OVER-SPENDING

I’ll bet you didn’t expect that one from a kitchen pro, did you!?! One of the hats I wear as an independent designer is to provide a “reality check” perspective. This mistake was more in evidence during the past few years than in today’s housing climate, but I still come across part-time cooks who want $10,000 pro ranges. (Do you really need all those BTUs?) In general, a $300,000 house does not warrant a $100,000 kitchen, unless its lived in by a professional caterer or chef, or a really serious hobby cook.

While statistic show that kitchen remodels return more of their investment cost than almost any other home project, this does not hold true if you dramatically over-spend. Think in terms of a 10- to 25-percent investment level relative to what you could realistically sell your home for in today’s market, (if you’re ready to start your remodel), not yesterday’s (wistful) or tomorrow’s (hopeful).

If your home is at the starter/entry level of your market, stay closer to the 10% spending level. (Yes, that’s going to limit your material choices, but work with a local pro to get the best bang for your housing buck!) At the middle of your market, stay in the middle of that 10- to 25-percent scale. At the luxury end, you can freely venture into the 25% range if you wish. Finally, consult some real estate experts in your area to advise you on what you should be spending relative to your home’s value and community norms.

MICRO VISION

Almost every home being built today has an open layout that puts your kitchen on display to your great room, dining area and other nearby public spaces. This calls for a higher level of design integration — what I call “Open Plan Design” — than most older home’s closed-off kitchens. This means that the cabinetry finishes and styles, the countertops and even appliances need to work visually with your other nearby furnishings.

So… while you may adore a Tuscan or French country look, think hard about whether this style will work with your adjacent rooms and the architecture of your home. (If you’ve ever had friends who bought the kitchen of their dreams, only to have the rest of their space look dreadful afterward, they might have succumbed to micro vision.)

Here are some tips to avoid this mistake yourself. Consider the home’s door and window casings — or lack thereof — along with any fireplace surrounds, open archways and crown molding to “reality check” yourself on whether the look you desire will look out of place in your home. Also consider those cherished family heirloom furniture pieces and high-value, large-scale furniture pieces that you’re planning to keep after the remodel to ensure that what you’re putting in the kitchen will look great in the same open space. (You don’t need to get all matchy-matchy, but you will want to coordinate.) I’ve had clients bring a drawer or chair from their prized set to the cabinet selection room. You might try this, as well.

TREND BENDING

This relates to Mistake #2, but it goes far beyond… And can be much more costly. Don’t choose a look for your kitchen based on its current, most-likely fleeting popularity, (remember Memphis in the 80s?), but on how long you personally have loved similar styles and how successfully it works with all your other major, lasting, much-loved purchases.

You may have the budget for frequent remodels, but I doubt if you have the stomach for them.

Since 1984, Remodel Works has become one of the most respected kitchen and bathroom remodeling company in San Diego and Orange County with over 2500 projects completed. Beginning with our own custom designs, then to our own craftsmen building furniture quality cabinets to the final delivery and installation by the same craftsmen.  Your complete satisfaction is guaranteed!  There’s a reason we’ve received the Angie’s List Super Service Award for the 5th straight year.

Whether you need a complete kitchen, an entertainment center to house your expanding home theater system, built ins to fit an odd size space, a complete home office, kitchen remodel, or bathroom remodel, then Remodel Works is your destination!

The quality of our design, materials, finishes offered, workmanship, installation and service are second to none. We pay strict attention to every last detail from design to installation.  When Remodel Works manages your project, you don’t have to worry about subcontractors, we’ll handle every detail!

Please take some time to browse through our website to learn more about how we can help you with your next project. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to fill out our free quote form and a highly qualified representative will get back to you shortly!

YOU SAVE: because Remodel Works offers the highest quality prices and products

• Name brand products you know and trust.
• Expert design consultation.
• We listen and ASK YOU: we don’t tell you what you want.
• Factory trained certified installers.
• Convenient showroom with displays of many of the products you will be selecting from on display.
• In home design consultation is NO CHARGE.

