Tag: Bathroom remodeling

The Costs of Kitchen Remodeling

Tomas Smith Home Improvement , , , ,

The decisions you make in your kitchen remodel will have a major impact on the project’s cost. This will affect everything from layout to materials.

Ask for references from friends and neighbors who’ve recently completed a kitchen remodel. Look for projects similar in size and complexity to yours. Also, ask for a contractor’s portfolio and assess their work. Contact Kitchen Remodeling Richmond VA now!

When it comes to kitchen remodeling, cost savings are the name of the game. Keeping plumbing, gas and electrical in the same location is a big money saver as well as making sure your contractor uses spray foam insulation (rather than fiberglass batts) to help block outside temperatures from heating or cooling the room.

Another key area to consider when calculating your budget is your project timeline. Most homeowners want to finish their kitchen remodel as quickly as possible so they can return to using it and enjoy the results of their efforts. However, rushing can result in mistakes that increase costs and may not be as effective as the original plan.

A good rule of thumb is to add 20% to your total budget as a buffer for unforeseen expenses. There is always something that pops up, especially when dealing with older homes. For example, ripping out walls can uncover outdated wiring or even a rotting floor that needs to be replaced.

The most significant cost savings come from tackling as much of the work as you can do yourself rather than hiring a general contractor to handle all the planning, design and supervision of subcontractors. This can save you thousands of dollars, but it’s important to honestly evaluate your DIY abilities and know what projects should be left to the professionals. For example, plumbing and electrical are not trades that most people learn overnight, so it makes sense to leave this work to the experts who can install everything to current code safely and quickly.

Design

A kitchen remodel is a major undertaking. Whether you’re looking to improve the flow of the room, add more storage or simply upgrade fixtures, it is important to set clear goals for the project. This will help you narrow down your choices and ensure that the finished product reflects your personality while also serving your needs.

Once you understand the goal of your remodel, it’s time to start planning the layout. The design process can be tricky because kitchens are complex spaces with multiple water lines, ductwork, electrical wiring and more. Your general contractor should be able to guide you through this process and may even recommend an architect/designer/engineer or a design-build firm.

The layout should take into account your current workflow and how you use the space. For example, if you entertain guests frequently, consider including a wet bar or wine cellar in your plans. Additionally, if you have a lot of kitchen appliances, your designer may suggest relocating their locations to create more space in the cabinetry.

Keep in mind that a lot of kitchen remodeling projects require rerouting plumbing pipes. For instance, moving a sink or refrigerator to a different location could result in costly plumbing changes. It’s also important to avoid over-customizing your kitchen if you plan on selling your home. Features like a walk-in wine cellar may work for you now, but they could limit your future buyer pool.

Layout

It’s important to plan and design the layout of your kitchen. This step in the remodel process comes before choosing new cabinets, appliances and fixtures. It’s also when a client can decide whether they would like a peninsula vs an island, for example. A few other choices they will make at this stage include whether to add a window seat, wet bar or coffee corner, as well as how much storage space they want.

A kitchen should have optimal flow based on how the family uses the space. For example, it is important to keep items that are used frequently close together — for example, storing dishes within reach of the dishwasher and locating food containers and foil near the refrigerator. It’s also important to consider the amount of counter space needed for chopping, cooking and cleaning.

A new kitchen should take advantage of natural light, as well as be easy to navigate. For this reason, it is often a good idea to consider knocking down a wall in order to expand the kitchen, as long as it isn’t load-bearing. Taking down a wall is a major undertaking, but it can dramatically increase a kitchen’s overall space and functionality. It’s also a great way to create a more open floorplan. However, this can increase the total cost of the kitchen remodel. If you are planning to do this, it’s best to work with a professional contractor who can provide an accurate estimate.

Materials

Kitchen remodeling is not only a great way to improve your home’s value and make it more enjoyable, but it’s also one of the best investments you can make for increased functionality. New appliances and upgraded features add a lot to your everyday experience, from prepping food and cooking meals to cleaning and entertaining guests.

Choosing the right materials is critical to your project. The best flooring, countertop, backsplash, cabinetry and paint will not only enhance your design aesthetics but are durable enough to withstand heavy foot traffic and frequent upkeep. Flooring options include hardwood, ceramic tiles and vinyl. Wood provides warmth and beauty, while tile is water-resistant and comes in a wide range of colors and styles.

Countertops offer the opportunity to create a fashion statement with an array of materials and prices. Marble is a high-end choice that can add elegance to any kitchen, while granite offers durability and heat resistance. Quartz, which offers the look of natural stone but is easier to maintain, is another popular option. Backsplashes protect the walls from moisture and splatter while adding a design element to your kitchen.

