Project Spotlight - East Hanover, NJ Kitchen, Living Room & Dining Room Remodel
When this customer from East Hanover, NJ came in with architectural plans to remodel their second floor kitchen, living room and dining room, we jumped at the opportunity.
Our goal was to make the space open, flowing and continuous, however, it was one of the more challenging designs to create.
Execution and forward thinking were key.
The client requested that we rebuild the rooms so that she could see her children playing on the first floor, while she remained in the kitchen. How fun! And so it began…
We closed off the stairway from the kitchen and finished it off with newly stained and finished oak railings.
Ta-da!!! ...
After pulling up the carpets, we exposed the original oak flooring which was sanded, refinished, and in some spots, replaced.
We added color compliments to the cabinetry to match the newly finished railings and flooring, and finished it off with new stainless steel appliances, under mount sink, recessed LED lighting and granite counter tops. This brought everything together!
Joe Giampapa of the RWC team says,
“We are extremely thankful and proud to have been the ones to take the lead on this project and yet again bring the homeowner’s dreams and wishes to reality.”
Another flawless job from the company that’s been relieving home improvement stress since 1959!
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 simply stop in!
5 Kitchen Design Mistakes to Avoid
A well-designed kitchen can be the perfect cornerstone to a well-designed home. The more you love your kitchen, the more time you will want to spend there. This can lead to more home cooked meals, more family bonding, better health, and a general positive impact on your life. But, when redesigning your kitchen, there are lots of ways that things can go wrong. If you aren’t careful, your dream kitchen redesign project can turn into a nightmare, costing you a fortune or resulting in a less inviting kitchen than you started with.
If the anxiety of tackling a kitchen redesign has you worried about getting started, you aren’t alone. But, all of the common mistakes you can make in your kitchen redesign can be avoided with a little foresight and planning. Here are the top five kitchen redesign mistakes, and how to avoid them.
1. Planning as You Go
Think about all of the functional elements in a nice kitchen. Countertops and storage space take up a lot of room, but let you utilize your kitchen effectively. Dishwashers and high-end refrigerators will give you modern convenience, but at premium dollar for top models. The little details, from small appliances to appropriate decor, all make a huge difference. With all of these variables and factors in play, one of the worst mistakes you can make in a kitchen redesign is planning as you go. To avoid this mistake, take a lot more time than you think you need laying out a very detailed plan for what you want your kitchen to look like.
2. Forgetting the Golden Triangle
The “Golden Triangle” is an element of kitchen design to help you be very strategic in the layout of the elements of your kitchen that you will use the most; your sink, stove and refrigerator. When redesigning your kitchen, think about how these three parts of the room will work together. Make sure that you can access your sink while someone else is at the stove, to allow for multiple users. And, make sure that your refrigerator door will be able to be reached quickly from your stove top, so you can get to supplies with minimal effort. Forgetting about the “Golden Triangle,” and not being intentional about how you lay out these three key kitchen elements, is a mistake you will most likely regret every time you cook.
3. Skipping a Consultation
If you don’t have the time and energy to invest into your kitchen redesign as a DIY project, there’s nothing wrong with that at all. Kitchens have a lot of moving parts that all have to work together perfectly, and since you use your kitchen so often, it’s a project that has to get done quickly as well as effectively. Keep in mind that any good contractor or interior designer should provide you with the opportunity for an in-person kitchen redesign consultation to talk about your goals for the space and your budget. If you skip an in-person consultation, there’s no way you can be sure that you and your hired help have a similar vision in mind for your kitchen space - which is a mistake that will cost you a whole lot of money to repair down the road.
4. Opting for Bright and Catchy Flooring
Kitchens are the perfect place in your home to express creativity with flashy colors and designs. A bright and vibrant kitchen color scheme will make your food prep feel more fun and cheerful. But, keep the bright colors on the walls: one of the biggest mistakes you can make in redesigning a kitchen’s color scheme is opting for colorful flooring. That’s because no matter how beautiful and vibrant your bright white or yellow floor tiling looks today, kitchens must contend with constant spills, high foot traffic, and a lot of other “messy” opportunities that will have your bright flooring looking drab rather quickly. If you are set on bright flooring, just keep in mind that it will take a lot more effort to maintain and won’t look vibrant forever.
5. Sticking with Convention
Since kitchens are highly functional, there are a few things your kitchen will need. But, that doesn’t mean you have to follow an assigned template in your kitchen redesign. Don’t make the mistake of lacking courage and sticking with conventional layouts: the more you experiment, and give yourself room for creativity, the more possibilities there are to design a kitchen that you never imagined you could have. Just remember to consult a professional, and you should feel comfortable throwing convention out the window.
RWC has been providing top quality home renovation services since 1959, and all of that time in the industry has taught us a few things that you can’t learn overnight. Investing in our staff's education, putting customer service first, and offering unparalleled product selection is a winning formula for any remodeling, redesign, or renovation project.
To hear all of our thoughts on your redesign ideas, and get our advice on any potential pitfalls you could be headed for, contact us today!
How to Remodel Your Bathroom Into a Relaxing Retreat
While you may spend less time in the bathroom than you do in other rooms in your home, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t put just as much effort into the perfect lavatory as you would into your dream bedroom or kitchen. Today, your bathroom may seem only useful for its Spartan functions, and you may think of it as a corner of your house with a singular purpose. But, tomorrow your bathroom could become a prized cornerstone of a relaxing, beautiful, and well-rounded home. Here are five things to keep in mind if you want your bathroom remodel to result in a relaxing retreat.
