10 Tips for Remodeling Your Bathroom for Efficiency, Space, and Comfort

The average person can spend as much as two hours a day in the bathroom. This includes activities such as showering, bathing, makeup application, and hairstyling. The time spent in the bathroom increases for parents who have small children or are caregivers for an adult who needs assistance in the bathroom. This is one room that should never be overlooked when it’s time to remodel your home. Here are 10 tips for remodeling the bathroom to increase efficiency, improve the space available, and increase the comfort level for everyone who visits the room.

1.     The Door: Let’s start with the door. Inward swinging doors require space that can be allocated to other things. This may not seem like much of an upgrade, but once you start looking at the stylish and fashionable pocket doors available, you may change your mind.

2.     Heated Flooring: Radiant heat flooring is an absolute must in the Cape Cod area. Tile bathroom flooring gets very cold during the winter; avoid using rugs that can be tripping hazards and install radiant heat under the flooring instead.

3.     Venting: Air flow is extremely important in the bathroom. No one likes the idea of leaving odors in the bathroom, and proper venting helps fight mold and mildew as well.

4.     New Toilet: Toilets have come a long way in previous years. We now have the ability to install comfort height toilets, dual flush toilets, and touchless toilets, just to name a few.

5.     Bidet: The bidet is very common in many European countries, but rare in the United States by comparison. They’re an excellent addition for hygienic purposes.

6.     Tall Vanity: A tall vanity prevents the need to stoop over the sink when washing hands or brushing teeth. Taller vanities also increase the amount of vertical storage space available below the sink.

7.     Creative Storage Options: Recessed mirrored shelving is a nice, space-saving way to store many items. Small cabinets and shelves may be installed as functional yet decorative pieces, and if you’re really crunched for space, consider shortening the length of the shower stall to create more storage. Remember to always pay attention to the amount of vertical space available for storage as well.

8.     Amazing Shower: A single shower base is much easier to install, easier to clean, and leak-proof. It’s the route we always recommend, even for otherwise-tiled shower stalls. Install showerheads that include many options such as massage and rainfall. Consider the convenience of a handheld showerhead as well, because they’re so convenient for cleaning and bathing pets. The steam shower is also a very good addition to the bathroom.

9.     Freestanding Tub: A freestanding tub is a wonderful, elegant addition to a large bathroom.

10.  Grab Bars: Don’t roll your eyes just yet; grab bars don’t have to give your bathroom a public restroom or hospital restroom look or feel. Today’s options for grab bars are nice and decorative. Many even look like branches or intricate artwork.

@ Design Remodel is located in Mashpee, and we provide kitchen remodeling, bathroom remodeling, and whole home remodeling services throughout the Cape Cod area. Take a look at this 100% free bathroom design guide we’ve put together. We won’t even ask for your email address, all you have to do is click the link to view it. Give us a call at 508-477-9003 to discuss your upcoming bathroom remodeling project and to start the planning process to transform your bathroom into an amazing space.

5 Home Luxurious Ideas that Will Help Automate and Improve Your Home in 2016

A touch of luxury in home improvement projects is always a good thing; add affordable automation, and you truly have a winning combination of must-haves for 2016. The kitchen and bathroom are the most-remodeled rooms in the home. We all enjoy having updated appliances and such in the kitchen because we spend so much time there whether we’re cooking, eating, or spending time with family or friends. And the bathroom requires an update every so often because it can look outdated so easily with trends changing every few years. So here are five luxurious ideas that will help automate your home.

1.     Touchless Toilet – Often seen in public restrooms, you can have this bit of convenience in your home. Reduce the worries involved in spreading germs by touching the flush handle after each bathroom visit, and enjoy the freedom involved with an automatic flush toilet. Flush with a wave of your hand instead of pressing the handle or button.

2.     Touchless Faucets – We also see touchless faucets in public restrooms quite often. But you can purchase really nice, decorative touchless faucets online or at your local home improvement center. Reduce spreading germs to the faucet while cooking in the kitchen or in the bathroom after using the restroom.

3.     Towel Warmer – Another lovely addition to the bathroom. We all love the way a nice, warm towel from the dryer feels after a shower. Maintain that level of comfort and spoil yourself just a little with a luxuriously warm towel every time. Towel warmers, or heated towel racks, are a wonderful way to add warmth and luxury to the bathroom.

4.     Heated Floors – This is Cape Cod, and tile flooring gets cold during the winter months. Heated flooring is one of the least expensive things you can add to your home. We can all appreciate inexpensive home improvements that make such a big impact on our quality of life.

5.     Smart Appliances – Refrigerators that help keep up with the grocery list, dishwashers that wait until power consumption is at the lowest point for the day, ranges that help keep track of your recipes, and small appliances that you can control from your smartphone or tablet… what else could we ask for? Check out your smart appliance selections and see how many ways you can automate your home before your 2016 remodeling project begins!

Creating a smart home sounds like something that belongs in the movies or television shows. Hollywood has a way of making us believe that nearly anything is possible. Those great science fiction shows and movies do actually go a long way toward influencing product manufacturers’ decisions to implement intelligent design and functionality, however.