Cabinets come in a wide range of materials and finishes. Wood cabinets are timeless and classic, but may require regular refinishing or re-staining. Laminates are affordable, long-lasting and easy to clean. Other popular choices are poured concrete, a natural material that can be colored by local manufacturers to meet your style needs, or stainless steel.

Appliances

While you may already own some kitchen appliances, when your kitchen is undergoing a major overhaul, they’re likely to get replaced. Newer models have more bells and whistles (think WiFi connectivity, built-in coffee makers, and food-preservation settings in fridges), so if you’re upgrading to a better model or adding a new appliance altogether, you can take advantage of the latest innovations.

The colors, finishes and textures of your appliances can help pull a new kitchen design together. As you shop, look for appliances that blend in well with your cabinetry, flooring and tile, as well as any other materials you’re using in the room. For example, a stainless steel refrigerator would complement a gray-toned kitchen, while white stoves and dishwashers work nicely with light cabinets.

Once you’ve established a budget and a vision for your kitchen remodel, it’s time to shop. Your contractor or trade professional should provide a list of recommended appliances that are compatible with your budget and space requirements. Appliance trends come and go, so you may want to consider choosing a timeless style that will still be relevant in years to come.

In addition to appliances, kitchen remodels typically introduce more storage options for all of your cooking-related knick-knacks and secret ingredients. For example, the designers at Alma Homes “love incorporating built-ins into [their] kitchen cabinets, such as drawer dividers and shelf dividers for all of your utensils, as well as a mixer riser to make taking out your heavy stand mixer easier.” A remodel also brings up to date kitchen safety features like circuit interrupter outlets, so you can keep your home safe from fire hazards while you cook.

Lighting

Lighting is an important element of kitchen remodeling that plays a crucial role in both functionality and aesthetics. There are three primary types of lighting to consider: ambient, task, and accent.

Ambient lighting is a type of overhead lighting that casts light evenly across the entire space. This type of lighting is usually achieved through recessed ceiling fixtures, but can also be accomplished with other options such as pendant lights or hanging fixtures. When deciding on the right type of ambient lighting for your kitchen, it’s important to consider how much natural light will be available in the room and where the fixtures will be placed.

Task lighting is designed to highlight specific work areas. This can be done through under-cabinet lighting, recessed can lights in the ceiling, or even track and spotlighting. When deciding on the right type of task lighting for your kitchen, it’s important that you take into consideration the size and layout of your kitchen as well as the color temperature of your bulbs. Warm white bulbs create a cozy ambiance while cool white bulbs can provide a more energizing feel.

Accent lighting is a great way to add visual interest and make your kitchen feel special. This can be done through a variety of different ways, but one of the most popular is by using recessed or pendant lighting with a dimmer switch. This can be used to highlight a piece of art, a special feature in your kitchen, or simply to add some extra decorative flair.

Handyman Construction Services

Alvin Hartley Handyman , , , , ,
handyman

You’ll need to call a licensed contractor for larger projects like a complete remodel. These pros typically offer a wider range of services and must carry liability insurance for their work.

Some states limit the amount of labor and material dollars handymen can perform without a license, and others require licensing, testing, fees, and specific amounts and types of insurance coverage. For more details, check out Handyman Construction.

Handymen often offer installation services for lighting fixtures, such as ceiling fans or recessed lights. Many homeowners aren’t comfortable doing this work themselves, and a professional can quickly mount the fixture and hook up any necessary wiring. Handymen also sometimes install home security equipment and systems, including door and window sensors and alarms. They can also baby proof a house by installing outlet covers and safety locks, setting up gates, and anchoring furniture like dressers or bookshelves.

Another popular installation service handymen provide is drywall repair and replacement. This is typically a fairly easy job, but it’s one that many homeowners don’t feel comfortable doing themselves because of their fear of heights or lack of ladder-bracing skills. A handyman can quickly and safely remove old drywall and replace it with new drywall, patch holes or cracks, and paint the walls.

In addition to drywall, many handymen can also handle woodworking projects. For example, they may build a shed or fence from raw materials, or they could refinish an existing piece of wood furniture, such as a table or dresser. Refinishing wood can make it look new again and can save the owner money by not having to purchase a whole new piece of furniture.

A skilled handyman can also make quick work of painting and staining. This includes both interior and exterior painting, as well as woodworking projects like doors and cabinets. It can be difficult for the average homeowner to get a perfect paint job, so hiring a handyman can give the owner peace of mind that the job will be done right.

If a project involves more complex work than what a handyman is qualified to do, he or she can recommend a contractor with the appropriate licenses and experience. This is especially important if the project calls for specialized electrical or plumbing work, which requires a licensed electrician or plumber. Many cities and states have strict licensing laws for contractors, and state enforcement staff are known to conduct routine sweeps or “stings” of local handymen and contractor businesses. It’s always best to consult a lawyer or a licensing expert to learn about the specific requirements in your city and state.

