kitchen remodel Archives - Page 9 of 13

Don’t Hire Just any Home Remodel Contractor

By Inspired Remodels / Home Improvement / Comments Off

When you’re ready for a new kitchen, bathroom, fireplace or garage door, you’re ready for it now. It’s easy to go with the first home remodel contractor that gives you and estimate. But it’s not a good idea. Don’t hire just any home remodel contractor, hire the best for the job you need done. Here’s how.

Do your research

Have you spent hours looking at appliances, flooring, fixtures and cabinets? Well, prepare to spend the same amount of time researching your contractor. First, start with friends, family, and neighbors that have actually used a contractor.

See a contractor’s sign in a yard? Don’t be afraid to ring the doorbell. Ask the homeowner what they think about the work being done. If the neighbor isn’t home, leave a note with your name and number. Just ask for a reference.

When checking references, it’s a good idea to talk to people that have had similar work done. Because, a contractor may be fabulous at removing a wall to open up a living area but not so great when it comes to the plumbing required for a bathroom remodel.

Compare apples to apples

When you are getting the three quotes everybody tells you to get, make sure they are quoting for the same work. Unless you’ve provided each contractor the exact specifications for the work you want done, (drawings, materials to use, and specific product names) each home remodel contractor is making assumptions. The price quoted reflects these assumptions.

Know exactly what is included in the quote and the allowance for overage. One quote for a bathroom may appear to be considerably lower, but upon inspection may require the homeowner to purchase flooring, fixtures and/or lighting.

If you want custom cabinets, make sure all quotes include custom cabinets of the same quality and made of the same materials.

Some remodeling work requires a permit from the local government. If your job requires a permit, make sure the bid includes any permit fees and specifies that the contractor is responsible for the permit. A contractor that asks a homeowner to pull a permit is a red flag. It’s a sign the contractor has a problem with their license. And speaking of licenses, be sure to check.

Check licenses and insurance

Once you’ve decided that a contractor can do the work you want at a budget you can afford, it’s time to do more research.

Fortunately, the State of California makes it easy to check licenses. Just go to https://www2.cslb.ca.gov/OnlineServices/CheckLicenseII/CheckLicense.aspx and type in the name of the contractor. For example, type in Inspired Remodels and you get a page that tells you the license number and that the license is active. Just click the license number and discover the status of the contractor’s bond, workmen’s compensation insurance and the history of both.

Don’t hire a contractor that isn’t bonded and doesn’t carry worker’s compensation insurance. If the contractor’s employee gets hurt on the job at your house, you can be liable if worker’s compensation insurance isn’t in place. It’s not a risk you want to take.

Consider Inspired Remodels as your Home Remodel Contractor

When you start to collect quotes and talk to contractors, contact Inspired Remodels. You will find their reputation is sterling and their work is exceptional.

Call (949) 716-1938 and schedule a consultation. You’ll find Joe and Jason Mueller are Orange County’s property brothers. Their design and construction services that are truly inspired.

Custom Kitchen Remodeling Ideas for Inspiration

By Inspired Remodels / Kitchen Remodel / Comments Off

Thinking about making a change in your kitchen this year but aren’t sure where to start? Check out these ideas and get your custom kitchen remodeling juices flowing. Inspired Remodels is all about sharing our inspiration to spark your creativity. Here’s what’s going on in Orange County kitchen remodeling.

Built In for Convenience and Style

These days, the kitchen is the center of entertaining. So why not put everything you need in one spot that ties the kitchen to adjacent entertaining room? Well, why not?

What’s not to love about this built-in bar at the end of the kitchen space? It’s stylish and ties in perfectly with the rest of the kitchen. there’s plenty of storage for stemware space to display decorative steins, and room for a full liquor cabinet and wine storage. The countertop is an easy-to-clean surface and matches perfectly with the rest of the kitchen as you can see in this shot.

Now, guests can help themselves to a beverage and still be part of the action in the kitchen without getting in the way of the cook! Great for guests and even better for the cook in the kitchen. This is a kitchen that is built for entertaining.

Color is King

Don’t be afraid of a little color in the kitchen. Sure, white is still a favorite for it’s “clean” look, but you can still add pops of color. A little can go a long way to change the look of a kitchen. See how these blue lights do more than just provide illumination?

That vibrant blue is just the right touch of color to be a game-changer in an otherwise neutral kitchen. The crackled look to the glass adds texture to the light. Pendant lights are one way to add accent color to a kitchen. But, they aren’t the only way. Tile is more than just a material for backsplashes and floors. It brings color too.

We all know that grey is the new black. But, sometimes gray and white need to have a colorful fun. The aqua and green in this tile accent piece create a permanent work of art above the cooktop. And unlike other art forms, this tile won’t be damaged by heat and will be easily cleaned of any grease or food splatters. An area that prominent demands a special touch, and this tile does the job with style.

