Guides, Tips & Tricks to Remodeling Projects

October 20, 2016

Conditioner, shampoo, body wash and shaving gel are just a few of the everyday products we love to keep handy in the shower. The problem is storing these must-haves in a way that still leaves your bathroom feeling clean and clutter-free.

Benefits of a tile shower niche

Clients who opt for a niche see many advantages; the most obvious is storage. Who wants to see their bath products on the floor or unorganized in a corner? Not me. Niches give your shampoo, conditioner and other items a home.

Another advantage of opting for a niche is in the design. A shower niche can catch your eye and add flair to the shower while accentuating the bathroom’s overall look. It’s also a chance to repeat a unique tile or pattern used in the overall design. Want to make your niche a focal point? Try adding contrasting tiles.

Niches can be considered art in an otherwise empty space. When niches highlight a shower design, their seemingly understated presence gives the shower a bolder and more beautiful end result. When designing your niche, however, there are three important details to consider.

1. Location of the shower niche

Homeowners have flexibility to customize the location of the niche to the space. Looking for lots of storage? A niche can wrap around the wall, connecting to adjacent walls. Prefer something subtler? Position your niche on the smallest wall of your shower.

In addition to considering the wall placement of the niche, it’s also important to think about height. Be mindful of placing the niche at the right height from the floor so you won’t have to reach too high or low to use your bathroom products.

If you’re installing a niche in a shower/tub combination, position the niche so you can access bath products easily whether you’re taking a bath or a shower. In a family home, a slightly lower height will allow kids to reach everything safely.

2. Size of the tile shower niche

Once you decide on the location of your niche, it’s time to finalize the size of the cubby. Homeowners should measure the tallest of their favorite bath products and make the niche at least 1-inch taller. This way you can ensure everything fits perfectly in the new storage space.

3. Drainage for the shower niche

With water splashing all around, it’s no surprise that shower niches can hold moisture. To avoid creating a stagnant pool, make your niche angle forward so it sheds water properly. The niche tiles should tip out toward the shower and in the direction of the drain.

Niches are very versatile, and they look natural in just about any shower design. It’s a practical feature you’ll thank yourself for adding.

This article first appeared on Angie’s List — here

A kitchen remodel is a substantial cost for most homeowners. The benefits of upgrading your kitchen are an increase in the overall value of your home and functional, beautiful space that lasts for years.

We compiled a list of challenges and mistakes homeowners often encounter during a kitchen remodeling project. For the best chance of completing your project on time and near budget, you should avoid these five.

1. Rushing the kitchen remodel’s planning phase

Before starting demolition, be certain to work out your plans, measurements and details with precision. Ambiguity in details is the enemy of both your budget and timeline.

Before any hammer hits a wall, do a thorough walk through with your contractor and discuss the entire scope of work for your project. This way, the contractors can flag potential issues ahead of time. For example, a very common mistake is not reviewing the power load for your appliances or fixtures. Discovering you have too little power for your new equipment can cost you big bucks, especially if it’s not discovered until after the work has begun.

In the planning phase, don’t pass on small add-ons, such as storage, drawer dividers or pantry pullouts. If you wait to decide on these options down the road, it will be much more costly.

Lastly, an essential part of your kitchen remodel is creating a budget. To avoid breaking your budget, you should decide what elements of your renovation are most important to you and work backward to distribute your remaining budget accordingly.

2. Getting few proposals or choosing the cheapest bid

Never accept the first proposal you receive. It’s important to compare at least three different contractors. The proposals you receive from contractors can and will vary enormously depending on the particulars in each. Be sure to go over the same details with each contractor you meet. This way, their proposals will be easy to compare.

Get at least three proposals to guarantee you’re not paying too much or too little. The smartest decision will most likely be selecting the proposal that lands in the middle. Always remember: If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.

3. Not hiring an interior designer for full remodels

If your project is small, such as painting or refinishing your floors, you most likely won’t need an interior designer. But if your kitchen remodel is a full gut project and includes tile, stone, cabinets and paint, then you’ll benefit tremendously from hiring a designer.

Without a designer on your team, you’ll be scrutinizing hundreds if not thousands of selections. Narrowing down materials and brands can easily hold up the entire renovation.

One of the most important elements of a kitchen design is the counter. If you hire a designer, they can help you pick countertop materials that complement your kitchen’s busiest areas, such as the sink, stove and refrigerator. Sometimes this means mixing and matching materials. A designer will make sure these areas and appliances are in the most efficient location and look great.

Lastly, a designer can help you narrow down the best storage solutions for your kitchen. This can really maximize kitchen space, making it more livable.

4. Spending money on the wrong kitchen features

Do you cook a lot? Do you socialize with family in the kitchen? Are you having issues with your current cabinet space? Keep these factors in mind when choosing your new kitchen’s features or when considering its overall design.

You should invest money on the features you will use most often and family or guests will enjoy. Make the best use of your budget by reserving the largest amounts to the spaces and features you’ll use regularly.

By planning these areas first and working backwards to determine the other details, you won’t miss out on key elements. For example, a large counter space may be important if you have a large family, or having a great cooktop may be essential if you love to cook. To offset the costs of these important features, remodel the unimportant areas with simpler finishes, and spend less on lighting, storage and backsplashes.

5. Staying in the apartment or moving back during renovations

You likely be stressed while overseeing your renovation, but living in the midst of it will multiply the stress. While completing your kitchen remodeling project, make sure to protect your home’s other rooms and surfaces from paint drippings and remodeling debris.

If you decide to — or have no other choice but to — live in your home during renovations, expect contractors to be working around you. You’ll likely trip over each other, which will slow down your project. Deciding to stay in the home during the renovation is not the healthiest decision, especially if you have children or pets, because you’ll be living with a lot of dust and debris.

Renovating or remodeling your home is not an easy task. You can save both money and time in your project by avoiding these five mistakes.

This article first appeared on Angie’s List — here.

Published on August 14, 2016.

If you’re thinking about remodeling your home, you may be stuck trying to decide what designs to go with. After all, it’s not easy to know which designs will last the test of time and which will go down in history as passing fads. In the last decade alone, we’ve seen some new design trends emerge. Today, we discuss five trendy kitchen designs options with staying power.

1. White kitchens

Kitchen colors come and go, such as the harvest gold and avocado kitchens of the 70s. But when it comes to forever value, the white kitchen should be considered champion.

If you’re ready for a major kitchen remodel and don’t want to break the bank to accomplish your aesthetic, RFMC recommends a classic white design. We love white kitchens and consider them an everlasting design.

2. Stainless steel appliances

Stainless steel appliances have passed the test of time. People are always trying to find the next big trend in kitchen design, but no other appliance finish seems to have the look that works in such a wide variety of kitchens as stainless steel.

Stainless appliances have surpassed the trends through the years and are now the new standard in kitchen designs.

3. Glass-front cabinets

Glass-front cabinets are a must-have for a small kitchen. They open up the look of your kitchen and make the space feel larger.

Glass-front cabinets give your kitchen the same feeling as open shelving. This light, open ambiance contributes to making your kitchen look timeless, making this style a forever trend.

4. Farmhouse sinks

Lately, farmhouse sinks have just as much popularity as glass-front cabinets. The apron-front farmhouse sink has been requested more and more in recent years. This type of sink gives a nostalgic look with a more modern feel.

Farmhouse sinks have been a popular look even before dishwashers were invented. These sinks were designed to provide the depth to avoid splashing, and they are wide enough to hold many dishes, pots and pans. Whether you choose a swankier stone or marble style or choose a more modest ceramic one, farmhouse sinks are definitely a forever trend in kitchen design.

5. Subway tiles

Subway tiles are universal and can fit in many different designs. It has withstood the test of time for a few reasons:

– Subway tiles are inexpensive

– It looks good with practically any other materials

– It pairs well with different appliances and finishes

– They can be arranged in interesting and unexpected ways

Subway tiles may be considered a millennial phenomenon, but this tile style is definitely a classic design. It’s a non-intrusive look that was originally featured in the century homes and buildings of the past.

As you dream of your idea kitchen, use these five designs to create a space you’re sure to love for a long time.

If you jump into a conversation with contractor without knowing the basics, you could miss important details about your project. In this article we go over basic cabinet terminology and materials so you can confidently talk shop with the pros. Here’s the 411 on Kitchen Cabinets:

Base Cabinets

Base cabinets are the lower cabinets that act as a base for countertops. These cabinets must be strong and sturdy. A base cabinet sits low on the floor and typically measures 24 inches deep. Base cabinets can be made to any depth from about 16 inches all the way up to 36 inches deep. The deeper your cabinets the more storage space you will have.

Wall Cabinets

Wall cabinets, otherwise known as wall-mounted or upper cabinets, are hung on a wall contrasting your base cabinets. These cabinets are the backbone for remodeling your cabinetry. They add beauty and functionality to your kitchen layout.

Wall cabinets also provide useful storage for your kitchen, but they can make your kitchen look smaller in size. Depending on the size of the space, you can maximize the space in your kitchen by grouping upper cabinets on a single wall. Small kitchens benefit from the one wall cabinet layout because it gives the perception of a larger room.

Pantry Cabinets

Tall cabinets, also known as pantry cabinets, are full height cabinets that sit on the floor and extend all the way to the ceiling. Tall cabinets create abundant storage and give a dramatically vertical look. Typical tall cabinets will range in height from 84 to 96 inches per unit.

Cabinet Drawers

It’s important to get quality drawers. The cabinet drawers are the most used part of your kitchen cabinetry and undergo a lifetime of persistent and consistent use.

The plywood inside high-end cabinet drawers comes in 5/8 inch thickness. For even greater durability and strength, custom cabinets may use ¾ inch plywood in the drawers. When selecting your cabinet drawers, the minimum thickness should be ½ inch plywood.

A number of low-end and middle-range cabinet drawers are made with laminated particle board.  A particle board is good for drawer boxes, but will fail to hold up the drawers. Most manufacturers will upgrade your drawers to plywood for an extra charge.

Cabinet Doors

Cabinet doors are the face of your kitchen remodel. Since they are a major visual component of the space, the look sets the tone for the kitchen.

These doors are made in one or two different ways: either in a framed or slab door.

A slab door style is flat on both sides and looks like a single piece of wood. A framed door contains a center panel—usually wood or veneered plywood—to match the framing lumber.

In addition to these two basic styles, the third element to consider is overlay. Overlay relates to how the door fits to the cabinet. If the overlay is set on top of the door opening, overlapping the opening on all sides, it is an overlay door. If it is set solely inside the cabinet door, it will be an inset door.

This article first appeared on Angie’s List — here.

Published on June 16, 2016.

May 31, 2016

Being in a tiny apartment doesn’t have to keep you from having an amazing laundry space. It’s possible to fit a stylish and functional laundry room into a small space.  With these pro tips, you’ll be on the right track to design a perfect laundry space.

Choose appliances that suit your needs

Will you use existing machines or upgrade to new appliances? The type of washing machine and dryer you have will affect other choices for your space. Tip from the Pros: When buying new appliances, measure key areas around your home to make sure they fit in your space. Doorway and halls should be at minimum one-inch wider than the washer and dryer for delivery. If necessary, remove doors and hinges to get appliances through. Many apartment dwellers lack space, so the laundry room is designed to function in the kitchens, bathroom or closet. These dual-purpose areas often come with space limitations. What’s available will dictate whether you choose stacked or side-by-side machines.

Stacked machines

Does your apartment have a narrow area for laundry? Consider stacked machines. Stacked machines save space and install easily in narrow areas such as a closet or a corner in your kitchen. If you’re opting for side-by-side machines, will you choose front-loading or top-loading? Tip from the Pros: To make the chore of doing laundry a little easier, install washer and dryers so the doors open opposite of each other. This way moving clothes from the washer to the dryer will be seamless.

Front-loading machines

Front load machines give you the option of adding a countertop for a folding and sorting area. They can be easily installed in a kitchen under a counter or in the kitchen island. Tip from the Pros: Don’t rest the countertop directly on the appliances. Instead, mount the table top securely onto the wall or a separate frame.

Top-loading machines

Top-loading machines are the most economically friendly, depending on the shape and size of your space. Their low price point makes them apartment owner’s favorite choice. To accommodate storage for your detergents, softeners, and stain removers, you may consider adding shelving above top-loading machines. Tip from the Pros: Add a drying area above your units. Suspend a rod about 3.5 feet above the washer and dryer and 12 inches out from the wall.

The laundry room will get used often and you want it to be a space that’s functional. Choosing the right appliances is the first step towards a successful and well-designed space. We hope you enjoyed these Apartment Laundry Rooms tips. Have fun designing your space!

May 6, 2016

Thinking of installing a kitchen island but not sure where to start? Check out these popular and fun kitchen island ideas, including seating and storage tips.

More than ever, kitchen designs incorporate spaces for entertaining and gathering guests and growing families. If the kitchen is the center of your home, then the kitchen island is the epicenter of your kitchen. Kitchen islands can make your kitchen tremendously functional. Ovens, stoves, dishwashers and wine refrigerators all compete for crucial space in the kitchen — as if there wasn’t a lack of storage space already! If you want these features without sacrificing extra kitchen cabinets, then an island is an easy upgrade.

We’ve collected some of the trending kitchen island ideas and designs we’re seeing as homeowners install kitchen islands. Let’s look at the top seven kitchen design trends we’re seeing right now:

1. Extra counter prep space

Your kitchen island takes up roughly one fifth of your kitchen space, so don’t let it be a waste of space. A freestanding island can provide useful space and seating, while looking modern, spacious and updated.

2. More kitchen cabinet storage

In addition to offering extra countertop space, large kitchen islands can provide extra cabinets, drawers and shelves to store necessities like utensils and small appliances.

There are countless storage ideas for a kitchen island. Incorporating storage in your design doesn’t mean you have to hide everything behind your cabinets. Get creative and consider open shelving or convenient pull-out drawers.

3. Convenient counter cooktop

Everyone gathers in the kitchen. This is especially true at parties and get togethers during the holidays. If you’re stuck with your back to your guests, how are you supposed to visit and mingle? Display your culinary skills while remaining a part of the party by incorporating a cooktop in your kitchen island.

Tip from the Pros: Before setting your heart on this design, remember that proper ventilation requires strategic planning. Kitchen ranges are usually installed against a wall, and there’s a good reason for this. It’s easier to vent the exhaust fan hood when it’s run it up the wall. However, a cooktop island design will give you the freedom to cook your meals in the center of the kitchen.

4. Wine or drink fridge

Staying hydrated means your family is constantly opening the refrigerator and cluttering the kitchen. Consider incorporating a wine refrigerator in your island to keep refreshments conveniently located.

The main factors you’ll have to consider when choosing a new wine or drink refrigerator is how much room you have available in the design. Take a piece of your island and directly install your new unit. For example, a spacious kitchen can use the middle or corner of your island as a clever place to install your dream wine or drink refrigerator.

Tip from the Pros: Remember to measure the dimensions of your island to make sure you don’t accidentally buy a refrigerator that’s too high or too deep.

5. Modern microwave location

It’s a smart idea to place a microwave or speed oven in your kitchen island. Most DIY renovations often end up with the microwave positioned too high (typically in the cabinets or above the stove). Removing hot items from high places can be dangerous.

For a more family-friendly alternative, place your microwave where you can comfortably keep an eye on the food you’re pulling out. Like the wine or drink refrigerator, microwaves in an island are kid and family-friendly. This design also looks more modern than a microwave in cabinets or above the stove.

6. Prep sink

Think of the last meal you cooked. How often did you have to wash your hands?

Innovative interior designers have saved home cooks hours of running between the cutting board and the kitchen. How did they do it? By adding a prep sink to the kitchen island! The sink is an appliance we take for granted, although it’s such an essential part of the kitchen.

Tip from the Pros: If you have a home with limited space, your kitchen layout is crucial. Working with an interior designer and experienced home remodeling company makes a huge difference. What will you do with all those extra hours saved not having to run across the kitchen to wash up?

7. Kitchen islands with seating

Most new kitchen designs include an eat-in option. The island can be counter-height or bar height, depending on the layout and style of your home. Our clients adore the functionality of built-in kitchen islands with bar-style seating because it allows seated guests to be eye-to-eye with home cooks. It’s also perfect for overflow as friends can walk up comfortably and join the conversation.

Tip from the Pros: Deliberating the size and shape of your new island? Pay special attention to kitchen island seating. There’s nothing worse than having a gorgeously designed kitchen without enough space for your friends and family to gather comfortably!

November 7, 2013

In the United States, most homeowners will tackle some form of a home improvement project at some point while living in a particular residence. This can mean updating the kitchen or bathroom, painting, adding cosmetic features to a home, or even adding an addition to the home to create a new space within it. When it comes to home improvement, there is a wide range of possibilities. With those possibilities, of course, comes a wide range of intensity of the project, budget, and time that will be spent on completion of the project.

Many homeowners flock to the idea of remodeling the kitchen and bathroom. Within the real estate industry, an updated kitchen or bathroom is regarded as a top method for boosting the value of the home. Prospective home buyers want to walk into their new home and have all of the most updated appliances in the kitchen, and they want to have a layout in the bathroom that makes the most sense for the space given. While these remodeling projects can be an important asset to the home, they can also be timely and expensive. Before deciding whether or not it’s appropriate for you to update your home by remodeling the kitchen or bathroom, it’s a good idea to be aware of the costs associated with the remodel. Speaking with a designer can be a great way to evaluate what a remodel in your kitchen or bathroom would entail and whether or not you’re prepared to take on the project.

Of course, there are also smaller fixes that can happen within the home that help to boost its overall value. Outdated wallpaper, poor painting jobs or chipping paint can turn a prospective home buyer off even though they are merely cosmetic and are fairly easy to fix. Fixing these things yourself in your home will give you a leg up when it comes time to sell the home. Even if you aren’t planning on selling your home, these fixes can add a great deal of value to your life within the home.

Regardless of the type of remodel project that you want to take on in the home, it’s important to be aware of the time and resources that it will take as well as the time and resources that you are willing to put toward it. It’s best to talk to a designer or home improvement professional so that they can guide you through the resources that you will realistically need. Although there are some aspects of a home improvement project that you may be able to handle yourself, there are others where you will want to bring in a professional to help you with. It’s also important to be aware of the types of permits you’ll need in order to begin construction, as permitting is a major part of the renovating process. Again, a professional designer can walk you through what you need and can in many cases help you obtain and file the necessary paperwork.

August 8, 2013

An increase in home sales and the emergence of low financing costs is leading to a rise in home construction, according to several studies. The result is an increase in home improvements and home remodeling, which has been notably down from their norm in recent years.

In 2007, the home improvement industry brought in $328 billion, according to the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University. That number has since been on a downward turn. In 2011, spending in the same areas clocked in at $275 billion. However, although data is still being collected for 2012, it appears that an 11% increase has occurred.

This is of course good news for the construction markets and for the economy at large. Increases in spending show increased confidence in the economy, greater job security, and less of a desire to plan ahead out of fear.

Projects such as refinished or remodeled basements, new kitchens, and new additions to homes are now on the rise. “When the market isn’t doing well, people learn to deal with what they have,” said one housing expert. “Rather than aim bigger, they make do. Now, we’re seeing people dreaming up new spaces for their homes, and they’re actually going for it.”

However, not all homemakers are having an easy time getting financing for such projects. Homeowners with negative equity, in other words, homeowners who owe more on their homes than the home is worth, will have a very difficult time getting financing for a home improvement project. Since equity is necessary for a bank to fund such a project, a total lack thereof makes it nearly impossible to get the financing needed.

Studies show that those who have equity will spend 22% more on home improvements than those without, and therefore, it’s those who have equity that are fueling this recent uptick in home remodeling. The core demographic of families that are taking on such projects tend to fall within the middle to upper-middle class bracket. These families are shifting their focus from moving to bigger homes and are instead making their current homes into their “dream homes”. This movement – colloquially called “aging-in-place”, is a major force behind the push toward home improvement projects.

Though it is in part economic fears that are keeping people in place, the comfort associated with deciding to stay in one place is what is motivating those same individuals to remodel their homes. Discretionary projects such as basement remodels, kitchen remodels, and creating the much written about “man cave” in the garage or basement are perks to financial stability. Since families are not stretching themselves as thin as they may have when the economic future was not as unruly, they are able to stretch their legs a bit by way of home improvements.

June 27, 2013

For kitchen cabinets that are in good shape and function well to accommodate your needs, Fresno / Clovis home remodeling contractors can upgrade them by painting, applying stain if the cabinets are made of wood or refacing them by simply taking off the old front doors and installing new doors. You could also have contractors replace kitchen cabinet hardware such as handles and hinges with distinctively styled brass, pewter or gold hardware that gives your kitchen a completely new ambiance without committing to a total renovation project. However, you should be aware that, for the most part, the biggest expense of a kitchen remodeling project generally centers on the drawer fronts and cabinet doors.

According to the former National Kitchen and Bath Association’s president Jeff Cannata, nearly 75 percent of the expense involved with installing new kitchen cabinets are the doors. He suggests that it might be wiser and more beneficial to the overall, return of investment (ROI) of the project to replace all of your kitchen cabinets with new, customized cabinets.

By ordering custom-made cabinets, you will essentially be the creator and designer of your kitchen cabinets. You will get to pick out the type of material, color, shape, size and all other specifics involved in constructing cabinets instead of being restricted to cabinets that are already pre-made and cataloged. In addition, custom cabinets are individually made by craftsmen who use only the best materials and methods. In contrasting the differences between custom-made cabinets and “stock” or pre-made cabinets, you will generally find that custom cabinetry uses plywood components; doweled or dovetailed joints; and drawer slides enhanced with concealed undermounts. Alternately, stock cabinets are constructed with particle board, have joints that are screwed, glued or nailed and exhibit plastic corners that are stapled.

Semi-custom cabinets are a step below customized cabinets and offer the benefit of having cabinets made to fit certain size requirements. However, they are produced by manufacturers incrementally, meaning that the manufacturer takes a stock cabinet and essentially “reinvents” the cabinet to fit the customer’s kitchen. This can involve adding spacers, replacing handles and performing other, minor alterations that do not deviate much from the original design of the cabinet.

Many people who chose to upgrade their kitchen cabinets with custom-made cabinets say that the slightly higher cost of custom cabinets is worth the price for receiving beautifully constructed, long-lasting cabinets that are unique in design and exactly what they have always wanted. Cabinet options that are available to Fresno / Clovis residents interested in a kitchen renovation are both exciting and sometimes overwhelming, with different types of wood, styles of hardware and size considerations needing to be decided on before craftsmen can begin constructing them. For assistance in selecting your custom-made cabinets, call RFMC today to speak to an experienced home remodeling designer and start making that dream kitchen you have always wanted a reality.

One of the best ways to increase the resale value of your home is to invest in a home renovation project. Whether you are completely remodeling your kitchen or bathroom or simply installing new cabinetry, anything that upgrades the appearance and structural integrity of your home will instantly add resale value if and when you plan on selling your home.

Not only can interior renovations improve the overall condition of your home but exterior remodeling projects are also considered excellent types of renovations that provide an immediate enhancement for the purpose of making that good “first impression”. Whether you decide to replace old windows, get rid of outdated doors, pour a new patio or put new siding on your home, exterior renovations can add that much-needed curb appeal that may make the difference between selling your home within several months or having it on the market for several years.

Professional home renovation contractors like RFMC and real estate agents working in the Fresno / Clovis area also suggest turning that unused attic space into a cozy, beautiful attic bedroom, a project that could allow you to recoup nearly 75 percent of the money you invested in this particular modeling event. Currently, homes with attic bedrooms are extremely desirable among prospective buyers who often need the extra room for twenty-something children who can’t afford to live on their own. Additionally, real estate agents will tell you that any time homeowners add more square footage to their residence, the effect it has on the value of the home will definitely be positive.

