Kitchen Remodel Tips to Help You Achieve Your Dream Kitchen

When assessing their home for upgrades, many homeowners hope to remodel their kitchen to create an open and inviting space. As you may have noticed, kitchens are not only used for cooking; kitchens have evolved to be part of the main entertaining space in the home. When planning a kitchen remodel, it is always helpful to look at ideas to help you get an idea of what you want. Here are some kitchen remodel tips:

Custom Kitchen Remodel by Balducci Additions and Remodeling

Planning the Kitchen Layout

Typically, one of the first steps when planning a kitchen remodel is deciding on the kitchen layout. It is important to create enough space between walkways and high-traffic areas. In cooking zones, there should be 42 inches of space for a one-cook configuration and 48 inches for a two-cook configuration. Another important tip when choosing your kitchen layout is to be mindful of the location of your cabinetry, appliances, and how the two interact. You don't want to open a cabinet door to find out that it bangs into an appliance, or another cabinet, and ending up with damaged materials.

Choosing the Appliances

When planning the location of your appliances, try to avoid installing the cooktop in the island. It can be a hazard, especially for homeowners with kids. Additionally, it may be a good idea to have the refrigerator installed near the edge of the main cooking area (such as on the end of a row of cabinets). That way, the cook can easily access ingredients in the refrigerator, while a passer-by can also access the refrigerator for snacks or drinks without disrupting the cook.

Planning for Ample Countertop Space

Account for lots of countertop space. Countertop space is essential for prepping food, storing small appliances, and setting down miscellaneous items. One area of the kitchen that should have countertop space on either side is the cooktop. The landing space around this area is priceless while cooking. Another area that would benefit by having extra countertop space would be the microwave.

Deciding on Cabinetry

In a kitchen, there are many items that need to be stored away, which is why organization is a must-have. We recommend including some cabinet organization. Some good ideas for in-cabinet organization would be a knife drawer, a recycling bin, and racks for pots and pans.

In addition, avoid weighing down the room with an overabundance of cabinetry by mixing up cabinet details. For example, you can replace a regular wall cabinet with a couple of open shelves to show off your prettiest glassware. However, if you still need as much cabinet space as possible, try including some glass panels in your cabinets to make the room appear lighter.

Choosing the Finishing Touches

On a budget? Before you get too discouraged about not being able to include your dream materials or finishes, know that it is possible to include some high-end pieces while staying on a budget. We recommend choosing one or two high-end items, such as tiles for your backsplash or a range-hood that you love. Then, you can use these items as your focal points. Stick to the budget by saving money on your countertops, cabinetry, and other materials.

Kitchens are often considered the heart of the home, and the center for entertaining with family and friends. Before you invest in a complete kitchen remodel, it is important to research what you want beforehand. You don't want to go through an entire remodel to find out that you do not absolutely love your new space. Some important elements to consider when compiling kitchen remodel tips include: layout, cabinetry, countertops, appliances, and finishing touches.

We hope that these kitchen remodel tips helped you in planning your dream kitchen. Feel free to contact Balducci Additions and Remodeling to schedule an appointment.

Storage Solutions for a Bathroom Renovation

Photo: Pinterest

Does this sight look familiar? We can all imagine our bathrooms filled with products and other miscellaneous items that seem to make our countertops disappear. If this is the case, it may be time to consider alternative storage storage solutions for your bathroom renovation.

Wall Storage

Don't forget about the wall space! This is especially true for small bathroom renovations that don't have as much square footage available. Adding in a couple of shelves can be perfect for that extra bit of space that you need, while adding some visual interest to bare walls.

Photo: HGTV.com

Small Furniture Storage

A small piece of furniture, such as a small dresser, bench, storage ladder, or any other idea you can think of can be the perfect storage solution for your bathroom. As a bonus, freestanding storage can be easily swapped out as your style changes-without requiring any wall touch-ups.

