The Importance of Cabinets & Countertops

/in , , , , /by

Kitchen cabinets and countertops are often the first items that a homeowner will consider changing. Old cabinets can make a house look outdated, and old countertops look worn after years of wear and tear. Replacing cabinets or countertops alone can transform the look and feel of your kitchen. New cabinets and countertops are an expensive change to make in a kitchen, but if it’s in your budget the end results will be worth the price.

Craftsmen Home Improvements, Inc.

#1: New Cabinets

Cabinets can be ordered from a large company or a local cabinetmaker. Before you purchase new cabinets think about your needs. New cabinets can create more storage space, style and color. Customized cabinets can be made to fit a particular item. Utilize your cabinets in a way that ties in the rest of the kitchen to give the space a unified look. It is important to take the time to research the type of cabinets you want because there are endless options available.

Craftsmen Home Improvements, Inc.

#2: New Countertops

The right countertop can take a boring, old kitchen and totally transform it. Countertops come in just about every color and style. There are several different materials that are used to create them, and you can choose one that best fits your price range and style. They can be customized to come with a knife block or one that matches the walls. Countertops are one of the most utilized aspects of a kitchen, and if you like to cook a good surface is extremely important.

Craftsmen Home Improvements, Inc.

#3: Value

Installing cabinets and countertops in your home will increase its value. These elements can give any home a unique style that will stand out in a buyers mind. They can also provide extra storage space which is a big selling point for home buyers.

Adding these additions to your home is an expensive purchase so make sure you are happy with your choices. If you are looking to save money, laminate countertops that mimic the look of granite or quartz provide an elegant look for half the price.

If you’re interested in installing new cabinets or countertops, CRAFTSMEN Home Improvements offers a variety of cabinet and countertop options. The courteous professionals at CRAFTSMEN are always available for consultation, guidance and installation.

Request A Free In-Home Consultation For Your Kitchen Remodel

Advantages of a Finished Basement

/in , , , /by

Craftsmen Home Improvements, Inc.When it comes to the size of your home, the more space, the merrier. The basement is often the largest room in a home, but if the space is not finished the entire area can go to waste. A finished basement is a cost-effective way to gain a sense of extra square footage without ever adding onto your home. Not only can it make a home feel bigger but it also adds a huge amount of resale value. In fact, finished basements have one of the highest return-on-investment rates of all home improvement projects.

Anyone considering renovating their basement should determine whether or not their budget will allow for it. If a remodel is within the budget, consult a contractor and see how far the budget will go. Remodeling a basement is a big job, and while some jobs are DIY, others require the attention of a professional. A Renovated basement can increase the value of a home if the homeowner is looking to sell. It can also provide a space for entertainment and family fun.

A lot of time homes do not provide big enough rooms for an entire family to gather in comfortably. It can even be difficult for an immediate family to hang out in the same room. Basements can provide this space. Family is very important, and if there isn’t an area for gathering, it can poorly affect a family.

The first step is to look at the size of the basement, and determine how the space should be used. The basement can be a great place to add something to a home that couldn’t go anywhere else. Basements are great places for bars, home movie theaters and even game rooms. If the budget allows, a full or half bathroom should be considered. Bathrooms are high up on potential buyer’s lists, and an extra one can set a house apart  from the rest. The options for an unfinished basement are limitless. Take a look at this list for additional ideas:

  • home gym or spa with sauna
  • media room or home theater
  • home office
  • arcade or game room with billiard and foosball tables
  • guest room with its own bathroom
  • music practice room
  • den or family room (or a more adult space with a wine cellar or bar )
  • “man-cave,” or “woman cave”
  • play room or nursery
  • art studio

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.

Unfinished Basement 101

/in , /by

Craftsmen Home Improvements, Inc.The large size of basements make it a great feature to have in a home. Unfinished basements waste a great deal of space and are useless for anything except for storage and a game of hide and seek. Homeowners should think seriously about finishing their basement if they have not already done so, for several reasons. The space can be used for an entertainment spot, a home gym or even a movie theater. Another reason to think about updating is for the potential value it can add to a home. Homes with finished basements are more appealing to potential buyers and sell more often.

