Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

Estimated read time: 5-6 minutes

The start of a new year represents the start of something new and fresh. The long year is over, and it is time to clean the slate. With home remodeling, the new year brings excited customers looking forward to kitchen and bath remodeling projects. With that in mind, perhaps 2024 is the year for your dream kitchen remodel.

You might have been saving all year in anticipation of gutting the kitchen and starting over. Or maybe you're just going to replace cabinets and countertops rather than going down to the studs. Regardless, kitchen remodels can be a significant undertaking if not planned properly. You've probably been thinking about your dream kitchen over the last year and now the time has come to get started.

"Every kitchen remodeling project begins in the design phase," says Scot Nichols, director of sales at Bedrock Quartz. "This is where you transform the ideas percolating in your mind into a feasible plan. Here's a valuable tip garnered from our experience: design around your needs and desires. And if you're uncertain of what you want, Bedrock Quartz can help."

You need certain things in your kitchen to maintain functionality, such as adequate counter space for preparing and serving food. But don't limit your design to function only. Try to work some of your wants into the design, too. A large island for serving and gathering loved ones is often the happiest place in the home.

"When all is said and done, you will spend a lot of time in your newly remodeled kitchen," Nichols says. "Why not enjoy that remodel as much as possible? Some new kitchen features that you may want but don't necessarily need can elevate your kitchen and make it a dream realized. Do it if you can afford to!"

The choice of materials significantly impacts both functionality and aesthetics. Alan Jorgensen, CEO of Bedrock Quartz, emphasizes the importance of material choices, stating, "This is why Bedrock Quartz places substantial emphasis on stone countertops, which are always the focal point of any kitchen. Materials like quartz, marble, and granite offer myriad benefits that extend well beyond mere aesthetics."

Jorgensen continues, "The most common question we get from people is, 'Which material should I choose?' While it often comes down to personal preference and style, there are some practical considerations for each. For example, quartz is a popular option known for its durability and non-porous nature, proving to be an excellent choice for countertops. It resists stains and bacterial growth, making it an ideal surface for food preparation. Marble, with its timeless elegance, adds a touch of luxury to any kitchen. While it may require more maintenance, the allure it brings is unparalleled. Granite, on the other hand, combines durability with natural beauty, creating a lasting and visually appealing kitchen surface."

As for fixtures, the age-old adage holds true: you get what you pay for. Cheap fixtures may seem like a cost-saving measure initially, but the frequent need for repairs and replacements can quickly outweigh any initial savings. Investing in high-quality fixtures like faucets and sinks proves advantageous in the long run. Superior materials tend to be more durable and retain their aesthetic appeal over an extended period. "And while we wouldn't advocate exceeding your budget, aiming for the highest quality within your financial constraints is a prudent approach," Jorgensen says.

Designing a new kitchen is exciting and fun. Ditto for choosing your materials. But when the construction process begins, some of the luster might start to fade. Remodeling is still construction work at the end of the day.

"If we could offer one bit of advice in this regard, it would be to do your best to enjoy the process. We get the fact that doing so sounds foreign. But remodeling is what you make it, said Nichols. "By focusing on the positive and looking for things about the construction process you can truly appreciate, you can avoid some of the unnecessary negatives that often make remodeling projects difficult."

Take pleasure in witnessing the transformation of your vision into a tangible reality. Admire the craftsmanship and attention to detail that go into each phase of construction. Embrace the temporary inconvenience as a small price to pay for the long-term benefits your remodeled kitchen will bring.

One way to ensure an enjoyable experience with your kitchen remodel is to work with the right company.

Eric Jorgensen, president of operations at Bedrock Quartz, says, "We take excellent care of our customers. Our process is meticulously designed with you in mind. Not only do we commit to providing top-notch materials and installation, but constant communication about your project from beginning to end, ensuring that your questions and concerns are addressed promptly."

