Posted on Tue, Aug 24, 2010
Posted by: Brian Ciota, Vice President
After you have made a wish list and considered a budget for a kitchen remodeling project we recommend working with a professional kitchen designer to create a plan for the project. Consulting a designer doesn’t have to be costly. Most kitchen showroom and home centers offer design services. Some designers will offer an initial "free" home consultation. There are design/build remodeling contractors, including McClurg, who will include the cost of the design service in the total cost of the project.
Consult a professional who is certified by the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA). NKBA certifications are based on written exams and industry experience. Always check the credentials of the designer you consult to verify that they are trained, certified and experienced.
NKBA suggests you do some research and prepare some specifications for your project before meeting with a kitchen designer. Here are some suggestions to prepare for that meeting:
- Make a checklist of major and minor problems that you have with your current kitchen. Consider the following:
- Are you happy with the traffic flow through your kitchen? Is there adequate counter, storage and floor space in the present configuration of your kitchen?
- Is your kitchen efficient? New appliances may have more efficient features and can save money on energy costs.
- Are there children or people with impairments living in your home? If so, the design of the kitchen should address safety and access for these individuals.
- Do you like the location and design of your kitchen? What are the best features? What do you want to change?
- Collect ideas and information. Read magazines and books for ideas and visit online galleries to view kitchen projects. Here are some resources:
Make a clip book of the pictures and ideas that reflect what you want to include in your project. Bring the idea book to your meeting.
- Visit showrooms and retailers and make a list of appliances, cabinetry, counter surfacing, flooring and other products you plan to use in your kitchen. Gather information about dimensions and installation if you can. Many retailers offer product information brochures to consumers and most manufacturers have product information posted on the internet. It is helpful to identify appliances because the dimensions will be factored into the design. A good designer will address this with you.
- Discuss your budget expectations with the designer. Your designer will make suggestions to help you achieve your desired outcomes and will help you keep within the limits you set for the project. A designer is knowledgeable about product lines and can save you money.
- NKBA has designed a Kitchen and Bath Workbook that includes a handy worksheet to prepare for a planning meeting with a professional designer. Complete the information as you do your research and make a copy to share with the designer.
- Questions to ask your designer:
- How can the efficiency of my kitchen be maximized
- Where can appliances be placed?
- What built-ins can be used in the design?
- How should a pantry be incorporated in the lay-out?
- How should cabinets be organized? Discuss the purpose of each unit. Consider stackable shelves, roll-outs, cup and plate racks and dividers to meet your needs.
Do you have any questions about your designing your kitchen? Our kitchen designer Paul Thompson, Certified Master Kitchen and Bath Designer, will provide answers.
Paul Thompson is an experienced, award winning kitchen and bath design consultant who began working with us in June. He has been designing beautiful kitchens and bathrooms (as well as other rooms) since 1987. His credentials include Certified Kitchen Designer, Certified Bathroom Designer, and Certified Master Kitchen and Bath Designer. Paul's designs have won many awards including 1st place in the CNY Chapter of National Kitchen and Bath Association's design contest in 2006 and 3rd place in 2007. Paul is available help you with your kitchen remodeling ideas and project plans. Call him at (315) 673-2051 or schedule an appointment online.
Posted on Tue, Aug 17, 2010
Posted by: Brian Ciota, Vice President
If you’ve put together a wish list the next step is to determine how much it will cost to remodel your kitchen.
- Cost is determined by the scope of your project. A minor kitchen update where you are painting existing cabinets, installing new countertops and flooring can cost under $10,000. A major remodel where you are upgrading appliances and installing new cabinets, countertops, flooring and making structural changes can cost anywhere from $50,000 to well over $100,000. Cost may also be influenced by where you live. Remodeling Magazine annually publishes a report on “Cost Versus Value.” For our region (the Middle Atlantic States) the average cost of a minor kitchen remodel of a 200 square foot kitchen is $22,130 while the cost of a major remodeling project is $59,905. An upscale remodel averages $115,608.
