Inspired Remodels, Author at Inspired Remodels

Take a Peek Inside Cabinets with an Orange County Kitchen Cabinet Contractor

By Inspired Remodels / custom cabinets / Comments Off

Thinking about a kitchen remodel for your Orange County home? Cabinetry makes up one of the most expensive elements of a kitchen remodel. From stock cabinets at the big box store to semi-custom from Waypoint or KitchenCraft, options abound. Let Inspired Remodels, Orange County’s premier kitchen cabinet contractor, clear up the confusion and teach you what to look for in kitchen cabinets.

kitchen cabinet contractor adds valance to hood to give a custom look to kitchen

Stock Versus Custom Versus Semi-Custom

Semi-stock, stock, and custom refers to the manufacturing method used to produce the cabinet.

Stock cabinets are mass-produced at the factory and ship fully assembled. Sometimes, you must do the Ikea thing and put them together. With stock cabinets, what you see is what you get. You might have a few options when it comes to door style and finish, but you cannot customize these cabinets. These stock cabinets are usually the least expensive choice. Not only are they cheap, you can get them quickly. If it’s in the big box store, all you need to do is drive over and pick it up. Stock is perfect when time is short and the budget is tight.

Custom cabinets live on the other end of the spectrum. They can be built on-site or off-site at a shop. These cabinets are completely made to order. Talk about labor-intensive! That’s why custom cabinets are the most expensive option and take the longest time for delivery. However, this is the route to go when you want unique and one-of-a-kind kitchen cabinets. They are also perfect if you have an odd-shaped space that needs a cabinet. The carpenter can measure and make your custom cabinets to fit.

Semi-custom cabinets are the perfect compromise between stock and custom. Think stock cabinets with all sorts of detailing options. You can change the finish, change the door, or change the hardware. That’s just the beginning. Semi-custom cabinets allow you to resize the cabinet drawers and door fronts and increase or decrease the cabinet depth. You get individual input into the cabinet design without laying out the cash for custom cabinets.

Kitchen Cabinet Contractor Favorites

Have a favorite sweater you turn to when you need to get warm? You can always trust that sweater to deliver exactly what you want when you want it, right? Well, every kitchen cabinet contractor has a few companies they can turn to for an excellent experience the way you turn to your sweater. For Inspired Remodels, these cabinet companies are Waypoint Living Spaces, Decora, and KitchenCraft. Let’s take a closer look.

Waypoint Living Spaces. Waypoint cabinets are made in the USA upon order. They are semi-custom cabinets with the look, feel, and personalization of custom cabinets. Each cabinet is made by a craftsman and then inspected for flaws before it leaves the factory. Because they are made from high-quality products, Waypoint cabinets last for years. Pick from a wide selection of molding choices to give your cabinets a finished look.

Decora. Decora builds cabinets from oak, hickory, cherry or alder woods. You pick the finish, door style, hardware and more. It’s like getting custom cabinets with the convenience of stock. Add cabinet feet, valances, and corbels for a finished look. You can even add pull-out inserts, recycling bin inserts, and pantry inserts to maximize your space. Accessorize your cabinet doors with glass, acrylic, and gloss inserts.

KitchenCraft. If you are looking for quality and versatility, look at KitchenCraft. These cabinets are manufactured by one of the largest cabinet makers in North America. They focus on quality construction and on-time delivery. They deliver because KitchenCraft cabinets are available only through their dealer network. Inspired Remodels is an authorized dealer. We handle all measuring. We will even help you pick the cabinet, door design, and accessories that bring your vision to life.

Ready for New Kitchen Cabinets?

When you’re ready for new kitchen cabinets, you’re ready for Inspired Remodels. Joe and Joe Mueller will work with you to create a kitchen design that is functional and looks fabulous. Need space-saving ideas? Want to create dine-in areas? Is a kitchen for multiple cooks key? Then, make the most of your space and your budget and call (949) 716-1938 or Contact Us and schedule a consultation.

Don’t Hire Just any Home Remodel Contractor

By Inspired Remodels / Home Improvement / Comments Off

When you’re ready for a new kitchen, bathroom, fireplace or garage door, you’re ready for it now. It’s easy to go with the first home remodel contractor that gives you and estimate. But it’s not a good idea. Don’t hire just any home remodel contractor, hire the best for the job you need done. Here’s how.

Do your research

Have you spent hours looking at appliances, flooring, fixtures and cabinets? Well, prepare to spend the same amount of time researching your contractor. First, start with friends, family, and neighbors that have actually used a contractor.

See a contractor’s sign in a yard? Don’t be afraid to ring the doorbell. Ask the homeowner what they think about the work being done. If the neighbor isn’t home, leave a note with your name and number. Just ask for a reference.

When checking references, it’s a good idea to talk to people that have had similar work done. Because, a contractor may be fabulous at removing a wall to open up a living area but not so great when it comes to the plumbing required for a bathroom remodel.

Compare apples to apples

When you are getting the three quotes everybody tells you to get, make sure they are quoting for the same work. Unless you’ve provided each contractor the exact specifications for the work you want done, (drawings, materials to use, and specific product names) each home remodel contractor is making assumptions. The price quoted reflects these assumptions.

