Bathrooms can sometimes be an afterthought when it comes to windows. This leaves many houses with a windowless bathroom that feels boxed in.

1. Use Glass and Lucite: Without windows, you might want to decorate with objects that don’t absorb light. With a small amount of color and transparent yet functional pieces, Lucite is a perfect accessory on the counter. Glass is more delicate; either material is not only functional but can de-clutter your space with ease.
   
   
2. Embrace White: One of the best ways to reflect light is to use white throughout the space. White accessories and furniture can be used instead of paint – think outside of the box and keep the room fresh by adding a breezy chair, delicate rug, fixtures, and more.
   
   
3. Mirror, Mirror: Known to expand spaces, mirrors are great for creating distance or double the space visually. Full mirrors are especially handy for extending areas and, bonus, are super easy to install.
   
   
4. Airy Vanity: These can sometimes be clunky and chunky aspects of the bathroom, but if you can store some bathroom items in a nearby closet, a longer, more open vanity will help the area feel less boxy. You can also add a towel shelf to open the space up.

• Fake It: Though your bathroom might not physically have a window, you could make it appear as though a window is there. If you add a bathroom shade in front of a blank wall and add a light behind it, it will give an illusion of a window.

• Lighting: Windows allow horizontal light in the room to balance overhead light, so without a window, vertical lighting can flatten the space. Wall fixtures offer another option for horizontal light and can bring a glow into your space.

Interested in remodeling your bathroom? Contact the reconstruction 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.

Kitchens are a place where people get together and enjoy each other’s company. Despite the actual size of your kitchen, there are tips and tricks to create extra room or give the illusion of a bigger space. While balancing storage, style, and functionality, here are some ideas worth implementing to expand your kitchen.

1. Shallow cabinets: The standard 24-inch depth is not necessary. Most cabinet lines come in 12- or 15-inch depths, which are typically used for upper cabinets. Using a slimmer-sized cabinet for lower areas has its advantages. By opening floor space, it creates more room in a tight kitchen. While your storage might be reduced slightly, the backs of deep cabinets can be challenging to reach, anyway.

• Single sink: Double sinks have their uses but consider how much more counter or storage space you could have when you utilize a single sink. If your sink is centered on a window with not a lot of room on either side, it can create a “dead zone” that can’t accommodate much. If you use a smaller cabinet for the sink, it frees up room on either side, opening adjacent cabinets. It’s worth exploring if you don’t use that second sink bowl often.

• Compact dishwasher: Compact, or “condo-sized” dishwashers, 18-inches in width, are growing in popularity compared to the standard 24-inch-wide dishwashers. Smaller washers fill up faster, meaning they can be run on a full load more often. This is a perfect option for smaller households.

• Slim fridge: Typically, the large 36-inch models end up full of clutter or stay half empty. If you aren’t much of a chef or don’t shop for fresh produce frequently, try slimming down your fridge to 30 or 28 inches, leaving more room for other essentials.

• Panel appliances: Designed to be able to receive a design of your choosing, these appliances (fridges and dishwashers) blend into the look of your kitchen cabinets, making the area appear more fluid, larger, and airier.

• Shelves: A few open shelves can easily hold tableware, storage jars, bins, and cookbooks to expand the room’s feel. By removing the upper cabinets, helps to open a stuffy space.

• Glass doors: Most solid cabinet doors can be traded in for glass inserts, making way for a more expanded sensation. Glass doors can be frosted or clear while displaying attractive drinkware or other kitchen necessities.

Thinking of implementing some of these ideas or want to expand your kitchen even more?

Contact the kitchen remodeling 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.

The small details are often overlooked yet are vital for a room’s appearance. To express cohesion and vitality, fabric patterns, art pieces, or custom-built cabinets can transform an awkward area into the highlight of the room. Why is it important to pay attention to the little things rather than go with the big-box-store cookie-cutter ideas? Read on to discover why….

