out the color trends for 2022 (thus far!) as well as for home design tips.

Better Homes & Gardens just announced its selection for the 2022 color of the year. Check out all the must-have shades heading into the new year, according to some of the biggest names in paint.

Color resonates in distinct ways for different people. During the turbulence of the COVID-19 pandemic, some gravitated toward soothing neutrals while others immersed themselves in bright, uplifting colors. Now, as we begin to imagine a post-pandemic world, the colors that fill our homes and lives will again vary widely, but certain trends are likely to emerge—and some experts are already predicting the top 2022 paint colors.

Each year, paint companies and color experts reveal their picks for the shade that best encapsulates the current period. Their choices for color of the year often draw on trends in pop culture, fashion, technology, and design from around the world, and the results are starting to roll in for 2022. Better Homes & Gardens is the latest major paint brand to announce its selection, but there will be many more to come. See if this popular shade resonates with you, then check back to find out all the 2022 colors of the year as they’re announced.

Laurel Leaf by Better Homes & Gardens

Laurel Leaf is the first-ever paint color of the year from the Better Homes & Gardens collection, available only at Walmart. This dusty green shade mimics the rejuvenating appeal of eucalyptus leaves and reflects a renewed desire to incorporate elements of nature into our homes. “During the pandemic, people spent more time outside enjoying their backyards, parks, and other outdoor spaces,” said Max Wilker, style director for the Better Homes & Gardens brand. “And now those shades of green are coming along back inside the home.”

Because of its organic feel and warm undertones, Laurel Leaf pairs beautifully with creamy whites, cozy beiges, light to medium wood tones, and leafy house plants, Wilker says. Try it in a bedroom to foster a comfortable, relaxing atmosphere, or use it to inspire focus and concentration in a home office. In a dining room, it can serve as a sophisticated backdrop that delivers color without going too bold. All paint colors in the Better Homes & Gardens collection, including Laurel Leaf, are available exclusively at Walmart.

Art and Craft by Dunn-Edwards

Dunn-Edwards’ pick for 2022 color of the year is a warm, earthy shade that reflects a broader back-to-nature trend in interior design. Art and Craft DET682 is a soft, sophisticated brown that channels the richness of walnut wood and offers a peaceful, grounding effect. “Art and Craft is truly a down-to-earth color that signifies stability, comfort, and calm, a color that expresses what we all seek right now,” said Sara McLean, color expert and stylist for Dunn-Edwards, in a press release.

This moody, complex color draws inspiration from the bohemian aesthetic of the 1970s as well as today’s folksy cottagecore trend. Use it as an all-over paint color to establish an inviting feel in living areas, dining rooms, and bedrooms. For a modern take, coat both the walls and millwork in Art and Craft to envelop the entire room in cozy warmth. Pair this chocolatey brown with light, breezy neutrals to brighten it up, or opt for vibrant jewel tones to lean into a luxurious look. This 2022 color of the year is available at Dunn-Edwards stores and at numerous independent retailers across the U.S.

October Mist by Benjamin Moore

Benjamin Moore’s pick for 2022 color of the year is a soft, silvery green called October Mist 1495. This botanical shade mimics the pale green of a flower stem and serves as the foundation for the brand’s larger 2022 color trends palette. The assortment includes 14 nature-inspired hues that span tinted off-whites, warm earth tones, and refreshed primary colors.

“October Mist 1495 and the corresponding color trends 2022 palette reflects an effortless harmony of colors while inspiring unique combinations for any paint project,” said Andrea Magno, Benjamin Moore’s director of color marketing and development, in a press release.

Combine the gentle tones of October Mist with a rich dark shade like Gloucester Sage HC-100 to add warmth and depth to a monochromatic palette. For a crisp look, bring out this color of the year’s cool undertones with an icy blue-green like Quiet Moments 1563 or the inky blue-black Mysterious AF-565. All of the shades from the color trends 2022 palette, including October Mist, are available on Benjamin Moore’s website and at local paint and hardware retailers nationwide.

Evergreen Fog by Sherwin-Williams

Sherwin-Williams selected the subtly soothing Evergreen Fog SW 9130 as its 2022 color of the year. The mid-tone gray-green signifies a shift away from the cool neutrals and brilliant jewel tones that have previously dominated paint color trends. This familiar, organic color can extend a comforting welcome in entryways, establish quiet and calm in bedrooms or bathrooms, and introduce restorative energy to living rooms, kitchens, and other common areas.

