HOME IMPROVEMENT GUIDE
your family, along with a bidet, which ensures
a much cleaner experience.
You spend so much time in your bathroom
every day. You owe it to yourself to make
it a more enjoyable place. And, according
to HGTV.com, bath remodels often offer a
return on investment of more than 100%!
KITCHEN CUISINE
Whether your cooking style is Chicken
Cordon Bleu, or just some great Pad Thai
take-out from the corner restaurant, you
need a place to prepare your meals that’s fun,
organized and feels like home.
Even in today’s hectic lifestyle, you’ll
probably spend a significant amount of time
each day in your kitchen.
Though it’s a significant investment
to update your kitchen, it’s a worthwhile
endeavor from both a personal standpoint and
a financial one. And like bathrooms, HGTV.
com estimates that a kitchen remodel can
offer returns that are upwards of 100% on the
resale of your house.
You can give your kitchen a whole new
look in any style from ultra‑contemporary to
French country. Your designer and builder can
assist you with computer-aided design (CAD)
to help you envision your dream.
Some new trends in the kitchen include
spacious farm sinks that offer tons of space for
food prep. Clean, white subway tile can match
virtually any décor, making it a popular choice
32
724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE
❘
for backsplashes. Recycled glass tiles can be
found in any color for a look that’s great for
your kitchen and great for the environment as
well. Mosaic tiles are frequently used and can
be laid in customized patterns for a uniquely
personal look.
Although cherry wood cabinets are
popular, there’s a trend toward white cabinets.
Cherry will give your kitchen a warm feel,
while white cabinets will brighten the space
and have a clean appearance.
As for flooring, natural stone and travertine
are extremely popular right now. After the
stone is sealed, it’s an easy-care option for
homeowners and offers a lot of longevity.
It’s not just about the look you want to
achieve in your kitchen, it’s also about the way
it makes you, your family and your friends feel
when you’re there.
ADDITION: 1 + 1 = FABULOUS!
Ever feel like your home would be perfect
if only it had that one room that’s missing?
Perhaps it’s an extra bedroom for when Mom
comes to visit, or a bathroom downstairs for
guests when you’re entertaining. Maybe you
already have a family room, but it just needs
to be a little larger for your needs. If this
sounds familiar, a home addition may be the
perfect solution for making life a little more
comfortable.
The great thing about a new room is that
you can plan it exactly the way you want it. If
icmags.com
you’re adding a family room or game room,
why not build a fireplace as well? This will
quickly make it the most visited room in your
house. If you’re adding a bedroom either for
visiting parents or a returning college student,
why not include an ensuite bath, which will
increase your home’s value as well as make for
more enjoyable visits for your guests.
As with any work done in your home,
make sure that you do your homework before
contacting any contractors. It’s a good idea
to obtain estimates from three different
contractors before deciding which one to
use. It helps to be as specific as possible in
your choices in order to get the most accurate
estimates. Use a spec sheet to ensure that you
are giving all three contractors the same exact
information.
Using local contractors is another great way
to ensure that you’re getting someone with a
good reputation in the community. A good
idea is to attend home shows where you can
actually meet the contractors face to face. It’s
easier working with someone when you have
a good rapport.
The most important thing to remember
in any home design project is not to be
too focused on the bottom line only. Many
times the lowest price does not result in the
best‑quality job. Do your research to find the
best person for your particular project. ■