new mudroom

Tips for Decluttering Your Home

As we move from summer into fall and winter many of us are changing out our wardrobe and decorations. Now is also a good time to declutter, clear out, and organize our closets, pantries, and storage. Even if you haven’t had a recent bathroom remodel or kitchen remodel, your home can still have a new, fresh feeling after taking some time to declutter and organize.

Mudroom – Mudrooms and lockers tend to become the catch-all for shoes, coats, and sports gear. Now is a good time to clear out the old and make room for hats, scarves, gloves, and heavier jackets. Using baskets or plastic bins inside of cubbies and cabinets can be helpful in keeping smaller wardrobe items in their space and not just floating around.

Mudroom Lockers with Upper Storage Baskets

Pantry – Are you ready to stock up on the pumpkin spice, cinnamon sticks, and cardamom for the cooler weather? Look through the items in your pantry and clean out long-opened packages or food items past their expiration dates. Small, clear, airtight containers are great for organizing food stuffs and making them easy to find when needed. Clean and declutter small appliances by giving them a wipe down to prevent dust and gunk build-up. Wipe off the shelves, re-stock your things and get ready to cook or bake your favorite comfort foods!

Pantry with Small Appliance Storage and Labeled Clear Containers

Cabinet Organizers – Ease of use and accessibility are key to efficiency and enjoyment in the kitchen. Think beyond just a spice rack to full depth pull out shelving, drawer organizers for plates and bowls, and baking sheet slots.

Pull-Out Kitchen Cabinet Storage

Bedroom closets can quickly go from chaos to pristine with a drawer and shelving organization system. When organizing your belongings, start with a good purge. Get rid of unused, or damaged items. (Ah, doesn’t that feel better already?) Then use shelving and dividers to define the purpose or style of each piece of clothing.

Closet Organization System

If you are contemplating a kitchen, bedroom, or bathroom remodel or addition in the future, keep in mind how you can incorporate organizational systems in those rooms. There are whole industries built on doing just that! Our designers would love to talk to you about how to add fun, stylish, and practical features to your home renovation design.  Call us to talk about your design and decluttering needs! (262) 696-8131 or gmh-remodeling.com

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interior designer

Why You Should Work with an Interior Designer

Whether you’re looking to build a home addition, finish your basement, or remodel your living room, kitchen, bathroom, an Interior Designer can be a real asset to your project. A designer can help you make the hard decisions and even introduce you to styles and concepts that you may not have thought of on your own. Still not sure? This post discusses the many benefits you’ll enjoy when working with a professional Designer. But first – What is Interior Design?

What is Interior Design?

Collaborating with an Interior Designer

In short, interior design is the art and science of understanding a client’s personality and lifestyle and using that information to plan functional spaces within their home. A designer will spend one-on-one time with a client determining their needs and style, consider the existing structure and features of the home, and develop solutions to create aesthetically pleasing rooms.

What Are the Benefits of Working with an Interior Designer?

The skills of an experienced designer can save you time and money and help you to complete your project with a level of precision that is difficult to do on your own. From kitchen and bath design to basement finishes and additions, interior designers draw on current elements in and around your home and open your eyes to what is possible while being honest about what will not work.

An interior designer can ease your stress. They will take your ideas and craft a space that will make your vision a reality. Their trained eye can ease the worry of indecision and the stress of wondering if selections will look good together. And their professional experience will alleviate the concern over style and materials standing the test of time and years of use.  They often create Design Portfolios to keep your selections in one easy document so you can see your vision as it comes to life.

Kitchen Interior Design

An interior designer offers both time and money savings benefits. They do the leg work for you, tracking down materials, colors, and products to fit your envisioned space. They also anticipate obstacles and work to find a solution before you even know they exist. Utilizing a designer’s experience is a smart financial investment too. They can find styles and suggest products that will fit into your budget without skimping on the wow factor.

After the final design is decided and selections are made, the designer will streamline the communication with your General Contractor. A great designer knows how to speak the lingo when it comes to communicating with architects and contractors. Things you might not even consider, such as vent and outlet placement, really make a difference in the room. Addressing these types of needs before construction begins saves times, avoids hassles, and eliminates extra charges in the future.

Bathroom Interior Design

Our designers look forward to the opportunity to work with you. Give us a call today at 262-696-8131 or use the contact form to the right to schedule your initial complimentary consultation. Learn how Interior Design services fit into GMH Construction’s overall process.

