ConstructionDeal.com Update

Bamboo flooring is all the rage. In fact, I'm installing it in my house this weekend. Everyone loves the sustainable aspect of using bamboo for their floors. It looks good but it's also considered a very green material.

What you haven't thought about is that you can use the same material for your cabinets. Yes, the same bamboo plant that can be crafted into planks for your floor can also be used to make cabinets for your kitchen.

Bamboo? Really? Seriously?
Bamboo is not a wood. It's really a grass. And it grows like crazy. It's almost considered a weed in some parts of the country. This means that you can feel happy about the idea that you're not destroying a tall tree that took decades to grow to make your cabinets.

Sustainability is more than just a home improvement buzzword these days. It's here to stay. Some will pay any amount to lower their impact on the planets natural resources. But many more will go with the green product if the prices are comparable. And bamboo cabinets are priced right.

The nice about using this cabinet material is that it's very durable. More durable than most hardwoods. There are a variety of colors available, too. The lighter, natural blond color is most popular today, but no matter what you choose... you'll have an exotic look in your kitchen that everyone will be talking about.

It might be next for my kitchen, but for now - - I need to concentrate on installing my bamboo floors. Pictures and details on the project to follow soon!

Related Posts:
Bamboo Countertops?
The Latest Kitchen Remodeling Trend


Do you need someone to install bamboo cabinets in your home? We can help. Submit a simple request and we'll match you to local cabinet installation pros. It's a no cost, easy way to find bamboo cabinet contractors.

Not ready to install exotic bamboo? Bookmark our blog and come back often for the latest trends in home improvement.

Labels: Countertops, Kitchen Remodeling

Continuing with the ConstructionDeal.com theme of hot design trends, the next big thing in kitchen remodeling could be the glass countertop. Everyone still wants granite counters and stainless steel appliances in their new kitchens, but a few things could trigger the rise in popularity of a glass kitchen counter:

• Sustainability
• Health Considerations
• Uniqueness

Sustainability:
The Green Movement is not going away anytime soon. People want sustainability. They want products that will last a long time and not need to be replaced. They want products that are environmentally friendly. They would like to have recycled materials whenever possible.


A lot of the choices for countertops include laminates, vinyls, and engineered materials that are petroleum-based and require a large amount of chemicals to create. Even production of the vaunted granite counter material requires harmful quarry mining procedures. It's also environmentally costly to ship the heavy stone slabs across the country.

A glass countertop can be made from recycled glass. The finished product can contain up to 80 or 90 percent recycled materials. It's durable to last a long time and the counter can be recycled again after use. The price is comparable a granite installation, but the counter can be customized with choices of color and size that will be perfect for your kitchen decor.

Health Considerations:
A glass countertop is a solid surface that is as durable as stone but without being as porous as a granite or marble. It won't require a sealant to be applied to prevent stains. The finished product can be cleaned with normal, everyday household cleaners. This type of surface can prevent harmful bacteria or germs from hiding in and being transferred to other foods.

Uniqueness:
Many people might be imagining the glass top on a coffee table, end table, or cheesy desk from the 80's or 90's. But many beautiful things can be done to a glass countertop to give it a truly unique presence in a new kitchen. While everyone is stuffing granite counters into their kitchen remodeling project, no matter the style of house they have, one could easily imagine how a glass countertop would stand out.

Glass has a natural green tint color to it, but colors can be created with coatings on the underside of the counter, or colors can be added in the manufacturing process. Shattered glass can be laminated to the counter. The Vetrazzo countertop, filled with recycled glass, gives an option that is filled with flecks of colored glass. The glass kitchen countertop can be installed with a smooth finish, or it can be textured or have a pattern or grooves etched into the surface.

The edges of a glass countertop don't need to be hard, sharp, and squared. They can be rounded and even beveled -- but keep in mind that the more detail on the edge, the greater the expense.

On top of health benefits of a non-porous surface, the glass countertop is also heat resistant. Most heavy glass can withstand temperatures of up to 700 degrees.

What's not to love? It could be the next great option for your kitchen remodeling needs.

If you're in the market to remodel your countertops, you might consider using glass. We know of a few counter installation specialists across the country -- if you'd like help, post your countertop project with ConstructionDeal.com. We'll match you with a counter pro at no cost and at no obligation.

