kitchen remodeling Archives - Page 2 of 6

bathroom renovation company adds fireplace to san clemente bathroom

General Contractors that Design and Build

From initial inspiration to the last construction detail, Inspired Remodels provides full general contractor and design services for Orange County remodels and renovations.

One room or the whole house, our customers enjoy extraordinary craftsmanship, laser-focused attention to detail, and dedication to customer satisfaction with every interaction.

Here’s what sets the design-build model apart.

Reimagining General Contracting

In a traditional general contractor (GC) role, the GC hires and manages the subcontractors, ensures the job site is safe, and installs the materials purchased by the homeowner. In some instances, the GC may also purchase the necessary materials, alleviating some of the work of the homeowner. They visit their client’s homes, check the quality and progress of the work, and update the homeowner, as necessary.

If a problem arises throughout the process, the homeowner serves as the liaison between the designer(s) and the general contractor. For example, if the contractor is in the middle of construction and finds something unexpected in the wall that cannot be moved, or is costly to do so, that impacts the design put into place by the designer, the homeowner would need to coordinate with both parties to determine the best path forward.

With the design-build approach to general contracting, the homeowner hires one firm to do all the work involved in the renovation or remodel. The project starts with the designer listening to the client’s unique needs and understanding their vision and goals for the project. Then the designer turns ideas into plans and component specifications.

Next, the plans become reality under the direction of the general contractor, working hand-in-hand with the designer along the way.

Bringing Designers and General Contractors Together

Better Communication + Coordination = Less Homeowner Stress

Ask any general contractor if undergoing a home remodel adds stress and strain to their clients’ lives. The honest ones will tell you yes, then explain how they try to make it better.

Putting the design and build functions under one umbrella gives the homeowner a single point of contact – typically the firm’s Project Manager or Site Supervisor. That improves communication, and in-turn reduces stress.

Unlike the typical general contractor and designer scenario where the homeowner is acting as the point person, in the design-build scenario, a Project Manager oversees the coordination of work on the homeowner’s behalf. This reduces the risk of miscommunication and errors (and headaches).

A unified team shares the vision and goals of the project, leading to smoother collaboration and faster decision-making – reducing stress on the homeowner!

Improved Outcomes = Better Customer Satisfaction

The collaborative nature of the design and build approach fosters stronger client-designer-builder relationships. This results in highly tailored renovation, remodeling, and renovation projects satisfying outcomes for clients and general contractors, too.

Because homeowners received coordinated expert guidance throughout the process, their vision becomes a reality effectively and efficiently. If problems come to light during the demolition process, for example, the designer gets notification and begins work on alternatives to solve the problem. Instead of getting bad news, the homeowner gets notification of the situation and proposed solutions. This collaborative approach improves customer satisfaction, even when problems arise.

Inspired Designers and General Contractors

Inspired Remodels offers design and build services to Orange County homeowners. With over 20 years of experience in home remodeling, Joe Mueller takes on the role of both General Contractor and designer. From the initial meet and greet at the design center, Joe gets a feel for the wants and needs of every client and helps them bring their visions to life. Whether a homeowner comes in to the process knowing exactly what they want, or if they need help in their decision making process, Joe can guide them each step of the way.

Joe brings an added element of expertise as a real estate broker, helping clients evaluate their renovations not just for aesthetics and function, but for long-term value. Through the eyes of a broker, he’s able to guide homeowners in their decisions taking into account how long the client intends to stay in the home and ensuring the improvements made are appropriate for the neighborhood they are in.

With all of the materials needed to complete a remodel available at the design center, Orange County homeowners can avoid the stress of having the track down materials on their own. From tile, countertops and cabinets, to plumbing fixtures, accessories, and lighting, see everything come together all in one place!

Guide to the Kitchen Renovation Decision-Making Process

By Inspired Remodels / Home Improvement, Kitchen Remodel / Comments Off

A kitchen renovation feels overwhelming if you don’t know where to begin. Any time you make many decisions, you risk making a bad one. And with kitchen remodeling, mistakes cost extra money and extend the timeline. Follow the right order, and your project will move smoothly, and your kitchen will look and work fabulously.

Follow this simple guide to plan a kitchen renovation, step by step.

Begin With the Budget

Before deciding anything, have an idea of the amount you are looking to spend to build your new kitchen. When determining your budget, don’t forget to take into account things like new appliances and plumbing fixtures, all which have varying price points to consider.

