Top Remodeling Trends of 2015

According to an Angie's List survey of more than 1,000 highly rated remodeling professionals, the bathroom is poised to be the most popular remodeling project. Kitchens remain a focus, too.

Bathroom. A continuing trend from 2014, more homeowners are electing to do without a tub to make room for a larger, more luxurious shower with rain head faucets and handheld sprayers. Homeowners used to worry that their home's resale value suffered if the bathroom didn't have a bathtub, but as more homeowners plan to stay in their homes longer and age in place they are opting instead for comfort and accessibility. Those who still want a tub are choosing freestanding bathtubs, and are continuing to select the contemporary basin style or antique clawfoot tubs instead of whirlpools or fiberglass.

In terms of bathroom tile, the popular newcomer is 12-inch by 24-inch tiles, which are being staggered on floors and shower walls. Tile also caters to the growing interest in radiant floor heating among homeowners.

Kitchen. Custom cabinets are gaining in popularity, especially in the kitchen, where cabinets are used daily. When it comes to appliances, stainless continues to be the go-to choice, except when homeowners choose custom-made fronts to match their kitchen cabinets. As for countertops, homeowners are exploring different surfaces, such as quartz, but granite remains the most popular choice.

Color. Gray is the new beige. Throughout the home, and especially in kitchens and bathrooms, gray has become the modern standard for walls, cabinets and tile.

Storage. While homeowners still want to open up their living areas by removing walls, they also want sufficient storage to eliminate clutter.  And when it comes to closets, homeowners want bigger, better-organized spaces to store their clothing and accessories. 

Do you love your home?

We celebrated those we love on Valentine's Day. But now, ask yourself this:

Do you love your home? 

If the answer is no, Cabinetry & Construction, Inc. can help you change that.

Cabinetry & Construction is the premier remodeling company for the distinct needs of home renovation projects in Richmond. Our complete, design and build contracting services focus on bathroom and kitchen remodeling; additions and whole house renovations; and historic restoration projects. 

We use luxury materials and choose fixtures well suited to preserve the integrity of the older homes that dominate our area. We can find period-appropriate resources and the special touches that make every job unique. 

One client recently wrote:

Cabinetry & Construction performed a wonderful remodeling project for our 110 year old Fan house. They did a complete remodel of our kitchen and two bathrooms. From demolition to the final coat of paint, Rob and his crew put quality into everything they did. They are all very nice to work with. Rob gives excellent design advice and helped us work through all the challenges that we faced. His many years of remodeling old houses is invaluable and he made suggestions for improvements that we had not even thought of, adding some very nice features which we now enjoy daily. I highly recommend CCI.

It is gratifying to know that our clients value our artisanry and expertise.

With Cabinetry & Construction, you will receive superior and seamless personal attention. Home remodeling is an intimate and invasive process. We often have to demolish before we can rebuild. Craftspeople will be in your house for a while. You'll want to know you're working with an expert. 

As a design build contractor, I will meet with you personally to provide a proposal and help you bring your vision to life. Because we design and build, you can rest easy, knowing the project plans and budget will be consistent with the result. I will be your single point of contact to keep you informed as your renovation moves along.

You'll also want to note that not only can we restore older homes to their historic prime, we can also incorporate the latest innovations in green technology. Your home can be rich in history, with 21st century efficiency and performance.

Restoring an older home, adding on to a new one, remodeling a bathroom or kitchen, or any major construction job in your home is an enormous undertaking. You need to know that you are in fully capable hands and you need to feel confident in the person leading the construction, as well as in the company performing the work. 

Give us a call and schedule a meeting. We will help you feel at ease with the project by truly understanding your goals and what you want and then explaining what can be done. Then your renovation will be executed and completed, on time and within your budget.

This is your home. We know you are making a big investment, personally and financially, when you decide to renovate. We strive not only to produce high quality work, but also to build satisfying long-term relationships with our clients. 

Please browse our website and get to know us a little better-read our client testimonials, click through our Gallery to see the work we have completed and to find inspiration for your next remodeling project, and learn more about our affiliations and products we recommend. Then get in touch with us to help us learn more about you and your ideas for your home renovation.

Groundhog predicts six more weeks of winter

Punxsutawney Phil predicts six more weeks of winter, so if you haven't already done so, it's time to make sure your home is ready. Here are some items to check on to ensure your house is prepared for winter weather.

