HOME IMPROVEMENT GUIDE
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 in this price range. 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 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.
28
724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE
❘
icmags.com
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. The great thing about a new room
is that you can plan it exactly the way you want it. If 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. Another good idea is to attend home shows where you
can actually meet the contractors face to face.
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. ■