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June 19, 2018

Remodeling the kitchen can be a major undertaking

For many households, the kitchen is the center of the home and the hub of activity. Remodeling the kitchen can be a major undertaking. It is not just the expense, but also the inconvenience to the household that gives many homeowners pause when considering such an undertaking. In spite of this, homeowners continue to find good reasons to proceed with a kitchen remodel. Reasons for remodeling vary, and your neighbor may not share your top reason for the project.

Deterioration

The kitchen might simply be falling apart. Cracked tiles, peeling countertops, broken or missing cabinet doors and outdated appliances don’t inspire gourmet cooking or family gatherings. The deteriorated kitchen has simply outlived its usefulness and needs a remodel.

Value

Homeowners often remodel their kitchens to increase the value or marketability of a property. A remodeled and attractive kitchen will appeal to prospective home buyers more than a boring and outdated one. The homeowner may or may not recoup the investment of the remodel; this will depend on a variety of factors, such as the degree of the remodel and current market prices.

Energy Savings

Energy savings might be the prime motivation for a kitchen remodel. Adding skylights brings in more sunshine, reducing the need for artificial light. Energy-efficient appliances and solar water heaters cut the utility bill and place less stress on the environment.

Modernity

The kitchen can be pristine yet outdated. If the kitchen says the 1950s, but you want to live in the here and now, it is time to transform your retro kitchen environment into a room for the 21st century.

Lifestyle

The kitchen layout may have worked great for the previous homeowner, but not for you. Perhaps it lacks a breakfast bar, and your family wants to gather informally in the kitchen to enjoy coffee or grab a quick meal without going to the dining room table. Whatever the reason, one motivation for a kitchen remodel is to arrange the room to best suit the family’s needs.

Special Needs

It is sometimes necessary to remodel the kitchen to better accommodate the needs of disabled family members. For example, if one of the family is in a wheelchair or no longer able to reach high cupboards, a remodel can make the room more usable.

Financial Incentives

The prime motivation behind a remodel might simply be financial incentives, such as energy-saving rebates offered by government entities or vendors. Financial incentives include sales at home improvement centers, cash rebates for trading in outdated appliances, remodeling grants, and low- or no-interest loans.

Change

Some homeowners simply want change. The current kitchen might be a functional, updated and attractive, yet no longer appeal to the homeowner.

Home Improvement TV

Watching home improvement shows on cable television inspires many homeowners to remodel their kitchens. They may never have considered such a project until a home improvement program showed them the possibilities for their kitchen.

Gourmet Kitchen

For a homeowner who enjoys preparing fancy meals and considers himself a gourmet cook, the prime reason for a remodel is the desire to create a dream kitchen. A gourmet kitchen with fancier amenities than most accommodates the cook’s needs.

Original Source: https://siouxcityjournal.com/ads/service/home/remodeling-the-kitchen-can-be-a-major-undertaking/ad_5120a4de-6e62-11e8-b79d-3b96936dc1cf.html

Original Date: June 17 2018

June 6, 2018

Preparing For Renovations

Are you preparing for a new construction project? Have you hired a licensed contractor? Whether it’s a small or large construction, managing a project can feel like a full-time job, and you are on the right track if you’re looking to hire a licensed general contractor to take up the responsibility for every aspect of your new construction build, from the footers to the roof.

Hiring a licensed contractor can ease your mind knowing that they will ensure all aspects of the project are up to code. Hiring a contractor that has a worker’s compensation policy and a liability insurance policy to protect themselves and you against any unforeseen mishaps that may occur on site.

Working close with a licensed contractor will also guarantee that you have access to high-quality materials for every aspect of the job, which they can get at a more favorable rate and save you quite a bit of pocket change. Now that you have that covered, there are a few more things you need to do when preparing for a home renovation that will make the whole experience stress-free and perhaps a bit enjoyable.

Ask the licensed contractor you are considering to work with to let you see one or two of their project sites to determine that they are indeed good at what they do and most importantly, they are in good standing with their existing clients.
Be realistic when it comes to the scope of work that will go into your new construction by having a realistic timeline, budget, cost of material and equipment, as well as labor. Prepare yourself for the unexpected.
Invest in quality items or materials that will serve you longer, especially when it comes to common room items such as appliances or high-quality flooring and cabinets. The items you purchase should withstand years of use and cost you nothing to in the way of maintenance.
Determine some tasks that you can do yourself during the construction period to not only save time and labor costs but also to make you part of your new construction project.
It’s also prudent to consult with a few contractors who can give you a different approach to some designs on your board and advise you what is feasible and financially sound to avoid being entirely disappointed in your new construction project when it’s all done, and you can’t do anything about it.