Having a reliable point of contact throughout the entire process to ensure transparency can bring peace of mind. "Bedrock Quartz takes pride in being there for you every step of the way, making the journey toward your dream kitchen remodel as seamless and satisfying as possible," Jorgensen says.

Bedrock Quartz stands ready to assist with classic or contemporary countertops, backsplashes, fixtures, and more. "Our team of professionals handles everything from installation to completion," Jorgensen says. "Moreover, we stand behind our materials and installation with unparalleled customer service. Challenge us to prove our worth if 2024 is indeed the year for your dream kitchen remodel."

Excerpt from:
Is 2024 the year for your dream kitchen remodel? - KSL.com

Houzz Inc., has released the2024 U.S. Houzz Kitchen Trends Study. The survey of more than 3,400 respondents found that interest in open-concept kitchens is returning following the pandemic. A growing number of homeowners make their kitchens more open to other interior spaces (43%, compared with just 38% of those who renovated in 2021) and to the outdoors (23%, compared with 18% of those who renovated in 2021). Among homeowners making their kitchens more open to nearby interiors, nearly two-thirds remove any wall separation (64%) and a quarter choose double doors, a row of doors or a wide opening (25%).

Improving functionality is the driving force behind creating an open-concept space (64%), while 54% of renovating homeowners want to enhance their entertaining space and 47% simply appreciate the layouts aesthetic. The majority of open-concept kitchens share similar flooring and wall colors with neighboring rooms (79% and 61%, respectively).

Were seeing a return to more open-concept spaces following a brief drop in interest during the pandemic when people sought separation and privacy from other household members, said Marine Sargsyan, Houzz staff economist. Creating a more open kitchen appeals to homeowners for both functional and aesthetic reasons, but doing so may impact the projects overall budget, requiring more technical changes, such as modifying walls and changing the layout.

Among renovating homeowners, 45% reconstruct the kitchens layout and 43% upgrade systems. The share of renovating homeowners making other structural changes like modifying kitchen walls (39%) and completely changing the kitchens location (7%) grew by 3 points each. Nearly one in 7 renovating homeowners modify the kitchen ceiling (13%) and 5% modify the flooring by reframing or adjusting the height. Homeowners often turn to home professionals for assistance with more technical projects.In fact, more than 4 in 5 homeowners rely on professional help during a kitchen renovation (84%).

General contractors are the professionals most commonly hired for kitchen renovations (55%), followed by cabinetmakers, which are at a four-year high (35% in 2024 versus 26% in 2020). One-third of homeowners hire kitchen designers and remodelers (33%). Nearly 1 in 5 homeowners hires one or more pros directly, without relying on a project manager.

Along with growing substantial structural changes to the kitchen, the median spend on kitchen remodels is up 22% from the previous year to $55,000 for homeowners undertaking major remodels*. This reflects a 57% growth since mid-2020, when the median spend on major remodels was $35,000. The median spend on minor remodels continues to increase as well. It was $18,000 in mid-2023, increasing by 29% year over year, and has more than doubled since mid-2020, when it was $8,000. Despite the rising costs, homeowners are saving up for these projects, with 36% of renovating homeowners citing having financial means as a key motivator for starting their kitchen update.

Additional insights from the 2024 U.S. Houzz Kitchen Trends Study include:

Bigger islands:More than 2 in 5 homeowners opt for islands that are 7 feet or longer (42%), which has increased by 10 points since 2020. Islands that are less than 6 feet long are losing popularity, down 5 points year over year. This may coincide with homeowners' reported usage of islands for entertaining and socializing post-renovation (54% and 44%, respectively).

A pop of cabinetry color:White continues to be the most common cabinetry color (46%), up 6 points year over year, but wood and green both inched up by 1 percentage point each (25% and 4%, respectively). Despite a slight dip in popularity as a primary cabinet color (4%), blue remains a top pick for island cabinets that are a different color than the main cabinets (25%). Green also saw a jump in popularity for island cabinets that contrast from the main cabinets (10%, up from 5% last year).

