The Rewards of Renovation

/in , , , , , /by

Craftsmen Home Improvements, Inc.The kitchen is the heart of the home. It provides a functional space for cooking, cleaning and a place for family gathering. These reasons often make the kitchen a deal maker or breaker for buying and selling. With this in mind, what should be taken into consideration for a kitchen renovation?

Whether you’re seeking to put your home on the market or planning to stay another twenty years, design and functionality should be kept in mind. Design trends change over time so it’s best to stick with a traditional approach that don’t go out of style. Stainless steel is always a safe option for appliances, and hardwood floors will never go out of style.

Focus design dollars on counter space, additional storage and light fixtures. These aspects will add beauty to the kitchen while providing functional value. Potential buyers often look for a stylish kitchen that works together to increase productivity.

Look at your space and ask yourself the following questions: Do the countertops and storage spaces work together or do they create confusion? Are the appliances updated? Do the light fixtures provide effective light and highlight the best features? What impressions do the light sources give? Are they functional? How worn is the flooring material and is an update needed?

If it’s time to update your kitchen you’ll have lots of choices to make when it comes to materials. Decide what is most important to you. Is it price, quality or durability? If your main concern is price, there are plenty of attractive options out there that won’t be too hard on the wallet. Granite and quartz are beautiful options for countertops, but there are laminate surfaces available that mimic their looks for half the price. If you’ve always wanted hard wood floors in your kitchen, but it’s not in the budget, alternative floors exist that give the look.

There are several remodeling projects in the kitchen that are DIY, such as, painting. Depending on your skill level, determine the projects you can do yourself because this will save you a lot of money in the end. However, jobs involving lighting, flooring and cabinetry require the attention of a specialist.  Find a contractor who is committed to giving you the kitchen you want.

Whether you are looking to increase the value of your home or just craving a change, you will gain a lot from a kitchen renovation. Go with a timeless style that you’ll never get tired of. Determine your budget and stick to it, by choosing materials that agree with your wallet. Most importantly, always practice safety while remodeling and know when it is appropriate to call on a professional. Contact Craftsmen Home Improvements Inc., for any questions, comments or concerns about remodeling.

Get Creative with Kitchen Cabinetry

/in , , /by

Craftsmen Home Improvements, Inc.Kitchens are one of the most frequently used rooms in a home. It’s a place for cooking, cleaning and even family time. Eventually, this constant use will take a toll and updates will be necessary. Renovating the kitchen can be a great way to increase home value, and can give it the tender loving care that it needs after years of wear and tear.

Renovating a kitchen is expensive and for those of us on a budget, it’s important to get the most bang for your buck. One of the best ways to give a kitchen that brand new look is with new cabinets. The latest trends in cabinets are always changing so even if your cabinets aren’t old they still might need an update. Update your kitchen by choosing a cabinet that enhances design trends, such as, modern, traditional and even rustic.

Choosing to have new kitchen cabinetry installed is an important decision. Several factors should go into your cabinet selection, including, storage space, color and material. Keep in mind food storage cabinets can be very different than the cabinets used for dishware. It might be necessary to have your cabinets customized if extra space is needed. Be sure to do efficient research before making any decisions so you can feel confident and happy about your cabinets once they are in.

The location of the cabinets is almost as important as the style. The location of the cabinets can create depth or height to a kitchen. They can be arranged to create openness, or they can be used to separate space. It is important to place the new cabinets in a way that optimizes that space you are working in. The location of the cabinets should enhance the productivity and flow in the kitchen.

If you want to update your kitchen because you are looking to sell or you just want to make your family more comfortable, new cabinets can make it look brand new. Cabinets can transform the look and feel of a kitchen without touching anything else. However, make sure you do your research before making any permanent decisions because cabinets are expensive and are not easily replaced. Choose a style that fits with your home and personality, and your cabinets will keep you or a potential buyer happy for a long time.

Benefits of Recycled Glass Countertops

/in , , /by

Craftsmen Home Improvements, Inc.Recycled glass countertops are manufactured in a variety of ways. The process to create theses, typically, includes intense tumbling or vibrations to smooth out rough edges and vacuum compaction. These products can contain a mix of glass, ceramics and porcelain, and other organic materials. Here are five benefits of having recycled glass countertops installed in your home.

