A Little-Known Efficient Kitchen Renovation Addition

So many times, homeowners get stuck in a bit of a rut. It is straightforward to get used to a kitchen the way it is and not explore new options that now exist in remodeling and renovations.

Time constraints can also play a factor in putting off kitchen upgrades. However, some simple fixes can and do make life easier when cooking or using a kitchen.

Some are quite affordable, and we are going to dive into what will enhance your kitchen simply and affordably using a newer technique that designers are implementing for clients.  

• Kitchen garages

Yes, you read that correctly. Home designers are now recommending a “kitchen garage” for storing appliances when they are not in use.

While, of course, you cannot drive the appliances into a kitchen garage, this is a space where you can store the appliances and free up counter space.

No matter how small or large your countertops are, these tend to clutter up quickly. We put our toasters, our air fryers, our coffee makers, and other small appliances on the counter.

Pushing one small appliance out of the way to make room to use another becomes a routine too many homeowners fall into. The kitchen becomes more difficult to use, with cluttering appliances and messier looks.

Also called kitchen appliance garages, there are many styles. These range from full cabinet construction to simple cutouts in existing spaces where the appliances are sheltered in between usage.

Single large drawers that pull in and out are also an option for smaller kitchens, while larger ones can have double and triple-doored pullout shelving with different appliances on each shelf.

Contact us at [email protected], or 302-998-7907. For more information visit our website at bb4contracting.com.

Refreshing a Kitchen or Bathroom with New Tile

Tile adds dimension and a pleasing aesthetic to any kitchen or bathroom. Used on countertops, floors, and even backsplashes, replacing worn and outdated tile immediately breathes new life into these spaces.

Lasting quite a while, the tile does need to be updated periodically as chips, cracks, and loose seams do eventually appear.

Although a great immediate improvement in look and, of course, functionality, replacing tile is not easy work. In fact, it is challenging for any remodeler, as it must be exact. It is definitely not a DIY project, as even one inexact tile can cause damage to the whole installation.

First and foremost, any tile replacement must be “snug as a bug in a rug.” Meaning that all tiles and seams are grouted and seamless. Moisture can creep into any tile work, no matter how big or how small, and loosen it.

Tile can be used on walls even if seeking a spectacular look, and some tile work resembles a mosaic. You need to take into account the usage, however, and where the tile will be installed.

A sturdier type of tile, such as stone or ceramic, needs to be used on floors and countertops. Glass tiles might suffice for backsplashes, but common sense dictates you would not walk on this type.

If you are working with a healthier budget, stone tile will really lift a space into an aesthetic dream. Glamour rules in this choice. However, a meager budget can do well with vinyl, which is easier to install and stands up well with regular wear and tear.

There really is no limit except your imagination and your budget when it comes to tile. Mixing and matching different types is indeed acceptable, and a great kitchen and bathroom remodeling expert can and should be consulted before deciding how and where to install any type of tile.

Replacing or installing tile takes a great eye for detail as well as superior craftsmanship. Before ripping out any tile for replacement or initial installation, make sure you consult an expert kitchen and bathroom remodeler for a free evaluation.

Knowledge of tile and the intricacies of installation will lead to a successful project and protect your wallet!

Contact us at [email protected], or 302-998-7907. For more information visit our website at bb4contracting.com.

Island Hopping For Your Kitchen Remodel

A kitchen island is where people gather rather than using a kitchen table and has been in vogue for over a decade.

Although older homes may have had a kitchen island it was more restricted to the bar style, where a small counter-like island with two or three seats was the norm.

This type of setup still works of course, if only one or two individuals occupy a dwelling. But in the last few years especially, individuals have been eating at home more, cooking at home more, and needing a larger kitchen island. 

Remodeling a kitchen now generally includes either installing a kitchen island or replacing an older one that is more cozy and convenient. The aging of adults can also signal a replacement of an older bar-style kitchen counter as the seating might be too high for older adults.

Families that are growing in size with more children being added, find that a small, cramped kitchen island needs to be enlarged, with more comfortable seating, and of course, more added features such as extra storage and shelves.

Kids do need plenty of space in which to slouch down and place their beverages and food without spilling them. Cup holders do not necessarily come with an island in a kitchen but having spaces where cup holders can be attached is a big positive for many parents!

No one style will suit every homeowner, and no one style will be advantageous as the years roll on. With a kitchen always being the heart and soul of a household, having a remodel at least of portions of it such as the island, does become a necessity intermittently.

This is particularly true when entertaining, and with more individuals now staying home and entertaining at home, the “Island Hopping” by replacement of this center of a kitchen shows no signs of slowing down in the world of kitchen remodeling experts.