Until your general contractor sees the space, it is hard to determine a ballpark figure for a remodel. Depending on the scope you are looking to complete, costs can vary greatly. For example, keeping the floor plan as it is, but updating the finishes may require one budget while deciding to remove walls, add features like a coffee bar or pot filler may require a different one. When meeting with your general contractor, it is important to share things like your ideal budget, how long you intend to stay in the home and how the home will be used (i.e. your forever home, a rental, etc.).

Plan the Layout

Now you know what you have to spend, think about how you actually use your kitchen. Are you a gourmet cook or a microwave pro?

Do you accommodate several cooks at once, or is meal prep and clean-up a solo endeavor?

Looking to create a better flow for entertaining, or do you need an eating area or island? These needs inform the layout. The layout shapes your following decisions, so settle on the layout early. A good layout will make your kitchen easier to use every day.

Many Orange County kitchen renovations knock down walls to create an open-concept layout. Modern homeowners want kitchens that feel large and bring in natural light. It is important to note that not all walls can be removed. In some instances, an architect and/or engineer may need to assess what removing a wall would require in the building process.

Pick Major Appliances

Pick your appliances next. Why now? Because the size and number of appliances affects your cabinet and counter design. Decide on appliances such as refrigerator, stove, oven, microwave, and dishwasher before designing cabinets.

A common design trend in 2025 is hidden appliances – also know as panel-ready appliances. If you want panel-ready appliances, it is important to bring this up to your general contractor early in the design process as there are some limitations when it comes to finishes, sizes, etc. Appliance-ready panels can also impact the layout of your space as each appliance has different requirements and specifications for them to function properly.

Pick Cabinets and the Configuration

Once you know the layout and the dimensions of your appliances, you are ready to think about the style and finish of your cabinetry.

White shaker cabinets remain a popular option for Orange County kitchens, but many homeowners have shifted to softer white as opposed to bright white that was popular just a few years ago. A two-tone design has become increasingly popular, with some homeowners selecting a statement color like sage green or navy blue, while others are drawn to the looks of a wood-tone. Deciding where you want to include the contrast is another factor to consider. Do you want just the island to be a different color? The uppers and lowers different colors?

This is also the time to consider storage needs. Options such as pull-out drawers, spice racks, and standing mixer lifts increase the functionality of the room.

Select the Countertops

Now that you’ve selected the style and color of your cabinets, determine the countertops that match not only your style and design, but durability and functionality. One of the more popular countertop choices is quartz due to the ease of maintenance and availability of design. Other homeowners opt for natural materials like quartzite, marble, or even granite, but it is important to note these will require regular maintenance (i.e. sealing).

Thick slabs with bold veining and waterfall edges remain staples in luxury home kitchen renovations in Orange County.

Decide on Flooring

With cabinet and countertop colors and style in mind, pick your kitchen flooring. Opt for flooring that stands up to daily wear and spills.

If you wanting the wood look without the fear of it being ruined, wood look porcelain tile flooring is a durable, waterproof option for flooring. Otherwise options such as LVP or engineered wood can be used, but it is important to understand the care requirements of each before making your decision. Your general contractor can walk you through each option and help you determine the best option for you.

No matter what you pick, pick a floor that will last for years and look good just as long.

Plan Lighting and Electrical Requirements

Good lighting makes a big difference. Use ceiling lights and under-cabinet lights to brighten workspaces with task lighting. Plan for electrical needs to determine locations for your wall switches and outlets. Consider what small appliances you will use and where you will use them. Don’t forget to figure charging areas into the equation, too.

Will your island host the blender and food processor, or hungry kids at breakfast and lunch? Know in advance and plan your electrical outlets accordingly.

Currently, recessed ceiling lights and decorative pendants top the trends in Orange County kitchen renovation projects. Consider dimmer switches for even more flexibility.

Settle on Backsplash and Wall Colors

Your backsplash ties the entire kitchen together. Wait until after you’ve decided on the cabinets and countertops to make this important decision.

Stone, porcelain, glass, and zellige tiles star in decorator kitchens in Orange County. Select paint colors that finish the room in a cohesive manner. Remember, the lighter the color, the more open and larger the room will feel.

If you are looking for a cleaner look without the added grout lines, consider using your countertop material as backsplash (i.e. countersplash). This popular design trend has been sweeping through Orange County kitchens over the last year and is expected to continue for years to come!

For harmony, use colors adjacent to prime elements on the color wheel. Go across the color wheel if you want high contrast.

Choose Fixtures and Hardware

Finally, select your faucet, sink, and cabinet handles. Cabinet hardware accessorizes your kitchen just as jewelry accessorizes fashion wear. There are dozens of finishes and brands to choose from!

If you are looking to be on-trend in 2025, consider mixed metals. Brands such as Brizo have created faucet lines that incorporate two-tone finishes like matte black with champagne bronze. This then allows you to choose cabinetry handles of either color and is no longer considered a faux-paus.

