Top 3 Questions to Ask Your Residential Remodeling Contractor

Choosing a residential remodeling contractor is a big step. Whether you are undertaking extensive home renovations, a bathroom remodeling project, or custom millwork additions, finding the right professional has the potential to make a huge difference in your enjoyment of the finished project. It can also save you quite a bit of time and money.

There are three questions to ask your remodeling contractor.

  1. Are you an industry insider? An insider has formed working relationships with a broad range of suppliers, contractors and other professionals. This benefits you because it results in favorable material pricing, accurate estimating and realistic scheduling of your project.
  2. Do I need a permit? With the exception of a few handyman-type jobs, the majority of home renovations may need one or more permits. A seasoned remodeling contractor knows this and should have a process in place, which ensures that permits are pulled and work is scheduled with inspections factored into the flow of the labor.
  3. How long have you been in business? Although everyone has to start sometime, you do not want your kitchen-remodeling project to be a remodeling specialist’s first job. The longer a company has been in business, the better its professional reputation is likely to be. A company that does not pay its bills, does shoddy work or fails to finish on budget and on time is unlikely to stay in business for more than a couple of years. Look for a time frame that is measured in decades.

At J. Schmidt Homes, we believe that our ranking among lead-free EPA certified firms and feature on Houzz bespeak our expertise, workmanship and quality of customer service. Contact us today for more information on our remodeling and home building services.

 

 

Custom Home Builder’s Tips for a Timeless, Contemporary Kitchen

Kitchens are the hub of any home, which is why kitchen design decisions become paramount when building a custom home. Your custom home builder will advise you on how to create a timeless kitchen look so your new construction home doesn’t seem outdated in just a few years. When working with your home builder in Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky, get inspired by home improvement shows, other new homes and kitchen design images online. According to an article by realtytoday.com, contemporary kitchen trends don’t necessarily conflict with a timeless look. It’s all about bringing in high-tech and electronic features with classic materials and finishes that never go out of style.

A smart kitchen

Your kitchen isn’t just a place to cook and sample different dishes. It’s also an area for entertaining and gathering with family. In addition to custom cabinets that automatically close, consider a wall-mounted high-definition television, a coffee machine enabled by your smart phone or tablet.

Warm metallic materials

After more than a decade of the stainless steel trendy, design experts suggest warming up your Midwest home with gold, copper and bronze. You can incorporate the materials in kitchen cabinet pulls and knobs, faucets and even backsplashes.

An open, airy feel

To achieve an open and airy feel in your kitchen consider using open shelving. Open shelving is popular with the farmhouse kitchen look, but can work in a contemporary kitchen. Another way to make the kitchen more open is to opt for a mobile kitchen island. People who like the industrial look choose islands with steel wheels and stainless countertops.

Whether you are relying on a custom home builder to construct a new home or to remodel your existing one, focus on ways to add excitement to your kitchen space. A recent article by Huffington Post says you can make your kitchen less boring with more color, a see-through dishwasher, mixed metals and blackened stainless steel appliances.

At J. Schmidt Homes, we are a custom home builder committed to our new home clients in the Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky areas. Let us help you design the kitchen and home of your dreams. For more information and ideas for your custom home, please contact us.

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