Craftmanship
Custom-designed furniture, cabinets, or upholstered panels of curated fabric are works of art. The craftspeople who create these fine pieces have honed their skills over many years. Since they aren’t “ready-to-ship” or “put-it-together-yourself” pieces, a higher price point is often included. Crafting these unique pieces can take some time and serious effort. Some semi-custom cabinets aren’t drastically different in price than fully custom. If you’re receiving a bespoke, functional, and aesthetically pleasing item that makes your space more unified and harmonious, what’s not to love?

Shop Small and Support Local Business
Custom-designed pieces are fabricated and installed by professionals who typically have been in the industry for years, if not generations. Most often, these people are located in your own backyard. Hiring professionals puts money into your local economy and keeps artisans employed.

It’s All in the Details
Looking at straight lines and right angles can be similar to viewing perfection. With an eye for detail, these made-to-order custom designers will not only deliver substance but style as well. Having perfectly aligned framing creates an instant wow factor.

Bring it into Balance
Though custom-designed pieces can be pricier, one strategy is to counter-balance the price point in other areas. Try to keep your budget in check by shelling out more money for permanent architectural features and finishes rather than on furniture. Custom-built cabinets, shelving, fireplaces, ceiling details, etc., will all increase the value of your home. An expensive couch that is moveable, easily replaceable, and easily stained will not. Custom pillows can give an inexpensive sofa an updated, luxe finish. If you counter-balance the monetary costs and shop smart, custom-built pieces will be an easier purchase.

To discuss remodeling your kitchen, bathroom, or another living area, contact the experts at JFC Remodeling today. We can bring your space 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 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.

Whether you refer to them as bathrooms, restrooms, washrooms, or the lavatory, we all spend time in this (sometimes) fashionable room. Thanks to COVID-19, this year’s Kitchen & Bath Industry Show and International Builders’ Show were completely virtual. Keep reading to discover what’s to come in the world of 2021 bathroom design.

Freestanding Bathtubs
You can thank COVID-19 yet again for giving us more time in the restroom during 2020. The industry saw a significant increase in the number of people utilizing bathtubs, as more prominent companies reported a rise in bathtub interest, leading to sales. People who have been spending more time at home with their spouse or children often look to the tub as a retreat; a way to unwind behind a closed door. Freestanding tubs in particular have been a popular choice, and retailers have answered the call, offering different styles, heights, colors, and finishes.

LED Lighting
While LED bulbs aren’t exactly novel, the light fixtures, chandeliers, and strip lights are continuously making style advancements. Hidden LED lights in particular have been all the rage; some turn on when you open cabinets or cupboard doors, while others light up mirrors or shelves. Certain LED strips have been used to illuminate areas above bathtubs, around mirrors, and inside vanities. When used underneath bathtubs, hidden LED lighting gives them a unique floating appearance.

Filter Showerheads
Water pollution and chlorination isn’t just a factor for drinking water. People are growing more concerned about the dangers posed by unfiltered water when it comes to themselves or family members. From water purification filters to scented in-shower boosters, showerhead manufacturers are pulling out all the stops: and consumers are happily supporting the changes. Technology has been implemented as well; some showerheads integrate with Alexa and Google for voice-activated assistance.

Bidets
Bidets are fairly standard in French homes, and many Americans are catching on to the trend. These low-mounted versions of a sink were invented in 17^th century France. Though the idea isn’t unique, the technology that accompanies newer versions are. Some come equipped with heated seats, oscillating and pulsating rinse wands, deodorizer, and dryer.

Multi-Faceted Faucets
From two-tone to two-texture finishes, faucets come in a variety of colors, styles, and finishes. Some faucets boast a smooth overall finish with a wavy, water-like finish on specific areas such as handles. Matte black and antique gold are two fresh finishes to accompany the metallurgic designs.

Thinking of remodeling your bathroom or looking for a fresh, new upgrade? Contact the experts at JFC Remodeling today. We can help suggest and install new features to get your bathroom glimmering.

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.

