Bay Area Home Remodeling Including Bathroom and Kitchen Remodeling in Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Palo Alto ...

28 Jun / 2024

Partnering with a Design-Build Team to Realize Your Dream Project

June 2024

Construction drawing merging into a photograph depecting design-build remodeling

Partnering with a Design-Build Team to Realize Your Dream Project

Collaborating with a skilled Design-Build team empowers homeowners to see their home improvement vision materialize into reality, ensuring a successful and satisfying remodeling experience.

The Importance of Collaboration

At the heart of a successful Design-Build project is collaboration. It’s a process that allows us to merge our expertise with your specific goals and budget, ensuring that every decision is made with your vision in mind. This approach also ensures that issues are swiftly and effectively resolved, giving you more control over the remodeling process.

Benefits of a Design-Build Approach

Enhanced Communication: The Design-Build method improves communication by creating a single point of contact for the homeowner that streamlines the information flow. This method integrates designers and builders into one cohesive team, ensuring everyone is aligned with the project’s goals and timeline.

Shared Expertise: The combined knowledge of designers and builders leads to innovative solutions, more efficient resource use, and a higher-quality outcome. By working together, the team can foresee potential challenges and adapt the plans accordingly, using their collective expertise to create a more successful and smooth-running project.

Problem Solving: The Design-Build method minimizes the risk of miscommunication and delays. Combining design and construction services into one unified process ensures a smooth and efficient workflow. Plus, the single point of accountability simplifies project management and ensures that issues are addressed promptly, giving you peace of mind throughout the project.

Budget and Schedule Control: One critical benefit of the Design-Build approach is the control it gives homeowners over their budget and schedule. By addressing the budget parameters before the design process starts, we can ensure that the cost to build the final plans is within your budget. Additionally, by helping you make all finish and fixture selections before construction and providing a fixed-price quotation, we can order all the materials to ensure they arrive on time and confidently schedule labor and subcontractors. This process virtually eliminates change orders.

Diagram of traditional remodeling
vs design-build remodeling

Getting Started

An in-depth consultation is the first step in bringing your renovation dreams to life. During this initial meeting, you can discuss your project vision and outline your goals, budget, and desired outcomes. This will give our team a strong understanding of your needs and allow us to develop a strategic plan tailored to your unique circumstances.

We will also walk through how our process unfolds after that initial consultation. This includes detailing typical timelines for each phase, from developing initial design concepts and facilitating material selections to demolition and construction schedules.

Your involvement level will be clearly outlined, including when and how we will need your input, how any changes or budgetary issues are managed, what access you’ll have to the work site and more.

Transparency around quality assurance is paramount, so we will review procedures like inspections, code compliance verification, and our high artistry standards.

Finally, we understand this is a significant investment in your home, so details on warranties and protection policies are essential. We will review all labor and material warranties and our process for following up on any service needs after project completion.

Maintaining a Strong Partnership

Open communication remains key even after moving into your newly remodeled space. We will follow up to ensure all elements function as intended and you are completely satisfied. This also allows us to identify minor issues needing adjusting or servicing while everything is fresh. We see this as an extension of our quality assurance principles.

Moreover, we understand that your design tastes and lifestyle needs can evolve. Perhaps you eventually wish to renovate additional rooms or update design elements. Having an established partnership means we already have deep insight into your preferences and household dynamics to hit the ground running.

For clients taking on their first major renovation, the experience is often transformative in how they perceive home upgrades and enhancements. What was once intimidating may now feel like an exciting opportunity. We are here as a consultative resource to discuss future project ideas without any pressure, but we are always ready to revisit the design-build process together.

By prioritizing an authentic client relationship that extends from the design phase to well beyond the construction phase, we maintain the trust and communication vital to making any architectural undertaking a seamless, rewarding experience.