Bathroom Renovation by Balducci Additions and Remodeling

Custom Cabinetry Storage

Perhaps the most luxurious storage solution, custom cabinetry can be one of the best investments for your bathroom renovation, When designing your bathroom renovation, it is important to bring in a professional, such as Balducci Additions and Remodeling, to assess your current bathroom and assist you in determining the best cabinet solution for you. For example, a center vanity console divides two sink areas to create "privacy" while including an abundance additional storage space.

Custom bathroom renovation by Balducci Additions and Remodeling

Under-Sink Storage

Don't neglect the space you already have! Is your under-sink cabinet being utilized to its fullest potential? If not, consider investing in sliding drawers or stacking bins. In comparison, if your under-sink area is open, purchasing baskets and bins to store away bath products are a necessity.

Photo: Bed Bath & Beyond

Storage is a huge concern for any homeowner-especially bathroom storage. These storage solutions are great ways to minimize the look of clutter and allow for relaxation. Your bathroom should be a place where you can escape the daily stresses of life-instead of feeling overwhelmed by clutter.

The Anatomy of a Relaxing Bathroom

As summer comes to an end, a load of responsibilities are set to start for many families as the kids go back to school. In preparation to school starting, it’s time to think about creating an oasis to escape to. Forget going to the spa and bring the spa to your home with these easy rules to make any bathroom a place to relax in. With National Relaxation Day on the 15th of this month, there’s no better time to transform your space (complete gut job is not required).

Create a calm space by decorating with a natural palette. The warm brown tones remind us of nature, which correlates to iPhone-less relaxation.

Stock up with white towels to add a luxury hotel feel. Bonus: buy fresh flowers that accentuate your decor.

Add some blues to your bath. The cool hues remind us of the ocean’s calming waves and the cool blue skies.

Consider lighting. A peaceful mood can be created by using lighting the right way. Skip the fluorescents and go for candles and a modern chandelier.

Even though these tips can be applied to almost any bathroom, it is important to include elements that help you to relax. Don’t be afraid to include your personality in your home design. As always, if these photos inspired you to get started on a bathroom remodel or addition, feel free to give us a call. We will be happy to set up an appointment for a free estimate! 804-730-0982.

Benefits of a Bathroom Renovation

Benefits of a Bathroom Renovation

While kitchen and bathroom remodels typically take the lead in remodeling projects, bathroom renovations tend to be the more popular choice in home renovations. Many people may prefer bathroom remodels to kitchen remodels since kitchen renovations tend to be more extensive and pricey. For those who want to save a bit of money for the time being, a remodeled bathroom can be a huge benefit to your home and family.

Custom bathroom renovation by Balducci Additions and Remodeling

More Tranquil and Relaxing

A bathroom renovation can create a more comfortable and calming space. The bathroom is typically one of the first and last places we go to during the day. Thus, it is important to create a space that you enjoy spending time in. A bathroom renovation can be the perfect way to add in spa-like fixtures and touches to create a more relaxing space.

Increase Home Value

According to the Remodeling 2016 Cost vs. Value Report (www.costvsvalue.com), the average job cost for a bathroom remodel is $16,634 with a resell value of just under $10,000 in the Richmond, VA area. While you will never see a full return on your investment, many homebuyers look for homes with a remodeled bathroom and will possibly make it easier to sell. Even if you don’t plan on moving within the next few years, a bathroom renovation is a practical update that will add comfort and style to your home.

Configure Bathroom Layout

If you currently find yourself constantly bumping into other fixtures and components, it might be time to change up your current layout. A bathroom renovation can bring the perfect opportunity to add more space to your bathroom by taking some square footage from other unused space next to the bathroom. If that isn’t an option, simply changing up the placement of the fixtures and components can make a world of a difference in design and efficiency. Additionally, a bathroom remodel can be the perfect opportunity to add more storage space and shelving.

