Home Improvement Archives - Page 18 of 30

House Remodeling Tips for that New TV

By Inspired Remodels / Home Improvement / Comments Off

Is a new TV in your future? If Santa is bring that new flat screen you need to think about how and where to install it for maximum viewing pleasure. Here are a few tips to help with this simple DIY house remodeling project.

How High?

Today’s rooms can have competing focal points. What’s the best spot for the TV? You don’t want to detract from other areas of interest. But, honestly you know you will watch TV more than the fireplace or the backyard.

Install the TV so the center of the screen is at eye level of the viewer. So, consider where you will sit when watching the screen. Sitting in a chair next to the fireplace and watching a screen mounted above the fireplace is a pain in the neck. Literally.

Viewing distance is about 2.5 times the diagonal size of the screen. Some HD nerds swear this drops to 1.5 with high definition screens. We say it’s personal.

Figure about 42″ from the floor for a standard set. As shown above, it may be necessary to wall mount to achieve this height.

Hiding the Magic

Thankfully multimedia is embracing wireless technology. That makes hiding the wires and cables that deliver the magic easier.

But, make sure you have an electrical source before you settle on a spot. It may require a call to an electrician if you need to add an outlet, but that’s one call you want to make. Better than a call to 911 when adding an electrical outlet becomes a house remodeling project fail.

See how this screen is mounted above for easy viewing and doesn’t sport a tangle of wires and cables? That’s your goal.

OLED versus LED

LED televisions really have an LCD screen. It works like a bunch of little shutters that open and close to let light through. Works great, but they must be viewed from just the correct angle or the picture is washed out. Boo!

You can get a mounting mechanism that allows you to adjust the angle of the screen. That will help. But even better is to skip the LED and get OLED. Not only does OLED win with the best picture quality, but it can be seen from an infinite number of angles. OLED has come down considerably in price, so it’s a real option to consider if the spaces to place your TV are limited.

Focus on Family

It’s a TV, not a family member. Despite what the kids say, there is no reason to have a screen in every room. This house remodeling established a room without a TV. Try it, you might like it. A room without a TV encourages family members to interact and provides a quiet, tranquil retreat from the busyness of life. No TV in this room, but it does have a large conversation area, a convenient table, and two focal points. Next remodel, consider establishing a screen-free zone.

When House Remodeling Isn’t DIY

Not all house remodeling projects are as easy as installing that new flat screen TV. If you need a kitchen remodel, a bathroom update, barn doors, new flooring or any other remodeling, contact Inspired Remodels. Jason and Joe Mueller design and build. They can even build custom cabinets for your new TV! Turn dreams into reality. Call (949) 716-1938.

Local Home Remodeling Contractors are Orange County’s Property Brothers

By Inspired Remodels / Home Improvement / Comments Off

Brothers Joe and Jason Mueller are turning homeowner’s remodeling dreams into reality. These local home remodeling contractors have a winning formula for turning “blah” bathrooms into luxury spas and “so-so” kitchens into splendid spaces for preparing and sharing food. Their creations delight and amaze Orange County homeowners who want a new look for their home. Whether it is traditional, transitional, contemporary or modern Inspired Remodels delivers time and again.

The Design-Build Difference

So, what’s the difference? Part of the winning formula is the way the brothers approach home remodeling and construction. In the traditional model, you work with a designer or architect to create the design of the remodeled or added space. The design documents establish the layout of walls, cabinetry, fixtures and finishes. Next step: hire a contractor to build based on the design. The homeowner is the go-between.

Inspired Remodels takes a different approach. It might even remind you of the HGTV hit, Property Brothers. Joe works with the homeowner to create a design that incorporates the must-have design features to make the room workable. Next, he layers on the finishes and fixtures to delight the eye. Joe’s design presentation shows how the finished project will appear. Then Jason springs into action. As the project manager, he brings in skilled tradesmen to do the work. Just as on the TV show, one brother is the design visionary and the other brother is a construction wizard. These local home remodeling contractors are a real dynamic duo.

