Remodeling Archives - Brett King Builder-Contractor Inc.

08 Jul

A Sustainable Kitchen Remodel Can Actually Save You Money—Here’s How

Wouldn’t it be great if a home renovation project could essentially pay for itself? While that might seem like a pipe dream, the truth is that some renovations can add almost as much value to a home as they cost the homeowner to complete. According to the Remodeling 2023 Cost vs. Value Report, projects like a minor kitchen remodel can offer a return on investment (ROI) of more than 85 percent, which could benefit homeowners when it comes time to sell or refinance their homes.

But there’s another factor at play here. The Inflation Reduction Act can also help renovations pay their own way. The bill offers incentives and rebates for certain energy-saving upgrades, allowing homeowners to recoup some of the cash they put into their kitchens, while also saving money on utility bills every month.

If your kitchen has seen better days, now might be the perfect time for an upgrade. And choosing appliances, fixtures, and materials that are more sustainable than the ones you had previously can not only help the environment, it may even attract more buyers should you put your home on the market. According to a recent report from the National Association of Realtors, more than 50 percent of real estate professionals say their clients are interested in sustainability.

Keep reading to learn which sustainable kitchen projects are most worth focusing on this year.

Electric Stove

To improve home health and energy efficiency in the kitchen, there’s a push to move toward electric stoves. In fact, homeowners who upgrade to an induction range will benefit the most, as the technology uses less wattage than a conventional electric stove, and there’s less heat lost while cooking. That’s a win-win when it comes to stepping up sustainability.

In addition, homeowners can receive a rebate of up to $840 on the purchase of an electric stove, cooktop, range, or oven as part of the Inflation Reduction Act. While this upgrade can benefit both your home and your wallet, it’s imperative to consider all aspects of the project before purchasing a new appliance. The guides below will help you sort out whether a modern electric stove is right for your kitchen.

Water-Saving Fixtures

Upgrading to a more efficient faucet and dishwasher might be worth a homeowner’s effort, as well. Not only can these fixtures enhance the functionality and aesthetics of a kitchen, they can also help reduce household water use by 30 percent.

For instance, the average kitchen faucet flows at a rate of 2.2 gallons per minute. Swapping it out for a new low-flow model that uses just 1.5 gallons of water each minute can quickly add up to significant savings on monthly bills—not to mention it helps conserve an important natural resource for the earth’s sake. By the same token, installing an Energy Star-rated dishwasher can further efficiency in the kitchen.

Recycled Materials

Taking a material that has served its purpose and using it to produce a new material is one of the most sustainable things humans can do. Incorporating recycled materials into a kitchen renovation is easier than ever before, thanks to products like IceStone’s recycled glass countertops. The eco-friendly surface reuses what would otherwise be waste while creating an eye-catching, unique look in any kitchen.

In addition, highly renewable materials like linoleum or bamboo are great options for kitchen flooring. A leg up for the latter is that bamboo can achieve a similar look and feel to hardwood, which some real estate experts estimate has an ROI of 70 to 80 percent.

Eco-Friendly Finishes and Furnishings

One of the most rewarding parts of a kitchen renovation is adding final touches like wall color and decor. Luckily, there’s room to improve the sustainability of these features, too.

For instance, consider LED light bulbs. LED lighting may cost more upfront, but it uses less energy and lasts longer than other lighting systems. So not only does it save money on utility bills each month, it also saves time in terms of maintenance because LED bulbs don’t need to be replaced as often.

It’s also worth noting that low-VOC paints are more environmentally friendly than those that contain higher levels of VOCs. They’re also safer to use for the person doing the painting and the family living in the space.

Finally, when furnishing a newly remodeled kitchen, consider brands and products that use renewable or recycled materials and environmentally conscious production methods. For example, an FSC-certified stamp indicates that wood was harvested in a sustainable and ethical manner.

Responsible Disposal

As with any home project, it’s important to take care when disposing of refuse from a kitchen remodel. Taking appliances, cabinets, and other items that are no longer of use to the local reuse or recycling center can prevent them from ending up in a landfill. This alone can help renovators take a step in the direction of sustainability.