1. Closing the Circle

Although many consumers are diligent in their efforts to recycle glass items, few people are investing in the recycled glass products that these efforts produce. This is known as closing the circle, and it is an essential step for ensuring that recycling efforts are effective. Investing in recycled glass countertops is not only a great way to make use of recycled materials, but it will also limit your reliance upon less sustainable design materials.

2. Mold and Mildew Resistant

Given the fact that glass is non-porous, keeping populations of harmful microorganisms in check won’t be a problem. This makes these countertops ideal in high traffic environments. In addition, you won’t have to worry about mildew or mold spore development.

3. Scorch Resistant

Although, there are a number of cooking gadgets that you can use to avoid burning or scorching counters, accidents can and do occur. Recycled glass countertops are both heat and scorch-resistant and will save you from worry.

4. Scratch Resistant

These durable, non-porous surfaces are also impervious to scratches. You won’t have to invest in repairs over the years of use. These countertops will maintain aesthetic value over time, even with routine and rough use.

5. Unlimited Design Options

There are unlimited design options to choose from. Glass countertops are flexible materials that are great for homeowners who have very specific ideas for their kitchen designs. Buyers can take advantage of a vast color pallet and a variety of glass textures and sizes.

Glass countertops are versatile, durable and very beautiful. Buyers can get lasting value from these surfaces while doing something good for the environment. Products like these help consumers close the loop in the recycling path and reduce the use of materials that are not naturally renewing or sustainable.

Six Steps to a Modern Kitchen

/in , , /by

Craftsmen Home Improvements, Inc.If you have an old kitchen that features outdated décor, there are ways to achieve a modern update. By following a few simple steps, you can make your dull kitchen much more appealing and inviting.

Step One: Place Modern Alternative Metals In The Kitchen

Many older kitchens contain materials that were popular several decades ago. Manufacturers now offer better, more innovative materials. Copper, aluminum, chrome, brushed aluminum, and stainless steel are popular kitchen design trends. These metals are commonly used on stoves, pendant lighting, and cabinetry.

Step Two: Install Efficient Flooring

Wood, stone, and tile are resilient materials that last a long time. Ceramic tile is also a good flooring option because thanks to technological advancements, the ceramic tiles now also look like hardwood.

Step Three: Tear Down The Upper Cabinets

By removing your upper cabinets, your kitchen will have much more space. Storage won’t be an issue because lower cabinets will provide plenty of storage space. The additional wall space you obtain, from tearing down those cabinets, can be used for decorative dishware or other modern kitchen accessories.

Step Four: Install Countertops That Feature Innovative Material

In recent years, designers have used odd materials that are not typically used to make kitchen countertops. To give your traditional kitchen an innovative look, consider installing brick, concrete or tile counters throughout the space. These materials are not exclusively used on counters. You can also consider incorporating them on the interior kitchen walls.

Step Five: Place Modern Seating In The Kitchen

If you bring your dining room seats into your kitchen, the space will appear more modern. At the breakfast bar, slide countertop stools under the counter. If your home has a window side table, a bench should be used for seating.

Step Six: Use Modern Paint Colors On The Cabinetry

Painting or staining the cabinets is a simple task that can be done on a budget. You can buy various faux finishes and paint glazes at any home improvement store.

Overall, updates in your countertops, cabinets and ceilings can turn your traditional kitchen into a modern kitchen.

Three Kitchen Flooring Ideas

/in , , /by

Craftsmen Home Improvements, Inc.When considering what type of flooring to use during a kitchen remodel, three options to consider are linoleum flooring, cork flooring, and tile flooring. Each of these kitchen floorings has advantages and disadvantages and should be considered carefully against a few factors. Some important factors are the amount of traffic on the kitchen flooring, how long you plan to spend on the kitchen flooring and the budget.

1: Linoleum

Linoleum flooring is the best kitchen flooring to install if your kitchen is the heart of your home. This is another ecofriendly kitchen flooring with a lot of desirable qualities for a busy kitchen. Compared to cork and tile flooring, linoleum is the most durable and easy to maintain, considering it is moisture and stain resistant. If your floor gets scratched or damaged, it is nearly unnoticeable. Because linoleum flooring is the same color throughout its layers, you can simply seal the damaged area. It’s composed of all-natural materials like linseed oil, cork dust, limestone, and recycled wood flour which makes it completely biodegradable. The downside to this flooring is that it is not ideal if you have a concrete subfloor. It tends to traps moisture, which can be damaging to concrete subflooring. Overall, linoleum flooring is ecofriendly, durable, comfortable, economical and ideal for the busy, high-traffic kitchen.