Wood Doesn’t Need to Be Wood Anymore

Wood adds a natural warmth to any room. But caring for wood in a high-traffic or heavy-duty use room isn’t easy. Wood floor may look beautiful in a kitchen, but they aren’t always practical. So get wood warmth and style with the durability of tile! Wood-look tile has been a mainstay for bathrooms but it’s coming to a kitchen near you..or maybe even your kitchen. Many custom kitchen remodeling jobs in Orange County are using wood-look tile in the kitchen. It’s easy care and durable.

You can’t tell the difference between the wood cabinets and the “wood” floor. This tile will stand up to spills, dropped knives, and heavy traffic. It’s the perfect floor for a busy kitchen. Damp mopping won’t mar or dull the shine. This floor will last for many years. Unlike wood, it won’t need refinishing.

Wood doesn’t need to be dark. See how this wood-look tile complements the white cabinetry? This simple but stylish kitchen remodeling project incorporated a wood-look tile in tones to complement the traditional tile backsplash and contrast with the white wood cabinets.

Inspired Custom Kitchen Remodeling Starts with Inspired Remodels

Stop dreaming of a custom kitchen remodel and start planning one today. The design/build experts at Inspired Remodels are ready to help you design and create a new custom kitchen that works as well as it looks. From custom cabinets, to built-ins, to new flooring and more, Inspired Remodels is where inspired custom kitchens start. Call (949) 716-1938 or Contact Inspired Remodels online and schedule a consultation today.

Kitchen Contractor Shares Signs of a Cook’s Kitchen

By Inspired Remodels / Kitchen Remodel / Comments Off

It’s almost Thanksgiving and cooks around the country will be heading to the kitchen to prepare the annual feast. A cook’s kitchen is a workspace. Whether it’s a small galley or a spacious open area, it’s a studio for an artist and the medium is food. A kitchen that’s designed for cooking maximizes the space available and is built with efficiency in mind. As you work in your kitchen this holiday season, evaluate your space and see if your kitchen is a cook’s kitchen. According to Inspired Remodels, an Orange County kitchen contractor, these are the signs of a cook’s kitchen.

Don’t Waste Steps

Think about how the space will be used and design accordingly. The cook can grab a quick drink of water when drinking glasses are stored in cabinets next to the sink. Bakers shouldn’t have to walk across the kitchen for a sheet pan or baking tray. Provide storage for these items next to the oven. Install cabinets for dishware and flatware close to the eating area to make setting the table easy or close to the dishwasher to make unloading and stowing easier. Hang a magnetic strip next to the main workspace and store knives safely. Hanging your knives will help keep them sharp. Of course, the kitchen work triangle is still the base upon which all efficient kitchen designs are built.

Use the Right Height

A cook’s kitchen takes into account the height of the cook. No, we’re not suggesting that the countertops, cabinets, and microwave be custom built to the exact height of the cook. But, if the cook isn’t the average size, the kitchen shouldn’t be either. Raising or lowering countertops will make it much easier for an extremely tall or short person to work in the kitchen. Also, keep in mind if kid’s will be using the kitchen on a regular basis. A microwave that’s installed the standard 15 inches above countertop may not be safe for use by kids. A below countertop model make much more sense if kids are regular cooks in the kitchen. A step-stool built into the toeplate of a cabinet is a great way to get kids up to countertop height.

Functional Islands

An island in the kitchen can provide extra workspace and a place to eat. But a skilled kitchen contractor knows it shouldn’t do both. Decide whether you want the primary purpose of the island be to additional eating space or working space. You should not place seating at an island with a cooktop.

Workspace

Cooks need a place to work. That means more counter space. Most cooks want this extra space to be between the cooktop/oven and the sink. Occasional cooks who prepare simple meals don’t want or need as much counter space on which to work. An island without a cooktop can double as workspace and eating space if positioned properly in the work triangle.

Use Cleanable Surfaces

A cook’s mess doesn’t linger. Cooks want surfaces that are easy to clean. Undermount sinks don’t provide a place for crumbs to hide. Smudge-free surfaces on appliances hide fingerprints and matte surfaces don’t show grime as much as glossy ones. Matte surfaces are great for floors. Quartz is an easier care surface than granite and concrete resists heat damage. Solid shelves in the pantry and refrigerator are easier to clean and help keep spills contained.

Let the Light In

Use task lighting to enhance overhead lighting. Light colors make spaces appear larger and dark colors shrink space. Soft shades for the cabinetry visually expands a small room. Shaker and French farm house looks are popular because they can make even the darkest corner look light and bright.

Inspired Remodels – the Kitchen Contractor that Knows Cooking

When you are ready to step up your game and create a kitchen for cooking, contact Inspired Remodels. Inspired Remodels is the kitchen contractor that knows cooking. From designs that combine function and beauty to making the most of the room you have, Jason and Joe Mueller can create the kitchen of your dreams. When you’re ready to start cooking, call Inspired Remodels at (949) 716-1938 to schedule your consultation.