Remodel – FAQs

Here are a few suggestions to help you achieve your ultimate remodeling goals:

• Visualize your “dream” space
• Have a budget and stick with it
• You may encounter changes along the way that may affect the budget; always get these in writing
• Learn to live without the “extras” or factor them into the initial budget
• Communicate with your professional remodeler
• Expressing your wants will help the professionals get a better understanding of your lifestyle, therefore they can match the design accordingly
• Remember, you are an intricate part of the remodeling process

Despite today’s do-it-yourself (DIY) craze, you should weigh the pros and cons of taking on any remodeling project alone. Make sure you consider the scope of work. In most cases, it costs more for a professional remodeler to come in and fix any DIY damage than it would have if the homeowner hired a professional in the beginning.

Below are a few questions you should consider before embarking on a DIY project:

• Do you know the proper steps for completing the project? Did you draft a plan?
• Is it safe for you to do this project? For example, are you familiar with the electrical wiring of the home, if that is what the project requires?
• Have you obtained the installation instructions from the manufacturer when installing a certain product?
• What is your remodeling skill level? Is it comparable to that needed to complete the project?

Are you familiar with your local building codes and permit requirements?

Although ceramic tile and wood floors are still the popular choices, cork, bamboo and marmoleum are gathering a lot of interest among homeowners.

• It has unique beauty, is durable, comfortable and environmentally-friendly
• Cork is also soft underneath your feet (great for people with arthritis) and wears well
• It has flexible installation because it is available as both a tile and as a click-loc glue-less floating floor
• You do have to be cautious when using it in the bathroom or kitchen because of the excessive moisture in those areas of the home

• It is uniquely attractive, strong and resilient
• Bamboo is also moisture and stain resistant and environmentally-friendly
• Some drawbacks of bamboo, however, are that it wears and dents easily because of the soft texture – remember not to walk on it wearing heels!

• It is great for those looking for a healthy, indoor environment
• Marmoleum installation is also quite simple as it comes in sheets or tiles
• Marmoleum is easy to clean

There are so many lighting options available today that it can be confusing for any homeowner. Below are some categories to think about before consulting a professional:

• Overhead lighting used to light the entire space

• Used to highlight specific items, such as a kitchen counter
• Floods countertops with light, and brightens otherwise dark corners
• Very effective and usually reasonably priced

• Creates emphasis on an object, such as artwork
• Brightens the room in certain areas, yet at the same time can help hide flaws

• Use shades and blinds that completely pull off the window panes during sunlight hours to brighten the area

• Vary the amount of light in a single space
• Add flexibility – making your dollars go further
• Generate more light for food preparation and clean-up
• Create less light for dining

Lighting brightens and gives the appearance of a larger kitchen space, while at the same time makes working within the area easier and more enjoyable. Well-placed, quality lighting also improves the overall beauty and the actual value of a home. How much lighting you can add in the kitchen depends on how much electrical capacity is available to the room. Consult an electrician and/or check your home electrical controls before making any lighting changes or decisions.

There are many easy ways to “make” a room. Here are a few of DreamMaker’s favorites:

• Include an indoor water feature, like a running water fountain, positioned near the foyer or dining room. Turn it on when receiving guests or during dinner. This creates a calming, soothing atmosphere.
• Include rope lighting with a multi-tiered trey ceiling, turning it on during dinner. This adds to a formal, yet inviting environment.
• Add bright, colorful throw pillows to your couch. This is a great way to temporarily create warmth to a typically neutral colored space.
• For the kitchen, having a raised bar area where guests can sit allows them to be part of the event. Guests will be able to have a conversation with the host as the meal is being prepared.
• For the family, incorporate an open area with an information center and a computer hook-up. This allows you to help children do their homework while preparing dinner – family fun time and memories in the making.

You need to take a look at the size of the room you are remodeling, your budget, and then have a professional create an appropriate design that will meet your needs for additional space.