Look through our online portfolio for examples of what we’ve done for other clients. Call us at 858.413.2305  to arrange a consultation with one of our expert kitchen designers or fill out our free quote form to receive an estimate!

Bathroom is not only the place in the house meant for private sanitation, it is a place where we can ease some of stress piling up every day. Taking a long, relaxing bath in the tub is a traditional method of stress release and energizing showers can have almost the same effect as a good cup of coffee. That is why you have to make sure your bathroom is pleasant to look at and spend your time in. There are many options to choose from, and if you are a fan of traditional design you can look for inspirations in old country homes.

However, if you are a fan of modern design things are a bit different. The word contemporary is evolving every day; and so is the contemporary bathroom design. Most modern bathroom designs focus on turning your bathroom into a luxurious spa with extravagant features like granite countertops, smart storage, stylish elements and larger than life bathtubs and showers. If you are planning a bathroom remodeling project, seasoned designers at Remodel Works have handpicked a few hot trends San Diego contemporary bathroom designs will benefit from.

Sleek and Simple

When it comes to modern design, simplicity is the main guideline. Make sure that the available space isn’t cluttered by installing concealed shelves and cabinets to store your personal items in. Do not litter it with unnecessary toiletries and things you don’t need. When choosing the tiles and the backsplash go for unusual geometric shapes which will add character to your bathroom but not harm the minimalistic approach.

Independent Bathtubs

Another staple of the contemporary design is a freestanding tub. Try to keep the balance and align it with the minimalistic feel by opting in for sharp and symmetrical placement of the tub. While there are many traditional and modern bathtubs to choose from, we recommend an unusual rectangular or a pedestal bathtub – a huge hit this season.

Plant Life

Another popular feature this season is having a touch of green in your bathroom. Having a plant will connect your bathroom with the outdoors and as plants go extremely well with modern design you won’t have to worry about the plants ruining your concept. Additionally, they will help further the spa experience in the bathroom.

The Perfect Lighting

Lighting is one of the most crucial aspects when designing a contemporary bathroom. Modern designs lean heavily towards geometric shapes and you should keep that in mind when selecting the lighting fixtures and windows. Even more important than the ornamentation is the placement and the quality of light. If you want a natural-like lighting in your bathroom consider skylights.

The Personal Touch

Minimalist design does not mean that you bathroom can’t share some of your personality. There is a lot of ways you could decorate your bathroom to reflect your taste and not ruin the minimalistic concept. For example, you could place geometric shaped mirrors on the wall or hang framed contemporary paintings. Add a huge mirror going from the floor to the roof and replace your colorful towels for grey and white ones. Do not be afraid to include concrete and wooden elements like cabinets and countertops, because these go extremely well with the spa concept in a contemporary bathroom. When it comes to color, you can’t get it wrong with neutral hues like gray or beige.

Planning a remodeling project for your worn out kitchen can be a stressful job. Not only do you have to make sure that your cabinets are storage-efficient, that all the elements are easily accessible, or that the colors and the style match; you will also have to choose the perfect flooring for your remodeled kitchen. Flooring is a crucial part of the project, as the materials you select have to reflect both the style of your kitchen and fit your needs, which is why we created this kitchen flooring buying guide covering a range of kitchen flooring options pros and cons. Things like how much you enjoy and spend your time cooking, the floor plan and durability of the material are just a few points you need to consider.

Vinyl Flooring

Vinyl is by far the most popular choice because it is a low-priced material that works great for those who enjoy cooking and for homes with messy children. This material can easily be cleaned and is waterproof. It is also highly comfortable to stand on because of the foam back. It is so soft that it can even help clumsy cooks who tend to drop things like glasses and dishes. A higher quality vinyl will eliminate seams, so that water can’t crawl under. Vinyl comes in a variety of textures and colors. Some vinyl types can easily replicate the look of a ceramic tile or stone. While vinyl is fairly easy to install on your own, we highly recommend hiring professional help for a large kitchen remodeling project. Vinyl can wear off over time, but a high-quality option should last for about 20 years.

