We have done all sorts of kitchen remodels. We’ve knocked out walls, moved windows and doors, and put on additions to bring our clients’ dreams to life. But many times, all a kitchen needs is a little love.

Many kitchens have good “bones” – they are laid out well and have a good flow to them, but they lack character. Homes built in the past 20 years, especially, where builder cabinets, countertops and finishes were installed as a matter of course are everywhere. You’ve seen them, and maybe you have them – the stock white cabinets with pressed-board vinyl-coated doors on them. We know it’s no one’s dream to have kitchen cabinets where the vinyl is peeling off.

The good news is that this is a very reasonable job to tackle. With the cabinets already in a good location, and with the body of the cabinet being sound, many times we can simply re-face the cabinets with solid wood doors and paint or finish them to the client’s liking.

Likewise, countertops can be easily installed since the lower cabinetry remains in the same place and can be easily measured and fitted with a new material. Add in a couple of new finishes like a faucet and knobs and you’re done.

This is exactly the type of job our friend Laura Bright came to us with. Her home was 14 years old and the kitchen, with its stock white cabinets, laminate countertops and fluorescent lighting was looking more and more dated by the day. Laura told us, “The final straw came when I started my own marketing company and was working out of the house. I got tired of looking at cheap cabinets – clearly something had to be done, so I called Classic.”

Laura’s budget was not huge (she was starting a business after all!), so she was thrilled with our recommendation. After looking around her kitchen, we told her that her existing layout and cabinet boxes were workable, and that a simple face lift would have a huge impact on the space.

We presented Laura with several solutions that fit within her budget – cabinet door and countertop choices, options for finishes, even recommendations for paint colors. She was very involved in the process, and the result of our collaboration is a kitchen that reflects Laura’s taste, lifestyle, and home perfectly. The cabinets are now a beautiful sage green color, lightly stained to give them an antique appearance. The countertops are a dark granite, picking up the antiquing in the cabinets. And the simple silver knobs and stainless appliances lend a touch of modern.

In addition to being pleased with the outcome, Laura was pleasantly surprised by how smoothly the process went. “The workers were amazing. They meticulously taped off everything (and my kitchen is completely open to the two-story living room) so there was no dust in the house – the care they took with this went beyond anything I could have imagined. They were always on time and very respectful and polite. I felt so comfortable with them in the house that I handed over the keys and left on a cruise for five days. I didn’t worry about the house once.”

And the service didn’t stop when we cleaned up and presented Laura with her beautiful new kitchen. “A couple of weeks after the job finished Bob came over for a party I was throwing. He happened to notice a seam on the wall that wasn’t quite perfect. There were people there the next day to fix it.”

At Classic we work extremely hard to make sure our clients are thrilled with their new spaces. As a result, we receive wonderful client feedback, and Laura was no exception.

After living in my home for ten years, I finally decided to move forward with a long overdue kitchen face lift. While I was familiar with Classic Remodeling and their exceptional work, I felt that my project (and budget) would be too limited for their services. How wrong I was. It was a pleasure to hear their recommendations, meet members of their team, watch their work in progress, and experience the professionalism and integrity of this company. My new kitchen is absolutely gorgeous. It looks far more expensive than it was and has brought huge value to my home. I’m thrilled with the job done by Classic Remodeling & Construction.
Laura Bright
James Island, SC
www.brightpartnerinc.com

When you’ve worked hard to make someone happy, you can’t really ask for more than that.

We spend a lot of time with our clients. Sadly, we hear many – way too many – stories about “nightmare” home renovations. You’ve probably heard them too: the final price far exceeded what was quoted initially, “unforeseen” construction issues caused major delays, little attention was paid to the cleanliness of the site.

At Classic, whether the project is a full-scale renovation or a kitchen or bath remodel, we work closely with our clients to fully understand the scope of the project, the clients’ goals for the space and their expectations of project cost and timing. As professional remodelers (as opposed to new construction builders) we understand the challenges of working with existing structures. Our attention to our clients’ needs and our experience allows us to estimate our pricing and timelines very well, so well in fact, that we guarantee it.

Classic’s “No Surprise” Renovation.
Our pricing is “all-inclusive” with no surprises. Every project includes:

• all necessary working drawings
• building permits
• professional design assistance with selections
• all materials and labor to complete the project as designed
• daily clean-up while work is in progress
• final clean-up, ready for you to move in and use your new space

When you’re in the business of building dreams, you want your clients to sleep easy. Consider this guarantee a warm glass of milk.

While we are looking forward to a brand new year (I think most everyone will be glad to say goodbye to 2010), we can’t help but feel extremely grateful as we look back over the past year.

2010 brought its share of highlights and surprises, but what really stands out is the loyalty of our clients.

Our clients have been quick to recommend Classic, allowing referrals to remain an integral source of new business. We’ve also been happy to see a number of repeat clients, families who have invited us into their homes for several projects and now feel like old friends. And just as our commitment to them does not end with the completion of the job, our clients continue to contribute to Classic’s success.

