by admin | Mar 9, 2021 | Kitchen Remodeling
Renovating your kitchen into the perfect space requires planning. Deciding on the ideal placement of counters, sinks, stoves, and cabinets to acquire optimum space usage, as well as choosing the right materials and appliances can be difficult. High Quality Contracting, Inc., are experts in kitchen renovations. We have put together five common mistakes homeowners make when renovating their kitchens to help you avoid them.
1) Not Enough Storage
Often homeowners do not use all of the space that they have available in a kitchen and lose out on opportunities for storage. When designing the kitchen space with the contractor, be sure that every area available is used for something. Sometimes a contractor can open up a wall or build in a shelving unit or closet. Moving counters around or even sicks and stoves can sometimes free up space and eliminate waste.
2) Fixtures and Materials that Date
Following a trend can be dangerous because trends come and go. The average life span of a remodeling trend is two years. Stay away from crazy patterns instead choose fixtures and materials that are classic or clean. These stand the test of time. You can of course upgrade these fixtures and materials to contain the latest technologies, however, avoiding off-the-wall colors and patterns is always best.
3) Poor Lighting & Power Sources
Lighting is an item that many homeowners ignore, yet, can make a massive difference in value and profitability. When remodeling your kitchen, check to make sure you have enough GFCI outlets for things like Instapots, coffee pots, toasters, blenders, and even cell phones. Next, review your lighting options. Would brighter lighting make your kitchen more pleasant? Are there options to dim lights or brighten them? Are the lighting fixtures up to date with the latest technology making your life easier? Now is the time to visit these options. Even the addition of a single outlet can make a big difference in the kitchen. Also, consider USB outlets installed to charge things like phones and iPad.
4) Not Enough Counter Space
Since you will spend a considerable amount of time in your new kitchen, considering the amount of counter space needed is a must. Your design expert at High Quality Contracting Inc, can configure your space to utilize every inch of space available. You will want to make sure you have ample room for cutting, chopping, small appliances, and prep work.
5) DIY Dave
DIY Dave is the guy who watches a few episodes of HGTV and has decided that remodeling a kitchen is a breeze. One of the biggest challenges as a professional contractor is going into a project that has already started on the wrong foot. Renovating your kitchen can be very difficult and costly if you make mistakes. There are no savings to a project there. Often we run into situations where DIY Dave has damaged materials, damaged important beams, or cut into walls and is now way over his head. The solution is always to find a professional to fix it, which makes the overall project cost more than it would have had the homeowner hired a professional, to begin with. Do not be DIY Dave.
Update your kitchen the right way with a professional remodeling expert walking you through it step by step. Don’t take our word for it. Instead, check out some of our many customer reviews and decide if High Quality Contracting, Inc. is right for you. Renovating your kitchen should not be a nightmare, give us a call today.
by admin | Sep 19, 2019 | Additions, basement remodeling, Bathroom, Energy Efficiency, Home Theaters, Kitchen Remodeling, Remodeling, Windows and Doors
The holiday season is fast approaching. Halloween is right around the corner and then boom– Time to Celebrate! Family, friends, and festive meals are everywhere. Is your home ready?
Before you string up the lights and start baking that cranberry orange bread, maybe it is time to remodel. This seasons remodeling can take your home to new levels in entertainment, functionality, and peace of mind.
Consider our holiday remodeling tips to prepare your home for the busy season ahead!
Home Renovations to Consider
Before inviting everyone over for the holidays, you first need to decide where to start with your remodeling. We have put together the key areas of every home.
The Kitchen
The center of every holiday is food, and so we begin with kitchen remodeling. There are areas that you should consider when remodeling your kitchen, such as:
- Flooring -For effortless cleanup and durability consider hardwood flooring or tiles.
- Install new counters – Granite, tile, quartz, and butcher block countertops update the focal point in your kitchen.
- Upgrade appliances- New Smart Appliances can help assist you in your holiday meal planning.
- Install new cabinets- Replace cabinets with organizational cabinets that allow for a space for everything.
- Install new lighting- Nothing worse than working in a dimly lit kitchen. Adding new upgraded energy-efficient lighting can help.
Bathroom Remodels
The next space that is often used is the bathroom. Impress your guests with an updated area.
- Update old sinks and tubs
- Consider a stand-in shower with high-quality tiles.
- Replace outdated flooring and add new tile flooring.