The most important thing you can do is choose a trusted contractor on Cape Cod to remodel your home. We know the area. We know what to expect. We know how to handle the cold winter weather, and we know how to find the latest in smart home technology. Give us a call at 508-477-9003 to discuss your upcoming project, an existing project, or the possibility of working with us. We’ll schedule an appointment for a consultation and show you why we’re the best choice for your project!

3 Tips for Choosing Lighting for Each Room in Your Home

Lighting needs vary from room to room, and remodeling your home really makes this obvious. You will likely realize that you need a lot more light fixtures in one room than you do in other subsequent rooms. The kitchen, for example, may require more lighting because you need ambient lighting, spotlighting, task lighting, and decorative lighting. The family room, on the other hand, probably only needs ambient lighting and reading lights. So here’s a guide of sorts to help you choose lighting for each room in your home.

Step 1: Consider Each Room

Lighting a home can be difficult, but the easiest thing you can do first is figure out exactly what you want out of each room. If you’re lighting a kitchen, you’ll probably be more focused on efficiency and energy, whereas if you’re lighting a bedroom, you’ll most likely be looking at bulbs that give off relaxing shades, but exactly what you’re looking at is just the first step – correlating types of bulbs with certain desires is next.

Step 2: Selecting the Bulbs

Light bulbs say a lot about a room – they are responsible for not only the vibe of the room, but how well people can move around. If you’re looking for a warm and glowing light, you’ll probably want to go with an incandescent bulb. If you’re looking to go green, however, Compact Fluorescent Bulbs, otherwise known as CFLs, require 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs, which is something worth looking into for rooms you spend a particularly longer amount of time in.

If you want to get even more conservative, you’ll probably want LEDs if, which last three times longer than CFLs, but use just as much energy. Halogen lights on the other hand release ‘natural daylight’, but at a high energy cost that’s still 10-20% less than incandescent energy.

Step 3: Fixtures

Fixtures can make or break the feel of a room, especially since they can be aesthetically pleasing as well. Take advantage of beautiful designs like Tiffany-style lamps or even a wall-socket nightlight. For larger rooms, consider chandeliers, or if you want to be a little humbler, you can light up dark corners with small table lamps.

Reflect Your Personality

Your lighting choices should reflect your personality and your personal tastes. Each room should have different lighting choices because each room performs a different function. The kitchen needs to be bright and beautiful, the living room or family room can be warmer, and of course the bedrooms should have muted lighting to help set the mood for a restful night of sleep.

@ Design Remodel is a Cape Cod area design and remodeling company with a primary focus on remodeling the bathroom, kitchen, or entire home. We do, of course, focus on natural lighting as well as other lighting options to help you create the perfect solution to your lighting needs. Give us a call at 508-477-9003 to discuss your kitchen, bath, or whole home remodeling needs.  

Whole Home Remodeling Ideas for Your Historic Renovation

Remodeling an entire house can seem like a daunting task, renovating historic properties can be even more demanding. Before this type of renovation can take place, it is necessary to identify the goal of the renovation. The different types of projects for these old buildings are:

·       Restoration – this attempts to remove any modern alterations that have been made to the property, to get it back to its original state

·       Reconstruction – often this relies on the use of archival information on the building’s original state to rebuild it after has been destroyed or fallen into serious disrepair

·       Rehabilitation – here the goal is not just to restore the structure, but also to add modern touches to meet changing needs. Every effort is made to keep the historical architecture

·       Preservation – as the term implies, the work will center on carrying out repairs and keeping the property in its best shape

With enough attention, even really old buildings are maintainable. The age can be an advantage in some cases, since a lot of the existing materials, such as bricks, can be reused. You should always look at your existing materials and consider reusing them – especially specific items that you love.

·       Carrying out a Renovation - You plan for the property will determine the course of action for the renovation. Some important factors will shape the structure of the project. Here are some ideas that will benefit the project and possibly lower costs.

·       Reusing Features - The quality and beauty of some features offer intrinsic advantages to these types of renovations. In many of these structures the wood frames hold up well with regular maintenance. With a few extra touches like weather stripping their life can be even further extended. More efficiency gains can be realized by applying film to the glass to block some UV rays, making the interior cooler.

·       Using Green Energy - Modern energy fixtures can negatively alter the character of historic sites. It is not surprising that many property owners or managers choose alternative energy sources. They may install their own systems or purchase energy from local suppliers.

·       Reclaimed Materials - If you are a believer in utilizing recycled materials in construction and renovation, this is the perfect project to work on. For repairs, reclaimed wood from other old building may be more suitable to help the property retain its character.

·       Ventilation - When historic properties were created, air quality was not a concern. In recent times however, the issue of ‘sick building syndrome’ has arisen. Despite the need to retain the original look, it may be necessary to introduce a ventilation system, or an exhaust system to maintain air flow.

·       Lighting - If old fixtures need changing, it will be difficult if not impossible to find the same designs anywhere. If they can’t be refurbished, you can still look for fixtures that possess an old world charm. It might even be possible to have some fixtures custom built.

@Design Remodel specializes in bathroom and kitchen remodeling, but we also enjoy whole home remodeling projects involving historic homes and other projects as well. Give us a call at 508-477-9003 if you are in the Cape Cod area and would like to schedule an appointment for a design consultation for your upcoming remodeling project.  

