Spring is the perfect time to begin home projects, and if you are considering updating your kitchen or bathroom, there is no better time to start planning!  We have put together a list of quick tips to help get these projects started on the right path, making home renovations easier.

The Early Bird Gets the Worm

Many homeowners are eager to get outside again and look forward to landscaping and exterior repair projects. Upgrades such as adding a new deck or updating the siding on your house are popular home improvements during the Spring season. It is important to secure an appointment with a home contractor before spring as they regularly become over-booked midway into the season. Additionally, you should purchase any materials in advance so that you won’t have a shortage of supplies halfway into your project.

Certain home renovations may also require permits, which will take additional time for submission and approval before building can begin. Starting the planning process months in advance will allow proper preparation and peace of mind.

Function Over Beauty

Not all home renovations will add visual appeal, and that’s okay. Upgrading or installing new electrical, plumbing, or insulation are sometimes needed.  When making plans to renovate, other important issues can be uncovered within a project that was not anticipated but needs to be addressed. Common unforeseen problems can be leaky pipes, crooked floors, and roof repairs. If these issues are ignored, they will become more costly as time goes on, so it is essential to fix these problems early.

Choosing Your Professional

There is nothing worse than becoming one of those horror stories that you so often hear about with renovation projects. You want to avoid contractors who take shortcuts or charges double than the original quote presented. Getting stuck with a botched project that is unfinished or improperly installed is a nightmare to deal with and will only cause further problems.

When you put your home into someone else’s hands, you want reassurance that they will complete a project in a reasonable amount of time and that they have high-quality standards. It is essential to practice due diligence when selecting a licensed home contractor; having the right qualifications, experience, and positive reviews are critical when looking for professional help. Also, asking for references and getting several quotes can help assist in making your decisions less stressful.

JFC Remodeling is a full-service licensed contractor out of Howell, Michigan.  Specializing in kitchen and bathroom renovations, flooring upgrades, and home remodelingservices.  More information can be found online at https://jfcremodeling.com/.

After years of dreaming of a luxurious spa retreat that you could come home to each day, you have finally decided to make that dream a reality. The first order of business is figuring out your budget. Bathroom remodels can scale in cost by a large range depending on the upgrades you want. If $20,000 seems too far out of reach, that doesn’t mean you can’t still create a relaxing new space to unwind in. There are plenty of ways to renovate your bathroom while staying on budget: 

Size of Renovation vs. Budget

One of the main reasons homeowners decide to upgrade and renovate a bathroom is because the resale value of your home will significantly increase. You may be able to recoup a large portion of costs when selling your home, sometimes as high as 100%. If your budget is on the smaller side ($1,000 or less), it may be wise to make cosmetic changes such as a new sink, paint, or fixtures. If your budget allows for more, upgrade the materials in choice pieces and consider hiring a professional contractor to complete the job.

Saving on Tile

Tile is an expensive material to purchase and pricing can continue to increase when hiring a licensed contractor for the project. One easy way to save money is to limit the amount of tile used and to only install it in specific areas such as the floor rather than the entire shower walls. Another idea is to add one horizontal strip of tile inside the shower and paint the rest. If your vision is stuck on having an expensive tile, try using it as an accent alongside a more inexpensive tile to make the luxurious ones really stand out while saving money in your pocket. 

Countertop Savings

By popular demand, granite countertops are the most sought-after material in bathrooms and kitchens. Bathroom counter space is a much smaller area compared to kitchens, so your budget may be a little more flexible. The first way to save in countertops is by choosing a color. The most popular color preferences are neutral colors like tan, brown, beige. The higher the demand, the more expensive they will be to purchase. Try to consider and price out a variety of different colors to find the right price point for your budget needs. Another way to save money when purchasing granite is to buy a slab that may contain small imperfections. The larger the imperfection, the lower the price. Keep in mind, if the defect is located where the sink or faucet will be, you won’t see the flaw after the install. 

JFC Remodeling is a full-service licensed contractor out of Howell, Michigan, specializing in kitchen and bathroom renovations, flooring upgrades, and home remodeling services. More information can be found online at https://jfcremodeling.com/.

A bathroom remodel is typically on the top of every homeowner’s dream list of upgrades they would like to accomplish in their homes. Whether the upgrade is for resale value, or for personal enjoyment to have a place to come home and relax in there is a bathroom renovation for everyone. To begin the planning process of a bathroom remodeling project, it is important to have a design in mind along with a realistic budget. Choosing to hire a professional home remodeler is a great option that can help during the planning process to make things run more smoothly. Below are a few helpful tips when doing a bathroom remodel in your home.

