Kitchen Contractors

How Do I Choose A Good Contractor

Choosing a contractor is not often easy, and many times fear of commitment holds homeowners back. One of the best ways to find a good reputable contractor you can trust is to ask friends and neighbors for referrals. It's even ok to stop at an ongoing job, but be careful to stay out of the way and speak directly with the homeowner. For the most part people are flattered that you noticed their project and they are proud to show off what they are having done. Strike up a pleasant conversation and you may even be invited back to see the progress.

The remodeling industry is frought with nightmare stories, so it's also important to be able to weed out the truth, the homeowner may have had a bad experience yes, but it's possible that it had nothing to do with the contractor.

One of the most daunting things about remodeling is the cost overrun factor. If you ask a neighbor who just had their kitchen remodeled and they exclaim "my kitchen was supposed to cost ,000, but when I was done paying for the extras it was closer to ,000...I love my new kitchen, but I won't recommend the contractor because of how the price went up." Hmmmm, what can you make of that statement, it comes down to what were the extrasc Was it that the tile, which the homeowner said went completely under the cabinets really only went two inches under themc...and now with the new cabinet layout the entire floor needed replaced, and while selecting the material, the homeowner fell in love with an exotic marble tile and thought it made sense to add radiant heat, and continue the floor to the foyer.

That's a big change, they just added work and material to include:

Rip out and removal (contractors pay to dump waste) of the exisitng floorExpanded the job to the foyer not just the kitchen (,000)Radiant heat (will invlove either plumber or elecrtrician depending on the sysytem)Labor and material for Marble floor install (more expensive than ceramic/porcelain.
This change could easily add ,000 to the bottom line on a job. If the homeowner was warned that uniform flooring throughout was key reusing the exisiting floor in a new layout, and advised of the costs of a potential new floor, gave the go ahead, then the contractor was completely upfront and the homeowner just has remorse over the expense. The homeowner picked beautiful natural stone and wanted warm feet, no wonder they love their kitchen! Give the contractor a break here, he was doing his job.

Now take the same floor, same homeowner, they told the contractor the tile only went under the cabinets by two inches and they wanted to replace it with marble throughout the foyer and add radiant heat since the tile was cold in the winter. The homeowner still ended up with almost ,000 in additional flooring costs, then you would look at the allowances the contractor included for labor and material, were they enough, did they include the foyer at allcc Probably not or at too low a rate, in this case the homeowner has a right to feel upset.

Unforseen conditions and exposed code violations have to be brought up to code at the homeowners expense. If you bought Pandora's box, it's unfortunate, but it's yours. In this case, the key to a good contractor is that he helps you through the process, with the right subs, and getting the work done quickly and inspected so you can put the situation behind you and your mind at ease.

Remember if you told your contractor your entire wishlist and that you wanted to spend ,000 on your kitchen, you have to carefully read the contract that everything you want is included at your number. 

Full disclosure is they key to an honorable home improvement contractor. Ask for a list of what is not included in the job, or what is covered by an allowance, how much is it, and can you go to any storec What good is a 0 allowance for an Exterior French Door, when the least expensive one they sell at the approved vendor is 00c Well, it 0 worth of good, now add 50 to your personal bottom line.

Items typically covered by an allowance only or not included: flooring material cabinetry upgrades (premium woods, finishes, drawer glides, plywood const.) faucets appliances specialty windows exterior doors exotic granite.

Remember it IS reasonable for the contractor to cover these items by allowances, after all, you don't want to have the cost of Blue Bahai Granite built in to your kitchen when what you want is a Blue Sapphire or Blue Opal. If you know the stone you want ahead of time, you can ask that it is specifically included in the contract to avoid questions later. When it comes to a kitchen faucet you could spend anywhere from 0.00 to 00.00, if the contractor offers you a credit to supply your own, believe me there will be noisy days you won't want to be at your house, and they will be perfect for faucet shopping!