- Establish your priorities when planning your project. What do you want to change the most? What can you keep? What can be replaced at a later time? Knowing what is important to you can help you save money over the course of the project. If granite countertops are not important to you, then you can save money by installing granite-look laminate counters. Countertops can be upgraded at a later time.
- Consider your home’s value. Is resale value important to you? Are you planning to live in your home for a very long time? A common principle you may have read about remodeling a kitchen is that the cost should be no more than 15 percent of the current value of your home if resale value is important to you. If you are anticipating selling your home in the next few years, spending up to 15 percent of the value on a remodeling project can be a lot. However, if you plan to live in the home for 10 years it may make sense to spend more to renovate the space to meet your long term needs.
- Identify the “big ticket” items for your project and shop around. Cabinets are generally the most costly item in a kitchen remodel and can be as much as 20 to 30 percent of the budget. Appliances and counter surfaces are also expensive line items. Knowing the cost of these items will give you a ballpark estimate of what you can expect to pay for your project. Labor and installation can be double the costs that you spend for material. Check out home shows and talk with retailers and contractors. Visit showrooms and compare products and prices. We are a design/build firm and we shop with our clients to guide them in the process of selecting products for their project.
- Talk to friends. Talk to friends who have recently remodeled their kitchens and review reference magazines on remodeling to get a realistic idea about what it will cost you. Research on your part will help you prepare a realistic budget. A design/build contractor can prepare a budget for you.
- Work with a design/build professional. A kitchen remodel is a significant investment and it pays to consult with a professional kitchen designer who is certified by the National Kitchen and Bath Association. However, a kitchen designer alone may not provide the best cost information or adequately address structural and mechanical issues. You wouldn’t want a designer to build or a builder to design. Working with a design/build firm combines both services into one. A professional designer who works with your contractor will be best suited to determine logistics, suggest materials and products, and create a functional design that incorporates your personal style and budget.
- Plan your budget to address unexpected circumstances that may occur once the project is underway. Your contractor may encounter unforeseen issues once the project begins such as having to reconfigure plumbing or electrical circuiting, re-framing wall supports, adding duct work, or other problems. As a design/build firm we generally are able to get this cost down to 2 to 5 percent because we address most problems in the planning stage. Be sure you have enough in your budget to deal with the unexpected.
Which of these tips do you find most helpful? What tips would you recommend to homeowners?
Posted on Tue, Aug 10, 2010
Posted by: Brian Ciota, Vice President
Most people begin a kitchen remodeling project with a “wish list” – everything you NEED and WANT in your dream kitchen. To help start your wish list, we’ve developed this handy A-to-Z guide of features you’ll want to consider as you plan and budget for your project:
- Appliances. Research appliance makes and models. Your choices will impact the design of your kitchen and your budget.
- Built-ins. Make a list of items you would want built into the design of your kitchen. Appliances now are made in counter depth sizes to fit into standard cabinetry. Other types of built-ins to consider are banquettes for breakfast areas and appliance “garages” to house microwave ovens, coffee makers and mixers. Don’t forget to factor in a broom closet if your space allows for it.
- Cabinets and Countertops. Visit showrooms to identify the type of cabinets and countertops you want to use in your project. Note the line, style, material, color and finish for cabinets and type of material, edging and colors for countertops.
- Drawers and Desk Areas. Pull-out drawers are great for under-countertop storage. Check them out when you visit showrooms. Many kitchens feature a desk area for a computer and for doing paperwork such as bill paying or meal planning. On the desk you could add a charging station for cell phones and PDAs.
- Electronics. In addition to appliances, computers and flat screen televisions have found a home in the kitchen. Think about adding these to your space along with a cable service.
- Flooring. Flooring in kitchens includes wood, ceramic tile, vinyl, laminate, concrete and carpet. Other materials used are granite, bamboo and marble. Flooring should not only be attractive but easy to maintain and practical. Go to showrooms and read product reviews.
