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Planning a Fall Home Remodeling Project? Here’s What You Need to Know

Written by @fl@nsburg on . Posted in Kitchen Remodeling.

Fall is the perfect time to kick off a home remodeling project. The weather is more agreeable, there’s still plenty of sunlight, and it’s before the holidays where you can host and show off the work you’ve done to your home. The increased time spent in doors lets you take a long hard look at your home’s features, and it can inspire ideas of what to change.

Whether you’re planning to update your kitchen, expand your bathroom, place an addition, or do a whole home renovation, fall can be a good time to get these tasks started, but the work doesn’t get done overnight.

Here’s a few things to consider to maximize your results for a fall home remodel:

Plan Earlier Than You’d Think

The process from plan to remodel is longer than a few weeks, so you’ll want to think about the changes to your home sooner. A quality remodeling project requires considerable planning before the execution, so you’ll need time based on the scope of the project, the time for design, selecting materials, planning the budget, acquiring the permits, and scheduling the work.

Design-build firms can simplify this process because it’s all coordinated under one team. Instead of managing multiple contractors, homeowners have a central point of contact throughout the entire process.

Define Your Wants

Think about what you’d like to accomplish with your remodeling project. Instead of focusing on the small last-minute details like finishes and furnishings, think about the space. What’s working? What isn’t? Think about how to use the room, what the storage and flow is like, and what improvements are most important to you. Think of the “why” before the “how.”

Set a Realistic Budget

For the best success, you’ll need to establish a realistic budget that not only includes the entire project, but room for any change orders, fees, permits, and additional fixtures. Your home remodeling professional can provide you with a breakdown of the costs, as well as options to consider to ensure that it’s a number that you’re comfortable with. They’ll help you understand where the money is going and what you’re getting out of it.

Think of Materials that Blend Fashion and Function

Of course you want your new home remodel to shine, but you also want it to have good flow. Choosing the right materials can create a warmer and more inviting environment. When selecting materials like countertops, flooring, cabinets, lighting, and plumbing fixtures, think about factors like:

  • Maintenance requirements
  • Durability
  • Longevity
  • Availability

Considering these factors, as well as talking with your remodeling partner, will help you choose the right materials for the job.

Consider How the Remodel will Affect Your Daily Life

Having your home remodeled can be an exciting experience, but it can also be disruptive. If you work from home, the sound of hammers and drills may be a distraction and not conducive to a productive workday. A good contractor will communicate the construction process to help you learn how the work will affect the household, as well as the best times to maybe relocate to avoid any major disruptions.

Work with a Team that Can Blend Design & Construction

After you’ve considered what you want to change or add with your home, the next step is finding the right contractor. Design-build firms handle all of the necessary details to provide an easy hands-off experience, rather than putting you at the helm with coordinating, getting permits, and materials.

If you’re ready to take the next step and begin planning your home remodeling project this fall, look to Flansburg Construction. We can help you get the most out of your home remodeling experience that will transform your home and give it new life.

Important Updates to Consider During a Kitchen Remodel

Written by @fl@nsburg on . Posted in Kitchen Remodeling.

If you’re planning on updating your kitchen and working with a kitchen remodeling contractor to bring your vision to life, there are some considerations to think about before beginning the actual process.

Your kitchen is the busiest and most important room in your home. It’s also its major selling point, so you’ll want to carefully consider these updates to ensure that it’s what you want, it’s going to bring value to your home, and it’s going to add function.

At Flansburg Construction, we’ve remodeled countless kitchens in Central New Jersey and parts of Bucks County, PA. Here are some things that you should consider if you plan on remodeling your kitchen:

Think About Your Goals

You’ll want to take the time to think about what you want to accomplish with your kitchen remodeling contractor. Are you looking to elevate your cooking experience, have a place for entertaining, or you simply want to update your outdated kitchen? Knowing the why is key to exploring the how.

Layout Configurations

What’s probably the most important decision to make involves the layout. Are you happy with it? Do you wish your kitchen was bigger? If so, how will expanding it affect the rest of the house?

It may involve taking down non-load-bearing walls, which would certainly open your kitchen. But you also need to consider the placement of appliances, cabinetry, and seating areas. Do these work as is or would it make more sense to reconfigure your kitchen’s layout?

Open concept kitchens have become increasingly popular in the last few years as they expand the space in your kitchen and connect it to areas like the living and dining room.