High-tech appliances:More homeowners prefer to replace all appliances during a renovation (54%), rather than just a few (34%). Homeowners are increasingly opting for appliances with high-tech capabilities, showing a 5-point increase to 44%. Nearly a third of homeowners now choose appliances with Wi-Fi connectivity (30%) and some prefer those controllable via smartphones and tablets (29%), both figures rising by 5 percentage points. Interest in features like touch-screen displays, smart-home connectivity, and built-in apps and cameras has also grown compared to last year.

Backsplashes that reach new heights:Homeowners overwhelmingly choose to replace backsplashes during kitchen renovations (86%), up 2 points since last year. Backsplashes most commonly extend to the cabinets or range hood (62%); however, 1 in 10 extends up to the ceiling (10%). The most popular backsplash material is ceramic or porcelain tile (54%), followed by engineered quartz (11%). Homeowners also choose natural stone, such as marble, quartzite and granite (9%, 6% and 4%, respectively).

Design with longevity in mind:Among renovating homeowners addressing special needs in the kitchen, the most common reason is to accommodate aging household members future and current needs (36% and 27%, respectively). Functional elements incorporated for this purpose include pullout cabinets, extra lighting and wide drawer pulls (58%, 54% and 48%, respectively). Safety features are also a priority, including nonslip flooring and rounded countertops (37% and 34%, respectively).

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Houzz Study Reveals Popular Kitchen Features, Colors and Materials - Furniture Lighting & Decor

In order to get the highest resale value, you have to focus the majority of remodeling efforts on certain rooms. Jenn Todryk from HGTV's "No Demo Reno" says the bathroom is one of the places that potential buyers want to be updated. "We want a big luxurious bathroom, which is understandable; you start and end your day in it, right?" Todryk says in an interview with Dallas News. "And they want natural lighting."

Main bathrooms and ensuites are the bathrooms you should focus on if you're making a plan to increase resale value. A mid-range bathroom remodel has an average 66.7% return on investment, while an upscale one has a 36.7% ROI. If you're adding a bathroom to the home, this can lead to a 30.2% ROI, while adding a new primary suite with a bathroom is about a 30% ROI.

Specific bathroom projects can be better for your resale value. For example, adding a walk-in shower or a steam shower can be a 70% and 30% return on investment, respectively. Replacing countertops, flooring, and lighting are also details that can help aid in creating the comfortable and relaxing environment home buyers want. Luxury details like heated floors aren't always necessary but can boost appeal. Unseen projects such as upgrading the plumbing can be a major bonus for a bathroom renovation.

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HGTV's Jenn Todryk Says To Renovate These Rooms To Up Your Home's Resale Value - House Digest

How to Prep for a Home Inspection

The home selling process involves many steps, from finding a real estate agent to negotiating your selling price with potential buyers. When it comes to having your home inspected, you have a few options.

Pre-sale home inspections can be a great start to determine the condition and value of your home. This can be helpful for a seller and agent as the condition of the home can be put into the listing and any immediate issues can be fixed.

Once a home is listed for sale, the seller can still get an inspection done to prepare for any surprise costs or issues the house may have. Some cities and states require sellers to provide potential buyers with a detailed home inspection, but more commonly than not, buyers will opt for their own as well.

Whatever route you choose, it is important to prepare your house - and yourself - for a home inspection. And that starts with a clean house. If your house is a mess, that can be an immediate indication to the inspector that the home hasnt been properly maintained.

As youre cleaning, be sure to make room for workspace around the furnace, water heater, air conditioner and electrical boxes. In order to properly check these areas, about four to five feet of space is required. Remember to clear away snow, leaves and brush from exterior inspection points as well.

Provide your inspector with access to all points of the house, including the attic, basement and garage. Move any large items or boxes a few feet away from the walls and if you happen to find any rodent droppings or cobwebs, remove and clean the area.