Before Calling the Professionals

A bathroom remodel can be very daunting, and many homeowners are eager to call their licensed contractor right away to start the project. Before you pick up that phone to call, you should first begin the initial plan with the members of your home and get a firm grasp as to your needs/ wants for your bathroom. Think of a budget you would like to stay in proximity to and always plan for a little extra because, with any renovations, there is always the possibility of unexpected issues that can arise and will increase costs later. One of the other factors that can change your mind on several details to the project other than money is timing. Be sure to expect any renovation to range from 30-90 days to complete which can be tough since the bathroom is a main room in the house, we use daily for our hygiene needs so having a backup bathroom that will be used or other obstacles will need to be thought thoroughly as well. It is also important no matter how long the renovation is taking to stick to your original plan as best as possible. Even the smallest changes can add extra money and time to the project that will be sure to ass additional frustration.

Designing Your Space

Generally, a home will consist of 1 or more bathrooms in a home with the features of a toilet, sink, and bathtub. There are optional extras such as a separate shower, dual his/her sinks and other luxuries to add into your bathroom floor plans. It is important to keep in mind what the rest of your home layout and design looks like to keep them flowing nicely together especially if it’s a joining bathroom extension to the master bedroom. Sometimes from a design standpoint is not always functional and with a bathroom that will be getting used constantly, you will want it to be designed according to a usability factor since after all the bathroom will need to fit your lifestyle needs. In some cases, if you are considering renovations to your power room bathroom, your design choices will affect your house guests as well since this will be the bathroom that they will use when visiting as well.

Making the Most of Your Dollars

If you are trying to get the best bang for your buck, there are a few ways you can cut corners when designing your bathroom renovations. First, it is highly recommended to keep the new bath’s plumbing fixtures like the existing floor plan so that new pipes/ wiring does not need to be moved can save hundreds of dollars. However, in a situation where the home is very old or outdated, a professional contractor may find that the pipes and wiring may need to be replaced anyway which may be a good time to move them to a new location if purchasing new ones already during the project. If your budget is tight and you are looking to make your room feel larger than it is without expensive expansions, a few tricks can be done for this purpose. Installing pedestal sinks are a great space saver option when choosing counters. Another great option is installing a glass shower door to make the room feel more spacious since a shower curtain will block light making it feel more enclosed. Another visual item to increase the space of the room is choosing a larger mirror for the vanity as well.

JFC Remodeling, out of Howell, Michigan, offers a variety of construction services for the home including: kitchen and bath remodeling, flooring renovations, and home remodeling.  You can find out more information at http://www.jfcremodeling.com or by reaching out to our home renovation specialists at 810.923.1123.

Starting a new home remodeling project can be very exciting but a few costly mistakes can turn your excitement into feelings of disappointment and frustration if the process is not thought through completely from start to finish. Unexpected issues or surprising circumstances can stretch your budget, but the good news is many of these issues can be avoided if a person pays attention to warning signs. Below we will give a few helpful tips to consider before beginning a home remodel project and how to make your home remodeling process smooth and enjoyable.

Create a Realistic Budget

The first step when planning any home remodeling project is, to begin with a budget and a realistic one at that. It is important to have a budget to keep costs in check. One major mistake that is made is that many homeowners have a dream design in their minds that does not always add up to the same cost of what they planned for the remodel. Having a true understanding of the pricing of materials and labor if hiring a professional home contractor will help to diminish any false expectations that may come up during the process. Another piece of decision-making for a remodel is what items you wish to splurge on the most. Choosing these items before beginning will help to keep other details of the budget in line and in balance. It’s a good idea to think about which items you will use most frequently and may help you decide their worth with a higher price tag. If working with a tighter budget, knowing that cosmetic changes are easily changed in the future will also make the planning process a little simpler.

Understand the Timeline

Not only can false expectations of cost play a factor but also in timeframes on how long the remodel will take. A professional remodeler will be much more efficient and can get a job done more quickly than a standard DIY. Living in a home during a home remodel can be a very trying experience for many homeowners since after all the main areas that many people choose to renovate are their kitchens and bathrooms. These two rooms are used constantly in our homes so when a room can be all torn apart or dust flying everywhere, it is bound to be a little stressful at times. The construction for some people can be too much to deal with so it may be a good opportunity to go on a vacation, rent/ stay with friends and family for a few days or weeks if possible. If timing is going to be an issue, you must go over these details with your contractor so that you fully understand the complexity or decide if simpler changes can be made instead.

