The Ultimate Guide to Your Kitchen Remodel
Quick Summary
This guide will walk you through what you need to know when you choose a contractor, set your budget and decide to remodel your kitchen. We will show you how to pick the right ingredients for your kitchen from countertops and sinks to backsplashes and appliances. We’ll look at the materials and styles to put together your dream kitchen. This guide will also assist you as you pick a theme or color for your remodel. Choosing your colors can be a difficult choice, but we can show you where to start for inspiration. Lastly, this guide will show you what you can expect when you hire RWC Windows, Doors and More to remodel your kitchen.
Chapter 2: Kitchen Remodeling 101
Chapter 3: The Right Ingredients for Your Kitchen
Chapter 4: Color Me Happy - Picking Your Colors
Chapter 1: Introduction
Making the right decisions when it comes to remodeling your kitchen can be overwhelming. That’s why we’ve pulled from our decades of experience to break down some of the toughest decisions you’ll face when you choose to remodel your kitchen.
Chapter 2: Kitchen Remodeling 101
Why Now is the Time to Remodel Your Kitchen
Whether you are planning on staying in your house for another 30 years, are scouring the marketing and Internet for properties, or recently moved to your — slightly outdated — dream house, there’s no better time to remodel your kitchen than now.
Many people find that the kitchen is the hub of their home, where everyone gathers to start and end their days together, for late-night coffee chats with friends and family, weekend game nights, and more. While you’d think that more people would want to make this the most comfortable room in their house, homeowners tend to find reasons to postpone the project, from the time to the cost.
However, families looking to sell their properties may find that an investment in remodeling their kitchen will pay off when it comes time to close. Others may find that the deterioration is unsightly, or may even be unsafe. One of the biggest reasons to remodel your kitchen now may be the government rebates on your taxes that are being offered for homeowners installing energy-efficient appliances and taking measures to make their homes more eco-friendly. With the upcoming governmental changes, anyone interested in taking advantage of the rebates should move quickly.
The 5 Things You Need to Consider Before Beginning a Kitchen Remodel
When you’re thinking about remodeling your kitchen, there are few things to keep in mind.
1. How Long Will it Take?
With the kitchen typically being the most-used room in the house, some families find that being without access can be a challenge. Some contractors may try and under-project the length of time it will take to complete the remodel; getting an experienced, trustworthy contractor can help cut down on the pain of the kitchen closure.
2. How Much Will it Cost?
One of the biggest issues facing homeowners who want to remodel their kitchens is the overall cost. A kitchen remodel is one of the largest expenses that many homeowners will experience. It’s important to do research into the materials and brands you want to use for the remodel so you can get a better picture of what the remodel may cost overall; once you’ve done your calculations and set a budget, don’t budge. It’s important to be prepared for issues that may arise unexpectedly.
You can save on costs by visiting local showrooms — we offer more than 20,000 square feet of products that you can see and touch — to learn more and see the options in-person. Another way to save is by keeping the layout the same. If contractors don’t need to move plumbing, gas and electrical lines, you could save thousands.
3. Why Do You Want to Remodel?
What is your end goal of the remodel? If you are looking to sell your property and merely want to upgrade and add value, it’s more important to stick with neutral colors and pieces that don’t carry emotional attachments. However, if you are planning on making this your forever home, find the pieces, colors and designs that you love and that will grow with your family.
4. Should You Update Some Pieces or Replace Everything?
This goes back to the real reason you are remodeling. If you are planning on moving, a complete kitchen overhaul may not be necessary. If you will be staying, though, starting from scratch might prove to be the better option. Kitchens that have structural, water, plumbing or electrical damage may need to be gutted; otherwise, check the structural integrity of the kitchen components and consult with an experienced contractor.
5. Which Pieces Add Value?
There are certain components that bring a higher return on investment, like cabinets, countertops, and appliances. Look for well-constructed, long-living pieces that come with warranties and guarantees.
Of course, if you are experiencing problems with certain parts of the kitchen, like wiring, plumbing, chipping floor tiles or structural issues, those should be repaired as part of the remodeling project.
What Should You Look For When Hiring a Contractor
1. What Licenses Do They Hold?
Licensing requirements vary in each state. In New Jersey, contractors may be required to obtain a home repair contractor license, depending on how they accept payments. All home repair contractors should be registered with the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs.
Home improvement contractors and general contractors in New Jersey must be licensed with the Department of Labor as part of the New Jersey Contractors’ Registration Act. This requires that contractors have liability insurance, show proof of their business type, and file a disclosure statement that lists possible violations.
It’s also a good idea to look for a contractor who has been bonded, which protects the consumer from a contractor who doesn’t complete the job, pay for permits, or fulfill other financial obligations associated with the project.
2. What is Their Experience?
Experience can be a wonderful quality for home contractors. When you’re looking to remodel your kitchen, a good place to start is by asking for referrals from friends and family. Once you’ve done that, narrow it down to the top three. Doing research to see the contractor’s speciality areas can make a difference. Just because they did great tile work doesn’t mean they will be the perfect contractor for your kitchen remodel project.
Ask for a list of references that includes past and current clients, who have the most recent experience working with the contractor.
From Consultation to Completion: The Importance of an Involved Contractor
When interviewing the potential contractors, find out how much of the work they will complete, and how much will be subcontracted. It’s also important to spell out who will be expected to acquire which materials, the hours and details regarding the work being done in the kitchen, and the dates by which the contractor will apply for the required permits.
A good contractor will be able to talk to you frequently about the project’s progress.
Allocating Your Budget: What Should Come First
When you set the budget for your kitchen remodel, it’s important to factor in all of the possible components. On average, labor costs between 20 and 35 percent of your budget, and it’s important to save 10 to 20 percent of your budget for the unplanned situations that may arise throughout the duration of the project.
Rank the rest of the typical kitchen remodeling costs, like cabinets, appliances, windows, flooring, fixtures and fittings, in order of importance. Together, cabinets and appliances usually take up about half of a kitchen remodeling budget.
Add in the indirect costs. Consider the costs of staying in a hotel (if you’ll be living elsewhere for the duration of the project), the cost of take-out dinners or the costs of storage units. Once you’ve set your budget, stick to each line item.
Chapter 3: The Right Ingredients for Your Kitchen
Catchy Countertops: Where Function and Beauty Meet
Countertops are usually the main focal point of your kitchen, and also one of the most important parts as you prepare and serve food from this spot, as well. Choosing the right material is a matter of combining the look you want with the purpose you need, at your perfect price point.
Top Countertop Materials
- Granite: Once a high-end item found in pricier kitchen remodels, an increasing number of homeowners are finding that this natural stone meets all of their countertop needs. With a variety of colors and options for cutting that eliminates seams, granite’s popularity has actually brought the prices down over the past few years. To care for a granite countertop, use a non-abrasive stone cleaner that maintains the treatment for its full ten or more years.
- Solid Surfacing: These solid acrylic, solid polyester, or combination countertops have been popular, affordable options for more than 40 years. They are typically stain- and scratch-resistant, repairable, and customizable, with hundreds of colors and patterns. Newer options include materials that look similar to natural stone.
