Remodeling General Contractor | Melton Construction | Colorado

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How to Do a “Back to Basics” Kitchen Remodel

May 17, 2012
by Heather Shoning

Like many kitchen remodeling contractors, we’re seeing a back-to-basics trend with kitchen renovations. Now, basics doesn’t mean bare bones, Far from it. Homeowners still want a beautiful kitchen with luxurious extras, but they want kitchen remodeling to focus on functionality and personal style rather than on a “statement” kitchen remodel that features high-end everything and ornate flourishes everywhere.

Here are a few examples:

Streamlined cabinets and shelving. Cabinets make or break the look of your kitchen renovation. Even if you’re committed to repurposing as many elements as possible, chances are you’ll still want to make new cabinets part of your kitchen remodel because it can be surprisingly costly to repair, refinish and repaint existing cabinets. Open shelves are an increasingly popular option that can also save considerable money. The shelving itself can be anything from sturdy wood to elegant glass. In terms of style, even homeowners who prefer traditional style to a more contemporary feel are leaning toward sleeker cabinets without a lot of embellishments.

Something simpler. Granite countertops continue to be the standard for upscale kitchen remodeling, but more homeowners are telling kitchen contractors that polished granite countertops are too “showy” and too predictable. Quartz (Zodiaq, Silestone, Caesarstone) offers the look of stone, but without the maintenance of granite. The cost, however, is about the same as granite. Beautiful countertops also can be created from eco-friendly recycled glass and cement. As to hardware, kitchen remodelers often specify prefer cabinets without pulls. Where pulls do show, they’re simple and chrome is often chosen instead of the more expensive brushed nickel finish.

New flooring choices. I’ve been a kitchen remodeling contractor for a while, and it’s interesting to see more homeowners asking about wood flooring for the kitchen rather than tile which has been popular for so many years. I think wood is popular for two reasons: it helps unify the kitchen remodel with the surrounding spaces in an open floor plan and it adds a warm element to a kitchen design to balance very sleek cabinets, lighting and counters.

Visit our site to find more information about our kitchen remodeling services!

: Kitchen Remodeling

Can Architects Remodel Lives?

January 15, 2012
by Heather Shoning

I just saw an article in The Washington Post that highlighted the work that architect Michael Graves has done for the US Army: He has designed homes to give injured and disabled soldiers a chance to live with dignity and independence. What I think shines about these new homes is the way the architect (himself paralyzed from the waist down) incorporated accommodations with such subtlety that the impression is of graciousness, lightness, and great home design rather than institutional spaces built for soldiers in wheelchairs.

Many of the ways the architect uses space and builds in universal design features (wide hallways, multi-level kitchen work surfaces, high-contrast walls and floors, etc.) would add to the visual appeal, functionality and general livability of any home. These safety and accessibility features also make homes more “multigenerational.” Small children enjoy adaptations like having at least one lower-height counter in the kitchen, while older adults – visitors or the homeowners themselves – appreciate mobility-friendly spaces, lighting design, and safety features. The added benefit is that by designing a home that is more accessible, an architect also designs a home that is usually lower maintenance for the homeowners as well.

The Army’s injured-soldier homes offer an excellent example of how an experienced residential architect can design homes that do indeed improve how the homeowners feel about themselves, their living space and their lives.

If you’re thinking about remodeling or building a home, our own architect can work with you to make a home yours. Whether you have young children, aging parents, mobility issues or simply hate cramped spaces and climbing stairs, we can turn blueprints and plans into home that’s warm, welcoming, designed with plenty of “wow” and planned with care to remove frustrations, streamline functionality and give you spaces that are absolutely perfect for how you live.

Visit our site to find more information about our architectural and design services!

: Architecture
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“Kitchen of the Year” Isn’t New, Say Remodeling Contractors

December 27, 2011
by Heather Shoning

Every year, kitchen remodeling contractors – including us – pore over awards programs and magazine features showcasing the “Kitchen of the Year.” It’s a great way to stay current about the freshest trends in appliances, cabinets, colors, flooring, countertops and kitchen space-savers. But frankly, the three most important features of a great “Kitchen of the Year” never change.

