Columbus Kitchen Remodel

Columbus, OH Kitchen Contractors Can Redesign for Better Organization

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Tired of the clutter in your kitchen? Need more room to prepare family meals or entertain guests? Columbus, OH kitchen contractors can redesign your kitchen for better organization. Take back your kitchen and finally use it how it was meant to be used. Feel at home again with a fresh, new design that you can be confident with. Entertaining your family and friends will be so much easier when you can properly store everything you need according to convenience.

Food Storage Should Match Kitchen Usage

Cuisine1Digging around to find that can of corn or bag of flour? Is the sugar spilling all over the shelves and the cereal piling up in one place and getting stale in another where you’ve forgotten about it? If there never seems to be enough cabinet or pantry space to keep all of your food items in, it’s time to have your space redesigned by a Columbus kitchen contractor.

Food storage can be customized to match the way you use your kitchen, as well as how much you typically store away. This will help you cook more effectively and save time you might otherwise waste searching for things you’ve misplaced. When food items are more readily accessible from the exact location you’ll prepare meals in, your time in the kitchen will be more efficient and enjoyable.

Storage of Dishes Should Be Customized

When you just put dishes wherever they fit, it becomes a task to get them out. This adds unnecessary time to meal preparation. The way your dishes are stored should be customized to the way that you would personally use them in your normal kitchen routine. A custom kitchen design that implements this type of storage system could save you a world of time and help make things much more convenient.

For instance, storage of dinnerware should be as close to where you eat as possible. Dishes used for serving meals should be in between both the cooking and serving area for easy access in both locations. Cookware should be close to where you’re preparing and cooking meals. Utensils should be easily accessible for appropriate usage, as should knives, cutting surfaces, and any other dishes.

Counter Space is Important

remodeled-kitchen-nancy-hugoIf your counters are too cluttered, a redesign can help you organize properly for adequate space. When clearing your counters still doesn’t leave enough space, it’s time for a fresh start. Your kitchen should have enough room to hold everything you need. It also needs to have enough free space afterward to prepare meals and entertain. Between appliances, decor, and often-used items, many people wind up not having enough space for it all. A redesign can help avoid this common issue.

Imagine a space that allows for all of your commonly-used appliances, as well as leaves enough room to prepare food in comfort. That dream can easily become reality with the right kitchen contractor.  The design/build method allows for proper budgeting, time, space allotment, and more that simply doesn’t compare to traditional contracting methods.

Remodeling Estimates often do not provide enough information to make an informed decision

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We recently started into the design phase of a major remodeling project with a Bexley, Ohio homeowner.  While we were discussing some details, they shared with me that they had spoken with 3 or 4 other contractors last summer and fall.  They got “free estimates” from these companies but they felt something very critical was missing in the process. They then called us.  They told me that while all of the companies were “nice”,  it was our design/build way of approaching remodeling projects that made complete sense to them.  It was the “ah ha” moment in which they discovered that we were providing what they didn’t know they had been looking for.

This homeowner had experienced what many homeowners experience when talking to different companies about their remodeling project… “The free estimate”.  Free estimates are great for getting new gutters, new windows, new siding, and a host of other projects.  But when it comes to taking on a major remodeling project such as a kitchen, bathroom, basement, or whole house remodel, it leads to confusion (and often trouble) for the homeowner.  The problem with estimates for a remodeling project is that the estimate is based on lots of assumptions.  These assumptions usually are what lead to being “change ordered to death” by a contractor once the project is started.  I am not saying that this is intentional.  Often times it is a well-intentioned contractor.

 

If a homeowner gets three estimates for a major remodeling project (the age old wisdom), they can be certain of one thing, that they will not be comparing apples to apples for the said project.  When people share with me that they have had other estimates, I ask them if the complete design has been done, all of the specifications clarified on a detailed level, and all of the products identified and picked out.  I have never heard someone tell me that yes they have all of this completed.  The truth about remodeling is that until these things are done, it is not possible to give someone a price for a project.  There are too simply many variables.

 

Planning a project is just as important (and perhaps more important in some cases) as the actual building of the project.  This is why whenever we meet with a homeowner to discuss a project, we start by asking a lot of questions,  We want to understand the way that this project is going to function for them, how long they plan on being in the home, what unique features are most desirable.  What are the essentials?  What is on the wish list?  We do not like to try to provide any potential solutions until we thoroughly understand what they are seeking.  It is also during this question and answer session that we get to know each other.  After all, if we are going to be working in their home, we want to make sure that there is a feeling of trust with us.