28 Jun / 2024

Transform Your Outdoor Living Area: Ideas, Trends, & Materials

May 2024

Large accordion glass doors allow your indoors to flow to your outdoor living area

Transform Your Outdoor Living Area: Ideas, Trends, & Materials

With summer just around the corner, the allure of unwinding on your deck, patio, or other outdoor living spaces might be on your mind.

Patios, decks, and outdoor rooms become focal points for relaxation, entertainment, and family gatherings. If you plan to transform your outdoor living space, here is a roundup of ideas, design trends, and materials to give you a solid starting point.

Embrace seamless indoor-outdoor living

One of the most popular trends in outdoor design is creating a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces. Blurring the lines between the two allows you to maximize your living area and create a cohesive flow throughout your home.

Consider installing large glass doors or folding accordion-style doors that open to your outdoor patio or deck. This will allow for easy access and encourage indoor-outdoor living, perfect for entertaining or simply enjoying the outdoors.

Choose the right materials

Selecting the best materials for your outdoor space is crucial for aesthetics and durability. Regarding flooring, natural stone, brick, stamped concrete, or porcelain tiles offer durability and visual appeal.

For decks, consider low-maintenance composite decking or sustainably sourced hardwoods. When choosing furniture and decor, use weather-resistant materials such as aluminum, teak, or resin wicker that can withstand the elements and require minimal upkeep.

Pergola provides some shade and shelter for an outdoor dining area

Eric Roth

Add shade and privacy

Incorporating shade and privacy elements into your outdoor space can make it more comfortable and inviting, especially during the hot summer months. Options include pergolas, awnings, umbrellas, and shade sails for overhead coverage.

For added privacy, consider installing outdoor curtains, trellises with climbing deciduous vines, or strategically placed landscaping features like trees, tall shrubs, or bamboo screens. Screened-in porches or enclosures are also excellent options for keeping bugs at bay while enjoying the outdoors.

Don’t forget lighting

Proper lighting is essential for ambiance and safety in your outdoor living area. Combine ambient, task, and accent lighting to create a warm, inviting atmosphere.

Options include overhead flush mount and pendant light fixtures, sconces, string lights, lanterns, pathway lights, and LED strip lighting. With well-placed lighting fixtures, highlight key features of your outdoor space, such as architectural elements, landscaping, or focal points like a fire pit or outdoor kitchen.

Enhance your outdoor living area with an outdoor kitchen like this one

Include an outdoor kitchen

An outdoor kitchen is the ultimate luxury if you love to cook and entertain outdoors. Design a functional cooking and dining area with a grill, refrigerator, sink, and ample counter space for food prep and serving.

Consider adding built-in storage cabinets, drawers, and shelving for storing cooking utensils, dinnerware, and other essentials. Enhance your outdoor area with a stylish dining set, bar stools, and accessories like a built-in wine cooler or outdoor pizza oven.

Be sure to have fun

To truly make your outdoor living area a destination for relaxation and fun, consider installing entertainment and recreational features, such as a built-in sound system and a projector and screen for outdoor movie nights. Adding a built-in heating system will extend the time you can enjoy your outdoor space into the cooler Spring and Fall months.

If you want to go all out, add amenities like a swimming pool, hot tub, fire pit, putting green, or bocce ball court for hours of enjoyment and recreation.

Creating an inviting outdoor living area requires thoughtful design and attention to detail in selecting the best materials and amenities to suit your lifestyle and preferences.

If you are dreaming about updating your outdoor space, contact us to make your dreams a reality.

10 Apr / 2024

Tips for Designing Multi-Functional Spaces in Your Home

April 2024

Multi-functional spaces are becoming more popular, shifting away from rigid room definitions and single-use areas. Today, homeowners want versatility and adaptability in their living spaces.

But what implications does this have for your home? And if you’re considering remodeling soon, how does this factor into your plans?

Multi-functional spaces blur the boundaries of traditional rooms, allowing them to serve multiple purposes seamlessly. Whether a living room doubles as a home office, a dining room transforms into a children’s play area, or a guest room also functions as a hobby space, the potential applications are limitless.

