1. Choosing a material without testing it first

Want to do a cabinet refacing with laminate? Go to the store and see how it feels under your hands. Look at laminate in other kitchens to see how well it holds up over time. Want that gorgeous soapstone countertop? Get a piece of soapstone and use it in your home as a trivet for a few months.

2. Not being around for the complete remodel

Don’t plan a remodel during a very busy travel time, such as the holidays. Don’t walk away from the remodel, either. Going on vacation right in the middle of the job leaves the contractor with no one to oversee the work, and that can lead to results you might not like. Though it isn’t easy to plan your whole life around the remodel, it is the best thing to do to ensure you get it done right and on time.

3. Choosing unconventional designs

Though going with an unusual design can be suitable for some situations, it can also create problems you didn’t expect. For instance, moving your kitchen sink to a corner instead of giving it open space near a window can lead to a blowback of steam when you pour hot liquid out of pots. Consider every possible use for that area of the kitchen to determine if an unusual design makes sense.

4. Skimping on the appliances

Though it might seem like a good idea to save money by choosing that smaller refrigerator or the noisier of the dishwashers, keep in mind that the appliances will get the most use of all the elements in your kitchen. Spending a bit more money on those can make your remodel a much more comfortable investment. Remember too that newer kitchen appliances are held to more efficient energy use. So, new appliances can save you money in the long term, too.

5. Budgeting to the last dollar

Keep a little wiggle room in your budget for the things you didn’t expect. For instance, cabinet refacing cost might be less than you anticipated, so it seems you can budget even more for that high-end countertop, right? Not so fast. What if something goes wrong with the flooring and you need more than you anticipated? That little cushion of cash in your budget can be a financial lifesaver.

6. Rushing the plans

When you rush the plans, you are bound to make mistakes or go over budget. Telling the designer to simply “add that in” without doing the homework can lead to sticker shock or a look you really don’t want. Take your time with the design, envision it, and learn to live with it before it becomes reality.

7. Choosing the lowest bid contractor

Though the lowest bid might be tempting, choosing a contractor should mean more than the bottom line. This is a person who will practically live in your house for several weeks, so keep in mind that you must be able to get along, and you must have a level of trust in their work. Sometimes that doesn’t happen with the lowest bid, and it is worth spending more for peace of mind.

***

Avoiding these mistakes now can save you a great deal of money, time and frustration in the long run. Before you start any remodeling project, make sure you are as well-prepared and realistic as possible.

Though it is true that newly remodeled kitchens and bathrooms, deck additions and other improvements can add to the value of your home, look closely at the true return on investment before you leap into the project.

These home improvements might pay for themselves

Each year, Remodeling Magazine compares the average cost of the most popular home improvement projects and compares them with the average value the project adds at resale time. If you are thinking about putting your home on the market in the next few years, these home improvement projects could offer the biggest bang for your buck.

1. Minor kitchen remodel

The kitchen is often what sells the home, so it pays to make it as welcoming as possible. A minor kitchen remodel can offer an average return on investment of 72.1 percent. The recoup can be even greater when you turn to money-savers like cabinet refacing and vinyl tile flooring. Think a more expensive remodel is better? Think again. The 2011 average return on investment for a major kitchen remodel was 57.4 percent–much less than you might make back by taking the cheaper route.

2. Siding replacement

At a 78 percent return on investment, adding fiber cement siding is definitely a good idea for a home improvement project. Vinyl siding can also be a good option, giving you back 69.5 percent of what you put into it.

3. Entry door replacement

The front door makes a first impression and provides security for your family. Opting for a steel entry door can provide beauty and safety while giving you a nice 73 percent return on investment. With an average cost of $1,238 per project, it is also one of the most affordable improvements you can make.

4. Creating an attic bedroom

The more bedrooms you have in your home, the more potential home-buyers you will attract. Adding an attic bedroom can give you a 72.5 percent average return on investment. In some cases, since the bones of the room are already in place, an attic bedroom can be substantially cheaper than a new construction addition.

Other upgrades to consider

There are many other common home improvement projects that can bring you a boost when it’s time for resale. Other good options include vinyl replacement windows and the addition of a wooden deck. Replacing your garage door with a new one is one of the most affordable projects at an average cost of $1,512, and it is also one of the nicest returns, giving you back an average of 71.9 percent on investment.

