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Inspired Remodels

Kitchen Remodel

Why Work with a Design Build Remodeling Contractor

By / Bathroom Remodel, Home Improvement, Kitchen Remodel / Comments Off on Why Work with a Design Build Remodeling Contractor

If you are remodeling your kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, or any other room in your house it pays to work with a design-build remodeling contractor. It is much more efficient, reduces the chances of communication errors, and makes for a smoother experience.  Here’s why.

Traditional Model

With the traditional model, you would hire a designer to create your design. This person would work with you to come up with the floor plan, layout, finishes, and fixtures associated with the remodel. They would come up with specifications and turn the job over to you. The designer or planner may or may not be able to make recommendations for a contractor to do the work. They may or may not be willing to manage the work. Commonly, you take the architectural plans, find your contractor, and supervise the job. If there is any question about materials or the plan, the contractor lets you know, you check with the designer and then get back with the contractor.

This isn’t the easiest or most efficient way to do the job. But it does give you the benefit of the services of an experienced designer.

Design Build Model

With a design-build model, the contractor provides design services. The contractor has a person on staff who works with you to create your design. You sit down with your idea book and the designer listens to how you want to use the space as well as your wants and needs.  The designer then works with you to create a plan that incorporates what you want out of the space with the budget you have established.

Once the designer is finished the plans are turned over to the build portion of the company. The general contractor brings in the necessary materials and subcontractors to do the work. If there is a question about the plan, communication is easy because the contractor and designer are not only on the same team, they work for the same company.

This model reduces homeowner stress. It also improves communication. Design-build increases the probability that the job will be completed on time and budget.

remodeling contractor portfolio

                                                       Sample of Work by Inspired Remodels – Orange County’s Design Build Remodeling Contractor

Work with a Professional Remodeling Contractor

No matter which approach you take, work with a professional remodeling contractor. A professional remodeling contractor knows what permits must be pulled, has relationships with professional tradesmen, carries liability insurance, and is licensed by the State of California.

A professional won’t burn you on your kitchen remodel or leave you underwater with a bathroom do-over. Most of the horror stories you hear are the result of working with unlicensed contractors, so hire a pro.

Inspired Remodels is Orange County’s Design Build Remodeling ContractorInspired Logo

Get Inspired from Floor to Ceiling

Want the best for your next bathroom or kitchen remodel? Hire the best. Hire Inspired Remodels.  Joe and Jason Mueller will sit down with you to discuss your project. They turn your dream into reality. They craft kitchens that function as well as they look, bathrooms and bedrooms that provide a retreat, custom cabinets, and fabulous fireplaces. Whether you need one room or a whole house, Inspired Remodels is up to the task. Just check out what their clients have to say on Yelp.  Then call (949) 716-1938 and schedule your appointment today.

 

 

 

On-Line Kitchen Remodel Planner Makes Design Easier

By / Kitchen Remodel / Comments Off on On-Line Kitchen Remodel Planner Makes Design Easier
This article was originally published on June 28, 2017, and is updated to reflect current product availability.

Thinking about a new kitchen remodel? Not sure where to start? Thanks to the internet, you’ve got plenty of on-line tools to help. An on-line kitchen remodel planner or planning  helps you decide how to layout your kitchen. Here are just a few great tools.

kitchen remodel planner tool makes remodeling easy

Room Sketcher

Room Sketcher lets you try different floor plans, appliances, fixtures, finishes, and countertops. Know what will work in your space before you start talking to contractors. It’s easy to use. Just draw your walls, pick what you like, drag, and drop. This tool offers a great way to try out multiple designs, especially if you aren’t sure of your creative skills.  Want a peninsula or an island? Draw them both and compare! Decide you don’t like it? Delete it!  It’s fast and easy to use. Create 3D photos to share with contractors. Use the AI to create 360-degree views and high-resolution photos. The basic version provides all the basic functionality you need to get started. Go Pro and get a 30 free trial.

kitchen remodel planner tool creates workable design

Kitchen Planner

 KitchenPlanner.net offers an alternative to downloadable software. Just navigate to the site, click the button, and start planning your kitchen remodel.  Select the layout, place your windows and doors, then start adding your design elements. Pick from base, wall, and custom cabinets. Add appliances, choose finishes, and create 3D renditions of your kitchen remodel design. This kitchen remodel planner makes planning easy for the technically challenged.

