Hot Remodeling Trends For 2011

Another year is over and once again we all made that list of New Year's resolutions that we always swear this year we really will keep. If making some changes around your home found its way onto that list then here are some of the remodeling trends that are expected to heat up in 2011.

Green Remodeling, Indoor and Out
Bamboo floors, thatched roofs and chipped bark siding may sound like remodeling projects that Tarzan and Jane would undertake, but an increasing number of average homeowners in the US are warming up to the idea of green remodeling. The good news is that prices are also coming down as more and more contractors are educating themselves in the art of eco friendly remodeling.

Remodeling for Relaxation
With the economy still taking its own good time in showing signs of recovery and the real estate market still in the doldrums, homeowners are still looking for ways to de-stress at home. For many that means creating new spaces in the home they have that offer comfort and relaxation. For some that means creating a "zen like" spa bathroom, while for others a basement game room fulfills their need to get away from it all.

Planning for the Future
Remodeling contractors across the country are noticing that the trend for "aging in place" remodeling continues to increase. Even if they are years away from having to worry about needing such things, savvy homeowners are planning for the future by commissioning bathroom, kitchen and general remodeling tweaks that will make their homes more accessible, improving the chances that they will be able to avoid having to leave the home they love should their mobility decline.

Making Smarter Hiring Choices
Consumers are getting smarter when it comes to hiring the right remodeling contractors. Finally, after years of nagging from industry experts, consumers are seeking help when it comes to finding reliable contractors for their remodeling projects and yes, they are actually checking those references!

DP Contracting & Consulting has the knowledge and experience to assist you with any home improvement/remodeling project. Call us Today.

Learn more...

Design Mall Showroom Grand Opening...

DP Contracting and Consulting, Inc. celebrated the official opening of their design mall showroom at The Gibson Mill Depot Antique and Designer Mall with an official ribbon cutting ceremony by Mayor J. Scott Padgett on Monday, August 23rd, 2010 at 10am.

• Members of the Cabarrus County Chamber of Commerce and the CCBIA were in attendance as well as local community members.
  
  
• The DP Contracting and Consulting showroom showcases a variety of home improvements and interior design concepts. Consumers can truly experience an outdoor living space complete with grill, bar, and firepit; a gourmet chef’s kitchen with bamboo floors, and the warmth of a heated semi-frameless shower as well as the most up to date “green”  products for your home saving you time and money with energy efficiency.
  
  
• Plans for the space include weekly events, consisting of cooking demonstrations by local venues as well as expert seminars on home maintenance, green products and interior design.

8 Tips For a Successful Kitchen Remodel

Deciding to remodel your kitchen can be a stressful experience with the many decisions you have to make along with the dust, noise, strangers in and out of the house, and no functioning kitchen for awhile. But, the final outcome can be very rewarding along with adding a very high rate of return on your investment. According to the National Association of Realtors Cost vs. Value report, the percentage of cost recouped on a kitchen remodel is higher than remodeling any other room of the home. The following are 8 tips that can help make your kitchen remodel a smoother transition into the kitchen of your dreams!

1. Do your homework first! Decide what styles you like. Keep a running file of magazine cut-outs, appliance picks, paint chips, countertop samples, cabinet styles, etc.
2. Have a budget. How extensive you are going to get (are you replacing everything or just cabinets?), decide how much you are willing to spend and find out approximately how much it ’s going to cost. Google “Kitchen Remodeling Calculator” and you’ll find many free on-line remodeling calculators that will walk you through your remodel and give you an idea of how much you should expect it to cost.
3. Shop for a contractor – Get more than one bid. But remember, the lowest price “is not always the best idea,” warns Charlie Copeland, CKBR, president of the local Kansas City NARI chapter, the National Association of the Remodeling Industry. The quality of the materials one contractor chooses over the other could be different, he or she could have missed something, or one contractor’s idea of a high-end countertop may not be the same as the next. Make sure you get itemized pricing from each contractor so you know you’re comparing apples to apples.
4. Check out the contractor – Finding a reputable contractor is more important than price! NARI is a great source for professional, reliable, experienced, licensed & insured companies. Ask the contractor for a current license and insurance. Get a contract! The contract should contain the starting date, completion date, and details of the project that have to be carried out. Ask the contractor for a list of past customers. Call them and ask: Did they receive the remodel project they wanted? Are they glad they hired this contractor? Did the crews show up on time and clean up at the end of the day? Go look at their past work. Check out if the contractor has any complaints filed against the company through the Better Business Bureau or the state attorney generals’ office. Finally – ask yourself if you feel comfortable with this contractor. Do they listen to you? Are they fun to talk with? Remember…you will be dealing with this person for weeks or months. The experience needs to be enjoyable! If they don’t seem enjoyable to communicate with you’re probably dealing with the wrong person.
   
5. Geography of your Kitchen – Your kitchen layout should adhere to what’s called a work triangle. The work triangle is made up of an imaginary line drawn from the center of your sink to the center of your stove/cook-top, to the center of your refrigerator and back to the sink. This triangle should not be interrupted by traffic or cabinetry.
   6. Plan for Proper Lighting - Inadequate lighting is a common kitchen problem. Proper lighting makes a kitchen more inviting and safer. Under-cabinet lighting is the best source of task lighting and doesn’t break the budget. Update ceiling-mounted fixtures with pendant lamps or some winding track lighting.
   
6. Sufficient storage - Homeowners often agree that they have insufficient storage space as well as the inability to organize accessories. Make sure you discuss storage options that fit your needs with whoever helps you with your cabinet design and make sure they can offer options. Some options to keep in mind are: base rollouts, lazy susan, trash rollout, under the sink organizers, spice tray drawer organizer, spice rollouts, cutlery tray drawer organizer, inside door mounted spice rack, and pull-out cookie sheet organizer.
   
7. Countertop Choices – There are tons of options on the market today for countertops. Following are the top four most commonly used along with the pros and cons of each......

• Granite: Pros – Holds up to heat, comes in a ton of colors, 2nd highest hardness rating after a diamond and will last a lifetime. Cons – Expensive but becoming more affordable, requires some maintenance, some stones absorb stains if not sealed, will dull knives if cut on and can crack if stressed due to settling or improper installation.
• Engineered Stone: Quartz products like Zodiaq or Silestone. Pros – Resistant to stain and acid. Cons – Expensive.
• Solid Surface: Such as Avonite or Corian. Pros – Comes in many colors & patterns, seamless, stain resistant. Cons – Vulnerable to hot pans which can stain & damage the surface, can be somewhat expensive.
• Laminates: Such as Formica or Wilsonart. Pros – Comes in many colors, easy to maintain, durable, least expensive. Cons – Scratches or chips are almost impossible to repair, seams show, very limited on edge choices without a pricey up charge.