Inspect Your Home's Exterior

Walk around your home and visually inspect the exterior. You'll want to replace any missing roof tiles or fix any other damage. When checking your gutters and drains, you'll want to be sure these are free of leaves and other materials that might cause a clog as leaves and tree debris may have fallen into your gutters during autumn.

Examine Your Foundation

Inspect your property's foundation. Check for any holes where pests may be hiding as even very small holes can allow a tiny mouse to get inside. While performing this inspection, clear away any dead or dying vegetation from your foundation.

Check for Drafts

Check each of your home's windows and doors looking for any gaps that create drafts, as these will reduce your home's energy efficiency causing you to pay more each month for heating. You can use sealants, such as caulk and weather-stripping, to stop the drafts.

Service or Replace Your Heating System

By now you've probably turned on your heat to combat the wintry temperatures outside. You'll want to change your filters and have your heating system serviced to ensure it is operating efficiently. You'll also want to have your boiler serviced, which should be done once a year, to minimize the chance of a breakdown when you most need it. If your system is over 10 years old, you should consider an upgrade. 

If you have an outside air conditioner, you'll also want to winterize it by covering it to protect it from collecting dead leaves, dirt, and other debris. If you have a window unit, remove it and clean it before storing it for the winter months.

Insulate your attic and pipes

As you know, heat rises. This winter you'll want to make sure it doesn't escape from the top of your house by ensuring that your attic is insulated adequately. If your attic hasn't been insulated in a while, check the thickness of your insulation and replace or top it off if needed.

It's also important to insulate your water pipes to protect them from freezing in winter, ensuring you don't cut off your water supply and preventing pipes from bursting and damaging your home. Pipe insulation is easy to install and repair, especially for any pipes that are exposed. But even a water pipe that is close to an external wall can freeze in cold weather, so it may be sensible to check all of your pipes and insulate them.

Prepare Your Fireplace

These rainy, wintry days are great for a fire. Be sure the fireplace damper mechanism is working properly. If your fireplace has not been cleaned recently, hire cleaners to remove old soot in the chimney. Make sure the fireplace damper mechanism is working properly.

Clear Your Yard and Outdoor Living Spaces

Even though you won't spend much time outdoors this winter, you want to make sure your yard is prepared for the cold months too. Put away hoses, gardening tools, outdoor furniture and barbecues. If you notice that any trees are touching your house, trim them back to protect your property from breaking branches during windy storms. Also be sure to clear leaves from your patio and deck as they will become slimy and slippery as they disintegrate during the winter.   

CCI is the premier remodeling company for the distinct needs of home renovation projects in Richmond. We are a Class A licensed contractor for the complete renovation project, including plumbing, HVAC, and gas fitting, as well as building. Give us a call or send us an email today and we can provide a free estimate on the project that interests you.

Green Heating Products We Love

Green products include those that use less energy, produce less waste, contain recycled materials, or contribute to a healthier environment. At CCI, we are committed to using these products whenever we can. We are proud to offer and install Slant/Fin high efficiency boilers. Slant/Fin makes its boilers, providing heating for water-based (as opposed to forced-air) home heating, here in the USA. Cabinetry & Construction is the only Slant/Fin Certified Hydro-Master in Central Virginia. Rinnai as certified CCI as a dealer and installer of Rinnai tankless water heaters. Conventional water tanks store hot water, heating and re-heating, and constantly losing energy up the vent and through the walls of the tank. Tankless water heaters run only when you use hot water, shutting off immediately when done, saving energy. NuTone has certified us as a dealer and installer of their heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning products. The NuTone ecoLogic product line includes split-system air conditioners, heat pumps, furnaces, self-contained air conditioners, and dual-fuel units. With NuTone products you can find total home comfort with accessories such as humidifiers, electronic air cleaners and filters, and ultraviolet lights. NuTone also makes control accessories, zoning products and programmable thermostats. See www.nutonehvac.com for more information about their product line, including the highest efficiency heat pump on the market, the NuTone iQ drive.

Dos and Don'ts of Kitchen Remodeling

Are you considering a kitchen remodel? It can be a great way to improve the functionality of your home and increase its resale value. But before you begin, review the following dos and don'ts to avoid unnecessary hassles.

Do your research.

