Total Home

Contact Us Today! (612) 800-0616

TotalHome

A Guideline To A Realistic Kitchen Renovation Timeline

by Leave a Comment

Kitchen remodeling MinneapolisWhen planning a kitchen renovation timeline, it is essential that the homeowners know when the best time to begin will be and that it needs to be completed before a specific key date (for example, an upcoming wedding, a graduation, a holiday, the arrival of a new baby, visiting out-of-town guests). It is not surprise then that I constantly receive the question of how long it takes to renovate a Bloomington kitchen.

While the full renovation of a kitchen will depend greatly on the type and size of the kitchen remodel; I can safely state that the average kitchen renovation takes between four and six weeks without the planning and design period. The positive news is that approximately 99 percent of our customers do not need to move from their houses during their Minneapolis kitchen renovation as we offer methods for them to remain in their homes safely during the project.

The Planning And Design Stage Of A Kitchen Remodeling Minneapolis MN Timeline

When considering the kitchen renovation timeline, I will always recommend to clients that they take as much time as required during the planning and design stage. The consumer (that’s you!) must be completely comfortable with the renovations taking place in your new kitchen; therefore, you should not feel rushed by any Remodeling Contractors Minneapolis MN. Be sure to take the necessary time to consider what you need and require or desire.

It is also highly significant that the design and building team in Minneapolis is equipped to provide you with design and product options in a manner whereby you can perform a cost-versus-cost value analysis. This will ensure that you are comfortable with all the kitchen renovation decisions, while maintaining a close eye on your financial budget. I always recommended to clients that it is affordable to make alterations on paper prior to the construction project, but the build-out progress is another option altogether.

Products And Materials With Long-Lead Times

It is advised that you are certain about the products that require long-lead times for ordering, such as specific tile and stone products, customized cabinetry, and customized fabric furniture. The custom-made items can take approximately three or four months to build and ship from the time you approve the order. Semi-customized cabinets take approximately four to eight weeks, and ready-made cabinets are available onsite without a few days after placing the order.

If you desire granite countertops for the cabinets, then it is in your best interest to select and tag the slab you want at the location where the slabs are displayed; therefore, you will obtain the correct slab with your ideal variation in color veins. You should plan on performing this task before any demolition begins. Finally, if there is a special tile you desire or are having created, be sure that the design procedure starts early allowing for the long-lead times that is associated with many tile products.

Seven Home Improvement Projects That Will Add Value To Your Property

by Leave a Comment

home remodeling minnesotaThere are numerous projects that will not only increase the value of your home but will also add enjoyment to you and your family’s life. By implementing one of more of these projects, you can take advantage and enjoyment out of these updates to your St. Paul MN home.

1. Remodel Your Kitchen

Many people think about a kitchen as the “heart of the home”, and due to this important factor, updates to your kitchen will really pay off.

Painting Goes A Long Way

A fresh coat of paint in the latest colors, will instantly update your kitchen. In addition, paint is regarded as one of the more affordable options.

Appliances That Are Energy Efficient

Replace any of your old or outdated appliances with modern, energy-efficient models. The energy-star rated appliances help to reduce your energy bills and are better for our environment.

2. A Bathroom Addition

If you only have one bathroom in your home, you can easily recoup a significant portion of your overall investment, when you add another one. When finding the right place for an additional bathroom, think about underutilized spaces or one of the extra rooms in your MN home.

3. Reinvent A Room

Adding square footage to the home, with another room is usually an expensive project to undertake. Yet you might be able to recoup a portion of the investment if you decide to sell your home one day.

4. Add Energy-Efficient Windows

The buyers of today, prefer homes that are energy efficient. Single-pane, old and drafty windows are a huge turn off. When you add Energy Star-rated windows, you can easily save as much as $500 every year on your cooling and heating costs.

