Residential Remodeling

2018

By USA Today Classified Ads

Updating your home should be an exciting process, but the idea of investing thousands of dollars in kitchen and bath remodeling can be daunting.

The kitchen used to be a space hidden in the back of the home where meals were prepared and dishes cleaned. As we enter 2018, our kitchens fill a vastly different role.

Kitchens have become the focal point of a home. It is the one room that should bring everyone together at the beginning and end of the day and its design features should reflect that.

Likewise, bathrooms have begun to take on a new level of design importance. New innovations in tile design are making the bathroom a sharp design space in many homes.

From expensive whole home facelifts to small weekend projects, there are many ways to refresh your home for the new year. Keep reading to find out what is trending for 2018.

Updated Faucets and Fixtures

Most homes come with a standard set of faucets and fixtures in the bathrooms and kitchens. Builders choose to put in selections that are versatile and simplistic to appeal to as many buyers as possible.

But, as one of the most-used items in your kitchen and bathrooms, faucets require careful thought. They should be selected to meet the specific needs of your family.

For example, a family with a lot of small children would look for a sink with some sort of extension to it. By selecting a faucet with a hose, the children will be able to reach and help with activities like washing dishes.

Customizing your home’s faucets requires the proper research. For reviews, check out Helpful Habitat.

Decluttering

Just like faucets, storage options in your home are installed standard by the builder. They determine how many closets, drawers, and cabinets the average family would need and build accordingly.

But as the years roll on and customization becomes more popular, families are choosing their own unique storage solutions now more than ever. It seems that decluttering has become the new norm as stark designs continue to symbolize the future of design.

One of the most requested items these days are a pull-out waste and recycling baskets. As the world gets more crowded and resources become more scarce, more homeowners are choosing to separate their trash to help the environment. This is a trend worth participating in.

Another feature that seems to be catching on is cookie sheet organizers. People in the world today expect every space to be utilized in a home, even the little cracks between appliances and cabinetry.

Other space savers that have caught on include revolving corner trays, deep drawer organizers, and pull or swing out shelves. This year is your year to get organized with your kitchen and bath remodeling.

Updated Surfaces

One of the most popular places to splurge when kitchen and bath remodeling are the countertops. Customers look for surfaces that are engineered to last.

Granite has been a popular countertop option for years now, but quartz continues to gain traction especially in urban areas.

In addition to selecting the perfect material, many homeowners are choosing to expand their countertop space and include things like breakfast bars and islands. This is a great option for families that like to gather in the kitchen for homework or family time.

Smart Assistants

As technology advances, so do trends in kitchen and bath remodeling. One of the most exciting ways this is happening is with the addition of smart assistants. Systems like Amazon’s Alexa and Google Home can be programmed to handle a wide variety of tasks in your home.

With this kind of technology, you can manage your home with voice controls. Simply walk into the room and say, “Goodmorning” and whatever settings you have programmed will occur.

From turning your lights on and off to managing your home’s temperature, smart assistants are being integrated with all sorts of new technology. Some of these features have even been programmed into new appliances.

White Cabinetry

White is the most popular choice for cabinetry when someone is kitchen and bath remodeling and has been for some years now. Homeowners love it because it looks clean which can be beneficial in a space that gets cluttered often.

White cabinetry has become a timeless option to be used in almost any style of kitchen and it is predicted to remain popular for years to come.

In addition, some buyers are choosing gray cabinetry for similar reasons. They can be paired easily with natural or glamour accents or none at all.

Taking Kitchen and Bath Remodeling Beyond

White cabinetry, quartz countertops, and optimal storage solutions are all standard ways to remodel your kitchen and bathroom in 2018. But if you really want to take it all the way, you must consider adding an island.

The modern clean look of your cabinets and countertops will keep them favorites for years, but you are probably looking for more exciting design features in your home. By creating an island you will have a canvas for a focal point in your kitchen.

Try using a deep plum or burgundy color for the cabinets of your island. It will break up the monotony of the other cabinetry. These jewel tones will give your space a deeply rich and luxurious atmosphere that doesn’t overpower the space.

Once you’ve selected some accent colors for the island, you can also use them in places like the backsplash or paint selection to tie it in.

More Tips

Selecting the right materials for your home is key to your happiness long term. Whatever choices you make today, you will live with for years to come. You have to be sure that you are making the correct selection.

Remodeling your home is an exciting process that requires a lot of research and dedication. Save yourself the hassle of hunting down advice and let us help guide you.

Check out our tips for maintaining the perfect home and give yourself the life of your dreams today and every day.

