Thinking about remodeling in 2022? Maybe you’ve decided you need a home office now that you are working from home full-time. Or maybe you considered purchasing a new house, but thanks to low inventory and rising prices, remodeling your existing home seems to be the better alternative.

Whatever your specific reason might be, make no mistake – you are not alone. The remodeling industry overall has seen a rise in demand over the last couple of years, and that is certainly the case at Classic Remodeling as well.

While we do our very best to ensure timely scheduling and turnaround, 2022 has proven to be a challenging year (and it’s only March!). High demand for remodeling services, combined with labor shortages and product delays have created a larger-than-usual backlog of work.

So what does it take to get through a home remodel in 2022? Here’s a few tips for surviving a remodeling project this year:

Carefully Vet Your Contractor

It’s busy out there for remodeling companies! And we know you are excited about getting your project started as soon as possible. However, watch out for the contractor who is available to start immediately.

As you reach out to prospective contractors, be sure to ask questions about their process and their timeframe. When will they be able to meet with you for an initial consultation? What is their timeframe for beginning design? When will they be able to be onsite to begin construction?

In this climate, many contractors are having to turn away work because they are so busy. If the majority of company’s you talk with are out 8-12 months, but one is available to start your project immediately, you might want to ask why? Be sure to ask for references and check out their work before signing a contract.

Talk About Costs

Talking price can be a tough. It’s hard for us too! Especially in these times, when we’re seeing price increases in materials and product across the board. And some of those increases have reached historic highs. If you have questions or concerns about your quote, ASK! An experienced contractor will be prepared to answer your questions. At Classic, we are constantly monitoring price fluctuations and we’ve updated our processes to account for the fluidity in some of those.

Be Patient

Remodeling, by it’s very nature, is a stressful process. No matter how much your remodeler tries to mitigate that stress, the fact is you have someone in your home for weeks, maybe months, disrupting your normal routine. Remodeling in 2022 brings a few more challenges. Projects are taking longer thanks to material and product shortages, delivery delays, and labor shortages. We are constantly monitoring product lead times in order to ensure delivery before construction begins.  Unfortunately, we are seeing more and more unexpected shipping delays and in many cases difficulty getting product. Unfortunately, these delays are beyond our control. That being said, your remodeler should keep you abreast of any product delays, to the best of their ability.

 

The bottom-line is, remodeling today is very different than remodeling was just a few years ago. We’re having to find ways to adapt and work around issues on many fronts. But, if you have developed a relationship of trust with your contractor, you should still walk away having a successful remodeling experience. If you are thinking of remodeling in 2022, expect that your project may take a little bit longer and cost a bit more, but if you’ve done your homework and hired a contractor with clear processes, who will proactively communicate with you, and has a solid reputation for quality craftsmanship the outcome should be the same – a beautiful new space that you love.

 

 

 

Keeping a clean, organized home has numerous health benefits like decreasing stress, improving sleep, and improving focus. Since January is National Get Organized Month there’s no better time to clear out the clutter and head into the new year with an organized, clean home.   If you’ve been thinking about a renovation or have a remodeling project planned, make sure you set yourself up for success in the long-run with a few renovation ideas for an organized home. We’ve got a few suggestions for the most cluttered rooms in the house – the kitchen and the bathroom.

Before we dive into specific suggestions for the kitchen and bathroom, let’s begin with the shell of your home. If you are looking for a feeling of improved organization and cleanliness, start with your floors. Hard surfaces in particular are easy to clean and can help reduce allergens and germs in the home. Beyond that, your paint color can also affect how organized and clean your home feels. Whites and neutrals can help a space feel larger than it is.

Before you begin any remodel or renovation project, it’s a good practice to do a thorough clean out. Get rid of anything you no longer use or don’t need. It helps make finding places to put the things you do need much easier.

Organizing in the Kitchen

Kitchens are the hub of most households. Where nightly meals are prepared, where family and guests gather for events, and maybe even where homework gets done. So it’s a space that can easily become overwhelmed with “stuff.” As you head into a remodel, it’s good to think about how you use the space and what your needs are. Are you an entertainer with lots of platters and trays to store. Do you need a homework station for the kids? Do you have enough pantry storage? What about those small appliances?