- Tile: Ceramic tile has fallen from popularity as a primary countertop material because it requires slightly more maintenance and upkeep. It’s more often seen on backsplashes, islands, counters or other surfaces. When choosing tile, pick out pieces rated for floors or countertops, rather than the thinner, more delicate wall tiles that are more likely to crack.
- Quartz: These non-porous countertops are resistant to scratches, heat, staining, acids, and impacts. They are often engineered as a quartz composite, and are a very low-maintenance option.
- Laminate: Once rejected because it looked too dated and cheap, laminate countertops are making a resurgence. They are a budget-friendly option; due to the hundreds of colors and designs, laminate offers retro and modern cuts and colors.
- Marble: Another high-end natural stone option, marble’s innate design is a great way to balance functionality and finances. However, these beautiful countertops are porous, and can be prone to staining or damage.
- Butcher Block: Made with a variety of different types of wood, butcher block countertops are both beautiful and functional. They are heat-resistant and, when treated correctly, sanitary.
The Best Countertops
If you want a more contemporary feel, we recommend looking into quartz. When the crushed stone is mixed with resin, it creates a durable surface with a high heat resistance. Otherwise, granite is still a top choice for homeowners.
Super Sinks: Selecting Your Ideal Sink
From stainless steel and copper undermount sinks that can give your kitchen a sleek, seamless appearance to white ceramic farmhouse sinks that remind you of days gone by, there are a wide variety of styles that match the feel you want for your kitchen.
Top Sink Materials
- Stainless Steel: The heat and stain resistance of stainless steel makes it one of the most popular choices for many homeowners. It comes in nearly every style, size and shape imaginable. Mirror is one finish type, but brushed or satin finishes tend to be better at hiding scratches and marks from the water. There are also stainless steel sinks with sound-absorbing pads.
- Granite Composite: These sinks come in a wide array of natural colors, but many people prefer dark browns, grays, and blacks for the ability hide dirt stains, water marks, and scratches. They have a high durability and low maintenance requirement to keep the sink functioning and looking nice.
- Porcelain: While porcelain is becoming less popular in kitchens, it is still an option that many people appreciate for their sinks. It can have a tendency to chip with pointed or heavy objects, and may also discolor. However, it is less expensive than fireclay, which has a similar appearance. Porcelain is available in many colors.
- Stone: Natural stone sinks are a beautiful compliment to natural stone countertops. For example, if you choose a soapstone countertop, consider a soapstone sink. While it’s a soft stone that may need extra care, it’s also got a higher level of stain resistance. Marble, slate, swanstone and sandstone are other natural stone options.
- Other materials include enameled cast iron and fireclay, two solid, durable options for anyone who wants a white sink. Copper sinks are antimicrobial and rust-resistant.
The Best Sinks
Manufacturers are typically less important than size and material. Quartz and granite are two extremely durable materials that provide low maintenance requirements, but also also pricier.
For a budget-friendly, low-maintenance sink option, we recommend stainless steel.
Beautiful Backsplashes: Getting the Design of Your Dreams
Your backsplash is a way to add personality and color to your house. Whether you choose the simplicity of subway tiles, pops of color, rimmed in white, or an intricate design, your backsplash offers unlimited possibilities.
Top Backsplash Materials
- Tile: Backsplashes made of tile remain one of the top-rated choices. Available in a variety of shapes and colors, you can evoke a number of feelings and atmospheres with the tile you choose. Some people like the clean lines of subway tiles, others prefer textured tiles. Round penny tiles, square tiles, or custom shapes and more bring you infinite options.
- Glass: Etched or smooth panels, colorful tiles, and backlit pieces give you a clean, modern feel that can open up a room.
- Wood: There are many ways to incorporate wood as a backsplash, from reclaimed and recycled wood to wood from your property. Some homeowners have used antique boat wood, which is already moisture-resistant and can be sanded down and refinished in any number of ways.
- Tin: Formerly a popular option for ceilings, some homeowners have found they prefer tin backsplashes for their durability, beauty and reflective qualities that can make a small kitchen feel airy and open.
- Stone: Natural stone, like limestone, river rock, sandstone, agate, caesarstone and marble, makes a great compliment to natural elements like stone countertops and wood cabinets.
- Metals: Bronze and stainless steel can give kitchens a more modern vibe. Copper makes a beautiful patina when it coats ceramic tiles.
- Other options: Mirrors tend to make small kitchens feel larger, and are available in many different finishes. Embossed concrete can create beautiful formal designs. Chalkboard paint can give a fun atmosphere to a family kitchen
The Best Backsplashes
This is a highly subjective choice — you’ll know which you prefer, but we love the versatility of tile. Tile is colorful, durable and affordable.
Amazing Appliances: Modernize Your Kitchen
Plug In the Perfect Appliance
What would a kitchen be without the appliances? Stainless steel remains a favored choice, but new finishes like slate and glass are taking off as hardy, trendy options.
- Refrigerator/Freezer: There are many different sizes and shape. Some units are side-by-side; others have the freezer at the top or the bottom of the unit. It’s important to know exactly how much space you have available, since units come in many sizes, from counter-depth and full-depth to narrow or column-sized units.
- Stovetop and Oven: Traditional, freestanding ovens and ranges are still popular options, but there are many homeowners who choose new options like electric, gas or induction cooktops with built-in single or double ovens.
- Microwave: Microwaves typically come in three different options: countertop, over-the-range and built-in units. While countertop units are typically less expensive, they offer less in the way of being hidden by cabinetry, and may take up more counter space.
- Garbage Disposal: A newer mainstay in kitchen remodels, continuous- and batch-feed garbage disposals are both eco-friendly options for non-compostable food scraps.
Where to Find Color Inspiration
Picking out the colors is like the icing on the cake. You’ve already chosen the flavor of your kitchen — modern, farm and shabby-chic are popular options. You’ve selected the filling, or the cabinets, appliances, countertops and more. Now, make the outside as beautifully delicious as the inside by picking your paint and accent colors.
With a nearly infinite number of colors, though, it can be difficult figuring out where to start.
Pantone Colors of the Year
Since 2000, the company has pulled together a committee to scour the globe for colors that were showing up frequently, in fashion, street art, cars, cinema and more. Each December, the Pantone Color Institute releases its color choice for the next year, the Pantone color of the year; for the first time, the 2016 color of the year is actually two colors: serenity, a shade of pastel sky blue, and rose quartz, a pale pink.
Yes, we know, picking such a trendy color doesn’t always lead to longevity, but if you love the color combination, it might be something you’d consider putting on your walls. Otherwise, the Pantone color of the year also makes an outstanding accent color.
Consult a Color Guide
Our on-staff designers can help you pick colors right up your alley. Whether you want a bright and airy yellow, a relaxing blue, or an intense marsala — last year’s Pantone color of the year — we can help you select the best colors for the mood and the environment you want to create in your kitchen.
One great resource is the Adobe color wheel, which lets you see hundreds of pre-designed color sets, and lets you play around to see how up to five different colors will look together.
Your Personal Taste
Trust your instincts. You’ll be using this kitchen every day, multiple times. If you absolutely love a specific color, let us know and we will give you ideas about incorporating that color into your budget and products.