Increase the Efficiency of Your Existing Bathroom

Bet you never thought of making your bathroom into a more efficient room. However, making the bathroom more energy efficient is a good way to reduce your energy and water bills. The average bathroom uses a lot of different resources in your home. Below we look at five of the resource hogs in your bathroom and how to fix them.

·       The Toilet - Many toilets are currently using almost two times as much water than is necessary every single time they’re flushed. Ask for low-flush toilets when replacing your toilet as these use much less water per flush. When you have an efficient toilet, you not only save water, you save money.

·       The Shower and Tub - The first thing to do is to check whether you have a low-flow showerhead.  The rate of flow should be around 2.5 gallons every minute according to federal regulations. Since people have different taste and requirements, an even slower flow rate may work well.

·       The Sink - Do you have a tap or faucet that you can adjust to allow you to control the flow rate? If not, it is time to think about replacing your current faucets in your kitchen and bathroom with a more water-efficient one. Your plumber or building contractor can help you find the right type based on your needs. The best types not only help you to save water but also energy – all this means money in your pocket. Best of all, you will be playing a part in protecting the environment.

·       Heating - With all the changes taking place in the industry, water heaters are becoming efficient every day. On demand water heaters that only heat the water when it is being used are good, but the location of the heater from the pipe is also important. The closer to the water supply the better. Solar water heaters are also worth exploring. Talk to your plumber to help you find the most efficient type of water heaters based on your family size.

·       The Type of Devices - Battery or electrically powered devices that we use in the bathroom can be timesavers, but when not used properly can be inefficient. So don’t leave these devices such as toothbrushes, blow-dryers and shears plugged in when not in use. Also, fully charge what needs to be charged and use rechargeable batteries as much as possible.

There are other things that you can do to improve the efficiency of your bathroom such as using energy efficient bulbs. The placement of the bulbs is also important as this can reduce the number of lighting fixtures you need. @Design Remodel specializes in kitchen and bathroom remodeling, but we also enjoy whole home remodeling projects involving historic homes and other projects as well. Give us a call at 508-477-9003 if you are in the Cape Cod area and would like to schedule an appointment for a design consultation for your upcoming bathroom remodeling project.

Give Your Home an Entirely New Look and Feel with a Whole Home Remodeling Project

Whether you’ve purchased a home you love that needs updates, or have lived in the same home for years and your style has changed, a whole home remodeling project can provide the new look you crave. A whole home remodel can open the floor plan, add new bathrooms or bedrooms, or even add or remove entire walls to change the layout of your home. These types of remodeling projects are exciting, but can also be overwhelming, especially if you’re living in the home during the renovation.

Getting Started

The first step to a successful whole home remodel is to set realistic expectations. Remodeling a whole house takes time, and it’s important to set a timeline that takes all the work into consideration. The very first thing you will need to do is make notes on the problems or dislikes you have with your home so that we know where to begin.

Discuss Your Ideas with @Design Remodel

You can easily talk to us about different aspects of the remodel and which subcontractors will be needed. We will be responsible for hiring on these subcontractors for things like HVAC, carpentry, electrical and plumbing needs unless you know tradesmen you prefer to work with and trust. We will negotiate and work with different tradesmen if you so choose.

Hazardous Materials

At the beginning of your project be sure to check into local code and permitting requirements, or trust us to take care of that bit for you. If you’re remodeling an older house built before 1980, be aware of concerns of lead, asbestos, and other toxic materials. We will work safely and diligently to make sure that these items will be handled with care to keep you and our workers safe.

Will You Live at Home?

One of the biggest decisions when planning a whole home remodel is whether you’ll want to or be able to live in your house during the project. Some people consider other short term rentals or staying with friends or family during their remodel to make things easier. If you will be living at home, make sure to plan for things like power and water shut-offs that may be necessary during construction.

@Design Remodel specializes in bathroom and kitchen remodeling, but we also enjoy whole home remodeling projects and other projects as well. Give us a call at 508-477-9003 if you are in the Cape Cod area and would like to schedule an appointment for a design consultation for your upcoming remodeling project. 

Check Out These High Quality Remodeling Materials for Your Upcoming Project

Imagine building a house using extremely high-quality materials and not having to worry about repairs for quite some time. Some of the best materials that builders can use have been around for a long time and they have proven to be durable. Of course, these materials will also make the house stand apart from others in style, beauty, and value. 

Here are the high-quality materials that we recommend for any homeowner’s next remodeling project:

•    Hardwood - Hardwood has been around for centuries and it looks wonderful on the floor and walls. It can also be made into beautiful and unique furniture pieces. By taking preventative measures and maintaining the wood regularly, homeowners can enjoy everything made from hardwood for decades.
•    Tiles - Tile can be found on the floors and walls of kitchens and bathrooms in many houses. Tile is easy to install and clean and it is also nice to look at. Once the grout begins to get dirty or loose in between the tiles, the tiles can be removed, polished and re-installed. If the tiles are maintained properly, they can last for hundreds of years.
•    Masonry - Many homeowners want their houses to make a good first impression and the outside of the house is the first thing that people see. To make a statement, we recommend using stone or brick instead of regular siding for covering the outside of the house. The stone or brick will last much longer than traditional siding materials. 
•    Metal Roofing - The new metal roofs are much better than they were a hundred years ago. They used to be noisy and the cold could get through into the house. The new metal roofs insulate the house as well as an asphalt roof would and there is no noise when it rains. The metal roof looks much nicer than traditional roofs and it will last longer as well. Consider metal accent roofing as well. Copper roofing makes a real statement on gables and other similar accent parts of the roof.
•    Copper Guttering and Downspouts - Copper gutters are more durable than vinyl, aluminum and wood gutters. They also give the house a more unique and stylish appearance, which will set the house apart from the rest in the neighborhood. 