Size and space of a kitchen do count and the remodel, of course, will include practicality when replacing your kitchen island.

 

 

Contact us at [email protected], or 302-998-7907. For more information visit our website at bb4contracting.com.

A “Powder Room” with Personality!

In the summer, many activities take place outdoors. Gatherings such as barbeques and backyard parties occur almost every weekend. It is a tradition to enjoy “cookouts” while the weather is still warm.

While many of these gatherings go on all summer, you can see an uptick in these in August. The reason is that the summer is coming to an end, and the weather can turn cooler, bringing more individuals outside.

 School is also right around the corner again and this also adds to the allure of enjoying the outside while it is possible.

The word “Powder Room” refers to a half bath with a toilet and sink, without a shower or tub. This can be a forgotten space, but when having outdoor activities, guests do use this space quite frequently.

This space, when used by visitors, can say a lot about homeowners. If it is old, outdated, dingy, or just plain cluttered because of a lack of sufficient and efficient storage, it can reflect badly on a homeowner.

While many homeowners do not give this space a second thought, guests will. A full bathroom makeover in a Master bath or other bathrooms might not be on the agenda right now, or a full kitchen makeover might not be in the budget or even needed.

But an affordable way to upgrade a home and add value, plus usability, is to redo the “Powder Room.”  This is sometimes called the “Powder Bathroom” and some homes have more than one.

With that said, let’s dive into specifics on how to make this much-used space more inviting.

Lighting

A “Powder Room” can have little to no light. Placing lighting strategically around mirrors and other areas, immediately makes this space look larger.

Mirrors

Placing more mirrors in a “Powder Room” immediately reflects the entire room off each mirror, giving the impression of a larger space.

Shelving

Adding extra shelving along the walls increases the space and reduces the clutter that a “Powder Room” can have.

Texture

This can be done on the walls via wallpaper or paint that is textured or has a unique color or artistic quality to it. Think murals, stripes, flowers, etc.

Artwork

This is overlooked, but the artwork makes this space look inviting and interesting.

Plants

Yes, plants absorb odors and lend immensely to a great aesthetic.

Toilets

While good old-fashioned porcelain toilets are nice to sit on, they take up a LOT of room. Replacing these will ensure that no one’s knees are hitting the door and create a lot of space when a smaller toilet is installed.

Renovating a “Powder Room” is a great way to enjoy it once again and add value to a home!

Contact us at [email protected], or 302-998-7907. For more information visit our website at bb4contracting.com.

Cabinet Door Replacement or Refinishing Can Enhance Any Kitchen!

Let’s talk about what can only be called the “sticky-finger syndrome.” In any kitchen, home, or even office breakroom, people using this space will touch kitchen cabinet doors dozens of times per day. Food on fingers, plus splatters, occur, and, of course, wear and tear.

While you can clean a cooking space each day twice a day even, there always will be splatters and food particles stuck on. Cleaning these off enhances the cleanliness but adds to the wear and tear of doors. The wear and tear shows as a lightening in coloration or even actual scrapes and scratches.

A full remodel might not be in the current budget, so replacement or even sanding and refinishing the doors can have a miraculous effect on the look of this most-used space. Caution should be used, however, as exact requirements are needed for good replacement.

Refinishing requires skill also since more damage can be done by over-sanding! The sanding should be gentle and done in stages by a professional company that wipes down the area after each “pass” before continuing.

Stain is applied after sanding, so no matter what type of cabinets are sanded, from natural wood to other less expensive types, the surface must be immaculate and dust-free. Natural wood is generally not painted but finished, while other types, such as laminate and particle board, can be painted.

The types of doors can run the gamut from natural wood all the way to stainless steel, with many options in between. Knowing each type and finishing correctly is imperative.

Glass cabinet doors can be sanded, but many times, if heavily damaged, it is easier to simply cut off the damaged portions and replace those portions without replacing the entire door. Stainless steel needs a special touch as well to bring it back to the mirror finish it originally had.

Once refreshed, it is time for you to think about the hardware. From knobs to pulls, the possibilities are endless too, and these suffer wear and tear too. Changing out knobs and pulls can make a drastic update look complete.

No need to break the bank in a kitchen makeover. Since cabinet doors and pulls take a beating if on a strict budget, simply taking this step can make your kitchen look and feel more enjoyable and polished once again!

B & B Contracting, with its 20-plus years of experience, can send in experts for a free evaluation and proceed within the budget and timeframe that individual homeowners are seeking. There is also a money-back guarantee, and any questions are welcome via phone or email. 

Contact us at [email protected], or 302-998-7907. For more information visit our website at bb4contracting.com.