Layout, for example, is always critical. Even when remodeling a large kitchen, we advise homeowners to keep the actual “cooking triangle” – stove, sink, refrigerator – compact so it is efficient for the cook.

New appliances make it much easier to create this efficiency without “cramping” the look of the layout. For instance, under-counter refrigerator drawers can tuck in almost anywhere. So can new microwaves that can be built in right under the counters of an island or other working area. That gives our kitchen designer more freedom to create a highly efficient layout while still creating a clean, open look.

The need for storage is another “Kitchen of the Year” feature that never changes. The good news is that there are always wonderful new gadgets, space-savers and built-ins that can keep all that kitchenware neat and accessible. That’s getting more and more important today since many of our clients want space that would once have gone to upper cabinets kept free for windows, wall space for displaying artwork, or room for a flat screen TV. So, while it’s true that storage is always at the top of new-kitchen priorities, as contractors we are being challenged to be ever more creative in coming up with solutions.

Finally, maintenance has always been – and will always be –essential for a great kitchen. So yes, every kitchen should be fairly easy to keep clean without a lot of extra products or extraordinary care. From the finishes on cabinets to choices for flooring, a new kitchen should be carefully designed to stand up to the family’s lifestyle. Otherwise, that shiny new kitchen will quickly start to look tired and worn. That’s why an experienced kitchen remodeler always discusses materials and maintenance with homeowners to find the right fit not just for the design, but for the family’s lifestyle.

No matter what kind of fixtures and finishes you choose, if you pay careful attention to layout, storage and maintenance, the result is almost certain to get your own enthusiastic vote as “Kitchen of the Year!”

Visit our site to find more information about our kitchen remodeling services!

: Kitchen Remodeling
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Home Remodeling Trends: Staying Put

December 1, 2011
by Heather Shoning

As a home remodeling contractor, one of the biggest changes we’re seeing is a trend that has come to be known as “staying put.”

For most homeowners, the turbulent housing market changed the notion that a home or condo is a fast-growing investment that can – and should – be traded in for a bigger, more expensive one every few years. With the “trade in” mindset, home remodeling priorities were about making improvements that would increase resale value rather than focusing on the personal preferences and unique lifestyle of the current homeowner. The goal was, after all, to move up to a bigger, better home that would ultimately have all those personal touches and comforts.

Now, however, it may take years for homes just to get back to their former values, not to mention gaining enough equity so that selling makes sense. Instead, staying put makes sense. And, instead of looking to the “next” home, remodeling contractors nationwide say their clients are increasingly looking to customize their current home for their own unique tastes, lifestyle and dream features.

Like other contractors, we’re seeing this shift from remodeling for resale value to remodeling to improve “right now” livability. For example, instead of looking to safe, generic choices (like stainless steel and granite in the kitchen), clients are thinking carefully about what they really like and making very creative choices in terms of everything from materials to home layouts.

In terms of what homeowners are choosing to remodel in our area, kitchens continue to be top priorities. After all, if you’re going to live with a kitchen for years to come, you want it to look good, function well and not be cut off from what’s happening in the rest of the house.

Traditional layouts are also getting a fresh look. For example, while a real estate agent might recommend leaving a center-hall Colonial layout just the way it is because future buyers might value the separate living room and dining room. “Staying put” homeowners, however, might want us to remodel those rarely used spaces into a more open floor plan that works better for their own family right now.

The take-away is that “staying put” doesn’t mean homes have to stay the same! When you’re remodeling for yourself – instead of for someone who may someday buy your home – you’re free to make choices that are creative, custom … and just plain fun!

Visit our site to find more information about our home remodeling services!