Lowe’s Kitchen Visualizer

Lowe’s offers a basic Kitchen Visualizer tool online.  Start with one of their preset floor plans and add design elements.  This kitchen remodel planner offers an easy-to-use option but limited flexibility. The only design elements available in the planner are items sold by Lowe’s. But the tool allows you to play with mixing and matching finishes, colors, and materials to help you decide what you find visually pleasing.

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Professional Kitchen Remodel Planner

Nothing beats the experience of a professional. That’s why after you’ve played with an online kitchen remodel planner it is time to sit down with a professional kitchen designer.  Inspired Remodels reviews your rough designs and floor plans and determines if they work in the space available. In addition, a professional kitchen remodel designer thinks of all the details you never considered.  In a kitchen, lighting creates a safe working environment and is a crucial design element. A professional understands how to use lighting. A professional kitchen remodel designer knows how to create a kitchen that minimizes the steps between workstations but maximizes the beauty of the space.

Ready to get started?  Contact Inspired Remodels to schedule your appointment.

 

How to Pick a Kitchen Remodel Company

By / Kitchen Remodel / Comments Off on How to Pick a Kitchen Remodel Company

Renovating the kitchen isn’t a do it yourself job. If you are thinking about a new kitchen you need to be thinking  about hiring a kitchen remodel company. Hiring any contractor can be scary. Kitchens have all major components (electrical, plumbing, and heating/cooling), so you need an experienced contractor. Here’s some tips to help you hire the right kitchen remodel company.

shop around for kitchen remodel companyShop Around

You know you are going to shop all over town and the internet for your next kitchen appliances. You should put the same effort into selecting the contractor that is going to do your kitchen remodel. Start by asking friends, family and coworkers for a referral. If they give you a horror story, make a note of the contractor’s name and the name of the business.  Business names may change, but the general contractor’s license will always be in the same name. This is one way to steer clear of any rotten tomatoes.

Get several estimates and make sure that all estimates include the same items. You want to compare apples to apples in your kitchen remodel quotes.

Don’t forget that the estimating process is a good way to determine the personality of the contractor and the company. If you think the estimate is a hassle, the kitchen remodel will probably be a hassle too. If you enjoy working with the contractor during the estimate phase, you’ll like working with them during construction.

Check it Out

On-line reviews are great. But take on-line reviews with a grain of salt. A business can’t influence a Yelp! review.  The reviews on Porch are submitted by the contractor. So, not all reviews are the same.

Check the company out with the Better Business Bureau. Then check the status of their California license. You can search the California database by name of the license holder, business name or license number.  Ask for a certificate of insurance. If the contractor allowed their insurance to expire, they won’t be willing to provide you with a certificate of insurance.

Don’t Be Penny-Wise and Pound Foolish

In your zeal to save money, don’t make some serious mistakes. The first mistake is paying cash. Beware of contractors that ask for payment in cash. That’s a tactic of shady operators – take the cash and run.

Don’t apply for your own permits. Your kitchen remodel company should be familiar with the building department in your town. They know what is required to get a permit. If the contractor asks you to pull the permit, they are avoiding the building department and you should wonder why.

The low ball deal may not be the best deal. A low ball price may end up costing you more in over-runs. Get the price in writing and get a clear and complete description of what the price includes.

Inspired Remodels – The Kitchen Remodel Company that Gets it Right

No matter how many companies you interview, make sure you talk to Inspired Remodels. From the initial design to the final clean-up, Inspired Remodels is the Orange Country kitchen remodel company you can trust to get it right.  Check Inspired Remodels out on Yelp, the Better Business Bureau, and with the State of California.  You will find a professional, experienced kitchen remodel company.

From a minor update to a major innovation, Inspired Remodels will assign one project manager to be your point of contact. Your house will be treated like a home; not a job site.  For professional work by a company with integrity, pick Inspired Remodels.

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

kitchen remodeler makes kitchen functional