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Did you know that 85% of homeowners rely on a professional designer when they want to create a dream kitchen? There are many good reasons why that percentage is so high. Building a dream kitchen involves numerous processes and details. Principal roles that designers play are that of guide and curator. Homeowners spend hours, days, weeks and even months researching options before making an appointment with a designer. We know that the Internet is both our friend and foe. While the Internet provides access to every product and service that you could ever need for a renovation project, the amount of information available online can be overwhelming, is often incorrect, is likely to cause analysis paralysis, contributes to unrealistic expectations and elevates stress levels. That’s where a professional designer and showroom can be your greatest asset. Showroom professionals specialize in making order out of chaos.
Because kitchen designers specialize in kitchens primarily, they not only bring a specific expertise not available from other sources, they also provide homeowners fresh perspectives, often providing new layouts, configurations and floor plans that homeowners had not previously considered. These new perspectives often result in a more functional, beautiful and enjoyable kitchen. Providing a new and enlightened perspective is especially important to homeowners because of the multiple roles that kitchens now serve.
Homeowners should expect their showroom professional to narrow product choices based on needs, preferences and budgets. That’s why you should expect to answer a lot of questions during initial interviews and meetings ranging from what you like about your existing kitchen and what areas would you like to improve, what style do you prefer, how often do you cook in your kitchen, how often do you entertain, other than meal preparation what other functionality would you like your kitchen to provide, how do you want your dream kitchen to feel like every time your cross the threshold and on and on.
When you research a potential showroom, look on their website for completed projects that reflect your style, but also look at the different styles that are featured. A range of project types and styles that include traditional, transitional, modern, farmhouse and contemporary reflects that the showroom has not only the skill set to meet different tastes and preferences, but also the flexibility to do so.
When you interview a potential designer, ask how they plan to manage the project, the scope of services that they will provide and how they troubleshoot problems. Given today’s supply chain challenges, you should expect your showroom designer to provide a realistic timeline and suggest alternative options in the event that products that are first choices are not available in the timeline needed.
Always ask to see photos of similar projects that the showroom has designed and don’t be shy about asking for references. Additionally, have realistic expectations. There are unforeseen events that happen on almost every project, especially when renovating existing spaces. That’s why we encourage homeowners to ask during the interview process how a designer troubleshoots problems and responds to unforeseen occurrences.
A professional showroom and designer’s primary responsibilities are to make things work and positively change clients’ lives and living spaces. If you would like to ease the stress of the renovation process and increase the happiness of your home and family, give our home improvement team a call today to speak with our Certified Designer.

COVID-19 has transformed the role and functionality of modern kitchens. While the kitchen has long been considered the heart of the home, it now serves multiple roles that include classroom, office, hobby center, restaurant, study, game room and conference room, among others. Increasingly, homeowners are creating the kitchen of their dreams for the long term, that includes design considerations for a multi-generational household and for aging in place. Aging in place is the term to create spaces that can be used by anyone regardless of age, physical condition or mobility, employing universal design principles.

Access is a key to universal design. Open floor plan kitchens are ideal for multigenerational and aging in-place kitchen use because they typically provide access to other living spaces and feature multiple pathways that can accommodate those who may be confined to a wheelchair or need to use a walker. When homeowners request a kitchen where they can age in place, we look at entryways into the kitchen. If we can eliminate doors, that’s great. If not, we determine if they can be expanded. Most doorways are 24 inches wide. You need at least 36 inches to accommodate a wheelchair.

Floorcoverings are another important consideration of a universally designed kitchen. Concrete, tiles and other hard surfaces can put a strain on hips, back and knees. We often recommend textured small format ceramic or nonslip tile or wood, vinyl or linoleum.

Countertop, cabinet and appliance height, reach and safety considerations are also addressed in a universally designed kitchen. Multi-level or adjustable countertops with rounded corners eliminate the possibility of a family member being injured by a sharp corner and can be used by every member of the family regardless of height. Matte and other nonglare finishes make it easier on the eyes to prepare and cook meals, read recipes and perform other tasks.