JFC Remodeling, out of Howell, Michigan, offers a variety of construction services for the home including: kitchen and bath remodeling, flooring renovations, and home remodeling. You can find out more information at http://www.jfcremodeling.com or by reaching out to our home renovation specialists at 810.923.1123.

May 24, 2018

Top Reasons Why Homeowners Desire To Renovate Bathrooms

There are a number of reasons that homeowners consider renovating their bathrooms. A lot goes into the renovation of a bathroom, so it is important to remember the end goal as you plan your ideal space. No matter what the reason the space needs to meet your end goal once the renovation is complete. Consider the following:

Add an Additional Bathroom: Many older homes have the one-bathroom dilemma. Anyone with more than one person living in a home knows the importance of a second bathroom. When adding an additional bathroom within your home consider if you need a full bath or half bath. A half bath is more common in homes with two full bathrooms.
Bathroom Expansion: Expanding a bathroom is common in a home with more than one half bath. Homeowners looking to add an additional shower or tub often consider expanding.
Accommodate the Aging Process: Aging is one of the most common reasons homeowners choose to remodel their bathrooms. Aging bodies need special concessions within spaces that are used multiple times a day like bathrooms and kitchens. Some common renovations that are done because of aging are taller toilets, increased lighting, the addition of grab bars, pulls instead of knobs on cabinets, walk-in showers, and such to ease use.
Update Plumbing: Sometimes there is absolutely nothing wrong with your bathroom space when it comes to the look or layout but the components keeping it running begin to fail. Signs that your bathrooms plumbing needs upgrading can range from leaky sinks, mold, and low water pressure.
Improving Utility: Sometimes your bathroom needs to be renovated to increase the usage of the space. It could be from improving ventilation, add storage, put in a bidet, or accommodate an extra person in the space with the addition of a double sink.
Cosmetic Upgrades: An updated look is always a good reason to renovate your bathroom space. Sometimes a fresh space can really transform a style that has become dated. Often some new cabinetry, a clean coat of paint, updated flooring, and a splash of new tile can really transform a space.

When looking into renovating your space it is important to hire a professional contractor. Even the smallest of spaces, when renovating, can turn into a major disaster for those who go it alone. A professional contractor specializing in bathroom renovations can quickly take your space from dull and dated to functional and fantastic.

May 23, 2018

11 Home Improvement Scams You Need to Take Seriously

Most homeowners can DIY a few things but for the most part, we rely on contractors to tackle everything from major repairs to remodeling. This can make us vulnerable to scammers who take our money and trust to the tool shed. Watch out for these common scams.

Natural disaster specialists

flooding Jozef Sowa/ShutterstockNatural disasters can wreak havoc on homes, leaving distressed homeowners desperate to get theirs in a livable condition again. Shady contractors see this an opportunity to scam vulnerable homeowners. “Unfortunately, opportunists pop up after natural disasters, and offer to fix things like mold in flooded basements,” says Aaron Task, Vice President/Editor-in-Chief of Experian Consumer Services. “For distraught homeowners, this kind of offer can look like a blessing, especially when other companies are busy with a long wait list for service. Usually, their work is second-rate and by the time you discover the problem, it’s too late. They’ve already left with your insurance money, and you have to pay another crew to fix their mistakes.” Watch out for these other natural disaster scams.

This is your lucky day!

A worker painting exterior wooden pool deck, Top view iMoved Studio/ShutterstockA contractor knocks on your door with great news! He just completed a job for one of your neighbors and has some leftover supplies and can offer you a great deal on a new project. The contractor must have impeccable timing because you wanted to build a deck but it wasn’t in the budget until today! “Reputable home improvement companies don’t just wander around neighborhoods trying to find customers to pawn off their extra materials on. The contractor who tries this trick is hoping you’ll fall for a good deal without checking their credentials,” cautions Task. You’ll probably end up with a deck that is poorly built or they’ll take your money and run. Here are the secrets to finding a trustworthy contractor.

Free mold testing

Black mold buildup in the corner of an old house urbans/ShutterstockMold, especially Stachybotrys, the toxic black mold, is some scary business. It sure would be nice to know if you had it lurking in your home—especially for free! And wouldn’t you know it, the “inspector” finds mold and he can remove it right then and there! “Unfortunately, this contractor is likely not a mold removal specialist. These people make a living convincing people there’s a problem and then immediately promising to fix it,” says Task. Your house may not even have mold, but if it does, mold remediation takes special tools, in-depth assessment, and usually more than a day to remove. He may be scouting your house to rob it or trying to get you to commit to paying immediately to scam you out of money.

