Blog | Colorado Springs Bath & Kitchen Remodeling

Q. What are some things I should consider when hiring a remodeling contractor?

A.  If you are considering a remodeling project it is important to select a remodeling contractor who understands your needs, effectively listens and communicates with you and stands behind their work.  There are many contractors who seeks your business, but keep in mind, your home is too important to entrust to just anyone.

When you hire a contractor, you are buying a service rather than a product.  The quality of the contractor’s service will show the quality of the finished product and your satisfaction with it.  If you are interviewing more than one contractor, make a decision based on the company’s professionalism and track record, not price.

Before hiring a professional contractor, verify the following:

• The contractor has a current license. If in doubt, check with Regional Building Department or State Licensing.
• The contractor has proof of liability insurance and workman's compensation.
• References. Don’t hesitate to call past clients to see if the contracted work was satisfactorily executed and performed on schedule.
• Obtain and verify the contractor's phone number and place of business.

Thinking about Remodeling

We are trying to decide whether we should stay in our current home and remodel or to buy a different home and move.  Any suggestions?

Remodeling and moving are both significant financial investments. The difference between the two investments is where the money is going. In remodeling, the money is being reinvested. However, remodeling cannot offer a change of neighborhood or school system. If these are the reasons you want to make a change, remodeling may not be the right answer for you.

The American Homeowner Foundation states the cost for selling your home and moving is at least 10 percent of your current home's value which covers such costs as real estate commissions and closing costs.  This amount does not include the following costs though:

• The actual moving and storage costs, which could be an additional several thousand dollars, depending on the distance of the move and the weight of your household belongings.

• The cost of any cosmetic work that needs to be done to put the house on the market.

• Any housekeeping services to maintain the house while it is on the market.

• Any discrepancies between the listing price and the sale price.

• Or the risk of not selling the home.

Moving can be a serious financial drain. While you are adding up costs, don't forget to tack on those incidental items you always need after a move: new shelf paper, plants, curtains, etc.

However, if you are looking for a new area to raise your children or a dramatically different home, then moving may be a good investment of your money.

Then again, how much remodeling could you do with 10 percent (or more) of the value of your home? Could you change the parts of the house that you don't like? Before you pull up stakes and move to a bigger home, decide what it is you want to change. Do you want more space? More light? A new style?

Most of those can be accomplished through remodeling. The best way to approach this decision is to contact a professional remodeler to find out what is possible in your particular home and to establish an estimated budget. With this information, you will be able to make an informed decision

There have been incredible technology and design improvements in the kitchen that make accessories, lighting, and appliances more intuitive and easier to use. Smart design helps to make the space more accessible and safe for all users.

Larger appliances, such as dishwashers and refrigerators, can now be built into drawer spaces, seamlessly blending into the cabinetry and making it easy for users to access the items. Furthermore, an induction cooktop is both energy efficient and offers the added benefit of improved safety compared to conventional models. Induction stoves don’t feature open flames and the surface remains relatively neutral in temperature during cooking. Because the cooktop is shallow compared to other cooktop options, it creates space for access by users in wheelchairs.

Leaving empty space under countertops around the sink or cooking area is valuable for seated access and flexibility. A lower countertop and sink can make it easier to use by young children or someone who uses a wheelchair. Some manufacturers even make adjustable-height countertops that can be raised and lowered based on the individual who is using the space. In addition, roll-out shelves or drawers make it easier to see and reach items stored in lower cabinets. A pull-out counter underneath a built-in single wall oven makes the transfer of hot dishes or pans from the oven easier.

Hands-free or touch-activated faucets provide ease of use for many users, particularly individuals with arthritis. They can also be beneficial for small children who might have difficulty reaching the handle to turn the faucet on and off. An automatic shut-off feature that turns off the flow of water after a designated period of time can help conserve water.

While there are many universal design options available, guidelines have been established relating to clearance, size, reach range, and sight line. Moreover, each situation should be assessed separately and the designer must take into account the parameters of the space, budget, and client priorities. If all of these needs are met, the result can be beautiful, efficient spaces that improve the independence, safety, and convenience of all household members.

Q.  Our kitchen feels so cramped.  Any tips for making it feel more airy?

A.  The first step is not to rush it.  You need to know the house and your patterns.  Start by collecting pictures to see what you like.  It’s worth taking some time and getting it right in your mind.

Sometimes when things seem too small in a kitchen, it’s not that there is too little square footage, rather, it is the layout that’s dysfunctional.  By reorganizing your major appliances, workspace, and traffic areas, the exact same size kitchen can feel much bigger.