As you think about your kitchen design, consider how you want to store things? Open shelves have been a popular selection in recent years, but in order to not feel cluttered you really need to keep items on them to a minimum. That’s why we love our kitchen cabinets. Think about the items you need to store. Customizable cabinets and drawers provide easy access to the things you need regularly, as well as those that only get pulled out occasionally. Your designer can help guide you with some great ideas for how and where to store things like dishes, pots and pans, or spices. Perhaps you can add some specialized pull-outs in your cabinets for frequently used appliances, like a large mixer. Designate a pull out cabinet for trash cans, to keep them hidden from view. Even create a unique storage space for spices, ensuring they are kept near your cooking areas for easy access. The possibilities are endless!

 

Storage Ideas for the Bathroom

Again, the best way to begin  is to consider how you use the space. Do you need a space for makeup? Consider adding a designated area specific to makeup storage.

Under sink cabinets are great for hiding away extra shampoo and soaps. Consider adding shelves to help keep your cabinets more organized. You can also add customized storage for things like hair dryers. Giving things a designated storage space will help keep things more organized.

If you have linen storage needs consider adding a linen closet or cabinet, if space allows. If you don’t have space for a cabinet, try using baskets. They can serve double duty as decor to help soften a space, as well as provide needed storage.

In the shower, built-in shelving or niches are great for providing storage for everyday items. Add hooks or bars for towels or loofahs.

 

If you need renovation ideas to keep your home more organized, contact us at Classic Remodeling. We’d love to help you create a home to help you feel organized for stress-free living. For more bathroom and kitchen ideas, check out our online portfolio.

 

A small bathroom doesn’t have to feel small. In many cases, a simple remodel of the space can help make your cramped bathroom feel a little more spacious. Here are a few ideas to consider:

1. Remove the tub

Bathtubs take up a lot of space. If you aren’t a bath-taker, consider removing the tub altogether.

2. Stick to light/neutral colors

White or light-colored walls, floors, and cabinets will reflect light instead of absorbing it. Non-colors will naturally recede and make your space look larger. Not only that it helps to create a more seamless and cohesive look

3. Let in the natural light

If you have the opportunity, look at adding larger windows or maybe even skylights. Smaller spaces tend to feel darker. By increasing the natural light your room will feel bigger and brighter.

4. Opt for open shelving

Open shelving is a great way to provide storage without needing to install large shelving units or cabinets that might feel too heavy for the room. The open shelves help the walls look farther apart than they actually are and give some depth to the space.

5. Keep floors clear

Utilize things like floating vanities, cabinets and toilets that can be attached to the wall to create an unbroken line of flooring that gives the illusion of more space.

6. Embrace negative space

Don’t feel like you need fill every inch of space. if you can stow bottles that may sit on a vanity or move a laundry basket into an adjacent room, do it! Open areas and clean surfaces will help make the room feel less full/more open.

7. Add a big mirror

Oversized mirrors are not only dramatic but the reflective properties can also make it feel like you’ve doubled the size of your room.

8. Install a frameless glass shower door

By eliminating the frame around the shower door it essentially makes the entire glass panel disappear in the space.

9. Don’t mix and match materials

Keeping finishes similar throughout the space, instead of mixing materials helps prevent the space from looking chaotic and cluttered. It’s much more pleasing to the eye and feels cleaner.

With some thoughtful design and careful material selection, your small bathroom can feel much bigger than it is!

Like most industries, remodeling has it’s own terminology. Understanding some of the more common terms will help take some of the confusion out of your discussions with potential contractors.

Common Remodeling Terms to Know:

Allowance –a dollar amount established in the contract documents for an item that can not be specified in detail. An allowance is generally used when all selections have not been made prior to contract signing. Let’s say, for example, you have not selected a ceiling fan for your screened porch. The contractor would include an allowance amount for that item in the contract. That amount would be a ballpark price that would cover the expected cost of that item.

Design-Build – a project delivery method in which both design services and construction services are provided by a single entity.

Change Order – work that is either added to or deleted from the original scope of work as covered by the contract. Change orders can affect the original contracted dollar amount for the project and/or the project timeline.