But, DIYers can also look to sell their used-but-good materials on classifieds and online marketplaces. Should they sell, the proceeds can be used toward the rest of the project, helping to pay for those new materials and fixtures. Plus, both methods avoid having to pay fees at the local dump.

03 Jun

Will the construction industry be able to keep up with the home remodeling boom?

With all of last year’s turmoil, few people expected the home remodeling industry to grow almost 6% from the previous year.

2019 was a banner year in itself with $383 billion in construction, and 2020 is anticipated to reach $405 billion.

Four factors have spurred the growth:

Accelerated new home prices
Low inventory of for-sale existing homes
Wide spread desire to get out of urban areas
Low interest rates by the Fed

The spring 2020 economic uncertainty led to consumers of all ages and demographics desiring home renovations.

At the same time, one demographic factor is the transition of boomers and older homeowners out of their existing residence into smaller accommodations.

Potentially 11 million homeowners will be moving on or out, while 15 million younger households will be scratching for homes.

Interestingly, younger home buyers, given the choice of a condominium or an existing fixer-upper, are more apt to pursue the latter and plunge into remodeling.

Up to 40% of the kitchen and bath renovations are done by millennials and Gen-Xers. This is not news to most real estate agents today. With the current high cost of obtaining the tarnished American dream of new home ownership, young buyers are kicking the tires, or aluminum siding, for shelter.

According to the Harvard Research’s analysis of the leading indicator of remodeling activity, or LIRA, expect slower growth in 2021 but 2% quarter-over-quarter increases.

The remodeling industry had doubled in 10 years. While new home sales are strong, they are still outside the reach of many younger households

Naturally, every region is different.

The North Bay has had an enormous amount of fire replacement and earthquake repairs that are still happening. Small repairs and basic one item improvements, such as new flooring, takes a different track than larger projects requiring multiple technicians and skills. Whenever multi-tasked renovations occur, the time lines and the construction costs escalate.

At the same time, construction materials prices have exploded, and the supply lines are faltering.

Lumber has exploded 55%–63% in some areas. The timelines for construction have telescoped 20%: A project that should have taken four months is taking five months or longer.

What the market is still anxiously looking for is if COVID-19 will permanently affect our spending habits.

An important milestone in determining if a remodeling is needed is the age of the last renovation. As a general rule, 16-20 years is the life expectancy of a remodel.

As the finishes and sustainability disappears, the desire to catch up with the latest looks, materials and finishes start to wear through. The appetite to renovate one’s home is greater among younger households who are more media savvy and aware of latest trends.

One of the biggest challenges will be finding professional contractors and subcontractors.

Many small contractors have fallen on hard times and are not coming back. The Paycheck Protection Program from the CARES ACT helped 83,036 remodelers and subcontractors with their payroll obligations, but there’s no assurance that they will be back.

It becomes an open question on how many remodelers and professionals will be able to survive into 2021 with the continuing market uncertainties that include longer construction times and disrupted supply chains.

It would appear that the smaller contractors and professionals will be leaving while only long-term well-capitalized businesses with a steady source of skilled labor will survive.

Construction and renovation have been the first industrial sectors to emerge in every economic downturn or recession since World War ll.

Small builders and contractors represent the vast majority of America’s home building and remodeling industries, not big corporations. These are the businesses that will generate the jobs and raise the overall living standards in this country.

Not the government, not the unions and certainly not the retail business importing cheap goods to sell out of big box stores or deliver to your door. The home building and renovation industry is the main engine that will take the US out of this economic quagmire.

So, tell me this: Why are kitchens getting humongous and people cooking less? Why have a huge kitchen island to eat your DoorDash delivery?

26 May

What to know about renovating your kitchen during covid

I know I’m not the only one more than a year into this pandemic who is looking around their kitchen and thinking the space needs a little TLC and perhaps some revamping. Although my situation is different from most people’s — I’ve started a little baking business, so the toll on my countertops, painted cabinets and tile floor has been massive — I think the current appetite to improve the appearance and function of this much-used room is shared by many.

