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Inspired Remodels

Home Improvement

Coto de Caza Real Estate Company Top Upgrades That Improve Value

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As a top Coto de Caza Real Estate Company, Inspired Realty frequently fields questions about the value renovations bring to an existing home. As a licensed general contractor and real estate broker, Joe Mueller knows the renovation and real estate markets.

Joe’s top upgrades to improve value impact the interior and exterior of the home.  Here are the top three.

Solar panels on roof of a Coto de Caza home for sale

Upgrades for Energy Efficiency

With energy prices continuing to climb and no relief in sight, home buyers all across California look for energy-efficient homes. In sunny Coto de Caza, homebuyers want to control cooling costs too.

Because this gated community of about 4,000 homes lies inland, daytime temperatures rise higher than along the coast. That increases energy consumption.

Coto de Caza homes with solar panels, upgraded HVAC systems, high R value windows, or exceptional attic insulation reduce energy consumption and lower energy bills.

Often, buyers ask for several months of energy bills when considering the purchase of a home.  Upgrades that improve the energy efficiency of your home make it a standout when compared to other homes without these upgrades.

Remodeled by Inspired Remodels

Enhanced Outdoor Spaces

Pools, patios, balconies, and decks increase the usable living space in a home. What the rest of the country calls a “yard” we call a California room.

Upgrades to the outdoor living spaces make your home not only more enjoyable for you but also add value to your home when you sell.

Buyers like to imagine themselves lounging by the pool, grilling and chilling at the outdoor kitchen, and watching the big game in outdoor seating areas.

Upping the appearance of your outdoors increases the value of the indoors. It also gives your home a competitive advantage over other properties when it comes to sell.

Gas fireplaces, upgraded deck surfaces, covered patios, and areas for cooking and eating are all popular outdoor amenities in Coto de Caza.

Coto de Caza Real Estate Company townhouse listed for sale

Garage and front door add to curb appeal

Curb Appeal

You never get a second chance to make a first impression. Your home’s appearance from the street sets the tone for buyer expectations.

Improving the appearance of your home’s exterior improves your home’s value and helps your home sell faster.

Year after year, an upgraded garage door continues to be the one home improvement that returns over 90% of the investment in value. New garage doors provide better insulation, create a fresh look, and make your home look fresh and clean.

In addition to front doors and garage doors, upgraded carriage lights and entrance lights improve curb appeal.

Fresh mulch or bedding materials also delivers a punch of panache for a little money. Remodeling the exterior of your home makes it welcoming to you and inviting to buyers.

General Contractor and Coto de Caza Real Estate Company Owner - Joe Mueller head shot

Coto de Caza Real Estate Company and General Contractor

The dynamic duo of Inspired Realty and Inspired Remodels offers full-service real estate buying, selling, and upgrading services.

Have a Coto de Caza home you want to upgrade but are not sure if it will impact the value? Ask Joe Mueller!

Want to buy an existing Coto de Caza home and convert it into your dream house? Let Joe and his team find the home you want, negotiate the purchase, and then remodel to turn your home-buying dream into reality.

 

Bathroom Remodeling: What Do You Decide First?

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When faced with a math problem, we solve it from left to right and follow the PEMDAS order of operations. Need a refresher? Start with parenthesis, exponents, multiply, divide, add and subtract. When bathroom remodeling moves from an idea to reality, what decisions do you make first? Does bathroom remodeling have an order of operations?

It does! Follow along and discover the order to make decisions in bathroom remodeling.

bathroom remodeling floor plans

Settle on Design and Layout

Start your bathroom renovation journey by settling on the overall layout and design for the room.

Make this decision first. The design and layout determine your plumbing and electrical needs. If the design calls for moving these systems, this increases the cost. That’s important to know right off the bat.

Determine The Budget

Now look at the amount you have in your bank account and consider your ability to pay debt. You may pay for your bathroom remodel in cash or financing may be required.  Depending on how much work you do or if you hire a bathroom remodeler like Inspired Remodels, you can spend $25,000 to $60,000 or more.

bathroom remodeling budget with pie charts and calculator

Remember, moving plumbing and electrical drives up costs. A prefab tub surround costs less than tile.

Knowing your budget and getting approved for a home improvement loan or line of credit before you start shopping makes good sense.

bathroom remodeling after picture tub shower and vanity collage

Select Your Style and Palette

Now you know the basics, next comes the fun part. But before you get down to details, make some overall style decisions.

Do you want a modern, transitional, or traditional look? Do you like the look of Mission style but want a modern take?

Settle on a style and let this decision inform your next decisions.

Picking a color palette goes hand-in-hand with the style decision. Also, keep in mind the size of the room and the natural light. Light colors and minimal design make rooms look larger. Large spaces can support darker colors and more detail in the design elements.

shower remodeling job included new cabinets

Select Vanity and Cabinets

Selecting your vanity and cabinets becomes easier once you’ve determined your budget, style, and color palette.

Midnight blue works well for modern styles but will be out of place in a traditional environment. See how easy this is getting?

The most common bathroom cabinet and vanity colors work well in small and large bathroom bathrooms. This includes white, grey, and light-finish wood.

Select Tub/Shower and Toilet Fixtures

Does the bathroom remodel include a new tub, shower, or toilet? Make these decisions based on the plumbing and layout you’ve selected.

Remember, modern smart toilets and bidets require hot and cold water as well as access to electricity.