Doing your research pays off

Before you choose to sink money into a remodel, look into what the latest trends are and what potential home-buyers in your area are looking for, then plan your improvements accordingly. If the goal is to enjoy the improvements for a few years and then sell the house for a tidy profit, these four projects can help you make that plan a reality.

Thanks to Shannon Dauphin at Build Direct

There is an extraordinary amount of information about universal design and its application for how we design baths today. Add to that the advancements in products and technology of bath fixtures. By sorting some of that information into three key categories—safety, comfort and sanitation—one can develop best practices for design of any bath.

Safety

Tile remains the top product for flooring in baths. Textured finishes on tile and grout lines create a slip-resistant surface. Polished marble tile is a classic but one of the most dangerous products used in the bath because of its slippery surface when wet. You may consider using a smaller tile size (thereby increasing grout lines) with textured accent tiles to create a slip-resistant surface.

Curb-less showers remove potential tripping hazards at the shower by using a trench, linear channel or tile insert drain. A curb-less shower installation for walk- and roll-in access requires careful planning and installation. When considering tubs, controls should be on the access side regardless of whether it’s a free-standing or platform-style tub. No one should have to reach across or stand in the tub to turn the water on.

Grab-bar products offered today do not have the institutional look they once did. It is possible your client may not want them, so you should anticipate someone who will want grab bars by installing blocking in the shower, tub and toilet area. Leave a diagram of the blocking with the homeowner as reference for future use. Secure a second copy in plastic inside the vanity or linen cabinet. Code may dictate placement of grab bars but you should consider the needs and height of the user.

Lighting provides safety and comfort. With the technology and options available today, there is no excuse for installing a single light bar over the mirror and calling it good design. An illuminated mirror or side lighting at the vanity mirror provides even distribution of light, eliminating shadow lines. Sensor technology with recessed lighting at the toe-kick space on a vanity will provide enough illumination for someone to use the bathroom during the night without shocking the eyes. Several smaller recessed fixtures, rated for damp locations, create better overall illumination than a single wall- or ceiling-mount fixture. In addition, multiple lighting options with dimmers allow the user to meet his or her needs.

Install a 3-foot-wide door. If someone in the home ends up using a walker or wheelchair, a wider door will allow access without obstruction. If enlarging a door is not possible, use swing-clear hinges to increase the door-opening clearance by 11⁄2 to 13⁄4 inches.

Comfort

Radiant floor heat should be part of every project. For a low cost, it offers soft, even, continuous heat for the homeowner. Radiant floor heat works with a variety of flooring types, but tile is most suited for it.

Code dictates the center-line for a toilet should be 15 inches. An 18-inch center-line allows for more comfortable use of the toilet with the installation of grab bars. It also allows more space for assisted use. Seat height should be 16 to 18 inches from the floor to the top of the rim. This may be a little tall for children. There are many aftermarket products that provide a temporary solution for children. A closed, elongated front will accommodate all users regardless of age or physical ability.

Lever-style handles are easier to grasp whether on a door, cabinet or faucet.

Sanitation

In-wall tank and carrier systems for wall-hung toilets allow for continuous uninterrupted flooring at the toilet area. Depending on the toilet size, mounting the toilet can add accessible floor space for a wheelchair in a small bath.

Instead of the typical combo heat/light/vent unit, consider at-the-source ventilation to reduce moisture and odors in the bath. You may want to install one unit at the toilet area and one at the tub or shower area. Ventilation units are best on a timer. Depending on the manufacturer, the vent should run for five to 10 minutes after the user has left the bath.

When you consider the amount of moisture in a bathroom, tile, solid surface and quartz composite make the most sense for wall coverings. Depending on the size of the bathroom, cost can become an issue. Consider finishing the walls at the toilet area with tile or another nonporous product.

The products on the market today give us the opportunity to design baths without an institutionalized look. Our responsibility as design professionals is to enhance the livability of the home and accommodate the occupants at all stages of life. You can change the course of humanity one (kitchen and) bath at a time.

Thanks to Judith Neary, CMKBD

The trends represent what’s currently fresh and forward-thinking in kitchen and bath design including distinct visual elements and color, unique design details, personalized products and materials, and an architecturally artistic approach to proportion, says NKBA President David Alderman, CMKBD.

“NKBA designers continue to find surprising ways to incorporate complex design solutions and the latest technology into incredible kitchen and bathroom designs,” says Alderman. “We’re excited to release some of the overriding trends conveyed in the 2011 competition.”