It’s wonderful to do what you love for a living, and after 21 years we’re proud to know that our dedication to quality and service has resulted in a reputation for excellence that our customers have helped us build.

As we begin a new year we say a heartfelt thank you to all of our clients, and we look forward to another 21 successful years.

Join Classic Remodeling as we give Back

Join us in celebrating this Thanksgiving season by donating canned food the week of November 15th. Help us meet our goal of 300lbs! The generous contributions will be donated to the Low Country Food Bank.

What ever pounds are donated to our officeby November 19, Classic will match pound for pound.

Please drop off canned goods at our office, 1832 River Road between 8:00-4:00.

Most Needed Items: ** No glass containers please** peanut butter, canned tuna, canned beans, canned soups, stews, and pastas, 100% fruit juice, canned fruits and veggies, macaroni and cheese dinners, cereals

Our goal 300 pounds. Let’s make it 600! And feed our community.

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Your locally owned specialists in:

home renovations

remodeling projects both large and small

home repairs

remodels to outdoor spaces

When embarking on a kitchen remodel first prepare a realistic budget and then search for someone who will work with you to achieve your goals.

Remember, there are many shifting variables affecting kitchen remodeling estimates. But working within a client’s budget is essential.

This is where you stating realistic goals and realistic budget requirements becomes critical. Our longevity in business and 100% client satisfaction rating attests to the fact that our prices are merited.

Here are some general guidelines that are factually accurately.

Kitchen Facelift: $15,000 – $25,000
This will brighten up a kitchen without making any major changes in the physical space.
a. Cabinet re-facing (new doors + paint)
b. New countertops
c. New fixtures (sink, lighting, appliances)

Kitchen Remodel: $45,000 – $60,000
This is a step up in both price and quality. You will have more choices.
d. Minimal changes to the footprint
e. New stock cabinetry
f. New countertops
g. New mid-range fixtures (sink, lighting, appliances)
h. New floor finishes

High-End Kitchen Remodel: $75,000 – $125,000
This is generally a full scale renovation. With a bigger budget comes a broader array of choices and prices to match.
i. Changes to footprint (possible expansion into adjacent family room)
j. New custom cabinetry
k. New countertops
l. New high-end fixtures (sink, lighting, appliances)
m. New floor finishes

While costs statistics evaluate trends of a typical remodel, they exclude one thing –your thought processes, your objectives and your personal budget. All of which are unique to you and embraced by our team.

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Your locally owned Charleston, SC specialists in:

home renovations

remodeling projects both large and small

home repairs

remodels to outdoor spaces

We are feeling the end of summer blues and looking to beat it with Bluegrass fever. Look for our team at the BBQ & Bluegrass Festival at Boone Hall Plantation on Sunday September 5.

While we won’t be able to personally celebrate with each of you, we will treat those of you that mention this blog to us and sign a design contract by September 23 to mouth watering barbecue provided by Classic from Home Team Barbecue (specifics and value confirmed prior to contract signing).

Feeling the Blues – beat it with Blues Fever or better yet Home Team BBQ on Classic.

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Your locally owned specialists in:

home renovations

remodeling projects both large and small

home repairs

remodels to outdoor spaces

New EPA regulations are now in place for dealing with homes containing lead-based paint.
No More “Business as Usual”. A new, federal law went into effect in April that will mandate the way remodeling contractors do business.

The EPA developed what is known as RRP, or Renovate, Repair and Paint Act. It applies to all homes built before 1978 that risk disturbing lead-based paint during repairs, remodeling or painting activities.

Remodeling firms must now be certified and their employees must be trained in lead-safe work practices. Please be sure that anyone hired to work on your pre-1978 home be certified by the EPA and has fulfilled the mandatory training requirements.

Classic Remodeling and Construction, Inc. in Charleston, SC has been certified by the EPA and has Certified Remodelers on staff that have completed the training.

We are certified to test the paint in your home prior to starting any remodeling project, to determine if your home has lead-based paint and would fall under the RRP guidelines.

According to the EPA, about half of the homes built before 1978 have lead-based paint. The likelihood of finding lead-based paint increases with the age of the home.

The program includes three steps:
1. Pre-education for the home’s occupants
2. Training and certification for contractors
3. Lead-safe work practices:
a. Contain the work area
b. Minimize dust
c. Clean-up thoroughly

Lead can be dangerous to both adults and children. Rember to hire a certified lead professional. Not only is that the law but it will help protect you and your family!

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Your locally owned specialists in:
home renovations
remodeling projects both large and small
home repairs
remodels to outdoor spaces

At Classic Remodeling we have something that makes children smile and parents enjoy their newly fixed up spaces.

We have , me…

Bob the Builder!

It has been fun on the many occasions when parents have told their kids,” Bob the builder is here”.

I couldn’t resist sending you the new version of my soon-to-be updated photo. (Tongue in cheek of course. Or should I say, hard hat in place.)

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Bob Fleming, president and owner
Remodeling Innovator of the Year
LEED AP, CGR, CGP