Make a sketch (in scale) of your floor plan, then take some tracing paper with pencil and play with the design.  Draw in doors and windows, and start putting in things such as an island and appliances where you think they might work.  And don’t forget that you can move gas and plumbing lines, even it’s a little more costly.  You don’t want to go with the lesser design for the sake of money.  The very thing you think you’re saving on can decrease the value on a remodel.

Islands are great for adding counterspace, but they also congest foot traffic.  You need to protect your work station so that you’re not constantly bumped into.  At the same time, you should consider access to the fridge or traffic flows to the living area.  This usually requires an island being turned or moved.  You don’t have to ditch it entirely; just shift it to an area that is work-friendly and has more space.

If you have a small space, put dark colors on the horizontal planes, such as the countertops, and floors, and the light colors on vertical spaces, such as cabinets and walls.  This ‘visual weight’ effect can make a space look twice as large.

When space is just too tight and no amount of renovations will change that fact, consider switching rooms.  Maybe your dining area would really make a better kitchen and vice versa.  Also, contemplate the idea of opening a wall between the kitchen and adjoining room.  It’s actually not such a huge endeavor.  By knocking down a wall, you can bring everything together to create a sense of openness.

Last time I addressed what the initials CGR stand for when I was asked what the initials CGR and CAPS behind my name signifies.  This week I am going to share the meaning of the second set of initials, CAPS.

CAPS stands for Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist.  First of all I am going to explain the meaning of Aging- in-Place.  Aging-in-place means remaining in one’s home safely, independently and comfortably, regardless of age, income or ability level. It means the pleasure of living in a familiar environment throughout one’s maturing years and the ability to enjoy the familiar daily rituals and the special events that enrich all our lives. It means the reassurance of being able to call a house a “home” for a lifetime.

A Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist has been trained in:

• The unique needs of the older adult population

• Aging-in-Place home modifications

• Common remodeling projects

• Solutions to common barriers

The program was developed to address the growing number of consumers that will soon require these modifications.  CAPS professionals have been taught the strategies and techniques for designing and building aesthetically enriching, barrier-free living environments.  CAPS graduates are required to maintain their designations by attending continuing education programs and participating in community service.  In September of 2003 I earned my CAPS certification and continue to be a member of this program.

If you are considering modifying your home, here are some helpful questions the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Professional Remodelers organization suggests to ask yourself:

• Do I want to add a bathroom and possibly a bedroom to the main level?

• How can I make my kitchen more functional?

• Am I worried about preventing falls?

• How much money can I budget for this project?

• Will I need to get a home equity loan?

• Will other members of my family benefit from modifications?

• Will remodeling increase the energy efficiency of my home?

CGR stands for Certified Graduate Remodeler.   We were the first company in Southern Colorado to earn this designation.  I completed the requirements and became a Certified Graduate Remodeler in May of 2004. Below is information taken directly from the National Association of Home Builders website:

NAHB Remodelers of the National Association of Home Builders created the Certified Graduate Remodeler (CGR) Program. The CGR designation helps you, the consumer, determine which remodeling contractor you can count on to do a professional job.

The CGR designation indicates that a remodeler has completed the requirements of the CGR professional designation program, including educational credits, prescribed business standards and experience. If your remodeler has earned the CGR designation, you can be assured that he or she also understands the value of continuing education and is ready to do his or her best for you.

To maintain the CGR designation, all CGRs must complete a continuing education requirement every three years.

The Certified Graduate Remodeler (CGR) designation assures that your remodeler:

• Has met NAHB prescribes standards of business practice.
• Has a proven track record of successfully completing projects.
• Has completed relevant educational requirements.
• Pledges to uphold the CGR Code of Ethics.

All Certified Graduate Remodelers pledge to:

• CONDUCT business affairs with professionalism and skill.
• PROVIDE the best remodeling value possible.
• PROTECT the consumer through the use of high quality materials and remodeling.
• MEET all of their financial obligations in a responsible manner.
• COMPLY with the spirit and letter of their business contracts, and manage all employees, subcontractors, and suppliers with fairness and honor.
• KEEP informed regarding public policies and other essential information which affect their business interests and those of the building industry as a whole.
• COMPLY with the rules and regulations prescribed by law and government agencies for the health, safety, and welfare of the community.
• PROVIDE timely response to items covered under warranty.
• SEEK to resolve any controversy in which they may become involved through non-litigation dispute resolution mechanism.
• REFRAIN from harming, either directly or indirectly, the professional reputation, practice, or employment of another remodeler.