- Galley or Gathering Space. Think about the space in your home. An efficient galley kitchen is a great asset for food prep for a serious cook while space for informal meals and family gatherings is important to households with children and for those who like to entertain. To achieve extra space you may have to extend the kitchen by adding an addition or reconfiguring an underused dining or living room in your plan.
- Hardware. Select hardware that is attractive, easy to clean and fits within your budget. If you’re planning to live in your home for a long time consider easy to use products like cup shaped pulls on drawers and lever handles on doors where appropriate. “Universal Design” ideas can be implemented in your project to create a space that can be used over the course of a lifetime.
- Islands and Peninsulas. Islands and peninsulas are the work stations of a kitchen. Generally they are designed for food prep, informal dining and storage.
- Jewels of the Kitchen. “Jewels” of a kitchen are items you add for aesthetics like pendant lighting, glass cabinets, custom tiles on backsplashes and areas for display of collections.
- Kitchen Triangle. The kitchen triangle considers the placement of the stove, refrigerator and sink/dishwasher area in the design of a kitchen so that a cook can work efficiently. Read our kitchen triangle article for more information.
- Lighting. Lighting is essential to the function of a kitchen. In your plans consider natural sunlight. If your kitchen needs more sunlight, consider skylights and sun tunnels. Your plans should also take into account lighting over work and dining areas and under cabinets. Options for lighting include florescent, halogen and LED. Fixtures to consider for the kitchen are pendant lights, under cabinet units and recessed lights.
- Moldings. Moldings add architectural interest to a kitchen but also finish off cabinetry, doors and flooring. Pay attention to ornamental moldings when you are looking at photos of kitchens.
- Nooks. Nooks or alcoves are recessed areas of a room that can be used for dining or displays. They add interest to a kitchen but also provide functional space.
- Outlets. Add extra outlets to your wish list. If you don’t, you’ll wish you had considered the height and placement of outlets as well as the number to include when you operate small appliances and gadgets in your kitchen.
- Pantry, Pull-out Storage. There is nothing more frustrating than reaching into the recesses of cabinets to find food, pots and pans and dishware. Look for drawers and cabinets that provide easy access to these items.
- Quick Access. Consider adding carousels (Lazy Susans) to corner cabinets for spice and food storage. Under cabinet trash disposal and recycling pullouts should be included in your plan.
- Recipes and Cookbooks. Plan areas to organize cookbooks. Computerize your recipe files. Here’s a tip for cherished family recipes - frame them; a favorite recipe in your grandmother’s handwriting will be treasured for generations.
- Sinks. Sinks are the most important fixture of a kitchen. Choose them wisely. Consider depth, faucet styles, utility and ease of cleaning. Don’t forget to select a waste disposal. If you have children, choose a waste disposal with safety features.
- Tiles. Floor and backsplash tiles can be used very creatively. If you are using tile on the floor, consider non-skid products. When you’re choosing tiles, don’t forget to select the grout as well.
- Under Counter Appliances and Storage. If you are adding additional refrigerator space consider installing a beverage refrigerator under a counter. A mixer can be stored in base cabinets with a pop-up shelf to free counter space.
- Ventilation. When selecting cooktops and ovens consider ventilation. Ventilation hoods come in a range of styles and some cooktops use down-draft ventilation. Your choice should be factored into your kitchen design.
- Wet Bars and Wine Storage. A space dedicated to beverage storage and glassware is always a plus in a kitchen.
- Xtra Ideas. A kitchen remodeling project is a big investment. Take the time to read product reviews especially when it comes to appliances and consumer information about kitchen remodeling projects. Read what others are saying. Sources you may want to check out are Better Homes and Gardens' Kitchen Bath Ideas, HGTV Kitchens and our Kitchens Gallery.
- Your Personal Touches. Choose colors fabrics, wall decorations, kitchen collections and other items that reflect your likes, interests and lifestyle.