1. Don't Leave Anything off the Table
Just because you’ve always had a certain tub or sink doesn’t mean that you always need to. When renovating your bathroom, the more leeway you give yourself to make improvements and the more things you consider worth working on, the better. There’s a whole lot in your bathroom that you can switch up, from tiles, fixtures, vanities, and finishes, to sinks, tubs, commodes, faucets, and whirlpools. If you approach a bathroom renovation by only planning to work on a few things, you won’t give yourself the opportunity to create a real change. So, leave nothing off the table, and think about your powder room as a blank canvas where anything could happen.
2. Use All of Your Space
Even if your bathroom isn’t huge, that doesn’t mean there isn’t room huge possibilities - you just have to be comfortable with thinking about ways to use your entire space. For smaller bathrooms, think about how small decorative elements like premium fixtures could make a big difference. Or, get bold with the colors you put on the walls to give your bathroom a whole new look. When decorating large bathrooms, think of more space as more opportunity, and think about how you can use every inch to create a room you can be proud of. Installing mirrors, creating adequate storage space, and painting two-toned walls are all tried and true ways to utilize the extra space in big bathrooms, but don’t stop there. Think about how every corner could be utilized for something - even if using every inch means leaving some spaces empty.
3. Balance Your Needs
Remodeling a bathroom doesn’t only have to be about function or form: good bathroom remodels balance your needs, and give you the chance to create a restroom that is both highly functional and spiritually rewarding. Before buying a tub, sit in it and see if it feels right. Before investing in cheap flooring, price out a more durable and slightly more expensive option, and see if you can afford springing for the quality choice that will last longer and avoid functional issues down the road. Don’t think that you have to invest entirely in things that look nice or entirely in the most practical options when remodeling your bathroom: keep both in mind, and balance your needs.
4. Don’t be Afraid to Call a Pro
Since the bathroom is often one of the smallest rooms in a home, aspiring DIY home improvers can make the mistake of thinking that it will be an easy project to tackle. But, there may come a time when you need to call a pro when remodeling your bathroom, and knowing when it’s a good option to call for an expert’s help is critical to the success of your remodeling project. Unless you have a lot of experience with plumbing, you should never attempt to move water lines or handle the intricacies of piping. And, unless you are qualified, you shouldn’t deal with electrical issues either - even if it’s for something as simple as wiring a heating control. Trying to do it all yourself can lead to disaster down the road, so call an expert before tackling any issue that you don’t feel totally qualified to handle.
5. Splurge!
For most home remodeling projects, price is a limiting factor. But, if you want to create a bathroom retreat you can be proud of, think of just one thing you can splurge on. Whether that’s the high-end toilet or a brand new tub, splurging on one item can make your whole bathroom feel luxurious. Don’t feel like you have to reach for the premium option for everything in your bathroom remodeling project, but give yourself the freedom to reach high for at least one aspect of your new lavatory. Your bathroom retreat will feel a lot more special.
RWC Windows, Doors and More has been family owned and operate for three generations, and our unique dedication to a high-quality home improvement experience is reflected in our craft. We leverage our deep and experienced education, our informed and practical take on product selection, and our unparalleled devotion to customer service to make sure that your home improvement project turns out exactly like you want it to.
To learn about how RWC can relieve your home improvement stress and help you create the bathroom sanctuary of your dreams, contact us today!
The Benefits of New Doors and Windows
Curb appeal is an important aspect of any house. Whether you are looking to sell your home or just want to have the best-looking house on the block, it is important to do whatever you can to increase its aesthetic appeal. One way to do so is by replacing your doors and windows. These features of the home can easily be overlooked, but in reality add so much to the charm and character of the house. Following are some ways adding new doors and windows can add to the curb appeal of your home.
Saving money
For many people, there is nothing more appealing than saving money. Adding new doors and windows to your home not only makes it more aesthetically appealing, but it also helps you save money as well. Updating old and drafty doors and windows results in more comfortable indoor temperatures since cold air is not seeping in throughout the winter (and the same goes for warm air in the summer). Further, new doors and windows are more energy efficient than their older counterparts. New windows have the added benefit of keeping sunlight out, which protects furniture from becoming faded from constant exposure to the sun. The money you save from lower utility bills and not replacing expensive furniture can be spent adding additional aesthetic appeal to your home by expanding your garden, updating the garage door, or upgrading the siding on the house, all which will enhance the overall curb appeal of the home.
Installing a new door and windows can immediately give your house a facelift. Over time, exposure to the elements of weather can cause doors and windows to become run down and tired-looking. Since the damage happens slowly, it is easy to miss it even though you look at your house on a daily basis. But, all of a sudden it will hit you that the exterior of the house does not look as good as it used to. At that point, it is time to start thinking about replacing the doors and windows. Once the new and improved features are in, you will be able to see the immediate difference and the positive impact these few changes make to the entire appearance of your home. Try to choose a door that reflects your true personality or the character of your home. Don’t forget, your front door is the entryway to your home, and you want it to make a statement to everyone who enters it.
Added security
The curb appeal of a home goes beyond its aesthetic appeal and spills out into the security of it as well. Despite how beautiful a home’s exterior is, if its security can be infiltrated, and its inhabitants are put in danger, any assumed curb appeal goes down the drain. Adding new doors and windows to your home can increase your security level and allow the beauty of the home to shine through. Both doors and windows are made better and stronger than they were years ago, so they are harder to penetrate. New doors and windows also come with stronger locks and other security features that make them difficult to break into, even by the most experienced intruders, thus giving a homeowner an added sense of safety and security. That sense of relief makes everything look better.