Three reasons not to base your decision to hire a contractor:

He/she said we didn't need permits or contracts because my project just direct replacement etc.He/she looked the most professional.He/she stayed for hours going over the reasons we should hire them.

You may feel more comfortable and friendly with a contractor who doesn't want to deal with paperwork, let call it a "handshake deal", but the truth is, a contract is to protect everyone and your state has laws by which the contractor must abide. This is important for both parties, and it should clearly outline all of your project specifications, allowances etc as well as your obligations for payment and cost overruns. A well written contract can save the project for all involved. With regard to permits, allow the town to tell you they aren't needed, even if you are just upgrading from electric cooking to the evermore popular dual-fuel range, you will need a plumbing inspection. This is in your best interest to get.

It's fine and good to clean up and present well after a day on the jobsite, but when a contractor sits in your home for 2-3 hours in a pressed shirt and slacks and says "you know how I know all this, it's because I make this presentation to homeowners four times a day." Now ask yourself, if that is the case, when will he/she find time to be on my job. You are talking to a professional salesman. If he really does this schpeel that many times a day, how would he ever find time to manage or supervise your projectc BEWARE.

This "contractor" who took 2 1/2 painstaking hours selling you on the reasons to sign with him/her surprises you and then jams through the paperwork so quick you don't remember what you bought. Now should now sit down and read the paperwork before your time to ask questions is up. Often under the sense of relief that the commitment is made and the process is underway, homeowners tuck the contract in a drawer, unfortunately the next time they pull it out is when they face the first unexpected add-on of something they thought was included

Lastly, online contractor referral services, they are paid for and supported by the contractors. Not all the feedback customers post remain online for your eyes to see. These services are not necessarily bad, just make sure you check references carefully. Always consult the Better Business Bureau, local trade associations, ask for references, speak with the subs if possible, meet directly with the kitchen designer and go see at least one job!

I wouldn't like to make it sound like one industry has it tougher than another, but if the landscaper scalps your hedges and they look terrible, you can still take a shower and sit down to a home cooked meal. A troubled home renovation can affect how you live for many months so take the time to make a wise choice, you will be happy you did!

About the author: I have 20 years experience in Home Furnishings and Interior Design, specializing in Kitchen and Bath Design since '02. I have a passion for learning and love the opportunity to collaberate on projects of all sizes. My strengths in the field begin with my design background, use of color and texture to bring interest to a room, spatial relationships, organizational skills, innovation, decisiveness, and planning. I have had the thrilling experience of helping hundreds...cmaybe thousands of people with their projects, and what I love is it never gets boring, and no two are ever the same. Thanks for reading.
Follow my Blog at http://www.kitchendesigntrends.blogspot.com
Hire me to design your kitchen at http://www.thekitchendeziner.com

Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/remodeling-articles/how-do-i-choose-a-good-contractor-1831438.html

Kitchen Remodel Cost Estimate

How much will my cost of granite countertops

There are several reasons why people choose granite countertops. Many reasons include the benefits, installation problems, and cost. You made a great decision to use granite for your counters. The best decision with the installation of granite countertops is to use a licensed contractor for the job.

Cost of materials for granite countertops:-

Granite can vary in cost. It may depend on the type of granite you choose and the type of finish you choose. However, granite installation requires more than a granite slab or tiles. There are many other materials that you need to buy for the installation of your store, as another 25 pounds of mortar thin set ($ 10), a 5 lb bag of grout without sand ($ 5), a sealer quart polished (25), a roll of tape fiberglass mesh ($ 5), a trowel ($ 5), a putty knife ($ 5), whetstone (7 $), float coulis ($ 5), caulking that matches the color if you use tiles ($ 5) and plastic spacers ($ 5). All these materials will be required to install granite countertops and you should consider costs when you're a budget for your new meter. You also may need a tile saw. You can buy one for about $ 275 or you can rent a saw from many places for about $ 45 for each day. The division must be done in a day. You also need to estimate materials lumber you'll need to buy too. The materials you will need to include a full sheet of plywood cons inch. Each 8ft. countertop you have, you will need a sheet. You will need a sheet of Denshield back of the tile for each 5 feet of the fight you have. Roofing nails and screws will be needed for securing purposes.

