3 Steps to Remodeling a Kitchen You Should Know [Infographic]
You look at your kitchen and just know there are improvements to be made, so your mind is pretty made up; you want to remodel your kitchen. Seeing as this is a sure-fire way to up the value of a property, oftentimes fetching a 100-percent return on the investment cost in-home appraisal value, a kitchen remodel is nothing but a win.
While it is assuredly a valuable upgrade, facing the task of getting the kitchen remodel planned and completed can be tough. From concerns about your budget accommodating the design ideas you want, to picking out the right features, there are a lot of things to consider when remodeling a kitchen. Thankfully, RWC has a simple and straightforward order of kitchen remodel steps to make the process as seamless as possible.
STEP 1: Initial Design Consultation
The initial design consultation with RWC will include a skilled kitchen designer and project manager, who will set up a time when they can meet you at your home. The goal of the consultation is to find out what it is that you want and determine if there are any structural issues that could get in the way of the particular design ideas you desire. For example, if you are looking for a kitchen cabinet remodel as part of the project, your existing cabinetry will be checked to determine the best methods for removal.
The professionals often get pictures, check plumbing and electrical systems, and take measurements around the kitchen and any impacted parts of the house. During this initial consultation, you will also be asked about your planned budget for the renovation.
STEP 2: Design Presentation & Draft Kitchen Project Renovation Management Plan
After your in-home consultation, you will be scheduled for a second meeting at RWC's design center to make your product selections. RWC Windows, Doors & More has a large facility with multiple selections out on display, and carry everything you could need for your kitchen remodel, right down to hardware and fixtures. You will get to go through the displays of products and select:
- What kind of cabinetry you prefer
- Which countertop material you want
- What type of flooring you want to be installed
- Which backsplash you like the best
- What kind of lighting you want
As your kitchen remodeling ideas begin to come to life, the assigned designer and project manager will be there to offer advice about the product selections and how well they will work out with your proposed budget.
STEP 3: Project Proposal and Contract
After you have made your product selections, the kitchen designer teams up with the project manager to provide you with a detailed cost explanation for your kitchen remodeling project. As long as you are comfortable with the cost, a detailed scope of work, which explains the kitchen renovation steps and what's involved, a contract will be created for you to go over. As soon as you are comfortable with all of the paperwork and have signed the necessary documents, your materials will be ordered and you will be given a schedule for construction to begin.
Takeaways to Remember
- The initial design consultation involves examining the budget, assessing your home, and coming up with a kitchen remodel order of events.
- The design presentation & draft proposal stage is when you get to pick out all the small details and features you want.
- The project proposal and contract phase will only occur when you've made all of your selections and is also when your overall cost will be provided and a contract will be made.
- There should be a clear step by step kitchen remodel schedule provided to you by your kitchen remodeling contractor.
- With RWC, you will always have an expert there to help you understand the kitchen renovation steps.
When planned and executed correctly, remodeling a kitchen can totally up the value of your home's form and function. If you need expert advice about kitchen remodeling steps, reach out to the contractors at RWC Windows, Doors & More for professional assistance with your next kitchen remodel!
Tub vs Shower: 3 Advantages of Tub Free Bathrooms
When it comes to home improvement projects, many homeowners ask the question, "bathtub or shower, which is better?" There are plenty of advantages to getting rid of your full-size tub with stained grout and tinged fixtures. A home remodeling project that is topping the list will offer the best alternative - a modular shower stall that boasts a modern look, has increased efficiency, and is easy to clean.
According to the Senior VP of Keller Williams Realty in a New York Times interview - "The industry trend is to have walk-in spa showers...if you plan on renovating only one bathroom, and there is at least one bathroom somewhere else in the home, then "go for it."
Tub vs Shower - What are the Benefits
When you decide to sell your home, an updated bathroom with modern amenities will appeal to many prospective home buyers. Home improvement industry studies show that a home's value can increase by 56% after an upscale bathroom remodel. Therefore you can expect to get a return on your financial investment, in addition to the enjoyment of a luxury bathroom experience.
The question of a bathroom remodel tub vs shower can be easily answered when you look at the benefits of upgrading to a walk-in shower stall:
- For small bathrooms, a shower stall makes efficient use of space and makes the area seem larger with increased space for storage.
- Shower stalls are design-friendly with universal models that can fit easily into most spaces without excessive demolition.
- Turn your bath into a luxury spa with shower stalls that include a sitting bench, elegant fixtures, and jet massage water flow technology.