This trend is driven by the evolving needs and lifestyles of modern homeowners, who increasingly value flexibility and functionality in their homes.

Benefits of a Multi-Functional Space

Multipurpose rooms are popular because they maximize the utility of every square foot of the home. By combining various functions within a single zone, these spaces optimize the limited area, particularly in smaller homes or urban apartments.

Also, multi-functional spaces promote a more fluid and adaptable living environment, so you can easily reconfigure your home to accommodate changing needs and activities.

Another significant benefit is the potential cost savings. By consolidating functions into fewer rooms, you can reduce the overall square footage you need to maintain. Moreover, the versatility of multi-functional spaces can add value to the home, appealing to a broader range of potential buyers in the future.

Sectional living room sofa with a table and chairs pused up against the back as a desk

Key Considerations

While multi-functional spaces offer numerous advantages, you should consider the following factors before embracing this trend in your remodeling projects.

Functionality

When designing multi-functional spaces, it is essential to prioritize the primary function of the area initially. By focusing on the primary purpose, designers can ensure that the space is optimized to fulfill its intended role. This approach establishes a solid foundation and allows the secondary functions to integrate seamlessly.

Flexibility

The success of multifunctional spaces hinges on their ability to adapt easily to changing needs and activities. Incorporate flexible furniture, storage, and layout arrangements, allowing quick reconfiguration. Versatile pieces like foldable tables, modular seating, and convertible sofa beds can maximize the space’s adaptability.

Organization and Storage

With one space serving multiple purposes, effective organization and storage are crucial to maintain order and minimize clutter. Integrate storage options such as shelves and cabinets built into walls and under stairs, furniture with hidden storage or convertible features, and built-in cabinetry to stow unneeded items easily. Consider utilizing vertical space and hidden storage solutions to optimize every inch of the room.

Lighting and Ambiance

Proper lighting can significantly impact the functionality and atmosphere of these versatile areas. To accommodate various activities and moods, incorporate a combination of ambient, task, and accent lighting. Natural light is also essential, so optimize the number and placement of windows, doors, and skylights to bring in ample daylight.

Large multi-functional living space with a tall bookcase dividing the living room from the dining room

Privacy and Acoustics

Privacy and acoustics are concerns in open-plan environments, especially in spaces where work and relaxation functions are combined. To create separate zones, consider incorporating room dividers, such as hanging panel systems, bookcases, screens, or accordion panels. Additionally, explore sound-absorbing materials and acoustic treatments to minimize noise disturbances and ensure a comfortable environment.

If you would like to create versatile living spaces in your home, be sure to approach the design and remodeling process with careful consideration and planning. Contact us, and we will help you explore your options for creating a space that prioritizes functionality, flexibility, organization, lighting, and privacy.

13 Mar / 2024

How To Make A Statement With Your Ceiling

February 2024

Modern living room with a coffered ceiling to make a design statement

How To Make A Statement With Your Ceiling

Look up if you want to make a statement with your home’s design.

The statement ceiling is gaining popularity as a way to make a visual impact in the home. Often referred to as the “fifth wall,” the ceiling is no longer a mere overhead surface but a canvas for creativity and style. Let’s look at statement ceilings and explore how they can elevate the overall aesthetic of a home.

Traditionally, ceilings have been painted in neutral colors and are considered a functional element of a room. However, homeowners are now seeking ways to make their ceilings as visually engaging as the rest of their interiors.

Types of Statement Ceilings

There is a diverse array of statement ceiling options that can bring character to a space.

Coffered Ceilings

As seen in the image above, coffered ceilings feature a grid of recessed square, rectangular, or octangular panels, which are a classic architectural treatment that adds depth and timeless elegance to a room.