The cost of granite is characterized by the type of granite that you decide on. If you want a solid granite countertop, you pay about $ 125 per square foot. If you are considering tiles on the counter then the costs will cost about $ 60 per square foot. Tiles can be very cheap or they can be expensive. It depends on the type and texture of granite. The finish you want for your counter will make a big difference too, and will increase the price. Many people prefer the faux finish that may cost you about $ 80.

Cost of installing granite countertops:-

There are several things you should consider when you hire a professional contractor to install your granite countertops. Hiring the wrong person could be disastrous and cost you more money in the long term. You must know how long the contractor has been in business so you can be sure they have been in business for some time. This will also ensure that they are well established. You should also check if they have complaints against them by officials of consumer protection. Want to check how many projects the contractor has completed and ask to see a portfolio of their work. Some contractors take pictures of their completed work and will give you a good idea of what you have to wait when it is finished.

You should also request a list of references and you must check them all. Do not just take their word. Call everyone. If the contractor will be using other subcontractors to assist in the project, you should meet and make sure you feel comfortable with them in your home. Verify that all people who work at home is licensed and they are all covered by insurance. You can protect yourself by asking to see a waiver of privilege to verify that the contractor does not anyone money. A contractor must have liability insurance that covers property damage and anything could happen.

When you pay the contractor for work done, check that you are happy with the work done before you make a final payment. You should limit the down payment as low as possible and if you are asked to be paid in full then you should go with someone else. You can work with the contractor and milestones for payment. That means, as the provider shall set amounts, and then you pay them. You should also avoid always pay cash at all costs. You should also have a contract that clearly defines all the work will be done to the counters. Make sure the guarantees are set for materials and work. Verify that the contractor cleans their mess surplus material and things before their departure.

When you hire a contractor to install granite countertops in your home, the price may vary by how the experience of the contractor and how the counters are great. The price varies from $ 700 to $ 1500 and above. If you decide to install granite countertops on your own, then you may be looking at a price of $ 500 to about $ 700. It is generally not recommended to install granite countertops yourself. The cost of granite errors could cost you more than you can afford. It is always best to hire a professional contractor to install granite in your kitchen.

Choice of granite countertops for your kitchen is the best decision you can make to beautify and increase the value of your home. We wish you the best in the conclusion of the granite slab are good for you and your home. You're sure to find it.

About the author: Please visit our products Marble and Granite.

Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/how-much-will-my-cost-of-granite-countertops-1371137.html

Kitchen Addition Cost

Room Addition Cost Estimate

Adding a new room to your house is ais a significant investment and a choice that will have an ongoing impact on your daily quality of life. This is why it is important to have a room addition cost estimate done for you before you undertake any part of this project. The following article will explain in detail how you can get aroom addition cost estimate easily online. If you would like to skip this article and get your estimate done right away, please click through to the following page:

Room Addition Cost Estimate

Room additions to your home are a big undertaking. You may very well have thought long and hard about what you want to do and how to pay for it but do you know exactly what it is going to cost youc This is why it is so important to have a room addition cost estimate. Home improvements will raise the value of your home, but hiring the wrong general contractor could turn your dreams into one long nightmare. 

You can find the perfect general contractor by following a few simple steps and doing your homework. Do not hire the first general contractor you come across, even if a long time friend swears they are perfect. Always evaluate the contractor carefully, especially as you may have very different standards to your friend. This is why we have created our free online tool that lets you quickly and easily get aroom addition cost estimate.

You need to know that the remodeling contractor you choose is a full-time, dedicated remodeling professional. Our certification program offers this assurance through its extensive screening, training and testing process. In addition, our room addition cost estimate calculator, we require contractors to completecertification programs and on-going education and training to maintain certification status with us.