RELATED POSTS:
Kitchen Design Ideas
Remodeling a Small Kitchen?
Trends in Kitchen & Bath Counters

Labels: Countertops, Kitchen Remodeling, Kitchen Renovation

One is the loneliest number.

And we're not just talking relationships. We're also talking home renovation. Many of us had that second refrigerator out in the garage while we were growing up. Or maybe another freezer full of meat down in the basement. But today, the hottest trend when remodeling is to add two of just about everything!

People are wanting the best in convenience. We have less and less time to do things but we have more and more options when it comes to renovating the whole house, the kitchen, or any other area of the home.

It started with adding those second appliances. Next came dual sinks in the master bathroom. People are now bringing in additional dishwashers to handle a large mess after they entertain. Second sinks are being added to kitchen islands as a food prep resource. And for the past few years, people have begun adding a whole second kitchen -- although it's usually outdoors. Gone is the lonely barbecue grill. Now, it's surrounded by counters, cabinets, and another set of kitchen appliances.

Since kitchens have gone from the food preparation spot to our new dining room and entertaining area, homeowners have also been opting for a second indoor kitchen. This scullery, as it's known, is a "back-up" kitchen that is being used to do all the hard cooking and cleaning work while keeping the main kitchen presentable.

Two of everything is not the only hot trend in home remodeling this year.

This year, Green is the new black. Sure it's a big buzzword, but people are genuinely interested in reducing the mark they leave on our environment. What people want when they renovate is to bring in renewable, recyclable, and sustainable building products and materials.

There has been a huge interest in recycled denim being used as insulation in homes. People are recycling wood previously pulled from some other use and they are refinishing it and using it as flooring. Stone can last for a very long time and it's being used for patios, flooring, counters, and walls. Glass countertops or even a colored glass backsplash can be great way to avoid synthetic and sterile-looking materials like linoleum, vinyl, and even brand names like Corian.

Many also want products and appliances that last a long while. Big, industrial-strength stoves, fridges, ovens, and more. Homeowners want the same type of appliances found in commercial kitchens. They are more expensive and take up a lot of room so they're not for everyone. But these stoves and refrigerators can outlast most regular appliances and are easily maintained or repaired.

There is also a need to bring the outdoors back inside the house. Beyond the wood floors and stone counters, homeowners want to feel like they are part of nature. Bamboo is still popular. Glass doors, counters, walls, and indoor windows allow the sites of nature to reach remote areas. Even the stone used on counters, backsplashes, walls and floors has a more natural look. People aren't looking for the polished granite or marble but the rougher looking stone. They want large tiles with less grout lines visible so that it feels more like the great outdoors. Hardwood flooring not only looks great and adds value, but it can last the life of the house if properly cared for. This adds to the green vibe homeowners want.

If you'd like to find a local home remodeling pro to help update your home with the latest and hottest trends out there... we can help. Post your home renovation project and we'll connect you with local pros. You're under no obligation to hire any of our professionals. It's a fast, free service to find a contractor!

Labels: Kitchen Remodeling, Remodeling Trends, Renovation Trends

Looking for the best new products for your house? Want to update your kitchen with the latest in stainless steel appliance that also provides ultra convenience? Samsung has a hot new fridge that has the best in customizable features - it's call the Four-Door Convertible Refrigerator.

No, the top doesn't drop down, but it can convert different zones from a freezer to a refrigerator and back to a freezer! Instead of having two side by side doors or top and bottom doors - - it has both. There are four separate zones inside and each has its own temperature control setting. There's an LCD panel on the outside to help you quickly adjust various settings and temperatures in the zones.

How does it work? Say, you go shopping and buy lots of frozen food or want to store food for an event. You can increase the amount of freezer space needed by adjusting the controls and making more zones cooler. After your event, you'll have leftovers. It's just a matter of creating more refrigerator space by bringing the temps back up in those zones.

Is it cheap? No. It retails for about $3000, but the product has been out over a year and prices should have more fluctuation. But, it's a good price for the added convenience. It is 25 cubic feet and has a high temp setting (for chilling wine) and a low temp setting (for quick freezing) in addition to the regular freezer and refrigerator temperature range of a regular fridge. It has a two-minute door alarm and also dispenses ice and filtered water.