No. 1 Commitment to Color

Clients and designers alike are making strong commitments to color. The relationship with vibrant color is introduced into the room through a back-splash of back-painted glass in a strong carrot orange, representing a color that’s smooth and fresh, and also refined enough to pair with the contemporary exotic wood cabinetry. This is a sleek kitchen deserving of a color that makes a statement. The tangerine, mango, and carrot family of colors is being incorporated into the palette of stylishly appropriated residential spaces across the country.

No. 2 Tactile Appeal through Textures

The use of actual and implied texture offers a tactile and visual feast. Lines, colors and patterns can act as either a point of interest in a given space or a mellow background to a more prominent component. The textured touch is apparent through an over-sized glass mosaic tiled rug inset into the limestone floor, creating the effect of an actual textured and patterned area rug. A quilted effect, also seen in fashion trends, was created using custom-made glass keystone tiles, adding a shimmering surface to the wall of the shower.

No. 3 The Attributes of Glass

The National Kitchen & Bath Association is seeing glass shining and glimmering throughout kitchen and bath designs this year. Lighted panels of Mica art glass incorporated into the design of the volcanic stainless steel hood, the window in the door, and a glass tiled back-splash shining from behind granite counter-tops act as pops of color and light against the warmth of wood. In this example, they also help to provide cohesion, and as glass continues to be used in so many places and spaces, the application appears almost limitless.

No. 4 Freestanding and Angled Tubs

Large freestanding tubs are taking front and center in bathroom design, and in this master bath retreat, the tub is centered and visible through French doors leading to the bedroom space. Freestanding tubs could be considered almost the norm, creating a focal point of near sculptural quality. Rounded, rectangular, and angled tubs are specified as an artistic accent that also provides a soothing soak. Whether situated on stones, wood flooring, or a low stage of sorts, the freestanding soaking tub is an integral part of many master or main bathrooms.

No. 5 Espresso and Chocolate in Cabinetry

Silky hues of chocolate and espresso are shimmering from the doors and drawer fronts of distinct cabinetry, incorporated into striking kitchens, ranging from contemporary to traditional. Natural finishes—absent glazing, distressing, and overall pomp and circumstance—are now found in many kitchen designs, as simple chocolate browns act as the smooth and understated partner to brighter accents. Whether black coffee or milk chocolate, the cabinetry foundation in the mid to dark brown family of colors appears rooted in the residential design approach.

No. 6 Walk-in Pantries

With the introduction of greater amounts of open wall space, and less in the way of wall cabinets, the need for a larger separate pantry has been prompted. Open plan kitchens are requiring alternative pantry and storage solutions. The grand scale of this kitchen aptly allowed for a walk-in pantry designed for use as a working pantry. Sinks, dish storage, and food storage can be incorporated into pantries that appear as this one, to be entirely integrated in appearance into the space, and serving as a transition from one room to the next.

No. 7 Detailed Ceilings

This sophisticated design has a rustic touch that relies on traditional architectural features paired with sleek contemporary finishes and materials. The rough-hewn barn beam ceiling is beautifully detailed, and although the detail was newly created, it appears as if original to a comfort-worn space. The ceiling is highlighted by cable-strung lighting, which lights the textures and natural intricacies of the rough wood, bringing intimacy to the elongated space. This design feature straddles two trends seen strongly in the competition: detailed ceilings and textures.

No. 8 Natural Elements

This refined rustic southwestern powder room is the perfect example of the use of natural elements in design. An agate slab became the foundation for this bathroom space that’s as unique and distinct as the elusively elegant stone itself. Translucent crystal formations within the rock are highlighted by back-lighting that sets off the smoky grays, brown, and icy white. Polished stone combined with leather-wrapped cabinetry is at the core of this opulent space. When the beauty of nature can be brought inside a home, the impact is unmatched.

No. 9 A Tiered Approach to Proportion

The concept of stacked components and graduated overlapping heights was brought to a new level of sophistication in this urban kitchen. Varying heights of the island surfaces, the elevated and overlapping dining counter-top, and the statuesque pantry cabinet create asymmetrical proportion, while complementing the cityscape outside the windows. The tallest point of the pantry, thickness of the counter-tops, and the dining surface resting effortlessly on the prep and cook surface convey a proportionally tiered balance to this contemporary space.

