MENU
- 30 years of superior performance, craftsmanship & service
Nothing catches the eye when you first walk into a room, like a pop of color or unique design, so why not consider tile as a candidate for bringing a bit of fun and functionality to your space?
Tile is an extremely popular and versatile material. It is most commonly found in bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, and even sunrooms. It can come in a wide variety of colors, shapes, and materials. In a coastal climate like Charleston, it is an immensely popular choice for construction and renovation because it is easy to clean and maintain and can be on the walls or floors.
With 30 years of renovation experience, our contractors and designers are well-versed in tile and its many benefits. If you’re considering incorporating tile into your renovation, check out our helpful tips and information below to guide your decisions.
Tile can come in a variety of different materials, and each material has an ideal place and purpose. Once you determine where you want to put your tile, knowing what material will work best for the space will ensure your tiles last and look great.
Tile materials include ceramic, porcelain, cement, glass, zellige, and natural stone.
Ceramic: Ceramic tiles are beautiful but also very fragile. They are intended for walls only, and you should avoid putting them on walls that may see a lot of wear and tear or they may break. Ceramic tiles are perfect as a decorative feature and can add a splash of color to a space.
Porcelain: It may surprise you, but porcelain is a lot more durable and can be used for floors or walls. It is one of the most popular title choices and comes in various shapes, sizes, and colors.
Cement: Cement tiles offer a unique and classic look. While not often seen, they can add a touch of beauty to floors and walls and make excellent decorative tiles.
Glass: While once immensely popular, glass titles have seen less spotlight over the years. However, they are beautiful in showers or for kitchen backsplashes. Subway-style glass tiles are most often the preferred choice over the square style.
Zellige: Zellige tiles are hand-crafted and originate from Morocco. They are becoming a very popular look but are a bit more challenging to install and are typically only recommended for wall applications. Because they are handmade, they aren’t all uniform, creating a one-of-a-kind look.
Natural stone: Natural stone tiles require the most upkeep as they are usually very porous. They must be sealed regularly, and it’s a good idea to research what cleaning products to use to avoid damaging them. While natural stone tiles make for a beautiful and rustic look, make sure you consider your time and the amount of work it will take to keep them looking great.
We could write several books alone on the many different styles of tile. Depending on the type of tile, where you’re installing it, and the purpose it will serve, your options are vast. However, there are a few styles that we see a lot of in our projects, and they tend to be very popular in many homes as tried-and-true classics.
Subway tiles: Subway tiles have evolved from just small white rectangles to many sizes and colors. We are seeing a slightly larger subway formal becoming very popular as homeowners like the simplistic look.
Thin rectangular tiles: These almost look like subway tiles but are much thinner and longer (3×10 or 3×12). We mostly see them installed horizontally, but they can also be stacked, applied vertically, or even in a herringbone pattern.
Mosaic tiles: Mosaic tiles come in many shapes and sizes but are typically smaller and used for decorative applications. The tiles are mounted on a mesh backing to hold their pattern and make for an easier installation. These are also commonly used for shower floors, as the amount of grout between the tiles makes them grippy enough to meet the slip rating requirement in wet spaces. They can also be used as an accent in the shower wall, as the entire shower wall, especially if they are a bit larger, and backsplash tiles. They typically come in very small sizes, up to about 2×2 or 3×3 dimensions for individual tiles.
Tile can go in any room as long as you plan ahead for it. Proper research, selection, and preparation will ensure the installation process is smooth and that you don’t end up with a pile of broken or useless tiles.
Tiled floors are great in rooms where plumbing is installed, like kitchens, laundry rooms, and bathrooms, to help ensure that floors are not damaged in the event of leaks. If you want a tiled floor in your shower, make sure you do your research and opt for a smaller tile to ensure you meet the Dynamic Coefficient of Friction (DCOF) requirements. The DCOF requirements encompass flooring safety and dictate what materials can be used to ensure there are no slips or accidents when the flooring gets wet.
Tile backsplashes don’t just look great. They also can help protect your walls from water and grease and make for an easier clean-up in messier areas like the kitchen.
If you’re overwhelmed by the sheer number of tile options available, we can help! First, get an idea of your personal style and what you want the space to look like. Then, we will invite you to our office, where we have a showroom filled with samples, and we can help you find the perfect fit.
Pricing and grout are other important factors to consider when deciding on tiles. Tile isn’t always cheaper than wood flooring, and some can be very expensive. Be sure to review your budget carefully before falling in love with a style that might be out of your price range.
Grout is vitally important for sealing the cracks between the tiles, creating traction for tiled flooring, and sometimes changing the look of the tiles overall. Some clients will try to match the grout to the tile; if they pick a more neutral color for a seamless look, others may choose colored grout. You can create contrast or select a color if you have a multi-colored pattern and match the grout. There is a wide range of options to ensure your tile pops and is safe.
Finally, when it comes to caring for and cleaning your new tile, the upkeep is straightforward. Most tiles, like ceramic and porcelain, require very little regular maintenance and can handle most common cleaners. Grout, however, can be a little sensitive, so it’s a good idea to go with a title-specific cleaner that can be found in any grocery or home improvement store.