Chapter 5: Get Started Today
The Initial Consultation — What You Should Expect
When you meet with a contractor, it’s important to select one from the beginning who understands that this is your kitchen, and needs to be functional for your needs. Some contractors may have the habit of coming in with preconceived ideas of what your kitchen should be, and are much better at talking than listening.
Select a contractor who wants to work with you to give you the best value. The first meeting should include crucial details that will set the tone for the rest of the process.
- Your dream kitchen. A good contractor will want to hear about what you have in mind for your kitchen, including materials used, layout and what you’re looking for.
- Your dream budget. Rather than pushing certain products and prices, find a contractor who will keep your budget in mind, and will work with you to maximize your investment.
- Your space: The contractor should, from the beginning, take measurements and inspect the plumbing, electric or structure in your kitchen.
Following the initial consultation, it’s important that the contractor joins you to select the ideal components for your kitchen. Preparation of a suggested layout can help you make your final decision.
RWC Windows, Doors and More
Since 1959, RWC Windows, Doors and More has been family-owned and operated, and focused on bringing customers the best possible service. Our focus has always been on three areas of service.
- Education: We want to make sure that you’ve got the knowledge to make the best possible decisions for your project. With more than 54 years serving New Jersey customers, we have a wealth of knowledge — and want to share it with you.
- Products: Our 20,000-square-foot showroom and design center brings the best from the country’s leading suppliers, offering products to fit all sizes of spaces and budgets. Contractors and homeowners have found that the life-sized samples allow them to find exactly the right piece for their project.
- Service: Our professionals put your project at the top of their priority list. The contractor and designer assigned to your kitchen remodel will be there every step of the way to explain the process and make sure everyone is satisfied.
Cooking Up the Perfect Kitchen — We’re Here to Help
When you’re ready to move your kitchen remodeling project to the front burner, we are here to help. Like a top chef, we prepare everything precisely to your standards, starting with an initial design consultation when our design and project management staff members schedule an appointment at your home. We’ll sit down and learn about your wish list, a basic budget, and will tell you about the construction process and timeline. After our consultation, we’ll also take measurements and pictures, and will look at structural, plumbing or electrical issues that might play into the final design and layout.
We’ll then meet up at our in-house design center, where you’ll choose your products. Your designer will walk you through the process to help you make sound decisions for both the construction process and your overall budget. Your designer will then give you a three-dimensional color drawing of your kitchen, we review and sign the product contract, and then serve you up the kitchen of your dreams.
If you’ve been cooking up plans for a new kitchen for a while, call RWC Windows, Doors and More today. We’re excited to work with you to bring your vision to life.
Project Spotlight: Luxurious Bathroom Remodel in Kinnelon, NJ
Our goal at RWC is to provide our customers with everything they need when it comes to doors, windows, and other remodeling projects. Your home is your castle, and should reflect that fact. We believe you’ll love our service as we not only educate our customers about their options, but we listen to what you really want when you contact us.
When you come to us with the ideas you have about making your castle fit your needs better in how it looks and feels, we let you know the choices that you have open to you without trying to pinhole you into a specific brand we carry. Our services will provide you with all you need for your kitchen and bathroom remodels, decorative glass, windows, doors, and pre-finishing. Below is a project spotlight from one of our very satisfied customers in Kinnelon, NJ.
One past customer states, "We found RWC through searching the Internet. Every aspect of the project from design to completion was handled professionally and to our satisfaction. Ours was a bathroom remodel of our only bathroom in the home. RWC worked diligently to minimize our inconvenience and completed the project in 10 working days. All of their workers were polite, professional and interested in doing their job to our satisfaction. Ashley was great and very patient with my 100's of texts and questions. We would highly recommend RWC they are a great family owned and operated business and we would use them again."
To get to this point of satisfaction, we take all of our customers through the same process. We start with our initial design consultation. We come into your home to help get a feel for the project. We listen to your wish list, and then help guide you through what the construction process will be like to achieve your desired changes. At this time, we take measurements and pictures along with examining any potential issues that could impact your design. A basic budget is then discussed.
Our next stage is the design presentation and draft proposal. This is when you come to us at our Design Center to pick the products we’ll install during the remodeling process. At this point, we’ll help you make your choices while keeping you within your desired budget.
The final stage is the project proposal and contract. This is when we take everything that has previously been determined and create your written proposal and the drawing of the proposed remodel. Additional ideas and designs can be gone over at this time to help you to get what you want out of your remodel. Then, after the contract is signed, we will order materials, introduce you to the Lead Carpenter, and go forward with creating the remodel timeline.
Our clients for today’s project spotlight entrusted us with their only bathroom, and now have one that fits their needs better. The new enclosed tub offers a luxurious spa feel with the enclosure, tile, and fixture choices. The vanity now offers a nice touch with plenty of bathroom storage space that will help give their bathroom a less cluttered look with a place for everything.
If you like what you see, or you’re interested in visiting our showroom for a free consultation, give us a call or just stop on in! Our contact information can be found here.
Home Sweet Home: Renovations and Your Home’s Value
If you're a homeowner, you've probably thought about renovating your home at one time or another. You may want to restore your home for structural or aesthetic reasons. As the owner of your home, you naturally want your home to look nice and to not be falling apart! Improving the quality of your home seems like a good investment, but is it?
Contrary to popular belief, some renovations can decrease the value of your home. For instance, moderately renovating your kitchen (on a reasonable budget) is a good idea and can improve the worth of your home. But, according to U.S. News, dropping tens of thousands of dollars on completely restyling your kitchen so that it looks more like the ones you see on your favorite gourmet cooking TV show can make your house less appealing to future potential buyers. They may not be as crazy about having a fancy kitchen as you may be, so they won't want to pay for it.
The same goes for bathrooms and even specialized rooms (like a sunroom or an indoor movie theater). Renovating traditional rooms so that they're high-class or high-tech, adding in nontraditional rooms, or even installing that hot tub you've always wanted may seem like upright investments, since they add appeal, which adds to the overall worth of your home. But, this is not the case.
Again, future potential buyers are most likely working on a budget or are just not interested in paying extra for things you might like, but they might not need, or for all that extra space you created. These factors and possibilities make your house less appealing and therefore of lesser value.
These issues are why renovating your home can be a huge waste of your time and money. Your time and money are just as valuable as your home, right? At first, restoring your home may seem worth the cost and commitment but as stated above. Most of the time it's not worth it since you'll only be decreasing the value of your home when you want to be increasing it.
If you're going to renovate any aspect of your house, renovate responsibly. Keeping up with the Joneses is not worth your home losing any of its value. Renovate your kitchen or your bathroom on a tight budget—it's possible under only $1,000! Also, don't knock down rooms you need, like a patio or a garage, for things you don't need, like a swimming pool.
To see if renovating your kitchen or bath will improve the value of your home, please visit RWC Kitchen & Bath for further details.
RWC Windows, Doors, Kitchens and Baths is a family-owned and operated business specializing in home improvement services. Everything from your windows to your doors and your kitchen to your bath, RWC is here to help. Our certified installers offer excellent assistance and high-quality services. Combined with our three-year "Headache Free" Service Warranty, RWC promises you a smooth and stress-free home improvement experience. For more information about our services, please visit RWC Services.