We know that if homeowners follow these tips when they are remodeling, they will be able to enjoy the results for many years in the future. Friends and family will admire the unique qualities of the house and the house will sell quickly if it is ever listed for sale. High-quality materials carry a higher price tag, but they are very well worth the added cost because they look absolutely amazing.

@Design Remodel specializes in bathroom and kitchen remodeling, but we also enjoy whole home remodeling projects and other projects as well. Give us a call at 508-477-9003 if you are in the Cape Cod area and would like to schedule an appointment for a design consultation for your upcoming remodeling project. 

When a Whole House Remodel Makes The Most Sense

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Sometimes the perfect house doesn’t have the perfect layout. You may love the neighborhood, the architectural style of the home, the landscaping, the price, and everything… except the layout. That’s where we can help. Many new homeowners in the Cape Cod area have discovered the beauty of buying an old bungalow, or an old Victorian home, and simply remodeling the entire interior to create perfection. Let’s take a look at some of the ways we can help you improve your almost perfect home before you move in.

1.     Remodel the Kitchen: Open up the floor plan and improve flow through the kitchen, dining room, and living room.

2.     Remodel the Bathrooms: Update all of those fixtures and fittings in secondary bathrooms, and create an amazing master suite that includes the master bedroom, closet, and bath.

3.     Replacement of Windows: Most old windows are single pane. If you’re purchasing a home that has been remodeled in the last 20 years, it may have double paned windows, but you may need to replace them anyway due to aging or trapped moisture between the glass.

4.     Replacement of Doors: Old entry doors can be amazingly beautiful – or they can be amazingly drafty and horrible. New entry doors give you the opportunity to also add surrounds to the entryway and design something that’s uniquely you.

5.      Discover Flooring: Remove the old carpet and you may be surprised to find hardwood underneath. Many homeowners in the 70s and 80s covered gorgeous hardwood flooring with carpet. With professional sanding and finishing, your floors can really sparkle.

6.     Repair Walls: We would repair all damage to the walls unless we’re removing the walls anyway to open the floor plan. All remaining walls will likely need to be repaired and painted.

7.     Closets: Remove plastic or metal closet systems and create new custom closet systems that meet your individual needs.

8.     Remove and Replace Trim and Doors: Often times replacing the interior doors and trim can have a dramatic effect on the appearance of your home.

9.     Paint the Exterior: A lot of older homes have wood siding which will likely need to be painted. All trim should be painted to tie various aspects of the curb appeal together.

10.  Mechanical Systems: Most remodelers don’t take care of your mechanical systems, but we do. We can have our experts assess the hot water system, and the HVAC system to make sure they are in proper working order. We can replace them if they are not functional.

Give us a call at 508-477-9003 if you’re on Cape Cod and you’re considering purchasing a home that you love, but you aren’t in love with the existing floor plan or decor.  We will schedule an appointment for a consultation and get the ball rolling on creating a home of your dreams.

The Countertop is One of the Most Important Parts of the Kitchen: Choose Wisely

Any experienced  kitchen remodeler knows that their clients must take special care when choosing the countertop material for their new kitchen. We have been in the remodeling business for nearly 20 years. We’re familiar with the ins and outs of intricate design and the implementation of the right materials in the correct places. Several options are available for kitchen countertops, so we make sure to discuss this at length with our clients. Here is some information and a few tips on choosing the right countertop material for your needs and lifestyle.

Materials

Countertop materials range quite drastically at times in both quality and price. Each type of countertop has a place and a purpose. You wouldn’t, for example, want to put a lovely and expensive marble countertop in the laundry room where no one would ever see it. This would be the ideal spot for a less expensive laminate counter top. Let’s look at a brief overview of material types:

• Marble: Extremely luxurious, but not as durable as some people believe. The acids in lemonade can etch marble and damage the luster. Wine and other heavily colored liquids can stain it. Some people want this because it’s a way to 100% customize their home and keep all of those spilled wine memories in view to be cherished.

• Granite: Very luxurious and available in a wide variety of qualities and designs. It is very stain resistant, scratch resistant, and heat resistant. Homeowners enjoy years of worry-free enjoyment when it is properly sealed and maintained.

• Laminate: One of the more affordable and less luxurious options. Laminate is plywood or particle board with a decorative sheeting glued to the surface. It resists water and is extremely easy to clean and maintain. It does stain when it comes into contact with wine, juice, or other colored liquids.

• Quartz: A nonporous natural stone that never requires sealing, unlike granite. It is extremely easy to clean and is resistant to heat, water, bacteria, and stains. Quartz countertops are available in a variety of color options and are a great choice for busy families.

• Solid-Surface: A nonporous acrylic material that provides a perfectly seamless appearance. They’re very low maintenance, and available in a wide variety of colors and patterns, including some eco-friendly options. They’re available with an integrated sink and backwash for added convenience.