If you use well water instead of city water, be sure to give your tiles a good scrub every time you clean your shower to prevent mineral buildup.
Overall, tile can be a beautiful, low-maintenance way to add functionality and a pop of color to your home.
Ready to make your home inspiration a reality with our 30 years of superior performance, craftsmanship, and service? Contact us today!
If you’re a fan of home decor, you might find yourself browsing trends and taking note of what’s popular, including what people like to do with space and floor plans. If you’re planning a remodel for your home, you may use some of these trends as inspiration for your own project or help you find useful solutions for creating space and storage.
Of course, no two homes are alike, and everyone’s needs and tastes differ. While keeping up with trends can be a great start to deciding what you want for your home remodel, remember that you have the power to shape your space according to your unique preferences. Don’t feel like you have to be limited by “what’s popular.”
We’re sharing what design choices were the most popular this year.
Kitchens are one of our most requested renovation projects, and we see many emerging trends and popular choices for this space.
Kitchens embodied serene yet functional this year. Cabinets took on warm white, blues, and greys for a tranquil color palette. Many of our clients still gravitated towards warm white countertops, and mismatched islands and cabinets were also widespread in many of our kitchens.
Fans of subway tiles will be happy to know that they are still a trendy choice in the kitchen and look amazing in any shape or color, depending on your tastes. Quartz remains highly sought-after for countertops, especially from Cambria.
Other popular design choices for the kitchen include:
Of course, paint choices vary depending on the homeowner’s personal tastes, but Greek Villa by Sherwin Williams, in particular, is always a crowd favorite. This warm white can help brighten a space while still making it inviting and homey. Like Greek Villa, other warm white tones and blues were often the hues of choice, perfect for an area in a coastal setting. While the “all-white” aesthetic may be fading for some, we’re seeing clients still lean towards warmer whites and adding pops of personality for a space that feels light and open but still has a bit of color and character.
Quartz isn’t just a popular countertop choice for kitchens; it’s great for bathrooms, too! Because it’s nonporous and easily sanitized, quartz is a great low-maintenance material. Clients opted for a classic quartz look with beautiful veining, but some also loved quartz that mimicked the look of natural stone to bring a little of the outdoors in. Also, with some of the new quartz technology, clients can have the aesthetic natural stone brings but the added lasting benefits of quartz.
Brushed nickel is always a classic choice for many clients and pairs beautifully with the warmer color palettes we’ve seen homeowners gravitate toward. It’s a timeless finish for hardware, plumbing, or light fixtures that complements a wide range of aesthetics and decor preferences, providing a sense of reassurance in your design choices.
Charleston homes are steeped in history; many have stood for several decades. Even homeowners moving into homes that desperately need some updating and renovation still try to maintain the house’s original aesthetic. Many of our clients with older homes naturally gravitate to traditional or transitional styles; however, seeing more contemporary touches in newer structures isn’t uncommon.
Of course, the coastal aesthetic will always be popular in Charleston. Even clients moving from out of town fall in love with the serenity, rustic touches, and light that come with coastal decor. While clients are starting to gravitate towards warmer colors, the whites, greys, blues, greens, and yellows found in the coastal aesthetic remain popular in the Lowcountry.
As the new year approaches, we still expect clients to opt for these timeless aesthetics while adding their own spin. Wallpaper has become very popular for powder rooms or adding a bold touch to a space, and we expect to see this continue as homeowners move away from stark white. With people moving from other states and even from overseas, we are excited to see new combinations and styles come into play in 2025.
The most important trend of all, however, is individuality.
Your unique style and personal touch are what truly make a house a home, and this trend is one that will never go out of style. Embrace your individuality and let it shine through in your home decor choices.
Recently, homeowners and designers have forgone what’s “popular” in favor of adding uniqueness and personal taste to a space. Whether you like to have the current color of the year on your walls, have a themed game room, or turn your space into an ode to the Victorian era, one thing that will never go out of style is your sense of what will make your house feel like a home. Ready to make your home inspiration a reality with our 30 years of superior performance, craftsmanship, and service? Contact us today!
Whether you’ve just bought a fixer-upper or you’re looking to make some much-needed upgrades to your well-loved home, you may be thinking that it’s time for a renovation. If this is your first time working with a renovation company like Classic Remodeling, you might not know where to start or what to expect.
We’ve shared our renovation process, or “The Classic Process,” to prepare you for your project and given you a step-by-step guide through each phase so you know exactly what to expect after you’ve reached out to us.
When you first contact our team, one of our helpful sales representatives will meet you at the project site to get an idea of what you need for your home and see some of your inspiration. It’s good to inform us of what you want during this phase, as it will make the renovation process much smoother. This can also ensure that we can work everything you dream of into your budget so you can make decisions accordingly. You don’t want to find that a last-minute feature you want to add in the middle of the project will put you way over your budget!
We also have a standard list of questions we ask to gather as much information as possible, including:
We will also ask you to walk us through your daily routine, so we know how you use your space. This includes details like how you like to cook and do the laundry, where you like to relax, how everyone else’s schedules in the house relate to yours, whether or not you have children, and anything specific they need.