Unfortunately, a kitchen renovation means two things: You need to be prepared to spend some serious cash, and you need to be patient; the wait lists for contractor availability and access to raw materials and appliances are longer than ever.

When it comes to the first scary point — the budget — Eric Shipe, owner of Bath Plus Kitchen, a kitchen and bath remodeling company based in Alexandria, Va., says to prepare yourself for sticker shock, primarily because of the current high cost of lumber and building materials. Expect to spend $65,000 to $90,000 “if you’re replacing all materials in a 200-square-foot kitchen, L-shape with an island,” he says. A luxury kitchen will range from $110,000 to $150,000 or higher.

Claire Staszak, principal designer and owner of Centered by Design, a Chicago-based design firm with a specialization in kitchen design, says that depending on where you live and your kitchen’s size, “the average renovation with high-end appliances and semi-custom cabinets” starts at $100,000. Of that budget, both Shipe and Staszak say the bulk of it — about 40 percent — will go toward cabinets, with appliances as the second-biggest line item.

If these estimates are out of your price range, Shipe says, think about taking out a loan for your project. “Even if you have the cash, with rates so low, why not consider financing?” He continues: “The number one regret is not spending enough to get what you want. Unfortunately, most people don’t realize they can finance until after they’ve spent tens of thousands on a kitchen remodel.” His advice: If you want a kitchen you’ll love and one that will last, spend the money to get you there.

As for hiring the right people, Staszak says, vet everyone with referrals, and see their work in person, either in a showroom or a former client’s home. “The execution of your project is what is most important,” she says, “so invest in the best contractor, designer, cabinet company, etcetera, that you can or feel comfortable with.” And Shipe cautions against using anyone who is too eager. “Demand is at an all-time high,” he says. “By the time a crew is available to start your project, materials should be, too. If someone is telling you they can start your kitchen remodel in the next one to three weeks, that’s a red flag.”

When it comes to selecting the nuts and bolts of a kitchen remodel, both Shipe and Staszak shared some of their top recommendations.

Countertops: Both like quartzite, because it’s a natural stone with the look of high-end marble, but it has the durability and heat and stain resistance of granite. Shipe also says to consider either quartz or Dekton because of their practicality; both are manufactured, rather than naturally occurring, and require little care. If you end up choosing a natural stone, Staszak says, make sure you see a full slab, not just a small sample, because the scale of the pattern or veining can vary.

Flooring: Both experts say that wide-plank white oak is the choice du jour. Staszak says it takes a variety of stains well. But Shipe cautions that because of its high demand, prices have gone up. He suggests considering luxury vinyl planks, because they’re waterproof and half the price.

Appliances: Shipe likes the matte white models from GE’s Café brand, but he also uses luxury brands, such as Sub-Zero, Wolf and Viking. Staszak leans toward Thermador, GE’s Monogram and Sub-Zero. For lower-priced models, she recommends Samsung for refrigeration and Bosch for dishwashers, as well as the Café line.

Because appliances play such a big role in the design process, Staszak tries to have clients commit to models before she begins drawing up the kitchen. The clients’ ultimate choices are those that meet their cooking, space and installation needs. Whatever you end up selecting, Staszak says, ensure your cabinetmaker has all of your appliance choices and measurements before cabinet production.

Cabinetry: Shipe says to consider more affordable laminate cabinets, especially given long lead times for painted and stained cabinetry. “Laminate cabinet technology has come a long way,” he notes, “and many include features such as anti-fingerprint and antimicrobial.” Shipe also recommends frameless cabinetry, which can give you 5 to 10 percent more storage space. And he says to think twice before installing trendy floating shelves. “They are a commitment. Your challenges are dust and organization,” he says. “We recommend not cramming too much onto floating shelves. If you’re using them for everyday items, such as plates, bowls or cups, it may end up looking too cluttered.”