Guess what room most people look at first when inspecting a home they wish to buy? If you guessed the kitchen—you’re right! Updated, clean-looking, functional kitchens will almost guarantee that your home gets plenty of attention if it is on the market and advertised as having a recently renovated kitchen. Some kitchens may need a complete makeover while others may simply need a “touch-up” that involves either laying new tiling, installing light fixtures or purchasing new appliances. Before you decide what your kitchen needs, real estate agents as well as home remodeling contractors suggest having a professional renovator assess the condition of your kitchen and offer recommendations as to what should be done to improve the appearance of your kitchen.

Bathroom remodeling investments generally yield around a 65 percent ROI for homeowners interested in selling their home in the near future. Currently trending in bathroom design are master bathrooms containing excellent lighting, two sinks and customized shower stalls with sliding acrylic doors. When a prospective home buyer views an outdated bathroom, the first thing that he or she will think about is all the work the bathroom needs—new bathtub, new vanity, new fixtures, etc. In addition, buyers interested in purchasing three bedroom homes are much more likely to take an interest in the home if it offers two full baths instead of one full bath and one half bath. Renovating an existing half bath so that it can be called a full bath may be something a three bedroom homeowner might consider before placing their home on the real estate market.

Home remodeling contractors also suggest that homeowners interested in bathroom or kitchen renovations think about something called “stylistic depreciation”, which is a term referring to the fact that what is currently popular in home renovation designs may not be so popular in five years or so. For this reason, you should consider when you plan on selling home prior to starting a renovation project.

Published on June 13, 2013. 

What in the world is an ergonomic kitchen? The term “ergonomics” is simply a technically fancy way of calling attention to the efficiency and productivity of a device, room or fixture that is specifically used by humans for the purpose of completing an activity.

Therefore, an ergonomic kitchen is a kitchen that is designed architecturally and stylistically to facilitate whatever a person is doing in that kitchen, whether it is cooking, creating a fabulous dish, canning vegetables or cleaning a pair of muddy boots. Today’s professional kitchen renovators are taking the science of ergonomics seriously by providing customers with completely customized kitchens that facilitate the accomplishment of all tasks performed in the kitchen.

Countertops represent one of the more significant factors that contribute to an ergonomically designed kitchen. Established NYC architect and renovator Oreste Drapaca, who wrote the popular DIY book The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Designing Your Own Home (2007), asserts that implementing customized countertops at heights specific to the tallness of the individuals who most frequently use the kitchen can prevent leg and backaches potentially caused by too much bending or stooping. Drapaca further suggests considering the installation of two counters—one lower than the other—for the purpose of food preparation (cutting and slicing veggies and fruits, for example). The higher counter could then be reserved for serving items, buffet style, or setting apart bowls of food you need to come back to later in a recipe. Having two counters at different heights has proven to relieve lower back pain and neck aches in people with arthritis or bone disorders who spend a lot of time in the kitchen.

An ergonomically remodeled kitchen may also have a “bouncy” floor, or a floor that incorporates softer materials such as rubber, cork or certain woods that alleviates muscle and tendon strain in legs and feet. While beautiful and durable, kitchen floors made of ceramic tile, stone or terra cotta may not be suitable for people who cannot stand for very long on hard floors.

Additional features of an ergonomic kitchen include the installation of cabinets equipped with drawers that can be pulled out for access to utensils and pushed in for convenient storage. Cabinets like these eliminate the need for homeowners to crawl halfway into large cabinets just to find a certain pot or pan or having to stoop low enough to duck under the sink where something needed is stashed. Three or four tiered storage racks permanently attached to the inside of cabinet doors are not only ergonomic but also a great way to organize smaller items that tend to get tossed in the kitchen “junk” drawer.

Ergonomic kitchen designs also integrate electrical outlet placement in the overall architecture of the kitchen. Instead of lugging heavy, awkward appliances around the kitchen just to access an outlet, cutting-edge kitchen contractors will put electrical outlets in easily accessible areas of the kitchen. Some homeowners are opting to extend upper cabinetry a few inches below the bottom frame in order to conceal a channel of electrical plug-ins running under these cabinets. If the kitchen is remodeled with an island, outlets can be installed in the island as well.

RFMC technicians offer in-depth knowledge of ergonomically designed kitchens that can accommodate your own style of cooking, address physical limitations and provide Fresno / Clovis (Central Valley) residents with the latest in renovation techniques to create a lasting, beautiful and functional kitchen.

Published on May 30, 2013

Real estate professionals recommend that you delay converting a tub into a shower if your apartment only has one bathtub, since this may reduce the resale value of the property (the majority of buyers want at least one full bathroom with shower/tub fixture). However, having an extra bathtub that you want remodeled into a walk-in shower represents the perfect scenario in which to begin planning your renovation project.

Steps to Take 

The best and most productive way to begin the conversion process is to consult with a professional remodeling contractor who has experience with bathroom remodeling techniques, construction and material use. Consider the size of your existing tub as well. Be aware that the more narrow the tub, the smaller your new walk-in shower may feel. But, your bathroom may gain space as a result of an upright, walk-in shower needing less horizontal dimensions.

What sort of enclosure to you want? Frosted glass is a popular option but other trendy enclosure choices include doors made of acrylic, fiberglass and fabric. Fabric enclosures allow you to easily change the decor of your bathroom while enclosures constructed of semi-transparent, etched materials can add a special kind of sleek elegance to your new bathroom.

Space restrictions may limit your options as to what type of walk-shower you can install. An expert contractor will take dimensions of the space in which your bathtub currently sits as well as notes regarding any odd fixture placements or plumbing anomalies. With this information, he or she can suggest what style of walk-in shower would be most suitable for your bathroom.

Conversion Costs

Generally, converting a bathtub to walk-in takes around three or four weeks, unless unforeseen issues arise during the remodeling process. While the average cost ranges from $8000 to $12,000, this estimate is subject to an increase or decrease, depending on materials used, problems encountered and whether any last minute decisions are made concerning the project. Moreover, custom glass enclosures are more expensive than factory made and may cost several thousand dollars more than pre-made enclosures.

Benefits of Walk-In Showers

Increased safety is just one of the many benefits gained by converting your bathtub area into a walk-shower. Instead of stepping over the edge of a slippery bathtub, you simply step into the shower and steady yourself with safety rails while adjusting water strength and temperature. Disabled and elderly people will find it much easier to place small chair inside a walk-in to facilitate showering as opposed to setting a seat in a narrow bathtub.

Since you won’t be taking any more tub baths, water “rings” and calcium build-up no longer need your attention every week. Glass enclosures also inhibit bacterial growth and are easy to wipe off after showering with a handheld squeegee.

Additionally, most Fresno / Clovis apartment dwellers find that by getting rid of their old bathtub and replacing with a modern walk-in shower, the available space in the bathroom increases dramatically, allowing them to further initiate much-needed renovations.

Published on April 25, 2013. 

How do you handle a renovation that is less than a year old but is already showing signs of serious issues? What can you do and who is responsible for the lack of quality materials or construction?

The majority of major renovations, such as a complete kitchen or bathroom project, will inevitably need some adjustments following its completion. Consequently, warranty terms should always be discussed in detail and put into the contractual agreement before you and your renovator sign binding documents. In addition, when you are checking references of potential remodeling contractors, it wouldn’t hurt to ask about the responsiveness of the contractor after the job was completed.

Responsibilities of the Contractor

With a few exceptions, it is the responsibility of the contractor to repair things that break or start to malfunction, such as doors that fail to close smoothly or faucets that drip within several weeks of being installed. Even if a sink begins to leak or more than one cabinet door falls off after two years have passed, reputable contractors will return to inspect the problem, determine if it is due to low-quality material or amateur craftsmanship and make repairs accordingly.

When Litigation is Needed

If renovation projects suffer from repeated problems and contractors fail to or directly refuse to honor a signed warranty, then home/apartment owners may need to take them to court.

Issues with architectural aspects of a remodeling project should be covered by liability insurance for what the law called “errors and omissions”. Only when a claim is made and the architect is found to be responsible for faults in the design does an architect’s insurance take over, which is indicates to the insurance company that the problem has not been solved amiably.

Design components involving structural facets such as beams, roof or floor framing are examples of valid claims that could be made against architects. In addition to filing legal action against an architect, clients can also involve builders in the litigation.

How to Avoid Problems with Contractors

You can easily avoid future issues with a planned renovation project by hiring established, experienced contractors who can provide ample references, licenses and pictures of previous projects. Preliminary questions to ask a potential contractor include when can you start the job, how many jobs of this type have you completed, how long have you been in the remodeling business and how accurate are your estimates?

Published on April 18, 2013.

April 11, 2013

People wanting top purchase Fresno / Clovis homes are deterred by kitchens that need renovated. Old-fashioned kitchens that do not exhibit modern functionality or kitchens that appear on the brink of falling apart will definitely send potential buyers scurrying off to the next apartment. But while remodeling your kitchen prior to putting your property up for sale will definitely help sell the place, it may not bring you the price that you actually put into upgrading your kitchen.

A good rule to follow that is recommended by professional Fresno / Clovis contractors is to refrain from spending more than five percent of the price for which you are asking for your property. For example, if your apartment or home is worth around $400,000, try to remain under a renovation budget of $20,000 in order to recoup your expenditures. On the other hand, if you have a home worth over $1 million, the suggested amount of $50,000 may not cover the expense of high-end materials and appliances.

Buyer Expectations

Always keep in mind the type of buyer you are trying to entice. For more high-end houses, your renovation should include beautiful, dark wood cabinetry, sleek fixtures, extra countertop space and an elegant yet functional spaciousness to accommodate more than three people. You will want to make sure that the contractors you hire to install a state-of-the art kitchen are experienced, professional and have been established as leaders in the construction industry for many years.

Less expensive kitchens can get by with renovations costing between $8000 and $10,000 without compromising the ability to sell the home.

Tips for Renovating When Planning to Sell

Think “long-term” when renovating a kitchen, especially if you plan to wait a few years before selling. Cheaper materials do not last as long as materials that are more expensive and you may end up putting more money into a kitchen that has been shoddily remodeled with inferior materials.

Instead of focusing on a “flashy” kitchen, be aware that a kitchen’s layout is more important to most buyers than kitchen’s with a less than friendly functionality. Narrow kitchens, Pullman style kitchens and kitchens with ill-placed appliances are deterrents to making a timely sale.

Neutral finishes and colors are your best bet if you want to sell quickly. Avoid weird patterns that you think might appeal to eclectic buyers and odd colors that you think “retro” buyers might prefer. Real estate agents claim that the classic, shiny, white kitchen remains the most timeless style of kitchen that makes most clients go “oooh” and “aaaah”.

One item not to skimp on is a new countertop. Granite countertops are currently trending due to their durability, resistance to damage and ability to absorb different colorings and patterns.

Because it is so important to make your remodeled kitchen look exceptionally attractive without restricting buyer preference, contacting a reputable renovation company like RFMC will provide you with experienced and licensed contractors, architects and designers who have many years experience in the home remodeling industry.

Kitchen remodeling can add a great deal of value to the home, and it can also make your life a lot easier! Kitchen remodels have the potential to totally change the way you operate in the kitchen, making the kitchen a more productive, more useful, more enjoyable space for all.

What should you know before you dive into a kitchen remodel, though? First and foremost, it’s important to know what not to do. Taking the mistakes of others as a word of warning will help to put you on track to have a successful remodel yourself. Below, read about the most common mistakes that homeowners that were less educated than yourself made in their remodeling project.

Getting Too Wrapped Up In The Details

Sure, the most exciting thing about redesigning the kitchen is the new look it’s going to have. It’s likely that the first thing you will do is start to pull pictures from magazines and the internet of what you hope the kitchen will look like post-remodel. And while having an idea of what you want the kitchen to look like is absolutely a good idea, you also need to remember to consider the bigger picture.

How is the kitchen, once remodeled, going to fit in with the rest of your home? Designing an ultra-modern kitchen in a more traditional home is going to create a new host of problems for you – and potentially a few more remodeling projects for the rest of the house!

It’s also important to consider the type of lifestyle elements you need for your kitchen. Be realistic about what you need and how you should work toward getting it. For example, some floor and countertop materials require more upkeep than others. If you’re a busy family with youngsters, you may want a more durable and easier to maintain material.

Getting Too Wrapped Up in Trends

Again, it’s easy to get involved in the myriad of ideas that are available to you via the Internet and magazines. However, jumping for the most recent trends sight unseen without thinking about how they fit into your overall lifestyle goals might land you with a remodel that you aren’t happy with long-term. You want to make sure that whatever you’re creating for yourself is going to bring you and your family happiness for a long time.

Think Carefully Before Doing It Yourself

The Internet has most people convinced that they can do just about anything. And while we are capable of quite a lot, especially with the sharing of ideas, there is still a good reason that professionals are called professionals. Many homeowners make the mistake of taking on a remodeling project as a DIY project, only to find that they do not have the skills or the expertise to pull it off. Rather than creating a mess that a professional then must clean up, go into the project with the right attitude and hire a contractor who knows what he or she is doing. When the project goes smoothly, you won’t regret the cost you’ve paid upfront.

April 4, 2013

March 27, 2013

Under-Cabinet lighting has become increasingly popular in recent years, as kitchen designs have become more ergonomically sound. A common problem in kitchens is that cabinetry, although necessary and often beautiful, creates shadows on the countertops. The countertop is the best workspace available in the kitchen, and therefore, it’s the area where really, we want the most light. Therefore, the under-cabinet light has emerged in kitchens, providing ambiance and effectiveness in one package.

There are several types of lights that are available for use in under-cabinet lighting. They are:

• LED

• Fluorescent

• Incandescent

Let’s explore each of these options in detail below.

LED

LEDs are energy efficient and therefore have grown in popularity in recent years as our awareness of energy consumption has grown. LED lights have a long life and are very bright. It’s rare for an LED light to ‘burn out’ – the average lifespan of an LED light is 50,000 hours. Initially, some homeowners were put off by a tendency for LED lights to have a blueish hue to their light, but in recent years warmer toned LED lights have emerged on the market. The major drawback to LED lights is that they can be much more expensive to purchase than their incandescent counterparts. However, one must weigh the upfront cost against the energy output and longer life of the lights.

Fluorescent

Fluorescent lights have been regarded as “low profile” lights, meaning they don’t draw much attention to themselves. Due to their shape and size, they are easy to conceal beneath a cabinet, and the light they give off tends to be very straightforward. Fluorescent lighting was once only available in one tone, but recent improvements in technology have brought warm and cool options, making them a viable choice for families hoping to control the appearance of the lighting a bit.

Incandescent

Incandescent lighting is available in a wide range of color temperatures and wattages, and therefore is a very common choice for kitchen lighting, including under-cabinet kitchen lighting. Incandescent lighting for under-cabinet use comes in several forms – wedge, festoon, and bi-pin. Incandescent lighting is very easy to maintain – the bulbs are simple to replace should one burn out, and the bulbs are also fairly inexpensive. However, incandescent bulbs do tend to blow out fairly regularly. This type of lighting is also on the higher end of the energy consumption spectrum, and is the highest energy consumer amongst the three types of light we have discussed here today. So, if the amount of energy that your under-cabinet lighting is using is of concern, incandescent may not be the way to go.

Under-cabinet lighting can add a new layer of visual depth to the kitchen by illuminating the countertop space and adding luminescence to a decorative backsplash, too. Regardless of the type of lighting that you choose to work with, there are endless possibilities by way of where the lights are placed, how they look and feel, and what type of style they’ll add to your space.

March 20, 2013

Though different people go about a kitchen remodel in different ways, most everyone finds themselves in a few distinct phases at some point in the project:

• Envisioning

• Planning

• Breaking Ground

Envisioning is usually the first phase for most people. It begins with an idea – a little thought of “What if the kitchen were more like ___?” The inspiration might be sparked by a visit to a friend’s newly remodeled kitchen, or the precipitous might be a television program about remodeling. Whatever it is, for many people, once the idea arrives, it grows into a full on passion for a new kitchen.

At this point, many homeowners begin to collect inspiration for what the new kitchen will look and feel like. This involves gathering images and ideas from magazines or the Internet. In this stage, homeowners are working to identify what they want from the kitchen remodel both in functionality and in design. A remodel is an opportunity to fix the things about a space that aren’t working or have always been a source of frustration. It’s also an opportunity to infuse the room with your own personal style.

Once a firm vision for the kitchen has been arrived at, homeowners move onto the planning and researching phase. This involves understanding the types of appliances, countertop surfaces, and flooring types that might be available for the kitchen remodel. It also involves understanding the price points on each item that would ideally be included, and searching for more affordable solutions if the ideal items are too far beyond the homeowner’s budget.

Familiarizing oneself with what is available on the market is an integral part of the planning process. This can involve looking at catalogues and online stores as well as actually visiting stores in person and talking to consultants about the various features on appliances. A kitchen remodel is a huge undertaking, so it’s a good idea to set yourself up for long-term success with the remodel by really planning ahead and knowing exactly what you’re getting for your investment.

With the vision in place and the homework done, it’s time to get to work! Unless you are a contractor yourself, it’s a good idea to invest in hiring a professional. This means doing a little more homework. Check with friends, family, and neighbors to see if they have a local contractor they’ve worked with whom they can recommend. Or, turn to the Internet and research which contractors in your area are reliable. Always check references and always meet with a contractor to discuss your project before hiring him or her. You are going to have the contractor in your home readily, and you’re giving him or her the huge responsibility of transforming your home. You want to make sure that you are working with someone who is reputable, reliable, and with whom you have a strong report.

A kitchen remodeling project can add great value to the home. And, when planned properly, it can be a painless experience to boot!

March 13, 2013

In a lot of homes, more living occurs in the kitchen than in the living room. The kitchen is a place to do homework, to prepare and eat meals, and often a place to visit. For that reason, the kitchen is one of the most talked about areas of the home when it comes to home remodeling.

Below are some tips to consider when revisiting your kitchen space in preparation for a remodel.

1. Make the Kitchen Fit You

Do you use your kitchen for work often? If so, why not create a little desk area within it so that you don’t have to worry about cluttering up the kitchen table all of the time? Many people use their kitchens for many functions, particularly if the kitchen is a large and well-lit space. If this is the case for you, make your kitchen fit the needs you want it to have.

Also be aware of who uses the kitchen and how. If you have small children who often want to be at the kitchen table, for example, you will want a low table. It seems like a no-brainer, but many people get wrapped up in a design idea and totally forget to plan ahead for the ways that the kitchen is realistically going to be used. If your kids hang out at the table a lot now, there’s no reason to think their desire to do so is going to evaporate from a re-design in the kitchen.

2. Plan for the Long Term

A kitchen remodel is a huge undertaking. Don’t put yourself through the experience of a remodel just to want to go back and do it all again in a few years! Think ahead by planning a design that you know you’ll love long term. And, when you’re picking out your materials and new appliances, go for quality products. You may spend a little more upfront than you had intended, but one stove now that will last a decade is a lot more economical in the long run than a stove now and another in a few years.

3. Think About Ventilation

The kitchen first and foremost is, after all, a place where food is prepared. Keep this in mind when you’re planning your kitchen layout. You’ll want the stove near a window so that the smells of a meal can waft outside if you need them to, and you’ll want to be able to put a fan over the stove should a smoky situation arise.

4. Don’t Forget The Cabinets

So much goes on in the kitchen that we often fail to remember that we keep a great deal of stuff in the kitchen. There is no room where storage is more important than the kitchen, and don’t forget it in your remodel! Kitchen cabinetry is a huge contributor to the efficiency of the space. Plan cabinets that are going to help boot your workflow in the kitchen, not hinder it.

March 6, 2013

For several decades now, stainless steel has enjoyed being one of the most popular appliance finishes due to it being easy to clean, shiny and durable. Recently, Whirlpool unveiled a new type of stainless steel called “White Ice” that offers a glossy, glassy sheen similar to the elegant European appliances sporting frosted, glass fronts and creamy white colors.

While industry insiders are somewhat skeptical about White Ice appliances dethroning the kingly status of stainless steel, they are suggesting that Whirlpool’s “Black Ice” finish may do just that. Black is trending as popular kitchen color this year and with “Black Ice” finishes now decorating ranges, refrigerators and microwave ovens, professional home renovators are wondering is stainless steel appliances will soon be considered “retro”.

Benefits of Stainless Steel Appliances

Before you decide to attack stainless steel like the media attacks B-grade celebrities, consider the advantages of owning a stainless steel appliance:

• Affordable and long-lasting

• Stains and spills easily wipe off with a damp cloth

• Resistant to discoloration, corrosion and fires

• Hygienic surface repels germs and does not need strong chemicals to clean it

The primary problem with traditional stainless steel is that it readily shows smudges and fingerprints. If you are someone who wants everything looking spic-and-span in your kitchen, you might find that you spend 15 minutes out of every hour in the kitchen devoted to wiping smudges off stainless steel (especially if children are in the home).

Benefits of “White Ice” Appliances

Two outstanding benefits of “White Ice” appliances: easier to keep clean and smudge free; and white as a color used in decoration will never be considered “out of style” or boring. Although Whirlpool’s new material does not incorporate the same ingredients used to make traditional stainless steel, its stylish, sophisticated, ultra-modern look is dazzling industry kitchen designers as well as people interested in renovating their kitchen.

Deciding if you want to purchase stainless steel or White Ice appliances for your new kitchen actually depends on your kitchen design, with stainless steel appliances blending better in kitchens incorporating softer, similar hues. Since White Ice appliances currently come in white or black, professional designers suggest installing them in kitchens with bold, contrasting colors, faux wood tiling and undercounter LED lighting fixtures. Alternately, stainless steel refrigerators and ranges appear dazzling when paired with distressed, weathered cabinetry and old-fashioned, chandelier-like illumination.

February 27, 2013

General trends in kitchen design involve countertops, flooring and cabinetry exhibiting neutral finishes while innovative interpretations of rural styles embracing natural colors and textures are expected to dominate the realm of professional kitchen design. Other trends include:

01) Ranges equipped with gourmet cooking features and induction cooktops that provide a streamlined, eclectically modern appearance to renovated kitchens.

02) The creation of “social” kitchens that offer more room by utilizing concealed or built-in appliances, flush cooktops and open floor plans permitting movement without restrictions normally incorporated by traditional kitchen designs.

03) Renewed enthusiasm over “faux” wood tiles and laminates that look as though they were made from natural stone.

04) Aesthetics and styles that reflect the personality of the homeowner, rather than a pre-designed kitchen plan resembling other kitchens.

05) Use of the color white in all shades – high-gloss off white, eggshell white, pearl white and even white wood stains. Adding touches of gray and black is another trend being seen by industry experts as well.

06) Remodeling companies are experiencing a surge in the popularity of faucets activated by touch. Clean, simple and elegant, just a gentle tap releases a stream of water that is just as easily stopped by another tap.

07) Scandinavian-style kitchens offering a minimalist decor emphasizing light, linear extensions and functionality represent one of the more desired trends among family homeowners.

08) Kitchen illumination is not longer restricted to ceiling lights. Instead, kitchen renovation styles often involve LED lighting that is energy efficient and less harsh. To add to a kitchen’s spaciousness, remodelers recommend installing LED lights under cabinets or in wall recesses surrounding sinks and appliances.

09) For kitchens that stay consistently busy, active areas, kitchen islands are becoming the rule rather than the exception. Evolving into multi-dimensional, snack/food prep sites that can also incorporate spaces for wine storage or for objets d’art, kitchen islands are available as stationary or mobile appliances.

10) Kitchen styles of the 40s, 50s and 60s, called “retro” designs, are currently experiencing an upswing in popularity due to their kitschy, fun appeal. Nostalgic colors, old-style appliances and retro lighting are just some of the decor items included in a classic retro kitchen.

With bathroom and kitchen makeovers representing two of the best renovation investments homeowners can perform on their home, why not make this year the year you transform your kitchen from humdrum to smoking hot.

February 20, 2013

More color, less white–that is the latest mantra from bathroom remodeling industry experts analyzing the newest trends in bathroom design and aesthetics.