Have we convinced you that it’s time to take the leap and finish that dingy basement? If so, take a look at these issues to prepare for your remodeling process.

  • Check with your home insurance agent. It is important to take note of what is covered under the homeowner’s policy in case damages occur.
  • Basements have a bad habit of flooding. Prepare in case this happens by using floor covering that won’t warp or become waterlogged overtime. Get a floor drain installed and make sure it’s the type that pours into a pit with a sump pump.
  • Finishing a basement often requires the installation of several light fixtures. Brief yourself on this delicate process to ensure safety and that your electrician is doing the job right.
  • Plumbing is important, especially, if you decide you’d like a bathroom in your basement.  Hire a trusted plumber and/or  contractor that will take this job seriously. This step could save you from trouble with drain fields, septic tank placements or sewer systems in the future.

Increase the Size of a Small Bathroom

/in , , , , /by

Craftsmen Home Improvements, Inc.Everyone wants that perfect bathroom, that spa-like place where one can go to be alone, relax and pamper themselves. Unfortunately, the reality for most people is a cramped little room with just enough room for a toilet, sink and shower, if you’re lucky. However, there are certain techniques you can do to make a small space look larger, almost like an optical illusion.

The first thing you should do is empty out the space, and get rid of any clutter. If there is makeup or toiletries that need to stay, add a sleek drawer or container to put them in. This storage can go under the sink or if it is stylish enough, it can become the room’s centerpiece or main decoration.  You can also go ahead and get rid of any big decor in the room, these things only take up space and make the room look smaller. Instead, opt for one main decoration that is cohesive with the colors and atmosphere of the room.

One of the best ways to increase your space is with paint. The right color can create an openness which can impact a small bathroom, dramatically. Now you have to decide which color to use. Stay away from darker colors. Light does not reflect off these colors well and it will darken the room and make a small space look even smaller. Light shades are your friend! These colors brighten up a room and feel more free. If you have windows in your bathroom that is great! Avoid large curtain that might cover up the windows and the natural light coming through. Natural light will make the space seem wider and light up the bright colors.

The next thing you can do to expand the look of your room is by adding mirrors, or getting one big mirror. Mirrors give the impression of a larger space by reflecting the room. Adding a mirror that is the length of an entire wall will make the room look a lot bigger and this is a cheap option compared to an actual addition.

It’s hard to find enjoyment and relaxation in a tiny bathroom, but before you pull out that check book and start smashing down walls, try a few of these tricks. The tips listed above will make your bathroom look bigger and you won’t have to make any expensive additions. Instead, go spend the extra money on that pool you’ve always wanted!

Seven Things to Consider for a Home Theater

/in , /by

Craftsmen Home Improvements, Inc.With no wait times or obnoxious audience members, having a home theater can be a dream come true for movie lovers. To do the job right, lots of space is needed and that means basement room. With all the diverse components that go into such a project, a professional is called for, but the decisions about what goes into the theater is up to the homeowner. There’s a lot of room for variety, but it all can be boiled down to seven basic considerations.

The Big Screen: Large-screen TVs and projectors are the two main choices for viewing. Between the two, front projectors offer the largest images that easily exceed 100 diagonal inches, making them perfect for big get-togethers. The downside with projectors is that everyone needs a clear view of a large, open wall that’ll either serve as the screen or provide its backdrop. This approach is also much more sensitive to light in the room.

Big Audio: While most big-screen TVs and even some projector units come with their own speakers, additional units allow for clearer, more realistic sound. The inclusion of a subwoofer adds even greater realism by generating the low, sonorous tones expected of big-screen movies. All of this requires a quality stereo receiver to make it work.

Source Material: The prime sources of content for viewing include cable, satellite, Blu-ray players, Internet streaming, gaming consoles, and even over-air signals. As this list might indicate, not only do these devices need to be installed, they also require extra controllers and wiring to coordinate them into a manageable system.

