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.
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.
It is hard to think about spring construction and landscaping projects when you are knee deep in Wisconsin’s winter snow and ice, but believe it or not; winter is the perfect time to start these projects. Experts in the construction industry have started planning spring projects in the winter for centuries. We have compiled a list of the top reasons why you should start your project planning now:
1) Contractor Availability-
Contractors in construction and landscaping tend to book rather quickly for the year. High Quality Contracting Inc is no exception. Once spring hits everyone decides they want their project done and each week only has so many hours. So, why wait? Before your contractor books for the spring and you end up with a subprime guy doing a lousy job, schedule an appointment for a consultation. In the winter, contractors with excellent ratings like High Quality Contracting, have the time to meet with you and help develop some great new ideas for your project.
2) Pulling Permits-
Permits are required to begin most construction and landscaping processes. It can take on average 4-6 weeks to have a township issue a permit to begin a construction project, but they imperative and we can not start without them! Applying for licenses during winter months, or nearing spring will most likely expedite the process because the township is not as busy with applications. The slower months also allow time to be sure that all appropriate paperwork has been approved and helps avoid last minute problems.
3) Scheduling Your Project –
The average contractor is already scheduled out eight weeks ahead when most people start deciding in the spring to get their home or office projects done. You can avoid weeks, if not months, of time by scheduling your project in the cold of winter rather than waiting for the spring bug to bite. With a completed home remodeling or landscaping project finished early in the season, you get to enjoy the fruits of our labor throughout the year. As the old saying goes, ” The early bird gets the worm.”
4) Availability of the Top Products-
Just like anything else, construction and landscaping products can also be in demand. Starting your spring home project in the winter will help you get the best prices. You will also find that the best products for your project are easily available. If a particular set of tiles in favorite that year, or a specific design of countertop, reserving your products weeks ahead can help you to avoid the possibility of using your second or third choice styles instead.
5) No Last Minute Rushing-
Rushing at the last minute can cause mistakes. You can forget to tell your contractor something, your project is pressed for time, and rain or other weather delays can really make life difficult. Increasing the stress that you already feel to get the project done. Well, don’t feel that rush, the pulsing through your veins as grandma is coming in two weeks and the bathroom is not done yet. Take your time, schedule ahead, and ease into your holiday or visit without stress.
Planning spring construction projects can benefit you both financially and with time restraints.
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.