The Samsung refrigerator not for you?

Here are things to consider when looking for your next Fridge:

- Look for the Energy Star appliance rating. The fridge is one of the biggest appliances in your house and uses a lot of energy. To save money, find one that is rated by Energy Star as an efficient appliance (it can also help you save the environment by using less energy.)

- This may seem obvious, but you wouldn't believe how often it happens -- measure your space! So many people buy the biggest fridge they can find and then take it home to discover that it doesn't fit.

- Top Freezer or Bottom Freezer units give you the most flexibility when it comes to storage ideas. But Side-by-Side units give you more storage space. But because the doors are more narrow on a Side-by-Side, you cannot store larger items. It's a trade off and will come down to personal preference.

- Everyone loves their stainless steel appliances these days, but keep in mind that they are higher maintenance when it comes to cleaning. Fingerprints, smudge marks, you name it... they all show up very well on a stainless steel appliance.

- Look for spill-proof shelves. It can come in handy when you have an accident. It can make it easier at cleanup time. Also, most shelves are adjustable these days, but some have cranks that allow you to raise and lower shelves much easier.

- To save more energy and money -- consider getting a fridge with an ice maker and water dispenser. It saves by keeping the door closed longer. If you can get water and ice without having to open the door, you'll conserve more because the doors will trap the cool air inside.

After you buy your new fridge, and you find that you need help installing it, consider posting your installation job on ConstructionDeal.com. We've got appliance repair and installation pros standing by to help. It's a fast, free service to find an appliance company in your area.

RELATED POSTS:
Home Maintenance: Appliance Repair
The Latest Kitchen Remodeling Trend
Win a New Kitchen Remodel

Labels: Kitchen Remodeling, Kitchen Renovation, Stainless Steel Appliances

* Update - this contest from Bounty is over. However, we currently have a new contest offering a $200 Home Depot gift card - see details on how you can win!


Win a Kitchen Renovation
They say there's no such thing as a free lunch. But I did find a contest that would allow you to win a kitchen makeover. For free. The catch? You've got to write a 100 word story. So, I guess it's not really for free -- you've got to write something, but I think it's a pretty good tradeoff.

According to the Bounty website, all you have to do is put the Best Ever! Bounty One Sheet to the test. Use the paper towel sheet on your toughest mess and then talk about your cleanup story on their website. And that's it. You're entered for a chance to win a $30,000 kitchen renovation. That's the grand prize. There's also a chance at a first prize for a kitchen appliance makeover, valued at $8,000. You might even win a years supply of Bounty in the 2nd place prize.

I entered today. It was pretty easy to do. And I could really use a new kitchen. Or even just new appliances. The paper towels? I have plenty... If you win, you have to send me a toaster or a can opener or something!

Remodeling the kitchen can be so expensive these days, it's nice to have a little help. Between the cost of new cabinets, countertops, and flooring it can easily run from $30,000 to $60,0000 and that's not even for a high-end renovation project. But, as everyone is so fond of pointing out, you can usually get most if not all of your budget back on a kitchen remodel. If you're selling your home in the near future. And it's done right. And depending on the area of the country you live in. So, it's not guaranteed.

While we're on the subject of kitchen remodeling, you can review some previous renovation posts that are up on the ConstructionDeal.com blogs:

How to Save Money When Remodeling Your Kitchen
Small Kitchen Remodeling Ideas
Kitchen Remodeling: The Banquette
The Latest Kitchen Remodeling Trend

Also, if you need to find a local kitchen renovation company or a kitchen designer, you can use the ConstructionDeal.com website and we'll match you with either -- for free. It's a smart and fast way to find a contractor!

Good luck with the Bounty contest!

Labels: Kitchen Remodeling, Kitchen Renovation, Kitchen Trends, Small Kitchens

Labels: Kitchen Remodeling, Remodeling Trends, Stainless Steel Appliances

I found this handy little tool that can help you try to figure out how much your remodeling project is going to cost.

No estimator is perfect because there are so many variables - the location of the project, the current cost of materials, and the quality of products used. But this tool could help give you an idea of how much you'll need to spend:

Home Remodeling Cost Estimator

It can take a while to answer all the questions, but it could be the tool you need to help estimate your remodeling job.