RWC has been relieving home improvement stress since 1959. Call us today or visit us on the web for your free consultation!
Project Spotlight Featuring the Slab-on-Grade Apartments of Englewood III South
At RWC, we know that it can be frustrating to have to go to a number of vendors to get everything you need, so we do the searching so you don’t have to. Our company is family-owned and has been relieving home improvement stress since 1959!
As a family-owned business, it’s always wonderful when we’re brought into larger projects that many might consider too big for our type of company, and we love proving them wrong. We believe our expertise and attention to detail is what brought us in on as the window and door experts for this large apartment complex in Englewood, NJ. This was a huge deal for our company, and we were pleased to offer such beautiful and functional windows and doors to the future residents of this complex.
The project with Englewood III South in Englewood, NJ, involved the following:
- Working with March Associates
- Apartment Project
- Slab-on-Grade Construction Type
- 195 Units in Total
- 1,400 Windows
- 100 Terrace Doors
- Completed by 2016
We were proud to be working with March Associates Construction, Inc. on this amazing apartment project. March Associates is considered one of the premier construction management and general contracting firms in their region of the Northeast. They are one of the fastest growing companies in their field and have a very diverse portfolio of clients with more than 1.5 billion dollars of construction projects completed. This number is sure to soar even higher.
March Associates was founded in 2003, and currently has a territory that covers Western Pennsylvania, New Jersey, the five boroughs of New York City, and Southern New York State.
What separates us from our competitors is our approach. We listen to what our customers want, and then work closely with them to build a plan for remodeling their space that makes sense for both the consumer’s desires and their wallets.
Our services include pre-finishing, decorative glass, windows & doors, plus remodeling and renovations of any bathroom or kitchen. We take great pride in our commercial work as well, although that side of our business hasn’t really been highlighted until now! Our raving fans know us for our quality work, attention to detail and dedication to understanding the wants and needs of our clients from start to finish so that they are not only satisfied but excited about our work. This same sentiment is shared when we work on bigger projects such as this monster industrial job that we’d like to share with you!
If you like what you see, or you’re interested in visiting our showroom for a free consultation, give us a call or just stop on in! Our contact information can be found here.
Increase Your Home's Value With These Fun Renovations
When you purchased your home, it was probably the home of your dreams. It fit all of your needs and was just right for your family. Time has moved on, and you’re starting to notice that your home doesn’t fit your needs like it used to. You may even be thinking about putting it on the market and finding a new home, but you may not have to take that drastic a step just yet.
It may be time to look at some fun renovations that can make your home fit your needs once again. Even better, it can increase your home's value for when it comes time to take out an equity loan or get better bids when you sell your home. Here are some fun renovations that will put the sparkle back into your home while helping your home increase in value in the long run.
Kitchen
Some people advise to skip an expensive kitchen remodel, and it’s true that going overboard with a luxury kitchen remodel may not earn you the return on investment you’d like, but a kitchen remodel can still offer a great deal of value if you focus on the important aspects. U.S. News and World Report had an article on renovations that showed that homeowners who perform a minor kitchen remodel can see an 82.7 percent return on investment.
One of the reasons you may be unhappy with your home is that the kitchen feels cluttered and the flow is wrong. Some areas to focus on with your kitchen remodel include layout, cabinetry, adding an island, and making more space for storage. These minor renovation projects will help improve the flow of your space, and make it more useable for your family. You’ll be able to finally pick up the extra gadgets and gizmos you’ve always wanted for cooking, but never had a place to put. Plus, people love updated kitchens.
Bathroom
People love kitchens, but they also love bathrooms. This is where you go to relax in a hot shower or get ready for the day. A bathroom remodel is another excellent investment to increase value in your home. You can install a new bathtub or even an enclosed shower, add beautiful tile, get a new countertop, update your fixtures, and more, to give your bathroom a facelift that makes it feel more like a luxury spa than a room in your home.
Not only are you increasing your home's value and the usefulness of the space, but you may also be saving yourself money in the long run. New shower, sink, and toilet fixtures are often more efficient than your old fixtures when it comes to water conservation. This means that your family will be using less water in their daily routines than before, and your water bill will decrease.
Curb Appeal
Maybe you’re pretty happy with your home’s layout and setup. You might even think that nothing needs to be done with it and that there aren’t any ways to improve the value of your home. Perhaps it is time to stop thinking about inside the home, and step outside.
Your home’s entryway may need an update. Believe it or not, the same article from U.S. News and World Report shows that front door replacements net a 96.6 percent return on investment with just that one small update.
Real estate agents aren’t crazy when they talk about curb appeal. The way your home looks on the outside influences the first impression that others will get from your home. If it doesn’t look welcoming or inviting, potential buyers may not even step inside to see how amazing it looks. Giving the front of your home a facelift not only helps to increase your home's value for that day when you may put it on the market, but it also gives you a home you can be proud to show off.
RWC is here for you when it comes time to finding ways to increase the value of your home. Our company is different in that we take the time to listen to what our customers need and want, and help you to find the solutions that will work in your current home that makes it better. We handle everything in-house for you, and all of our installers are factory trained to know the right way to go about your installation.
No matter if you’re looking to complete a small project, like a new door, or large project, like revamping your kitchen layout, we’re here for you. Check out our services to see how we can help you to turn your old home into the home of your dreams.
RWC has been relieving home improvement stress since 1959. Call us today or visit us on the web for your free consultation!
The Ultimate Guide to Your Bathroom Remodel
Quick Summary
Your bathroom is one of the most used rooms in your home, and it can often use some TLC because of that fact. It may seem pretty overwhelming to think about a bathroom remodel because of all the different decisions that need to be made regarding the different aspects of the remodel. You have to decide whether or not you want to have a bathtub or shower, what color scheme to use, countertop materials, if you want a theme, and more. Every decision builds upon the next until you have this cohesive design that works for your needs and personal style. But, to get to that point, decisions have to be made from the many choices available to you.
SECTION I: Introduction to Your Bathroom Remodel
SECTION II: Countertop Options
SECTION III: Sink and Faucet Options
SECTION IV: Fun Shower Enclosures
SECTION VII: Color Scheme to Pull it All Together
SECTION IX: Your Own Luxury Spa
SECTION I: Introduction to Your Bathroom Remodel
There are a number of decisions that need to be made when going through your bathroom remodel, and it can be helpful to do your homework beforehand to start getting an idea of which styles and materials you’re most interested in when going to speak with your contractor.
Chapter 1: Decisions, Decisions
The remodeling process can seem to be overwhelming when taken in at first glance, but going with the right contractor can help to take some of that feeling away and make the process easier because you can rely on his/her years of experience. Your bathroom remodeling process can be broken down into four parts: the initial design consultation at your home, the proposal (including a design presentation and draft), final proposal and contract. After all of that, work can finally begin in your home.
You can trust that going with a contractor who has an expert staff on-hand will be the perfect partner in this process because he can take your needs, wants and personalized style and come up with a design that will work for your space.