“Evergreen Fog is a sophisticated wash of color for spaces that crave a subtle yet stunning statement shade,” said Sue Wadden, director of color marketing at Sherwin-Williams, in a press release. “Evergreen Fog inspires us to begin again and is a great choice for modern interiors and exteriors.” Wadden suggests complementing the color with warm, earthy neutrals, such as beige, camel, or coffee brown. Then bring in additional layers of texture with natural materials including wood, leather, jute, and rattan. For a polished look that veers more glam, try incorporating a mix of metal finishes like warm brass, light gold, or matte black. You can find Evergreen Fog at Sherwin-Williams stores nationwide.

Valspar 2022 Colors of the Year

Instead of naming a singular color of the year, Valspar curated a palette of 12 nature-inspired hues that represent our current craving for comfort and calm. These 2022 colors of the year encompass warm neutrals, dusty pastels, and soothing blues and greens, ranging from light and subtle to dramatically dark. Each shade was selected for its ties to nature and ability to foster a peaceful, optimistic mindset.

“Colors can power moods, energizing us with confidence, strength, and curiosity—allowing us to express ourselves with color anywhere—whether it be a full room, an accent wall, trim or furniture,” said Sue Kim, Valspar color marketing manager, in a press release. “Valspar’s 2022 Colors of the Year provide consumers a wide range of naturally based warm colors that will not only help calm the nerves and boost the mood but also provide a confidence in what the future may hold.”

Incorporate these trending colors into your home on walls, cabinetry, trim, and more, selecting shades that help foster the mood you want to create. For example, envelop a bedroom in luxurious comfort with walls painted in deep-blue Mountain River 4005-6C, and incorporate warm wood accents and warm lavender Lilac Lane 1002-4B for a lift. Or combine off-white Gilded Linen 6002-1A with the coppery tones of Rustic Oak 2007-7B for inviting warmth in living rooms and entryways. Blanched Thyme 6001-4A and Grey Suit 4004-2A are both great for encouraging balance and well-being in home offices, bathrooms, or kitchens. All of Valspar’s colors of the year are available at Lowe’s stores, Lowes.com, and independent retailers nationwide.

Aleutian by HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams

Like a well-worn pair of faded blue jeans, Aleutian HGSW3355 from HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams embodies comfort and relaxation. Named the brand’s 2022 color of the year, this washed-out indigo serves as the foundation of a larger 2022 color collection called Softened Refuge. Combining soft neutrals with muted earth tones, the mix of 10 complementary hues is intended to create “a sense of comfort and calmness with color,” said Ashley Banbury, senior color designer for HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams, in a press release. “This palette is designed to simplify color selection for a perfectly coordinated home design.”

Aleutian pairs well with any shade from the collection, including off-white, warm tan, or dusty slate. Because the blue-gray hue has a slightly warm undertone, it offers a balanced look and a restful tone that works equally well in common areas like kitchens or living rooms and private spaces including bedrooms and bathrooms. Layer in plenty of texture with natural wood tones and neutral textiles to enhance Aleutian’s comforting vibe. All of the colors in the Softened Refuge collection are available exclusively in Lowe’s stores and at Lowes.com.

Guacamole by Glidden

A zingy shade called Guacamole PPG1121-5 is Glidden’s pick for the 2022 color of the year. This ripe avocado-green delivers crowd-pleasing color that’s both relaxing and refreshing. In a press release, the brand noted that online searches for green paint colors have more than doubled since 2020, indicating that homeowners are seeking colors that soothe.

“We’ve all saved beautiful green kitchens and earthy-inspired bedrooms on our Pinterest boards and TikToks over the past year and a half, driven by our need for calm, regrowth, and rejuvenation after living through these ‘unprecedented times,'” said Kim Perry, Glidden paint color guru.

In kitchens and bathrooms, pair Guacamole with classic white subway tile and matte black accents for a timeless mix. For living areas, home offices, and bedrooms, try it with light wood tones and plenty of plants (either real or faux) to enhance the calming, organic vibe.

