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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!
Classic Remodeling & Construction was awarded a “Best of Houzz” award for Design, on Houzz®, the leading platform for home remodeling and design. The annual people’s choice award recognizes professionals among the Houzz community who stand out in both talent and customer service. Classic was chosen by the millions of homeowners that comprise the Houzz community from among more than 3 million active home building, remodeling and design industry professionals.
Best of Houzz awards are given annually, 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 and client reviews submitted in 2022. Architecture and interior design photographers whose images were most popular are recognized with the Photography award.
“Best of Houzz 2023” badges appear on winners’ profiles as a sign of their commitment to excellence. These badges help the more than 65 million homeowners and home design enthusiasts on Houzz to identify popular and top-rated home professionals for their projects.
We’re excited to receive this recognition again this year. This is our 8th Best of Design award and our 15th total Best of Houzz win, across both the design and customer service categories. This award is a symbol of the work that our entire team puts in each day, in an effort to produce the best designs and remodeling experience for our clients.
“We are thrilled to highlight incredibly talented and customer-driven pros from the Houzz community through the Best of Houzz awards,” said Liza Hausman, vice president of Industry Marketing for Houzz. “At Houzz, we strive to support professionals from building their brands and attracting clients, to managing their business efficiently and profitably, and collaborating with clients. The Best of Houzz awards provide a distinctive mark of credibility for homeowners looking for pros on Houzz. We congratulate all the winners for everything they’ve accomplished in 2022 and look forward to seeing their work and positive reviews in the year ahead.”
You can see our work as well as client reviews by visiting our Houzz Profile.
What is Houzz
Houzz is the leading platform for home remodeling and design, providing an all-in-one software solution for industry professionals and tools for homeowners to update their homes from start to finish. Using Houzz, people can find ideas and inspiration, hire professionals, and shop for products. Houzz Pro (houzz.com/pro) provides home industry professionals with a business management and marketing SaaS solution that helps them to win projects, collaborate with clients and teams, and run their business efficiently and profitably. The Houzz community is made up of millions of homeowners, home design enthusiasts and home improvement professionals around the world. Houzz is available on the web and as a top-rated mobile app. For more information, visit houzz.com. Houzz is a registered trademark of Houzz Inc. worldwide.
Before your renovation can begin, the space has to be cleared. Starting with a blank slate allows your contractor to get into your home and immediately start on the demolition phase of the project without delay. It’s certainly not the most exciting phase of a project, but it’s definitely an important one. And when done well, it can make your renovation less stressful and your move-in at the project’s end much easier. Here are few tips for decluttering and cleaning out your space before a renovation:
Plan. Just like any project, make sure you begin your “move out” process by having the right tools to do the job.
Identify your everyday items. Identify the items you’ll need to use on a daily basis. Store them in an easily accessible area. For a kitchen renovation think about utensils, plates, cups and small appliances (like the coffeemaker!). In bedrooms and bathrooms, think about the clothes and toiletry items you will need.
Declutter. This is a perfect time to get rid of anything that won’t fit in your new space. Consider selling or donating any furniture that you won’t be reusing. Sort through paperwork. Throw away what you don’t need.
Pack up the items you want to keep. Remembering to keep your everyday use items aside, pack up everything else that will be going back into the room at the end of the renovation. Be sure to label your boxes so you know what’s in them (that will make unpacking much easier).
Figure out where you’ll be storing your items. Do you have another room in the house where you can keep your things? Will you be storing them in the garage? Do you need to rent a storage unit?
Protect Your Valuables. Find a safe place to store your valuables. Your contractor should be trustworthy, but during the renovation there can be any number of workers come in and out of the house. Don’t take a chance with your valuables. Lock them up in a safe or safe deposit box.
Taking the time to get organized and declutter before your renovation project begins will ensure you have easy access to the things you need during the renovation, and will make moving back into your new space easier and quicker!
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