Although white and other neutral colors like beige and cream will still be considered a base color for bathrooms, the idea now is to accent that traditional white with bright, colorful accents. Instead of relying on “safe” colors, bathroom designers are now leaning towards dangerously bold palettes involving fun, cheerful shades of vivid violet, vibrant peach and Caribbean Sea turquoise.

Reinventing color combinations without compromising on a bathroom’s elegance and functionality also comprises the latest bathroom color trends. Termed “color forecasting”, this type of reinvention focuses on achieving a clean, original feeling without neglecting the colors that mesh with a homeowner’s personal preferences.

Shades of natural water sources like lakes, springs and oceans are trending as well. Effervescent and glimmering shades of indigo, lavender, green and coral create a warm, balanced ambience when incorporated in a newly renovated bathroom. Peaceful hues of whitish-brown sand that reminds one of faraway, sunlit shores are often blended with water-based shades of aqua and blue.

For homeowners who prefer to change the appearance of their bathroom according to the seasons, bathroom designers suggest updating the existing color with changing accessories like rugs, towels and window treatments to match the season. Make your bathroom come alive in the summer with exciting flamingo pinks and lush forest greens; tone it down in the winter with varying shades of browns, whites and quiet blues.

Iridescent bathroom tiles shimmering with an opalescent sheen in soft light create bathrooms that are timeless and elegant. Designers are further enhancing this trend by adding touches of metallic raspberry, gold and green, a soothing combination of hues that also promotes proper skin tone and the ability to apply the perfect amount of cosmetics.

Fabrics are steadily joining the trend for decorating a bathroom with colorful, innovative accessories. Shower curtains made from fabrics instead of plastic are all the rage now, with many remodeled bathrooms featuring matching window treatments and shower curtains that compliment seasonal discrepancies.

Designers are also experimenting with dark colors and light fixtures that provide bright yet warm illumination. Small, chandelier-type light fixtures combined with recessed lighting installed above vanities is turning up more and more on bathroom designer’s “wish” lists.

For more ideas and professional advice regarding the latest in bathroom color trends, contact an RFMC representative for an in-depth discussion regarding your bathroom renovation plans.

February 13, 2013

Installing new kitchen cabinets may be necessary if your existing cabinets have not evolved with other kitchen makeovers and look out of place or obsolete. Although painting or restaining cabinets is an option, the condition of the cabinets might not justify taking the time to refinish them, especially when you can never be sure of how certain refinishing techniques may appear on old cabinetry.

Custom Cabinets

Custom kitchen cabinets are made exactly how you want them made, down to the materials, style, accessories and colors. Many people who decide to renovate their kitchen choose custom-made cabinets because they provide the kind of storage system that accommodates your storage needs. By applying certain size and shape specifications to your custom cabinets, you can control what kitchens items can be stored in what location and how quickly you are able to access them.

Other benefits of remodeling your kitchen with custom cabinets include:

• Satisfaction is guaranteed because cabinets are made according to your specifications
• Cabinets can be coordinated with the décor and style of adjoining rooms
• Custom cabinets allow homeowners to optimally utilize the existing space in a kitchen
• Your cabinets will be unique to your home and not found in anyone else’s kitchen
• Custom cabinets are designed and well-crafted by experienced technicians using superior materials of your choice

Semi-Custom Cabinets

Kitchen cabinets deemed “semi-custom” are cabinets that have been made by a manufacturer but have been modified according to a homeowner’s request. For example, you might see a set of cabinets in a catalog that you like but would prefer to have different handles on them instead of the ones shown in the catalog. Having the manufacturer change the handles before they are delivered makes them semi-custom cabinets.

Stock Cabinets

Stock cabinets are the least expensive of the three main types of kitchen cabinets and are created using predetermined specifications by the manufacturer. Most stock cabinets offer widths starting at around nine inches and will then offer increases of three inches up to 48 inches. To accommodate kitchen cabinet sizes that do not fall into the incremental three inches, installers usually place filler strips to fill gaps between walls, appliances and the cabinets.

Depending on how quickly you would like your kitchen renovation to proceed, stock cabinets are generally delivered within several days, whereas custom or semi-custom cabinets may take several weeks before they are shipped and delivered. However, you are limited to choice of cabinet sizes with stock cabinets and may lose some kitchen space if extra filler strips are needed to conceal empty space.

February 6, 2013

Kitchen countertops come in a wide range of materials and styles, each with their own qualities. To make the right decision for your counter, consider the options below.

Tiles

Tiled countertops are typically constructed of ceramic tiles. Ceramic tiles are easy to maintain and are considered very durable. Ceramic tiles are also considered very inexpensive and they come in a wide range of colors and styles. Ceramic can withstand hot heat being placed directly on it, which is generally a big draw for kitchens. The major drawback, in the opinion of many homeowners, to ceramic tiling is that the nature of tiled surfaces is that there is space between the tiles. That space, called grout, can be difficult to clean and can therefore get dirty easily.

Granite

Granite has long been a popular option for kitchens due to its rich appearance. However, granite can be very expensive, so it is not considered a budget option. Like ceramic, granite comes in a wide range of colors and can withstand heat being placed upon it. However, unlike ceramic, granite requires some maintenance. If the granite is not properly sealed, depending on the color, it may absorb stains – a common occurrence in the kitchen.

Engineered Stone

Engineered stone is available in the same range of colors that granite is available in, and is composed of 93% quartz particles. It is stain resistant and is very easy to care for, however, it can be rather pricey.

Laminates

Laminates are made from plastic-coated synthetics. They’re very easy to clean and very easy to maintain, and they come in a wide range of colors and styles. The major drawback to laminates is that they are not easily repaired when damaged, and often a damaged area on one part of a laminate countertop requires one to replace the entire thing to fix the issue.

Wood

It may sound silly, but sometimes homeowners get so wrapped up in how a new bathroom will look that they forget about the feasibility of the sink being placed across the room from where it is now. Keep in mind that unless you want to bring in a plumber and completely redirect the plumbing in your home, you are likely going to need to place a vanity in the same place that one rests now.

Stainless Steel

The near opposite to wood, stainless steel provides an ultra-modern look that is revered by professional chefs who want an industrial look in the kitchen. Stainless steel is resistant to heat and stains, making it a very durable choice for the kitchen. However, stainless steel can be expensive and in that it is a metal, is vulnerable to denting. Some also complain that stainless steel countertops have a noise component to them that other options simply do not have.

Soapstone

Soapstone has a smooth feel and is typically dark in color. It’s considered both historical and modern, making it a good fit for a wide range of types of spaces. Soapstone stands up fairly well to stains however it does require maintenance. Mineral oil must be applied to the surface regularly so as to avoid cracking of the surface.

The bathroom vanity is a defining piece in the space, and therefore it is an important piece of the puzzle when doing a redesign or remodel of the bathroom space. If you are in the market for a new bathroom vanity, take a look at the tips below before heading to the store.

Size Matters

Before you head out to purchase a vanity, you’re going to want to decide what size vanity you’re in the market for. Vanities come in a wide range of sizes, from very small to very large for larger families where multiple people are using the vanity at once. You should evaluate which size is right for you by considering the following factors:

• How big is the bathroom?
• How many people are going to be using the vanity?
• How many people are going to be using the vanity simultaneously?
• How much of the bathroom is going to be devoted to the vanity, and how much of it needs to be reserved for other pieces?

Style Matters

There are so many styles of vanities out there – it’s easy to get lost in the mix at the store if you don’t go in prepared. When you’re considering what style to land on, consider the style of the rest of your home. A bathroom that has a fixture that’s vastly different than the rest of the house will stick out and feel odd. If your house is very traditional, for example, an ultra-modern vanity won’t work. Conversely, if you’re very into modern Euro design, an antique or vintage looking vanity would feel odd.

Research

With the availability of the Internet and the multitude of styling ideas that it offers, you can virtually design your bathroom, well… virtually! Once you have an idea of the type of style you’re looking for, hit the Internet and start pulling some ideas. You may even want to save images and print them out so that you may bring them to the store with you. If you can show a showroom designer what you have in mind, he or she will have a much easier time helping you achieve the look that you want.

Invest

Though no one should break the bank for a home improvement project, it isn’t a bad idea to invest in high-quality, well-made materials that will last you a long time. Cheaply made items may be fine for a quick fix, but if you are thinking of your bathroom remodel as a long-term installment in the home, you’ll be disappointed when the vanity you installed two years ago falls apart. Vanities come in a very wide range of quality. Do some research on brand names so that you are educated when you go into the store.

Don’t Forget Plumbing

It may sound silly, but sometimes homeowners get so wrapped up in how a new bathroom will look that they forget about the feasibility of the sink being placed across the room from where it is now. Keep in mind that unless you want to bring in a plumber and completely redirect the plumbing in your home, you are likely going to need to place a vanity in the same place that one rests now.

Published on January 23, 2013. 

Kitchen Remodeling Fresno / Clovis

January 9, 2013

As many homeowners can attest, when a remodeling project is occurring in the home, it’s easy to get lost in a sea of woes. The contractor isn’t as professional as you had hoped. There’s more work to be done then necessary. The countertop you picked out isn’t fitting in the space it’s meant to. You hate the look of the design!

There are a whole host of problems that people experience when taking on a remodel, and almost all of them can be avoided. Below are some tried and true tips for how to avoid a bad experience with your remodel.

Have a Solid Plan Going In

There is nothing worse than a kitchen remodel that begins without a plan. Not knowing what you’re trying to achieve almost always ends in disappointment with the overall outcome of the project.

Before you meet with professionals to discuss the actual job, you should be aware of:

• The architecture and dimensions of the space
• Your goals: what you want to achieve with the remodel and the current problems you hope that it will solve
• Your stylistic ideas and aspirations

Do Your Homework!

A remodeling project in the home is a major undertaking. Don’t shoot yourself in the foot by rushing into it or being naive about the realities of what you’re taking on. Hiring a professional to permanently change your home is no small thing, and it should be treated with the importance it deserves.

When you are considering hiring a contractor, begin by asking for recommendations from friends and neighbors about who they have worked with in the past and what their experiences were. If possible, ask to see the work that the contractor completed, and get really honest opinions from your friends and colleagues about the level of professionalism that they experienced throughout the process.

Whether you’re considering working with a contractor that comes from a personal recommendation or not, it’s absolutely necessary to check a contractor’s references.

Establish a Report With Your Contractor

Your contractor and his or her crew are going to be spending a lot of time in your house. The relationship between you and this team of experts should be professional and respectful. Don’t second-guess everything your contractor does, you hired him or her for a reason. At the same time, don’t be afraid to voice your opinion if something is not going how you expected it would.

Be Aware of Your Budget

In order to achieve what you want to out of your remodel, you have to be realistic about how much you are able to spend, and you must keep the project within those parameters. It’s also always a good idea to have a little bit of a cushion should an unexpected cost arise during the process, which, it almost always does.

The type of appliances you buy, the type of structural remodeling you’re doing, and the materials you choose for countertops and floors will all affect your budget. If you don’t have a working knowledge of price ranges and types of options in each of these categories, it’s a good idea to do a little studying to get yourself up to speed.

Fresno / Clovis Remodeling Projects

December 26, 2012

Every home renovation project comes with its own quirks, challenges, and wins. To set yourself up for the most successful home remodeling project possible, we recommend using the following tips and tricks.

1. Formulate a Plan

If you just throw yourself into a project without a plan, you’re going to come out confused, and likely disappointed. The best way to achieve a look and style that you’ll love for years is to first spend time figuring out what looks and styles you love. It seems simple, but many people don’t do it. It’s a good idea to visit showrooms, browse magazines, and look online for products and styles that you love. That way, when you meet with a remodeling consultant, you’ll be able to give him or her direction as to what it is you’re envisioning in your space.

2. Know What Matters

When in remodel in a kitchen or bathroom space, appliances are key. In order to plan and execute a successful remodel, you are going to want to educate yourself about the size, function, and overall style of new appliances to fit your space. Space matters, and so does placement when it comes to functionality, so knowing your stuff here will really help you in the long run. It’s also a good idea to familiarize yourself with the prices of the appliances you like the most versus the features that they come with over more affordable versions.

3. Money, Money, Money

Before any project begins, you must be aware of how much you are willing to spend and how much your dream remodel is going to cost. If those two numbers are vastly different, it’s time to either revisit the vision or hold off on remodeling. Many designers encourage homeowners to prioritize within the budget, spending the most on the aspects of the remodel that are most important to you while reserving some aspects that you could do without.

What comes first: the budget or the vision? It all depends on your flexibility. But even if you have a lot of funds and can afford whatever you dream up, it’s a good idea to set a limit for yourself. It’s also a good idea to allow for a little wiggle room with the budget so that you aren’t totally blindsided should unexpected costs arise along the way (and they always do!).

4. Vet and Hire a Contractor

Finding a contractor that you trust and who will do a good job with your space is a very important part of the process. The contractor is going to be spending a good deal of time in your home and is also going to greatly affect the outcome of your home, so you want to make sure that you are working with someone that you trust. When looking for a contractor, it’s a good idea to ask friends, neighbors, family members, and colleagues for recommendations. If you aren’t working with someone that has been personally recommended to you, always check a contractor’s references, and ask to speak with prior clients of the contractor’s to get a solid sense of his or her work.

Looking at the same kitchen cabinets day after day can make you feel bored and dissatisfied with your entire house. But if the idea of choosing new kitchen cabinets seems overwhelming, having some basic guidelines from which to follow can help alleviate the indecision involved in the process.

For example, you can start planning to replace your old cabinets with bright and attractive new ones by taking a realistic look at your budget. Determining your budget ahead of time and sticking to that budget by selecting cabinets within your financial means prevents you from spending more than you should. Some people take a budget amount and divide it in half to allow for additional expenses in the event they occur. You might even decide to upgrade another area of your kitchen once you see how nice the new cabinets look. Having a little extra will help you complete the kitchen of your dreams.

Kitchen cabinet construction consists of three types: custom-made, semi-custom and stock. Stock cabinets are pre-constructed and purchasable immediately from the remodeling company’s inventory of items. Alternately, semi-custom kitchen cabinets, or “made to order” cabinets are built after you have ordered them. Deciding to order semi-custom cabinets means you have more variety from which to choose, since you are essentially designing your own cabinets from options provided by the contractor.

The best (but also most expensive) kitchen cabinetry is custom-made. These are individually hand-crafted by a wood shop or custom cabinetry maker who construct the cabinets according to your exact specifications.

If you are not sure what kind of kitchen cabinets you want, looking through catalogs or home decorating magazines can provide you with some useful ideas. When choosing kitchen cabinets, remember that you want them to blend well with the shape and style of your kitchen. Larger kitchens can accommodate more elaborately carved cabinets while smaller, cozier kitchens appear attractive with lighter colored, less dramatic cabinets.

Door designs are an important factor to consider as well. Do you want a slab-type door, which consists of one door that conceals the whole cabinet front? Or perhaps you would prefer two separate cabinet doors that open outward to reveal the inside of the cabinet? Other kitchen cabinet door styles include glass doors framed with wood, beveled “retro” cabinet doors or even kitchen cabinets without doors.

Materials commonly used to make kitchen cabinets are wood, laminate or metal. Wood kitchen cabinets can be stained, unstained or painted any color you wish. Moreover, stains involve a wide variety of brown shades from which to choose so you don’t have to worry about matching the rest of your kitchen’s wood furniture. Sleek and easy to clean, stainless steel metal cabinets enhance any kitchen with a contemporary, seamless look and are resistance to warping from heat and humidity, a problem that sometimes affects wood cabinets.

Published on December 12, 2012. 

Older homes and Fresno / Clovis apartments tend to have small bathrooms that are hard to decorate without making the room appear cluttered or even smaller than it original size. Thanks to professional decorators who know how color, shape and design can create an illusion of space in small bathroom, we’ve listed some of the best small bathroom ideas to help you kickstart your renovation…

• Walls painted dark, rich colors appear to recede in small bathrooms, especially when enhanced with medium-sized, square or oval frameless mirrors placed strategically above commodes.
• If your bathroom contains closets, consider eliminating them and installing ambient lighting in their place. Recessed storage closets will provide more actual room as well.
• Vanities exhibiting curved fronts not only accentuate the sink area but also maximize any space adjacent to the vanity. Under-sink storage also reduces clutter that can make a small bathroom appear uninvitingly cramped.
• For bathrooms that cannot be renovated due to other rooms restricting the available space, try installing white tile (marble is best) and mirrored walls. To vertically enhance a small bathroom, install ceiling to floor cabinets and create a sense of balance by decorating with dark wood-hued furnishings.
• Create the illusion of space by establishing a focal point in the bathroom, such as a patina-countered vanity finished with a cast-iron or bronze basin. Hang a large mirror above the vanity illuminated with recessed lighting fixtures.
• Extra small bathrooms benefit from wall-hung toilets that have tanks concealed inside a stud wall. Add a skylight and a translucent glass shower door to substantially reduce visual barriers while allowing natural light to flood the bathroom.
• Enhance the illusion of perpendicular space by placing a ladder-style towel rack, a bamboo mirror and a freestanding bathroom vanity complete with elongated, gold fixtures. Accentuate soft colors with dark, wood shades to fashion a sense of visual balance and interest.
• Rugs with vertical lines and designs can make the floor seem more extended than normal, especially when these kinds of rugs are reflected in frameless mirrors or placed around pedestal sinks.
• Remember to keep light fixtures and sconces as small as possible without looking stunted. Anything that projects more than four or five inches from the wall will reduce the perception of spaciousness in a petite-sized bathroom.
• If you have an awkwardly shaped bathroom, consider a space-saving, or corner basin that fits snugly into one corner of your bathroom.

One great advantage Fresno / Clovis apartment owners have when renovating small bathrooms is the fact that there is not as much space to redecorate. Consequently, you can indulge in items that are more expensive and not worry about going over a pre-determined budget. Consider a space-saving basin.

Published on December 5, 2012.

One step that many homeowners are taking to bring a little bit of luxury into their homes is a master bathroom remodel. Unlike other bathrooms in the house, guests do not use the master bathroom. Since the master bathroom is a place that only the homeowners use, there is a real opportunity to make it luxurious and to make it their own.

If you are inspired to remodel your master bathroom, you should first consider what you would like the overall style of the room to be. Many people who are preparing for a major home improvement project will scour websites, magazines, and design books for inspiration. Pulling images of what you like and showing them to a designer can begin the conversation of what you will move to accomplish in your own master bathroom remodeling.

Once a style for the bathroom remodel has been selected, a floor plan must be drawn up. Although you may be able to draw up a floor plan yourself, this is an area where hiring a professional might be a very good idea. A designer will work with you to understand what the future use of the room will be, how many people will be using it, how frequently it will be used, and for what purposes it will be used. They will also evaluate the existing features in the bathroom and will look at what should be replaced.

With consideration of the layout, there are several elements that will be looked at. For example, with the shower or bath, current trends in master baths include wall-mounted showers, hand-held showers, rain bars, body sprays and steam showers. Again, it is all about bringing luxury into the home. Gone are the giant tubs that once characterized master bathrooms – today’s master baths are more like spas.

A remodel will also likely involve the installation of one or more sinks. When first considering a remodel, many couples prefer two sinks, allowing for one sink per partner. However, a solution to the two sink issue is simply more counter space. As long as there is ample space for both people to keep their belongings, two sinks is not always necessary.

Since many of today’s master bathroom renovations are all about infusing the home with luxury, the finishing touches on the bathroom should also be luxurious. Some features that are trendy right now in master bathrooms include heated floors, heated drawers to warm towels, and even fireplaces. The current feeling about the master bathroom is that it should be a place that the homeowner may escape to, and therefore, comfort, tranquility, and luxury are the top elements defining such bathroom remodels today.

Published on October 17, 2012. 

Fresno / Clovis Bathroom Remodeling Tips

October 3, 2012

Like any major remodeling project in the home, a bathroom remodel can be a big undertaking. All remodeling projects are most likely to be successful and pain-free when a homeowner who is willing to dedicate time and care to the remodeling process accompanies them. Through planning, being aware of what you’re working with, and working with professionals, you can engage in the remodeling process in a way that ultimately sets you up for success.

The most important part of the process of a bathroom remodel is the first part: planning. Although the bathroom is a relatively small space when compared to the rest of the home, a remodel of it is actually one of the more complicated projects that one can take on. Therefore, learning as you go or even figuring out what you want to do as you go will not likely end well in a bathroom remodeling process. Before the process has actually started, you should have a solid layout of what the end result will look like. Going in without a real plan often results in poor spacing, discontentment, and more time and money spent doing the project over again.

Along with your plan, you must also have a budget. Winging your way through a budget will almost always result in overspending, frustration, and dissatisfaction with the end result of the project. It’s usually a good idea to begin with the number that you are willing to spend, and then really do a lot of research on what types of fixtures, etc. you are going to be able to afford within that budget.

A bathroom remodel will almost always involve the purchase of new fixtures, such as toilets, sinks, bathtubs, and shower stalls. When you are considering purchasing such items, unless you are an expert in any of them, it’s a very good idea to do a little market research. Know what the prices for various items are, what they are made of, and what type of warranty is offered. Although it is easy to purchase the first thing you see, it is worthwhile to spend a lot of time doing research so as to find the best product you can at the best price.

If you are not a contractor yourself, it may not be a good idea to attempt to do a bathroom remodel on your own. In this case, it is actually well worth your time to hire a contractor from the beginning. If you start the project and don’t end up being able to finish it because you are not qualified, you will have wasted a lot of time and you will have likely done most things improperly. Then, when a contractor does come in, he or she will just have to spend time fixing what you’ve done. With matters of remodeling the home, if you aren’t qualified, it’s best to leave your ego at the door and find someone who is qualified to do the job.

Fresno / Clovis Kitchen Remodeling Plans

September 19, 2012

Not knowing exactly where to begin a kitchen renovation project causes many people to put off remodeling a kitchen that desperately needs a makeover for aesthetic, safety and energy-saving reasons. Taking the time to plan ahead and consider several important aspects of kitchen remodeling can lead to a stress-free, expedited and pleasurable remodeling experience, with the final results fully satisfying the preplanned image you had of your new kitchen.

The thought of new kitchen flooring, new cabinets, fresh wallpaper or paint and charming window treatments can sometimes compel excited homeowners to forget about the functional aspects of a kitchen layout. Ask yourself what the best practical layout for your kitchen would be in regards to cooking a meal, assembling family members at the dinner table or using it for parties. Some people find that arranging the stove, sink and refrigerator in a triangular shape is a great way to save steps when working in the kitchen.

Installing an island in the middle of the kitchen provides the ability for more than one person to prepare meals without feeling crowded or needing to invade the space of another. Kitchen islands can be permanently place or remain mobile by having wheels attached that allow the island to maneuver in all directions. Smaller kitchen islands can also be conveniently stored under counters or in kitchen corners when not in use to provide an open, spacious area in the middle of the kitchen.

For families with children, planning a practical and durable kitchen includes choosing countertop material that resists extra wear and tear. Currently, popular materials from which kitchen countertops are made are natural stone, such as slate, granite, marble and quartz. Each type of material offers its own advantages, with granite and quartz being the most resistant to scratching and excessive heat. Although marble countertops present a variety of beautiful, glossy designs, it is not as scratch resistant as granite and quartz and may fare better in kitchens that do not experience as much use as family kitchens.

Dishwashers should always be placed close to the sink to prevent the floor from becoming soiled and slippery while transferring wet pots and dishes from the sink to the dishwasher. In addition, when creating a design plan with your RFMC project specialist, make sure you consider the location of other appliances you want included in your newly renovated kitchen in order to make the kitchen as functional as possible.

Try to incorporate an “appliance garage” in your kitchen design plan that can organize and house small appliances such as toasters, coffee makers and can openers. Appliance garages are typically installed behind a cabinet that allows the vertical movement of a door to conceal the appliances. Also, include a sufficient number of electrical outlets near the appliance garage for quick access to a power supply.