For cabinets, the standard for an aging-in-place kitchen is to position cabinets three inches lower than standard height. We will recommend cabinets with pull down shelves on upper cabinets and pull-out shelves or drawers for base or floor cabinets.

For faucets, touchless and app-controlled fixtures can be used by every member of the household. The sink should not be more than six inches deep.

Smart lights that can be controlled by voice command, motion or an app also make for not only a smart kitchen but also one that can be safely used by every member of your household regardless of age or physical limitations. Similarly, smart appliances that can be controlled by apps and voice commands via personal digital assistances helps promote safety and ease of use. Ovens that are positioned at waist height or eye level are easier and safer to use than those that are positioned on the floor. We often recommend a designated area for placing hot pots and pans next to the stove or cooktop.

There are multiple storage solutions that provide ease of access to pots, pans, pantry items and other utensils and tools that are used daily in the kitchen. Rest assured that if you want to create a dream kitchen for the long-term, you don’t have to compromise style, functionality, look or feel. Want more information how you can create a dream kitchen for every member of your family that survives the test of time? Give us a call at 866-437-5330 or make an appointment to visit our showroom.

Summary: Provide Remote & On-Site coordination for all phases of remodel projects, including coordinating subcontractors, material, and equipment, ensuring that specifications are being strictly followed, and work is proceeding on schedule and within budget. Superintendent shall be responsible for scheduling, inspections, quality control, and job site safety.

Essential Functions / Major Responsibilities of Superintendent:
• MUST have extensive knowledge in reading construction plans/CAD
• MUST understand language related to HVAC, Flooring, & general building materials
• Hire & schedule subcontractors, consultants, and vendors in the critical path to ensure timely completion
• Source & track the inventory of supplies and materials to guard against loss and to ensure that vital materials are ordered and delivered to meet the schedule.
• Perform quality control duties and responsibilities regarding the work being performed.
• Ensure that subcontractor is fully executing and complying with his contracted scope of work.
• Coordinate required inspections with local jurisdictions.
• Identify subcontractor non-compliance with safety, health, and environmental quality standards and convey to the Project Manager so notices can be issued for non-compliance to subcontracts in regards to the quality of work or scheduling.
• Conflicts or revisions to the plan shall be communicated with the project team (i.e. superiors, architect, engineer, consultant, owner) for mutual resolution, prior to the ex*****on of work that deviates from the approved plans.
• Ensure the subcontractor has corrected all deficiencies identified by the project team.
• Ensure that the job site is always kept in a clean and organized manner.
• Perform job progress and completion punch list identification and completion.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
• Able to effectively read CAD layouts. Can perform building layout. Understand construction related math
• Provide direction to and resolve problems among subcontractors and vendors.
• Ability to identify deficient work and provide resolution.
• Can communicate effectively via phone, email, text.
Education and/or Experience:
• Minimum of five years of residential construction/remodeling

Job Type: Full-time

Salary: $50,000.00 to $60,000.00

We are an equal opportunity employer and considers all qualified applicants equally without regard to race, color, religion, s*x, s*xual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability status.

Job Type: Full-time

Schedule:
• Monday to Friday
Experience:
• Construction Experience: 5 years (Required)
License/Certification:
• Driver's License (Preferred)
Work Location:
• Multiple locations
Work Remotely:
• No

Mortgage giant Freddie Mac reports that housing supply is 3.8 million homes short of demand. That helps to explain why the housing market is red hot. This is the best time in recent memory to sell your home. That's the primary reason why many home owners often ask, should we renovate before putting the house on the market? That depends on whether or not you want maximum value are willing to settle for less.

Kitchens and bathrooms are the two most important rooms in the home. They have more effect on sale prices than just about any other factor. A large percentage of homebuyers want a home in move-in condition. They don’t want to buy and have to immediately renovate. Homes with new kitchens and baths are certainly going to have a competitive advantage against others on the market, regardless of how hot the market may be.

What are the pros and cons of renovating your kitchen and primary bath before putting your home up for sale? How can a new kitchen or bath move your home to the top of the list in a red-hot housing marketing? Give us a call at 866-437-5330 or make an appointment to visit our showroom and let us show you how you can obtain the maximum sale value for your home.