Breezeway by Behr

Behr’s 2022 color of the year is a cool, refreshing shade of green called Breezeway MQ3-21. The soft, silvery blue-green is reminiscent of sea glass found along sandy beaches and the crystal-clear water of a tucked-away bay. Because of its ties to nature, Breezeway establishes a feeling of tranquility, but its crisp brightness can also inspire energy and liveliness. Erika Woelfel, Behr’s vice president of color and creative services, calls Breezeway “a color that welcomes a hopeful sense of renewal, restoration, and healing.”

Mixed with bright white and jet-black accents, Breezeway offers snappy contrast and a clean look that’s perfect for an entryway or kitchen. Paired with soft cream, warm taupe, and natural wood tones, it takes on a soothing, peaceful vibe that works well in bedrooms, bathrooms, and living areas where relaxation is the goal. The breezy color has a distinctly coastal feel, but it also blends beautifully with contemporary and vintage-inspired designs. You can find the paint color exclusively at The Home Depot.

Olive Sprig by PPG

PPG selected a soft, organic shade of green called Olive Sprig PPG1125-4 as its 2022 color of the year. Reminiscent of a soothing aloe vera plant or velvety sage leaves, the gray-green color was chosen to represent regrowth and the resiliency of nature as we adapt to new ways of living post-pandemic. The lush mid-tone feels familiar and grounding, and it’s versatile enough to be used as a livelier alternative to traditional neutrals.

“DIYers, property managers, designers, and architects are shifting away from the stark, neutral palettes of yesterday and opting for color in all forms,” said Amy Donato, senior color marketing manager at PPG paint, in a press release. “Call it rebellion, but we are certainly here for the resurgence of optimistic colors to guide us into a new era of home design.”

Paint walls in Olive Sprig to encourage focus in an office, incorporate soothing color into a bathroom, or promote restfulness in a bedroom. The color also looks gorgeous on kitchen cabinetry brightened up with polished brass accents and balanced with plenty of white. Because of its organic quality, Olive Sprig blends beautifully with natural materials and textures such as rich leather upholstery, woven jute rugs, and wood furniture. You can find the paint color online and at PPG paint stores, The Home Depot, and other independent retailers nationwide.

Continue reading this Better Homes & Garden article here and take their quiz to find What Your Signature Color is!

07 Sep 2021

Sticky Post By Steve Shinn, CR Posted in Blog, Home Remodel, Professional Contractor Permalink

Questions to Ask Your Contractor’s References

Sticky Post By Steve Shinn, CR On September 7, 2021

Our recent blogs have focused on topics that will help you choose the right home remodeling professional for your renovation project. We’ve covered misconceptions, budgeting your costs for your remodel, things to watch out for when hiring your contractor, asking the right questions, and how to ensure a smooth project. (These blogs are full of great information if you haven’t read them yet, you can read them here). In this blog, we help you with questions to ask your contractor’s references. We know it can seem a bit awkward to talk to a complete stranger about a contractor that has done work on their home but getting their take on how their remodel project went and how they felt about their contractor, will definitely give you confidence in choosing the right contractor for your home renovation! We have found that most people will want to share their experience with you and even show you their remodel!! Remember, too, when asking for references from a potential contractor, ask to see a current project they are working on.

QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR CONTRACTOR’S REFERENCES

What type of project or projects has the contractor done for you?

Did they do a quality job?

Why did you choose this contractor?

Did you get prices or opinions from other contractors that you feel had comparable specifications and credentials, if not, Why? And if so, how did they compare?

What would you say about the crew members that did your work – were they respectable and clean? Did they seem to know what they were doing?

Was the contractor responsive to you your questions and/or concerns? Could you reach him quickly?

Did the contractor do what he said he would do?

Were there any additional charges and if so, were they handled in such a way that left you feeling satisfied?

On a scale of 1-10 (ten being highest), how would you rate your overall experience with this contractor?

Do you have any reservations about hiring him again?

May I come by to see the work firsthand?

FREE CONSUMER AWARENESS GUIDE

Learn more about how to choose the right home remodeling professional with our consumer awareness guide. Our guide, “10 Things You Must Know Before Hiring a Remodeling Contractor” will help you know what to look for when finding the right contractor so that you can be completely satisfied with your remodeling project. This booklet was written so that you will be empowered to make the best decision for your home improvement and remodel. You can have the experience you desire for your home improvement project with the right contractor for you by requesting this free e-Book here.