The estimator is powered by HomeTech and keep in mind that it is for informational purposes only, as an educational product. It does not provide exact figures for your home renovation job. Also, if this estimator link has expired, you can register with HomeTech for a 30-day free trial.

What Can Affect Your True Cost?

• The Homes Location: a remodeling job in one city, state or region of the country can cost more or less than in another part of the country. A roofing job in Charlotte is usually considerably less than a roofing job in San Francisco. Costs of materials and labor can be much higher in larger cities.
• The Cost of Supplies: lumber, concrete, steel, and other materials can change from one quarter or year to the next. And prices of supplies can vary by region as it may cost more to ship to one state or the other.
• The Projects Quality Level: for the sake of simplicity, there are usually 3 levels of quality (basic, mid-range, and upscale) which affect your projects price. Laminate flooring, pre-made cabinets, and tile countertops will usually cost less than hardwood floors, customized cabinets, and granite counters.

If it looks like you can go ahead with your home improvement project, you can always go to our site ConstructionDeal.com and find a quality renovation company!

It's free to be matched to at least 4 local remodeling companies in your area. You'll get multiple bids from contractors which can save you money by helping you choose the best bid!

You're under no obligation to hire the companies that contact you -- and it will save you time. Renovation contractors call you!

Labels: Cost Estimator, Home Improvement, Kitchen Remodeling

I'm a big fan of the Italian style of kitchen design. I wanted to provide you with a "photo blog" post of several Italian kitchen pictures. Hopefully, it can give you some ideas for any future kitchen remodeling project you may have planned.

Not all of the designs are modern or ultra-contemporary (although I've included some stunning modern kitchen design pics) in style, they also have some classical examples:

And when it comes to a more modern and sleek look -- the Italian designers have some wonderfully exotic creations:

Don't be afraid to use color in a kitchen. If you like contemporary styling, you can choose bright reds, blues, greens. They make a great contract to brighter and whiter flooring or wall paint colors. It's better to have darker colors than lighter ones if you have a lot of natural light in the room.



In modern kitchen design, it's important to make sure the room is still inviting and comfortable. Many didn't like the harsh or industrial look and it turned many off because it seemed too cold. By adding the rounded surfaces, accent lighting, and the colors to the stainless steel, the modern kitchen can have a softer look. If you'd like to check out some Italian Kitchen design websites, I've picked out a few that you can visit for even more inspirational design ideas!

Italian Kitchen Design Companies:
Ged Cucine
Fiamberti
Aster Cucine

When you're ready to renovate your kitchen, you can always post your project with ConstructionDeal.com. It's a fast, free way to find a local kitchen remodeling company in your area.

RELATED KITCHEN POSTS:
Small Kitchen Remodeling Ideas
Kitchen Remodeling Budgets
Remodel Your Kitchen: Save Your Sanity
Kitchen Remodeling: Form AND Function

Labels: Design Ideas, Home Improvement, Kitchen Remodeling

Many people want to remodel their kitchen, but not always for the right reasons. Most want "the look." The look of granite countertops, the look of cherry cabinets, the look of natural stone tile floors.

When you're talking with your Kitchen Designer or Remodeling professional, make sure you also plan for the functionality of your new space. Make sure you explain exactly how you want your kitchen to work for you. Even if you're not a master chef, you can plan for how you will best use the room.

A kitchen remodel can do more than make the room pretty. It can create the correct workflow (the Kitchen Work Triangle), add storage, increase access to needed appliances, add appliances you don't currently have, and add more room for your family or for entertaining.

The work triangle is key for just about any job in the kitchen because it cuts down on your movement and saves you time. It's basically the triangle for the sink, to the fridge, to the stovetop. The basic rules are:

• The triangle should measure less than twenty-five feet and be no smaller than ten feet.
• There should be no island, appliance, or cabinet that interrupts the triangle flow.
  
• The triangle does not need equal length sides but no side should be longer than ten feet or shorter than five feet.

Adding an "appliance garage" is a great new way to increase the amount of appliances you have access to while preparing food. Most have to store their blenders, mixers, and juicers way down low or way up high -- the garage gives you improved storage space at your level.