Storage Considerations

Do you have plenty of cookware and no place to put them that’s convenient? Or kitchen tools that don’t make sense having out in plain sight? Remodeling your kitchen is your chance to include built-in storage that not only tucks these materials away but also elevates the look and feel of your kitchen. Items like pull out drawers, roll out pantries, dividers, and lazy Susans may allow you to maximize the storage space in your kitchen.

Stronger Ventilation

If you’ve ever set the fire alarm off while crafting a culinary masterpiece, you know that having strong ventilation is necessary for a productive kitchen. If you cook often, it may be the right move as it will immediately take out any excess smoke or steam, allowing the air in your kitchen to remain clear.

Style & Design

Your kitchen speaks volumes about you, and your personal style. This should be reflected in your remodel, but you’ll also want to make sure that the style that you pick is timeless.

Consider a natural and organic style for a timeless feel that encompasses natural materials and pale colors. You’ll also want to choose the right countertop that seamlessly blends the colors of the wall, backsplash, and cabinets. An accent wall may also help give your kitchen an elevated and luxurious feel.

Efficient Lighting & Appliances

One way to update your kitchen’s look while also helping you save on energy costs is adding new light fixtures with energy-efficient LED lights. These provide sufficient lighting, and when paired with a dimmer or accent lighting, it can help you establish the mood you’re going for with your kitchen.

Energy-efficient appliances can also be a smart upgrade as they can help elevate the new style of your kitchen as well as limit the burden on your energy bills while adding function.

Find the Right Kitchen Remodeling Contractor to Help Update Your Kitchen

If you’ve thought about your kitchen remodel and determined your wants and needs, the next step is finding the right contractor to help you see it through. When you’re ready to start visualizing your dream kitchen, look to Flansburg Construction for help.

As a design-build firm, we can implement your ideas into a cohesive design and see it through until the final walkthrough.

Get in touch with us today for a consultation!

Top Kitchen Trends Homeowners Love

Written by @fl@nsburg on . Posted in Bathroom Remodeling, Kitchen Remodeling, NJ Home Improvement, NJ home remodeling.

The kitchen is considered the heart of your home, but today, it’s more than just a place to cook and wash dishes. It’s a place to gather, entertain, and create. But if you’re considering updating this part of your house with the help of a kitchen remodeling contractor, it’s important to update it to your wants, needs, and style.

Flansburg Construction has helped homeowners transform their kitchen into one of the most valuable places in their home. Here’s a few of the top kitchen trends that homeowners love and are incorporating into their remodeling and renovation projects.

Incorporating Warm & Natural Materials

An all-white kitchen has a sanitary look that may not be the most comforting. Mixing in organic color palettes can add a warmth to the space. Adding natural materials like wood or stone can further add character to the room giving it a warm and inviting aesthetic.

You can include:

  • Quartzite or marble countertops
  • Natural wood accents and cabinetry
  • Textured or handmade backsplash
  • Warm metal finishes like brushed nickel or brass

Installing Expansive Islands

If you’re planning on opening up the space, adding more surfaces can keep the kitchen functional. Adding a large island not only includes an added surface, but it can be the central hub for prepping, cooking, entertaining, and even acting as a temporary office when working from home

Your kitchen island can include:

  • Built-in appliances
  • Additional seating
  • Contrasting cabinet colors
  • Additional sink

Getting Smarter with Storage

Finding storage that doesn’t take up a significant amount of space can be a challenge, but it’s also a chance to get creative to maximize storage and keep your kitchen free of clutter. Smart storage ideas can include:

  • Pull-out shelves
  • Deep drawers for cookware
  • Built-in trash and recycling
  • Corner cabinet organizers

Hide the Appliances

While you rely on appliances every day, some of them may not match the décor and style of your kitchen. A popular trend is integrating the appliances directly into the cabinetry, seamlessly blending these appliances into the design gives your kitchen a custom look, a better visual flow, and a cleaner appearance.

Add Statement & Mood Lighting

Lighting can make a major difference in the look and feel of your kitchen, and the right ambient lighting can add personality that reflects your style.

Popular lighting upgrades can include:

  • Geometric or sculptural fixtures
  • Layered lighting for mood and tasks
  • Mixed metal for finishes
  • Above-island pendant lights

Designate Areas of Your Kitchen

While your kitchen has many uses, you can designate specific portions of your kitchen for them. You can install a coffee bar and even a cocktail corner that can be smartly designed and tucked away to be both convenient and hidden.