Stainless steel looks beautiful but can be tricky to maintain. Check out these six tips below to keep your stainless steel looking like new.

1. Control knobs: Many people inadvertently forget about hidden grime underneath or behind these. Some knobs require you to pull up gently, releasing the knob from the surface. Cleaning around the knobs creates buildup over time, which can become stuck-on and challenging to remove.
2. Handles: Since these are used most frequently, they should be wiped weekly. Microfiber cloths are the best type of material to clean handles, as they remove dust without leaving streaks or smears. They also eliminate the need for harsh chemicals in your environment.
3. Oxidization: Pumice powder mixed with water is a great way to fight stainless steel oxidization. Mix the water and powder to create a paste, apply within the steel grain, and then rinse with warm water. Generally, after an application, cloths are black with soot.
4. Countertops: Designed to hold up to rough and constant wear and tear, stainless steel is a popular choice of professionals. Avoid using abrasive cleansers; instead, use a drop of dish soap and warm water to keep your counters clean and scratch-free.
5. Hoods: To prevent a buildup of grease and dust, stainless steel hoods should be cleaned weekly. Cooking grease and dust mix together in the air, land on the hood, becoming difficult to remove. To remove this thick, dusty grease, spray a cloth with rubbing alcohol and wipe over the hood. Do not under any circumstances use rubbing alcohol near an open flame, as it is extremely flammable. 
6. Burns: These marks can be irritating and difficult to remove from your stove. If you have marks that refuse to wipe away, try this simple recipe:

1 cup baking soda

¼ cup lemon juice

3 tablespoons Borax

Club soda (to rinse)

Combine the baking soda, lemon juice, and Borax to make a paste. Use a soft cloth to apply the paste to the entire stained area. Ensure to rub in the same grain direction as the stainless steel. Use the club soda to rinse off, and then wipe dry with a microfiber cloth.

To update any of your kitchen or bath appliances to stainless steel or to get professional recommendations on a remodel, contact the 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.

Older houses usually do not come ready with detailed blueprints like younger, newer homes generally do. Modern builds regularly have the plans that are foundationally important for home renovations or improvements readily available. Predating the early 1900s, builders seldomly drew up detailed specifications, which can be found in contemporary blueprints. Methods passed down by word-of-mouth was typically how house construction was accomplished in the past. Written manuals often referred to something along the lines of “build the usual way.”

Blueprints
An indispensable resource for remodeling and restoration work is that these plans solve all home mysteries and give a tangible roadmap for repairs. You can attempt to track down your home’s original blueprints by:

• Consulting local inspectors, assessors, and other building officials
• Visiting neighbors who have similar home structures
• Contacting your real estate sales agents
• Reviewing local archives such as plan books at the historical society
• Examining neighborhood fire insurance maps
• Researching local archived newspapers with old real estate advertisements for similar homes

Town Hall
Building inspectors or assessor’s offices usually know something about the buildings in your area. Permits are typically filed in the building inspector’s office, along with floor plans and elevation drawings. These can be helpful to learn about modifications made to your home within the past 20 years. Fire insurance maps in the United States date back to the 1870s. These documents are also located within City Hall and, at the very least, can indicate the original construction material used for your home. Three-dimensional drawings are typically included as well, which can be compared to Google Maps for real-time use. 

Realtors
If your home was manufactured within the past 50 years, your real estate office might be able to help you locate construction details. They are often familiar with local developers and housing styles in the region.

Neighbors
The familiar houses in your area might have been designed by the same person/developer as your home. Oftentimes they were constructed as mirror images, with minor differences in finishes.

Archives
Countless communities throughout the United States maintain archives with old photographs, building plans, and maps. They are generally not well-organized or maintained; however, they typically exist within either the library, museum, or historical society. Rarely, a town historian can facilitate your search. Local newspapers, farm journals, and women’s magazines can be examined for homes of a similar type. 

Online
While local municipalities might be your best bet, online resources such as NETR (Nationwide Environmental Title Research, LLC.) have public records available for view via their databases. Thousands of people are looking for house plans; forums such as Old House Web can help you in your search.