 

Once we go through this Q&A session we then discuss the budget.  We want to make sure that the desired project will fit within the budget that the homeowner has established for the project.  If it is established that we would be a fit for each other then this is where there would be an investment on the part of the homeowner in order to move forward into the design phase. This is where we prepare to work together to come up with a design, full detailed scope of work, select all the products, and involve our specialty trades team so that we can take all of this gathered information to correctly price the project.  This process is what is referred to as Design/Build.  This Design/Build way of Remodeling is recognized as a “best practices” approach by NARI (The National Association of the remodeling industry).  NARI is uniquely dedicated to providing homeowners information about remodeling that is trusted, qualified, ethical and dependable.
Columbus Ohio Kitchen Contractor Has Relocated Office

Columbus Ohio Kitchen Contractor Has Relocated Office

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Scott Hall Remodeling (SHR), a Columbus, Ohio Kitchen Contractor & Design Build Specialist, has relocated to the historic German Village area. Our new address is:

Scott Hall Remodeling
480 S 3rd Street
2nd Floor
Columbus, OH 43215

The unique community, known for art and design, is the perfect place for a company well-known for its focus on innovative kitchen design work. While now based in German Village area, SHR is proud to continue serving Columbus and surrounding areas.

The historic German Village neighborhood of Columbus, Ohio is nestled just South of Downtown. Its namesake comes from the German immigrants who settled the neighborhood between the 18th and 19th century. It was in the early 1900’s that the neighborhood started seeing development of some of the existing historical buildings. Largely staying true to original roots, this neighborhood has a very old-fashioned feel.

Brick-paved streets can be seen filled with pedestrians heading to shops with a home-like feel. Here, you’ll find a healthy mix of residential and commercial structures, but nothing over three stories, other than the towering church steeple. It’s a long-time rule here that other structures cannot exceed that three story height. Many commercial buildings resemble residential dwellings and feature shops on the bottom floor and homes above.

As one would expect, given the area’s history, preservation of historic structures is a must for residents. That’s one reason SHR should feel right at home in German Village, with its experience in following historic and other zoning constraints. When applicable, this is an important phase of the five-part design/build process.

Kitchen design is a form of artwork, as each unique room should be done specifically for its purpose, with the inhabitants in mind. Each piece is like a jigsaw puzzle or a paintbrush stroke. This is why it’s important to involve the creativity of the designer, crafter, builder, building owner, and other applicable parties.

Interestingly enough, though most German Village residents prefer to maintain a historic look on the outside of buildings, some may choose to completely renovate and revamp the inside. Yet, others would prefer a historic feel on the inside as well as the out. This is one more reason SHR will fit right in, with its wide range of artisan expertise in both new and historical design work.

Those who are familiar with SHR’s previous location and kitchen design services need not worry. This is still the same Scott Hall Remodeling you’ve come to know and love. While the location is new, the quality craftsmanship and attention to detail remains the same. This new area will simply allow for more convenient access in a neighborhood that is closely aligned to SHR’s artisan appreciation.

In line with many other artisans and business owners, Scott Hall Remodeling is appropriately situated along third street. Creative minds do seem to work best alongside each other. We look forward to continue providing quality kitchen design/build services throughout Columbus and surrounding areas. If you would like to set up an appointment, please call 614-806-3200 or submit an online inquiry here.

 

 

Choosing the Right Colors for Your Kitchen

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When choosing colors for your kitchen, it’s important to consider several factors. Mood should play an important role in your final decision. Also, pay attention to personal likes and dislikes of all household members, as well as which colors blend easily with appliances and the next room.

Wall Colors

The colors of the kitchen’s walls are perhaps the most important in the room. They set the mood for the entire space. Think about the type of emotions you want to create when people are in your kitchen. If your family is upbeat, try picking exciting colors, like red, which usually inspires people to party and increases appetite. Green is more relaxing, while blue is refreshing. Yellow tones (unless dull) are more bright and uplifting. Purple indicates sophistication and luxury.

Countertops and Large Appliances

Many people prefer to have large appliances that match their countertops, while others may not care as much. If you can’t or choose not to match the colors of these items, choose colors that blend well and be consistent. For instance, if you have green countertops installed, this should be the same material and color throughout the kitchen for all preparation surfaces. Appliances should also match each other as well as possible. Try to choose colors that won’t interfere if you decide to redecorate.

Flooring

Flooring should focus on neutral colors that will go along with everything in the kitchen. For instance, if you have blue walls and black countertops, you don’t want the flooring to be another color that clashes badly with those colors. This is why many people choose various shades of brown and other darker colors that can go along with most anything. Sometimes, blended patterns of various similar shades (such as in marble tile) can help bring the kitchen colors together. A kitchen with brown countertops and a black accent wall may do well with a brown and black marble tiled floor. Remember that you can hire someone to install flooring, if necessary.