So how does a remodeling contractor become certifiedc Our certification is a challenging process, requiring extensive knowledge of the industry, sound business practices and a commitment to professional conduct. Even highly experienced and skilled remodelers find the screening and testing process formidable to be included with our room addition cost estimate results in your local area.

Room Addition Cost Estimate Calculator:

- Compare before you buy. With our room addition cost estimatetool you can easily get a feel for the market in your area.

- We offer fullhome remodeling project product demonstrations.

- We make the estimate for your room addition quick, easy, and painless.

- We have thousands ofcontractors available in your state and we have screened all of the contractors individual credentials.

- We have numerous manufacturer's rebates and prmotions available.

Please visitRoom Addition Cost Estimate to get your free estimate today.

About the author:

No one is going to brainwash you that making money in the Internet is easy. It has always been tough and now it gets even more difficult. But there is one simple fact that no one is going to deny - if you can get TARGETED traffic to your sites, you will always have money from the Internet, even during the recession times and crisis economy. This rule worked from the first days of the Internet and will work until the last days of the Internet (fingers crosses for ages of life to it).

Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/diy-articles/room-addition-cost-estimate-1909498.html

Tile Ideas For Kitchen

Simple Ideas For Kitchen Wall Tile Designs

Incorporating kitchen wall tile designs into a new or existing kitchen interior can create a completely unique and personalized aesthetic. It is a great way to bring interest and style to a room that is under renovation or in need of a change. The options are limitless when it comes to tile styles and size, making it easy to create an interior that you love.

The kitchen backsplash is a popular area to tile as it provides both practical and stylish solutions to the kitchen interior. The practical purpose is to protect the surrounding walls from water damage and staining. Without some type of wall protection there is a possibility of drywall damage and repainting would need to be done often.

The typical kitchen backsplash design usually consists of a standard strip of tile along the perimeter of the counter top. This can be one of the most budget conscious solutions and always does the trick from a practical point of view. For better wall protection and a more stylish aesthetic, carry the backsplash design up the wall to the underside of the cabinets.

Another possible idea, if your budget allows for it, is to apply the backsplash tile, or a variation of it, to an adjacent wall. This can be a great way to introduce a focal point to your kitchen design.

Whether you're interested in tiling a backsplash area or an entire wall, consider creating your new kitchen wall tile design with pebble tiles. StrataStones natural pebble tiles create stunning interiors and are extremely easy to install yourself. Finding a coordinating color to match an existing tile or creating an eye catching feature, is simple with the numerous stone colors, sizes and shapes available.

In a kitchen renovation, remember to keep in mind, and coordinate with, all the surrounding materials and finishes to achieve a complete look. A beautiful kitchen wall tile can only do so much for a rooms interior if the surrounding colors or overall style doesn't match.

About the author:

Looking for more information on pebble tiles and how to incorporate them into your interiorc Take a look at pebble-tiles-info.com for design ideas to transform your interior using easy-to-install stone mosaics.

Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/kitchens-articles/simple-ideas-for-kitchen-wall-tile-designs-3637186.html

Ikea Kitchen Remodel Cost

Mobile Homes: The Art Of Decorating A Small Space

Overall, make sure that you are constantly aware of your space limitations. Try to find furniture that is a bit smaller than normal because it will look like a normal size in comparison when it is placed in a small space. Always remember that with a small space comes the huge advantage that you will save yourself a ton of money because in general the smaller a piece of furniture the less it will cost.

Avoid excess furniture such as coffee tables or serving tables. They will only take up more space. Even though a bar might seem like a great idea, most mobile homes do not have the space to pull it off.
One common mistake that mobile home owners make is buying a table that seats 6 people. In general, your home will look much larger if your table only seats 4. This can be an annoyance, but folding tables and folding chairs are pretty cheap so you may want to consider this alternative.