Because RFMC kitchen designers are experts in designing functional as well as uncommonly beautiful kitchens, any questions you may have regarding space-planning, practicality or other issues related to kitchen renovation can be fully answered and quickly implemented by the RFMC designer working with you on your kitchen remodeling plan.

Small Kitchen Design Fresno / Clovis

September 5, 2012

You might think renovating a small kitchen would be a waste of time due to size limitations, but by taking advantage of the hundreds of affordable remodeling ideas to make small kitchens appear spacious as well as beautiful, your kitchen remodeling experience can be enjoyable and exciting while adding value to your home.

Suggestions for creating the illusion of a larger kitchen include:

• Install upper cabinets that do not have doors to create a more open, brighter appearance. Natural and/or artificial illumination flows easily around a kitchen that has open shelving or cabinetry.
• If you do not like the look of doorless cabinets, you can get the same, open effect by installing glass cabinet doors instead of solid doors.
• Place light fixtures above cabinets so that they are pointing more at the ceiling than the floor. This enhances the sense of height in the kitchen as well as the sense of visible space.
• Get rid of any unnecessary clutter. Bare, clean countertops can instantly give a kitchen a more spacious appearance, especially with effective placement of light fixtures that provide corners with adequate illumination.
• If you have a small kitchen, choose light colors for paint or wallpaper purposes. Although your kitchen does not need to be pure white, eggshell white or minimalist tan, make sure that any reds, greens or blues you select are delicate, pastel shades of that particular color.
• When purchasing a new kitchen table, think about obtaining a table with armless chairs. In addition to taking up less room, these types of chairs are easier to clean and easier to move around in a small kitchen.
• Think about installing a space-saving counter that provides room underneath to place several stools when not in use. Using counters as kitchen tables is a great way to find extra space in a small kitchen and also facilitates clean-up following meals.
• Replace an old, oversized sink with a smaller, more modern sink that can give you more counter or appliance space.
• Replace small kitchen tiles with larger ones to enhance the illusion of spaciousness in your newly renovated kitchen. Select solid, light colored tiles or tiles with delicate designs.
• Just like the garage, a kitchen ceiling has yards of unused space in which you could hang pots, pans and large utensils to free up cabinet space for other items. These specially designed kitchen racks can be raised and lowered easily for quick access to cookware and are available in a variety of styles and materials.

For kitchens that are problematically small, borrowing space from an adjoining room may be a viable choice. Discussing renovation options with one of RFMC’s professional project managers can give you several options from which to choose regarding the transformation of a small kitchen into a beautiful, roomy and inviting dining and kitchen area.

Fresno / Clovis Bathroom Design Ideas

August 22, 2012

While most of us do not have the resources to renovate a bathroom with marble floors, crystal chandeliers, stained-glass windows and gold-plated fixtures, there are design ideas that can transform your bathroom from plain to spectacular without requiring you to clean out your bank account. For example, smaller bathrooms can be made to appear larger and more luxurious by placing gold or silver-framed mirrors on cabinet doors or on walls. Reflection of natural or artificial lighting by these mirrors brightens a small bathroom and gives the illusion of spaciousness as well as elegance.

Ceramic bathroom tiles come in a wide variety of colors and designs that provide style, brightness and charm to any bathroom remodeling project. Tiles with gently textured surfaces are also available to provide not only a slip-free bathroom but also a bathroom with a unique, rustic look that can be complemented with dark wood cabinets and antique-style fixtures. For a more eclectic appearance, have your bathroom remodeling technicians install tile halfway up the walls and decorate the upper walls with paint or wallpaper. Contrasting colors will also add a dramatic flair to your bathroom.

If your bathroom is large enough, consider installing one or two graceful pedestal sinks under a window to enjoy the natural illumination during the day. Additionally, as an affordable alternative to vanities that contain sinks, petite pedestal sinks are perfect for smaller bathrooms and effectively streamline the limited space comprising small bathroom. One of the newest trends in decorative bathroom sinks is having a beautiful china, blown glass or porcelain bowl sitting on top of a bathroom vanity or counter. Claw-feet tubs and wrought-iron lighting fixtures enhance the charming, old-world quality of this kind of design scheme.

Bathroom lighting fixtures have evolved from light bulbs concealed behind frosted glass coverings to mini-chandeliers, wall sconces and lights operated with dimmer switches to give your bathroom experience a warm, cozy glow. When deciding what kind of lighting you want in your remodeled bathroom, you might considered the following:

• The size of your bathroom (how many light fixtures will you need?)
• How much natural light enters your bathroom during the day?
• Where should light fixtures be placed to provide maximum illumination?
• What style of light fixture integrates seamlessly with the rest of your bathroom’s décor?

Improperly placed light fixtures in any size bathroom can create shadows that inhibit your ability to attend to personal hygiene and apply cosmetics. If you are not sure about the dimensions of your bathroom and where light fixtures should be place, an RFMC project manager can assist you in resolving this issue so that you benefit from flawless lighting in your new bathroom.

The design and make of your bathroom faucets can either dim or enhance the appearance of a pedestal sink or vanity. Bathroom faucets are available in many styles as well as finishes that include chrome, brass, stainless steel, pewter, bronze and painted porcelain. Faucets with separate hot and cold handles are called compression faucets while water flow controlled by a single lever or knob are called mixing faucets.

Accessorizing your newly remodeled bathroom is also an economical way to enhance its elegance. Replace that old shower curtain with a glass door etched with a leaf or flower design. Install stylish, color-coordinated towel racks instead of plain, white ones that tend to become discolored or dull. To create more space with which to use for décor items, customize the back of vanity cabinet doors with shelves to hold all of your bathroom items and keep your new bathroom sparkling clean and organized.

Fresno / Clovis Kitchen Cabinets

August 8, 2012

Depending on the type of material, amount of material needed and where you purchase your cabinets, the price of kitchen cabinets can vary several hundred dollars or more. This is why taking the time to shop around and compare prices of different kitchen cabinets will give you the best and most affordable estimates with which you can use to begin creating a budget for your kitchen renovation project.

Pre-constructed stock cabinets are usually the most economical because they do not require any modification and can be installed immediately. Cabinets referred to as “semi-customized” have a few options from which you can choose, such as handle styles, and are usually about the twice the cost of stock cabinets. Of course, the most expensive cabinets are customized cabinets, which allow you to practically create your kitchen cabinets from scratch. With customized cabinets you can choose the size, design, color and material of the cabinets as well as any other aspect you wish to specify. Although they are definitely more costly, many people planning a complete kitchen renovation decide to purchase customized cabinets because they know they will be using these cabinets for a long time and want to be fully satisfied with the finished product.

The majority of more expensive kitchen cabinets are made from some kind of wood, usually oak, cherry, maple, walnut or mahogany. Other types of kitchen cabinet materials include:

• Metal kitchen cabinets—durable and affordable, metal cabinets represent an alternative to the traditional wood used in making most kitchen cabinets. While they provide a unique appearance that may be just what you are looking for in your remodeled kitchen, metal cabinets are more vulnerable to dents than wood cabinets and may not conceal dirt as well as dark wood cabinets.
• Thermofoil kitchen cabinets—created by layering cabinets with vinyl using heat infusion, thermofoil gives the appearance of painted cabinets without the imperfections of drippings or noticeable brush strokes. Thermofoil material is moisture resistant, easy to wipe clean and affordable. Possible problems with thermofoil kitchen cabinets include blistering and peeling of the material due to moisture getting under the surface of the coating, which may result extra expenditures.
• Melamine kitchen cabinets—as the least expensive of kitchen cabinet materials, melamine is a combination of synthetic and wood veneer that is resistance to all kinds of damage. Melamine is resin that has been attached to particle board or another type of pressed wood to give the appearance of a real wood surface. In addition, melamine cabinets can be painted any color using paint especially made for use on melamine products.

Statistics provided by the home remodeling industry reveal that kitchen cabinets (on average) comprise nearly half of the cost of most kitchen renovation projects. For example, if the estimate of your remodeling project is $20, 000, you will probably be spending around $9000 to $11,000 for your kitchen cabinets, depending the the material and how many units you need in your kitchen.

Discussing the many kitchen cabinet options with an RFMC project designer can facilitate the initiation of the project as well as clarify any questions you have concerning kitchen cabinets. You can also avoid the hassle of conducting hours of research regarding pricing and material options by allowing a professional RFMC project manager to handle all the complicated specifics involved in a complete kitchen renovation project. Get the correct answers to final costs, best kinds of materials for your needs and how many cabinets you will need to transform your old, plain kitchen into a spectacular showroom kitchen by contacting RFMC today.

Fresno Bathroom Remodeling

July 25, 2012

Improving the appearance and functioning of your bathroom does not have to be a costly venture. Depending on the type of materials and extent of the renovation, a remodeling project’s budget can be as low as several hundred dollars. Small enhancements such as new floor tiling or new tub and shower can transform a dull, lifeless bathroom into an inviting, attractive place to relax and refresh after a long day at the office.

Remodeling even a smaller room like the bathroom can increase the market value of your home. People wanting to buy a house or rent an apartment are usually critical of bathroom components such as the color of the walls, shape and condition of the bathtub and commode design. Keeping your bathroom in excellent shape and up-to-date promotes the saleability of your home. Experienced remodeling technicians working at RFMC can help you choose a contemporary design scheme that will also enhance the overall appearance of your home.

When people choose to remodel their bathroom, they frequently discover previously undetected plumbing or structural problems that could have cost thousands in repair if these issues had not been found in time. Remodeling your bathroom or any other room could potentially save you from a financial nightmare involving expensive repairs and a lengthy, noisy disruption in your life due to extensive plumbing and carpentry work.

Did you know heated bathroom floor tiling exists? Imagine stepping out of the shower or walking into a bathroom during the cold winter months and feeling the soothing warmth of heated tiling radiating into your feet. Remodeling your bathroom with a radiant heating system and special bathroom tiling not only provides you with all the heat you need to remain comfortable and cozy but also helps reduce energy costs.

Bathrooms can be easily remodeled with eco-friendly materials that are efficient and inexpensive, such as recycled glass countertops and tiles, toilets that conserve water and paint that only contains natural, non-toxic ingredients. For example, Vetrazzo is a material made from glass recycled from old glass found at demolition sites, landfills and provided by recycling programs. The company manufacturing Vetrazzo even keeps track of where the class was found and provides users of the material with certification that the glass was indeed recycled.

Bathrooms can be uninviting and cramped sometimes but did you know by remodeling your bathroom with light-colored tiling and mirrors, your bathroom can appear to be much more spacious and airy? If you have a window in your bathroom, changing window treatments to allow more natural light to illuminate the entire bathroom, with its newly implemented tiles and mirrors, will provide you with a much more pleasantly aesthetic experience when getting ready for work.

Kitchen Renovation Clovis

July 11, 2012

What is the cost breakdown of a kitchen remodeling project?

Generally, cabinetry accounts for about 1/3 of a kitchen remodeling project but could be nearly 1/2 of the cost depending on the type of material the customer has ordered and how much space cabinets use in the kitchen. Flooring, light fixtures and countertops represent the remainder of the improvement, which can be purchased as an in-stock items or custom-made to fit any design scheme.

Can I reduce the budget by cutting corners?

Yes, but it is definitely not recommended because of the potential consequences resulting from low-quality materials or shoddy workmanship. Nothing is more aggravating and stressful than spending time and any amount of money on remodeling your kitchen, only to have countertops break, tiling come lose and cupboards fall apart within weeks of its completion due to inferior materials and amateur workmanship.

What Should My Family and I Expect While Our Kitchen is Being Remodeled?

Basic procedures comprising a kitchen remodeling project includes a thorough gutting of your kitchen–old cabinets and floor thrown out, wall prepped for painting or wallpaper, replacement of hazardous electrical or plumbing if needed. Measurements are taken from top to bottom and used to provide you with a design template for your approval. Moreover, because you will not be able to use your kitchen for several weeks, plans should be made concerning meal preparation and storage of food that requires refrigeration.

Should I purchase appliances before talking to a kitchen designer?

Of course this is up to you but experienced RFMC remodeling specialists advise discussing your design plans with them before buying appliances. What you have in mind may not accommodate the shape and size of the appliances you purchased.

What Do I Need to Know about Remodeling Firms, Orders and Contracts?

Before your kitchen remodeling project begins, make sure you receive written estimates, specifications concerning the all aspects of the project, detailed schematics of the design and any other renderings that distinctly outline the way your project is going to be implemented. In addition, do a background check on the company you plan to hire to ensure they belong to the Better Business Bureau and employ individuals with the experience, educational background and certifications necessary to provide you with professional, high-quality service.

How Long does a Normal Kitchen Improvement Project Take?

Depending on the amount of work ordered and whether the materials are custom-designed or factory specific, a kitchen improvement project, including installation of lighting, electrical and plumbing fixtures, can take anywhere from one week up to six weeks, with two to three weeks being an average estimate of completion time.

Remodeling firms that provide superior customer care, the best kitchen designers in the business and hard-working employees who put customer satisfaction at the front of all other services like RFMC will guarantee that all of their kitchen improvement projects are done in the most efficient, professional and expedited manner.

Fresno Granite Countertops

June 27, 2012

The latest trend in countertop surface materials is granite, one of the hardest and most durable of stone material. Granite texture is medium-coarse to fully coarse, with coloring determined by chemicals and natural formation techniques. Primarily made from quartz, micas and feldspars, granite reveals an interesting display of color combinations according to the distribution of these minerals.

Common granite countertop colors are mostly beige, gray, brown, red and black. The ability of granite to withstand heat and accept sealants makes it desirable for use in the kitchen. It is resistant to staining and cleans easily using standard dish soap.

The price of granite varies due to what type of edging is carved into the slab along with color and composition. Expect to pay an average of $50 to $100 for one square foot of granite that contains minimal features.

Cement used as countertop material is highly absorbent and porous which makes it necessary to seal cement periodically to avoid irreversible staining or discolorations. Although it weighs almost the same as granite per square foot, cement needs to undergo a curing process before it can be used as countertop material.

Because it is porous, cement coloring is easily changed by mixing pigments in with the cement prior to pouring it into a mold. Dyes, stains and tints can also be applied after installing the cement countertop to produce an interesting variety of designs. Purchasing one square foot of plain cement will cost approximately $100 to $125.

For those wanting a sleek, shiny countertop that is nearly effortless to clean and resistant to sounds if connected to a wood substrate, stainless steel offers other exciting features such as its non-porous quality that never absorbs stains or odors. Nor is it conducive to bacterial growth, since it does not contain any microscopic crevices or fissures.

Highly durable and heat resistant, stainless steel countertops can take quite a pounding so kitchens that experience a large amount of cooking would definitely benefit from being outfitted with stainless steel countertops. This countertop material is a little pricier than others, with one square foot of stainless steel costing $100 to $200.

Butcher block countertops never seem to go out of style and provide kitchens with the natural hardness, beauty and warmth of wood, making it the perfect type of countertop for the serious chef who is also aesthetically discriminating. Composed of thick, wide hardwood strips that have been adhered together using a special wood glue, butcher block countertops are usually made from maple, cherry, oak or walnut.

Fresno / Clovis Wood Flooring

June 13, 2012

When deciding on wood flooring material, choose the kind of wood flooring that is suited to the amount of foot traffic experienced by the room. For high-traffic areas such as the kitchen or utility room, select a durable, darker colored wood flooring that resists wear and tear and does not show signs of wear as much as lighter colored wood.

Dark hardwood floors like walnut or mahogany allow staining to enhance the grain of the wood. In addition, these types of wood absorb sunlight and are not as vulnerable to fading as other woods. One drawback to dark hardwood floors is that if you have pets with light-colored fur that tend to shed more than usual, dark wood floors will probably reveal the evidence of your pets more than lighter colored wood. However, wood floors do not hold dust and allergens like carpet, which can greatly reduce respiratory problems for those who suffer from allergies.

The benefits of wood flooring are numerous. For example, wood makes an excellent insulator by preventing heat from coming during the summer and keeping warmth from escaping in the winter. Because it is fibrous and contains many layers, wood is also efficient at absorbing sound.

Minimal maintenance needed to keep wood flooring clean and beautiful. Using a dust mop or vacuum cleaner hose along with an occasional polishing is all that is necessary. With wood covering your floors in your home, you don’t have to worry about spills soaking into the carpet and matting or carpet fibers absorbing odors that are hard to eliminate.

The value that wood flooring adds to a home is significant. Investing in a home remodeling project that involves replacing your old, worn-out floors with charming and elegant wood flooring can increase the value of your home by several thousand dollars. Many people wanting to purchase a home specifically look for homes with wood floors because of its low maintenance, durability and versatility.

Changing the finish and color of a wood floor is much easier and affordable than having new carpet installed. Expert home improvement companies like RFMC can come to your house and professionally wax, finish or stain your floor to suit your decor needs using the latest equipment and solutions capable of delivering professional, showroom results.

Installation of wood flooring is applicable to any room in your home except for the bathroom because of the high moisture content consistently affecting the climate in the bathroom. However, tiling that looks like real hardwood but does not shrink, fade or crack is available to homeowners who love the look of wood and want to give their home a stylish, uniform appearance by installing hardwood flooring in every room.

Fresno homeowners who think installing new cabinets in the kitchen or bathroom is as easy as purchasing them may be in for an unsettling surprise. Because numerous “do-it-yourself” television shows make home remodeling projects seem like an effortless and enjoyable activity, many people get excited at the thought of transforming their home into the showplace they just watched being readily created on a show. However, what they don’t realize is the planning, appropriate tools and specific knowledge required to produce the professional results presented by professional remodelers.

Before deciding to plunge into a DIY bathroom or kitchen project involving installation of new cabinetry, consider the following:

With most bathroom or kitchen renovation projects, cabinet purchases will comprise nearly half of the total cost of the project. This makes knowing how to install cabinets as well as being aware of the best type of cabinets for your kitchen or bathroom extremely important. Errors in either one of these areas can be costly and frustrating.

Correctly measuring the kitchen or bathroom space in which you want to install new cabinets before purchasing cabinets is vital to having the cabinets that fit firmly and leave no unsightly gaps.

Although measuring may seem like an easy enough task, it still requires knowing about technical aspects of remodeling such as corner dimensions, spacing between cabinets and ceiling and considering the type of material used to make the cabinets. Professional contractors are experienced with calculating the exact size of cabinetry needed to fill a space so that it looks neat and polished after installation.

Certain wood materials may not be suitable for how you plan on using your cabinets. For example, cabinets meant to be installed in the bathroom need to be constructed of materials that are resistant to high humidity and heat. Placing the wrong type of cabinets in an often used bathroom may result in warping, cracking and shrinking of the cabinets.

Do you want custom or stock cabinets? Stock cabinets are standard-sized cabinets that come in limited styles and materials. As the cheapest kind of kitchen or bathroom cabinetry, stock cabinets may or may not be what you are searching for in regards to the finished appearance of your remodeled room.

Alternatively, custom cabinets are especially constructed according to your instructions and are usually composed of better quality materials. Custom cabinets can be ordered from professional remodeling companies like Fresno’s RFMC and made to accommodate your storage needs, space requirements and design preferences.

Published on May 30, 2012.

The most attractive bathroom fixtures are those that beautifully compliment the decor style of the whole bathroom. With the hundreds of different vanities, cabinets and sinks from which to choose, Clovis homeowners searching for a specific kind of bathroom accessories are almost guaranteed to find what they want and need. Some of the more popular bathroom, sink-related fixtures include:

• Cabinet vanities
• Framed sinks
• Wall-mounted sinks
• Undermount sinks
• Pedestal sinks
• Drop-in sinks
• Vessel vanity and sink

Traditional cabinet-style vanities are versatile as well as ornamental and easily allow integration of varying types of sinks. Just about all sink styles can be found in cabinet vanities, including double-sinks and faucets. Cabinets are constructed from differing woods and wood veneers, with granite or ceramic tops and extension drawers providing plenty of storage space. With the hinges and plumbing lines concealed behind swinging cabinet doors, cabinet vanities represent the number one choice with many homeowners who decide to remodel their bathroom.

Bathrooms in older homes often contain wall mounted sinks due to lack of space or budgetary concerns during the construction of the home. Recently, this kind of sink is experiencing a resurgence in popularity and is now being implemented in many new home construction plans. Attached to the wall with no cabinetry or other support to take up space, wall mounted sinks add a delightful, old-fashioned appearance to a bathroom with the addition of an attractive “skirt” that hangs from the bottom of the sink down to the floor. Skirts can be any color or design and act to conceal piping underneath the sink.

Pedestal sinks are another favorite type of bathroom vanity accessory that provides smaller bathrooms with a focal point enhancing small bathrooms with the illusion of space. Pedestals used to support the sink come in many styles, from sleek modern to spiraling antique column.

Plumbing lines are hidden inside the pedestal so that no unsightly pipes are noticeable.

Elegant and unique, vessel sink vanities add a charming quality to bathrooms decorated in antique style. The sink, which can be a delicate porcelain bowl or other art object made from blown glass or stone, sits on top of the vanity’s counter in freestanding fashion. The vanity is mounted to the floor like traditional vanities but the faucet is a non-standard faucet that can be integrated with the vanity in the usual manner or left unconcealed to add a certain ambiance to the bathroom.

Framed sinks are pressed steel or cast iron sinks enameled with porcelain. Trimmed with metallic materials resembling gold or silver, framed sinks are embedded in vanity tops and represent a more economical technique of remodeling a bathroom.

The type of vanity, sink and cabinet homeowners wish to use when renovating a bathroom should be influenced by the size, shape and desired reflection of the bathroom. Clovis residents who would like advice regarding remodeling ideas can talk to the professional home remodeling contractors working for RFMC and receive expert advice regarding the practical and aesthetic aspects of bathroom renovation.

Published on May 16, 2012. 

Fresno Interior Designer

May 2, 2012

When it comes to home remodeling, Fresno homeowners need to make sure they hire a professional remodeling contractor to perform bathroom or kitchen renovations in their home and not an interior decorator. Interior decorators do not necessarily have formal training in this discipline because it primarily deals with the aesthetics of an enclosed area, such as a bedroom, living room or dining room.

Decorators are not concerned with construction techniques, blueprints and other components involved in home renovation. Instead, they are focused on the presentation of color schemes, furniture styles, fabric and textures, placement of decorative items, wall coverings and other aspects of a room that appeals to the eye.

Additionally, interior decorators assist people who want to remodel a room or an entire home by discussing the sort of look the homeowner wants to project following the physical renovation. For example, does the homeowner want a vivid, bold bedroom full of reds, black and greens or would they prefer a quieter, peaceful ambience consisting of pale blue walls, cream-colored curtains and off-white carpet?

You never find interior decorators working with home remodelers. However, decorators often collaborate with furniture upholsterers, painters and carpet installers to discuss what the homeowners want in regards to the color, style and design of these items.

Interior Designers

Interior designers represent the more technical aspect of home remodeling and do need formal training and schooling in order to practice their profession. They know how to use computer-aided drafting and designing software in addition to being able to read blueprints and various architectural drawings.

Many states require interior designers to pass an examination and register with that state or local government before they can legally work as an interior designer. Because they are directly involved with renovating and actually drafting new home interiors, interior designers may work closely with professional home remodeling contractors like RFMC to provide customers with exactly what they want.

When remodeling with the intention of implementing structural changes such as installing new doors, taking out a wall or even adding a wall, Fresno homeowners should consider hiring experienced home remodeling contractors who have the expertise, precise tools and expertise to provide the desired transformation of a bathroom, kitchen or other room needing upgraded in the home.

While interior designers and interior decorators have the knowledge to superficially glamorize a room, remodeling contractors possess the ability to provide customers with lasting and practical solutions to questions regarding home remodeling possibilities.

Clovis Kitchen Remodeling Information

April 18, 2012

Whether a kitchen remodeling project involves the simple installation of a new sink or removing all four walls to completely renovate a large dining area, the planning, preparation and construction of a kitchen remodeling job needs to be approached practically and professionally by experienced individuals intimate with all aspects of kitchen remodeling. For Clovis homeowners thinking about remodeling their kitchen without the assistance of licensed, expert contractors, what you may not know about kitchen remodeling may make you think twice before plunging into such a complicated project.