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new home addition

Five Stores You Need to Visit When Decorating Your Home

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

Colorful Wall Decorations and Pillows

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

Dark Grey Stone Mosaic Tile Floor

Dark Grey Stone Mosaic Tile Floor

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.

Framed Mirrors and Plant w/Vase

Framed Mirrors and Plant w/Vase

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.

 

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basement remodel

What to Consider Before Finishing Your Basement

Gathering Space with Wet Bar

Gathering Space with Wet Bar

Living-in-place is an increasing trend. With fewer available events and extracurricular activities, families are spending more time together at home. Looking for a new retreat in your house? A fun place to hang out with family and friends? Or just somewhere to give the kids more room to play? Many people overlook a basement remodel when they plan to add space to their home.

Yet, with the right remodeling contractor, your unfinished lower level has the potential to be whatever you need.

What are the Advantages?

When you close your eyes, what “dream room” do you imagine your basement becoming? An entertainment room with rustic wood bar; a flashy, fun game room; a multi-screen man-cave with a beer fridge; a comfy, large-screen theater room; an eclectic, uber-organized craft room; a spacious guest suite with full bathroom for the in-laws; or a cozy personal hide-away with a fireplace?

Comfy Rec Room

Comfy Rec Room

Lower Level Bedroom

Chic Extra Bedroom

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bathroom Retreat

Bathroom Retreat

When planning how to finish your basement space, upfront cost and long-term investment value need to be part of the consideration. Keep in mind that, not only can you take advantage of the space while you live there but, on average, a homeowner can recoup between 60%-70% of the cost.

For example, a 1000 square foot finished basement with bath and bar might cost you $85,000 or more, but it could add $55,000 of value onto your home and bring additional resale appeal.

Important Factors to Keep in Mind

To make your basement a safe place to hang out with the family, it needs to be dry, clean, and up to local building code standards. Always work with a basement remodeling specialist who is licensed in your state and will obtain the proper permits.

Bedroom with Egress Window

Bedroom with Egress Window

The first step is to waterproof and repair any foundation issues. That will prevent your beautiful new rooms from experiencing unwanted water damage. Depending on how you plan to use your space, an egress window may be required for a second exit point and the additional natural light that it will provide to a room. Proper insulation on the walls and in the ceiling will help with any noise dampening and HVAC ducting will keep your entertainment areas warm and comfortable.

When all the planning and construction is complete, you’ll be ready to gather your closest friends and family for a party! It’s gratifying for everyone to see a beautifully finished basement filled with people enjoying themselves, especially if one reason for the renovation was to entertain!

Built In Entertainment Center

Bathroom w/Walk-In Shower

 

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environmental sustainability

Doing our Part to Protect the Environment

At GMH Construction, we are dedicated to pursuing recycling and sustainable design from set up to clean up.  Because, we don’t just work in our local communities, we live inenvironmental sustainability them too.

One area of focus is to reduce our carbon footprint and the impact on the environment. We do that through salvaging and donating certain demolition products for reuse and recycling common Construction & Demolition (C&D) debris.

  • These materials include debris generated during the demolition and construction processes. Common debris such as lumber, metal, masonry, tile, carpet, insulation, plastic, tile, cardboard, and more is taken to a single-stream recycling facility for sorting and processing.
  • You trade in your car, can you trade in a kitchen? Items such as cabinets, countertops, and fixtures in good condition may be donated to a local charitable organization such as Habitat for Humanity® for salvage, sale, or reuse.environment sustainability procedures

What are the Benefits of Environmental Sustainability?

  • Help to offset the environmental impact of construction
  • Potentially reduce the associated environmental issues
  • Conserve landfill space
  • Socially and environmentally responsible activity
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greg perkins

A Message From GMH

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GMH vs Big Box Handyman Stores

Recently large chain stores are offering remodeling services for kitchens, bathrooms, and basements. What are the differences between remodeling with GMH and these type of stores?

Simply put: service. In most cases, installation quality, attention to the little details, custom or out of the ordinary work is not their trademark. Also, a lot of things can pop up during a remodeling project- unforeseen conditions can occur. GMH has the people and resources to deal with these in a timely manner and will make sure the project keeps moving.

