Houzz Live Chat: Remodeling Tips

12 years ago

last modified: 12 years ago

Welcome to Houzz Live! Today, we will be discussing what you need to consider when you're remodeling. Please feel free to join the chat and welcome our professionals:

Katlyn Ceplawskes of Great Rooms Designers & Builders
http://www.houzz.com/pro/greatrooms

Leroy Johnsonof Four Brothers LLC
http://www.houzz.com/pro/leroy-johnson

Ronny Barenzof Barenz Builders
http://www.houzz.com/pro/barenzr

In addition, all community members are invited to jump in and participate by answering the questions posted.

The format is as follows: We will post questions as comments to this discussion thread. Each question will be prefaced by the question number, for example “Q1)”. For every answer to a particular question, you should use a corresponding label to attribute it back to the question you are answering, for example “A1)”.

Remember to refresh your page to see new questions and answers.

Most importantly, have fun!

Featured Answer

PRO

Dura Supreme Cabinetry

12 years ago

A6) I would say functionality of the home is worth the extra costs. If you can make your space more comfortable, or decrease the time it take to do your day to day routine, it's worth it. Just think, will this improve my everyday life... if the answer is yes. it's worth it, if no... maybe not.

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Comments (102)

PRO
Barenz Builders
12 years ago
A5) Not investing in a good detailed design and working with qualified professionals is the biggest one that can have the most impact. Another big one is assuming more space is better. A well designed small kitchen can function much larger than a kitchen with more “space”.
A few others are:
-not investing in energy efficiency
-focusing on new products and finishes instead of the space flow & function
PRO
Great Rooms Building Group
12 years ago
A5) One of the most common mistakes we see is that homeowners plan for the “now” and don’t always look to the future. They see the way that their toddlers and young children are using spaces, but often don’t think about how the spaces will be used 10 years down the road. It’s important to remember that the way you use your home evolves over time. Take enough time to design your home so that it functions and looks great.
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PRO
Dura Supreme Cabinetry
12 years ago
jfk66 - I've sees color in the backsplash, Most of what we've seen is the Black, gray and whites replacing beige, tans, and creams. The neutral colors. Than splashing very bold colors onto the accessories, paint, or furniture of the room. We've also seen just the opposite. Bright colors like orange, teal, green and turquoise.
Bold and Aqua Blue Cottage Styled Kitchen · More Info

Bold and Blue Kitchen Island Design with Beadboard Cabinet Doors · More Info

Lime Green Craftsman Style Kitchen Remodel · More Info

Lime Green Craftsman Style Kitchen Remodel · More Info
PRO
Barenz Builders
12 years ago
@angelamason04 - for us either a smooth finish or light skip trowel texture are the most requested
Jeannie Nguyen
Original Author
12 years ago
Q6) If someone was going to splurge on one area of their remodel, where would you direct them to do it?
PRO
Four Brothers Design + Build
12 years ago
A6) In the space itself and the structure. Finishes wear out and styles change. For example, if you need to choose between removing or adding walls to get the space you want and using fully custom and expensive cabinetry, by all means choose the walls. You can do the cabinetry down the road. Also, make sure the quality of the structure and the "bones" of the house is top notch. It is hard to spend money on things you won't ever see, but it will pay off in the long run.
PRO
Barenz Builders
12 years ago
last modified: 12 years ago
A5) here is one example where a client wanted to do an addition to add space to their kitchen and connect it to the great room. We were able to save them the cost of the addition by simply re-thinking the space
PRO
Great Rooms Building Group
12 years ago
A6) Mechanicals are a great place to splurge. If your project involves insulation, we recommend researching spray foam insulation. These are the things can help the overall efficiency of the home. It is a lot easier to update finishes, add a tile backsplash, change faucets, etc than it is to upgrade the home’s mechanicals.
PRO
Barenz Builders
12 years ago
A6) Splurge on whatever item makes you the happiest and the most personal impact to you. If you really love something then go for it, otherwise you will always wish you would have! Save cost in other areas that can easily be replaced in the future.
Energy Efficiency is always a good investment.
Jeannie Nguyen
Original Author
12 years ago
Q7) If at the end of the remodel process someone is unhappy with their new home, what is your advice to them?
PRO
Barenz Builders
12 years ago
A7) voice your concerns. Nobody can fix what they don’t know about. You would be surprised at what companies would do to make a customer happy. A lot of the time they have no idea about the issue.