Jan. 15, 2016

By Matt Blank of MBC Building & Remodeling

Thinking of hiring a contractor? A remodeling pro gives 11 tips on finding the right contractor and ensuring there are no surprises with your next project.

Everyone has heard the expression, “You get what you pay for.” This saying is never more relevant than when you’re planning a home improvement or remodeling project that involves hiring a contractor. Going by price alone increases the risk of project failure and can lead to higher costs down the road.

With the proper planning and a knowledgeable contractor, you can be assured of a job well done at a reasonable cost. Remember that home improvement or remodeling can be a fun experience for both you and your family. You should always choose the contractor you feel most comfortable working with.

Here are 11 tips to get the most out of your contractor and next home improvement project:

1. Connect with your contractor

The right person for the job will be easy to talk to. Make sure you see eye to eye by hiring a contractor that understands your goals and has experience in the type of job you are looking for. Communication is key for all projects, so insist on regular contact by email, phone or text messages. Allow the work crew to manage their day-to-day work, but set up a weekly face-to-face update from the foreman.

2. Understand that price reflects quality

Ask your contractor for his or her recommendations on how the project should take place. In the long run, is it worth cutting corners for a temporary fix? The lowest bid is not always the best. Request a written description of the materials necessary for the job. A low bid may indicate that a contractor uses sub-par materials or is desperate for work. The more accurate bid is likely somewhere in the middle.

3. Know a contractor’s credentials

Before you hire a contractor, be sure you understand their qualifications, including any certifications they have from national trade organizations. (Angie’s List/Eldon Lindsay)

Abbreviations behind your contractor’s name can represent certifications from national trade organizations. These indicate that the company belongs to certain organizations that bind them to a strict code of ethics. Such memberships, titles and abbreviations include certified graduate remodeler (CGR), certified aging in place specialist (CAPS), local Building Industry Association membership (BIA) and National Association of Home Builders membership (NAHB). Also, insist on hiring a licensed, bonded and insured contractor. This is a must. Otherwise, as the property owner you are liable if a member of the work crew gets injured on the job.

4. Get your home improvement contract in writing

Your contract should include: detailed time frames, the total cost, payment arrangements, your contractor’s license number, project description, names of parties involved and how to handle additional costs if necessary. Be cautious; if you are not given a timeline for the job to be completed, this may indicate the contractor has several current jobs and may not complete your job in a timely manner. Keep track of all-important information as well by keeping job-related documents such as contracts, payments and receipts in one place. Record key contact information for everyone working on your project.

5. Be upfront about your home improvement budget

If necessary, break the project down into multiple phases. Although this may increase the total cost due to repetitious start-up expenses and inflation, it may also be a better option for you to spread out the cost over time. Homeowners can often save money by doing somel tasks on their own, such as cleaning and painting.

6. Educate yourself about home improvement requirements

Know what permits are required and what regulations need to be followed for your remodeling project. Your contractor or architect should be responsible for applying for and acquiring all necessary permits. Don’t be passive, however; ask for information. Know what’s going on behind the scenes. The cost of the job will increase if the contractor is surprised by outdated wiring or other concealed budget busters.

7. Be prepared for home renovation

Before a job begins, make sure your home is prepared. That includes having an area where workers can store their tools, and sealing the site’s entry point.

• Select your colors and finishes before the painter arrives to save time.

• Review sample materials to make sure you are happy with them.

• Don’t forget to make space for the crew. Allow them to keep their supplies and equipment on site. The more organized and accessible these items are, the faster they will be able to do their work.

Try to avoid any potential loss. Remove any valuables or easily damaged items from the work site.

• Prevent dust accumulation by sealing the entry point with plastic sheeting and blue painter’s tape.

• Finally, have a “go-to-guy.” Pick someone to be the key contact between the contractor and the family. This will help keep communication clean and clear to avoid confusion.

8. Wait to start demolition

Begin demolition only after the new equipment and supplies have arrived, including windows, doors, appliances or any other essential items.

Inform the work crew where your property lines are located to prevent materials from being placed in the wrong area.

10. Keep your eye on the renovation prize

Although the project will be disruptive, don’t forget that the end result will be worth it.

11. Ensure things are complete before signing off on the renovation

Schedule a final walkthrough. Meet with your contractor and make note of any tasks that need to be completed. Be sure to request an affidavit of final release or lien wavier. Once the job is complete and the final payment is made, this clears you of any liability for third-party claims.

Editor’s note: This is an updated version of a story originally published on August 31, 2012.

Category: Residential Remodeling

THE TOP KITCHEN AND BATH REMODELING TRENDS FOR 2018