2: Cork

The second best option for kitchen flooring is cork flooring. This economical option is ideal if you are ecofriendly and want a soft floor for constant standing. A main advantage is that cork flooring is very soft and springy so it is difficult to tear. The softness and springiness of cork flooring makes it very comfortable to stand on for long periods of time. As an ecofriendly selection, cork flooring is made from recycled cork. However, there are a couple of disadvantages to cork flooring. This kind of kitchen flooring is not ideal for high traffic areas and it needs to be sealed in order to be more durable. Cork flooring should be your selection if you spend a lot of time baking and cooking for company not for families with pets or active kids who may wear down the cork.

3: Tile 

If you are looking for the most cost effective, durable and customizable kitchen flooring, consider tile flooring. Tile flooring is great for its variety of colors, designs, and shapes to choose from. If you don’t want to worry about making a “mess” in the kitchen, the water and stain resistance makes tile flooring very easy to clean. Unfortunately, it is difficult to repair if it cracks or chips and it can also be expensive to install. Tile flooring is not comfortable to stand on for long periods of time, which is why it isn’t a great fit if you spend a lot of time standing in the kitchen. Tile flooring is also slippery when wet, so it may not be ideal if you constantly have kids running around or many people in the kitchen at once. If you don’t entertain or cook often for long periods of time, tile flooring is perfect.

5 Ways to Upgrade Your Kitchen

/in , , /by

Craftsmen Home Improvements, Inc.The kitchen is often called the most important room in a house. This is where people often cook, eat and socialize. Upgrading your kitchen Cincinnati is one of the best ways to add value to your home. Whether you’re planning to sell your home or you just want to make a better impression, let’s look at some of the most effective ways to improve the appearance of your kitchen.

1. Upgrade Your Kitchen Cabinets The cabinetry in your kitchen is probably the first thing people notice when they walk into the room. If your kitchen cabinets are outdated, have peeling paint or are simply lackluster, this is a good place to start when it comes to making improvements. You don’t necessarily have to replace the cabinets, which can be costly. Painting or re-staining them is a more economical way to give them a fresh new look. You should also consider replacing the hardware. On the other hand, if you really want to make an impression, you can consider getting a whole new set of cabinets.

2. Improve the Lighting Lighting has a huge impact on the appearance and atmosphere of any room. This includes both natural and artificial lighting. When it comes to natural light, you should consider changing your curtains or other window coverings. This can allow more sunlight to enter the room during the day. You may also want to upgrade your lighting fixtures. For example, many kitchens have a dreary look from being lit by a fluorescent fixture. You could replace this with more contemporary fixtures or recessed can lights.

3. Get Modern, Energy Efficient Appliances If your refrigerator, stove and oven are outdated, you should consider replacing them with more modern, high tech, energy efficient models. There are now, for instance, many appliances that can be controlled via the internet or your smartphone. Newer appliances will not only give your kitchen a contemporary look, they will use less energy.

4. Consider Installing an Island A kitchen island can help make the room look more spacious and elegant. This is a popular modern look that gives you additional counter space or maybe a place to install a sink or stovetop. Islands should not be too large, though, as this can defeat the purpose of creating more space.

5. Upgrade Your Sink and Fixtures The sink is the center of the kitchen and a new one will make a big difference in the room’s overall look. If you don’t want to replace the sink, you can at least consider getting some new fixtures. A new faucet and sprayer will make the sink look shinier and more modern.

The holiday season is always a good time to think about making improvements. Making some kitchen Cincinnati upgrades before Thanksgiving will make your holiday gathering even more special. Even if you only make a few small improvements, this can help you remember all of the things you have to be thankful for!

The Kitchen or the Bermuda Triangle?

/in , , /by

Craftsmen Home Improvements, Inc.If your kitchen is like the Bermuda triangle and you keep getting lost, with no luck finding what you need, maybe you need to rethink the design of your kitchen. The kitchen triangle and zone system can help make your kitchen remodeling as convenient as possible.

While the kitchen triangle may be a simple concept, for many homeowners it’s completely foreign. However, it’s not as complicated as it seems.  The kitchen triangle is a fairly old and effective model first used in the 1940’s to help homeowners like you make your kitchen more efficient. This idea for kitchen remodeling in Cincinnati refers to the placement of the three most important stations in your kitchen: The prep station (sink), the food storage station (refrigerator), and the cooking station (stove). Improving the relationships of these three areas can save you steps and make your kitchen easier to use.