Cabinets and Furniture

Cabinets can be made to match the framing or an accent wall. This helps create the feeling of synchronicity and togetherness. Cabinets need to be painted before installation. If they’re already installed, the doors will need to be removed for painting. A remodeling and painting professional can easily do this for you if you’re uneasy about any part of the process. The same applies to any furniture or floating counter space that will need to match the kitchen, such as a bread box, microwave cart, island, or extra shelving.

Bringing it All Together

It’s important to choose colors that your household is happy with in more ways than one. For instance, if blue is a common agreeable color, it might be a great choice to accent your kitchen wall or countertops with. However, if it doesn’t bring out the mood you’d like to focus on, you might consider something similar, but different, such as green tones. It helps to view paint, countertop, and flooring samples and discuss them with all household members. Think about how the colors will look in your house, as well as how they make everyone feel and how they might match existing features that won’t be moved or repurposed.

Home Improvement Shows Give Unrealistic Expectations

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Many people today watch television shows about remodeling. While these shows are interesting to watch, and can give design ideas, they also give unrealistic information about remodeling. This is not surprising given that these shows are funded by advertisers. They are entertaining, for sure, but they do not necessarily bear any reality on real-world remodeling. The goal of these shows is to plant the idea in the minds of people that remodeling is quick and easy and cheap, and you can learn to do it in a weekend (the popular “Let’s do This!” phrase from a popular big box store). What they do not tell you is the story behind the scenes.

A friend of mine recently shared a story about his brother. His brother lives in a city in the Northeast United States. He was selected by a popular television show to have his kitchen remodeled by them. The show said they were going to completely renovate the kitchen. At the end of the show they listed the time time from start to finish as 7 days. He was asked to sign a form from the producers of the show that he would not divulge the real timeframe (in reality the project took 3 weeks). Additionally, only the areas of the kitchen that were going to be captured on the camera were remodeled. There were several areas of the kitchen left completely undone. This person had to spend over $10,000 finishing those areas that were out of the way and not shown on set.

But when you look at even this three week timeframe, and dive a little deeper into this, you discover that what was accomplished in three weeks was done by a large dedicated crew on site. There were many more people helping than could ever be on a real life project. It would not be feasible to pay dozens of people on staff who were making this happen. Months of planning went into the design and organizing ahead of time.

I understand that shows like this are attempting to get people to take on home remodeling projects as this generates revenue for the advertisers. There is no problem with this. But it does give a false impression about what really is required, how much planning goes into a remodeling project, how much time it takes to carry out the remodel, and what it really costs. For a TV show, sure you can have 30 people on set helping out. But this would be excessively expensive to do on an actual project. There are only so many things you can feasibly do at one in a given space.

Cost Vs Value For Kitchen Remodeling Projects in Columbus OH

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Remodeling your kitchen is one of the most popular home remodeling projects these days. Families use the kitchen to gather and create memories for years to come. Periodically, we are asked about the value-add a Kitchen Remodel can provide to your home.

Hanley Wood Remodeling’s Cost vs. Value Report is a helpful report showing the estimated cost recouped from popular home improvement projects. It’s even separated by region and metro. In our case, we’ll be looking at the Columbus, Ohio metro. The report is separated into Midrange and Upscale projects, which depends on the value of the home in which the projects were finished over the past year.

Regional data is available for free, in this case, East North Central, which includes Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, and Wisconsin. That’s a bit too broad for us. So, for our purposes, here’s the complete report for just the Columbus, OH metro. The metro-based data requires you to fill out a form, which tracks who is downloading it, but it is still freely available information.

Here are the findings:

In the Midrange category,  minor kitchen remodels recouped about 71 percent of their initial project cost. Major kitchen remodels were close behind at 68.5 percent. The regional average for minor kitchen remodels is about 76 percent and the major remodels regionally recoup about 67 percent.  What can you expect for the cost of an average kitchen remodel? Minor kitchen remodels averaged about $19,000 and major remodels averaged around $55,000.

In the Upscale category (price range not specified), only major kitchen renovations were surveyed, recouping about 59 percent of their initial project cost. This is against 58 percent regionally and 64 percent nationally. These projects typically cost north of $100,000 on average.

According to the report, most popular remodeling projects in the Columbus OH metro recoup between 50-70 percent of the initial cost investment at resale. If you’re planning to put your home on the market in the near-future, any remodeling is still well worth the investment.

In either scenario, the emotional value that kitchen remodels can provide are always worth the investment. It’s good to know that if you ever have to sell your home, that you will recoup well over half of the money you put into the project.

If you have any questions about your home, give us a call and we’d love to help!