The Customer Service Difference

Home remodeling is stressful. Inspired Remodels works hard to minimize the stress. Your house is your home – it’s not just another job site. That’s a small difference in attitude that makes a big difference in your discomfort level during the remodeling process. Inspired Remodels wants to makes the process as easy as possible. You know remodeling is messy, but Inspired Remodels is known for paying attention to keeping things as neat as possible. Just look at what Maria has to say:

“Very conscientious about neatness. Joe and the team are awesome! Love the finished product and would gladly have them come again.”

In addition, Jason, as your project manager, is designated to be at your side every step of the way. That means you have a dedicated point of contact if questions or concerns arise. Communication is so much easier when you only need to work with one person.

Your home remodeling contractor is only as good as the people performing the work. Inspired Remodels carefully vets the craftsmen they bring into your home. Only the best of the best will do for your project.

Pick a Side or Pick a Room

No, we don’t mean to pick one brother over the other! We want you to see for yourself how Inspired Remodels makes interior remodeling dreams come true. So, pick a room in your house, pick a side of your house, or look at a whole house remodel. Review the kitchen remodel portfolio. Peruse the bathroom remodel examples.

That’s just the beginning. Custom fireplaces, entries, outdoor kitchens and even more. Inspired Remodels can add a room or remodel the entire home. Don’t move – improve.

Call today (949) 716-1938.

Orange County Home Improvement Contractor Creates Fabulous Fireplaces

By Inspired Remodels / Home Improvement / Comments Off

Fall is most certainly here. With temperatures falling, you might be thinking about cozying up to the fire. Did you know that fireplaces have design trends just like all elements of home decor? They do! And whether you have a gas or wood burner, Inspired Remodels is the Orange County home improvement contractor that can update your fireplace. Keep the chill at bay while relaxing by your fabulous fireplace. Here’s some ideas to get you inspired.

Natural Finishes

Nothing looks warmer than the natural look of brick or stone. These materials harken back to when fire was essential to keeping the house warm and food cooked. These days, stacked stone is the perfect fusion of modern look with classic material. No matter the tone, you are sure to get a warm, natural look.

home improvement contractor adds light color stacked stone to update fireplace

Stacked stone fireplace surround – light palette

Stacked stone in gray palette

The same materials that provide a modern look to these fireplaces can also be used when you want a rustic feel. Note the raised hearth, always a popular design.

home improvement contractor gets rustic look fireplace with stacked stone

Rustic Look with stacked stone

Marvelous Mantels

The mantel can be a focal point for the fireplace or the perfect accent. Like a string of pearls sets off a little black dress, a mantle is the finishing touch. Whether it holds a collection of keepsakes or carefully staged artwork, a mantel is essential if you want a fabulous fireplace. One of the latest trends is to create a classic look by integrating the mantle with the fireplace trim.

Classic Mantle

Whether its classic Grecian or traditional Federalist, the integrated mantle is a trend with legs (pun intended). This design will still look fresh in 10 years.

Another Take on a Classic

The mantle can also be designed to coordinate with existing woodwork and pull together custom cabinetry. These built-ins and mantle go together like peas and carrots or chocolate and peanut butter. If you wanted to mount a flat screen television over this fireplace, the cabinetry would be perfect for hiding the cable box or DVR.

However, if your taste trends minimalist, you should consider the floating mantle. It honors the original mantle. That’s because the mantle originated as a chimney-piece that projected over the fire to collect smoke. They were a focal point of the fireplace. Like their ancestors, floating mantles provide the focal point.

Floating Mantle

The contrast of white on gray makes this floating mantle the focal point of the fireplace.

This Home Improvement Contractor Knows Fireplaces

When it’s time to select a home improvement contractor to update your fireplace, make sure you pick a contractor that understands both the form and function of the fireplace. For example, mounting a flat screen TV above the fireplace requires consideration of viewing angle (LCDs need to be viewed straight on) and temperature as well as using special hardware. A real pro knows this.

You also want to make sure your fireplace is safe. Pick a home improvement contractor that is comfortable working with your fuel-style (woodburning or gas log).

Don’t play with fire, contact Inspired Remodels at (949) 716-1938 to schedule your consultation.

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