These questions and details ensure that we tailor every aspect of your renovation to your specific needs so your home is the perfect blend of functional and comfortable. After all, no two homes are alike, and everyone has different needs to make their home their sanctuary.
During this first site visit, we will also ensure there are no structural issues, like rot or leaks, to address in the area we’ll be working in. This helps us identify any necessary repairs and ensure the space is safe and functional before beginning to work.
Once we know the issues we’re addressing, what your dream renovation will include, and get an idea of your budget, we will measure the areas where we will work. Sometimes, this is just one room, and other times, it’s the whole house. We will also take photos during this time to document the space’s appearance before we start and use them as a reference while drawing your as-built plans.
Before we draft our own plans, we will draw the existing conditions of your home and determine any hurdles we might have before we start designing. This is especially important if we are moving windows, changing anything with the exterior, or adding to the house in any way. A few common hurdles we see include FEMA, HOA, BAR, including the 50% rule, and the Substantial Improvement Rules. We need to know how many of these things will affect your project as early as possible so we can design within the legal guidelines for your home.
We will usually make multiple site visits to confirm measurements, confirm details, assess any new issues that may arise before and during construction, or see materials in the space. We can also set meetings with you in the space if you’re having trouble visualizing how your renovation will look.
The selection process happens during this phase, too. We have an onsite showroom with cabinetry, counters, tile, faucets, sinks, pulls and knobs, grout, tile trim, and paint decks. You and our designers will meet to pick out the materials you want to incorporate into your renovation and solidify the finer points of the design details. This part can be a fun experience, and our knowledgeable designers are ready to offer suggestions, provide product information, and guide you should you start to feel overwhelmed or stuck. They will also know what products best suit the space and your everyday life.
Once plans are drawn up and everything is approved, we will start purchasing materials, ensure all legal proceedings are completed, and send plans to the appropriate municipality for permitting. This phase, while often time-consuming, is vital before we break ground to ensure we don’t violate any regulations or break any laws.
Once construction starts, the designer will visit multiple times a week to ensure the project is on task, everything is done correctly according to the plans, and to answer any questions.
You may also be called in occasionally to assess tile choices, countertop choices, confirm pulls and knobs and paint choices, and other details. This can be a fun part of the renovation process as you see the choices you made with the designer earlier in the process start to come together.
Our team is dedicated to updating you on every step of the project, so you don’t have to worry about where you are in the timeline. We will meet with you during the planning phase as often as every two weeks.
During the construction phase, a lot depends on the scale of the project and your needs. Some clients need weekly check-ins, and others prefer updates only when significant milestones are crossed or if the project is delayed and will fall behind schedule. We also have many clients who live out of town and will come visit to see the progress or have meetings. Whether you prefer weekly updates or mile-stone check-ins, we tailor our communication to ensure you’re always in the loop – giving you peace of mind throughout the process.
Sometimes, projects last longer than initially estimated. Some common delays include:
While we do our best to avoid delays, they inevitably happen. We will ensure you know what’s happening and when things start moving forward again.
Throughout the renovation process, from start to finish, what continuously sets us apart is that we care. We care about the quality of our work, we care about our clients, and we care about doing it right the first time. With Classic, you have our quality guarantee. If you have any issues with our work, check out our Worry-Free Warranty. We work very hard to maintain solid relationships with our clients, even after the project is completed.
You also benefit from our company’s “design-build” status. Unlike general contractors, we can do everything in-house, from preliminary planning and design to construction. Our experienced team has worked in the industry for many years, giving us the knowledge to complete our jobs well. This also means that you can save some money since you won’t have to work with different companies to complete things like designing and planning. We’re here to see the project through from start to finish.
Ready to make your home inspiration a reality with our 30 years of superior performance, craftsmanship, and service? Contact us today!
Though the end of hurricane season is in November, there is still plenty of time for severe storms to rear their ugly heads. And, as any Lowcountry local knows, floods and damaging winds can happen year-round in the coastal south.
Luckily, there are steps you can take to ready your home for storm season and maintain it no matter the weather. We’ve gathered our expertise from over three decades of building and renovating homes in Charleston to share with you so you’re equipped to be a savvy homeowner and keep your abode safe, rain or shine.
Wind and rain are the most common problems in Charleston, and when combined, they can be particularly dangerous, often leading to flooding and other damage. Strong winds can often blow heavy rain into roof vents or ridge caps, causing leaks. Wind and flooding can also cause water to get behind walls or flooring and cause mold or mildew.
Standing water from flooding or other leaks in your home can also damage floors and furniture, short-circuit power outlets, and damage electronics. Before severe weather with a potential flood, unplug electronics, including surge protectors and power strips, and move them to higher locations where they won’t be damaged by water. If you are evacuating from severe weather, turning off your power can help reduce damage to your electrical system.
Should water enter your home, dehumidify and dry out the affected areas as soon as possible to prevent further water damage and dangerous mold.