Tile Flooring

The tile has forever been the most popular choice for San Diego homeowners, and for a good reason. Tiles are extremely durable, more than any other material on this list. It is easily cleaned and stain-resistant. With proper installation tile flooring is highly resistant to water. However, since most tiles are slippery we recommend getting a slip-proof tile material to avoid any accidents. The downside to this material is that it is cold to the feet, is hard to stand on and not as friendly to any glassware you drop like the vinyl. Since proper installation is required for the tile to ensure its longevity, those who prefer the DIY method may have to reconsider asking for professional help.

Cork Flooring

Cork is an eco-friendly option made from bark. The bark grows back and is harvested around every 10 years, making cork flooring extremely eco-friendly. It is a popular choice as it is extremely soft, providing comfortable surface to stand on while preparing your favorite meals. It is also textured and slip-resistant, which will eliminate any accidents in the kitchen. You will never have to worry about the kids running around the kitchen anymore. . While cork flooring in kitchens is not waterproof but is still resistant to water, which makes it a good choice for your San Diego kitchen remodeling project. A polyurethane coating or wax will protect the cork floor from spills that can be easily cleaned. However it will require annual maintenance in order to prevent moisture developing in the seams.

Hardwood or Laminate Flooring

One of the most popular and timeless choices is hardwood floors in the kitchen. It helps create a warm, rustic atmosphere in the kitchen but can easily work with a contemporary design as well. It is resistant to humidity more than solid wood and if your kitchen is damp, hardwood flooring is a perfect option. Hardwood is highly durable and can be used for decades to come, and also requires little maintenance. The best option for your kitchen remodeling project would be engineered wood. It has a layer made of real wood backed by several layers of plywood, which is significantly less expensive.

The Leading San Diego Kitchen Remodeling Company

If you have any questions or want an expert’s advice on which flooring material to choose contact Remodel Works, the leading San Diego kitchen and bathroom remodeling company. Our friendly designers will work with you towards creating your ideal kitchen from the ground up. Get in touch with our friendly agents for a free quote and an in-home consultation.

Whether you are looking to leave a lasting bathroom first impression on your guests or sell your home and increase its market value, remodeling your kitchen and your bathroom should be your primary objective. These two rooms are ones that guests or potential buyers notice first, and if you manage to leave the best kitchen and bathroom first impressions you are guaranteed to be the talk of the town or sell your house easier and at a better price. When people see an impressive bathroom, they immediately picture spending time there, enjoying a long, relaxing bath, a quick energizing shower or taking their time getting ready for work. Our expert designers at Remodel Works will turn any old bathroom into a personal spa you will love spending your time in.

Why Start With The Bathroom?

The bathroom is where your every day starts as soon as you’ve crawled out of bed. An energizing morning shower can change your entire day. We use the bathroom so often during the day, which is why it is important that we feel comfortable there. In order to get a bathroom you will enjoy spending your time in you will need much more than a budget. You need fresh ideas and designs that will help translate your dreams and make your bathroom stand out in the sea of dull and uninspired designs. Below are a few design ideas that will help you create a unique, breathtaking look for your remodeled bathroom.

Futuristic Bathroom

Technology has boomed in the last couple of decades, and some interesting technological advancements have found their way into a modern-day bathroom. In-floor heating systems will ensure that you never freeze after a warm shower or a bath. Touchless toilets will help prevent many diseases carried by the nasty bacteria you spray across the bathroom when you flush. Remote controlled lights, faucets and bidets no longer belong exclusively in science fiction shows. The only limit is your budget, but with a respectable remodeling agency like Remodel Works you will not only get the futuristic bathroom, but save money as well. Our esteemed partners will supply everything you need to get a modern bathroom at discount prices.

