Contractor Archives - Brett King Builder-Contractor Inc.

20 May

Complete Guide to Bathroom Remodeling

For many homeowners, bathroom remodeling is a project that can be intimidating. The sheer scope of the project can make it seem like an overwhelming task to take on. However, there are some steps you can take to ensure your bathroom remodel goes smoothly and successfully! In this article, we will go over these steps so you have all the information necessary for starting your own bathroom renovation.

What you need to know before Remodeling?

Before you start remodeling your bathroom, there are a few things you need to know. First of all, what kind of shape is your bathroom in currently? If it’s outdated and worn down, then you’ll want to consider remodeling the entire room. However, if the existing space isn’t so bad off and just needs some updating here or there, this project will be much easier on you!

Finally, how long do you plan on staying at this home? If it looks like you’re going to sell your house in a year or two anyway, then now might not be the time to start with major renovations that could cost thousands. Keep these factors about yourself in mind before starting any projects.

How to pick the perfect contractor?

Picking the perfect contractor is maybe the most important part of a bathroom remodel. The following are some tips to help you find the right one for your project:

-Ask friends and family members if they know any good contractors in the area (this is always step number one!).

-Look at reviews online, on sites like Yelp or Angie’s List. Research what kind of licenses they have so that it ensures that coverage and experience levels meet your needs

-Check out their portfolio to see past work before hiring them for your job. Ask questions about how long ago these jobs were completed if there isn’t an exact date listed. You should be able to tell by looking at photos whether this contractor will produce quality results based on previous projects!

Selecting the right bathroom remodeling contractor is key to a successful project. With the right company, you can be sure your bathroom will look amazing and function better than it ever has before!

Also, make sure to get an estimate from at least three contractors before deciding which one to hire.

Budgeting for your project

There are a number of things to consider when planning a bathroom remodel. It’s important that you have realistic expectations and a budget for your project, especially if it is part of the mortgage process. Here we will cover how much square footage costs as well as other factors you may not be aware of!

Square Footage: The cost per square foot can vary wildly depending on where in the country or what city you live in. The average starting price ranges from $70-$150/sq ft, but some experts estimate prices up to 300$. Keep these numbers in mind when looking at quotes from contractors.

Budgeting For Materials: You need to calculate approximately 25% more than the usual materials allowance because they won’t be discounted the same way as when you buy in bulk.

Budgeting For Labor: A contractor will charge by the hour, and usually starts at $35-$40 per hour. This can tally up quickly depending on how many people are needed for your remodel project!

Planning Ahead: Getting a quote from a contractor ahead of time is important so that you have an idea of what it might cost to get started with planning. Once they know more about your space, then they’ll be able to give you accurate numbers and make sure there’s enough money set aside for materials or labor costs.

Planning out the design of your new bathroom

Planning out the design of your new bathroom is the best first step to take when you want to start renovating. It’s also one of the most important steps because it will inform all other decisions going forward.

The planning stage can be both exciting and daunting at the same time but if you stay organized, have a timeline in mind for how long you want everything from demolition to drywall installation to last, and are realistic about what needs to be done (and what doesn’t), then this process should go smoothly!

At first glance, bathrooms seem simple enough – just pick out some tile or carpeting and get started with construction. But there are so many factors that come into play before choosing a style or material that it helps decide on options early on. For example, you want to make sure the materials are durable and resist mold or mildew. You also have to decide on whether you want hardwood floors that will be sealed with an appropriate sealant or carpets that should be steam-cleaned regularly.

The first thing is figuring out what kind of bathroom remodel would work best for your space and needs – which can take a little bit of time but it’s extremely important not only in this stage but going forward as well! If you’re considering adding tile flooring, there’s the initial factoring when choosing between porcelain tiles (which range from $20-$50 per square foot) versus ceramic ($15-$35 per square foot). There’s a size too: Porcelain tiles come in a variety of thicknesses, from thin (about 20mm) to thick (around 30mm).

Once you’ve sorted out what kind of bathroom remodel is best for your space and needs, it’s time to get down to the nitty-gritty. If you’re looking at replacing the toilet or sink, there are some other important considerations – like whether you want an elongated model versus a round bowl. The next step would be how much storage do I need? One thing that can make bathrooms feel cramped is if they don’t have enough room for towels or items during use. In terms of tile options, there’s a lot more than just subway tiles these days! You could go with something sleek and modern by choosing a glass or porcelain tile to create an elegant, yet minimalist bathroom.