Tray Ceilings

Characterized by an inverted tray-like recess, tray ceilings are an excellent choice for adding a touch of sophistication. They work particularly well in dining rooms, bedrooms, or any space where an elegant ambiance is desired. Rope lighting can also be added to a tray ceiling, installed behind the crown molding to illuminate the tray’s outline– ideal in a bedroom or dining room but can also be used in a dark hallway to brighten the entire path.

Exposed Beams

For a more rustic or industrial aesthetic, exposed beams offer a charming and character-rich option. The natural warmth of the wood can transform the feel of a room.

Vaulted Ceilings

Creating a sense of openness and grandeur, vaulted ceilings have a high, arched structure. They are ideal for making a space feel expansive and airy.

Tightly spaced dark wood slats running up the wall behind bed and across ceiling

Textured Ceilings

From beadboard to metallic finishes, textured ceilings add a tactile dimension to a space that can be customized to suit various design styles and aesthetics. In the photo above, wall paneling is run up the wall behind the bed and onto the raised ceiling, creating a feeling of movement and space in this compact bedroom.

Benefits Beyond Aesthetics

While statement ceilings are primarily a design choice, they have benefits beyond their looks. Some styles can create the illusion of space. In particular, raised, tray, and vaulted ceilings make a space feel more spacious and open, which can be desirable in smaller rooms.

Well-executed statement ceilings can also contribute to a home’s resale value, especially those nine feet or higher, attracting potential buyers with a distinctive and unique feature. They often have an undeniable “wow” factor when potential buyers first see them.

Making Your Statement Ceiling

Before diving into a statement ceiling project, consulting with a Design-Build home remodeling contractor is crucial. They bring valuable expertise to help homeowners navigate structural considerations, material choices, the feasibility of design ideas, and the cost of the various options.

Remember that different ceiling designs work better in specific rooms. Consider the purpose of the space and how the ceiling design contributes to the overall ambiance. For instance, coffered ceilings might be well-suited for formal dining rooms, while vaulted ceilings can add drama to a living or family room.

Achieving a cohesive design involves balancing the statement ceiling with other elements in the room. Consider how the ceiling interacts with walls, floors, and furnishings so that the overall look of the space makes sense.

Choose materials that not only align with the design vision but also meet the practical needs of the space. Along with your remodeling contractor, take into account factors such as durability, maintenance, and the overall contribution to the room’s atmosphere.

Finally, have some fun with it! The once-neglected ceiling offers a chance to turn your living spaces into a showcase of personal style.

Contact us to get started making a statement with your ceiling.

13 Mar / 2024

Creating Harmony: Multigenerational Remodeling Strategies

March 2024

Creating Harmony: Multigenerational Remodeling Strategies

Multigenerational homes were on the rise before the pandemic and are now one of the biggest trends in residential home design. According to Pew Research, a record 64 million Americans –20% of the population – live in multigenerational homes. That number is up from a low of 12% in the 1980s and is expected to soar to nearly 35% by 2030. The majority of young adults aged 18 to 29 are living at home for the first time since the Great Depression.

The surge in multigenerational living is driven by the dramatically changing economic climate, mainly affecting younger and older generations. Rising housing costs and the escalating burden of student loans make living independently challenging for many young adults. Conversely, older generations, facing retirement, increasing healthcare costs, and support needs, find financial solace in sharing expenses within the family.

Whether adult children are returning home, aging parents are moving in, or families are choosing shared spaces for other reasons, multi-generational living presents opportunities and challenges. This article delves into effective remodeling strategies for multigenerational households, prioritizing harmony, comfort, and privacy.

Respecting Diverse Needs

Understanding each generation’s needs and preferences is crucial in home remodeling for multigenerational living. Consider mobility, accessibility, privacy, and personal space requirements. For instance, aging parents may benefit from wider hallways and doorways and installing safety features such as grab bars. At the same time, adult children may seek a separate living area with a kitchen and private bathroom for independence. Consider the ability to control temperature, lighting, and sunlight with smart home thermostats and room-darkening blinds. Extending this to the bathroom with temperature-controlled faucets to prevent scalding and tub sensors that prevent overflow ensures safety is integrated into the home design.