Show me the money

architectural drawing and dollar money baitong333/ShutterstockSure, you expect to pay a deposit to get your home improvement started but how much do you really need to pay? “One of the most common scams we see is contractors asking for large upfront payments or deposits that exceed state maximums,” says Gregg Cantor, President/CEO of Murray Lampert Design, Build, Remodel. “In California, for example, it is illegal to ask for or accept a down payment of more than 10 percent of the total home improvement contract price or $1,000, whichever is less. In Maryland, deposits cannot exceed 1/3 of the contract price,” says Cantor. Check with your state licensing board to verify the maximum deposit amount before you write a check.

This deal is too good to pass up!

Hands of worker using a silicone tube for repairing of window indoor veryulissa/ShutterstockDid you know your roof, door, or window was in dire need of an upgrade? Apparently, the salesperson who is at your door thinks so. And as luck would have it, the salesperson has a special “limited time only” deal. But still, you’re not sure, so you pause to ponder. Suddenly, the price gets a lot lower and because it’s so low they can only offer it to you so if you don’t take it right that second, you’ll miss out. The sense of urgency is the game. “These tactics are meant to frighten you into signing immediately by instilling the fear that you will miss out if you don’t act fast,” says Cantor. “We’ve heard of cases where contractors will take all or some of the agreed upon amount upfront, perhaps complete some of the work, but fail to finish the job. In other cases, the work might be completed, but the quality is almost always below that of reputable remodeling companies,” says Cantor.

How low can you go?

architect drawing on blueprint architectural concept, soft focus I Believe I Can Fly/ShutterstockProps to you for getting a couple of bids before you dive into your project. If you receive a really low or really high bid from one of the contractors, it could be a red flag. “While low bids might be tempting, a contractor offering a bid that is more than 15 percent below other bids either doesn’t completely understand the extent of your project, or they’re purposefully low balling the bid as a strategy to lock in the job, only to tack on additional costs once the work gets started,” warns Cantor. A high bid could be an indicator you and the contractor aren’t on the same page with your vision and budget. Here’s what contractors wish first-time home buyers knew.

Maybe you shouldn’t answer the door

White front door with small square decorative windows and flower pots David Papazian/ShutterstockIt’s hard to believe in the digital age people still attempt to sell services by going door-to-door. “Most reputable home improvement companies rely on word-of-mouth referrals, project portfolios, community connections, and other scrupulous means of earning your business,” says Cantor. But you may get the occasional door ringer from a reputable company too. While Cantor says you can view these with less skepticism than an unknown contractor he still recommends doing your due diligence. “The main takeaway here is that there should never be any pressure to buy something or sign a contract when the homeowner isn’t 100 percent ready,” says Cantor.

The contractor loves your ideas

Hands of architect engineer meeting for architectural project. working with partner and blueprint on table.Teamwork Concept. pan_kung/ShutterstockYou know how it goes, once you start a project, other ones reveal themselves. Or, maybe you decide to do an upgrade since the contractor is already working on a project. The contractor is onboard with your ideas and even makes some suggestions. Super! You’re on the same page—until you get the bill. “You’re surprised when the contractor says those upgrades weren’t included in the price and that you’ll have to fork over more money for them, ” says Justin Lavelle, Chief Communications Officer for BeenVerified, an online source for backgrounds checks and contact information.

These things happen

Hipster millennial man with arm tattoos and curly hair, small business owner, contractor measures wall to start reconstruction or adapt for painting, new home ownership De Repente/ShutterstockIt’s day one and already there’s bad news, the contractor discovered the wall you want to remove is actually a load-bearing wall. “Preventable, at times fraudulent, delays and change orders are an easy way for contractors and remodeling companies to pad their wallets at the expense of your peace of mind and budget,” says Mina Fies, creator of the Renovation Roadmap, a website that helps homeowners manage renovations from start to finish. “There should be no ‘wasn’t expecting that’ moments along the way,” says Fies. “Due diligence on the contractor’s part at the beginning of the process with realistic scope and budgeting means you shouldn’t end with a bill that’s twice the amount you were originally told.”