• Butcher Block: Perfect for those homeowners who seek to create a rustic appearance. Butcher block countertops provide the durability of solid wood and the beauty of nature. They’re available in a variety of grain types and they’re very durable.

• Concrete: A material that is very heavy and very easily customizable. Some homeowners choose to customize their concrete countertop with broken glass or stains to make it appear as if it were another material.

• Metal: Stainless steel or copper are the primary metal types used in the kitchen as a counter top material. Please keep in mind that copper is a softer metal so it may take damage over time. Stainless steel offers the appearance of an industrial or professional style kitchen.

Please make note that regardless of the type of countertop you use, it is always good to protect all surfaces from hot pots and pans.

Mix and Match Materials

Your custom kitchen design doesn’t have to go with the flow or match someone else’s idea of perfection. You are the homeowner, it’s your kitchen; let’s get creative. We can mix and match materials if you’re absolutely convinced that you want to use that lovely marble countertop even though you now understand that it may stain or become damaged over time. Use it in an area that is away from food and drink areas – a desk perhaps. This area can be a focal point that you tie into the rest of the room using other types of decor.

Call us at 508-477-9003 if you’d like to discuss remodeling your kitchen. We have some amazing designers and remodelers, and fall/winter is a great time to get your kitchen ready for the coming year. Allow us to show you how we can turn your drab kitchen fabulous and help you choose the right materials for each area.

11 Amazing and Disappointing Things to Expect During Your Remodeling Project

Most of the homeowners we work with during a remodeling project are unsure of what to expect during the process. We wanted to address some of the best and worst things about remodeling today. Of course we could tell you that the entire process is going to be puppies, rainbows, and butterflies, but… it isn’t. It’s going to be an awesomely messy process with some incredibly exciting high points and disappointing low points. Are you ready to see our breakdown of the process?

1. Decisions – The tough decisions are generally made before any demolition begins. Other decisions may be made and changed throughout any phase of the process, but make sure to let us know sooner rather than later if you change your mind.
2. Dust – Remodeling is dirty business. We will put up plastic to help protect the rest of your home from the construction area, but dust travels. Consult your HVAC technician to discuss the idea of blocking ducts that lead to or from the construction area to help cut down on dust.
3. Noise – Power tools are loud. Nail guns, saws, drills, and sanders make noise, and all of those tools will be in use at various times, sometimes even simultaneously. Workers will be yelling back and forth looking for things and enjoying general chit chat on occasion while they work. Consider staying at a friend’s or neighbor’s house for the day while it’s loud.
4. High Points – Every homeowner has specific things they want to see; or that they want to see gone. You may get super excited about the demolition if you hate your existing cabinets or excited about the new backsplash if you’ve waited for months to see it installed. Whatever you’ve truly been looking forward to will be tucked away in your memory as high points. Feel free to take pictures so you have that memory forever.
5. Low Points – You’re going to get tired of whipping out your credit card or checkbook to pay for things. You’re going to get tired of having so many people in your house during working hours. You’re going to get tired of the mess and the noise. But hang in there, the process is only temporary, and your newly remodeled home will look amazing.
6. Budget Issues – Regardless of how many times you checked and double checked pricing, some things will sneak up on you. Make sure you set aside 20% above and beyond the cost we quote you so when you decide you want to upgrade to the nicer countertop or fixtures, the money is there.
7. Unexpected Surprises – We never know what we’re going to see when we start the demolition process in a kitchen or bathroom. We may run into water damaged insulation or serious water damage to the structural members of the house. We always hope for the best, but we just don’t know what the home has been through since it was built. Excessive water damage will have to be repaired before we can continue with the project.
8. Delays – Aside from the potential delays created by the unexpected surprises we just mentioned, we may run into issues with the delivery of materials. These are things that we have absolutely no control over, so they frustrate us as much as they frustrate you.
9. Changes – Changes to the layout or materials used during the remodeling process may increase or decrease the cost of the project, and often create delays. Most change orders come from the client. Let’s say you decide half way through the process that you want the Carrera Marble Brick Mosaic instead of the Natural Varied Mother of Pearl backsplash. We will probably have to order the new materials and work on something else in the meantime. It is, after all, your preference in materials.
10. Stragglers – Little things that will need to be resolved as time goes by. This can include things that arrive broken or dented from the manufacturer. We obviously can’t use damaged goods in your remodel, so we have to send them back and request an exchange.
11. Welcome (Back) Home! Self explanatory! Welcome back home; it’s time to invite friends and family over to help you enjoy your newly remodeled home.

The most important thing you can do is choose a trusted contractor on Cape Cod to remodel your home. We know the area. We know what to expect. We know that you need to be protected from the occasional Atlantic hurricane that wanders up the East coast. Give us a call at 508-477-9003 to discuss your upcoming project, an existing project, or the possibility of working with us. We’ll schedule an appointment for a consultation and show you why we’re the best choice for your project!