5. The Addition Of A Deck

The addition of a deck will increase the overall value of your St. Paul home. Today outdoor living-spaces are more desirable than ever, since many people now stay at home for their vacations. If you make your backyard and deck more appealing, your home will appeal to a lot of more prospective buyers when you have made the decision to sell.

6. Energy-Efficient Insulation

If your home is lacking when it comes to basic insulation, or your doors are old and allow plenty of cold or hot air in, the home inspector that works with the potential buyers will typically include this drawback on their report. The homes that do not feature energy efficient windows, doors and appliances cost a lot more to maintain and live in.

Seal any cracks around your home, which will translate into saving a lot more cash on your energy bills and will also make the house more appealing to any prospective buyers.

7. Basic Updates

Any basic update adds a lot of value to the home. This includes fixing your roof when it has sprung a leak, keeping your paintwork fresh, keeping the home free from mold and replacing any rotten wood. These chores will prevent your home aging too soon. Buyers are interested in a safe, solid and healthy home, and always look out for signs of general routine maintenance.

The Ultimate Guide Of Do’s And Don’ts In A Kitchen Renovation

by Leave a Comment

mn remodeling contractorsDO: Consider How The Space Will Be Used

When the majority of people consider a kitchen remodel in Brooklyn Park, they have a similar completed product in mind including professional stainless steel appliances, a large island, and a granite countertop. While there is nothing wrong with this overall vision, it is vital that you keep in mind this final vision is not your final option. Instead of merely meeting the status quo, it is essential that you consider how your family utilizes the kitchen in their daily living. Perhaps your children complete their homework in the kitchen and you would like a desk to be incorporated into the design. Perhaps you entertain regularly and require a longer dining table to accommodate the various guests. Whatever the personal needs are, be certain they are part of a full design plan.

DON’T: Neglect The Project Budget

This fact is true for all types of renovation projects, but it is particularly significant when remodeling your Brooklyn Park kitchen. The average kitchen renovation will cost thousands; therefore, you need to ensure that you are spending the money wisely. As you design an ideal space, it is recommended that you compose two lists – a “wish” list and a “must have” list. Price all of the desired projects and compare the items to your budget. The lists will help you obtain a more precise idea of where to invest the bulk of your set budget and where you will be able to save some cash.

There are various things you can do to make the renovation a more affordable project. For example, try re-facing the cabinets instead of having the cabinets completely replaced or purchasing an appliance package from a wholesale supplier. If you are working with a restricted budget, then you should replace the drawer fixtures and drawer pulls. This is often enough to provide the room with a fresh look, but without having to spend too much money on the project.

DO: Pay Specific Attention To The Project Layout

The project layout is an essential element of the kitchen renovation, but it is often the most neglected. It will not matter how attractive your new refrigerator is if you are not able to open it completely as the countertop is getting in the way. To ensure all the new appliances and fixtures operate correctly, it is vital that the MN remodeling contractor hired assists you in drafting a working layout beforehand.

DON’T: Ignore The Storage

Kitchens are often considered one of the overstuffed areas in the house. Between the food storage compartments and cooking equipment, homeowners tend to find they do not have enough space to store all the items they require. If you plan on spending money on a renovation, it is important that you include storage options that are both stylish and functional.

When undergoing this task, it is vital that you first take stock of the current inventory. Be honest with yourself regarding which items you wish to have on hand and which items will only be used on specific occasions. Once this has been determined, brainstorm alternatives on how to store these items efficiently. For instance, you may wish to include a cabinet for pans and pots beside the stove or mark a pantry that allows easy access to snacks for children.

DO: Ensure There Is Enough Lighting

There are various visual components involved in cooking a meal ranging from chopping and measuring ingredients to reading out the temperature of the stove. The last thing you will want is to attempt these tasks while squinting for more light! It is for this reason that the kitchen lighting option is an area where more is best.