Maintaining your home all year is the best way to ensure it doesn’t suffer catastrophic damage during severe weather. Regular maintenance and home inspections are the easiest way to avoid spending money on costly repairs down the road.
Before any significant storm season, it’s a good idea to go through the following checklist to ensure your home is in tip-top shape.
While there is no right answer for how often you should have your home inspected, you should have it checked before hurricane season every year and as soon as you notice a problem. It’s better to call experts who can diagnose and remedy the problem before it evolves into a major issue that could cause serious damage to your home.
In addition to regular home inspections, you can add some preventative features to your home to help weather-proof it. Drip edges and larger overhangs will help protect your roof and prevent water from blowing in, while weather-resistant barriers, weep holes in masonry walls, French drains, and proper grading will ensure your home and property are safe during flooding.
If you’re planning a renovation or home maintenance, consider weather-rated materials and products to lessen potential damage to your home. Depending on where you live, you may be required by law to have these materials installed.
Impact windows and doors are highly recommended for this part of South Carolina, but if you don’t have them, you are required to have other means of windborne debris protection, such as PLYFASTNER. They can withstand strong winds and are less likely to shatter should objects be thrown against them. If you live in an older home that hasn’t been recently updated, you may need to check to see if you have installed impact windows and doors.
You should also use treated lumber for any part of your home that could come into contact with weather elements or the ground, as it is less susceptible to water damage.
Other weather-durable materials to consider when in the planning phase of your renovation include:
After your home’s been weather-proofed and prepared, it’s time to batten the hatches!
Make sure you have potable water, an alternative way to cook food in case the power goes out, and extra water for dishes, toilets, and bathing. Be sure to stock up on shelf-stable foods and food for your pet if you have one. Charge backup batteries and vital electronics prior to severe weather, and if you’re in an area prone to power outages, consider investing in a gas generator.
These precautions and regular home maintenance can ensure you’re prepared when Mother Nature strikes.
Ready to make your home inspiration a reality with our 30 years of superior performance, craftsmanship, and service? Contact us today!
You may have started doing DIY projects during COVID. Maybe you enjoy watching HGTV and getting ideas for home improvements. Perhaps you have always been creative and enjoy learning new skills.
No matter what the inspiration, if you’re considering tackling those home improvement projects yourself to help save money, we’ve shared some helpful tips and valuable knowledge to guide you.
To update your space on a budget and make it feel bigger or cozier, consider painting your walls, ceilings, or trim. If there’s no room in the budget to expand a room or add a new window, paint can help you create the illusion of more light and space.
Lighter colors can make a room feel more open and airy by reflecting natural light. Your space will feel larger and filled with more natural light, even if there isn’t enough of either.
Darker colors can add a flare of drama to a space. If you’re looking to make a space feel cozier, dark tones on the ceiling or wall will help it appear smaller.
If you don’t want to paint a whole room, try painting just one wall for a pop of color that will stand out. Your walls also see a lot of wear and tear over the years, so if you’re still in love with the current color in the room, adding a fresh coat to cover scuffs and stains will help the room feel like new.
If you want to add a fun pattern to your walls but don’t have time or the budget for wallpaper, paint is a great option. It’s an easy way to add some design to your space. Whether you lean towards geometric patterns or want something completely whimsical, using stencils and paint gives you the freedom to be creative.
Painting may seem intimidating if you’re a novice, so here are a few quick tips to ensure your project is a success:
Swapping out existing light fixtures for new ones can completely elevate and transform your space without breaking the bank with a renovation. Of course, this requires some electrical work, so we strongly recommend hiring a professional if you aren’t confident in your skills.
It’s also important to measure your space carefully to ensure your dream light fixture fits the space. This includes making sure anything that will hang won’t dangle too low. It would be a shame for someone to bump their head on the beautiful chandelier you just installed!
When trying to decide which fixtures you love, a few things to take into consideration include:
When considering what lights you’d like to upgrade, take into account the existing finishes in the room, such as faucets and drawer knobs. You want to ensure you don’t choose clashing finishes, which can create a mismatched look in the room. If you’re adding lamps to the space, shade material and color are key components, too. They can either elevate the space or clash with everything else in the room if not chosen carefully.
Make sure the fixture’s style matches the space’s overall decor. You don’t want to put an ultra-modern light in a room filled with farmhouse-style decor. There are fixtures to suit every aesthetic, from coastal to mid-century modern.
Your local hardware stores will have plenty of light fixtures to choose from, but you can also find unique treasures in antique stores. You never know what treasures you might find on your hunt for home improvement. If you are visiting a specialty store, such as an upscale home decor or lighting store, be sure to call ahead, as sometimes you will need to make an appointment with the designer on staff.
Swapping out hardware on drawers, cabinets, doors, towel rings, robe hooks, towel
bars and even your toilet paper holder is another quick and easy DIY project for homeowners looking to spice up their space.
Gold, brushed nickel, and matte black are currently popular finishes and create different looks in a space. When changing out your hardware, it’s recommended that you find all the products before purchasing because, at times, certain items (like mirrors and light fixtures) may be hard to find.
