Home Remodeling Blog
April 2008
The Archives
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04.30.08Tax Stimulus Rebate Check Can Give a Kitchen a Whole New Look
Kitchen Remodeling, kitchen cabinets (0)Thanks to Uncle Sam, kitchen and bath experts Jack Kellerman and Scott Raposo of CaveSTER.com have some good news. For what the average taxpaying family is receiving in their tax rebate check, a kitchen can receive a whole, new look. Most people do not realize that just making a few changes, such as a new faucet and sink, can give an old stale kitchen, a bright new look and increase the value of your home. "The faucet and sink are often times the focal point of the kitchen and people don't realize how much an old, unattractive faucet or sink affects ...
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04.29.08Solar Roofing Becomes More Subtle, Saves Money
Green Remodeling, Roofing (1)When many people think of a solar roof, they envision something that looks like a space station. But, that's no longer the case. Solar has gone subtle. Homeowners Dave Levinson and Nancy Elam replaced their northwest Washington roof with solar shingles. Because of the traditional architecture of their home, they didn't want the solar roof to be a distraction so they turned to a product called sun slates. Bob Bennett, the solar specialist who installed the roof, said the solar shingles are becoming the rage. He said that sun slate has a cement composite backing with a small solar panel connected to it. The 420 solar ...
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04.28.08Ask an Expert: Which Countertop is Hygienic, Long-Lasting
Kitchen Countertops (0)Iris Harrell Mercury News Q I've heard lots of different opinions about the cleanliness of kitchen countertops and their lifespan. So, given proper cleaning, which is the most hygienic that will last the longest? A Almost all countertops I have ever seen in kitchens, except for wooden chopping blocks, have eternally long lifespans. Formica laminate will last as long as you are willing to live with it. The only failure of that counter occurs when a hot pot has scorched it or an under-mounted sink with a little strip of Formica is used to face the circumference of the sink counter - a ...
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04.24.08Redefining Your Pantry
Kitchen Remodeling (0)Lori Darvis Indianapolis Star Remember your mother's pantry? It was tucked in a corner, beside the refrigerator or in a cramped closet space. The family's dry goods were crammed together on deep shelves in no apparent order. If Mom wanted a can of chicken noodle soup, she'd have to search among the vegetables, beans and boxes of Hamburger Helper. Today's pantries are coming out of the closet. As homeowners design their dream kitchens, they want pantries with ample storage space and easy access to those soup cans. Pantries have become multitasking rooms, complete with countertops and sinks for preparing meals or dinner party ...
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04.23.08Sometimes It’s True: What’s On The Outside Counts
Painting (0)Michelle Taute CTW Features Architectural color consultant James Martin believes passionately that a pleasing exterior color scheme is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to add value to a home. “Homeowners often overlook the simple and effective changes that a color scheme can create and instead spend tens of thousands of dollars on renovations,” says Martin, whose Denver firm works with homeowners across the country. He sums up his advice and that of other experts with the following tips for selecting colors for a home’s exterior: -Remember: If you have any plans of selling your home in the near future, buyers don’t want ...
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04.22.08Choosing Exterior Siding
Siding (1)Donna Coogan BellaOnline Choosing exterior siding is a major home improvement decision. Siding is the outer shell of your home and thereby is meant to protect it as well as provide an aesthetic value. When you consider siding you need to think about five things: cost, color, style, durability and maintenance. It’s important to do your homework, because siding is not something you want to replace until it’s absolutely necessary. Most siding will last anywhere from 20 to 50 years or more, so realize that you are in it for the long haul once your decision is made. The siding is typically the ...
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04.21.08Today’s Hot Kitchens Stress Contrast, Clean Lines and a Dash of Whimsey
Kitchen Countertops, Kitchen Remodeling, kitchen cabinets (0)Elaine Markoutsas Primary Color Remodeling a kitchen, one of the most popular and expensive undertakings associated with home ownership, is all about refreshing -- no matter what the style. It's an effort to revive drab or dated space and reconfigure layouts, often annexing square footage where families and friends can hang out and entertain in the true nexus of the home. When they remodel, homeowners are looking for updated aesthetics and upgraded appliances that improve function, and sometimes there's an element of fantasy. Thumb through specialty kitchen magazines and you'll find a bit of Provence or a hint of Tuscany in the choice of ...
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04.19.08Turn the Basement into a Livable Space for a Rock Bottom Price
Basement Remodeling (2)By STACY DOWNS The Kansas City Star No wonder people suffer sticker shock from basement finishing bids. The average basement finishing job in the Kansas City area costs $62,500, according to Remodeling magazine’s “2007 Cost versus Value” report. That Cadillac price tag includes a bar area and bathroom but cheaps out with Yugo materials such as laminate countertops and vinyl flooring. “Those types of finishes aren’t what people want in their basements,” says Terry Skilling, owner of Rhino Builders, a Kansas City, Kan., remodeling company. “They want countertops and cabinets that are of similar quality to the ones in their upstairs kitchen. That’s ...