When doors and windows start to age, they become less reliable. Exposure to rain and snow can make them warp and buckle, which can cause them to lose effectiveness and functionality. Windows and doors that do not work properly make for a weak selling point for folks who wish to sell their homes. It also reduces the resale value of the home, which affects not only the homeowner but also everyone in the neighborhood. New windows and doors are made with updated materials that are weather resistant so there is no need to worry that they will be adversely affected by the weather. They also have much longer anticipated lifespans so you can rest assured that the doors and windows you buy today will last you for decades.
Older windows and doors are great for letting in extraneous noise. Over time, the seals on the doors and windows loosen and let the noise in, reducing the homeowner’s comfort and privacy. New doors and windows reduce the likelihood of the people inside the house being disturbed by bothersome noise coming from outside. This feature is especially beneficial for those who live in town homes, row homes, or otherwise live in close proximity to their neighbors. A quite domicile has great amounts of curb appeal after a long, hard day.
If it is time for you to replace your doors and windows, RWC is the place to go. Contact us today for a quote and you’ll soon be on your way to stress-free curb appeal.
Use Designer Glass to Beautify your Home
Every house has glass elements. Since they are so commonplace, we often overlook them. However, that is a mistake. Instead of just viewing the glass in your home as utilitarian, you need to start seeing it as an extension of your personality and your home’s aesthetics. Adding designer glass highlights to your home is an easy way to create additional visual interest without breaking the bank. The following are some examples of ways to add designer glass to your home to increase its visual appeal.
Do not let the words “glass blocks” scare you. Although you may still have nightmares about the hideous frosted glass blocks that were popular in bathrooms in the 70s and 80s, glass blocks have come a long way since then. So, get that image out of your head and the frightened look off of your face. Today's glass blocks are modern, sleek, and innovative. They can break up a dark space to make it seem lighter; be used as a display piece, such as a vase, or serve as a room divider that doubles as a conversation piece. There is no shortage of ways in which glass blocks can add beauty and interest to your home.
Sliding glass doors are the traditional way to get from the inside of your house to a patio or other outdoor living area. However, these doors are normally just huge pieces of plate glass - totally boring. Your sliding glass door doesn’t have to be dull and mundane. Try thinking about your sliding glass door as an extensive empty canvas. Replacing the original glass with some designer glass is the perfect way to add some style and personality to a seemingly bland background. The right designer glass can add a personal touch to an area, provide an excellent view of the outdoors, or even add some privacy indoors. The choices are endless and are only limited by your imagination.
Glass staircase
If you are looking to add an ultra-modern touch of flare to your home, consider installing a sleek glass staircase. A glass staircase can add light and dimension to a home. It can also give a smaller area the illusion of additional space. Glass staircases are the perfect excuse to use designer glass to make an ordinary space look grand by combining functionality with modern beauty. A beautiful glass staircase can dramatically change the way an entire room feels. So, if you don’t have small children, swapping out your tired, old wooden or metal stairway for one made from designer glass could be a great way to give your entire home a face-lift.
If you are looking for a more subtle change than what you will get with a glass staircase, there are plenty of ways you can scale it down a bit. One way is to add some simple etched glass to your home. Etched glass can be added to both interior and exterior windows and will provide a lantern-like appearance when it is illuminated. It provides a milky-white appearance that cannot be penetrated. Using etched glass is a great way to add some privacy to a room without sacrificing the aesthetic appeal of the area.
Adding designer glass to your wet bar is a great way to show off your beautiful and colorful bottles of libations. If you look at your bar with a discerning eye, you will notice that it is a world full of varying colors and textures that are just waiting to be highlighted. Designer glass is the ideal material for shelving in your bar. The colorful liquids in the bottles will reflect off the glass and create a spectrum of colors that will be eye-catching to everyone who walks by. You can even turn it up a notch by switching out the commercial bottles for original containers such as bell jars and apothecary jars.
Add a backsplash in your kitchen
Nothing adds visual interest to a kitchen like a backsplash. Gone are the days when a backsplash was nothing more than ceramic tiles. Now, you can use decorative glass to create a magnificent mosaic. Painted designer glass serves as the perfect medium to create a backsplash that is charming as well as functional.
Your home should be an outward expression of your true self. Adding designer glass is an excellent way to turn your entire home into an object d’art. RWC has a wide variety of designer glass choices to fit every homeowner’s style. Whether you are looking for something simple, like etched glass cabinet fronts, or something ornate like, a domed ceiling, RWC has you covered. RWC is a family owned company that has been in business since the 1950s. We offer a wide product selection and unparalleled service.
Contact RWC today. One of our representatives will be happy to assist you in finding the best designer glass to fit your needs.
Project Spotlight - Bathroom Remodel (Tub to Shower Conversion)
Need Tub To Shower Conversion Ideas? Let RWC Help.
Although we didn’t change too much structurally with this tub to shower conversion, the renovations that we made turned it into a completely different bathroom.
We’re pretty sure that if the homeowners didn’t know there was work being done, they wouldn’t be able to recognize their bathroom after the RWC team got through with it.
What used to be a crowded space with just a bathtub, vanity and toilet, became a bathroom with a large shower with glass enclosure, and a ledge that can fit anything you would ever need including space to sit down.
