Posts tagged with "kitchen remodel"

Bathroom with Marble Flooring with window view

How Kitchen and Bath Remodels Pay Off

When you think about remodeling your kitchen or bathroom, what goes through your mind? Do you dream of heated floors and recycled glass countertops? While picturing your kitchen or bath looking like something off of HGTV is a beautiful daydream, this kind of kitchen and bath remodeling may not do as much to increase your home value as you think. What’s the best type of renovation when it comes to ROI?

If you’re planning to sell your home, kitchen or bathroom remodeling can help boost its value. The bathroom and kitchen are the rooms where people spend the most time, they’re the most expensive rooms in the house, and it’s easy to see whether these rooms are well-constructed. By updating the kitchen and bathroom, you can improve your home’s functionality and make it more appealing to buyers. However, before you decide to begin any renovations, make sure your basic systems are in good working order. If your roof needs replacing or your siding is in poor condition, you’re better off fixing these things, because buyers are unlikely to get past them, no matter how good your kitchen looks. Fortunately, these things do have a good ROI. Siding replacement has a return on investment of 92.8 percent, and replacing windows or the roof returns 80 percent or more of its price when it’s time to sell. Think about curb appeal, too. If the exterior of the house doesn’t pull buyers’ attention, they won’t ever see how fabulous you’ve made the inside.

Assuming that everything else is in good working order, though, bathroom and kitchen remodeling does tend to pay off in terms of recouping your costs. The national average ROI for a bathroom remodel is 70 percent, and a minor kitchen remodel can have a 92.9 percent return. The key word there, though, is minor. Overdoing it on your renovation can actually work against you when it’s time to put the house on the market, and you don’t want to increase the value of your home over what the market will bear. Further, the more a bathroom or kitchen renovation costs, the less likely you are to recoup all of that expense. Before investing in an extensive remodel, think about it carefully.

There are times that luxurious touches are appropriate. Extravagant touches like heated floors and steam showers can push a house over the edge with buyers, especially in an area with a lot of new construction. The key to finding the right bathroom or kitchen remodel is a realistic assessment of your home, neighborhood, and unique housing market. If your home is the only house in the neighborhood with only one bathroom, it would be a waste of money to create a luxurious spa environment in that bathroom; you’re better off adding a second bath.

If you’re planning to sell soon, do some research and find out what’s hot in your housing market. Are buyers looking for walk-in showers, or are houses with soaker tubs selling better? What kind of kitchen is popular in your area? If you do not intend to move in the near future, make sure that what you’re doing to renovate your kitchen and bathroom is something that will be useful for your family and that you will enjoy. There’s no point in creating a gourmet kitchen if no one in your house cooks, on the chance that it might increase your selling price at some unknown date in the future. Upgrades that make sense for your family, though, pay off in more than ROI. Because you’ve had the use and value of the space, it won’t feel as urgent to get back every last cent that you spent.

So, what are some kitchen and bath renovations that pay off? Your focus should really be on function. In the bathroom, fix anything that’s not working, and think critically about the layout. Work in some extra storage, repair any loose or broken tile, and resurface the tub if necessary. If you want to update the look of your bathroom, some minor tweaks can make a big difference. Replacing hardware, fixtures, and lighting, for instance, can improve the bathroom’s appeal, and so can putting in a slab countertop.

In the kitchen, think about workable features, rather than what’s trending. Upgrade your appliances, update your flooring, and freshen your paint. Maximize your storage, update your sink, and install a sturdy and beautiful countertop. To improve the kitchen’s appearance, install a beautiful backsplash and some statement lighting.

When you’re looking for bathroom or kitchen remodel contractors in Arizona, trust the team at Re-Bath & Kitchens®. Having served homeowners in the area since 1978 we’ve got the home design expertise needed to provide a wide range of kitchen and bathroom remodeling services. Our service is exceptional, and we deliver innovative, high-performance products in our four showrooms in Maricopa County and Northern Arizona. Visit one of our spacious showrooms, call us at 480-359-1778, or contact us through our website for more information.

A Step-By-Step List of What to Do Before Your Kitchen Remodel

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Getting your kitchen remodeled can be an exciting but stressful process. Once the design is complete and you have the contractors booked, there are a numbers of things that you can do in order to make the whole process much smoother.