Create a Houzz or Pinterest account with images of your dream kitchen. Think about layout, appliances, functionality, finishes, and colors. Check out CCI's Houzz profile for photos of some of our kitchen projects.

Do consider the purpose of the space.

Does your kitchen serve as your family's gathering space? Do you enjoy hosting elaborate dinner parties? Do you need the top-of-the-line appliances to match your culinary expertise? How you answer each of these questions will help you determine the best layout to maximize your kitchen's functionality.

Don't rush through the planning and design phase.

Take time to visualize the layout, functionality and design of your new kitchen. Picture yourself going through your daily routine to help determine the best location for your sink, appliances, islands, and electrical outlets, as well as how you can best use every square inch available to you.

Do hire a licensed remodeler who is a member of NARI.

Outside of buying your home, remodeling it is one of the biggest investments you may make. You want assurance that the remodeling contractor you choose is a full-time, dedicated remodeling professional who follows a strict code of ethics.

Taking time up front to think about what you want from your dream kitchen and choosing a professional contractor will save you time when you are ready to move forward with making your dream a reality.

Top Home Remodeling and Interior Design Trends of 2014

Angie's List recently published the results of its survey with remodelers and interior designers about the trends they are seeing in 2014. They found that homeowners are most interested in making strategic improvements to boost functionality, increase efficiency and take advantage of existing space. Opening up the kitchen. Removing a wall between the kitchen and an adjoining room remains one of the hottest trends in home remodeling. The project appeals to homeowners because it instantly creates more space and dramatically changes the look and feel of the home. Installing hardwood flooring in the kitchen. Although hardwood usually costs more than other flooring options, it offers durability and a cozy, timeless look that never goes out of style. Customizing the home. Homeowners are making targeted improvements to ensure the home is a good fit for their lifestyle and family size by turning unused rooms into offices, dens, hobby rooms and children's play rooms. Separating the shower and tub. The days when the shower-tub combo reigned supreme are long gone. Home remodelers say the latest trend is to ditch the tub altogether, or to keep it separate from the shower. Combining old and new styles. A hot design trend in 2014 involves juxtaposing old and new concepts. In today's trendy home, a stainless steel refrigerator might sit next to a farmhouse sink or an antique chandelier might illuminate an IKEA bookcase. Remodelers also report an increased demand for recycled building materials, which they say can enhance old-meets-new design. Going greener. Green home improvements have been trendy for years, but remodelers and designers say homeowners continue to strive to improve the efficiency of their homes - from installing home automation systems that prevent energy waste to replacing outdated light bulbs and shower heads.

Remodeling Your Home? Make It More Energy Efficient!

Remodeling is a great way to make your home more comfortable and attractive. It also provides an opportunity to improve energy efficiency, helping to reduce energy costs and protect the environment. Here are a few suggestions to help you get started.

Kitchen. Save energy in the kitchen by installing ENERGY STAR qualified appliances, such as refrigerators and dishwashers. Consider high-efficiency, light-emitting diode (LED) fixtures and lamps for under-cabinet lighting. LEDs not only use less energy than conventional lamps; they last much longer and are more durable.

Bathrooms. Conserve water and reduce water heating costs by adding low-flow showerheads and aerated faucets. While you are at it, seal air leaks and install the appropriate insulation in the walls behind tubs and showers. Finally, control moisture and save energy by installing ENERGY STAR qualified ventilation fans. 

Room additions. Use advanced framing techniques to lower costs and improve energy efficiency, and to reduce the amount of materials needed and minimize waste. Advanced framing replaces lumber with insulation material, increasing the overall insulation value of entire walls. Install ENERGY STAR qualified windows, doors, and skylights, and make sure outside walls are insulated to recommended levels to maximize energy efficiency.

Basement. Finishing your basement not only adds living space for your family, it is an opportunity to reduce energy costs as well. Add insulation to basement walls and crawl spaces based on the levels recommended by the U.S. Department of Energy. Seal air leaks around all plumbing and wiring holes on outside walls and in the crawlspace. Replace older, single-pane windows with glass block or ENERGY STAR certified high-performance windows.

For more energy-saving ideas and remodeling tips, see Home Design & Remodeling from the U.S. Department of Energy.

This article previously appeared in the Richmond DPU The Gas Advantage newsletter, and is used with permission.