Creating Distinct Living Spaces

Successful multi-generational living hinges on providing interconnected yet separate living spaces. Options include creating a separate ADU or guest cottage connected by a courtyard, an in-law suite, or a converted basement or garage with private entrances. Alternatively, the home can be divided into wings or zones with shared common areas.

Honoring Privacy Needs

Creating spaces that provide privacy for each occupant is paramount in promoting harmony in multigenerational living. Separate entrances, ensuite bathrooms, kitchenettes, and installing soundproofing help maintain harmony and respect boundaries. Privacy concerns can be further addressed by creating designated private areas within the home.

Incorporating Universal Design

Universal design principles ensure accessibility and functionality for all residents, regardless of age or physical limitations. Consider zero-step entrances, lever-style handles, non-slip flooring, curbless showers, and ample lighting throughout the home. Moreover, varying the heights of countertops and shelves provides versatility to accommodate different and changing needs.

Embracing Flexibility

Flexibility is critical to accommodating evolving family dynamics. A room that can be closed off and utilized for multiple purposes as needs change- such as for a bedroom, an office, or a playroom will be a successful use of space in a multigenerational home. Incorporate modular furniture and adaptable design elements to modify the home as needs change.

Promoting Interconnectedness

While privacy is essential in multigenerational living, incorporating communal spaces that encourage socialization and bonding, such as a central courtyard or an open kitchen/family room area with ample seating, will facilitate gathering without feeling cramped.

Navigating the complexities of remodeling for multigenerational living requires professional expertise. Consult an experienced contractor and designer whose insights and innovative solutions can help transform your vision into a functional and accommodating living environment.

Harmonious multigenerational living requires thoughtful planning, creativity, and a focus on meeting the unique needs of each generation. By prioritizing privacy, accessibility, flexibility, and interconnectedness, you can create an environment that accommodates your family’s evolving dynamics.

If you are considering or embracing multigenerational living, contact us today to put our design and home remodeling team to work creating a living environment with personalized solutions tailored to your family’s needs.

29 Jan / 2024

A Guide to Sustainable & Eco-Friendly Home Remodeling

January 2024

Illustration: Shutterstock

A Guide to Sustainable & Eco-Friendly Home Remodeling

Deciding to renovate instead of constructing a new home is the first step in eco-friendly remodeling. Reusing existing materials provides for the most negligible environmental impact. Incorporating sustainable, renewable, and recycled materials, energy efficiency, water conservation, and indoor air quality in the design of your remodel will make your home more comfortable and have the lowest impact on the environment.

Here’s a guide on incorporating sustainable and eco-friendly upgrades into your home.

Energy-Efficient Appliances and Lighting

Upgrade your home with energy-efficient appliances and lighting fixtures. Look for appliances with the ENERGY STAR label, indicating they meet strict energy efficiency guidelines. Choose LED lightbulbs as they consume less energy and have a staggeringly longer lifespan than traditional incandescent bulbs. LED bulbs afford approximately 50,000 hours of light, with some brands boasting as many as 100,000 hours. If you use your lights for 10 hours daily, LEDs should serve you well for close to 14 years. They are now available in several color temperatures, including warm white, cool white, and daylight.

Use Smart Home Technology

Illustration: Greener Ideal

Incorporate smart home technology to optimize energy consumption. Smart thermostats, for example, learn your heating and cooling patterns and adjust accordingly, helping you save energy. You can also invest in smart lighting systems and automated window treatments to maximize natural light and passive heating and minimize energy usage.