General Contractor – the company or entity responsible for the daily oversite of a construction project and is responsible for providing materials and labor for the project. The General Contractor also obtains necessary building permits, manages vendors and subcontractors, coordinates the sharing of project information with relevant parties, and manages the project schedule and budget.

Subcontractor – an individual or company hired by the general contractor to perform a specific task for a larger overall project. These are usually specialty trades such as electricians or plumbers.

Fixed Price Contract – an agreement where the price for a service is predetermined and does not vary based on the resources used or time spent on the project. With a fixed price contract the client is afforded some certainty that their project price won’t change.

Cost-Plus – an agreement where the client pays the contractor for all construction-related expenses as well as a specific agreed-upon amount for profit.

Preliminary Budget – The approximate cost of a project, based on conceptual design and before the preparation of final plans and specifications. This price is provided to give the client a reasonable idea of the final cost of the project. It is typically accurate within plus/minus 20%.

Conceptual Design – an early phase of the design process that provides a broad outline of the parameters of a project. Conceptual designs are usually void of detail, dimensions and technical notes.

Scope of Work – a document that clearly describes the work the contractor is expected to complete as part of your contract.

Mechanicals – the systems inside the walls including electrical, plumbing, and HVAC

Footprint – the overall dimensions of a structure, including any attached garages or porches.

These are just a few common remodeling terms to familiarize yourself with before starting a conversation with a contractor. Making sure you understand the language leads to fewer misunderstandings and less confusion throughout the process. And if something isn’t clear, be sure to ask for clarification!

For questions to ask your potential contract, check out our blog post titled 7 Essential Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Remodeling Contractor.

We’re proud to announce that  Classic Remodeling received a 2021 Guildmaster Award for exceptional customer service. This is our 16th consecutive Guildmaster win. In addition, Classic Remodeling is the ONLY GuildQuality member to win the Guildmaster award each year since the award’s inception.

WHAT IS THE GUILDMASTER AWARD?

The Guildmaster Award was established in 2005 by GuildQuality. The award recognizes and celebrates home building, remodeling, and contracting professionals who demonstrate the highest level of customer service.

Over the past several months, GuildQuality reviewed thousands of survey responses submitted by customers of Guildmaster candidates. Guildmaster winners must achieve a 50% response rate and a minimum recommendation rate of 90%.

There are three different levels of Guildmaster members can achieve:

• Members who receive between 90% and 94.9% for Likely to Recommend earn the Guildmaster level.
• Those who earn between 95% and 97.9% Likely to Recommend scores receive Guildmaster with Distinction.
• Members who earn between 98% and 100% for Likely to Recommend receive Guildmaster with Highest Distinction.

In 2020 Classic Remodeling received a 100% recommendation rate from our surveyed clients, giving us the honor of being named a Guildmaster with Highest Distinction.

WHAT IS GUILDQUALITY?

GuildQuality is a third-party customer satisfaction surveying company, based in Atlanta. Over 2,000 residential construction professionals rely on GuildQuality’s customer satisfaction surveying and reporting software. This software helps them deliver exceptional customer service and get the recognition they deserve for their commitment to quality. Classic Remodeling has been a GuildQuality member since 2003.

We would like to thank all of our clients for participating in the GuildQuality survey process. We use your feedback to find ways to improve the remodeling experience. At Classic Remodeling, we make customer service a top priority. Thank you for your part in making Classic Remodeling a 2021 Guildmaster Award winner!

 

February 18 is National Drink Wine Day! In honor of the day, we’ve got some wine storage tips to help you keep your wines safe until you are ready to drink them. In addition, we’ve got a couple of wine storage options to consider if you are planning a home remodel.

Keeping Your Wine Fresh

Optimal Temperature

First, what is the optimal way to keep your wine “safe” until you are ready to crack open a bottle? It’s important to keep your wine at an optimal temperature! According to Wine Spectator, “the ideal temperature range is between 45 degrees Fahrenheit and 65 degrees Fahrenheit.” A few degrees of variation isn’t generally much of an issue, as long as you open the bottles within a few years of their release. However, they also caution that “temperatures over 70 degrees Fahrenheit will age a wine more quickly than desirable” and may result in flat aromas and flavors.