Keeping a Positive Attitude

No home renovation will be completely stress- free and keeping a positive twist on your perspective will make the entire process easier to complete. Being prepared for days of things not going as planned and knowing that not every detail of the remodeling project will be exactly as you imagined. Sometimes the cost will have to be adjusted, or the project didn’t finish when you were expecting but that doesn’t mean the world has to end. Keeping your eye on the prize and know that remodeling your home will not last forever. If you have concerns during the remodeling process, always talk it through with your professional contractor and know that they are there to help make the process as pleasant as possible and at the end of the day they have the same goal as you do to have your home looking its best.

JFC Remodeling is a full-service licensed contractor out of Howell, Michigan.  Specializing in kitchen and bathroom renovations, flooring upgrades, and home remodelingservices.  More information can be found online at https://jfcremodeling.com/.

The year has flown by and you may find yourself panicking to invite friends and family over to your home for the holidays knowing that all the home projects you were trying to get done haven’t even been started. It may be best to wait until the new year to tackle larger renovations, but the good news is that there is still plenty of time to accomplish some of the remodels before their arrival and make your home guest-ready. Before starting any home project big or small during the holiday season, it is wise to ask yourself how much holiday stress are you ready to encounter? Beginning any home project will sure to make a mess and adding on the tasks of holiday decorations, shopping, etc. might be too much for some to handle. Hiring a professional home contractor will most definitely make home remodels much less stressful and make deadlines easier to coordinate. Perhaps the dust doesn’t deter your home remodel desires, and this may be a opportune time for a few projects with having extra time off work or having some extra help home for the holidays to help as well.

Flooring Upgrades

One project that can be completed quickly is to install new carpeting, hardwood, or laminate flooring to give your guests a new wow factor for your home. This project is one that can be handled by a standard DIY homeowner but if wanting to be done even faster, a professional home remodeler can achieve this new look within only a few days depending on the square footage needed to be replaced.

Bathroom Remodels

Bathroom remodels can be from one extreme to another and if wanting to spruce up your current bathroom without having to rip out walls and having to move plumbing lines, a simple bathroom remodel can be done on a tight timeline as well. Consult with a professional home remodeler to discuss timeline needs that will depend on the size of fixtures that are being replaced. There are several factors to keep in might that can add on additional time that is out of a person’s control such as getting proper permits or inspections. Choosing certain materials can also change timelines due to special orders for custom made items so if wanting to complete the project quickly, your options could be more limited.

Updating the Kitchen

The kitchen can be a much more time-consuming area of the home when it comes to home remodeling and the larger renovations may be best to hold off until the hustle and bustle are all gone however there are a few things that can be checked off your to-do list. A few simple updates such as a new kitchen faucet, updated light fixtures, a new backsplash, and new paint can really spruce the room up. Also, if Santa decides to come early, purchasing new appliances as long as the new dishwasher doesn’t need a different location or stove need gas to be installed can also all be easy upgrades that can be done within a week or so from purchase.

JFC Remodeling is a full-service licensed contractor out of Howell, Michigan.  Specializing in kitchen and bathroom renovations, flooring upgrades, and home remodelingservices.  More information can be found online at https://jfcremodeling.com/.

People often say the kitchen is the most important room of the house. Homeowners tend to spend much time in a kitchen because you’re in full control of what happens there. It’s the meeting space for families, even more so than the family room itself. You eat there, you create there, and it’s the epicenter of the smell of breakfast in the morning. It’s a very important room of the house indeed, and the design is a key reason for this. From layout to color scheme, the kitchen is also one of the most customizable rooms of the house, but how do you know which design is right for you? As time goes on the idea of an open-concept kitchen grows more and more popular, but not everybody knows exactly what that entails. Open-concept kitchens have both pros and cons, like all designs, and knowing those are key to understand whether the design is right for you.

Space           

Open-concept kitchen design is exactly what it sounds like: a design that is more open rather than constrained. Sometimes the design disrupts the idea of a “room” itself. An open-concept kitchen can often be considered an extension rather than a room, an arm of the family or living room that brings in a more inviting atmosphere to it and because of this, an open-concept kitchen can naturally make a small space feel larger. This can also add to the volume of natural light coming in through windows in other rooms. Where some kitchens can be cramped in their own rooms, open-concept kitchens flow from another room and can inherit certain traits from those rooms. Conversely, an open-concept kitchen can sometimes make a room seem too big, with a messy kitchen being far more visible to guests.

