The Kitchen Remodel: Is it for me?

by responsiblecontractors

Throughout the start of the year you’ve been dreaming of the possibilities, contemplating remodel projects, and reading up on countertops, cabinets, and more! Ideas have been flooding your mind, but the question remains: Is it time for my kitchen to be remodeled? Here are some signs that your kitchen may be in need of a remodel.

1)   Aesthetics

This is the most subjective of all, as design really comes down to preference. But how does your kitchen feel to you? If your colors, patterns, materials or design make you feel like you’re walking into a home from a past decade, that may be a sign! Depending on when your home was built, many were designed with trends that came and went quickly. One sure sign that your kitchen’s design is outdated is if you have a separate kitchen and formal dining room. Today, because families generally cook together and formally dine less, open floor plans are more desirable and convenient. If you have the urge to turn on music from the 70’s or 80’s every time you step into your kitchen, it may be time to take it into the future with a design that will last.

2)   Damage

We are generally the last to notice signs of deterioration in our own homes, simply because it’s so familiar to us. This is similar to the way guests will tend to pickup on your home’s odor when you have become desensitized to it. Take a look around and watch for signs of damage. This may be mold growth, bubbling paint, cracks in the drywall, tile grout, or baseboards, missing or browned caulk, peeling vinyl, scratched and discolored flooring, and chipped countertops. You may find even more, but give yourself a score. Start with a hundred and subtract points for every type of damage. Does your kitchen pass with a score above 80? Are you failing below 60? If you find your score too low for your comfort level, it may be time to reinforce your bones with a remodeled kitchen.

3)   Family & Household Changes

Has your family grown or shrunk significantly since you moved into the house, or last remodeled? If your kids are older and using more space, you may find clutter constantly building up. It may be harder to keep things organized. Storage that was once adequate for your family now may no longer contain the level of stuff you keep around. Part of this may be a sign that it’s time to reorganize, but depending on the amount of change your family has gone through, it may be a sign that it’s time to remodel your kitchen to accommodate your growing family. Alternatively, maybe your kids have moved out and you find you have too much space. Empty nesters have a tendency to fill empty space with clutter, even when the space is superfluous. In this case, a remodel may be a great way to redesign so your kitchen complements your changing lifestyle.

So where do you stand? Is your kitchen accommodating you and your family? Is it in good shape, without excess damage or deterioration? Is it comfortable, and does the design suit your style? Do you find the layout and organization is functional for you, and helps you be more efficient? If so, you’re probably in good shape. If two or more of these signify something you need, it may be time to make the kitchen remodel jump! When you are ready to do so, the most important factor you will need will be to choose a contractor you trust to advise you! Looking for a specific recommendation? Contact us, and we can put you in touch with the right fit. Also visit us at responsiblecontractors.com to view a list of companies we trust to take care of your home. Happy remodeling!

Spotlight on: Chase Construction Northwest Inc.

In the northwest, we are no strangers to rain. Our ever-changing weather can be taxing on our homes, especially our roofs. A good roof should last a minimum of twenty years, but at what point does it need maintenance? And how can you know when your roof needs to be replaced? Don’t wait until water is leaking inside to think about it. 

If you can’t remember the last time you thought about your roof, it’s probably time to look into a replacement. And who better for the job than Chase Construction Northwest? Family owned in Puyallup, WA, they have been among the best in the industry for thirty years. Their commitment to each home that they work on is unparalleled, and they offer extended warranties that only 3% of roofing contractors in the nation can!

More than just residential, Chase Construction Northwest also works on commercial roofs. Brick and mortar companies often rely on the security of their buildings. Part of that relies on the roofing! With Chase Construction Northwest’s comprehensive history in the commercial roofing industry, they are well versed in cutting edge technologies. This includes helping businesses save thousands on energy consumption, and qualifying for federal tax credits!

Beyond their commitment to providing excellence for every customer, Chase Construction Northwest believes in giving back. They are actively involved in missions around the globe! This year, one of their own was in Uganda, working to help their industry and economical development. Previously, they have helped in other countries including Thailand, providing roofing to help orphanages!

So when it comes to your roof, why choose Chase Construction Northwest? With their vast experience, their amazing commitment to the customer, their desire to give back, and the quality of work they provide, they are a great choice! For over thirty years they have maintained a 98% customer satisfaction rate, tracked by an independent manufacturer survey. That says it all!

At Responsible Contractors, our goal is to bring you the best in each industry for your home or business. We proudly recommend Chase Construction Northwest Inc. as a great choice for all your roofing needs! To see more contractors like this one, visit us athttp://www.responsiblecontractors.com.