On the cooler side of the spectrum, if you plan to store wine for longer than a couple of months, your household refrigerator is not ideal. Safe temperatures for perishable foods fall well below the 45 degree threshold. Colder temperatures can dry out corks, allowing air into the bottle and damaging the wine.

Consistency is Key

Most importantly, avoid rapid or frequent swings in temperature. Major fluctuations in temperature can not only damage the bottle, affecting the cork’s seal, but it can also affect the flavor of the wine.

Go Horizontal

The cork plays an important role in keeping your wine in good drinking condition. The goal is to keep the cork moist during storage. In addition to monitoring the temperature where your wine is stored, you also want to store it horizontally instead of vertically. The horizontal position keeps the wine against the cork which also helps keep it from drying out.

For additional info on these tips and more, check out Wine Spectator’s article 7 Wine-Storage Basics You Need to Know.

Wine Storage Options

If you are a wine drinker and you want to incorporate wine storage into your home, there are several options. The right one for you boils down to personal preference.

Stand-Alone Wine Rack

Sometimes a stand-alone wine rack is the right way to go. Wall-mounted options are great for taking advantage of vertical space. Or a furniture-style piece can be the perfect addition to your room. Just be sure you don’t store your wine in an area where it will be exposed to direct sunlight. Too much light (and heat) can affect the flavor of your wine.

Built-in Wine Storage

Built-in wine storage can help you make efficient use of your space. These “wine cubbies” offer the perfect protection from direct light and can be incorporated into an island, bar, or kitchen cabinet area. Just be sure they aren’t located next to the refrigerator or stove, to protect it from vibrations and heat, both of which are enemies of good wine.

Wine Coolers

Many people opt to include a wine cooler in their kitchen remodel. The type and size will depend on your space and personal preference. Most people opt for a single-zone refrigeration cooler. These are perfect for those who prefer to drink one type of wine. They are also ideal if you have budget or space concerns.

Whatever your preference – red or white, built-in or cooler – if you are a wine lover take a minute today to enjoy National Drink Wine Day! Cheers!

Classic Remodeling received the “Best Of Houzz 2021” awards for Design and Customer Service on Houzz®. This is our 7th consecutive win for Service and our 6th for Design.

Each year, Houzz awards the Best Of Houzz badge in three categories: Design, Customer Service and Photography. Design awards honor professionals whose work was the most popular among the Houzz community. Customer Service honors are based on several factors, including a pro’s overall rating on Houzz as well as client reviews. Finally, the Photography award goes to architecture and interior design photographers with the most popular images on the site.

A “Best Of Houzz 2021” badge will appear on winners’ profiles as a sign of their commitment to excellence. These badges help homeowners identify popular and top-rated home professionals in every metro area on Houzz.

We are thrilled to be recognized by the Houzz community for our work and our focus on customer service. We’re so grateful to our clients who have been willing to share their Classic Remodeling experiences on the platform.

“The Best Of Houzz awards are an emblem of trust and credibility for home professionals across the U.S. and around the world. We are excited to celebrate this year’s winners,” said Liza Hausman, vice president of Industry Marketing for Houzz. “The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the critical need for people to feel comfortable before inviting pros into their homes. The Best Of Houzz badge is a powerful way for pros to communicate the trust that homeowners have in their business.”

What is Houzz?

Houzz is the leading platform for home renovation and design, providing people with everything they need to improve their homes from start to finish. On Houzz, people can find design inspiration, research and hire home professionals, and shop for products to complete their projects.

You can see more of our work and see client reviews by visiting our Houzz profile or visit our online portfolio

 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lists unintentional falls as the leading cause of non-fatal emergency room visits among all ages. Unfortunately, the bathroom can be the most dangerous room in the house, especially for children and elderly adults. Since January is National Bath Safety month, this is the perfect time to think about a few ways to make your bathroom safer for you and your family. Some of these are easy, do-it-yourself tips, while others may require the help of a professional remodeler.

Make sure you have adequate lighting

Light fixtures are a great way to have some fun with your design of your room. But your lighting should also be functional. Vision issues can increase your fall risk, so make sure you have plenty of light in your space. Consider decorative lighting for vanity areas as well as can lights for the room and shower areas.