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 lighting is critical yet often overlooked or underperformed. We frequent bathrooms before going to bed and after waking up in the morning, and there should be ambient lighting for bedtime, however, be bright and welcoming at daybreak. Light, particularly daylight, sets our circadian rhythms, which play an essential role in our overall health and wellness. The answer to taking the correct medication (seeing clearly), avoiding falls (recognizing water on the floor), and more troublesome bathroom issues are all solved with proper lighting.

Illumination The amount of light needed in a bathroom varies due to a few factors. Ideally, the lighting should vary based on the type of activity being performed, such as shaving or using the restroom. Dimmers can be tremendously helpful, as it is ideal to over-light an area and reduce than under-light with an inability to increase.

Daylights Natural light is the best way to regulate sleep/wake cycles (circadian rhythm) and brighten moods. Instead of one window, perhaps add two, or a larger-than-originally-planned window to increase lighting. Skylights lets in two- to three times as much illumination as the same-sized window. Larger windows also increase lighting and let sunlight in.

Vanity lighting Optimum lighting includes fixtures mounted on either side of the mirror at eye level. No part of the face will be in shadow, which sometimes happens with overhead vanity lights. LED bulbs are much easier to dim than fluorescent, and incandescent bulbs are being phased out throughout America. Plus, LEDs are much brighter than their counterparts. They don’t get hot and they last much longer as well.

Illuminate the tub Hanging light fixtures above bathtubs is against most building codes and is not only discouraged but simply not done. No open or hanging lighting can be within eight feet of the bathtub, nor three feet next to it. Placing tubs underneath a feature window or skylight is the best bet, which lets the light in but doesn’t cause a hazard.

Night light Bathrooms are usually frequented in the wee hours of the night, so it is critical to provide some light to ensure safe maneuvering throughout the darkness. A low-wattage nightlight either on all night or that responds to motion is a simple solution. LED lighting under vanities or countertops is perfect night lighting and provides a lovely ambiance to the room’s overall aesthetic.

To read more lighting ideas, check out the original article from ProRemodeler. For lighting installation or a bathroom consultation, contact the professionals 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.

As people are working from home and staying put due to the COVID-19 pandemic, they are choosing to improve their surroundings and create retreats within their own houses. Homeowners are likely completing these projects due to extra incentives. Record high home equity levels, despite the recent economic downturn, is causing the housing demand to soar.

Moreover, a significant number of people are cooking and eating at home, which makes kitchens the center of family life. Kitchen and bath remodeling projects have always been popular, yet the demand increased by 40 percent in June compared to last year.  Home extensions and additions increased by 52 percent compared to 2019. Security and privacy measures (fence installations and repairs) also saw a jump of 166 percent.

Shelter-at-home orders obviously guided the increase in demand, as more than three-quarters of all U.S. homeowners said they had done some type of home improvement project during the pandemic. More than three-quarters also say they plan to take on a new home project in the next 12 months.

One online remodeling platform saw a 58 percent annual increase in project leads for home professionals in June. Outdoor spaces had the most massive increase in demand; pool and spa professional searches tripled from a year ago. The need for landscape contractors along with patio and deck professionals doubled.

Justin Sullivan, a home remodeling contractor, said, “We’re also hearing that the money that folks are saving from not going out to restaurants, not eating out, not going on vacations, those things are being saved and they’re deciding to add that value back into their homes as an investment. They have more confidence in their homes as investments.”

Check out the original article from CNBC to learn more about the home remodeling inflation. For all of your construction, repair, or home improvement needs, contact 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.

Let’s face it, sometimes we all walk into a room of our house and just wish it had the latest upgrades and designs. This is especially true of our home’s kitchen, bathrooms, and living room. The living room and kitchen are where our friends and family gather and where love and laughter are shared. The bathroom is by nature, a private room, but depending on which bathroom we’re referencing, it can be open to others for use or just meant for yourself and close family members.