One decision that should be easy to make in this process is the decision to use the services of a contractor. Any room in your home that has electricity and plumbing involved honestly requires a contractor’s touch, as the skills involved are usually above the typical person’s skill level. It is common for people to think about doing their own bathroom remodel to save money, but in the long-run it can often be more expensive. If something goes wrong and you have to hire a company to come in to fix the errors made during a DIY remodel, you may be facing a scary bill.
Do you know how much space you’ll need to include in your plan for your new toilet or shower enclosure? Do you know how to move light switches or fixtures? Chances are, your plan is to find the answers on Google, and this is not a safe route to take. It is usually best to bring in the experts.
You’ll want to keep your mind focused on your particular needs and your home’s space when creating your bathroom remodel plan. Some hot features that you want to keep in mind for your upcoming remodel include heated ceramic tile flooring, quartz countertops, a walk in shower enclosure in addition to (or replacing) the traditional tub, motion-activated faucets, pocket doors, high-efficiency toilets with dual-flush capabilities, and colors that add a luxury feel.
SECTION II: Countertop Options
Countertops are one of the most important considerations when it comes to your bathroom. The type of materials that you choose for your countertops will be reflected in all of the choices you make with your bathroom. The color and design will play a role in every other decision made from this point forward, because the countertop is a key focal point in the room. It is often what can be seen first upon entering, and draws the eye.
Chapter 1: Natural Materials
Natural granite is often the first option that comes to mind when picking out bathroom countertops. It is durable, beautiful, easy to clean, and resists damage to its surface which can all be wonderful traits for a highly used surface in a bathroom. The main downside to using natural granite in your bathroom is the cost - as it may take up too much of your remodeling budget to get other high-quality fixtures or luxury items on your wish list. There are also manufactured quartz countertops that can be rather spectacular in a bathroom, which can mimic the look of granite - if that is the style you’re looking to achieve. Also, quartz may be easier to fit in your budget. Marble is another popular option, but often can only be used for a whole countertop in higher-end designs due to price constraints.
Chapter 2: Solid Surface
Solid surface is another great choice if you’re looking to spread your budget a bit further. These countertops are cheaper than granite, quartz, or marble. They can work with just about any design, are easy to clean, and are resistant to molds and mildews. They can also mimic higher-quality looks.
Chapter 3: Tiles and Other Ideas
Many people are opting for ceramic tiles to cover their countertops. It is an affordable option that allows for a highly customized pattern and installation. If one tile is damaged, it is easy enough to replace it rather than having to replace the whole countertop. One downside to this idea is that dealing with the grout may make your countertop harder to clean, and can attract mildews and stains. Another option is using laminates or Formica. This is an affordable option that is durable, easy to clean, and warm to the touch. The cons with this option are that it may dull or thin over time, and isn’t able to be repaired.
Chapter 4: Which is Right For You?
The ultimate decision, choosing which material to use for your countertop, will be up to you to decide. It can be helpful to weigh the pros and cons of each material before making a final decision. You should also have a chance to touch and see samples in real life before making your decision, as you may find that you prefer one material over another because of how it feels. This may require you to view available slabs of natural materials to choose from since they can vary in color, grain, and veins.
SECTION III: Sink and Faucet Options
There is a myriad of options when it comes to choosing the sink and faucet options available to you. You can go with the traditional plain white basin and silver faucet fixture, separate his and her basins, or go with one that is more imaginative and creative.
Chapter 1: Sink and Faucet Ideas
There are a number of different types of sink and faucet ideas that you can use to create the perfect match on your own. Houzz is a perfect site for seeing the examples that are currently on the market. Get inspired by the pedestal sink that looks like it belongs in a farmhouse, using one large sink with two faucets to get the his and hers effect without having to invest in two sinks, or forgoing the traditional faucet for a spout that acts as a faucet.
Chapter 2: Sink Types
There are a number of sink types that you can choose from for your bathroom. There are self-rimming sinks, wall-mounted sinks, vessel sinks, undermount sinks, pedestal sinks, and console sinks. The key with picking a sink is finding one that works well with your space and will match the rest of the design of the bathroom.
Chapter 3: Faucet Types
There are several general faucet types that can be used in your bathroom. Wall-mounted faucets, centerset faucets, widespread faucets, and single-handle faucets are just a few of the many options. It can be a good idea to look for faucets that will offer water savings when it comes to deciding which brands to go with, as this will help keep your water bills low after the remodel.
Chapter 4: Unique Sink and Faucet Ideas
One of the best ways to get some ideas for a unique sink and faucet for your space is to examine what other people have in their homes. This can be the perfect way to see how these features can work well together in ways that you weren’t thinking about before starting your remodel. Some ideas include using sink bowls that look more like modern art than a regular sink, or faucets that look antique to add some additional charm to your space. You may be surprised by how a faucet and sink can go well together, even if they are seen individually and don’t seem to match up at all. Don’t be shy with your creativity in this space.
SECTION IV: Fun Shower Enclosures
Shower stalls are not just for the locker room anymore, and many homeowners are optioning for a shower enclosure to replace or add to their traditional bathtub setup. You may want to think about how you use your current bathroom space. If you never take a bath, or are thinking of staying in your home until retirement, a shower enclosure may be the best option for you to choose. Some homeowners have the space to have both a shower enclosure and tub for those days that they want to be able to have a luxurious soak or need a place to bathe the kids.
Chapter 1: Shower Enclosure Options
Shower enclosure options have come a long way. You may have this image in your mind of one of those shower cubicles with the door that doesn’t close right or has walls that look dated. Many of the shower enclosure options today are sleek and modern. Some options have glass walls that can become opaque with the touch of a button. You can have a shower enclosure that doesn’t require any stepping up to get into it in case you require a walker or wheelchair. Think outside of the box when it comes to your shower enclosure to help it fit your space. There are plenty of ideas out there to help you come up with your ideal shower.
Chapter 2: Shower Enclosure Accessories
Your shower enclosure may provide the perfect opportunity to turn your bathroom into a spa. Technology has come a long way when it comes to the options and accessories available for your shower. No longer do you have to think about having that small shower cubicle that is just economical and space-saving without a wow factor. You can have a steam shower that offers the feeling of a sauna at home, Bluetooth speakers, touch controls, chromatherapy that uses lights to improve your mood, self-cleaning, and even aromatherapy. Be ready to be pampered in your own home.
SECTION V: Trends in Bathtubs
There are some really hot trends in bathtubs right now that you can incorporate into your bathroom if you’ve decided to eschew the enclosed shower or you want the best of both worlds. You can go traditional or trendy to find the perfect match for your ideal bathroom remodel.
Chapter 1: Option to Keep it Traditional
Since “old is new” is a recurring theme with trends, it shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise that the antique claw tubs are becoming very popular again. If you live in an older home, you may even have a freestanding tub that has been boxed in during a previous remodel, and won’t have to go far to find a new tub as your contractor will just need to uncover it. It may require new enamel, but that is a small price to pay to have a very chic and trendy tub in your home without having to purchase a new one.