Choose High Quality Products for Your Whole Home Remodeling Project

Everyone has heard the old adage you get what you pay for; it’s true in most situations from electronics to homes. A cheap laptop may last six months where a high quality laptop will likely still be running strong a few years down the road. The Formica-covered particle board countertop will eventually absorb water and look horrible, but the granite or marble countertop will look amazing for many years. These are the types of things we’re going to cover in today’s post.We are homeowners as well. We understand the desire to save your hard-earned money where you can. But we also wholeheartedly recommend that you do not cut corners for the sake of money during your home remodeling project. Let’s take a look at a room-by-room analysis of places you should never go cheap for your whole home remodel. Kitchen Remodeling – The kitchen is the number-one remodeled room in the home for a variety of reasons. It’s often referred to as the heart of the home because this is where meals are cooked, families share dinners, and where we entertain family and friends on special occasions. This very important room in your home deserves the absolute best we can give it. We often tell homeowners to splurge on the kitchen and cut corners somewhere else during the remodel, because it has so much to offer the entire family. Bathroom Remodeling – The master bathroom is the second-most remodeled room in the home. Many homeowners are turning their small master bathroom into a luxurious getaway that rivals some of the nicest spas throughout the Cape Cod area. Your bathroom should be designed to help you relax after a difficult day, not have you cramming yourself into a tub that’s too small without any jets to massage your tired muscles. Invest in an oversized tub with jets so you can truly relax. Bedroom Remodeling – The master bedroom is much more than just a place to sleep, it’s your sanctuary. Create an amazing master suite that includes a bedroom, sitting area, luxury walk-in closet, and amazing bathroom. Add a few extra large windows to enhance the area and make it feel much larger. Quality Workmanship – Don’t overlook the importance of high quality workmanship. Our craftsmen at @designREMODEL are dedicated to providing the absolute best in overall design and workmanship. We work hard to ensure that your remodeling experience is as pain free as possible. The quality of our workmanship has nothing to do with the quality of the materials you choose. We will provide top notch work whether we’re working with high quality woods or particle board. Quality materials will cost more initially, but they will ultimately provide a much better finish and long-lasting beauty. We invite you to call us or text us any time at 508-477-9003 to get the scoop on the latest progress on your home remodeling project or to schedule an appointment for a consultation. We will work with you to design the perfect kitchen, bathroom, or whole home remodeling project, and then build it out for you in a timely manner.

How Remodeling Has Transformed in the Past 20 Years

As a remodeling contractor on Cape Cod for nearly 20 years, we have seen many changes in the remodeling industry. As with many industries that have embraced the information age, the Internet, and new technologies, we believe the the home remodeling industry has improved significantly. However, it's also been our experience that homeowners don't necessarily see how the industry has changed for the better, and thus some of them do not fully appreciate the value of a professional remodeling contractor in 2015.

The Good Ol' Days?

Remodeling Contractors on Cape Cod

Back in the 1990s, and unfortunately this still exists today, homeowners didn't have very high expectations of home improvement contractors. Maybe you would talk with a couple local contractors, have them in for a walk-around and measurements, and they would give you either a verbal estimate or something scribbled on a yellow legal pad.

Over the next few weeks, they would show up intermittently in a beat up old truck and do their work. They never really seemed to have a schedule or defined way of doing things. You were never quite sure when they were coming and going and when your project would be completed.

But maybe you didn't care about the project timeline or how perfect everything was in the end, because the remodel likely didn't cost you a whole lot of money.

Home Remodeling Today

It's an understatement to say that many things have changed in 20 years. One of the key aspects of consumer behavior today is that consumers are more discerning than ever. With a world of information at our fingertips, we demand more from the companies that provide us with products and services.

Homeowners today want to be involved in the process as much as possible. They want to research different remodelers, they want to look at websites and Houzz profiles, they want to see reviews and testimonials, and when it comes time to design their kitchen or bathroom, they want to pick out the finishes, products, and materials.

They also demand a higher level of professionalism. They demand timelines and payment schedules. They demand cleaned work areas at the end of the day. They demand perfection when it comes to their home renovations.

And rightfully so.

You work hard for your money, and when you're spending a sizable chunk of it on a remodeling project, you want a professional experience and a first class end result.

Today's Professional Remodeler

A professional remodeler who is going to provide you with a best in class experience and remodeling project is different from the remodeler you hired in 1996.

Cape Cod Kitchen Design Company - @designREMODEL

Today's professional remodeler has:

• The proper insurance

• A valid contractor's license

• Increased accountability

• Higher safety and cleanliness standards

• Better tools

• Better and more products to choose from

• Laws and regulations they must comply with

• Multiple reliable work crews and subcontractors

• Thorough written contracts

• Multi-year warranties

• Project timelines and payment schedules

All of those things translate into an overall better remodeling project for you and your family.

But all of those things also may translate into a higher price point than you were conditioned to paying 20 years ago.

Let's use the metaphor of the auto industry. That industry has vastly improved over the past couple decades - higher safety standards, more efficient cars, more luxury items included at base price, etc.

The difference is that you purchase a new car every few years and you're generally aware of the prices of cars.

When it comes to home remodeling, that's something you may only do once or twice in your lifetime. So you're not generally aware of what things cost. In order for a professional remodeling company to communicate the value that they bring to the table, they need to spend more time educating homeowners about processes, prices, expectations, and the lifetime value of a newly remodeled home.