Bathroom Remodel by Balducci Additions and Remodeling

Your bathroom should be an inviting room in your home that you enjoy, not somewhere that you continuously to run in and out of. Another added bonus of a bathroom renovation is the possibility of saving money on energy bills by incorporating energy-efficient fixtures and components. Your bathroom should be a place that you look forward to relaxing in. Our team at Balducci Additions and Remodeling would love to help you out in designing and executing your bathroom renovation.

© 2016 Hanley Wood Media Inc. Complete data from the Remodeling 2016 Cost vs. Value Report can be downloaded free at www.costvsvalue.com.

Contrasting Kitchen Island

Kitchen islands can be a huge benefit for any kitchen. They add extra counter space and storage, and can provide some additional seating. In addition, they can add some extra style to your space through your choice of cabinet color, cabinet style, and overall design choice. Don’t feel as though you need to match your kitchen design to your kitchen island to the “t.” One of the design trends that we saw emerge in 2016, and is expecting to stick around well into 2017, is a contrasting kitchen island.

Contrasting kitchen island in this recent kitchen renovation by Balducci Additions and Remodeling

Contrasting kitchen islands help to keep a kitchen from looking to sterile and repetitive. They add dimension and visual interest to the space. The contrasting kitchen island look can be achieved by contrasting the kitchen cabinet colors with the island, contrasting the kitchen countertop colors with the island, or a contrast of both.

A contrasting kitchen island can be perfect for a kitchen renovation because it can:

1. Add a pop of color to an otherwise neutral kitchen remodel. White kitchens continue to be a huge style trend into 2017. To keep them from looking too sterile, a contrasting kitchen island is perfect since it adds interest, warmth, and vibrancy to an otherwise cold room.
2. Add warmth to the space by incorporating natural wood hues to contrast with painted cabinetry. We love the look of adding in a wood kitchen island to contrast with white cabinetry!
3. Add dimension to an otherwise “static” kitchen renovation by adding in a kitchen island with a completely different style from the rest of the kitchen. For example, don’t be afraid to mix an industrial style island with an otherwise traditional kitchen. The clean lines of the kitchen island will perfectly contrast with the intricate designs of the rest of the cabinetry.

Our company recently completed a farmhouse inspired kitchen renovation that blew us away. The surrounding cabinetry was outfitted in white and was paired with a light beige granite countertop. To add dimension, we included an island with cherry cabinetry. The granite countertops continued into the island to add continuity to the space. Overall, we love the kitchen remodel and hope to complete more kitchen remodeling jobs with contrasting islands.

Contrasting kitchen island in this recent kitchen renovation by Balducci Additions and Remodeling

Need help coming up with some fresh ideas for your kitchen remodel? Please don’t hesitate to contact us. We would love to schedule an appointment to get started on the first phase of your kitchen renovation in the Richmond, Virginia area.

Home Addition: In-Law Suite

An estimated 60.6 million Americans now live in multi-generational homes, defined as “a household with two or more adult generations,” and it shows no signs of slowing down. There are many reasons for a household to turn into a multi-generational home.

With a large number of baby boomers that are financially able to include their parents or adult children in their homes, it allows for families to strengthen relationships with one another while living under the same roof. For many, it gives a “peace of mind” knowing that they can see their parents or children at home.

Some reasons why in-law suites are beneficial:

• Cut down on childcare costs
• Spend more time with family
• Peace of mind

Some things to consider when building an in-law suite:

Accessibility

By building the addition on the first floor, it will make it more accessible for the in-laws. Even if your parents or in-laws do not currently have mobility issues, it is a good idea to think ahead in the event that mobility becomes an issue.

Privacy

A separate entrance is typically preferred since the transition of moving in with a parent or in-law can be tough in some cases. Adding in a separate entrance to the suite can be a good solution.

Amenities

A large factor to consider when designing an in-law suite addition are the amenities. It is extremely important to assess what all needs to be included in the addition, and also note some items that may not be necessary now but could come in handy later on. For example, grab bars for the shower and wider doors could be necessary.

