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We are often asked by Lancaster County, PA homeowners of the best way to update their kitchen without completely remodeling. We always tell them the best place to start is the color! The kitchen is the perfect place to add character to your home with the use of new colors, whether it be painting walls, staining cabinets or both and more. Choosing the right color palette is an important part of the decision making process. But how do you choose colors that are compatible with your space and your taste? Here are a few helpful tips for guiding your color choices:
Cabinetry Color vs. Wall Color - Painting your kitchen walls is an easy way to add color and personality to your space. Soft blue wall paints, which are calming and easy to live with, are also versatile as they work well with both light and dark cabinetry. The color can balance cabinetry with a darker finish, such as cherry spice, or accent cabinetry with a lighter finish like maple butterscotch.
Go Bold - If you prefer the colors in your home to be trendy, consider using dramatic hues to brighten up your kitchen walls. Experts say that bold colors such as red and gold, the colors of China, are expected to gain interest because of the upcoming Olympics, while botanical greens are strong partly because of the environmental movement. If you are not quite ready to make such a bold commitment, buy a small container of paint and test it on an inconspicuous area of the wall to see how it works with your kitchen and your style.
Mixing Finishes and Countertops: How to Avoid a Color Trap - Another simple solution for taking a kitchen from drab to dazzling is to mix cabinetry finishes and/or countertop colors. Mixing finishes and countertops is a surefire way to avoid the common color mistake of matching everything. When everything in a room is the same color, it becomes either too intense or too bland. To avoid this painting trap, choose two finishes that balance one another. Or, keep the finish the same on both and use contrasting countertops for the main kitchen and the island to achieve the same balance.
It’s the Little Things that Make a Big Difference - If you do not want to transform your entire kitchen into a colorful oasis, but still want to show off your style, a little bit can go a long way:
- Incorporate a backsplash in a patterned, multi-colored, or even metallic tile to easily add personality without committing to a full-on color renovation.
- Include glass front cabinetry to create a dramatic backdrop for your vibrant glassware.
- For a quick and easy color pick-me-up, change your cabinet hardware; add colorful art prints; or invest in some bright appliances such as a toaster, food processor or mixer.
If you are considering your own Kitchen Remodel or Renovations in Lancaster County, PA, please give us a call!
MBC Building & Remodeling, LLC - [717] 371[.]5136
A lot of prospective home remodeling customers are worried that they will not be able to afford their project. Here are 5 tips for helping work with your budget when it's time for your remodel:
-buying materials yourself. See exactly what you want at some discount store? Grab it! While your contractor most often can get better prices (due to larger purchase volume), sometimes you really see a deal that is unbeatable. Just make sure you check with your contractor to make sure the product will work for what you were planning.
-painting. Got a free weekend? Why not get the family together to paint that new addition. Most contractors will leave drywall finished and ready to be painted. This is an easy thing to do if you have the time.
-keep existing cabinets, countertops, etc. Are your cabinets in need of some minor work? Consider repainting or staining them to make them look fresh and help cut costs on a bath or kitchen remodel.
-don’t just take lowest bid. Wait, you got that backwards don’t you? No, actually I’m serious. The lowest price is always intriguing, but make sure this prospective contractor has experience in the type of work you’re looking for. Lack of estimating experience can lead to much more costs down the road when the contractor realizes he completely underestimated his time on the job. Having a new contractor come and fix the old ones’ mistakes is never cheaper.
-make a list in 3 categories ‘must have/wants/dreams’ and plug and play to find what fits in your budget. Want your cake and eat it too? You’re not alone, but when you are working on a budget lists like these help you prioritize function over form. Plus, you could always use your list to help you plan the projects you want done in phases over several months or years.
I hope these tips help! When you're considering a home remodel in the Lancaster County, PA area, please give MBC Building & Remodeling, LLC a call at [717] 371_5136!
Mike Blank, CGR CAPS
As the new year is picking up steam, I thought it would be a good time to share my views on the future… the future of home remodeling that is. I present to you the top remodeling trends for 2011.
This year has been challenging for homeowners and remodelers alike. The good news is that although progress is slow, remodelers across Lancaster County, PA say that things are looking up.
Many homeowners are looking to 2011 with a renewed sense of optimism about remodeling their homes. Home prices have stabilized and the economy is moving in a positive direction. Astute remodeling contractors have found ways interesting ways to help homeowners stay within their budget. Many people think that 2011 will the best time we have seen in years to remodel.
The focus will be on creative use of existing space and moderate sized additions. The use of color as a way to define space and bring out architectural features will continue to gain popularity.
Kitchens will be made over to be brighter, open and less formal. Granite and quartz continue to be the countertops of choice, but soapstone is emerging as a unique alternative for an earthier feel in a solid surface countertop.
Many kitchen and bathroom remodels will include cost effective techniques to recycle or renovate features rather than replacing everything.
There has been great interest in renewing fireplaces to create a family centered area. The stacked stone fireplace continues to be a favorite. Creating open floor plans will be one of the leading home improvements this year it seems. Formal spaces in the home will be repurposed by opening up existing walls and creating more usable family centered space. Many people will find that their home can take on a whole new feel and function by reorganizing the seldom used formal living and dining rooms.
Master suites and bathrooms will also be designed around how we live our lives, with less focus on over the top extravagance. By focusing more on function and reasonable scale over flash, home remodels will have the feel and features we want without unsustainable budgets.
Lastly, home energy performance improvements with various types of remodeling projects will continue to grow in popularity due to their positive return on investment. Homeowners are discovering that advances in building science have illustrated that there are numerous cost effective adjustments that can be made to their homes. These adjustments and repairs will improve energy bills and make homes more comfortable at the same time.