Inspired Lighting Choices

You can’t experiment too much with lighting in your kitchen. The kitchen lighting should be functional first and foremost, so you will have to think about illuminating all the countertops, cabinets and the island first, and worry about decoration later. With the bathroom, things are a little bit different. You can be a lot more daring when it comes to lighting design. For example, you can use ornate chandeliers and unusual pendants. You can illuminate the vanity with a mix of upper and lower lights and even go with table lamps. While you have to think about illumination particularly when it comes to the vanity, you can allow yourself to make bolder, purely decorative choices.

Add Fire Elements

One of the most popular bathroom remodeling trends this year, fire elements such as a fireplace will give your bathroom a bold look and are guaranteed to leave a lasting first impression. A small fireplace set up across your bathtub will not only look impressive to your guests, but will create a relaxing atmosphere as you are enjoying your homemade spa bath. It will make your bathroom look luxurious and romantic and will do wonders for the home’s resale value.

Themed Bathrooms

Incorporating a theme to your bathroom design will give it an adventurous look and will make every trip to the bathroom an amazing journey. Choose an Asian or an ancient Roman style bathroom and spice it up with ornaments, sculptures, mosaic tiles or lighting fixtures. You could turn your regular bathroom into a beach-house style one for a significantly smaller budget, just get a few seashells, marine ropes and paint or tiles in shades of blue. Your imagination is the only limit here, and professional designers at Remodel Works will help turn your vision into reality.

Kitchen design is so much more than buying appliances, countertops and cabinets. Professional designers at Remodel Works know that in order to leave the best impression you have to pay attention to the details. A stand-out backsplash or unorthodox tiles are sure to draw your guests’ gaze and leave a lasting impression. Our seasoned designers have come up with a list of designer trick and tips which will ensure your guests are fascinated by what they see. Here’s a few ways to ensure your kitchen remodeling project draws out the best Kitchen First Impressions:

Geometric Tiles

When it comes to tile backsplashes, most people turn to traditional square or rectangle patterns. They are always a safe bet and go with almost any kitchen style. But traditional tile patterns do not leave that strong of an impression. If your kitchen is dominated by neutral hues, why not consider playing with your tile patterns a bit. Tiles with geometric shapes and lines are sure to draw your guests’ attention and will complement almost any kitchen painted in a strong hue. Further, if your kitchen is traditional in design, geometric tiles will add a modern edge but not take away from its rustic warmth.

Lively Patterns

Most people immediately go for a neutral kitchen design, not considering that the space they’ve painted white or gray would have had much more of an impact if it was decorated with a lively pattern. Lively patterns sneaked into a small space like the backsplash are a real eye-candy and give your home a vintage edge. These mix well with traditional kitchens, but modern ones as well. A lively, rustic pattern will ground a modern kitchen and is a great mix of old and new.

Eye-catching Finishes

What a fine piece of jewelry is to a stunning dress, elegant knobs and pulls are to a remodeled kitchen. A specially sculpted hardware will go a long way in making your kitchen unique and eye-catching. Brass knobs and pulls are a timeless choice and by polishing them regularly you make sure that your kitchen always looks its best. If you have a lot of stainless steel appliances on display go for stainless steel hardware instead. But whichever material you choose, be sure that you go with a design that you love and that will compliment your kitchen.

Accent a Single Wall

This method is easy yet extremely efficient. Choose a wall and paint it in a standout color like orange for a great impression. Pairing an accented wall with white cabinetry will liven up your kitchen and leave an amazing first impression.

Use Lighting as an Asset

Good lighting will do wonders for any kitchen, and will change the look and function of your kitchen completely. Good lighting can make your kitchen appear larger, accent the finishes and can be used as both a decorative and a practical asset. Placing lights in cabinets with glass doors, above and under the cabinets and above countertops will not only leave a lasting impression, but will improve the kitchen’s functionality.

Hire Professional Designers

A professional designer will examine your kitchen and find out just how they can accent their strengths and ensure that your guests are left breathless when they first walk into your newly remodeled kitchen. With over 30 years of experience, the designers at Remodel Works will work with you toward designing the kitchen you’ve always dreamed of. Contact us for a free quote and a free consultation with no obligations.

