Posts

Kitchen & Bath Remodels Yield a Great Return on Investment in Ohio

/in , , , /by

When looking to sell a house in Ohio, the greatest concern for many homeowners is the value their house is likely to fetch in the market. Many will be left pondering whether undertaking some renovations on it will pay off by increasing its resale value. And if it will, what specific areas of renovation are more likely to raise the value and by how much. Fortunately for homeowners, various remodeling projects have been known to raise the resale value of a house and also offer the potential of a high return on the re-structuring investment, ROI.
Read more

What Makes a High Quality Kitchen Cabinet

/in , /by

When it comes to choosing kitchen cabinets, considering how long they will last is an extremely important factor. Finding options using high quality materials, such as solid plywood construction, is usually worth the added cost over less expensive stock cabinetry options. Laminates and thermofoil are often used as budget-conscious options, and these options are known to occasionally experience issues down the line. So then, what makes a high quality kitchen cabinet? Read more

Kitchen Cabinet Crown Molding Styles

/in /by

 

Crown molding is a design element that is popular as a finishing feature to many rooms in both older and newer homes. It also adds a degree of old school style to any traditional or transitional kitchen when installed on the tops of cabinets. While they can prove tricky to install, the finished look they provide cabinets is worth the extra effort.

Read more

Remodeling Your Kitchen To Cook Great Recipes

/in , , /by

Have you ever read some recipes, such as those found in the Life and Entertainment section of the Columbus Dispatch, and thought to yourself, how would I ever cook these in my kitchen? Ever found that cooking holiday meals is more of a nightmare than it really should be? It comes down to having a kitchen with a good workflow and ample counter space to make sure things don’t get cluttered out of control. If you find your kitchen is too cramped or inefficient, there are plenty of ways to improve your space.

Maximize Counter Space with Storage Cart

Arc Photography holds copyright to all images supplied. All images are licensed to original clients for original intent and purposes unless outlined in client agreement. No transfer or resale permitted of images provided by Arc Photography unless specified by written consent.

Especially in smaller kitchens, counter space is at a premium. If there isn’t sufficient storage, items can tend to find “homes” on the counter, even if they don’t really belong there. One solution is to find a portable cart that can be used while preparing meals or offering extra space for other reasons – sort of like a mini breakfast bar.

Improve Workflow With Design or Arrangement Changes

Sometimes your kitchen layout simply isn’t working. This is one of the more difficult things to change because cabinetry configurations get involved. It can be as simple as simply rearranging your existing units. If you have good, solid cabinets, this is the best option. If your cabinets are already fairly large, you can get organizational systems for your cabinets to make better use of your existing space.

Double Wall Ovens Save Space and Time

Not only are double wall ovens affordable, but they can be major space savers, eliminating the need for a toaster oven or an extra wide appliance. Imagine being able to bake and cook at the same time. Have a complicated meal that requires different temperatures for everything? Double wall ovens can save preparation time in these and other instances. Also, when the double oven is installed in the wall, it leaves more room for extra storage or counter space. The best meals are made when you’re able to cook with ease.

Keep Most Used Items in Plain View and Within Easy Reach

Think of all the items you use most often and make plans with your contractor for the best storage options. For instance, utensils can hang above the stove or be stored in canisters on the counter top. The most used pots and pans can hang in easy reach or be stored within plain view, such as on a rack or stand. Consider removing the doors from some or all cabinets for easier access to everything you need in order to cook.

Use Wall Shelving or Other Easy Access Storage for Larger Items

Floating wall shelves can really free up space on the countertop that may normally be taken up by small appliances. Try placing the toaster, blender, can opener, and small dishes on the floating shelves. These shelves can be aligned throughout the kitchen wall space and customized for your specific usage. Built-ins, suspended ceiling racks, and countertop racks are also great storage solutions that are more convenient for easy cooking.

Five Things to Consider Before Remodeling your Columbus Kitchen

/in , , , /by

 

Remodeling the kitchen can give the home a fresh new feel and gives the owners a chance to entertain friends and family in a modern and comfortable space. Remodeling a kitchen is a “project”, but gathering some initial information and following a proven process will make the project be smooth and successful.

While a great Design/Build Contractor may have their own internal process for Planning, Designing, and Building a Kitchen, the Homeowner also has some internal housekeeping to consider. Here are five things that should be done before calling your Columbus Design/Build Kitchen Contractor:

Get everyone involved.

Consult with your significant other regarding changes that you may like to make. Consulting with a spouse can make the remodeling process less stressful and it gives a fair chance of feedback. The couple should agree on a price to avoid spending too much money on the project.

Select a “main point of contact”.

One person should be in charge of all communication with your Design Build Contractor. This makes flow of information more reliable. Establish a single phone number and email at which your Contractor will communicate with. Establish backup persons in case of an emergency.

Establish a Comfortable Budget

Determining a budget can decrease the chances of overspending. It’s very important to meet the requirements of your dream and your spending limit. Do not choose to remodel something that’s not required over something that needs attention immediately. Prioritizing can help reduce stress and spending. Before you enter a design arrangement, relay your budget in order to avoid “over designing” your dream and being disappointed. Your contractor should be able to give you facts and figures using the “Cost Versus Value Report”, a Nationally recognized resource for establish base project budgets.

Discuss Budget with your Design Build Contractor

If you feel your contractor is not trustworthy to share your budget with, it’s time to find a new contractor. You need to have an open and honest business relationship if you’re going to make it through the project happily. Selecting a trustworthy contractor is important when allowing them into your home. Selecting a company that screens all employees essential.  While selecting a trustworthy contractor it’s very important to be detailed about your expectations. A contractor who can agree on the negotiated price, project and time frame is the one to select.

Select a time that’s best for the remodeling process to begin

A typical kitchen project can take anywhere from 8-12 weeks. This time could be longer if you are involving other projects in the home. Timing is everything especially when it comes to important projects. The best time to begin a remodeling process is when the space is unoccupied. Using the space while under construction can cause interruption and possibly accidents. Do you have pets, kids, or grumpy neighbors? Think about these things and relay them to your contractor before your project is scheduled.

 

Take these 5 points into consideration,  share them with your contractor, and you will be on your way to beginning the Design / Build process of building your dream kitchen!

10 Key Components to Think About When Planning Your Kitchen Design

/in , , /by

There is a reason why the kitchen area is referred to as the heart of any home: it’s the place where you and your loved ones gather together for cooking, eating, socializing, and, occasionally, catching up for a snack or cup of tea. In most homes, the kitchen area has turned into a multi-purpose room, which has an eating table, a computer table, entertainment area, and even a fireplace.

These are 10 basic things to think about when planning your kitchen design. Read more