Install a walk-in shower

As we age, stepping in and out of a shower or bathtub can leads to an increased possibility of suffering a fall. With a curbless shower the trip hazard is eliminated!

Add grab bars

Grab bars instantly provide a way to keep your balance and assist you with standing or sitting. Gone are the days of ugly, bulky commercial-grade grab bars. There are a number of beautiful designs on the market now that will enhance the aesthetic in your bathroom while also providing added safety.

Use a shower seat

Whether you want to include a beautiful, built-in shower bench or add an after-market shower seat there are lots of possibilities. 

 

Maybe you aren’t quite ready to tackle a remodel of your bathroom? If not, here are a few things you can do yourself to improve the safety of your bathroom.

Install a no-slip mat.

This is an easy an inexpensive way to improve the safety in your shower or bathtub quickly.

Keep commonly used items within reach.

Everyday items like shampoo, conditioner, and soap should be easily accessible. Reaching and twisting to get to something can increase the risk of a fall.

Keep the bathroom free of obstacles.

By keeping the floors clear those late-night trips to the bathroom are safer. You can also consider adding nightlights to help illuminate your way.

 

Whether you have been thinking about remodeling or just want to find ways to make your bathroom safer, these tips can help you decrease the risk of a bathroom fall. Check out our bathroom portfolio for some more ideas!

 

Choosing the best countertop material for your remodel may be one of the most important decisions you make. Oftentimes, your countertops dictate the style and palette of the room. They also needs to hold up to the way your family uses them. Here we outline some of the pros and cons of the various types of material we typically use in our remodeling projects. 

Quartz

Quartz countertops are an engineered product made of varying amounts of quartz that are bound together with resin. This is by far one of our most popular choices among homeowners for kitchen countertops.

The Pros:

• Durability. Quartz is scratch resistant. With normal, everyday use in the kitchen, scratching is unlikely due to the hardness of the stone.

• Low maintenance. Unlike granite and other natural stones, quartz countertops do not have to be sealed regularly. Clean up is also fairly easy; generally, all you need is warm soapy water.

• Non-absorbent. Quartz is highly resistant to staining and doesn’t harbor bacteria in the way other porous stones may, if not properly maintained

• Variety. There are a lot of color and design options to choose from if you opt for a quartz countertop. It’s very likely you’ll be able to find something that will work for your space.

The Cons:

• Not approved for outdoor use. Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can damage the stone.

• Susceptible to heat damage. Although quartz is heat-resistant, the resins in quartz countertops are not. Placing a hot pan directly from the stovetop or oven on the surface can lead to discoloration and damage to your tops.

• Cost. The biggest deterrent for most people when it comes to quartz is cost. Quartz tends to be one of the more expensive stone options.

Granite

For years, granite was king when it came to kitchen countertops. In recent years, quartz has stolen the spotlight. Though we still use granite, we use it more in outdoor areas than in kitchens these days.

The Pros:

• Variety. Like quartz, granite comes in a variety of colors to suite your style.

• Heat Resistant. Granite is one of the most heat resistant countertops on the market.

• Durable. Granite surfaces are not susceptible to scratching. They are also stain resistant when sealed properly

The Cons:

• Maintenance. Unlike quartz, granite is a porous stone and requires annual sealing to ensure it won’t stain or absorb harmful bacteria.

• Cost. Again, like quartz, granite is one of the more expensive options for countertops

• Susceptible to chips/cracking. Although not likely, granite can chip or crack if a heavy object (like a small kitchen appliance) is dropped on it.

Wood

People love wood countertops because they add a lot of warmth and character to a space. That being said, wood is one material where you need to carefully consider how you will use your countertops to determine if it’s the right choice for you.

The Pros:

• Variety. There are a variety of species, stains, and styles that can be achieved with a wood top. Making it a very versatile option.

• Works with all design styles. Wood tops can work well with just about any design style – from contemporary to traditional and country to eclectic.

• Easily repaired. Compared to other materials, wood tops are relatively easy to repair. Although they can become easily scratched or damaged over time, repairs are generally accomplished with a little sanding and refinishing.

The Cons:

• Durability. Wood is highly susceptible to scratching or denting. Water can also damage your wood tops, causing them to warp, crack, or even blacken with prolonged exposure.

