Home Improvement Archives - Page 20 of 30

Residential Remodeling Contractors Make Dreams Reality

By Inspired Remodels / Home Improvement / Comments Off

Ever dream of that perfect kitchen? Where storage, workspace and prep space were plentiful, and surfaces were easy care? Maybe it’s a spa retreat to replace the builder’s vision for your master bathroom. Whatever your remodeling needs, working with the right residential remodeling contractors can be the difference between making dreams a reality or living with a nightmare. Inspired Remodel specializes in happy endings. Here’s just a few of our recent jobs.

Mission Viejo Bathroom Renovation

The 1980s and 1990’s called, and they want their bathroom back. This Mission Viejo bathroom was functional, but it wasn’t dream material. Dated tile countertops, the uninspired mirrors and the white tile feels institutional. The framed shower made the space feel smaller than it was.

This family made the right call, when they hired Inspired Remodels as their residential remodeling contractors.

residential remodeling contractors update mission viejo bathroom before picture

Before Pictures

The space has a fresh, new look that will be stylish for years to come. New Waypoint cabinetry brightens the room. The mix of tile and stone for the hard surfaces of the shower, tub, countertops and floors pulls white and black together with gray for a neutral palette that soothes and is a perfect backdrop for any accent color. The frameless shower makes the most of the space by removing unnecessary lines. The optical illusion creates space where little exists. The room is light, bright and a dream come true.

After Pictures

Trabuco Canyon Retreat

Maybe you’ve always dreamed of a spa retreat for your bedroom and bathroom area. This remodel capitalized on the amazing view and complemented nature with stacked stone accent walls in the bedroom and bathroom. The clean lines of the soaking tub are duplicated in the integrated sinks and sink faucet fixtures. Alder finish cabinetry by Decora completes the feel of the area.

Traditional Modern MashUp

Mashups are trending as all real foodies know. Eggs are inside meatballs, spaghetti in sandwiches, and Oreos are inside everything. So, it’s only natural to mash traditional and modern styles to create today’s kitchen.

Traditional style lower cabinets mash with modern uppers. Traditional sink meets modern faucet. Subtle subway tile mashes up with stunning accent tile. Remove a wall and mash the living and kitchen areas together. It just works beautifully. Beautiful, functional, fresh and yet still classic.

Inspired Remodels the Inspirational Residential Remodeling Contractors

When you are ready to turn remodeling dreams into residential remodeling reality, call Inspired Remodels. Tell them your dreams, share your aspirations for your living areas, and be inspired by their designs.

As complete design/build residential remodeling contractors, they work with you to create the plan and then bring it to life. Call (949) 716-1938 or Contact Us to get started today.

Open Concepts FAQ by Orange County Remodeling Contractor

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

Rooms that flow effortlessly from one to another. Spaces that incorporate the indoors and outdoors seamlessly. What do they have in common? The open concept in action. Inspired Remodels, an Orange County remodeling contractor, answers common questions about open concepts.

What is an open concept? In design, open concepts feature few interior walls and rooms flow naturally from one to another. The British refer to it as “open plan” design.

Is the open concept new to architecture? No, while it is currently highly popular, it has it’s roots in Frank Lloyd Wright’s Prairie Home, first published in February 1901 in the Ladies Home Journal. As the modernist design of the 1930’s brought indoors and outdoors together, spaces became less defined in an effort to bring more light indoors. Post-war homes were smaller and less expensive and servants and housekeepers were less common. Fusing the cooking, dining, and living places brought economy of space and efficiency together.

Is creating an open concept difficult? Designing an open concept area is easy. Executing the design isn’t always a walk in the park. If load bearing walls must be removed, maintaining the integrity of the home is a challenge. This is not a do-it-yourself job, and requires the skills and knowledge of a licensed general contractor.

Open Concept Pros

Do open concepts make spaces look larger or smaller? Small spaces feel even more confined with walls. By removing walls, you trick the eye into thinking there is more space. Conversely, if you already have a large space with high ceilings, an open concept can make a space cavernous.

Aside from visual appeal, what are other benefits of an open concept? Not all families make regular use of formal living or dining areas. A thoughtful open concept design takes this unused space and incorporates into more heavily trafficked areas. This maximizes use of square footage under the roof.

Kitchen and Informal Dining

Open Concept Cons

Are there downsides to open concepts? When the living, dining, and cooking areas share space they also share their messes. One cook recently ranted in the pages of The New Yorker that their open concept kitchen lacked boundaries and places to hide dirty dishes from guests. So, embrace the open concept with eyes wide open. Cooking also creates heat and smells. An open concept shares both of those freely with adjoining areas.

Is an open concept right for me? Only you can answer this. But, sitting down with a designer and discussing your wants, needs, and dreams for new space in your home can help you decide. Use a design/build Orange County remodeling contractor like Inspired Remodels. A remodeling contractor that also provides design services is well-equipped to deal with issues like load bearing walls.

Inspired Remodels is an experienced Orange County remodeling contractor with extensive experience with open concept design. Call (949) 716-1938 to schedule an appointment today.

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.