Know exactly what is included in the quote and the allowance for overage. One quote for a bathroom may appear to be considerably lower, but upon inspection may require the homeowner to purchase flooring, fixtures and/or lighting.

If you want custom cabinets, make sure all quotes include custom cabinets of the same quality and made of the same materials.

Some remodeling work requires a permit from the local government. If your job requires a permit, make sure the bid includes any permit fees and specifies that the contractor is responsible for the permit. A contractor that asks a homeowner to pull a permit is a red flag. It’s a sign the contractor has a problem with their license. And speaking of licenses, be sure to check.

Check licenses and insurance

Once you’ve decided that a contractor can do the work you want at a budget you can afford, it’s time to do more research.

Fortunately, the State of California makes it easy to check licenses. Just go to https://www2.cslb.ca.gov/OnlineServices/CheckLicenseII/CheckLicense.aspx and type in the name of the contractor. For example, type in Inspired Remodels and you get a page that tells you the license number and that the license is active. Just click the license number and discover the status of the contractor’s bond, workmen’s compensation insurance and the history of both.

Don’t hire a contractor that isn’t bonded and doesn’t carry worker’s compensation insurance. If the contractor’s employee gets hurt on the job at your house, you can be liable if worker’s compensation insurance isn’t in place. It’s not a risk you want to take.

Consider Inspired Remodels as your Home Remodel Contractor

When you start to collect quotes and talk to contractors, contact Inspired Remodels. You will find their reputation is sterling and their work is exceptional.

Call (949) 716-1938 and schedule a consultation. You’ll find Joe and Jason Mueller are Orange County’s property brothers. Their design and construction services that are truly inspired.

Does a Shower Remodel Add Value to Your House?

By Inspired Remodels / Bathroom Remodel / Comments Off

Are you thinking about selling your house? Do you want to remodel the bathroom but aren’t sure if you’ll see a return on your investment? Good news! Updating the bathroom is a great way to get the house ready to sell. Whether you completely redo the entire room or just do a simple shower remodel, you’re making your home easier to sell. And you’ll see the difference in the value on your home.

What’s a Bathroom Remodel Cost?

The cost of a bathroom remodel depends on how much work you do. That just makes sense. For our purposes, we’ll define a bathroom remodel as completely updating an existing 5 x 7 bathroom. On average that includes replacing the fixtures, including a new tub. Installing new ceramic tile around the tub and on the floor, replacing the countertop and sink, and updating the lighting. A basic bathroom remodel in the Pacific area costs an average of $21,855 according to the Remodeling 2018 Cost vs Value Report and you will recoup about 87.7% of that amount when you sell the house.

When prospective buyers look at your house, one of their key concerns are the bathroom and the kitchen. If you don’t want to remodel the entire bathroom, a shower remodel and updating the countertops makes the room look new and fresh and saves on the cost of the remodel.

What to Include in the Shower Remodel

Include features buyers want in your shower remodel. Fabulous showers include plenty of built-in storage space. Use niches to store personal care and hygiene items close at hand in the shower. Today, niches replace old, dated soap holders. Plus, they provide room for shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and whatever else you want close at hand.

Upgrade the shower head too. Buyers love multiple shower heads, rain shower heads, and handheld shower heads. Give them what they want! You’ll enjoy the upgrade too.

Roman Shower is Easy to Care Option for Shower Remodel

Glass shower enclosures may be a chore to keep clean and sparkling, but buyers love the look. A Roman shower is a great alternative. It uses less glass, so it’s easier to keep clean. It works well with any open design.

Don’t forget a seat. A seat is practical and adds safety.

What to Include in a Bathroom Remodel

include double vanities in master bathroom remodel

Double Vanities are a Must Have for Master Bathroom

If you are remodeling the entire bathroom, you’ll want to follow the most current design trends. Replace that large jetted tub with a soaking tub. Use wood-look ceramic tile whether you want a spa-look or a more traditional design. Wood-look ceramic tile gives you the warmth of wood with the easy care and practicality of tile. It’s the look to have.

Update the lighting to include a mix of natural light (if possible) as well as task and mood lighting. Review our tips on lighting at our General Contractors Guide to Functional Bathrooms.

In a master bathroom, double sinks can be a make or break feature for many buyers. If you have the space for two separate vanities, splurge. If you don’t, install double sinks with plenty of room for two people.

Shower Remodel by Inspired Remodels

Cost versus Value

Whether you are selling your house or staying for 10, 15, or 20 years or more, the value of your shower remodel or complete bathroom makeover is important.

Realistically, very few home improvements add more value than their cost. Only replacing a garage door or a manufactured stone veneer recoups more than the cost in the Pacific region of the US. However, an old bathroom may keep buyers from making an offer on your home. Or worse, offers may come in for much less than you ask. Updating the bathroom or kitchen makes the home show better and increases the chances of receiving more offers.

If you plan on staying in your home, a shower remodel or bathroom upgrade will provide you with years of enjoyment. A bathroom that is functional and beautiful is priceless.

Want more information about a shower remodel, whole bathroom update or other remodeling? Call Inspired Remodels at (949) 716-1938 or Contact Us online.

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Author: Inspired Remodels