Make sure that you avoid using bright colors in your mobile home. As with any small space, a bright color is going to make it look smaller than it really is. Instead, consider going with neutral wall colors to make your space look larger.

This first thing you need to remember when you are decorating a small space is that you need to avoid clutter at all costs. In addition, you can be happy because decorating a small space means spending less money as you do not have to buy all the home accessories that you will find in the larger houses. Keep it simple when decorating a mobile home. Get a couch that is the right size for the space rather than a huge l-shaped couch that takes up 2 of your walls.

Just because they are known for being small does not mean that mobile homes cannot have the same level of style as any other home. Think of decorating your mobile home as decorating any other small space. There is a fantastic store out there for this called Ikea. It is relatively inexpensive and it is designed specifically for small spaces. In addition, it is an international store that can be found all over the world.

About the author:

Your bedroom is now easier than ever to decorate with a bed in a bag. bed in a bags are an inexpensive alternative to redoing your entire bedroom.

Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/remodeling-articles/mobile-homes-the-art-of-decorating-a-small-space-1973642.html

Kitchen Renovation Planning

Best Kitchen Designs and Floor Plans

The best kitchen designs and floor plans are set up to function, form and style in mind. These three elements influence the design of your kitchen substances to select important components of the positions and the amount of money you can expect to spend. It is very difficult to achieve all three of these elements in perfect balance would be willing to give a little time and effort in the planning stages of your project.

Kitchen designs and floor plans can be simple and practicable, prepare and luxury, or something in between. Before deciding on the final design, to spend some time looking at options for how you're going to fit into your lifestyle and your needs. Do you have childrenc Do you have any petsc Do you entertain regularlyc Do you want a kitchen that is quick and easy to cleanc Look at traffic patterns and how people navigate around the kitchen area. Avoid designs that create obstacles or tight spaces, making it difficult to work and work in the kitchen. All these issues are very important for planning what will be the final design.

Kitchen designs and floor plans

Keep your total budget in mind when looking at the kitchen design. You probably can not afford to function, and each thing you really want to look for ways to compromise, if possible. For example, you want to be happy with less expensive countertop material, if you have the money saved could be used to move to a better place in the kitchen sinkc If this is your dream to have all stainless steel appliances, as you might think about choosing a less expensive laminate flooring, rather than high-grade imported tile. These are types of questions you should ask yourself and be very clear about the answers, so you can choose kitchen designs and floor plans that you have in mind the best.

Four types of lighting to consider before starting the kitchen remodeling project task lighting, lighting, decorative lighting and accent lighting. Each of these kinds of lighting is different than others, so access to each of them to your advantage while you're in the planning stages of your project.

Ambient lighting is often the most common type of lighting. Its low intensity creates a soft glow that makes it safe to work in many areas of the kitchen. Many people associate environmental lighting set the mood not only in the kitchen room, but also in places such as restaurants and bars as well. The right amount of ambient light may be room welcoming and cozy.

All these issues must be addressed and planned for before you start work on the construction of your kitchen. It's much easier to solve construction and design issues on paper than it is when you start working on your project.

About the author:

Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/remodeling-articles/best-kitchen-designs-and-floor-plans-4409099.html

DIY Kitchen Remodel Cost

Home Addition Cost Estimator

Your house is an asset. It's your loved ones's shelter. Anyway, what idiot would acquire a unique, greatly leveraged, highly liquid, high-priced investment, with incalculable expenses, growing yearly fees, as well as a marketplace that sometimes takes decades to regain lossesc You you sayc Well then you need our home addition cost estimator.

Home Addition Cost Estimator

If you want to modernize, and you have the cash, do it. Do it since you will enjoy your home more, not because you want to improve the worth to the next buyer who may see your improvement as a point to negotiate a worse selling price. But before you worry about all that, use our home addition cost estimator.

