When remodeling their kitchens, homeowners typically look for traditional, modern, or contemporary styles. Beyond cabinet aesthetics, homeowners often rely on cabinets for storage as well.

Most homeowners consider remodeling their kitchen with a goal to redo the overall flow, style, or layout. The top style for remodeled kitchens is transitional, followed by modern, contemporary, farmhouse, and finally, traditional.

Almost all homeowners who undergo kitchen remodeling improve their cabinets by replacing them completely, while one in three chooses a partial cabinet update instead. The most popular updates include refinishing cabinet exteriors, adding new cabinets, replacing the doors, replacing only a few cabinets, followed by refinishing cabinet interiors.

Shaker style cabinets are the top door choice for cabinet updates, with flat-panel cabinets coming in second. Totally custom cabinets are the most popular option, with semi-custom in a close second. A small number of homeowners select stock or ready-to-assemble cabinets for their remodeled kitchens.

The most desired color for cabinets is white, followed by wood tones, and gray being the third most popular color for kitchen remodels.

Functionality is just as important as design, so many homeowners are upgrading their cabinets with built-in organizers and other specialty storage. Cabinets that hold cookie sheets are most popular, followed by spice racks, pullout waste or recycling drawers, lazy Susans, and finally, pull out/swing out cabinets.

Newly-remodeled kitchens are typically kept the same size, with more than half of remodeled kitchens measuring 200 square feet or more, 100 to 199 square feet comes in second, followed by 100 square feet in third. In terms of actual layout, the most popular shape is an l-shape, then a u-shape, followed by a galley.

You have your vision, so why not bring it to life? JFC Remodeling specializes in making your kitchen and bathroom remodeling dreams come true. Contact us today to learn more.

JFC Remodeling is committed to providing top-quality home reconstruction services to clients throughout Livingston County. With over 30 years of experience in the industry, our licensed contractors create unique, individualized, and polished renovations. Whether the site requires an improvement, repair, or is a new construction, you can trust our experts to deliver remarkable results. Call: 810-923-1123, e-mail: jfcllc@comcast.net, or visit us at: www.jfcremodeling.com today.Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.

You’ve decided to sell your home and want to maximize its resale value. Remodeling is an excellent way to do this. But what works and what doesn’t? These decisions are critical, so we’ve provided a few pointers for you on do’s and don’ts when remodeling your house for resale.

Remodeling Do’s

Remodel Your Kitchen

A tired, worn kitchen is not going to help sell your house. This home area is one of the more obvious places to start, but you should be cautious.

• Try not to tailor changes too much to your specific taste—potential buyers may not share it.
• Keep to the existing layout. Knocking out walls and moving plumbing will add to the cost and offset any gains you make on resale value.
• Use neutral colors. Clean, neutral colors accentuate the kitchen’s space and appeal to buyers.

Add Extra Living Space

Knocking external walls down and building new rooms may seem expensive, but it can be worthwhile. It’s a sure way to add value beyond the cost of the remodel, but you need to take care that you are adding functional space that’s big enough to appeal to potential buyers. Conservatories are an excellent option.

Remodel the Primary Bedroom

The primary bedroom is one of the top rooms that buyers consider. New flooring or a new en-suite can be a great way to add value here.

Revitalize Your Bathroom

Potential buyers will always consider bathrooms, especially the main ones. A new bathroom suite and flooring can boost your chances of getting your asking price. Also, think about remodeling secondary bathrooms if you have the budget.

Remodeling Don’ts

You might be tempted to do a few things that don’t offer a great return on your budget. These include:

Pools

Although pools are attractive to some buyers, they are costly to install and maintain. The maintenance costs alone may put off some buyers.

Kids rooms

Every parent wants to put their kids’ personalities in a space, so don’t waste your budget going crazy with these rooms. Some buyers might not even see additional bedrooms as kids’ spaces.