: Home Remodeling
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Bathroom Remodeling: Picking the Right Faucet

November 8, 2011
by Heather Shoning

Have things gotten a little out of date and worn in your bathroom? Remodeling can do more than update the way your bathroom looks: it can also improve the way it functions. Faucets, for example, are an important element and it’s important to consider more than just “eye appeal.” As bathroom contractors, we consider a variety of factors to help our clients choose a faucet that’s perfect for their newly remodeled bathrooms. Here are some of the things to look at:

Handle Style. Faucets come in both single- and dual-handle models. Single-handle models allow you to adjust the water flow and temperature with just one hand. Faucets with two handles generally provide more design flexibility and more precise temperature adjustment. Handle styles can vary dramatically in shape or design, and on some faucets, handles can be switched out according your bathroom remodeling design.

Finish. The finish and color of the faucet should coordinate with the décor of your remodeled bathroom. While chrome remains popular, other choices include nickel, stainless steel, enamel-coated colors, ceramic, pewter, gold, platinum and bronze. You can also choose between brushed or polished finishes. Remember that brushed finishes show fingerprints a little less!

Spout Style. The style of the spout should be determined by the size of the bathroom sink. While larger spouts have design impact, you may find that a more compact, lower-profile spout will make it easier to wash your face or hands.

Faucet Construction. The reliability and durability of a bathroom faucet is determined by its valve quality. As all bathroom remodeling contractors will tell you, the best faucets have solid brass, brass-based metal or corrosion-resistant workings. Compression-valve faucets are very reliable and can be maintenance-free. And remember, installing a high quality, name brand faucet now, can be less expensive than buying a cheaper model and having to replace it sooner.

Scald Protection. Anti-scald features include safety devices that restrict how far a hot water handle can be turned, valves that balance the hot or cold water pressure, and thermostats that maintain a pre-selected water temperature. Like most experienced bathroom contractors, we advise clients to consider this a “must” when remodeling a bathroom that will be used by children or older adults.

Hands-free. Hands-free electronic faucets are becoming increasingly popular from a convenience and energy-savings point of view. They use motion detection to turn on and off. Again, this is a “plus” in a children’s bathroom or in remodeling a bath for anyone with arthritis or mobility issues.

Visit our site to find more information about our bathroom remodeling services!

: Bathroom Remodeling
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Why We Love Architects

October 14, 2011
by Heather Shoning

In the remodeling industry, sometimes architects and design build firms just don’t get along. But we love working with architects, and here’s why.

Working with an architect who knows how plans actually get built is the best of all worlds. It can be in-house architects or outside architects – they just need to work with us enough to know our people and processes. Once we have that relationship, every aspect of the remodeling project seems to deliver a great experience for our clients and a great result.

Why is it important for architects to know what happens during construction? It means they understand first-hand how even small bits of information that are missing from plans can cause major confusion and delays while the carpenter, project manager or subcontractors try to figure things out. Architects with this experience tend to be more proactive in making their plans clear and complete. They enjoy more control over the final project, and the construction crew enjoys avoiding problems and staying on schedule.

Another thing we like about “construction savvy” architects is their awareness of how their designs relate to the cost of construction. Sometimes, for instance, architects will add something extra to a design that’s an innovative use of materials or a novel way to shape a space. Even the smallest flourish, however, can often add a lot of extra labor (and thus extra cost) to construction. Architects who are more in touch with construction, however, can anticipate how design work will affect the cost of the project and, if the impact isn’t worth the extra cost, they can rework the design to achieve the desired impact in a less labor-intensive way.

In addition, we love architects who specialize in the types of projects we do. While architects can in theory do any type of project, it’s always best to match them with projects with which they have the most experience. That way, if you’re remodeling a single-family home, the architect is already up to speed on building code and the types of problems that need to be solved in working with certain types of homes and lots. It’s the same with commercial space – it’s best to use an architect who specializes in commercial design.

So if design build firms don’t have “harmony” working with architects, it might be that they’re just working with architects who aren’t the right fit for their firm. For us, it seems to be a win all around – for us, our clients, the architect, and for the finished remodel.

: Architecture
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Home Remodeling for the “Sandwich” Generation

October 6, 2011
by Heather Shoning

I just came across a statistic showing that the number of multi-generational homes in the US has risen to a 50-year high. As a home remodeling contractor, this trend isn’t exactly news to me.
Even before the recession, more and more home remodeling projects involved creating suites for college grads who returned to live with Mom and Dad for several years while “getting on their feet.” We were also doing a number of projects to create extra space to accommodate elderly parents moving in – with remodeling being a far friendlier (and economical) solution than putting Grandma or Grandpa into assisted living facilities.

