Transforming a Kitchen Space Without Breaking The Bank

When the new homeowner’s bought this Lake Oswego home they wanted a kitchen that would better serve their lifestyle. What they didn’t want was to renovate the entire kitchen. With some brainstorming and design tweaks the solution was to change the island. She, a gourmet cook, found the current island too small for actually cooking around the stove top, the tiled counter top was a nuisance with grout, and the front glass cabinet virtually served no purpose for her.



After

Since we were installing beautiful new Acacia hand scraped hardwoods throughout the main floor, it was a good time to modify the island. The front glass cabinet was removed and a new three drawer cabinet was placed at the end of the original cabinet giving her additional storage for pots and pans plus the top drawer had a custom tilted spice rack installed to store her beloved spices. Large decorative posts were installed to hold the extended new Pental Chroma Quartz slab in a creamy subtle marble look called “Marfil” for bar seating. The original cabinetry was stripped down and all was painted Benjamin Moore’s #1000 "Northwood Brown" to match a color coordinating with the original granite tiles still on the perimeter cabinets. Three new pendants now hover over the island and new under cabinet LED light strips were installed for updated lighting.

During construction

Before

 

With some smart planning this kitchen was virtually transformed to fit the desires of these new homeowners without breaking the bank. If you have some remodeling challenges we’d be happy to discuss your project and work on some solutions, that’s what we do.

Pental Chroma "Marfil" Quartz Slab

Angled spice rack inside top drawer

 

The Benefits Of Hiring A Professional Remodeler

Home owners reap many benefits when hiring a professional remodeler for their home renovation. According to HBA experienced remodelers bring a multitude of skills and qualities to successfully execute a home remodeling project.

 

"Professionals just do home remodeling better,” said HBA President Steve Heiteen. “They not only bring advanced construction skills, trained remodelers better manage customer service and business management to improve the remodeling experience for home owners."

 

What qualities do professional remodelers provide to a home renovation?

Customer Service
Knowledgeable home remodelers understand that they are providing a service, not a one-size-fits-all product. Just as every home owner is an individual, each home is also unique. A professional remodeler knows how to create customized solutions for the residents and provide continuing customer support.

Business Management and Integrity

Running a business well is part of the responsibilities of a professional remodeler. This includes having systems for the business, writing clear contracts, having insurance, providing warranties, and more. Better business management means better service for home owners because they can rely on the remodeler to perform with integrity.

Experience
Do you know what to expect when you take that wall out? A professional remodeler understands the structure of a home and is prepared for surprises behind walls. They’ve developed expertise from performing home remodels, attending trainings, and are familiar with laws and regulation pertaining to home construction.

Longevity
Anyone may be able to purchase a truck and some tools, but only professional remodelers have the skills to remain in business for the long haul. By understanding the practice and business of home remodeling, these professionals can manage changes in the market and return to service your home for years to come. Use the remodelers you can trust to fix problems and keep a home in good health for the long term.

Creativity
Home remodeling frequently involves problem solving, such as maximizing existing space, strategically building additions, or navigating limited budgets. Professional remodelers can help home owners manage challenges and meet their needs while staying within the budget. Experience and skills help remodelers propose choices and solutions to satisfy their customers.

Bring home the benefits of hiring a professional home remodeler for your renovation. Harness their skills and knowledge to create a more comfortable home.

 

 

 



 

 

What is the Best Paint for Your Money?

How do you know which paint is right for your house? Well, that depends on what your project is for. Are you staying or selling? Do you need or want low or no VOC (volatile organic compounds). All paints appear to look the same but can massively differ in price. Although the cheapest option may seem attractive, the more expensive paints are higher quality, come in more brilliant colors, will last longer, and optional one coat/primer applications.

All paint has certain ingredients. The more pigments the more it will retain its true color over time. Binders help hold the paint together and also will resist cracking, peeling and blistering. The more liquids a paint has the more it will evaporate. Cheaper paints contain more liquids. Additives give paint extra durability or resistance to mildew.  Depending on the how much of each ingredient is in it will affect the color as well as the quality.

Some company paint lines offer their own colors, like Devine paint and Benjamin Moore’s Aura series, that can't be duplicated (at least not very well) in other brands' without high-quality materials.” Some brands are better at hiding flaws, some on flow and leveling, and others on adhesion. Each brand has its own unique balance of characteristics. If you want to play it safe, choose the top-quality item from the brand you're interested in.”

If you haven’t bought paint in years you may be sticker shocked. Good quality paints can run an average of $55+ per gallon with a $.75 mandatory recovery fee for EPA disposal.  Keep in mind a high-quality paint coverage will be superior, and typically covers the surface in fewer coats, saving you time too.

Buying a really good paint isn’t the whole solution to getting the best results. It’s all in the preparation, if you don’t prep properly even the best paint won’t last. Make the most of your investment and ask a professional guide you.

Homeowners Beware Of Scam Artists

We’ve seen it before, but it’s worth a repeat warning. Beware of contractors who are unlicensed and/or misrepresent themselves as professionals in their field. Case in point, recently a new homeowner purchased a home and was outside viewing her property with Don when a man stopped by and claimed to have been the previous owner’s landscaper. He appeared to know a lot about the property, sprinkler systems, etc. and offered his services to her in checking all the systems and cleaning up what had been neglected for so long.

Red Flag #1: When asked for a business card he casually said he didn’t have one on him at the moment. So, there was no way to check his license legitimacy since there was not a number to look up. See Oregon State Contactors and/or Landscape Contractors Board to confirm an active license.

Red Flag #2: He was driving an unmarked vehicle with no visual business representation. He didn’t even have landscaping equipment in his vehicle.

Red Flag #3: He asked for $500 up front to start the project, with no paperwork and no receipt.

As a consumer, do your due diligence in checking up on these scam artists who will gladly take your money without doing the work.