Specialist rooms

A wine room or a games room might appeal to you, but it won’t to every buyer. Outside of the core use rooms, keep additional spaces plain and neutral so buyers can look at them and imagine their preferred room use.

No matter the size or expense of a home renovation, the personal joy and functionality of the space for you and your family should be the ultimate deciding factor for any home project. The decision is always yours alone to make and will need to decide the actual value of the remodel not only from a resale standpoint. Keeping these ideas in mind may help you choose where to spend each dollar wisely during a project.

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JFC Remodeling is committed to providing top-quality home reconstruction services to clients throughout Livingston County. With over 30 years of experience in the industry, our licensed contractors create unique, individualized, and polished renovations. Whether the site requires an improvement, repair, or is a new construction, you can trust our experts to deliver remarkable results. Call: 810-923-1123, e-mail: jfcllc@comcast.net, or visit us at: www.jfcremodeling.com today.

Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.

With a seemingly never-ending variety of countertops available for kitchens, what should you choose? Consider material durability as well as color. Here are six popular color choices to help you achieve the kitchen of your dreams.

Wood
An excellent choice for giving your kitchen some character, wood can break up crisp, white kitchens or add some balance to traditional or contemporary elements. Wood is a fantastic accent counter or built-in cutting board. Lighter wood feels more casual and rustic, whereas darker wood is more formal and polished.

Flecked or Vined White
Ivory stone or manufactured slab (think quartz) with a light fleck or vein is one of the most popular countertop finishes since it works well in many settings. The pale tone is neutral, fresh, sophisticated, and brings a sense of cleanliness to the kitchen. These countertops also pair well with brass accents.

Dark/Black
This countertop option pairs well with dark floors, cabinets, or other rich features. Dark-on-dark palettes should have plenty of lighting, which will ensure the space is cozy and sophisticated. Painted cabinets (perhaps a powder blue or sage green) also go well with dark countertops. Dark or black countertops are also great if you’re going for that classic black-and-white look with some instant drama.

White
Corian or Caesarstone are some examples of manufactured pure white countertops, which bring a minimalist, crisp, contemporary feel to a space. Great at stain resistance, these stay crisp white with just a tiny amount of care. White countertops are recommended for themed kitchens; for example, if you’re looking for a nautical kitchen, white and blue are a fantastic combination.

Neutrals
Soft grey, beige, cream, etc., can add a touch of harmony to any kitchen. Soft flecked grey stone looks similar to concrete and works well in architectural spaces. Warm metallic elements (gold or brass cabinet pulls) accentuate neutral countertops as well.

Materials – done! Contractor – look no further! At JFC Remodeling, we professionally remodel kitchens. If you have an ideal kitchen in mind, contact us, and we’ll work with you to create the space you’ve always dreamed of.

JFC Remodeling is committed to providing top-quality home reconstruction services to clients throughout Livingston County. With over 30 years of experience in the industry, our licensed contractors create unique, individualized, and polished renovations. Whether the site requires an improvement, repair, or is a new construction, you can trust our experts to deliver remarkable results. Call: 810-923-1123, e-mail: jfcllc@comcast.net, or visit us at: www.jfcremodeling.com today.

Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.

To cozy up a house and turn it into a home, we often rely on personal style to create an overall aesthetic. However, our homes consist of so much more than furniture. Here are some suggestions to enhance your space and make rooms feel more comfortable.

Practicality
Well-designed homes get everything right, especially from a practical sense. Make sure you set aside space for laundry, a mudroom/entrance area, and other areas that might be accidentally overlooked. If you don’t have a dedicated room where you can keep a washer and dryer, consider putting them in a closet or stacking them to maximize space.

Layout
Spend some time analyzing the way you use and move throughout your home. Establish what is clearly working and what isn’t. Sometimes, interior design can’t remedy an oddly-placed wall, which should be knocked down by a professional. Houses can often gain more space by expanding a kitchen or dining area, for example.