- Zones. When you put together the plan for your kitchen think about the way you want to use your space and plan around “zones” for food prep, clean up, dining, storage, baking, beverages, paperwork etc. The National Kitchen and Bath Association offers an online “Kitchen and Bath Workbook” to help you plan your project.
Take your time when planning a kitchen remodel to address all the details. If the list seems overwhelming, consider hiring a design/build contractor to walk you through it.
Did we leave anything out? What do you have on your kitchen “wish list”?
Posted on Tue, May 18, 2010
Posted by: Brian Ciota, Vice President
Decks are a great way to add outdoor living space to your home. A deck can be as simple as a grade-level platform that stands on its own a few inches above the ground or as intricate as multi-tiered structures with steps, railings, pergolas, trellises and built-in features such as tables, benches, planters and hot tubs. If you are planning to add a deck to your home consider the following:
- What are your needs? Do you plan to use the space for outdoor dining and entertaining? Will you need built-in seating? Will you add planter boxes? Do you plan to place a hot-tub in the space? Will you include special features like a fire pit or an outdoor kitchen? Consider storage needs too. Benches and planters are great places for built-in hide-away storage.
- Where do you plan to place the deck? Outdoor living areas are often built off of kitchens, living rooms or family rooms to maximize use. You should also consider sun exposure and shade. In Central New York, a deck placed on the south or west facing side of a home will optimize the warmth of the sun. If you want to avoid the sun, deck surfaces can become hot and unusable during 90-degree days, build your outdoor space in a north or east facing area. Also consider privacy.
- Think about size. What type of outdoor furniture do you plan to use on the deck? Measure the furniture and allow space for pulling out chairs and walking around. Include space for a grill. If you will be adding a hot tub, fire pit or outdoor kitchen factor the dimensions of those features into your plan. According to Better Homes and Gardens' July 2010 Remodel Magazine, "the average deck size is 12x24 feet." Decks that are smaller tend to be more costly per square foot.
- Complement the design of your home. You may want to consider hiring a designer to help you plan your deck project. A deck that blends with the architecture of your home will add value. The style of your home will dictate the types of materials and accents to use in the project. For example, a contemporary style deck would look odd on a white colonial home. But a deck built with white rails and architectural elements similar to those on the house will add to its appeal. A designer could advise you on product options and how to optimize your outdoor living space.
- Choose materials wisely. Homeowners have a range of options for decking materials. Pressure treated woods remain the most popular because they are cost-effective and have a life of 10 to 15 years. The downside is that pressure treated wood needs annual cleaning and staining. Composite decking is more expensive than wood and holds up for 15 to 25 years. It usually requires cleaning to prevent mildew growth and may require staining depending on wood content. Vinyl is the most durable decking product and has a life from 25 to 50 years. Its cost is comparable to composite and it requires the least amount of maintenance, a periodic hosing. One of the advantages of composite and vinyl decking is that you won't get splinters on your feet. Consider looks, durability, maintenance and finally, cost when selecting decking.
Check out these links for more information about decking products:
Composite decking
Correct Deck
Trex
Thermal Industries Dream Composite
Vinyl Decking
Azek
Thermal Industries PVC/Vinyl Dream Deck
- Include lighting in your plans. Deck lighting can include wall sconces adhered to an exterior wall, accent lights around the perimeter, post lights, or flood lights affixed to a roof awning or placed near the base of a deck. Put switches indoors if possible for convenience and consider using dimmers and timers. You may want to include solar lighting and a bug zapper.
- Plan landscaping. Spending 5 percent of the total value of your home on landscaping can add 15 percent or more to the value of your home (SmartMoney magazine). If you are landscaping for privacy choose tall, easy to maintain bushes or trees which can also provide shade. If you add a trellis use climbing plants to enhance the beauty of your deck. The easiest way to add color is to place containers of showy annuals and vegetables on the deck. Don't forget to water because containers dry out quickly.