Homeowners who hire a remodeling company strictly based on price, without doing much research or allowing themselves to be educated about the process, run the risk of getting a sub-standard project in the end. As with most things in life, you rarely get a high quality outcome from the cheapest price.

A home remodeling project is a big deal, so you want to make sure you spend the proper time and money to do it right the first time.

At @designREMODEL, our tagline is Elevating the Cape Cod Remodeling Experience. We have developed the systems and the workmanship to not only provide a beautiful new room or whole house remodel, but also as much of a stress-free experience for our clients as possible.

The Bottom Line

If you're researching different options and receive multiple quotes or estimates from Cape Cod remodeling contractors, you're going to see numbers all over the place. Some contractors are still operating like its the 1990s and their prices may be lower. But you should expect a more complicated homeowner-remodeler relationship and a lower quality end result.

Some companies, like us, will present estimates that provide us with the resources to deliver to you an excellent product with the experience that you deserve.

Price is what you pay. Value is what you get. ~ Warren Buffett

The remodeling market is very robust these days. Homeowners with higher standards are choosing to invest in their homes. When thinking about your next Cape Cod kitchen or bathroom remodel, we recommend that you take a little more time up front in the research and decision-making phase to ensure that you're getting the best possible value for your budget. Although you may be tight on time, allow yourself to be educated on your different options available to you and the outcomes you can expect from those different options.

"Working with John Clark was a complete pleasure. From the very first time we met John we felt very comfortable trusting him and his team to guide us with design selection to update our 35 year old bathroom. Everything John prepared us for before the work started was 100% accurate. During the demolition process we were amazed at how neat, clean, and professional everyone was. Communication was very open and there were no surprises. The finished product exceeded our expectations and we plan on working with @designRemodel for future projects. We highly recommend working with John Clark and his team of professionals!" ~ Hillary DiFilippo, Cape Cod MA

Design & Remodel Tip #1 for your Cape Cod Bathroom

Design Ideas. Marstons Mills Remodeling Tips. Best Practices. Find them here weekly on our blog.

Design & Remodel Tip 01- Tile Ideas

Cape Cod Bathroom Design Tips from @designREMODEL

Last week, I was looking for some tile ideas for an upcoming bathroom remodel in Marstons Mills. I wanted to find something unique for my client who had just purchased a new home and wanted to create a spa-like feel in her new bathroom.

I started looking on Houzz.com for pictures, particularly for either a serene backdrop or a distinctive accent tile. After scanning many pages and doing many searches, I became frustrated as I did not see what I wanted.  I took a look through some of the design books on my bookshelf and still didn't find what I was looking for.

Then  I thought...How about Pinterest.com?  I clicked over to the website and started looking at some of the boards for bathroom remodeling that I had set up several months ago.  Very quickly, I found pictures and ideas that could use for design inspiration for the upcoming bathroom remodel in Marstons Mills.

Plus, what I liked about Pinterest was that by using a few keywords like Bathroom Accent Tile,  I was able to review rapidly multiple pictures. And save the ones I liked to a board that I could return to again and again.

We are fortunate to live in a world where an abundance of ideas, tips, and photos are at our fingertips. This access to ideas is really exciting for us and for our clients, and it has enabled us to build some fun projects for Cape Cod homeowners.

If you would like to discuss some ideas for your bathroom remodeling project on Cape Cod, feel free to get in touch and we'll be happy to answer any questions or get you started in the right direction.

Complete Bathroom Remodel in North Falmouth

How To Spot A Poorly Constructed Bathroom

Often times I can walk into a bathroom of any age or style and immediately spot the small things that tell me if the bathroom was remodeled the right way or not. The giveaways...

Tile abuts fixtures, casings and baseboard.  Talk about looking like crap. The grout usually looks messy and when the wood shrinks from seasonal changes, cracks will start to show. Not to mention that the baseboard looks even smaller due to the reduced height.  And don't get me started on tiling in a vanity bottom instead of going under.  If someone wanted to change the vanity at a later date due to a style change, or if it was damaged, they would be stuck trying to match the exact footprint of the old vanity.

Beadboard paneling installed over the drywall.  This is another save-a-buck detail that drives me crazy. The paneling is usually so thin that it the bead detail is minimal and yet applying it over the drywall flattens any window or door casing profiles.  The proven way to install beadboard wainscot in a bathroom is to remove the drywall from the wall and apply the beadboard directly to the studs. This allows you to install a true beadboard and also keep the profiles/shadow lines of the window and door trim intact.

Tub or shower base is spongy. Just about every tub or shower installed over the last 40 years has been installed without regard to proper support under the base. I can step into and immediately feel if the base is properly supported or not.  It has give and feels bouncy. The correct way to install the base or tub is as follows:

1. Replace or upgrade the subfloor with new and or additional plywood. 2. Nail down wire mesh under the base or tub foot print. This is to help keep the mortar in place. 3. Mix and pile mounds of structural mortar over the mesh. 4. Bed the base down into the mortar and confirm that it is level. 5. Install temporary blocking around the rim or top to keep it from moving as the mortar cures.

Doing the above ensures that when anyone steps into the tub or shower, there is an absolute feeling of solidness. Yes, doing this while installing the tub or base is a pain and takes more time and money and it's worth it.