Lights Out: One consideration that involves a change to the designated room’s electrical wiring is the possible addition of a dimmer switch. It’s practically a necessity for a projector, but LCD, LED, and plasma TVs can still benefit from this. This is one thing that makes it obvious why a basement remodeling Cincinnati professional is needed.

Keep Quiet: Another beneficial component that only a basement remodeling Cincinnati professional can handle is soundproofing. Outdoor noises like traffic or lawnmowers are usually impossible to prevent. While some appliances can be turned off during TV viewing, things like heating and cooling equipment are unavoidable and often loud.

Sitting Down: Installing real theater seats can make the experience all the more authentic. Home furnishings like couches and overstuffed chairs, though, provide a more casual, relaxed setting for friends and family.

Feeding Time: Running to the kitchen for a snack can be a hassle, especially if it’s upstairs. When guests are involved, this can be even worse since pausing the action becomes less of an option. A snack bar or similar arrangement can be a solution that gives the home theater a more realistic feel.

Master Plan: What these considerations show is that a home theater utilizes a diverse array of elements. Bringing them together requires expertise that professional companies like Craftsmen Home Improvements possess. Once the plan is in place and the theater is installed, though, the rewards make it all worth it.

Is it Time to Remodel your Kitchen?

/in , , , , , /by

Craftsmen Home Improvements, Inc.When we visit a kitchen for our free in-home consultation, it was probably designed decades ago. While the old wooden cabinets and fussy pastel wallpapers were fashionable in their day, our customers want a newer look. Designs for a remodeled kitchen are trending towards white or gray cabinets and stainless steel appliances, with an overall cleaner, more minimalist feel. Countertops will be simple and apron and farmhouse sinks are popular. One of the top cost saving options for a kitchen is to reface the cabinets rather than replace them. You can save a lot of money and create a new look with refaced cabinets, and our consultants at Craftsmen can help you figure out your best options. Here are a few suggestions.

Appliance Finishes: Most homeowners prefer stainless steel appliances. You can now get appliances with less metallic sheen, rounded handles and rounded edges. The clean, minimalist look is still there, but somewhat softened. Some customers want their kitchen to have appliances integrated into cabinetry for an even more streamlined effect, especially in open kitchens where appliances can be seen from a distance. The most important consideration is that the appliances blend seamlessly into your overall design concept within your entire space. Our consultants can help you create the look you love.

Countertop Finishes: Most homeowners remodeling kitchens want new countertops, with 50% of homeowners choosing granite, and 36% choosing quartz. When we design a new kitchen, it may also have a mixture of different countertop treatments. For example, a butcher block may be incorporated into the workspace. Waterfall countertops, where the counter flows over the side, are increasingly used. Our customers are choosing fewer patterns and more black counters in both granite and quartz – the top two countertop materials we see today.

Apron and Farmhouse Sinks: Apron and farmhouse sinks have a very traditional style. And yet, this is a trend we see on the rise in kitchen design. The new trend is that homeowners mix styles within one kitchen. While a farmhouse sink may seem rustic, there are now many designs with sleeker lines and flat fronts that mesh well with the clean lines our kitchen customers are looking for. Your sink can be a focal point, so be sure to look at our wide variety of styles to choose the features that meet your needs.

Consider Saving Money by Refacing your Cabinets: One way our customers save money remodeling a kitchen is by refacing their kitchen cabinets. This is a cost-effective way to save money, but it does have its limitations. When you completely replace cabinets, you can redesign their size, look and configuration within the space of your kitchen. But when you reface cabinets, the underlying cabinet remains the same. Only the front is updated. The savings are there, but the limitations are there as well.

We are Craftsmen Home Improvements, a Top 500 Remodeler nationwide. To see all that we offer, you can visit us online at Craftsmen Home Improvement Inc. Or, for your free in-home consultation to remodel your kitchen, call us at 513-942-6300513-942-6300.