The following are pictures we took of the space so that you can see the transformation for yourself:
The homeowners even took the time out to write us a thank you card! Check it out:
If you like what you see, give us a call today for a free consultation! We are proud to provide quality NJ bathtub conversions and we’ve been relieving home improvement stress since 1959.
The Ultimate Guide to New Jersey Kitchen and Bathroom Renovations
PROLOGUE – The Introduction
A lot is to be expected from a home. After all, it’s where you spend the majority of your time, and you’re going to want to make sure it meets your own personal criteria.
Your home is where you raise your family, build memories, host parties and come to kick back and relax. When it comes down to your overall happiness: is your home up to par? Are you proud of your kitchen or bathroom? These wants and expectations can play a huge role in your satisfaction both inside and outside the confines of your house.
Reasons to renovate your kitchen, bathroom or other rooms in your house might include safety, age or need. Is your kitchen safe? Safety goes hand-in-hand with the age of the members of your household. Also, how old is your kitchen? Age goes hand-in-hand with need. The older your kitchen is, the more likely it is that your kitchen no longer fits your needs.
America has changed. It wasn’t all too long ago that the kitchen wasn’t considered the heart of the home. In fact, the kitchen wasn’t supposed to be seen at all. It was a room designated for the homemaker, kept behind closed doors. People preferred to see the results of the kitchen rather than the kitchen itself. From a Christmas turkey to a perfectly made summer’s pie, people have been making things in the kitchen for…well, forever.
So, you’ve decided on a new kitchen or bathroom. For that reason, we’ve put together this guide to help you get the most from your renovation. Most homeowners, especially new ones, don’t know how to get from where they are now to where they want to be. Some aren’t aware of the work that is involved, the cost or the amount of planning that goes into a kitchen or bathroom overhaul. The last thing you want to do is to spend thousands of dollars on a new room only to find that the quality went down the drain somewhere along the way.
Fortunately for you, there is now a handbook on the entire process, and you’re reading it. Everything you need to know about New Jersey Kitchen and Bathroom Renovations can be found here. If you follow this guide, we can almost guarantee that you will love your new home.
SECTION ONE – What to Expect: Planning Your Renovation
Know What You Want
Contrary to popular belief, it pays to avoid getting all sledgehammer and demolition crazy (however strong the temptation). In fact, leave the messy, dusty, dangerous sledgehammer out of it. The first several steps are planning steps – no use for the sledgehammer here!
You may have done a good deal of planning already. Even if you have, let’s start over and do things the in a more careful and intentional way. Your home is too precious to gamble with. Don’t take chances with your renovation. It is important to make sure that you have thought through almost every decision before you even begin hiring a contractor.
A great place to start is with your inspiration. What do you want to see in your kitchen? If you are unsure of where you want to go with this renovation, go online to websites like HGTV, Remodelaholic, Dot & Bo, and even Wayfair. Do your research, discover what you want, and get ideas. Let yourself be inspired and excited about all the possibilities.
Thinking of the result can be enormously rewarding. Here’s how to decide on a desired result and work backwards. Let’s start by saying that you found a picture of a kitchen you want to see in your home. Although your kitchen is probably laid out differently, all kitchens come with the same basic elements like a sink, stove and refrigerator, just to name a few. So, realistically, the picture you found is for design purposes only.
Isolate just one of those elements—the cabinets. Let’s say you like the image because you want those cabinets in your kitchen. What do you need to do to get those cabinets? Are they custom or factory made? Once you find out, you can order them, but they are just going to sit on the floor somewhere in your home until your kitchen is at the point where you can install them. How do you get your kitchen ready for cabinet installation? Your old cabinets need to come out. Cabinets don’t just pull off the wall (although, that would be nice), so you have to plan how you will remove them. Another step further backward would be emptying the cabinets so that you can pull them down. It is important to think if every detail before you begin your remodel. Even the simplest of mistakes can cause substantial delays.
If you haven’t had any luck with online sources for inspiration, you can also explore print media. Southern Living is a classic magazine that is overflowing with ideas. Pottery Barn is another one. Until you find what you are looking for, don’t stop looking. Once you decide what you want, write it down. Collect photos from online interior design sources or cut out pictures from a magazine. Make a collage out it, if you’d like. The bottom line is that it is important to know what you want before you do anything else. Make sure you make up your mind long before you go on to the next step. A concrete decision is crucial. Your contractor will take this information and use it to plan the next part of your renovation. Once you get the general contractor involved, and the project started, it will be too late to change your mind. Well, technically, it won’t be too late, but it will be very costly and expensive—both in time and materials. This post is a guide, a road map, to the kitchen or bathroom of your dreams. If you want to have a smooth reno, you can’t be changing your mind in the middle of a project.
Planning Your Renovation: Consider House Size
Don’t get your contractor involved yet. Just because you’ve made the design decisions doesn’t mean you’re ready. This next section is laid out to prepare you to meet your contractor.
This guide is for you, not your contractor. If your contractor is worth his salt, then he’ll be thorough gathering information from you and your house long before he begins any job. If he doesn’t gather the following information, it’s a red flag and a sure sign to choose another contractor.
Your contractor will help you plan the layout of your design, which may or may not match your current layout. In fact, several things might change depending on your design decision. Let’s talk about your choices for each room.
