Archives for October 2014

How to Upgrade Your Kitchen While Keeping Costs Low

Kitchen Remodeling

Kitchen Remodeling

Since many of us spend a lot of time in the kitchen, it makes sense to keep it comfortable and efficient. We should all make an effort to ensure that our home’s kitchen is perfect for entertaining guests and preparing snacks and meals.

It’s a good thing that kitchen makeovers don’t always have to be extremely time-consuming or costly.

The following are some of the best ways to enhance your kitchen without spending a fortune.

Clean the storage spaces. Don’t replace your cabinets, shelves and drawers if they are just slightly out of date but still in tip-top shape. The best way to take them up a notch while keeping costs to a minimum is to clean them thoroughly. If you think they could do with a fresh coat of paint, be sure to choose bright colors that will make the room livelier and more welcoming.

Add green elements. This is a great way to make your kitchen more colorful and vibrant. Putting a few potted plants on the countertops, shelves and cabinets can also improve air quality and make the atmosphere more serene.

Replace some of your hardware. If painting your countertops and storage spaces can’t seem to do the trick, consider replacing them. It’s not hard to find affordable choices, so you don’t have to spend a fortune. Small changes in the appearance and functionality of your kitchen’s hardware can have amazing effects on the entire kitchen.

Display a few books. Instead of keeping your favorite cookbooks hidden in a dusty shelf, display them in the kitchen. Create a small library and turn it into a focal point. If your shelves don’t have enough room, you can always purchase an inexpensive but ornately designed bookcase. Just be sure to keep the books away from the sink and counters so they won’t be in any danger of getting wet.

Install more hooks, hanging racks, shelves and baskets. These wall treatments will allow you to hang up some of your cookware and kitchenware. By putting them on display, you will be making the room more convenient and inviting. You will also have more space to store food and kitchen equipment you rarely use.

Paint over the walls. When kitchen walls are not cleaned on a regular basis, dust and grime become more difficult to remove. Scrubbing and scraping won’t easily remove them, especially if they have been on the walls for years. It’s a good thing that painting over them is an option. Adding color on your walls is a sure-fire way to make them less dreary and more ideal for cooking and entertaining guests.

If you’re up for a more daring makeover, try wallpapering. There are plenty of colors and patterns to choose from. Despite its low cost, it will certainly do wonders for the look and feel of your kitchen.

Taking these steps to upgrade your kitchen isn’t just an inexpensive way to make it more convenient and aesthetically pleasant. It can also increase your humble abode’s market value. Just make sure to plan carefully, and equip yourself with the right mindset by learning more about the psychology of remodeling.

10 Things To Ask Your Contractor Before You Start A Kitchen Remodeling Project

Kitchen Remodeling

Kitchen Remodeling

It’s important to select the right contractor for any kitchen remodeling project but in order to do that,  it is also important that you ask the right questions. Here are the top 10 things that you should ask any contractor before starting a kitchen remodeling project or  before signing a contract with a prospective contractor.

  1. What types of projects do you do?
    Match your job to the builder. Some contractors may be better at new construction — others at remodeling . Explore pricing as well. A builder that concentrates on million-dollar custom homes may not be the best choice for a modest cottage on a tight budget.
  2. What type of liability insurance do you have?
    Liability insurance is an absolute requirement for any kitchen remodeling in case there is damage or an emergency situation.
  3. Do you have references?
    Learning from some of the previous clients can give you a window as to what your contractor might be like. You can view some of Windham Construction’s Reviews here.
  4. Do you issue lien waivers?
    In the event that you don’t pay contractors they can put a lien on your house which can damage its value and make it very difficult to sell. A waiver such as this will acknowledge that you have paid your contractor in full.
  5. Do you provide a guarantee?
    If you have any issues or any piece of your kitchen remodeling requires immediate repair a guarantee will help to save you money in the future.
  6. Do you have insurance for your workers?
    Most contractors utilize some type of workers compensation insurance in the event that any one of their skilled hands gets injured on the job. Without this type of insurance you could be sued for lost wages.
  7. Are you accountable?
    Being able to contact your contractor to receive updates is important.
  8. Will you get all of the required permits?
    Depending on the nature of your remodeling project you may need a certain permit for full legalities.
  9. Are you a member of any professional organization?
    Professional affiliations can showcase just how responsible and professional a contractor is.
  10. Will you be in charge of the project?
    In some cases contractors will delegate project management to other individuals within their company. Having the head of the company working on your project just helps to get things moving faster.