Home Remodeling in the Greater Phoenix Area

Begin your project by calling us at (480) 895-3442 or emailing Steve here to discuss remodeling your home, kitchen, or bathroom. We offer no-obligation in-home consultations. Our award-winning designers and craftsman are eager to work with you to help you love your home again!

31 Jul 2021

Sticky Post By Steve Shinn, CR Posted in Award-Winning, Blog, Build/Design Process, Home Remodel, Professional Contractor Permalink

Twenty-one Questions You should Ask to Choose the Right Contractor

Sticky Post By Steve Shinn, CR On July 31, 2021

Our recent blogs have focused on topics that will help you choose the right home remodeling professional for your renovation project. We’ve covered misconceptions, project costs beyond labor, and what to look for when hiring your contractor. In this blog, we give you the essential questions to ask so that you can confidently navigate choosing the right contractor for your remodeling project.

Choose the Right Contractor

Any reputable remodeling contractor should be able to answer all the following questions positively. If they cannot, it would be wise to continue your search!

Are you properly licensed on both the state and city level?
Do you require all change orders to be in writing to eliminate any misunderstandings and unexpected cost overruns?
Do you carry general liability insurance?
Do you carry worker’s compensation insurance?
Will you provide me with a written lien waiver at the end of the job?
Are you a member of NARI or NAHB? Do you subscribe to their Code of Ethics?
Are you certified as a CR, GCP, CKBR, CGR, or UDCP?
Are you a member of the local Better Business Bureau?
Will you pull any necessary permits?
Do you offer a written warranty on all workmanship?
Who will oversee my job? May I meet this person or persons?
Have you been a party in any construction litigation?
Will you provide me with references?
What percentage of your business is repeat, or referral-based?
How many projects like mine have you completed in the last year or two?
How do you plan to reduce dust and protect the rest of my home from the effects of other work? (Good contractors erect dust barriers and use drop cloths and other protective material to protect your home.)
How is daily and general clean-up handled?
Will you provide means of communication that is checked daily for any questions or concerns you may have thought of after working hours?
Will you provide me with a written contract that clearly spells out exactly what you will do, what your price includes and does not include, and specifies a guaranteed price, payment schedule, and completion date?
Will a professional designer and/or architect design my job? (For projects that warrant this level of service.)
Do you provide realistic renderings, sketches, and perspectives to allow me to clearly visualize my project early in the planning stages? (Again, for projects that warrant this level of service.)

We hope knowing what to ask will help you choose the right contractor who is a professional in remodeling and renovation projects.

FREE CONSUMER AWARENESS GUIDE

Home Remodeling in the Greater Phoenix Area

Begin your project by calling us at (480) 895-3442 or emailing [email protected] to discuss remodeling your home, kitchen, or bathroom. We offer no-obligation in-home consultations. Our award-winning designers and craftsman are eager to work with you to help you love your home again!

02 Jul 2021

Sticky Post By Steve Shinn, CR Posted in Blog, Consumer Awareness Guide, Home Remodel, NARI Certified, Professional Contractor Permalink

9 Things to Look for in a Contractor

Sticky Post By Steve Shinn, CR On July 2, 2021

In this blog, we continue our series of how to choose the right home remodeling professional for your remodeling project, by tackling 9 things to look for in a contractor. Knowing this information will help you feel more confident as you research the best remodeling contractor for your project.

Accessibility

Your contractor must be easy to reach by phone and email and never make you feel like you are imposing on them by contacting him or her.

Promptness

Does your contractor keep appointments? A contractor’s day can be busy; if they are running behind, they should have the courtesy to call to let you know. Little things count.

Trustworthiness

Honesty and trust are of the utmost importance in any situation, especially when the person has total access to your home. Make sure you feel a high level of trust with your contractor and trust your instinct if you don’t. Not only are you trusting them to be in your home and around your family, but you’re also trusting them with, in many cases, a sizable amount of your money!

Membership in NARI or NAHB

NARI stands for the National Association of the Remodeling Industry; NAHB stands for the National Association of Home Builders. To become a member, the contractor’s background and references are investigated. It’s always a good idea to hire a NARI or NAHB contractor. Membership reflects a contractor’s commitment to professionalism.