Cheesy soap dishes or alcoves. This detail absolutely drives me crazy. Here is a picture of a tiled bathtub surround with a molded soap dish just slapped into the wall. Not only does it stick out like a large pimple on your forehead, they placed it right in the middle of the accent tile row.  Down. Right. Ugly.

Shower Doors.  Framed shower doors should be banned period. Not only do they look cheap and feel flimsy, the frame provides the perfect landing spot for soap residue which provide a breeding ground for mold.  Frameless doors are easy to keep clean and really take the overall look of your bathroom up a couple of notches.

Over reliance on caulking.  Caulking when used right has it's place in the bathroom. It keeps joints closed when a house moves due to seasonal changes. It directs water where you want it such as around the outer jambs of a shower door. However, I've walked into bathrooms where the caulking looks as if it were troweled on by the gallon and there is usually black mold growing by the minute.

These are some of the things to  spot in a poorly constructed bathroom.  In my next post, I will write about the details that make a difference in building a bathroom that looks fabulous for years to come.

Best of Houzz 2014 for the Second Year!

@designREMODELReceives Best Of Houzz Award

Reveals Top-Rated Building, Remodeling and Design ProfessionalsAnnual Survey and Analysis of 16 Million Monthly Users

Mashpee MA February 4, 2014 – @designREMODEL of Mashpee, MA  has been awarded “Best Of Houzz”  for the second consecutive year by Houzz, the leading platform for home remodeling and design.@designREMODEL was chosen by the more than 16 million monthly users that comprise the Houzz community.

The Best Of Houzz award is given in two categories: Customer Satisfaction and Design. Customer Satisfaction honors are determined by a variety of factors, including the number and quality of client reviews a professional received in 2013. Design award winners’ work was the most popular among the more than 16 million monthly users on Houzz, known as “Houzzers,” who saved more than 230 million professional images of home interiors and exteriors to their personal ideabooks via the Houzz site, iPad/iPhone app and Android app. Winners will receive a “Best Of Houzz 2014” badge on their profiles, showing the Houzz community their commitment to excellence. These badges help homeowners identify popular and top-rated home professionals in every metro area on Houzz.

“Houzz provides homeowners with the most comprehensive view of home building, remodeling and design professionals, empowering them to find and hire the right professional to execute their vision,” said Liza Hausman, vice president of community for Houzz. “We’re delighted to recognize @designREMODEL among our “Best Of” professionals for customer satisfaction as judged by our community of homeowners and design enthusiasts who are actively remodeling and decorating their homes.”

With Houzz, homeowners can identify not only the top-rated professionals like  John Clark, but also those whose work matches their own aspirations for their home. Homeowners can also evaluate professionals by contacting them directly on the Houzz platform, asking questions about their work and reviewing their responses to questions from others in the Houzz community.

Remodel This House!

After moving to Mashpee about 8 years ago, my wife Tara and I decided that it is  finely time to make our Cape Cod Saltbox work better for us.  This 28 year old house had been neglected and needed tons of work to make it the way we envisioned. This house at the time of our purchase, was primarily used as a summer home and all the bathrooms and the kitchen were in need of updating. In addition, much of the house reflected the throw it up cheap, as fast as you can, mentally of the booming 80's  Along with remodeling the bathrooms and kitchen, this house is in need of  a new roof, trim work, siding and windows. In essence a whole house make over.

During the spring of 2013, Tara sparked an idea when she mentioned that she would like to have a sun room attached to the back of the house. Her comment started the wheels turning in my head about adding on a larger space.  We had an extended discussion about what we would do with more space. We both agreed that it would be ideal to have a larger kitchen and dining area.  The old kitchen would then become a much needed mud room and the old dining room could be used as a multi-purpose space.

At that point, we were starting to get really excited about the possibilities and I was ready to roll.  But first we needed to figure out what made sense to remodel and how much it would cost. Well, it shouldn't be too bad...Right? As I was doing most of the work with the Tara helping as needed...

Much to my dismay, there were many surprises ahead, some of which I will share in my next installment of REMODEL THIS HOUSE!

Trend in Cape Cod Bathroom Remodels: Open Storage

Small bathrooms are not an uncommon occurrence in older Cape Cod homes and cottages.  And the trend to open shelving in a bathroom, if done right, can make those small Cape baths look more spacious.  But bathrooms often have a lot of clutter; think cotton balls, towels, lotions, makeup, medicine, how do you contain all that so your bathroom actually functions well?

Use containers!  Traditional baskets work well for open shelving, they contain your clutter and look great in a Cape Cod style bathroom.   Wire baskets have that old time charm that many Cape Codders love and come in a variety of sizes.  See these for sale on Etsy:  http://www.etsy.com/search_results.php?search_query=wire+baskets&search_type=vintage

Bath towels can be rolled spa style or learn how to fold towels in various ways so they take up less space. http://www.homemadesimple.com/en-us/cleaning/pages/towel-folding-techniques.aspx

Many Cape Cod bathroom remodels are now using the open shelf concept for some storage.  It really adds to a spacious feel and allows you to add tons of Cape Cod charm to your bath.

Check out these links for some open shelving ideas:

http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/491219/list/Bathroom-Trends--Open-Vanity-Storage

http://www.freshhomeideas.com/Room-Ideas/Bathrooms/Bathroom-Storage/open-bathroom-storage