Never fear if you don’t have this option, as there are many great-looking freestanding tubs on the market thanks to this traditional trend. You can opt for one that looks more like the tubs of old with clawed feet, or you can pick one that is more modern and sleek. Either way, you’re sure to be pleased with your new place to soak at the end of the day.
Chapter 2: Hot Trends in Bathtubs
The infinity bathtub is certainly an interesting and hot trend right now. This tub overflows, and has a continuous stream of water. Another option is a freestanding bath that is not completely freestanding in that it offers a built-in area that can be used as your shampoo and conditioner holder. Another trend is to look for a longer bathtub meant for soaking that is perfect for stretching out and relaxing.
SECTION VI: World of Tiles
Tiles are a pretty versatile tool when it comes to your bathroom remodel. Tile is often found on the bathroom floor, walls, shower area, and even on countertops. Learn what you can about the different tiles you have to choose from for your remodel.
Chapter 1: Types of Tiles
There are a lot of different tiles that you are able to choose from when it comes to your bathroom. There are ceramic tiles, glass tiles, natural stone tiles, vinyl tiles, carpet tiles, porcelain tiles, and even wood floor tiles. Each of these tiles has their pros and cons. For instance, carpet and wood tiles may not fare very well in homes where water is constantly on the floor. Ceramic and porcelain tiles can be cooler to the touch. Glass tiles may work great on shower walls, but probably won’t work as well on the floor.
Chapter 2: Choosing Tiles
As with every other decision made for your new bathroom, the type of tile that you choose comes down to your personal preferences, style, and budget. You may find that you cannot afford the tiles that you are dying to have, so buy some of them to add them into a pattern so that you get the tiles you like without having to break the bank. A final note on choosing your tiles is that you should get tiles that you are prepared to be able to clean. Small tiles can look amazing, but that’s a lot of grout to keep clean - especially with younger children in the home. Think about your routines and what will work best for you. Be sure to touch and feel the material samples to help you make your choice easier.
SECTION VII: Color Scheme to Pull it All Together
Your color scheme may seem hard to pick with the wide variety of colors available today, but these tips will help you to find the perfect shades for your bathroom. Color is such a subjective choice that will rely on your personal favorites, and what looks good in the space you’re working in. Therefore, colors may be hard to narrow down. Here are some areas that may help you with making that decision to help tie in the tiles, countertops, bathroom fixtures, and more into a cohesive look:
Chapter 1: Color Guide
Look at color guides. Color guides are specifically made to help you find colors that you like and will look nice in the space you are designing. HGTV has an excellent color guide on their website to get you started thinking about the colors you’d like on the walls. Benjamin Moore has a color chart on their website that you can use to start narrowing down which colors are in your top ten, and can help you narrow down which colors look wonderful in which rooms of your home. The size of your bathroom may be a deciding factor in this as some colors may make your space look bigger while others could make it look more cramped.
Chapter 2: Color of the Year
The color of the year is another way to get inspiration for your color choice in your bathroom. Pantone's 2016 colors of the year are Rose Quartz and Serenity, which are a pale pink and a pale blue. Benjamin Moore’s color of the year for 2016 is Simply White. You may find that one of these colors speaks to you. If you are not taken aback by any of the colors of the year, looking at them can help you gain inspiration for what color you do want.
Chapter 3: Warm Vs. Cool & Bright Vs. Pastel
There are warm and cool colors. There are bright, and pastel colors. It can be hard to narrow down which palette is going to look the best in your room. For instance, small rooms may work better with pastel colors like a pale pink, a white, or cool aqua. Small spaces may also work well with a pop of bright yellow to make them look bigger. Perhaps you might even want to keep the walls and floors the same color to trick the eye into thinking the room is bigger. Don’t be shy about combining colors, either. You may want to have an accent wall or fixture that has your favorite color, and then go with a white or another color that offsets that accent wall or fixture.
SECTION VIII: Pick Your Theme
Vacation homes, beach homes, and even guest bathrooms can work great with a theme that will help to make the space fun and inviting.
Chapter 1: Bathroom Theme Options
You can take your color scheme and go one step further by adding a cute theme. This may not work for every bathroom or person’s taste, but there are some cute ideas out there that can help you with find the perfect theme for your bathroom. Log cabin style bathrooms can be simple elegant, making you feel like you’ve gotten back to nature. Beach homes and beach lovers will enjoy adding their love of the beach to their bathroom’s theme. There are plenty ideas on how to add beach accents to the bathroom to give it a fun feel.
Be creative and unique. Incorporating a theme doesn’t mean that you have to go overboard with lots of trinkets and pictures. You can reinforce your theme simply by incorporating little touches that help add some personality and character to the room. This is a great point for smaller bathrooms that might seem overwhelmed with a more concerted attempt at a theme. Some ideas include using chalkboard paint, upcycling items, using screens, adding paint to the tub or other fixtures to add a pop of color, adding fun lighting, use decals, and adding plants. The different touches you can add to your bathroom are endless, and you can always change them up long after the remodel is done to keep your bathroom looking as fresh as ever.
SECTION IX: Your Own Luxury Spa
Your bathroom remodel can turn your ordinary bathroom into a luxury spa retreat. Everyone loves to be pampered after a hard day at work. De-stressing at a spa is always nice, but not always affordable. Why not look into some of these ideas for ways that you can turn your bathroom into a spa retreat?
Chapter 1: Spa Ideas
One of the first ways to get the spa that you want is by doing a bit of splurging with your bathroom remodel budget. Putting in that steam shower or whirlpool tub may make your initial budget estimate go over your expectations, but, over time, you’ll continue to reap the benefits. Another way to create a more relaxing space is to invest in cabinets that allow you to keep your bathroom appliances plugged in. Therefore, if you need your blow-dryer, for example, you can take it out and get ready without having to fumble with plugs.
Think about lighting. You may want to make it possible to have your lights dim in the bathroom to give it more atmosphere while trying to soak away your day. Add natural features such as flooring made to look like smooth rocks, or a free-floating tub that evoke the feel of a small pond.
You don’t have to just look at the remodel itself for making your bathroom into a luxury spa. Look into adding those little touches that make it feel like one. Add some luxury features that shouldn’t break the bank, like golden-colored fixtures or tiles that are rich in color. Thick plush towels and robes are just one idea to get the spa treatment at home. Another idea is adding candles or other aromatherapy decorations that can scent the air sweetly in case you cannot afford a steam shower with an aromatherapy option.
Think about what you like about going to the spa and go from there.
SECTION X: Conclusion
Your bathroom remodel requires a lot of different decisions, and each decision will help you to get to the finished product: a cohesive and well-designed bathroom that you will love for years to come.
Chapter 1: Pulling Decisions Together
Take your time and brainstorm everything you want in your bathroom. Create lists that will help you narrow down each decision. You should have a list of everything your bathroom needs to have at the end of the day. This list will most likely be comprised of the features that are the whole reason why you’ve started this process in the first place.
You should also create a list of things that you’d want to have in your new bathroom. These are things that might be able to be incorporated by your contractor based on your available space and budget. These items are not critical to you being able to enjoy your space.
Try to visualize your new bathroom and how it would best fit the needs of everyone in the household. This may help you to spot areas that you didn’t think about and make sure that all of your needs are covered.
