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Thinking about remodeling your New Jersey home? You may be wondering about the  benefits of hiring a design-build firm over bidding out individual contractors. There are many advantages to hiring an experienced, all-inclusive team like Flansburg Construction, but one of the most important is what happens when projects don’t go exactly as planned.

Unforeseen issues will arise every now and then — especially when working on older homes. The best way to avoid large increases in cost or the length of the project is to anticipate these issues ahead of time. Here’s an example of how we used an ounce of prevention to stay within budget on a challenging kitchen remodel for a historical Hightstown home:

The Backstory:

These clients are a busy, professional couple looking forward to retirement in the next few years. Their 200-year-old home was full of charm and character but had a kitchen that was not built for modern life. At only 120 square feet with an uneven floor and slanted ceiling, we had our work cut out for us.

The Journey:

Since the area under the kitchen was inaccessible, we couldn’t know the condition of the foundation underneath before getting started. Luckily, our team of experts had the experience necessary to make realistic predictions and come up with a budget that factored in possible structural repairs and other costs of reframing the floor. In the end, we came very close to our budget goal. 

The Reward:

Our clients were very pleased — and even a little surprised — that we were able to stay within budget. Once it became clear there would be no dramatic changes, they inquired about adding extra tasks to their remodel, including replacing some deck flooring and building a custom door under an existing staircase. We were happy to oblige and went through the change order process of presenting the cost and scope, signing an agreement, and getting to work. Anticipating potential setbacks and having the flexibility to accommodate additional work are achievements only possible with a design-build group that works and communicates together as a team. Contact us to learn more about how a Flansburg Construction remodel can work for you.

In the United States, kitchens are the most commonly remodeled rooms in the home, according to Comfy Living. It isn’t surprising considering how much time most people spend in the kitchen. Many people often seek out the help of kitchen remodeling contractors to help create a brand-new look in their kitchen. Here are a few remodeling ideas you can do for your kitchen to make it more appealing for you and your guests.

New Cabinets

One of the things that can make a huge difference to the look of your kitchen is changing the cabinets. Some situations may allow for smaller renovations of cabinets, like repainting or staining, but other times it makes more sense to get rid of old ones completely. Regardless of your preferences, the services of kitchen remodeling contractors can help you get the cabinets that suit your needs and aesthetics.

Lighting

Kitchens are all about aesthetics. The perfect ambiance creates an environment that’s warm and inviting. Most houses come with standard lights, which are functional but do very little to create the desired mood. Changing light fixtures for more modern designs is a great way to make your kitchen more appealing. Using fixtures like chandeliers and pendants can create a sophisticated look, while LED lights can make a great mood changer. With the help of kitchen remodeling contractors, you can get a customized designer look.

Accessories and Artwork

Another way to make a kitchen stand out is by creatively spicing up the room’s look through unique pieces of artwork. Getting rid of old pieces such as vases or fruit bowls can give the room a new look. Pictures with bold colors add life to the room, while oil paintings or portraits can create a modern look.

It’s not uncommon to find different items that don’t match in a kitchen. Getting themes to balance everything out is important when remodeling. Work with our team of kitchen remodeling contractors to create a balanced and unique theme.

New Storage for Better Organization

Structure in a kitchen is important. When remodeling, you can opt for fancy items to help declutter the kitchen. Unique-looking baskets and trays can hold items that can’t go into the cabinets. You can also have a modern rack to hang pots and pans. You can go a step further and decant the kitchen. Boxes and other awkward packages make the kitchen look disorganized, so you can create a fresh look by displaying spices and cereals in decorative containers.

Remodeling can be stressful without proper assistance but getting in touch with a contractor can help you get the desired result. Reach out to us today to start working with our kitchen remodeling contractors who can help get you the kitchen of your dreams.

Basement remodeling is often an afterthought when it comes to home improvement projects. However, there are many benefits to finishing your basement. Here are just a few reasons why you should consider a basement remodel.

1. Increase the Value of Your Home

A finished basement adds valuable living space to your home and can be used for various purposes, from extra bedrooms to game rooms. Basement remodeling is also a great way to increase the value of your home without the expense and disruption of an addition. In fact, most real estate experts agree that a finished basement can increase the value of your home by 10-20%. So, if you’re thinking about selling your home in the near future, a basement renovation is a wise investment. And even if you’re not planning to sell, a finished basement provides additional space for your family to enjoy.

2. Improve the Functionality of Your Home

With a finished basement, you can use all the space in your home, including areas that are currently underutilized or not used at all. A well-designed basement will allow you to store more belongings and create extra storage space for those items that don’t fit into other parts of your house. It can also be used as an exercise room, a playroom for kids, or a man cave where you can watch the game in peace and quiet.

3. Reduce Energy Costs by Adding Insulation

A dry and well-insulated basement works like an air conditioner for your entire house. By ensuring that this area is properly sealed off from any moisture outside and properly insulated, you can keep your entire home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. This will help to reduce your energy costs and make your home more comfortable year-round.

4. Prevent Moisture and Mold Damage

According to This Old House, 60% of U.S. houses have damp basements, and 38% are susceptible to basement mold. By taking steps to remodel your basement and prevent moisture from entering this space, you can dramatically reduce the risk of mold growth in your home. And with proper ventilation, any existing mold or mildew can be eliminated for good.

If you’re thinking about giving your basement a makeover, there are many benefits to consider. From increasing the value of your home to improving its function and reducing energy costs, there are many reasons why basement remodeling is a smart investment for homeowners. So why wait? Reach out to us today to start planning your renovation!

If you’re considering a home renovation, you may be wondering if you should hire a design build firm. Design build firms provide a one-stop-shop for all your renovation needs. In this blog post, we’ll discuss why you should hire a design build firm for your next home renovation.

1. Design Build Firms Are Experts in Home Renovations

Design build firms have a lot of experience with home renovations. They know what works and what doesn’t, and they can help you avoid costly mistakes. They’ll also be able to recommend the best materials and products for your renovation project. They often have a team of experts, including architects, engineers, and contractors. This means that you’ll have all the resources you need to get your renovation project done right.

2. Save You Money and Time

When you work with a design build firm, you can save money and time. With one company handling both the design and construction of your project, there is greater efficiency and coordination between the two processes. This can save you money by avoiding potential conflicts between the designers and builders and avoiding costly delays in the construction process. In addition, the design build process is often faster than working with separate designers and builders.

3. Greater Control Over Your Renovation

One of the best things about working with a design build firm is that you have greater control over your renovation project. You can work closely with the designers to create a vision for your renovation that meets your needs and budget. And because the design build firm is responsible for both the design and construction of your project, you can be sure that everything will be coordinated properly.

4. Get the Best Value for Your Money

Another benefit of hiring a design build firm is that you can get the best value for your money. Because the entire project is handled by one company, you don’t have to worry about coordination between different contractors. This also means that there are fewer opportunities for mistakes or misunderstandings, which can save you time and money in the long run.

5. Avoid Stress

Renovations can be stressful, especially if you’re trying to do it all yourself. When you hire a design build firm, you can avoid much of the stress that comes with renovations. The firm will handle all the details of your project letting you focus on enjoying your new home.

According to the Design Build Institute of America, the design build sector is expected to account for up to 47% of building investment over the next several years. This growth is partly due to the many benefits of working with a design build firm. If you’re considering a home renovation, be sure to contact us today to learn more about how we can help you.

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!