Inspired Remodels, Author at Inspired Remodels

A Kitchen Cabinet Contractor Dishes on Picking Kitchen Cabinets

By Inspired Remodels / custom cabinets, Home Improvement, Kitchen Remodel / Comments Off

Does the idea of a tax refund this Spring have you thinking of new kitchen cabinets? New kitchen cabinets breathe life into a tired kitchen. There are so many options. Where should you start? What makes a good cabinet? Here are some tips straight from the horse’s (well the kitchen cabinet contractor’s) mouth.

Loving It or Leaving It?

One of the first things to consider is how long you plan to continue living in the house. If you have no plans to live in the house (for example it is a rental) then you don’t want to purchase highly personalized cabinets customized for your cooking style. For a rental, you want cabinets that are durable and easy to maintain.

If you plan on selling your home within the next five years, you must keep in mind the comparable houses in the neighborhood. Don’t be shy about attending an open house or two to make sure you don’t pick cabinets that put your kitchen on the high-end or the low-end of comparable homes.

If you plan on living in your home for more than five years, then go ahead and pick the cabinets you will love for the next 10 to 15 years. Use a layout that works for your cooking style and meets your needs. Remember, you are creating a workspace.

Determine Your Layout

You can do it with your kitchen cabinet contractor or sketch it out before your first meeting. But, you do need to get a rough idea of the layout. Are you keeping your existing layout? Are the kitchen cabinets coming in as part of an entire kitchen remodel? You have more latitude with the layout if the new cabinets are part of a complete kitchen remodel. If that is the case start by marking the location of:

doors
windows
architectural elements
major appliances
sink

Next mark where electricity and water are located. Make sure you have the exact dimensions of each element before you start shopping cabinets. The sink, range, and refrigerator should make a triangle for the most efficient workspace. Now you know how much space you have for cabinetry.

Standard Cabinets

Standard kitchen cabinets fall into three categories: base, wall, and tall. Their dimensions are as follows:

Base Base cabinets sit on a 4″ riser called a toe kick. They are 24″ deep and 36″ tall. Some cabinets are available in 27″ depth.

Wall Wall cabinets are hung on the wall. They are usually 12″ deep, but some can be as deep as 17″. These are used for storage of glasses, dishes, and other items.

Tall These cabinets are used as pantry space or broom closets. Most tall cabinets are 83 1/2″ tall.

Specialty Cabinets

Specialty cabinets enter the realm of semi-custom. There are corner cabinets designed to make use of the “dead” space in corners. Bottle racks and appliance garages provide specialized storage. Cabinets made to install in front of cooktops also maximize space. Specialty cabinets can be constructed as hutches to store dishes or other items. Baking sheets and racks can be stored in specially made narrow cabinets.

Cabinet Grades

Cabinets come in a variety of grades and prices. As the quality of the cabinet increases so does the price. These days you may find the quality and features you need with semi-custom cabinets instead of custom cabinets.

Ready to Assemble. These are mass-produced do-it-yourself kits. They are the least expensive and the least durable. Options are limited and you need the skills and tools to assemble and install properly.

Stock. These cabinets arrive presized. They are economical and are available in a wider variety than ready-to-assemble cabinets. Because they come in fixed sizes, they cannot be altered so they won’t work in all spaces. Stock cabinets are available in a range of materials from particle board to solid wood. They are a budget-friendly choice for rentals or short-term solutions.

Semi-Custom. Once you move into semi-custom cabinetry you find many more options. They are special order cabinets and give you much more variety than stock cabinets. Generally priced in the mid-range, they offer a personalized look without the cost of custom cabinets. Yes, semi-custom cabinets can be altered! The styles, finishes, and storage options are extensive enough to outfit almost any kitchen. Inspired Remodels recommends Decora, Kitchen Craft, and Waypoint for the widest range of options.

Custom. The most expensive option but the most versatile in terms of finishes, sizes, and configurations. These are one-of-a-kind cabinets that are tailored to your kitchen, your style, and your cooking habits.

The Kitchen Cabinet Contractor to Use

When you are ready for new kitchen cabinets, use a kitchen cabinet contractor who can offer you a range of options. Inspired Remodels can translate your style whether it is contemporary or traditional into kitchen cabinets. If you don’t know where to start; our design-build model will help you step-by-step through the process. One of our designers will work with you to come up with a plan that fits your needs, your style, and your budget. You’ll see a CADD 3D rendering of the layout and then our crew will make it happen.

Call (949) 716-1938 today to schedule your free consultation.

Tips for Hiring Kitchen and Bath Contractors

By Inspired Remodels / Bathroom Remodel, Kitchen Remodel / Comments Off

Thinking of a kitchen or bath remodel or renovation but aren’t sure where to start? The internet is filled with stories of contractors from hell. You don’t want to make the mistake of hiring the wrong contractor. Follow these tips for hiring kitchen and bath contractors and your project will be off to a great start.

Start with The Designer

There are architects, designers, and contractors. Make sure you hire a person that can transform your dream into an actionable plan and stay within your budget. A designer that works with a contractor or a design-build contractor is the best arrangement possible.