Moving in together also makes good sense in our “post-recession” world when different generations may need to pull together to overcome economic challenges.

No matter why people come together, there can be enormous rewards to multi-generational living. Now, of course I’m a home remodeling contractor, but from my perspective the secret to success seems to be to adapting the house with the right blend of private and “together” spaces.

Here are three home remodeling tips that seem to make a big difference when multiple generations live together:

Bathrooms: The more bathrooms, the fewer frustrations. Ideally, bathrooms would be “in suite,” associated with each bedroom. When bathrooms are shared, good storage space is critical in creating comfort and minimizing arguments over mess and clutter.

Sitting rooms: Even small bedrooms can be remodeled to include a separate sitting area. This creates a valuable retreat where family members can enjoy a little private time away from the rest of the busy, noisy household.

Gathering rooms: It’s important to create gathering rooms – kitchens, dining rooms and family rooms – that are spacious enough to welcome the whole family. Within a great room, for example, it’s a good idea to design different areas so that the kids can enjoy jumping up and down with their video games without being right on top of Gran who’s trying to finish the crossword. The kitchen should have space for the kids to do homework or enjoy a snack while the adults are sharing cooking duties.

: Home Remodeling
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Kitchen Remodeling You Can Love “Forever”

September 30, 2011
by Heather Shoning

One of the most interesting trends I’m seeing as a kitchen remodeling contractor is this: couples in their 40s and 50s designing kitchens today so the counters, lighting and layouts will continue to accommodate them when they’re in their 70s and 80s. Even if you don’t necessarily plan on being in your current home forever, the reasons behind this trend are solid – and worth considering as part of your own kitchen remodeling project.

For starters, the features that make the kitchen friendly to people who may have disabilities or mobility issues when they’re older also make the kitchen friendlier to the whole family today. Kitchen counters of variable heights that might one day accommodate a cook in a wheelchair, for instance, are also the perfect height for adults of different heights and for inviting children to help in the kitchen. Activities like kneading bread and chopping are also easier with counter heights of 30″ rather than the standard 36″.

Lighting is another factor to consider. The more natural light you can bring into the kitchen, the better. Aging eyes need far more light to see well, and today’s cooks can enjoy a sunshine-filled kitchen. In addition to windows, glass blocks, skylights and other sources of daylight, a forward-looking kitchen remodel should also include a variety of lighting: ambient sources for general lighting and brighter, more focused lighting for tasks.

With thoughtful design, today’s kitchen remodeling can even find elegant ways to incorporate safety features. Today, for example, the sturdy bar across the front of a sink holds kitchen towels. Down the road, it will also become a grab bar that can steady the balance while reaching down to pick up something that has fallen to the floor. Contrast is another key to safety. As our eyesight dims, it can be harder to see where the floor ends and cabinets, doorways or even stairs begin. By looking ahead now, you can use colors and textures to create strong contrasts – and extremely handsome designs as well!

Remember that today’s kitchen remodeling contractors have access to an amazing array of fixtures, finishes, products and materials. So a kitchen that’s designed for “forever” can still look stylish – and gorgeous – today.

: Kitchen Remodeling
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A New Trend in Bathroom Remodeling

September 22, 2011
by Heather Shoning

When you call in a bathroom remodeling contractor, you want more than just a new bathroom. You want a bathroom that looks new, too. Achieving that means doing more than just having new cabinets and fixtures. You also want a fresh look for the “footprint” of your bathroom.