Nooks & Crannies
Sometimes, the most overlooked areas of a space are those awkward spaces such as corners or underneath stairways. Brainstorm how to transform the blank canvas into something more useful, such as designated storage areas.

Lighting
One of the most important aspects of interior design, lighting has the power to change the ambiance with the flip of a switch. Try to balance artificial and natural light to create a warm, cozy, yet welcoming space.

Color
Choosing the right color can make a magnificent impact on a room. Layer your color palette by using accent walls or adding bold accessories or artwork to make them pop.

Personality
Don’t forget the most important part of making your house a home: you! Make sure each and every element in your home is one that you love. Showcase your personal art collection or reupholstered chairs proudly.

JFC Remodeling is committed to providing top-quality home reconstruction services to clients throughout Livingston County. With over 30 years of experience in the industry, our licensed contractors create unique, individualized, and polished renovations. Whether the site requires an improvement, repair, or is a new construction, you can trust our experts to deliver remarkable results. Call: 810-923-1123, e-mail: jfcllc@comcast.net, or visit us at: www.jfcremodeling.com today.

Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.

Throughout 2021, most homeowners resonated with natural materials, outdoor space connections, wood beams, kitchen islands, soft blues, gorgeous greens, and more. Read on to countdown some of the hottest trends of 2021.

10) Sage Is the Rage: Sage accents were everywhere during 2021. From drawers and cabinets to backsplashes, this soothing color created a peaceful environment for kitchens everywhere.

9) Neat Nook: Breakfast nooks took center stage and served as an informal version of a conventional kitchen table. Sophisticated and no-nonsense, nooks were adorned with brass finishes and backsplash tile in 2021.

8) Island Blue: Kitchen islands were a perfect way for owners to showcase a splash of color different from the rest of the cabinets. Blue seemed to be a popular choice, as it provided a striking contrast to white and grey.

7) Rustic Wood: X-shape beams in coffered ceilings were a big trend, as the wooden material added warmth and texture to the room. Wood accents also made rooms feel more extensive and open.

6) Herb Garden: Whether it was cabinet colors, pendant lighting, custom vent hoods, or quartz counters, shades of green were seen splashed throughout kitchens in 2021.

5) Window Haven: Impressive window banks were installed throughout kitchens in 2021, showcasing the natural outdoors and letting the seasonal changes influence the overall color scheme.

4) Kitchen Hub: Islands in the kitchen can include sinks, dishwashers, trash containers, recycling pullouts, seating, storage, cabinets, and much more. Family members and guests can hang out in the kitchen while seated at islands without getting in the cook’s way.

3) White + Wood: Rich colors in wood tones such as hickory, pine, and oak were seen contrasting with white cabinets, backsplashes, or marble countertops. Kitchens also took on an industrial look with bright lighting, black fixtures, and stainless steel appliances.  

2) Mix or Match: While many kitchens in 2021 were focused on clean, streamlined looks, some utilized the playful alternative by featuring bold accent colors throughout.

1) Gathered Assembly: The most popular trend in 2021 creates a style that is unique to each homeowner. Whether it was glass-front cabinets mixed with raw wood ceilings or blue cabinets and white countertops, kitchens saw a pop of color and life rather than being too sterile.

JFC Remodeling is committed to providing top-quality home reconstruction services to clients throughout Livingston County. With over 30 years of experience in the industry, our licensed contractors create unique, individualized, and polished renovations. Whether the site requires an improvement, repair, or is a new construction, you can trust our experts to deliver remarkable results. Call: 810-923-1123, e-mail: jfcllc@comcast.net, or visit us at: www.jfcremodeling.com today.

Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.

Let’s face it; kitchens get a lot of action. To keep your cooking area clean and tidy, it’s essential to pay attention to the types of finishes used throughout the space. Are you tired of scrubbing your flooring, hardware, cabinets, and more? Read on to learn how you can reduce your cleaning time by using these easy-to-maintain finishes.