Repair

If your to-do list of home improvement projects is growing longer, it may be time to call a local handyman. Handymen are available to handle a variety of tasks, from small plumbing jobs to carpentry repairs.

If a job is more complex and requires specialized knowledge, a contractor should be called. However, if the project is relatively minor and does not require a permit, a handyman is probably the right choice.

Some of the most popular repair services for residential customers are window and door replacements, drywall maintenance and repairs, and painting and staining. Some of these jobs may be simple, such as installing a new light fixture or patching a hole in the wall. Others may be more involved, such as replacing the screen door on a porch or repainting an entire room.

Often, people buy furniture that requires assembly before they can use it. Following the incomprehensible instructions to put it together can be a pain, especially after a long day at work. This is one service that handymen can offer, and it will be appreciated by many busy homeowners.

Other popular repair services for home owners include removing wallpaper, caulking kitchen and bathroom fixtures, and applying new paint. Handymen can also install and remove window air conditioners, replace cabinet drawer pulls, and hang mirrors and artwork on walls.

Many homeowners have a long list of repair tasks, but they lack the tools or time to complete them on their own. Hiring a professional handyman can help eliminate the stress of a to-do list and ensure that all repairs are completed correctly.

Some states require that licensed contractors carry liability coverage. Handymen and unlicensed home repair professionals may also purchase insurance to protect themselves from lawsuits resulting from accidents or damages that occur on a customer’s property. Darren Fuentes is an experienced handyman who provides custom home and commercial repairs for customers in the New York City area. He works with a team of specialists to ensure the job is done quickly and professionally. He has extensive experience with a wide range of services, including plumbing, electrical, and flooring installation.

Painting

A fresh coat of paint does wonders to brighten and modernize a room. Handyman services can provide interior and exterior painting touch-ups or complete makeovers. They can also install a variety of trim and molding, including crown molding for that premium motif.

Decks and porches are great areas for relaxing or entertaining, but they can take a beating from the elements. They require regular maintenance and repairs to keep them looking like new. Handymen have the skills to handle these tasks and can also add some additional features for extra comfort, such as built-in seating or lighting.

Handymen are true jacks of all trades, and their experience and knowledge apply to a wide range of small-to-medium home projects and repairs. They are not licensed contractors, but they can take on jobs that most people could do themselves given the time and equipment. They have a good understanding of carpentry, plumbing, electrical work and other specialties.

In general, a handyman should be insured and bonded. This will protect the customer if something goes wrong and ensures that the handyman is held responsible for their work. Some states have laws governing what types of jobs a handyman can take on and whether they need a license or permit. Check with your local government to learn more about the laws in your area.

A licensed contractor must meet higher educational, experiential and licensing standards than a handyman. They are more likely to be able to handle larger projects, such as a kitchen or bath remodel, and they typically have a contract with the customer that details the scope of the project, deadlines, responsibilities, pricing and payment schedule. They also have a keen understanding of building codes and can help customers navigate permitting processes. They may even oversee and manage specialized contractors on larger projects. Contact your state’s department of labor or local contractors’ board to learn more about the licensing requirements in your area.

Plumbing

Leaking pipes can be a serious problem. Not only do they produce annoying noises, but they also lead to water damage and mold growth. If you have a leaky pipe, it’s important to call a professional to fix it quickly. Licensed plumbers can offer a wide variety of plumbing services, including installation, repair, and maintenance. They are trained and experienced in all types of plumbing jobs and can diagnose and treat any issue.

While a handyman can complete some plumbing projects, a plumber should be hired to handle major ones. For example, replacing a damaged toilet requires more advanced knowledge of plumbing. In addition, a plumber is required to meet state and local licensing requirements.

Many states have laws defining the type of work that unlicensed home professionals can do. These laws typically define a maximum dollar amount for labor and materials, limit the types of projects that can be performed without a license, and require contractors to carry liability coverage.

Most states have a minimum education and experience requirement to become licensed as a contractor, along with testing, fees, and other licensing requirements. These regulations protect homeowners from unscrupulous contractors who may misdiagnose or overcharge for repairs. Many states also have a disciplinary board that investigates complaints against contractors and licensees. Regulatory agencies are known to conduct routine sweeps and stings of hundreds of companies, looking for violations like improper advertising, wages, and other legal issues.

In most states, a handyman can take on smaller home construction and maintenance tasks that are not related to electrical, plumbing, or carpentry. They can also perform small repairs and installations, such as installing new cabinet doors or fixing a broken window. However, there are some projects that a handyman can’t do, such as installing a new roof or doing electrical upgrades.

The main difference between a contractor and a handyman is that a handyman has a broad skill set while a contractor specializes in one or more trades. Additionally, contractors typically have extensive training on building codes and can manage large-scale home renovations and remodels. Handymen usually work alone or with one other person, and they are less likely to use subcontractors.