Below are some options to think about:

• Change out the cabinetry and countertops to make kitchen space more versatile; also make sure they complement the room’s design and layout
• If you’re working with a small kitchen, consider installing cabinetry that has a multi-pantry closet or a lazy susan for the corner cabinet
• You can even create an office/homework center adjacent to the kitchen if you’re working with a larger budget
• An easy thing to do is organize your spices, silverware, knives, pots and pans, medications, toiletries, linens and even trash. Use specialty accessories, additional shelving in your cabinets, pull-down overhead cabinets, built-in hampers, pull-out trash containers and multiple storage drawers to free up unused space.
• Depending on your budget you can also remove a wall and adjoin rooms to install a more efficient closet system
• Another option, depending on cost (it can vary based on the size of wall and if it supports something), is to open that space up to the adjoining bath or bedroom to create an alcove. You can utilize that space for a small gym or exercise area.
• For closet areas, reorganize using the full height of the walls for cabinets and specialty built-ins

Yes, too many improvements can actually hinder the functionality of any kitchen or bath and may, in fact, actually turn the space into a complicated, non-user friendly area. The design aspect is also negatively affected. You need to determine what your purpose is for remodeling the space.

• What is the function in which you would like to utilize this space?
• What works? What doesn’t?
• What do you like and dislike about this space?

• You are ultimately the one who needs to decide what you actually want in your space, the remodeler can only make suggestions
• What items do you need and what are the ones you just wish you could have?

Make sure you convey all of these things to your remodeling professional for a successful project that you’re happy with.

Here are some examples of ways to improve accessibility and comfort in all areas of the home:

• One entrance without steps to the main floor of the house
• One bedroom on the main floor
• Wide interior doors – 34” minimum
• One full bath on the main floor with ample maneuvering space
• Lever hardware on all doors
• Expressing your wants will help the professionals get a better understanding of your lifestyle, therefore they can match the design accordingly
• Electrical outlets placed higher on the wall
• Light switches reachable from a seated position (36 – 44 inches from the floor)
• “Rocker”(touch) style light switches
• Adjustable closet rods and shelves
• Stair handrails on both sides of the stairs
• Kitchen countertops of varying heights for use sitting or standing
• Lever controls on the faucet at sinks
• Sinks with open space below to allow use while sitting
• Kitchen base cabinets with pull-out shelves or “lazy-susan” type revolving shelves
• Front loading dishwasher, raised from floor
• Adjustable shelves in kitchen wall cabinets
• Hand-held shower head in bath
• Grab bars in the tub/shower
• Shower stall with a minimum of 3×5 floor space
• Raised toilet (seat 17-19 inches from the floor)

Universal design assists with long-term use and accessibility for all, including young, old, mobility impaired or those living without impairments. Many homeowners are beginning to see the benefits of this type of quality living that allows for conveniences that will serve them now and in the future. Universal designed homes are part of an evolving movement away from aesthetic concerns, moving toward an increasing desire for style and functionality throughout the home. Also, in many cases, universal design features have also been shown to raise home value and resale desirability.

Your cleaning methods will vary depending on your wood finish. Make sure to check with the product manufacturer, dealer or installer. Most factory cabinets currently use a conversion varnish finish. In this case, occasional waxing can add water resistance and create a lasting shine. In general, preventive maintenance is vital for long-term performance and beauty of wood cabinets and floors.

• When worn areas appear, recoat with the same finish used on the cabinets or floors
• Use track-off mats and furniture leg protector pads to prevent everyday wear and tear on your floors
• Vacuum floors frequently and wipe up spills promptly

• Avoid excessive and prolonged exposure to sunlight, high temperature and humidity
• Heating and cooling vents should be closed or directed away from cabinets
• Fingerprints, cooking fumes and smoking residue may accumulate and should be removed regularly
• Refrain from using ammonia or silicone cleaning products over a long period of time

• Lemon or citrus oil
• A non-wax solution that contains polish or a mild detergent (any excess moisture should be wiped dry)
• Orange cleaner