Our homes are positively the middle of our life. You are able to improve room additions from everything like kitchens, bathrooms, sunrooms and customized redesigning, to windows, siding, roofing and doorways. Your latest room additions may also be featuring cupboards, countertops, carpet and hardwood floor covering, protection systems, hot tubs, saunas and spas. You name it, you might have it in your recent home addition.

We make using our new home addition cost estimator trouble-free and complimentary to you plus you can get magnificent ideas and see the most recent products to create your dream home and have it an actuality. In the front yard to the back yard, from the top story to the basement, you'll find the awesome home addition cost estimator does everything for you when you wish to enhance your house.

We know your house is one of your most valued assets. We've got in excess of twenty years experience in the market before we designed the "home addition cost estimator" and numerous fulfilled visitors have used it so we understand every aspect of your house restoration process and pricing - from planning to completion.

Our devoted bunch of professionals has put together the most wide-ranging home addition cost estimator and calculator on the world-wide-web. Best of all, it's free to operate from the internet. Despite where the inspiration may come from, if you can actually envisage it, we'll work with you to identify all expenses.

Our target with our home addition cost estimator is on helping you be an informed home owner and construction consumer. It will make it possible to talk with intelligence to contractors, workers, and handymen, even if that person happens to be your wife, regarding the prices of your home addition costs . Plus, we provide help to save you money both in using the services of others and doing it yourself, and we allow you to keep from becoming a victim of scams.

So, click through our link below, and let's get started. Thanks!

Free Home Addition Cost Estimator

About the author: No one is going to brainwash you that making money in the Internet is easy. It has always been tough and now it gets even more difficult. But there is one simple fact that no one is going to deny - if you can get TARGETED traffic to your sites, you will always have money from the Internet, even during the recession times and crisis economy. This rule worked from the first days of the Internet and will work until the last days of the Internet (fingers crosses for ages of life to it).

Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/diy-articles/home-addition-cost-estimator-2812472.html

What Is The Average Cost To Remodel A Kitchen

Estimating the Cost of Plumbing Repairs

Thanks to his more than 31 years of experience in the plumbing industry, Jolly Plumbing owner Barry Jolly has earned a reputation as a top-notch businessman in the Northern Kentucky area. Jolly Plumbing offers clients all types of plumbing services, ranging from basic repairs to installations. Here, Jolly tells us how homeowners can quickly estimate the cost of basic plumbing repair.

With just a simple calculator and a general idea of what parts are needed to make a repair, homeowners can come pretty close to estimating the price to have a plumber come out to handle their repairs.

Estimating By Yourself

Now that all the home improvement stores have many plumbing products in stock, it is easy for homeowners to estimate on their own how much a potential project might cost. They can just walk into a Home Depot or a Lowes store and look at the products that are going to be required for their repairs. They need to check the average prices, and based on that assessment, they should be able to get a good idea of how much the materials portion of their plumbing project is going to cost.

As far as the labor is concerned, a typical plumbing rate is to 0 an hour. If you are going to hire a plumber to handle your repair, those numbers can help you estimate how much the total project is going to cost. Just try and figure out how much time your installation or repair work is going to take a plumber to complete, and then multiply that by the cost per hour for the plumbing professional.

Free Estimates from Plumbing Companies

Most plumbing companies offer free estimates, and they will come out to the work site to do that. Some other companies might use flat rate pricing as well. But either way, they should send their serviceman out to the job site which in this case is your home where they will give you an estimate. And then you can either decide to have them do the job for you or not based on that price.

At Jolly Plumbing, we don't charge to come out at any time to give an estimate whatsoever. Jolly Plumbing offers same-day service as well. If you need service immediately because of a sudden issue, we can guarantee that you will get the help you need. Usually, if someone calls for an issue that is a non-emergency, we will handle it the next day.

Whether your plumbing needs are big or small, residential or commercial, simple or complex, we can help. For more information or to receive a free estimate, give us a call today.

About the author: Barry Jolly is a writer for Yodle, a business directory and online advertising company. Find a plumber or more plumbing articles at Yodle Local.

Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/estimating-the-cost-of-plumbing-repairs-2277874.html

Design A Small Kitchen

Online Kitchen Planner - Redesign Your Kitchen!

If you're looking at this page, you're already considering updating or redesigning your kitchen. Perhaps you aren't sure what you want or you don't know where to start. Try our online kitchen planner - we can simplify this major home improvement project. Whether you would like to do a little reorganizing or refit your kitchen entirely, we'd love to help. Our online kitchen planner can get you started.

First, let's think about your kitchen as it is now. How would you describe itc Is it a comfortable place to cook, eat, and spend time with familyc Are your utensils, cookware and supplies well-organized and within easy reach of your preparation spacesc Do the cabinets hold everything comfortably. Can you find the avocado slicer or the extra blades for your food processorc Are the appliances up-to-date and in good working orderc Is the lighting adequate, or are some parts of the kitchen in the darkc The answers to these questions can help you think about what you'd like to improve.

Next, think about your ideal kitchen. Does it have recessed or track lighting, Paint or wallpaper. Tile, linoleum or hardwood floors.  Imagine the cabinets, counter tops, appliances and sink. Is there seating? What kind? Of course, you need to think about how you use your kitchen, too. Do you frequently host large gatherings, or would you like to.  Extra counter space and a second oven might be helpful. It can be hard to keep track of all the details - use our online kitchen planner to help make your dream come to life.

Using our online kitchen planner, you can redesign your kitchen to your specifications without leaving your desk. Input the dimensions and contents of your current kitchen and work from there. Try out different flooring, lighting, and cabinet options. Repaint or put up wallpaper or tile behind the sink - and try out every color and pattern available before you decide. Knock out a wall, just to see how much space that will give you - or put up a wall, and create a separate dining room or a larger pantry. With the online kitchen planner, you can rearrange as often as you like until you see your kitchen just the way you want it. We'll help you consider all your options and figure out what's best for you and your kitchen.

Our online kitchen planner can help you with budgeting, too - find out what your new appliances, counter tops, sink and seating will cost as you work on your design. Envision your dream kitchen, put it together with the online kitchen planner, and if the total comes to more than you're planning to spend, see what alternatives can make your redesigned kitchen more affordable. The online kitchen planner will allow you to prioritize and choose wisely from among your many options.

Whatever your needs, our online kitchen planner can help you make the right choices for your kitchen. From dream to implementation, we're ready and willing to help.

About the author: Nasreen Haque

Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/kitchens-articles/online-kitchen-planner-redesign-your-kitchen-1052785.html

Kitchen Remodeling and Renovations

Home Renovation Diy On A Dime

Is your home uninspiringc Do you have lots of empty, drab spacesc Have you put off or even given up on redecorating or home renovation because of the cost of supplies and laborc Guess whatc There are loads of easy, cheap improvements that you can make on your own for a very minor investment.

You may not be able to afford major home renovation like kitchen remodeling, but there are plenty of things you can do to breathe life into the kitchen you have. A major bathroom overhaul may be out of the question, but there are likely some simple things you can add for a bright new look. Your budget may be tiny, and you may have little to no experience in home renovation, but just a little effort and creativity can transform your house and infuse it with life, light and inspiration.

Paint a room or a wall

Many people never bother changing the color of their walls because theyre scared off by the idea of all that work. In reality, a wall or even a whole room can be painted quickly and easily. You can use the traditional rollers and brushes, or rent a paint sprayer to take even more work out of the process.

Stop by your local home improvement store and take a look at some swatches for inspiration. Pick out a color or two that makes you smile, and get to work. A fresh burst of color can liven up a whole room.

Rearrange furniture

This might not seem like much of a home renovation tip, but there are times when you have a beautiful room filled with beautiful furniture, and all thats needed is a fresh look. By rearranging the pieces in a room, you can open up the whole space, making it feel spacious, bright, and far more inspiring.