Some things to remember before remodeling a kitchen:

The layout you chose is one that you will have to live with unless you want to undergo another long and arduous remodeling session. Think about how you use your kitchen in regards to the household as a whole. Plan the renovation carefully by focusing on the needs of the home and the best way to incorporate the most convenient and attractive layout possible.

How many family members are usually in the kitchen at one time? Only one? More than four? What sort of space is needed to comfortably accommodate everyone who needs to use the kitchen? Should you install more than one work station? Would a kitchen island work well or should you stick with a spacious middle area capable of containing a large dining room table and use countertops as work spaces?

It helps to hire a good, dependable contractor to ensure that all technicalities are established prior to the start of the project. RFMC technicians can skillfully answer these questions regarding:

• Counter space appropriate for the size of your kitchen
• Floor space needed to safely accommodate all desired appliances and furniture
• How to create enough uncluttered space to keep traffic moving freely through the kitchen
• Where the best spots are to add extra windows that facilitate daytime illumination
• Setting a budget that includes everything you want in your new kitchen and not going over that budget

Unfortunately, one of the biggest drawbacks of attempting to remodel your kitchen without the help of professional remodelers is allowing the excitement of the project to overwhelm the ability to make practical decisions. With many different styles of kitchen cabinets, appliances, countertops, accessories and window treatments from which to choose, many homeowners forget all about a budget and purchase unnecessary items because they appeal to them.

Later, when attempting to renovate the kitchen by themselves, some homeowners realize they bought too many “unessentials” and do not know what to do with them. Or else they simply purchased the wrong items altogether and have to take the time to return items while remaining unsure as to what they need.

To avoid the frustration, confusion and inadvertent expense of preparing to remodel your kitchen by yourself, think about contacting a licensed, established remodeling company like Clovis’s RFMC to do the job for you. With experienced technicians helping you decide the preliminary plans, purchasing the correct items and performing all installation procedures, you will save money, time and probably much of your sanity!

Kitchen Remodeling Contractor Fresno

April 4, 2012

Kitchen remodeling involves experience, skill and expert knowledge regarding all facets of construction work. Hiring the right remodeler to renovate your kitchen means performing extensive background and licensing checks as well as researching the reputation of the contractor. Initially, you should visit the contractor’s website and find out if he has the required state and local licenses necessary to engage in the legal remodeling of Fresno building and residences.

Additionally, look for credentialing organizations listed on the website to which the contractor and his company may belong, such as the NKBA (National Kitchen and Bath Associations or the NARI (National Association of the Remodeling Industry). You can also do a simple search on the internet by typing in the name of the contractor or remodeling business to see if any negative statements have been posted in various complaint forums.

Here are more suggestions to consider before hiring a Fresno kitchen remodeler:

• Interview more than three contractors and ask for written estimates
• Check the Better Business Bureau website for any unresolved issues involving the contractor
• Inquire about obtaining references from former clients or ask to see previously completed projects
• Ask for verification of insurance coverage
• Take the time to evaluate all facets of bids provided by kitchen remodelers. Carefully read about warranties, time frames and price of materials provided by the contractor

After you have selected a kitchen remodeler:

• Request and receive the full written contract. Make sure that it describes payment terms, complete list of materials being used for the project, permits fees and sales tax, work specifics, beginning and end date of the project and warranties
• Consider paying directly to the supply house responsible for providing remodeling materials. If you are interested in doing this, ask the contractor if it is possible for you to make a check out to the supply merchant. However, always remain cautious when paying for work that has yet to be completed
• If any changes to the project are necessary, ask that all these changes be put in writing. Continue monitoring the kitchen remodeling project and don’t hesitate to ask questions at any time during the renovation process

Experienced and professional Fresno kitchen remodelers like RFMC will also be happy to accommodate scheduling preferences in order to make the remodeling process as unobtrusive to you and your family’s life at home as possible.

With Fresno offering the services of dozens of bathroom remodelers, how do you know the one you choose is dependable, honest, professional and affordable? One way to begin your search for a good remodeling contract is to do research concerning the reputation of the remodeling company. Find out how long they have been doing business in Fresno and whether that company belongs to the Better Business Bureau. You can quickly discover if a contractor has had any unresolved complaints lodged against them by accessing the BBB‘s website and performing a search of that company’s name.

Asking the contractor for past client references is another way to ensure you are paying for the services of a professional and conscientious remodeler. By talking to former customers who had their bathrooms renovated by a this contractor, you can find out information such as:

• If the job was completed in a timely manner
• If the contractor completed the project within the estimated budget
• If there were any major setbacks or problems encountered during the project
• If the contractor and crew behaved in a courteous, helpful and respectful manner
• If the completed work failed, met or exceeded expectations of the client
• If the client would recommend the contractor to family members and friends

Fresno Home Improvement Contractor License

In the state of California, a home improvement contractor is required to have a Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) license that legally authorizes him or her to engage in the remodeling, repair and construction of any building or land utilized as a residence. This includes working on patios, terraces, basements, sidewalks and other related items within or adjacent to the home. A kitchen and bathroom contractor is entirely responsible for complying with state laws regarding home improvement as well as any amendments implemented by the city council.

When a contracting business like RFMC can readily provide proof of such licensure, you are assured that a thorough background check has been performed to prevent questionable or unprofessional individuals from entering your home. Additionally, all home improvement businesses must show proof of insurance coverage to protect both their customers and themselves.

What to Avoid

Warning signs of a potential “scam” contractor include:

• Individuals who solicit their business door-to-door
• Will accept cash payments only
• States that you should be the one to obtain building permits
• Says that he happens to have “materials left over from another job”
• Says he will give you a discount if you provide with another customer
• Is overly aggressive and pressure you into making a quick decision
• Wants to be paid the entire amount before beginning the job

With a licensed, established and reputable remodeling company like Fresno’s RFMC Construction, Inc., you will never have to worry about “missing” any of these warning signs.

Published on March 21, 2012.

Granite Countertops 

Currently, the most popular and fashionable material used for kitchen countertops is granite. As an affordable, natural stone substance with which to construct beautiful, polished countertops, granite is available in a rainbow of colors complimenting any type of existing kitchen wallpaper or wall color. RFMC offers a stunning variety of corals, greens, blacks, beiges and whites as well as the choice to implement a polished or matte finish. Additionally, each granite slab is different from all the others, incorporating variations of spotting, veining, texture and fissures that lend an almost artistic quality to any granite countertop.

Concrete Countertops

With the ability to customize concrete countertops, customers are opting to install new kitchen countertops made with concrete. Pigmentation affects can be used to produce any color or design feature in a slab of concrete, along with finishes that include smooth, pressed, or ground (sanded). Minimal maintenance is required to keep concrete countertops looking new. Periodic sealing with a special coating that prevents discoloring or curling should be implemented, along with a good waxing every three or four months.

Wood Countertops

Butcher block-style countertops are popular in traditional kitchens featuring naturally warm, rustic decor. Easily cleaned and repaired by simply using sandpaper to eliminate scratches or small nicks, wood countertops are also available in the following wood types:

• Walnut
• Teak
• Mahogany
• Oak
• Cherry

Choosing to install a wood kitchen countertop also allows you the opportunity to select from a variety of beautiful grains, such as edge grains, flat grains or end grains. Different species of wood also affords an impressive option of checkerboard patterns, stripes, inlays and other designs unique to that type of wood. Additionally, staining a wood countertop will provide just the right shade of brown, tan or beige to delightfully compliment your kitchen.

Marble Countertops

Marble is not only extremely durable and low-maintenance but also enhances kitchens with a certain polished appearance reminiscent of European old-world elegance. With its ability to produce fascinating swirls and veins of naturally glowing colors, marble is still a favorite with many people choosing to implement extensive kitchen renovation projects and give their home a totally new look.

With so many different styles, colors, architectural designs and sizes from which to choose, choosing a bathroom vanity can be complicated and frustrating. You want to create a desired ambiance and impressive aesthetic affect by installing just the right bathroom vanity but how do you know it will suit your needs once it is installed?

Size Matters

When renovating your bathroom to include a new vanity, you may not think that slight differences in sizes matter. However, unless your bathroom is larger than average, a smaller vanity equipped with sleek, elegant fixtures is the best route. Opting for this size also provides enough space between the toilet and the vanity for cleaning purposes and for placement of a trashcan.

Installing a bathroom vanity that is too large for the size of the bathroom will result in a claustrophobic, clunky appearance. Find out the amount of square feet comprising your bathroom and discuss appropriate size choices with a knowledgeable RFMC technician.

Dressing Up Your Bathroom

The vanity style you select can either compliment or drag down the overall appearance of your bathroom, depending on its wall color or wallpaper design and decorative items as well as the general design of your home. For traditionally furnished homes, antique bathroom vanities made from granite or marble with old-fashioned-style chrome fixtures offer the perfect accent to this type of furnishing backdrop.

Alternatively, if your home is modern or eclectic, choosing a minimalistic kind of free-standing bathroom vanity/sink enhanced with gold fixtures and a frameless or thin-framed mirror. This type of vanity may not offer much storage space but this is easily rectified by installing an adjacent shelving or a recessed cabinet above the vanity.

Tips for Selecting the Perfect Bathroom Vanity

To make it easier to perform plumbing repairs, have a vanity installed that does not prevent access to pipes with a vertical wood plank stuck between the doors. Both doors on a two-door bathroom vanity should be free of this kind of obstruction.

Consider the functionality you expect out of the vanity and sink. Are two people or six people going to be using it? Will two sinks reduce the potential hassle of having too many people trying to use just one sink? Also, think about how many drawers you may need to satisfy storage requirements for family members’ toiletry items.

Published on February 22, 2012.

Clovis Contractor Hiring Guide

February 8, 2012

How can you tell a good contractor from bad contractor? Most of us know people who have had bad experiences with home remodeling contractors. Either the contractors did shoddy and unprofessional work, took months and months to get the job done, or simply appropriated the money and ran without completing the work. Fortunately, you can avoid having this type of unpleasant occurrence happen to you by following these rules for finding and hiring a professional and reputable remodeling contractor.

Signs that you may be dealing with a less than ethical Clovis contractor:

• He won’t offer you a contract. Instead, he will say something like “I never bother with contracts. My clients and I have good working relationships and they know they can always count on me”.
• The contractor will brush off questions about permits, saying that you don’t really need permits because the city doesn’t check on remodeling work and permits are just another method the city uses to get money from residents.
• Once the contractor begins working on the job, you notice he and his helpers take many breaks and accomplish little after eight hours of work. Supervising their work only brings protests and threats from the contractor, meant to dissuade you from watching them.
• Shortly into the job, the contractor will claim he made a mistake on the original estimate and request additional funds before he can complete the project. Because he has already started tearing up your kitchen, bathroom or other area, you think you have no choice but to pay the extra money.
• Exhibits less than methodical workmanship when performing tasks. For example, the contractor may remove your old bathroom sink and vanity and start tearing out a wall before finishing the bathroom project. Moving from one job to another makes him appear busy but does not prove that he is capable of professionally remodeling a room. Anyone can tear out a sink or bathtub!

Legitimate and professional Clovis contractors, such as RFMC, exhibit the following traits:

• Will readily show you proof of licensing, insurance and years in business. The Better Business Bureau suggests hiring contractors who have been in business for at least five years.
• Will provide you with a clear, easy to read contract containing details regarding materials needed for the job, estimation of project completion and responsibilities of the contractor as well as the home or apartment owner
• Is aware of the importance of building inspections, permits and other legalities accompanying any type of remodeling performed in Fresno / Clovis
• Asks only for a small, industry standard, down payment amount rather than excessively large upfront fees
• Consistently utilizes the best materials available at the most affordable prices.
• Is prompt and conscientious about working a full eight-hour day.
• Courteously answers any questions you may have and is not hostile to being observed

A trustworthy Clovis contractor like RFMC will communicate all of these characteristics to you and more. In addition to employing expert remodeling designers and technicians presenting excellent interpersonal skills, RFMC will also guide you through the remodeling process with a sincere desire to provide you with a satisfying and stress-free remodeling experience.

Fresno Contractor FAQs

Follow advice given by experts regarding the difference between a professional contractor and a scam contractor to avoid experiencing shoddy workmanship, hidden fees and fly-by-night companies that take your money and run before you realize what has happened to you. When you want your kitchen and/or bathroom remodeled, never choose the first Fresno contractor you find on the internet or in the phone book alleging to be “licensed”, “bonded” and “experienced”. Claiming to be something is one thing but proving that you are indeed what you say you are is another.

What to Look for in a Professional Remodeling Contractor

How long has the company been in operation? Unless you have received references from family members or friends who have actually hired the company to do remodeling work for them, you should avoid using a Fresno remodeling company with less than five years experience in the remodeling business.

Is the contractor listed with the Better Business Bureau? You can call by phone or check online to see whether the company is listed with the BBB. In addition, any unresolved complaints pending with the company can be found on the BBB’s website.

If you have just moved to the Fresno area and are not familiar with anyone, contact an inspector for recommendations regarding a reputable home remodeler. Since building inspectors provide permits and inspect additions to homes, businesses and apartment buildings, they will know exactly which contracting companies represent the best in the city.

References given to you by the contractor are essentially useless. These may represent the few people who were satisfied with the work or people who are giving phony praises because they work for the company or are related to the contractor. If a contractor seems too eager to provide personal references, take this as a warning this may not be a legitimate company.

Read the contract carefully before signing. Make sure that all details regarding the remodeling job is listed on the contract and question anything you don’t understand or consider vague. Scam artists are experts at appearing to be good, honest and dependable people. They are also masters of “double-talk” and may try to explain procedures and costs using words you don’t understand. If something about the contract makes you feel uneasy, don’t sign it until you have someone else look at it, preferably an attorney.

Ask the contractor to estimate a completion date and have him write that date on the contract. If you are having interior remodeling done in your home, this should not be a problem with the contractor. Additionally, tell the contractor you want a clause included in the contract stating a refund amount if the job is not completed within a reasonable amount of time.

Consider it a red flag warning when Fresno contractors ask for an upfront payment of more than half of what the job will cost before even starting the remodeling. Many people have lost considerable amounts of money by giving a scam contractor thousands of dollars, only to discover that the contractor has skipped town with their money. Unfortunately, ninety-eight percent of those people never see a dime of that money again.

Remodeling projects in the Fresno area can be professionally completed by established companies like RFMC, a leading remodeler of bathrooms, kitchens, patios and other renovation projects. Licensed contractors and expert designers will help and guide you through every stage of your remodeling job, from purchasing appropriate materials to receiving the legal permits necessary to execute the process. With everything ready and available at RFMC, you can be living in a beautifully renovated home or apartment without the stress of dealing with questionable contractors or worrying about a timely completion date.

Deciding to renovate your Fresno or Clovis house, apartment or business by hiring a home remodeling contractor is a serious decision. The design features of the renovation, budget, time factor (if any) and type of materials desired are all components of the renovation process that need to be addressed. More importantly, however, is who you choose to do the job for you. Unless you hire an established, reputable and licensed contracting firm, the remodeling project you have dreamed about for years may develop into an inferior, shoddy and extremely expensive nightmare.

How could this happen? Part of the reason is the high number of unlicensed scam artists pretending to be professional home remodelers. They continue to successfully deceive people because they are experienced criminals familiar with how to take advantage of consumers. Many simply disappear immediately after taking a large sum of money. This is especially true of contractors who do not possess a physical address but, instead, operate from a website that appears legitimate.

For example, a consumer stumbling upon a home remodeling contractor on the internet will mail the contractor asking for more information. The contractor will email him in return with the answers and suggest talking on the phone about the job. Eventually, this phone meeting develops into a “contract” sent by the home remodeler via email to the consumer. Without ever meeting the contractor, the consumer will digitally sign the contract and mail a check to the contractor, expecting work to commence the next day. Of course, the contractor does not show up and no work is ever done. The consumer in this story may seem a little naive to you, but this kind of scam happens every day.

What to Look for in a Legitimate Home Remodeling Contractor

Fresno remodeling contractors like RFMC possess an excellent reputation among other industry professionals as well as businesses and building inspectors. Legitimate contractors will have a physical office and address as well as business cards bearing that address. They will never ask you to pay for the entire job before it is completed, or even half of the final, estimated cost. Licensed and reputable contractors will always present you with a detailed contract that does not neglect mentioning any aspect of the job, such as materials, labor costs and expected time of completion.

Warning Signs

A realistic budget is an important part of any remodel, and the bathroom is no exception. How much are you willing and able to spend on your bathroom remodel? It’s a good idea to plan ahead with a blanket, in case of unforeseen costs arising in the process of your remodel. With your budget situated, you may begin to look for contractors, appliances, and fixtures that fit within that budget.

The contractor tries to brush off the importance of permits or he insists on obtaining the permit rather than you obtaining the permit. This may indicate he does not possess a license to legally contract in Fresno.

• If he only has a cell number but not a physical business number, ask for his company’s physical address.

• Never allow a contractor soliciting door-to-door into your home to discuss remodeling options.

• He can’t provide proof of operating in the city for at least five years

• The prices that he quotes seem ridiculously low

• He has trouble looking directly at you and demeanor seems nervous and edgy

Finally, trust your intuition when talking to someone about working on a contract remodeling job in your Fresno or Clovis home, apartment or business. With many excellent and distinguished home remodeling companies like RFMC operating in the Central Valley, you should never settle for the first, or even second, contractor you interview, no matter how “affordable” he makes his services seem to you. Remember, professionally performed remodeling services can only be implemented by professional experts who work for established Fresno contractors like RFMC remodeling company.

The bathroom is undeniably one of the most important spaces in the home, and yet it is often overlooked when considering a bathroom renovation project. Remodeling your bathroom can heighten your family’s comfort in your home, and it will also add some value to your house. Further, replacing old fixtures with new ones can heavily increase the energy efficiency of your home. Did you know that replacing old showerheads, faucets, and toilets can save you as much as seventy percent on water usage? That’s a big difference!

If you have decided that a remodel to your bathroom, there are several things that you should take into consideration when planning.

Size of Project

How much are you willing to undertake at this moment in time? Many homeowners leap into a remodel without taking a good inventory on the state of the room that they are remodeling. Before you embark on a remodel, really investigate your bathroom. Are there any underlying problems that might need to be addressed? If so, are they a hindrance to your budget?

Pay close attention to common bathroom issues like mold, leaks, and water stains. Is anything present that will prevent a successful remodel? If so, evaluate the cost of fixing the issue and determine whether it is within your budget to address the problem and do a remodel at this time.

Budget

A realistic budget is an important part of any remodel, and the bathroom is no exception. How much are you willing and able to spend on your bathroom remodel? It’s a good idea to plan ahead with a blanket, in case of unforeseen costs arising in the process of your remodel. With your budget situated, you may begin to look for contractors, appliances, and fixtures that fit within that budget.

What Do You Want To Do? 

What about your bathroom is working right now, and what would you like to change? Is your bathroom energy efficient? Does the size and shape of your appliances work for you? Is this remodel cosmetic, or do you plan to completely change the layout of your bathroom? Again, make sure that you aren’t dreaming bigger than your budget dictates, but also be willing to spend some quality time to find the fixtures and appearance that you really desire. Making rash decisions as part of a remodel process will only cost you in the end – if you are taking on a remodel, do it right the first time so that you don’t have to do it again.

A bathroom remodel is a great way to improve the comfort and efficiency of your bathroom, and also to increase the value of your home. The most important part of any remodel is a careful attention to planning and to being realistic about a budget. If you follow the tips lined out in this article, you will be on track for a successful remodel. It’s only a matter of time before you are relaxing in style in your brand new bubble bath!

In Fresno / Clovis, apartments are often filled with small and peculiar spaces. Many kitchens, bathrooms, and apartments are oddly shaped and are smaller than we might desire. With kitchens especially, it’s very important to find a way to make the most of the space you have!

Tiny kitchens that are also cluttered give off the appearance of being even smaller than they actually are. Although clutter in a cramped kitchen may seem unavoidable, it isn’t. There are many techniques you can implement in your space to make it feel as big, organized, and functional as possible.

Though in city apartments the kitchen is often a gathering space, it can certainly be agreed by all that first and foremost, a kitchen must be functional. This means that kitchen appliances, cooking ware, flatware, and other cooking and serving implements must be available to the chef. The number one thing preventing a chef from easy access to his or her tools is organization. A remodel with an eye on organization will be the key to making your space functional once again.

To begin this process, take an inventory of everything you have. If your space is disorganized, it’s easy to lose track of useful items. Where has that potato masher gone? What about the vegetable steamer? Drag everything out of every cabinet, closet, or box you’ve been storing things in and get a grasp on what you have.

Next, it’s time to decide what type of remodel you want to implement. If new cabinetry is in order, speak to a contractor about what types of designs of cupboards and cabinets are available that might suit your needs the best. Giving all of your items and appliances a storage space that is within a cupboard or cabinet will give your kitchen a seamless look that will make it appear larger than it actually is.

For small apartments, there are many specialty items that are frequently used to enhance a space and give it a larger look. For example, rather than having a cabinet that is one big box on the inside, many homeowners find it helpful to put multiple shelves within a cabinet, providing access to more items at once. Drawers are a good way to store items that would otherwise be all over the place, such as similar utensils or small tools. Custom cabinetry built with specific measurements in mind can help the accessibility of oddly shaped items such as spices, certain pans, or plates.

In a small space, minimalism is a popular way to go by way of décor. With a simple, cohesive color scheme, floor plan, and cabinetry layout, your kitchen will be easy to navigate and will be above all, functional. By paying a mindful eye to organization of all aspects of your kitchen – appearance and otherwise – you can make your space feel larger without knocking down any walls. A thoughtful plan and an attention to your specific needs is key to a successful remodel.

In Fresno, the kitchen is oftentimes the epicenter of the home. It’s not only where meals are prepared – it is often where meals are served. Furthermore, old or peculiar construction often leaves Fresno dwellers with small and oddly shaped kitchen spaces. So, when in the position to do a kitchen remodel, many homeowners make the decision to give their kitchen space a makeover that makes the most use of available space and often even makes the space appear much bigger than it actually is.

In a small kitchen space, the most important factor is layout. When possible, opening up the space and creating doorways that allow for easy traffic in and out of the kitchen space will maximize the use of the area. Too many doors into a kitchen can actually cause confusion and crowdedness, and it can limit the amount of workspace in the kitchen itself.

Light and reflective tiles, flooring, and cabinetry will make for a brighter space that feels bigger. Further, cabinetry holds the potential to add a lot to the space by way of appearance even in its design. Many small kitchens are square and offer only right angles. Utilizing rounded shelving to punctuate cabinetry will soften the harsh angles created by the cabinets and will give the room a less rigid appearance. Further, open shelving can give the kitchen an open look and also create easy access to certain items such as glasses or dishes.

A custom lazy susan placed within the kitchen is a great way to save space and increase function. Because the lazy susan rotates, it’s perfect for items you need easy access to such as bowls, pots, pans, and other small appliances.

Outlets are of importance, especially in modern kitchens. To maximize the use of a kitchen space, install outlets within existing structures such as at the end of a countertop or butcher block. This makes it easy to plug in kitchen appliances such as blenders, toasters, or slow cookers.

An L-Shaped breakfast nook or snack counter that allows for side access to the kitchen is one way to maximize workspace and open the kitchen up to the rest of the home. This is especially useful in Fresno residences where the kitchen and living space are shared as it creates a barrier between the two areas without making either space feel smaller.

If a small pantry or broom closet exists within the kitchen space, consider re-imagining it to be either an open pantry or a small area for plugging in appliances. Opening up a space and furnishing it with tiles to match the rest of the kitchen will make a functional nook within the kitchen that can incorporate further countertop workspace, cabinetry or shelves for storage, and outlets for appliances used within the kitchen space.

With careful care to every bit of the kitchen space, a remodel has the potential to change a small area into one that feels larger and more functional.