Flooring

• Ceramic or porcelain tile is best for high-traffic areas and wet zones, a.k.a. kitchens. Their moisture resistance is unmatched, and they are highly resilient to scratching and staining. Another added bonus? Unlike natural stone, you don’t have to seal ceramic or porcelain tile or use special cleaning agents.
• Vinyl is ideal in kitchens as it can handle moisture, spills, stains, and more. Cleanup is quick and easy; it is also difficult to scratch. Without grout lines, there is no place for dirt and grime to hide and accumulate.

Cabinets

• Flat-panel doors are so chic right now. The less door detail, the less grime and grease. Since the surface of flat panel doors doesn’t have raised grooves or deep recessions, they are super easy to wipe and clean.
• Shaker doors are a great alternative to flat panels. These add a touch of detail yet are easy to maintain.

Backsplashes

• Ceramic and porcelain are again the clear winners here, as they are nonporous and repel water, don’t require sealing, and are generally durable.
• Glass is super easy to wipe down, thanks to its smooth finish. Though their highly reflective surface shows grease and food more than tile, solid-glass sheets allow you to forgo grout as well, which is a huge advantage.

Hardware

• Brushed nickel is superior to most metals since its matte finish helps to hide water spots and fingerprints. It’s easy to clean and has a long-lasting appearance.
• Oil-rubbed bronze doesn’t require much upkeep but does show fingerprints more.

Do you want to replace some of your kitchen finishes to help ease the upkeep? Contact the remodeling experts at JFC today.

JFC Remodeling is committed to providing top-quality home reconstruction services to clients throughout Livingston County. With over 30 years of experience in the industry, our licensed contractors create unique, individualized, and polished renovations. Whether the site requires an improvement, repair, or is a new construction, you can trust our experts to deliver remarkable results. Call: 810-923-1123, e-mail: jfcllc@comcast.net, or visit us at: www.jfcremodeling.com today.

Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.

Remodeling your bathroom is a creative, exciting process that could bring out some stress and pressure. To ensure that your new bathroom will stay up-to-date through time, it’s ideal to find the best design for your lifestyle and budget.

Do you know the best placement for a toilet? Is it best to include windows? Is bigger better? All of these questions are valid – but do you know the answer for yourself? Read on to learn more.

Windows
Dark, damp bathrooms with little- to no circulation are so last season. Bathrooms are best suited for windows or a skylight, where fresh air and natural light can infiltrate the room. By making your space feel more open and lighter, the bright area will feel more comfortable.

Tucked Away
If your bathroom happens to be located in a space near a public area such as a dining room, living room, or kitchen, it might be helpful to create some separation between the rooms. If there is a straight-shot line of sight between the toilet and the kitchen table, for example, consider moving the toilet. By positioning the toilet deeper within the bathroom, rather than the first thing someone sees when they walk in, creates a feeling of a larger space.

Skip the Curb
Showers typically come with a six-inch (or so) curb, which keeps the water in the designated area. However, these curbs cause many trip-and-fall accidents in bathrooms, especially those that are wet and slippery. Curbless showers make bathrooms feel larger and cleaner. An additional bonus is that they reduce the number of tripping accidents.

Function Over Style
Great bathroom design is based on how it works rather than how it looks. First, ensure you have a more efficient, well-designed bathroom. Style can come second. Larger isn’t necessarily the best route when it comes to bathrooms. Functionality should be at the top of your list.

Do you want to remodel or build a new bathroom? Contact the bathroom contractor experts at JFC Remodeling today.

JFC Remodeling is committed to providing top-quality home reconstruction services to clients throughout Livingston County. With over 30 years of experience in the industry, our licensed contractors create unique, individualized, and polished renovations. Whether the site requires an improvement, repair, or is a new construction, you can trust our experts to deliver remarkable results. Call: 810-923-1123, e-mail: jfcllc@comcast.net, or visit us at: www.jfcremodeling.com today.

Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.

Kitchen islands are versatile, and the options are seemingly endless. While the advantages might seem straightforward, it can be overwhelming to choose from such a large number of possibilities. Kitchen islands can bring many benefits, including more storage, an extra countertop, a place for seating, improved circulation, another sink, cooking area, or more. Here are a few ideas for yours:

1. Seating: The most commonly recommended use for a kitchen island is seating, as they become a gathering point for family and guests. From homework to snacks, seats can bring cohesiveness to your kitchen. Be mindful of the height of the seat itself, length, and spacing between chairs.

• Storage: Adding more space to your kitchen with cabinets can be a no-brainer, yet many kitchen islands are not double-sided. To maximize storage, your kitchen island can have cabinets included on the back side (beneath the stools) as well. These somewhat hidden cabinets can be ideal for storing holiday platters and other sparingly-used kitchen tools or gadgets.

• Outlets: If you use blenders, mixers, or simply want to charge your electronic devices, outlets can be a perfect addition to your kitchen island. You can also consider putting an outlet in a drawer or cabinet to hide devices while you’re rolling out a pie crust or chopping meat.

• Fridge: Cabinet or drawer fridges are perfect for grabbing a snack or drink without interrupting the overall kitchen workflow. Consider adding a small fridge at the end of the island furthest away from the chef’s hustle-and-bustle.

• Microwave: Serving a similar purpose as the fridge, place a microwave in an inconspicuous place so people can heat snacks without getting in the way. Additionally, by adding the microwave to your kitchen island, your cabinets or countertops will be free for more work surfaces and limit visual clutter.

• Sink: Two sinks might seem like overload for a kitchen, but if you designate one as a “prep sink” and the other for cooking or dishes, it eases the congestion around a single sink. Just imagine…no more dripping water between transfers from the sink to the island.

• Garbage: As with any main work area, it’s essential to have a trash can nearby. You can easily wipe food scraps or crumbs off the surface directly into the bin. Super convenient, this is also a great way to free up space throughout the rest of the kitchen.

Are you dreaming of adding a kitchen island? We can make your dreams a reality – contact us today!

JFC Remodeling is committed to providing top-quality home reconstruction services to clients throughout Livingston County. With over 30 years of experience in the industry, our licensed contractors create unique, individualized, and polished renovations. Whether the site requires an improvement, repair, or new construction, you can trust our experts to deliver remarkable results. Call: 810-923-1123, e-mail: jfcllc@comcast.net, or visit us at: www.jfcremodeling.com today.

Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.

Nothing is quite like marble; the appearance of movement created by veining is distinctive to this popular, porous surface, which is notoriously susceptible to scratching and staining. Particularly where hard objects or high acidity is present – think kitchen knives or lemons – marble can easily succumb to etches and pits. Thankfully, caring for marble helps preserve its appearance and prevent surface damage.

Lemon juice, alcohol, or tomato juice all have a high acidic content. When these are dripped, splashed, or spilled on a marble surface and lingers for an extended time, the acid deteriorates the calcium carbonate in the stone, creating permanent damage. The dull, slightly dark rings or spots that result from this chemical reaction are called etchings. In some light, etching is more noticeable, and vice-versa.

Milk, juice, fruit, and alcohol can occasionally cause both etching and staining. To keep your marble looking like new, consider the following:

Avoid acidic solutions: Not only are the aforementioned foods acidic, but certain cleaning products can also deteriorate marble. According to the National Stone Institute, vinegar, lemon juice, and other surfactants should be avoided on marble. Mild soap and water are best, along with a non-abrasive sponge or cloth.

Seal properly: Spray a sealant at least once a month so penetration cannot occur as easily. While certain liquids (red wine) will still stain if left to sit overnight, the sealant will protect the marble if the liquid or juice is wiped up immediately.