Bathroom
In the bathroom, you have several decisions to make, and many of them may have already been dictated by the dimensions of your space. For example, if your bathroom isn’t large enough, you may not have the luxury of being able to move pipes. Therefore, your fixtures may need to stay in their current location. However, the one thing that he space cannot dictate is the style.
The following are things you may need to ask yourself as you prepare to create your plan. Do you want a stand-up shower or an over-sized garden tub? Do you have the physical room for such a tub? If you only have one sink, do you want another? Will your house accommodate another sink? How about counter space? You will need room for the basics at a bare minimum—soap, toothbrush, razor, perhaps a cotton ball container, Q-tip container, hair brushes, combs, lotions, etc. You need counter space. Do you like the idea of under-the-sink cabinets? What about medicine cabinets? It might be a prudent and wise decision to add a medicine cabinet for every sink—perhaps even one more than the number of sinks you have. Do you have room for a linen closet? Towel storage inside the bathroom provides an invaluable convenience when you need a fresh towel, and it’s in the bathroom rather than somewhere down the hall in the linen closet.
You need to hire the right one. How can you tell? Shop around and follow your gut. There are websites like Annie’s List or FastContractorLeads.com that can point you in the direction of reputable contractors.
Essentially, you will need to put the job in front of several contractors and gather estimates, often by way of appointment. Before you do, however, you need to have a job for them. The job needs to have precise specifications—something you can obtain with the help of your interior designer.
While you do need to place a level of trust with your general contractor, remember that this is your property. Don’t be afraid to meet and greet every single subcontractor that works on your property. If a general contractor attempts to forbid you from doing this, then you might want to consider another alternative in the way of general contractors. That is an immediate red flag. It is your responsibility to know who is in your house and what they are doing. This includes:
- Plumbers
- Electricians
- Carpenters
- Tile Work
- Flooring
- Drywall
Know who is on your property and why they are there. Let them know that you come by often and that someone is watching them.
Expect to make a payment in advance. Some contractors require 30% of the job estimation up front to cover materials while others expect closer to 50% to make sure subcontractors get paid promptly and correctly. Subcontractors—or the skilled laborers working on your house—won’t work unless there is a clear expectation of compensation. This is usually a fixed cost, but you will still find those who are hourly workers. Subcontractors will not wait until the end of a project to get paid while general contractors will. The only person you pay is the general contractor. The fee he or she charges goes to cover all the charges subcontractors might charge for their work.
Plan your materials. Once again, this can be completed with the help of your interior designer. If you want to ensure that your project goes smoothly and quickly, you will need to order your materials well ahead of time. It is recommended to order your materials in the required quantity plus 10% for errors or possible damage. Make sure all materials are delivered before work begins. The best contractors in the world can do nothing without materials. So, make sure that you have your materials long before subcontractors set
foot on your property. Finally, painstakingly inspect each and every brick, tile, piece of wood, fixture—you get the idea. Make sure everything is in good working condition before work begins. Furthermore, inspect it with the general contractor and have him sign an affidavit acknowledging that all materials placed under his stewardship are not damaged. This prevents future claims that you supplied broken materials. If you provide damaged materials, you will pay the penalty of supplying more. However, if it can be proven that the fault lies with the subcontractor, then he is in charge of securing and ordering more materials.
If your goal is to save money, then the best way you can do this is to not order any new appliances. The appliances you had before are most likely in good condition and, therefore, are reusable. Remember, you can always upgrade later. However, if you do plan on upgrading later, let your contractor know that you have plans for upgrading to that new 36” gas stove over your current 30” electrical one. The last thing you want to do is find out you can’t get your new stove later because you didn’t plan on it—or that you need to replace your kitchen cabinets and counters to accommodate. At that point, you may as well be planning on a whole new renovation and the end cost of two renovations will be much more expensive than if you had purchased that new stove to begin with.
When you have your designs in place, stick with them. Set clear goals and take responsibility for them. You will have one frustrated general contractor on your hands if you are in the habit of always changing your mind in the middle. Make your decisions and stick with them.
Don’t ignore what you see. If the contractor finds rotted wood underneath the floor, he may come to you and tell that your new stove can’t be installed unless a new subflooring is installed to support the weight. Listen to your contractor but, more importantly, listen to your gut. If you feel you need a second opinion, get one. You may have issues behind your walls that need fixing before you can continue with your renovation. While your house does need to be in good condition, you don’t need to break the bank with a remodel.
Finally, don’t skimp on cheap materials. In the construction world, you get what you pay for. You need to find that perfect balance of aesthetics, price, and quality. When these three merge, you have value.
SECTION THREE – Planning & Communication
People who have completed renovations on their own have a much better idea of the time that it takes to complete a full room renovation. Unlike what you see on television shows, it does not take a single weekend. It takes months. Patience is key. Rest easy and relax knowing that you have all the help you need between the interior designer and your general contractor. Trust them because they know what they’re doing.
The average time it takes for a renovation is six months. That’s four months of planning and two months for the execution. I can’t emphasize this point enough; know what you want before the demolition starts. Once it begins, your plans need to be completely solidified. Materials need to be ordered, delivered and inspected for quality and quantity months before demolition begins. Talk to your local utility company about what it might take to get a water line to the freezer for your new refrigerator’s ice cube maker. If you’re getting a new gas stove, but don’t have a gas line, you’re stuck until you talk to your utility company and can get one installed.
The contractor can do anything if you throw enough money at the project. Know your budget and stick to it. If, for whatever reason, the contractor is going over budget, you need to know why and it is smart to ask immediately.
