Are you overwhelmed with too many countertop choices and not sure which is best for you? Countertops are available in a variety of materials for your kitchen or bathroom remodel. The most common choices being granite, quartz, laminate, and butcherblock.  Each option has positive and negative features regarding strength, durability, cost, and maintenance. Of course, another key factor is the look and style in your finished room.

• Granite – Granite is one of the long-time leaders and products favored by interior designers for countertop material in mid- to high-level remodels. It is highly heat resistant, strong, durable, and nearly maintenance free. Because granite is a natural material, each slab is 100% unique. Some may look similar, but none will be identical to what you have installed in your home. On the other hand, granite may not be budget friendly, and maintenance will require resealing every 5-10 years. Granite also requires professional fabrication and installation, so it is not a good choice for a DIYer. You should also be on the lookout for cracks or small imperfections in the color and texture.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

• Quartz or Quartzite – Topping the leader board with granite is quartz or quartzite – an engineered stone made of 90-94% quartz particles combined with pigments and resin. This produces a granite-hard material that is resistant to heat and staining, making it a great option for kitchen remodels. Unlike granite, it does not require a sealant. Quartz is also available in hundreds, if not thousands, of color variations and designs. Similar to granite, this material is on the high end of the cost spectrum and will also require professional installation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

• Butcherblock or Wood – Wood tones are a fantastic choice to warm up any space. Butcherblock tops can give a rustic or charming look to any kitchen remodel. Maple, oak, and walnut are all very hard woods that can be suitable for certain sections of kitchen countertop or snack ledge tops. When regularly maintained with oiling and sealing, they can have an exceptionally long lifespan. Wood tops can even be re-sanded and refinished if it becomes too marked up. A positive aspect is that these tops are not as expensive as quartz or granite. However, it can be easily damaged with cut-marks, water and stains, or bacteria if not properly cleaned and maintained.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

• Laminate – One of the easiest products to install, laminate is a countertop that can be found in many designs and color choices. It is one of the least expensive products and can be installed by an ambitious homeowner or a professional installer. This material is very easy to clean and maintain but will not be as durable as a stone product making it more susceptible to heat and scratching. Laminate may be a good choice for shelving in a butler’s pantry or laundry room as a cost savings and where visibility and style are not as vital as the main kitchen space, which may have granite or quartz.

 

 

Making your final selections can seem overwhelming with all the choices available. Working with an interior designer and residential remodeling contractor on your kitchen or bathroom renovation can take the burden off your shoulders. A remodeling professional will help you breeze through the selection and construction of your new kitchen or bathroom. Call us today for a design consultation (262) 696-8131.

Are the budding trees and changing seasons giving you the urge revamp your interior? A home remodel is a great way to update the main features of your home such as cabinets, flooring, countertops, and plumbing fixtures. But if you are on a budget or just looking for a simple way to freshen up the look of a room, interior decorating is the more affordable fix you need. These five stores are great places to browse for inspiration or the new vibe you didn’t know you need for your home makeover.

Box Store/Hardware Store

These stores can give you a one-stop-shop for paint samples, window treatments, and light fixtures. Sometimes a nice, green houseplant adds just the right touch of natural beauty to a room.

Home Furnishings

Accent items such as pictures, decorations, plants, framed mirrors, pots, and sculptures can enhance the décor and give your living space character.

Flooring Store

Many have a great selection of rugs, carpeting, engineered hardwood, or tile for the DIYers. Look for products that add texture, tone, and warmth to your room.

Furniture Store

Large or small, furniture stores typically have fully set up displays with furniture, flooring, and furnishings. Besides larger pieces like beds or sofas, these stores often sell small tables, chests, lamps, and chairs to complete your home remodel vision.

Lighting Store

Lighting stores can really bring the WOW with statement pieces in warm and cool designs. Sconces, chandeliers, wall mounted lights, accent lighting, and lamps will set the mood in a room with the flick of a switch.

For those who are designing on a budget, many of these stores have discount or clearance sections with treasures that can round out your design or put the icing on the cake of your kitchen renovation or bath remodel.

Visit GMH Construction, Inc.’s bathroom remodel images and kitchen remodel portfolio to get ideas from a professional home remodeler for your next home renovation.

 

We wrote an article on remodeling your kitchen for Builders Showcase Nov/Dec 2020 magazine. Have a look here!

Remodeling Your Kitchen

We are so happy you found us and would like to meet Greg or Dane to discuss your possible future remodel.  Whether a basement remodel, kitchen remodel, or bathroom remodel we are excited to be a part of your journey. In person or by a virtual meeting, the initial consultation with you allows us to identify the scope of the job so we are all on the same page. So how should you, as the homeowner, prepare for this meeting? Here are just a few suggestions:

Clearly identify specific rooms to be remodeled with as much detail as possible. Include the things you NEED to have done and the things that you MIGHT like to have.  This is a vital starting point to help determine cost and drawing plans.

Gather lots of ideas!  Look in magazines, go on Pinterest, Instagram or attend trade shows. It is extremely helpful to show us what you would like so we can discuss if it’s doable and what it might cost.

And speaking of cost – be prepared to discuss the budget.  When you have an idea what it is, we can then offer suggestions to help you be able to reach your vision within your budget. The cost of a remodel can depend on a number of factors, and we are prepared to discuss how much it will realistically cost.

What questions do you have for us? Even before our meeting you might have a ton of questions. Keep a running list and add to it when new one arises so as not to forget!  Some of them might be: What will be the best way to stay in contact? Who will oversee the project daily? Are you licensed and insured?

After this initial consultation we will take about 2 – 3 weeks to prepare an estimate and possible design plans for your project.  We know hiring and entrusting your home to us is a big deal and its one that we seriously. So, when we all do our part to prepare and have open communication from the start it will help ensure you get a remodel that you love.

This year has people canceling plans and putting things on hold.  Maybe you can’t go to that festival or ball game. But what about remodeling your home? Is now the time to go ahead with a big project? Before you say no, consider these points:

The Strong Resale Market & Low Interest Rates –  With interest rates low and property values on the rise, now might be an ideal time to take out a HELOC or refinance and tackle that big home improvement project. You will experience an immediate increase in your home value and enjoy the benefits of your new space in the meantime.

 

Safety First –  We take the personal health and safety of our customers and employees seriously. Many steps have been implemented and reinforced to ensure we minimize exposure and maintain personal distance. It has been our practice for the last several years to use HEPA air filters to ensure there is sufficient ventilation and air flow in the work area. Surface protection and plastic sheeting is also used to separate workers from homeowners. Lastly, we have adjusted our project work schedule so that fewer workers are onsite at any one time. 

Expected ROI –  A word of caution: be aware of undertaking renovations that may price you out of your local market. Research the value of your home and the average market values in the surrounding area.  However, if you plan to stay in your home for a longer period of time, it may not be a major issue and you could recoup the value of the remodel.  Current cost verse value reports for our area estimate that for a major mid-range kitchen remodel a homeowner could recoup up to 64% of the cost. For bath remodels up to 72%. 

Updated Kitchens and Baths Help Sell Houses – Realtors have known this for years. That’s why a remodeled kitchen or bathroom, or a finished basement is often a highlighted feature in real estate photos. If you love the new space, likely the right buyers will too, seeing it as a key selling point. Remodeling these rooms positions the house for a faster resell at the best price.

Comfort, Enjoyment and Personal Satisfaction –  Regardless of the economic advantage for remodeling now, the most important reason is knowing the entire family will enjoy an improved quality of life right away and you will be able to stay in the location you’ve come to call HOME. We want you to love where live.