Remodeling today is about opening up floor space so that rooms feel airier. In the bathroom, this trend can be seen in a variety of ways. Here are three ideas to consider for updating your own bathroom to have a more open, spa-like feel:

  • A free-standing tub. Bathroom remodeling today often means rethinking those built-in Jacuzzi tubs. Today, these big, blocky elements can look clumsy and dated. Instead, like many bathroom remodeling contractors, we have more and more clients asking for elegant free-standing tubs. These can be sculpted and ultra modern, or contemporary takes on the classic claw-footed tub. What makes the look especially fresh is having the tub “float” by placing it on an angle with space on all sides rather than flat against the bathroom wall.
  • A large, open shower. Again, many of the bathrooms we’re remodeling have a dated look because the showers are too small and blocky. Even having a glass door and a glass wall look old-fashioned today. What updates the look is going larger and with a much more open feel. Some of the extra space can often come from removing the large built-in tub as described above. Showers also include amenities like a built-in bench with walls of seamless glass (none of those outdated brass or chrome edges from the ’80s and ’90s!). Another trend is doing away with shower doors by constructing the enclosure to contain the water.
  • Cabinets and vanities that float. Today’s freshest looks for bathroom remodeling include cabinets that have legs instead of having doors go all the way to the floor. Vanities themselves sometimes have no legs at all – they are constructed as ledges without floor supports. Open shelving adds to the open feel. Vessel sinks remain popular because they also lift up the look of the bathroom instead of weighing it down.
: Bathroom Remodeling
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It May Finally Be Time to Call A Home Remodeling Contractor

September 15, 2011
by Heather Shoning

As a home remodeling contractor, I was interested in an article I came across on the Motley Fool investment advisor website, and thought homeowners might be interested, too. According to this investment advisory team, “the U.S. housing market is a disaster.” Well, that’s not news. But the article goes on to say, “it may come as a shock that home remodels are on the rise.”

In fact, the investment advisors report that the seasonally adjusted Remodeling Market Index (RMI) compiled by the National Association of Home Builders is at its highest level since 2006. In addition to measuring a rise in homeowners’ current and future plans to remodel, the RMI also reflects homeowners’ willingness to stay put rather than moving “up.” Whatever the reason – tight credit or a desire to sit tight until housing prices recover at least a little – more people are choosing to remodel. Plus, the Motley Fool article says “it’s likely that the number of remodels will continue to tick higher.”

We think this is good news for home remodelers – and for homeowners. Fact is, that with a sensible, well-planned remodeling project, you can fall in love with your home all over again. Plus, you might find that you can get that beautiful new look and living space for less than you’d pay for the real estate commissions, closing costs and moving expenses involved in finding a new home.

Even if you can’t or don’t want to move, talking with a home remodeler now comes with a dividend. You immediately enjoy more comfort and day-in-day-out livability. You also keep your home’s perceived value “up to standard” so that if you do eventually put it on the market, it can be far easier to sell than a home that hasn’t been freshened and upgraded.

No question about it: for all of us, our homes are major investments. So maybe we can consider remodeling as good “investment advice.” And for good measure, maybe I’ll also take a look at buying a few shares of Home Depot or Lowe’s!

: Home Remodeling
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Kitchen Remodeling Using Today’s Smart Technologies

September 7, 2011
by Heather Shoning

“Smart technologies” give kitchen remodelers a way to delight homeowners with great new functionality plus sleek designs. Plus, many products pack more features into a smaller footprint so that even smaller areas can become true dream kitchens.

What are some of the smart technologies capturing the most interest in the kitchen remodeling world? Here are just a few:

Cool kitchen cooker hoods. Cooker hoods have come a long way from those functional but clunky models that removed odors and grease but that didn’t do much for the style of the kitchen. One new hood from Home Tone, for instance, has a high-performance, smart-technology cooker hood that has also won top design awards. This particular hood combines glass and stainless steel with LED lights that illuminate the cooking surface and lets kitchen remodeling contractors deliver plenty of “wow!”

Custom refrigerator solutions. Sub-Zero has come out with freezer and refrigerator “columns” that can be combined with refrigerator and freezer drawers to create exactly the food storage arrangement that works best for a particular homeowner. They can be completely paneled like the cabinets, or they can feature stainless steel doors. While these Sub-Zero solutions are on the high end, kitchen remodelers can help clients explore these as well as other ways to customize refrigeration. Plus, with the fridge and freezer space incorporated into the “cabinetscape,” kitchen remodelers don’t have to design around a bulky refrigerator.

