FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

One of the biggest trends in home renovations is doing it yourself (DIY) but beware before you begin demolishing your home.  No matter how small the space there could be many different trades that would have to be involved: plumbing, electrical, sheetrock, paint, tile, stone fabrication, and carpentry.  Are you skilled enough to take all of these on?  Even if you are considering using subcontractors, you still need to know how to inspect what you expect.  It is better to start by hiring an expert, rather than having to hire professionals after a DIY project has gone bad.  Now that’s expensive!

A professional can certainly help you with that challenge. Below are some options to think about:

• If changing out the kitchen cabinets, consider every square inch in the design phase. 
  • Consider how many drawers you need, and could they be multi-layered?
  • Do you have a “dead” corner that is wasted where a Lazy Susan could be utilized? 
  • Could taller wall cabinets be installed with pull- down storage or tray dividers placed strategically to maximize space?
• Or depending on your budget, remove a wall to open your space and give it a larger look and feel.
• In your bathroom; add a toilet topper cabinet and pull-out drawers in the sink base cabinets to utilize wall space and cabinet space more effectively.
• For closet areas, reorganize using the full height of the walls for cabinets, pull down rods and specialty built-ins.
• Install new lighting to brighten your home and Solar tubes if possible.

Universal design assists with long-term use and accessibility for all, including young, old, mobility impaired or those living without impairments. Many homeowners are beginning to see the benefits of this type of quality living that allows for conveniences that will serve them or their guests now and in the future. Universal designed homes are part of an evolving movement that incorporates style and function into the design. In many cases, universal design features have also been shown to raise home value and resale desirability.

Here are some ways to improve accessibility and comfort in all areas of the home:

• One entrance without steps to the main floor of the house
• One bedroom on the main floor
• Wide interior doors – 34” minimum – 36” preferably
• One full bath on the main floor with ample maneuvering space including a “barrier-free” shower with a minimum of 3 x 5 floor space
• Hand-held shower head in bath
• Grab bars in the tub/shower
• Raised toilet (seat 17-19 inches from the floor)
• Lever hardware on all doors
• Electrical outlets placed higher on the wall
• Light switches reachable from a seated position (36 – 44 inches from the floor)
• “Rocker” (touch) style light switches
• Adjustable closet rods and shelves
• Stair handrails on both sides of the stairs
• Kitchen countertops of varying heights for use sitting or standing
• Lever controls on the faucet at sinks
• Sinks with open space below to allow use while sitting
• Kitchen base cabinets with pull-out shelves or “Lazy-Susan” type revolving shelves
• Adjustable shelves in kitchen wall cabinets
• A front-loading dishwasher, raised from floor

Here are a few tips to spruce up your home’s personality:

• Be creative with paint – however we would caution painting cabinets until you do your research, this can affect the value of your home if done improperly in a negative way.
• Add decorative throw rugs over carpet.
• Choose pictures and frames carefully, not too much and correctly positioned.
• Pile on the pillows or throws to add color. Don’t be afraid to mix and match materials and prints.
• Include candles where possible. LED with timers are no muss or fuss.
• Don’t be afraid to be a bit whimsical – show off your personality and passion in your décor.

Quartz countertops are made from the hardest minerals on earth and the most durable countertop on the market for kitchens.  They are made of 94% ground up quartz and polymer resins to bind it.  The resins also help to make it stain and scratch resistant, nonporous, and antimicrobial so they never need to be sealed. Quartz countertops come in a large variety of colors and some have recycled glass or metallic flecks added to the mix.

• Low-maintenance – just wipe with soapy water for daily maintenance. Avoid scouring pads which can dull the surface.
• PRECAUTION –  most manufacturers agree that heat higher than 150 degrees directly applied to the surface can damage the countertop causing it to mis color or even crack – Use trivets and cutting boards to keep your quartz looking new for a life-time.

Granite is a natural stone that comes from quarries all over the world.  It is a porous surface which does require maintenance.  The lighter the color the more porous the material.  Sealing is necessary to keep stains from penetrating.

• Clean your granite countertops regularly with warm water and a few drops of antibacterial dish soap.  If you spill something on your countertop – wipe immediately to avoid penetration.
• There also many spray-on cleaners for daily or weekly use that will keep your granite polished and beautiful.
• Annually apply a high-quality sealer to your granite – we would recommend visiting a reputable tile and stone dealer to purchase your product.