You will want to do a lot of research to see if you can find out what other people have done in their bathrooms to get an idea of what you’d like to see duplicated in your bathroom. Talk with your contractor about her past remodels. It is not uncommon for her to have plenty of ideas that will help you think about what worked well for her past clients and what didn’t work. Your contractor is your partner in this process, and it’s beneficial to them to help you to decide on all the options that you’d like to see as a satisfied client.
You have a lot of decisions to make from the color scheme that you’ll decide upon to whether or not you want to go with a shower enclosure rather than a tub. Think carefully about what will suit your needs in the long run. Most importantly, have fun! This can be an exciting and fun process to go through if you have the right mindset.
Contact us today to get started on the remodel of your dreams. We're here for you.
Home Selling Tips to Get You Moving
Selling a home produces angst in many. The mere thought of the to-do list and the seemingly endless waiting sends even the strongest to nestle back into an existing home. No need to be frightened. Tackle the challenge with the following tips for selling your home.
Step Up Your First Impression
Experience in life proves that first impressions matter. Selling your home is no exception. Pulling up the drive, walking up the walkway, and approaching the entry door sets an expectation for buyers. No second chances are given to make a first impression. Simple projects improve your home’s curb appeal. Upgrade the front door. Install a new mailbox. Spruce up trim. Position brightly colored flowers by the front door and revitalize the landscape. Arrange outdoor furniture for a home-like feel in the yard.
Repair the Quirks
Some of those nicks and scratches may remind you of days-gone-by. However, home-seekers want to accumulate their own quirks and dents, not live with yours. A home in good condition attracts buyers. Consider asking a friend to walk the layout of your home with open eyes and honest words to notice repairs that you have become accustomed to over time. Repair time worn damage on walls, floors and other surfaces. Replace the tricky door knob that awkwardly turns.
Not So Extreme Makeover
A fresh look for the interior of your home provides buyers with a fresh start. Look for simple updates to create a modern style, such as replacing lighting fixtures or sink faucets. And, if nothing else, paint. Neutral, clean wall colors empower potential buyers to work from a blank canvas, writing themselves into the story of the home. Your favorite Caribbean Dream color may drum up ill feelings for others. Subtle colors over those evoking strong emotion sell better. When updating, keep current styles in mind, but be cautious to avoid what is trendy.
Selling Your Kitchen
Experts say that you are not selling your house, but your kitchen. Families gather here, and much of life revolves around the kitchen. Wisely spent focus on the kitchen reaps rewards in the sale. In fact, you are likely to return 85 percent of your kitchen renovation money. Do heed the caution to avoid over-upgrading. Paint and cabinet hardware replacement prove the quickest and least expensive changes. One high-end stainless steel appliance boosts buyer interest.
De-clutter
Clutter leaves us feeling weighed down and gives the illusion of smaller, cramped spaces. This impression will not attract buyers. Now is the time to purge every area of your home. Give away, throw away and pack away all that is not an immediate need. Clear, flat surfaces bode well for selling potential. Removing knickknacks and excess furniture creates clean, open spaces. Emptying closets, at least by half, highlights storage. This process also greatly assists in keeping the house ready to show and prepares you for the move when you sell quickly.
Spring Clean
There is no experience quite like walking into a freshly cleaned, immaculate house. No buyer wants to think about the list of cleaning to-dos before move-in day. Give your house a deep clean or hire a cleaning service to do so. Get out that proverbial toothbrush and scrub every nook and cranny, including grout and cabinet interiors. Wash or inexpensively replace curtains. Put on fresh bedding and place new towels in bathrooms. A good full-out scrub could even make you want to stay.
Let the Sun Shine In
Oh, how the sun’s rays can energize us! Use this fact to energize your house for a successful sale. Buyers have noted plentiful light as a feature they look for in a home. So, make way for the light to enter. Brighten rooms by removing or minimizing curtains. Be sure that your windows sparkle clean. Cut or replace outdoor landscaping that blocks light from entering the home. And, consider replacing lamp shades and upping light bulb wattage for added interior light. Bright and cheery is a feeling that sells.
Remove Yourself
While photos and family heirlooms create the home you adore, these personal items mark the house for you, not the buyer. There is no need to mark your territory when you desire for it to be someone else’s. Try this exercise: Imagine you are moving out. Remove all things that you want to take with you to your new home. If buyers see photos of your family and memories of your trip to Cancun around every corner, they will not picture themselves in this house – no matter how beautiful it is.
Since its beginning, RWC Windows, Doors & More has provided customers a unique home improvement experience. Our family-owned and operated business believes in customer education, product selection and unparalleled service. RWC works to match your thoughts and desires with our knowledge and experience within every project. Offering services from small upgrades or renovations to large-scale structural changes, RWC produces satisfied customers.
RWC has been relieving home improvement stress since 1959. Call us today or visit us on the web for your free consultation!
Project Spotlight: Front Door Renovation in Little Falls, NJ
We at RWC want to be your one-stop shop for your windows, doors, and other remodeling projects. We’re a family-owned company that has been in business since 1959. Some of the things that separate us from our competitors are that we listen to and educate our customers. We want you to come to us with your ideas for how you’d like your home to look and feel, and then we will help to educate you on your available choices while staying within your budget.
You can count on us for your home’s windows, decorative glass, doors, and pre-finishings, along with kitchen and bathroom remodels. We also work on commercial windows and doors for your business's needs. Below is a recent project that highlights how one project can change the way that you look at your home.
This project involved our company removing the old outdated door and replacing it with a beautiful new door that changed the whole front profile of the home.
This project involved:
- Therma-Tru Classic-Craft ¾ View Door with Sidelites
- Mahogany Wood Grain Fiberglass with ¾ Bella Water Glass
- Custom stained by RWC
- New Emtek Hardware and Doorbell
- New sub-sill cover
Therma-Tru Classic-Craft doors are built to last. These doors offer a classic design that is created by blending the beauty of a douglas fir with the durability of fiberglass. This is a sturdy door that will withstand the test of time. Another point to mention that helps to draw this look together is the custom staining that we did with this door install.
We’re able to help you pick a color that truly brings out the beauty of your home without having to make you pick a model color that is offered by the door company. The previous color did not add to the stately grace of the home, but this customized color does this nicely. This is truly personalized for your style and home coloring. The updated look is rounded out nicely with the Bella Water Glass, Emtek hardware and doorbell, and the sub-sill cover.
When looking at the home remodeled in Little Falls, NJ, you can see that this simple update made a huge difference in the presence of the home. You may not realize the curb appeal that can be added with something as simple as a door update, but these before and after pictures help to tell the tale. Imagine how we could change the way you see your home.
If you like what you see, or you’re interested in visiting our showroom for a free consultation, give us a call, contact us online, or just stop on in!
Renovate and Have a Good Time
As you look around your home, you start to see opportunities to get the ball rolling on a renovation project. There are improvements you could make that would create more functional living space or add an extra room onto your home's layout. Before you pick up a sledgehammer, take a step back and ask yourself why you should renovate in the first place.
Why Renovate?