We hope this article has given you some helpful information and tips for your bathroom remodeling project. If it’s still too intimidating or confusing, don’t hesitate to ask us anything in the comment.

31 Mar

5 home remodeling trends to watch for in 2021

After a year of spending more time at home due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many homeowners are looking for ways to make their homes fit their new realities. Open floor plans are out; dedicated spaces for remote work and learning are in. Yards are being transformed into entertainment spaces and walls are being repainted. At the same time, increased demand and safety concerns can make the remodeling process much longer than before.

Here are five trends to watch for this 2021 home-remodeling season.

1. A focus on dedicated spaces

At the start of 2020, “the most requested design concept was open space,” says Jimmy Dollman, principal of Dollman Construction in Roanoke, Virginia. “But now, we face a different set of design implications because everyone’s living conditions have changed.”

Dollman notes that remote workers and learners need privacy and quiet. “A year ago, it was rare for one family member to work from home,” he says. “Now, [parents] and kids find it difficult to get work done because of the noise in the open design.”

This year, expect to see homeowners spending less time knocking down walls to open up shared areas, and more time transforming spare rooms or nooks into dedicated spaces. That might mean adding a home office or home theater, for instance, or transforming a nook into a space for distance-learning.

2. Making room for home offices

To add home offices to residences, “homeowners aren’t adding square footage,” says Doug King, owner of King Contracting, a design-build firm in St. Petersburg, Florida, and president of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry. “Rather, they’re taking out rarely used closets, like in the hallway, and moving interior walls to make space.”

The home office trend isn’t going away anytime soon, he notes.

“Even when the pandemic is over,” King says, “there’ll be a lot of people still working from home.” He notes that because of this trend, use of home technology is also increasing as households install items such as ethernet cables for computer networks and Bluetooth speakers.

3. More outdoor living

One cure for that cooped-up feeling is outdoor living areas.

“People want their backyards to be their oasis,” King says. In his area, he says pools are the No. 1 thing being added to backyards. Outdoor kitchens and fire pits are the next most popular.

Homeowners spending more time at home may also start to seek out remodeling projects that bring beautiful outdoor views inside — for instance, by installing larger windows or glass doors that let in more natural light.

4. Longer wait times

Besides shifts in design trends, homeowners can expect a continued slow-down in the industry. In some cases, safety concerns have changed how contractors and workers approach projects. For example, Dollman has suspended all work in occupied residences to avoid exposure to COVID-19 “to protect the homeowners and our crews,” he says.

Getting permits can also take much longer than usual as demand increases and those who approve the permits adapt to new working conditions — for instance, working at home rather than in the office, or working with a limited staff.

5. Bold colors

For homebound do-it-yourselfers looking for affordable ways to make rooms more welcoming this year, adding a colorful fresh coat of paint will likely be high on their list.

A sign that bold colors and color combinations could be gaining favor: They featured prominently among Color of the Year winners for 2021 announced by brands including Sherwin Williams, Pantone and Benjamin Moore. Sherwin Williams selected Urbane Bronze (a dark brownish-gray), for instance; Benjamin Moore selected an Aegean Teal (a blue-green color); Pantone selected a color duo: Ultimate Gray and Illuminating (a gray tone alongside a bright yellow color).

For homeowners, striking paint colors like these could be an appealing low-cost way to add depth, excitement and personality to a room without overwhelming it.

24 Mar

How to make your next home improvement project a success

Whether you are remodeling your home, making needed repairs, or sprucing things up to put your house on the market, the following tips will help make your next home improvement project a success.

