Kitchen Remodel Archives - Page 31 of 32

Kitchen and Bath Remodeling Tips

Looking to give your kitchen or bathroom a facelift? If you are planning on updating your home, here are a few kitchen and bath remodeling tips to get the best results.

Light walls and reflective surfaces make room appear larger

Make the Room Feel Larger

We all like the feel of unlimited space when indoors. Maximize the space in even the smallest of rooms when you put color and light to work for you.

Light Colors. Make the kitchen or bath feel bigger without adding square footage when you use light colors. Any room feels bigger with light colors on the walls. It doesn’t matter whether you use paint, tile or wood; if it’s on the walls make it light.

Light finishes on the cabinets will also make a room feel larger. Light, bright, and smooth all give the illusion of space that really isn’t there.

Reflective Surfaces. Strategically place mirrors to add the appearance of space. Don’t forget that any reflective surface acts like a mirror. This means high gloss finishes on cabinets, floors, and shower walls, will make a room look bigger.

use LEDs in kitchen and bathroom remodel to save money

LEDs light the way

Go Green with LEDs

Lighting is an important part of any room. It’s especially important in the kitchen and bathroom. Whether you are considering recessed can-style lights, under cabinet lights, or interior cabinet lighting you should incorporate LED lighting where possible.

LEDs are small, so they are perfect for tiny spaces. They also emit very little heat. This is particularly important for installations inside cabinets. The use much less energy to produce the same amount of light as an incandescent bulb. The cost more initially, but you will recoup your money in savings over the life of the bulb; and LEDs have a long life. You can expect LEDs to last anywhere from 25,000 to 100,000 hours. On the low side that means you could leave the light on for 2 years and it still wouldn’t burn out!

Keep in Mind Resale Potential

You may plan to live in your home for many, many years but plans can change. A change in jobs, marital status or health may require a move. The more “unique” you make your kitchen and bath remodel, the harder it will be to sell your home. What appeals to you may not appeal to future potential buyers. An experienced kitchen and bath remodeling pro knows what unique touches are popular with others and can help you strike just the right balance.

Don’t Do it Yourself

Speaking of using a professional remodeler, make sure you do! A kitchen or bathroom remodeling project is not the same as remodeling the bedroom or dining room. Plumbing is involved and you also need to think of the practical logistics of using the room. Use an experienced professional. Pick someone who understands your style and taste. Make sure they are qualified professionals who are licensed and insured.

Kitchen and Bath Remodeling with a Design Build Firm

There are definite advantages to using the services of a design build firm on kitchen and bath remodeling projects. These type of projects involved several skilled trades and these services must be closely coordinated. A design build firm like Inspired Remodels will give you a realistic schedule for completion of the work. They have resources and connections that are invaluable if there are problems with materials or unforeseen issues arise. They handle all the plumbing and electrical subcontracting and can keep the project on time and on budget. They can do the legwork to reduce the stress involved with remodeling.

Call Inspired Remodels at (949) 716-1938 or use the handy on-line Contact Us form to set an appointment for a consultation. A new kitchen or bathroom doesn’t need to be a dream. Inspired Remodels can turn your dream into reality.

Kitchen Renovation Must Haves

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

When you are planning your next kitchen renovation you will be thinking about flooring, cabinet styles, finishes, counter tops, ovens, ranges, and refrigerators. Those are all key components to any kitchen renovation. But sometimes its the smaller things that can have a big impact on the finished kitchen. Inspired Remodels shares a few must haves to incorporate in your next kitchen renovation.

Drawers Over Doors

When you think about new kitchen cabinets, you need to think about more than the finish and style. You need to think abut how you will be using the storage space. For maximum efficiency in the kitchen, select drawers over doors for the base cabinets. Instead of opening a door, bending down, and rummaging around to get the item you need you can just pull out a drawer and the item will be right at hand.

These Orange County homeowners understood the benefit of drawers over doors during their recent kitchen renovation and are glad they made the switch every time they cook. Extra deep drawers are perfect for storing pots and pans out of sight but within easy reach.

Maximize Natural Lighting

Make the most of sunlight. It makes even small kitchens look larger. Saves on electricity too as natural lighting can be used for tasks during most of the day. Avoid heavy window treatments. They block light and make the kitchen look smaller.

Centralized Pantry Area

Designate at least one wall as your pantry wall. This saves steps when cooking and makes organizing and storing groceries a breeze. These remodelers applied this concept to create a wall that looks good and provides plenty of storage just where you need it. This pantry wall is close to the fridge, minimizing the steps needed to gather ingredients. Another option is to place the pantry wall next to the stove, where ingredients are handy. Pantry walls don’t need to be next to an appliance. But if they are, the best looking kitchens use either counter depth appliances or adjust the cabinet size to provide a smooth, finished appearance.