You can find hardware at any home improvement store, and switching out what you currently have is simple. If you’re having trouble finding a particular finish or hardware style at your local stores, Etsy, Ferguson, and Build.com are great resources for a DIY homeowner.
Before you dive into your home improvement projects, it’s essential to plan thoroughly to avoid wasting time andmoney or causing damage to your home. We recommend watching experts first so you know how to complete a project successfully. The internet is full of instructional videos for everything from applying wallpaper to changing light fixtures.
Establishing your budget before you start is also important. If this is your first time doing this kind of project, we recommend being prepared for the budget to come out higher than expected in case of mistakes. Break down the cost of everything you might need to ensure it’s doable.
Of course, for the really big, complicated, or potentially damaging projects, call in the experts. At Classic Remodeling, we pride ourselves on years of experience.
We can navigate plumbing, electrical, waterproofing and exterior jobs with ease. Our team will ensure that a job is
done correctly the first time so you don’t have to spend money getting it fixed. We also have extensive knowledge of building codes and laws s
o that you can avoid any legal issues and protect yourself and your loved ones. You could get hurt or risk serious fines if a job isn’t done correctly. And unless you’re prepared to deal with your HOA (if applicable), inspections and permits, we will handle the complex parts of a home renovation.
In the end, sometimes hiring a pro is less expensive than doing it yourself. We’re here to do the heavy lifting for you…figuratively and literally!
Ready to make your home inspiration a reality with our 30 years of superior performance, craftsmanship, and service? Contact us today
Making your home efficient and sustainable has become the norm among homeowners over the last decade. In addition to reducing your carbon footprint, making your home more efficient can help you save on utility costs and make your home more comfortable. We’re excited to share how Classic Remodeling and Construction can help you make your home more energy-efficient.
In case you aren’t sure what it means to have your home be energy efficient, we’ve broken it down.
Your home is powered by gas or electricity to run essential functions such as lighting, appliances, and HVAC systems. You receive a monthly utility bill accounting for the energy used. Energy-efficient homes have features and devices that help you use less than average amounts of energy. Homeowners find that the more energy efficient their home is, the less their utility bills are.
When looking for efficient materials or energy-saving devices, there are some important acronyms, terms, and symbols to familiarize yourself with:
If you’re looking to incorporate some energy-efficient upgrades into your home during your renovations, there are many easy ways to do so.
Windows are an excellent place to start when it comes to home efficiency. Older windows are more likely to decrease energy efficiency, as there may be air leaks around the edges or possibly through the glass. Newer windows tend to have higher R-value-rated glass and an overall better U-value. Even if you don’t plan on changing your windows, it’s a good idea to inspect them to ensure there are no leaks, cracks, or holes that could raise your utility bills.
Insulation is another energy-efficient area that can be easily addressed during a renovation.
High R-value insulation can help your home stay warm during winter and keep cool air indoors during sweltering summer. If the renovation (and your budget) allows, consider upgrading your home’s insulation to improve efficiency. Spray foam is common for residential buildings that need a high R-value. It is especially common in high-heat or very cold climates.
If you’re on the fence about adding a skylight, consider the potential energy savings. Skylights with excellent energy-efficiency ratings can help fill your home with natural light during the day and reduce your overhead light usage. There are even window treatments outfitted specifically for skylights to further insulate them and increase their energy efficiency ratings.
The best news is that increased home efficiency often goes hand in hand with renovations. If our team is renovating your kitchen and replacing appliances, chances are, your old models will be replaced with ones that are far more energy-efficient. If the plan includes new flooring, leaks, and poor insulation will most likely be remedied during construction. Energy efficiency will almost always improve with new Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment (FF&E).
Of course, even without renovations, there are things you can do to help improve the energy efficiency of your home.
Switching all bulbs and fixtures to LED is a quick and budget-friendly way to trim your utility bills. LED lights take less energy to work and last up to 20 years, depending on frequency and duration of use. Many fixtures these days have built-in LED lights that don’t require bulbs!
Replacing older appliances, including your HVAC unit, can help you reduce energy usage. Newer models tend to be more energy efficient than older ones and often come with features to further increase their efficiency.
When it comes to your HVAC system, be sure you have it inspected regularly to prevent costly repairs and be prepared to bid your old unit goodbye when the time comes.
Smart home technology can also help you save money and run your home efficiently. From smart thermostats that can control the temperature of your home even when you’re away to smart lights that can turn on and off automatically to window treatments that will lower, rise, or tilt on their own depending on the time of day, these little gadgets can help you maximize the energy flowing through your home. While they may cost a little more upfront, the energy savings will help these smart devices pay for themselves.
Of course, installing solar panels is one of the ultimate ways to increase your home’s energy efficiency. Solar panels can help you save on your monthly utility bills while providing clean, renewable energy to your home. Not only are you saving money, but you’re also reducing your CO2 emissions and taking a step towards sustainability. It’s a win-win for you and the planet. Check with local regulations and building codes before investing in solar panels.