Leave all of your utilities connected, even if the house is vacant. The inspector will have to check the lighting, turn on the stove, run the dishwasher and test out the furnace, among other tasks. If the utilities are off, the inspector will not be able to complete the inspection, reschedule and possibly delay the selling process.

Lastly, when it comes time for your inspection appointment, be on time, have all documents ready and stay out of the way. Make plans for your children and pets to be out of the house for at least two to three hours. In the case that a prospective buyer accompanies the inspector, it can get awkward to ask questions with the seller present, so it may be best to plan to be away as well. Before you leave, make sure to provide any and all repair invoices and receipts in regards to remodels or updates.

For more information, contact Mike Kogler today!

Call or textMike at (302) 236-7648

Michael Kogler,REALTOR MIKE KOGLER TEAM: #1 Sales TeamLong & Foster Real Estate | Luxury Portfolio International 37156 Rehoboth Ave., Ext. Rehoboth Beach, DE. 19971 Cell:(302) 236-7648 Email:michaelkogler@outlook.com Web:www.MikeKogler.com Henlopen Sales & Rentals:www.HenlopenRB.com

Excerpt from:

How to Prepare for a Home Inspection - CapeGazette.com

By Kathy Henne

Contributing columnist

Whether you are buying or selling a home, you will probably encounter the inspection. This neednt strike fear into the hearts of sellers, and it shouldnt encourage buyers to look for minor issues.

Disclosure and awareness are very important, and a recent survey of the National Association of Home Inspectors sheds some light on the most prevalent problems that they encounter. Of course, sellers may want to have their homes inspected right after listing their homes. If the seller has not had the home inspected, then the buyer will need to have it taken care of as soon as they have an accepted contract.

One of the most common problems the inspectors find is improper drainage around the house. Unsuitable grading can lead to water penetration and even problems with the foundation. Another problem involves big surprise roofing. This can include worn or missing shingles and improper flashing around the chimney.

The survey results also point to a couple of interior problems. In older homes, particular attention should be paid to the electrical system, which might have inadequate overload protection or insufficient power. Buyers are requesting the seller upgrade old fuse type electrical boxes to upgraded circuit breakers because many insurance companies are refusing to insure homes that have the old fuse type electrical boxes. Problems with the heating and air conditioning systems were also at the top of the home inspectors list.

Keep in mind that most homes will not have major problems, but a home inspection is always a good idea. Ask your agent for some reputable home inspectors.

Contact the Kathy Henne Team Re/MAX by calling 937-778-3961

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Be ready for anything! - Miami Valley Today

Welcome to our second installment of How To Use a Home Inspection Report!

Last week, we focused on the five major systems of the house. This week, were moving on to some of the details and the more in-depth areas to look at how you can use a home inspection report to gain knowledge about the house as youre purchasing it, and later as a checklist for future projects and home maintenance.

This homeowner probably should have checked the contractors work at the time Or maybe they were just misremembering? Either way, they havent spent too much time in the attic because there is definitely not any foam insulation up there, or any kind of insulation, for that matter. That would certainly explain the home being drafty.

They did have it in the listing so, its a good thing somebody checked it out. The buyer might want to put insulation on their to-do list or negotiate that into the contract if possible since foam insulation was listed with the property.

This water heater was installed improperly, without ventilation, resulting in a dangerous situation where backdrafting can occur, which means the exhaust fumes can re-enter the house.

The buyer would be well within their rights to request this be fixed before signing off on the contract. In an As Is situation where the seller isnt agreeing to fix anything, the buyer would want to be sure to repair this right away.

When there is an obvious water leak, a home inspector will try to identify the source of the leak and any damage they can find without taking anything apart. They will then recommend the appropriate professionals you may need to consult.

We cannot positively identify mold: youll see unidentified grey substance, on the report. Were not allowed to say mold and have it turn out to be something else. This was an obvious water leak on a re-inspection where the seller was supposed to have fixed the leak, but we returned and found that the spot was still wet and continuing to leak. A mold remediation expert was called and found mold in the walls and attic.

