Home Improvement Archives - Page 22 of 32

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.

Kitchen and Bath Contractors are Wild for Ultra Violet – Pantone’s Color of the Year

By Inspired Remodels / Home Improvement / Comments Off

The Pantone Color Institute forecasts global color trends. They are recognized around the world as a leading source of color information. Each year, they release the Color of the Year and for 2018 the color is 18-3838 Ultra Violet. This blue-based purple is perfect for accents and kitchen and bath contractors will rush to incorporate the color in new designs.

A Palette of Smoky and Hazy Colors to Calm

Ultra Violet works and plays well with a surprising number of colors. Pair it with greys (and grey is still the hottest neutral), blues, and rose tones. This palette brings calmness to spa-like bathrooms. The hazy and smoky hues play off each other and create subtle harmonies that will remain timeless.

Kitchen and bath contractors will use Ultra Violet alongside the colors that occupy the spaces beside it on the color wheel. Look for rooms that use these color combinations to provide a look that exudes spirited, good humor and playful exuberance. These engaging color mixes spill out of the bathroom and into the bedroom and living spaces too.

Ultra Violet the Ultra Drama Queen

Look for kitchen and bath contractors to play up the ability of Ultra Violet to star in the role of drama queen. Bring a striking presence to kitchens, dining areas, and living areas. Pair Ultra Violet with other show-stopping saturated colors. The result isn’t garish. To the contrary, you set a mood for excitement and drama. Use Ultra Violet as an accent with earth tones for adventurous bedrooms and bathrooms too.

Desert Sunsets for Any Room

Get the serene feel of a desert sunset any time of day. Ultra Violet goes with warm shades to simulate the palette of the desert sky as the sun sets. Bathroom contractors use Ultra Violet for the perfect California spa retreat bathroom. This color is perfect for warm wood cabinets or wood-look tile. A little goes a long way. Use as accent tiles, linens, or accessories.

Inspired Remodels – The Kitchen and Bath Contractors That Know Color

Planning a kitchen, bedroom or bathroom remodel? Be sure to work with a company that understands design as well as construction. Inspired Remodels are kitchen and bathroom contractors that know the elements of design and style as well as quality construction techniques. Want to learn how to incorporate Ultra Violet? Call (949) 716-1938 or Contact Us. We help with other colors too!