Certifications

Both organizations offer industry certification and designations such as Certified Graduate Remodeler™ (CGR), Certified Remodeler™ (CR), Certified Kitchen and Bath Remodeler™ (CKBR) and Green Certified Professional™ (GCP) and Universal Design Certified Professional (UDCP). If a contractor has one or more of these designations, chances are high that you’re dealing with a very reputable professional that is committed to their career as a professional remodeling contractor.

Furthermore, to earn one of these designations a contractor must demonstrate certain levels of skill and knowledge in addition to successfully completing numerous courses on various topics related to the industry.

Ability to design your project

Unless your project is simple, you will want to work with a contractor that will start with a design phase complete with a feasibility study to develop both the remodel and a budget that will work for you. Design/Build contractors will work with you to develop space planning and floor plans. They will lead you through the multitude of choices that must be made. Most importantly they will work with you to balance the choices with the ultimate budget for your project. This planning stage prior to moving forward with your remodel will ensure that all the details have been addressed and that the possibility of unexpected extra expenses will be minimized.

Knowledge of Green Remodeling Technology

In today’s world of high energy prices and limited resources, it is critical that your contractor is up to date regarding incorporating eco-friendly green techniques and features into every project. The common misconception is that green remodeling will cost more. The reality is that extremes in anything will cost more, and a well-balanced plan will respect your budget.

A contractor that is focused on the green aspects of remodeling will be more conscious of not wasting materials, recycling the used appliances, fixtures, and reusable building materials. This will save money and give you a tax deduction for donating used materials to charitable organizations. By viewing your home as a system rather than an accumulation of parts, your contractor will commonly incorporate many choices and techniques into every project that will improve your home’s performance and not necessarily cost more than uneducated choices.

High Percentage of Referrals or Repeat Clients

When a significant amount of a contractor’s business is derived from repeat or referred business, it is an indication that their clients are pleased and that they have an outstanding reputation. If your contractor has a long list of happy clients and has an outstanding reputation for doing quality work, chances are high that you will be satisfied as well.

Will Your Home Be Protected?

Simply put, remodeling can be very dusty and dirty. If not adequately controlled, dust will get everywhere, especially if there is a lot of sanding or demolition. Make sure your contractor has plans to take the appropriate measures to control dust and protect your floor finishes.

FREE CONSUMER AWARENESS GUIDE

Home Remodeling in the Greater Phoenix Area

02 Jul 2021

Sticky Post By Steve Shinn, CR Posted in Blog, Budget, Home Remodel, NARI Certified Permalink

There is More to a Project’s Cost Than Labor and Materials

Sticky Post By Steve Shinn, CR On July 2, 2021

From Our Choosing the Right Home Remodeling Professional (Series)

Our recent blogs have focused on topics that will help you choose the right home remodeling professional for your renovation project. We’ve covered misconceptions and things to watch out for when hiring your contractor. In this blog, we are talking about expectations of the cost of your project and how your contractor gets to his estimate. Knowing this information, will help you feel more confident and create trust between you and your contractor.

Each project is different, however, there are always going to be costs that go beyond labor and materials. Your contractor should break down an estimate and how they reach it, where possible. This adds an element of transparency that you want to see.

In addition to the actual labor, materials, and Sub Contractor prices there are many other expenses every successful contractor must figure into their price to survive.

Cost of Your Project

The following is a list of some of the key elements that make up overhead in every successfully managed remodeling company:

Telephone, cell phones
Office rent
Office supplies
Stationery and printing expenses
Website, hosting, and Internet
Worker’s Compensation & Liability insurance
Health insurance
Paid vacations, holidays
Staff meetings
Payroll expenses
Office administration and management
Time doing free estimates
Material price increases that may not be billable once a job is quoted
Estimating errors and omissions
Warranty repairs
Tools and equipment
Trucks, repairs & maintenance, fuel
Continuing education, training, and industry events
Computers and software
Business loans and interest
Accountant’s fees
Taxes
Production supervision and management
Advertising, marketing, and sales costs

This all adds up to a substantial amount of money. To cover his overhead, a contractor typically must add a percentage to the actual cost of labor and materials required to complete your project. Most professional contractors try to maintain a 7.5% – 20% profit when all is said and done. Without a profit, the contractor will eventually go out of business.