Clovis is filled with small and often quirky and oddly shaped spaces. For many reasons, a bathroom remodeling project in Clovis may not necessarily include an expanse in space. When this is the case, it’s important to focus on finding and installing space-specific appliances. This often means finding smaller-than-average tubs, toilets, and sinks.

When searching for petite fixtures to fit a small bathroom space, there are of course special considerations that one should keep in mind.

A petite sink is one of the easier fixtures to find for a small space, as there are many smaller options when it comes to sinks. This is because there is no standard shape or size for bathroom sinks, thus leaving a variety of size and shape options available to consumers. For space-saving, corner sinks, pedestal sinks, and wall-hung sinks are especially good. However, it’s important to always keep a mindful eye on the placement of the faucet within the small space. Though a sink may fit in a small corner space, if you are not able to access the faucet comfortably, it is not functional. According to the National Kitchen & Bath Association, a minimum of 30×48 inches of floor space should be present in front of the sink.

A bathtub with smaller specifications will prove more difficult to find. The standard size for a bathtub is five feet in length. Although specialty tubs such as whirlpools tend to be customizable, due to the power of the jets in a whirlpool, it would be difficult to get a properly functioning one smaller than five feet. However, there are some bathtub manufacturers who make specialized four-feet bathtubs. Because this results in a smaller tub, one suggestion is to look for a bathtub with a high rim. This results in a deeper bath that will leave taller bathers feeling more satisfied even in a shorter tub.

If fitting a bathtub into a small bathroom space is proving too difficult, a standing shower is a perfect option. Showers are extremely customizable and can be created to fit almost any size space. Code regulations tend to dictate that a shower be at least 32 inches, however, a shower is certainly a good option for a very small or quirky space. There are actually very few regulations in terms of bathtubs, but in general, the space for the bathtub should be at least the length of the tub and at least thirty inches wide. Space must also exist for plumbing.

An all-important aspect of the bathroom is, of course, the toilet. The amount of space taken up by the toilet is affected by two factors – the shape of the seat and the tank design. This is referred to as the “rough-in dimension”. While most homes have a twelve-inch rough-in, older homes have either a ten-inch rough-in or a fourteen-inch rough-in. The closer the toilet is to the wall, the less space it will take up. Generally speaking, regulations dictate that a fifteen-inch space exists on either side of the center of the toilet and that the toilet be no closer than thirty inches away from any other fixture (such as the sink or the shower).

As a practice intended to create harmony by balancing the energy contained within living spaces, Feng Shui is a philosophical perspective invented several thousand years ago in China and based on Daoist understandings of nature. In Chinese, Feng Shui means “wind water”, a phrase referencing the power of the wind and water found in their “chi” or intrinsic energy source.

Recently, the principles of Feng Shui have entered the home decorating field. Individuals living in Fresno have recently begun searching for ways to enhance their mental, physical and spiritual levels by integrating Feng Shui elements. Many people are finding this formula alleviates stress and provides a genuine peace of mind.

Feng Shui Principles

One basic principle of Feng Shui is decluttering the area in which you live, in addition to repairing broken items and strategically placing mirrors in places that attract more illumination. Followers of Feng Shui believe that disorder and clutter trap and deplete beneficial energy, something that negatively affects all aspects of your being. Having old, broken and trivial items lying around in jumbled heaps is thought to cause feelings of fatigue, lethargy and anxiety.

Eliminating junk from the home, according to Feng Shui, discharges antagonistic emotions and generates positive vibrations instead, leading to the development and attainment of one’s potential. Not only do Feng Shui practitioners believe clutter, dirty spaces and dimness prevent people from achieving goals but professional organizers affirm this as well.

Feng Shui in the Kitchen

The kitchen symbolizes prosperity and nourishment according to Feng Shui principles. How a kitchen is constructed and decorated is supposed to affect your health and ability to prosper in life. When renovating a kitchen complying with Feng Shui guidelines, some important tips to remember are:

• General appearance of a kitchen should be spacious, airy, well-lit, clean and comfortable.

• Simple kitchens without the presence of gadgets depleting the chi are Feng Shui friendly.

• Declutter as much as possible. Put things neatly away. Allow as much light as possible to filter through the kitchen.

• Keep fresh flowers in the kitchen as well as baskets of fresh fruit. Organic items contain rich amounts of positive energy.

• Shades of yellow are considered the best colors for a kitchen, according to feng-shui guidelines.

• Consider installing a “cooking island” in the center of the kitchen. In addition to allowing you to view the entire room, a cooking island permits you to talk with guests who are sitting in another room or watch children while preparing dinner.

• Windows are important components of Feng Shui and are considered the “eyes of the chi”. Room windows have the ability to influence mental focus and concentration. Smudged, dirty windows cause irritation, anxiety and depression, especially when sunlight is blocked due to griminess. Clean windows thoroughly or replace old, cracked windows with new, clean ones for optimal energy release.

• A Feng Shui kitchen should be triangular, with the stove, sink and refrigerator constituting each of the triangle’s points. Feng Shui adherents say that each appliance should be placed around six to eight feet apart from each other.

There are many options available to the homeowner looking to install new kitchen cabinetry in his or her kitchen. So many so, in fact, that the process can be overwhelming. When preparing to choose new kitchen cabinetry, it is important to consider the following components:

Budget

It’s important to first address your budget, as it will determine your decisions for many other components of the remodeling process. Kitchen cabinets are often one of the biggest investments a homeowner puts towards his or her home. How much money do you have to devote to the project you are currently undertaking? Once you have a realistic figure in mind, cut it in half. Why? Unfortunately with many remodel projects unforeseen costs come up along the way. It’s a very good idea to plan ahead for this by not maxing out your budget in your initial purchase. If your initial plans keep you under budget, you will have more leeway when and if unexpected costs arise. The worst case scenario in a kitchen remodel is to have half of your cabinets installed and realize that, for one reason or another, you must discontinue the installation.

Cabinet Construction Type

Once you have your budget finalized, it is time to consider which type of cabinet construction you desire. Kitchen cabinets come in three forms: custom made, semi-custom, and stock:

Stock cabinets, the most affordable option, are cabinets that you would buy as-is from a home improvement store. Stock cabinets are manufactured in certain widths and with certain materials and therefore are not customized for your kitchen.

Semi-custom cabinets are ordered directly with a cabinet supplier and, based on the measurements in your home, are built specifically for you. As they are made to order, semi-custom cabinets come with more material and size options than stock cabinets and also often have additional options such as drawers and odd sizes. However, semi-custom cabinets are not completely custom made and you will need to stay within a set number of options.

Custom made cabinets are the ultimate in kitchen cabinetry as they are made by a custom cabinetry manufacturer and are made exactly to your specifications in size, material, and overall look. If you have a specific vision in mind for your cabinets, custom cabinetry may be the best option for you. However, keep in mind that custom cabinetry is the most expensive option.

Material

Regardless of which cabinet construction type you go with, it’s important to have an idea of what kind of material you would like to use for your cabinetry. Cabinets typically come in laminate, metal, or wood. Wood, a popular choice, comes in a variety of colors and finishes making it highly customizable. However, it should be noted that wood warps over time. Metal cabinets, which are typically made out of stainless steel, give a very modern and sleek look to a kitchen. However, they do require upkeep and care, as they show scratches and fingerprints rather readily. Laminate kitchen cabinets are the most affordable option and can also be purchased in a wide variety of colors. However, laminate cabinets do chip from time to time and the damage is often difficult to repair without a full replacement.

Most kitchen renovations occur because a homeowner wants to give his or her kitchen space a new and updated look and feel. So, although it is alluring to choose a countertop surface based on appearance, homeowners should always consider several factors when choosing which countertop surface to install in a kitchen space.

There are so many options available in the world of countertop surfaces that often there is an option that will be a good fit for any style. For example, granite, a popular choice for countertop surfaces, comes in a variety of colors such as greens, whites, corals, beiges, blacks, and whites. Finishing options also make granite customizable. A honing finish is soft and matte, whereas a polished finish results in a shinier appearance. Granite is an extremely strong material, though it does require proper sealant to avoid staining.

Soapstone, marble, limestone, and other natural stone materials are also top choices for countertop installations. All but marble, however, are softer than granite and therefore require a lot of care. Engineered countertops, on the other hand, are extremely durable and – although they often give off a similar appearance – are much tougher than natural stone countertops.

Solid surface countertops are a top choice among homeowners due to their seamless appearance. They are also easier to clean than non-solid countertops. Concrete countertops are gaining popularity among homeowners and can be completely customized by adding pigments to the concrete. Concrete is also available in many different finishes, each of which completely changes the look of the concrete. For example, a ground finish is sanded to expose the sand aggregate within the concrete, whereas a pressed finish utilizes a tool, which reveals marble-like veining in the concrete. Concrete does require attention from the homeowner, though. Extreme temperature changes may cause warping and curling and water left on the countertop surface may cause staining.

Laminate countertops are the most affordable option and they come in a wide range of colors and designs. However, laminate is a highly scratchable surface and will not last a lifetime. Finally, wood is another option for countertop surfacing and tends to give a kitchen a warm look. Wood countertops are easy to clean but must be oiled frequently to seal the surface and protect it from water damage.

It’s important that homeowners assess their lifestyle before settling on a countertop surface. For example, surfaces such as marble and granite have the potential to stain. Choosing a light or white version of either of these materials might not be a wise choice for a young family where things like juice and jam are used often. If a particular material is not feasible for an entire kitchen, many homeowners mix and match materials giving their kitchen a highly customized and multifunctional appearance.

In Clovis, the kitchen is often the center of the home – it is where meals are prepared and often served. Therefore, having a kitchen that fits one’s own personal style is very important to many homeowners. Replacing cabinetry and countertops in a kitchen is a fantastic way to give the entire space a new look that will fit your style without completely renovating the entire kitchen.

Though much less invasive than a complete overhaul renovation, replacing cabinetry and countertops is an undertaking. The contractors who complete the project may need multiple days to do so. Therefore, as with any home renovation project, it is important that you pick a contractor and crew with whom you feel comfortable and who you will trust to be in your home for an extended period of time. As with any renovation, it’s extremely important that good lines of communication be established between you and the crew. It is always critical to work with a contractor that you are comfortable speaking with and giving directives to.

Further, you must be realistic about your space and what preparations you need to do to it to make the renovation a successful one. When preparing your space for a cabinet and countertop renovation, keep in mind that you are not completely cutting and renovating the entire kitchen. It is more than likely that you will be fine to live within your home throughout the duration of the renovation. However, you should make certain changes to your home in anticipation of the renovation. You should ensure there is a space close to your home where your contractor may park his or her truck with materials. In the city, this may require a lot of planning ahead. Further, you should remove any obstructions, such as valuables and furniture that are on the workers’ path through your home to the kitchen. You should also over furniture, carpeting, and flooring to protect it from any building materials the contractors may need to use.

Depending on the age of your home and the extent of your cabinet replacement, there could be an extensive amount of work to be done in your kitchen. Replacing cabinetry can result in large amounts of noise and might also require the use of fairly pungent chemicals. It’s a good idea to get a sense from your contractor how much noise and use of foul smelling chemicals should be expected. Depending on your proximity to your neighbors, it is a good idea to make them aware of the upcoming work.

Though you are paying the contractor and his crew to do the work in your home, it can help to do your part, as well. This means providing old rags and towels for them so that they may clean off surfaces when necessary. Further, making sure that the contractor has necessary access to the water hookups in your building will be of big help.

When it comes to which material to use on bathroom and kitchen countertops, there are many options to choose from. A longtime favorite for those looking for a luxurious and extremely dependable option, marble remains at the top of the list for homeowners across the greater Fresno area.

Widely used in kitchens, like its counterpart granite, marble is considered an ultimate in luxury. The appearance of marble varies depending on its source, and therefore many color and visual texture options exist within the world of marble making it a good choice for a wide range of tastes. Marble is highly porous, so for use in a kitchen especially it requires a seal to avoid staining. On an unsealed marble surface, common kitchen culprits like wine and juice pose problems.

A rich option and an excellent way to give any space an extravagant appearance, marble is pricy. However, many homeowners do enjoy the boost that marble gives to a space without breaking the bank by installing marble as an accent to a larger space. For example, one might install marble countertops on an island or butcher block rather than an entire kitchen. Or, one might install a marble countertop to the wet bar area of a kitchen or dining room. Installing marble in a portion of a space still gives the benefit of a look of luxury without requiring that a homeowner purchase enough marble to cover an entire kitchen.

Another fine way to achieve a luxurious look without spending a lot of money is to utilize marble as a countertop material in a bathroom space. Although marble in bathroom spaces should still be sealed the way it would be in a kitchen space, the stains common to bathroom areas such as soap and water are much less prohibitive than the wine and juice stains present in a kitchen space. Homeowners looking to install marble throughout a bathroom should beware, though – marble’s luxurious look will give your bathroom a facelift of extravagance. If the rest of the home is not equally upscale, the bathroom may stick out!

For either kitchen or bathroom installation, a more affordable option may be cultured marble counters, which are formed of plastic and marble dust. Cultured marble countertops are lighter than true marble, and as they are more synthetic than true marble, they are more affordable and easier to install. Though they look just like real marble and will visually suffice, cultured marble is not real marble and therefore does not have the same weight or durability than its pure counterpart.

Whether true marble or cultured marble, marble countertops require maintenance and care. Marble countertops are extremely durable but they are not indestructible, and therefore they do need sufficient protection through seals and an attention to cleaning up spills as soon as they occur. It may help to think of marble as a wood product, which requires a lot of attention, rather than a stone product. Properly taken care of, though, marble countertops can last a lifetime and are therefore well worth the investment both in money and in the time you take caring for them.

In Clovis, the home is a little slice of peace amongst a city of business, and therefore any changes to one’s home are paramount and should be taken seriously. A remodel in your home is a substantial undertaking. Remodels are often time consuming, and require your giving over of your space to a contractor whom you have trusted with the task of completely renovating or building into your existing home. Because a remodeling project can be so personally intensive, choosing a contractor who is professional, trustworthy, and an expert at his or her job is integral to a successful remodel.

When you decide that a remodel is on the horizon for you home, you should be open to hearing a bid from at least three contractors who would like the job. Several quotes from different sources will provide you with knowledge and comparisons that will assist you in determining a reasonable price for the project at large. Since the contractor is going to be spending so much time in and around your home and will be completing a project that is very near and dear to your heart, it’s important that you get along with the contractor both personally and professionally. Conducting interviews with all of the contractors bidding on your project will help you to determine how well you connect with each contractor and whether a working relationship between you is feasible.

It’s important to remember that as the homeowner who is commissioning the remodel, situations may arise where you need to give directives to the contractor. For this reason in choosing a contractor you must choose someone who you are comfortable giving directives to.

Before committing to working with a contractor, you should ask for the contractor’s license number and contact your state’s licensing department to verify the validity of the license. In addition to verifying the validity of the license, the state department should be able to inform you of any issues or complaints with the licensed contractor that have occurred in the past.

You should ask the contractor if he or she will provide insurance for the remodel to your space or if you are expected to provide the insurance. Many contractors do provide insurance, and it may be worthwhile to spend the time to find a contractor who will.

As you should when hiring anyone, you should check your contractor’s experience and references before committing to working with him or her. Ideally your contractor will be able to show you a portfolio with before and after photos of previous projects. He or she should also be able to give you a list of former clients whom you should feel free to contact to hear previous clients’ impressions of the contractor’s professionalism, expertise, and overall performance.

Once you have chosen a contractor, before work begins on your remodel, a comprehensive contract should be drawn up to clearly state the scope of the work, what is expected of the contractor, the total cost of the project, and a promised completion date for the work. A good contract will also include protocol for the contractor to follow if the need to change the scope of the work arises during the remodel itself.

In Fresno especially, the kitchen is at the heart of the home. It is where we cook, where we gather before and after meals, and it’s often also where we actually serve and consume our meals. Whether company is joining you or you are preparing a quiet meal for your family, a customized kitchen is the height of happiness for any chef. And if you are looking for more than just a simple remodel, and you have the budget to support it, a luxury kitchen remodel may be exactly what you’re looking for.

A major element in any luxury kitchen makeover is custom cabinetry. Beautiful cabinetry adds as much beauty and charm to a space as any furniture piece might, and as cabinets are highly customizable, it’s easy to get exactly what you want for your kitchen. When you make the decision to have custom cabinetry installed, you have a myriad of choices in materials, finishes, and fronts. Further, as the owner of the kitchen and the chef that uses it the most, you know exactly how much storage space you need. With optional accessories such as drawers, cabinet inserts, and storage areas, you’ll have cabinets that fit your specific lifestyle, needs, and design taste.

Countertops are an integral part of any kitchen. Granite counters are the highest quality and least destructible countertop material available and is the choice in most luxury kitchen remodels due to its complete resilience to heat, and its capability to resist scratching. Though granite is available in a wide range of natural colors, it is not necessarily the top choice for chefs with an eye for design who prefer the look of a wooden butcher block in the kitchen.

Though butcher blocks are not as resilient as granite, they are less expensive to install and easily replaced. Occasional sanding of the top of the butcher block is a common form of maintenance to the product a it gives the surface a new look and prolongs the need for replacement.

Some chefs with artistic eyes may also opt for tile countertops, which come in many patterns from designers and lend a unique and personalized look to the kitchen space. However, in that tiles are not made from a single piece of material, they can be more difficult to keep clean than their granite or butcher-block competitors.

If your luxury kitchen redesign has a seemingly endless budget, the finest gadgets and appliances should absolutely be a feature of the new kitchen. This includes a professional grade gas stove and oven, a subzero refrigerator, a garbage compactor, multiple dishwashers, a temperature controlled wine rack, and possibly an additional refrigerator and freezer. Even more elaborate add-ons might include an indoor grill, a wood-burning pizza oven, or a deep fryer.

Like any luxurious space, the luxury kitchen must be finished with an artful touch. If you yourself are not an artist, consider hiring one to create a custom look to your kitchen through creation or implementation of art that will fit your personal style and will enhance the space you’ve created in your luxury redesign.

Many homeowners in Clovis assume that by renovating a space, value will irrefutably be added to the space. However, this is not necessarily the case. Some common mistakes made by homeowners during remodeling projects may contribute to diminished value of an apartment or home.

For example, upgrading the home in a way that goes beyond the typical for a neighborhood or region may make the home out of place in the neighborhood and will therefore decrease the value of the home overall. Further, renovating in very taste-specific ways and thus making your home too distinct to your own preferences may eliminate the possibility for someone else to love the space as much as you do, and thus they will not be willing to pay as high a price for the home.

If your goal in a renovation is to add value to your home, a first step in determining what an appropriate and effective renovation may entail is to set an appointment with a local real estate agent. Walk the agent through your home and let him or her know that you are looking to remodel in a way that will add value to the home overall. The agent should be able to shed light on other homes in the area, what adds value to them, and what buyers in your region or neighborhood will be looking for in terms of value.

You should feel free to show the real estate agent the specific spaces in your home that you plan to renovate, and also share any photos, sketches, or clippings you may have collected for the remodel. Take the real estate agent’s opinion to heart.

Another fun way to incorporate the opinions of others into your renovation is a gathering of friends where you gather their feedback and ideas for your renovation. You might print up surveys about your space and distribute them amongst your guests so that they may fill them out as they consume delicious food and drinks and really consider your space. What could make it better? What is really great in the home as it is now? What things in the home would make them buy it as is? What things would make them not buy it as is? To get the true opinions of your friends and colleagues, make the survey anonymous so no one worries about the risk of hurting your feelings.

Once you’ve gathered the opinions of the real estate agent and your family and friends, revise your renovation plans to fit their suggestions. Reconsider any renovations you had initially planned that would diminish the value of your home based on your new knowledge. Lean instead towards renovations that will add to the value of your home such as painting rooms in neutral colors, and updating bathrooms and kitchens to reflect the features desirable to those moving to your area.

Once you’ve decided to remodel your home or apartment, it’s time to find a contractor who will carry out your plans and turn your space into your dream home.

When it comes to hiring someone to do the work, you have two choices: hire a single general contractor, who will complete most of the work of the remodel along with his or her employees, or, hire several subcontractors, each of whom will complete particular portions of the project at hand.

Regardless of whether you choose to work with a single contractor or a group of subcontractors, there are several considerations to take into account. When looking for a good contractor, it’s often a good idea to ask for recommendations. Often you’ll have noticed a neighbor or someone in your general area having just had construction done. You may think about asking those people who they worked with, and whether they were happy with the work done. Once you have a few names, you may seek out references from other homeowners who have worked with a particular contractor to get an idea of his or her professionalism, work ethic, and how happy the homeowners were with the end result.

Primarily, you must verify that your contractor of choice is fully licensed. This means that the contractor should be licensed both with the City of Fresno as well as the State. Even if your contractor assures you that he or she has all of the necessary licenses, it’s best to actually see the necessary paperwork yourself.

It’s also important to verify that your contractor has the necessary insurance to operate within the workspace. This means that he or she must have worker’s compensation insurance, liability insurance, and property damage insurance. You should always ask for copies of the documentation of each.

In addition to your contractor’s insurance, you should be aware of your homeowner’s insurance and what is covered therein.

Once you have established that your contractor is in good standing with the necessary city and state government agencies, it’s time to get to work. You should feel open to explain what you want out of the project, go over drawings of the project, and present sketches of the space as you see it to the contractor. It’s always a good idea to ask the contractor’s opinion on the plans and the overall scope of the project. It is in these initial conversations that you will be able to gage your contractor’s true interest and excitement for the project.

If you decide to go with a general contractor who will complete most of the work him or herself, it’s also important to get a gage how much of the work the contractor will actually be doing, and how much he or she will be outsourcing to either his or her employees or other subcontractors. The greater the percentage of work that your main contractor is ready to do, the less chance there is that details will get lost in translation between you and the person who is ultimately doing the work.

For the cook, the entertainer, and the homemaker in each of us, the kitchen is the heart of the home. Due to the layout of many Fresno / Clovis living spaces, this is even truer often, the kitchen is quite literally the center of the home. And with small spaces and often a lack of a true dining room, the kitchen is also the epicenter of any dinner party or gathering. For many homeowners in the city, a kitchen redesign is one of the first steps in customizing the home to fit their specific needs. After all, the kitchen is your space. Is yours all it could be?

A well designed, or redesigned, kitchen will be created with attention to two major factors in mind: storage, and ease of motion. You need to be able to move around in your kitchen, and you need to be able to store all of your food, spices, cookware and dinnerware. Therein of utmost importance in any kitchen redesign is the installation of new and functional cabinetry layout design.

To begin to plan your successful redesign, it’s important to first be familiar with the most common layout types for cabinets: galley kitchen cabinet layouts, U shaped kitchen cabinet layouts, L shaped kitchen cabinet layouts, and island kitchen cabinet layouts.

• The galley kitchen cabinet layout is characterized by two rows of cabinets, which face one another. This is an efficient layout and is the top choice for many professional chefs. Two rows of cabinets allow for ease of motion and also facilitate easy access to meal preparation areas such as countertops. However, the functionality of a galley kitchen is dependent upon the width of the actual room. Too small a corridor between the cabinets may lead to a cramped feeling within the kitchen.

• U shaped kitchen cabinet layouts make use of the three walls of a kitchen, offering a large deal of workspace with regard to countertops as well as storage space with regard to cabinetry. However, homeowners who choose a U shaped kitchen cabinet layout should pay special attention to the placement of large appliances so as not to cramp the chef.

• L shaped kitchen cabinet layouts is, by many accounts, the most common layout in kitchens in the United States. L shaped cabinets offer a wide open space in the middle of the room and therefore offer easy access to all workstations and major appliances. L shaped kitchen cabinet layouts are considered open and casual.

• Finally, island kitchen cabinet layouts are also an option when planning a kitchen redesign. Island kitchen cabinets reside in the center of the space and offer the chef the opportunity to see and have access to the entire room from his or her workspace. Island kitchen cabinetry is also promoted for Feng Shui living.