Remodeling: Kitchen Cabinets

For those who have a kitchen remodel on their list, one of the big decisions you’ll make is regarding kitchen cabinets. Kitchen cabinets are one of the first things your guests will see when they enter the room. The cabinets you choose will impact your room’s overall design, as well as your budget. Your cabinets are also a storage function, and how they are organized is a decision to make for your kitchen and family. Generally, cabinets will comprise close to half of the total kitchen budget; so it’s worth choosing a design you’ll be happy with for years to come.

For the do-it-your-selfer, kitchens can be done with stock cabinetry, which is a budget friendly choice but some kitchens with unique layouts may require custom cabinetry.

Stock cabinets are pre-sized by the manufacturer, measured in 3-inch increments. They can be made from a variety of materials. From as simple as plastic-covered particle board to solid wood, there are a few options to choose from. The risk with stock cabinets is that some will only meet minimal standards, making them the less valuable investment. However, they can be an attractive option for a kitchen on a budget.

Custom cabinetry may require a significant investment, but opens a wide array of options both in design, function and efficiency. Are you more interested in aesthetic appeal or a durable quality? Are you looking for something environmentally friendly, like bamboo? What kind of storage will you need? These are all questions that you can address, especially with custom cabinetry! Custom cabinetry removes all limits!

For those with custom needs on a budget, there’s a third option: Semi-custom cabinets! A sweet spot in the middle, semi-custom cabinets are manufactured from a stock design, but made to your specifications. Customization in style, material, and some size adjustments allows you to make it your own, while starting from a good base. For most families, this is a great option, as it is still budget friendly and allows you to tailor the cabinets to your needs.

Whatever route you take, pay attention to the construction of the cabinets themselves. Look at materials, design, hardware and more. Do the drawers seem like they’ll get stuck easily? Are the shelf mounting brackets metal, or plastic? How much weight will they hold? How are the cabinets joined together? Hot glue? Staples? These details should be noted prior to installation, to make sure you have a quality cabinet that will be durable and last as long as possible.

The best decision you can make when looking for cabinets is to work with an expert in the industry who you trust to advise you, and install them. If you’re doing a full kitchen remodel, this will likely be the contractor you’re working with. Hint: If you need someone, we can help! Working with someone you trust should always be your first priority. At responsible contractors, we aim to bring you the best in each industry. For a cabinetry remodel, we are happy to recommend a great contractor! Visitwww.responsiblecontractors.com for a list, or contact us for a more specific recommendation.

Kitchen Countertops: Know Your Options

If a kitchen remodel has been on your wish list this year, one of the biggest decisions you will be making is choosing a countertop. Practical, simple, visually stunning, and extravagant: There are many options available to you! This is a fun and exciting process, and knowing what choices you have will provide a groundwork, and allow you to make the best choice for your kitchen!

Concrete

For those who like the organic, earthy feel, concrete can be a great choice. It’s versatile in design, as it can be dyed or tiled to change the color and shapes. Because concrete is porous, it requires regular maintenance, including annually waxing and re-sealing. Concrete is a very durable material, and in addition to being long-lasting, is a cost-effective option. While mimicking the smooth, natural stone look of natural stones such as granite, it comes in at under $140 per square foot (before installation).

Manufactured Quartz

Manufactured Quartz carries some of the natural, earthy design that concrete has. However, it is generally more luxurious in design and has a lot of shine to it. One of the advantages to manufactured quartz is that, while equally durable, it requires much less maintenance. It requires no sealant, and is extraordinarily stain resistant. Convenience comes at a cost though, as you can pay as much as $200 per square foot before installation.

Granite

The highly coveted granite is a timeless option that has many benefits. Granite does not depreciate in value, and in fact will add value to your home. Because it is not porous, granite will not host bacteria and makes one of the most sanitary options. It’s also easy to clean. All these benefits still come at a cost. Granite is one of the most expensive options, and because it is quite heavy, and unable to remove without damaging the cabinetry, is usually a permanent solution.

Stainless Steel

For the industrial kitchens, and for those with a modern design, stainless steel is a bold choice that will live up to even the heaviest kitchen abuse. It is competitive with concrete in price, and a good choice for those who cook frequently and avidly. The disadvantage to stainless steel is that it scratches easily and is harder to keep looking clean, and is therefore used mostly in commercial establishments.

Other Natural Stone

Most other natural stones, including marble, soapstone, and Jerusalem stone are more traditional options that have timeless benefits. In addition to the seemingly endless variety of designs, it is heat resistant. Natural stones are a choice that will appeal to those who want both a high-end style, and a good cooking environment. Because it is such a diverse category, prices can range from $50-$200 a square foot, prior to installation.