Do you need just a new toilet installed or maybe new blinds in the living room? Or what if you need a new garage door put in? These are times when a big box store is the right way to go. However, it is best to have GMH handle the complete job. When we take on your remodel, we have greater flexibility to get the job done. Every job, every situation, is different- so be sure to compare estimates but remember that it likely is not an apples to apples comparison.

At GMH, we value the trust you put in us to handle your complete remodeling job.  And when you invest in us, we invest in you to make sure your home is getting the best service and top-quality products. We would love to hear from you and learn more about your next project.

 

Please take a moment and view our recent work on our portfolio page.

 

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Get to Know Us: Dane Perkins, Project Manager

Dane Perkins

What do you like most about managing projects?

Every project is different and has its own unique design, I like the variety that every project presents.   I enjoy seeing progress on a job everyday and making sure the customer is getting what they have envisioned. I enjoy working along with our team – carpenters, electricians, plumbers, tilers. We have fun and take pride in our work. 

How does GMH differ from others in the industry? 

Since we are a family owned business and a close knit group, we work well together and that means better service for our customers. Our time and energy isn’t spread thin so we can develop better relationships and beautiful homes. 

What are some challenges to remodeling?

Staying up to date with the industries best practices – codes and regulations can be a big challenge. Also trends in design are always changing. We want to deliver what the customer wants and needs so we need to constantly educate ourselves on new methods of construction and products.

Tell us a little bit about you… 

I live in Waukesha with my wife of 7 years and our 8 month old son. We have two cats, Leo and Obi. In our free time we love working on our home and spending time with family and friends.   I love spending time outside playing golf with my buddies. 

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Beautiful Bathroom Vanities

Kitchens may be the heart of the home but bathrooms are the muscle. Where else can you do your makeup and cleanup the kids after playing in the mud? When designing your new bathroom, a vanity is essential.  A vanity can add style to your design and create a functional place for storage. From simple to modern, white to wood, there are thousands of options to chose from.

Double Sink

In most bathrooms, a double vanity is a great choice.  It’s a sure way to impress and as a added benefit, it will add value to your home if you decide to sell in the future.  A double sink is a very attractive choice to couples and large families since there is no need to fight over one sink during the busy rush of getting ready in the morning.

Gray

The color gray is a very popular choice for any project and bathroom vanities are no exception. Gray looks great in traditional, modern or rustic bathrooms. Gray is also timeless. It goes great with a multitude of colors, whether you prefer a bright room or one with darker tones. 

Granite Top

A granite top is a beautiful addition to a bathroom. Even though they cost more then laminate, they stand the test of time. They are heat, stain and scratch resistant and come in many color options. Undermount sinks are common in granite tops. This is a great benefit as this allows dirt to be wiped directly into the sink without it being caught around the lip of a mounted sink.

Open Shelf

An open shelf vanity can open up space in your bathroom helping it feel bigger, which is great for small bathrooms. With an open shelf you can place a basket or two for storage and a set of towels, just like you might see in a spa. 

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Move or Remodel? Key Factors for Empty Nesters and Retirees to Consider

As the family grows up and out, you may find that space or rooms in the house are no longer needed or do not meet the needs of your changing lifestyle.

Aging-in-place shower features – low curb, walk-in, grab bars, bench, non-slip floor, and hand shower

Perhaps you want to take advantage of the built-up equity in the home. For an empty nester, now may be the perfect time to resettle before undertaking a downsizing becomes too overwhelming. Moving into a smaller home or condo where you could spend the next 20-30 years comfortably may be an ideal solution.

For those who are not ready to move, a home remodel to redefine the space for your new lifestyle and interests can be an exciting event. Give your home a new breath of life with an expanded kitchen for entertaining, a recreation space or theater in the basement, or reallocate space to make a larger master suite with spa-like bathroom.

Perhaps you’ve already found a home that is perfect size for you after retirement. In that case, remodeling to make the kitchen and bathroom more accessible as you age will be an invaluable investment. Easy to access walk-in showers, accessible lower cabinets with drawers, and plenty of space to move between elements are key features for aging-in-place. Improving safety, accessibility, and ease of use will allow you to maintain independence and healthy living.

If you love where you live… talk to a remodeling contractor today to see if a fresh design and renovation can make your home fit your new lifestyle and needs!

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