When this is the case, its up to the agents and insurance to negotiate. Hopefully, the sellers home insurance will cover the repair. If not, you have to either negotiate with the seller to cover the repair out of pocket or decide if you want the home enough to cover the cost of repair.

Brand new homes have problems too, and its important to have a home inspection before you move in, so the builder can fix any issues that come up. In this case, we found a dangerous gas leak at the water heater. But we find any number of issues, from switches that dont work, to missing mortar on the bricks, to reversed hot and cold in the plumbing all of which should be covered by the builder.

Now that youre thinking about how you can use a home inspection report, I hope youll dig out your last one and give it a look. I bet there are some items on there that you havent taken care of yet! Whats that? You didnt keep it? You can always have a home maintenance inspection and get an up-to-date idea of the status of all the systems of your home.

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How To Use a Home Inspection Report: Part 2 - CandysDirt.com

It was at Toys Hill in Kent that Britain's largest charity came to being and this home holds those ideals of conservation and preservation close to its heart.

Toys Hill rises some 771ft above sea level in the Brasted Civil Parish, near Sevenoaks in Kent. It was here that, in the late 19th century, Octavia Hill donated a terrace that features an outstanding view of the High Weald, which became one of the National Trusts first properties. Indeed, it was Hills connection to the area, and its landscape, that helped inspire her and her partners to form the charity more than 100 years ago.

For the first time in more than 50 years Toys Hill Farm House is up for sale, for a price of 1.475 million with Hamptons. The Grade II-listed home, which features six bedrooms, sits at the edge of the hamlet of Toys Hill, and is very much in touch with the heritage of the area and the surrounding landscape.

The half-acre of gardens is designed to make the most of the surrounding countryside and scenery.

That commitment to conservation has meant that very little has changed in this part of the Kent Downs AONB, with the National Trust now owning and managing some 200 acres of woodland at Toys Hill and nearby Emmetts Gardens. Naturally, this makes Toys Hill a very sought after location for homebuyers.

The interiors are achingly traditional and are primed for restoration and modernisation.

The property is set over three floors, and dates from the 16th century, incorporating a single-roundel oast house. Per the agents, the property is in need of some modernisation, but the character is there for all to see, with exposed beams, inglenook fireplaces and delightful mullioned windows. All in all, the accommodation extends to some 2,730sq ft.

The property is surrounded by National Trust land, and sits in an AONB.

Outside, the gardens and grounds take advantage of the wonderful outlook, with plenty of views to enjoy. Extending to an acre, the gardens feature lawned areas, mature trees, two ponds, fruit trees and a productive kitchen garden. Two barns are also on sight, offering development potential.

Toys Hill Farm House if for sale with Hamptons for 1.475 million. For more information and pictures, click here.

Exquisite homes in Devon, Yorkshire and Oxfordshire are among the wonders in our round-up of the best homes for sale

Distinctive Nouds Oast magically incorporates its conical oast roundels into flexible, beautiful living spaces that harmonise with the surrounding gardens

Hayle Oast is a highly unique, spectacular oast barn conversion which magically blends glass, exposed oak beams and cathedral-like ceilings

Listen to all the episodes of the Country Life Podcast.

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An oast house within the landscape that gave birth to the National Trust - Country Life

Police report sheds light on Redmond man's death from cold exposure after crash, fall on rocks above Dry Canyon  KTVZ

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Police report sheds light on Redmond man's death from cold exposure after crash, fall on rocks above Dry Canyon - KTVZ

DC sheds light on 'House of Brainiacs' Superman crossover in April 2024 AIPT  AIPT

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DC sheds light on 'House of Brainiacs' Superman crossover in April 2024 AIPT - AIPT

Eviction filing sheds light on 5-year-olds deadly fall from KC apartment  WDAF FOX4 Kansas City

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Eviction filing sheds light on 5-year-olds deadly fall from KC apartment - WDAF FOX4 Kansas City