More range for the range. Today’s ovens make it easier than ever to cook like a pro at home. One of BlueStar’s ovens incorporates features recommended by celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson, including the ability to cook anywhere from 220 degrees for slow cooking, up to 850 degrees for searing meats and other foods. There’s also an optional “French door” to the oven so you don’t have to bend in over a wide pull-down door to get dishes in and out.

: Kitchen Remodeling
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The Bathroom: Remodeling Experts Say “It’s the New Den!”

September 2, 2011
by Heather Shoning

When MSN.com’s real estate team surveyed bathroom remodeling contractors, the responses showed that for many homeowners, trends point to the fact that today’s master bathroom is becoming the new den.

No kidding! The master bedroom used to be the ultimate home getaway spot, but now many homeowners are exploring what they can do to remodel bathrooms not just into getaways, but into veritable spas.  From skylights to sound systems, features that used to be for family rooms are now on homeowners’ lists for their bathroom remodeling projects! According to the article, the reason seems to be that our busy, noisy and crowded lives are prompting more and more of us to seek a sanctuary in our homes where we can enjoy pampering, peace and quiet, and what is perhaps the biggest luxury of all: privacy!

The survey identified 13 of the trendiest features of bathroom dens. Some of them – like dual vanities, tankless water heaters and grab bars don’t necessarily have the ring of things you’d want in your den. And of course you’d include beautiful tiles, elegant “hideaway” storage, and even radiant heat floors. So, let’s leave out these obvious features and put on our bathroom remodeling hats to brainstorm other ideas for a dreamy bathroom.  What about …

  • A fireplace? Imagine enjoying your soaking tub by firelight!
  • A steambath? Talk about not sweating the small stuff – these units are so relaxing it can ALL seem like small stuff.
  • A flatscreen TV? You can even have units installed to sit behind a mirror so you only see them when they’re on. Enjoy news, programs … or just blissfully spa-like music.
  • A small fridge with icemaker? Perfect for chilling cucumber eye treatments and cool drinks.
  • A planter box? Coupled with a skylight or window, a planter box brings nature indoors. Even picky plants like orchids can thrive thanks to the moisture.

How about you? What would you love to include in your own “dreamy den” bathroom remodeling project?

: Bathroom Remodeling
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Ideas from a Professional Bathroom Remodeling Contractor

August 24, 2011
by Heather Shoning

What would a professional bathroom remodeler do with your bathroom? A bathroom remodeling contractor with years of experience as should be able to suggest creative ways to use new and traditional products, layout, and design to achieve the look and functionality you want. Here are a few things we like to suggest when working on a bathroom remodeling project:

  • Get a great look that’s also a great value. Hand-painted porcelain tiles, for example, are a beautiful choice for a bathroom. Remodelers love to work with them, but they may take up too much of your total budget, especially if you’re remodeling a large bathroom. Often, however, there are very fine alternatives that can satisfy your design concept by giving you the same look and coloring of high-end materials. You can also design the bathroom to use the more expensive materials as an accent so that you still get the “wow” factor.
  • Splurge a little. It’s true that you might not necessarily need “extras” like a steam shower or a towel warming drawer, but you may find that these luxuries create a pampering, spa-like environment that you enjoy day after day.
  • Design for how you really live. Quiet, luxurious soaking tubs seem to be replacing the noisier Jacuzzis as the first choice for today’s bath lovers. But while soaking tubs tend to be smaller than Jacuzzis, they still take up considerable floor space. The question to ask yourself before you reflexively install a tub when remodeling is will you use it. For many people – including many older couples – the answer is “no.” If that’s the case, why install both a tub and a shower? Instead, you might consider saving the space (and money) you’d spend on a tub – or using that same budget to enjoy a larger, more luxurious shower with seats, a no barrier design and extra room for storage. If you are remodeling with resale as a high priority, you may wish to include a tub in your plans even if you don’t plan on using it yourself. However, you might not have the tub in your bathroom.
  • Think universal design. No matter how young and fit you are, a bathroom designed for safety and effortless access will be a smart investment. If you’re older, features such as walk-in tubs can let you enjoy baths without worrying about climbing in and out of a traditional tub. Curbless showers are another good feature. A good bathroom remodeler can integrate grab bars, good lighting, non-slippery floors, and other universal design features beautifully into any style of bathroom so that you can enjoy your home longer while still being safer from slips and falls.
: Bathroom Remodeling
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Home Remodeler Tips for “Always Fresh” Kitchen Cabinets