The Best Shower Stall Features
When you convert to a tub-free bathroom, don't think you'll be losing the invigorating effects of a good soak in the tub. With the right shower fixtures, you can reap the benefits of hydrotherapy, which uses water at various temperatures with massaging effects to boost your mood and increase energy levels. When shopping for a shower stall, consider the following features that can turn a daily ritual into an invigorating event:
- Budget-friendly fiberglass options are available or luxury models with flip-down seating
- A wide range of sizes to fit most spaces, and universal designs for ease of installation
- Multiple styles to suit your home bathroom decor or create an entirely new and modern look
Other shower enclosure features include a thicker coated glass that is much easier to clean and much harder to shatter in case of an accident. You will also enjoy selecting from a wide range of shower materials such as polished stainless steel frames and ceramic tiled enclosures. A variety of styles include frameless, curbless or geometric-angled styles.
Tub vs Shower Take-Aways
- Partner with an experienced home remodeling service that can help with design choices in addition to installation
- A stand-alone bathroom shower can increase the value of your home when it is time to sell
- Bathroom and kitchen updates are still the leading home improvement projects desired by homeowners
- A tub free bathroom remodel can increase the space and efficiency in smaller bathrooms
- Shower stalls with massaging water flow fixtures can have therapeutic health benefits
Don't make the mistake of employing a handyman for a shower remodel. Your bathroom floor will require waterproofing and must be correctly mounted to the wall. The shower base and the location of the drain must also be considered to prevent accidental flooding.
When you've reached a conclusion over the bathroom remodel tub vs shower question, contact RWC Windows, Doors, and More for a professional tub-free bathroom remodel. Our design specialists are award-winning and our technical teams are trained to meet the highest level of quality installations.
Summer Colors: Choose the Ideal Bright Door Color
Contrary to popular belief, traditional American homes dating back to Colonial Times were not primitive log cabins without any basic comforts or personalized design styles. The people who settled America came from Europe, and built homes according to the styles they were familiar with. Such designs included painting with vibrant colors. Because paint was more scarce, they found a great means to add personal style to front door for beige houses, was to paint the doors and shutters different colors as a way to easily identify one home from the next. Such style choices still apply in today's world, as a specialty entrance door provides a warm welcome for your guests and determines the mood you want them to experience upon entering.
Traditional Door Colors
Traditionally, Americans have painted their front doors with a variety of vibrant hues. Various shades of blue, green, and red have all been used according to the homeowner's favorite color. Coral or cantaloupe, for example, may not come to mind as a first choice for a front door color. However, these colors have been used with great success in conjunction with an overall color scheme of the walls, roof, and shrubbery. On the other end of the spectrum, black, neutral gray, or stained and varnished wood tones always provide a classic appeal which go well with any other colors your house may incorporate.
The Meanings of Front Door Colors
Your front door is more than just an entrance; consider front door color meanings and how color is more than just a cosmetic aspect of your home. In fact, the color of your front door says a lot about you as a person and the personalities of the friends you invite to your home as guests. Pink or yellow, on the other hand, shows an appreciation for fun and excitement for a family who entertains regularly and you can often find at least a couple of the neighbors' children spending the afternoon there.
Red front door colors are reminiscent of Great Britain and tends to demonstrate an emphasis on the balance of formal education tempered by travel and a wisdom of other cultures. Black provides a classic touch of formality for people who appreciate proper manners in their daily routine. Bright blue and especially purple tones suggest a fun atmosphere in which people can relax and be themselves.
Choosing Complimentary Colors
Outside of letting colors describe your personality, they can also compliment the other colors incorporated by your home by painting doors and trim different colors. Greens can provide a nice accent to a well manicured lawn. Orange can provide a splash of contrasting color which draws the eye to the entryway. A traditional paint scheme matches the door to the shutters and roof for consistency. However, a properly planned paint job can use a color from the opposite side of the color wheel, adding interest to the home's facade.
Takeaways
- Neutral colors always look nice on a front door, and provide a recognizable standard of beauty.
- Don't be afraid to be creative and use your favorite colors. A quality paint job applied professionally will look great.
- Let your front door reflect your personality.
- Consider whether you want your front door color to match or compliment the rest of your home.
If your door needs replacement, repair, or paint, call us at RWC for design advice and an estimate. Our service technicians are always on time and professional, ready to help make your house feel like a home.