If that doesn't help then I would ask others that went through a similar remodeling process for their opinion (start on Houzz.com!). Also reach out to your local NARI or building organization.
Jeannie Nguyen thanked Barenz Builders
Angela M
12 years ago
last modified: 12 years ago
Q8) what decorating colors do you believe stand the test of time? Whites, creams, grey, black, etc? We are updating away from our "old world" heavy browns and I'd like to go with colors that will endure time.
PRO
Four Brothers Design + Build
12 years ago
A7) That would be a horrible outcome. If it is because of a bad relationship with the contractor or shoddy workmanship, take it up with them. If you don’t like the design, it is probably too late to change. The best thing you can do is learn from your mistakes so that you don't make them again the next time. Or sell the house:)
PRO
Dura Supreme Cabinetry
12 years ago
Barenz Builders - Very true! Speak up. It's you who has to live with it. It can not be fixed unless you let it be known.
PRO
Great Rooms Building Group
12 years ago
A7) Discuss your concerns with your general contractor. It is important to us that our clients are happy with the results of their project. I’m sure that the majority of other contractors would feel the same way. It is important to have positive referrals from clients and often contractors will work with clients to make sure that they will talk positively about their experience.
Jeannie Nguyen
Original Author
12 years ago
Q8) For homeowners who don’t have a large budget, what changes are the best bang for your buck?
PRO
Great Rooms Building Group
12 years ago
A8)
1) Countertops – changing out laminate or corian countertops with a natural stone or quartz is a great way to update and won't take a lot of time.

2) Trim – many homes that we walk into have 2 ½” honey stained oak base and 2” casing. Removing all of the undersized trim and replacing it with a taller base (our standard is 5 ¼”H) and wider casing (our standard is 3 ½”W). Painted trim is timeless and can brighten up a room.

3) Paint – A fresh coat of paint is an inexpensive and easy way to change the feel of your home.
Angela M
12 years ago
last modified: 12 years ago
Q9) what decorating colors do you believe stand the test of time? Whites, creams, grey, black, etc? We are updating away from our "old world" heavy browns and I'd like to go with colors that will endure time.
PRO
Four Brothers Design + Build
12 years ago
A8) This all depends on what your priorities are. If you need more storage space, built in units can make a big difference to your home for a relatively small investment. If your kitchen is old and tough to keep clean, consider new counters and and a backslash. We recently completed a project re configuring the powder room, hall, and dining room of a house. They didn't want to update their older kitchen. At the urging of an interior designer, they painted the cabinetry and it ended up looking fantastic.
PRO
Barenz Builders
12 years ago
A8) refinishing of existing items. Sometimes a new coat of paint/stain can go a long way! Replacing/updating fixtures and finishes can also be an inexpensive way to change an interiors feel.
PRO
Dura Supreme Cabinetry
12 years ago
last modified: 12 years ago
Neutrals
PRO
Four Brothers Design + Build
12 years ago
last modified: 12 years ago
Q8) A couple of nice pictures of built ins:
Jeannie Nguyen
Original Author
12 years ago
Q9) For homeowners who like to DIY. Are there certain projects you suggest they absolutely do not tackle themselves and hire a professional instead?
PRO
Glideware
12 years ago
Glideware just joined. Sorry so late
PRO
Four Brothers Design + Build
12 years ago
A9) Don't do anything that could have life threatening consequences. The two things that come to mind are electrical and structural work. If either is not done right, the stakes are very high.
PRO
Great Rooms Building Group
12 years ago
A9) Don’t touch your own mechanicals or structure. Hire a licensed professional for those portions of your project. Finishes can be much easier (and safer) to tackle yourself.
PRO
Barenz Builders
12 years ago
A9) Invest in the design and leave the structural considerations to the professionals.
PRO
Dura Supreme Cabinetry
12 years ago
A9) Bathroom and Kitchen remodels. There are a lot of pieces to these projects that it's best left to the professionals. Also I've heard a lot of people painting their cabinetry. It looks good when the coat is still new, but the finish will usually chip, and get damaged quickly. Hire a professional to refinish cabinetry or order new... or you will need to order all new cabinetry after your new finish falls apart.
Jeannie Nguyen
Original Author
12 years ago
Awesome chat so far, everyone! Here is the last question:

Q10) What are you working on now? Any fun stories or photos to share of your current project?
PRO
Four Brothers Design + Build
12 years ago
A10) This new door that was installed yesterday opens up a dingy basement in to a pleasant space. I'm sure it will get many years of good use!
PRO
Barenz Builders
12 years ago
A10) Not having a tub in the master bad for resale? Not for this client! We went from single vanity with tub and shower to double vanities and walk in steam shower.
Jeannie Nguyen
Original Author
12 years ago
Love these projects!
PRO
Four Brothers Design + Build
12 years ago
A10) We just finished a neat contemporary kitchen. This is phase two of a three phase renovation, and we'll start the third phase this fall.
PRO
Great Rooms Building Group
12 years ago
A10) Currently we are working on two great custom homes. The first one is a home that is designed to look like it was pulled out of the mountains of Colorado. Every time the homeowner pulls into his driveway he will be reminded of his home state. The stone on the exterior started to go up last week. The exterior will also include exposed timbers, stucco and a metal roof at the front porch. You can see a photo of it below.

The second home is a contemporary home in Wisconsin. We have poured the foundation for the home and are excited to see it come to life. The interior will have industrial elements, including a stair fabricated out of c-channel, custom iron posts, and cable wires. An exterior rendering can be seen below.
Jeannie Nguyen
Original Author
12 years ago
This concludes our Live Houzz Chat! Thanks to the professionals for taking their time to participate in today's chat. You may all speak freely now. ;)
For future chat info, please check out our events page! See you all next week. :)
http://www.houzz.com/events
PRO
Glideware
12 years ago
Just launched our product. Glideware.com. We are showcasing In our local Parade of Homes show. Then displaying at KBIS in Las Vegas in February.
PRO
Barenz Builders
12 years ago
@Jeannie Nguyen Thanks for hosting!
Jeannie Nguyen thanked Barenz Builders
PRO
Four Brothers Design + Build
12 years ago
A10) One fun project is the design of a third story addition in an historic neighborhood. We had to be creative to keep the addition invisible from the street. It went in for permitting this week.
PRO
Barenz Builders
12 years ago
Here is a modern home we hope to finalize this week
PRO
Dura Supreme Cabinetry
12 years ago
We just launched our new Weathered finish that looks and feels like driftwood. Right now we are the only cabinetry company you can create this specific finish and it is a huge hit!
Weathered Wood Kitchen Island · More Info

Weathered Wood Kitchen Island · More Info

Contemporary Kitchen Cabinetry · More Info

Contemporary Kitchen Cabinetry · More Info

We also just launched our new Heritage Paint finish, another big hit!
Heritage Paint Kitchen Island · More Info

Heritage Paint Kitchen Island · More Info

Dura Supreme Heritage Paint Finish Collection · More Info

Dura Supreme Heritage Paint Finish Collection · More Info

Our also newly launched gray stains and paint have been flooding our factory floors since January!
Dura Supreme Gray Stain Finish Collection · More Info

Traditional Kitchen Cabinetry · More Info

Traditional Kitchen Cabinetry · More Info

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PRO
Dura Supreme Cabinetry
12 years ago
Jeannie Nguyen - Thank you for the chat! :)
Jeannie Nguyen thanked Dura Supreme Cabinetry
PRO
Barenz Builders
12 years ago
A10) new custom home owner's just moved into!
PRO
Tamlin International Homes Ltd.
12 years ago
last modified: 12 years ago
Glad to be a part this conversation! -Tahra
drmodi21
10 years ago
Hi guys. I need advice for my new house's exterior color like brick and plant and garage door and all. This is new home to be built so the builder is giving some options and i have to choose from it. My husband like the brick color everest grey tudor. Can someone help with the look of house with this brick. I was trying to google it but no luck with it. This is my first house and want to do pick the best look. Pls help
User
10 years ago
last modified: 10 years ago
drmodi21- start a NEW dilemma, this is a 3 year old post. IF you do, post pictures too;)
drmodi21
10 years ago
This is new house i even dont know how it will turn out if i use this everest grey brick for exterior. So I thought someone can advise me with this color...
PRO
Dura Supreme Cabinetry
10 years ago
drmodi21 - I would recommend posting pictures and posting to the "Advice" section of Houzz under design dilemma's you might get more responses and figure out your question quicker. Mandi @ Dura
sayville0628
9 years ago
Hi, got a bathroom shower fixture question.
Laurie McCracken
8 years ago
How do you purchase everything for a bathroom?