August 17, 2011
by Heather Shoning

As part of re-doing your kitchen, your home remodeler will ask you to select cabinets. There are so many styles to choose from that you won’t find it hard to zero in on cabinets that are perfect for your budget, tastes, and the configuration of your new kitchen. But a question we get a lot from our clients is this: “How do I choose cabinets that won’t look dated in a few years?”

It’s an important question. As a home remodeler, we can tell you that cabinets are a big portion of your kitchen remodeling budget. When you make that investment, you want to feel confident that your kitchen retains its “wow” even as styles change – and you can be sure they will! Here are two bits of advice to help you pick cabinets today that will continue to look stylish down the road.

Go with what you love. Today’s home remodeler magazines are brimming with a “new” look in kitchens where cabinets are painted or stained in everything from soft grays and greens to vibrant yellows and blues. If you love colored cabinets, then by all means go with a stained or painted finish rather than maple, cherry, oak or other wood finishes. You may, however, want to stick with softer, more neutral shades for the cabinets themselves – you can always add a punch of color by painting the walls, which is much easier to update than your cabinets.

Consider choosing a minimum of detail. We’re not talking about plain cabinets – after all, we’re home remodelers so it’s our job to give your new kitchen plenty of pizazz! But remember that the more details, the more your cabinets are locked into a particular look. For example, if you decide you want a sleeker, more modern look but have arched-paneled cabinets with elaborately carved moldings, it’s going to be a challenge to achieve the fresh new look you seek. If cabinets have less pronounced detailing, you have more options. In fact, you may be able to make over your kitchen – even take it from classic to contemporary – simply by switching out cabinet hardware and updating your counter-top accessories.

Always opt for quality. When it comes to home remodeler tips for cabinets, this is the most important. That’s because nothing dates a kitchen more than cabinets that start to sag, chip, or lose their finish. For cabinets that continue to look good year after year, buy the best cabinets you can within your budget today.

: Home Remodeling
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What You Might Not Know About Home Energy Audits

August 10, 2011
by Heather Shoning

Did you know that a home energy audit can reveal far more than drafts, poor insulation and other energy-robbers? It can also reveal habits – times you use the most energy, rooms you spend the most time in, etc. Even better, it can show you how to turn those home energy habits into a home that not only gobbles up less energy, but one that also feels, breathes and “lives” so much better than it does now.

Here is just one example of how using a home energy audit to learn about habits can lower home energy costs and make your home more livable:

During a home energy audit, one homeowner mentioned that her home office was dark and cold year-round. In summer, the air conditioning froze her out so that she had to wear a sweater. In winter, her feet got so cold she found herself using a space heater. The home energy auditor discovered that part of the problem was that the ductwork to the room was improperly sealed and both warm and cool air were flowing into the wall rather than into the house. The north-facing windows were also old and in need of caulking. Instead of just getting standard energy-efficient replacements, the homeowner had the original openings enlarged to accommodate spacious new windows that doubled the amount of sunlight she enjoyed throughout the day. Skylights weren’t feasible because the office was on the first floor of the two-story home, but daylighting tubes were a good substitution, flooding the room with soft, natural light. In fact, the office is now so light and airy that the homeowner only uses electric lighting when she works at night.

When you work with a home energy audit company that can also handle the performance upgrades and offer remodeling ideas, you get more than just that “one stop” convenience. You also benefit from expertise that can turn your habits and the way you use the house into smart, affordable improvements that make a huge difference not just in energy savings, but in livability, too!

: Home Energy
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