While energy-efficient appliances, smart home devices, and renovations are excellent steps towards efficiency, there are good habits you should incorporate into your daily life as well. You’ll be amazed at how much you can save on utility bills by implementing a few of the practices below:
While these little tips may not seem like much, you may notice a reduction in your monthly bills over time. You’re also taking steps towards a more eco-friendly lifestyle, and that’s always a positive move.
Ready to make your home inspiration a reality with our 30 years of superior performance, craftsmanship, and service? Contact us today!
Accessibility isn’t always something you think of until you need it.
However, it’s an essential feature that ensures your home is comfortable and functional for you and your loved ones. Fortunately, there are plenty of upgrades and renovations that can make your home more accessible, prevent dangerous safety hazards, and increase your overall quality of life. Your home, after all, is your sanctuary and should be the epitome of your comfort.
At Classic Remodeling, our team has been fortunate enough to help several clients renovate for aging in place. From installing safety features like benches and grab bars to using materials that can help visually impaired homeowners navigate to creating a little more room for wheelchairs and walkers, we’re proud to make sure your home can accommodate you no matter what your needs are or what phase of life you’re in.
Here are some of the many renovations or upgrades we recommend to clients regarding increased accessibility.
Making Your Kitchen Accessible
One of the easiest ways to make your kitchen more accessible is by using high-contrast materials. For people with visual impairments or eyesight that will worsen with age, low-contrast design, such as tan floors combined with tan or white countertops, makes delineating between different surfaces difficult. Low-contrast design can result in poor depth perception, which leads to things getting dropped and broken and creating hazards in the kitchen.
If you’re in love with a lighter color for the flooring, for example, we recommend pairing it with a bold cabinet or countertop so it’s easy to distinguish different surfaces and avoid injury or damage.
If mobility or wheelchair access is a concern, we highly recommend designs that incorporate plenty of space to sit or roll under the counter. More seating around peninsulas and counters has become a prevalent trend lately. With extra seating or space to accommodate a wheelchair, your kitchen becomes a great place to entertain and gather and comfortable for everyone.
Since countertops are typically too high to be comfortable work surfaces for someone in a wheelchair or for someone who can’t stand for a long period of time, consider lowering a portion of the counter or adding a pull-out cutting board that is table height to provide a comfortable and reachable work surface.
Storage can often be a difficult barrier, but there are plenty of solutions that make kitchen organization a breeze to navigate no matter what your needs are. Lower drawers and pull-down/pull-up storage solutions make accessing kitchen items easier and negate the need for climbing on a step ladder or reaching too far over your head. People in wheelchairs will also be able to access drawers easier too.
Other accessibility-friendly renovations could include a work-station with room for a counter-height stool or chair for chefs who can’t be on their feet for too long and a pot filler behind the range so people who can’t carry heavy loads can easily fill a pot in place. There are also cabinet inserts that can bring items down from higher shelves for those who can’t reach them.
Don’t underestimate the power of under-cabinet lighting, either. This particular upgrade is a great help for everyone, no matter their age or eyesight quality, it prevents accidents and spills.
Making Your Bathroom Accessible
If you’re designing with aging in place in mind or for someone with disabilities or mobility issues, the bathroom needs to be safe, as a majority of serious home accidents happen in the bathroom. Our team has renovated many bathrooms to make them accessible for homeowners while still looking beautiful and functional.
Like the kitchen, high-contrast materials will help with depth perception and navigation throughout the space.
Grab bars make toilets, showers and tubs safe and help prevent slips and falls. Benches or a fold-away seat make showers easier if you cannot stand. When paired with a hand-held faucet, using a shower becomes safe, comfortable and just a touch more luxurious.
If you aren’t ready for grab bars yet, but would like to plan your renovation around aging in place, adding blocking in the walls of your tub or shower will prevent you from needing another renovation in the future. Blocking is a small section of framing wood that is placed specifically to create a strong anchor in your wall for the grab bars or anything heavy you may want to hang.
Adding this blocking now will make installing grab bars easier when you’re ready for them.
When designing with accessibility in mind, we also encourage clients to consider what will be best for their needs rather than wants. For example, free-standing tubs are beautiful but often difficult to get in and out of, as opposed to tubs with “decking” around them. The decking allows for an area to sit and swing your legs into or out of the tub, which would be much safer for anyone with mobility or balance issues.
If the bathroom requires accommodations for a wheelchair, there needs to be at least five feet of clear space in the room for the wheelchair to turn around.
One way to get creative with designing a wheelchair-friendly space is a “roll-in shower.” This type of shower stall typically has a very low curb that is easy to roll over or no curb at all and instead has a flush drain in the floor to prevent flooding. This 5’ radius can also include space under the sink if the floor area is clear (pedestal sink).
This design is similar to a “wet room” in the bathroom, which is becoming an increasingly popular trend.
Making Stairs and Entryways Accessible
Stairs and entryways can be some of the tightest spots in your home and can subsequently be the hardest to adapt. However, the key to creating accessibility for stairs and entryways lies in making as much use of the space available and being innovative with design.