Neutral colors, minimalistic cabinets, metallic accents, and bold finishes: some of the most common features all San Diego contemporary kitchen designs share will not go out of style anytime soon. And if you prefer a streamlined kitchen design to a traditional one, you are definitely not alone. Expert designers at Remodel Works recognize the huge demand for stylish, modern kitchens and have come up with a list of a few exciting new trends and ideas to incorporate into your future kitchen remodeling project.

Shades of Gray

Although our motto is “no gray areas” when it comes to project management and transparency of our kitchen remodeling projects, the color gray has gained extreme popularity with homeowners, replacing the traditional whites. Expert designers say that this color has almost entirely substituted white with most homeowners who opt in for a kitchen remodel, and the demand for gray cabinets in San Diego has skyrocketed in 2016. Gray cabinetry will give your kitchen a contemporary look and can be mixed with all sorts of materials like stainless steel, wood as well as most common color choices used in the kitchen.

Quartz Countertops

A quartz countertop will go great with the previously mentioned gray cabinets and is also seeing an increase in popularity with San Diego homeowners. Their sleek design and subtle color gradation make it a perfect asset for any bold, contemporary kitchen. Apart from that, quartz is highly durable and resistant to heat, stain and scratch which is ideal if you spend a lot of time in your kitchen or are a messy cook.

Smart Storage Use

No matter how big your kitchen is, storage is a problem every homeowner faces at some point. That is why a contemporary kitchen is being built with smart and functional storage solutions like multi-leveled drawers, open shelving, sliding cabinets, pull-out cutting boards with a built in thrash bin and so much more. Making sure no corner is unused will not only make your kitchen look great, but will also give you the additional space you’ve desperately needed.

Merge Your Kitchen with the Living Area

Does your kitchen sometimes feel left out from the rest of your home? Streamlined kitchen designs merged with your living area are a huge trend in 2016. Many homeowners this season chose to connect the kitchen to the living area, as this makes them feel more comfortable and warm while cooking and dining. Seasoned designers use integrated and concealed appliances in order to marry the kitchen and the living room design, and the results are fabulous.

Future Kitchen Today

Leading scientists are working on adapting the 3D printing technology for culinary purposes, developing devices that can literally print your favorite meal with no effort. With this technology in your kitchen the heart of your home will become something straight out of Star Trek. And while this food printers are being developed for the use of astronauts and are years away from being implemented in our everyday lives, other futuristic features straight out of Science Fiction are already here. With a push of a button you can now wirelessly control the entire kitchen, open and close cabinets, child-proof the drawers with sharp knives, automatically turn off the stove you accidentally left running and so much more. Your kitchen will learn and adapt as you use it. This may sound far-fetched, but this technology is already available.

A bathroom addition is one of the most asked-for home improvement projects we provide. Bathroom additions are a smart investment as they add value to your home and offer more space to growing families. According to our expert designers, bathroom additions are both practical and cost-effective, as you will see a significant return on investment down the road if you ever decide on selling your San Diego home. Below are some steps to consider before finalizing your bathroom addition plans. Whether you are planning a to add a master bedroom addition or a small bathroom our bathroom addition ideas can help you get started with your next project.

Find the Perfect Location

When planning a new bathroom remember that since your new bathroom needs plumbing and water, it is important to factor in the ease of access to utilities before you start planning a bathroom addition project. The least expensive option would be to set up the new bathroom close to an already existing water line, so that your existing plumbing system can be easily merged with your new bathroom.

Analyze the Available Space

Now that you’ve decided where you want to place your bathroom, take a good look and see what you can fit in the available space. Be realistic about the possibilities when laying out your bathroom floor plans, as the seasoned architects at Remodel Works point out that for a shower or a bathtub you will need up to 35 square feet, while a powder room can take up as much as 20 square feet. If you plan to turn your new bathroom into a personal spa space by adding a hot tub or a walk-in shower that might take up significantly more space than you’ve originally planned. There a few ways to proceed with the room addition depending on how much additional space you need, which is why it is best to book a free appointment with experienced professionals so that they can help you decide which bathroom layout works best for you.