Solutions for common stains:

• Oil-based (grease, cooking oil, cosmetics): Cleanse the surface lightly with a soft liquid cleanser, household detergent, ammonia, or mineral spirits.
• Organic (coffee, tea, fruit, food): Mix 12 percent hydrogen peroxide with a few drops of ammonia to wipe clean.
• Rust stains (metals): These might be permanent and are extremely difficult to remove, and will need to be treated with a poultice, a paste-like cleaning agent sold commercially.
• Paint stains: Lacquer thinner or razor blades can be used to remove small amounts carefully.
• Smoke stains: Commercial products are available and used to remove these stains.
• Water spots or rings: Use #0000 dry steel wool to buff these spots out.

Are you interested in getting marble countertops or marble tiles in your bathroom? Contact the renovation experts at JFC Remodeling today!

JFC Remodeling is committed to providing top-quality home reconstruction services to clients throughout Livingston County. With over 30 years of experience in the industry, our licensed contractors create unique, individualized, and polished renovations. Whether the site requires an improvement, repair, or is a new construction, you can trust our experts to deliver remarkable results. Call: 810-923-1123, e-mail: jfcllc@comcast.net, or visit us at: www.jfcremodeling.com today.

Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.

Bathroom remodeling can be exciting yet simultaneously excruciating. If you are prepared and know what to expect, the process can be somewhat seamless. Planning, organizing, readjusting, and scheduling can help make things go smoothly.

1. Check (and double-check) the Construction Schedule: First and foremost, ensure your renovation is optimally lined up with the subcontractors who will be working on your project. These include but are not limited to: plumbers, carpenters, cabinetmakers, tile and flooring personnel, electricians, and more. Specific times will be crucial, as one late arrival or pushing over a date can send the entire schedule haywire. Also, remember to have all items ordered in advance such as faucets, showerheads, toilets, light fixtures, countertops, hardware, cabinetry, tile, etc.
   
   
2. Familiarize Yourself with the Construction Process: Ensure there will be plastic sheeting laid out, that the dust will be collected, and determine where the materials will go when they arrive. Prepare the affected areas by removing or covering household items to prevent damage or getting dirty, and make sure your pets and children are safe. Also, find out about trash and whether a dumpster will be necessary. If parking is a factor, ensure your neighborhood has room for extra vehicles, and make sure there is a portable toilet available if needed. All of these things should be included and discussed in the initial quote.
   
   
3. Streamline Bathroom Routines: The number of people using a bathroom in your house might double or triple, which will take some planning ahead. Share toiletries to cut down on the number of bottles in the shower. Schedule bathroom time to guarantee mornings aren’t hectic, or the water heater doesn’t run out of hot water after successive showers. Designate a desk, table, or caddy for extra toiletries including hair products, toothpaste, shave gel, foot powder, etc. Consider using over-the-door hooks to hang towels or use a freestanding towel rack to dry wet towels.
   
   
4. Shower Somewhere Else: Though it might sound extreme, if you only have one bathroom, your shower or tub might be decommissioned for a while. If you are a gym member, take advantage of the locker room shower. Ask family members whether you can use their bathroom, as well.
5. Focus on the Result: Renovating a bathroom while living in the house can be tumultuous, given construction zones are not exactly peaceful. If you are feeling overwhelmed, re-examine your mood boards and plans. There’s a light at the end of the dusty tunnel, and the results will be more than worth it!

Are you interested in remodeling your bathroom, kitchen, or other area within your home? Contact the experts at JFC Remodeling today to bring your dreams to life.

JFC Remodeling is committed to providing top-quality home reconstruction services to clients throughout Livingston County. With over 30 years of experience in the industry, our licensed contractors create unique, individualized, and polished renovations. Whether the site requires an improvement, repair, or new construction, you can trust our experts to deliver remarkable results. Call: 810-923-1123, e-mail: jfcllc@comcast.net, or visit us at: www.jfcremodeling.com today.

Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.