It’s not surprising that both Shipe and Staszak emphasize the importance of working with a skilled kitchen designer or architect to lay out your cabinets, because a large portion of your budget goes to their fabrication. Staszak sees a lot of awkward cabinet designs that don’t seem well-planned, useful or beautiful. “Good cabinet design comes down to tiny quarter-inch details,” she says.

Layout: A skilled designer will help you think about how the space meets your needs. Take, for example, the case of an island design. Before beginning, Shipe would ask his clients if, when hosting, they want a large, open island where everyone can sit and be part of the action, or an island that hides the kitchen mess but provides great storage. Depending on the answer, he provides a design in which the island top is all one level, so the kitchen is open and inviting, or has a raised bar and a tall storage area to hide the kitchen mess. A designer should listen to your needs and be able to translate them to the design.

Trends: Lastly, both Shipe and Staszak are cautious of kitchen trends. Although they realize that Pinterest and Instagram are great resources for gathering ideas, picking a timeless design, especially when making such a big investment, is more prudent. Staszak says that if you want a trendy note in your kitchen, then focus on lighting and hardware; they are the easiest to swap out and experiment with. And whatever you do, Staszak says, gather samples of all your materials, look at them together before you order and pick your paint color last.

Mayhew, a “Today” show style expert and former magazine editor, is the author of “Flip! for Decorating.”

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.

05 May

Oklahoma couple uncover hidden shower during bathroom renovation

A couple who finally bought their first house together were shocked to find a secret bathroom hidden behind a wall.

A mother, named Mia Bug, has been sharing her first-time buyer journey on TikTok after she and her partner snapped up a home in Oklahoma, with an exposed stone fireplace and sliding doors.

In a video Mia explained they were told the house, which comes with a half-acre plot, had a boarded up drain—but they weren’t prepared for what they actually found.

In a now-viral video the pair filmed the moment they took down the flimsy wooden covering, only to discover a fully tiled walk-in shower, which even has the caddy and soap dish still attached to the wall.

Mia captioned the video, which has since been viewed more than a million times: “Renovation finds… why.”

The parents explained more about the hidden bathroom in

a follow-up clip, revealing they’d been made aware the seller had boarded up a drain.

They said: “We were in search of our first home, we had a budget of under $150,000 if possible, which is really hard in this market. And we knew there was some work which was going to have to be done, naturally.

“The seller told us that it was closed off because it was a leaking drain pan and that it was a small fix, wasn’t going to cost much to fix but they just didn’t have the time and energy to do it, so they covered it up.

“And so we were like, yeah no problem that’s fine, we get it, you’re older, it’s whatever. So you boarded it up that way, you know, you didn’t want to use it I guess. So we took the wall down and obviously found what you just saw. And we were not expecting that at all, we were expecting just a leaking drain pan.”

The clip shows the dad standing on a toilet seat to rip down the wall, indicating the space had once been a full bath.

Ever since the video went viral the pair have been responding to numerous comments about the sale, explaining why they weren’t aware of the size of the bathroom.

When asked why they didn’t get a floorplan, or a blueprint, Mia said: “You have to purchase it if you want it here. But it didn’t matter because nothing is original. There is so many changes to this house from original blueprints. They also converted the garage into a liveable space.” [sic]

She went on to say both the appraiser and house inspector were told about the cavity, but they had no idea of the condition.

“We knew it was a shower, just not the condition. We had an inspection. Everyone knew it was there, but with the wall the seller had to decide to remove. It isn’t worth fighting for,” she added.

Despite the pair being shocked at the find, and potential costs to fix it, numerous people pointed out their house—which has another full bath—will likely go up in value if they’re able to turn the space into a functioning bathroom.

Thesassycynic said: “But your half bath is now a full bath. Why are we upset about that? Makes the house worth more.”

Agreeing, Tim Howe pointed out: “Just added value to the home once you fix it up!”

Rhonda howled: “They left the little rack up.”

Kchill joked: “Someone’s trying to hide a crime scene.”

And Juliet P. admitted: “I was waiting for acorns in the wall not a bathroom!”

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Tag Archives: Remodeling