Attempt to envision yourself operating in an area while considering where lighting can be added. Of course, you will want to include lighting near the stove, the sink and over the kitchen island. You should also take into account different personal preferences, such as the where the bulk of your ingredient preparation will be done or if you have room for an “eat-in” dining area. If it is possible, consider additional extras including under-cabinet lighting to help the room appear brighter.

DON’T: Keep Things Too Safe

Return on investment or the amount of equity received from an improvement when selling a property is a common topic when completing a kitchen renovation Minneapolis. It is not difficult to determine why people consider this item when updating a kitchen; however, this intense focus can result in homeowners settling for “cookie cutter” kitchen designs. We argue that you should find a happy medium and opt for a functional kitchen including some personality to make the room more unique.

For individuals who believe they may be remaining in the house for a while, the sky is the limit. Opting for a statement island or a patterned floor helps make a mark on the kitchen with your personality. Individuals who intend to hit the real estate market within a few years can continue to add accessories and consider rugs, statement furniture or bolder lighting fixtures.

Renovation of a kitchen can fell like a daunting task as it is one of the most commonly used rooms in a home. It is also sought-after for the resale potential, so each detail must be near perfect. By engaging in planning and using our tips, you can ensure that your new Minneapolis kitchen is suited to your preferences and needs.

13 Important Factors To Consider Before Remodeling Your Bathroom

by Leave a Comment

bathroom remodel in minneapolisStarting a Burnsville bathroom remodeling project is a little bit like embarking on a fun adventure. Even though the journey may be difficult, the end results are definitely worth it. Before you get started, however, you do need to spend a little bit of time focusing on the planning process. By carefully considering the following 13 items in advance, you can help ensure the success of your MN bathroom remodel project.

1. Decide On A Budget

The only way to know what you can afford to do in your bathroom is by deciding on a budget in advance. Begin by coming up with the total amount that you want to spend on your bathroom. Then, deduct any labor costs from that amount. The resulting figure is the amount that you can afford to spend on materials, fixtures, lighting, and accessories.

2. Allocate Enough Time

Remodeling projects almost always last longer than you would expect. Don’t fall into the trap of thinking that a small bathroom is faster to remodel than a large bathroom. Oftentimes, the size of the bathroom doesn’t matter when it comes to the amount of time required to complete the project. It takes the same amount of time for a MN remodeling contractor to complete projects like replacing a toilet or putting in a new bathtub in a small room as it does in a large room, meaning that the total project time is pretty much the same regardless of how large or small the room is.

3. Set A Tentative Schedule

The various steps of the remodeling project should take place in a specific order. Try setting a schedule for your project. Evaluate each portion of the project that needs to be completed and decide which order makes the most sense. Typically, the best option is to start at the top of the room and work your way down so that you don’t damage any areas that you have already finished.

4. Look For Hidden Issues

As a general rule of thumb, it is best to gut your bathroom completely and start from scratch rather than just doing a surface remodel. Oftentimes, the floors and walls of bathrooms have hidden water damage. Carefully inspect your room for signs of damage, looking for poorly vented plumbing, pipes or fixtures that are rusted, inadequately waterproofed sinks or bathtubs, or other areas where there may be issues.

5. Choose A Style

In the early stages of the planning process, it is the perfect time to think about the overall style that you are going for. Typically, the best way to complete this phase is by looking at photographs of other bathrooms. Bookmark your favorites to get an idea of the various colors and components that you like best. Use these photos as a guide when designing your space. Don’t forget to think about how the bathroom will function as well as how it will look.

6. Take Accurate Measurements

There are a number of factors that can limit the scale, scope, and layout of the finished bathroom remodeling Burnsville project. One of those factors is the size of the bathroom. The layout of the existing plumbing and electrical system also dictates where fixtures can be placed. Unless you are planning on moving the plumbing, you need to plan your remodeling project around the current layout. Taking careful measurements is essential. That way, you can be sure that all of the items that you purchase will fit in your space.