If you receive a price from a contractor that seems too high, they are very likely trying to pay for the very things that allow him to survive and provide a good, reliable service to you and a good environment for his employees.

Do beware of the contractor that tells you his prices are low because he keeps his overhead down. Chances are that could affect the quality of your project.

FREE CONSUMER AWARENESS GUIDE

Home Remodeling in the Greater Phoenix Area

23 Jun 2021

Sticky Post By Steve Shinn, CR Posted in Budget, Consumer Awareness Guide, Home Remodel Permalink

12 Things to Watch Out For When Remodeling

Sticky Post By Steve Shinn, CR On June 23, 2021

Spotting Scams and the Inexperienced with Home Remodeling Contractors

Every industry has its share of scams and con artists. The remodeling industry is no exception. However, spotting scams and the inexperienced with home remodeling contractors is relatively easy provided you know what to look for.

One clue is that we tend to get a gut feeling if someone is trying to pull one over on us. But what about when someone isn’t intentionally trying to scam us? There are honest contractors that are either inexperienced, incompetent, or both. They may mean well, but their lack of skill or knowledge or inability to be able to complete or manage your project correctly can be just as devastating as the work of a truly unscrupulous contractor.

In other words, it’s not always the bad guys you need to look out for. There is a big difference between being willing and being able.

Let’s look at some of the things to look out for.

“High-Pressure” Sales Tactics

With the remodeling business becoming more and more competitive each year, many contractors resort to high-pressure tactics to get you to sign on the spot without your best interest in mind. You should never feel pressured into deciding about choosing your contractor. Walk away.

Unusual Payment Terms

Beware of the contractor who asks that you pay for the entire job upfront or asks you to pay in cash. A professional contractor will present an equitable, mutually acceptable payment plan, usually based on the progress of your project.

Unverifiable Credentials

If you can’t verify a contractor’s company, name, address, and phone number, it’s a sure bet that trouble lies ahead. Many of these fly-by-night contractors are called “pick-up truck” builders. These guys don’t have verifiable businesses and are mobile enough to pack up and leave your job without a trace. A verifiable address is a must.

Hard to Reach

Anyone can miss a call, but if you find that your prospective contractor doesn’t consistently return your calls, beware. Any remodeling project will have things come up that require prompt communication between you and your contractor. You want your contractor to be available to you when you have concerns. It is critical that you feel that your contractor is easy to reach and open to communication.

The “Price Reduction”

This scam occurs when you say no to or show a bit of reluctance to the initial offer and in response the salesperson offers a lower price for the exact same work. Substantial reductions in price without changes in the scope of work or specifications could signify that the contractor is trying to get a higher price for something that is worthless, to begin with, and is just trying to save the sale. If you and the contractor negotiate different materials, methods, or circumstances that clearly have an impact on the cost, this would be fine. Otherwise, the price should be the price.

No Contract or Proposal

Insist on a thorough contract or proposal with a defined scope of work, clear specifications, and detailed terms. By doing this, you will substantially increase your chances of being satisfied. It is best not to take anything for granted.

In addition to the benefits that come from knowing what to expect, if a contractor takes the time necessary to compile a detailed document, there will be far fewer unforeseen issues and misunderstandings, which will result in less stress for you, and your project will move along much more smoothly. If there is ever a misunderstanding, chances are it can be easily cleared up by referencing this critical document.

Incomplete Specifications or Unclear Terms

Pay attention to the “Scope of Work” and “Specifications” sections of the contract or proposal. This is the part of the proposal that defines exactly what work will be completed (the scope of work) and exactly what products or materials and which methods are going to be used (the specifications). Every project should have clearly written specifications. Not just vague generalities.

Shoddy or Incomplete Workmanship

By far, this is the most widespread scam of all. To address the potential for shoddy workmanship, I recommend following up with references until you are 100% satisfied that your contractor will provide the level of workmanship you expect. Awards are another area that can validate a contractor’s commitment to quality workmanship. Simply do not take someone’s word for it.

In our company, we recommend (and sometimes require) that prospective clients contact our references, and if available visit one or more of our past projects so they can see firsthand examples of our work. You’ll have a much better sense of the quality of work you can expect.