No. 10 Inlaid Flooring

Variations of inlaid flooring are being incorporated into many new kitchen and bath designs. To accommodate the wet environment in this French style master bathroom, a new wood-look ceramic tile combined with natural travertine was used. Each piece was hand-fitted and angled to mimic the look of a real parquet floor. French carved cabinetry legs draw additional attention to the stunning floor. Designers and installers are being called on to bring innovation, stretching old boundaries as materials are selected and flooring is installed.

Time savings continues to be a huge trend, so speed cooking functions are in high demand. Likewise, technology that simplifies cooking – from “smart” ovens to induction cooktops – are hot, with the caveat that the technology must be easy to use. At the same time, cooking appliances that offer the ability to create gourmet meals are also in demand as entertaining at home remains a popular trend.

Below are some of the hottest trends in cooking appliances today:

• Technology that enables homeowners to do more with less time, work and clean up is extremely popular right now. That means there’s a growing demand for everything from pre-programmed ovens that simplify cooking to cooktops with easy-clean surfaces.
• For those with a passion for gourmet cooking, commercial style cooking equipment is still hot, with consumers looking for duel fuel ranges and cooking appliances that give them greater control (i.e. going from super high BTUs to ultra low simmer capabilities). From a design standpoint, options run the gamut from the ever-popular stainless steel to warmer, stylish hues to bold primary colors.
• Design flexibility is a key trend in kitchen design today, creating a growing interest in multifunctional products and cooking appliances that offer placement flexibility, such as drawer microwaves, double oven ranges, etc.
• Consumers are more price conscious than in years past, so cooking appliances need to offer real value at every price point.
• Healthy cooking continues to be a hot trend, driving interest in steam ovens and cooktops that offer a healthy grilling option.
• With fewer consumers ready to jump into a full-scale kitchen expansion, there’s a growing interest in maximizing outdoor kitchen spaces, with upscale grills that include a host of bells and whistles.

Thanks to Kitchen & Bath Design News

Based on the survey, it’s believed that building and design professionals who have a strong understanding of solutions that meet clients’ multigenerational needs will be more likely to create kitchens for universal living.
Baby Boomers

According to the study, 63 percent of Baby Boomers plan to stay in their current home for the next five to 10 years. The survey also discovered 75 percent of Boomers don’t feel their current kitchen layout is designed for their living needs. Consider the following:

• Transitioning from a 42-inch bar-height table to a 28- or 30-inch table is easier for this generation. Because Boomers frequently use their kitchens for entertaining, a standard-height table near or connected to an island is ideal.
• Eighty-seven percent are interested in a semi- or completely open floor plan. Wider walkways or paths throughout the kitchen and adjacent rooms provide easier mobility.
• Storage options must be easy to reach and well organized. Pullout storage options are ideal.
• Boomers prefer clean lines, some color and/or texture, but nothing too loud or dramatic.

Generation X

Born roughly between 1966 and 1978, members of Generation X rely on friends for advice more than anyone or anything (the Internet). Nearly half (49 percent) of Gen X homeowners said they plan to stay in their current home the next five to 10 years.

The following design considerations can ease their fast-paced lifestyle:

• A computer near the kitchen allows them to cook dinner, answer homework questions and read the latest update from their social-media accounts.
• A taller, bar-height table lets a friend sit and chat or a kid grab a snack and work on homework.
• Those without children are interested in an entertainment space adjacent to the kitchen.
• Sixty-eight percent said a creative place for hiding small appliances was top on their list. This demographic prefers uncluttered spaces.
• Thirty-nine percent favor open floor plans. They also prefer peninsula or galley configurations; flexible pantry storage; and other options, such as two sinks.

Generation Y

Members of Generation Y were born between 1979 and 2002 and consist of 87 million young consumers. Gen Y looks to third parties on the Internet for advice and the lowest price for getting what they want—now.

• In addition to enjoying an open kitchen layout, the Gen Y kitchen needs to meet young child needs, like highchairs, and adult needs, such as an entertainment area.
• Pullout drawers, providing easy access to snacks, pet food and prepared items are appreciated.
• Forty-five percent indicate a place for spices is a top-three kitchen extra.
• Aesthetics should include clean lines, less detail and easy-to-clean surfaces.

To view the complete study and other related materials, visit GenShiftKitchen.com.

By Sarah Reep and Mark Johnson

Surface prep: It’s very important to get all the grease, grime and dirt build-up off the surfaces before painting. Use a strong cleanser and a scrub brush and go over the surfaces well. If you don’t, the new paint can’t grab on.