Countertop Materials and Designs

There is a wide selection of countertops you could enrich your new bathroom with. You can choose from various designs and materials like laminate, porcelain or ceramic tiles, and granite. Some of the most popular bathroom design choices this season include natural elements such as wood or stone.

Choose the Perfect Color Scheme

If you plan on spending what seems like hours in your new bathroom enjoying relaxing baths, you need to consider a soothing color scheme and avoid strong, bright colors. Our designers suggest choosing a calming shade of blue for a personal spa experience. Blue also complements trendy wooden and other natural surfaces and makes your bathroom appear wider. Another popular choice this season is a combination of black, white and grey for a more modern edge.

Bathroom Ahead of its Time

The 21^st century has brought some of the most surreal bathroom features that not only look breathtaking but have a great practical value. If you are planning a bathroom addition why not make the most of it and design a bathroom ahead of its time. You could consider elements such as touchless toilets, in-floor heating, hi-tech features and similar popular trends. Your options are only limited as your budget is, but with a premium contractor like Remodel Works, you can save on your bathroom remodel and still get the bathroom of your dreams.

The holidays will be here before we know it, is your kitchen ready? While you are busy making dinners, planning parties and being the best possible host, will your kitchen be up to par? The holidays are stressful enough, so why not think about getting that perfect-for-entertaining kitchen? Now is the time to consider holiday home improvement before the holidays are upon you.

You want to leave a good impression with your guests, and what better way to do that than impress them with your cutting-edge, fabulous bathroom or kitchen remodel. As holidays come close many home improvement companies like Remodel Works get tons of last-minute holiday remodeling requests, which may result in your project being delayed if you wait until the last moment as well. So before you dive into the festivities, think about prepping your kitchen early (like now!) for the upcoming holiday season and consider a remodel before the holidays arrive.
 
A Kitchen Equipped for the Holidays
The kitchen is the most important part of any home, its heart and soul. As you will be spending hours preparing your family’s favorite meals and baking Christmas cookies, remodeling your kitchen will not only have an aesthetic impact, but a practical one as well. Some of the hottest trends this year involve adding a new, practical dimension to your kitchen by implementing smart storage solutions, cutting edge technology and state of the art appliances. Think about replacing your old fridge with a bigger one or getting that new double-oven you’ve always dreamed of.

 
The Best Holiday Present You Can Open Before Christmas
Instead of getting meaningless jewelry or clothes which will be out of season and out of vogue before you know it, why not invest in a present the whole family will cherish? Improving your home through a remodeling project will mean so much more, and you will see your investment return almost immediately and especially down the road, if you ever decide to sell your home. You could even ask your closest family members to get you presents that will fit your newly remodeled home, like fine glassware or a stunning china set.
 
Plenty of Time to Get Accustomed
Maneuvering around a new kitchen can be a bit confusing at first, especially if you’ve made huge changes like adding an island. If you finish your project before the holiday season you will have plenty of time to practice and perfect your skills in the new, practical kitchen. You can add personal touches to the kitchen, like artwork and ornaments, so that it feels more personal for the holiday season.
 
A Remodel Can Save Your House
The winter is particularly dangerous for homeowners whose pipes are older than they are. Frozen pipes can cause various hazards which could cost a lot more than a remodeling project. That is why you should consider replacing the old pipes with new, sturdier ones that can hold their own when the freezing temperatures hit.
 
A New Home Can Keep You Warm
Adding new flooring and insulating the walls will go a long way in keeping you warm and save you a lot on your electrical bill. Who wants to enjoy a long, warm bath only to freeze the moment they step out of the tub. Keeping you warm will keep you healthy as well, and you don’t want to catch a nasty cold just before the holiday season, do you?