Come up with a budget and stick to it. Home improvement projects can get expensive, fast. If you don’t want to break the bank, create a realistic budget to figure out how much you can spend ahead of time. Be upfront with contractors you hire about how much you can spend on a project as well.
Think about the pros and cons of DIY projects. If time and motivation is no problem for you, you may be able to tackle some basic home improvement projects on your own, but other projects may require further expertise. If you don’t have a background in construction, it’s usually best to hire a contractor to help with larger projects, such as plumbing, tiling, tree removal, exterior painting, and general remodels.
Give high priority to projects that keep your home clean and safe. If your home is in need of repairs, take care of those projects first. For example, fix that leaky roof before you give your home’s walls a fresh coat of paint. In addition, don’t forget to stay on top of regular home maintenance tasks to maximize the cleanliness and safety of your home.
Up the value of your home with a bathroom or kitchen remodel. Remodeling your bathroom or kitchen can completely change the look and feel of your home, creating a space you enjoy being in – not to mention it can add quite a bit of value to your home. For large scale remodels, hire a contractor that specializes in construction and remodeling services.
Improve energy efficiency. Save money (and the environment) by improving the energy efficiency of your home. Energy saving projects that are worth taking on include checking and replacing the seals on all windows and ducts in you home, installing new windows, and looking into green energy options like solar panels.
Get multiple quotes from contractors. When you are ready to start your home improvement project, be sure to get multiple quotes from several different companies. Never be pressured into hiring the first person you speak with. Comparing pricing and services is a critical step in choosing a skilled contractor you can trust.
Properly vet contractors before you hire. Even if the price is right, don’t hire a contractor before doing some research. Ask the contractor to provide references. Look up their name or company name online and pay close attention to any reviews or complaints from previous customers. Verify that the contractor is licensed and insured and get an estimate and contract in writing. Read contracts carefully before you sign them.
Think about permits. For larger projects, you may need to pay for building permits. Do you research ahead of time and understand that even if you hire a contractor, you may still be responsible for the cost of the permits.
Don’t get scammed. Stay alert to any suspicious behavior on the part of “home improvement specialists.” Red flags include not putting things into writing, demanding upfront payment, unexpected price changes, high-pressure sales tactics, unsolicited free inspections (that usually reveal the need for an urgent repair), and cash-only deals.

22 Mar

9 Bathroom Remodel Ideas To Consider

A bathroom remodel, or even a simple bathroom update, is a project that can significantly improve the look and feel of your home without significantly reducing the amount of money in your home improvement budget.

Are some bathroom design elements expensive? Absolutely. But no matter how much (or how little) cash you have set aside for this project, you have options that will inspire you to place ‘remodel bathroom’ at the top of your to-do list.

What Is a Bathroom Remodel?

Falling somewhere between ‘refresh’ and ‘complete renovation,’ a bathroom remodel is a process that allows you to make your current bathroom more functional without requiring you to tear down walls and remove all of the cabinets.

Think changing colors, refinishing surfaces, replacing fixtures (like old toilets and tubs) and making sure everything is aligned with current safety standards.

Here are nine ideas to get you started on your bathroom remodel.

1. Install a Freestanding Bathtub

“Built-in deck bathtubs used to be the thing, but now they look dated and take up a lot of space,” Ariana Lovato, owner of Honeycomb Home Design in Shell Beach, California, told Forbes Advisor.

Instead, she recommends freestanding bathtubs, which are elegant, chic and timeless. The one caveat? Freestanding tubs can be hard to get in and out of for some people, so keep that in mind before you commit.

2. Select an Undermount Sink

Undermount sinks are known for the sleek design, but one of their best features is the fact that they are so much easier to clean than their traditional overmount counterparts, Lovato says.

What exactly is an undermount sink? As the name implies, it is one that you install from beneath the countertop (overmounts, on the other hand, are dropped in from above).

Available in a range of colors, styles and price points, adding an undermount sink to your bathroom is an upgrade won’t regret—and one that will likely leave you wondering why you waited so long to make the switch.

3. Upgrade Your Toilet

While a basic toilet gets the job done, a bathroom remodel is the perfect opportunity to switch the basic out for something a little more luxurious. One of the obvious choices, Lovato says, is to add a bidet (something that feels almost like a requirement after the great toilet paper shortage of 2020).

However, you don’t have to stop there—today’s toilet manufactures are incorporating heated seats, automatic flushing, self-cleaning and smart technology into their designs.

4. Consider a Medicine Cabinet

Wait, a medicine cabinet? Aren’t they a little on the antiquated side? Believe it or not, medicine cabinets are making a comeback, says Lovato. And today’s medicine cabinets are a far cry from the medicine cabinets of yore, she says, explaining that you can now find medicine cabinets that offer just as much in terms of design appeal as they do in space to store your ibuprofen. Some higher-end medicine cabinets even incorporate USB ports so you can keep all those electric toothbrushes hidden behind closed doors.

5. Add Steam to Your Shower

These days, everyone is looking for ways to incorporate a little self-care into the daily routine. One way to do this, Lovato says, is by replacing your regular shower with a steam shower. Steam showers essentially re-create the spa experience at home, and some even incorporate aromatherapy, Wi-Fi, lighting and other high-tech features.