I know that lighting is a key ingredient in making my kitchen, for that matter any room in my home, feel and look its’ best. Any tips about what to consider when it comes to lighting for my kitchen and my home?

Indeed, lighting can have a dramatic effect on how your kitchen looks, works, and feels. Unlike most other design considerations, lighting is a dynamic element that can be adjusted to create the right atmosphere for any occasion—from dim and dramatic to bright and inviting. To get the most of your new kitchen design, be sure to include a mix of ambient, accent, and task lighting, allowing light sources to overlap.

TASK LIGHTING Anywhere you do close-up work, you’ll want task lighting: Above the counters where you slice vegetables, over the sink, stove, desk area or kitchen island. Recessed and track lighting are popular choices for direct lighting over kitchen task areas. Or mount fluorescent fixtures underneath wall cabinets to eliminate shadows and illuminate your countertops.

ACCENT LIGHTING Accent lighting is used to highlight design features in your kitchen and to create a mood. You can install lighting inside a glass door cabinet to showcase its contents. Use spotlights to show off decorative accents, collectibles, or to create a dramatic focal point. Strip lights in open soffit areas draw the eye upward to help make the ceiling appear higher.

AMBIENT LIGHTING Ambient light is the all-purpose lighting that generally fills a room. During the day, ambient light may come from windows, but in the evening, ceiling fixtures are the most common choice for kitchens. Different kinds of bulbs will cast a different light on your room, so be sure to consider the amount and type of light you prefer, as well as energy efficiency, when selecting ambient fixture.

There are several options that include mild soaps, window cleaners, soda water and white vinegar. Always use a soft cloth and if extra scrubbing is required, go with the grain. Yes, stainless steel does have a “grain”. Never use bleach or cleaners that are abrasive. Before using any of my suggestions I would encourage you look at the use and care manual for your appliance. To maintain your appliance warrantee, you should always follow the manufactures instructions.  Also, they may also recommend a method to prevent additional fingerprints. These are not permanent solutions but there are some tips that will slow down the accumulation of fingerprints and save time removing them later.

When remodeling a home, the kitchen and bath can be one of the most expensive rooms to complete. Most of the budget will likely go towards the things you just can't live without such as a sink, dishwasher and refrigerator. Selecting quality appliances is essential! With the abundance of brands, styles, colors and technologically advanced machines, it's hard to weed out the good and the bad and pick what's best for you.

The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) offers tips to make sure homeowners get the most for their money - during National Kitchen and Bath Month and throughout the year!

• Dishwasher - Look for brands with low energy consumption, a delay timer and an economy cycle or half-load button, all which will result in saving water and saving money.
• Refrigerator - One feature worth paying for is a new design to prevent frost build-up in the freezer. By circulating air inside the freezer compartment rather than using a defroster, this feature will help you say goodbye to freezer burn.
• Sink - Reliable sink materials include stainless steel, which can withstand more abrasions, is hygienic and trendy, and fireclay and ceramic which are more traditional for their solidity and wide range of colors.
• Oven - Multi-functional ovens may be worth the investment. Traditional cooking and fan assisted cooking and grilling is increasingly popular. The combination provides cooks with more options such as browning and thawing, among many others.
• Range - Ranges are either freestanding or built-in. Picking one out depends on the design of your kitchen and the features you want. Worthwhile accessories include a cooker hood, splashback, grill, griddle plates, rotisserie, wok burner and fish-kettle burner.
• Tap - A cost-efficient option is the three-way or tri-flow taps that takes away the need for bottled water or other purification system. New models also offer dual-flow for hot and cold filtered water.
• Countertops - Formica and Corian are some of the most common surfacing materials, however new trends such as Luxore®, a non-porous heat and chip resistant stone, and Swanstone®, a reinforced surface with seamless joints, which is moisture resistant and requires no fabricated edges, are becoming increasing popular.
• Flooring - The cost of installing flooring can be as much as the material and harder options such as tile can be tiresome to stand on too long. Softer, more absorbent materials include cork, carpet or vinyl and most of the time, are much cheaper.
• Bathroom Fans - Essential when remodeling to prevent wallpaper peeling, mildew, and to keep the air clean. Look for fans that are powerful enough for your size room and make sure the noise level is to your satisfaction. Utility exhaust fans are great for reducing odors and moisture, such as in the kitchen, while fan-forced heat models are most common in colder rooms such as the bathroom since they provide extra heat.
• Lighting - More light is not necessarily better. Make sure to match the amount and quality of light to the function in that area. Fluorescent lamps use 25 to 35 percent less energy than incandescent lamps and provide the same amount of illumination and last 10 times longer.