We have responded to some frequently asked questions below, if you have a question not answered here, send us an email and we'll respond promptly.
How do I effectively maximize all available space during my upcoming remodel?
Are lighting upgrades for the kitchen a good investment?
What is universal design and how can I incorporate it in my home?
My bathroom is small and I’m thinking about remodeling it. Should I hire a professional or do it myself?
How can I help aid the remodeling process so I am happy with the outcome?
I'm thinking about remodeling. Should I hire a professional or do it myself?
What is the best way to clean and maintain the finish on new wood cabinets and floors?
How much can I expect to pay to remodel my Bath or Kitchen?
What is the typical time frame for a remodeling project?
How soon can you start my project?
What kind of a warranty does @designREMODEL have?
Does @designREMODEL belong to any professional organizations?
What is a Confirmation of Instructions? (CI)
Q. How do I effectively maximize all available space during my upcoming remodel?
A. Most homeowners want more storage space in their homes. Take a look at the size of the room you are remodeling, your budget, and then have a professional create an appropriate design to meet your needs.
Multifunctional Spaces are Key:
When visualizing your “dream room,” keep in mind all your storage needs. One option when completing a kitchen remodel is to create an office/homework center off the kitchen. If you are working with a small kitchen, consider installing cabinetry that has a multi-pantry closet or a lazy susan for the corner cabinet.
Remove a Wall and Adjoin Rooms:
Many master suites today have an oversized bedroom and walk-in closet with an adjoining bathroom. Install a more efficient closet space. Another option, is to open that space up to the adjoining bath or bedroom to create an alcove. You can utilize this extra space for a small gym or reading area.
Additional Space Tips:
Reorganize your closets using the full height of the walls for cabinets and specialty built-ins
Organize your spices, utensils, pots and pans, medications, toiletries, linens and even trash. In order to do this, use specialty accessories, additional shelving in cabinets, pull-down overhead cabinets, built-in hampers, pull-out trash containers and multiple storage drawers.
Before you remodel, look at the different styles of cabinets available. Install a cabinet that complements the design and layout of the room and that will effectively manage your space.
Q. Are lighting upgrades for the kitchen a good investment?
A. Yes, well-placed, quality lighting improves the overall beauty and the actual value of a home. Lighting gives the appearance of a larger kitchen space, while at the same time making working with the area easier and more enjoyable.
Here are some kitchen lighting options:
General lighting-
Overhead lighting used to brighten the entire space.
Recessed or Surface mount.
Task lighting-
Used to highlight specific items, such as a kitchen counter.
Very effective and usually reasonably priced.
Under cabinet fixtures are a popular form of task lighting.
Floods countertops with light and brightens otherwise dark corners.
Accent lighting-
Creates emphasis on an object, such as artwork.
Brightens the room in certain areas, yet at the same time can help hide flaws.
Multi-functional fixtures and dimmers-
Vary the amount of light in a single space.
Add flexibility. Create more light for food preparation and clean-up and less light for dining.
How much lighting you can add in the kitchen may depend on how much electrical capacity is available to the room. Consult a professional before making any lighting changes or decisions.
Q. What is universal design and how can I incorporate it in my home?
A. Universal design assists with accessibility for all, including all age ranges, mobility impaired and 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, while meeting their need for style and functionality.In many cases, universal design features have also been shown to raise home values and resale desirability.
Universal Design Options:
- One main floor entrance without steps
- 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
- Electrical outlets placed higher on the wall
- Light switches reachable from a seated position
- “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” revolving shelves
- Front loading dishwasher, raised from floor.
- Adjustable shelves in cabinets
- Hand-held shower head in bath
- Balance bars in the tub/shower
- Shower stall with a minimum of 3x5 floor space
- Raised toilet (seat 17-19 inches from the floor)
Q. My bathroom is small and I’m thinking about remodeling it. Should I hire a professional or do it myself?
A. Despite today’s do-it-yourself (DIY) craze, you should weigh the pros and cons of taking on any remodeling project alone. Knowledge, including admitting your strengths and weaknesses, is the key to successfully completing any project on time and under budget.
Although many homeowners begin a project with good intentions, many folks overestimate their home improvement skills and remodeling knowledge. They also under estimate the amount of time required to complete a project.
Below are a few questions you should consider before embarking on a DIY project:
Are you familiar with your local building codes and permit requirements?
Do you know the proper steps for completing the project? Can 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 necessary?
Have you obtained fixture and appliance installation instructions from manufacturers?
What is your remodeling skill level?
Are you willing to endure long delays and disruptions resulting from only having spare time to complete a project?
It can be frustrating when things don’t go as planned. Keep in mind, in many cases it may cost more for a professional remodeler to complete the job than it would have if you hired a professional in the beginning.
Q. How can I help aid the remodeling process so I am happy with the outcome?
A. First, evaluate your current space – What works, what doesn’t? What do you like and dislike about this space? What is the function in which you would like to utilize this space? Look for and save ideals from magazines and websites.
Next, visualize your new space. Make time to communicate this dream with your professional remodeler. Expressing your wants will help the professional get a feel of your lifestyle and will match the design accordingly. Remember, you are an intricate part of this process.