Pick Flooring

Your flooring covers more area than the shower and tub area. That’s why you pick flooring first.

Bathrooms require waterproof flooring. Decide on natural stone, ceramic, porcelain, or wood-look tile. What’s the difference between ceramic and porcelain? Both are made of clay, but porcelain is a type of ceramic made from finer clay and gets fired at a higher temperature. This makes them more durable.

All porcelain is ceramic, but not all ceramic is porcelain. Got it?

general contractors creates shower out of wood look tile for natural effect

Pick Shower/Wall Tiles

Now let’s pick the shower and wall tiles. Always pick shower or wall tiles smaller or the same size as floor tiles. This maintains balance and proportion.

Use shower and wall tiles to bring design interest. Add texture and pattern if that is your desire. Use the same color on the wall and floor but change the shape of the tile.

The services of a designer and bathroom remodeler help make choices that keep the entire room cohesive.

Select Lighting

Pick overhead and task lighting. Consider the amount of natural light at all times of the day.

Bathroom Remodeling Contractors Make It Easier

Starting the bathroom remodeling process with a contractor makes decision-making easier.

Your contractor maintains relationships with vendors and knows from experience the quality of products available. They help you work within your budget.

Want to work with a bathroom remodeler in Orange County, California? Schedule a consultation with Inspired Remodels.

 

How to Use Color in Kitchen Remodeling: Tips for SoCal Homes

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Kitchen remodeling breathes new life into a home. In Orange County, where style reigns, creating a high-end kitchen relies on the creative use of color. From cabinetry to flooring, backsplashes, and lighting, the right color choices transform your kitchen into a stunning, functional space.

Kitchen remodeling after with Black and white kitchen design with matte gold accents

Cabinetry: The Heart of Kitchen Design

Cabinets constitute the largest visual feature in most kitchens, making their color choice critical. Consider neutral tones like white, cream, or gray for a high-end look. These timeless shades give your kitchen a spacious and elegant feel.

Opt for deep navy, forest green, or even black and make a bold statement. These darker tones create a luxurious atmosphere and pair beautifully with brass or gold hardware. Orange County kitchens that draw on the environmental beauty of our area pull in soft blues or sage green without creating dark rooms.

Ladera Ranch kitchen remodeling after showing contrasting quartz countertops

For a stunning and stylish statement, mix cabinet colors. Use a neutral base for the upper cabinets and a richer tone for the lower ones or the island. This two-tone approach adds depth and visual appeal, creating a standout kitchen.

Kitchen Remodeling and Your Flooring Choice

Your choice of kitchen flooring provides another avenue to play with color in kitchen remodeling. For a warm and inviting feel, opt for light wood such as natural oak or ash shades. These tones work well with both contemporary and classic kitchen designs. That makes them the safe choice for long-term appeal.

Kitchen remodeler after photo White and walnut kitchen with blue glass herringbone backsplash

If you prefer tile flooring, consider wood-look tiles. They offer the beauty of wood and the durability of tile. Or look for traditional floor tiles with patterned or textured designs in neutral or earth tones.

Backsplashes: A Canvas for Creativity

Planning the backsplash provides a playground or having fun with color. Subway tiles in white or neutral tones serve as the most classic choice. But modern Orange County kitchen remodeling projects often feature backsplash tiles as art. Glossy tiles in rich tones like teal, emerald, or cobalt blue bring energy to your kitchen.

White shaker style kitchen cabinets with blue backsplash and quartzite countertops

For a more subdued, high-end look, consider marble backsplashes with natural veining. These offer subtle eye-catching patterns with a classic look. Orange County coastal kitchen remodels use tiles in beach-inspired hues like aqua or sandy beige to match the coastal vibe.

Balance your backsplash with the rest of the kitchen’s color palette to maintain harmony.

Lighting For Function and Mood

Lighting does more than illuminate the kitchen—it influences how colors appear. Choose fixtures that complement your kitchen’s overall style casting the best light on your color scheme.

Pendant lights over an island or dining area allow the introduction of metallic tones like gold, bronze, or copper for warmth. Opt for matte black or sleek chrome finishes for a modern or industrial touch.

Consider the lightbulbs you use.  Cool white bulbs make whites and grays appear crisp and clean, ideal for a minimalist kitchen. Warm yellow bulbs create a cozy atmosphere and enhance natural wood tones. Include dimmer switches so you can adjust the brightness based on the mood and occasion.

kitchen remodel incorporates open concept for kitchen and dining areas

Kitchen Remodeling Tips for Picking a Cohesive Color Palette

Start with your primary palette and build from there. For example, if you opt for white cabinets, bring in warmth through wood floors and color through the backsplash. If you love dark cabinets, balance them with lighter floors and countertops.

Don’t forget to consider the colors in the adjoining rooms. This gives the entire home a feeling of cohesiveness.

Orange County kitchen and bath contractor after photo with furniture style kitchen island

Kitchen Remodeling in Southern California Style

For a Southern California kitchen that reflects the Orange County climate and lifestyle, work with an Orange County kitchen remodeler. Inspired Remodels helps incorporate colors and finishes in a design that creates a space that feels fresh and welcoming. From sandy neutrals, ocean blues, and earthy greens to marble, quartz, and natural stone, you’ll see options for materials that not only give you a high-end look but also stand up to daily wear and tear.