In Fresno residences, the kitchen is an integral part of the overall home. The kitchen is, after all, where meals are prepared, and moreover, it’s very often a gathering space. Fresno kitchens, however, are often not as large as we’d hope they could be, and therefore we are challenged to make the most of our space and to have the most efficient, productive kitchen possible. One major way to improve and get the most out of your space is to have great countertops.

As counter space is often limited in homes, the Fresno homeowner desires countertops that are dependable, efficient, and are relatively easy to keep clean. Meals are often both prepared and served on the same countertop space, and kitchen items are also commonly stored atop countertops. To make the most of a kitchen space, fine countertops are nearly a requirement.

Solid surface countertops are the ultimate in fine countertops. Installation of solid surface countertops will improve the functionality of your kitchen. Because of their longevity, their ease of upkeep, and their high customization potential, solid surface countertops are the top choice for many looking to redesign or improve their Fresno kitchen space.

Solid surface countertops are especially durable and often outlast even the cabinetry below them. Made with resistant materials, damage to solid surface counter tops is rare. However, when damage does occur, due to the uniform materials used throughout solid surface countertops, it’s incredibly easy to replace one portion of the countertop without sacrificing the entire piece. Because of this, the long-term value of a redesign that involves such countertops is extremely high.

In all kitchens – small and large – cleanliness is key. Due to their size and proximity to the rest of the living space, in Fresno kitchens, it’s especially important to keep a clean, spotless space. Without the partitioning of the surface you might get in other countertops, solid surface countertops offer ease when cleaning. Because there are no cracks between tiles, food and bacteria cannot collect within them. Further, the cleanup after meal preparation or meal serving is delightfully simple in these counters. Cleaning solid surface countertops generally requires no more than a gentle cleanser or plain water, saving you time and concern, and taking fumes of harsh cleaners out of your airspace.

Beyond their easy day-to-day upkeep, solid surface countertops also have easy prolonged maintenance prospects. There is no seal or special chemical coating required for these countertops, eliminating the concern associated with initial install and upkeep. The materials used to make such countertop spaces are in general largely scratch resistant, and therefore sanding and other surface repair common to other materials is not necessary.

Solid surface countertops are available in a seemingly endless variety of colors and textures, making them customizable to almost any space. Whether your kitchen is dark or light, colorful or monochrome, a solid surface countertop is waiting for you – as is its dependability, durability, cleanliness, and simple maintenance.

Clovis kitchens are unique spaces. They are often smaller than the chef in each of us may desire, and they are also – in many ways – the heart of our homes. When guests are over, many will inevitably convene in the kitchen – and often, without a true dining room, we serve our guests in the kitchen as well. Therefore, it’s especially important, when designing or redesigning your Clovis kitchen space, to pick the most attractive, most functional, and most impressive cabinetry for your home.

As with any major home improvement project, the most important thing you can do for a successful redesign is to prepare and plan. Really understand what you want out of your redesign. What about the current setup of the kitchen is working for you? What isn’t working? How can the functionality of the space be improved? Having a clear understanding of what you want and what will improve your space will ultimately lead you to long-term happiness with your results.

Now that you are aware of what you want out of your kitchen cabinets, it’s time to start choosing what kind to buy. There are three major groups of kitchen cabinets to choose from: stock, semi-custom, and custom. Your budget and your specific needs will be major determining factors in which group you essentially go with. Stock cabinets, the most affordable option of the three, come in generalized size options and can be purchased from any local store selling cabinetry. With semi-custom cabinets, you will be able to make some alterations to the size and style of the cabinets, but will still remain within the constraints of certain stock options. With custom cabinets, which are the most expensive option, you have complete control over the size and style of your cabinets.

In terms of kitchen cabinet style, there are two major choices for style: face-framed and frameless. Face-framed, the most common cabinet option in the United States, are wood cabinets set in a frame of wood with doors on that frame. With frameless construction, more common in Europe, cabinets are made individually, like boxes. Doors on frameless cabinets generally have a small gab between them.

Once you have decided on the size and style of your cabinets, it’s on to accessories. Like accessories to any outfit, accessories to your cabinetry are the jewelry that make your cabinet identifiably “you”. Here, you have the opportunity to pick features for your cabinets that will specifically cater to your needs, such as built in spice racks, spaces built especially for wine and wine glasses, and even display spaces for special plates and other items.

Beyond accessories, you also have the opportunity to adorn your cabinets with hardware, such as specialty knobs, that reflect your sense of style.

While you’re amidst your kitchen redesign, now might also be the time to consider your countertop. Does your counter reflect your personal style? Does it complement your brand new cabinetry? If not, it may be time to continue the redesign and pick out the countertop that will make your kitchen the most perfect space it can be!

With a large number of baby boomers now entering their 50’s and 60’s, and X-Gens following right behind them, construction of universal design bathrooms is proliferating in the home remodeling industry. A universal design bathroom integrates the principles of this type of design, an architectural style that engineers a living area suitable for all levels of human development, with special attention to the later years, a time when mobility and perceptual competence may become an issue.

Components of a Universal Bathroom Design

Items found in such a bathroom include:

• walk-in bathtubs

• slide-in baths

• walk-in bathtubs with power seats

• slip-free tiles instead of carpets or rugs

• grab/pull-up bars

• anti-scald water control

Everything in a universal design bathroom allows someone to feel less limited, more independent and more secure when taking care of personal hygiene. In addition, accommodation for right and left-handed people provides further comfort and a sense of self-sufficiency.

Seven principles of universal design are implemented when remodeling a bathroom in this manner.

These principles are:

• Equitable Use

• Flexibility in Use

• Simple and Intuitive Use

• Perceptible Information

• Tolerance for Error

• Low Physical Effort

• Size and Space for Approach and Use

As a contemporary blueprint incorporating environmental and ergonomic psychology, universal design intends to present a room arrangement in which anyone from a five year old to a 90 year old can utilize the fixtures in a facilitated and safe manner. However, this does not mean one of these “utilitarian” bathrooms has to be wholly functional and aesthetically displeasing. Attractive design ideas can easily be assimilated into the structural aspects of the bathroom, providing a pleasant visual experience as well.

Since older people tend to suffer from vision difficulties such as macular degeneration or cataracts, using colorful yet contrasting colors can help those who cannot see well enough to distinguish edges from other edges, or judge the amount of distance from the tub to the sink. You can inexpensively outfit a universal design bathroom with colors that contrast–red and black, blue and yellow, violet and pink. Replace colorless light switchplates with brighter ones that stand out against the wall color. Use this same idea for towels and washcloths as well.

Instead of round door handles that arthritic hands find difficult to grasp and turn, use levers that are easily pushed without the necessity of a firm grip. In addition, knob faucets are replaceable with levers that only need a gentle push to turn on the water.

Universal design bathtubs are available in a variety of styles, all of which provide effortless access as well as health benefits. Full walk-in bathtubs allow people to fully immerse their body in warm water, which can help eliminate insomnia; reduce muscle aches; increase circulation and alleviate asthma or sinus problems.

Installing grab bars in applicable areas of the bathroom is also another feature that is used by all age groups. In addition, these bars do not have to be made of metal but are now constructed of colorful, hard plastic which adds that important element of contrast for the visually impaired, as well as enhancing the beauty of the room.

To maintain the value of their homes, owners need to invest periodically in upgrading their home by painting, performing electrical and plumbing improvements, laying new roofs when needed and other forms of enhancements. However, purchasing items to complete these tasks yourself or hiring a contractor to do the job can be expensive, especially if you have never attempted this kind of job. Being aware ahead of time of strategies that can decrease the cost of your home improvement concern will expedite your purchases and lessen the strain on your budget as well.

Think Ahead

Ask yourself whether your home improvement plan is something that will still satisfy you in the next five to ten years. Seeing a home decor scheme in a magazine that you adore and immediately purchasing the necessary items to make your house look like this may result in regretting what you did a year or two later simply because it is not practical or now doesn’t seem as attractive as it once did to you. Changing this improvement will now cost you more money, especially with the way prices continue to rise. So before plunging ahead, think about the structural, aesthetic and practical aspects of your remodeling plans and focus on what will continue to look timeless and classy in the following years.

Do a Little At a Time

Although it would be nice to improve your home all at once, financially it isn’t feasible for most of us. Besides being less costly, implementing a one-room-at-a time approach is less disturbing to the household and prevents you from feeling overwhelmed by the amount of work that must be done. Remodeling several rooms at a time might frustrate you so much that you avoid working on it, causing the job to take twice as much as time as it should. Remodeling one room at a time also provides you with the time to think about how you want to renovate other areas of your home.

Borrow When You Can

Instead of purchasing tools, borrow tools from friends and family. Also, ask them if they could spare the time to help you. In exchange for their help, assist them whenever they need help with their own remodeling jobs. Provide lunch and snacks for your helpers as well. Sometimes home remodeling tasks develop into enjoyable times spent with family and friends.

Purchasing Home Improvement Products

To save on buying what you need to complete your home improvement project, check Fresno newspaper ads for the lowest prices and discounts. Take the time to research online concerning items such as lighting fixtures, toilets, vanities and countertops. Online companies selling home improvement products may offer better prices since they are predominantly wholesale businesses. Just make sure you are dealing with an established and reputable company.

Accurate Measurements

Take measurements once, then take them again before purchasing materials. Inaccurate measurements, especially when they are insufficient, will cost you more money than originally implemented in your budget. In addition, the inconvenience of having to re-measure is an unnecessary time-waster. If you are not sure of your measurements, ask someone to re-take them for you. Planning ahead for your home improvement job will also galvanize you with anticipation concerning the end result of your project.

Whether you have chosen to restore your home for aesthetic or disaster-caused reasons, a home restoration process involves disruption, noise, costs and patience. So how does a homeowner survive this intrusive event? Some people simply leave their home and live elsewhere until the renovation is completed, but for many, that isn’t an option.

The best advice to survive home restoration is to prepare everything ahead of time. Deciding to invest in home restoration one day and starting it within the next few days is a decision most people regret. You want to save as much time and money (and headaches) as possible during this time. Anticipating certain things, although they may not happen, will make the home restoration process less stressful and more exciting for you and your family.

Tips to Help Keep Your Sanity

Rather than underestimating the amount of time it will take to finish the restoration, overestimate how long it will take. Of course, this depends on what kind of renovation is being done, so talk to your contractor about a suggested completion date. If he tells you it will take around two to three weeks, expect that it will take a month to complete the job. This way you won’t tend to feel impatient or frustrated because it is taking longer than you were originally told.

If you are someone who has to stay at home during the process, try to plan to be away more than usual to avoid the stress of noise, dust, lack of privacy and inconvenience. Kids might stay overnight at a friend’s house while you and your significant other could rent a hotel room several nights a week.

When renovation involves the kitchen or disconnection of electricity, plan on eating out or preparing simple meals that do not require cooking, such as picnic-type items. This is where preparing ahead of time prevents sudden occurrences of annoying situations where you have to create a plan of action in the midst of all the chaos caused by the renovation.

Spend several hours talking with your contractor to examine what is going to be done, when it is expected to be done (days, time limits) and what sort of inconveniences are likely to occur during specific renovation procedures. This also helps break down costs into a more coherent form, in addition to keeping the process organized.

Decide on what is being renovated and how it is being renovated ahead of time. Write it down and do not deviate from these choices, unless it is necessary due to structural concerns. Indecisiveness is the main reason why homeowners involved in a home renovation process experience delays, cost increases and more stress than necessary. Make sure you and your contractor understand what is needed and desired by you, and have all items bought in advance. This way, you are less likely to suffer from moments of uncertainty.

Remove all valuable items from your home before renovation begins. This includes any antiques, breakables or other things you do not want to get dirty, dusty or, unfortunately, broken. Accidents will happen when power tools, lumber, paint buckets and several big men are working in a home so pack anything you don’t want damaged in boxes and put them somewhere safe until the renovation is completed.

Finally, while you are watching your home being destroyed in the process of renovation and wondering why you chose to do this in the first place, keep telling yourself that life will eventually return to the way it was, only this time you will be living in a beautiful, completely refurbished home.

Kitchens are not just rooms where food is cooked and eaten. They are also intimate havens where deep discussions take place, where the dog can find his food, where you can stumble in at three o’clock in the morning and snack on the last of the leftovers without being discovered.

Tip #1: Countertops 

What is the first thing you notice when walking into a kitchen? Countertops are like magnets which it comes to attracting out attention, serving as the basis of a first impression concerning a kitchen’s appearance. This is especially true in Clovis where kitchens are humbly small. A polished, attractive countertop adds elegance and space to an otherwise cramped kitchen.

Tip #2: Uncluttering the Clutter

You can give your kitchen the illusion of depth and spaciousness when living in a space-conscious apartment by removing items from countertops which you do not use on an everyday. Put your appliances away into cupboards so you can clean that countertop and make your kitchen shine. Engaging in organization as a way of redecorating epitomizes modernity.

Tip #3: Faucet Finesse

While a sink is just a sink, faucets come in different shapes and styles, from antique to traditional to unique. Gooseneck faucets which rise up and curve downward (like a goose neck, of course) are elegant yet functional in that they allow the person washing the dishes to clean large pots without bumping and scraping against the sink. In addition, gooseneck faucets are also made to turn on and off by touching anywhere on the faucet.

Tip #4: Home on the Range

If your daughter’s Easy-Bake oven looks and works better than your own stove, then it may be time to invest in a modern induction cooktop range that can cook foods quicker and save you up to 60% in energy costs. Also, the look of an induction cooktop is sleek and modern, enhancing any kitchen’s appearance and conserving space as well.

Tip #5: Techno-Kitchen

Take that sleazy portable television off the kitchen table that seems to drone on and on when no one is watching it and try a television/refrigerator combo that allows you to chop onions and watch Oprah at the same time. No one will know whether you are crying about some poor soul on Oprah or if it is the onion’s fault.

Tip #6: Naked Cabinets

Installing glass cabinet doors or simply removing cupboard doors will give your kitchen a breezy yet avant-garde appearance that seamlessly blends with clean countertops and new Gooseneck faucets. You can also have cabinets that feature an open, upper half and a closed bottom half in which you can store things that are personal or lack aesthetic qualities.

Tip #7: Starlight, Skylight

Having a skylight in your kitchen allows you to view the blue sky as the natural light filtering in helps reduce energy costs as well as make any apartment kitchen feel much more roomy. But when you can’t have a skylight, having a garden window can be the next best thing to experiencing the green charm of nature.

Tip #8: Don’t Throw That Away!

Recycling is not time-consuming if you have a kitchen that is already prepared to double as a place to store and bake food and a place to store and reuse items. Designating an area in your new kitchen to be used as a place to park recyclable items can save you money and also lend an air of “green” modernity to the more technological aspects of your kitchen.

Tip #9: Le Réfrigérateur

Everyone is guilty of cramming oversized boxes and containers into the minute panels of a side by side refrigerator, only to find whatever was in the box or container no longer part of the original food. A French door refrigerator, however, is equipped with actual French doors that open widely enough to cram in a 5′ x 5′ cookie sheet and a pizza box.

With Fresno bathrooms, redesigning advice tends to concern ways in which you can create a beautiful and comfortable bathroom while utilizing a small space which cannot be substantially modified. This is where self-expression and expert design principles are important components to consider when decorating your bathroom, as well as symmetrical and asymmetrical balance, and the color scheme of your bathroom rugs, fixtures and curtains.

Whispers or Explosions of Color

Painters express themselves in choosing colors with which to paint an image. You will be expressing your inner nature by the colors you choose with which to redesign your bathroom. Be aware, however, that cool, lighter hues such as blue or violet, reflect light and will result in making a small space appear airier and more spacious. Darker colors, on the other hand, absorb light which makes an area seem smaller and more compact. A color scheme composed of contrasting hues tends to divide a whole space into smaller spaces, which may be more applicable for larger bathrooms.

Illuminating Your Dream Bathroom

In addition to aesthetic qualities, lighting in your bathroom should contribute to your safety as well. While frosty illumination may give a dreamy, ethereal element to a bathroom, you want to be able to see exactly what you are doing when shaving, plucking eyebrows or applying makeup. You could achieve both affects, however, by installing theatrical mirror lighting, which will give you appropriate lighting when you need it and quieter illumination when you don’t. In addition, if you simply cannot change the lighting in your apartment bathroom, designing with lighter colors in mind will maximize the what lighting is available.

Balancing Acts in a Bathroom Makeover

Creating a sense of aesthetic balance either symmetrically or asymmetrically when redesigning your apartment bathroom is easily achieved by placing objects at certain points or in conjunction with empty spaces (called “voids” in architecture speak). While symmetry is based on repetition, the dynamics of asymmetry are created when you refrain from repetition. However, the problem with asymmetry is overdoing it to the point where the effect resembles the disturbing, disconnected images in a funhouse. If you are not sure of the balancing act you have created in your bathroom, look at images of Asian design styles which represent asymmetrical design.

Playing With Patterns and Textures 

Adding texture and pattern to a bathroom does not require a physical renovation, although you might think it does because surfaces in a bathroom are water-resistant and easily cleaned. Simple ways to enhance a bathroom with patterns and textures are by hanging big, fluffy towels on hooks or rungs and securing thick rugs to the floor with carpet tape. The design of a shower curtain is also vital to the overall pattern effect you wish to achieve in redecorating your bathroom. Light-colored shower curtains or those displaying diagonal or vertical lines can make a bathroom appear wider, taller or more spacious when combined with towels and rugs that compliment their impression.

Corralling the Clutter

Easily included in any budget when redesigning a bathroom is redecorating by de-cluttering. In addition to simply throwing away items which have expired, such as medications, you can also get creative by utilizing wall space in your bathroom. Small, lightweight shelves can be hung near the shower for placing shampoos and conditioners. A decorative wine rack is great to use for towel storage if your linen closet is already full. In addition, pouring shampoos or body lotions into decanters which are color-coordinated with your newly redesigned bathroom will eliminate a lot of “visual” clutter that tends to make a bathroom appear messier than it really is.

Don’t just imagine your dream kitchen–start investing in that dream by taking a look at these helpful tips for creating that kitchen in which you’ve always wanted to cook that exotic Indian dish wearing a colorful sari and sandals. Whether it’s more counter room you desire, or the addition of a gleaming white porcelain sink with stainless steel fixtures, designing your dream kitchen is a step-by-step process which requires dedication.

Updating Countertops and Cabinets

Kitchens draw their overall ambiance by the design of the cabinets and countertops. Even when working within a budget, you can still find quality, classic material to use that lasts for years and is visually striking. Contrasting solid colors will enhance any kitchen, no matter how small or large it is. Fresno kitchens especially benefit from the size-amplifying re-design of solid colored countertops and cabinets.

Stove Simplicity

With the latest kitchen appliance trends oriented towards energy conservation ideas and functionality, stoves and ranges are being redesigned with just those concepts in mind. Induction cooking ranges now allow you to enjoy the taste of grilled food, while stoves employ a more streamlined appearance to reduce the strong odor of certain foods. In addition, induction cooktops can reduce your gas costs by 60% more than convection ovens.

Fixture Fun

Kitchen fixtures not only refer to faucets but also to drawer pulls and light fixtures. Redesigning your kitchen by changing the style of these fixtures can add a delightful touch of sophisticated elegance or old-fashioned charm, depending on the make of the fixtures. Whether it is hand-crafted colored glass drawer pulls or stainless steel Gooseneck faucets, replacing your old boring kitchen fixtures with vibrant new ones will make your kitchen look fashionably new.

Think Before Redesigning

Redesigning your kitchen means implementing features which facilitate what you do in a kitchen–prepare delicious food for yourself or your family. However, if you have kids who like to hang out and do their homework in the kitchen, then installing an expansive, durable countertop should be part of your redesigning plans. In addition, if you are someone who regularly cooks for a group of people, investing in a French-door refrigerator would be more functional than opting for a traditional refrigerator.

Invest with the Future in Mind

Dream kitchens may look high maintenance but in reality you want one that requires little upgrading or repairing. Marble countertops may be the most exquisite countertops you’ve ever seen but do you really want to cringe every time someone sets something hard and potentially damaging on it? You also don’t want to spend your spare time cleaning your dream kitchen, so redesign with the concept of low maintenance in mind. That way you will indeed be the proud owner of a dream kitchen.

Invest with the Future in Mind

Some tips to consider when redesigning your Fresno dream kitchen:

• use energy-saving appliances

• utilize materials that are eco-friendly such as stone or bamboo

• install hooks inside cupboards to hang items and save space

• implement a galley kitchen design by placing cabinets and appliances on one side of the kitchen

• using a neutral color such as off white or light gray can create the illusion of an even, fluid kitchen

• open shelving gives an apartment kitchen a fresh, contemporary appearance

So you have this image of what your newly remodeled bathroom is going to look like and you are wondering where to start. Remodeling your bathroom does involve more than changing the color scheme and replacing your old toilet tank with a new one. You should also think about functionality, space, accessorizing and creating an illusion of spaciousness, especially when dealing with the quintessentially small Clovis bathroom. Writing down your ideas and goals prior to plunging right in to the project is always a good idea to avoid a sort of “buyer’s remorse” when it comes to actually implementing the items you have purchased.

Handy List of Bathroom Makeover Possibilities

• light fixtures

• cabinets

• flooring

• faucets

• toilet

• vanity

• shower/bath

• accessories

• plumbing fixtures

Be aware that using even slightly larger items in a small bathroom will cause it to feel and look cramped. For example, if you prefer having a laundry hamper in the bathroom, use a shorter, thinner one instead and fold clothes flat when placing them in the hamper instead of just throwing them in to save space. In addition, you could save even more space by opting for a wall-mounted sink rather than a space-hogging vanity.

About Showers and Toilets

Saving space in an apartment is the name of the game when remodeling any room, especially the bathroom. You might consider removing the tub and just having a shower stall instead to access additional space. A pale-colored shower curtain that is left slightly open will provide even more illusory spaciousness in a small bathroom. Sliding glass doors will also contribute to your bathroom exuding a larger impression.

To Paint or Not to Paint

If you choose to repaint your bathroom, use light colors such as white or blue or light green. If this is too plain for your taste, you can complicate the simplicity by adding wallpaper borders or stenciled designs. One popular bathroom painting technique is marbling and veining, a style favored by interior designers. Also, whatever color you choose to paint your bathroom walls should be lighter than the floor tiles, as this will make the room appear more commodious. Since bathrooms are frequently humid and steamy, use a semi-gloss paint rather than a matte paint, which seals in color while preventing moisture from damaging the paint itself. For even more variety, consider tiling half the wall and only painting the upper half.

Illuminating Your Dream Bathroom

Installing a dimmer switch in your bathroom gives you both low and high lighting when desired, as well as saves energy costs. It creates a quiet, soothing illumination that makes a long soak in the tub even more relaxing. Other lighting options to think about when remodeling your bathroom are pendant or small chandelier lights; wall-mounted lights (sconces) which function well when place on either side of the vanity mirror; and using natural light during peak daytime hours. This means leaving a window that has been placed strategically curtainless, or perhaps placing several small potted plants on the sill for a warm, earthy effect.

Bathroom Remodeling Clovis.

Outdoor kitchens are certainly not a new idea; they have been popular in the Mediterranean for hundreds of years. Today, many people around the world, including Californians, are catching on to the advantages of having an outdoor kitchen. As a result, many Fresno kitchen remodeling projects are now including outdoor kitchens.

What is an Outdoor Kitchen?

Outdoor kitchens are typically fully functional so you can prepare meals outside without traipsing back and forth to your interior kitchen. Elements commonly included in an outdoor kitchen are a grill island, a dining area and cabinets. Many outdoor kitchens also include a sink and refrigerator as well as a bar with seating. Your outdoor kitchen can be as simple as you wish or as intricate as you can dream up—some even include an ice machine and a full outdoor bar. You might even think about incorporating other elements such as a fire pit during your Fresno kitchen remodeling project.