Update Your Kitchen with Flansburg Construction Today

Your home’s kitchen says a lot about you. If you’re interested in updating your kitchen’s style to include modern amenities, convenience, and smart storage, you can look to us to help you get started.

As a design-build firm, we can take your wishes and incorporate them into the design so you can get the most out of your kitchen.

Where Your Budget Goes in a Home Remodeling Project

Written by @fl@nsburg on . Posted in Bathroom Remodeling, Kitchen Remodeling, NJ Home Improvement, NJ home remodeling.

When the time comes to enlist the help of a home remodeling contractor to transform your home into a modern and stylish space, there’s a bevy of things to consider, but budget may be the most important discussion in the process.

While you may set a specific budget, you may wonder: where does the budget actually go? At Flansburg Construction, we’ve assisted countless homeowners in coming up with a realistic budget to help them get what they want without adding extra expenditures.

Here’s a look at where your budget goes when you’re working with a home remodeling contractor:

The Foundation: The Design & Planning Process

It’s important to carefully plan out the remodel before any demolition begins, especially in the design-build process. Professional design ensures that the remodel will be structurally sound, functional, compliant with codes, and is aligned with what you want.

This process includes consultations, design and space planning, material selection, permit preparation, and the budget development.

Allocating for Labor

Any successful remodeling project is built upon the experience and skill of various laborers, including carpenters, electricians, plumbers, HVAC techs, painters, project managers, and more. While this sector allocates a big chunk of the budget, it’s important to select highly skilled and experienced workers instead of chasing the lowest bid. Let the phrase “you get what you pay for” work in your favor.

Material Purchases

Materials make up one of the largest portions of your budget. The costs may adjust based on a variety of factors like quality, brand, and even customization. These materials include everything from drywall and insulation to countertops, cabinetry, and even appliances.

Permits & Inspections

As with any build, it’s important to have your paperwork in order to make sure that everything is above board in the eyes of your town, county, and state. Adhering to building codes and having regular inspections that pass reduces the risk of any fees or violations. This portion of the budget, and arguably the smallest, goes towards the permit applications, plan reviews, and the various inspections that occur throughout the project.

Project Management & Oversight

Coordination is a vital component to the process of remodeling your home. Scheduling different trades, ordering materials, managing the timeline, and ensuring quality control and open communication with you is an essential part of the entire process.

Planning for the Unexpected

While having your budget laid out before the process begins is important, part of your budget should be contingent on any unexpected issues. Older homes can have surprises like hidden damage, structural issues, and even outdated wiring that needs to be updated to be up to code.

While the unexpected doesn’t always happen, it’s important to plan for so you don’t go over your intended budget.

Let Flansburg Construction Help Your Plan a Reasonable Budget for Your Home Remodeling Project

If you’re deciding on what to remodel and how much it will cost, we can help you plan on your project that will ensure that despite the cost, you’ll have materials and construction that will be designed for longevity, creating long-lasting value in your home.

Get in touch with us to start planning your project or review our costs guide to get a better idea of a budget!

Whole-Home Remodel Ideas for Modern Living

Written by @fl@nsburg on . Posted in Bathroom Remodeling, Kitchen Remodeling, NJ Home Improvement, NJ home remodeling.

Modern living blends style, convenience, comfort, and efficiency, so if you’re looking to take your living space into the modern age with a whole-home remodel, there are a few factors and ideas to consider to help you get the most out of your project.

As lifestyles change, working from home becomes more normalized, and families grow, there are some major updates that your house could use to help you get the most out of your home.

At Flansburg Construction, we’ve helped homeowners realize their wants and needs with their home and transformed their living space into a modern and functional home. Here are a few ideas that you can incorporate in your home remodeling:

Connection Through Open Spaces

One major factor that all modern homes feature is open spaces. Walls are remolded to make rooms flow better, open up areas for entertaining, and give the kitchen more space for cooking and crafting.

These ideas include:

  • Combining the kitchen, dining, and living room
  • Using lighting, flooring changes, and ceiling treatments to identify areas while avoiding closing them off
  • Adding larger entryways and glass partitions to make separation flexible

Functional & Modern Kitchen

The kitchen is one of the most important features of your home, so it requires special attention and detail to maximize your home’s transformation.

