5 Things To Do Yourself

It's that time of year that people begin to get the itch to be productive. We are cooped up inside and we see and have time to tackle those nagging little home projects on our to do list. Before you begin, let's assess what you can do and what really needs to be hired out.

 

First, take a pad of paper or your smartphone and go room by room. Take a fresh look at the space. Is something in need of repair? Would a good cleaning solve your problem? Are you tired of looking at that old ceiling fan? Is that picture still leaning against the wall waiting to be hung? Once you have a master list of what needs to be done, you can assess what you want and can do and what you need to hire someone else to do. Depending on your skill and confidence level, this may vary by person. Here is my list of 5 things most anyone could tackle.

 

1.    Replace shower faucet head. Minimal tools are needed for this and can really upgrade your showering experience and make you wonder why it took you so long. Two that I have enjoyed trying out recently are the Grohe Rainshower hand shower and the Kohler Moxie shower head. It has a Bluetooth speaker built into it!

 

2.   Replace a light fixture or ceiling fan. A little electrical knowledge is needed or the ability to read instructions. Few tools are needed, but patience and possibly a third hand are a must. Make sure you turn off the breaker before you begin.

 

3.   New cabinet hardware. A very simple change, make sure you find a pull that matches the current hole pattern you have drilled in your cabinet doors and drawers or select a backplate that will cover up the old holes. You can either purchase online or through a local hardware company.

 

4.   Paint. More tools are needed for this project and it's important to make sure you prep and tape off the space well before you begin. (While I have painted many a space, I have found it less frustrating and more economical, time wise, for me to hire this out. If you ever see me purchasing a paint brush, feel free to tell me to put it down and call the painter!)

 

5.   Minor sheetrock repairs. Patience and a few tools are needed. This skill is important before you tackle some of the painting projects above.

 

6.   Window treatments & blinds. A drill, a hammer, screws, a tape measure and a pencil. Measure twice and drill once. So simple and very rewarding!

 

Need a little help? Someone in your local hardware store is a great wealth of knowledge. That little thing called the internet. Yeah, it's helpful too. And YouTube has a wealth of knowledge in video tutorials that can help you through your projects. If all else fails, call The Man. AKA the painter, electrician, plumber. You won't be sorry. If you have any questions you would like addressed, don't hesitate to contact me at jessica@webbercoleman.com

Kitchen Myth's: Part 6

Myth: “Yes, it will fit.”

 Fact: You can’t deny the reality of a square foot, but it’s amazing how many people try to do just that. One client insisted on putting an island in her new townhouse kitchen, although there was clearly not enough room for it. She tried to do what’s popular without any thought to whether it would work in the space. Now, there’s barely room to stand behind it to use the counter and you can’t put anything on the adjacent wall except for a painting.

 

Human nature is tricky. We can unwittingly grow attached to our old appliances and end up with new refrigerators that are too small  or too large or with ovens that are short on burners. Or, we forget our physical limitations and opt for a sink bay window that’s too deep or an island that’s too huge to clean. It's important to pay particular attention to aisle width, which should be between 42” and 48”. If there’s too little space, you’re stuck if someone lowers the door of the oven, dishwasher or microwave. Always try to maintain your objectivity, and remember that, in the end, utility trumps every other consideration.

 

Myth: You can decide on the design as you go

 

Fact: Designing on the fly is likely to lead to a big mess. For a successful design plan, it's important to start with a clear picture of what you want, and it's even better to have it down on paper with each detail selected. You can successfully mix styles and pieces, but even if you're a seasoned pro, this requires considerably more strategy than just picking up decor that you like on a whim. There's nothing worse than getting to the middle or end of a project to find out that sink you really wanted is back ordered for 3 months.

 

The end of the year is drawing near and we will begin focusing on new ideas. If you have any you would like added to the list or questions regarding some we have already discussed, don't hesitate to contact me at jessica@webbercoleman.com

Kitchen Myth's: Part 5

Myth: The ceiling has to be white

 

Fact: We all know that white is the typical color for a ceiling, but there's no decorating rule that says it has to be. Painting the ceiling two shades lighter than the wall color can help smaller rooms feel more airy and spacious. But if the room is already cavernous and you want to give it more of a cozy feel, choose a darker color to give the illusion of bringing the ceiling down.

 

Myth: White Rooms look bigger

 

Fact: White rooms are popular for a couple of reasons. They complement a modern, minimalist aesthetic, and they don't compete with other bold design choices. Clean is the buzzword most people use when opting for white, but it's a myth that white walls make a room look larger. Color creates depth and interest, and our eyes tend to move from darker colors to lighter colors. This is what allows us to judge the distance between two walls and what creates the illusion of space -- or the lack thereof.

 

Myth: Everything has to match

Fact: Everything in a room does not have to match, but you do want pieces to coordinate for a cohesive look. An elegant Louis XVI chair isn't a good complement to the clean lines of a mod Parson's table, but this doesn't mean that your entire living room has to be decorated with Victorian antiques. If you're mixing styles, it's important to choose pieces that visually balance each other. For example, a roomy sectional with big, deep cushions is best paired with a chunky coffee table, while a smaller scale couch with tailored cushions will coordinate better with a spindly, mid-century modern coffee table.

 

Next time we will explore some other kitchen myth's. If you have any you would like added to the list or questions regarding some we have already discussed, don't hesitate to contact me at jessica@webbercoleman.com

Kitchen Myth's: Part 4

Myth: “I want what she has.”   