While there are more options available for countertops, including wood, tile, bamboo, and even paper composites, the above styles are are some of the more prevalent ones in the market and a good place to start. Before making a decision, always consult with an expert in the profession. Find a contractor who can advise you, help you make a decision, and handle the installation process so that you will have the best possible outcome for your kitchen! Thinking of remodeling? We are happy to recommend the right person for the job. Visit responsiblecontractors.com, or ask us for a referral. That’s what we’re here for!

Spotlight On: Concrete Impressions Inc

Want your home to make a great first impression? Concrete Impressions offers state of the art decorative concrete design! They can give your driveway, sidewalks, steps or patio that new look you’ve been wanting or needing.

Maybe it’s a maintenance issue. The sidewalk has cracks and you worry about your kids riding their bikes on it. The moss has damaged your walkway and grass is stubbornly wedging its way up. Perhaps your back porch is stained, cracked or just not big enough. Concrete, while strong, does require maintenance. So when it’s time to update and replace concrete, where do you start? Traditional broom or aggregate concrete is only one option available to you.

There are a variety of options in designs, styles and finishes including stamped concrete designs from cobblestone to slate, brick, sandstone and more. You can even have patterns within patterns, circles and borders. Just imagine the possibilities!

Replacing and updating old concrete is a worthwhile investment with aesthetic appeal! It’s eco-friendly and easy to maintain. And who better than to provide this than Concrete Impressions? Family owned and operated, Concrete Impression brings a personal touch, and believes in providing work that speaks for itself.

Providing both residential and commercial work, Concrete Impressions is a full service concrete contractor. From creative landscaping and retaining walls to driveways and walkways, you will be impressed with their innovative design and build capabilities.

And they do more than just pour beautiful concrete. Throughout the process, they will educate you as to proper maintenance. This will not only contribute to long term durability, but also to the longevity of your new surface’s aesthetic appeal.

So, if you have been dreaming of a more visually appealing alternative to traditional concrete or the cracks are just annoying, call Concrete Impressions for an estimate! They can answer your questions, and give you a chance to meet the people who will take your concrete into their care

At Responsible Contractors, we aim to bring you the best of each industry. When it comes to specialty concrete, we are glad to recommend Concrete Impressions as a solution to your concrete needs! To see more contractors like this, visithttp://www.responsiblecontractors.com!

Remodeling in 2015

If you’re looking at your home envisioning updates and remodels you would like to make, now is the time to start planning! A new year can mean a fresh start for your home as well. You may have that one room of the house that needs updating. Or perhaps there’s an addition you’ve been dreaming of. Whatever the big dream you have for your home may be, this year can be your time! January is the perfect time of year to start planning so that when summer comes, you’ll be ready to jump in.

Before you consult an architect or designer, have an idea of what you want to accomplish. Why this room, or this addition? How will the room be used? What is the overall atmosphere you want to create? Also ask questions like: Will this add value to the home? Will this make my home more or less efficient? How will this addition compare with the rest of the home? And know what your budget is. Knowing what you want to accomplish and why will help choose the best project for your home. Need inspiration? There are many online resources from Pinterest to more specialized design-centric social sites that you can browse. Reading about others’ experiences and seeing successful projects will help you decide what you want. It will also give you the opportunity to ask for feedback regarding your own ideas!

Once you know what you want, find the right people to help! Hint: We can help with this part! A good architect and designer can take the vision you have and turn it into an attainable goal. A trained professional will know what you can and cannot do, and how to incorporate all the necessities to keep it up to code. You will also need a contractor. A contractor not only completes and oversees the projects: He will handle or advise in regulations such as getting a construction permit. When negotiating a contract, make sure everything is in writing and clearly understood. From the materials used to the structure of the building, every detail should be understood in such a way that you are left with no unpleasant surprises.

Finally, planning ahead allows you to schedule your life in a way that will make the remodel process as smooth and unimposing as it can be. The larger your remodel, the more likely you are to run into frustrations. Details such as where the workers are allowed to park, areas that are off limits, storage and more should be planned for. Good communication is a key factor in a successful project. Plan for your remodel at a time when your schedule will allow you more freedom to escape from the house as needed, and a late enough date to give you plenty of time to prepare.

Giving yourself adequate time to dream, ponder, and prepare may be just what this year needs! Make this year the one that you’ve been waiting for, and turn your house into your dream home! When you are ready to look for a contractor, we can recommend one in your area who will get the job done right! To see a list of contractors and more professionals we recommend, visit us at responsiblecontractors.com.

Newsletter: January 2015

The January Newsletter is now available for viewing!