Consider keeping the sink in the same place, the stove in the same place, and so on and so forth. Adding services adds to your cost, and you may find that some upgrades are completely unnecessary.
Communication at all stages is absolutely necessary. Consider collaborating online using services like Trello or BaseCamp to give the contractor a way to communicate with you wherever you may be. If the renovation requires you to move temporarily out of the house, make sure you visit the home often to stay informed about its progress. We’ve said this before, but it bears saying again: Have all materials on handbefore demolition. The lack of materials, especially custom materials like special tile for your backsplash or floor, can cost you months of waiting time. If the contractors are working on your kitchen, you may find that you don’t have a kitchen in the meantime. Many people decide to move temporarily to give the contractors the room they may need to work efficiently. If you don’t plan your materials right, you may run out well past your welcome date.
When you order materials, plan on ordering an extra 10% minimum to prepare for damages. Materials can get damaged while in transit or by laborers during the project’s execution. Once again, if you can’t finish a project you started because you don’t have the materials, you may have just extended the planned end date by months. Furthermore, and possibly the most important, know your limits. Your renovation can be a pleasant and exciting experience if you do it right. Don’t break your budget or otherwise place your finances in jeopardy because you didn’t plan correctly. Overspending can put your renovation at risk, and leave you with facing the possibility of being left with a half-finished renovation.
Local permits may be required, so ask your general contractor. It is a red flag if your general contractor isn’t completely knowledgeable about local law, permits and safety codes. The beautiful thing about excellent, legitimate contractors who earn their money by doing a good job is this: They don’t do anythingwithout a reason for doing it. If you ask them why they did something, they will always stand by their work and provide a good, reliable answer.
SECTION FOUR – Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake Number One: Don’t Buy Cheap Materials.
This is your house, the protection you offer yourself and your family. Everything about it should define who you are. Keep in mind throughout the renovation process that your home is an investment. Don’t buy the cheapest materials you find, try to buy the nicest materials that you can afford. Remember that cost doesn’t always equate to quality. If you want tile countertops, then get the most beautiful tile you can find with the design you want on it. Just because it might be cheaper than marble countertops doesn’t mean that it is of a lower quality. Find out what you want. Then, get the highest quality materials you can afford.
Some people renovate because they want to raise the value of their homes due to the fact that they plan on selling their house. If you use cheap materials, you won’t get a decent return on your investment. In fact, you may find out that the renovation lowered the value of the home. Don’t let that be the case after you spend thousands of dollars on a remodel.
Mistake Number Two: Don’t Hire the Wrong Contractor
There are ways to discover if you have a reputable contractor or not. If they say they are licensed and bonded, request to see the paperwork. It should be easy to produce if they are honest.
Sign written contracts. This is where it can get sticky. Don’t hire any contractor who downplays the importance of the written record. Free, legally-binding contracts can be found online. They protect the homeowner from dishonest contractors. They safeguard the contractors from deceiving homeowners. It is a communication tool. Both sides—the contractor and the homeowner—will write down the scope of the job. Both sides will know what is expected and what is not expected. This way, the homeowner and the contractor will know when the contractor will get paid and how much.
It is very important to understand that if it’s not in the contract, it’s not fair game. I know of someone who installed a new front door for a homeowner. Since neither party signed a contract, the contractor got swindled. The homeowner wanted him to paint and caulk the trim, fill in gaps in the flooring around the door, and any other work he could get from the contractor. Had they signed contracts, the contractor would have received payment for the work that was outside his scope. His job was to replace the trim after installation, but not paint or caulk the baseboards next to the door. Contracts protect everyone. It is legally enforceable in court if one party doesn’t hold up their end of the bargain.
Mistake Number Three: Don’t Set an Unrealistic Budget
Your home renovation will cost you money. It is an investment, and everything that is done to your home will belong to you. As the owner, you must take complete responsibility for the project. Do not attempt to do any home renovation unless you’re completely confident that you can afford it.
With the debt that America is in, there is a new, refreshing ‘Get Out Of Debt’ plan I’d like to present to you. It’s very straightforward. It’s called, “If you cannot afford it, do not buy it.” Your finances are important. No kitchen or bath remodel is worth putting your finances in jeopardy. It is more common than not that those who set a budget change it at least once or twice before the project is over. Decide how much you want to spend and how much you are willing to spend. Write these numbers down and stick to them.
SECTION FIVE – How It Helps Your Home Value
Your homeowner’s insurance company needs to know about this renovation if you expect them to protect it. As such, this is one more professional whose advice you will want accept freely. Insurance adjusters and real estate agents can estimate your ROI or return on your investment.
If you don’t plan on selling your house, then take your time with your renovations. Many people who are well past retirement age are renovating their homes ever so slowly. I walked into one particularly impressive house that was maintained very well by its homeowners. When I asked them their secret, they said they’ve been working on the house for 20 years and still weren’t done. They don’t have plans to stop, and they took their time to do it right.
If you don’t plan on staying in your house for the rest of your life, you need to keep something else in mind entirely. While it may be a difficult pill to swallow, you’ll get a much better return on your investment if you do.
When you’re ready to sell your house, people will come by to take a look at it. After all, would you buy a house you’ve never seen before? If the house is personalized too much, it could turn potential buyers away. When a potential buyer comes to look at your house, you want them to see a blank slate—something they can personalize once they buy it. Therefore, it is vital that you choose gender-neutral designs and colors. Leave the walls blank, the hallways and aisles clear and the house clean. Anything that is personalized too much may cause a buyer to think, “This isn’t the house for me.” As a seller, you don’t want that. You want the buyer to be impressed enough to spend a couple hundred thousand dollars purchasing your home.