Kitchen Renovation Design and Build

If you are looking for a design and build team in Orange County for your upcoming kitchen remodel, contact Inspired Remodels.

Joe and team will walk you through the process from start to finish. Determine a layout that works for you and your space, select the finishes and fixtures, and watch your dream become a reality – all in one place!

Deciding to schedule a consultation with Inspired Remodels is a smart start to your kitchen renovation project.

How to Avoid Being Scammed by General Contractors

By Inspired Remodels / Bathroom Remodel, Home Improvement, Kitchen Remodel / Comments Off

Choosing to remodel your home – and selecting the right general contractor to bring your vision to life – is a major decision. For most of us, our home isn’t just where we live – it’s our most valuable asset. Inviting someone into your home to handle a renovation of any size requires a great deal of trust. From a general contractor’s perspective, being entrusted to work in someone’s home is a responsibility that’s not to be taken lightly,

Unfortunately, we have all heard horror stories about general contractors who didn’t live up to expectations. Given these stories, it’s no wonder some homeowners are cautious when it comes to hiring a general contractor. So how can Orange County homeowners looking to complete a renovation protect themselves from hiring the wrong general contractor, but instead hiring a general contractor they can trust? There are a few simple steps you can take to ensure you’ve found a quality general contractor.

man using laptop to check general contractors license online with state website

Let your fingers do the walking to check credentials online

Warning Signs & Red Flags

First off, there are a few general warning signs, red flags, or statements made that could lead you to ask a few more questions or dig a little deeper into the general contractor.

“I’m available to start tomorrow,” or something along those lines. If a general contractor has availability to start immediately or soon thereafter, you may want to ask yourself why they don’t have other work scheduled. Some general contractors book out months in advance, allowing for proper planning, product acquisition, etc.
High-pressure sales tactics. When you start feeling rushed into a decision, or the pitch takes on that all-too-familiar used-car salesman vibe, it’s time to hit pause.
Overall job costs that seem too good to be true. Unfortunately, they likely are! If you receive a few different estimates from different general contractors and one of them comes in much lower than the others, take the time to compare the estimates you’ve received. Ensure you are getting like-for-like estimates, i.e. the contractors are providing estimates on the same scope of work with the same quality of materials. Oftentimes, if you go with the much-lower bid, you may end up seeing more change orders throughout the process bringing your job total up in the long-run.

Credentials Matter

“Jack of all trades, master of none.” Although maybe an extreme example… would you entrust your dentist to perform brain surgery? While both went to medical school and sport the name doctor, that doesn’t make their credentials to do the job equal.

While some tradesmen carry multiple licenses, it would not be recommended to hire a plumber to wire your new bathroom. Or having your electrician remove a wall to create that open-space feel.

Instead, look to hire an Orange County-based general contractor who holds a State of California license (or if you are in another state, the respective state’s license). In California, utilize the Contractors State Licensing Board (CSLB) website to verify a contractor’s license status and credentials. You can search by Company Name, License Number, or even the contractor’s first and last name.

glasses on general contractor contract pages

Do some online research of general contractors you are speaking to

Ask for References

For most legitimate companies, you can find online references on sources such as Yelp, Facebook, Google, or even Houzz. However, take the reference check one step further and ask your general contractor for a couple of references you can speak to directly.

Although review websites do their best to eliminate the spam or paid-for reviews from their sites, some testimonials do end up slipping through their review process. If you are looking online and noticing overly generic praise, repeated phrases across multiple review, or a sudden flood of five-star rating in a short timeframe, take the reviews with a grain of salt. They may be a spam or paid-for review to boost the company’s overall rankings.

Instead, ask the general contractor(s) you are considering to hire for a couple of references you can reach out to directly. This allows you to ask any questions you may have, hear from an actual homeowner about their experience, and in some cases, see the finished work firsthand! If a general contractor gives you the “I don’t want to bother my clients” excuse, maybe do some additional online research of your home prior to signing a contract with that specific company or general contractor.

Trust Your Gut!

If in your conversations and interactions you’re noticing that “ick” feeling or something just doesn’t seem quite right, trust your instincts! While there may be a delay in getting your renovation started as you find another general contractor to work with, you want to find a general contractor that you feel one hundred percent confident with and in. Hiring the wrong general contractor or team can lead to extended timelines, costly mistakes, and potentially costly repairs.

If you are considering a renovation of your home, the Inspired Remodels team would love to speak with you. Having completed hundreds of remodels in Orange County over the last 20+ years, we are confident we can assist you in building your dream space.