- Install new cabinets or more cabinets if you do not have enough storage space.
Entertainment Upgrades
After a good meal, the guests can enjoy the quality time together in a great new entertainment area.
- Add a built-in movie theater room.
- Create a gaming room with a billiards table.
- Build in a custom bar with seating for everyone.
- Install surround sound for music and sporting events like Thanksgiving football.
- Perhaps if you have a hunting sportsman in the family, a trophy room would be nice.
- Don’t forget a play area for the kids. Include a gaming system, surround sound, and comfortable seating.
Entryway Upgrades
When guests first enter your home, the first thing they see is the entryway. Make that space, both useful and welcoming with some of these great ideas:
- Add a mudroom with space for coats, umbrellas, hats, and boots.
- Upgrade your front door to a stylish energy-efficient door.
- Upgrade entry windows with energy-efficient windows.
- Add new floorings such as tile or hardwood.
- Create built-in shelving or custom closet space
- Decorate with holiday decor.
The holidays do not have to be hectic. With a few great remodeling projects, your home can be both inviting and functional. For your holiday updates, contact High Quality Contracting today at 414-405-7542.
by admin | Dec 10, 2018 | Kitchen Remodeling, Remodeling
Hot Ideas for 2019 kitchen remodels. The new trends for kitchens in 2019 is nothing short of spectacular with an array of ideas to love and make your life easier. Designers have developed some creative ways to incorporate voice-activated technology with functionality and style. Homeowners are focused on reducing stress in the kitchen and promoting health. Here are High Quality Contracting Inc’s top picks for the 2019 Kitchen Trends:
Stress Relieving Color Pallets
Families are feeling the pressure from the news, social media, work, school and more. Reducing stress in any way possible is key to a healthy lifestyle. Many top designers are now looking to incorporate that idea of stress-reducing color pallets into the hub of the home. According to Shape Magazine’s article “Paint Colors that Relieve Stress and Help you Relax” by Rebecca Soskin, some of the top stress relieving colors are blues, aqua, light shades of grey and greens mixed with natural tones. These shades have been proven to help to change your feelings and calm your anxiety.
Clean Lines for an Uncluttered Look
Another way to keep the kitchen stress free is to offer a clean line to your design with ample kitchen storage and counter space. Because of this, designers are considering the importance of keeping it simple for the homeowner. Therefore reducing clutter, which can increase stress levels. Achieve a chaos-free workspace by using bottom cabinetry in islands, long clear countertops, and a variety of upper cabinets.
Relocate small appliances into space specific appliance cabinets. Reduce the amount of countertop decor by only keeping the essentials out such as a cutting board or fruit bowl. Put cooking books up on a shelf neatly away. Many homeowners have a one in one out rule for clutter reduction as well. Meaning, if you bring something into the kitchen ( new small appliance for example) you take something out ( perhaps that old fondue set from Aunt Helen.) Keeping the clutter down and the visual look of our kitchen clutter free can improve moods by reducing stress.
AJ Madison’s Column Refrigeration, Freezer, and Wine cooler
Column Refrigerators and Freezers
The luxury world of column refrigerators and freezers is making a big splash in 2019 for many reasons. Primarily, health-conscious homeowners are looking for ways to store more fresh foods in convenient and beautiful ways. A “Column” unit can be a refrigerator, freezer, or even a wine or beverage cooling unit. As a result, companies such as AJ Madison offer a variety of column units. High Quality Contracting contractors install these fabulous units. Consider a neatly, stylish cabinet system that offers the cooling and freezing abilities that you crave for all of those fresh smoothy mixes, lean meats, and fresh vegetables.
Voice-Activated Technology
Welcome to the world of Alexa, Google, and a variety of other voice-activated systems that can now connect with everything from a smart tv or iPad in the kitchen, to the lights, speaker system, smart oven, or smart refrigerator. However, modern kitchen technology is now ready to make your life much simpler assisting in everything from making of shopping lists, and dimming lights. There is little that smart technology cannot do.
Change In Counter Tops
Recent years the rage has been to install marble, granite and stainless steel countertops. Although this is not gone yet, new design trends are looking for ways to make life a little more comfortable. Contractors install countertops made of quartz and black stainless steel. As a result, countertops are easier to clean and maintain.
by admin | Nov 11, 2018 | Additions, Bathroom, Energy Efficiency, Kitchen Remodeling, Remodeling, Siding, Windows and Doors
We all want home renovations with high ROI. If you are trying to decide which home projects you should do first, or if you are considering listing your home soon, you may be interested to know which home renovations give you the best bang for your buck. You may be considering updating appliances, carpeting, and paint to be the place to spend the money, but, don’t be so quick. According to a recent article in US News and annual reports in Remodeling Magazine, you may be better off spending your money in other areas instead.