De-clutter

While youre at it, see if there arent some things you can move or get rid of altogether. Too much stuff makes a room or home feel cluttered and will leave you feeling claustrophobic. If something is just gathering dust or getting in the way, maybe its time to retire it.

Renovate the old

New furniture may be out of the question due to budget constraints; so why not take a closer look at the pieces you already havec Old pieces of furniture, particularly good quality hardwood pieces, can be almost endlessly updated to match your current dcor or inspiration. In fact, if you have some good quality pieces, they can be tweaked and treated to match your new look with each home renovation.

Sand those old pieces down and add a fresh coat of paint or stain. Pick up some funky new knobs or pulls for doors and drawers. Even if you have glass cabinets or doors, you can change the whole appearance by painting the inside of the glass with a paint sprayer.

Along the same lines, you can modernize the look of a room by changing out the plates over electrical switches and outlets for something bright and new. There is a huge variety of options, and youre sure to find something to fit both your style and your budget.

Keep it fresh

As you can see, it doesnt take much time, effort or money to do a little home renovation. The key is to keep adding and changing a little at a time, adding life, energy, and inspiration as you go.

About the Author:

Check out Nicholas' recent review on his Paint Zoom sprayer review website at http://paintzoom.org/paint-zoom-reviews/. And you can find out how to get the best deal on this great paint sprayer at http://paintzoom.org/.

Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article/Home-Renovation--Diy-On-A-Dime/3930123

Cost Of Remodeling A Kitchen

The Cost Of Remodeling A Kitchen

If you are interested in having a contractor come in and gut your kitchen and start over, expect to spend somewhere in the neighborhood of ,000 for starters. The costs are going to depend on the size of the kitchen and the materials that are used but be prepared to budget thousands of dollars for the project. In addition to being expensive, it can be a very time consuming process that ideally should be completed before you move into the house or when you are gone on an extended vacation.

A recent survey of remodeling costs done by Remodeling Magazine estimates that a typical 10x20 kitchen low range remodel job will cost about ,000, midrange jumps to ,000 and a top of line upscale remodel will run over 0,000. The costs vary by regions of the country with prices on either coasts at the upper end of the spectrum. The good news is that study after study shows that much of the money you spend remodeling the kitchen (if not all) can be recovered when you go to sell the house. Updating the kitchen is one of the most important things any homeowner can do to improve the value of their property.

There are a number of factors that go into the budgeting for a kitchen remodel. Will you keep your current appliances or must all of them be replacedc Can the cabinets be salvaged by painting them or resurfacing them or do you want to rip the old ones out and start over. There are also design issues, do you want to add more space by putting an addition onto the home or by knocking out a wall. These options and many more are all possibilities that should be discussed with your contractor.

The contractor can also tell you if there are other construction concerns. If you have an older house the odds are that the home has settled over the years and the kitchen floor may no longer be level which could throw off the installation of new cabinets. Floor joists may have to be reinforced or the contractor might be required to use concrete floor leveler to even out the sub-floor which is going to add to the cost of the remodeling job. The condition of the walls after removing the cabinets can also be an issue. If the plaster is crumbling or the drywall has cracks or extensive holes, it may have to be replaced.

Plumbing is another critical component to the kitchen which can become a concern when remodeling. If you decide to move the location of the sink, build an island sink or a wet bar then water pipes will have to be run to the location along with a drain pipe. Installation of the dishwasher is another factor to consider because it needs to be hooked into the water line. Electric is another important consideration. A special 220 line needs to be run to the location of your stove and oven plus you will want to add a new circuit for other major appliances like the dishwasher and microwave.

About the Author:

Shawn Hickman is the Search Marketing Manager for Sears Home Improvements.
You can find more information on kitchen countertops, kitchen cabinet refacing, and kitchen remodeling at www.searshomeservices.com/improve.

Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article/The-Cost-Of-Remodeling-A-