Remember, prioritizing is a necessity. You are ultimately the one who needs to decide what you actually want in your space. The professional can only make suggestions. What items do you need and what are the ones you just wish you could have?
Finally, have a budget and stick with it. You may encounter changes along the way which will affect the budget. Always get changes in writing. Either learn to live without the “extras” or factor them into the initial budget.
Protect Your Investment
Maintaining Wood Cabinets and Floors
Q. What is the best way to clean and maintain the finish on new wood cabinets and floors?
A. Cleaning methods will vary depending on the finish. Most factory cabinets currently use a conversion varnish finish. In this case, occasional waxing can add water resistance and create a pleasing shine.
Tips for Maintenance:
When worn areas appear, re-coat the finish.
Use track-off mats and furniture leg protector pads to prevent everyday wear and tear. Sweep frequently and wipe up spills promptly.
Things to Watch For:
Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight, high temperature and humidity.
Direct heating and cooling vents away from cabinets.
Remove fingerprints, cooking fumes and smoking residue regularly.
Refrain from using ammonia or silicone cleaning products over a long period of time.
Recommended Products:
Lemon or citrus oil.
A non-wax solution that contains polish or a mild detergent (any excess moisture should be wiped dry.
Orange cleaner.
In general, preventive maintenance is vital for long-term performance and the lasting beauty of wood cabinets and floors.
Questions about @designREMODEL
Q. How much can I expect to pay to remodel my Bath or Kitchen?
A. A good rule of thumb that we have found over the years is:
Master Bath remodel: expect to spend between 10% and 12 % of your home’s value.
Kitchen remodel: expect to spend between 15% and 18% of your home’s value.
Q. What is the typical time frame for a remodeling project?
A. The length of time will be based on how complicated the project is, how quick decisions can be made, the manufacturing lead-time of products, any changes to the design, and any “surprises”found during the construction phase. If we break down the project into phases it will help to better determine the time a project takes.
The Design Phase is also known as the planning phase. It is the part of the project when you are working with your designer to determine what the new space will look like. This phase could last anywhere from one week to six months, however the average is four weeks for many remodeling projects.
The Preparatory Phase is from the contract signing date until the actual construction starts. In this phase, the materials are ordered, the subcontractors are hired, and a construction schedule is determined. This phase will last from two weeks to ten weeks depending on the type of materials ordered.
The Construction Phase is when the actual installation work is completed. This is when your existing kitchen or bath is being torn apart and when the new items are being installed. This phase will last anywhere from two weeks to eight weeks depending on the complexity of the project. Your project will be substantially complete at this point and will be in usable condition.
The Wrap Up Phase is when your project nears substantial completion, your
lead carpenter will draw up a final punch list of any touch-up items left to be completed on your contract. Your lead carpenter will provide a final timeline for finishing these items and arrange for all necessary work and final inspections as needed.
As you can see, because we offer so many remodeling options, timelines for your project from beginning of design to completion can vary. If your project is to have a major remodeling component, then you’ll need to plan ahead.
Q. How soon can you start my project?
A. Once the contract is signed, we schedule our subcontractors to begin the work, and we place the orders for all the material. The lead-time is typically based on the cabinetry or plumbing order interval since that takes the longest. We also have the option of subcontracting from several qualified installers so your project can begin when all the parts arrive.
A. Yes. @designREMODEL carries both liability and worker’s compensation insurance. In addition, all of our subcontractors are required to carry both of these types of insurance prior to being hired by @designREMODEL.
Q. What kind of a warranty does @designREMODEL have?
A. We have a 3 year workmanship warrantee. Also @designREMODEL will warranty the materials supplied and installed by us for one year against defects. All articles supplied by @designREMODEL but manufactured by others, shall be covered by the manufacturer’s warranty. For a complete explanation of the warranty, ask your designer. A copy of all warranties will be given to you at the completion of the project.
Q. Does @designREMODEL belong to any professional organizations?
A. We belong to the NARI- National Association of the Remodeling Industry. In addition, the owner of @designREMODEL has studied, tested and earned the designation "Certified Remodeler" from the same organization. For more details and for some great information visit: RemodelToday
Q. Are you Licensed?
A. Yes, we are fully licensed by the State of Massachusetts to engage in all types of Building & Remodeling.
Q. What could delay my project?
A. Delays, unfortunately, do happen. The original schedule of the project is a planning tool that may change due to issues that arise during the remodeling job. Causes of the delay could be a longer lead time from the cabinet manufacturer due to a busy season, special order items such as non-stock sinks, correction of water damage behind the walls that was not foreseen, removal of pipes from old gas lines or plumbing lines that were hidden within the walls, damaged merchandise, or changes to the original design.
Q. What is a Confirmation of Instructions? (CI)
A. It is a change to the contractual agreement for your project. For instance, you may want to add some additional lighting or electrical work, or you determine that you want @designREMODEL to paint the walls, which you thought you were able to do yourself. Another type of confirmation of instructions may arise because of unforeseen “surprises”found in the construction phase such as the water damage behind the walls that must be repaired, or plumbing pipes that need to be rerouted. All changes to the project must be discussed with the lead carpenter since many times a confirmation of instructions will add to the installation time of your project. The lead carpenter will have you sign a form that will let you know how much the change will add or subtract from your project and any schedule changes.