• Maintenance. Wood tops need to be consistently maintained with mineral oil to prevent water damage. They also need to be sealed regularly to prevent them from absorbing harmful bacteria or staining.

• May require refinishing. Depending on how much and how often you use your tops, they will begin to show wear and tear. You may have to either refinish or completely sand and restain your tops.

 Marble

Marble lends a touch of luxury to any room. The properties of this stone tend to make it more ideally suited for use in bathrooms or as a fireplace surround. We rarely recommend using marble for a kitchen countertop.

The Pros:

• It’s Beauty. Marble has a timeless, elegant look that works well with many different design styles.

• Heat resistant. Marble is not a heat conductor and stays naturally cool. Great for the baker in the family! It is also heat resistant (but you should still never put a pot straight from the stove directly on the surface)

The Cons:

• Staining. Marble is a porous stone, making it very vulnerable to staining.

• Prone to scratching and chipping. Because marble is a softer stone, it is more likely to chip and scratch. Acids like lemon juice also remove the polish and sealant making it more prone to scratching.

• Maintenance. Like granite, your marble countertops should be sealed regularly to maintain their appearance

Quartzite

Quartzite is a completely natural stone that originates as sandstone. Through a process of high heating and pressurization the sandstone is transformed into quartzite. It is often considered an ideal countertop surface thanks to its strength and durability.

The Pros:

• Looks like marble. Quartzite is perfect for those who love the look of marble but want a more durable surface with less maintenance. It is actually a harder stone than granite.

• Clean up is easy. You don’t need any special cleaners. Simple soap and water will do the job!

• Durability. Quartzite is resistant to etching and resistant to stains, as long as properly sealed.  

The Cons:

• Limited color choices. Because it is a naturally formed stone, color options are limited. Most come in shades of gray or white so if you are looking for more color in your countertops you may not be able to find what you want in quartzite.

• Cost. Quartzite is one of the more expensive stones. Because of its hardness, cutting the stone is more difficult and requires special cutters. It’s time consuming and requires a lot of skill, which drives the cost up.

• Maintenance. Quartzite does need to be sealed on an annual basis to prevent staining.

There are pros and cons to every type of countertop material. Choosing the best countertop material for your remodel can make all the difference in your enjoyment of the space. Remember to consider not only how it will look, but also how you will use your countertop to determine the best choice. Your remodeling professional can also help guide you to the best countertop material for your family.

 

Celebrate “Kids Take Over the Kitchen Day” on September 13! Getting kids in the kitchen doesn’t just teach them important life skills. It also requires them to use math, reading, and most importantly it’s a great family bonding activity. In honor of Kids Take Over the Kitchen day, we’re sharing 5 important elements of a kid-friendly kitchen:

Easy-to-Clean Countertops

For those with quartz countertops, you’re in luck! Quartz is a great, kid-friendly option thanks to its non-porous nature. You don’t have to worry quite so much about those inevitable spills that happen when kids start cooking. If you don’t have quartz counters, just be sure to wipe up any spills quickly, to avoid staining.

An Open Floor Plan

With an open floor plan, you can easily keep an eye on the kiddos without hovering. Relax on the sofa or enjoy a coffee at the dining room table while the kids whip up an amazing meal for you!

The Kitchen Island

An island makes the perfect work surface for kids of all heights. Smaller ones can sit on a chair or stool and help with measuring or prepping. If you want to get really kid-friendly, consider a 2-level countertop to give the kids their own kid-sized workspace.

Easy-to-Access Pantry and Drawers

Pull outs in the pantry make life easier for everyone. But if you really want the kids to be independent in the kitchen, lower level pull outs are great for designated kid items. Drawer pull outs also allow you to create a cabinet at kid-level for things like cups, bowls, or even kid-friendly cooking equipment.

Low-Maintenance Floors

Another great way to ensure you have a kid-friendly kitchen is with easy-to-clean floor surfaces like tile. Wipe, mop or vacuum up any messes without worrying about damage to your floors!

We hope this weekend you’ll take some time to celebrate “Kids Take Over the Kitchen Day.” It’s a great excuse to get in some quality time with the kids and have some fun in the kitchen!

For more kitchen design ideas, check out our kitchen portfolio or visit our Houzz profile.