When you are in your bathroom, you want to have a sense of yourself to which brings you peace and reflects your style. However, it’s not always easy to stay abreast of the latest design trends. Fashion and décor are ever-changing, so we put together this article for the top 10 emerging trends of 2020.

# 1 Freestanding Bathtubs and Sinks 

This is a classic design that does not go out of style. Modern freestanding bathtubs are made with stone resin designs and traditional styles feature clawfoot or copper tubs. A freestanding bathtub and sink may cost you a little more, but they will retain their value and increase your home’s worth.

# 2 His and Her Private Vanities 

Not only do private vanities offer a practical solution to your bathroom, but they are also a trendy and timeless choice. His and her vanities provide enough space for two people to prep at the same time with no fuss of room or personal space being cramped.

# 3 Accent Walls

As the name suggests, it is a wall or walls in your bathroom that that are made from different materials and design from the rest of your space. An accent wall creates a focal point that provides a centralized location that can highlight a vanity, bathtub, or any other object to make it stand out. Popular materials in 2020 are marble, brick, mosaic tile, natural stone, and wood; the choice is entirely up to you.

# 4 Bold Colors 

Ironically, earth tones (browns, greys, tans, etc.), which have been popular for years, are now being contrasted with bold, vibrant color tones. Lime green is starting to gain in popularity as a summer color. Blues match well with more saturated spaces, and orange adds more warmth and depth. Before you go this route, make sure to look up design ideas as this can be a significant shift in mindset from softer hues that many of us are used too.

# 5 Heated Bathroom Floors 

Stepping on a frigid bathroom floor during the cold seasons will shock you awake. The trend of heated flooring is becoming increasingly popular because of advances in electrical heating technology, which offer two options. The first is hydronic heated floors, which are comprised of rubber tubes circulating heated water underneath the floor’s surface. The second is electric, which is made using a thin panel grid that heats the surface of your floor much, in the same way, an electric blanket works.

#6 Modern Light Fixtures

 Small chandeliers and hanging bulbs are becoming quite popular in 2020 bathroom designs. Another trend is to install wall sconces near your mirror, which can enhance the ambiance for those relaxing nights in the tub. Adding small accents can go a long way toward enriching your bathroom’s atmosphere without breaking the bank.

#7 Matte Fixtures

Black matte has been making a comeback with striking contrast and offering a bolder option for those who like to make a powerful statement. Bathrooms are not the only spaces where this design feature can be added; countertops, sinks, cabinets, and even ceilings are growing in popularity, and it looks like the trend has just started. Going with a matte finish is one of the most modern options available for a bathroom or any area in your home.

#8 Water Efficient Toilets

With smart home appliances on the rise, it’s no surprise that water-efficient toilets are becoming more attractive. Like the next generation of smart water heaters to refrigerators and now water-efficient toilets, technology allows us to make our lives easier by offering efficiency, which saves us money. Water-efficient toilets reduce the total amount of water needed for flushing, helping the environment, and saving us money on our water and sewage bills.

#9 Diverse Tile Textures

Another growing trend isdiverse tile textures. Throughout the years, people have been compliant with the same tiles, colors, and textures in the bathroom. However, the trend is shifting to incorporate the opposite – a more diverse and open concept where tile textures don’t necessarily match but still complement one another. Also, think of practicality. Instead of always choosing matching designs, consider selecting a tile or material that absorbs warmth for the bathroom floor.

#10 Open Concept 

The open living room and kitchen concept has moved onto bathrooms in 2020. Offering both privacy and space, open floor plan bathrooms is another emerging trend for master bathrooms. These larger sized bathrooms with sometimes glass shower walls remove restrictive barriers and allow for a more liberating but private experience. 

These are just a few bathroom trends making headway in 2020. If you are considering remodeling your bathroom keep these ideas on your radar and contact JFC Remodeling for licensed contractor help, you’ll be glad you did! For more bathroom trends of 2020, read this article here.