Look for Sustainable Flooring

Choose eco-friendly flooring options to enhance the sustainability of your home. If you have hardwood floors, refinishing rather than replacing them has the most negligible environmental impact and will likely be the most cost-effective. Consider sustainable materials like bamboo, cork, sustainably harvested wood, or reclaimed wood. Remember that the material may be sustainable because it continues to grow, but it is not eco-friendly if shipped from a long distance. Materials like tile and linoleum are long-lasting, easy to clean, and not damaged by water. Linoleum from natural materials such as Flax seed oil, wood flour, pine rosins, jute, limestone, and pigments can last up to 40 years. Vinyl flooring, however, is not eco-friendly as it is made from petroleum.

Use Recycled and Reclaimed Materials

Embrace the charm of recycled and reclaimed materials in your remodeling project. Incorporate reclaimed wood for flooring or accent walls, countertops made from recycled glass or concrete, and fixtures crafted from recycled metals. These materials not only add character but also contribute to the reduction of waste.

Pay Attention to Insulation and Ventilation

Ensure your home is adequately insulated to conserve energy. Proper insulation helps maintain a consistent indoor temperature, reducing the need for excessive heating or cooling. Additionally, invest in efficient ventilation systems to improve indoor air quality and reduce the need for air conditioning.

Opt for Native Landscaping

Extend your eco-friendly approach to the outdoors by incorporating native and drought-tolerant plants in your landscaping. Native plants are adapted to the local climate, requiring less water and maintenance. This supports biodiversity and creates a more sustainable and resilient landscape. Plant deciduous trees on the South side of your home that provide summer shade and winter sunlight for future generations.

Photo: Dig Your Garden

Choose Eco-Friendly Paints and Finishes

Opt for low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) or zero-VOC paints, finishes, and adhesives. Traditional paints release harmful chemicals, contributing to indoor air pollution. Eco-friendly alternatives minimize the environmental impact and are better for your health.

Use Eco-Friendly Window Treatments

Select window treatments that enhance energy efficiency. Options such as thermal curtains or shades help regulate indoor temperatures by reducing heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer. This results in energy savings and increased comfort.

Choose Energy-Efficient Windows and Doors

Upgrade to energy-efficient windows and doors that improve insulation and reduce energy costs, with the added benefit of noise control. Look for products with high energy performance ratings to maximize efficiency.

Sustainability is an Ongoing Process

Commit to ongoing sustainability by incorporating eco-friendly practices into your daily life. Perform regular maintenance on energy-efficient appliances, ensure proper insulation, and continue to explore ways to reduce your environmental impact.

A sustainable and eco-friendly home remodel is an investment in the future and a responsible choice for the present. Integrating these practices into your home remodeling project, you contribute to a greener planet while enjoying the benefits of a healthier and more energy-efficient home.

29 Jan / 2024

How to Get a Luxury Remodel without Breaking the Bank

December 2023

Creating luxury in a home goes beyond just expensive materials and designer finishes. It’s about creating a feeling of indulgence, comfort, and sensory delight. Here are some key elements that contribute to a sense of luxury in a home.

Space and Flow:

Generous proportions: Large, airy rooms with high ceilings evoke a sense of spaciousness and freedom.
Seamless flow: Open floor plans or well-connected spaces encourage movement and create a sense of visual continuity.
Natural light: Abundant sunlight streaming through large windows adds warmth, brightness, and a connection to nature.

Materials and Finishes:

High-quality craftsmanship: Solid wood, natural stone, hand-woven textiles, and custom details speak of quality and care.
Layered textures: A mix of textures like velvet, linen, leather, and wood creates visual interest and tactile pleasure.

Sensory Indulgence:

Calming sounds: A gentle water fountain, crackling fireplace, or soft music soothes the soul and creates a tranquil atmosphere.
Luxurious textiles: Sumptuous throws, plush cushions, and soft rugs underfoot invite you to sink in and relax.

Personalized Touches:

Artful expression: Original artwork, meaningful collections, and objects with personal stories add soul and individuality.
Clutter-free haven: A clean and organized space allows your design elements to shine and promotes a sense of calm.
Hidden conveniences: Smart home technology, automated lighting, and heated floors add an element of effortless luxury.