The Contractor Asks That You Get the Required Permits

Some contractors may ask that you get the required building permits. If well explained, this could be to your advantage in certain cities, due to the way they have set fees for construction permits. Or, this could be a signal that he is either unlicensed, the work is outside the area in which he is licensed, or he is not able to get a permit due to improper or inadequate insurance coverage. The contractor may also not be in good standing with the building department.

In any case, a reputable contractor will discuss the permit process with you and typically obtain a permit, if your project requires one. When a contractor obtains the required building permits, you are more likely to have things done according to the applicable building codes. Also, check your homeowner insurance policy to see if it requires that a permit be issued on any major remodeling project to be properly insured.

The Schedule or Time Frame Seems Too Good to Be True

If the schedule you’re quoted seems too good to be true, it just might be! A contractor who knows his business will give you a realistic work schedule/timeline. Don’t be lured by the contractor who promises an overly optimistic completion date.

The Contractor Doesn’t Warranty His Work

Believe it or not, in some states, there is no law that requires a remodeling contractor to warranty his work. However, warranties are essential to any remodeling project. A good contractor will comply with the standards set forth by the Arizona Registrar of Contractors.

The National Association of Home Builders performance guidelines helps determine whether a contractor’s work requires corrective action in cases of dispute. Most professional contractors know about these guidelines and may refer to it in their warranty. They can provide you with a copy. Remember this: Contractors committed to quality workmanship and client satisfaction warranty their work at least one year and many offer two years or more.

The Contractor Appears Unkempt and Disorganized

A disorganized contractor means a disorganized project. Pay close attention to the details. Look for clues that the contractor has it together. You want your project to be organized – that starts and ends with your contractor.

FREE CONSUMER AWARENESS GUIDE

Learn about spotting scams and the inexperienced with home remodeling contractors with our consumer awareness guide. Our guide, “10 Things You Must Know Before Hiring a Remodeling Contractor” will help you know what to look for when finding the right contractor so that you can be completely satisfied with your remodeling project. This booklet was written so that you will be empowered to make the best decision for your home improvement and remodel. You can have the experience you desire for your home improvement project with the right contractor for you by requesting this free e-Book here.

06 Jun 2021

Sticky Post By Steve Shinn, CR Posted in Budget, Consumer Awareness Guide, Home Remodel Permalink

Avoid Three Common Misconceptions When Hiring a Remodeling Contractor

Sticky Post By Steve Shinn, CR On June 6, 2021

Your home is one of your most valuable assets. Selecting the right contractor will be the single most important factor in determining whether you will be completely satisfied with the outcome of your remodeling project. Every contractor brings a different level of knowledge, commitment, and dedication to the table. In this blog, we share how to avoid three common misconceptions when hiring a remodeling contractor. The more you can become intimately aware of the “ins and outs” of how the remodeling business works, acquire the necessary knowledge and tools, you will be empowered to find the right contractor for your project.

Avoid These Three Common Misconceptions

Misconception #1 – You should always get three bids

Not necessarily. This tactic is probably responsible for more dissatisfaction within the remodeling industry than any other single factor.

Why?

If your objective is to get a quality job at a fair price, simply comparing it to another estimate is often very misleading. There aren’t any standard prices or standard specifications for remodeling projects. Each quote or estimate you receive reflects what’s included in the actual job that a contractor is planning on completing for you. Asking contractors to price involved projects with preliminary information and then trying to scrutinize the details of the resulting bid will only lead to misjudgments. Every contractor will get better pricing on some things than others. Seeing an item on a proposal that looks high does not mean that everything on the form is overpriced. Seeing lower prices may mean that the contractor will run out of money prior to finishing your project or that the quality of your project will suffer.

Misconception #2 – Going with a low price saves you money!

Think about this for a minute. If you have solicited several bids and go with the contractor that has the lowest bid, you’ve just awarded your job to the guy that just figured out the CHEAPEST way to get your project done!

Is this what you really want?

One of the most common signs of trouble ahead is someone offering to do work for a low price. Like the age-old sayings go: “You get what you pay for!” and “You can’t get something for nothing!” Be extremely careful in choosing your contractor based upon the lowest price. But you may be thinking: “Well, if all things are equal, going with the lowest price is smart buying! Isn’t it?”

