1. The floor: Floors take a beating and for little cost can be replace with a new surface such as tile, cork, or marmoleum. There is a lot to choose from and can be overwhelming so ask yourself what colors you like, is maintenance an issue, and how much do I want to spend?

2. Eye level: Change the mirror and light fixtures. Many times I have sent a client to an art frame shop to pick out a nice looking frame to put a mirror in. There are many selection to choose from but if none are jumping out at you then a custom frame can be built from mill work you see on doors and windows or even crown molding, then painted or stained to your hearts desire. Also, there are several light fixture styles out there to correspond nicely with the mirror you picked out.

3. Colors: Of course painting will always make a huge impact on the space. If lighting is dim then consider lighter warm tones that compliments the new floor. Remember contrast is good for adding excitement and detail. For example light tone floor with light color wall and a darker cabinet with dark light fixtures and mirror frame.

Another bang for the buck and one more step to a full makeover is locating a granite fabricator who has remnants that will fit your counter.

If interested in a low cost dramatic change from these three ideas contact me (Nathan Dunithan 503-650-3090) and you might be surprised on the cost. I will give you a free in home estimate.

Google the company, do they have a website or other social media that expresses who they are as a company? Are they personable and present themselves professionally? Search their Oregon CCB number for clean records and current licensing. Call references and read reviews if any are online. Does the general contractor have subs and vendors they use on a regular basis ? Can the company solve your home improvement needs by creating innovative ideas without blowing the budget?

Hire the expert-

Would you pay a mechanic to work on your computer even if the mechanic says he has worked on computers before? Probably not. It only makes sense to hire a contractor who specializes in the area you are looking to repair or remodel. Sure anybody may build a spectacular fence for you but not likely as efficient as a specific fencing company. So investigate the companies expertise, products and vendors before signing a contract.

Be cautious signing the lowest quote-

Sure the price looks great compared to the other three companies but why? Is the contractor and all the trades on the job licensed, bonded and insured? Will the service during the project meet your expectations?  How will any warranty work be handled? How does the company perform and manage the project? Does the contract or proposal appear detailed, clear and concise? Are the products going to be high quality with superior craftsmanship? Check out this home owners story below who almost went with the cheaper guy.

A home owner in West Linn received two quotes to build a fence.  An “all trade company” quoted $1000 less for a fence than a “specialty fence company”. This home owner called the fence company and said sorry we are going with the cheaper guy he is $1000 less than your price. The fence guy asked what material is the cheaper guy using. Client said “Pine” why? Fence guy educated the client about the use of pine in the NW and how it  does not hold up in our weather. He described the importance of Cedar’s longevity in the weather and explained that it costs a bit more but will last much longer and cost you less in the long run.

Needless to say the company who quoted the better materials and higher price built the fence. Always understand what you are getting with the quoted price.

• Discover a look. Such as contemporary, traditional commercial, etc. Visit the library and check out some magazines or browse the bookstore, walk a home show or even find a remodeling tour. Do some image research on the web. Write down and make copies of the little things you like and the things you don’t like, this will help communicate with the designer and contractor.

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• Establish a budget. Even if you have no idea what a kitchen should cost you still have a comfortable number in mind. It is a big investment and you should feel like you are getting a good value.

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• Make three interviews. Kitchen remodeling has endless possibilities so choose a professional who has the experience in design and building kitchens, such as design build firms. They have  multiple perspectives on how a kitchen is put together. It takes the right tools, communication and language to make your kitchen remodel flow smoothly. Selecting a company should be based on a good rapport, great referrals, a solid amount of knowledge and creative ideas. One helpful tip- Ask who their vendors are and the subcontractors they use on a regular basis. Do a little research on those companies as well. After all they contribute to a large portion of your project.

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Cover these three steps and you are off to a great start for a new kitchen.

How to AVOID a stressful remodel.

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1. The professional team you are working with must be able to communicate well and understand your needs wants and especially those don’t wants. That team should come highly recommended or have a good referral list to call.
2. Research the vendors and subcontractors that the company uses. There must be a good working relationship and high level of quality work.
3. The majority of the project should be planned and ordered before any work begins. Often times this requires a little exploring behind walls and crawl spaces.
4. You must have well written details and plans so everyone has the same level of expectations. Pictures, drawings, and samples are the best way to know what to expect. Any changes should be well documented.
5. Understand the schedule and who will be coming and going from your house. Pay special attention to when the water, gas, and electrical will be shut off and approximately for how long.
6. Keep in good contact with the project manager during the process to follow how the schedule is coming along and understand any changes that may occur.
7. Be sure the project will be kept clean and a safe working environment. Any non work related areas should be sectioned off with plastic or other protective barriers.

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Here is a tip to make the process more enjoyable once work has started. Write a blog with photos about your project and share it with others to help pass the time. This also is a great way to record what is going to be hidden in the walls long after the project is complete.

Please feel free to comment or ask questions about your remodeling process.

Top items to replace. Counter, floor, light fixture, wall color, plumbing fixtures, and hardware. No need to go top of the line here, there are several products that are good quality at a low cost.

1. Flooring: Stick with vinyl flooring. It is cheap and the technology these days make the patterns look like real marble tile. It is simple to install and easy to maintain.

2. Counter: Find a local granite and marble fabricator and ask about there remnants. Most fabricators will have a pile of left over slabs to dig through and will install them at a low cost.

3. Plumbing fixtures: Upgrade the faucet and shower or bath fixtures if they look a little wore out or outdated. If the toilet is more than 10 years old I suggest replacing it as well.

4. Light fixture: Change out the light fixture to an inexpensive one that will match the new plumbing fixtures. No need to add lighting or move it, just replace the existing one. Now you have the opportunity to get a brighter one in case that old one was not quite bright enough.

Design tips:

Keep it simple, the new hardware and fixtures should be consistent in color/finish and style. Flooring and the counter should compliment each other in a light tone to keep the room bright. If you like contrast and dark shades then paint or stain the cabinet a dark color while keeping the walls a lighter shade with an eggshell or satin finish. Always a good idea to apply a primer in a bathroom to prevent mold from showing up. Spice it up a little and install a framed mirror. Does the cabinet/vanity look well used? There are shops who will build new doors and sell a wood veneer to apply onto the cabinet box for a new look without replacing the cabinet. This is called refacing.

Here are a few questions to help decide on heating your floor?

The images show the wire system in a West Linn master bathroom remodel which provides very flexible placement. You can see where it stops in the front of the toilet as your feet never touch behind it, although it is capable of being distributed evenly along small chopped up spaces, angled and curved walls.

Have a patio that gets used year round? Adding floor heat is possible outside.

Giving a distressed look to some cabinets

There are many ways to do this and the key is to remember that the less you try at it the better it will look. Most cabinet companies offer this as a finish option for new cabinets which costs even more than standard finishes. It has become a popular look in many million dollar homes.

As you can see in the photo I have painted black over the existing cabinet (but can be any color). Then with only 150 grit sand paper I am sanding down the surface to achieve the antique look. I sand with the grain of the wood being careful to only burn through the edges a little to highlight the profile of the door adding depth to the overall look. I have also exposed the original surface in small areas to add character.

Some tips:
For a real aged look strike the wood with a sock full of nuts and bolts or rocks.
Be sure the base layer is a contrasting color to the top surface for best highlighting results.
Can be done with paint or stain.
Add some contrasting handles and knobs.
Replace the old drawer guides with full extension bearing guides.