Social Aspect

As mentioned, kitchens can often be the social hub for gatherings and entertaining guests. It can feel cramped when many guests are all in one room in a closed-kitchen design, whereas an open-concept gives more breathability for a large guest list. If you have guests outside on a deck or patio being able to see the kitchen from anywhere around the house is helpful and more inviting than having a closed kitchen design in a room of the house. However, noise can be an issue with an open-concept kitchen. For those quiet dinner parties having the kitchen in its own room can let the chefs of the family do their cooking without bothering the quiet guests outside in another room. With open-concept kitchens, the noise can either be better or worse depending on the setting, with a rowdier crowd being less bothered when the kitchen is essentially in the same room.

An open-concept kitchen can be a wonderfully modern design for your home, but how you plan on using it makes a difference. Keep in mind the kind of social setting your house will be and whether you want to use your kitchen as a space to hide away and cook or an inviting extension of another room for people in which to mingle.

JFC Remodeling is a full-service licensed contractor out of Howell, Michigan.  Specializing in kitchen and bathroom renovations, flooring upgrades, and home remodelingservices.  More information can be found online at https://jfcremodeling.com/.

They often say the kitchen is the real most intimate room in the home. It’s a product of its user, and it takes on the personality over time. Any kitchen lover wants it to look like the best of their personality, but the actual options are even bigger than that. When remodeling a kitchen, you want it to look as best as it can, considering how often you’ll be in it. Luckily there are many options to choose from, a few of which will be covered here.

Modern

Arguably among the most popular designs right now, this design strays away from the more natural material used in other designs in favor of more manmade material, such as laminate, ceramics and molded plastics. Darker colors are preferable here, and give the space a more comfortable atmosphere, although some may find it rather cold. The design itself can be considered originating from midcentury Nordic design, with bolder angles and flatter surfaces.

Coastal

More popular, understandably, the closer the house is to water, coastal design focuses primarily on color. Because of the proximity to water, the colors and hues tend to reflect that of the beach, with brighter browns and blues. The accessories in the kitchen tend to be more beach-focused, with artwork and wall accessories favoring sand, boats, etc. A lot of kitchens in this design reside in vacation houses, as it lends to a feeling of being on or near the beach (a great getaway trip during those harsh winter months.

Country

Whereas modern designs favor manmade material and coastal designs favor beach-themed accessories, country designs tend to mix modern elements with natural material. The amount of woods and rustic material is prevalent alongside the more country-style accessories and artwork. Farm-style imagery and wooden furniture are the main elements of pure country design, but plenty of kitchen owners are now blending country and modern designs to create a sleeker and darker-colored country design.

Colonial

Colonial kitchen design marries modern rustic atmosphere with historical context and is a favorite among lovers of American history. Because of the historical context, clues of that nature can be found adorning the walls and overall decoration. The color spectrum sticks to earth tones and more muted colors, matching that of kitchens from the 18^th century, and the use of different woods for furniture and cabinetry makes this easy. The lighting used should reflect the nature of lanterns, candles, etc, and can cast a warm glow over the room that is very cozy and inviting to guests.

JFC Remodeling is a full-service licensed contractor out of Howell, Michigan.  Specializing in kitchen and bathroom renovations, flooring upgrades, and home remodelingservices.  More information can be found online at https://jfcremodeling.com/.

When it comes to renovating your home, one of the biggest decisions you’ll make is what type of flooring to use. For most homeowners this is not an easy choice. Balancing out the pros and cons of each flooring type, considering not only the look of it, but also its practicality can be a daunting task. What is the comfort level? Will it stand up to pets and kids? How will you maintain it? And, does it fit your budget?

Your homes location and the particular room that needs resurfacing are other factors. Homes located near the beach tend to utilize tile flooring for easier clean-up of sand. Colder climates prefer the warmth of carpet, cork, or hardwood flooring with area rugs but they’re not suggested options for bathrooms or mudrooms; tile, vinyl or linoleum are better choices.

These are questions the professionals at JFC Remodeling can help you assess. With over 30 years experience, Jason Foldenauer and his team are licensed and insured contractors ready to assist you. Compare options available below and contact them for a free consultation. 810-923-1123

Pros and Cons of Popular Flooring Options

Hardwood:

Pros: Hardwood is durable and attractive. Choose various types of hardwood and the stain color. It can be resanded and refinished several time and can last the lifetime of the house if it doesn’t get too wet.