The kitchen triangle was especially helpful at the time of its conception, when kitchens were smaller and appliances larger. Positioning the appliances in optimal places relative to one another helped to make cooking more productive. To make your kitchen remodeling in Cincinnati more efficient and user friendly, determine what frustrates you most about how you use your space. Call us for a free in-home consultation, and we will measure the kitchen and appliances to determine space limitations, and plan how placement of each appliance would be most beneficial.

If you find the triangle system is for not you, think about incorporating the zone system for your kitchen remodeling in Cincinnati. This system has gained popularity as kitchens have become places for more than just cooking. Once again, the system is not difficult to implement in your Cincinnati kitchen remodeling. Talk with our consultants. We will help you determine what activities your kitchen is used for, where in the kitchen those activities are performed, and aim to keep each activity in its own zone, with as little overlap between zones as possible.

What is most important about your Cincinnati kitchen remodeling is to know what your family’s needs are – whether you love gourmet cooking or just hanging out. From there, we can help create a design using the kitchen triangle, the zone system, or something else entirely. We are the experts for kitchen remodeling in Cincinnati and can help you with your kitchen triangle, and answer all your questions. Call us at 513-942-6300513-942-6300 to get a free in home Craftsmen consultation for kitchen remodeling in Cincinnati.

How to Finance Your Dream Kitchen

/in , /by

Craftsmen Home Improvements, Inc.We all have a dream kitchen in our minds, don’t we? The one with appliances placed just so and décor perfectly suited to our tastes? More than a few of you have an entire Pinterest board dedicated to your favorite kitchen designs. If you had envelopes full of money instead of boards full of pictures, those dreams might be possible. That’s where Craftsmen comes in to help: We put in the work to help you finance your beautiful new kitchen.

At Craftsmen, we don’t want money to be the barrier keeping you from your dream kitchen in Cincinnati. We offer several different payment options to meet your needs. Pay in 90 days, 6 months or one year same as cash, no interest if paid in full by the due date. Optional extended financing plans with interest are also available. Please call our helpful staff for full details on the many financial options available to help you have the kitchen of your dreams. The option you choose completely depends on your preference and personal budget for remodeling your kitchen in Cincinnati.

Despite the effectiveness of these payment plans, it is still very important to spend your money wisely for your Cincinnati kitchen. We can help. To do that, we help make a budget for renovations and break down each of the individual costs by category to see how we can cut costs. Often, the most expensive part of a renovated kitchen in Cincinnati is the cabinets, with appliances and labor typically coming in second and third on prices. Knowing this, we help develop your budget accordingly, estimating the final cost for your kitchen in Cincinnati with an eye to saving you money.

Of course, everyone knows it is important to tailor kitchen remodeling to your family’s need. That is why we at Craftsmen are happy to take a look at your home and do a free in-home consultation for your kitchen remodeling in Cincinnati. We take pride in our in home consultations, as they are comprehensive and complete. If you are a homeowner with questions regarding your kitchen in Cincinnati, and are looking to maximize kitchen efficiency or to make the kitchen a family gathering spot, call us at 513-942-6300513-942-6300 to talk to our Craftsmen team.

Tiles – Always in Good Taste

/in , , , /by

Craftsmen Home Improvements, Inc.Tiles have been used in building and interior decoration since ancient times. In Lisbon, tiles called azulejos decorate walls throughout Portugal. Especially prevalent in Lisbon, these glazed tiles are found in churches, on palace walls and on the walls of old buildings. Highly decorated, these 17th and 18th century azulejos are highly figured, with animals, and sometimes historical scenes. Earlier azulejos have characteristic blue and white tones, while later tiles were made in many colors. They grace city walls to this day, showing us that tiles have been used in décor for many centuries, with stunning results.

Today, tiles are versatile, durable and come in a range of materials and sizes, making tile a popular material for a variety of home remodeling applications. Tiles are used in kitchen backsplashes, showers, floors, and even countertops. For floors, especially those with heavy traffic patterns, durability is key. Also for floors, the coefficient of friction (COF) makes a difference – if the COF is too low, the tile will be too slippery for the floor, but could be used successfully on a wall. For other areas where things get wet, like a kitchen backsplash, low porosity is important. Here are some of the important factors to consider when choosing tile materials for your home remodeling.