De-glossing: A glossy surface doesn’t allow the paint to properly adhere. A light sanding will help give the new paint something to hold on to. If your house was built before 1978 and it hasn’t been painted in a while, please consult a professional. Many paints pre-1978 contain lead and sanding can release dust into the air.

Painting: There are two types of paint: latex and oil base. Installing them in the incorrect order can result in pealing. When oil based paints dry, they have a durable, slick surface. This is one of the reasons they last for so long. If you don’t break down that surface, latex paint will not adhere to it. After prepping, apply a good even coat of oil based primer/sealer. This will give you a fresh start and allow both types of paints to adhere.

But why does granite get all the attention? Manufacturers and installers of granite and quartz weigh in on the benefits of each type of stone.

Beauty & Movement
“The customers we see that are looking at granite really are looking for that beauty and movement in the stone,” says Troy Roering, sales and marketing manager for Stone Holding Co., in Waite Park, Minn. “With granite, it’s like choosing a piece of art, whereas customers who want a more consistent look will choose quartz.”

Remodeler Ben Thompson agrees. “Both granite and quartz are premium products, but it comes down to aesthetics,” says the co-owner of Thompson Remodeling, in Grand Rapids, Mich., noting granite’s impact during the sales process. “We can take our clients shopping, pull out a big slab and show them that it’s the most dramatic and substantial item they’re getting for their new kitchen.”

Credit: REMODELING MAGAZINE Reader Panel

At the same time, Cambria PR director Stacia Smith says quartz is one of the fastest growing surfacing categories in the industry. “Granite is a mix of quartz, filament, and mica, and it’s the quartz component that gives the stone its strength,” she says. “While some granites can have as little as 20% or 30% quartz, a quartz counter-top can have as much as 93% quartz and only 7% coloring and binding.”

Porous granite also requires sealing against moisture, adds Hanwha Surfaces product designer Lisa Herreth, and the consistency of quartz means the material can be seamed more easily than granite where fabricators may need to work with or around veining and inclusions in the stone. To that end, Thompson says he often finds that quartz installations require more seaming, while granite installations result in more waste.

Price It
For customers concerned about cost, Roering says that quartz does tend to cost more than base-level granite. However, “granite price has nothing to do with quality and everything to do with availability of that stone in the world,” he says. “If they’re quarrying 10 blocks and nine of them are usable, we would put that granite at a level-one or -two price point. But if only one of the 10 is usable, it would likely come in at a premium pricing category.”

Herreth adds that most quartz is cost-competitive with granite, particularly since the price of some stones has dropped dramatically in recent years, and can include green elements such as recycled content (usually glass), which might interest some homeowners. “Stone materials are going to last a lifetime,” she says, “so homeowners should consider choosing colors and patterns that will stay in style for the duration.”

Thanks to Lauren Hunter from Remodeling Magazine.

“Kelli & I think the bathroom looks great. Thank you for all your hard work and getting things done before our family comes into town and we have the baby.”

The Snyders

Damascus, MD

The study also concludes that remodelers can provide their clients with a precise estimate of how much bathrooms add to the value of their homes.The recently released data reveals that a half-bath adds approximately 10.5% to a suburban home’s value and a full bath adds about 20%.

The results also suggest that homeowners prefer a balance between the number of bedrooms and bathrooms. Adding an extra bathroom increases the home’s value by a higher percentage when there are more bedrooms than baths. In a home that has only one bathroom, an additional half bath will increase the value of a standard two bedroom home by 11.5%, a three bedroom home by 12% and a four bedroom by 12.5%. When the number of bathrooms is approximately equal to the number of bedrooms, an additional half bath adds about 10% of the home’s value and converting a half bath to a full bath adds another 9%. So, one additional bathroom adds about 19% to the value.

According to Paul Emrath, NAHB economist, “One way to interpret this is that when there is an excess of bedrooms over bathrooms, an additional bathroom makes the bedroom more valuable.”

BATHROOM DESIGN TIPS

If you’re planning to stay in your home long term, we would recommend considering these

design features when remodeling your bathroom. These inexpensive design tips provide ease in transitioning your bathroom when the need arises.

1. Hand-held shower with a 6′ hose. The shower is mounted on a vertical grab bar.

2. Grab bars around the entire bathroom (visually integrated as trim).

3. Install off-set shower faucet.

4. 3/4″ plywood reinforcement on all bathroom walls.

5. Pressure reducing mix valves.

6. Install a low profile shower curb.

7. Install a seat in the shower.