Entryways need some kind of seating, whether a removable bench or a built-in, to aid with tasks like putting on shoes. Be mindful, however, that you don’t overcrowd the space with too much furniture or excess decor that will take up valuable room. Hallways should have at least four feet of space to allow a wheelchair or passerby to navigate comfortably.
Stairs are the trickiest area to make accessible. If you aren’t accommodating a wheelchair, a sturdy railing and incorporating a well-fixed runner will help reduce injuries while using the stairs.
However, the best way to make a multi-level home fully accessible is to install an elevator. Our team is well equipped, with years of experience, to re-configure your home to allow for an elevator in the best location possible. If you are doing a remodel and are not ready to add an elevator but would like to incorporate one in the future, stacking well-sized closets on top of each other is a great way to plan ahead. Make sure your contractor knows what your plans are so they can properly frame the house to allow for an easy retrofit.
Building for accessibility or aging in place is a unique challenge for our team, and it’s an excellent opportunity to collaborate with the client to think outside of the box when it comes to designing a space that will allow them the freedom to do what they love, live as independently as possible, and stay safe in their home. With our thorough knowledge of building codes and regulations and decades of experience, we can help design a renovation that you can enjoy no matter what stage of life you’re in.
Ready to make your home inspiration a reality with our 30 years of superior performance, craftsmanship, and service? Contact us today!
Sometimes, your dream home may lack adequate storage space. Closets, bathrooms, and kitchens, in particular, are notorious for not having enough room and creating inconvenience. It’s easy to end up with your things in a precarious, disorganized heap in your small spaces.
But have no fear!
At Classic Remodeling, we are experts in creating space and guiding you to maximize the storage real estate you do have to make it functional for your needs.
There’s nothing worse than an overstuffed, disorganized closet where you can’t find what you need or see what you have. However, we have some tips for maximizing your closet storage and making your life easier.
● Mix up your storage types and utilize stacking storage! Maximize box sizes to reduce wasted space where boxes meet.
● Break up the space! Instead of a hanging rod across the entire width of the closet, divide it into sections. Long-hanging clothes can go on one end, and short-hanging clothes can go on the rest of the width, with baskets, drawers, or shelves.
● Double Check! Prior to starting a renovation, we always measure your current storage space to ensure that the new design will accommodate your needs.
If your space allows, cabinets are a great (and often forgotten) upgrade to your closet storage solution. In cabinets, you can opt for drawers or shelves, depending on your needs. With shelves, your only option is to stack, making it hard to get to the things underneath or in the back. In a drawer, however, you can store your clothes in a way where everything is visible and accessible.
Bathrooms can be a little tricky when it comes to storage, and a lot depends on what the client wants in the space. Vanities can be an excellent way to create extra room, and you can either opt for a built-in vanity or a freestanding one.
Both have their pros and cons depending on the dimensions of the room. A built-in vanity can be customized to maximize the space you have, whereas a freestanding one comes in a standard size (18 “,24″,30″,36”,48 “,60” typically). Depending on your space, you may have to size down for a freestanding vanity, which could create unnecessary wasted space in your bathroom.
When putting together your design plan for your bathroom renovation, consider how your tub and shower play into the space. Can you remove the tub? Is there room for a large mirror to make the room feel larger?
Cabinets are your kitchen’s best friend when creating functional storage. In a kitchen renovation, we will typically extend the height of the cabinets to the ceiling.
If storage is the goal, a full overlay cabinet vs. an inset will always give you more room. Installing roll-out shelves in your cabinets creates accessible pantry space, and using stationary shelves higher up provides storage for seasonal or infrequently used kitchen items.
We strongly recommend drawers for lower cabinets instead of swing-out doors. Not only are they easier to access, but you won’t lose stuff in the back like you would with shelves. You will maximize your space since you won’t have to accommodate roll-out tracks, and you will have a better vantage point so you can stay organized.
All our cabinetry lines also have drawer and cabinet organizers. While these can help keep everything organized, they aren’t a one-size-fits-all solution for everyone. For example, a peg board drawer organizer might actually cause more wasted space. The pegs have to be placed on a grid, and your dishes may not fit exactly between them. Carefully planning where you will store everything in your kitchen will ensure you don’t spend money on an organizational solution that may not work for you.
Of course, there are other ways to make the most of your small spaces and make them feel larger without a renovation.
Keeping your countertops clear of items will keep the room from feeling small and cramped. Use organizing bins, shelves, and drawers to create a clutter-free space. You’ll be amazed at how much room you have when everything is put away.
Our designers also recommend using light materials in small spaces. This will help make them feel larger and less cramped.
Ready to make your home inspiration a reality with our 30 years of superior performance, craftsmanship, and service? Contact us today!
Now more than ever, it’s essential for companies to incorporate eco-friendly practices into their business models and do their best to go green and give a little back to Mother Nature. Although Earth Day is April 22nd, practicing sustainability is in season all year round. We’re proud to share some of our eco-friendly methods that we conduct in an effort to significantly lower the environmental footprint of our projects.
Reducing waste is one of the easiest ways to practice sustainability. Regarding our projects, we do our best to order the correct amount of materials so there’s no waste. If there are usable leftovers, we will store them in our warehouse for use on another project or by one of the staff.