Kitchen

The choice to include a kitchen, or kitchenette, in the addition’s design is huge. It is important to determine what eating arrangements will typically be like for your family. Do you plan to have all meals separately? Eat every meal together? A mixture of the two? This will determine if you need to include a full kitchen with stove, a kitchenette with a microwave and small refrigerator, or no kitchen at all.

When considering building a home addition, whether that be an in-law suite, or just an addition to create more living space for your family, consider Balducci Additions and Remodeling. We have been serving the Richmond, Virginia area for over 30 years. Visit our page at balducciremodeling.com or call us toll free at 804-730-0982 to schedule an appointment for a free estimate.

Best Solutions for Bump-Out Additions

Bump-out additions can provide your home with a little extra living space, without the hefty investment of a full addition. As opposed to full additions, bump-out additions can only extend up to 3 feet away from the home and add 10 to 12 feet in width. While these types of additions cannot add an entire extra room to your home, they may be the perfect solution to provide a little extra living space to a cramped room.

Exterior View of an Addition Done by Balducci Additions & Remodeling

Extend the master suite

Your master suite should serve as your tranquil getaway in your home. If you’re one of the lucky ones with a first floor master, a bump-out addition could be the perfect solution in creating your dream master suite. One of the best ways to do this is to create your dream master bathroom. Adding a few feet onto the master bath can provide room to add in a separate soaking tub and shower, add in a walk-in shower, or even allow room for more storage or counter space. Either way, these projects are a sure way to create more efficient living space.

A less costly alternative would be to create your very own walk-in closet or dressing room. If your family is one of many to have cramped and overflowing closets, this might be a good solution for your bump-out addition.

Open up the kitchen

While it may be a bit pricier, re-configuring the kitchen layout could add more efficiency to your workspace. This is especially true if the working triangle is achieved. Not sure what the working triangle is? We touched on it in a previous post available here: Why You Need a Kitchen Island. A bump-out addition is a good way to ensure that your kitchen is efficient and add a little more room to cook.

Another option for a bump-out addition is to add a dining space or eating nook. While this is a cheaper option, that doesn’t mean that it is necessarily not as good as a full kitchen remodel. Adding on a dining area or breakfast nook in a bump-out addition will not only provide more square footage to your kitchen, but it will also provide another space for your family to get together and enjoy your home.

When considering a contractor for your addition, whether that be full sized or bump-out, there are some important things to look for such as: experience, reliability, and quality of product. Balducci Additions and Remodeling has been serving the Richmond, Virginia area and its surrounding counties for over 30 years. They take the time to ensure that their customers are provided with the highest quality services and products. Learn more about our company and visit our page at http://www.balducciremodeling.com

Is a Garage Addition Worth the Investment?

Garage additions are becoming more popular. They can be used to store your cars, tools, or provide room for a work space. When building a garage addition, some factors that largely determine the cost are: size and materials. The size of a garage addition can vary greatly considering the variety of car sizes on the market today. Another element that factors into the size of an addition is storage. Some homeowners prefer to have just the amount of storage needed for tools, paint, and other miscellaneous items needed for the home. Others plan on using a garage for storage space and work space alike. Generally, 2-car garages are more popular among home buyers than 1 car garages. The price of a garage can also vary depending on if it is attached or detached. Detached garages offer more flexibility in size and location than attached garages. Detached garages can also be a safer option since it can stop carbon monoxide from reaching your family since it is away from your home.

Cost vs. Value Report:

2016 Cost vs. Value Report from Remodeling Magazine

The data from Remodeling Magazine displays the average cost vs. value for a garage addition, which includes:

“Construct a 26-by-26-foot freestanding two-car garage, including footings and slab-on-grade foundation, 2×4 wood frame with OSB structural sheathing, and gable truss roof at 6/12 pitch. Install 25-year asphalt shingle roofing with galvanized metal flashing; vinyl siding and trim. Install five double-hung 30-by-48-inch vinyl windows; one 3-0/6-8 exterior door with half-glass and lockset; and two composite 9-by-8-foot overhead doors with motorized openers. Include 100-amp breaker at main house panel and 50 linear feet of trench buried conduit to feed new electrical subpanel. Provide electrical wiring for openers; three-way switching for fluorescent ceiling fixtures over each bay; three-way switching for two exterior spotlights; outlets to code. Interior wall, floors, and ceilings remain unfinished.”