Popular kitchen upgrades include:

  • Walk-in pantries to avoid counter clutter
  • Sleek and durable countertops
  • Large islands for seating, storage, and function
  • Smart appliances for added convenience

Flexible Rooms for Many Purposes

Multi-tasking is easy when you have a modern home that offers flexibility and many purposes, allowing you to focus on work, wellness, and even entertaining.

These spaces include:

  • A dedicated home office that offers built-in storage and sound control
  • A guest room that’s also a gym or hobby space
  • A playroom that can evolve

Bathrooms for a Spa-Like Experience

While bathrooms serve and important function, they can also be a temporary escape and add a luxurious high-end feel to your home.

Must-have modern bathroom features include:

  • Walk-in showers
  • Large titles, heated floors, and towel warmers
  • Floating vanities and wall-mounted features
  • Soft lighting and color patterns

Smart Home Technology & Energy Efficiency

Modern homes should feature the latest in smart appliances and fixtures that not only add convenience to daily life, but work towards being energy-efficient.

These upgrades include:

  • High-performance windows and modern insulation
  • Efficient HVAC systems
  • Smart thermostats and lighting
  • LED lighting plans for each room

Modernize Your Whole Home Remodel with Flansburg Construction

If you are looking for ways to bring your home into the modern age, whole home remodeling is one of the most effective and satisfying ways to get it done. While there’s a lot to consider, you can let us help you plan everything along the way. As a design-build firm, we can take your ideas and implement them into a cohesive design that you can be happy with.

From there, we can work towards bringing your ideas to life and leave you with a modern and efficient home that you can be proud of.

Ready to get started? Contact us today!

Home Remodeling Ideas Before Listing Your House on the Market

Written by @fl@nsburg on . Posted in Bathroom Remodeling, Kitchen Remodeling, NJ Home Improvement, NJ home remodeling.

When you go to list your house on the market, you’ll want to try and get an offer as close to your asking price as possible, however, if you complete some important home remodeling tasks, you may get more than you originally planned.

Today’s buyers are smart, and they know what they want when they’re looking for their next home. Outdated features and style can be a detriment that can leave your home on the market for months. However, smart home remodeling can not only make your home more attractive to buyers, but it could also result in you getting more value.

At Flansburg Construction, we’re here to explore the various ways that you can update your home before listing that can help maximize your return.

Tackle Maintenance Issues First

Before redoing a bathroom or kitchen, it’s important to address any maintenance needs. Buyers will look for red flags before anything else, so it’s important to make sure that your home’s features are in good shape. Small issues can lead to lower offers, so tending to these needs is crucial to maximizing the return on your home.

These maintenance updates include:

  • HVAC/Plumbing/Electrical
  • Water Damage/Stains
  • Cracked Tiles/Warped Flooring
  • Roof Condition
  • Peeling Paint/Trim

Minor Kitchen Updates that Maximize Appeal

You don’t have to pour a bunch of money into your home right before you sell it but making sure that your home appeals to buyers is important. The kitchen is the most important room in the home, so making sure that it’s up to modern standards can help attract buyers.

Some of these updates can include:

  • Refinishing/Repainting Cabinets
  • Updating Hardware
  • Replacing Countertops
  • Add Modern Lighting/Fresh Backsplash
  • Updating Old Appliances

Update Your Bathrooms

Bathrooms can be a deciding factor for buyers. You don’t need to completely remodel your bathroom, but a simple update can go a long way at improving the space.

Effective bathroom updates include:

  • New Countertop/Vanity
  • Modern Fixtures
  • Neutral Paint Colors
  • Modern Lighting/Mirrors
  • Frameless Shower Glass

Boost Your Curb Appeal

First impressions are everything, and since buyers will first see your home online, it’s important to make it look its best before the pictures are taken. This includes updating the exterior so it leaves a great impression for when buyers come to visit. You can add fresh paint, update the front door, include new exterior lighting, add a modern garage door, and even enhance the yard with some fresh landscaping.

Open Up Spaces Where it Makes Sense

Open spaces are a major selling point, and if possible, you may want to open up some spaces in your home to boost the style and flow. Take out non-load-bearing walls, open up the kitchen to the living room, and find functional storage options. This small but effective transformation can be very appealing to potential buyers.

Let Flansburg Construction Help You Get Your Home Ready for Market

If you’re in the process of figuring out how to boost your home’s resale value before putting it on the market, there’s a few home remodeling tasks that can help. Let the team at Flansburg Construction assist you in transforming your home before you list it so you can get the most value out of your home.

Contact us to get started!