Gather Supplies

Firstly, you should gather together supplies to use to pack away the contents of your kitchen while the remodel is in process. You will need items such as cardboard boxes, packing tape, and storage bags. You will also need markers or something similar so you can clearly label everything and have an easier time when it comes to putting all of your kitchen items back into your remodeled kitchen.

Set Aside the Items You Will Need

Make sure that any items that you use on a day-to-day basis (such as the can opener or coffee maker) do not end up stuck in the bottom of a box. You should also consider setting out containers for leftover food, as well as foil and plastic wrap. Also, make sure that you have access to any cleaning products you might need.

Invest in Some Disposable Plates, Cups, and Utensils

To make things simpler, you should put all of your plates, cups, and utensils into storage and only use disposable products for the duration of the remodeling. This means that you will not have to worry about your expensive plates being damaged or lost during the chaos of the remodeling process.

Pack Food into Categories

Any food which doesn’t need to be refrigerated should be packed into different categories for the sake of convenience. You can use low-sided open boxes to keep these items stored during the remodeling process. Not only will doing this help you to find what you need, it will also simplify things when it comes to packing food into your new cupboards.

Collect Items You Don’t Use Much

Any items which are not used frequently and probably won’t be required for the duration of the remodel should be packed into boxes. These boxes should then be stored somewhere out of the way, such as the basement or attic. You should accurately mark these boxes in order to simplify things when you come to unpack them. Try your best to come up with some sort of coherent classification system for these boxes.

Reduce Clutter

Now is the ideal time to reduce some of the clutter in your kitchen. You may find items which are broken or are never used. You can use this as an opportunity to either throw these kinds of things out or to donate them to a local thrift store. You can also use this as a chance to organize any cookbooks and recipes you have. You might want to take the time to save some of these recipes digitally so you can reduce clutter in your new kitchen even further.

Pack Items Properly

Even though you are storing your items for a short time, there is still a risk that some of your things will be damaged in storage. You should take steps to prevent this. You should pack your utensils into plastic storage bags. You should also use a different bag for each type of utensil so you will have an easier time when it comes to putting them back. Glassware and dinnerware should be stored carefully: you should wrap these items in newspaper and bubblewrap – the more you use the better. Seal this box with tape and then mark the contents on the outside.

Take Things Down from the Walls

You will need to take anything down from the walls which might get in the way during remodeling. This means curtains, curtain rods, blinds, and any kind of wall decorations. These items can be placed in labeled storage bags. If you are using these items in your new kitchen, then now is an ideal time to give them a good clean. You should also take down anything that is on the walls in adjacent rooms, as these could be knocked down during remodeling.

Cover Furniture and Electronics

Any electronics (such as computers or televisions) should be covered during the whole remodel. You might also want to cover the furniture in adjacent rooms. Any electronics like computers or televisions should be covered during the whole remodel. You might also want to cover the furniture in adjacent rooms.

Relocate Pets

Pets can cause a lot of trouble during a kitchen remodel. Ideally, they should be kept out of the house for the duration. If this is not possible, you should at least try to keep them as far away from the kitchen as possible.

By following these steps, you’ll be well prepared before you start on your kitchen remodeling project!

 

Request a quote from us today: 480-359-1778.

Your Go-To Checklist To Make Sure You’ve Got the Right Contractor To Remodel Your Kitchen

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Okay, so at this point, you’ve already decided you’re going to remodel your kitchen. You’ve also got some ideas, and you’ve even decided to go with a professional general contractor instead of getting a friend of a friend who’s a handyman to remodel your kitchen for you. But that’s not where it stops! With so many options out there when it comes to choosing the right contractor, it’s not hard to want to give up after a lot of research. It also doesn’t help that there’s so much terminology getting thrown around, making it even more confusing when you’re trying to make what should be a simple decision. But that’s why we’ve written this blog post—to provide you with a handy checklist of some of the most important things you should be on the lookout for to make sure you’ve got the right contractor to remodel your kitchen for you.

Ask For Referrals

Okay, this one may seem obvious, but hear us out—it’s always important to make sure that you can verify that other people have had pleasant experiences working with your potential contractor. Ask family, friends, or neighbors who you know have had some remodeling work done how their experience was and if they’d recommend the contractor they did business with. Other options include lawyers or real estate agents in the area. Another alternative would be asking people who you see are in the middle of a (recently finished) construction project about who their contractor was. Word-of-mouth goes a long way, so this is always a sure-fire way to get started in your research.