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04.18.08Accents: Bathroom Tile Tips
Bathroom Remodeling, Stone and Tile (1)--Make sure to purchase enough tiles to finish the job, plus extras for any future repairs. The exact tiles may be impossible to find later. --For an easier installation, place whole tiles first, and then come back and place cut tiles. --When focusing on boosting value, select larger tiles. This gives the illusion of a larger room and conveniently requires less grouting. --Natural stone tile is less likely to go out of style. Source: KnoxNews.com
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04.16.08Weigh All Options Before Fencing Yourself In
Fences (0)Alan J. Heavens Philadelphia Inquirer It's spring, that time of year when pieces of fencing, all sizes and materials, show up on the curb, waiting to be picked up by the trash-collection crews. Falling tree branches have smashed these fences, or homeowners have neglected them. If you find yourself in the market for a new fence, here are a few things to consider before you buy: Need to know: Whether this is a do-it-yourself job or something to leave to a professional. If only a small section of fence needs replacing, you may be able to pick up some pointers at Saturday morning classes ...
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04.16.08Rediscover Your Outdoor Living Space
Decks and Porches (0)Julia Gerke The Suburban With the spring thaw slowly giving us back our lawns, it’s time to think about those wonderfully warm summer evenings — and how to get the most out of them. The back yard has long been the main gathering point for barbecues and fun-filled get-togethers. Increased media coverage on how to “bring the indoors outdoors” with a focus on design, decoration and style has helped to propel the often overlooked backyard patio or deck into the spotlight. “I think it’s because of a trend,” says Neil Paznokaitis, who goes by the name Neil Paz and has been building decks for ...
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04.14.08Feel Cramped? Open Up Floor Plan to New Space
Uncategorized (0)Carol Fletcher Hackensack Record Open floor plans, with one room flowing seamlessly into another, have been de rigueur in new-home construction for nearly a decade. But how do you take your gridlike Cape or boring center-hall Colonial and turn it into one of these? Renovate to liberate - that's been the popular way to convert isolated rooms and cramped spaces to open, light-filled places. For years, homeowners have been removing walls to create large spaces for entertaining and family time. "Anything to provide areas for interaction amongst the family members. That's what's in right now," said Renee Rewiski, president of the National Association of the ...
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04.14.08Remodeling Your Kitchen Affordably
Kitchen Countertops, Kitchen Remodeling, kitchen cabinets (5)Cindy Hoedel Kansas City Star Now might be the best time ever to remodel your kitchen. A recent survey by the National Association of Home Builders says new home starts decreased sharply in the fourth quarter of 2007, but remodeling decreased only slightly. As a result, some builders are moving into remodeling. And kitchen design companies, with fewer new-kitchen jobs, are more willing than in years past to take on small and midsize projects. In other words, more pros are chasing your remodeling dollars. In Kansas City, the average cost of a minor kitchen remodel is $21,672, according to Remodeling magazine’s 2007 Cost Versus Value ...
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04.10.08Make Noise About Bad Remodeling
Chain Store Experiences (1)North Jersey Record DEAR TIM: My kitchen cabinet remodeling job has turned into a disaster. I contracted the job through a national home-center chain, which demanded I pay in advance for the entire job. There are numerous issues, and the granite top is sagging in the middle of my sink. My complaints are going unanswered. The installer will not come back, and my calls to the home center are getting me nowhere. Is it time to call an attorney? Should I sue to get my money back? What went wrong, as I trusted the large national company? — Andy E., Lexington, Ky. DEAR ANDY: If ...
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04.08.08Top 5 Questions to Ask Before Starting Home Removations
Uncategorized (0)Marshall Loeb Market Watch Spending on remodeling is expected to reach $316 billion this year alone and the number is still climbing, according to the Home Improvement Research Institute. So make sure you know exactly how big a renovation you can afford and whether it justifies the time you intend to spend in your revamped home. The Nest, a home-improvement Web site, says before making any big changes to your home you should ask yourself these big questions: • How long do I plan to stay in my house after the renovations? The longer you plan to live there, the more creative you can ...
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04.07.08The Affordable Bath
Bathroom Remodeling (1)Stacy Downs Kansas City Star With all the bling plumbing fixtures and tile out there, it’s easy for brushed nickel and marble to blow a bathroom remodeling budget. Even small fixes can mean a lot of money. And total re-dos typically cost tens of thousands of dollars, a frighteningly expensive venture, especially in a shaky economy. “I’ve seen people add $20,000 onto a bathroom project just through finish upgrades,” says Al Felman, owner of Mission Kitchen & Bath, a remodeling company in Johnson County. But there are definitely ways to save big money in the bathroom without compromising durability or looks. Skipping a custom vanity ...
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04.04.08Basement Remodels Can Be Functional, Stylish and Affordable
Basement Remodeling (0)The basement is no longer a dark, underutilized space used primarily for storage. In fact, homeowners’ attitudes toward basements have changed so much in recent years that builders and real estate agents now commonly call them “lower levels.” Basement remodels are a smart investment because today’s homeowner needs every room in the home to be functional–and they’re using all available space. While the housing market has dipped in recent years, home remodeling remains strong as homeowners are choosing to renovate rather than buying new. The basement is now considered a retreat, especially during cold-weather months. But more importantly, the basement ...
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04.04.08Create Character with the Crowning Touch of Harwood Mouldings
Flooring (0)Looking for a way to add sparkle and impact to a modest home? Some experts suggest a fresh coat of paint, while others recommend a new floor. Unfortunately, even a change of color or flooring won’t make a yawn-inducing interior come to life. To create character and distinction in an ordinary room, consider adding some structural detail with solid hardwood mouldings and trim. Hardwood mouldings lend star quality to any room. By creating contours and contrast, bold lines and fine detailing, moulding and millwork lend substance and distinction to an otherwise-ordinary room, adding the architectural punch that many modern homes are ...
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