renovation Archives - Brett King Builder-Contractor Inc.

07 Apr

The Best Materials for Your Bathroom Remodel: A Comprehensive Guide.

When considering a remodel for your bathroom, the choice of material is paramount. Sure, the layout and design are important, but unless you choose quality material that is durable and water-resistant, you may end up having to redo the bathroom again.

Hot water, steam, and strong cleaning products—not to mention dirt and grime—are par for the course for bathrooms. In choosing the material, you should keep three things in mind: durability, affordability, and of course, aesthetic appeal. Let’s take a look at several aspects of your bathroom remodel and the types of materials that work best in each.

Bathroom Floors

There are several different materials to choose from for bathroom flooring, like cork, wood, porcelain tiles, natural stone, and vinyl. But when it comes to durability and a great ROI, natural stone and porcelain tiles are your best options.

Both stone and tiles are water-resistant and easy to clean. Stone is more expensive and can limit the possibilities in terms of colors and design, but it is easy to install and is long-lasting.

Tiles, on the other hand, offer endless possibilities in terms of design and color and are more affordable than stone. Your contractor can help you decide which material would be best suited to the kind of look you are going for with your bathroom floors.

Bathroom Countertops

For bathroom countertops, the most durable and affordable materials are quartz, granite, or marble. All three fall under a similar price point and offer a wide range of colors and patterns to choose from.

A lot of home remodelers opt for laminate as well, but it doesn’t have the touch of class that marble, quartz, or granite bring to the table (or countertop)!

Bathroom Fixtures

When choosing fixtures for your bathroom, you may be tempted to opt for something budget-friendly—higher-end faucets, showerheads, and knobs can feel like a luxury you can’t afford—but you won’t believe how much that affects the value of your home when it’s time to sell the house. Beautiful, expensive-looking bathroom and kitchen fixtures make a great first impression.

Bathroom Storage

Bathroom storage consists of closets and cabinets. In an attempt to save money, you may be tempted to get particle board cabinets and closet doors. While particleboard is a bad idea anywhere, it’s especially terrible for a bathroom. It’s not water-resistant, and being constantly exposed to water and steam will warp and damage it quickly, leading to doors that won’t shut all the way. Invest in plywood cabinets and closet doors that are resistant to water damage and are also durable.

The Bottom Line

If you are redoing your bathroom, invest in materials that promise longevity, look sleek and stylish, and are also affordable.

If you are looking for professional contractors with decades of experience and a solid track record of exemplary work, Brett King Builder is here to help. We’ve been in the business for 35 years, working with a wide range of residential clients in Pennsylvania. We have the expertise and the experience to handle your bathroom remodeling project, whether big or small.

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.

14 May

Backyard kitchen trends provide budget-friendly options

You might think a decked-out backyard kitchen in Pennsylvania defies logic, but thanks to new technological advancements, year-round patio dinner parties are now well within reach — no matter the climate where you live.

“It used to be just the purview of the Sun Belt, but it has spread because of the improvement of materials and design of the components,” says Russ Faulk, chief designer and head of product for Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet, an outdoor kitchen equipment manufacturer based in Chicago and Galesburg, Mich. “In a very high-end home, you might have radiant heating under the bathroom floor, and people will do that for their countertop. Flip a switch, melt the snow and use the outdoor kitchen.”

Of course, someone willing to install a counter-warming snow-buster would be on the “pointy end of the budget stick,” as Faulk puts it. The reality is that not everyone can afford all the bells and whistles, such as a cocktail station, a countertop fire feature, custom granite or a grill burner for cooking sauces.

Go for the grill

David Bond, president of Florida-based U.S. Brick & Block Systems, which installs pavers, pools, outdoor kitchens and more, says the grill is the cornerstone for your budget. To stay within your price range, you might have to pass on luxuries, such as a sear zone, a griddle or infrared rotisserie. “That can bring the cost down,” he says, adding that size is less important than quality. “It’s always best to get a good grill brand than to have a big grill that’s not going to last.”

Faulk, who also authored the recently released cookbook Food + Fire: Cooking Outside with Kalamazoo Outdoor Grillmaster Russ Faulk, agrees that the grill is the most important feature of any outdoor ooking space.

“Where I tell people not to scrimp is the grill, especially if it’s being built into masonry,” he says. “If you hate your grill, you’re probably not going to love your outdoor kitchen. And they’re tough to swap out because they don’t come in standardized sizes.”

Faulk adds that opting for movable components like tables and countertops rather than large stone kitchens with built-in grills is an increasing trend, somewhat driven by budget-minded homeowners who like the idea of growing their outdoor kitchens gradually.

“Instead of making your design decisions permanent and literally set in stone, there are a lot of other options to change and evolve your kitchen over time.”

Exceptional extras

When it comes to design, the next thing to consider with built-in kitchen spaces is what type of accent materials you’re interested in for countertops and cabinets, which often feature some type of masonry. “Typically, the thing with the most impact is the type of stone used on the cabinet,” says Bond. “Most everything else is just stainless steel appliances, so your stone and countertop will make the most difference.”

Despite efforts to rein in the spending, the urge to splurge on alfresco cooking and dining isn’t going anywhere.

“People are using the outdoor of their homes more than ever,” says Bond. “There are certainly instances of people spending more time and money on their outdoor kitchens than they are on their indoor kitchen.”

For those who really want to go all out, popular add-ons include entertainment zones like bars, dedicated cleanup areas and specialty refrigeration like wine coolers, freezers and under-counter refrigerator drawers to keep meat and produce separate. Faulk says smokers and wood-fired grills are especially hot right now, following the cooking trends popping up in restaurants across the country.

“What’s great about the outdoor kitchen, especially how it relates to the enthusiast, is it’s really difficult to implement this specialty equipment in an inside kitchen,” he says of restaurant trends influencing home trends.

He points to the rise in home pizza ovens after chefs across America fell in love with Neapolitan pies.

“You have to be cooking those pizzas at 800 degrees, and that was really hard to implement in your home, so it went outdoors, naturally,” says Faulk, who adds that he expects Argentinian-style grills, which are equipped with an adjustable height and a sloped V-shaped grate surface to allow more precise temperature control and uniform cooking, to gain in popularity this year.

Perhaps the best splurges, however, are those that make your outdoor kitchen available whenever the mood strikes, such as weather-proof cabinetry so you can keep everything you need stocked and handy — or maybe even that fancy countertop warmer.

“If you feel like you have to spend three to four hours to get your outdoor kitchen ready just to use it, you’re not going to be excited about using it,” says Faulk. “It should be always ready to go, always easy.”

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