Check out Credentials

Once you’ve got a few potential contractors, it’s time to do a little bit of research into all of your options. You want to make sure that they hold any necessary licenses mandated by state and local municipalities. Many contractors will also have tests and certifications completed to help boost their credentials and allow them to stand out. Others will have done course work for the same reason. Pay close attention to these, as they will be your best bet.

It’s important to make sure a contractor is properly licensed because it demonstrates the integrity and commitment of the company, which will then transfer into their dedication to getting your project completed. But it also protects you: worker’s compensation insurance is the responsibility of the contractor—provided he’s licensed and holds proper insurance. If he’s not, the burden would most likely fall on you.

By doing a little bit of homework, you’ll be able to make an educated decision and quickly rule out the contractors that you shouldn’t even continue to consider.

Have a Phone Interview

Now that you’ve narrowed the list down once again, it’s time to get into contact with the ones that still have your attention. Some important questions to ask include making sure they take a project of your size if they’re able to provide financial references, if they can give you a list of previous clients, and if they’ve had a long relationship with their subcontractors. These should give you a good sense of whether or not you would feel comfortable working with the contractor for an extended period.

Meet Up Face-to-Face

Try not to have more than three or four contractors for a physical meeting—more than that will quickly become overwhelming. See if there’s a connection, and continue to ask questions. Be prepared to answer some questions, too! Suitable candidates will have a two-way dialogue with you.

Double-Check Their References

Make sure you don’t just take someone’s word at face value! Always put a little effort into verifying what they’ve said. After all, you’re paying for a service. Call up former clients and ask them how the contractor handled the situation and if they had any complaints. Check to see if the contractor stayed on-time and within the budget, and how any unforeseen issues were handled.

Make Sure You Understand the Contract and Other Terms

Once you’ve chosen the contractor you want to have remodel your kitchen, look over the contract closely during the review of the permit process.  Make sure you’ll get updates, and don’t sign the contract till everything has been approved. Also, do plan for a (relatively) small potential increase in the budget. This shouldn’t be more than 10%, however. Set up a payment plan, have a start and end date, and all the other paperwork.

Trust Your Gut

By far, the most important thing on this list is to make sure you’re comfortable with who you hire. You need to be able to communicate openly, not feel pressured, and trust the person who’s going to remodel your kitchen. Our team at Re-Bath & Kitchens here in Arizona strongly believes that we can meet all of these items and beyond—so don’t hesitate to get in touch with us so that we can answer any and all of your questions. We’re looking forward to hearing from you!

Why You Have to Leave Kitchen Remodeling To the Professionals

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All right. So you’ve finally decided that it’s time to remodel your kitchen. Out with the old, in with the new. You’ve done a surprising amount of research already: after some discussing, you’ve (more or less) settled on a theme. You have a pretty detailed budget. You’ve even chosen a decent amount of essentials and accessories that you want in your brand new, remodeled kitchen. So far, so good.

But now it’s time to get dirty. You know, actually remodeling. For a few people, that’s a no-brainer, too. If their parents were all around handymen or kitchen installers, then it makes sense to do it themselves. Most of us, however . . . well, let’s just say we aren’t experts. So maybe you’ll ask around and find a friend of a friend, or just wait until almost anyone is willing to do it. Problem solved, right?

Wrong! This is going your brand new kitchen, after all. It’s worth letting the pros do it, and having them do it right. But maybe you’re not convinced yet. That’s why we’ve made a list of the top reasons you should hire a contractor for your kitchen remodel!

It Provides One-Point Responsibility for All Issues

Instead of having to keep track of every individual item (such as budget controlling, scheduling, purchasing materials, and employees/subcontractors), a contractor will take care of all of that for you. This allows you to be more focused on the design and creative aspects of your new kitchen without being unnecessarily bothered by minor issues. A professional contractor will be able to handle it all and report back to you, so you know what’s been going on without actually having to get tangled up in it. And, of course, any reliable contractor will be licensed, insured, and authorized for your peace of mind.

Years of Focused Experience

This probably goes without saying, but it does mean more than just “general experience.” Sure, your cousin’s neighbor’s friends may be a general handyman, but having him remodel your kitchen will likely be a learning experience for him. This will lead to him having to spend a long time on the process, which could also lead to some irreversible mistakes in your remodeled kitchen. But our team at Re-Bath & Kitchens has years of experience under our belt, so we’re able to streamline the process and make sure it’s hiccup-free.