EPILOG – Appliance Considerations
As you choose appliances for your renovation, go through the following checklist. This checklist applies to any appliance from the air conditioner to the stove. Remember that cheaper appliances aren’t always as they seem. Inexpensive appliances often end up costing you money in the long run.
For stoves and furnaces, consider the BTU output. BTU is an acronym for British Thermal Unit. Although its name seems to suggest otherwise, it is no longer commonly used in the United Kingdom. BTU is a unit of measurement for energy. One BTU is equal to the amount of energy used to raise the temperature of one pound of water one degree Fahrenheit. Case in point, the higher the BTU output, the more energy the appliance will output.
Do you need that $18,000, six-burner gas stove? It is a luxury item that will certainly look good in your kitchen, but there’s a reason most stoves have four burners. Most people want six but only need four. Consider your needs over wants.
Study the energy efficiency of the appliances. A higher efficiency leads to a higher upfront cost, but a lower operational cost that might save you money in the long run. For example, an air conditioning unit that is a 16 SEER minimum will save you money over cheaper, less efficient models. It will cost less to operate because it will do a better job keeping your air at a desired temperature, thereby causing the unit to not have to work as hard.
Consider the ease of operation. Is it easy to operate or do you need a two-inch thick instruction manual to make a few adjustments? What safety features does it have? Consider the case of a water heater. Many water heaters require you to use a screwdriver to remove the cover that gives you access to the dial that allows you to change the water temperature. Even then, the water temperature must be adjusted with a screwdriver. This procedure prevents accidental water temperature changes and prevents unexpected water burns.
How easy is it to clean the appliance? Some appliances, like the fins of the outside air conditioning unit, work better when they are cleaned professionally. Choose something easy to clean and maintain, like a glass-top stove. A glass-top stove is surely easier to clean and is safer for children than a six-burner gas stove.
In The End
Home ownership is not a luxury afforded to everyone. Equal opportunity also means equal responsibility. Your house is an investment - care for it! Enjoy your home. Love your home. Take care of your house, and your house will take care of you for years to come. Do things right the first time and call RWC for your remodeling needs.
5 Ways to Childproof Your Home
Whether you have lived in your current home for decades or have just moved in, it is vital for the safety of your children that you inspect every nook and cranny for ways to make improvements. This post will describe five ways that you can make your home safer for children of all ages. Some home improvements are small and require little effort, but others need a little more elbow grease. No matter the size of the project, every step you take to make your home a safer place for your children will pay off in the long run – especially in peace of mind. As you are probably well aware, children always have a way of knowing what they are not supposed to do or touch and then proceeding to do or touch it anyhow! The following are our top 5 tips for making your home a safer place:
1. Install Gates
Though this may seem like a no-brainer to some, others are not so convinced or are not utilizing them in as many places as they could. Baby gates are most commonly seen at the top and bottom of stairs. This is to keep children from falling down, or climbing up and then falling down, stairs in the home.
However, another great use for baby gates is to keep your young ones out of rooms that you consider to not be childproof. For example, this may mean separating your child from the kitchen or bathroom. Though baby gates are in investment, it may be cheaper for you to install a gate than to make your entire kitchen or bathroom childproof.
2. Use Bumpers
Your furniture may have some pointy or hard edges. Though this is not something you have to think about until your kids can get up and start moving, it is something that you cannot afford to forget to do. Amazon is just one great resource for finding foam corner guards.
The New York Times reported that in 2009 alone, over 140,000 children were sent to the hospital due to coffee table related injuries alone. If you have childproofed your home and attained some of these foam baby bumpers, yet your child still manages to hit his head, here is an excellent resource you can use to see if he needs to go to the hospital.
3. Update Your Windows
Your windows may pose more of a threat to your children than you think. If your windows are old and have a tendency of falling shut, your little one’s fingers may be in danger. If your windows are not equipped with the proper locks, little ones may end up with the window and opening it. Though one may assume that screens offer sufficient protection between your child and the outdoors, you are wrong.
According to Time.com, a surprising 5200 children fall from windows each year. And, approximately 80% of those windows were reported to have functional screens. If you are looking into installing new windows, RWC can help you get the job done right. If installing newer, safer windows are not in your budget, just make sure that your windows lock securely and that you have no furniture butted up against them. This will keep your children from climbing around and playing with your windows.
4. Keep Chemicals Out of Reach
Your little one will try to get into anything and everything they can. If you have cabinets or drawers that are within your child’s grasp, it is critical that you purchase and install child safety latches. These latches will not allow your child to gain access to the cabinet or drawer, keeping him away from its contents. These can be purchased at Babies ‘R’ Us as well as several other retailers.
If your cabinets do not allow for the use of child safety latches, perhaps it is time for you to make a change. If you are interested in installing safer cabinets that allow for the use of such safety products, or if you are interested in remodeling your kitchen to create an overall safer area, we encourage you to contact us at RWC.
5. Stuff Your Sockets
The last and possibly most important tip is ensuring that all of your electrical outlets are properly covered. Electrical outlets are one of those things that children inevitably discover they are not supposed to touch, and inevitably always try to do. There are many companies that sell plastic protectors that you essentially plug into your electrical sockets. These covers make it so your little one’s tiny fingers cannot access the socket – keeping them shock free!
