A feature that many homeowners do not consider when redesigning a space is the grout color. In the home renovation world, grout color alters the finished look of the tiles by contrasting tile and grout to create interesting patterns and color palettes. It can be the difference between a tile standing out or blending into the background. Do-It-Yourself homeowners often overlook the grout color whereas professional designers utilize color to their benefit.
You can avoid mistakes and help your project stand out from others by learning a few things about grout. Let’s start by examining the three types of grout.
Three Types of Grout
Epoxy Grout
The most durable and stain-resistant type of grout is epoxy grout. It consists of a combination of epoxy resin and hardener. Great for countertops with kitchen tiles where stains are more frequent.
Sanded Grout
Sanded grout combines finely graded silica sand and cement for an incredible range of colors and reduced shrinkage. This type of grout is the best product for flooring as it can fill larger joints and form a sturdy joint that can withstand most home use.
Unsanded Grout
Excellent product for use in any joints less than ⅛”-wide, unsanded grout is made with a mixture of cement, powdered pigments, and water. This grout is exceptionally sticky and perfect for working on vertical surfaces. Surfaces that scratch easily such as glass are ideal projects for unsanded grout as it will not scratch.
Grout Color Options-
Now that you know a little about the different types of grout let’s discuss color options. Grout comes in an array of colors, everything from ice white to black onyx. Depending on what you are doing, the color will help the tiles blend in or stand out. Home designers often use coloring in the grout to make a statement.
Contractors create interesting, fun effects by using smaller tiles like hexagons subway tiles paired with a fun grout color. Notice in the pictures below. One style has tiles where the grout is colored dark, making the tiles stand out into a statement piece, whereas the other photo shows the tiles blending in with white tiles and white grout.
light tile with dark-colored grout
white tiles with white grout
There are many options to choose from when choosing the grout you want for your project. Here are a few final tips to remember when meeting with your designer:
White grout with white tile results in a uniform aesthetic that is thoroughly blended. The lines will virtually disappear when you look at them. This option appears very modern; however, it will take some upkeep and care due to staining issues.
Light tiles and dark grout are perfect if you want the tile to stand out. This contrast allows for the shape and design of the tile to pop.
Dark tile and light grout, this combination focuses on the tile making it stand out.
Dark tile and dark grout will give you a softer effect. The harshness of the tile, when blended with the darker grout, pulls away from the shapes of the tile.
Grout Size
Finally, we arrive at grout sizing. When designing your renovation, you want to determine whether you want thin grout lines, thicker grout lines, or something in the middle. Factors that help determine the size of the grout lines are function, type of tile, and the final aesthetic goal. Your High Quality Contracting, Inc. design specialist can help you determine the width that will work best for your space.
If you are interested in looking at some excellent tile products, we welcome you to contact us today for a free home estimate. Products and styles often change. Meeting with one of our professionals will assure you get the newest options.
Whether you are accenting it, covering an entire wall, or just adding that splash of color, choosing the right paint for your room is paramount in achieving the overall results you want. So when it comes to advising High Quality Contracting, Inc. remodeling clients on which paint to choose, we always follow these guidelines.
1) Be mindful of the purpose of the room.
Each room has a different meaning for its existence. For example, a bedroom is for resting, a kitchen for eating, a home office is for working. You want the colors and products you choose to reflect that room’s purpose. In rooms such as a bath or an addition that is a greenhouse, those rooms may retain more moisture than others, so a homeowner will want to choose a paint that is mold resistant. Whereas in a bedroom, this is not necessary but perhaps easily washable wall paint is. When looking at colors, a calming color for a bedroom is logical, but in a home office, getting too comfortable may lead to some pretty unproductive days.
2) Consider the furniture when choosing your color pallets.
Designers often recommend focusing your color scheme on a piece of furniture or a painting that you like. They further suggest taking photos or, even better, part of the object with you to the paint store. You can’t take a whole sofa, but you can take a pillow! When at the paint store, choose three colors that go well with your object. You will now have a wide range of hues from those three colors to choose your wall color. For example, you decide that blue, green, and off-white go with your sofa pillow, so now you get to choose between all of the different shades of those colors to find what fits your needs best.
3) Create visual effects with the paint finish.
Professional painters and home designers will confirm that the finish of paint plays a vital role in the outcome of the room. There are several types of finishes, including flat, semi-gloss, high-gloss, and satin. Each creates a different feel and has another purpose. The rule of thumb used to be to use a flat or satin on the walls and semi-gloss and gloss paints for the accents. However, today’s designers are using finishes to create visual effects using lighting in a room. For instance, if you paint the walls with flat paint and use semi-gloss on the ceiling, it creates a contrast in the light, making the ceilings appear higher.
4) The psychology of color is a fantastic thing.
Web developers, artists, and designers use it to create the feelings generated by the colors. For instance, focus on the color blue. There are so many different hues of blue and varients that have varying effects on people. Sky blue and pale blue colors welcome a calming feeling, while a bright blue stimulates the mind. According to VeryWellMind.com colors can ignite a range of emotions and feelings such as Red, Orange, and Yellow are attention-grabbing and suitable for use in a homework room or study area. In contrast, pale blues, greens, and neutrals work well for calming the mind in a bedroom.
When choosing your color pallets for your home remodeling project, always seek the help of experts and take your time to select the color that fits your needs.
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.
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.
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.
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.