Experienced kitchen and bath contractors and designers can tell you whether the layout you want requires extensive changes to plumbing, electrical, or structural components. These are the big ticket, costly items. A good designer can translate what you want into a design that meets your needs and your budget.

Be sure you look at designs and pictures together. You need to make sure that you and your designer have the same ideas when it comes to “contemporary” and “traditional”. Your designer needs to understand your needs and wants for lighting, storage, fixtures and appliances. Poor communication is a recipe for a bad project. If you can’t discuss the project cost and time frame comfortably, pick another professional.

Review their recent work history and see if their style meets yours or if they have the ability to adapt their style to the desires of their client. Beware of a designer that repeats the same design over and over with new finishes. They may lack the imagination you need.

Discuss Costs and Time

Kitchen and bath contractors all give an estimate before work starts. Be sure you understand what is covered and what is not. Are the finishes contractor grade? Are appliances and fixtures included or extra? What happens when problems arise? Which party is responsible for additional costs?

It’s best to discuss budget up-front. You may want a soaking tub and a steam shower in your bathroom remodel, but lack the budget for both. By discussing budget in the beginning you can prioritize your wants and needs. The way you won’t be presented with a layout, finishes, and fixtures you can’t afford.

Understanding the time frame is crucial as well. It’s not enough to ask how long it will take. You need to ask when the job can start. If the project requires permits, this can add considerably to the time to completion.

Identifying Reputable Kitchen and Bath Contractors

Some companies may draw pretty designs and talk a good game but fail on execution. One of the best ways to vet any contractor is to check their reputation on-line.

Simply Google the contractor’s name or the company name. Read reviews from Yelp, Houzz, and Angie’s List.

Put on your detective hat and check the company’s license. Almost every state has an on-line source for checking the status of a contractor’s license. For example, a check of the license for Inspired Remodels at CA.gov shows the company has an active license, is bonded, and has current worker’s compensation insurance. If a company is doing work at your house you must make sure they have worker’s compensation insurance for your own protection.

Check with the local Better Business Bureau. Ideally, you won’t find complaints. But if you do, see how the company responds. Great customer service is determined by how a contractor handles problems and you want to do business with kitchen and bath contractors that know how to handle problems or complaints if they arise.

Inspired Remodels for Inspired Kitchens and Baths

Inspired Remodels is the Orange County kitchen and bath contractor that provides design and build services. This means Inspired Remodels will be with you from the initial design until the last trace of construction dust is swept away. You get the kitchen or bath of your dreams within your budget.

Call (949) 716-1938 to schedule your consultation.

House Remodeling That Pays Off for 2017

By Inspired Remodels / Bathroom Remodel, Home Improvement, Kitchen Remodel / Comments Off

One of the biggest questions people have about house remodeling is “Will it pay off?”. When you spend money on a house remodel, be it a kitchen or bath remodel or addition you want to know you are increasing the value of your property. Remodeling has released the 2017 Pacific regional cost versus value for remodeling and the news is good; very good.

Kitchen Remodeling

The average cost of a major kitchen remodel in the Pacific region is $69,723 with a recoup estimate of $52,377. That means you realize of a gain of 75% of the amount of the remodel. That is higher than 2016. It means 2017 is a great time for house remodeling if you want to maximize your return on investment.

Inspired Remodels can turn your current kitchen into your dream kitchen with custom cabinets, new finishes, and improved lighting. If you plan on staying in your home, you’ll have years of enjoyable cooking and entertaining and know you’ve added 75% value of the cost.

If you plan on selling your home or aren’t ready for a major remodel, the news is even better. A minor remodel is $23,695 and returns $22,711 in value. That means you recoup almost 96% of the cost. Buyers look for fresh kitchens and a minor kitchen remodel just might be what gets your home noticed and sold quickly.

Bathroom Remodeling

Bathroom remodeling is also estimated to add 75 cents of value for each dollar spent. A bathroom remodel in the Pacific region is estimated at $21,635 and adds $16,206 in value. While that is down from 2016, it is still a great return on the investment.

Don’t overlook the bathroom when remodeling the house. A good bathroom is functional. A great bathroom is comfortable. An awesome bathroom is functional, comfortable, and your own personal in-home spa.

Maximum Return from House Remodeling

The 2017 house remodeling projects with the greatest return for the Pacific region are entry door replacements and the addition of attic insulation. Attic insulation only run $1,406 but returns $1,726 in value. That’s a 122.8% return and while it is down from 2016 it is still great. In addition, both attic insulation and new entry doors can make your home more energy efficient.

Speaking of entry doors, the house remodeling project with the 2^nd greatest return in value is replacing your entry doors. The cost is $1,516 and the value added is $1,535. It is a quick remodeling job and not only increases your home’s value it increases curb appeal. It might be just the ticket if you plan on selling in 2017.

Home Remodeling Experts

If you’re thinking of home remodeling in 2017, contact the experts at Inspired Remodels. Inspired Remodels is a complete house remodeling contracting company. They will work with you to create a design that incorporates your dreams and stays in your budget. Whether you want new entry doors or a major kitchen remodel, call Inspired Remodels at (949) 716-1938.

custom cabinets add value

Author: Inspired Remodels