As you can see from the chart above, the cost for building a garage addition has gone up in cost. However, the cost v. value for 2015 was at 64.8%. As always, the cost of any home improvement project depends on how often the space is utilized. If your family could benefit from having a safe place to store your cars or belongings, then consider Balducci Additions & Remodeling for your garage addition project.  Visit http://balducciremodeling.com/home-additions-contractor-richmond/ .

Why You Need a Kitchen Island

Kitchens are the heart of the home. It is where you family comes to gather around and enjoy each others’ company. However, some kitchens do not have space for entertaining, or are not efficient for the homeowners. Kitchen remodels are one of the most popular remodeling projects today. Whether your building a new home, or considering a kitchen remodel, take note of these added benefits of a kitchen island.

Photo: Skegg Kitchen

Extra counter space. In many homes, kitchens are high traffic areas with a lot of hustle and bustle before meal time. It can be a huge benefit to have a kitchen island in your home since it can provide you with much-needed extra counter space.

Adds storage. Many homeowners’ main complaint about their kitchen is its lack of storage space. A kitchen island is a great solution to add a little extra storage. Kitchen islands come in almost endless options so picking out a size that is suitable for your family can be an easy decision to make.

Improves kitchen layout. A kitchen island can improve the room’s layout by including an appliance such as a sink or stove. This can help to create the infamous “kitchen work triangle” in kitchens who do not currently have an effective layout. However, this can only be added if it is a permanent island since it requires the addition of plumbing and electricity.

Allows for flexibility. On the other hand, some kitchen islands can be moved around to better serve your needs and allow flexibility in the kitchen layout. In addition, moveable kitchen islands can be taken with you to any future homes.

Provide additional seating. A kitchen island is the perfect spot for a informal dining area, homework station, or just another place for guests to sit. Kitchen islands can be a perfect addition for your family to hang out at or to help with the cooking and cleaning.

Photo: Flickr

What do you think? What is your favorite benefit of having a kitchen island in your home?

Tips to Update Your Home Office

According to globalworkplaceanalytics.com, telework has grown about 94.8% in for-profit companies from 2005-2014 and we don’t see that number slowing down anytime soon. As the number of telecommuter jobs increases, so does the demand for a home office. We briefly mentioned home office spaces in our previous blog post: More Living Space: 5 Great Garage Conversion Ideas. A home office is beneficial for those who get distracted easily by things around the house and need more privacy to get work done at home. Don’t think updating your home office is worth the investment? Bank Rate claims that 44% of buyers would pay an extra $1,920 to pay for a home that includes a home office. A home office doesn’t have to break the bank. Here are some tips on creating a functional office space in your home:

Raise your computer to eye level. Many of us working desk jobs are hunched over day in and day out. Over time, this causes havoc to our health. A stand for your laptop will keep you neck and back straight.

Upgrade your desk chair. Traditional desk chairs can be dated and don’t provide much personality. Opt for an upholstered dining chair instead. Pick one that you love and you will want to sit there each day and get some work done! We like this one from West Elm:

Saddle Office Chairs – West Elm

Add some life to your space through plants or other greenery. We recommend low maintenance succulents for an effortless look. If you decide to go the floral route, try to avoid too much fragrance. This can cause a headache-definitely something that you want to avoid while working!

Curate your desk space. You should be leaving only the items that you use regularly out on your desk. All other items should be stowed away. In regards to the items that remain on your desk, these things should spark your creativity and inspire you to be productive.

Work Space – Photo: maryjanemorrisphotography.com

Want to see some inspirational home offices? Check out our “Home Office Inspiration” Pinterest board!

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