- Plan for maintenance. Minimally, each spring you will need to clear your deck of debris and dirt. You will need to hose it off or, in the case of wood, use a pressure washer. Dirt can be removed with a stiff scrub brush and commercial cleaners. If there is mold growth, use an oxygen bleach cleaner. Wood decks will need to be stained annually. After cleaning, let the deck dry out for three days before applying stain.
- Plan a budget for your project. The average cost of a wood deck for a mid-range project is $11,260, while the cost of a composite deck is $15,890 (Remodeling magazine). This estimate is based on a 16x20 foot deck project with a bench, planter, railing and steps. For an upscale deck project using composite decking, the average cost is $39,270. This project is based on a 16x20 foot deck with a 10 foot diameter six-sided platform, a bench, planter, rail system and stairs. If the initial cost is too much, you might be able to save money by doing your outdoor project in stages. If you are not a do-it-yourselfer, talk with your contractor about the best way to achieve the results you desire. Also, consider the added value to your home and the payback.
Posted on Tue, Mar 30, 2010
Posted by: Brian Ciota, Vice President
Home owners often ask me about technologies that can be installed in their homes to reduce both energy costs and their carbon footprint. Installing a solar water heating system is definitely an affordable way to "go green."
Solar water heating is a proven technology that works in all climates, even here in Central New York. With a solar water heater your water heating bills should drop 50 to 80 percent and, thanks to generous federal and state tax credits, payback can be realized in as little as three years
Solar water heating systems use the sun's energy as a source of heat to produce hot water for domestic use. There are two kinds of systems: active and passive. Active systems rely upon moving mechanical parts to transport heat. Passive units just use the sun to accomplish this action. Most systems installed in the United States are active because they're considered more efficient and attractive.
The system I recommend to home owners is the VELUX solar water heating system. It's an "active" system using low profile "roof integrated" solar panels that look just like skylights.
Here's how it works. A residential solar water heating system uses one to three solar collectors on the roof which are approximately 4.5' x 6' each. The solar collectors contain copper tubes and a copper plate that is covered with a special coating. This assembly is enclosed in a well insulated aluminum frame and covered with tempered glass glazing. A solution within the copper tubes is heated by the sun and circulated through a heat exchanger located in the bottom of a solar storage tank in the home. Household water within the tank is heated by the solution circulated through the heat exchanger. Automatic controls operate a circulation pump and provide optimal solar water heating operation.
The collectors work best when installed on a south-facing roof. The storage tank works most efficiently when installed near and under the collectors, but can be located up to 60 feet away.
Installed residential systems typically range from $9,000 to $13,000. Costs are determined by the following:
- The size of the family to be served
- Type of roof in which the panels are mounted
- Building code requirements
- Roof pitch and site conditions for the home
- Distance from the solar collectors to the storage tank
- Access to run new piping from the roof to the basement
Home owners can qualify for a 30 percent federal tax credit and 25 percent NYS tax credit. Coupled with energy savings, it's definitely an investment worth considering.
Posted on Tue, Mar 23, 2010
Posted by: Brian Ciota, Vice President
The majority of home owners view their home as their most important investment. We're always considering ways to improve our homes to accommodate our lifestyles. Popular remodeling projects include new kitchens with up-to-date appliances, luxurious bathrooms, home offices or media rooms. In Central New York, with our frequent cloudy days, many people add a sunroom to ease the drudgery of winter. Basement renovations add living space and improve a home's function. But which projects add value to a home investment when it comes time to sell?
If you are thinking about remodeling your home, take a moment to ask yourself the following questions:
- How long do I plan to own this property? (If you're planning to live in the home for less than five years, it may make sense to take on remodeling projects that freshen up the inside of the home and promote curb appeal.)
- How does the value of my home compare to other properties in the area? (Generally, a remodeling project that is less than 20 percent of the average resale value in your area can be recouped when your home is sold.)