Here are six great projects to consider that offer the best return on your investment.
Kitchen Remodel
It is true that the hub of any home is the kitchen. A kitchen remodel can recoup anywhere from 65- 80% and add value to your home quickly. It is a crucial selling point for most buyers as well. When remodeling your kitchen, consider upgraded modern countertops, cabinets, flooring, and lighting. You do not necessarily need to make a complete overhaul of the kitchen, however, consider at least a few of these options to get that updated look. If the kitchen is closed off from the rest of the house, look at opening up a wall to allow for an open concept. This may mean the difference between a quick sale or one that sits on the market for months.
Bathroom Remodel
Another prime area for investment is the bathroom. Remodeling a current bathroom will recoup a higher return than adding a bathroom. However, according to Remodeling Magazine and the National Association of Realtors, if you only have one bathroom and multiple people are sharing it, an additional bathroom may mean the difference between a sale or not.
When considering upgrading your current bathroom, updated tiles, tubs, sinks and cabinetry is vital. Increase lighting and space where possible. If adding a bathroom, the placement of where this bathroom is can be significant. Many people enjoy having an en-suite to the master bedroom. Your High Quality Contracting, Inc. remodeling expert can help design the perfect bathroom for you.
More Square Footage
According to the National Association of Realtors, a home renovations with high ROI include increasing your square footage. A homeowner can expect to recoup upwards of 69% for refinishing a basement, attic, or other space in a home. By increasing the livable space in a home, you can assure that you will dramatically improve your home’s value.
Research the going rate per square foot for living space in your area to get an estimate for the value of the increase.
New Windows
Remodeling Magazine states that you should not invest in the top of the line for a window upgrade if you are planning to sell. Instead, invest in a midgrade product that is energy efficient. It increases the possibility for a faster sale, as well as brightens the room. You can expect to recoup upwards of 74% on vinyl replacement windows.
Added Insulation
2017 Cost Vs. Value Report in Remodeling Magazine reports that the number one ROI investment into your home was professionally installed attic insulation. Because of the substantial improvements in insulation products becoming more energy efficient and lasting longer, this upgrade makes sense if you are planning to stay or leave. Not only do you lower heating and cooling costs, but, you ROI is roughly around 108%.
Updated Home Siding
This one is just common sense, one home renovations with high ROI is home siding. Updating your home siding can improve many aspects of your home as well as enhance the chances of a sale. Realtors insist on creating curb appeal when selling your home, first impressions count. So what is the ROI for the siding change? That depends on the product you choose as well as making sure it is professionally installed. The foam-back provides at least three times the R-Value as the hollow-backed siding. This reduces the overall heating and cooling budget for the home. The price is higher than the hollow-backed siding, but, it pays off in resale value and energy costs. Choose from a wide array of colors and textures to meet the structure of your home. If you are a little unsure as to what products would best fit your home and budget, one of our siding experts can help you decide by explaining the options.
There are many other projects that you can do around your home that have a good ROI; however, these are our top 6 for this year. If you are considering selling your property, give us a call and set up a free consultation. High Quality Contracting Inc. can assist you in deciding which projects might best help you increase your resale value.
by admin | Sep 16, 2018 | Kitchen Remodeling
Get a Holiday Ready Kitchens with these great trends. A home kitchen make over can be a homeowner’s dream or a homeowner’s nightmare. Every decision you make with your designing and remodeling company matters in a big way. Having the right people do the job is key in any kitchen remodel. High Quality Contracting Inc. are masters in construction and design of kitchen remodels. We have compiled a list of kitchen trends for 2018/2019 to help you make some great new choices that will please you for years to come.
Counter Tops-
Gone are the days that only granite and marble are used for your kitchen counters. The latest in design trends offers counters made of raw wood, zinc, and concrete. The choices are stunning in a newly remodeled kitchen. Large butcher block pieces and smooth concrete that is either stained or left with the raw look.
Smart Kitchen–
Fancy gadgets and appliances are one of the great ways that technology has entered the kitchen in 2018. With smart products such as motionsense-equipped faucets, refrigerators that notify you when your groceries are low, and a tap that delivers bubbling water.