Vast Knowledge and Access to High-Quality Materials

If you try to make your kitchen remodel a DIY project, you’re only going to have access to equipment and accessories available on the Internet or at a retail outlet, which often isn’t of as good quality as it could be. When you hire a professional, you’ll be linked to the best materials and parts on the market to make sure that the final product will last for years to come. Not only that, but you won’t have to pay a premium for quality materials: since contractors acquire the materials from their own source, it’s often cheaper than actually purchasing from a retail outlet!

Creative Freedom and Control

At first thought, it would seem that the best way to have the most creative control would be to get a friend via word-of-mouth. But that’s not true: sure, he may have remodeled one or two kitchens, but that’s where his expertise stops. This will severely limit your creative flow and force you to stick to what he’s already familiar with so that you won’t wind up with an unsatisfactory kitchen. Meanwhile, our professional contractors have enough experience to deal with virtually any style of a kitchen remodel that you’ve thought of. No idea or style is too complex for our team!

Ease of Mind

This one probably goes without saying: there’s simply less stress involved when you hire a contractor. You don’t have to get dusty and you don’t have to stress out when you don’t know something. Everything is taken care of for you, and you can be sure to get what you expected.

Ready to Choose a Trustworthy Professional Kitchen Remodeler?

If it’s time to turn your sketches and dreams into reality, then you’re in the right place. With 30 years of experience and over 500 bathrooms and kitchens remodeled, we at Re-Bath & Kitchens are proud to provide our services throughout the Arizona area. And when you throw in our incredible, long-lasting warranties (and our certification and authorization, too!), it seems like the best choice would be to pick to make sure your kitchen remodeling project is in the hands of professional kitchen experts. And if you’re looking to speak to a professional for more advice, please don’t hesitate to call us (480) 498-2318. We’re more than willing to help you out!

A Kitchen Remodel to Increase your Home’s Value

Increase Your Home’s Value with a Kitchen Remodel

Your home is an investment as well as a sanctuary from the outside world. A well-done kitchen remodel project offers you a chance to increase your home’s functionality and comfort, while providing a bump up in your selling price once it comes time to sell. In the 2014 Cost vs. Value Report of Remodeling Magazine, it states that a minor kitchen remodel will return 82.7% of the value invested when it comes time to sell. If you don’t plan on selling for a few years, you can still enjoy the increased value in ease and efficiency of the new kitchen design.

The Kitchen Face-Lift: Minor Kitchen Remodeling

If you’re not ready to gut out the plumbing or rewire electrical systems, you might be thinking more along the lines of a minor kitchen remodel project. A minor kitchen remodel avoids changing the layout of the kitchen or replacing the floor. Here are some of the items included in minor remodeling project:

Countertops

Minor remodeling projects will stick to low-cost materials like laminate. Corian and marble countertops will add a lot more cost to the project, however, they do tend to have a more luxurious look. You will get to choose your favorite material and see samples of them before you start the remodeling project.

Appliances

Old appliances are pulled out and more energy-efficient models are brought in. You can change the entire look of a kitchen simply by updating appliances. New appliances can also significantly increase the functionality of your kitchen.

Paint

A fresh coat of paint on the walls can help erase years of grease and grime that build-up in most kitchens over time. It brightens the atmosphere considerably and makes the kitchen look new. Adding tile backsplashes can also complement a new paint job beautifully.

New Sink and Faucets

Another focal point that is really inexpensive and can make your kitchen chores far easier is the sink and faucet area. You can opt for deeper or wider sinks to accommodate larger pots. You can get faucets that offer you the choice of a spray nozzle or a drip faucet all in one model. There are so many choices out there now in kitchen gadgetry, that it’s a good idea to sit down with a professional to go over all your options.

Get Some Design Help along the Way

Hire a professional company, like ReBath & 5 Day Kitchens of Phoenix, AZ, that specializes in kitchen remodel projects and you can get built-in designer services at no additional cost. You won’t be the one trudging to the home improvement store to pick up paint swatches and tile choices and then trying to match them all later. Instead, you’ll have the ability to see other projects that ReBath & 5 Day Kitchens has completed, along with the samples that helped them get the work done, even as you’re still in the initial stages of the consultation. Their expert remodelers will also be able to guide you on functionality and style in a way that will fit into any budget. When you hire a knowledgeable remodeling company like ReBath & 5 Day Kitchens, they will provide you with the inspiration and technical know-how to get a superior job done with the latest styles and trends in kitchen remodeling.