7. Work With A Contractor

Even if you are an experienced  DIYer, you may want to consider working with a Minneapolis contractor. Bathroom remodeling projects are quite complex. An experienced contractor is much more qualified to work with plumbing and electrical wiring, ensuring that the finished project will be completed without any major mishaps and that it will be done up to Minnesota code.

8. Choosing Your Fixtures

Make a list of all of the fixtures and accessories in the room that you plan on repairing or replacing. In most cases, that list will include the shower and bathtub, sink, and toilet. You should also replace your showerhead along with any faucets. Consider purchasing new doors for your shower and installing a new mirror or medicine cabinet.

9. Create Storage Space

Finding enough storage space in a bathroom is often difficult, simply because bathrooms tend to be quite small. Spend some time thinking about innovative storage solutions that you can use to keep all of your essentials neatly tucked away. Whatever shelves, cabinets, or baskets you choose should not only fit in the space but should also add to the overall look and feel of the bathroom.

10. Choose Your Flooring Materials And Wall Coverings

The primary requirement for flooring materials and wall coverings in a bathroom is that they need to be waterproof. Tile is always a good option, regardless of whether you opt for glass, porcelain, ceramic, or natural stone. Concrete is also a great choice – particularly if it is beautifully stained or painted. For a less expensive solution, consider installing vinyl flooring.

11. Make Sure The Room Has Adequate Lighting

Try to bring as much natural light into the space as possible. In addition to windows and skylights, you should also install lighting fixtures throughout the space. Each square foot of your bathroom should have a minimum of 4 watts of incandescent lighting.

12. Choose Your Accessories

The right accessories can make a real difference in the finished look of your bathroom. Be sure to account for the cost of items like new towels and washcloths, towel bars, bath mats, soap dishes, and mirrors when planning your budget.

13. Make Sure The Space Is Adequately Ventilated

Bathrooms are extremely humid, moist environments. To keep mold from growing, the space needs to be properly ventilated. Typically, this means selecting a ventilation fan that is properly sized for the space.

Bathroom Remodeling Tips And Ideas You Can Use

by Leave a Comment

remodelin contractors minneapolis mnWhile no remodeling job is simple, some are a bit more important than others. A kitchen remodeling job may be one of the largest, a basement remodeling job offers a new family room, but a bathroom remodeling Coon Rapids job can ruin the value of your home if done poorly. That’s why you shouldn’t hire a contractor until you spend some time considering what you want.

Of course, not everyone is an interior designer. It’s not always easy to decide what does and doesn’t look good together. Not just that, but something that seems good on paper could end up being terrible in practice.

To that end, here are a few random ideas that you might enjoy. Remember that you should still spend time talking with a Coon Rapids MN remodeling contractor in order to hammer out the details. They are the ones with experience, after all. They can often help tie things together when it’s hard to see what else might be done.

Rustic Chic Bathroom Interior

Have you ever looked at the “great American farmhouse” and wanted to see that in your own life? Rustic chic goes for that exact look. If you grew up watching television shows like The Little House on the Prairie and other “frontier” shows, then you can almost certainly picture it.

Having a dual-faucet sink is one way to bring that in. You can also have a stand-up shower designed to look like an old wood-barrel, though most people enjoy a giant metal bathtub to lounge back and soak.

Retro Interior Bathroom Design

The looks of the 50s, 60s, and 70s are coming back in style, and the bathroom is a great place to bring it into your home. You can easily install sleek fins and smooth steel sinks and showers out of the 50s “utopian future” look, or instead go for the “classic nuclear family” look.

The 60s were known for flowers and sunshine, and it’s easy to bring a little bit of that into your bathroom with new wallpaper or even a fresh coat of paint. Or go for one of the luxurious walk-in showers you see in secret agent films!

The possibilities for a bathroom remodeling Coon Rapids job are numerous. No matter what size bathroom you have there’s a look you’ll love. If you’re ready to bring the best to your home, get in touch with a local contractor today. You’ll be amazed at how many options you have!