The construction industry creates more waste than most industries. We try to offset this by finding ways to recycle any extra materials that are not left with the homeowner. While the ultimate goal of a renovation is to blend new and original construction seamlessly, we also try to source materials that are as local as possible to reduce the environmental impact of shipping them. When our projects take us outdoors, we do our best to minimize the disruption we create to the surrounding ecosystem. Sustainability isn’t just about creating a healthy space for humans but also creating one that will be harmonious with the environment.
LED lights have become the norm as an effective way to make any building more green. We always use LED bulbs and strip lights in all possible fixtures in our projects! They can last up to 20 years and will use less electricity than a traditional lightbulb in that time.
Using environmentally safe cleaning products is a simple way for homeowners to be sustainable. We use eco-friendly cleaners when we use soap and water on our jobs to clean up after ourselves. By incorporating environmentally safe cleaning products into our operations, we reduce the risk of exposing harmful chemicals to our workers, protect surfaces and materials we work with, and meet the expectations of our eco-conscious customers.
At the end of every project, we leave the homeowner with a binder detailing all the finishes, fixtures, and equipment. This also includes cleaning and maintenance instructions, so that materials last longer and continue looking great. The less often that fixtures need to be replaced, the less waste there is. Even if you aren’t renovating, or planning to do it anytime soon, keeping your home clean and adequately maintained reduces excess waste caused by replacing fixtures and finishes.
Of course, sometimes going green can come with a steeper price tag than alternative materials. It may seem like you’re saving money by going the cheaper route. However, high-quality, eco-friendly materials typically have a longer life, and over time, the cost of upkeep can be less.
At Classic Remodeling, we strive every day to reduce our carbon footprint and offer more sustainable material options. The journey to a healthier planet for all begins with a single step. We’re honored to continue our work creating your dream home while maintaining respect for the beautiful Lowcountry environment around us.
Ready to make your home inspiration a reality with our 30 years of superior performance, craftsmanship, and service? Contact us today!
Our story starts with our homeowners who were relocating to Charleston. Their purchase was a stunning abode with plenty of living space, tucked away in the woods to create a peaceful retreat – the perfect place to call their forever home. However, while this house was nearly perfect, it didn’t have quite the personalized touch the couple was looking for and needed professional remodeling to include everything the homeowners wanted.
The house had good bones, though the inside was a bit dated, and there wasn’t enough natural flow for the client, according to our project consultant, Christy Ammerman. “They wanted to update the home and also open up the main living spaces of the kitchen/dining/living room to better suit the way they ‘lived,'” she explains.
Our team started with the flow problem by opening the wall between the living room and kitchen, creating an airy and spacious open floor plan. With this new modification, the homeowners also got the added benefit of an unobstructed view of their beautiful backyard.
Their primary bedroom was the next room to be remodeled. We gave the owners a larger bathroom and closet space and created a perfectly functional space.
“Another important space in the house was the screen porch,” explains Ammerman. “The original house came with a small screen porch that had little function. We tore off the existing porch and built a new larger screen porch for them that included both a sitting space and a dining space.” This outdoor renovation created a beautiful extended living space perfect for enjoying warm Lowcountry evenings surrounded by the property’s natural beauty.
Of course, every job comes with its own set of challenges and opportunities to get creative.
“When we initially met with these homeowners and started the design process, we knew that we would need to accomplish some of the changes in phases as they were on a time crunch of making the move down from up north,” says Ammerman. With such a tight time constraint, a master plan of all the tasks our team wanted to accomplish was created, and the different project phases were laid out so that we could stay on task and complete everything on time.
Another challenge required our team to redesign a set of stairs that was being added to an existing bedroom. The goal was to create a functional transition from the first to the second floor and provide the owners with easy access between floors that looked great and followed proper building codes, which we completed successfully.
This home had plenty of opportunities throughout the renovation to add little touches and details that perfectly suited its new owners and their lifestyle, from incorporating large skylights to help bring in as much natural light into the home as possible to building a custom bookcase in the entryway for the homeowners to showcase some of their art and artifacts from their travels abroad. “We had to design each cubby based on the certain sculpture that it would house. The piece turned out beautifully and is a great feature as you enter the home,” says Ammerman.
Of course, our team prides itself on using high-quality materials for our projects. This home featured Cambria quartz countertops, custom Greenfield cabinetry, wide plank, white oak flooring with a custom stain, Sherwin Williams paints, porcelain tiles, and Brizo plumbing fixtures for an effortlessly luxurious look.
When the project was finished, the homeowners moved into their newly renovated abode, which featured an open, airy floor plan, beautiful outdoor living space, functional rooms and storage, and intricate details, making their dream home complete.
Ready to make your home inspiration a reality with our 30 years of superior performance, craftsmanship, and service? Contact us today!
1832 River Road, Johns Island, SC 29455 T 843.763.3297 | F 843.766.9342 E dreams@classicremodeling.com
© 2024 Classic Remodeling. All Rights Limited.