Instead of spreading your budget thin across the entire house, concentrate your “luxury” spending in high-impact areas that make a significant difference. Spaces like the kitchen and bathrooms often provide the best return on investment, as these are rooms where luxury is most noticeable.

Consider where you can remove non-structural walls or raise the ceilings to create a sense of a larger space and better flow between rooms. Select statement finishes such as marble or quartz countertops and backsplashes in the kitchen or a furniture-like vanity in the bathroom. These focal points can create immediate opulence without requiring a substantial budget for the whole project.

Luxury doesn’t always mean choosing the most expensive materials; it’s about selecting those that stand the test of time. Look for countertops in the kitchen and bathroom made of materials like granite, marble, or quartz in white or neutral tones. Select simple tile designs using porcelain, ceramic, or marble tile for backsplashes and shower and tub surrounds – again in neutral colors. These materials look luxurious, will never look outdated, and add value to your home.

Hardwood or wood-look tiles in flooring provide an elegant touch and are more budget-friendly than other options. Investing in quality materials can save you money in the long run by reducing the need for frequent replacements or repairs.

The right lighting fixtures can transform your home environment, giving it a more luxurious feel. Consider installing statement light fixtures, such as a chandelier in the dining room, pendant lights in the kitchen, or a multi-level lighting figure in a stairwell between the first and second floors. These additions can become focal points, adding a touch of glamour to your space.

Explore affordable lighting options (such as the ones above found on Amazon) at local retailers or other online sites. Often, a well-chosen, budget-friendly light fixture can have the same impact as an expensive one.

By making decisions on your budget and priorities up-front, focusing on high-impact areas, choosing classic materials, and getting creative with budget-friendly options, you can create a luxurious home that reflects your style within your budget.

Ultimately, luxury is subjective. What feels luxurious to one person might not be to another. It’s about tailoring your home to your definition of comfort, beauty, and indulgence. Whether it’s a crackling fireplace in a cozy reading nook, a private balcony overlooking a city skyline, or a spa-like bathroom with a soaking tub and heated towel racks, focus on creating spaces that truly pamper your senses and bring you joy every day.

16 May / 2023

Increase Your Home’s Value with these Remodeling Projects

May 2023

Updating and modernizing your home can make it more comfortable and functional for your family and more appealing to potential buyers, positively impacting the selling price.

It’s essential to remember that not all remodeling projects will have the same impact on property value. Some projects may provide a higher return on investment than others. That’s why it’s important to consider which projects to tackle carefully and to work with a professional who can help guide you through the process.

If you’re considering remodeling to increase your home’s value but aren’t sure where to start, this list is for you. These seven home remodeling ideas are sure to boost your property value.

The front entrance creates the first impression of your home, and changes in this area can boost a home’s overall value. Adding a new front door or a fresh coat of paint to your existing door, updating the light fixtures, and adding planters can create a fresh, welcoming look to your home. More expensive changes, such as adding siding or new trim, repainting the whole house, and redoing the landscaping, may be worth the expense if your home is outdated relative to other houses in your area.

Whether you are considering a kitchen renovation, bathroom upgrade, or outdoor living space changes, there are a variety of ways to increase the value of your property. Contact us today to schedule a consultation, and we can help you weigh the cost/benefit of the projects you want to undertake.

11 Apr / 2023

Transform Your Space with Creative Kitchen Remodeling Ideas

April 2023

Upgrading your countertops is one of the easiest ways to give your kitchen a fresh look. Not only will this improve the functionality of your space, but it will also create a polished, cohesive look. There are a variety of materials to choose from, including granite, marble, quartz, or porcelain.

When choosing a material, consider the durability and maintenance required. Granite and marble are known for their natural beauty but require sealing to prevent stains. Quartz and a newer option, porcelain slabs, are low-maintenance options resistant to scratches and stains.