Putting extra cash in the contractors pocket

Semi with wood load Paul Orr/ShutterstockYou trust your contractor knows how much wood, tile, or flooring they need to get the project done so you’re probably not going to notice the extra materials being loaded back into the contractor’s truck to sell to someone else. So, you end up paying for materials never used. “This may lead a contractor to take the excess tile (or other materials) to another project and offer it at a cheap price since the tile is already paid for. The contractor is making money as a result of overcharging the first homeowner and charging the second homeowner for tiles that have already been paid for by the first homeowner,” says Monica Higgins, remodeling expert, and author of Remodel Success: Home Remodeling Done Right, On Time and On Budget.

We can both make money on this deal

Chainsaw. Close-up of woodcutter sawing chain saw in motion, sawdust fly to sides. Concept is to bring down trees. Parilov/ShutterstockWhen my giant silver maple tree lost a rather large limb during a storm, I called a couple of tree services to get estimates to remove the limb. The first “tree guy” to show up said my maple trees were dying and he would be glad to cut them both down for $5,000. And by the way, the neighbor’s small dying trees cascading over my fence could be removed too. He said he would charge them $600 and give me $300. “Any time a contractor offers you a way to pocket the difference on something like that, it’s a red flag for sure,” says Cantor. The second “tree guy” was an arborist. He said my trees weren’t dying and even showed me how to take care of them better. He removed the fallen limb and chopped the wood for our fireplace for $150.

Scram scammers!

Close-up of two architect?s hands shaking Pressmaster/ShutterstockTask says to follow these tips to avoid being scammed:

Only consider contractors who have a performance surety bond, which will protect the homeowner if the contractor fails to complete the job. If this happens, the homeowner can file a claim on the bond and recoup their losses.
Before signing a contract or putting down a deposit, verify the firm’s credentials by checking their state license and bonding status, asking for proof of insurance, and visiting the Better Business Bureau website. You can also ask friends, family, and neighbors for referrals or use sites like Nextdoor, Yelp, or Angie’s List to get reviews.

Original Source: https://www.rd.com/home/improvement/home-improvement-scams/

Original Author: Lisa Marie Conklin

May 11, 2018

Professional Kitchen Renovations Can Increase Your Home’s Value

A kitchen renovation is one of the smartest ways to add value to your home and you can achieve this by hiring a licensed contractor. Real estate experts agree that a well-designed and updated kitchen attracts buyers. Whether you are doing a complete kitchen remodeling or simply making a few updates, homeowners can improve the appeal of their home and increase the value with a professional kitchen renovation.

According to the industry, a homeowner can expect to recoup about 95% of the cost of a major kitchen remodel. This makes it one of the best remodeling choices for homeowners looking to increase their home value. A modern kitchen makes your home more valuable and more attractive to buyers when the time comes to sell.

The kitchen is the heart of a home. It is a place to gather as a family, visit with friends, and share meals. Because it is one of the most popular rooms in the house, kitchens tend to suffer a lot of wear and tear over time. Countertops, appliances, and flooring can get worn and damaged, decreasing the style and appeal of the room. Below are some common areas of interest that are addressed in remodeling.

Kitchen renovations may include knocking down walls to add space or redesigning the layout to improve functionality. Homeowners have the chance to design the room they have always wanted. Make the most of it by increasing storage space and improving traffic flow.
Consider upgrading your appliances to high-efficiency models. Not only can they save you money in energy costs, you may be eligible for tax rebates. Be sure that your electrical wiring and plumbing are properly installed by a licensed contractor to prevent damage and ensure that your appliances will work correctly.
Your existing cabinets can be re-surfaced, or you may decide to replace them entirely with new ones. A licensed contractor will help choose a countertop surface that will blend well with your cabinets. Stone, especially granite, used by a licensed contractor when doing your kitchen remodeling gives your kitchen an up-scale and classic look that will last the lifetime of your home.
Hardwoods and ceramic tiles are the most popular choices for kitchen flooring. Both materials are attractive to buyers and need very little maintenance to look good.
Lighting is extremely important in the kitchen. Ambient lighting will keep the room bright. Task lighting illuminates the food prep and cooking area. Under cabinet lighting can accentuate the beauty of your room.
A wall color that will accentuate your new cabinets, flooring, appliances, and countertops. Consider the addition of a colorful backsplash or accent wall to create a focal point in the room.

Kitchen remodeling is a large project and can take months to fully complete. Discuss a timeline and a specific budget for your project with a licensed contractor so you will know what to expect. Not every homeowner is willing or able to complete a large-scale kitchen remodeling. Even minor improvements can change the entire look of your kitchen and make it more appealing to potential buyers. Whether you are selling your home or simply want to improve the room’s appearance, small projects like painting or replacing outdated appliances with a licensed contractor can make a big difference to the value of your home.