Fact: It’s tempting to follow the latest trends, but it pays to be practical. Do you really want your friend’s painted cabinets when they risk water damage near your sink? Will you tire of that popular granite color? Will you still love antique glazed cabinets in 10 years? Will that funky kitchen featured in that glossy magazine really work in your house?

Considering the scope of a kitchen renovation, it’s best to proceed cautiously. Homeowners get carried away when they see someone else’s home or a kitchen showroom. They go bounding off and buy things without thinking of the rest of the house. Usually the kitchen is the first room they do during a home renovation and it dictates the colors for the rest of the house—for what seems like forever. It’s a huge investment.

 

Myth: Solid  cabinet doors last longer than veneer doors.

Fact: Solid wood doors have a higher tendency to warp and the wood separate than veneer doors.  Veneer doors can actually be quite durable depending on the quality of the veneer and edge tape. When making the decision, make sure you have a high level of trust with the manufacturer and they have a strong warranty.

 

Myth: Big box stores are always cheaper.

Fact: This really depends on the design of the kitchen and the type of cabinets you want to purchase. Typically, high levels of customization can cost a lost more with big box store cabinets. Once you have decided on your layout and style, it's important to obtain estimates from a big box store and a custom cabinet company.

 

Next time we will explore some other kitchen myth's. If you have any you would like added to the list or questions regarding some we have already discussed, don't hesitate to contact me at jessica@webbercoleman.com

Kitchen Myth's: Part 3

Myth: “I’m not going to have any clutter in my new kitchen.”
 

Fact: One homeowner recently ripped out her crowded pantry to make room for a lovely butler's pantry area with glass front cabinets. Now she doesn’t have a pantry—and no place to store everyday dry goods and cereals. She thought she could adapt, but how can she when there’s insufficient storage space?

         

Whether we like it or not, life is messy—in kitchens both new and old. That’s why adequate space to store it is essential. One of the most common mistakes among homeowners is that they want kitchens that open into other rooms, and they don’t plan any upper storage for china and glassware. There needs to be a balance between function and style.

 

 

Myth: Bigger is always better

 

Fact: Like so many homeowners, Ms. Doe finally got a massive kitchen for entertaining, but now she walks endlessly from one appliance to another. This is one mistake that homeowners have to live with for a long time, since kitchen renovations are done only once every 15 years or so. While you’re still in the planning stages, consider adding a task or bar sink next to your refrigerator, on a central island or near your cooktop to reduce the need to cross those distance. Because kitchens are such a large investment and not remodeled very often, it's important to choose quality over quantity.

 

 

Next time we will explore some other kitchen myth's. If you have any you would like added to the list or questions regarding some we have already discussed, don't hesitate to contact me at jessica@webbercoleman.com

Kitchen Myth's: Part 2

This week we will continue with our kitchen myth series. I would love to know if you have any you would like to add to the list. Email me at the address below.

 

Myth: “I don’t need a designer.”

 

Fact: Not every kitchen project requires a designer. But many of us need someone to help us see the big picture and oversee the entire project, including coordinating the efforts of the architect and builder or contractor. They also help see potential problems and are able to come up with solutions or navigate through potential changes at may need to be made. These experts earn their keep by saving you money in the long run, and save your time and sanity by keeping your project on time and under budget. Even if you have a very clear picture of what you want, a designer can hone in on how to best realize your remodeling dream.

 

 

Myth: “I can add that easily at a later time.”

 

Fact: One client insisted she didn’t need a microwave, but when her husband was transferred and they had to sell the house, the missing microwave was a big issue among potential buyers, even those who admired her gorgeous cabinets. It's best to add features to your new kitchen during, not after, renovation. Even if you’re not ready for a flat-screen television in the kitchen now, it’s best to prepare for their future installation by running cable and electrical lines. Just because you don't use a microwave today, doesn't mean your needs wont change in a year or two. Keep your options open.

  

Lighting is another element that often gets overlooked in a remodel. Opt for a variety of kitchen lighting fixtures throughout the kitchen, especially under-cabinet lighting, since it illuminates counter top space far better than overhead lighting alone.

 

If you prefer to tackle your kitchen renovation in stages, one aspect or area at a time, just make sure to plan carefully so everything fits together harmoniously—both stylistically and functionally--when your space is finally complete.

 

I look forward to dispelling more myths with you next time. As always, don't hesitate to contact me with any questions at jessica@webbercoleman.com

Kitchen Myth's: Part 1

Over the next couple of months, we will discuss and dispel many common kitchen and bathroom myth's that I hear from friends and clients.

 

Myth: It's less expensive to reface or redo my existing cabinets than to get new ones.

 

Fact: If your current cabinets are in bad condition, have water damage or extensive wear, re-facing or refinishing them is not the best option. You will need to spend money repairing your old cabinets before they can be re-faced or refinished. Also, re-facing won’t allow you to make changes to the layout. If you want to make your kitchen layout or arrangement better or add in some customized options, you may be better off getting new cabinets. Either way, it's important to compare estimates for both options.

 

 

Myth: Solid back cabinets are stronger than 1/8” back cabinets

 

Fact: This is not always true.  The strength of the cabinet is determined mostly by how they are constructed and how well the parts are joined together.

 

 

Myth: More expensive drawer slides are always better.

 

Fact: There are times when less expensive slides could work better depending on the application. Consider the use of the drawer when making a drawer slide selection. Hinges and drawer slides are the most used pieces of hardware on cabinets and its important that you have a quality that will withstand the wear you will put on it. This is one item I don't like to scrimp on.

 

Next time we will explore some other kitchen myth's. If you have any you would like added to the list or questions regarding some we have already discussed, don't hesitate to contact me at jessica@webbercoleman.com