Naturally, steam showers aren’t going to be easy on everyone’s budget—but if you have the resources, this is a bathroom remodeling project that you most certainly will not regret.

6. Contemplate Your Color Palette

Whoever decided that a bathroom had to be neutral in color? The truth is, the bathroom is just as apt to benefit from a color scheme change than any other room in your house. So, instead of going for the color you think should go in a bathroom, select colors that you love.

This may result in bright green cabinets, pink tile or dark walls that coordinate perfectly with your vinyl flooring. All are acceptable, as long as you like it—just be sure to think about whether the color scheme is something you are willing to either live with or modify in the event that your taste changes in the future.

7. Prioritize Lighting

If the only lighting in your bathroom comes from the bulbs above your vanity, you are probably not getting the most out of your personal grooming routine. Vanity lighting is important, but you’ll enjoy your bathroom much more if that isn’t all you have. Options include adding ambient lighting fixtures around the bathroom or bringing in some accent lighting into the space (this is a light fixture that is as much about looks as it is about function). You can install shower lighting, as well.

8. Install a Ventilation Fan

If your bathroom doesn’t have a fan, now is the time to put one in (plus, it is now a code requirement). Fans allow air to circulate so mold is kept at bay, and they also reduce moisture and humidity (especially helpful for anyone who decides to get on the steam shower bandwagon).

When installing a fan, make sure it exhausts to your home’s exterior (not to your attic). Concerned about noise? No worries—many modern fans are as quiet as they are effective at minimizing moisture.

9. Incorporate Storage Solutions

If you’ve ever stepped out of the shower to discover that you forgot to grab a towel from the hallway linen closet, you’ll understand why adding storage is an essential component of any bathroom remodeling project. And believe it or not, you can find space for storage even in the smallest of bathrooms.

Hooks and baskets are no-nonsense, but you can also incorporate built-ins or install floating shelves (and don’t forget about the trusty medicine cabinet mentioned above). And if you have enough room for dedicated bathroom storage cabinets, definitely go for it—you’ll never regret having a convenient place to keep towels, extra shampoo and all those other bathroom incidentals.

19 Mar

Hire Smart for Home Remodeling

When you decide to make the investment in a home improvement project, you’re likely entrusting a professional contractor to bring your vision to life on time and on budget.

Remodeling contractors are diverse, so it’s important to take your time, ask lots of questions and do your research before selecting the right one for the job. Keep in mind these considerations from the experts at the National Association of the Remodeling Industry:

Choose local. A local home improvement contractor with an established business in your area is likely connected to your community and has a vested interest in doing a job well. Referrals are an important source of business for local companies, so local remodelers are typically compelled to perform quality work that satisfies their customers in order for their businesses to survive.

Discuss experience. While a skilled remodeler may be willing to take on something new, chances are you’ll be best served by working with someone who has experience with your specific project. A learning curve can be expensive, and the results aren’t always exactly as you hope. Talk about similar projects the contractor has completed in the past and how that work compares to what you’re planning. Also be sure to ask what, if any, outside certifications a contractor may have earned that are pertinent to the project.

Understand staffing. Be sure you’re clear about who will be in your home completing the work, whether it’s the person you meet to discuss a bid or an assigned team. Ask who the project supervisor will be, and if any work is to be subcontracted, who is ultimately responsible for those tasks.

Check references. A reputable contractor should be able to produce a list of past customers who can attest to the remodeler’s workmanship and service. You can contact the government Consumer Affairs Office and the Better Business Bureau to check for complaints on record for the contractor. Also ask if the remodeler is a member of any trade groups or associations.

Verify licensing. Many states, but not all, require contractors to be licensed, bonded or both. Contact your state or local licensing agencies to ensure the contractor meets all requirements. Ask the remodeling contractor for current copies of applicable licenses.

Confirm insurance. Ask to see a copy of the remodeling contractor’s certification of insurance or the name of his or her insurance agency to verify coverage. Most states require a contractor to carry worker’s compensation, property damage and personal liability insurance. Make sure the contractor’s insurance coverage meets all the minimum requirements.

Compare bids. There are a number of different factors that go into pricing a remodeling project. Be sure that every estimate reflects the same scope of work. If the estimates don’t fully spell out what work is going to be done, go back to the contractor for clarification in writing.

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