Ceramic: Ceramic tiles, like all ceramics, are made up of a pressed clay base which may be glazed or not, but is then fired at high heat. Unglazed tiles have colors which go all the way through. This means these tiles will maintain their pattern even if placed on the floor in a high traffic area – the tile will become worn down, but the pattern will remain. Today’s glazed ceramic tiles are coated with a liquid glass formulation, which gives a high shine. The glazing can help in stain and scratch resistance and provide easy clean up.

Porcelain: Porcelain tiles are a ceramic tile made from a mix of minerals and fine clays, which are fired at extremely high temperatures. Porcelain tiles are hard and dense, which enables them to tolerate heavy use either indoors or outdoors. With through-bodied porcelain tiles, the design goes all the way to the bottom of the tile, which helps hide any chips or scratches. This type of porcelain tile is typically not glazed. Glazed porcelain tiles are covered in a hard, colored finish that results in an extensive array of designs and colors. These tiles are easy to clean, but are very cool to the touch, so unless radiant heat is installed beneath them, they can be cold on bare feet and not very comfortable to stand on for extensive periods of time. The grout for these tiles can stain, and the tiles themselves can crack.

Stone: Stone tiles are a luxurious choice for natural elegance. They last for decades but are cold, which necessitates radiant heat for bathroom applications. The type of finish depends upon design requirements, but matte or honed finishes can provide more traction. To reduce their slippery characteristics, slip-minimizing type finishes are used on some stone tiles. Protective sealing, and with age, resealing, is needed for most stone tiles.

Here are a few types of stone tiles:

  • Granite: comes in a wide range of colors and patterns; extremely hard
  • Slate: extremely durable and comes in an array of shades
  • Limestone: available in light beiges, white and neutrals, this is a very smooth sedimentary stone.
  • Marble: a rich, luxury surface with veining and crystals that make it prized as a design feature

It’s very important to have a rigid subfloor which is smooth and flat to create a good installation surface for stone tile. This type of installation can be tricky; it may not be for the do-it-yourself handyman.

Vinyl: Vinyl is the lower cost option for flooring. These are used extensively in baths and kitchens. They can be purchased as easy-to-install tiles that imitate more expensive stone tiles but at a much lower cost. Vinyl Composition Tile (VCT) contains proportionately larger amounts of limestone and is less expensive than Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT). LVT is manufactured with more vinyl, which gives it better performance characteristics as well as a more realistic effect. Available in all colors and sizes, these tiles can be installed in patterns to enhance the design effect. Sheet vinyl is the seamless alternative found in wet areas like bathrooms. Vinyl planks, made to look like hardwood, are designed to include a look of real wood in the bath area, while maintaining a water resistant surface.

No matter what type of tile is best for your remodeling needs, be sure to visit our visit us online at Craftsmen Home Improvements, or call us for a consultation on your remodeling project. Cincinnati: 513-942-6300513-942-6300; Dayton: 937-299-5201937-299-5201.

Basement Remodeling

How to Determine the Perfect Flooring

/in , , /by

Beginning a remodeling project for a new kitchen in your home is by far one of the most exciting steps you will take as a homeowner. While you carefully plan the layout, the purchase of new accessories, and the look of your kitchen, it’s important to remember that you need a new floor as well! After all, it isn’t considered a new kitchen unless it comes with a matching brand new floor.

But with so many flooring options available, it can be a challenge to know how to floor your kitchen. The reality is that kitchen floors experience heavy traffic, so you want to find a balance between durability, style, and convenience.

Popular options for flooring your brand new kitchen include:

1. Solid wood: Wood flooring in a kitchen is a beautiful way to add warmth to the heart of your home. It will immediately add an earthy, natural look that will give your kitchen a rich, classic feel. Because of the nature of wood flooring, you can rest assured that it will never go out of style and remain an asset in your new kitchen.

2. Natural stone: From limestone to granite, there are many natural stone floor options for a new kitchen. Aside from the durability that stone provides, you will enjoy the visual depth and elegant look that immediately adds value to your home.

3. Tile: Do you have young children who are involved in sports? Tile makes it easy to clean up those muddy footprints and accidental spills that can happen in a new kitchen. Ceramic tile is another classic option that is sleek and embraces a contemporary look.

Deciding on the flooring isn’t a choice that you have to face alone. Contact our experts at Craftsmen to find the perfect solution for your new kitchen.