5 Characteristics of Perfect Kitchen Cabinets

Phoenix, Arizona

The cabinets make the kitchen. They not only dictate the look and feel of the kitchen, but determine the organization of the space. When choosing your kitchen cabinets, there are five characteristics to consider. By keeping these five traits in mind, you can rest assured that your kitchen will look its best!

1. Style

A general rule is to keep the style consistent throughout the house. If you have a modern style house, your kitchen cabinets should reflect that. If you have a Southwestern style home, (which is very popular out here in Phoenix), then your kitchen should reflect that environment. Whatever your style, consider how your cabinetry can compliment the space. Now, just because style consistency is a time tested rule, doesn’t mean you can’t break the rule! Plenty of people are allocating different styles to each room of the house. While your kitchen may be rustic, the living room could have a 1920s vibe. That being said, it’s up to you! Find a style that works for you and then go for it! Don’t hold back!

2. Color

There are three components to consider when choosing the color of your kitchen cabinets;

 

  • Style

  • Appliances

  • Personal Taste!

 

Style and color go hand in hand. You couldn’t have a truly 1940s kitchen with metallic colored cabinets, for example. The style largely dictates what colors you can use. It is important to note how the color meshes with the appliances. Stainless steel appliances can usually work with any color. Finally, you should consider what you like! Just because earthy tones match your granite, doesn’t mean you have to use them! Make sure you are choosing a color your like! You’ll be the one staring at it from years to come.

Some popular kitchen styles and colors around The Valley of The Sun include:

Desert Inspired/Classic & Sleek

 

This clean and elegant layout reflects its natural outdoor surroundings by utilizing a variety of dark browns and earthy tones. Did you notice the see-through cabinets? These are great for showcasing fine china, wine glasses, or other beautiful serving wear. You’ll notice the cabinets are set just below the ceiling. This gives the kitchen a more open look and the right lighting can add a dramatic flare to the space.

The granite counter tops and back splash are complimented by the dark wood in the kitchen cabinets. Overall, this look is inviting, warm and well put together.

 

 Country Inspired

 

These rustic cabinets give the kitchen an old-time country look, popular in many homes around central and southern Phoenix. Most notably is the accented cabinets surrounding the oven and stove. This not only provides depth to the space,  but also gives a beautiful focal point. Utilizing an accent color in the design of your cabinets can really make the space appear larger and more unique.

You’ll also notice the wet bar on the left hand side. That space could have easily utilized to include a desk and workspace, or an area for more storage. Our designers at ReBath and 5 Day Kitchens, can help you design the perfect kitchen for your space.

 

 Urban Modern

The word to best describe these kitchen cabinets is “cool.” They are very modern with a little bit of edge. The handles are sleek and accent well against the dark color. A horizontal handle usually makes the space appear wider, and therefore larger, than it actually is.

Notice the lighter colored cabinets on the island. As in the picture above, these accent cabinets add depth and a nice focal point to the space. You may have also noticed the vertical handles on the accented cabinets. Don’t be afraid to mix up styles and designs within the same space! Although the differences between a horizontal and vertical handle may seem small, they can make a huge impact on the overall style and feel.

 

3. Storage

Most people don’t take storage into consideration until it is to late. Don’t be one of them! When designing your kitchen, make sure your cabinets have a surplus of storage. This cannot be stressed enough! Having a kitchen that looks impeccable is not enough.

In order to get the most storage in your kitchen cabinets, make sure you take full inventory of ALL kitchen related items. Then create 10%-20% more storage in your new kitchen. This way you will be able to handle additional products. Plus, if you ever sell your home, the plentiful storage will increase your home’s value.

Our showrooms in Phoenix, AZ, are filled with different storage ideas. Stop by and see how you incorporate storage and functionality in your kitchen area.

 

4. Price

The cost for remodeling a kitchen varies from client to client. However, it is free to find out exactly how much it will cost to get the kitchen of your dreams. Contact one of our ReBath designers today to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation.

 

 

5. Upkeep

Make sure you understand what cleaning supplies work well with your cabinetry. A ReBath Designer can tell you exactly what cleaners won’t damage your cabinets and also offer instructions on maintenance. You can find a full list of approved ReBath Cleaners by clicking here!