When it's time to think renovations and remodeling in Lancaster County, PA, please think MBC Building & Remodeling, LLC.
Home Offices have never been more popular or practical than right now. They give you access to everything you need to get the job done without the rush hour commute and endless birthday parties. Even larger businesses can benefit. Home offices help save money on location and other overhead costs, as well as travel expenses (read: gas and maintenance costs) incurred with routine driving. And less driving is another great way to go green.
The biggest question is: where do you put it? Here are the 4 major options you have for your home office, as well as some pros and cons to think about before you start lugging your desk, filing cabinets and computer in there!
Bedroom: A spare bedroom can be the most convenient spot to put your office. Usually they offer you less room, but no structural or building work needs done to convert them. Remodeling a bedroom is a DIY (do-it-yourself) paradise; painting, drywall, shelving and electrical upgrades to handle more power may need to be considered. If you are not a DIY kind of person, a contractor can still get this done for you cost-effectively. Just don’t forget – will you need the room in the future? You may have to move your office all over again when the Grandkids start visiting.
Attic: Your attic offers a lot of pros but (possibly) one major con. The con? Being on the 3rd floor is usually not in close proximity to the bathroom, kitchen and other common areas. Though, depending how you work, that could be a plus; the attic will offer you the most secluded workspace. If the attic is big enough you can leave a portion for storage, giving the room multiple uses.
Basement: Your basement has some of the similar issues as the attic, just not always as extreme. You may have the option of adding a bathroom. Otherwise, you might only be 1 flight away. Similar to the attic, if you have the room, you can still leave yourself some storage space. Some cons: You may need to run electric, internet and phone wires to the basement. Anyone that has run wires knows that is sometimes easier said than done. Also keep in mind you may be required to add a Bilco door to be code-compliant when you remodel your basement.
Addition: Home additions are always the most exciting home office projects. An addition allows you to completely customize your workspace. You can add a restroom, or an outside entrance, and since you have the option of going up (2nd story addition) or out (room addition), having a smaller lot shouldn’t hinder you. Of course, this will be the most expensive option. The nicest part of when it’s done? Just set up the desk and you’re ready to go, no painting, flooring or worse… drywall.
When it’s time for your home office in Lancaster County, PA - whether it be by bedroom or attic conversion, basement remodel or home addition… - please give MBC Building & Remodeling, LLC (that’s us!) a call - [717] 371.5136.
As the end of the year rapidly approaches, many of us focus on our list of resolutions for the New Year. Often times, personal improvements such as healthier diet and a routine exercise plan are at the top of the list. We recognize that we have neglected ourselves, but what about our homes?
When evaluating your possibilities for home improvement, take a moment to think about creating a more efficient and healthier atmosphere. Jump-start your creativity by considering not only cosmetic changes, but also renovations that would pay off years to come. Remodeling Project Cost vs Value is a very important consideration. However, do not underestimate your family's value; unless you're flipping houses, investing in your home to better your family's situation should always be the driving force. Mainly, it's important to consider how to increase your home’s efficiency and make your home work better to meet your needs.
Here are ten do-able home resolutions for 2011:
Go GREEN! By updating your furnace, water heater, installing or updating your air conditioning system and updating your appliances with energy efficient options, you’ll save on your monthly bills and add to your homes value. An energy assessment of your home is a smart way to find out if updating your home systems is right for you.
Go Healthy by installing a home air filtration system to eliminate allergens and pollutions in your home air. This can generally be installed within one day in most homes.
Get Organized! Are your closets in need of an overhaul? Do you need additional closets added to your home? We’re experienced in maximizing space and adding closet organizational systems in homes of all sizes. Often times our clients remark they are able to eliminate the costly storage units they have been maintaining when their home storage space is maximized and updated.
Curb Appeal Plus! Just as an energy efficient furnace helps your home to run more smoothly and cost-effectively, a well-designed landscape can save to time and money, while adding to the value of your home. Proper placement of trees and shrubbery can save on the cost to cool your home. Ornamental grasses and other perennial plantings are easy maintenance alternatives to annual flowerbeds. Time-saving, automatic watering system can also be installed to take the worry out of hydrating your plantings and lawn.
Get a Face Lift for your Kitchen and Bath! Remodeling your kitchen and bath are two of the best ways to increase the value of your home. We specialize in remodels for all budgets and can work with you on how to maximize your remodel dollars.
Stop the Draft! Whether it’s the heat or the cold, energy may be seeping out around your windows and doors. Proper installation of fiberglass doors and replacement windows will help keep your home more comfortable and at a noticeable savings.
Protect your Foundation by assuring your gutters and downspouts are carrying moisture away from your home. It’s also important to have a well functioning water evacuation system in your basement to prevent mold, mildew and damage to your home’s foundation.
Add a little Color to your Life! Paint is associated with personal energy levels and may help to add a warm and inviting feel to your home. This is a relatively inexpensive way to update your space and bring a fresh look to your home.
Protect your Investment with a Home Security System. The most effective deterrent against criminal invasion of your home is an electric security system. A wide variety of home security options are available to protect your home and your family.
Create a space to help you carry out your personal New Year’s resolutions. Chances are if you have space within your home designated to assist you with achieving your goals, you are more likely to do so. A home office addition may allow you more time with your family. A new work out area will make it much more likely you’ll find the time to get started with your new exercise routine. Make it happen!
Please give MBC a call [717.371.5136] when it’s time to make your home improvement resolutions a reality. Happy New Year!
Matt & Mike Blank
MBC Building & Remodeling, LLC
(717) 371-5136