One way to make a dramatic change in the look of your kitchen is to change the color of your cabinets. While you can attempt to repaint your cabinets yourself, you’ll be happier with the results if you hire a professional painting company. Thoroughly cleaning your cabinets to remove grease and dirt, removing all the doors and hardware, filling any nicks and dings, sanding — sometimes multiple times—masking off the inside of the cabinets, and then setting up a dust-free booth to spray on the new finish is best left to the professionals. Consider your existing backsplash and flooring when you select the new color. Dark blue, black, muted neutrals, and timeless white are popular now. Changing the hardware to a modern profile will also give your cabinets a fresh appearance. Painting the kitchen walls are also a good option.

Lighting can significantly impact the overall look and feel of your kitchen. Consider adding unique lighting fixtures to create a focal point and add visual interest. Pendant lights and other hanging fixtures, such as bar lights, are fashionable for over islands or dining tables, while chandeliers add a touch of glamour to the room. When choosing lighting fixtures, consider the style and finish. Do you want a modern, industrial look or a more traditional feel? And remember the size and placement of the fixture. Ensure it fits the room’s scale and provides adequate lighting. Consider installing a dimmer switch for versatility to dim the lights when you want to entertain or relax with a midnight snack.

A trendy backsplash seemed like a great way to add personality and flair to your kitchen at one time. However, backsplash fads change every two years. We often fall in love with them because it is human nature to love the NEW. When we see a trend on social media, in magazines, or showrooms, we think we want to have that too –until the trend changes AGAIN. Our advice on any hard surface is to keep them quiet. What may seem boring now – subway tile or marble in a neutral color – is timeless. One trend that will probably stand the test of time is a Countersplash –where the countertop material is continued onto the backsplash. Using the same material on both surfaces creates a sense of continuity and depth and makes cleaning easy. If you choose this option, make sure the pattern is classic marble or quartz in a neutral color- white and cream are best.

07 Mar / 2023

What’s New in the Kitchen?

March 2023

Beautiful, natural stone slabs have been popular as kitchen countertops for a while. They are now dominating backsplashes from the countertop to the ceiling, cascading to the floor in waterfall edges and wrapping around islands. Natural stone is unique and beautiful and enhances these spaces as the basic neutrals they replace never could. We especially love using natural stone on the kitchen island with a waterfall edge. The waterfall edge wraps the granite or marble over the edge of the island to the floor – making your kitchen look incredibly modern.

Move over all-white kitchens! Kitchens with bold colors are becoming more popular. Dark blue or green cabinets with a complementary backsplash are trending right now. Repainting your island in a bold color can be a way to update your kitchen without remodeling the whole room. Hardware, plumbing fixtures, and artwork used in kitchens are getting bigger and brighter. Black and gold finishes are currently popular choices. However, we offer a caution — gold and black have not proven to be durable finishes for fixtures in heavily-used often wet areas like kitchens and bathrooms — and we recommend you select chrome or stainless finishes in these areas.

Lastly, there is a new kitchen trend that we do not believe will last – removing the highly functional kitchen island in place of a large dining table or something similar. Kitchen islands have been popular for well over a decade because they are so useful. Unsurprisingly, some people want to try something new, but we do not think this trend will last.

Does your kitchen need an update? We are here to help! Call us to discuss your wants and needs, and we will help you create a plan to give you the kitchen you dream of.

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HAMMERSCHMIDT CONSTRUCTION, INC. 1574 Country Club Drive
Los Altos, CA 94024

T: 650 948-4200
F: 650 948-5222
E: info@hammerschmidtinc.com

Areas We Serve

Award Winning Design Build remodeling contractors for the San Francisco Bay Area with projects in Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Palo Alto, Mountain View, Sunnyvale, San Jose, Campbell, Woodside, La Honda, Willow Glen, and Atherton.