Home renovations take you on a costly, time-consuming journey that winds its way around to a new home presentation. You lose a wall here and gain counter space there. Your house is dusty and dirty for what feels like forever. You will ask yourself more than once if the renovation is indeed a good idea. Before you start working on a renovation project, ask yourself a few more questions.
- Do you have the funds to cover a home renovation?
- Are you going to do the work yourself or hire a contractor?
- Do you have a temporary residence to stay in during the renovation process?
- Is the renovation a need for home functioning or is it something you want?
Upon answering these questions, take into consideration whether or not you will be placing your home on the market for sale within the next few months. Basic home renovations add value to your home. Focus improvement efforts on older features in your home. Areas such as an outdated kitchen and small bathroom will bring the largest increase in the overall value of your home after the renovations are complete. Small-scale improvements, such as installing a modern front door, can have a positive impact on the value of your home as well.
Renovations can also work to provide you with a lower premium on your homeowners insurance policy. The improvements you make to your home will become additional items your insurance company will need to insure. You may have the opportunity to increase your policy deductible, which could result in a payment reduction.
When to Renovate
Some months of the year are more desirable for home renovations than other times of the year. The spring and summer months provide you with the opportunity to venture outside while the work continues inside. Likewise, the rainy fall months or the frigid winter months may prevent work crews from reaching your home. Portions of your home may face exposure to the outside elements which can hinder the renovation progress as well.
Another ideal renovation time is during the summer when the hours of available daylight are longer. Having more extended daylight hours means contractors and renovation work crews can extend their work day. They can work into the early evening hours with plenty of light exposure. It helps to reduce the overall timetable for completion of your project.
You also want to avoid scheduling a project during a contractor’s offseason or periods of inactivity from the renovation business. Many contractors have specific time periods that they work while others work year-round without having a particular slow season. Knowing when you have the largest contractor pool available to select from impacts the time frame and expense level of your renovation project.
Determine a Budget
Home renovations are costly, and there are always additional expenses that are necessary during the renovation process. Before starting on a renovation, make sure you have enough funds available to cover the necessary renovation and any smaller, unexpected expenses that occur along the way. Detail your plans for a dream renovation project and then estimate how much every item on your wishlist will cost. Add in incidental costs such as hiring a contractor or needing additional materials.
Look over the detailed financial renovation plan to see what dollar amount you are facing. You may need to scale back your renovation plans to make the project more affordable for your budget limits. Larger projects can be spread across a few months or more to reduce the overall cost of the renovation.
Select a Contractor
All improvement projects start with the declaration that you will do all of the work yourself. Then reality sets in and you start thinking it’s time to hire a contractor. Start by receiving estimates from a minimum of three local contractors. Inquire about references from recent jobs they have done. Research each contractor online to see what other customers have to say about their services. When you make a hiring decision, obtain copies of their contractor license and work permits for your files.
RWC Windows, Doors, and More stands ready to provide customers with all of their home renovation needs. Their top-quality customer service approach avoids the use of sales commission and pressure purchase tactics and allows them to focus on the customer first, which explains why they have been in business for such a long time.
RWC has been relieving home improvement stress since 1959. Call us today or visit us on the web for your free consultation!
DIY Fails That Can Lead to Costly Damage
All over the internet, DIY, or Do It Yourself, projects are all the rage. People research on Pinterest or watch YouTube videos, and they are amazed at what they can create themselves without having to hire outside help. While some creations are superb, others run into some trouble. These less successful attempts have led to another fun category to search on the internet when you’re bored at work - DIY fails. Some may try to recreate that soufflé they saw on Tasty, but it turns into a pudding mess. Others may think it’s ingenious to replace their broken headlights with a flashlight, but it’s a quick way to a ticket or an accident.
While a soggy soufflé is just a ruined desert, other DIY projects can have more consequences. You may be telling yourself, “I should have just hired a professional.” There are instances when you need to put down the power tools and admit that you need help. Take a look at some of these examples we have dug up for you.
1. Useless Drawers
It looks like someone forgot to measure twice. We guess those drawers are just for decor purposes now. If you want to renovate your kitchen, and you want drawers that you can use, try contacting RWC - where they renovate windows, doors and more. When you plan to renovate your kitchen, you aim to make it more aesthetically pleasing and more functional, not dysfunctional. Someone spent money to make this mistake and now they’re going to be spending even more money repairing it. Do yourself a solid and call the professionals. Get it right the first time.
2. DIY Falls
That looks like a fantastic idea, right? Aside from walking away with a bad repair or renovation, people can get seriously injured when they try to do their renovations on their own. Just in this one example, a man is risking falling to his demise, ruining the home’s electricity and possibly electrocuting himself. That bonus you earned at work was earmarked for the cost of improving your home, not for paying thousands of dollars in medical bills. We hope a strong breeze doesn’t blow in. People say walking under ladders is bad luck…
3. When one door closes, it disappears
It looks like a bad twilight zone episode. We hope the people in that home aren’t trapped. We aren’t exactly sure what the intention was for this design, but an entryway without an entrance just doesn’t make sense. If you want to install a new beautiful entrance for yourself, and you don’t want to end up like this person, take a look at RWC’s portfolio. A door is the first thing someone sees when they come to your home. Make a good impression - unless you’re a complete recluse. If that is the case, this house without the door is way more your style.
4. I can’t handle this
This person must have felt pretty silly. We’re not sure how they didn’t realize their mistake before they were done installing the door knob. We hope whoever uses the bathroom at this house knows that they have an open door policy. Fortunately, this one is an easier fix than other fails on this list.
5. Toilet humor
It looks like someone did not measure correctly for this one. It would appear that it was too late to go back, so this DIY-er had to be a bit of a MacGyver. Everyone likes a little peephole into the bathroom, right? Fixing this mishap would require replacing the door so it opens the opposite way and won’t run into the toilet. Perhaps you could rearrange the toilet’s positioning, but moving around waste lines doesn’t sound like the simplest solution to us.
6. The roof, the roof, the roof is the floor
Anyone could make that mistake, right? Now their kitchen floor has asphalt shingles. It’s a mix-up a professional contractor would not make (at least not ours). Aside from what you may think, floors and roofs are not interchangeable parts. We don’t live in Legoland. It’s fun to be creative and use your imagination, but you want to make sure your home is built correctly with the right parts in the right places. Not only is it odd looking, but it also will not work properly as a roof. That roof is going to cost time and money to be repaired.
7. Tree Standing
You may be able to park your car in that garage if you are a stunt driver. Perhaps you own one of those tiny Smart cars, or you drive a motorcycle. If you drive anything else, your car is not getting in there. We’re all for nature, but maybe this build required a little more consideration of placement. Well, now they have their very own storage unit or place for the band to practice without some pesky car getting in the way.
Please remember that it’s ok to ask for help. That’s why we call professionals professionals. They know what they’re doing. The people on this list clearly did not. For your home renovation needs or repairs, reach out to RWC. With 54 years in the home improvement business, they are unparalleled. They will work with you to pick out the products that best fit you and your budget. Please visit their site to see all the services they provide.
RWC has been relieving home improvement stress since 1959. Call us today or visit us on the web for your free consultation!