Storage Solution Cabinetry-
Installing new fresh custom cabinetry with great storage solutions is the perfect way to make your new kitchen not only beautiful but functional. Today’s cabinetry offers appliance garages for small kitchen appliances, drawer dividers for cutlery, charging stations hidden inside of drawers to charge your phone or ipad, roll out trays, caddies for pots and pans, as well as updates for garbage and recyclable drawers.
Pet-Friendly Kitchen Spaces–
Great improvements have been made in kitchen designs to remember our four-legged family members. Consider a feeding station that tucks away into the cabinets, or a bedding space that goes under a kitchen island or counter space.
Flooring-
Hard wood floors are still king. However, with great innovations in staining concrete floors, striking ceramic tiles, stone floors, or beautiful Terra-Cotta tile homeowners have many choices. Consider heated flooring for those cold mornings.
High Quality Contracting will help you get your holiday ready kitchen.
Contact Us today for your free no obligation quote with a master craftsman.
by admin | Jan 22, 2018 | Kitchen Remodeling, Remodeling
The hub of every home is the kitchen. This is where the “magic” really happens with great lasagnas, roasts, taco Tuesdays, and family conversations. Investing in the central area of the home can be beneficial to your bottom line when considering resale as well as long-term use.
Kitchen remodeling in 2018 offers a range of excellent options to invest in that will bring a smile to everyone’s face.
Remodeling Magazine, a national magazine for remodeling experts, featured their 2017 Cost to Value Report for most remodeling projects and once again kitchen remodels showing a high ROI if 82% depending on the changes made, making it a great investment for your tax dollars this season.
Considering the significant return on investment along with the comforts it will bring, why wouldn’t you want to upgrade and improve your current kitchen? We have compiled a few exciting trends for the 2018 year to share with you for your home kitchen project.
Storage Solution Cabinetry –
Cabinet manufacturers are changing the way they make cabinets look and function by including hydraulic, easy to close doors that close and fold up with a touch of a button. They also have engineered some pretty remarkable features into their cabinets including UBS sockets and charging stations, hidden dishwasher in a drawer, appliance garages, corner cabinets with a lazy Susan installed, tray storage cabinets, and warming drawers. The variety seems almost endless from the manufacturers and now is the time to try them out.
Two-Tone Cabinets-
For visual interest and contrast in your kitchen, you may want to contemplate two-toned kitchen cabinets. By using the two-tones cabinets, designers can create focal points on an island, create a cozy atmosphere with lower cabinets being darker, and contrast finishes as well as colors with stainless steel appliances.
Darker Floors-
Darker colored floors are in this year with lighter walls and cabinets. Products such as deep warm wood tones, slate flooring, dark tiles with accents and dark laminates are available. Dark floors tend to work better in larger homes and homes with larger rooms and open floor plans. Although very beautiful, before jumping on the dark wood, we would not suggest there use in dwellings active with large dogs as they do show scratches more than the lighter shades.
Smart Kitchens-
Technology has grown in every aspect of our world, and that includes the kitchen. New smart kitchens offer integrated technology that automates or makes life more manageable from faucets to appliances and lighting. The new products can be added to a new home as well as remodeling an older home.
- Motion Sense-equipped kitchen faucets
- Refrigerators that alert you when your grocery items are running low
- Programmable coffee makers
- Lights that can be controlled by your smartphone
- A refrigerator that touts an HD touchscreen that can be used to search the internet, play music or shop for groceries (Samsung’s Family Hub ($3,300 approx. as of 2017).
Pet-Friendly Kitchen Spaces-
Keeping our pets’ safe as well as happy is always a concern, and in the kitchen, it can be a challenge. 2018 boasts some amazing kitchen renovations that will ensure the whole family is satisfied. where your pet’s bowls and food can be stored with ease and slid safely away un
The Feeding Station- Forget the random bowls forever being kicked over and making the kitchen an eyesore, introduced is the built-in feeding station until the next meal time.
- Built-in Pet Beds – Pet beds can now be built into the underside of a kitchen island or side cabinet space to keep Fido’s bed tucked safely away.
- Hidden Gate- If you are trying to keep your best friend safely away from the stove a kitchen gate is a perfect solution. Installing the gate so that it tucks easily away by sliding it into its place makes this a gate we can get behind.