So many people are still trudging along without a dishwasher. Your kitchen remodel can allow you to add this (especially the hot trend of the heavily-insulated, whisper-quiet models) and a whole lot more. Many are adding two dishwashers, wine cooler/storage, drawer microwaves, trash compactors and the still red-hot trend in kitchen remodeling is the stainless steel surface. Matching appliances can really improve the look (Sorry, I forgot - we're talking about function...)

Do you know what room is sitting silent in most homes? The formal dining room. Many want to have their families close by while they're preparing food. Many are remodeling the kitchen to add eating areas, like a dining bar on the kitchen island or banquette seating. It's great for entertaining because the guests and host won't need to be separated during meal prep.

Not everyone has the room for a lot of these remodeling changes. Usually it means expanding into the house and losing the functionality of that room (invading space in closets, family rooms, even dining rooms.) If the lot allows, there has been a persistent trend in kitchen additions - expanding the size of the room out into the yard.

So, make sure you do more than talk about the surface materials, the hardware, and the colors with your kitchen designer - talk about what you want your kitchen to allow you to do. Talk about how you plan to use it. Talk about how you want to improve your life and save your time.

ConstructionDeal.com - a smart, fast and free way to find local contractors and designers.

Labels: Interior Design, Kitchen Remodeling

Everyone gets excited when they know a remodeling company is coming over to renovate a kitchen, a bathroom, or a basement.

They've talked with their contractor and all the materials have been picked out and are on the way. They know that it's only a matter of time before their new granite countertop or whirlpool bathtub is in place and ready for use.

The problem is – you've got wait for the whole "construction process" to be over. I wanted to give you a few tips to make sure that process goes as smoothly as possible. These are all the tiny details you've got to take care of before any remodeling workers arrive at your house. It's the stuff that most homeowners forget about, but it can make for a really smooth transition from unfinished basement to being a construction site. It might even save the remodeling company some time and you some money (in costly delays.)

Prepare Your Home

- Pack up all the knick-knacks, small items, tools, decorations, and books that can get in the way of home remodeling. And I don't mean the things in the room being worked on. The remodeling process can create a lot of dust that will spread throughout the house. If you store these items, they can remain dust free – which means less work for you.

- Along those lines, cover larger items like bookcases and furniture, with plastic or cloth sheets to protect from drywall or demolition dust. You'll want to spend time in your new kitchen not vacuuming the layers of dust embedded in your living room sofa.

- If it's a kitchen renovation, try to create another kitchen in a different room. Move your refrigerator to this room. Set up a work table and a space for your microwave. Your bathroom sink may have to double as a kitchen sink; make room for only the most necessary items. Clear dry goods out of your kitchen cabinets well in advance if those cabinets are to be removed.

- You could be without running water for a significant period of time. Or they may need to turn off the water supply at the worst possible time for you. Store up as much water as you have space for in the weeks before work will begin.

Prepare for the Construction Site

- Many remodeling companies and subcontractors will be trying to find your house for the first time. Make sure there is large, visible signage with your street name and number on it for all those deliveries.

- Some contractors do not arrange for portable toilets. If it's up to you, call in advance to make sure they will be delivered, on time, and call several days leading up to construction to ensure their prompt arrive (two days before work begins will give you the best cushion.) Talk with your contractor about this.

- Clearly mark spots around your house – with signs – where you won’t mind workers to travel and deliveries to be dropped off. Keep in mind that construction materials have become quite expensive and you want to make sure things are not stolen during the night.

- If you obtained your own permits, make sure they are handy or are even displayed on the wall in an area that is (and will be) accessible.

- If the contractor is not arranging this, make sure your construction dumpsters are there and ready to be filled during the demolition process (which is usually the first thing to happen on any remodeling job.) If they're not there, it can cause a delay or you'll have to pay workers to remove the debris to one spot and then to pick it up from that spot and put it in the dumpster when it arrives.

Use ConstructionDeal.com to talk with the contractor, in depth, before the project begins, so that you know what is expected of you (find a local pro.) Once you're both on the same page, you can sit back and relax knowing that your new bathroom or kitchen is on its way!

Submit your project - at no cost - and get 4 quotes from reliable remodeling and renovation contractors. It only takes a few minutes and you can get quotes the same day.

Even if you don't use our free and easy service, make sure you get many quotes on the project to make sure you're getting the best price.