Absolutely, 100% yes! But things are almost NEVER, EVER equal in the remodeling business!

Even if you have the most complete set of professional drawings and a twenty-five-page written set of specifications describing every little detail, things can still be vastly different from one contractor to the next.

What is true, though, is the more detail the better. They are critical to helping establish expectations.

The bottom line: NEVER use price alone as the determining factor. Low-priced bids should be cautiously reviewed as it could indicate that the contractor may have left something out in his bid which could lead him to cut corners or have to divide his time working two remodeling projects at the same time so that he can remain afloat while finishing your project.

Many other things should be taken into consideration as well. Whenever you encounter a low-price offer, some questions should immediately come to mind. Questions like:

“Why is the price so low?” “What’s missing here?” and “Has the contractor figured enough into the cost to provide me with the level of service I expect?”

On the other hand, if you have found a contractor that you really feel good about, but their price is more than you can afford or you simply do not want to invest as much as has been quoted, just explain this to the contractor. A professional contractor will welcome the opportunity to help you redesign your project or make whatever changes are necessary in order to better fit your budget. If you are open to scaling back the project, re-examining your priorities, or making other changes, this approach can be very helpful.

Misconception #3 – If the Better Business Bureau doesn’t have any complaints against the contractor, they are probably a safe bet.

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is always a good place to start when investigating, but it should not be the stopping point. Even if a contractor doesn’t have any BBB complaints, it does not necessarily mean that you’re working with a reputable professional. We encourage you to investigate the company further.

The BBB is not a governing agency and it does not keep a record of every contractor in town. Many contractors can operate for years doing poor work without ever being reported. Likewise, there may be several very reputable contractors that the BBB has no record of at all.

The best way to utilize the BBB is to check with them to see if the contractor you may be considering has had any complaints against them. If they do, you should consider it an indication that this contractor may not be a good choice. If there are no complaints against the contractor you are investigating, this may indicate a good reputation, however, we strongly encourage you to do research beyond the BBB.

FREE CONSUMER AWARENESS GUIDE

We’ve created a consumer awareness guide, “10 Things You Must Know Before Hiring a Remodeling Contractor” to help you know what to look for when finding the right contractor so that you can be completely satisfied with your remodeling project. This booklet was written so that you will be empowered to make the best decision for your home improvement and remodel. You can have the experience you desire for your home improvement project with the right contractor for you by requesting this free e-Book here.

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Get in touch with us!

Flooring Trends 2022

Home Remodeling in the Greater Phoenix Area

INITIAL CONSULTATION IN THE DESIGN/BUILD CONCEPT

DESIGN PHASE

BUILD PHASE

Home Remodeling in the Greater Phoenix Area

Here’s what we predict will matter most to homeowners about updating their homes in 2022.

Home Remodeling in the Greater Phoenix Area

QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR CONTRACTOR’S REFERENCES

FREE CONSUMER AWARENESS GUIDE

Home Remodeling in the Greater Phoenix Area

Accessibility

Promptness

Trustworthiness

Membership in NARI or NAHB

Certifications

Ability to design your project

Knowledge of Green Remodeling Technology

High Percentage of Referrals or Repeat Clients

Will Your Home Be Protected?

FREE CONSUMER AWARENESS GUIDE

Home Remodeling in the Greater Phoenix Area

Cost of Your Project

Home Remodeling in the Greater Phoenix Area

Spotting Scams and the Inexperienced with Home Remodeling Contractors

“High-Pressure” Sales Tactics

Unusual Payment Terms

Unverifiable Credentials

Hard to Reach

The “Price Reduction”

No Contract or Proposal

Incomplete Specifications or Unclear Terms

Shoddy or Incomplete Workmanship

The Contractor Asks That You Get the Required Permits

The Schedule or Time Frame Seems Too Good to Be True

The Contractor Doesn’t Warranty His Work

The Contractor Appears Unkempt and Disorganized

FREE CONSUMER AWARENESS GUIDE

Avoid These Three Common Misconceptions

Misconception #1 – You should always get three bids

Misconception #2 – Going with a low price saves you money!

Misconception #3 – If the Better Business Bureau doesn’t have any complaints against the contractor, they are probably a safe bet.

FREE CONSUMER AWARENESS GUIDE