Author: @fl@nsburg

The kitchen is often one of the most social spaces in your home. Remodeling makes sense if you consider that a simple kitchen remodel has an average ROI of 81.1%, according to Zillow. Here are some ideas we suggest you should consider for your kitchen remodeling project.

Lighting

One option for kitchen lighting is a striking piece of statement lighting. Who cares about the size of your kitchen when you have a stunning piece of lighting? Task lighting works well in conjunction with statement lighting in a tiny kitchen. It can be mounted over a sink or a counter. They’ll brighten up your kitchen without taking up much room.

Use Bright Colors

Darker colors make a small kitchen feel smaller. Don’t go dark. White is a fantastic starting point, as you can add color with smaller appliances and decorations. Creating visual flow in limited areas is also a wonderful concept. A similar color palette will merge your kitchen with your living or dining room, making it appear larger.

Mirrors Are a Great Idea

Using mirror walls to make a small kitchen appear larger is a great idea when working on a kitchen makeover. They also serve to enhance light, making your kitchen appear more brilliant, and as an added bonus, they also serve to protect the walls against heat damage.

Use Stools

Your counter can be used as a table or bar, especially in a u-shaped kitchen. Backless stools are small enough to slip under the counter when not in use and provide a convenient option to sit in the kitchen. They’re available in a variety of styles and colors, so you’ll be able to choose ones that go well with the rest of your kitchen.

Try a New Kitchen Shape

Small u-shaped kitchen renovation ideas are great since they maximize space and provide for plenty of storage. By utilizing three adjacent walls with storage and counter space, these kitchens not only save floor space but also make it easier to find what you need.

Kitchen remodeling is a great place to start. When you do remodel, consider lighting, bright colors, mirrors, stools, and try a u-shaped kitchen. Contact a local professional remodeler like Flansburg Construction now to handle this kitchen remodeling for you.

Remodeling your home is one of the best ways to add value, style, and functionality. Nothing beats a remodeled home that you can enjoy and relax in! When remodeling your home, it’s important to choose the help of the best remodeling contractor around. Below are some tips to help you choose the right remodeling contractor.

1. Read Reviews

It’s not enough to take someone’s word at face value. When choosing a remodeling contractor, you’ll want to make sure you read customer reviews online. Were they satisfied with their remodel? Did their remodeling contractor finish a project on time and under budget? These are all helpful things to read up on and take into consideration.

Some of the best websites you can use to read reviews include Yelp, Google, and even the Better Business Bureau website. If you notice that there are lots of unhappy customers demanding their money back, it’s probably best to choose a different remodeling contractor.

2. Discuss Experience

According to money.com, almost 30% of home renovations included remodeling the bathroom. Chances are, you’ll also be looking for a way to remodel your bathroom using the help of a contractor. However, if you’re looking to do a more unique renovation, such as tile backsplashes, copper penny flooring, even upgrading your home to a steampunk style, these are all unique renovations that require a skilled remodeling contractor. Ask your remodeling contractor if they have experience doing these types of renovations. If they don’t, it’s best to shop around and find a contractor that can accommodate your requests. Remember, it’s okay to say no! The cost of remodeling your home might not be cheap, which brings us to tip number three.

3. Plan Your Budget

Always make sure to ask for the specific cost of upgrading and remodeling your home. Some contractors will guarantee they stay under budget, covering additional costs themselves. Others might not offer such a guarantee but will promise to deliver your project on time. Whatever the case may be, it’s important to shop around and get different quotes from your remodeling contractor candidates. Choose the contractor with the lowest quote and the highest reviews!

Remodeling your home doesn’t have to be a headache. Take your time to choose the right remodeling contractor and see just how helpful they can be!

Of all the parts of the home, the kitchen is likely the most important. This is the area where family and friends gather, celebrate, and create memories together. When it comes to kitchen designs, the more sophisticated, functional, and luxurious, the better. Whether you’re choosing to upgrade your home or want to have ideas for a newly built home, below are some of the hottest kitchen remodeling trends you should look out for.

1. Waterfall Countertops

Waterfall countertops are incredibly beautiful and can give the appearance of a seamless kitchen island. Waterfall countertops utilize two countertop slabs placed together using a mitered edge. These countertops can be made out of solid granite, stone, wood, or other materials.

When installing a waterfall countertop into your kitchen, keep in mind that this is a dramatic look. It’s best suited for more modern kitchens that embody bold style. If this is what you’re looking for when kitchen remodeling, consider waterfall countertops.

2. Open Floor Plan Kitchens

Gone are the days where kitchens were simply areas to eat and drink. According to comfyliving.net, up to 50% of homes in America were built before 1980. If you have an older home, your kitchen might be more traditional and housed in a separate area of the home. It’s best to integrate the kitchen and living room to create an open floor plan by tearing down any walls between the kitchen and main living space. Most modern homebuyers love these open floor plans, as they create a less cramped space.

3. Hidden Appliances

For a minimalist look, consider kitchen remodeling to hide appliances in plain sight. A dishwasher can be disguised as a regular cabinet. The refrigerator doors can appear as if they are a part of the wall. These hidden appliances not only allow your kitchen to appear seamless but also create a minimalist style.

4. Multi-purpose Kitchens

Multi-purpose kitchens are excellent ways to take advantage of the space. Add bookshelves to your kitchen island. Use your island as a backup office desk. Not only are multi-purpose kitchens incredibly functional, but with the right designer they can appear sophisticated and gorgeous.

Kitchen remodeling can seem daunting, and it can be difficult to know where to start. With these tips above, you can add on some of your own ideas and begin the journey of remodeling your home.

