Sunday, August 31, 2014

Holiday Remodels




            I know school just started, fall is on its way, football season is soon to be in full swing and, yes, it is time to start thinking about Thanksgiving and Christmas. Only seventeen weeks left till Christmas. Yes, I really did just say that. It may seem like a long time away, but we all know that it will be here before we know it and probably before we are ready.

 

Ready or not, the holidays are upon us. As this realization hits, we start to make a mental or written list of all the things we need and want to do before the holidays are actually here. Is a kitchen or bathroom remodel on your to do list before the company comes? Maybe you just found out that your home will be the location of this year’s Thanksgiving or Christmas celebration or your broken oven just won’t cut it for baking those cookies.  Do you want a new kitchen or bathroom before Thanksgiving? Maybe you can’t redo the entire room but want to make some small changes. Or maybe you just want to finally get the dining room repainted or new carpet in your bedroom. Now is the time to start thinking about it and making plans. If you begin now, you will have plenty of time to get your project done before Thanksgiving hits and then you can enjoy your new space all throughout the Christmas season.

 

Before you start to panic, take a deep breath and let’s take a realistic look at the calendar. Depending on the amount and magnitude of work that you want to do in your kitchen or bathroom, you can expect a remodel to take anywhere from three to six weeks from demo to final cleanup. If you start your planning and decision making now, you can realistically have a new kitchen or bathroom by Thanksgiving. Consult with the professionals who will be completing this work for you and they will be able to give you a better idea of the time needed to complete your project. Whatever you do, DO NOT plan to wrap up your remodeling project the day before company is expected to arrive. Something might be backordered or take longer than expected and then you will really be up a creek without a paddle or eating your Christmas dinner at Waffle House. The holidays are hectic enough without adding that little bit of stress.

 

As you consider who will be doing the work for you, make sure they have a good reputation, are doing what they say and completing projects in a timely manner. Check their references and don’t let the bottom line make the decision for you. Sometimes there is a reason one person is less expensive than another. The holidays are not a time to risk having issues with a contractor. Make sure you clearly communicate your deadline to the contractors you work with to ensure an on-time project. That way there will be no surprises and everyone is on the same page.

 

We all know the holidays can be a stressful time. There are parties to attend or host, food to be prepared, gifts to be wrapped and memories to be made with your family and friends. Endeavor to enjoy this season and all of its wonderful food, people and events by planning ahead. Take time to slow down and remember that this is the most wonderful time of the year.

 

Email me at jessica@webbercoleman.com and let me know if you have any questions regarding holiday projects.

Sunday, August 17, 2014

Granite Tops


One question I am asked almost every day is “Should I put granite tops in my kitchen or bathroom?” Today let’s explore the pros and cons and some things to keep in mind.

 

Granite is one of the hardest stones and not subject to etching by household cleaners or scratches by knives or pots and pans being drug across the surface. According to the Marble Institute of America, both prior to and after the availability of sealer for granite, no cases of food poisoning, radon or food preparation issues associated with sealed or unsealed granite have been reported. Its natural resistance to bacteria makes it a perfect choice for kitchen countertops. If you clean your tops after each meal, you should not have any issues. A mild soap and water is all that is really needed. Keep in mind that different procedures and cautions are needed when you have marble, travertine, limestone or other porous materials for your countertops.

 

One pro and con is the color of granite. If you are looking for a very uniform color or pattern, then granite may not be the material for you. There are some granites that have very little pattern, so take a stroll through a warehouse before you rule it out. If you are looking for something to be the centerpiece of the space, there are some pretty fantastic granite colors that will do just that. I often recommend selecting your countertop surface first and then working around that. You may fall in love with a particular slab and it’s much easier to design around that than fitting your countertop to the other selections you have already made.

 

Pricing-granite may be your least expensive solid countertop option, but it could also be your most expensive. Supply and demand, finish and edge profile all play a part in the cost.

 

Before you decide to replace your existing countertops with granite, take a critical look at your cabinets. Are they strong enough to support this added weight? Do you want to replace them soon? It’s much easier to replace base cabinets before granite tops are put on than after. Don’t get the cart before the horse.

 

Are you replacing your countertops? I’d love to see your before and after pictures! Email me at jessica@webbercoleman.com and let me know if you have any questions regarding kitchens and bathrooms.

Sunday, August 3, 2014

Dovetail Drawer Boxes


One question I am often asked is “Should I use dovetail drawer boxes?” Let’s explore what a dovetail drawer box is and if it is worth the extra expense.

A dovetail drawer box is made using a dovetail joint, which is the strongest of all joints. The joint is made up of interlocking wedge-shaped parts called pins and tails that resist the forces applied to the joint. Dovetail joints are most helpful when used in a place that sees tension, such as a drawer box. Most of the time it is made with solid wood from ½”-3/4” thick. It can be made in most any species of wood.

If a cabinet or piece of furniture comes with dovetail drawer boxes as a standard, great! If not, it’s important to examine the type of drawer box being used and decide if it’s worth the cost to upgrade to a dovetail drawer box. Many cabinet manufacturers make a great and very strong plywood drawer box that is glued and nailed together. That’s our standard drawer box and I can’t tell you the last time we had one fail.  Dovetail drawer boxes run about $20-$60 more per drawer depending on the material. That can be a significant cost adder especially since most kitchens are made up of all drawers these days.

More important than the drawer box, I believe, is the drawer slide. Are you getting a quality drawer slide that will last? Are the parts made out of metal or out of plastic? Are they full extension or soft close? How do they roll? Will you be happy opening and closing them multiple times a day? Drawer slides fail more often than the drawer box, so examine these closely.

Email me at jessica@webbercoleman.com and let me know if you have any questions regarding kitchens and bathrooms.