Benefits Offered by Outdoor Kitchens

If you enjoy cooking outdoors during the warmer months, then an outdoor kitchen may be just the right solution for your home. Plus, an outdoor kitchen may even save you money: if you cook outdoors then added heat from the oven and stove won’t force your air conditioner to work overtime cooling your whole home down again. Besides, an outdoor kitchen makes it a breeze to create a great meal without creating a mess inside.

Designing your Outdoor Kitchen

Today outdoor kitchens are far more than just a grill and some patio furniture. When designing your outdoor kitchen you should need to take several factors into consideration, including the type and size of grill you would like as well as the number of levels of cooking space that you’ll need. Also think about what kind of lighting is best for your outdoor kitchen. For example, if you plan to entertain after dark, then you’ll want to add some softer lights in order to help set the mood. Flooring is also an important consideration. There are many different types of special flooring that can be considered for your outdoor kitchen, including natural stone, brick or even concrete. All of these materials work well because they won’t warp or crack from moisture or extremes of hot and cold.

Your RFMC kitchen remodeling contractors can you create the outdoor kitchen of your dreams. If you are interested in creating an outdoor cooking and entertainment space that is functional, yet relaxing and comfortable, contact us today.

Kitchen Cabinets Clovis

July 10, 2010

If you are considering renovating your Clovis kitchen to give it a fresh new look, you might consider adding new cabinets. Simply changing your cabinets is a great way to give your kitchen a completely new design.

Benefit from Professional Help

The first step is to hire a quality contractor to add new kitchen cabinets. A professional contractor will assist with measuring the layout as well as suggest new ways to increase storage areas and maximize space.

If you are satisfied with your current kitchen cabinets, you might think about simply re-facing your existing cabinets. Re-facing your cabinets is a great budget-friendly option that allows you to keep the existing frame while enjoying the feel of an entirely new cabinet.

Warm up your Kitchen with Wood

Another option is to have unfinished wood cabinets installed. Wood is a beautiful and stylish choice that is also quite durable. Unfinished kitchen cabinets come in a variety of styles and wood species. (Ash, knotty pine, cherry, hickory and maple are popular choices, but there are many others to choose from. There are a variety of different stains that your kitchen renovation specialist can apply to the unfinished cabinets to create the specific look you’re striving for.

Maximize Storage Space

Along with the actual look and style of your new kitchen cabinets, you can also take advantage of a variety of storage designs that will make it easier to organize your entire kitchen. Consider such features as built-in trays for cooking utensils, cutlery and cleaning supplies or rotating shelves. Rotating shelves make it easy to access storage in cramped Clovis kitchens.

RFMC has renovated hundreds of Clovis kitchens to create new custom cabinetry or replace existing cabinet doors. Contact one of our remodeling consultants today to discuss your options.

Fresno / Clovis Kitchen Countertops

May 7, 2010

The most distinctive elements of your newly remodeled Fresno or Clovis kitchen renovation project are the appliances, the cabinets and the countertops. Truly the face of your Fresno or Clovis kitchen remodeling project, these three elements work together to create the perfect look for what is usually the busiest room in the home.

Fresno / Clovis Kitchen countertops pose a specific problem: you want to choose colors and textures that add to the room’s design but also need countertops that are durable enough to withstand daily use and don’t require regular maintenance. Luckily, there are plenty of choices for discerning homeowners from sophisticated natural stone to durable—and sustainable—recycled or engineered solid surface countertops.

Here are some of the types of kitchen countertops available to Fresno and Clovis homeowners today.

Ceramic Tile

Ceramic tile is perhaps the most versatile Fresno or Clovis kitchen countertop material since there are literally millions of tiles to choose from. Ceramic tiles are heat resistant but they will also create an uneven surface and can still chip or crack easily, which means you may have to replace individual tiles periodically. Grout lines can also stain and may need to be reapplied.

Natural Stone

Natural stone adds sophistication to your Fresno / Clovis kitchen since each stone is entirely unique. But different types of stones have varying degrees of durability: a granite countertop should withstand daily use fairly well, whereas marble will stain and scratch very easily.

Engineered Stone

Engineered stone countertops are relatively heat, scratch, stain and acid resistant and come in a larger variety of colors. A quartz-composite product that’s made with colored pebbles, polymers, and epoxy, engineered stone countertops are one of the most durable options you can choose.

Solid Surface Countertops

Solid surface countertops of polyester-resin or recycled materials. Because they are solid you can sand out any scratches, burns and stains. These diverse surfaces can also be cut or molded into any shape, making them a great choice for uniquely shaped counters. They’re also durable and very easy to clean.

Eco-Friendly Countertops

There are even green countertop options available to the eco-conscious homeowner. IceStone, made from recycled glass and concrete, and Richlite, made from paper-based fiber composites, are two of the most promising products available.

Wood / Butcher Block

Wood or butcher-block countertops add warmth to any Fresno or Clovis kitchen. They’re easy to clean and can be sanded and resealed as often as you need. They can also be damaged by water, stains, or knife cuts, though. While these marks can certainly be sanded out, butcher-block countertops do need more maintenance than other products.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is heat resistant and easy to clean, but it does dent easily, so you can’t cut vegetables or bread on its surface. Stainless steel countertops can also be relatively expensive since they need to be custom fitted.

Concrete

Concrete countertops scratch resistant and new treatments eliminate cracking and reduce porosity. Since they’re entirely customized—they’re cast right in your kitchen and so can be fitted to the most unique design ideas—they can be quite expensive.

Glass-top Countertops

Clear, frosted or colored glass countertops pair well with concrete, wood, metal or stone for a textured and high-end feel for your luxury kitchen. And since tempered glass is nonporous it doesn’t stain.

Whether you’re a Fresno or Clovis resident looking to renovate your current kitchen design, RFMC can help.

Fresno / Clovis Home Resale Value

April 18, 2010

As the Fresno & Clovis housing market grinds to a halt, more and more Fresno & Clovis homeowners find themselves stuck in an overcrowded and out-dated home. You may not be able to move anytime soon, because while you can get a deal on a new home, it may be difficult to sell your current one. However, you can certainly take some steps to both improve your current living situation and ensure that when the market does swing back up, your Fresno or Clovis home improvements will be attractive to potential buyers.

Make It More Energy Efficient

Everyone’s worried about rising fuel costs, so transforming your home from an energy hog to an energy efficient powerhouse will both attract potential buyers and help your bottom line right now. A home energy audit in Fresno or Clovis is a good way to start: an energy audit evaluates how much energy your home uses and how it uses it so that you know what steps you can take to improve its efficiency. Sealing your home’s thermal envelope via replacement doors and windows and effective insulation will stop heated air from escaping in winter and cold air in summer. Further steps like adding solar panels or a geothermal heating and cooling system will make your home an energy producer instead of merely a user and will cut your utility bills dramatically.

Landscape

Curb appeal is essential: a poorly landscaped or neglected lawn has the potential to turn off potential buyers before they even enter your home. Choosing eco-friendly landscaping like plants with low water needs will both decrease maintenance time and water wastage. Adding plants like trellised vines near windows will decrease passive solar heat during summer, and, in winter when the plants die back, provide much needed light during dark cold months.

Update Appliances

Update refrigerators, ovens, dishwashers, washing machines and dryers. Choose Energy Star models when possible: they use less energy and water, making them attractive for both your current bottom line and your prospective buyers. Choose neutral colors and finishes, though: while you may adore the fire engine red dishwasher others may be turned off and prefer a stainless steel or white finish.

Renovate The Kitchen and Bathrooms

Make sure the cabinetry, wall covering and flooring in the Fresno kitchen and all Clovis bathrooms are up-to-date, clean, and well maintained. These are the most used rooms in any home and therefore suffer from the most wear and tear. Tile flooring is a perfect choice for both kitchens and bathrooms as they’re easy to clean and relatively durable. Wooden cabinetry is likewise a great choice because, should they become marked or scratched, they can be sanded and refinished. Finally, when repainting, choose neutral colors that both brighten rooms and appeal to the widest variety of potential homeowners.

So don’t despair about the current housing market—be proactive. A few simple steps now can make your time in your current home more enjoyable while ensuring that you’ll get the maximum value for the property once you’re ready to sell.

If you’d like to learn more about improving your home’s resale value, RFMC can help. RFMC has years of experience in home improvement in the Central Valley area.

Fresno / Clovis Energy Efficient Home

April 5, 2010

Just about everyone these days is concerned about ways to lower their electricity and gas bills. And as the fuel crisis is coinciding with the housing crisis in this country, more and more people are remodeling their homes rather than moving to another location. These Fresno and Clovis home improvement projects provide the perfect opportunity to not only give your home a fresher look, but also offer a chance to save money on long term utility costs with energy efficient building strategies.

Seal Your Home’s Thermal Envelope

The first and most important step in making sure you’re home is efficient is to ensure that you have a tight seal around your home—also called the thermal envelope–aren’t merely leaking heated or cooled air to the outside. Make sure doors and windows are properly sealed. Depending on the age of your windows, this may mean replacing windows with newer more energy efficient models.

Adding spay-in insulation to traditionally inaccessible areas like attics and crawl spaces can reduce energy use by 15-20%; spray-in insulation can fill in small gaps and cracks that are oftentimes invisible to the eye.

Use Alternative Energy Sources

No one likes the idea of relying on fossil fuels anymore: they leave a massive carbon footprint and prices are still skyrocketing. Luckily, there are several sources of alternative energy open to suburban homeowners such as solar heat Fresno geothermal heating and cooling, and wind energy.

In the past, many homeowners resisted installing Fresno solar panels because they were quite expensive and inefficient but newer solar technology has made this infinite resource much more accessible to home.

Fresno Geothermal technology is an even more accessible and reliable source of energy for heating and cooling. Clovis Geo-thermal heating and cooling technology uses the ground, rather than outside air, to provide heating and cooling. The process is relatively simple: pipes or coils are installed beside your home in one of four ground loop styles—vertical, horizontal, slinky and pond. A liquid is then piped through the loop to pick up heat from the ground during the winter or to deliver heat to the ground in summer.

Another developing source of alternative energy is wind power. It used to be that wind energy only came from massive wind turbines, but residential-scale wind turbines are starting to appear on the market and may be a viable option for some suburbanites. This newer generation of wind turbines, which convert wind power into electricity, are quiet, durable and can connect to your home’s power grid. You’ll need to investigate your area’s zoning restrictions first, since regulations vary from state to state.

Install Energy Efficient Appliances

Installing energy efficient appliances can dramatically reduce the amount of energy you use and therefore lower your monthly bills.

Newer Energy Star energy efficient refrigerators can reduce your energy use by 10%. These newer energy efficient refrigerators have better insulation and more efficient compressors, as well as more precise temperature and defrost mechanisms, but some are more efficient than others. In general, a top freezer model uses 10-25% less energy than side-by-side models and forgo the automatic ice-maker since it can increase your fridge’s energy use by 14-20%.

Water and energy efficient dishwashers can likewise make quite an impact on your energy bills: an Energy Star qualified dishwasher could save you up to $30 a year in utility costs. These dishwashers use less energy and less water—which is as good for the environment as it is for your wallet.

Fresno / Clovis Bathroom Sinks

March 24, 2010

The Fresno or Clovis bathroom sink along with the shower/tub and toilet, is one of the most important parts of your Fresno or Clovis bathroom design. Whether you choose a dramatic imported ceramic vessel sink or porcelain his-and-her pedestal sinks, the color, shape and type of sink you choose can have a dramatic impact on your Fresno bathroom’s design. Your home itself may even guide your sink choice: a small city bathroom can be made to feel more spacious with a wall-mounted sink while a sprawling suburban manor would do well with a vanity sink.

Pedestal sinks feature a bowl placed at a comfortable standing height that rests on a pedestal base. Porcelain pedestal sinks are particularly popular because their white color complements every design and they offer a clean, crisp look. These sinks, while they save on space and exude a look of minimalism, lack the storage of a cabinet or countertop sink. You can offset that lack of space with a nearby bureau, medicine cabinet, or closet in an adjacent hallway.

Wall mounted or floating sinks hand from a wall at a comfortable standing height. You can purchase a wall mounted sink with a matching base beneath the basin for extra support and to conceal plumbing. Wall mounted sinks are a particularly wise choice in smaller bathrooms and for homeowners who crave the minimalist look. As with pedestal sinks, wall mounted sinks don’t provide any storage, so you’ll have to make provisions for storing toiletries and sundries in your design scheme.

Vessel Sinks

Vessel sinks are simply bowls that rest on a countertop or, more uncommonly, attach to the wall with a bracket. These distinct sinks offer the most possibility for adding flare and a dash of panache to your Clovis bathroom design. An imported ceramic and glass sink in any one of a variety of colors, designs, and textures can serve as a truly unique focal point for your Fresno or Clovis bathroom. If you choose to mount your vessel sink of a countertop, you’ll also have plenty of storage underneath.

Vanity or Countertop Sink

A vanity sink is a basin that fits directly onto a countertop. You can also choose an under-counter sink, which is attached to the underside of the countertop. (This is the type of sink that you’re probably most familiar with.) Both types of sinks are used with Fresno bathroom vanities and consoles to provide storage space. Pairing the basin with the vanity and both in turn with the bathroom’s overall design, can add texture and depth to your bathroom in Fresno County or Clovis.

While the bathroom sink option may seem staggering, RFMC is uniquely equipped to help you design, select, and install every party of your Fresno or Clovis bathroom renovation project. As full-service renovation specialists, RFMC is poised to make your dream bathroom a reality on time and on budget.

Fresno / Clovis Green Bathroom Remodeling

March 5, 2010

Everybody wants to create greener, healthier homes these days: it’s healthier for you and for our planet. But how do you go about greening your Fresno bathroom when you’re ready to renovate? There are several elements to a bathroom that are perfect opportunities for choosing non-toxic, water efficient or recycled products. They include:

Low-Flush Toilets

The toilet is by far the most used component in any Clovis bathroom. Style is essential and so whichever model you choose it should fit into your Fresno bathroom’s design, but by choosing a low-flow toilet you can dramatically reduce your water wastage. These 1.6-gallon low flush toilets can reduce water use by 12,000 gallons per year. Using a dual-flush (0.9 gpf/1.6 gpf) toilet can reduce water consumption by even more—at least 30%.

Green Flooring

Fresno bathroom flooring has to be able to withstand moisture and heat without warping, which is why tile has traditionally been the most popular and practical choice. If you want a green tile option, consider recycled glass tiles, or engineered stone tiles. Wood flooring is also a good choice as it adds a warmth and sophistication to the room. Green wood flooring options include engineered wood, cork or bamboo. While wood bathroom flooring can be problematic because of warping, both cork and bamboo are naturally resistant to mold, mildew and bacteria, and naturally repel moisture—all valuable qualities for a green Clovis bathroom floor.

Green Countertops

The same companies that produce solid surface and recycled Fresno kitchen countertops produce materials that can be used in your eco-friendly Clovis bathroom. Engineered stone, recycled fiber, recycled solid surface, recycled aluminum and concrete countertops are all eco-friendly, durable, and low-maintenance alternatives to tile or natural stone countertops.

Low-VOC Paint for the Walls

When repainting your bathroom, choose low or zero VOC paints. Why? Traditional paints contain toxic chemicals—or volatile organic compounds (VOC)–like solvents, heavy metals, chemical residuals, formaldehyde or other harmful preservatives that off-gas into the air, creating an unhealthy environment for you and your family. Luckily, many companies today offer low or zero VOC alternatives for both interior surfaces. And since they come in a staggering array of colors, your bathroom design won’t have to suffer.

Recycled Tiles for Walls or Flooring

Tile is by far the most popular choice for bathroom walls and flooring. Why? It doesn’t buckle or warp from moisture and it’s really easy to clean: all you need is a damp sponge! For those looking to green their bathroom renovation projects, choose recycled glass or metal tiles, engineered stone tiles, or recycled leather tiles.

Fresno / Clovis One Piece Toilets

February 16, 2010

Thinking about remodeling your Fresno / Clovis bathroom? In the Fresno’s fast-paced urban environment, nothing says luxury like you very own in-home spa. But whether you live in Fresno or Clovis, your bathroom design will always be centered around functionality. This makes picking the perfect toilet a crucial step in your Fresno bathroom renovation project.

The first consideration is of course design: your new toilet should fit into your Clovis bathroom’s overall look. But before you buy, there are other things to consider: is having a low or dual flush toilet to conserve water more important than having a high tech Japanese toilet? Or are you more concerned with a simple and cost-effective option?

Once you’ve established what your priorities are, its time to start looking at your options.

Toilets come in two basic formats: a one or two-piece.

One Piece Toilets

A one-piece toilet is a single unit that is relatively easy to clean. One-piece units include a tank, lid, bowl, toilet seat, wax ring with sleeve, two flange bolts and two bolt caps. The main advantage of a one-piece toilet is that there’s less of a risk of leakage between the bowl and tank—a big plus for heavily used Fresno bathrooms.

Two Piece Toilets

In two-piece toilets the tank and bowl are separate and must be purchased individually. Two-piece toilets are usually less expensive than one-piece units, but you need to make sure that you purchase all the necessary elements. (For example, the toilet seat is sometimes not included with the bowl.

Once you’ve decided whether you need a single or two-piece toilet, there are other options to think about when beginning your Clovis bathroom remodeling project.

Dual Flush Toilets

If you’re concerned about the environment—which most of us are nowadays—dual flush toilets use a low flow flush for liquid waste and high flow flush for solid waste, effectively saving up to 18,000 gallons of water per year and making you Fresno bathroom remodeling project extra green.

Low Flush Toilets

And if you’re committed to creating as green a home as you can, consider a low flush toilet. Consumer demand has created such a wide a variety of low flush toilets to choose from they you don’t need to sacrifice quality or design to reduce water wastage in your Clovis bathroom. These 1.6-gallon low flush toilets reduce water use by 12,000 gallons per year. Consider, for example, Toto’s one-piece UltraMax: it’s one of the best performing low flush toilets on the market.

Luxury Toilets

These personal hygiene systems boast built-in deodorizers, remote-controlled bidets, air dyers, seats that automatically raise and lower and a self-cleaning feature. Adding one of these high tech toilets will take your bathroom to a whole new level and transform it from a simple Fresno bathroom to a luxury spa.

Fresno / Clovis Bathroom Flooring

February 2, 2010

Choosing the perfect flooring for your Fresno bathroom remodeling project can be tricky. You need to find the perfect balance between your Clovis bathroom design needs and the limitations of a bathroom: your Clovis bathroom’s flooring needs to be able to withstand moisture and heat without warping.

Tile is a therefore a popular choice for you Fresno bathroom floors: ceramic, stone, and glass tiles are durable and easy to maintain. They also offer a wonderful array of colors and textures sure to fit into every design. But there are other options available to you, depending on your Fresno bathroom’s function and the dynamics of your family. (Bamboo, for example, is a wonderful eco-conscious choice, but may not be the best option for a child’s bathroom, which is prone to flooding and quite a bit of splashing!)

Here are some popular bathroom flooring options:

Tile Flooring

Tile flooring is resistant to moisture damage and easy to maintain. Many Fresno and Clovis homeowners are also choosing tiles for their Fresno bathroom walls: their resistance to warping from steam means no chipping or cracking paint, peeling wall paper or water-stained walls. Choose from: ceramic and porcelain; glass; Jerusaleum stone; natural stone; metal; recycled leather; and concrete tiles. Or mix and match for texture and depth.

Bamboo Flooring 

If you want wood in your Clovis bathroom remodel, bamboo, a durable wood substitute, is more eco-friendly than traditional hardwoods because it matures in just three years. It regenerates without replanting and doesn’t need much fertilizer or pesticides. Since no added chemicals are needed, bamboo is also a less toxic product. Bamboo is also naturally resistant to mold, mildew and bacteria, and naturally repels moisture.

Cork Flooring for Bathrooms

Another wood option is cork. It’s a sustainable green product because no trees are killed during the production of the flooring: the bark, which re-grows within 9 years, is merely peeled back without harming the whole tree. Like bamboo, cork is naturally resistant to mold, mildew and bacteria, and naturally repels moisture. Its structure also naturally absorbs heat and sound, making it a fabulous insulator.

Crave the sumptuous of wood but need something more durable for your bathroom? Consider laminate flooring: a good laminate floor, while not as resistant to moisture as tile, will repel more dampness than a traditional hardwood floor.

Engineered Wood Flooring for Bathrooms

Engineered wood looks exactly like expensive and vulnerable hardwood floors but is highly durable. Brands like Armstrong, Anderson, and Mirage offer engineered wood flooring in a variety of solid hardwood veneer surfaces to match every design.

Whether you want traditional tile for your bathroom floors or sustainable wood products for your Fresno bathroom renovation, RFMC can design, supply, and install all of your flooring needs from exotic to sustainable materials.

Kitchen Remodeling Fresno

January 18, 2010

Remodeling Your Fresno Kitchen? Make it Green

If you’re tired of your old, out-dated kitchen and thinking about remodeling, consider transforming your home’s hearth into an eco-friendly and energy efficient room. Creating a green kitchen in Fresno reduces your exposure to toxic chemicals, reduces your carbon footprint and will ultimately save you money on utility bills—which allows you to make back a little of what you’ve been losing on heating and cooling costs (not to mention what you’re losing at the pump lately). But with fuels costs rising and carbon emissions at an all time high, it’s comforting to know that the process of transforming your Fresno kitchen into a green room is relatively simple and involves choosing energy- and water-efficient appliances and choosing sustainable and non-toxic products whenever possible. Other issues, such as ensuring that all exterior windows and doors in the room are properly sealed will ensure that you don’t lose heat in winter or cool air in summer.

Here are some easy ways to green your Fresno project.

Choose an Energy Efficient Dishwasher

An Energy Star qualified dishwasher can actually save you up to $30 a year in utility costs. These Energy Star qualified dishwashers use at least 41% less energy than the federal minimum standard for energy consumption and, since they use less water (and less hot water) than standard models, you’ll also waste less water—which is good for the environment. To further increase your Energy Star dishwasher’s efficiency only run the dishwasher with a full load since most of the energy used goes to heat water and select the air-dry option rather than the heat-dry, rinse-hold and pre-rinse features.

Choose an Energy Star Refrigerator

Your refrigerator is the single biggest electricity hog in your Fresno kitchen so switching to an Energy Star refrigerator can actually lower your entire energy use by more than 10%. Newer energy efficient models have better insulation and more efficient compressors, as well as more precise temperature and defrost mechanisms. But if you want to buy the most energy efficient fridge possible: select a top freezer model since it uses 10-25% less energy than side-by-side models; forgo the automatic ice-maker since it can increase your refrigerator’s energy consumption by 14-20%; forgo the anti-sweat feature or buy a fridge with an energy saver switch that turns down heating coils since these heaters consume 5-10% more energy than fridges without one; and keep in mind that the most energy-efficient refrigerators are 16-20 cubic feet.

Choose Zero VOC Paints

Before repainting your Fresno kitchen, take some time to consider not only the perfect color but also the type of paint. Many traditional paints contain toxic chemicals—or volatile organic compounds (VOC)–like solvents, heavy metals, chemical residuals, formaldehyde or other harmful preservatives that off-gas into the air long after the paint has dried, creating an unhealthy indoor air quality for you and your family. (This is why pregnant women are asked not to do any painting because of the risk these chemicals pose to their unborn children.)

There are many low or zero VOC paints available today in a staggering array of colors so that giving your Fresno kitchen remodel a new look doesn’t have to mean endangering your health.

Choose a Green Countertop

Engineered stone, recycled fiber, recycled solid surface, recycled aluminum and concrete countertops are all green, durable, and hassle-free solutions to traditional tile or natural stone countertops. Some popular brands to consider include: CaesarStone, Richlite, True Form Concrete, IceStone, Avonite, Alkemi, and Eleek.

RFMC is ready and able to help you with your Fresno kitchen renovation whether you want to simply buy green products like LED lights or get an energy audit to determine all of the ways we can save you money while protecting the environment at the same time.