Flansburg Construction’s team of architects and designers aren’t just creative — they’re problem solvers. Homeowners come to us with a list of their home’s problems and their dreams for its future. Then the team gets to work on a plan to transform their home to meet their needs and style. Our in-design kitchen project in West Windsor is a perfect example. Here’s the problem and the plan: 

The Problem: Builder-grade Blunders

These West Windsor  homeowners were frustrated with their kitchen’s functionality and style. With builder-grade materials and bare-minimum features, their heart-of-the-home is not a place they enjoy spending time in and lacks the inviting feel they’d want their family and friends to experience. They’d like their new kitchen to have improved function and flow while reflecting their taste.  

The Plan: Custom-made & Contemporary

The transformation will start with a stylish, custom-built island in their new space. A two-tiered countertop designates food prep and serving areas, and a built-in dishwasher and storage cabinets will keep the kitchen looking clean and sleek. Around the island, ultra-modern barstool seating and an attached dining table will provide a great place to enjoy a meal.

We’ll craft tailor-made matte-black cabinets around an overlay refrigerator and spacious wine cooler. Despite all the impressive built-in features, there will be plenty of storage — especially with upper cabinets reaching to the ceiling. 

An oversize window and sliding glass door will flood the room with natural light and give the illusion of more space. This, combined with the polished, contemporary style, will make this kitchen a new favorite hangout. 

We can’t wait to get started on building this high-function, high-style kitchen. Stay tuned for updates as we move into construction!

Looking to design a home project of your own? Let us know how we can help.

Home upgrades and renovations are very common, particularly in older homes. Homeowners enjoy making their homes their own — and the best way to do this is with custom renovations and upgrades. After all, bathroom remodels are the second most popular remodeling project in the U.S., being surpassed only by kitchen remodels.

No matter what kind of remodeling project you’re planning to take on, you’ll want to work with the experts. And before you start a remodeling project, make sure you ask these questions of your remodeling contractors before you begin to ensure the process goes smoothly.

How Long Will the Project Take?

Estimates for completion are subject to change, of course. But you’ll want to have a general idea of whether the project will take days or weeks to complete so you can plan other aspects of your life accordingly.

How Much Will the Project Cost?

Likewise, cost estimates and quotes can fluctuate at times. However, knowing the general ballpark figure will help you plan what you will and won’t include in your renovation plans. Be sure to talk to your contractors about your budget and decide whether your plans align with that figure.

What Materials Will Be Used?

Material choice can have a big impact on the final look and feel of any room. Be sure to take the time to consider your options carefully and find something that works for your home, your budget, and your lifestyle. Some high-value materials may be tougher to obtain, especially with supply chain issues, and may not even be a good fit for your family. That said, you’ll also want to make sure that your home remodeling contractors regularly use quality materials that will withstand the test of time.

Who Will be Working on the Project?

Some construction companies work with third-party contractors. There’s nothing wrong with this practice, but you should have a clear idea about who will be working on your property and ensure they are properly licensed, trained, and insured. Feel free to ask your contractor about their hiring or screening processes to ensure you feel comfortable.

Where Are the Materials Sourced From?

If you care about sustainability or renewable resources, make sure you talk with your remodeling contractors about these issues and concerns before the project begins. Some remodeling companies specialize in sustainable practices, while others will be happy to incorporate eco-friendly materials into the project on request. For homeowners who have these causes on their list of priorities, it’s best to make that known upfront.

Who is My Point of Contact?

Sometimes, your point of contact during a project will be one of the remodeling contractors. This can vary from company to company, however. To ensure consistent communication and customer service, establish your go-to point person early on for any issues or questions you may have.

Is the Work Under Warranty?

The final question to ask about your project is what is covered under warranty and what other guarantees come with the work. This can provide peace of mind and ensure the outcome is of the highest quality. If something should go wrong, you can always refer back to this protection. And if a contractor doesn’t offer any kind of guarantee, that might be a sign to shop around until you find the right remodeling company.

Following these tips will help you get the most out of your home renovation and improve your relationship with the remodeling team. To learn more about how our remodeling contractors can help transform your space, please contact us today.

Many homeowners work on upgrades and renovations to improve the look and feel of their home. These upgrades are an investment, but the benefits are worthwhile –so much so that Americans spent around $13,000 on home projects in 2021, on average. According to home improvement marketplace HomeAdvisor, this was an increase of nearly 50% above what was spent in 2019.

But why are homeowners willing to earmark this expense for whole home renovations? Read on to find out!

Increases Property Value and Marketability

Whole home renovations that are done right will result in increased property values as a result. Depending on the kinds of renovations you undertake, you can expect an impressive return on investment. This makes the home more marketable and appealing to potential buyers who want a home with the latest upgrades and modern accessories and conveniences.

Makes the Home More Comfortable and Inviting

Renovating key areas of the home — such as the bathroom, master bedroom, and kitchen — can make your home more comfortable and enjoyable for you and your family. Improving these areas can make family time more enjoyable and relaxing for everyone. When you feel at home in your home, you can enjoy the time spent there and make better memories with family and friends.

Allows for Creative Personalization

Customization is a big benefit of owning your home and choosing to renovate. With a whole home remodeling project, you can bring in your own personal flare and touches to every aspect of your home. You can truly make your house into your home by customizing its look and functionality to fit your lifestyle.

Earns You Rebates and Tax Savings Discounts

The final benefit of whole home renovation work is that you can be rewarded for certain improvements and upgrades. Adding energy efficient windows and doors, upgrading to better appliances, and adding new rooms or a new roof can qualify you for certain tax write-offs in some cases. You can get the upgrade you want and be rewarded for it at the same time come tax season.

Consider the ways you can make your house feel more like a home with custom home renovation work. To learn more about how we can transform your property with a whole home renovation, please contact our team today.