Quiet Dishwasher and Garbage Disposal

As kitchens are more and more integrated into the living space, the sounds emanating from the room are becoming just as important as the smells. You want to be part of the action as you cook and clean, but your family won’t appreciate the noise from overly loud dishwashers and garbage disposals.

When comparing features, be sure to look at the decibel levels during operation. Normal conversation is carried on at about 60 decibels. Get too close to that number and you have to shout over the dishwasher or disposal. Not good.

Many models made by Miele and Bosch operate in the 40 decibel range, making them perfect for open floor plans. As the appliance gets quieter, the price tag gets bigger. If your kitchen renovation budget doesn’t allow for one of these brands, pick a model with a delay start. This will allow you to run the dishwasher after you leave for the day or go to bed at night.

Undermount Sink

Single Bowl Undermount Sink

Undermount sinks are not only popular, they are practical. With this style sink, the sink edge lip is mounted under the countertop. It works with solid countertops such as soapstone, granite, and concrete. Laminate or tile counters will not have enough weight to support the sink. Undermount sinks provide a clean surface between the countertop and the sink. That means fewer crevices and cracks for crumbs and stains to hide in. Just wipe the crumbs off the countertop and into the sink. Clean up is a breeze. Speaking of clean-up, opt for a large sink that allows plenty of room to scrub those large pots, pans, and cookie sheets. The lighter the sink, the more stains it will show. Darker sinks won’t be stained by red wine, spaghetti sauce or coffee.

Double bowl undermount sink

Single bowl or multi-bowl is more a reflection of your cooking and cleaning style. If you put most of your dishes through the ultra quiet dishwasher, then a single bowl is perfect. If you prefer to hand wash your daily dishes, a single bowl is not very practical. In that case select a two or three bowl sink. If you have the space and the budget allows, a small prep sink is another must have.

Hire a Kitchen Renovation Pro

Hiring a company with expertise in kitchen renovation projects can be the difference between a dream kitchen that just looks good and a kitchen that looks amazing and functions like a dream. Inspired Remodels can turn your dream kitchen into reality. They will work with you to design a room that fuses function,, beauty, and your personal style. Check out our portfolio of kitchen renovations and then call (949) 716-1938 to schedule your consultation.

Let Uncle Sam Help with House Remodeling

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

Have you received your income tax refund yet? Are you expecting it soon? It’s always fun to plan on how you are going to spend your tax refund but why not put it to work. Invest in house remodeling with your tax refund and improve the value of your home. Here’s some ideas from the Orange County House Remodeling Experts at Inspired Remodels

Bathroom Remodeling

Update your bathroom with that tax refund check. You can completely gut the room and start from scratch or just bring in new counters and cabinets to give it a fresh look.

This recent bathroom remodeling job combines classic style and natural materials to create a peaceful spa feel. Inspired Remodels knows any house remodeling job is better when you pay attention to details. Like the details in this amazing shower.

The beautiful mosaic pattern in the tile floor of the shower, dual purpose shower heads, and extension of the tub into the shower to provide seating are the little touches that make a big difference.

Kitchen Remodeling

New floors, new countertops, new appliances or any combination of the above! Kitchen remodeling can breathe fresh life into a tired room and make it more functional as well.

This recent house remodeling job made the most of the home’s location. Honestly who wouldn’t mind doing the dishes with a view like this?

The cool color palate works beautifully with the natural color of the ocean to seamlessly combine the natural beauty of the outside space with the man-made beauty of the interior space.

Trust the Orange County House Remodeling Experts at Inspired Remodels

If you want to get the most from that tax refund check, you need a trusted partner. Trust Orange County’s best house remodeling company; trust Inspired Remodels.

Inspired Remodels is a licensed general contractor. They can handle all aspects of your remodeling job. That means from design to build, Inspired Remodels is with you every step of the way. You don’t have to hassle with subcontractors because Inspired Remodels provides total project management.

If you know you want to remodel, but aren’t sure where to start or the costs involved, Inspired Remodels can give you an honest assessment with an in-home consultation. We understand that home remodeling is stressful and work to make the process as easy and stress-free as possible. We’ll always keep lines of communication open and your dedicated project manager will be available before, during, and after the work.

You’ve heard the horror stories about good remodeling gone bad; but you won’t hear those stories about Inspired Remodels. Just check out the on-line reviews at Yelp or contact the Better Business Bureau. You’ll only hear good things about Inspired Remodels.

Give us a call at (949) 716-1938 or Contact Us on-line to schedule an appointment.