Cons: Hardwood requires regular maintenance and can warp with moisture. It needs to be refinished periodically. It also needs a subfloor installed. It can be damaged by too much moisture and easily scratched by pets’ nails.

Cost: On average $3 to $14 per square foot for materials.

Engineered Hardwood

Pros: Less expensive than hardwood, engineered hardwood comes prefinished and is easier to install. It works better with heated floors and is less susceptible to moisture damage. Doesn’t require a subfloor.

Cons: Can only be refinished a few times.

Cost: On average $3 to $13 per square foot for materials.

Carpet:

Pros: Softer and warmer to walk on than most other materials. It’s often less expensive than other flooring.

Cons: Can be easily stained by spills and wears out more quickly than other flooring. Can be a problem for people with allergies.

Costs: On average $1 to $11 per square foot, depending upon material.

Tile:

Pros: Extremely durable, will last longer than the house, easy to clean, comes in a huge variety of styles, sizes and colors. You can even buy porcelain tile that looks like wood.

Cons: Not very comfortable to walk on and can be cold. Grout is not easy to clean, surface is hard to stand on for long periods, and anything dropped on tile breaks. Tile requires expert installation, though it can be done by a skilled DIY homeowner.

Cost: On average $1 to $10 per square foot for materials.  

Laminate:

Pros: Inexpensive, can be installed over existing floors, comes prefinished. It can also be a DIY project. It’s softer on feet than tile if it is installed with proper backing.

Cons: Can’t be refinished, can be destroyed by flooding or damaged by moisture.

Cost: On average 69 cents to $4.50 per square foot for materials.

JFC Remodeling is a full-service licensed contractor out of Howell, Michigan.  Specializing in kitchen and bathroom renovations, flooring upgrades, and home remodelingservices.  More information can be found online at https://jfcremodeling.com/.

Summers are a great time in Michigan.  It is the perfect time to enjoy the beach, BBQ’s, and flip flops.  It is also the perfect time for homeowners to tackle home improvement projects.  The weather is finally perfect – no snow, ice, or excessive wind.  The summer months are the perfect time to assess your home, make general repairs, perform maintenance, and take on larger scaled projects like the installation of a new roof, kitchen remodels (YEAH FOR BBQ’S), porch upgrades, upgraded decking, and more.  Depending on your budget and the renovations you choose, you can increase the overall value of your home by updating the space.

The Most Common Summer Projects

• Pressure Washing – Nothing speaks louder than a well-maintained home.  Power washing your homes siding and decking is an inexpensive way to clean your home.  Removing mold, algae, and mildew can result in increasing the longevity of your sidings lifespan.  Pressure washing costs about $500 for a professional to complete or for the DIY a power washer can be rented for about $50 for four hours.
• Landscaping – Any home improvement that increases your homes curb appeal will add value to your home.  Landscaping doesn’t have to be complex, simple lawn care and maintenance with a few flower beds to enhance the space can really transform a home.  If you are not interested in hiring a professional landscaper, it is important to have a plan in place before diving into landscaping. 
• Kitchen Renovations – When it comes to kitchens it is best for homeowners to work with a reliable contractor as kitchen remodeling can take a quick turn in the wrong direction.  You don’t need every one of the latest gadgets, top line appliances, and exotic materials to create a kitchen that is the envy of the neighborhood. The most important aspect is the layout and flow of your space. 

A small kitchen can function better than a large kitchen with the right layout design.  An important aspect in renovating, especially in kitchens is lighting.  Modern lighting overhead and underneath cabinetry can transform the overall feel of the space.  Including a backsplash is always an inexpensive way to add to the look of the space.  Believe it or not, it is possible to completely redo the look and feel of a kitchen can cost as little as $4,000 when you hire a professional kitchen contractor.

• Deck Additions – Summer is all about creating an environment outdoor that is both functional and comfortable.  Adding to your deck is a great way to make the space usable.  Outdoor kitchen spaces, comfy lounge spaces, sitting nooks, fire pits, high top bars, the list of outdoor decking renovations that add value to your space are endless.   Renovate your deck into a space that feels like you are on a constant vacation. 

JFC Remodeling is a full-service licensed contractor out of Howell, Michigan.  Specializing in kitchen and bathroom renovations, flooring upgrades, and home remodelingservices.  More information can be found online at https://jfcremodeling.com/.