Kitchen Remodeling Project: The Kitchen Layout

To start remodeling your kitchen, there are several aspects to consider for planning your project. The first step to consider is the existing layout of your kitchen to determine if a change is required. It is much more cost effective to remodel a kitchen if the appliances and sink remain in their current locations. If you are planning to expand the kitchen by redesigning or adding a peninsula/island, removing a wall or adding space your home, a revised layout is probably in order.

Even a minor layout change can give your kitchen new working spaces as well as opportunities for areas to be designed to meet your personal needs. New spaces or areas can create new ideas such as homework centers, snack/breakfast bars or even an informal dining table integrated into the kitchen workspace. Personalizing your kitchen to be remodeled to your specific needs is the first step in planning your project.

A wall is removed for a new island area.

A cooking prep area flows into informal dining.

A homework station is added.

Be a Resource for Your Customers

Just recently we were in communication with a past customer. He was looking a resource and some information for installing new kitchen flooring. The project was going to be a homeowner improvement project until they realized a project like this involves a lot more than just installing the new flooring. That’s really where our expertise steps in and provides the knowledge and experience to complete a remodeling or upgrade project for our customers. We help avoid issues by taking a good look at the overall project before things get underway to get the job done right and as hassle-free as possible.

At IHP, we love that our customers ask us for help. And we’re happy to provide our assistance.

Plan for Spring Projects

It's human nature to put things off until the last minute but don’t wait to start planning for Spring time projects. It's a new year, time to begin planning for that remodeling project you are thinking about for Spring. The time is now to start planning, designing and budgeting. Most remodeling projects take at least three to four months from initial discussions to a complete design that is ready to start construction. We need to give City Hall time to approve building permits which is a two week process if no variances are required. For some addition projects, set back variance approvals may be required and that generally takes two to three months to get through the local planning commission and city council, once the basic design is complete. Time flies! Don’t wait. Give us a call to help you get things started so ready when Spring comes.

Prevent Ice Dams

We have all seen ice dams - a ridge of ice that forms at the bottom edge of a sloped roof. This occurs when the temperature of the attic or part of the roof deck rises above freezing. The snow melts and water flows down to the cool eave, re-freezing and building a ridge of ice. Believe it or not, ice dams can cause permanent damage to your home. Some damage occurs to your shingles due to the freeze and thaw of the ice and in some cases shingles are damaged by homeowners using sharp tools trying to chip and smash the ice. The most significant damage is from water getting into the attic and exterior walls. This happens when water from melting snow pools above the dam and flows back under the shingles into your attic space, ceilings and walls below. Once this happens you must open up the wet areas, remove the insulation, treat for any mold that may have grown and rebuild the damaged area.

There is no way to completely prevent ice dams but things can be done to eliminate the causes to reduce their occurrence. The key is proper ventilation and insulation to keep the attic and roof deck as cool as possible to reduce the snow melt. Most homes can have additional insulation and attic ventilation installed - reducing ice dams with a bonus of improved energy efficiency. Homes with partially finished attic space present the greatest challenge in reduction of ice dams because the finished space warms the roof deck directly causing uncontrollable snow melt. In some cases there is no choice but to rake the snow from your roof after each major snowfall or install permanent heating elements to melt the dams. Whatever your situation is, IHP can help you find and implement the right solution.

Staying and Updating Your Home

In today's economy, many people are staying in their current homes instead of moving or building a new house. Design and styles most likely have changed as well as the needs of the family from the original purchase of the home. Remodeling or updating a home can be done in stages and economically smart by making small changes to achieve the home owner's goal. Re-finishing cabinet faces and doors in a kitchen or bathroom, or a partial revision to the kitchen layout such as a change to your island or peninsula can dramatically change the look of a room. Painting walls, laying new flooring or changing counter tops can also bring an updated look. For something more dynamic, knocking down walls between rooms to open a closed space can add modern look to a home. For more suggestions and help in updating your home, call Integrity Home Projects.

Time to Think Spring?

Believe it or not, right now is the time to prepare for Spring and April showers! The leading cause of wet basements is from not properly preparing for run-off water from the roof of your home. Gutters with correctly-sized downspouts are the key to directing the water to where it should go - away from your house. Kick out spouts at least 4 feet long on the downspouts move the water out away from your home's foundation. Combined with proper landscaping and the correct grade, you can keep most of the exterior water out of your basement.

Gutters also keep the roof run-off water from splashing on your windows, walls and doors giving your home added water intrusion protection. On homes we remodel, we use heavy gauge seamless aluminum that is fabricated right at your home, custom made for your eaves for extra protection and proper fit. With 49 standard colors, we can coordinate with the trim on virtually any home.

Another thing to consider is the amount of leaves you have in your yard from large trees. Large amounts of leaves may clog the gutters each fall. If that is the case we encourage the installation of the leaf protection system, Leaf Relief®, on your seamless gutters.

Preparing now can save you in the Spring from water damage or leaking.

Fireplaces and Your Home

Adding a fireplace or updating your current fireplace creates a whole new look and focal point for any room of your home. Create a cozy spot in your home with the almost unlimited fireplace options and styles that are available. Fireplaces can be gas-fueled, electric or wood-burning with styles from traditional to ultra-contemporary that match your home. When upgrading your wood-burning fireplace, there are several styles of gas inserts to convert your current fireplace into a gas fueled unit.

In addition to the fireplace insert, the area surrounding the fireplace must be considered - it is a very critical part of the style of the fireplace. Your contractor can help with the overall look and design with a stone surround, a mantle, built-in cabinets, a raised hearth, wood storage area and other design details to give you the exact fireplace you want for your home.

Choosing a general contractor that can handle the entire project is very important because a fireplace interacts with many areas of your home. We can help with all your fireplace needs. Call Dan at Integrity Home Projects to build or upgrade a fireplace in your home before winter is here.