- What do I gain by remodeling? (Many people remodel to enrich their lifestyle and enjoy their home. If you love to cook and entertain, a state-of- the-art kitchen will provide years of pleasure. If you're a wine connoisseur, a wine cellar and bar are "must haves". If you have a beautiful yard and want to bring in the outdoors, then add a sunroom. If these are the things that add pleasure to your life, go for it!)
According to Remodeling Magazine's 2009-10 annual report on the relationship between remodeling costs and resale value, different remodeling projects offer a wide range of payback. The table below compares remodeling costs to resale values in the Mid-Atlantic States (including New York):
| Project |
Avg. Cost |
Resale Value |
% Cost Recouped |
| Replace front entry door with steel door |
$1,248 |
$1,217 |
98 |
| Vinyl siding replacement |
$10,908 |
$8,920 |
81 |
| Fiber cement siding replacement |
$13,497 |
$10,710 |
79 |
| Foam-backed siding replacement |
$13,369 |
$10,489 |
79 |
| Vinyl replacement windows |
$11,408 |
$8,766 |
77 |
| Wood replacement windows |
$12,410 |
$9,248 |
75 |
| Attic bedroom addition |
$53,780 |
$39,292 |
73 |
| Minor kitchen remodel |
$22,130 |
$15,973 |
72 |
| Bathroom remodel |
$17,383 |
$11,817 |
68 |
| Major kitchen remodel |
$59,905 |
$39,860 |
67 |
| Basement remodel |
$67,455 |
$41,127 |
61 |
| Master suite addition |
$111,857 |
$67,612 |
60 |
| Deck addition (composite) |
$39,270 |
$22,584 |
58 |
| Sunroom addition |
$76,580 |
$38,661 |
51 |
The costs recouped on a remodeling project depend on a variety of factors including the condition of the rest of the house, the value of similar homes nearby, and the rate at which property values are changing in the surrounding area. If resale value is a factor in your decision to remodel, consult with a local remodeler about construction costs and look closely at the comps and market conditions in your area.
Posted on Tue, Feb 23, 2010
Posted by: Brian Ciota, Vice President
Home improvement specialists and realtors agree - one of the easiest ways to expand your home is to use the space in your basement. Basements generally contain large open space, which makes it perfect for creating a sizeable entertainment area, a guest bedroom with bath, a mini work-out area or even a secluded home office.
In Central New York we're seeing a lot of basement conversions that center around creating a highly functional entertainment area for family and friends - everything from wet bars and wine cellars to home theaters and saunas. And, homeowners are getting the most out of these areas by adding features that rival other areas of the house. For example:
- Wet bars often include amenities such as wine chillers, beer and soda taps, dishwashers, refrigerators, ice-makers, foot-rails, wood counters, granite counter tops, bottle chutes, glass holders and custom cabinetry.
- Media rooms have big screen or projection televisions, surround sound, special seating, sound-proofing and even popcorn makers.
- Work-out rooms include treadmills, weight lifting equipment and stationary bikes as well as a flat screen TV connected to a Wii.
- Bathrooms are usually added for convenience and the fact that they add value to the home, but many also include a steam room or sauna.
Basements can also be made to integrate with the main floor of the house by enhancing the appearance of the basement stairway.
This can be done by removing walls and opening up the stairway, or by replacing rails and stairs with higher quality materials.
One of the design challenges in basement remodeling is the lack of natural light. Many projects include the installation of egress windows to provide more light and an emergency exit. Egress windows are large basement windows that are partially set under grade level. They use a retaining system to hold back the ground and provide a means of exit in case of an emergency. New York State building code requires finished basements to have an emergency exit. Egress windows are not only attractive but they meet this state requirement.
When it comes to basement conversions, the possibilities are endless. The basement has evolved from a dark storage and utility area to a haven for family living. It can be one of the most cost-effective ways to increase living space since it doesn't require adding to your home's basic dimensions. And, it's a good investment. Here in the Northeast, we can expect more than 82 percent of the money invested in a basement conversion to be recouped when you sell your home.