If you are not comfortable with the level of safety that your home currently offers your children, it may be time to contact RWC. RWC is dedicated to helping its clients create a safe environment for every member of their family.
Visit our home page to request a quote from RWC and view the services we provide today!
Project Spotlight - Westwood, NJ Bathroom Renovation
"Are we satisfied? YOU BET WE ARE!!!!!!!...."
It's testimonials like these that help us remember why we love what we do. And that's just the ending sentence!
This truly tear-jerking letter from home owners, Pete and Michele Fedorchak, deserves its own blog post.
So without further ado, let's hop into this awesome bathroom renovation from start to finish.
We did a full remodel that delivered the “WOW factor” that Pete and Michele were hoping for. This is what their bathroom looked like when we began:
Although the blue and red color scheme was charming, Pete and Michele went with a more modern look for their renovation.
We installed new tile…
a brand new sink…
full glass shower…
and toilet…
for a finished product that made both the staff at RWC and our clients proud!
Our goal was to make everyone involved jump for joy, and I believe we accomplished that tenfold.
If this post left you craving the “WOW factor”, give us a call at 973-227-7123! RWC has been relieving home improvement stress since 1959. You can trust our experts to educate you and treat you like they would their own family.
Stop in our full showroom for a free consultation today. No pressure; no hard sales tactics. RWC is the ultimate in kitchen, bath and home renovation!
What to Consider With Kitchen Renovation Design
Today’s kitchen is not what it used to be. Just a few decades ago, a time existed when the kitchen was a private area. The only person in the kitchen was the homemaker. The rooms were small, cramped, and often unsightly.
Today’s kitchen is much different. It is the heart of the home. It is a multifaceted room that serves as your office, your children’s art display, and even a place to keep muddy shoes from getting all over the carpet. Needless to say, people go in and out of the kitchen all day long.
Even if this doesn’t sound like you or how you use your kitchen, how you use your kitchen is one of the primary things you need to consider when you remodel your kitchen. However, the first thing to consider is why. Why do you want to remodel your kitchen? Is it a space issue? Are the cupboards falling apart or the linoleum wearing through? Do you want to update your appliances? Whatever the reason, remodeling your kitchen is one of the best investments you can make in a home. Plus it’s just fun to make food when everything is brand new, isn’t it?
What do you need to consider (other than the why) in the planning stages? Size matters here, especially if you plan on replacing your appliances like stoves, ovens, or refrigerators. You need precise measurements, and if you’re going all out and getting things like a farmer’s sink, the measurements need to be exact to 1/8 of an inch. You need to ask yourself other questions, too. What kind of stove are you planning on—countertop or standalone? Is the oven going to be part of the stove or will you mount one in the wall? Are you planning on replacing the refrigerator? Make sure you have the room to open all the doors.
Another consideration might be who uses the kitchen. Do you need to make it kid-friendly or toddler-proof? Do you have teenagers? How about you? What are your habits? Do you need more counter space or room for more appliances? How about a bar? Plenty of people entertain friends in the kitchen, late at night over a game of cards.
Kitchens don’t have to fit conventional molds. If anything, this is your chance to make some neat spaces in the kitchen, like shelves on rollers that pull out so you don’t have to squat just to get a pot. Or better yet, use a pot rack! This is your chance to use space that you didn’t even know you could use the like inside doors of your cabinets. One of the most typical complaints is people running out of storage space. Here’s an idea ~ don’t store your beautiful serving dishes. Save the cupboards for cookware and leave the dishes out in the open. This creates an inviting space just asking to be used. Utilize your blank wall space in your kitchen by installing shelves.
Remember to pay attention to detail. There are things you can do to really make your kitchen pop. The right backsplash, plenty of lighting, and stainless steel appliances can make a difference. It’s the little things that matter. While you can get a builder-grade kitchen, nothing says, “I put effort into this,” like a bit of customization and luxuries. We’re talking about a sink that is just a bit deeper, or utilizing corner space with a lazy susan. Contrast white cabinetry with a dark or neutral floor and countertop.
With all these ideas of what you can or should do with your kitchen, take some time to consider what you shouldn’t do. DO plan accordingly. This means that unless it’s really in the budget, most people do not need a six burner gas stove. One of the great money-saving ideas is to avoid buying any new appliances—these can always be upgraded later. Don’t obsess over name brands when it comes to appliances. Don’t buy a super expensive refrigerator and a super cheap stove. DO plan for lighting. Poor lighting can ruin any kitchen renovation. DO remember that countertops and flooring contain essential design elements. Skipping over these two can place severe limits on the rest of the kitchen. DON’T use cheap cabinetry. You don’t need to spend $1000 per cabinet but plan your budget out so you can have beautiful cabinets in your kitchen.
Remember the simple debt rule – If you can’t afford it, don’t buy it. Wait if you have to, but don’t waste your money on flimsy cabinets or subpar building materials and don’t skip design elements like flooring.
All these considerations belong in the planning stages of your kitchen remodel. Before construction starts and before any materials are purchased, plans can be changed on the fly at no cost to you. If you’re not sure how to get the best return on your investment, consider hiring an interior designer. Make sure your plan is about you. Once you have a plan with parts ordered and demolition starting, it can be costly to change your mind. At RWC, we don’t just give you renovation ideas. We seek to educate you on one the finer points of home renovations so that you can have a place you’re proud to call home.
To make the most of your kitchen renovation, contact us at (973) 227-7123 today!