Labels: Home Renovation, Kitchen Remodeling

Two friends of mine, one an editor over at the Kitchen & Bath Design News, wrote a really informative and very entertaining (re: funny) book on how to keep your cool while going through a kitchen remodel.

It's called "Everything and the Kitchen Sink: Remodel Your Kitchen Without Losing Your Mind."

If you get a chance, check it out. Here's a sample:

"If you're still looking for a way to justify your new kitchen, here is our list of the top ten reasons to remodel:

You Are What You Eat.
Are you beginning to worry that the guy Burger King knows your kids by name? When you try out a new hair color, does the Chinese food delivery guy notice before your spouse does? A new kitchen might just inspire you to spend less time driving through or eating out. Even better, the latest appliances speed up cooking times, while offering all kinds of extras to help you make better-tasting, healthier foods.

You Support Energy Conservation.
Many older appliances consume enough energy to power a small third world country. Your parents taught you to clean your plate because kids are starving in Africa. Shouldn't you be equally conscientious about saving energy?

College is Over.
Just because you made it through four years of higher education with only a hot plate and a toaster oven doesn't mean you should cook that way for the rest of your life. You've got a grown-up job and a mortgage now. It's time to live like an adult.

Remodelers Need your Money more than Doctors do.
Cracked surfaces are havens for dirt and bacteria that can be dangerous to you and your family. Wouldn't you prefer the short-term inconvenience of a renovation (where you at least end up with a brand new kitchen) to a long hospital stay for food poisoning (where your doctor ends up with a BMW, and all you get is green Jell-O)?"

If you'd like to order the book, here's a link to the Amazon.com page: Everything and the Kitchen Sink

To find a quality kitchen renovation contractor, submit your request to ConstructionDeal.com. It's fast and easy - you'll get 4 quotes in the same day - usually within minutes.

Simply tell us your request and we'll match you with kitchen contractors. There's no cost and no obligation to hire any one.

RELATED POSTS:
Small Kitchen Remodeling Ideas
The Jumbled Kitchen

Labels: Kitchen Remodeling, Kitchen Renovation

I was watching DIY's Kitchen Renovations show over the weekend and I got to thinking about homeowners doing part of the work themselves to save money.

That show makes it look so easy to do. But... it's usually not.

Many general contractors will get requests from homeowners who ask if they can do some of the work during a project, like demolition or painting.

Some even want to do framing and drywall work, ahead of time, to save money. And it's not that some people don't have the ability to do things, but a lot of people believe they can do more than they really can.

They not only may do more harm than good, they may end up costing themselves even more money...

There are some things that I think homeowners should be aware of if they decide to "help out" during their renovation.

• If you do your own demolition or installation work, and you haven't factored in other work that needs to be done first, you could end up spending more money to get it all corrected (they may have to reinstall something or remove your installation to fix the problem or get an inspection.)
• If you have to call or meet with your contractor to ask for help, discuss methods or get advice, your contractor might (and probably should) charge you for his or her valuable expertise and time. Talk about it before you get your advice to find out if it will end up on your final invoice.
• If you are prepared to do a job on the site, you'll be treated like any other subcontractor and you'll be expected to do the work on time and meet quality standards. If you're not happy with your lumpy, uneven ceiling because you installed the drywall yourself... you might have to blame yourself. Or pay to have it corrected.
• If you are not available to be there when they need your work done, you could delay the timing and schedule of the job. You could end up losing a subcontractor who has to wait for you to complete your part of the job (because they'll move on to another job site) or you might have to pay them more to wait around.
  

I certainly don't want to discourage handy do-it-yourselfers from helping out on the job, saving a little money, and being able to brag about their work. But talk to your general contractor and make sure you've got some of these concerns answered so that there are no surprises.

If you feel you might be in over your head, or you want to find a kitchen renovation pro, use ConstructionDeal.com. Simply submit a request and get 4 quotes in the same day - sometimes in a matter of minutes.

At no cost.

There's no obligation to hire any of our quality kitchen remodeling contractors. But make sure you get as many quotes as possible, and check references, if you don't use ConstructionDeal.com. More quotes means you'll make sure to get the best price.

Labels: DIY, Kitchen Remodeling, Kitchen Renovation